We write about how building, renovation and estimating work in your region. For contractors and for clients asking for a quote.
78 articles
Drainage around the house can rescue a damp cellar, or it can be an expensive trench that leaves everything just as wet as before. This article helps you work out whether your house really needs it, how it works, which gravel, pipe and membrane to buy, where the water should go, and why you shouldn't send it down the drain in a dry summer.
Plumbing is the most hidden and at the same time the riskiest part of any renovation. A fault in the pipework only shows once it is built into the walls, and fixing it means breaking tiles. New water and waste pipework in a flat costs roughly 504 to 756 EUR in labour, chasing channels into concrete 28.50 to 42.70 EUR per metre, fitting a concealed WC frame 99 to 149 EUR and setting a concealed shower mixer body 94 to 140 EUR. This overview covers realistic prices for plumbing work, what a complete installation includes, the order of work during a renovation and how to choose a reliable plumber.
A smart home is no longer a luxury, smart lighting, thermostats and security are standard features of 2026 renovations. However, the critical decisions are made during the electrical design phase, not when buying the devices. Installing hardwired computer networks with FTP cabling costs between €381.60 and €572.40 for a complete flat setup, while preparation for an EMS system ranges from €800 to €2,500. In this article, you will learn why wired networking is still worth it in the era of WiFi, the different levels of smart home systems available, and how to future-proof your electrical installation.
Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
28 articles
Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.
Electrical installation is one of the most critical and technically demanding tasks in both renovations and new builds. A full electrical installation and fit-out for a 1-bedroom flat in 2026 costs on average €952 to €1,428, for a 3-bedroom flat €1,435 to €2,153, and for a 5-bedroom property €2,603 to €3,824. In this overview, you will find real market prices based on property size, what the fit-out includes, the differences between flats and houses, and how to hire a qualified electrician with the correct certifications.
17 articles
Drainage around the house can rescue a damp cellar, or it can be an expensive trench that leaves everything just as wet as before. This article helps you work out whether your house really needs it, how it works, which gravel, pipe and membrane to buy, where the water should go, and why you shouldn't send it down the drain in a dry summer.
Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.
11 articles
Poured resin floors are an increasingly popular choice for renovating homes, garages and commercial spaces. This article explains the differences between epoxy and polyurethane, what makes up the price, what the substrate has to meet, how the job is done and what most often goes wrong in practice. Current prices are in the flooring work category.
Underfloor heating has become standard in many new homes and high-quality renovations across Europe. This guide explains when to choose a wet system and when an electric one, what drives the cost, how installation runs from design to heating up the screed, which floor finish to choose and what to check at handover.
Removing old flooring is often the first step in a home renovation. While it may seem straightforward, inexperienced or rushed actions can cause serious problems. Damaged subfloors, excessive waste production, or inefficient material removal can prolong the renovation and increase costs. If you are planning to remove an old floor, it is crucial to avoid the most common mistakes and prepare properly for the work. This article explains how to handle demolition, provides approximate construction costs, and offers tips for choosing the right professionals.
11 articles
Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.
Drywall (plasterboard on a metal frame) is one of the most widely used systems in renovations and new builds across Europe. This article explains what the price of drywall work is made of, how single and double-layer partitions differ, what to know about ceilings, how drywall compares with masonry and which installation mistakes to avoid. Current prices per m² are on the Plasterboard work page.
9 articles
A smart home is no longer a luxury, smart lighting, thermostats and security are standard features of 2026 renovations. However, the critical decisions are made during the electrical design phase, not when buying the devices. Installing hardwired computer networks with FTP cabling costs between €381.60 and €572.40 for a complete flat setup, while preparation for an EMS system ranges from €800 to €2,500. In this article, you will learn why wired networking is still worth it in the era of WiFi, the different levels of smart home systems available, and how to future-proof your electrical installation.
The bathroom is the most strictly regulated area in home electrics, the combination of water and electricity poses a risk that IEC 60364 based wiring standards address by dividing the space into specific zones. Installing and connecting a bathroom extractor fan costs between €56.20 and €84.20 in 2026, a recessed IP44 light fitting ranges from €18.30 to €27.50, and the entire bathroom circuit with RCD protection forms part of a full property rewiring or fit-out. In this article, you will learn which zones apply, which light fittings and sockets are permitted, and which common mistakes to avoid.
LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.
7 articles
After painting work is completed, proper care of freshly painted walls is essential to keep them looking good for as long as possible. Correct wall maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the paint but also helps reduce future renovation costs. In this article, you’ll learn how to care for painted walls, how to clean them effectively, and how to prevent damage. We also share practical tips to help you avoid expensive repairs.
Finishing a shell house or shell flat involves many important decisions, one of the key ones being how much interior painting will cost. This stage does not only have a major impact on the visual appearance of your future home, but professionally executed painting work also ensures long-lasting surfaces and comfortable living without unnecessary issues. In this article, we explain what makes up the cost of painting, what the average prices are for individual tasks such as priming, skim coating, base coats and final colour coats, and what you should consider during planning. We will also show you how to calculate an approximate budget and where it is reasonable to save money without compromising the quality of the final result.
Painting a flat can be a refreshing change that gives your interior a clean and updated look. At the same time, it is a task that requires careful preparation and the right decisions. Some steps can be handled on your own, while others are best left to professionals. In this article, we explain how to prepare for painting, which jobs you can do yourself and when hiring a professional decorator is the smarter option.
Drainage around the house can rescue a damp cellar, or it can be an expensive trench that leaves everything just as wet as before. This article helps you work out whether your house really needs it, how it works, which gravel, pipe and membrane to buy, where the water should go, and why you shouldn't send it down the drain in a dry summer.
A bathroom renovation isn't just a few noisy days and then you're done. It has its own order of play, its own waiting and a few moments when nothing moves until you make a decision. This guide walks you through the whole process, so you know what's happening tomorrow and what's coming in a fortnight.
Plumbing is the most hidden and at the same time the riskiest part of any renovation. A fault in the pipework only shows once it is built into the walls, and fixing it means breaking tiles. New water and waste pipework in a flat costs roughly 504 to 756 EUR in labour, chasing channels into concrete 28.50 to 42.70 EUR per metre, fitting a concealed WC frame 99 to 149 EUR and setting a concealed shower mixer body 94 to 140 EUR. This overview covers realistic prices for plumbing work, what a complete installation includes, the order of work during a renovation and how to choose a reliable plumber.
A smart home is no longer a luxury, smart lighting, thermostats and security are standard features of 2026 renovations. However, the critical decisions are made during the electrical design phase, not when buying the devices. Installing hardwired computer networks with FTP cabling costs between €381.60 and €572.40 for a complete flat setup, while preparation for an EMS system ranges from €800 to €2,500. In this article, you will learn why wired networking is still worth it in the era of WiFi, the different levels of smart home systems available, and how to future-proof your electrical installation.
The bathroom is the most strictly regulated area in home electrics, the combination of water and electricity poses a risk that IEC 60364 based wiring standards address by dividing the space into specific zones. Installing and connecting a bathroom extractor fan costs between €56.20 and €84.20 in 2026, a recessed IP44 light fitting ranges from €18.30 to €27.50, and the entire bathroom circuit with RCD protection forms part of a full property rewiring or fit-out. In this article, you will learn which zones apply, which light fittings and sockets are permitted, and which common mistakes to avoid.
Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.
An electrical installation condition report confirms that the wiring in your flat or house is safe. You need one when a new installation is connected, after rewiring, and often when selling, letting or dealing with an insurer. An inspection of a flat costs roughly €205.90 to €308.90. This article explains when an inspection is required across Europe, which 5 tests it includes, how it works step by step and how to choose a qualified inspector.
Electrical installation is one of the most critical and technically demanding tasks in both renovations and new builds. A full electrical installation and fit-out for a 1-bedroom flat in 2026 costs on average €952 to €1,428, for a 3-bedroom flat €1,435 to €2,153, and for a 5-bedroom property €2,603 to €3,824. In this overview, you will find real market prices based on property size, what the fit-out includes, the differences between flats and houses, and how to hire a qualified electrician with the correct certifications.
Poured resin floors are an increasingly popular choice for renovating homes, garages and commercial spaces. This article explains the differences between epoxy and polyurethane, what makes up the price, what the substrate has to meet, how the job is done and what most often goes wrong in practice. Current prices are in the flooring work category.
Underfloor heating has become standard in many new homes and high-quality renovations across Europe. This guide explains when to choose a wet system and when an electric one, what drives the cost, how installation runs from design to heating up the screed, which floor finish to choose and what to check at handover.
Drywall (plasterboard on a metal frame) is one of the most widely used systems in renovations and new builds across Europe. This article explains what the price of drywall work is made of, how single and double-layer partitions differ, what to know about ceilings, how drywall compares with masonry and which installation mistakes to avoid. Current prices per m² are on the Plasterboard work page.
Four useful reads before a renovation. No spam.