Home renovation budget in Belgium: the complete guide to estimate your work

Home renovation budget in Belgium: the complete guide to estimate your work
Summary
    Renovating your home is one of the most important projects of a lifetime. In Belgium, between the requirements of the EPC certificate, regional specifics, and the diversity of the property market, building a realistic budget requires method and expertise. This guide provides you with all the keys to estimate your work, avoid unpleasant surprises, and optimize your financial aid.

    How much does a home renovation cost in Belgium? 
    In Belgium, the cost of a renovation is expressed per square meter and varies greatly depending on the scope of the work planned. Here are the three main price ranges to know: 

    Type of renovation Average cost per m2Example for 120 m2 
    Light (painting, coverings, equipment) 300 € – 600 € 36,000 € – 72,000 €
    Intermediate (electricity, frames, partial insulation) 600 € – 1,000 € 72,000 € – 120,000 € 
    Heavy (complete renovation, energy improvement) 1,000 € – 1,800 € 120,000 € – 216,000 € 

    These figures are benchmarks. Each property is unique and deserves a personalized estimate carried out by a professional. 

    What factors affect the price of your renovation? 

    The initial condition of the property 


    This is the most determining criterion. In Belgium, a large part of the property market dates back to before 1980. These houses often have non-compliant electrical installations, nonexistent or insufficient insulation, or even structural problems. The more extensive the upgrade work, the heavier the budget becomes. 

    The area to be renovated 

    The larger the area, the higher the overall budget. However, it should be noted that beyond a certain area, a scaling effect can slightly reduce the cost per square meter. 

    The targeted energy performance 

    The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) has become a central criterion in valuing a property in Wallonia and Brussels. Aiming for a better energy class involves investing in the insulation of the roof, walls, replacing frames, or installing a heat pump. These items are costly, but they sustainably improve your comfort and your property value. 

    The level of finish 

    Between an entry-level kitchen and a custom kitchen, the gap can represent several tens of thousands of euros. The choice of materials, equipment, and finishes has a direct impact on the final bill. 

    The location 

    Labor and logistics costs vary by region. In Brussels, access, parking, and delivery constraints mechanically increase rates compared to rural Walloon or Flemish areas. 

    Financial aid to reduce your renovation budget

    In Wallonia: housing grants

    The Walloon Region offers grants for insulation work (roof, walls, floors), replacement of frames, installation of efficient heating systems, and many other works. These aids are subject to income conditions and can represent several thousand euros in savings.

    In Brussels: the RENOLUTION scheme

    Brussels has implemented RENOLUTION, an ambitious financial support program to improve the energy performance of Brussels homes. The scheme combines grants, low-interest loans, and technical support.

    Practical advice: anticipate your administrative procedures before starting the work. Some aids must be requested before the work begins, or you risk losing the right to the grant.

    Concrete example: renovation of a 1960s house in Wallonia

    Let's take the case of a 140 m² house built in the 1960s, requiring a complete energy renovation, a new electrical installation, and modernization of the living spaces.

    Estimated budget: between 130,000 € and 150,000 €, approximately distributed as follows:

    • Insulation (roof, walls, floors) and new frames: predominant part
    • Efficient heating system: significant investment
    • Renovation of the bathroom and kitchen: including finishes
    • Electrical compliance: to be systematically planned

    With regional grants, the net cost can be significantly reduced — sometimes by 10 to 20% on energy items.
    Main expense items in renovation

    Main expense items in renovation

    How to manage your renovation budget?

    Prioritize structural and energy-related work. A leaking roof or non-compliant electrical installation cannot wait. These emergencies must take precedence over any aesthetic concerns. 


    Set aside a reserve of 10 to 15%. Unexpected issues are common in old house renovations: defective hidden piping, humidity problems, structure more fragile than expected… A safety margin will help you avoid financial stress. 

    Hire a general contractor. This is one of the best ways to secure your budget. Centralized coordination limits planning errors, delays between trades, and costs related to fragmented management. 

    Integrate subsidies from the estimation phase. Regional grants are not a bonus: they are levers to activate from the project's design phase to optimize your financing. 

    Why entrust your project to Avenir Rénovations? 

    Avenir Rénovations supports its clients at every stage of their renovation project in Belgium. Each intervention begins with a personalized study that takes into account the reality of the property, regional obligations, and set energy objectives. 

    Avenir Rénovations franchisees are true general building contractors, with their own ten-year guarantee. They coordinate all trades—from structure to finishes—to ensure quality, deadlines, and cost control. 

    The support also includes administrative assistance for obtaining regional grants, to optimize the overall financing of your project from the start. 

    Ready to estimate your renovation budget? 
    Every house is different. The only way to get a reliable estimate is to have a personalized study conducted by a professional capable of managing all your work. 

    Contact Avenir Rénovations for a free initial assessment of your project.