Planning a home renovation in 2026 is far from straightforward, with material price changes and growing demand for skilled tradespeople making it harder for homeowners to budget.
While there is no one-size-fits-all figure, Darren Drumm, Founder of Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes has shared his expert advice to help homeowners plan their perfect house renovation.
The Expert’s Advice
Darren says that the cost of a home renovation depends on each homeowners’ needs. For instance, estimates for a basic surface refresh can range from €800 to €1,200 per m² (£680-£1,020). Estimates for a deeper retrofit or full renovation can rise to €2,500-€3,500+ per m² (£2,125-£2,975+).
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home, Darren says to plan:
- A budget of €150,000-€250,000 (£127,000-£212,000) depending on finish and scope.
- Additional cover for the likes of VAT, skip hire and professional fees.
- A 15% contingency budget for unexpected issues.
One of the biggest cost drivers in 2026, Darren says, is labour.
“Demand for electricians, carpenters, plumbers and retrofit specialists remains high, with many trades booked out months in advance. The more complex the work becomes, the faster costs rise. Structural changes such as removing walls or relocating plumbing during a fitted kitchen renovation often require multiple trades and significantly more labour hours.”
By comparison, Darren says, aesthetic upgrades are usually easier to plan and budget for. Whether completing a bedroom or bathroom renovation, homeowners looking to reduce costs are encouraged to simplify projects where possible instead of cutting corners. Some of the most effective ways to manage spending during a home renovation include:
- Keeping existing plumbing and electrical layouts in place.
- Choosing mid-range finishes that still deliver a premium look.
- Reusing or upgrading existing elements.
- Phasing work over time instead of renovating everything at once.
However, Darren says that there are some areas where saving money can create bigger problems later.
“Electrical work, plumbing, insulation and structural integrity should always remain a priority. There is some good news for homeowners planning energy-efficient upgrades, though, as grants and green loans are continuing to make renovations more achievable in 2026.”
In Ireland, support is available for insulation improvements and new windows and doors upgrades, while green home improvement loans typically offer interest rates of around 6-7% APR for qualifying upgrades.
In the UK, homeowners may access support through the likes of the Warm Homes Plan, with low or zero-interest green loans also planned for energy upgrades.
