House renovation: what to know about costs, permits and window replacements before starting

What does it mean to renovate, restore or renew a house?

When talking about house renovation, it’s important to distinguish between some terms: each refers to a specific type of work with different legal, technical and fiscal implications.

1. Renovating a house means carrying out major works on the property, sometimes changing its internal layout, appearance or even volume (within the limits set by law). A home renovation may include demolishing partition walls, installing new systems, upgrading utilities or even rebuilding the structure entirely. It’s the most flexible form, but it requires the right permits and approvals depending on the type of project.

2. Restoring a house means preserving what already exists. This delicate type of work is often applied to historical or protected buildings, with the goal of maintaining the original architecture. It may include structural reinforcement, repair of deteriorated elements, system upgrades without altering the building’s form, layout or intended use.

3. Renewing a house, also known as ordinary maintenance, refers to simpler jobs that don’t affect the building’s structure: from repainting walls to laying new floors, repairing fixtures or replacing coverings. These DIY home renovation tasks don’t usually require building permits and, in some cases, still qualify for tax deductions or energy incentives.

Single house or apartment renovation: what’s the difference?

A single house renovation and an apartment renovation are not the same thing: they differ in project planning and design, costs, timelines and bureaucratic requirements.

• An apartment renovation is usually easier from a technical standpoint: usually there’s no need to work on foundations or external areas. However, it often comes with several limitations such as restricted working hours, building management regulations and approvals required from the other homeowners. Logistics can also be challenging when involving a renovation company in a shared building.

• A detached house renovation offers greater freedom, but also higher complexity. Roof repairs, facade renovations, insulation systems and independent utilities (such as wells, septic tanks or heat pumps) all add significantly to home renovation costs. In older buildings, foundation repairs or floor insulation may also be necessary.

In both cases, it’s essential to check for local preservation or heritage restrictions, as both houses and apartments can be located in protected or historic areas that require special permits or approvals before any house renovation works can begin.

Interior, exterior and facade renovations works for homes

A house renovation can involve interior spaces, external areas or the building’s facade: each type of work requires different planning, techniques and professional skills.

• Interior house renovation projects are the most common and often include moving internal walls, remodeling bathrooms or kitchens, upgrading electrical or plumbing systems, laying new floors or improving accessibility. These are typically less complex and do not require major structural work.
• External house renovation projects, including facade renovations, can involve repainting and plastering walls, adding thermal insulation systems, replacing or upgrading roofs and installing new windows or doors. Other popular exterior additions include verandas, pergolas or canopies that enhance both function and design.

When renovations involve a significant portion of the outside building, such as thermal insulation or major facade upgrades, it’s recommended to integrate home energy efficiency improvements, including advanced frames for insulation and soundproofing.

If the work changes the building’s structure or appearance (for example by adding new openings or extensions), you should consult house renovation experts or an architect for home renovation to ensure compliance with your local construction standards.

Turnkey renovation or custom home renovation design?

Anyone planning a house renovation soon faces a key decision: should you rely on an architect expert in home renovation to manage every phase of the project with flexibility, or choose a turnkey renovation company that handles everything from start to finish? 

A home renovation firm is ideal for those who want a streamlined, stress-free process. The general contractor manages all aspects of the project, from renovation design and building permits to material selection and final delivery. 

• The main advantage is convenience: one single point of contact, coordinated timelines and a clear, fixed price that helps prevent unexpected costs. 
• Nevertheless, it’s still essential to review contracts and material specifications carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Relying on an independent architect, on the other hand, allows for greater customization, especially in more complex projects. The professional prepares detailed specifications, coordinates staff and compares estimates from multiple house renovation experts. 

• This approach provides more control over quality, materials and finishes, especially for those looking to optimize tax deductions or incentives for energy efficiency.
• Although design fees typically range from 6-10% of the total project, the investment is often offset by better project management, cost transparency and long-term value.

DIY home renovation: what can you actually do yourself?

The idea of a DIY home renovation is appealing: customizing every detail, saving on costs and having full control over the final result. But there are limits: beyond a certain point, doing work without proper authorization can lead to serious consequences.

So, what can you do without permits? Some house renovation tasks fall under ordinary maintenance and don’t require professional supervision. These include:

• Painting interior walls (and in some cases, exterior);
• Replacing floors or tiles without changing the layout or height;
• Repairing plaster, taps or bathroom fixtures;
• Replacing windows or doors with identical models in size and color.

However, once you go beyond basic maintenance, you’ll need proper authorizations and certified professionals to handle more complex work, including:

• Moving or demolishing interior walls;
• Replacing or redesigning electrical and plumbing systems;
• Changing the shape or structure of the building;
• Installing new windows and doors in different sizes or colors; 
• Building fixed structures like verandas, pergolas, or canopies.

Performing major house renovation work without authorization can result in penalties, fines, and even legal issues; from financial sanctions to being unable to sell the property until it’s restored to its original state. It can also make you ineligible for financial incentives, such as tax deduction programs linked to home energy efficiency improvement.

Home renovation costs, bonuses and financing options

The overall home renovation costs depend on several factors: type and size of the property, project complexity and quality of materials. On average, a full house renovation can range from 800 to 1.500 € per square meter. Detached houses typically have higher costs than apartments, as they often involve more complex house renovation works.

Homeowners can choose among several house renovation financing options:

• Renovation mortgage: best suited for larger projects requiring significant investment. It generally offers lower interest rates and longer repayment terms: some banks even provide special programs for green homes and benefits for younger homeowners.
• Progress-based renovation mortgage: also known as a renovation loan with disbursement by work progress, this option releases funds in stages as construction advances, following site inspections by the bank.
• Home renovation loans: a faster and more flexible alternative for smaller or less expensive projects; these are easier to obtain but usually come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods.

Before starting any house renovation project, check which renovation bonuses or tax deductions apply in your country, as regulations may vary. For example, the Italian government has announced a possible revision of tax incentives for home renovation and energy-efficiency improvements, such as “Bonus Ristrutturazioni” and “Ecobonus”. 

How to do a house renovation: a step-by-step checklist

Carrying out a house renovation requires not only a project but also careful management of legal and administrative requirements, which vary by country. Before starting, always check your local construction and building regulations to ensure compliance.

1. Define the scope of work: determine whether the project involves minor maintenance, full house renovation, restoration or new construction.
2. Consult a professional: hire a renovation company, architect or another expert to assess the project, design plans and handle any required applications.
3. Verify required permits: depending on your location, you may need building permits or authorizations for interior renovations, external renovations or facade renovations.
4. Submit documentation: file all necessary permits and project details with your local building or planning office before work begins.
5. Start the renovation: begin only once all permits are approved or the waiting period has expired (where applicable).
6. Ensure on-site safety compliance: check that your contractors follow health, safety and insurance regulations during the renovation.
7. Close the project properly: once the work is complete, ensure your contractor provides completion certificates and, if required, updates the property records.
8. Request occupancy or compliance certificates: needed if the renovation affected the building’s structure, systems or intended use.

Window replacement for homes, from purchases to savings

Replacing windows and doors is one of the most effective ways to improve home energy efficiency, while also enhancing comfort, security and the overall value. What many homeowners don’t realize is that window replacement can often qualify for home renovation bonuses or tax deductions, depending on the country and local incentives.

This is where DQG stands out. Our company specializes in the production and installation of uPVC and uPVC/aluminium  Made in Italy windows and doors, designed for homeowners who want to combine performance, design and long-lasting quality.

DQG window frame systems are distinguished by:

• Optimal thermoacoustic insulation, with multi-chamber profiles and energy-efficient glass that reduce heat loss, improve comfort and lower energy consumption.
• Extensive aesthetic customization, offering a wide selection of frame models, colors and finishes to match any architecture, from classic to contemporary.
• Functional safety and comfort options, including shatterproof glass, anti-burglary frames, micro-ventilation systems and windows with thermal breaks.

Whether part of a full house renovation or a specific window frame replacement and installation, choosing DQG products means making your home more efficient, comfortable and secure, thus making a smart step toward long-term savings.