Many internationals buy a home in The Hague that has not been touched for decades. A full renovation is then the most efficient approach: everything is opened up once, renewed and finished properly.
The order of a full renovation
- Strip-out and demolition. Old kitchens, bathrooms, floors, ceilings and non-load-bearing walls are removed. If asbestos may be present (possible in homes built before 1994), a certified company inspects and removes it first.
- Structure. Removing a load-bearing wall, adding a steel beam or reinforcing a floor, always based on calculations by a structural engineer.
- Installations. New electrical wiring and fuse box, water pipes, drains and heating. In older homes we replace old wiring without earth and any remaining lead pipes.
- Insulation. Floor, walls, roof and new glazing. This is the moment to make the house ready for a heat pump, see sustainability.
- Walls and ceilings. New partition walls, plastering and, in period homes, restoring or replacing old reed ceilings.
- Floors. Levelling, underfloor heating where wanted, and the final floor such as herringbone parquet.
- Kitchen, bathroom and carpentry. Fitting the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, built-in wardrobes and doors.
- Painting and finish. Painting, skirting boards, lighting and the final clean.
One project lead instead of ten contractors
During a full renovation you deal with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, tilers, floor layers and painters. We coordinate all of them. You have one contact person who knows the planning, the budget and what happens next, and who explains it in English.
Period homes in The Hague
Neighbourhoods such as Duinoord, the Zeeheldenkwartier and Bezuidenhout are full of homes with original details: panelled doors, cornices, stained glass and wooden floors. A good renovation keeps the character and adds modern comfort. Read our guide on renovating a pre-war home in The Hague.
Kitchens and bespoke carpentry
A full renovation often includes a new kitchen and made-to-measure joinery: fitted wardrobes, bookcases around a doorway or a TV wall. See our kitchen projects and bespoke carpentry.
Clear agreements
Before we start, the scope, price and planning are written down in an itemised quote. You can choose a fixed price for the agreed scope, or work on an hourly basis if you prefer flexibility. Extra work is only done after you have agreed to it in writing. Read more about working with a Dutch contractor.
Frequently asked questions
What does a full renovation cost?
As a rough indication, an apartment renovation costs from around €40,000 to €100,000 or more, a complete house renovation from around €75,000 to €250,000 or more, and a new kitchen €15,000 – €40,000 or more. The size, condition and level of finish decide where your project falls.
Can I live in the house during a full renovation?
Usually that is not practical: water, power and heating are off at times, and dust is unavoidable. Many clients plan the renovation between buying a house and moving in.
How long does a full renovation take?
That depends entirely on the size of the home and the scope. A few months is common for a complete renovation of a family home. You receive a planning with the quote.
What if you find something unexpected?
In older homes that happens. We stop, show you what we found, explain the options in English and agree on the price before any extra work is done.
Do you also renovate kitchens and do carpentry?
Yes. A full renovation often includes a new kitchen, built-in wardrobes, bookcases or a TV cabinet. See our kitchen and carpentry projects.
