Home Renovation in Greece: The 10 Steps

The 10 Steps of Home Renovation

1. Define Your Goals and Priorities

Begin by asking yourself what needs to change. Are there structural issues, failing systems, or outdated layouts? What is critical (safety, water intrusion, heating) versus nice-to-have (cosmetic upgrades, new fixtures)? Write a list ranked by importance. This clarity helps your engineer propose solutions and prevents budget creep later. It also helps you communicate with tradespeople about what matters most.

2. Design and Planning with an Engineer

Hire a qualified structural engineer or architect to assess the building and develop a design. This assessment checks the structure, existing systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and any hidden problems. The engineer then produces construction drawings showing the proposed work. These drawings become your blueprint for obtaining permits and pricing the work. A thorough design phase prevents costly surprises during construction.

3. Building Permits and Approvals

Before any work begins, you must obtain the correct permit. For minor work (painting, flooring, non-structural walls), many Greek municipalities allow a minor-works approval. For structural changes, new windows, or utility relocations, you need a full building permit. Your engineer will determine which applies and submit the application. Budget 2-4 weeks for approval. Working without the required permit can result in fines or being ordered to undo the work.

Construction Phase

4. Demolition and Site Prep

Once permits are in hand, demolition begins. This includes removing old flooring, fixtures, walls, and other materials that need replacement. The contractor will check for hidden problems: water damage, structural cracks, outdated wiring, or failing pipes. These discoveries may add time and cost, but finding them early is better than mid-project surprises. The site is then cleaned and prepped to receive new systems.

5. MEP Systems: Plumbing, Electrical, Heating

After demolition, new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are installed. This includes water supply and drainage pipes, electrical wiring and panels, and heating distribution. This phase is hidden behind walls, so quality matters. Poor MEP work leads to future failures, water leaks, and electrical problems. Your engineer supervises to ensure everything meets building codes. This phase is critical to the building's long-term health.

6. HVAC, Cooling, and Windows

Next come the heating and cooling systems (boiler, heat pump, ductwork), and new windows and doors. Modern windows offer better insulation and noise reduction. A new heating system improves comfort and energy efficiency. Greece's hot summers make cooling an important investment. This phase largely determines how livable and affordable your home will be to operate.

7. Flooring, Walls, and Finishes

Once MEP and HVAC are done, the interior structure takes shape. New walls are built, drywall is installed, flooring is laid, and surfaces are prepared for final finishing. Work proceeds from top to bottom, so ceilings are done before walls, walls before floors. Surfaces are sanded, filled, and sanded again to achieve smooth preparation for paint or tile. This phase determines the visual quality of the finished space.

8. Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom fixtures are installed once flooring and wall prep is complete. This includes cabinetry, countertops, sinks, toilets, showers, and specialized ventilation. These rooms are expensive and time-consuming, so proper planning and material sourcing earlier prevent delays here. Order long-lead items (custom cabinetry, fixtures) well in advance to avoid holding up the entire project.

9. Painting and Final Touches

With structure and fixtures in place, the space receives its final appearance. Walls and ceilings are painted, lighting is installed, hardware is fitted, and decorative finishes are applied. This phase is where the design vision becomes real. Quality painting and finish work elevate the entire renovation. Rush this phase and you'll regret it every time you walk through the door.

10. Cleaning, Testing, and Handover

The final step involves thorough cleaning and comprehensive testing of all systems. The contractor and your engineer verify that electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems operate correctly. Any defects are corrected before you move in. You receive certificates of compliance, warranties on new systems, and operation manuals. A proper handover ensures you know how to maintain and troubleshoot the systems going forward.

How Long Does a Renovation Take?

A cosmetic renovation (paint, flooring, one bathroom) takes 4-6 weeks. A mid-range renovation (kitchen and bathrooms plus new finishes) takes 2-3 months. A full gut renovation including structural changes and new MEP systems takes 3-6 months or more.

Several factors affect your timeline:

• Scope of work: Bigger is slower. Full renovation is longer than partial.
• Permits: Obtaining approvals adds 2-4 weeks before work starts.
• Crew scheduling: Multiple trades must coordinate. Busy seasons mean delays.
• Material lead times: Custom kitchens, windows, and fixtures can take weeks to deliver.
• Unexpected issues: Hidden damage discovered during demolition requires extra time and decisions.
• Weather: In Greece, extreme summer heat can slow outdoor and window work.

What Drives Renovation Cost?

There is no standard price per square meter. Cost is customized based on:

• Scope: Cosmetic work costs far less than structural changes, new systems, and finishes.
• Material quality: Budget materials cost less upfront but fail sooner. Premium materials last decades. Mid-range is the sweet spot for most homeowners.
• Labour rates: Skilled trades charge more, but poor work is more expensive in the long run.
• Site access: Upper floors, narrow stairs, or buildings without elevators increase material-handling costs.
• Concurrent trades: Running multiple trades at once speeds the job but increases coordination overhead and cost.
• Discoveries: Structural damage, mold, or failing utilities found during demolition add unexpected costs.

Single General Contractor or Multiple Specialists?

You have two main options:

General contractor model: One contractor manages the entire project, hiring and coordinating subcontractors for each trade. Advantages: single point of responsibility, simpler communication, better coordination between trades. Disadvantages: less control over who does the work, potentially higher cost due to overhead.

Direct management model: You or your engineer directly hire electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other specialists and coordinates them. Advantages: more control, potentially lower cost, ability to choose specific craftspeople. Disadvantages: requires significant time and knowledge to manage multiple trades and prevent conflicts.

Government Support for Renovation

Greece and the EU offer renovation support programs focused on energy efficiency, safety upgrades, and sustainable building. These programs periodically open with different eligibility criteria, deadlines, and support levels. The programs typically target homeowners, social housing, and buildings in specific regions.

For the latest information on available programs, eligibility, timelines, and the application process, visit the Greek government website at gov.gr. Consult your local municipality for region-specific programs and deadlines.

Tips for a Successful Renovation

• Plan thoroughly: The more detailed your design and specifications, the fewer surprises you will have. Invest time in planning to save money in execution.
• Follow the sequence: Do not skip steps or rearrange the order. Structure, systems, then finishes always. Cutting corners leads to costly rework.
• Inspect regularly: Visit the site once a week. Review progress and flag problems early. A small issue caught early is much cheaper than discovered after completion.
• Choose quality: Invest in quality materials and experienced tradespeople. A renovation is often a 20-30 year investment. Premium choices now save headaches and money later.
• Get it in writing: Contracts, specifications, warranties, and change orders should be in writing. Verbal agreements cause disputes.
• Budget a contingency: Expect 10-15% of costs to go to unexpected discoveries and changes. A contingency reserve prevents financial stress mid-project.

Frequently Asked Questions