Remodeling: Get a free price quote

Remodeling

Are you looking to make changes to your home? Remodeling a house can be an extensive project that requires a lot of planning. Here you’ll find information about what remodeling involves, what it costs, whether you need a building application and tips for a successful project.

We can also provide you with a free, no-obligation quote from a contractor in your area.

Get a free quote for remodeling

Send us a short description of your wishes and needs, and we’ll help you find the most suited contractor.

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Three simple steps to get a quote for remodeling:

1. Send a request

Send us a request with a short description of your wishes and needs.

All requests about remodeling are processed as soon as possible.

2. Receive your free quote

You will receive a free and non-binding price quote from a contractor near you soon after your request has been sent.

Once you approve the price quote, a suitable time for performing the task is scheduled.

3. The task is performed

The contractor will perform the task efficiently, fulfilling your requirements to a high standard of quality.

Entreprenorer.no partners with skilled and qualified contractors all across Norway.

What is meant by remodeling a house?

Remodeling a house means making changes to an existing home. It can involve anything from moving walls and changing room layouts, to refurbishing bathrooms and kitchens. Some common remodeling projects are:

  • Changing the floor plan for better space utilization
  • Combining several small rooms into larger living areas
  • Converting a basement or attic into a living area
  • Completely renovated bathrooms and kitchens
  • Upgrading technical installations such as electricity, pipes and ventilation
  • Retrofit insulation and replace windows for better energy efficiency

The scope of a remodeling project can vary from small adjustments to larger projects that change the usable space. In the case of extensive remodeling, an application may be required under the Planning and Building Act. The work must then be designed and documented before it can be carried out.

Remodeling gives you the opportunity to adapt your home to your needs and wishes. This can result in better functionality, higher standards and improved living quality. With the right planning and execution, remodeling can also increase the value of your home.

Remodeling

What does remodeling a house cost?

The cost of remodeling a home can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. On average, the price is around NOK 12,000 to 24,000 per square meter for interior remodeling and renovation. This means that the total price to rebuild a home of 120 square meters can end up in location between NOK 1,440,000 to 2,880,000.

It’s also the case that some rooms are more expensive to renovate than others. A new bathroom typically costs between NOK 40,000 and 70,000 per square meter, so for an 8-square-meter bathroom, the total price often ends up in location between NOK 320,000 and NOK 560,000. A new kitchen typically costs between NOK 10,000 and 20,000 per square meter, so for a kitchen solution of 20 square meters, the total price is often between NOK 200,000 and 400,000.

Other common remodeling projects with approximate prices are:

  • Remodeling of a 10 sqm bedroom: 50,000 – 100,000 NOK (5-10,000 NOK per sqm).
  • Renovation of a living room of 30 sqm: 150,000 – 300,000 NOK (5-10,000 NOK per sqm).
  • Building out a loft of 40 sqm: NOK 400,000 – 1,000,000 (NOK 10-25,000 per sqm).
  • Building out a basement of 40 sqm: NOK 800,000 – 1,600,000 (NOK 20-40,000 per sqm).
  • Retrofit insulation and replace cladding: NOK 2,000 to 4,000 per sqm.
  • New roof: NOK 1,800 – 3,500 per sqm.Laying new drainage: NOK 5,000 – 10,000 per running meter.

Note that these are rough estimates. The exact price must be calculated based on a specific assessment of the project.

Remodeling

What affects the price of remodeling?

  • The age and condition of the property and whether it has hidden faults and defects.
  • The desired standard and quality of the materials chosen.
  • Which rooms are to be remodeled/renovated – bathrooms and kitchens are among the most expensive rooms.
  • The size of the project in terms of the number of square meters to be remodeled.
  • The extent of changes, e.g. moving walls and wet rooms.
  • Necessary upgrades to technical installations such as plumbing, ventilation and electrics.
  • The number of trades involved, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians and tilers.
  • Availability and complexity of working in existing buildings.
  • Geographical location – prices can vary considerably between different parts of the country.
  • The choice between using a turnkey supplier or handling the project management yourself.
  • The amount of effort you put in yourself versus the work being outsourced to professionals.

Does remodeling a house require an application?

Not all remodeling requires an application, but some measures require a building application under the Planning and Building Act. The main rule is that an application is required for measures that affect the load-bearing structures or change the building’s facade, area or fittings.

This applies, for example, to:

  • Changes to the floor plan that affect escape routes.
  • Establishment of new wet rooms.
  • Merging utility units, e.g. apartments.
  • Change of use of rooms, e.g. from storage room to bedroom.
  • Major facade changes.

In some cases, the remodeling is so extensive that it is considered a main renovation. This applies when the work is so extensive that the entire building is essentially renewed.

In the case of major remodeling, the municipality may require that the parts of the building that are not directly affected by the remodeling must also be upgraded to current technical requirements.

Measures requiring an application must be designed and carried out by a licensed company. As a homeowner, you may need to engage a responsible applicant who can assist you with the building application and take care of the dialog with the municipality throughout the building process.

Get a quote

Send us a request, and we’ll get you a free quote from a contractor.

Good planning pays off:

Planning a remodeling project thoroughly is important for a good and lasting result. A good plan helps you define the project’s goals, scope and budget. It also provides a clear framework for the dialog with the architect, contractor and other parties involved.

Spend time at the start thinking about what you want to achieve with the remodeling, both in the short and long term. Then work systematically to flesh out the plan and create a progress plan in collaboration with the professionals involved.

Some important things to consider when planning your remodeling:

  • Think long-term

    Consider how the remodeling can be adapted to the family's needs, not only today, but also 10-20 years from now. Plan flexible solutions that can be changed as life stages change.
  • Set a realistic budget

    Build in a 15-20% buffer for unforeseen costs, especially when remodeling older houses. Obtain detailed quotes to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises.
  • Check whether the project requires an application

    Check with the municipality whether the remodeling requires an application and whether there are any special considerations to consider. Set aside time for planning and building application processing.
  • Choose the right architect and contractor

    Emphasize relevant experience, good references and good communication. Ask to see previous projects and talk to previous customers.
  • Enter into written agreements

    Make sure you have a detailed contract outlining price, progress schedule, payment terms, guarantees and warranty rights. Also have a written agreement with the architect.
  • Material selection

    Choose robust and environmentally friendly materials that harmonize with the style of the house. Avoid shortcuts that compromise quality and longevity.
  • Follow up along the way

    Have regular meetings about the project and be quick to raise any concerns. Promote the people involved and their expertise. A good climate of cooperation is important.

The choice of contractor is important

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for your project. Look for a contractor with extensive experience from similar projects and good references from satisfied customers. The contractor should be able to demonstrate a tidy and financially sound business, with decent conditions for employees.

Ask for a detailed quote with a good description of what is included. Also consider how the chemistry and communication work between you. Trust your gut and choose a contractor you can trust.

A good contractor will be a good advisor and problem solver throughout the construction process.

Remodeling

Other related questions

The time a remodeling project takes depends on how complicated the project is. A bathroom project can take 2-4 weeks, while remodeling an entire home can take 6-12 months. In addition, there is time for planning and building applications where necessary.

The most common ways to finance a remodeling project are with savings, by increasing the loan with the increase in value of the home or through a construction loan. Talk to your bank about which options are right for you.

Whether or not you can live in the home depends on the scope of the project. For larger projects that include kitchens and bathrooms, it can be difficult. It must be assessed on a case-by-case basis whether it is practically possible. Some people choose to rent a different location to live in during the construction period.

Yes, you can do some of the renovation work yourself to save costs. Do-it-yourself work is often best suited to simpler tasks such as demolition, painting and kitchen installation. Be realistic about your time and skills. Trades such as electrical and plumbing must be carried out by qualified professionals.

To avoid budget creep, it’s important to have a good plan and a realistic budget for the project. Leave a little extra in the budget for unforeseen expenses. Ask for detailed quotes and enter into written contracts with the contractor. Follow up along the way and have a close dialog about any changes.

In the case of remodeling that requires an application, the work must be carried out by a licensed company. There must be a responsible applicant who submits the building application and is responsible for ensuring that the work is designed and carried out correctly.

When remodeling wet rooms such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, there are strict requirements for moisture protection and membranes according to the wet room standard. The work must be carried out by a wet room certified company in order to obtain approved workmanship and a right of complaint.

Some common support schemes for remodeling are Enova grants for energy measures, Husbanken grants for adaptations and improvements for the elderly and people with disabilities, and grants for adapting student housing. Check the conditions and application deadline.

No, you do not need to upgrade the entire home when remodeling. It is only the parts that are being rebuilt that must meet current requirements, e.g. for insulation, ventilation and fire safety. Older parts of the home have so-called “essential requirements”, which means that they can legally have a lower technical standard.

If defects or deficiencies are discovered during renovation work, you must submit a written complaint to the contractor as soon as possible and within five years at the latest. The contractor is then obliged to correct the defects free of charge. If you do not agree, the matter can be reported to the Norwegian Consumer Authority.