An internal renovation is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home. Through smart adjustments to the layout, expanding spaces, or modernizing outdated elements, you can not only improve your living comfort but also realize a significant increase in value. The key is knowing which renovations yield the best return and how to have them carried out professionally.

In this guide, we discuss the most valuable internal renovations, from the safe removal of load-bearing walls up to obtaining the right permits. You learn how to make smart choices that benefit both your living comfort and your home value.

Which internal renovations increase home value the most?

The most valuable internal renovations are creating an open-plan kitchen-diner, adding an extra bathroom, and expanding living spaces by removing non-load-bearing walls. These modifications can increase home value by 10-20%, depending on the execution and local market conditions.

An open connection between the kitchen and living room tops the list of sought-after renovations. Modern living revolves around spaciousness and social interaction, and an open layout caters perfectly to this. Removing a partition wall between these spaces not only creates a greater sense of space but also makes the house more attractive to potential buyers.

Adding a second bathroom or upgrading an existing one also yields a high return. In family homes, an extra toilet or shower room is often a deciding factor in a purchasing decision. Modernizing the main bathroom with contemporary materials and sanitary ware also significantly increases its attractiveness.

Other valuable renovations include creating built-in closets for extra storage space, improving natural light by enlarging windows, and optimizing circulation within the home through smart layout changes.

How do you safely remove a load-bearing wall for more space?

The safe removal of a load-bearing wall always requires professional expertise and begins with a structural analysis by a structural engineer. Temporary props are installed, the wall is carefully removed using diamond tools, and a permanent steel structure takes over the load-bearing function.

The first step is to have the wall assessed to determine whether it is actually load-bearing. A structural engineer or building consultant can establish this by studying the construction drawings and inspecting the structure on site. Not all walls that appear load-bearing at first glance actually are.

Once it has been determined that a load-bearing wall is involved, a replacement structure is designed. This is usually a steel beam that assumes the load of the floor above or the roof. The calculations for this must be approved by the municipality as part of the environmental permit.

The actual removal process takes place in phases. First, temporary props are placed to support the structure. Next, the wall is removed piece by piece, often using diamond saws and drilling tools to minimize vibrations and dust. Finally, the permanent steel structure is installed and finished.

How much does an internal renovation cost and when do you earn it back?

An average internal renovation costs between €15.000 and €50.000, depending on the scope and complexity. The payback period varies from 2-5 years for high-return renovations, such as kitchen renovations, to 7-10 years for more extensive remodeling.

The costs depend heavily on the type of work. Removing a non-load-bearing wall costs a few thousand euros, while removing a load-bearing wall, including the steel structure, can easily cost 10.000–15.000 euros. A complete kitchen renovation ranges from 20.000 to 40.000 euros for high-quality workmanship.

The return depends on various factors: the current condition of your home, the local housing market, and the quality of the workmanship. In popular neighborhoods and cities, the return is generally higher than in shrinking areas. Timing also plays a role: renovations carried out shortly before selling usually yield more than renovations from which you benefit for years.

As a rule of thumb, cosmetic renovations (painting, new flooring) pay for themselves faster than structural changes. However, structural renovations, such as creating extra space, often have a lasting effect on home value and can yield the best return in the long term.

Which permits do you need for an internal renovation?

For most internal renovations, you need an environmental permit when removing load-bearing walls, altering the structure, or affecting fire safety. Smaller modifications, such as moving non-load-bearing walls, often fall under permit-free renovations.

An environmental permit is required when removing load-bearing walls, altering the main structure, or modifying the fire compartmentation. A permit is also necessary when changing the function of spaces (for example, converting a garage into living space).

Applying for an environmental permit is done at your municipality and usually requires drawings of the existing and new situations, structural calculations, and sometimes a fire safety report. The processing time is typically 8 weeks, but can increase for complex applications.

Renovations that do not require a permit include moving non-load-bearing partition walls, installing new pipes, and cosmetic adjustments. However, it is advisable to check with your municipality beforehand, as regulations can vary by municipality and additional requirements sometimes apply in protected cityscapes or for monuments.

How do you ensure that your renovation is carried out professionally?

A professional renovation requires engaging recognized specialists, working with clear agreements and contracts, and following the correct sequence of work. Always choose companies with relevant certifications and insurance.

Start by selecting the right professionals for each part. For structural changes, you need a structural engineer; for the actual drilling and sawing work, a specialized company; and for the finishing, skilled contractors. Always check references and ask for examples of previous work.

Ensure clear agreements regarding planning, costs, and quality. A good contract contains a detailed description of the work, material specifications, a realistic schedule, and agreements regarding unforeseen circumstances. Cleanup work and warranty conditions must also be clear.

The order of work is crucial for a successful result. Structural modifications are carried out first, followed by installations (electrical, piping) and finally the finishing. Good coordination between various specialists prevents delays and quality problems.

How De Betonboorder helps with your internal renovation

We specialize in the professional execution of complex concrete work essential for your internal renovation. Whether you want to remove a load-bearing wall, need to mill trenches for new pipes, or require other concrete work, we ensure expert execution with minimal disruption.

Our services for interior renovations include:

The safe removal of load-bearing walls with full structural support
Milling trenches for electrical wiring and pipes in occupied properties
Precision concrete drilling for new penetrations and installations
Concrete saws for creating new openings
Professional cleanup and broom-clean delivery

With our nationwide network of experienced professionals, we can often arrange a specialist within two days. We work exclusively with high-quality diamond tools to minimize vibrations and dust nuisance. Contact us for a no-obligation quote and let us help you realize your dream renovation.

How do you increase the value of your home with an internal renovation?