Combining your living room and kitchen is a popular renovation that makes your home more spacious and modern. By creating an open kitchen, you gain more light, better flow, and a more social living atmosphere. The costs for such a living room and kitchen renovation vary widely, depending on the complexity of the project and which walls need to be broken through.

Various factors play a role when planning this renovation: from the type of wall that needs to be removed to the necessary permits and additional modifications. Good preparation and a realistic cost estimate will help you realize your dream kitchen within budget.

What are the average costs for combining a living room and kitchen?

The costs for combining a living room and kitchen average between €3.000 and €15.000, depending on the complexity of the work. This amount includes breaking through walls, drilling into concrete, any structural modifications, and refinishing floors and walls.

The biggest cost factors are the type of wall being removed and the necessary structural modifications. A simple partition wall costs less to remove than a load-bearing wall, for which you must account for additional costs for steel structures and permits. The condition of your current kitchen and living room also determines how much you will spend on the finishing.

In addition, unforeseen costs often arise, such as modifying electrical systems, plumbing, or heating. It is wise to set aside 20% of your budget as a buffer for this type of extra work that comes to light during the renovation.

What costs are involved in breaking through a load-bearing wall?

Breaking through a load-bearing wall costs between €2.000 and €8.000, including the installation of a steel structure to take over the load-bearing capacity. This price depends on the length of the wall, the material, and the complexity of the structural solution.

For the safe removal of a remove load-bearing wall Several steps are required. First, a structural engineer must calculate which steel structure is needed. Next, temporary props are placed to support the structure during the work. The actual breaking is carried out using specialized equipment to prevent damage to the surrounding structure.

In addition to the direct costs of breaking through, you must take into account extra expenses for an environmental permit (€500–€1.500), a structural engineer (€800–€1.500), and possible repair work to floors and ceilings. Removing debris and refinishing the space also entail costs.

How much does concrete drilling and sawing cost during a renovation?

Concrete drilling and sawing during a renovation have different rate structures, depending on the type of work and the scope of the project. Professional concrete processing requires specialized equipment and experience to work accurately and safely, without damaging the surrounding structure.

Costs vary by the type of work and material. Drilling holes in concrete for pipes or ventilation has different rates than completely breaking through thick concrete walls. The accessibility of the workplace and the thickness of the concrete also influence the final costs.

When drilling concrete during a renovation, the quality of the equipment also plays a role. High-quality diamond core drills ensure clean, precise holes and limit vibrations and dust to a minimum. This is particularly important in occupied situations, where nuisance must be kept to a minimum.

Do you need a permit to combine the kitchen and living room?

You usually need an environmental permit to combine the kitchen and living room, especially when load-bearing walls are removed. Removing load-bearing walls alters the structure of your home, which always requires a permit.

The municipality assesses whether the planned changes are safe and comply with building regulations. To do this, you must submit construction drawings and structural calculations prepared by a certified structural engineer. The processing of an environmental permit usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.

A permit may also be required when removing non-load-bearing walls, depending on the scope of the renovation. Always check with your municipality to see what rules apply. Applying for a permit costs between €500 and €1.500, but prevents problems when selling your home or with your insurance.

What extra costs should you factor in for an open kitchen renovation?

With an open kitchen renovation, there are often additional costs on top of breaking through walls. These include adjusting electrical wiring and plumbing (€1.000–€3.000), a more powerful extractor hood for the open space (€500–€2.000), and leveling floors between the rooms (€20–€40 per m²).

The heating often needs to be adjusted because the heat distribution changes in the new, larger space. You may need extra radiators or the central heating system may need to be recalculated. Ventilation also requires attention: an open kitchen requires better air circulation to remove cooking odors and moisture.

Aesthetic adjustments also entail costs. The transition between different floors must be neatly finished, walls need to be repainted or wallpapered, and you may want to adjust the lighting to the new room layout. Expect to pay €2.000 to €5.000 for these finishing costs.

How long does it take to combine the living room and kitchen?

Combining a living room and kitchen takes an average of 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the work. Simple projects involving only the removal of a partition wall are often completed within a week. More complex renovations involving load-bearing walls and structural modifications require more time.

The biggest time factor is obtaining the necessary permits, which can take 6 to 8 weeks. It is advisable to start this process early. The actual execution consists of several phases: preparation and shoring (1 day), breaking through walls (1–2 days), structural modifications (2–3 days), and finishing (3–5 days).

Unforeseen circumstances can delay the project, for example if asbestos is found during the work or if pipes run differently than expected. Therefore, always plan for some extra time and communicate clearly with your contractor regarding the schedule and potential delays.

How The Concrete Driller Helps Remove a Load-Bearing Wall

We specialize in the safe removal of load-bearing walls during renovations where the kitchen and living room are combined. Our experienced craftsmen possess extensive knowledge of structures and use high-quality diamond core drills for precise work, without damage to the surrounding structure.

Our services include:

Structural analysis and preliminary advice
Placing temporary supports for safety
Professional breakthrough with minimal disruption
Installation of permanent steel structures
Tidy up and hand over broom clean

We operate nationwide and will contact you within 24 hours for a no-obligation quote. In many cases, we can arrange a professional for your project within two days. Contact us for personal advice on your renovation plans.

How much does a renovation to combine your living room and kitchen cost?