The Home Renovation Process in the Netherlands for Expats

Renovating a home in the Netherlands can be an exciting project, but knowing where to start is not always easy.

For expats and international homeowners, the renovation process can involve several stages, from inspecting the property and defining the scope of work to obtaining professional advice, preparing the project and coordinating construction.

Understanding the process before work begins can help you make better decisions about your budget, planning and renovation partner.

This guide explains the typical home renovation process in the Netherlands and what international homeowners should consider at each stage.

Step 1: Assess the Property

Before planning the renovation, start by understanding the current condition of the property.

This is particularly important when buying an older Dutch house.

Depending on the property, you may need to look at:

• Structural condition

• Roof

• Walls and ceilings

• Floors

• Moisture

• Electrical installations

• Plumbing

• Heating

• Ventilation

• Insulation

• Windows and doors

The condition of the property can have a major influence on the scope and cost of the renovation.

Step 2: Define What You Want to Renovate

Once you understand the condition of the property, decide what you want to achieve.

Your plans might include:

• Renovating the kitchen

• Renovating the bathroom

• Changing the interior layout

• Removing a wall

• Creating an open-plan living area

• Adding a home office

• Improving insulation

• Replacing windows

• Upgrading heating

• Extending the property

• Creating additional living space

Try to separate essential work from improvements that are desirable but not essential.

This makes it easier to establish priorities if the project has a fixed budget.

Step 3: Check the Feasibility of Your Plans

Not every renovation idea can automatically be carried out.

Structural changes, extensions, dormers and changes to the exterior of a property may require additional professional assessment.

Depending on the project, you may need input from:

• An architect

• A structural engineer

• A contractor

• A building professional

• The local municipality

If you are considering significant structural changes, it is sensible to investigate their feasibility before finalising your renovation plans.

Step 4: Establish Your Renovation Budget

Once the scope of work is becoming clear, you can start working on a realistic budget.

Your budget may need to cover:

• Construction work

• Labour

• Materials

• Kitchen and bathroom products

• Technical installations

• Design or professional services

• Structural work

• Permits where applicable

• Waste removal

• Finishing work

It is also sensible to keep some financial flexibility for unexpected issues, particularly when renovating older properties.

For more information, see our guide to Renovation Costs in the Netherlands.

Step 5: Find the Right Renovation Contractor

For a larger renovation, finding the right contractor is an important decision.

Look for a contractor who understands the type of work you want to carry out and can clearly explain:

• What is included

• How the project will be organised

• Which specialists are involved

• How the planning works

• What information is needed from you

• How communication will take place

For international homeowners, being able to communicate comfortably in English can make the renovation process significantly easier.

Step 6: Request and Compare Quotations

Once the scope of work is clear, contractors can prepare quotations.

When comparing quotations, do not only compare the final price.

Check whether each quotation clearly addresses:

• Labour

• Materials

• Demolition

• Technical installations

• Finishing work

• Project coordination

• Waste removal

• Any exclusions or assumptions

Two quotations with different prices may also have different scopes of work.

A clear and detailed quotation makes comparison easier.

Step 7: Finalise the Project Scope

Before construction begins, make sure everyone understands what is being built or renovated.

This is the stage to confirm:

• Which rooms are included

• What materials will be used

• Which installations will be replaced

• Which structural changes are planned

• What finishing level is expected

• What is included in the quotation

• What is not included

Changes made during construction can affect both cost and planning, so a clear scope is valuable.

Step 8: Planning and Preparation

Before construction starts, the project needs to be organised.

Depending on the renovation, preparation can involve:

• Ordering materials

• Scheduling trades

• Arranging deliveries

• Preparing the property

• Organising waste removal

• Confirming access

• Coordinating architects or other professionals

• Completing required administrative steps

A larger renovation may involve many different activities that need to happen in the correct order.

Step 9: Construction Begins

Once preparation is complete, the physical renovation work can begin.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• Demolition

• Structural work

• Electrical work

• Plumbing

• Heating

• Insulation

• Windows and doors

• Plastering

• Flooring

• Kitchen installation

• Bathroom installation

• Painting

• Final finishing

Different trades often depend on each other.

For example, electrical and plumbing work may need to be completed before walls are closed and finished.

Good coordination is therefore an important part of the renovation process.

Step 10: Project Coordination and Communication

During construction, homeowners need to know what is happening and whether the project is progressing according to plan.

For expats, this can be especially important if you are:

• Working full-time

• Living outside the Netherlands

• Travelling regularly

• Waiting to move into the property

Having one central point of contact can make communication easier.

A contractor can coordinate the different specialists and communicate relevant updates about planning, issues and decisions.

Step 11: Quality Checks and Final Finishing

As the renovation progresses, the work should be checked and any issues addressed.

Towards the end of the project, this may include:

• Finishing walls and ceilings

• Installing fixtures

• Completing flooring

• Painting

• Checking installations

• Completing small remaining items

• Cleaning and preparing the property

The final stage is about making sure the agreed work has been completed properly.

Step 12: Completion and Handover

When the renovation is complete, the homeowner and contractor can review the finished project.

Depending on the project, this can include checking:

• Construction work

• Finishes

• Electrical installations

• Plumbing

• Heating

• Doors and windows

• Fixtures and fittings

Any remaining points can then be identified and discussed.

How Long Does a Home Renovation Take?

There is no standard renovation timeline.

A small renovation may take several weeks, while a complete home renovation can take several months.

The duration depends on factors such as:

• Size of the property

• Scope of work

• Structural changes

• Number of trades

• Material availability

• Design decisions

• Permits or approvals where applicable

• Unexpected problems

A clear renovation plan can help reduce avoidable delays.

What Can Cause Renovation Delays?

Even a well-planned project can encounter unexpected issues.

Common causes can include:

• Hidden problems in an older property

• Material delays

• Changes requested during construction

• Additional structural work

• Unclear project scope

• Delays involving other professionals

• Permit or approval requirements

This is why realistic planning and regular communication are important throughout the project.

Renovating a Dutch House While Living Abroad

Some expats begin renovating before they have moved to the Netherlands.

Others continue living abroad while their new home is being renovated.

In these situations, project coordination becomes particularly important.

You may need to make decisions about:

• Materials

• Layout

• Fixtures

• Finishes

• Changes to the original plan

Clear English communication and one central point of contact can make it easier to manage the renovation remotely.

Renovating an Older Dutch Home

Older Dutch properties can require a different approach from newer homes.

A renovation may reveal issues that were not immediately visible, such as outdated installations, moisture problems or insufficient insulation.

Before renovating an older property, it is therefore useful to understand its condition and allow some flexibility in the project budget and planning.

Read our guide: Renovating a Dutch House as an Expat.

Renovating Before Moving In

If you have recently bought a property, you may want to complete major renovation work before moving in.

An empty property can make it easier to:

• Carry out demolition

• Replace flooring

• Rewire rooms

• Replace plumbing

• Paint and plaster

• Coordinate multiple trades

For international homeowners relocating to the Netherlands, completing major work before the move can reduce disruption.

How Floramer Construct Helps With Renovation Projects

Floramer Construct works with homeowners and expats on renovation and construction projects in The Hague and surrounding areas.

We can coordinate different parts of a renovation, including:

• General construction

• Structural alterations

• Electrical work

• Plumbing

• Heating

• Insulation

• Flooring

• Plastering

• Painting

• Kitchen and bathroom renovation

Our approach focuses on clear communication, practical planning and one central point of contact.

We can also work alongside an architect, project manager or independent supervisor appointed by the homeowner.

Areas We Serve

Floramer Construct primarily works in The Hague and surrounding areas, including:

• The Hague

• Wassenaar

• Voorburg

• Leidschendam

• Rijswijk

• Delft

• Zoetermeer

• Leiden

• Oegstgeest

• Surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in a home renovation?

The first step is usually to understand the condition of the property and define what you want to achieve with the renovation.

How long does a complete home renovation take?

A complete renovation can take several months, although the exact timeline depends on the size, condition and complexity of the property.

Should I get a renovation quotation before starting?

Yes. A clear quotation based on a defined scope of work helps you understand the expected investment before construction begins.

Do I need an architect for a renovation?

Not every renovation requires an architect. The need for an architect or other professional depends on the type and complexity of the project.

Do I need a permit for a renovation in the Netherlands?

Some projects require permits or other administrative steps, while many interior renovations do not. The requirements depend on the work and the property.

Can I renovate my house while living abroad?

Yes. It is possible, although clear communication and project coordination become particularly important when the homeowner is not nearby.

Can Floramer coordinate different trades?

Yes. Floramer Construct can coordinate different construction disciplines as part of a larger renovation project.

Planning a Home Renovation in the Netherlands?

A renovation becomes much easier to manage when the scope, budget and planning are clear before construction starts.

If you are renovating a home in The Hague or the surrounding area, Floramer Construct can help you understand the project and coordinate the work.

Request a Consultation