How Much to Refurbish Open Space Living & Dining in Belgium? Your Complete Cost Guide.
- daryapolischyuk
- Nov 18
- 9 min read
Refurbishing a living and dining area into a seamless, light-filled open space is a popular ambition for homeowners across Belgium. This modern layout enhances functionality, social interaction, and the perception of space. However, embarking on such a renovation project requires careful planning and a realistic understanding of the costs involved. From structural changes in a Brussels townhouse to cosmetic updates in an Antwerp apartment, the budget can vary significantly.
To make the process smoother for the homeowners, in DP Interiors we offer Design&Build package which provides a single, streamlined solution from concept to completion. By coordinating design, permits, budgeting, and contractor management under one roof, DP Interiors helps you avoid delays, cost overruns, and common renovation risks.
This guide provides a complete cost breakdown, navigating the complexities of regulations, professional fees, and material choices to help you plan your open-space transformation with confidence.
The Allure of Open Space Living in Modern Belgian Homes
The trend towards open-plan living is reshaping interiors from the coast to the Ardennes. This design philosophy moves away from compartmentalized rooms towards integrated, multi-functional areas that cater to a contemporary lifestyle.
Why Open Plan? Enhancing Light, Flow, and Functionality
The primary appeal of an open-plan layout is its ability to maximize natural light and create an uninterrupted visual flow. By removing non-essential walls, you create a single, expansive area that feels larger and more welcoming. This layout is ideal for families and entertaining, allowing the kitchen, dining, and living zones to merge, fostering a more connected home environment. The result is a versatile space that can adapt to daily life, from quiet evenings to social gatherings.
Adapting Belgium's Traditional Architecture for Contemporary Living
Many Belgian homes, especially in historic city centers like Brussels or Ghent, feature traditional layouts with separate rooms. Adapting this classic architecture to an open-plan concept presents both challenges and opportunities. The process often involves significant structural work to remove load-bearing walls, which requires architectural and engineering expertise. However, the reward is a home that retains its external character while offering a modern, light-filled interior that better suits today’s lifestyle needs.
Navigating the Belgian Renovation Landscape: Planning & Regulations
Before any physical work begins, understanding the local regulatory framework is essential. A renovation in Belgium involves more than just design and construction; it requires adherence to specific legal, safety, and energy standards.
The Foundation: Engaging Professionals
The success of your open-space renovation depends heavily on the quality of the professionals you hire. For any project involving structural changes, an architect is not only recommended but often legally required. They will design the space, ensure structural integrity, and assist with the permit process. You will also need registered contractors for specialized work such as electrical and plumbing to ensure compliance and maintain proper insurance coverage.
However, when no structural modifications are required, the support of an interior designer is fully sufficient—they can optimize the layout, select finishes, coordinate contractors, and guide the project from concept to completion.
At DP Interiors, we have completed numerous open-space living room–kitchen transformations, consistently improving space efficiency and adding significant value to the properties we work on.
Belgian Building Permits: When and Why You Need Them
A building permit (permis d'urbanisme/omgevingsvergunning) is mandatory for any work that alters the structure of your property. This includes removing or modifying a load-bearing wall—a common step in creating an open-plan space. The application process involves submitting detailed plans drawn up by an architect to your local municipal office (commune/gemeente). Failing to secure the necessary permit can result in significant fines and legal orders to revert the property to its original state.
The PEB (Performance Énergétique des Bâtiments) and "Obligation to Renovate"
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of Belgian building regulations. The PEB (or EPB in Flanders) certificate rates a building's energy consumption. When undertaking a major renovation, you are often required to meet specific energy performance standards for elements like insulation, windows, and ventilation. Furthermore, Flanders has an "obligation to renovate" for new homeowners of energy-inefficient properties, requiring them to bring the building up to a minimum PEB rating within five years. This can impact the scope and cost of your open-space project.
Ensuring Safety: Mandatory Smoke Alarms and Fire Prevention
Safety regulations are strict and non-negotiable. Belgian law mandates the installation of smoke detectors in all residential properties. The specific number and placement depend on the region (Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels-Capital). During a renovation, especially one that creates a large open area, it is crucial to review and update your fire safety measures to ensure they comply with current standards and adequately protect the newly configured space.
Deconstructing the Costs: A Stage-by-Stage Cost Breakdown for Belgium
To budget effectively, it’s best to break down the renovation into distinct stages. The following estimates provide a general framework for an average-sized (50-70 m²) open living and dining area. Prices can vary based on location, material quality, and contractor choice.
Stage 1: Structural Work – The Foundation of Open Space
This is often the most significant and unpredictable expense. Removing a non-load-bearing wall is relatively straightforward and typically costs €500–€1,000 for demolition and finishing. In this case, no architect or structural engineer is required, which helps keep the budget under control.
However, removing a load-bearing wall is a major structural intervention that requires professional assessment, structural calculations, and compliance with safety regulations, making it considerably more complex and costly.
Structural Engineer/Architect Fees: €1,500 - €3,000 for calculations and plans.
Demolition and Debris Removal: €1,000 - €1,500.
Steel Beam (RSJ) Supply and Installation: €1,500 - €3,000+, depending on the span and complexity.
Making Good (plastering, ceiling repair): €500 - €2,000, depending on the space.
Total Estimated Cost: €4,000 - €10,000+
Stage 2: Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Adjustments
Creating an open space requires rethinking your lighting, heating, and electrical layouts.
Electrical Rerouting: Removing walls means moving sockets, switches, and light fixtures. Budget €40 - €70 per point moved or added. A full rewire for the space could be €3,000 - €5,000.
Lighting: A layered lighting plan is key for open spaces. Recessed spotlights cost €30 - €70 each, installed.
Heating: Radiators may need to be relocated or replaced. Underfloor heating is a popular choice for open areas, costing approximately €80 - €120 per square meter, including installation.
Smart Home Technology: Integrating smart lighting, thermostats, and speakers can add €1,000 - €5,000+.
Total Estimated Cost: €3,000 - €12,000
Stage 3: Flooring, Walls & Ceiling Finishes
Achieving a seamless look across a large open ground floor requires careful material selection.
Flooring: The cost per square meter varies widely.
Laminate: €30 - €60
Engineered Wood: €70 - €150
Polished Concrete/Epoxy: €100 - €180
For a 60m² space, this translates to €1,800 - €10,800 for materials and installation.
Painting and Plastering: Skimming walls and ceilings for a perfect finish costs €20 - €40 per square meter. Professional painting for the entire space could be €2,500 - €5,000.
Total Estimated Cost: €4,300 - €15,800
Stage 4: Kitchen & Dining Design and Installation
If your open plan incorporates the kitchen, this will be a major budget item.
Budget Kitchen (e.g., IKEA with professional assembly): €5,000 - €10,000.
Mid-Range Kitchen: €12,000 - €25,000.
High-End Custom Kitchen: €30,000+.
These costs typically include cabinets, standard worktops, and installation but may exclude appliances, which can add another €3,000 - €15,000 for high-end brands.
Total Estimated Cost: €8,000 - €40,000+
Stage 5: Interior Design & Furnishing
The final stage involves bringing the space to life with furniture and decor.
Interior Designer Fees: usually between €70 and €150 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity. Or a fixed rate per square meter, for example, DP Interiors charges €50–€60 per m². Choosing a fixed rate can make it easier to plan your budget, as the total cost is more predictable from the start.
Furnishings: Highly variable. A budget for a new sofa, dining set, storage, rugs, decorative lights and window treatments can range from €5,000 to over €40,000.
Total Estimated Cost: €7,000 - €42,000+
Budgeting & Financial Planning for Your Open Space Renovation
A successful project is a well-budgeted one. Meticulous financial planning from the outset will prevent stress and overspending.
Controling the budget
If you’re managing construction works on your own without professional support or regular follow-up, it’s essential to use a spreadsheet to track all anticipated expenses. Organizing costs by category (Structural, Electrical, Finishes, etc.) and listing detailed line items will help you compare quotes and keep visibility over your spending as the project progresses. However, when you choose Design&Build Package with DP Interiors, we take care of monitoring the budget for you—controlling costs, tracking updates, and ensuring your finances stay on target throughout the entire project.
The Golden Rule: Budgeting for Contingencies (10-20% Buffer)
No big renovation goes exactly to plan. Unexpected issues, such as discovering damp behind a wall or needing to upgrade an old electrical panel, are common. A contingency fund of 10-20% of your total estimated project cost is essential to cover these unforeseen expenses without derailing your budget.
Understanding Renovation-Related Taxes in Belgium
Value Added Tax (VAT/TVA/BTW) is a key consideration. For properties less than 10 years old, the standard VAT rate of 21% applies to all renovation works. However, for properties over 10 years old that are used as a private dwelling, a reduced VAT rate of 6% can be applied to both labor and materials, an built-in furniture such as kitchens, dressing rooms, wardrobes etc, provided the work and installation is carried out by a registered contractor. This represents a significant saving on your total bill.
Financing Your Renovation: Property Loans and Financial Planning Considerations
If you don't have the cash on hand, several financing options exist. A renovation loan (prêt rénovation/renovatielening) is a common choice. Alternatively, you might be able to remortgage your existing property loan to release equity. Discuss the options with your bank or a financial advisor to find the most suitable solution for your situation.
Regional Cost Variations Across Belgium
Where you live in Belgium significantly impacts your renovation budget. Labor rates, material transport costs, and local demand all play a role.
Brussels vs. Antwerp: A Detailed Cost Comparison
As the capital and a major economic hub, Brussels typically has the highest renovation costs. Labor rates for skilled jobs are premium, and logistical challenges in the dense city center (parking, access) can add to the bill. Antwerp, while still a major city, often has slightly lower labor costs, though high-end projects remain comparable to Brussels. Expect to pay a 10-20% premium for labor and services in Brussels compared to other parts of the country.
General Cost Considerations for Wallonia and Flanders
Generally, renovation costs in Flanders are slightly higher than in Wallonia, excluding the major metropolitan areas. However, this gap is narrowing. Rural areas or smaller towns, such as those in the vicinity of Charleroi airport, may offer more competitive quotes from local contractors due to lower overheads. Conversely, sourcing specialized materials or high-end finishes in a remote suburb could incur higher transport costs.
Engaging Belgian Professionals: A Practical How-To Guide
Finding and managing the right team is critical for a smooth renovation process.
Sourcing Reputable Contractors and Tradespeople
Word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Ask friends, family, or your architect for trusted contacts. Online platforms can be useful, but always verify credentials and check for registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE/KBO).
Obtaining and Comparing Quotes: What to Look For
At DP Interiors, we always recommend obtaining at least three detailed, written quotes (devis/offerte) for any major renovation or construction work. A proper quote should clearly break down labor and material costs, state the applicable VAT rate, and include an estimated timeline. For smaller finishing works—such as painting, plastering, or wallpapering—one quote from a trustworthy contractor charging market-average rates is often sufficient. As a professional, I collaborate only with reliable, experienced contractors, and I have completed numerous projects with them.
Understanding Belgian Contracts and Payment Schedules
A formal contract is essential. It should outline the full scope of work, total price, payment schedule, and completion date. Standard payment schedules often involve an initial deposit (typically 30%), followed by interim payments at key project milestones, with a final payment upon satisfactory completion. Never pay the full amount upfront.
Conclusion: Your Journey to a Modern Belgian Open Space
Refurbishing your living and dining area into an open-plan space is a rewarding investment that can fundamentally improve your home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. While the total cost in Belgium can range from a modest €10,000 for cosmetic updates to well over €100,000 for a major structural overhaul including a high-end kitchen, a successful outcome is rooted in meticulous planning.
Your key takeaways should be:
Prioritize Professional Advice: Engage an architect or interior designer early for structural changes and rely on registered contractors for all technical jobs.
Understand Regulations: Factor in costs and time for building permits, PEB compliance, and safety requirements.
Budget Meticulously: Create a detailed cost breakdown for each stage and, most importantly, include a 10-20% contingency fund for the unexpected.
Factor in Location: Remember that costs in Brussels and Antwerp are typically higher than in other regions.
By carefully deconstructing the costs, navigating the regulations, and hiring the right team, you can transform your vision of a modern, open, and inviting Belgian home into a stunning reality.
Make Your Renovation Easier With DP Interiors
If you want your open-space kitchen–living renovation to run smoothly—without cost overruns, unreliable contractors, or stressful decision-making—DP Interiors’ Design & Build service is your safest path forward. We manage everything from concept to completion, control your budget, coordinate trusted contractors, and ensure your project stays on schedule. Feel free to Get a Quote to make your renovation effortless.
Comments