Condo Renovation Cost in the Philippines
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Complete 2025 Guide
Condo Renovation Cost in the Philippines
Real costs, hidden fees, and what nobody tells you about renovating your condo unit.
Planning to renovate your condo? Exciting! But before you start browsing Pinterest for design ideas, let's talk about the reality: how much will it actually cost?
Here's the thing about condo renovation in the Philippines. It's different from renovating a house. You have building restrictions, permit requirements, limited working hours, and rules about what you can and can't touch. Hindi pwedeng basta-basta mag-renovate.
In this guide, we'll break down everything: actual costs per square meter, room-by-room estimates, hidden fees (like that ā±20,000+ construction bond), and the common mistakes that delay projects and blow budgets.
š What's In This Guide
Condo Renovation Cost: Quick Overview
Let's start with the numbers everyone wants to know. Condo renovation costs in the Philippines typically range from ā±6,000 to ā±30,000 per square meter, depending on the scope and quality of finishes.
Condo Renovation Cost by Unit Size
Here's a realistic breakdown based on unit type. These estimates assume a mid-range renovation with decent materials (not the cheapest, not ultra-luxury).
| Unit Type | Size (sqm) | Basic Reno | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 18-30 sqm | ā±100K-200K | ā±250K-500K | ā±500K-900K |
| 1 Bedroom | 30-50 sqm | ā±180K-350K | ā±400K-800K | ā±800K-1.5M |
| 2 Bedroom | 50-80 sqm | ā±300K-560K | ā±700K-1.5M | ā±1.2M-2.4M |
| 3 Bedroom | 80-120 sqm | ā±480K-840K | ā±1.2M-2.5M | ā±2M-3.6M+ |
Ang dami, ano? But remember, you don't have to renovate everything at once. Many condo owners prioritize the kitchen and bathroom first, then tackle other areas when budget allows.
Condo Renovation Cost by Room
Not doing a full renovation? Here's what to expect for individual rooms:
Kitchen Renovation
ā±80K-350K+The kitchen is usually the most expensive room to renovate because of cabinetry, countertops, and appliances.
Bathroom Renovation
ā±40K-180K+Bathroom renovations often require plumbing work, which adds to the cost. Waterproofing is critical!
Living Room / Common Area
ā±50K-200K+Living areas are usually simpler: flooring, paint, lighting, and built-in storage.
Bedroom
ā±40K-150K+Bedrooms are relatively affordable to renovate. Built-in closets are the main expense.
What You CAN'T Change in a Condo (And Why It Matters)
Here's what nobody tells you until you're already deep in the planning process: condos have strict renovation rules. Unlike a house where you can knock down walls and rewire everything, condo buildings have restrictions to protect structural integrity and other unit owners.
š« Things You Typically CANNOT Do
Load-bearing walls support the building. Removing them can compromise the entire structure.
Main drain lines are shared with other units. Moving them is usually prohibited.
Windows, balcony railings, exterior paint. These affect the building's appearance and are usually off-limits.
This is a big one! Most condo admins prohibit or heavily restrict wall chipping. More on this below.
š” The Wall Chipping Problem (And Why It's Expensive)
One of the most common renovation needs is adding electrical outlets. In a house, an electrician simply chips the wall, runs new wiring, and patches it up. Easy.
In a condo? Not so fast.
Most condo buildings either:
- Prohibit wall chipping entirely because it creates dust, noise, and can damage shared structures
- Require a construction/chipping bond of ā±20,000 or more. You may you may not get back if there's any damage
- Limit chipping to specific hours, slowing down your entire project timeline
Kaya minsan, ang simple na "magdagdag ng outlet" becomes a major headache and expense.
Permits and Requirements for Condo Renovation
Before any work begins, you need to secure permits from your condo's property management office. Hindi pwede mag-start agad-agad.
š Condo Renovation Permit Checklist
Get this from your building admin. Fill out the scope of work, timeline, and contractor details.
Signed and sealed by a licensed architect, interior designer, or engineer. Required for major renovations.
Typically ā±10,000 to ā±30,000+ depending on scope. Refundable after completion if no damage to common areas.
Each worker needs an ID/permit to access the building. Your contractor usually handles this.
List of materials to be delivered. Some buildings only allow deliveries during specific hours.
Some buildings require contractor's liability insurance to cover potential accidents.
Hidden Costs You Need to Budget For
| Hidden Cost | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Bond | ā±10K-30K+ | Refundable if no damage |
| Chipping Bond (if allowed) | ā±20K+ | Additional bond for wall work |
| Interior Designer Fee | ā±20K-100K | Depends on complexity |
| Permit Fees | ā±2K-10K | Building admin + LGU permits |
| Temporary Accommodation | ā±15K-50K/month | If you can't stay during reno |
| Contingency (10-20%) | 10-20% of budget | For unexpected issues |
The Smarter Electrical Solution for Condos
Here's where many condo renovations hit a wall (pun intended). You want to add outlets for your kitchen appliances, home office setup, or entertainment system. But the building won't allow wall chipping. Or they'll charge you a ā±20,000+ bond that delays everything.
Ano ang solution?
Mainline Power Track System
The plug-and-play electrical solution designed for condos. No wall chipping, no ā±20K bonds, no project delays.
How it works: An aluminum track mounts on your backsplash or wall. Modular outlets click into the track wherever you need them. Need more outlets? Just add more sockets. Rearranging your kitchen? Slide the outlets to new positions. No electrician needed for repositioning.
Perfect for: Kitchens (appliances), home offices (multiple devices), entertainment areas (TV, gaming), bedrooms (bedside charging)
š Already installed in premium condos:
Traditional Electrical vs. Mainline Power Track
| Traditional (Wall Chipping) | Mainline Power Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall chipping required | Yes (needs bond ā±20K+) | ā None required |
| Installation time | Days to weeks | ā Hours |
| Dust & debris | Significant mess | ā Minimal |
| Add more outlets later | Requires new work | ā Just click in |
| Condo-friendly | Often prohibited | ā No restrictions |
Condo Renovation Timeline: How Long Will It Take?
Time is money, especially when you're paying rent elsewhere or dealing with construction noise. Here's a realistic timeline:
Planning & Design
2-4 weeksFinalizing design, getting quotes from contractors, choosing materials.
Permit Approval
1-3 weeksSubmitting documents, paying bonds, waiting for building admin approval.
Demolition & Prep
3-7 daysRemoving old fixtures, preparing surfaces. Limited to building's allowed work hours.
Main Construction
3-8 weeksElectrical, plumbing, flooring, cabinetry, painting. This is the bulk of the work.
Finishing & Cleanup
1-2 weeksFinal touches, deep cleaning, inspection, bond refund processing.
ā±ļø Total Timeline Estimate
Money-Saving Tips for Condo Renovation
Prioritize high-impact areas
Kitchen and bathroom renovations give the best ROI. Focus your budget there first.
Paint is your best friend
A fresh coat of paint transforms a space for minimal cost. Budget ā±8,000-20,000 for a full unit.
Keep plumbing in place
Moving plumbing is expensive and often restricted. Work with existing locations when possible.
Skip the wall chipping
Use surface-mounted solutions like Mainline Power tracks. Save ā±20K+ in bonds and avoid project delays.
Get multiple quotes
Always get 3+ contractor quotes. Prices can vary by 30-50% for the same scope of work.
Reuse what you can
Existing fixtures in good condition? Keep them. Refurbishing costs less than replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renovate a condo in the Philippines?
Condo renovation costs range from ā±6,000 to ā±30,000 per square meter depending on the scope and quality of finishes. A studio unit typically costs ā±100,000-500,000, while a 2-bedroom unit can cost ā±500,000-1.5 million for a mid-range renovation.
Do I need a permit to renovate my condo?
Yes. You need to secure a renovation permit from your condo's property management office before starting any work. This typically requires submitting plans, paying a construction bond (ā±10,000-30,000+), and getting work permits for your contractors.
Can I knock down walls in my condo?
Generally, no. Most condos prohibit removing or modifying structural walls as they can affect the building's integrity. Non-load-bearing partition walls may sometimes be modified with approval, but always check with your building admin first.
What is a construction bond and will I get it back?
A construction bond is a refundable deposit (typically ā±10,000-30,000+) that covers potential damage to common areas during renovation. You'll get it back after completion if there's no damage, but deductions may apply for any repairs needed.
How long does a condo renovation take?
Minor renovations take 4-6 weeks, full renovations take 8-12 weeks, and major overhauls can take 16+ weeks. Add 2-4 weeks for planning and permit approval. Condo work hours are typically limited to weekdays, which extends timelines.
Can I add more electrical outlets in my condo?
Traditional outlet installation requires wall chipping, which most condos restrict or prohibit (requiring bonds of ā±20,000+). A better solution is the Mainline Power track system, which adds outlets without any wall chipping. It mounts on the surface and outlets simply click in.
Should I hire an interior designer for my condo renovation?
It's recommended, especially for full renovations. Interior designers understand condo restrictions, can maximize small spaces, and often have contractor connections. Fees range from ā±20,000-100,000 depending on the project scope.
Planning a Condo Renovation?
Don't let electrical limitations hold you back.
Mainline Power Track System: No chipping, no bonds, no delays. Just flexible power where you need it.
Book an Ocular Inspection āCosts are estimates based on 2025 market rates and may vary by location, contractor, and specific requirements. Always get detailed quotes before starting your renovation project.