{"id":23554,"date":"2026-10-25T19:34:02","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T15:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/?p=23554"},"modified":"2026-10-26T03:14:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T23:14:17","slug":"renovation-budget-20000-gel-60-m2-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/renovation-budget-20000-gel-60-m2-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"Renovation Budget of 20,000 GEL: The Proven Breakdown for a Beautiful 60 m\u00b2 Apartment (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n\/* dv-lift *\/ .single-post .dv-blog{margin-top:-170px;position:relative;z-index:2} @media(max-width:1024px){.single-post .dv-blog{margin-top:-80px}}<\/p>\n<p>\/* DATVALE BLOG *\/\n.dv-blog,.dv-blog *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.dv-blog{\n  width:100%;max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto;\n  color:#26384a;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,\n  BlinkMacSystemFont,\"Segoe UI\",sans-serif;\n  font-size:17px;line-height:1.75;\n}\n.dv-blog h2{\n  margin:42px 0 14px;color:#173558;\n  font-size:28px;line-height:1.3;font-weight:850;\n}\n.dv-blog h3{\n  margin:28px 0 10px;color:#173558;\n  font-size:21px;line-height:1.35;font-weight:800;\n}\n.dv-blog p{margin:0 0 18px}\n.dv-blog ul,.dv-blog ol{\n  margin:10px 0 22px;padding-left:24px;\n}\n.dv-blog li{margin-bottom:9px}\n.dv-blog a{\n  color:#0b5dab;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;\n}\n.dv-blog a:hover{text-decoration:underline}\n.dv-blog .dv-lead{font-size:19px}\n.dv-blog .dv-banner{\n  position:relative;overflow:hidden;width:100%;\n  height:215px;margin:0 0 30px;border-radius:22px;\n  background:#eef1f4;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-banner img{\n  display:block;width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;\n  padding:0;border:0;object-fit:cover;\n  object-position:center;image-rendering:auto;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-info{\n  margin:28px 0;padding:20px 22px;\n  border:1px solid #dce7f2;border-radius:16px;\n  background:#f6f9fd;color:#425a74;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-warning{\n  margin:28px 0;padding:20px 22px;\n  border-left:4px solid #d79b35;\n  border-radius:12px;background:#fffaf0;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-cta{\n  margin:34px 0;padding:26px;border-radius:18px;\n  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b3a78,#1764bd);\n  color:#ffffff;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-cta h3{\n  margin:0 0 10px;color:#fff;font-size:23px;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-cta p{\n  margin:0 0 18px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.92);\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-cta a{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n  padding:12px 18px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff;\n  color:#0b3a78;font-size:15px;font-weight:850;\n  text-decoration:none;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-cta a:hover{\n  background:#e9f2ff;text-decoration:none;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-table-wrap{\n  margin:25px 0 30px;overflow-x:auto;\n  border:1px solid #dce7f2;border-radius:15px;\n}\n.dv-blog table{\n  width:100%;min-width:580px;border-collapse:collapse;\n  font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;\n}\n.dv-blog th{\n  padding:15px;background:#0b3a78;color:#fff;\n  text-align:left;font-weight:800;\n}\n.dv-blog td{\n  padding:15px;border-bottom:1px solid #e3ebf5;\n  vertical-align:top;\n}\n.dv-blog tbody tr:nth-child(even){background:#f7faff}\n.dv-blog tbody tr:last-child td{border-bottom:0}\n.dv-blog .dv-related{\n  margin:38px 0 25px;padding:24px;\n  border:1px solid #e1e9f3;border-radius:18px;\n  background:#f8fbff;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-related h3{margin:0 0 15px}\n.dv-blog .dv-related ul{margin-bottom:0}\n.dv-blog .dv-faq{\n  margin:16px 0;padding:18px 20px;\n  border:1px solid #e1e9f3;border-radius:14px;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-faq h3{\n  margin:0 0 10px;font-size:19px;\n}\n.dv-blog .dv-faq p{margin:0}\n.dv-blog .dv-social{\n  margin-top:34px;padding-top:22px;\n  border-top:1px solid #e3ebf5;color:#526b84;\n}\n@media(max-width:900px){\n  .dv-blog .dv-banner{height:190px}\n}\n@media(max-width:700px){\n  .dv-blog{font-size:16px;line-height:1.7}\n  .dv-blog h2{margin-top:34px;font-size:23px}\n  .dv-blog h3{font-size:19px}\n  .dv-blog .dv-lead{font-size:17px}\n  .dv-blog .dv-banner{\n    height:183px;margin-bottom:24px;border-radius:14px;\n  }\n  .dv-blog .dv-cta,.dv-blog .dv-related,\n  .dv-blog .dv-info,.dv-blog .dv-warning{padding:18px}\n  .dv-blog th,.dv-blog td{padding:12px}\n}\n@media(max-width:380px){\n  .dv-blog .dv-banner{height:165px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"dv-blog\">\n<div class=\"dv-banner\"><img src=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/remontis-kalkulatori.webp\" alt=\"Renovation budget of 20,000 GEL for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"dv-lead\"><strong>A renovation budget of 20,000 GEL<\/strong> \u2014 is it enough for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment in Georgia in 2026? It is one of the most common questions apartment owners ask. The answer depends on the condition of the apartment, the quality of materials and how carefully you plan your expenses.<\/p>\n<p>In this article we use a real example to show where every lari goes, what you can actually get for 20,000 GEL and where you can save money without sacrificing quality.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dv-info\"><strong>Short answer:<\/strong> for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment, 20,000 GEL \u2014 about 330 GEL per square meter \u2014 is enough for an <strong>economy renovation from white frame<\/strong> or a <strong>cosmetic refresh of an older apartment<\/strong>. For a full renovation from black frame, this amount is usually not enough.<\/div>\n<h2>Renovation budget 2026: what does 330 GEL per square meter mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Renovation prices in Georgia depend mainly on the starting condition of the apartment. The closer you start to &#8220;zero&#8221;, the more work is needed and the higher the cost. Approximate prices for 2026 look like this:<\/p>\n<div class=\"dv-table-wrap\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Apartment condition<\/th>\n<th>Price per m\u00b2 (economy\u2013standard)<\/th>\n<th>60 m\u00b2 apartment<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Black frame<\/td>\n<td>400\u2013900 GEL<\/td>\n<td>24,000\u201354,000 GEL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Green frame<\/td>\n<td>350\u2013700 GEL<\/td>\n<td>21,000\u201342,000 GEL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>White frame<\/td>\n<td>300\u2013550 GEL<\/td>\n<td>18,000\u201333,000 GEL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cosmetic renovation<\/td>\n<td>150\u2013280 GEL<\/td>\n<td>9,000\u201316,800 GEL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>The table shows that 20,000 GEL is realistic for an economy-class renovation from white frame, while for a cosmetic renovation some money will even be left for furniture and appliances.<\/p>\n<h2>Where the 20,000 GEL goes: a real breakdown<\/h2>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a 60 m\u00b2 two-bedroom apartment in white frame: walls and floor screed are ready, and the electrical wiring is done. In the economy-standard class, the renovation budget is split roughly like this:<\/p>\n<div class=\"dv-table-wrap\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Work<\/th>\n<th>Materials + labor<\/th>\n<th>Share<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Heating: boiler + 5 radiators + installation<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 4,000 GEL<\/td>\n<td>20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bathroom: tiles, sanitary ware, installation<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 4,200 GEL<\/td>\n<td>21%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Walls and ceiling: putty, paint<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 3,500 GEL<\/td>\n<td>17.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Flooring: laminate + skirting<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 3,300 GEL<\/td>\n<td>16.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Interior doors (4 pcs)<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 1,800 GEL<\/td>\n<td>9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Electrical finishing: sockets, lighting<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 1,200 GEL<\/td>\n<td>6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Reserve for unexpected costs<\/td>\n<td>\u2248 2,000 GEL<\/td>\n<td>10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>\u2248 20,000 GEL<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>100%<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Note: this budget <strong>does not include kitchen furniture, appliances or soft furniture<\/strong>. These often add another 5,000\u201310,000 GEL, so decide in advance whether you include them in the renovation budget or plan them separately.<\/p>\n<h2>What you can&#8217;t get for 20,000 GEL<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A full renovation from black frame<\/strong> \u2014 you also need partitions, screed, electrical and plumbing installation, so a 60 m\u00b2 apartment needs at least 24,000 GEL.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Premium materials<\/strong> \u2014 three-layer parquet, large-format porcelain tiles or stretch ceilings in every room quickly increase the budget.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A design project and built-in furniture<\/strong> \u2014 calculate their cost separately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to save on your renovation budget without losing quality<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Buy materials yourself<\/strong> and compare prices in 2\u20133 stores. The same laminate can differ in price by 20\u201330%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use partner discounts.<\/strong> In <a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/\">Datvale<\/a>&#8216;s <a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/partners\/\">partner stores<\/a> you get up to 10\u201325% off sanitary ware, tiles and flooring.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t save on hidden work.<\/strong> Plumbing, waterproofing and electrics are expensive to fix later \u2014 replacing them means breaking walls.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Save on decor.<\/strong> Use expensive tiles only on an accent wall and quality paint everywhere else.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agree on a fixed labor price.<\/strong> Ask for a written estimate for each job, not just a &#8220;daily rate&#8221;.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"dv-warning\"><strong>Keep in mind:<\/strong> a 10% reserve is not &#8220;extra&#8221; money. Almost every renovation brings additional work: a crooked wall, extra adhesive, transport or a broken tile. Without a reserve, renovations often stop halfway.<\/div>\n<h2>Renovation budget by room: a detailed plan for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment<\/h2>\n<p>When your renovation budget is just one big number on paper, it is very easy to lose control of it. It works much better to split the money by room. That way you can see exactly which space &#8220;eats&#8221; the most money and where you can afford to compromise. Below is a typical breakdown for a 60 m\u00b2 two-bedroom apartment renovated from white frame.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"dv-fig\" style=\"margin:26px 0 30px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/renovation-budget-breakdown-60m2.webp\" alt=\"Renovation budget of 20,000 GEL: cost breakdown for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment\" width=\"1200\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:16px;border:1px solid #dce7f2\"><\/figure>\n<h3>The bathroom: the most expensive square meter<\/h3>\n<p>The bathroom is only 6\u20138% of the apartment&#8217;s floor area, yet it takes almost one fifth of the renovation budget. The reason is simple: this is where floor and wall tiles, waterproofing, plumbing points, the toilet, sink, shower or bathtub, mixers and ventilation all come together. In the economy class, a 4\u20135 m\u00b2 bathroom costs roughly 3,800\u20134,500 GEL. If you choose a wall-hung toilet, large-format tiles and a walk-in shower, that figure can easily pass 7,000 GEL.<\/p>\n<h3>The kitchen: construction work and furniture are separate<\/h3>\n<p>In the kitchen, the renovation budget should be split into two parts. The first part is the construction work: leveling the walls, the tiled backsplash, sockets, lighting and flooring. This is about 1,200\u20131,800 GEL. The second part is kitchen furniture and appliances, which range from 3,000 to 12,000 GEL. That is exactly why we listed furniture separately in the table: if you include it in the renovation budget, 20,000 GEL will clearly not be enough.<\/p>\n<h3>Living room and bedrooms: large area, moderate cost<\/h3>\n<p>In living spaces, the main costs are wall putty, painting and flooring. Preparing and painting 1 m\u00b2 of wall twice costs about 22\u201330 GEL in the economy class, including labor and materials, while 1 m\u00b2 of laminate with skirting and installation costs 45\u201360 GEL. So despite their size, these rooms are the most predictable part of the renovation budget.<\/p>\n<h3>Hallway and entrance: small things that add up<\/h3>\n<p>In the hallway, people often forget the entrance door reveals, the wardrobe niche, extra lights and a mirror. Each is cheap on its own, but together they come to 600\u20131,000 GEL. If you do not write this down in advance, the money will automatically come out of your reserve.<\/p>\n<h2>Renovation budget in three classes: economy, standard and premium<\/h2>\n<p>The same 60 m\u00b2 apartment can cost three times as much to renovate depending on the choices you make. The difference is mostly in the class of materials: laminate thickness, tile format, plumbing brand, door type and the ceiling solution. Labor costs also rise, because expensive materials require more precise and slower installation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"dv-fig\" style=\"margin:26px 0 30px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/renovation-budget-classes-2026.webp\" alt=\"Renovation budget in economy, standard and premium class for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment\" width=\"1200\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:16px;border:1px solid #dce7f2\"><\/figure>\n<p>In our experience, most apartment owners choose the &#8220;standard&#8221; class, but plan their renovation budget around the &#8220;economy&#8221; class. This is the most common reason a renovation stalls halfway. Before you pick materials, decide which class you are in and stay in it in every room.<\/p>\n<h3>Where it pays to upgrade<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mixers and plumbing<\/strong>: you use them every day, and a cheap mixer starts dripping within 1\u20132 years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kitchen and hallway flooring<\/strong>: these areas get the heaviest traffic, so class 33 laminate or porcelain tiles are the better choice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The entrance door<\/strong>: security and sound insulation are not the place to save.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Where economy class is perfectly fine<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bedroom walls<\/strong>: a good but simple paint is completely sufficient.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interior doors<\/strong>: laminated MDF doors look good and cost far less than solid wood.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Decorative lighting<\/strong>: you can add it at any time, even after the renovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Renovation budget by stage: when to pay for what<\/h2>\n<p>A renovation budget is not only about &#8220;how much&#8221;; it is also about &#8220;when&#8221;. The money is not spent all at once, and if you plan the payment schedule in advance you will feel much less stress. In a 60 m\u00b2 apartment where the renovation takes 2\u20133 months, spending is distributed roughly like this:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>First 2 weeks (35\u201340%)<\/strong>: the heating system, plumbing pipes, electrical corrections and waterproofing. This is hidden work, so it comes first.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weeks 3\u20136 (30\u201335%)<\/strong>: putty, bathroom tiles, the kitchen backsplash and ceilings. This stage has the most labor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weeks 7\u20139 (20\u201325%)<\/strong>: painting, flooring, doors, final plumbing installation, sockets and lights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Completion (5\u201310%)<\/strong>: cleaning, small fixes and the reserve that covers unexpected costs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The main advantage of this schedule is that you can see when you will need the most cash. If your renovation budget is partly financed by a loan or installments, you should already have the money for the first two stages in hand.<\/p>\n<h2>Labor vs materials: how the renovation budget is split<\/h2>\n<p>In Georgia, labor makes up on average 35\u201345% of an economy-standard renovation, and materials 55\u201365%. The ratio changes with the type of work: putty and painting are labor-heavy, while plumbing and heating are material-heavy. In a 20,000 GEL renovation budget, that is roughly 8,000 GEL of labor and 12,000 GEL of materials.<\/p>\n<p>There are three main ways to pay for labor: a fixed price per square meter, a fixed price for the whole project, and a daily rate. To keep your renovation budget under control, the first two are the safest, because with a daily rate you do not control how long the job takes, and therefore its price. We cover this topic in detail in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/contractor-price-increase-7-tricks\/\">Contractor price increase: 7 tricks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>7 hidden costs that inflate your renovation budget<\/h2>\n<p>Every major job shows up in a cost estimate, but there are expenses that almost always get missed. These are the ones that push the final total up by 10\u201315%:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Carrying materials up and down the stairs<\/strong>: without an elevator or for large volumes, 300\u2013600 GEL.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Construction waste removal<\/strong>: 2\u20133 trips cost 150\u2013400 GEL.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A 10% material surplus<\/strong>: tiles and laminate are lost in cutting, so you always need to buy more.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extra putty and adhesive<\/strong>: on uneven walls, consumption is 20\u201330% above the norm.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Installation consumables<\/strong>: fixings, silicone, profiles and anchors. Cheap individually, but 300\u2013500 GEL in total.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tool or equipment rental<\/strong>: some contractors do not own everything and add the cost separately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Changing the plan mid-project<\/strong>: &#8220;let&#8217;s add one more socket here&#8221; is the most expensive sentence in any renovation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This list shows why a 10% reserve is an essential part of the renovation budget and not a luxury.<\/p>\n<h2>How to build a renovation budget step by step<\/h2>\n<p>A well-prepared renovation budget takes one evening, but it protects you from overspending for months. Here are the 8 steps we use on every project:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"dv-fig\" style=\"margin:26px 0 30px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/renovation-budget-8-steps.webp\" alt=\"How to build a renovation budget in 8 steps\" width=\"1200\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:16px;border:1px solid #dce7f2\"><\/figure>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Measure the apartment<\/strong>: floor, wall and ceiling areas for each room separately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>List every job<\/strong>: room by room, including small details.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose a quality class<\/strong>: economy, standard or premium, and stick to it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Calculate material quantities<\/strong>: with a 10% surplus.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Collect 2\u20133 quotes<\/strong>: for both materials and labor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add the hidden costs<\/strong>: transport, waste and consumables.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Set aside a 10% reserve<\/strong>: and do not spend it on decor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Draw up a payment schedule<\/strong>: by stage, as described above.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Most of this process is done automatically in Datvale&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/renovation-calculator\/\">renovation calculator<\/a>: you enter the area, rooms and class, and the calculator works out material quantities and labor prices for you.<\/p>\n<h2>Renovation budget in an old apartment: what changes?<\/h2>\n<p>If you are renovating an old Soviet-era apartment instead of a new building, the renovation budget has to be planned differently. You often need to remove old tiles and plaster, replace all the wiring, change old pipes and upgrade the windows. Demolition alone costs 1,500\u20133,000 GEL for 60 m\u00b2, including waste removal.<\/p>\n<p>That is why 20,000 GEL is realistic in an old apartment only if the wiring and pipes have already been replaced and only cosmetic and surface work is needed. Otherwise, plan for 25,000\u201330,000 GEL or split the work into stages.<\/p>\n<h2>A real example: how one family fit into 20,000 GEL<\/h2>\n<p>Take a typical case: a young family bought a 60 m\u00b2 apartment in white frame in Vake. Their renovation budget was 20,000 GEL. First they did the heating and the bathroom in the standard class, because that is everyday comfort and very hard to change later. In the bedrooms and hallway they chose economy-class laminate and paint, and they bought the kitchen furniture separately six months later.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to discounts at partner stores they saved about 1,400 GEL on materials, and only 1,100 GEL of the reserve was spent. In the end, the renovation budget closed at 19,700 GEL. This example shows that even a limited amount is enough if your priorities are set in advance.<\/p>\n<h2>Financing a renovation budget: savings, a loan or installments?<\/h2>\n<p>For many families, the renovation budget is not funded by savings alone. In Georgia the three most common options are your own savings, a consumer or renovation loan, and buying materials in installments at partner stores. Each has its own advantages and risks.<\/p>\n<h3>Savings<\/h3>\n<p>This is the cheapest and most flexible option: you pay no interest and control the pace of work yourself. The downside is that saving up takes time, and material prices may rise in the meantime. If you already have 60\u201370% of the renovation budget, it often makes sense to start with the hidden work and add the rest gradually.<\/p>\n<h3>A loan<\/h3>\n<p>A loan lets you finish the renovation quickly in one go, but the final cost grows by the amount of interest. Before borrowing, calculate the monthly payment and compare it with the rent you pay while the renovation is underway. If finishing sooner saves you several months of rent, a loan can make financial sense.<\/p>\n<h3>Installments on materials<\/h3>\n<p>Many building supply stores offer interest-free or low-interest installments. This is a good way to buy expensive items such as a boiler, radiators, plumbing or flooring on time and spread the renovation budget over several months. Read the terms carefully: sometimes discounts do not apply when you pay in installments.<\/p>\n<h2>5 mistakes that wreck a renovation budget<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Buying materials before the estimate.<\/strong> Tiles bought on sale are often too few, too many or a poor match for the design.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choosing a contractor on price alone.<\/strong> The cheapest offer often means part of the work is not included and will be added later.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Verbal agreements.<\/strong> Without a written estimate, it is impossible to prove what was agreed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spending the reserve on decor.<\/strong> The reserve is for unexpected work, not for a nicer lamp.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not tracking expenses.<\/strong> Record every receipt in one spreadsheet so you always know how much of the renovation budget is left.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Renovation budget by apartment size: 40, 60 and 80 m\u00b2<\/h2>\n<p>We are often asked how the renovation budget changes if the apartment is smaller or larger. Simple proportion does not work here: every apartment has a bathroom, a kitchen and a heating system, and their cost depends less on floor area. That is why the price per m\u00b2 is higher in a small apartment and relatively lower in a large one.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>40 m\u00b2 one-bedroom apartment<\/strong>: about 14,000\u201316,000 GEL from white frame in the economy class, or 350\u2013400 GEL per m\u00b2. Here the bathroom and heating make up almost half the budget.<\/li>\n<li><strong>60 m\u00b2 two-bedroom apartment<\/strong>: 18,000\u201321,000 GEL, as discussed in detail in this article.<\/li>\n<li><strong>80 m\u00b2 three-bedroom apartment<\/strong>: 23,000\u201327,000 GEL. If there is a second bathroom, add another 3,500\u20134,500 GEL.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Checklist: before you start the renovation<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>You have a written estimate for every job, with unit prices.<\/li>\n<li>You know what is and is not included in the contractor&#8217;s price (delivery, waste, consumables).<\/li>\n<li>You have agreed a payment schedule by stage rather than paying the full amount upfront.<\/li>\n<li>You have chosen the main materials and know their delivery times.<\/li>\n<li>You have set aside a 10% reserve and keep it separately.<\/li>\n<li>You have a spreadsheet where you will record every expense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you can say &#8220;yes&#8221; to every item on this list, your renovation budget is realistic and it is safe to start. If you have doubts about any point, it is better to delay the start by a week and clarify everything than to have to stop in the middle of the work.<\/p>\n<h3>Summary<\/h3>\n<p>20,000 GEL is a realistic amount for a 60 m\u00b2 apartment if it is in white frame, you choose the economy-standard class and you plan furniture separately. Three things decide whether your renovation budget closes successfully: a detailed estimate by room, a 10% reserve and a payment schedule by stage. Save on decor, never on hidden work, compare materials across several stores, use partner discounts and record every expense.<\/p>\n<h2>How to calculate my apartment&#8217;s renovation budget accurately?<\/h2>\n<p>The figures above are approximate. The exact cost of your apartment depends on the area, number of rooms and bathrooms, and the quality you choose. So before you start, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/renovation-calculator\/\">renovation calculator<\/a> \u2014 in a few minutes you&#8217;ll get a detailed estimate of materials and labor.<\/p>\n<p>To follow price trends, the construction materials price data published by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geostat.ge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Geostat<\/a> is also useful.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dv-cta\">\n<h3>Calculate your renovation budget<\/h3>\n<p>Enter the apartment area and condition \u2014 the calculator will show how much renovation costs in economy, standard and premium class.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/renovation-calculator\/\">Renovation calculator \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>Is 20,000 GEL enough to renovate a 60 m\u00b2 apartment?<\/h3>\n<p>For an economy renovation from white frame \u2014 yes. A full renovation from black frame needs about 24,000 GEL or more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>What share of the renovation budget goes to labor?<\/h3>\n<p>On average 35\u201345%. The rest goes to materials. The exact ratio depends on the complexity of the work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>What can be postponed until after the renovation?<\/h3>\n<p>Decor, curtains, some light fixtures and soft furniture. Hidden work (plumbing, electrics, waterproofing) must be done right from the start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>How much more expensive did renovation become in 2026?<\/h3>\n<p>Material and labor prices rise every year, so always use current prices and a calculator when planning your budget.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>What renovation budget per m\u00b2 should I plan in 2026?<\/h3>\n<p>From white frame, about 300\u2013350 GEL in the economy class, 400\u2013550 GEL in the standard class and from 650 GEL in the premium class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>Should furniture be part of the renovation budget?<\/h3>\n<p>It is better to plan it separately. Kitchen furniture and appliances add 5,000\u201310,000 GEL in a 60 m\u00b2 apartment, and mixing them with construction work makes the budget harder to control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-faq\">\n<h3>What if my renovation budget runs out halfway?<\/h3>\n<p>Pause the decorative work and finish the hidden work, the bathroom and the flooring first. Decor and lighting can be added later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dv-related\">\n<h3>You may also like<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/how-much-does-a-white-frame-apartment-renovation-cost\/\">How much does a white frame apartment renovation cost?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/how-much-does-a-black-frame-apartment-renovation-cost-in-georgia-in-2026\/\">How much does a black frame renovation cost in 2026?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/10-most-expensive-renovation-mistakes-in-georgia\/\">The 10 most expensive renovation mistakes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/renovation-material-prices-2026\/\">Renovation material costs 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"dv-social\">Prices in this article are approximate and depend on the specific property. Updated: October 2026. Follow us on <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/datvale.ge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/@datvale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What you can really get for 20,000 GEL in a 60 m\u00b2 apartment in 2026 \u2014 a detailed cost breakdown and saving tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":23565,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[293,288],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renovation","category-remonti"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23554"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24266,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23554\/revisions\/24266"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/datvale.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}