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Guide to renovating a house in 2025
Sommaire
Why renovate a house?
Renovating a house is an opportunity to:
- Adapt the home to your lifestyle
- Save on energy bills
- Improve day-to-day comfort for occupants
- Increase the property's market value
To tailor the interior to your lifestyle
Your needs evolve—your home should keep pace. Renovating ensures every square metre serves your current and future life.
Examples of ways to align your home with your lifestyle:
- Turn a study into a child's bedroom to welcome a new family member.
- Open the kitchen onto the living room to create a larger, more convivial living area.
- Convert the attic to give a teenager a more independent space, or to create a secluded primary suite.
- Add bespoke storage to optimize every corner and declutter living areas.
At Maison Kyka, we offer a turnkey renovation of your house. Our interior design studio, our project managers and our craftsmen work closely with you to shape a home that fits your daily life.
To save energy
A poorly insulated home or an outdated heating system drives up energy use, bills, and your household’s environmental footprint. Renovating is your chance to regain control over consumption. By targeting the right works, you can drastically reduce running costs while enhancing long-term value.
Key levers to cut energy expenses:
- Roof and wall insulation: according to ADEME, up to 40 % of heat can escape through a under-insulated roof and up to 25 % through walls.
- Window upgrades: installing enhanced-insulation double glazing reduces heat loss.
- Efficient heating: replacing an old oil or gas boiler with a heat pump or pellet boiler can halve the bill in some cases.
- Smart controls: adding a programmable thermostat or connected devices help optimize consumption.
Note
Beyond immediate savings, these works help you anticipate regulatory changes. For example, since 1 January 2025, homes rated G on the French DPE scale are banned from rental (Climate & Resilience Law).
At Maison Kyka, we help you pinpoint the most cost-effective works based on your budget, usage patterns, and the home’s current performance.
To improve comfort and safety
Older houses don’t always meet today’s comfort and safety standards. Renovation can create a more pleasant, healthier living environment.
Examples of comfort-boosting works:
- Install a more efficient heating system to avoid cold rooms and temperature variations from one room to another.
- Upgrade window and door insulation to eliminate cold -wall sensations near glazing or exterior walls.
- Improve interior acoustics by adding sound insulation (walls, floors, ceilings) for more peace and quiet.
- Rethink lighting can have a major impact on comfort.
Beyond comfort, renovating also strengthens safety:
- Bring electrics up to code: in homes built before the 1990s, poorly placed outlets, exposed wires, or obsolete panels can pose real electrocution or fire risks.
- Plumbing overhaul: replacing ageing pipework helps prevent leaks and mould.
- Ventilation upgrades: a suitable mechanical ventilation system (VMC) reduces humidity and protects occupants from indoor pollutants.
- Effective ventilation: single- or dual-flow VMC helps maintain healthy air by limiting humidity and improving air quality.
- Secure stairs, balconies and guardrails: often overlooked elements that should meet standards to prevent falls and accidents.
To increase the property's market value
The charm of the old combined with modern comfort is particularly prized. When done intelligently, renovation allows increase property's value. It may be more profitable to renovate a house before selling it than to sell it with work to be done.
High-impact renovation works that tend to boost value:
- Energy performance upgrades: a strong DPE rating reassures buyers and attracts rental investors.
- Modernise strategic rooms: kitchens and bathrooms are centrepieces that often support a higher sale price.
- Update electrics, plumbing, heating: a safe home with no heavy works pending is easier to sell.
- Polished finishes : durable materials, harmonious colours, and functional layouts help trigger that “love at first sight” during viewings.
Note
Don’t overestimate certain works—prioritise visible, profitable upgrades aligned with the property’s market positioning.
At Maison Kyka, our buyer’s agents and interior designers support you through every step of buying a property and its renovation. Our goal: help you make sound choices that sustainably increase the value of your (future) home.
”I was supported by Maison Kyka throughout my project and I’m very satisfied with the result! All teams listened carefully and fully understood my expectations. I highly recommend Maison Kyka to anyone seeking a bespoke, innovative real estate project!
Olivier Dhalluin
What kind of works should you plan for a home renovation?
A wide range of works can be considered when renovating a house:
- Demolition and new partition walls
- Thermal and acoustic insulation
- Window and frame replacement
- Heating system replacement
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
- New or upgraded ventilation system
- Painting ceilings and walls
- New flooring coverings
- Kitchen renovation
- Attic conversion
- Bathroom renovation
Demolition (if needed) and partitioning
To build anew, you sometimes have to deconstruct the old. During renovation, parts of the house may be removed, altered, or reorganised to redistribute volumes more coherently.
The idea is to remove only what hinders optimisation or modernisation.
Common examples of useful demolition:
- Knock down a partition to open the kitchen to the living room or enlarge a main room.
- Remove an old fireplace to free up space and modernise the layout.
- Dismantle a false ceiling to gain height and light.
- Take down a load-bearing wall only if technically feasible.
Note
Any demolition—especially involving a load-bearing wall or older structure—must be preceded by a technical assessment to avoid collapse risks or structural weakness.
Once spaces are cleared, partitioning re-organises the house using appropriate materials:
- Drywall (plasterboard type): quick to install, ideal for easily separating rooms.
- Acoustic partitions: recommended to keep bedrooms quiet.
- Moisture-resistant partitions: for wet rooms as bathrooms and utility rooms.
- Glass partitions: to define areas while letting light pass through.
Note
These works are also an opportunity to route—and conceal—electrical runs, plumbing, or ventilation ducting.
Thermal and acoustic insulation
Thermal insulation limits heat loss in winter and keeps interiors cool in summer. Priority areas:
- Attic and roof: primary escape route for heat.
- Walls: can account for 15–25 % of losses; can be insulated internally or externally.
- Floor: insulating ground floors reduces cold-floor sensations on the ground level.
Note
Common materials include glass wool, rock wool, polyurethane, or bio-based options such as hemp or cellulose wadding.
For acoustics, the goal is to reduce noise from outside or adjacent rooms. Options include:
- Insulate party walls
- Install an acoustic false ceiling between two floors of the house
NOTE
Thermal and acoustic insulation often go hand in hand. Rock wool, for instance, offers excellent performance on both fronts.
Replacing windows and frames
Upgrading windows and frames is a powerful lever for thermal and acoustic comfort. Old single-glazed units let in cold, humidity, and draughts—driving energy loss, higher bills, and a persistent chill even with the heating on.
Key points to consider:
- Glazing: choose enhanced-insulation double glazing (e.g., 4/16/4) or triple glazing for north-facing homes or very cold climates.
- Frames: aluminium, PVC, timber, or mixed (timber/aluminium)—each has pros. PVC is economical, timber is noble, aluminium is highly durable.
- Airtightness: proper installation prevents air and water infiltration.
- Shutters: replacing or motorising shutters can improve both insulation and security.
In historic or protected buildings, mind planning rules: certain materials or window types may be required by the Architectes des Bâtiments de France (ABF).
At Maison Kyka, we recommend high-performance windows for their impact on both comfort and running costs.
Installing an efficient heating system
An old, poorly regulated, or ill-suited heating system often means discomfort, wasted energy, and high bills.
Modern systems use less energy, heat better, and can be controlled to match usage hour-by-hour—room-by-room.
Common solutions in house renovations:
- Air-to-water heat pump: ideal when replacing an oil boiler; can feed underfloor heating or existing water radiators.
- Pellet stove: quickly heats a large living area and reduces reliance on central heating.
- Gas condensing boiler: efficient—an alternative if you’re already connected to gas.
- Electric inertia radiators: far more effective than basic convectors, providing a steady, gentle heat.
Note
Wherever you live in France, rooftop solar panels can efficiently—and profitably—power electrical appliances, heat domestic hot water, and increase the property’s value.
At Maison Kyka, we help you select the most suitable heating solution for your habits and your home’s specificities.
Electrics and plumbing
What’s behind the walls matters as much as what meets the eye.
For older houses, upgrading electrics helps:
- Improve safety: a non-compliant system (vs. NF C 15-100) poses electrocution or fire risks.
- Match modern use: new circuits, added outlets (including RJ45 for internet), and re-planned lighting.
On the plumbing side, common interventions include:
- Replace ageing pipes (often made of lead or galvanizsed steel) that risk of corrosion or leaks.
- Optimise water networks: by moving supplies and drains, you can re-layout kitchens or bathrooms.
- Install water-saving equipment: thermostatic taps, dual-flush toilets, smart water heaters, etc.
Ventilation
Ventilation is often overlooked, yet it’s critical to comfort and durability. Poorly ventilated homes accumulate humidity and degrade indoor air quality—bad for both health and materials.
Upgrading ventilation renews air continuously without needless heat loss, prevents mould (especially in wet rooms), and limits unpleasant odours.
Common solutions in renovated homes:
- Single-flow humidity-sensing VMC: automatically adjusts airflow to humidity levels.
- Dual-flow VMC: recovers heat from extracted air to warm incoming air.
- Assisted natural ventilation: in some cases, existing ducts can be paired with extractors to improve circulation without a full rebuild.
Painting ceilings and walls
Repainting is a quick, high-impact intervention to enhance natural light and personalise rooms.
Signals it may be time to repaint:
- Peeling, yellowing, or hairline cracking paint.
- Black marks near windows, on ceilings, or around heat sources.
- Visible traces from repairs (patching, new partitions, added outlets).
- You’ve fallen out of love with the colours or overall mood.
Note
Beyond aesthetics, paint also protects surfaces.
At Maison Kyka, our painters tailor techniques to each space—washable, breathable, matte or satin—with a consistently high-end finish. With our interior design studio, you simply choose the palette.
Installing floor coverings
Flooring upgrades improve comfort, maintenance, acoustics, and the sense of space—and correct flaws in older floors (unevenness, creaks, worn or unsuitable materials).
Popular options by room and need:
- Engineered or semi-solid parquet: warm and elegant—ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
- Tile: robust and easy-care for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Vinyl or PVC floor: budget-friendly, easy to lay, convincingly mimics wood or concrete—great for high-traffic rooms.
- Polished concrete or resin: sleek, joint-free surfaces suited to contemporary interiors.
- Carpet: valued for acoustic and thermal comfort, especially in bedrooms.
NOTE
Consider heating: some floors work better than others over underfloor systems.
Kitchen renovation
The kitchen is a central living space. Over time, the original layout may no longer serve you—furniture wears out, appliances date, circulation becomes awkward. Renovating gives you a clean slate with a smarter layout and durable materials.
Typical upgrades:
- Replace base and wall units with more ergonomic modules (soft-close, pull-outs, corner solutions).
- Upgrade worktops to tougher materials (quartz, marble, recycled plastic, etc.).
- Rethink lighting (integrated spots, LED strips).
- Modernise appliances (built-in oven, induction hob, quiet hood, energy-efficient fridge).
- Refresh floors and walls for easier upkeep (tile, scrubbable paint, etc.).
NOTE
A modern, well-designed kitchen can have a significant impact when reselling a home, as it gives buyers the impression ofinvesting in a luxury property.
Attic conversion
Converting the attic increases living space, raises value, and creates a brand-new area.
Provided it’s properly insulated, ventilated, and high enough to move comfortably, the attic can become a bedroom, playroom, secluded office, or even a primary suite with bathroom.
Typical scope:
- Strengthen or modify the roof structure if it blocks usable space.
- Thermal (and sometimes acoustic) insulation for year-round comfort.
- Add roof windows or dormers for natural light.
- Install a technical floor, power, heating, and plumbing as needed.
- Fit a practical, safe staircase.
Note
For space to count as habitable in France, at least 1.80 m ceiling height is required over 60 % of the area. Below that, it can be fitted out but won’t count toward habitable surface (Carrez Law).
Bathroom and WC renovation
A renovated bathroom benefits everyone: easier daily routines, fewer slip risks, and an uplift to the entire home. It’s also a chance to install more water- and energy-efficient equipment.
Common upgrades:
- Replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower—safer and more practical for seniors and children.
- Fit a vanity with integrated storage to optimise space.
- Install wall-hung toilets for easier cleaning and a sleeker look.
- Bring plumbing and electrics up to standard, with watertight lighting and safe outlets.
- Replace wall and floor finishes with durable, non-slip, moisture-resistant materials.
At Maison Kyka, every renovation begins with a full survey and a prioritisation study. This strategic step produces a realistic timeline, a controlled budget, and a clear roadmap for the entire project.
“Maison Kyka is an incredible experience with an amazing team! I’m the proud new owner of a property sourced and fully refurbished by Maison Kyka. A first purchase can be complicated and daunting—being supported like this is simply the best possible experience!”
Jordan Lorho
The 6 stages of a renovation project
A house renovation typically unfolds in 6 stages:
- Identify and prioritise the works
- Evaluate the project budget (including available aid)
- Plan the works over time
- Complete required administrative procedures
- Select qualified trades
- Monitor the site through to handover
1. List and prioritise the renovation works
Start with a clear picture of your home’s current condition. This helps detect any structural issues and gauge the true scope of renovation.
That requires a technical survey of: roof, walls, floors, electrics, plumbing, heating, ventilation, joinery, etc.
Leverage the mandatory property diagnostics, such as:
- DPE (energy performance certificate)
- Electrical diagnostic
- Gas diagnostic
- Sanitation diagnostic
NOTE
If you don’t have recent diagnostics, call on certified RGE professionals or approved diagnosticians. These documents are also helpful for banks or potential buyers.
Once the works are listed, set priorities—everything can’t be done at once or with the same budget. Distinguish:
- Urgent works (e.g., roof replacement, dangerous electrical installation).
- Structural works (re-layout, opening walls, insulation).
- Technical works (heating, plumbing, ventilation).
- Finishes and interior fittings, to be positioned later (if necessary).
An architect or project lead can guide prioritisation, helping you avoid mistakes and imagine layouts you might not consider initially.
2. Define the works budget
Successful renovation starts with a well-structured budget. Separate tasks you can DIY (painting, small fittings, décor) from those requiring qualified professionals (structural works, electrics, plumbing, insulation).
Seek multiple quotes per trade. Compare proposals, check that each line item is clearly detailed, and ensure the specified materials meet your expectations for quality and durability.
NOTE
The best quote isn’t always the cheapest—it’s the one that’s precise, transparent, and realistic. Encourage trades to visit the house before quoting.
Include in your budget:
- Cost of diagnostics and any preliminary studies.
- Architect or project-manager fees if applicable.
- A contingency (5–15 %) for unforeseen issues.
- Administrative fees, insurance, and utility connections.
- Any financial aid you can claim (see below).
With your estimate ready, prepare the financing plan. Some banks require a detailed scope, signed quotes, and proof that contractors are insured and qualified. The clearer your file, the better your chances of securing a home-improvement loan or a mortgage that includes renovation.
At Maison Kyka, we help you build a realistic budget aligned with your project and financing capacity. We work transparently so you can make informed decisions from the earliest design phases.
”My experience with the team was outstanding. My architect understood my expectations perfectly and the project team was always attentive. The project was delivered on time and the final result is fantastic. I’m extremely satisfied with the service.”
Lyrod Levy
3. Schedule the works
In renovation, sequencing is crucial. A well-planned schedule prevents rework, unnecessary call-outs, and delivery delays.
Broadly, a house renovation unfolds in three phases—from structural to decorative:
- Structural works (gros œuvre): demolition, masonry, roof, frame, opening load-bearing walls, sanitation, etc.
- Second fix (second œuvre): electrics, plumbing, insulation, heating, windows/doors, partitions.
- Finishes: painting, floor coverings, bespoke joinery, décor, etc.
Note
Poor sequencing is costly—for example, painting before electrical or insulation works can mean doing it twice.
Please note, renovation project planning must also take into account:
- Lead times on materials (custom tile, fitted kitchen, exterior joinery, etc.).
- Trade availability, avoiding harmful overlaps or gaps.
- Your constraints: move-in date, living on site during works, loan deadlines, etc.
At Maison Kyka, a renovation project lead coordinates the site manager, technical director, craftspeople, and the procurement team to keep materials and equipment flowing. Each stage follows smoothly, on schedule, and to spec.
4. Complete administrative procedures
A common mistake is starting works without authorisation, assuming they’ll go unnoticed. In reality, many renovations require town-hall notification—or even a building permit. Anticipating paperwork avoids sanctions, delays, or rework.
Authorisations depend on scope:
- Prior declaration of works usually suffices when the structure isn’t altered (window replacement, façade refresh, small pergola or carport, etc.).
- Building permit is mandatory for extensions over 20 m², roof-raises, change of use (e.g., converting a garage to living space), or works affecting structural elements.
Note
Since 2017, if your house will measure 150 sqm or more after renovation, hiring an architect is mandatory in France. Homes in protected areas or near listed monuments may require a binding opinion from the ABF, which can impose constraints on materials, colours, or façade changes.
To avoid surprises, involve a professional familiar with local planning rules (PLU) who will ensure all documents are in order before works begin.
5. Choose qualified and certified trades
Renovating a house can involve many trades: mason, roofer, joiner, drywaller, electrician, plumber, heating engineer, painter, tiler—and sometimes specialists such as waterproofers, metalworkers, or solar installers.
To ensure that the work is carried out according to the rules of the art, several checks are required before signing the estimate from a craftsman:
Before signing a quote, check:
- The company’s legal existence (K-bis extract, SIRET number).
- Valid ten-year liability insurance.
- RGE certification (for works eligible for State aid—insulation, heating, windows, etc.).
- Verifiable references: project photos, client reviews, visitable sites.
Note
Trust matters as much as technical skill. A reliable contractor provides a detailed quote, takes time to discuss, respects deadlines, and remains reachable throughout.
At Maison Kyka, we work with our own team of craftspeople, selected for quality, transparency, and commitment. This gives us greater autonomy, higher standards on site, and fewer surprises.
6. Monitor the site through to handover
Before breaking ground, prepare the premises: clear the affected rooms, protect remaining furniture and flooring.
During works, regular site meetings help to:
- Validate completed stages before moving on
- Check materials and finishes meet spec
- Answer contractor questions and clarify details
- Keep the site on the agreed timeline
- Photograph technical elements (services, insulation, structure) before they’re concealed
Note
Photographing hidden elements (electrical runs, ducts, insulation under partitions) can be invaluable in case of disputes or future works.
The final step is handover. Before signing the handover report, inspect everything: equipment operation, finish quality, compliance with plans. If in doubt, you can list snagging items (reserves) and request corrections before final acceptance.
At Maison Kyka, every site has a dedicated project manager linking you, the site manager, craftspeople, and suppliers. We keep you updated step-by-step so you can follow progress with peace of mind.
“I’ve just acquired my second property and Maison Kyka handled everything from A to Z. From the search to the works, the architect captured my brief exactly—if not better! The team is responsive, which freed up my time and let me delegate the renovation with complete peace of mind. Thank you again—I highly recommend!”
Adrien Balikdjian
Available financial aid for renovating a house
Home renovation may be eligible for:
- MaPrimeRénov’
- MaPrimeRénov’ Sérénité
- Zero-interest eco-loan (éco-PTZ)
- Energy-savings certificates (CEE)
- Reduced VAT at 5.5 %
- Tax incentives (for listed homes or those in protected areas)
MaPrime Rénov'
MaPrime Rénov' is the best known aid to finance energy renovation work. Open to all owners—occupiers and landlords—without income conditions, though amounts vary by income bracket and type of works.
Eligible works (performed by RGE-certified companies) include:
- Insulating walls, attics, and floors
- Replacing heating with a more efficient solution (heat pump, pellet boiler, etc.)
- Installing dual-flow ventilation or solar thermal panels
MaPrimeRénov’ prioritises high-performance renovations—projects that significantly improve energy ratings.
Some expenses are not covered (extensions, purely cosmetic works, or renovations with no energy objective).
MaPrimeRenov' Serenity
MaPrimeRenov' Serenity is a enhanced version of MaPrimeRénov'. It is intended for owner-occupants with modest or very modest incomes who want to undertake a comprehensive renovation.
Eligibility:
- Owner-occupier of a home over 15 years old, in mainland France or overseas departments
- No zero-interest loan in the past 5 years (with exceptions)
- A package of works delivering at least 35 % energy savings
- Works carried out by RGE professionals
Zero-interest eco-loan (éco-PTZ)
The zero interest eco-loan, is an interest-free loan that allows you to finance your energy renovation work. It is awarded by partner banks of the State, and reimbursable over a period of up to 20 years.
This loan is open to all owners, occupants or lessors, with no resource requirements. It only concerns main residences built over two years ago, located in mainland France or overseas.
The amount of the loan granted depends on the number of work stations carried out:
- Up to €15,000 for a single station (e.g. attic insulation only).
- Up to €25,000 for a package of two seats.
- Up to €30,000 for three or more positions, or for a global renovation.
- Up to €50,000 if you carry out a global renovation that allows an energy gain of 35 %.
NOTE
The eco-zero interest loan (eco-PTZ) can be combined with MaPrimeRénov’.
Energy saving certificates
Les energy savings certificates (CEE) allow you to finance part of your work in the form of bonuses, paid directly or via partners.
This help is available to all households with no income requirement, although the amounts are higher for modest or very modest households.
Bonus amounts depend on:
- The type of works
- The treated surface area
- Household income level
NOTE
The Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) can be supplemented by the 'Coup de pouce énergie' scheme, which can provide up to €4,000 to finance the replacement of an old heating system (source : https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/dispositif-des-certificats-deconomies-denergie).
Reduced VAT at 5.5 %
As part of an energy renovation, some works benefit from a VAT reduced to 5.5 % instead of the standard rate of 20 %.
This reduced rate VAT only applies to homes completed more than two years ago, whether they are occupied by the owner or rented as a primary residence.
Here are some examples of jobs where 5.5 % VAT is applicable:
- Thermal insulation (attics, walls, floors, roofs)
- High-performance exterior joinery (double or triple glazing)
- Installing or replacing a more efficient heating system (condensing boiler, heat pump, wood stove, etc.)
