Most Dhaka apartments are not designed — they are inherited. Whether you have purchased a resale apartment with a dated interior, moved into a new development with builder-grade finishes, or simply outgrown the way a space was originally configured, apartment renovation in Dhaka is one of the highest-ROI investments a homeowner can make. This guide covers the full renovation spectrum — from cosmetic refreshes to structural reconfiguration — with honest cost guidance and practical advice on how to manage the process.
Types of Apartment Renovation
Cosmetic Refresh
New paint throughout, replacement flooring, updated lighting fixtures, new hardware on existing cabinetry, new curtains and soft furnishings. No structural changes, no major works. Timeline: 2–4 weeks. Cost: ৳3L–৳10L for a typical 3-bedroom apartment. Appropriate when the layout works and the structure is sound but the aesthetic has dated or accumulated damage.
Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrade
New kitchen cabinets, countertops, sink, and appliances; new bathroom tiles, sanitaryware, and fixtures. The highest-ROI renovation investment for resale value in Dhaka. Timeline: 4–8 weeks. Cost: ৳8L–৳25L depending on specification and number of bathrooms.
Full Interior Renovation
Complete redesign of all interior surfaces, built-in joinery, flooring, lighting, and fixtures throughout the apartment. Everything replaced or refinished. Timeline: 2–4 months. Cost: ৳1,200–৳3,000 per sq ft.
Structural Reconfiguration
Removing or adding internal walls to change the apartment’s layout — opening a kitchen to the living area, combining two smaller bedrooms into one larger one, creating a dedicated home office. Requires structural assessment and building management approval. Timeline: 3–5 months. Cost: Full renovation cost plus ৳5L–৳20L additional for structural works.
Before You Start: Key Questions
- Are you planning to stay or sell? Renovation for living prioritises what you love; renovation for resale prioritises what buyers value. These are not always the same thing.
- What are the building restrictions? Many Dhaka apartment developments have rules about structural changes, external modifications, and working hours for contractors. Clarify before designing.
- What is the condition of MEP? Electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning systems in older Dhaka apartments may need upgrading alongside cosmetic renovation. Budget for an MEP assessment early.
- What can be kept? Identify what is genuinely worth keeping — a well-proportioned wardrobe, a good quality bathroom, a functional kitchen layout — before deciding to replace everything. Keeping what works reduces cost and disruption.
Apartment Renovation Cost Guide — Dhaka 2025
| Renovation Type | Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | ৳3L–৳10L | 2–4 weeks |
| Kitchen + Bathrooms | ৳8L–৳25L | 4–8 weeks |
| Full Interior (per sq ft) | ৳1,200–৳3,000 | 2–4 months |
| Structural + Full Interior | ৳1,500–৳4,000 per sq ft | 3–5 months |
Managing the Renovation Process
Apartment renovation in a city as busy as Dhaka requires careful coordination: working hour restrictions in residential buildings, lift access for materials, noise management with neighbours, and dust control are all logistical realities. House De Arch’s project management approach includes a detailed construction programme shared with building management before works start, daily site supervision, and a dedicated client liaison who provides weekly progress updates throughout the renovation.
Related: Residential Interior Design Guide | Modern Apartment Design | Luxury Home Design Dhaka
Planning an apartment renovation in Dhaka? Contact House De Arch — free initial consultation, no obligation.