Planning a renovation in Taiwan without a clear budget can lead to unexpected expenses and delays. Whether you are moving into a new apartment or refreshing your current home, knowing the typical NT$ ranges per room helps you allocate funds wisely. This article provides a practical, evidence-based estimator based on common practices among Taipei-based contractors, IKEA Taiwan pricing, and local hardware suppliers like 特力屋 (B&Q Taiwan) and Homebox.
We cover six key rooms: living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, study/den, and balcony/utility area. Each section includes budget, mid-range, and premium tiers, with specific items and labor costs. For a broader overview of home setup costs, see our Complete Guide to Starting a Home in Taiwan.
Living Room Renovation Costs
The living room is often the largest space in a Taiwanese apartment, typically 8-15 ping (1 ping ≈ 3.3 m²). Renovation costs here range from NT$80,000 to NT$300,000+, depending on flooring, wall finishes, lighting, and built-in storage.
Budget Tier (NT$80,000, NT$120,000)
- Flooring: Vinyl plank flooring (PVC or SPC) from 特力屋 at NT$1,500, NT$2,500 per ping installed. For 10 ping: NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
- Paint: Dulux or Nippon Paint emulsion, two coats, labor included: NT$8,000, NT$15,000 for walls and ceiling.
- Lighting: Basic LED ceiling lights (Philips or Panasonic) from NT$2,000 each, 3 units: NT$6,000.
- Built-in storage: Simple wall-mounted shelves from IKEA (KALLAX or BESTÅ series) plus installation: NT$10,000, NT$20,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$130,000, NT$200,000)
- Flooring: Engineered wood (e.g., 科定 Keding or 永新 flooring) at NT$4,000, NT$6,000 per ping installed. 10 ping: NT$40,000, NT$60,000.
- Wall treatment: Accent wall with wood slats or textured wallpaper (e.g., from 隆美窗簾) plus paint: NT$20,000, NT$35,000.
- Lighting: Track lighting or dimmable downlights (Osram) with installation: NT$12,000, NT$18,000.
- Built-in storage: Custom TV cabinet and shelving unit from a local carpenter (e.g., 三商美福): NT$40,000, NT$60,000.
Premium Tier (NT$220,000, NT$350,000+)
- Flooring: Solid hardwood (oak or teak) at NT$8,000, NT$12,000 per ping installed. 10 ping: NT$80,000, NT$120,000.
- Wall treatment: Full wood paneling or stone veneer (e.g., 大理石 by 協聖石材): NT$60,000, NT$100,000.
- Lighting: Designer fixtures (FLOS or Artemide imported): NT$30,000, NT$60,000.
- Built-in storage: Fully custom floor-to-ceiling cabinets with soft-close hardware (Blum): NT$80,000, NT$120,000.
For small living rooms, consider small apartment layout ideas to maximize space without overspending on structural changes.
Kitchen Renovation Costs
Kitchens in Taiwan are often compact, around 3-6 ping. Full renovation including cabinets, countertops, appliances, and plumbing can range from NT$100,000 to NT$400,000+.
Budget Tier (NT$100,000, NT$160,000)
- Cabinets: Ready-to-assemble (RTA) units from IKEA (METOD series) for a 3‑ping kitchen: NT$30,000, NT$50,000 including installation.
- Countertop: Laminate (Wilsonart) or stainless steel: NT$10,000, NT$20,000 installed.
- Appliances: Basic induction cooktop (e.g., 櫻花 Sakura), range hood, and refrigerator (Toshiba): NT$35,000, NT$50,000.
- Plumbing & electrical: Minor pipe relocation and new outlets: NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$170,000, NT$250,000)
- Cabinets: Semi-custom from local manufacturers (e.g., 歐德 Order or 綠的家具): NT$60,000, NT$90,000.
- Countertop: Quartz (Caesarstone or Silestone) at NT$8,000, NT$12,000 per linear meter: NT$24,000, NT$36,000.
- Appliances: Mid-range gas hob (林內 Rinnai), built-in oven (Panasonic), and dishwasher (Bosch): NT$60,000, NT$80,000.
- Backsplash: Ceramic tile or glass mosaic: NT$10,000, NT$15,000.
Premium Tier (NT$280,000, NT$450,000+)
- Cabinets: Fully custom solid wood (teak or walnut) with soft-close and pull-out systems: NT$120,000, NT$180,000.
- Countertop: Natural granite or marble (imported from Italy or Brazil): NT$15,000, NT$25,000 per linear meter.
- Appliances: Professional-grade (Miele or Gaggenau) including steam oven, induction hob, and wine cooler: NT$150,000, NT$250,000.
- Flooring: Porcelain tile (unglazed) with underfloor heating: NT$20,000, NT$30,000.
Before you start, review first-time rental checklist to see which kitchen upgrades a landlord might cover.
Bathroom Renovation Costs
Bathrooms in Taiwan are typically 1.5-3 ping. A complete gut renovation can cost NT$60,000 to NT$200,000, with waterproofing being a critical expense.
Budget Tier (NT$60,000, NT$90,000)
- Waterproofing: Liquid membrane (e.g., 得利 Dulux waterproof coating) applied by contractor: NT$12,000, NT$18,000.
- Tiles: Ceramic wall and floor tiles from local supplier (e.g., 冠軍磁磚 Champion Tile): NT$15,000, NT$25,000 for 3 ping.
- Fixtures: Basic toilet (HCG or TOTO entry-level), sink, and faucet set: NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
- Shower: Simple fixed shower head and curtain: NT$3,000, NT$5,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$100,000, NT$150,000)
- Waterproofing: Cementitious waterproofing with multiple layers: NT$20,000, NT$30,000.
- Tiles: Porcelain or large-format tiles (60×60 cm or 30×90 cm) from 白馬磁磚: NT$30,000, NT$45,000.
- Fixtures: TOTO washlet toilet, vanity sink with storage, and mixer tap: NT$30,000, NT$50,000.
- Shower: Frameless glass enclosure and rain shower head: NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
Premium Tier (NT$160,000, NT$250,000+)
- Waterproofing: Industrial-grade polyurethane membrane plus drainage mat: NT$30,000, NT$40,000.
- Tiles: Natural stone (slate or travertine) or handmade ceramic: NT$50,000, NT$80,000.
- Fixtures: Designer toilet (Villeroy & Boch), wall-hung vanity, and thermostatic shower system (Hansgrohe): NT$60,000, NT$100,000.
- Heated floor: Electric underfloor heating (e.g., WarmlyYours): NT$20,000, NT$30,000.
High humidity in Taiwan makes proper ventilation essential. See our dehumidifier guide for Taiwan to avoid mold after bathroom renovation.
Bedroom Renovation Costs
A typical master bedroom in Taiwan is 5-8 ping. Renovation focuses on flooring, wardrobe, and lighting, with costs from NT$50,000 to NT$180,000.
Budget Tier (NT$50,000, NT$80,000)
- Flooring: Vinyl plank (SPC) from 特力屋: NT$10,000, NT$18,000 for 6 ping.
- Paint: Single color, two coats: NT$6,000, NT$10,000.
- Wardrobe: Ready-made sliding door wardrobe from IKEA (PAX system) with installation: NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
- Lighting: Ceiling fan with light (e.g., Panasonic): NT$4,000, NT$6,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$90,000, NT$130,000)
- Flooring: Engineered wood (Keding or 超耐磨木地板): NT$24,000, NT$36,000.
- Wall treatment: Accent wallpaper or fabric panel behind bed: NT$10,000, NT$18,000.
- Wardrobe: Custom built-in with internal lighting and drawers: NT$40,000, NT$60,000.
- Lighting: Dimmable downlights plus bedside pendant lamps: NT$10,000, NT$15,000.
Premium Tier (NT$140,000, NT$200,000+)
- Flooring: Solid wood parquet (oak herringbone): NT$48,000, NT$72,000.
- Wall treatment: Full-height wood slat wall or upholstered panels: NT$30,000, NT$50,000.
- Wardrobe: Floor-to-ceiling custom with leather handles and automatic lighting: NT$60,000, NT$90,000.
- Lighting & controls: Smart lighting system (Philips Hue) and motorized blackout curtains: NT$20,000, NT$30,000.
For space-saving furniture ideas in smaller bedrooms, read space-saving furniture in Taiwan.
Study / Den Renovation Costs
A study or home office is increasingly common in Taiwan, especially after the pandemic. For a 3-5 ping room, costs range from NT$40,000 to NT$120,000.
Budget Tier (NT$40,000, NT$60,000)
- Desk & shelving: IKEA LINNMON desk + KALLAX shelf unit: NT$5,000, NT$10,000.
- Flooring: Vinyl plank or laminate: NT$6,000, NT$12,000.
- Lighting: Task lamp (Yamada) and ceiling light: NT$3,000, NT$5,000.
- Cable management: Cord covers and surge protector: NT$2,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$65,000, NT$90,000)
- Desk & storage: Custom L-shaped desk with overhead cabinets: NT$30,000, NT$45,000.
- Flooring: Engineered wood: NT$18,000, NT$25,000.
- Acoustic treatment: Acoustic panels (e.g., from 音響店): NT$10,000, NT$15,000.
- Lighting: Adjustable track lights and smart LED strips: NT$8,000, NT$12,000.
Premium Tier (NT$100,000, NT$140,000+)
- Desk & storage: Solid wood custom desk with built-in PC cabinet and charging station: NT$50,000, NT$70,000.
- Flooring: Solid wood or high-end laminate: NT$25,000, NT$35,000.
- Acoustic & climate: Professional acoustic panels plus a quiet split-type air conditioner (e.g., best air conditioner Taiwan 2025): NT$30,000, NT$45,000.
- Lighting: Circadian rhythm lighting system (e.g., BenQ ScreenBar): NT$10,000, NT$15,000.
If you are buying a new home, check buying a home in Taiwan costs to factor renovation into your purchase budget.
Balcony / Utility Area Costs
Balconies and utility areas (laundry/storage) are often overlooked. For a 2-4 ping space, renovation costs NT$30,000 to NT$80,000.
Budget Tier (NT$30,000, NT$45,000)
- Flooring: Outdoor interlocking deck tiles (e.g., from 特力屋): NT$6,000, NT$10,000.
- Storage: Weatherproof plastic cabinet (e.g., 樹德): NT$5,000, NT$8,000.
- Laundry: Retractable clothesline and basic faucet: NT$2,000, NT$4,000.
- Lighting: Outdoor-rated LED floodlight: NT$1,500, NT$3,000.
Mid-Range Tier (NT$50,000, NT$65,000)
- Flooring: Porcelain outdoor tile (non-slip): NT$15,000, NT$22,000.
- Storage: Custom stainless steel cabinet with ventilation: NT$12,000, NT$18,000.
- Laundry: Fold-down drying rack and utility sink (e.g., 櫻花): NT$8,000, NT$12,000.
- Waterproofing: Re-apply sealant to walls and floor: NT$8,000, NT$12,000.
Premium Tier (NT$70,000, NT$100,000+)
- Flooring: Natural stone or high-end porcelain: NT$25,000, NT$35,000.
- Storage: Teak wood cabinet with lock: NT$20,000, NT$30,000.
- Laundry: Built-in washer-dryer station with quartz countertop (e.g., washing machine Taiwan recommendations): NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
- Green wall: Vertical garden system (e.g., 綠色植生牆): NT$15,000, NT$25,000.
For utility areas, also see gas utility setup Taiwan if you plan to add a gas dryer or outdoor hob.
Putting It All Together: Total Renovation Budget
For a typical 25-35 ping apartment in Taipei or New Taipei City, a full renovation covering all rooms (living, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, study, balcony) at mid-range finishes costs roughly NT$700,000 to NT$1,200,000. Budget-tier renovations can be done for NT$350,000 to NT$550,000, while premium renovations often exceed NT$1,500,000.
Always add a contingency of 10-15% for unexpected issues, especially in older buildings (20+ years) where wiring and plumbing may need upgrades. If you are moving into a new place, start with our moving house Taiwan step-by-step guide to plan the logistics alongside renovation.
Additional Cost Considerations
- Permits: Minor renovations (painting, flooring) usually don't require permits. Structural changes or wall removal may need approval from the building management and local government (NT$5,000, NT$20,000 for drawings and fees).
- Labor vs. materials: In Taiwan, labor typically accounts for 40-50% of total cost. Carpenters charge NT$8,000, NT$12,000 per day; tile workers NT$6,000, NT$10,000 per day.
- Seasonal factors: Renovation during typhoon season (July, October) can delay outdoor work. See typhoon season home prep for precautions.
- Post-renovation cleaning: Professional deep cleaning after construction: NT$5,000, NT$10,000 for a 30-ping apartment.
For ongoing savings after renovation, read reduce electric bill Taiwan and water saving tips Taiwan.