Apartment Renovation in Serbia: Craftsmen Prices Skyrocket, Waiting Times Stretch to Months, and You’re Left Losing Your Mind!
Thought buying an apartment was the hardest part? Think again! The real drama starts when you begin renovating. Craftsmen in Serbia have become a rare breed, and their prices are shooting through the roof — and for good reason.
Prices That Hurt
The average cost of renovating a home in Serbia ranges from 400 to 600 euros per square meter if you use standard materials. Want luxury? Brace yourself for up to 1,000 euros per square meter! Electricians charge about 15 euros per hour, tilers between 20 and 25 euros per square meter, and painters charge 2 to 4 euros per square meter for whitewashing. But if you want it done urgently, painters can demand up to 9 euros per square meter!
For a 50-square-meter apartment, expect to pay around 25,000 euros, plus an extra 10% for unforeseen expenses. And if you’re in Belgrade, prices are about 20% higher than in other parts of the country.
Waiting That Kills Your Nerves
Price isn’t the only problem. Craftsmen are so in demand that waiting times can stretch from 15 to 60 days! Imagine being ready to start work, and the craftsman tells you: “I’ll come when I can.”
Why is this happening? Because our craftsmen are fleeing abroad! Albanians head to Italy, Croats to Poland, Serbs to Germany — all chasing better pay. This leaves Serbia with a shortage of craftsmen, and those who remain hike prices knowing their services are more sought after than ever.
How to Survive This Madness?
Marko Stojanović, editor of the “Architect” podcast, advises hiring craftsmen through family or friend recommendations. Such craftsmen often prioritize their acquaintances. Also, if you want the job done quickly, be prepared to pay more — urgent jobs cost extra.
Conclusion
Renovating an apartment in Serbia is not for the faint-hearted or the thin-walleted. Prices are rising, waiting times are long, and craftsmen are worth their weight in gold. If you’re planning a renovation, prepare for stress, big expenses, and patience put to the test.
What about you? Have you had experiences with these craftsmen? How long did you wait and how much did you pay? Share your stories — maybe together we can find a way to survive this craftsmen madness!
Bathroom Renovation Costs: Shocking Prices and Endless Waiting
Buying an apartment is just the beginning of the headache. When it comes time to renovate the bathroom, many are shocked by the prices and duration of the work.
For a 5-square-meter bathroom, labor alone can cost from 12 euros per square meter for removing sanitary ware and tiles, up to 25 euros per square meter for waterproofing. Tile installation is about 20 euros per square meter, and a full bathroom renovation can cost up to 10,000 euros!
Work usually takes about two weeks but can last longer because craftsmen come “when they can.”
Reddit users agree: “No matter what someone tells you it will cost or how long it will take, you’ll pay more and wait longer!”
If you want to save money, you can remove tiles yourself, but for everything else, you need a professional.
Conclusion
Bathroom renovation in Serbia is a real adventure — expensive, slow, and stressful. If you thought buying an apartment was the end of your troubles, think again. The real battle is just beginning.
Why Have Craftsmen Become a Luxury?
The migration of craftsmen abroad is the main reason why labor prices in Serbia have skyrocketed. Better pay and working conditions in countries like Germany, Italy, and Poland lure our craftsmen away, leaving the domestic market short of skilled workers.
The result? Higher prices, longer waits, and frustration for those wanting to renovate their homes.
Is This the End of Affordable Renovations?
If the trend continues, renovation in Serbia will become a privilege of the wealthy. Others will have to wait, save, and figure out how to manage.
What about you? Are you ready to pay more or will you wait for the craftsman? Or maybe you have some tricks to avoid this craftsmen crisis? Drop a comment — let’s see who has the best hacks!
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