How to Renovate Your Old Flat Under ₹2 Lakh

Old flat renovation can feel overwhelming when your home starts losing its charm. Over the years, flooring gets chipped, walls fade, kitchen cabinets lose their shine, and bathrooms develop leaks or outdated fittings. Many homeowners assume that a complete renovation costs at least ₹5–10 lakh, so they keep delaying the much-needed makeover their flat deserves.

The good news? With the right planning, cost-conscious choices, and guidance from a professional house renovation contractor, you can completely transform your flat under just ₹2 lakh. From flooring and painting to kitchen and bathroom upgrades, small changes can make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore why renovating an old flat is worth the investment, break down the costs for each section of the home, share money-saving tips, and explain how working with a reliable renovation contractor helps you save time, money, and stress.

Why Old Flat Renovation Is Worth It

Many people hesitate to spend on renovation, but giving your flat a fresh, modern look offers benefits far beyond aesthetics. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Increases Property Value – A well-renovated flat instantly attracts buyers or tenants, giving you better returns if you ever sell or rent.
• Enhances Comfort & Lifestyle – Renovation improves not just the look but also the functionality, making everyday living more comfortable.
• Fixes Hidden Issues – Old flats often hide problems like seepage, outdated wiring, or plumbing leaks. Renovation allows you to fix them before they become serious.
• Modern, Stylish Appeal – Even simple design changes like accent walls, modular storage, or LED lighting can make your flat feel like a brand-new home.

👉 A professional house renovation contractor ensures the entire process is cost-effective, safe, and tailored to your budget.

Cost Breakdown for Old Flat Renovation Under ₹2 Lakh

Let’s break down how you can divide your budget to cover the most important areas of renovation.

1. Flooring Upgrade (₹40,000 – ₹60,000)

Flooring instantly transforms how a flat looks. Old cracked tiles make the home appear dull, whereas new finishes bring life into every room.

• Replace old ceramic tiles with budget-friendly vitrified tiles (₹50–₹80 per sq. ft.).
• For bedrooms, consider laminated wooden flooring for warmth without high costs.
• Stick to simple tile patterns instead of designer options to save money.

Pro Tip: If the base is strong, you can even go for tile-on-tile renovation to avoid demolition costs.

2. Painting & Wall Finishes (₹35,000 – ₹50,000)

Fresh paint is one of the cheapest yet most effective ways to transform your flat.

• Use durable emulsion paints instead of expensive luxury paints.
• Add one or two accent walls with wallpapers or textures to create a modern feel.
• Choose light pastel shades (beige, off-white, mint green) that make small flats look spacious.

Pro Tip: Matte finishes hide imperfections in old walls better than glossy paints.

3. Kitchen Renovation (₹50,000 – ₹70,000)

The kitchen is often the most used part of the house, so upgrading it adds major value.

• Install a basic modular kitchen with laminate finish shutters.
• Combine closed cabinets with open shelves for a budget-friendly, modern look.
• Choose granite countertops instead of costly marble—durable yet affordable.
• Add compact pull-out storage solutions for better organization.

Pro Tip: If the structure of old cabinets is solid, simply replace shutters and handles instead of redoing the entire kitchen.

4. Bathroom Renovation (₹30,000 – ₹40,000)

Bathrooms often age the fastest in old flats, but upgrading doesn’t need a massive budget.

• Replace old taps, showerheads, and flush systems with branded yet budget-friendly fittings.
• Use anti-skid tiles on floors for safety.
• Install a small vanity unit and wall-hung WC to save space.
• Add modern mirrors with storage for functionality.

Pro Tip: Instead of full tile cladding, tile only half the wall and paint the rest with waterproof paint to reduce costs.

5. Lighting & False Ceiling (₹20,000 – ₹30,000)

Good lighting enhances interiors more than most people realize.

• Install LED recessed lights for a modern touch and lower electricity bills.
• Add a small false ceiling in the living room only for design impact.
• Use pendant lights or wall sconces in bedrooms for a cozy vibe.

Pro Tip: Avoid a full-flat false ceiling—it eats into both budget and ceiling height.

Money-Saving Tips for Old Flat Renovation

Renovating on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on style. With some smart planning, you can stretch every rupee:

• Hire a reliable contractor – Saves you from rework, hidden charges, and fraud.
• Buy materials in bulk – Tiles, paint, or lights often come cheaper when purchased together.
• Mix old with new – Reuse old wooden doors, window frames, or polish existing wardrobes instead of replacing.
• Avoid unnecessary luxury finishes – Designer tiles or imported fittings can blow your budget.
• Plan in advance – Last-minute changes are the biggest reason for overspending.

Role of a House Renovation Contractor

Many homeowners try to coordinate labor, purchase materials, and supervise work themselves, but this often leads to delays and cost overruns. A house renovation contractor takes care of everything:

• Ensures work is done on time and within budget.
• Manages labor, materials, and quality supervision.
• Provides design options customized to your budget.
• Reduces stress by being a single point of contact instead of dealing with multiple vendors.
• Offers cost-saving guidance, such as where to reuse existing materials and where to invest.

👉 With professional oversight, you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your flat is safe, functional, and stylish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Renovating an old flat under ₹2 lakh requires careful decision-making. Here are mistakes that could derail your budget:

• Hiring unverified labor – Risk of poor workmanship and incomplete work.
• Skipping contracts – Always sign written agreements with cost, timeline, and scope clearly mentioned.
• Ignoring plumbing/electrical upgrades – Old wiring or leaky pipes can cause bigger expenses later.
• Overspending on décor – Fancy showpieces or designer furniture should not take priority over essential renovations.
• Rushing the process – Renovation requires patience; hasty decisions often lead to regrets.

FAQs About Old Flat Renovation

Final Thoughts – Renovate Smart with the Right Contractor

Renovating an old flat doesn’t have to drain your life savings. With smart planning, budget-friendly material choices, and professional guidance, you can achieve a stylish, functional, and modern home for under ₹2 lakh.

Whether it’s new flooring, fresh paint, a modular kitchen, or updated bathrooms, small but impactful changes can completely transform your space.

👉 Ready to renovate? Contact Limehouse Decor today and let’s turn your old flat into a fresh, modern dream home—without breaking the bank.