Commercial renovation operates by different rules than residential — different permits are required, different material standards apply, and deadlines carry more weight. If a restaurant opens a week late, that's lost revenue every day. This is why an experienced contractor is especially important for commercial projects.
Office renovation
The key consideration in offices: work must be done without disrupting existing tenants where possible. In operating offices, weekend and night work is the only option for certain phases.
Most common office renovation work: suspended ceiling systems, carpet or flooring, painting, electrical upgrades (IT connections, air conditioning, LED lighting), and sometimes meeting room and reception fit-out.
| Work type | Price (Ft/m²) |
|---|---|
| Full office renovation (basic) | 80,000 – 140,000 |
| Premium office fit-out | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| IT and electrical upgrade | 20,000 – 45,000 |
Restaurant and café fit-out
For restaurants, permits are the most complex task. HACCP requirements, ventilation systems, fire protection, and health authority approval are all mandatory and all influence the plans. Without an experienced contractor, permitting can slip by months.
Typical restaurant fit-out cost in Budapest: HUF 180,000–320,000/m² (including materials), depending on kitchen equipment and design level.
Retail and showroom fit-out
In retail spaces, fast handover is everything — a closed shop loses revenue daily. That's why for retail fit-outs we always build the schedule backwards from the opening date and hold to it.
Frequently asked questions
To open a restaurant you need: a building/alteration permit (if floor plan changes), public health authority (ÁNTSZ) approval, fire safety certificate, and a local operating licence. Permitting typically takes 2–4 months.
A basic 200 m² office renovation takes 4–6 weeks; a premium fit-out can take 3–5 months. The biggest time consumers are usually suspended ceiling systems and electrical installation.
Fit-out means converting an empty, raw space from scratch. Refurbishment means renovating an existing operating space. Fit-out is generally more expensive and takes longer.