Estimated Cost to Renovate a Bungalow in the Philippines

Renovating a bungalow in the Philippines is one of the best ways to modernize your living space without building a new home from scratch. Whether you’re updating a family home or revamping a property for resale, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How much will it cost? 

The answer depends on many factors—size, materials, labor, design choices, and the extent of the renovation itself.

Let’s break down what you can expect, what influences the total cost, and how you can plan your budget wisely.

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Understanding the Scope of Bungalow Renovation

The word “renovation” can cover a lot of different things. For some, it might simply mean repainting walls, replacing tiles, or updating light fixtures. For others, it could mean tearing down walls, redesigning the layout, or rebuilding sections of the house entirely. Generally, renovations fall into three categories:

1. Cosmetic refresh — painting, minor electrical/plumbing fixes, replacing finishes (tiles, cabinets) without changing layout.
   
   
2. Mid-range renovation — redoing bathrooms/kitchen, improving finishes, some layout adjustments (e.g., opening walls), and partial electrical/plumbing upgrades.
   
   
3. Full structural renovation — removing/adding walls, replacing roofs or major structural elements, full electrical and plumbing rewiring.

Each level has very different costs, so decide the scope first.

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Average Cost to Renovate a Bungalow in the Philippines

In the Philippines, renovation costs are often calculated per square meter. Below are approximate per-square-meter (₱/sqm) ranges to help you ballpark a budget. These are broad estimates. 

Actual prices vary by city, supplier, and chosen finishes.

• Cosmetic refresh: ₱10,000 – ₱15,000 per sqm
  
  
• Mid-range renovation: ₱20,000 – ₱25,000 per sqm
  
  
• Full structural renovation: ₱25,000 – ₱35,000+ per sqm
  
  

Example calculation (step-by-step):
If your bungalow is 60 sqm and you choose a mid-range renovation at an average of ₱20,000 per sqm:

Use similar math to scale up/down with your bungalow’s area.

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What Makes Up the Total Renovation Cost

The total home renovation cost in the Philippines is usually divided among materials, labor, fixtures, and professional services. Materials such as tiles, paint, and wood account for roughly 45% of the cost, while labor makes up around 35%. The remaining portion goes to finishes, permits, and professional fees.

Older bungalows may also reveal hidden issues such as termite damage, water leaks, or faulty wiring. For this reason, always allocate at least 5–10% of your total budget as a contingency fund to handle unforeseen repairs.

A useful way to view costs is by category. A common distribution for renovations:

• Materials (tiles, lumber, paint, fixtures): ~45%
  
  
• Labor (carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers): ~35%
  
  
• Finishes & fixtures (kitchen cabinets, sanitary wares, lighting): ~10%
  
  
• Permits & fees: ~3%
  
  
• Design/consultation: ~2%
  
  
• Contingency (unexpected issues): ~5%

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Sample Budgets (quick reference)

Here’s a quick look at possible renovation costs based on bungalow size:

• Small bungalow (40 sqm):
  
  
  • Cosmetic: 40 × ₱10,000 ≈ ₱400,000
    
    
  • Mid-range: 40 × ₱20,000 ≈ ₱800,000
    
    
• Medium bungalow (80 sqm):
  
  
  • Cosmetic: 80 × ₱10,000 ≈ ₱800,000
    
    
  • Mid-range: 80 × ₱20,000 ≈ ₱1,600,000
    
    
• Large or full structural (120 sqm) mid-to-high range:
  
  
  • Full renovation: 120 × ₱30,000 ≈ ₱3,600,000

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Factors That Affect the Total Cost

Several factors influence how much you’ll ultimately spend. 

• Roof condition — replacing roofing can be one of the largest single costs.
  
  
• Structural repairs — cracked foundations, rotten beams, or termite damage quickly escalate budgets.
  
  
• Kitchen & bathrooms — high-impact areas: fixtures, waterproofing, and cabinetry add up.
  
  
• Electrical & plumbing — rewiring and replumbing are expensive but essential if systems are old.
  
  
• Finish level — choice of tiles, cabinets, and countertops can double or triple small-line item costs.
  
  
• Access & logistics — if your property is tight or in a gated subdivision with restricted deliveries, labor and transport costs rise.

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How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

Renovation doesn’t have to drain your savings. 

Plan well before starting. Changes mid-project are costly. Finalize layout and finishes early.

Prioritize structural & system work first. Fix the roof, termite issues, wiring, and plumbing before finishing touches.

Mix finishes. Use higher-end materials where visible/important (kitchen counter) and budget-friendly options elsewhere.

Buy smart. Shop multiple suppliers and compare warranties. Local suppliers sometimes beat big-box prices for similar quality.

Negotiate labor packages. Some contractors offer labor-only or labor+materials packages — compare both.

Reuse what’s good. Salvageable doors, windows, or tiles can be refinished instead of replaced.

Hire a trustworthy foreman or project manager if you can’t supervise daily — paying for good supervision often saves money overall.

At Pencil Design Studio, we help homeowners achieve this balance through thoughtful design and strategic project management. Our team ensures that every renovation is completed within your budget while maintaining quality craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.

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Final Checklist Before You Start

No need to stress about your renovation — it’s our mission to take that burden off your shoulders! Visit our website or explore our portfolio to see how we can help you turn your bungalow into the home of your dreams. 

We specialize in home renovation, house construction, and condo fit-out services across the country. 

Our goal is to make your renovation experience seamless from concept to completion while ensuring that every detail reflects your lifestyle and personality. 

Tell us about your home project and we’ll send you a personalized estimate!

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