Many people who buy in Istria get a house or apartment that works, but needs more than a coat of paint: an old bathroom, worn floors, a layout from another decade, tired wiring. Renovating it from abroad is where it gets difficult. You need someone on the ground who speaks your language, knows local tradesmen and tells you honestly what is going on.
That is what we do. You have one contact person, and for each stage of the job we bring in the right trade from our network: tilers, plumbers, qualified electricians, drywall installers, painters, floor layers and helpers for demolition and clearing.
What a renovation can include
- Stripping out. Removing old tiles, floors, fittings and partitions, with the rubble taken away. See demolition and waste removal.
- Bathrooms and kitchens. New bathrooms, kitchen installation and worktops.
- Walls and ceilings. Drywall partitions, ceilings and linings, plaster repairs and painting.
- Floors. Tiling and laminate floors with skirting.
- Services. Plumbing and electrical work by qualified electricians.
- Finishing. Silicone sealing, mounting shelves, mirrors and TVs, furniture assembly.
How it works when you live abroad
- Send photos or a video on WhatsApp. Show us the rooms and tell us what you want to change. From that we can usually give you a rough price range before anyone visits.
- Site visit. We look at the house, measure, check the walls, pipes and wiring where we can, and agree what is in and out of the job.
- Written quote and plan. You get a clear quote with VAT included and an order of work, so you know which trade comes when.
- Work with photo updates. While the trades are on site, you get regular photos and short messages. Questions are sorted out on WhatsApp or a video call.
- Handover. We walk through the result with you in person or on video and fix what needs fixing.
Our guide on renovating your Istrian home from abroad explains keys, payments and communication in more detail.
What affects the price
Every house is different, so we do not publish fixed prices. The main factors are the size of the area, how much has to be removed, the state of walls, pipes and wiring, the materials you choose and access: an old-town house in Rovinj/Rovigno with no parking costs more to work on than a ground-floor flat in Poreč/Parenzo. For a first orientation, try the free renovation cost calculator or read what a renovation costs in Istria.
Where we work
We work across Istria: Pula/Pola, Medulin, Vodnjan, Rovinj, Poreč, Novigrad, Umag, Labin and the inland towns and villages around Motovun/Montona, Grožnjan/Grisignana and Buzet. Old stone houses need a different approach from 1980s family houses; our guide to types of houses in Istria explains why.
For structural changes, extensions or work in protected old towns, you will also need a licensed architect or engineer. We tell you when that is the case and work with the plans they prepare.
Send us a few photos of your house or apartment on WhatsApp and tell us what you have in mind. We will reply with a rough range and the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can you renovate my house in Istria while I am not in Croatia?
Yes. The way we work is set up for owners who live abroad. You agree the job with one contact person, the keys can stay with us during the work, and you get regular photo updates and video calls.
Do you do all the work with your own employees?
No. We coordinate the right trades from our network for each part of the job: tilers, plumbers, electricians, drywall installers, painters and others. You still deal with one contact person.
Can I get a price before you visit?
From photos and a short video we can usually give a rough price range. A written quote follows after a site visit, because hidden things like old pipes or damp walls change the price.
Do I need a permit to renovate?
Interior work that does not change the structure often does not need one, but the rules depend on the municipality and the building, especially in protected old towns. Check with a licensed architect or the municipality before you start.
Guides on this topic
How Much Does a Renovation Cost in Istria in 2026?
Rough renovation cost ranges per m² in Istria for 2026, including VAT, what really drives the price, and how to check a quote before you sign.
Renovating Your Istrian Home from Abroad: How It Works
How remote renovation in Istria works in practice: photo estimates on WhatsApp, keys and access, progress updates, payments and avoiding surprises.
How long does a renovation take in Istria?
Realistic time ranges for a bathroom, an apartment and a whole house in Istria, and the usual reasons projects run late.