A house renovation in Tanzania in 2026 can cost anything from about TSh 2 million (about USD 770) for painting and small repairs to TSh 60 million (about USD 23,000) or more for a full refurbishment of a family house. The biggest costs are usually the roof, the kitchen, bathrooms, floors and electrical and plumbing upgrades. The best way to control the cost is to inspect the house properly, decide the scope in writing, and price it from a bill of quantities before work starts.
What does a renovation cost, room by room?
| Work | Example cost |
|---|---|
| Interior and exterior painting, 3-bedroom house | TSh 2,500,000 to 6,000,000 (about USD 960 to 2,300) |
| New kitchen (cabinets, worktop, sink, tiling) | TSh 4,000,000 to 15,000,000 (about USD 1,550 to 5,800) |
| Bathroom renovation, per bathroom | TSh 2,500,000 to 8,000,000 (about USD 960 to 3,100) |
| New floor tiles, per m² laid | TSh 45,000 to 120,000 (about USD 17 to 46) |
| Rewiring a 3-bedroom house | TSh 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 (about USD 1,150 to 3,100) |
| New plumbing and water tanks | TSh 2,500,000 to 7,000,000 (about USD 960 to 2,700) |
| New gypsum ceilings, per m² | TSh 30,000 to 60,000 (about USD 12 to 23) |
| Full re-roof | TSh 8,000,000 to 20,000,000 (about USD 3,100 to 7,700) |
Example prices only, varying with materials, size and location. USD figures are approximate, using roughly TSh 2,600 per USD.
What should you fix first?
Fix the things that protect the building before the things that make it look good:
- Roof and leaks. Water damages everything below it. See roof leak repair.
- Structure and cracks. Have an engineer check cracks, sagging beams and moving foundations.
- Damp and drainage. Especially before the rains; read flood-proofing before El Niño.
- Electrical and plumbing. Old wiring is a fire risk; old pipes leak inside walls.
- Finishes. Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, ceilings and paint come last.
How much should you budget for surprises?
Add a contingency of 10% to 15% to the price. Renovations uncover hidden problems, such as rotten roof timber, termite damage or corroded pipes, that cannot be seen until walls, floors or ceilings are opened.
Is it worth renovating, or should you rebuild?
Renovation is usually better value when the structure is sound. Rebuilding may make sense when the foundation or structure is failing, the layout cannot work for your family, or you want to build a storey house on the same plot. Compare both with an engineer's report and a priced estimate. For upward extensions, read building a storey house.
Does a renovation need a permit?
Painting, tiling and like-for-like repairs usually do not. Structural changes, extensions, new floors and changes of use do. See building permits in Dar es Salaam.
How do you keep a renovation on budget?
- Agree the scope and specification in writing before work starts.
- Get a priced bill of quantities and compare like with like.
- Pay in stages, against completed work.
- Approve any change in writing, with its price, before it is done.
For offices and shops, our renovation checklist covers business needs too.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate an old house in Tanzania?
A full refurbishment of an older 3-bedroom house often costs TSh 25 million to 60 million (about USD 9,600 to 23,000), depending on the roof, structure and finishes.
How long does a house renovation take?
Small jobs take one to three weeks. A full renovation of a family house takes two to four months.
Can I live in the house during renovation?
For small jobs, yes. For full renovations, moving out is usually faster, safer and cheaper.
Is renovation cheaper than building new?
Usually, if the structure is sound. If the structure needs major repair, compare the cost with rebuilding.
Plan your renovation with us
Vika Construction renovates homes, offices and bank branches across Tanzania, from roofs and structure to finishes. Contact us for a site visit and a written quote.
Found this useful? Share it with someone who is building.
