Kilimani remains one of Nairobi’s most popular areas for apartment living and investment. Owners frequently ask about apartment renovation cost in Kilimani before starting work. These area apartment renovations often require careful coordination with property managers, neighbours and building rules. Access hours, parking, noise restrictions, lift protection and waste-disposal requirements can all affect the budget and programme.
The estimates below are planning ranges. The final amount depends on the apartment’s size, condition, design and finish specification.
Typical Kilimani Apartment Renovation Costs
| Apartment size | Cosmetic refresh | Mid-range renovation | Premium fit-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, 45–60 m² | KES 400,000–800,000 | KES 1.0M–1.8M | KES 2.0M–3.0M |
| 2 bedroom, 70–90 m² | KES 600,000–1.2M | KES 1.5M–2.4M | KES 3.0M–3.8M |
| 3 bedroom, 100–130 m² | KES 900,000–1.8M | KES 2.2M–3.0M | KES 3.8M–5.5M |
The figures may include flooring, ceilings, painting, kitchen, bathrooms and basic joinery.
What Each Renovation Level Includes
Cosmetic refresh
A cosmetic project focuses on appearance rather than layout changes. Typical work includes:
- Repainting.
- Replacing selected light fittings.
- Minor plumbing repairs.
- Cabinet handles and hardware.
- Limited tile repairs.
- Small joinery repairs.
- Feature walls or decorative finishes.
This option is suitable for a relatively new apartment that needs updating before occupation or letting.
Mid-range full renovation
A mid-range renovation normally includes a coordinated upgrade of the main finishes:
- New flooring.
- Kitchen cabinets or cabinet replacement.
- Bathroom tiling and fittings.
- Gypsum ceilings.
- Lighting upgrades.
- Painting.
- Wardrobes and selected storage.
- Partial electrical and plumbing works.
This is often the most suitable level for owner-occupied apartments and quality rental upgrades.
Premium fit-out
A premium fit-out may include:
- Bespoke kitchen cabinetry.
- Quartz or granite worktops.
- Custom wardrobes.
- Premium sanitaryware.
- Imported or large-format tiles.
- Feature ceilings and lighting.
- Decorative wall finishes.
- Smart-home features.
- High-end appliances and integrated storage.
Premium fit-outs require close coordination between design, procurement and installation teams.
Main Cost Drivers in Kilimani
Kitchen cabinetry and worktops
The kitchen is usually one of the most significant cost centres. The final price depends on the number of cabinets, carcass material, door finish, hardware, internal fittings, worktop and appliance integration.
Bathrooms
Bathroom costs may include demolition, waterproofing, tiling, sanitaryware, mixers, shower screens, mirrors and lighting. Apartment buildings may also require approval before plumbing points or drainage lines are changed.
Flooring
The choice between porcelain tile, ceramic tile, SPC, laminate, engineered wood or another finish affects both material and installation cost. The condition of the existing floor also determines whether levelling or removal is required.
Ceilings and lighting
Gypsum ceilings can conceal wiring, create feature details and improve lighting design. However, bulkheads, curves, concealed strips and multiple downlights add to the cost.
Wardrobes and storage
Standard wardrobes may be more economical than bespoke joinery. Internal drawers, accessories, soft-close hardware, mirrors and specialised storage increase the budget.
Apartment-Specific Considerations
Building rules
Before work begins, confirm:
- Permitted working hours.
- Lift and corridor-protection requirements.
- Rules for drilling and noisy works.
- Waste-removal procedures.
- Parking and delivery arrangements.
- Approval requirements for plumbing or electrical changes.
- Contractor registration and insurance requirements.
Limited storage
When materials cannot be stored on-site, deliveries may need to be scheduled in smaller batches. This can increase transport and handling costs.
Existing services
Apartment renovations should respect the building’s plumbing stacks, electrical capacity, fire-safety systems and ventilation requirements. A layout change is not always possible simply because it works on paper.
How to Control Your Budget
- Confirm the scope before requesting quotations.
- Choose materials before the BOQ is finalised.
- Separate essential works from optional upgrades.
- Include demolition and waste disposal.
- Allow for building-management charges.
- Order long-lead joinery and fittings early.
- Keep a contingency for concealed defects.
- Use one coordinated programme for all trades.
A detailed BOQ is especially important for apartments because several trades may be working within a limited area and building rules may affect productivity.
Renovating an Apartment for Rental or Airbnb
A rental or short-stay apartment should balance appearance, durability and ease of maintenance. Practical choices may include:
- Durable flooring.
- Washable paint.
- Easy-to-replace hardware.
- Moisture-resistant bathroom finishes.
- Adequate storage.
- Reliable lighting.
- Hard-wearing kitchen worktops.
- Simple, coordinated colours.
Luxury finishes are not always necessary to achieve a strong result. The best specification depends on the target tenant or guest and the expected maintenance cycle.
Start Your Kilimani Renovation
Suimas Interiors provides apartment design, BOQ preparation, renovation and fit-out services. Our team can assess the unit, review building requirements and recommend finishes within your target budget.
Call or WhatsApp: 0717 044 443 | 0739 255 050 | 0725 021 709
Websites: renovation.co.ke | interiordesigners.co.ke
