Project manager in Charente-Maritime: 8 typical projects and their budget envelopes

Every week, we are asked the same question: "how much does a typical project cost?" There is no such thing as a typical project — but there are realistic ballpark figures. Here are eight scenarios we regularly encounter in Charente-Maritime, with realistic 2026 cost ranges drawn from projects we have managed or costed in recent years.

1. Light renovation — 100 m² house (Rochefort, Saintes)

Paintwork, flooring, kitchen, bathroom, partial electrical upgrade. No structural works, no planning permit required. A project manager streamlines coordination between trades and avoids costly overlaps.

Realistic budget: €80,000 to €120,000 inc. VAT — or €800 to €1,200 per m². Average duration: 3 to 5 months.

2. Full renovation — 130 m² townhouse (Rochefort)

Partial demolition, structural works, full interior insulation, new services, joinery, open-plan kitchen. Our Maison Faubourg project in Rochefort is a precise illustration of this type of budget: 14 months on site, three bathrooms, solid timber flooring throughout the bedrooms.

Realistic budget: €200,000 to €280,000 inc. VAT — or €1,540 to €2,150 per m². Average duration: 12 to 15 months.

3. Timber frame extension 30 m² (La Rochelle, Saintes)

Concrete slab, timber frame, wood fibre insulation, aluminium joinery, connections to existing services. Planning permission is required beyond 20 m² — allow 3 to 4 months for the application process in Charente-Maritime.

Realistic budget: €65,000 to €95,000 inc. VAT — or €2,170 to €3,170 per m². Average duration: 4 to 6 months.

4. Roof extension 40 m² (Royan, La Rochelle suburban)

Roof removal, timber structure, roof framing, covering, insulation, interior finishes. A structural survey is essential beforehand — it determines the sizing and can significantly influence the overall budget.

Realistic budget: €120,000 to €180,000 inc. VAT — or €3,000 to €4,500 per m². Average duration: 6 to 9 months.

5. New build RE2020 — 150 m² flat plot (Saintonge)

Foundations, blockwork or timber frame structure, roofing, insulation, joinery, standard finishes. Add 15 to 25% for a coastal plot, sloped terrain or a site subject to specific architectural constraints (heritage protection zone, listed area).

Realistic budget: €280,000 to €380,000 inc. VAT — or €1,870 to €2,530 per m². Average duration: 12 to 15 months.

6. High-end villa — 250 m² (La Rochelle, Royan)

Bespoke joinery, premium finishes — solid timber flooring, natural stone, custom kitchen — indoor swimming pool, home automation. Our Villa La Rochelle project (320 m²) sat at the upper end of this range: 20 months on site, bespoke fitted furniture throughout.

Realistic budget: €650,000 to €900,000 inc. VAT — or €2,600 to €3,600 per m². Average duration: 16 to 22 months.

7. Commercial fit-out — 150 m² (Charente-Maritime town centres)

Partitions, commercial flooring, track lighting, ventilation, shopfront. Our Ecomiam project in Saintes — a raw shell transformed into a fully operational frozen food store — is a good illustration: 4 months on site, delivered turnkey.

Realistic budget: €120,000 to €180,000 inc. VAT — or €800 to €1,200 per m². Average duration: 3 to 5 months.

8. Barn conversion — 150 m² habitable area (Saintonge, Aunis)

Restored roof structure, insulation under rafters, polished concrete floor, large glazed openings, all services created from scratch. The budget varies significantly depending on the condition of the building — a sound roof structure can sometimes halve the cost compared to one requiring full replacement. Our Grange de Marsais project illustrates this scenario: 18 months on site, 280 m² fully converted.

Realistic budget: €300,000 to €450,000 inc. VAT — or €2,000 to €3,000 per m². Average duration: 14 to 20 months.

What these figures include — and what they exclude

These budgets include all trade works, materials, . They exclude land purchase, project management fees, building warranty insurance, notary fees, furniture and major external works — outdoor swimming pool, boundary walls, significant earthworks.

Please note: these ranges are based on real projects managed in Charente-Maritime between 2022 and 2025. They reflect the material cost increases observed since 2022 and the rates charged by the local tradespeople we work with regularly.

From ballpark figure to precise cost plan

These figures give you an initial picture. To move from a range to a precise and reliable cost plan, an on-site consultation is essential: 1h30 on site, assessment of the building or plot, programme definition, detailed estimate by trade package. Cabinet ECHO operates across the whole of Charente-Maritime from Rochefort — get in touch with us to arrange your consultation visit.