Renovating an old apartment is always associated with major challenges, especially when it comes to replacing utilities. Installing a central heating system is one of the most important steps for comfort, yet many are intimidated by the demolition process. In this blog, we will discuss the external piping method (the so-called running along the “baseboards”), which is ideal for old apartments, and break down the expected costs in detail.
Why external piping during heating installation?
An old apartment before renovation – where a central heating system with exposed piping is to be installed. In old apartments, ripping up the flooring (especially when speaking of solid parquet) is associated with high costs and significant time. With exposed piping, the pipes run along the wall, just above the baseboard.
Main advantage: Minimal demolition and high speed. Visuals: Modern pipes and specialized decorative baseboards allow the system to become nearly invisible. Price of the heating network piping, boiler, and radiators. Main equipment
- Heating boiler: Prices range between approximately 1,500 and 3,000 GEL.
- Radiator: A European sectional radiator (aluminum) of standard size (60 cm in height, white color) will cost you approximately 40-45 GEL per section, which on average heats 1.5 square meters. Price per square meter: 30 GEL on average.
A panel radiator is calculated based on room area and thermal loads, but on average, you can estimate it at 10 GEL per square meter. For example, for a 60-square-meter apartment, 600 GEL is completely sufficient for panel radiators.
Bathroom towel dryer: It ranges between approximately 120 and 500 GEL, depending on the manufacturer, color, and design.
Pipes and fittings
ვინაიდSince the pipes run externally, it is important to use high-quality material that does not deform with temperature fluctuations.
Pipes and accessories: On average, the price comes out to up to 15 GEL per square meter. For context, in a 60-square-meter apartment, pipes and fittings will cost you 900 GEL.
Heating Installation Labor
The price is calculated per heating point installation; in this case, running the heating lines and mounting the radiator costs an average of 200 GEL per point. This averages out to 15 GEL per square meter.
Boiler installation and system startup: Average price is 200 GEL.
Additional Costs / Contingencies
Keep in mind that heating pipes are 4 meters long and bending them is not recommended, which is why you might need to hire transportation and laborers, representing an additional expense. Also, after you calculate the exact budget, always be prepared for a contingency expense amounting to 10% of the total cost.
Average Heating Price per Square Meter
| Components | Economy Package (Turkish material) | Premium Package (European material) |
| Boiler | 1500 | 2500 |
| Radiator | 10 GEL per square meter | 30 GEL per square meter |
| Towel dryer | 120 GEL | 350 GEL |
| Pipes and fittings | 10 GEL per square meter | 15 GEL per square meter |
| Labor | 15 GEL + 200 GEL for boiler installation | 15 GEL + 200 GEL for boiler installation |
| Total | 1700 GEL for the boiler and installation + 120 GEL multiplied by the number of bathrooms in the apartment + 35 GEL per each square meter of the apartment. | 2700 GEL for the boiler and installation + 350 GEL multiplied by the number of bathrooms + 60 GEL per each square meter of the apartment |
| Contingencies | 10% of the total amount | 10% of the total amount |
Taking an apartment with an area of 60 square meters and 1 bathroom as an example:
Heating with Turkish material will cost you: 1700 GEL for the boiler and installation + 120 GEL for the bathroom towel dryer + 35*60 = 2100 GEL for the radiator, pipes, fittings, and labor, totaling 3920 GEL. Including contingencies, it comes to 4300 GEL.
Calculate the costs before you start the renovation.
On greencolor.ge you can calculate your renovation expenses using our detailed calculator in just a few seconds. To get a detailed calculation, visit the link: Renovation Calculator