Renovating a home in Croatia is becoming increasingly expensive, as a shortage of skilled tradespeople drives up prices and leaves homeowners waiting months or even years for available workers.
A complete bathroom renovation can now cost between €7,000 and €8,000, covering everything from demolition and installation work to tiling and fitting sanitary equipment. Tiling typically costs €20–€50 per square metre, while painting walls ranges from €5 to €8 per square metre. The shortage is particularly noticeable in Split, where residents report difficulties securing workers even for relatively straightforward repairs. Some customers have waited months for plumbers and tilers, while highly sought-after tradespeople can have their schedules fully booked a year or more in advance.
The local tradespeople’s association estimates that around 8,000 tradespeople are registered in Split, including approximately 800 in construction-related trades.
Industry representatives are calling for greater investment in vocational education to encourage more young people to pursue skilled professions. They are also warning homeowners about unregistered workers, as hiring contractors without invoices or guarantees can leave customers unprotected if work is faulty. With prices continuing to rise and demand remaining strong, homeowners are increasingly advised to plan renovations well in advance and carefully check contractors’ qualifications.
