Renovating your flat in Dakar: where to start

Renovating a flat in Dakar means planning around two local factors: the heat, which wears down some materials fast, and the salty air near the coast, which speeds up corrosion. Here is how to prioritise the work and avoid common site surprises.

Set your priorities first

Always start with anything touching the structure and waterproofing: leaks, cracks, an ageing electrical system. Fresh paint on a damp wall never lasts. Once those basics are handled, the kitchen and bathroom remain the rooms that add the most value, whether you plan to live there or rent it out again in Mermoz, Point E or Sacré-Cœur. Flooring and paint, quicker to execute, can follow in a second phase.

Ask for a detailed quote

A proper quote breaks down materials, labour, estimated duration and payment terms, item by item. Be wary of vague quotes that only list a lump sum: if a dispute arises, it becomes hard to know what was actually included. A reasonable deposit sits between 30 and 40 percent of the total, paid when work starts, with the balance settled on delivery or in stages as the job progresses.

Choose materials suited to the climate

In neighbourhoods close to the ocean such as Almadies, Ngor or Yoff, favour paints and metals that resist salty air, otherwise door hinges, railings and ironwork rust surprisingly fast. Matte or slightly textured tiles feel nicer underfoot during the hottest months than glossy tiles that catch the light. For paint, washable finishes make upkeep easier in a city where harmattan dust settles on walls quickly. Stainless steel or treated aluminium fittings in the kitchen and bathroom also age far better than untreated steel once the salty breeze reaches them day after day.

Duration and budget by category

A light renovation, paint and small fixes, usually takes one to two weeks and often costs between 300,000 and 800,000 FCFA for a mid-sized flat. A full renovation with a redone kitchen and bathroom tends to run two to four months and can reach 3 to 8 million FCFA depending on the surface area and the finish level chosen. Always keep a safety margin of around 10 percent of the budget to absorb surprises found once work is underway.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Never pay the full amount upfront, even if the contractor insists. Check progress at regular intervals rather than only at the end, and keep a written record of every change requested along the way, since these small adjustments are often the source of disputes over the final price. It is also worth comparing several quotes before signing, even when a single company comes warmly recommended: price gaps for the same type of work remain common in Dakar, and a second opinion rarely costs more than a phone call.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

The Dakar real estate directory lists several design and interior fit-out studios.

• Mouton Brun Design : Dakar
• KODKEE STUDIO : Dakar
• AC INTERIOR DESIGN : Dakar
• Angel N Design : Almadies
• Siga Design : Dakar
• Bachir House : Dakar

To compare more options, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Convert your renovation budget to FCFA
• Practical info for a renovation project
• List your renovation business
• Also read: choosing a contractor in Dakar and interior design in Dakar

Frequently asked questions

How long does a full renovation take in Dakar?

Generally two to four months for a flat with a fully redone kitchen and bathroom, depending on the scope of the work.

What deposit should I pay before work starts?

A deposit between 30 and 40 percent of the total is common, with the rest settled on delivery or in several stages.

Which materials resist salty coastal air best?

Favour rust-treated metals, outdoor-grade paints and washable finishes, especially in Almadies, Ngor or Yoff.