Knowledge & Advice

Building Guides & Articles

Practical guides, realistic cost estimates, and trade advice from building contractor Jorrit Heidstra on remodeling, extensions, and renovations in the northern Netherlands.

Renovating and improving homes in the northern Netherlands

On this blog, the Heidstra Bouw team shares practical advice on building, renovation and energy efficiency in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. Whether you are planning a bathroom renovation, considering insulation and a heat pump, or preparing for a complete remodel, you will find information on costs, materials and how to approach the work.

Our work across the northern Netherlands takes us from historic properties in central Groningen to extensions in Drenthe and energy upgrades for 1960s homes in Leeuwarden. We share what we learn on these projects to help you make informed decisions about your own home.

Our articles bring together cost estimates, practical tips and examples from our projects. If you still have questions after reading, get in touch for a no-obligation consultation about your plans.

Subsidies for home energy upgrades in the northern Netherlands

Sustainability4 min read

Subsidies for home sustainability retrofits Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe in 2026

Learn when ISDE insulation grants double, how the €400 ventilation grant works, and which financial compensations Nij Begun offers in 2026.

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Home insulation in Groningen with the Nij Begun subsidy

Sustainability3 min read

Nij Begun subsidy Groningen: home insulation & energy retrofits

How does the Nij Begun subsidy operate in Groningen? Read all about insulation allowances, conditions, pairing with ISDE, and the application process.

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Remodeling

Remodeling2 min read

What does a dormer window cost in Friesland and Groningen? 2026 Prices

What does installing a dormer window cost in the northern Netherlands? Explore costs per meter, permit regulations, materials, and prefab versus traditional construction.

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Farmhouse renovations in Friesland and Groningen

Renovation3 min read

Farmhouse renovation in Friesland or Groningen: tips and costs

Renovating a head-neck-body (kop-hals-romp) or characteristic historic farmhouse? Read about barn conversions, roof insulation, timber bent repairs, permits, and budgeting.

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Building drawing and permit check for a home extension in the Netherlands

Extensions5 min read

Extension planning permission 2026: when is a permit required?

Planning an extension or bump-out? Learn when you need a permit, prior notification, or permit check in 2026 under the Dutch Environment and Planning Act.

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Contractor and client comparing a building quote with drawings and material samples

Advice6 min read

Comparing contractor quotes: what should you look for?

Comparing quotes from building contractors? Learn which line items, warranties, schedules, and exclusions are critical in remodeling or renovation.

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Renovation of an older Dutch home with timber beams and new insulation

Renovation6 min read

Renovating an older house: costs and hidden defects

Renovating an older house? Learn which costs, hidden defects, phase sequence, and material choices matter when renovating in the northern Netherlands.

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Extensions4 min read

Home Extension in Drenthe: Costs, Permits, and Approach

Planning a home extension in Drenthe? Learn what to consider regarding costs, foundations, permits, architectural design, and finishing.

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Bathrooms4 min read

Bathroom Renovation in Drenthe: Costs and Key Choices

Planning a bathroom renovation in Drenthe? Learn what impacts costs, layout changes, pipework, ventilation, timelines, and tile choices.

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Extensions4 min read

Home Extension in Leeuwarden: Costs, Permits, and Design

Planning to build an extension in Leeuwarden? Learn what is important regarding costs, planning permits, foundations, daylighting, and finishes.

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High-end bathroom renovation in Friesland

Bathrooms4 min read

Bathroom Renovation in Leeuwarden: Costs and Approach

Planning a bathroom renovation in Leeuwarden? Discover what impacts costs, ventilation, pipework, sanitary ware, and expert tile finishing.

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Carpentry and maintenance by Heidstra Bouw

Maintenance3 min read

Handyman & Maintenance Buitenpost: Services and Method

Looking for a reliable handyman or maintenance contractor in Buitenpost? Learn which carpentry, maintenance, and renovation jobs Heidstra Bouw handles in Achtkarspelen.

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Renovation of a compact bathroom in Friesland

Bathrooms3 min read

Bathroom Renovation in Buitenpost: Costs and Planning

Planning a bathroom renovation in Buitenpost? Learn what is important regarding costs, timelines, plumbing, ventilation, tiling, and finishes.

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Facade and fascia-board maintenance in Harlingen

Maintenance4 min read

Facade Maintenance in Harlingen: Coastal Weather, Wood Rot, and Fascias

Facade maintenance in Harlingen requires special attention to coastal winds, moisture, wood rot, fascia boards, window frames, and conservation areas.

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Maintenance of a historic building in Harlingen

Renovation4 min read

Remodeling a Historic Monument in Harlingen: Rules and Preparation

Renovating a listed building or monument in Harlingen? Learn what to consider regarding planning permits, aesthetics committees, material choices, and preparation.

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Costs4 min read

Extension Costs for 15 m², 20 m², and 25 m²

What does an extension of 15 m², 20 m², or 25 m² cost? Review rough price guidelines, costs per m², and key factors determining overall costs.

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Costs4 min read

Extension Foundation Costs: What Influences the Price?

What does an extension foundation cost? Learn which foundation options, subsoil conditions, site access, and structural weight impact overall pricing.

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Maintenance and renovation of a home in Harlingen

Advice5 min read

Remodeling in Harlingen: Coastal Climate, Heritage, and Permits

Remodeling in Harlingen requires careful attention to coastal weather, historic buildings, protected townscapes, aesthetics, and permits. Learn what to look out for.

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Replacing fascia boards on a home in Harlingen

Maintenance5 min read

Replacing Fascia Boards in Harlingen: Costs and Materials

Replacing fascia boards in Harlingen? Learn what to consider for coastal homes, material options, maintenance, planning regulations, and costs.

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Complete bathroom renovation with a walk-in shower

Bathrooms5 min read

Bathroom Remodeling in Harlingen: Moisture and Ventilation

Remodeling a bathroom in Harlingen requires effective mechanical ventilation, waterproofing, and smart material choices. Learn what to look for.

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Renovation of a home in Groningen with new flooring and plasterwork

Costs4 min read

What Does Remodeling Cost in Groningen? 2026 Prices

What are the costs of remodeling in Groningen? Complete overview of prices per project type: from bathroom updates to turnkey house renovations.

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Discussing a home renovation with a building contractor in the northern Netherlands

Advice3 min read

Choosing a Building Contractor in the northern Netherlands: 7 Tips

How to choose a reliable building contractor in Friesland, Groningen, or Drenthe? 7 practical tips for selecting the right builder for your project.

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Modern extension with a glazed facade on a traditional Dutch house

Costs8 min read

What does an extension cost in 2026? Price per m2

What does a home extension or bump-out cost in 2026? View current prices per m2, examples for 15, 20 and 25 m2, foundations, and quotation tips.

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Energy upgrades to a home in Groningen with solar panels and insulation

Sustainability4 min read

Sustainability retrofits in Groningen: subsidies and possibilities

Looking to make your home in Groningen sustainable? Discover opportunities, costs, and available subsidies for insulation, heat pumps, and more.

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Modern bathroom renovation with a walk-in shower and wall-mounted vanity

Costs4 min read

Bathroom renovation costs: what to expect?

What does a bathroom renovation cost? An honest overview of costs from budget to luxury, featuring real-world projects from Heidstra Bouw.

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Renovated historic building in Groningen with original details

Advice4 min read

Renovating a historic property in Groningen: what to look out for?

Considering the renovation of a historic building in Groningen? Learn what to look for: from preserving authentic details to modern technical installations.

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Renovation of a Frisian farmhouse in the Friesland countryside

Advice3 min read

Choosing a building company in Friesland: what to consider?

Looking for a building contractor in Friesland? Read practical tips on choosing the right builder for your remodel, renovation, or energy retrofit.

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Sustainable new-build home in the Drenthe countryside

Sustainability3 min read

Sustainable building in Drenthe: trends and possibilities

Discover the trends and possibilities of sustainable building in Drenthe. From insulation to heat pumps, prepare your Drenthe home for the future.

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Planning a renovation with building drawings and material samples

Advice3 min read

Planning a renovation: from idea to completion step by step

Planning a home renovation can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we take you step by step through the entire journey from idea to final handover.

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Modern new-build home in a neighbourhood in the northern Netherlands

Costs4 min read

New-build home costs Northern Netherlands 2026

What does building a new home cost in the northern Netherlands? An overview of construction costs per m², cost drivers, and tips for Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe.

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Services

Explore all building and renovation services

Remodeling Renovation Energy Efficiency Bathrooms Extensions

Service area:

Friesland, Groningen & Drenthe

Building contractor Friesland Building contractor Groningen Building contractor Drenthe

Have questions about your own building project?

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