The verdict in three sentences
A corporate intranet redesign — news, directory, HR document management, self-service requests with SSO — typically costs 40,000 to 110,000 EUR excl. tax over 14 to 24 weeks. The real challenge is not the look but adoption: a successful intranet lifts usage from 30% to 75% and relieves HR of repetitive requests. The choice between a SharePoint/Powell building block and a custom build depends on your Microsoft footprint and your personalization needs.
Cost per module
A modern intranet is an assembly of modules, each with its own complexity and ROI. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude.
| Module | Scope | 2026 cost (EUR excl. tax) | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| News feed | Publishing, team targeting, notifications | 6,000 - 14,000 | strong engagement |
| Directory | People search, org chart, skills | 5,000 - 12,000 | time savings |
| HR document mgmt | Documents, procedures, vault, versioning | 8,000 - 20,000 | compliance |
| Self-service requests | Leave, expenses, IT tickets | 10,000 - 24,000 | -HR load |
| SSO & AD directory | Single sign-on, rights, provisioning | 5,000 - 12,000 | security |
The self-service requests module offers the best return: it hands employees tasks that used to saturate HR (leave, certificates, expenses) and drastically cuts email back-and-forth.
SharePoint / Powell vs custom build
| Criterion | SharePoint / Powell | Custom intranet |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 25,000 - 55,000 EUR | 60,000 - 110,000 EUR |
| Annual licenses | included M365 + Powell | hosting only |
| UX personalization | limited to templates | total |
| Microsoft integration | native | via API |
| Implementation time | 8-14 wks | 14-24 wks |
| Business fit | medium | strong |
If your company already lives in Microsoft 365, a SharePoint/Powell block is faster and cheaper to start. As soon as user experience and integration with business tools become strategic, custom regains the edge despite its upfront cost.
Adoption and HR time gains
An intranet is only worth its usage. Here is the typical impact of a successful redesign on adoption and HR load.
| Metric | Before redesign | After redesign | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly usage rate | 30% | 75% | +150% |
| HR requests by email | 400/month | 120/month | -70% |
| HR time on requests | 60 h/month | 18 h/month | -42 h/month |
| HR response time | 3 d | < 1 d | streamlined |
| Unfindable documents | frequent | unified search | -friction |
Moving from 30% to 75% usage is no magic: it comes from unified search, a polished mobile experience and living content. The 42-hour monthly HR gain translates directly into euros.
Mini case study
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Catherine, HR director of a 1,200-employee group in Nantes, redesigns the intranet for 78,000 EUR excl. tax as a custom build with SSO and HR self-service. Before: the HR team spends 60 hours/month processing leave and certificates by email. After, this volume falls to 18 hours/month, i.e. 42 hours saved. At a loaded cost of 35 EUR/hour, that is 1,470 EUR/month, or 17,640 EUR/year. Adding the drop in IT tickets and time returned to managers, the intranet pays back in about 3 years on HR gains alone — and much faster once internal engagement is valued.
FAQ
How much does a corporate intranet redesign cost?
Between 40,000 and 110,000 EUR excl. tax depending on modules and level of customization. HR self-service and document management often make up half the budget as they are the most complex.
Is SharePoint enough or do we need custom?
If you live in Microsoft 365 and templates suffice, SharePoint/Powell starts faster and cheaper. As soon as UX and business integration are strategic, custom regains the edge.
Is SSO essential?
Yes, for adoption and security: single sign-on via the AD directory removes friction and centralizes rights. Budget 5,000 to 12,000 EUR to integrate it properly.
How do we ensure adoption after launch?
Through unified search, a polished mobile version, living content and change management. That is what lifts usage from 30% to 75%.
How long does the project take?
Expect 14 to 24 weeks depending on the number of modules and integrations (HRIS, ticketing, AD). Self-service and document management add 3 to 6 weeks to the schedule.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your headcount, your Microsoft environment and your priority modules (self-service, document management, directory), and we'll frame a high-adoption intranet. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
