What to Watch During an Apartment Renovation

Underestimated costs do not only cause stress – they can even lead to the complete failure of the project. Below I explain in detail how to avoid this mistake:

• Setting the budget: When renovating an apartment, it is always worth planning with a 10–20% reserve to cover unexpected expenses. This allows you to deal with problems that come up – structural defects or price increases, for example – without running into serious financial difficulties.
• A detailed, itemised budget: When drawing up the budget, it is important to plan every item precisely, including small, seemingly insignificant expenses such as fittings or minor accessories. An itemised budget helps you see the total spend more clearly and avoid surprises.
• Price negotiations and quotes: It is worth asking several tradespeople and material suppliers for quotes and then studying them thoroughly. The cheapest quotes are often not the best, but recognising the price differences also gives you room to negotiate.

When choosing materials, you need to consider appearance, durability and functional requirements alike. Further points to consider:

• Thinking long term: Always think long term when choosing materials. How well does the chosen material stand up to everyday use – scratches, moisture or changes in temperature, for example? Cheaper materials often do not cope with long-term use and wear out quickly.
• Maintenance requirements: It is important to understand that some materials may need more maintenance than others. Natural wood flooring, for example, requires regular care, while ceramic tiles are almost maintenance-free.
• Sustainability and environmental awareness: More and more people choose environmentally friendly materials when renovating an apartment. Recycled or sustainably sourced materials not only protect the environment but can also increase the value of the apartment, as buyers increasingly look for green solutions.

Choosing the right tradespeople is key to the success of an apartment renovation. Further important points:

• Contracts and legal protection: Before signing a contract with a tradesperson, it is important to put every detail in writing. The contract should include an exact description of the work, the price, the deadlines and the warranties. This way you can avoid misunderstandings and gain legal protection if the work is not completed as you expected.
• Communication and staying in touch: Continuous communication is essential throughout the project. Regular meetings, inspections and discussions about the state of the project help to keep the work on schedule and to make sure any problems are spotted in time.
• Good reputation and references: Do not be afraid to contact the tradesperson's previous clients and ask how satisfied they were with the work. A tradesperson with a good reputation is more likely to deliver quality work.

Despite the popularity of DIY projects, certain tasks require expertise. Further considerations:

• Permits and regulations: Certain works, such as altering electrical systems or water pipes, are subject to official permits. If you do not have the necessary permits, the renovation can cause legal problems, and the finished work may even have to be taken out again.
• Health and safety: Many DIY projects involve serious safety risks, especially when tools or special materials are used. Using inadequate protective equipment, or doing the work unprofessionally, can lead to serious accidents.
• Time management and stress: DIY projects often take more time and energy than expected. If the work drags on, it means extra stress and can disrupt family life as well. On top of that, if a professional is needed in the end to fix a mistake, it results in additional costs.

Planning is the foundation of an apartment renovation. If the plans are not thorough enough, it can lead to serious problems. Further important points:

• Functionality of the space: During planning, you need to consider how each room will work in everyday life. The layout of the kitchen, for example, affects how practical cooking and storage will be. Poorly planned spaces can be a source of annoyance in the long run.
• Future needs: It is important to take future needs into account when renovating an apartment. If the family grows, or as we get older, solutions such as wider doors or easily accessible rooms may become necessary.
• Style and harmony: During the renovation, make sure the new elements match the rest of the apartment in style and colour. Mixing different styles can create a chaotic effect, which spoils the overall look and lowers the value of the property too.

Following fashion trends is exciting, but it can cause problems in the long run if we are not careful. Further points to consider:

• Flexibility: When renovating an apartment, it is worth choosing solutions that are easy to adapt or replace when trends change. The style of tiling or built-in furniture, for example, is hard to change, while paint or decoration is easy to modify.
• Favouring timeless designs: Timeless, classic designs often stay attractive for longer than whatever is currently in fashion. These elements are not only pleasing to the eye but also increase the value of the property, as they appeal to a wider audience.
• Personal style: Although it is important to keep an eye on trends, do not forget that our home is our own personal map. It is worth including elements in the renovation that reflect your individual style and preferences, so that your home is truly tailored to you.

The timing of an apartment renovation is a critical factor. Bad timing can not only increase the costs but also disrupt the family's everyday life. For example:

• Taking the seasons into account: Certain renovation works, such as outdoor jobs, can only be carried out in suitable weather conditions. In winter, for example, outdoor work can be more difficult, while in summer the heat can be a problem during indoor work.
• Taking family events into account: It is important that the apartment renovation does not clash with major family events such as a wedding or the birth of a child. The stress caused by the renovation and the mess that comes with it can make these events harder to manage.
• The economic situation: The prices of materials and services can fluctuate depending on the economic situation. It is worth following the market and choosing a period for the renovation when costs are stable or low.

During an apartment renovation it often happens that problems arise after the work is finished and warranty repairs are needed. It is worth paying attention to the following:

• Checking the warranties: Before considering the renovation work finished, it is important to check that every tradesperson and material comes with an appropriate warranty. Warranties provide protection if problems arise later.
• Handling remedial work: Sometimes minor defects or omissions remain after the renovation and have to be corrected with remedial work. It is important to clarify with the tradespeople how they handle this remedial work, and to make sure it is properly carried out at the end of the project.

During an apartment renovation it is important to consider not only appearance and function but also future maintenance requirements. For example:

• Maintenance costs: Some materials and solutions can come with high maintenance costs, which are worth taking into account in advance. Natural wood floors, for example, need sanding and varnishing over time, while tiled surfaces are almost maintenance-free.
• Long-term durability: During the renovation it is worth choosing materials and solutions that are durable and resistant in the long run. This reduces later maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of the renovation.

Once the apartment renovation is finished, it is important that the apartment is clean and tidy. Dust, debris and other dirt may be left in the apartment after the renovation work, spoiling the end result. Neglecting the finishing work and the cleaning can mean that the new surfaces get damaged or dirty sooner.

• Professional cleaning: After the renovation it is worth ordering or carrying out a complete clean, which ensures that every surface, including hard-to-reach places, is clean.
• Checking the finishing work: It is important to check all finishing work thoroughly – touch-ups after painting or the grouting of new tiles, for example – before considering the project closed.

These more detailed, additional points can help you avoid the most common mistakes during an apartment renovation and achieve the best possible result – one that brings satisfaction and added value in the long run.