How an apartment renovation works: Step by step from idea to handover

For most people, an apartment renovation is a major investment — and yet the whole process is a mystery to them. What exactly happens, in what order, and what will you need to decide yourself? Here is a clear guide.

Step 1: Consultation and defining the goal

Every renovation begins with a consultation. The goal is to clarify what you want to change and why (comfort, sale, rental, layout), what your approximate budget is and what the time frame is. A good consultation takes 30–60 minutes and does not have to take place in the apartment — basic information, a few photos and a floor plan are enough.

Step 2: Survey and technical inspection

The survey reveals the real condition of the apartment: the state of the electrical installation (original aluminium wiring?), the state of water and drainage (old steel pipes, original cast-iron drains), floors and substrates (levelness, moisture), the state of plaster and ceilings, possible moisture problems. Without a survey, an accurate budget cannot be prepared — any offer without a survey is just an estimate.

Step 3: Project and budget

For larger layout changes (demolishing load-bearing walls, relocating the bathroom), a building permit or notification may be required — this requires project documentation. Ordinary renovations without changes to load-bearing structures do not require a permit.

A detailed budget contains a bill of quantities, the labour price for each trade and a material specification.

Step 4: Material selection

Material selection takes place 2–4 weeks before work begins — so that materials are available. Typically selected: tiles and wall tiles, sanitary ware, flooring, paints, lighting and switches. We help you choose a solution that matches your budget and style.

Step 5: Execution — the correct sequence of trades

Demolition work — partitions, floors, tiles, old material
Rough services — electrical (wiring), water, drainage
Masonry work — new partitions, plaster, skimming
Final services — boxes, sockets, taps
Floors — screed, base layers, final wear layer
Bathroom — wall tiles, floor tiles, sanitary ware, installation
Painting and plastering
Finishing work — doors, skirting, lighting, switches

Step 6: Ongoing supervision

During execution, control takes place: regular inspection days on site, photo documentation of progress, communication about changes and unforeseen findings, approval of extra work (with the price agreed in advance).

Step 7: Turnkey handover

Handover includes a physical inspection with a check of all work, handover of documents (certificates, warranty cards), a list of any minor items to be touched up and handover of the keys.

How long does a renovation take?

Scope	Indicative duration
Bathroom or kitchen	3–5 weeks
Partial apartment renovation	4–8 weeks
Complete renovation of a 2+1 apartment	6–10 weeks
Complete renovation of a 3+1 apartment	8–14 weeks

Preparing a renovation? Send us basic information about the apartment and your plans — we’ll reply within 1 working day with a proposal for the next steps.