Home renovation: the complete guide to a successful renovation

A home renovation is a significant investment that can substantially change the look, functionality and comfort of a home. Whether it's an old apartment that needs a complete upgrade or a relatively modern home that needs individual interventions, proper planning is the first and most important step.

A successful renovation isn't limited to painting the walls or changing the furniture. Depending on the condition of the property, it may include new electrical and plumbing installations, new floors, window frames and interior doors, kitchen and bathroom renovation, improved thermal insulation and a general reconfiguration of the spaces.

At IG Constructions the process is handled as a whole, with design, costing, supervision and coordination of the works from start to finish.

When does a home need renovating?

There is no specific age at which a property needs renovating. The need arises mainly from the condition of the building, the functionality of the spaces and the needs of the owners.

A home may need renovating when:

• the electrical installations are old,
• there are problems with the plumbing,
• the window frames don't provide enough insulation,
• the bathroom or kitchen is worn,
• the floors need replacing,
• there are damp problems,
• the layout no longer meets the occupants' needs,
• the energy performance of the home is low,
• the property is going to be used as an investment or Airbnb.

In many cases, a full home renovation can be more effective than many small, unconnected interventions carried out gradually.

Full or partial home renovation?

The first question to answer is whether a full or partial renovation is needed.

A partial renovation may involve one or more specific rooms. For example, an owner may choose to renovate only the bathroom and kitchen, while the other rooms stay as they are.

A full home renovation, by contrast, covers a larger part of the property and may include layout changes, electrical and plumbing work, floors, window frames, insulation, painting and finishing works.

The choice depends on the existing condition of the property, the owner's needs and the available budget.

The main stages of a home renovation

An organised home renovation needs a specific sequence of works. Good organisation reduces delays and helps keep costs under control.

1. Site visit and survey of the existing condition

Before any work begins, the existing condition of the property must be examined.
Among other things, the electrical and plumbing installations, window frames, floors, walls, damp and generally any points that may cause problems during the renovation are checked.
The site visit helps identify early on works that might otherwise appear unexpectedly during the project.

2. Design and reconfiguration of spaces

At this stage, the owner decides exactly what they want to change.
They may need a different layout, a bigger kitchen, a more functional bathroom or better use of the available square metres.
The design must take into account not only aesthetics but also the everyday use of the space.

3. Removals and demolition

A full renovation may require removing old floors, cabinets, sanitary ware, window frames or other elements.
If the layout changes, additional demolition may be needed. This must be properly planned so that the parts of the property that remain are protected.

4. Electrical and plumbing installations

The installations are one of the most important parts of a renovation.
In old homes the electrical and plumbing networks may need replacing or upgrading. IG Constructions' renovation works include removing old installations and fitting new ones, depending on the needs of the project.
This phase is particularly important because much of the installation sits inside walls or floors and is hard to change once the final surfaces are complete.

5. Bathroom and kitchen renovation

The kitchen and bathroom are two rooms that bring together many different works.
A bathroom renovation may include new plumbing, drainage, tiles, sanitary ware, furniture, a shower and lighting.
Likewise, a kitchen renovation may include new units, worktops, floors, electrical supply points, plumbing and well-organised storage.
The design should prioritise ergonomics. A beautiful room that isn't practical in everyday use is not a complete solution.

6. Floors, window frames and interior doors

After the main installations come the works that largely shape the final look of the home.
Flooring should be chosen based on how each room is used, durability, maintenance and the overall look.
Window frames are also an important part of a renovation, especially when the existing ones are old and lose heat.
Replacing window frames can be combined with wider energy-upgrade and insulation interventions. IG Constructions includes energy improvement and upgrading thermal insulation as part of the renovation process.

7. Painting and finishing works

In the final stage, the works that complete the look of the home are carried out.
These include the necessary patch repairs, painting, fitting light fittings, interior doors, furniture and the other elements provided for in the design.
Colours and materials should be chosen based on the size, lighting and use of each room.

How much does a home renovation cost?

The cost of a home renovation can't be reliably calculated from the square metres alone.

The final amount is affected by:

• the size of the home,
• its existing condition,
• the type of works,
• whether or not the layout changes,
• the condition of the electrical and plumbing installations,
• the materials to be used,
• the window frames,
• the floors,
• the kitchen and bathroom,
• energy upgrades,
• bespoke builds.

That's why it's better to have a detailed quote before the project starts. IG Constructions' quotes include a cost breakdown of the individual works and materials.

How to organise your budget properly

A common mistake is to count only the cost of the visible works.
For example, someone may budget for new tiles without budgeting for removal, patch repairs, plumbing or installation.
That's why it's important for the quote to be as detailed as possible.
Also, before the renovation starts, you should decide which items are priorities.
If the budget is fixed, more money can go to the works that substantially affect the functionality of the home, and more economical solutions can be chosen for secondary items.

How to choose a renovation company

Choosing a crew or construction company is decisive for how a project goes.
Before deciding, ask for:

1. A detailed quote.
2. A description of the works.
3. A schedule.
4. Information about the materials.
5. Examples of previous projects.
6. A contact person responsible for the project.
7. A clear process for handling any additional works.

IG Constructions uses specialised crews, and all communication about the renovation goes through the civil engineer supervising the project. The company also commits to the schedule and cost through a private agreement.

Home renovation for an energy upgrade

A renovation is also an opportunity to improve the energy performance of a property.
Depending on the case, interventions such as the following can be considered:

• thermal insulation,
• window replacement,
• improved insulation,
• upgrading heating and cooling systems,
• interventions that reduce energy losses.

Insulation is particularly important because a heating or cooling system being efficient isn't enough if the building has significant heat losses. IG Constructions offers a dedicated home insulation service.

Renovating to live in or to invest?

The goals of a renovation differ significantly depending on how the property will be used.
For owner-occupiers, the priorities are usually comfort, ergonomics, durability and adapting to the family's needs.
For a property intended for rental or Airbnb, the combination of looks, functionality, durability and easy maintenance may matter more.

IG Constructions also carries out complete Airbnb renovations, aimed at making the most of a home as a tourist property.

7 useful tips before you start

Before your home renovation begins:

1. Define your goal.

Decide exactly what you want to achieve.

2. Set a budget.

Decide how much you can spend before you start choosing materials.

3. Don't choose materials on looks alone.

Consider durability, use and maintenance.

4. Prioritise the installations.

Electrical and plumbing works are hard to fix after the fact.

5. Ask for a detailed quote.

That way you can really compare what each proposal includes.

6. Factor in the project time.

A renovation needs the right sequence of works and coordination of different trades.

7. Choose a project manager.

A specific contact person reduces hassle and helps with coordination.

Frequently asked questions about home renovation

How long does a home renovation take?

It depends on the scope of the project. A limited renovation can be completed much faster than a full renovation that includes layout changes, new installations, bathroom, kitchen, floors and window frames.

Is a full or a partial renovation better?

There is no single solution for every home. The choice depends on the condition of the property, your needs and the available budget.

What does a full renovation include?

It can include reconfiguring spaces, removals, electrical and plumbing installations, window frames, floors, thermal insulation, painting, kitchen, bathroom and finishing works.

How is the cost of a renovation calculated?

The cost depends on the extent of the works, the size and condition of the property and the materials chosen. A reliable estimate requires a site visit and a detailed quote.

Conclusion

A home renovation is a complex process that needs proper planning, technical supervision and good organisation. From the initial site visit and design to the electrical work, plumbing, kitchen, bathroom, floors, window frames and final painting, every stage affects the final result.

Good planning makes better use of the available budget and creates a space that truly meets the needs of the people who will use it.

IG Constructions undertakes partial and full home renovations, as well as renovations of commercial spaces and tourist properties, with design, costing and project supervision.

If you are planning to renovate your house or apartment, the first step is a proper assessment of the existing condition and a clear plan of the works needed.