7 tips for renovating your apartment

Renovating your apartment is an opportunity to rethink your living environment, to optimize space and to enhance your heritage. But between planning, budgeting and monitoring the work, the path can quickly become full of pitfalls. Here it is 7 essential tips to renovate your apartment successfully, inspired by industry best practices.

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1. Before you start: prepare your renovation project well

Clearly define your needs and priorities

Before putting on the construction helmet, take the time to put your vision down. Do you want to modernise a room, improve energy performance or completely rethink the distribution of space?
Do a complete housing diagnosis : condition of the structure, insulation, electricity, plumbing, carpentry... This assessment will help you identify technical emergencies before aesthetic choices.

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Establish a realistic budget and anticipate the unexpected

One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating costs. Beyond the price of materials and labor, don't forget the additional expenses: dumpster rental, fees, administrative costs, even temporary accommodation during the work.
Predict a margin of 10 to 15% to prepare for the unexpected: a wall that is wetter than expected or a floor to be reinforced, for example.

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Find out about the necessary authorizations

Some work requires mandatory procedures. In co-ownership, any modification affecting the structure or the facade must be validated at the general meeting.
Also remember to check if your project requires a prior declaration at the town hall. Finally, consult the condominium regulations: they may impose certain constraints, in particular on noise, schedules or materials.

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2. Choosing the right professionals for your work

Architect, prime contractor or an all-trades company?

It all depends on the complexity of your project.

• One architect is essential if the renovated area exceeds 150 m² or if you are touching the structure of the building.
• One prime contractor coordinates the artisans and follows the construction site on a daily basis.
• One All trades company takes care of everything, from structural work to finishing, for simplified management.
  

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Compare several quotes and check the guarantees

Ask at least three detailed quotes to compare prices and services. Make sure businesses have the RGE, Qualibat or Qualifelec labels, guarantees of seriousness and access to financial aid.
Also check the ten-year insurance and civil liability, as well as recent customer reviews.

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Get support to save time and avoid mistakes

Renovating can quickly become time consuming and stressful. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is often a good idea to be accompanied by experts who centralize the research, coordinate the artisans and save you precious time.

That is precisely the role of Kyka House, specialist in custom real estate. Their team is made up of experts in real estate, renovation and interior design and oversees the entire project, from the initial diagnosis to the delivery of the keys. Maison Kyka takes care of all the follow-up of the work, you only have one contact person to monitor the entire project.

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3. Prioritize essential work before decorating

Start with structural work and compliance

Before thinking about paint or light fixtures, make sure that the structure of the home is healthy.
The priority works concern: roofing, insulation, carpentry, electricity and plumbing.
One full refurbishment guarantees safety, comfort and energy savings over the long term.

Continue with the second work

Once the foundations are solid, it's time for the finishes: partitions, coverings, floors, floors, tiles, bathroom, kitchen... This is where your project starts to take shape and where aesthetics mingle with functionality.

Finish with decoration and layout

Last step, but not the least! The decoration enhances volumes and luminosity.
Think of the Home staging if you are planning to sell or rent: a few well-thought-out arrangements can make a difference. Natural materials, light colors and built-in storage immediately bring a sense of space and modernity.

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4. Focus on smart energy renovation

Conduct an energy performance diagnosis (DPE)

A DPE makes it possible to identify energy losses and weak points in the home. Wall insulation, window replacement, installation of more efficient heating: these works offer an excellent return on investment.

Take advantage of available financial aid

Numerous public aid support energy renovations:

• MaPrime Rénov'
• Eco-loan at zero interest rate (eco-PTZ)
• VAT reduced to 5.5%
• Grants from local authorities
  These devices can cover an important part of your work if you use RGE certified craftsmen.
  
  

Choosing sustainable and ecological materials

Give priority to natural and recyclable materials : wood wool, cork, VOC-free paints, FSC parquet. They improve indoor air quality and reduce the environmental footprint of your renovation.

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5. ️Organize the site and monitor the work

Plan the stages of the construction site

A successful project is based on rigorous organization. Establish a schedule with each stage: demolition, structural work, finishing, finishing.
Add safety margins to manage unexpected events (delivery delays, weather, etc.).

Ensure regular monitoring of the construction site

Program weekly visits or biweekly. Take progress photos, keep invoices, and maintain an expense dashboard. This will facilitate the reception of the work and the lifting of reservations.

Anticipate delays and unforeseen events

Even with good preparation, a construction site is never an exact science. The key? Communicate regularly With the artisans and adapt the schedule accordingly. Good follow-up helps to avoid disputes and additional costs.

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6. Renovating without breaking the bank: tips for controlling costs

Recycle, hunt, reuse

Reclaimed materials and redesigned furniture can add a lot of charm at a low cost. Think of resource stores, flea markets or second-hand platforms.

Do Some Finishes Yourself

If you are a bit of a handyman, do the painting, installing the baseboards or decorating yourself. This reduces the bill while adding a personal touch to your home.

Buy Smart: Compare Prices and Take Advantage of Sales

Major retailers and specialized sites regularly offer Material Promotions : tiling, parquet, faucets... Compare, anticipate and store before the start of work.

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7. Think about the added value of your property

The renovations that value an apartment the most

Buyers and Renters alike pay particular attention to Kitchen, Bathroom and Energy Performance. Investing in these spaces means capitalizing on the heritage value of your home.

Adapting renovation to the target

Are you renovating to live, rent or resell? In each case, the level of finish and style should adapt to your purpose.
For a resale, prefer the Neutrality and functionality ; for a furnished rental, focus on sustainability.

Get Support to Maximize Potential

A specialized team can help you identify high-performing positions, select artisans and promote your property. The objective: a Harmonious, Sustainable and Profitable Result. Mecaza Real Estate Hunters can advise you on finding the rare pearl and advise you in choosing artisans like Kyka.

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✨ In summary: the 7 golden rules of a successful renovation

1. Prepare your project well.
2. Surround yourself with reliable professionals.
3. Prioritize essential work.
4. Optimizing energy renovation.
5. Follow your construction site rigorously.
6. Control costs intelligently.
7. Long-term thinking: comfort, aesthetics and heritage value.
   
   

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In conclusion

Renovating your apartment is much more than a simple construction project. It is an adventure that transforms your living environment and enhances your property. With thorough preparation, qualified professionals and personalized support such as that offered by Kyka, your renovation becomes a smooth, serene and inspiring experience.

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