An apartment renovation is a project that requires professional intervention. Indeed, the services of an interior designer or a renovation company are essential. Do you want to transform your home to match your desires and lifestyle? You’ve come to the right place! Renovating an apartment, whether it’s a simple update or a complete renovation, is a project that requires careful thought and planning.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of a renovation, from design to completion, to help you successfully complete your project. Whether you live in Paris, Saint-Denis, or elsewhere in France, we’ll give you all the advice you need to successfully complete your renovations. From energy-efficient renovations to redesigning your kitchen or bathroom, we’ll help.
Preparing for your apartment renovation project
Have you decided to renovate your apartment? It’s a great way to improve your comfort and the value of your property. But before you dive headfirst into the work, Reno , an architectural firm, will help you prepare your project.
Define your project and your budget
The first step is to precisely define your needs and desires . Do you want a simple partial renovation , such as a bathroom or kitchen renovation , or a complete renovation of your apartment?
Partial renovation
You want to refresh one or more rooms in your apartment, such as painting, installing new floor coverings or changing the kitchen.
Complete renovation
You are planning to completely transform your apartment, changing the layout of the rooms, replacing the electrical and sanitary installations, and insulating the walls.
Once you’ve defined your needs, it’s time to establish a realistic budget . The cost of a renovation can vary considerably depending on the scope of the work, the materials chosen, and the region where you live.
Find the right craftsmen
Choosing the right craftsmen is a crucial step in the success of your project.
Request several quotes
Compare the offers and services offered by different professionals.
Check the qualifications
Make sure the craftsmen have the necessary certifications.
Read reviews online
Reviews from previous clients can give you an idea of the quality of the work carried out.
Administrative procedures
Before starting work, you must complete certain administrative procedures:
Declaration of work
If your work does not modify the supporting structure of your building, a simple declaration of work will suffice.
Building permit
For more significant work, such as creating an opening in a load-bearing wall or an extension, a building permit is required.
A summary table of the procedures may be useful:
Type of work | Administrative procedures |
Modification of the structure (load-bearing walls) | Building permit |
Major works (modification of the facade, creation of an opening) | Declaration of work |
Small jobs (painting, laying floor coverings) | No specific formalities (except in co-ownership) |
In short, preparing your apartment renovation project requires careful organization and planning. By taking the time to define your needs, find the right professionals, and follow the administrative procedures, you’ll give yourself every chance of success.
The work: from structural work to finishing touches
Once the preparations are complete, it’s time to start the actual work. This can be divided into several stages:
The demolition
Before you can build, you often have to demolish. This phase involves removing old floor coverings ( floor coverings ), breaking down non-load-bearing partitions, and removing the elements to be replaced. For an older apartment , this step can be longer and more complex, especially if you want to modify the structure of the apartment ( load-bearing wall ).
The structural work
Structural work concerns all work that modifies the structure of the building:
Plumbing
Replacement of pipes, installation of new sanitary facilities ( bathroom , kitchen, dining room ).
Electricity
Upgrading the electrical panel, installing new circuits.
Heating
Replacement of the boiler, installation of a more efficient heating system ( energy renovation ).
Isolation
Improving the thermal and acoustic insulation of the apartment to reduce your energy bills and increase your comfort.
The finishes
The finishes bring your new interior to life:
Floor coverings
Choice of material (tiles, parquet, linoleum, etc.) and installation.
Paint
Choice of colors and creation of paintings.
Installation of sanitary facilities
Installation of bathtub, shower, sinks…
Installation of equipment
Equipped kitchen, cupboards, etc.
Kitchen and bathroom renovation
The kitchen and bathroom are two key rooms in the apartment. Their renovation must therefore be carefully planned to optimize space and comfort.
Cuisine
The kitchen is often the heart of the home. During a kitchen renovation , it is possible to completely transform it: new layout, new appliances, new floor coverings …
The layout of a kitchen depends on its size and your lifestyle. Choose a U-shaped or L-shaped layout to gain more workspace. Custom-made kitchen units allow you to maximize every inch of space. Don’t forget to include ample storage for your utensils and food.
Opt for granite, quartz, or laminate countertops, which are stain-resistant and easy to maintain. For cabinet fronts, melamine, wood, or lacquer are classic choices. Don’t forget to equip your kitchen with quality appliances: oven, hob, extractor hood, refrigerator.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a space that must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can opt for a walk-in shower, a whirlpool tub, or even a designer vanity unit.
For your bathroom renovation , opt for a walk-in shower, wall-mounted furniture, and a vanity unit. If space allows, install an electric towel dryer for optimal comfort.
The most common wall coverings are ceramic tiles, earthenware, and paint. Tiles are also a good choice for floors. Bathroom fixtures should be chosen based on the available space and your personal tastes: sink, shower, bathtub, and toilet.
The other rooms
The other rooms in your apartment can also be renovated: bedrooms, living room, etc.
Comparative table of different types of renovation
Type of renovation | Works concerned | Approximate cost | Duration |
Partial renovation | Painting, floor coverings, replacement of some equipment | AVERAGE | Court |
Complete renovation | All work, from demolition to finishing | Pupil | Long |
Energy renovation | Insulation, window replacement, installation of a condensing boiler | Varies depending on the work | AVERAGE |
NB: costs and durations are given as an indication and may vary depending on the scale of the work, the materials chosen and the region.
Summary table of the main stages of a renovation
Stage | Description |
Demolition | Removal of old coverings, removal of partitions |
Structural work | Plumbing, electricity, heating, insulation |
Finishes | Floor coverings, painting, installation of sanitary facilities |
In conclusion, renovating an apartment is a project that requires careful preparation and careful monitoring. By hiring competent professionals and choosing quality materials , you can achieve results that meet your expectations. And above all, don’t forget that to reduce your expenses, you can benefit from financial aid for apartment renovations !
Professional advice for a successful renovation
Renovating your apartment is a project that requires careful planning and professional help. Here are some valuable tips to help you complete your project successfully.
Choosing the right materials
Choosing materials is a crucial step in a renovation. They must be aesthetically pleasing, durable, and fit within your budget.
Floor coverings
Opt for easy-care materials such as tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, or laminate flooring in the living areas.
Paintings
Choose eco-friendly, stain-resistant paints, especially in living rooms.
Sanitary facilities
Choose water-saving and attractive sanitary ware for your bathroom.
Optimize space
There are several tips for saving space in a small apartment:
Storage
Increase storage space (cupboards, shelves) to optimize every square meter.
Modular furniture
Choose modular furniture that adapts to your needs and the evolution of your interior.
Mirrors
Mirrors visually enlarge a room.
Manage the construction site
Managing a renovation project requires organization.
Detailed planning
Establish a precise schedule of work with your tradesperson to avoid delays.
Regular monitoring
Check in with your tradesperson regularly to see how the work is progressing.
Protecting your home
Protect your furniture and floors during the work.
Summary table of professional advice
Advice | Advantage |
Choose sustainable materials | Reduces long-term maintenance costs |
Optimize storage | Save space |
Establish a detailed schedule | Allows you to monitor the progress of the work |
By following these tips, you will increase your chances of successfully completing your renovation project and achieving a result that meets your expectations.
FAQ: All your questions about apartment renovations
What is the average budget for an apartment renovation?
The cost of an apartment renovation varies depending on the scope of the work ( partial or complete renovation), the surface area, the materials chosen ( flooring , bathroom fixtures, etc.), and the region. A complete renovation of an average-sized apartment can cost between €1,500 and €2,500 per m². Don’t hesitate to request several quotes to compare offers. A renovation company will be able to tell you the price per m² for an apartment renovation.
How do I choose the right craftsmen for my renovation?
To choose the right craftsmen, choose professionals recommended by those around you. Request several detailed quotes and compare the services offered. Check qualifications, insurance, and warranties. Don’t hesitate to visit construction sites in progress to assess the quality of the work.
What are the stages of an apartment renovation?
An apartment renovation typically takes place in several stages: site preparation (dismantling, protection, etc.), structural work (plumbing, electrical work), finishing touches (painting, flooring), and finally, restoration. The duration of the work depends on the scope of the project.
What are the benefits of energy renovation?
An energy renovation can reduce your energy consumption, lower your bills, and improve the comfort of your home. Renovations can include insulation, window replacement, the installation of a high-efficiency boiler, and more. There are many financial aid options available to assist you with this work.
How to arrange a small bathroom?
To maximize the space in a small bathroom , opt for wall-mounted fixtures, a compact vanity unit, and a walk-in shower. Use mirrors to visually enlarge the room and opt for light colors.
What are the most suitable materials for a kitchen?
For the kitchen, the most commonly used materials are tile for walls and floors, granite or quartz countertops, and wood or melamine furniture. Choose materials that are moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
How to choose the right floor coverings?
The choice of flooring depends on the room and its intended use. Tile is ideal for bathrooms, parquet for bedrooms and living rooms, and linoleum for entryways. Consider aesthetics, durability, and maintenance.
Can I do some renovation work myself?
You can do some simple jobs yourself, such as painting or wallpapering. However, for more complex projects such as electrical work, plumbing, or masonry, it’s best to hire a professional.
What are the current trends in renovation?
Current trends favor open spaces, natural light, natural materials (wood, stone), connected equipment, and eco-friendly solutions. Kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being designed as living spaces in their own right.
How to get a quote for a renovation?
To get a quote , contact several tradespeople and explain your project in detail. Ask for detailed quotes that include the cost of each job. Don’t hesitate to compare offers and ask any questions you may have.
