Renovating an apartment is one of the more stressful undertakings in life. New walls, floors, installations – everything must be done accurately and on time. Therefore, choosing the right renovation company is the key to success. In this article we will show you how to prepare for the search step by step, how to verify the teams and what to pay attention to so that the cooperation goes smoothly and without unpleasant surprises. You will learn why a well-chosen renovation company can take a lot of renovation worries off your hands!
Start with preparation
Although it may seem obvious, many people skip the preparation stage. Meanwhile, it’s worth spending even an hour to gain basic knowledge about renovation work. It’s enough to watch a few YouTube videos – about laying panels, types of plastering or the differences between bonded tiles and click systems. Such knowledge will allow you to better understand the answers of professionals and, more importantly, ask them pertinent questions.
At the same time, think about what you really want. Do you just want to refresh the interiors, or are you planning a major remodel? Do you already have an interior design, or are you going to plan everything yourself? Do you care about time, or are you able to wait a few months for a good team? The more specifics you prepare, the easier it will be to talk to contractors.
Where to look for a renovation company?
The best recommendations always come from friends who have recently gone through a renovation themselves. If you don’t have such a source, however, you can rely on the Internet. Local Facebook groups, classifieds sites, topic forums or Google reviews are all good places to start your search. Choose renovation companies that have visible implementations, customer reviews and do not hide their contact information. Check if the company also has profiles on social media – this builds trust! Transparency is the first sign that you are dealing with professionals.
Meetings and discussions – test of knowledge and approach
Once you have a list of several potential contractors, it’s a good idea to meet with them in person. Ideally, the meeting should take place at the apartment you want to renovate, but you can just as well make an appointment at a coffee shop or the premises where you currently live. The purpose of the meeting is not to start the work yet, but to see who you are dealing with.
During the interview, try not to reveal all your knowledge. A “layman” strategy works well – pretend you don’t know much, and ask lots of questions. Ask about techniques that you have previously looked up yourself on the Internet. Pay attention to whether the renovation company is able to explain, advise and respectfully address your concerns. If the answers are vague or based solely on “this is how it’s done,” it’s better to keep your distance.
Valuations and first conclusions
After the meetings, give the teams an accurate measurement of the apartment and ask them to prepare a quote. This is the moment when you can see further differences between contractors. On the one hand, you have access to real costs, on the other – you learn how exactly the company approaches planning. A reliable renovation company sends you a detailed estimate, sometimes with a proposal for phasing the work. If you receive only a general amount “for everything”, and after inquiring, you do not get details – consider it a warning.
Also beware of extreme valuations – both suspiciously low and absurdly high. The former can herald underestimation or an attempt to “get into the subject”, and the latter – inexperience or stretching the customer. It’s best if you get several similar quotes – then you have a realistic picture of the market.
Checking the implementation
If the renovation company is currently working on another job, ask to see this apartment. A site visit is a chance to see the quality of workmanship, the level of order, the organization of the work. It is also very valuable if you can talk to the owner of the premises – his opinion of the cooperation is sometimes priceless. And if the company does not agree to show current workmanship, explaining it by “customer request” or “lack of orders in progress”, this should give you a red light.
Signing a contract with a renovation company-secure your interests
It is surprising how many people still do not sign contracts with teams. Meanwhile, it is the contract that is your greatest safeguard. It should include the scope of work, deadlines, terms of payment, how additional costs will be charged, and warranty information. A key element is the deposit – don’t confuse it with a down payment. The deposit is a safeguard for both parties: if the team does not show up for the work, they must reimburse you in double the amount.
Also ask about the contractor’s liability insurance. Such a document gives you real protection in case, for example, the team floods your neighbor during the work. It is worth knowing that more and more professional renovation companies have this insurance – this is one of the indicators of their credibility.
Design and guidelines – the key to smooth implementation
Before the renovation begins, the renovation company needs to know exactly what it has to do. If you are using an interior designer – make sure the design is up to date and complete. There is nothing worse than handing over unfinished plans to the team and constantly changing them during the work.
When you do not work with an architect – do the project yourself. All you need are apartment floor plans and color-coded markings, inspiration. Mark where the light points are to be located, where the tiles are to start, how the outlets are to be routed. The more detailed the guidelines, the fewer problems in the course.
Control and cooperation during the renovation
Renovation is a process. Even the best renovation company needs clear decisions and control from you. The frequency of site visits depends on the quality of the handed over project – if it was complete, you can look in every few days. When, on the other hand, the team works without detailed plans, be prepared for daily visits and numerous phone calls.
When something raises your doubts – react right away. Inform the team before the work goes too far. Cooperation and communication are key. Good professionals do not take offense to comments – on the contrary, they value an engaged and specific customer.
Summary: How to find a good renovation company?
✅ Prepare for interviews – even a short research on the Internet makes a huge difference,
✅ do not choose a contractor “blindly” – make an appointment, ask questions, observe,
✅ Ask for a quote and compare offers – look for a balance between price and quality,
✅ Visit current projects and talk to customers,
✅ Sign a detailed contract with a down payment and liability insurance,
✅ Provide clear and complete guidelines,
✅ Inspect the work regularly and don’t be afraid to react in real time.
A good renovation company does not have to be the most expensive or the most publicized. It needs to be reliable, communicative and ready to take responsibility for its work. If you follow the steps described here, your renovation will become much more predictable and peaceful. Want to know more about how to find a good finishing team – watch the video below!
