FAQ
The renovation process step by step: can you live at home during a renovation?
· 3 min read · SG Concept Architecture
A renovation consists of these stages: survey and measurement, design and visualisation, quantities and quote, strip-out, rough works and services, finishes, furniture and fixture installation, cleaning and handover. Apart from painting and small refreshes, living at home during a renovation that covers services, floors and wet areas is often impossible, or very hard.
1. Survey and measured drawings
The existing condition is measured and photographed, and the services and structural system are observed. Needs and expectations are discussed at this stage. To prepare, see our article 7 things to know before renovating.
2. Design and 3D
Layout, material, lighting and furniture decisions are turned into drawings and visuals. Changing things on screen is always cheaper than changing them on site, so most decisions should be made at this stage (our 3D visualisation article).
3. Quantities, quote and schedule
Quantities are taken from the finalised design, and the quote and work programme are prepared. Lead times for made-to-order furniture, natural stone and imported products are the items that most determine the schedule. We cover the cost items in our turnkey renovation article.
4. Strip-out and rough works
Old finishes, cabinets and, if needed, partition walls are removed. Water, drainage, electrical and climate control services are renewed; screed, plaster and gypsum work is done. This is the dustiest and noisiest stage.
5. Finishes
Waterproofing, floor and wall finishes, painting, suspended ceilings and lighting are carried out. In wet areas the right order is critical (our bathroom renovation guide).
6. Installation, cleaning and handover
The kitchen, cabinets, doors, fixtures and lights are installed, and a detailed post-construction clean is done. At handover, snags and defects are listed during a walk-through together and then closed out.
Can you live at home during a renovation?
- Small jobs such as painting or renewing cabinet doors: yes, planned room by room.
- A single room or just the kitchen: hard but possible; a temporary kitchen corner can be set up.
- A comprehensive renovation covering services, floors and wet areas: usually not. Dust, noise and water and power cuts strain daily life and health, and the work slows down too.
Neighbours and site management
Before starting, inform the estate or building management; rules such as working hours, lift use, debris removal and protection of common areas may be set out in the management plan. Telling neighbours about noisy days in advance protects relationships. Work that touches the structure may also need separate permission (our structural system article).
“The speed of a renovation is set at the desk, not on site: a clear design means a short build.”
Conclusion
When a renovation moves in the right order with a clear design, it becomes a predictable process. We run renovation projects in Göktürk, Kemerburgaz and across Istanbul with the same team from design to turnkey. See our build and renovation service or fill in our quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay at home during a renovation?
For small jobs yes, planned room by room. For comprehensive renovations covering services, floors and wet areas, it is usually not recommended because of dust, noise and cuts.
How long does a renovation take?
It depends on the scope, how clear the design is and lead times for made-to-order items. A firm duration is given with the work programme once the design and quantities are complete.
Do you need to tell the management before a renovation?
Yes. Rules such as working hours, lift use and debris removal may be set out in the management plan. Work that touches the structure may also need separate permission.
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