5 Most Common Apartment Renovation Mistakes
· Andrej Szeredi
What mistakes do we see from DIY renovators or bad contractors? After 30 years of experience, we know what to avoid.
In over 30 years in the business, we've seen hundreds of renovations — our own and others'. Unfortunately, we've also had to fix work done by other companies and DIY enthusiasts. Here are the most common mistakes we see.
1. Not following the correct technical procedures
This is by far the most common problem. Every material and process has prescribed technical procedures — how many layers, what thickness, what drying times. When these aren't followed, the result looks good initially, but months or years later problems appear: cracking, swelling, peeling.
2. Wrong material selection
Classic example: white drywall in a bathroom instead of green moisture-resistant. Or cheap paint that peels after a year. The price difference in materials is minimal, but the difference in durability is huge. Always consult a professional — material type depends on where and how it will be used.
3. Client coordinating trades themselves
When clients coordinate tradespeople themselves without a site manager, problems arise. Trades must follow each other in the right order — electrician first, then drywall, then painter. When this gets mixed up, delays, extra costs and disputes about responsibilities follow.
4. "This is how it should be done" advice
What surprises us most? When clients tell us how we should do the work. We understand everyone has a vision for the result — and that's right. But technical procedures and execution should be left to the professional. That's why we have certificates and 30 years of practice.
5. Not verifying the company before signing
Before signing a contract, verify: is the company registered long-term? Do they have debts? Do they have references? Can they back up their claims? People fall for scammers because they don't check the facts. A good company won't be afraid to show their history, certificates and contacts of previous clients.
Planning a renovation? We're happy to advise on the entire process from design to completion. Contact us for a free consultation.