Gündoğan Yapı
Renovation is the most effective way to adapt your home to the way you live and to increase its comfort and value. But a renovation started without a plan can turn into a tiring experience of budget overruns and delays. Drawing on our work, from renewing nine apartments at Ağaoğlu Andromeda Gold to hotel renovations, here are the basic steps of a sound renovation plan.
1. Survey and needs list
Everything starts with measuring the existing space and writing down your needs. Wishes such as “a more open kitchen”, “an extra bathroom” or “more storage” set the project’s priorities.
2. Design and material selection
The new layout, lighting and electrical points, and kitchen and bathroom details are defined in drawings. Materials are chosen at this stage and approved with samples; making decisions on site is the biggest enemy of the schedule.
3. The right sequence of works
- Protection and strip-out
- Electrical and plumbing infrastructure
- Walls, plasterboard and plastering
- Waterproofing in wet areas
- Floor finishes
- Kitchen, bathroom and joinery installation
- Painting
- Light fittings, sockets and final fixings
- Final cleaning and handover
Breaking this sequence, for example opening up walls for plumbing after painting, means repeated work and higher costs.
4. Budget planning
- Split the budget into items: strip-out, services, rough works, finishes, kitchen and bathroom, furniture and lighting.
- In older buildings especially, surprises can appear once walls are opened; keep a contingency in the budget.
- Don’t economise on items that must last, such as plumbing and waterproofing.
5. Timing and daily life
Duration depends on scope, material lead times and the sequence of works. Vacating the home for a full renovation speeds things up and improves quality. In apartment buildings, informing the management and respecting working hours keeps good relations with neighbours.
6. One team, one point of contact
When different trades are coordinated separately, responsibility gets diluted. At Gündoğan Yapı, we manage the whole process from design to execution as one team and keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a home renovation take?
It depends on the scope of work, material lead times and the current condition of the building. After the survey, a work programme showing each stage is prepared.
Can I live at home during the renovation?
It can be possible for partial works, but for a full renovation, vacating the home speeds up the work and spares you dust and noise.
Where should I never cut costs in a renovation?
Never compromise on items hidden inside walls that are difficult and costly to fix later, such as plumbing and waterproofing.
