Apartment Renovation Checklist: 20 Steps Before Work Starts
A checklist connecting technical preparation, budget, administration and building logistics.
Good preparation cannot prevent every hidden defect found after opening up, but it reduces rushed decisions and separates known scope from genuine surprises.
1–5: Brief and existing condition
1. Write down why you are renovating and what must change.
2. Obtain the floor plan and available building documents.
3. Review known electrical, plumbing, drainage, heating and substrate conditions.
4. Identify items to retain and protect.
5. Measure actual dimensions before ordering fitted items.
6–10: Building, consents and assessment
6. Notify the person responsible for building management in advance.
7. If renting, obtain the owner’s written consent.
8. Check house rules for noise, lifts, common areas and waste.
9. Reliably identify structural elements before layout changes.
10. Discuss uncertain work with a designer and building authority.
11–15: Budget, quote and contract
11. Give every contractor the same brief.
12. Separate fixed scope from opening-up risks.
13. Define materials or allowances.
14. Agree changes, dates and stage payments.
15. Define handover, documents, defects and warranty.
16–20: Logistics and start
16. Decide where you will live during a complete renovation.
17. Clear the flat and label retained items.
18. Agree common-area protection, carrying route and waste removal.
19. Inform neighbours of timing and a contact person.
20. Before demolition, confirm layout and positions of sockets, water, lights and fitted elements.
Frequently asked questions
Allow enough time for surveys, design, quote comparison, material selection and any professional assessments.
At minimum: target layout, elements to remove, principal service routes and long-lead fitted items.
It depends on age and known condition. More important than one percentage is identifying uncertain items and agreeing how they are approved.