Renovation Process Step by Step: A Professional Guide
Renovation reshapes the function, look or technical infrastructure of an existing space. Poor planning leads to budget and timeline blowups. This guide outlines the 8 steps of a well-run renovation.
Renovation Categories
- Cosmetic renovation: paint, flooring, doors (1–2 weeks)
- Mid-scale renovation: kitchen/bathroom rebuild (4–8 weeks)
- Full renovation: complete interior including MEP (8–16 weeks)
- Structural renovation: load-bearing intervention (requires project + permit)
Step 1: Define Intent and Budget
Decide what you want first:
- Which areas will be renovated?
- Lifestyle changes? (kids, home office, aging in place)
- For sale/rent or long-term residence?
- Target total budget?
Always reserve 15–20% contingency.
Step 2: Site Inspection
A professional firm:
- Checks water, electrical, gas systems
- Distinguishes load-bearing vs. partition walls
- Looks for moisture, cracks, insulation
- Measures all openings
- Records photo/video
Step 3: Design and 3D Visualization
Seeing the result via rendering prevents costly reversals:
- Finishings schedule (every room, every surface)
- Color and material concept board
- 3D rendering or video tour
- Furniture layout
Step 4: Detailed Contract and Spec
Must-haves:
- Itemized scope of work
- Brand-model material list
- Schedule and late-delivery penalty
- Progress payment plan
- Warranty periods
- Debris and waste responsibility
Step 5: Demolition
The unsung hero of a clean renovation is protection:
- Dust barriers for neighbors
- Elevator protection
- Floor and remaining furniture covers
- Permitted disposal of waste
Step 6: Rough-in Work
Invisible but critical:
- Plumbing renewal (PPRC or PEX)
- Electrical (NYM cable, breaker panel, grounding)
- Gas (authorized gas company approval)
- HVAC infrastructure
- Smart home wiring (Cat6, KNX bus)
- Plaster, drywall, screed
Step 7: Finishings
- Paint (primer + 2 topcoats)
- Tile, parquet, laminate
- Kitchen and cabinet installation
- Accessories and lighting
- Skirting and trims
Step 8: Handover and Warranty
A professional handover:
- Punch list of pending items
- Defects fixed within 1–2 weeks
- Warranty docs in a single file
- 1 year free revision (Turallar standard)
Typical Budget Allocation
| Item | Share |
|---|---|
| Kitchen renewal | 15–20% |
| Bathroom renewal (each) | 8–12% |
| Mechanical | 10–15% |
| Electrical | 6–10% |
| Flooring | 12–18% |
| Paint & walls | 5–8% |
| Furniture & accessories | 15–25% |
| Labor (within total) | 30–40% |
Most Common Renovation Mistakes
- Skipping MEP renewal under aesthetic work (it all gets ripped out within a year)
- Rushing the start — insufficient design phase
- Many small contractors instead of one — nobody owns it
- Starting without a contract
- Paying everything upfront
FAQ
Can I live in the home during renovation?
Cosmetic — yes, partly. Mid- and large-scale — not advised due to dust, noise, MEP shutoffs.
Do I need building management approval?
Working hours rules apply. Structural changes require owners' assembly approval.
How much do renovations stretch?
A well-planned mid-scale job finishes in 6–8 weeks. Unplanned ones drift to 12+ weeks.
Turallar Yapı's renovation service delivers a single-point solution from design to handover. Get in touch for a detailed survey.
