Old Apartment Renovation: Systematic Approach Without Mistakes
Complete guide to renovating an apartment in an old building: inspection, budget, utilities, work stages, and common mistakes. Practical guide for major home renovation.
Old Apartment Renovation: Complete Guide — Where to Start and How to Avoid Mistakes
Renovating an apartment in an old building is not just updating the finish, but a comprehensive engineering and construction project. Such properties almost always have hidden defects, worn-out utilities, and layouts that don't match modern living scenarios.
Without a systematic approach, renovation can lead to budget overruns, delays, and technical problems after moving in. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown to help you plan the renovation correctly and avoid critical mistakes.
Features of Renovating Old Building Apartments
Before starting work, it's important to understand: apartments in buildings constructed decades ago require a fundamentally different approach than housing in new complexes.
Worn-Out Utility Systems
Electrical wiring, plumbing, sewage, and ventilation in old buildings often don't meet modern safety and comfort requirements.
Common problems:
- aluminum wiring with limited load capacity;
- worn-out pipes and connections;
- weak or non-functional ventilation.
Replacing utility systems is a basic and mandatory stage of major renovation.
Structural Limitations
Old buildings may have:
- uneven floors;
- partitions with low load-bearing capacity;
- limitations on allowable loads.
Not all walls can be demolished or moved. Using heavy materials (stone, concrete, solid wood) sometimes requires structural reinforcement and additional calculations.
Insufficient Thermal and Sound Insulation
Thin walls, old windows, and lack of modern insulation solutions lead to:
- heat loss;
- poor sound insulation;
- increased operating costs.
These factors directly affect living comfort and should be considered at the design stage.
Outdated Layout
Most common problems:
- small kitchens;
- narrow corridors;
- lack of storage systems;
- compact bathrooms.
Modern renovation is aimed not at cosmetics, but at optimizing space for real-life scenarios.
Where to Start Renovating an Old Apartment
1. Technical Inspection
The first and most important step is an objective assessment of the apartment's condition. Check:
- electrical wiring and panel;
- water supply and sewage systems;
- ventilation ducts;
- floors, load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
This is when hidden defects are revealed that cannot be seen without opening up structures.
2. Budget Planning with Reserve
Renovating an old apartment almost always involves unforeseen work.
Recommended reserve — 15–30% of the total estimate.
Lack of financial buffer is one of the main reasons for deadline failures and project stoppages.
3. Determining Renovation Format
At the start, clearly define the scope of work:
- cosmetic renovation;
- major renovation;
- major renovation with replanning.
The renovation format directly affects timelines, budget, and need for approvals.
4. Design Project Development
A design project is not just visualization, but a technical tool. It allows you to:
- think through the layout;
- correctly place utility systems;
- reduce the number of reworks;
- accurately calculate material volumes.
Main Stages of Old Apartment Renovation
Demolition Work
Remove:
- old finishes;
- plumbing;
- utility systems;
- partitions (if allowed).
This stage often reveals additional problems requiring project adjustments.
Replacing Utility Systems
A key stage on which safety and renovation durability depend:
- new electrical wiring;
- modern pipes and manifold systems;
- updated ventilation and climate control.
Saving on engineering almost always leads to costly consequences.
Rough Work
Includes:
- leveling floors and walls;
- structural reinforcement if needed;
- screeds and new partitions.
Replanning and Space Optimization
Most in-demand solutions:
- combining kitchen and living room;
- enlarging bathroom;
- organizing walk-in closets and built-in storage systems.
All changes must be made strictly within current building codes.
Finish Work and Furnishing
Final stages that form the appearance and functionality of the interior:
- flooring;
- wall and ceiling finishes;
- door, lighting, and outlet installation;
- furniture and equipment placement.
Common Mistakes When Renovating Old Apartments
- refusing full utility replacement;
- lack of reserve budget;
- replanning without approvals;
- using unsuitable or too heavy materials;
- trying to save on engineering work.
How to Choose Materials for Old Apartments
For renovating old building housing, it's recommended to use:
- lightweight and durable finishing materials;
- energy-efficient windows and doors;
- modern thermal and sound insulation solutions;
- moisture-resistant materials for kitchens and bathrooms.
Why to Trust Professionals with Old Building Renovation
Working with old buildings requires experience and technical expertise. A professional team:
- identifies risks in advance;
- properly plans work stages;
- complies with building codes;
- controls timelines and budget.
Conclusion
Renovating an old apartment is an investment in safety, comfort, and quality of life.
Proper planning, step-by-step approach, and specialist involvement allow transforming outdated housing into modern and functional space.
Photos: Renohacks collection
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