Planning a major renovation of your owner-occupied home can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it becomes a manageable process. Whether you want to create an open kitchen, combine rooms, or are planning a complete renovation, good planning prevents costly mistakes and ensures that your renovation runs smoothly.

From applying for permits to determining the correct sequence of work, every aspect of your renovation plan deserves attention. By thinking carefully in advance about what you want to achieve and the steps required, you lay the foundation for a successful home renovation.

What do you need to arrange before you start renovating?

Before you start renovating, you must draw up a detailed renovation plan, determine your budget, apply for the necessary permits, and select skilled professionals. These preparatory steps largely determine the success of your renovation project.

Start by creating a clear renovation plan in which you describe exactly what you want to change. Draw floor plans of the current situation and the desired end result. This not only helps you clarify your wishes but is also necessary for applying for permits.

Next, draw up a realistic budget with 15-20% extra room for unforeseen costs. Renovations often run over budget due to hidden defects or changes during the process. Request quotes from various contractors and compare not only the prices but also the work included.

Check whether you need to inform your neighbors about the work, especially in the event of noise nuisance or temporary blockage of access roads. A good relationship with your neighbors prevents complaints and conflicts during the renovation.

How do you know if a wall is load-bearing before you remove it?

A load-bearing wall can be identified by its position in the home, its thickness, and the construction materials used. Load-bearing walls are usually perpendicular to the beam direction, are thicker than 10 centimeters, and are often located in the center of the home or beneath other load-bearing elements, such as beams or floors.

First, review your home's original construction drawings, if you have them. Load-bearing walls are often indicated on these with thicker lines or special symbols. Pay particular attention to walls that run from the basement to the attic, as these almost always have a load-bearing function.

Check the thickness of the wall by measuring from both sides. Load-bearing walls are usually at least 10-15 centimeters thick, while partition walls are often thinner. Also pay attention to the material: brick, reinforced concrete, or concrete blocks often indicate a load-bearing function.

Are you unsure about the load-bearing capacity of a wall? Then always have a structural engineer or building consultant assess it. removing a load-bearing wallRemoving a load-bearing wall without proper reinforcement can lead to cracks, subsidence, or even the collapse of parts of your home.

Which permits do you need for various renovations?

For most renovations, you need an environmental permit, especially when removing load-bearing walls, changing the layout of the home, extensions, or alterations to the facade. Smaller adjustments, such as installing a new kitchen or bathroom, often fall under permit-free renovation.

An environmental permit is required when you alter the structure of your home. This applies to breaking through or removing load-bearing walls, creating new openings larger than 2 square meters, or adding extra floors. Extensions, such as additions, dormers, or outbuildings, usually also require a permit.

Changes to the facade, such as new windows, doors, or changing the color, often also require a permit. This depends on the monument status of your home and the regulations in your municipality. Always check your municipality's aesthetic guidelines for specific requirements.

Applying for an environmental permit takes an average of 8 weeks, but can take longer for complex projects. Therefore, start the application well in advance and ensure you have complete drawings and calculations. Some municipalities offer a preliminary consultation to check whether your plans are likely to succeed.

How much does a major renovation cost on average?

A major renovation of an existing owner-occupied home costs on average between 800 and 1.500 euros per square meter, depending on the size, the quality of the materials, and the complexity of the work. Total renovations can run up to 2.000 euros per square meter with a luxury finish.

Costs vary significantly depending on the type of renovation. A complete bathroom renovation costs between 8.000 and 20.000 euros, while a new kitchen can cost between 10.000 and 30.000 euros. Removing a load-bearing wall, including reinforcement, costs between 3.000 and 8.000 euros, depending on the size and the necessary structural modifications.

Take into account extra costs that are often overlooked. Consider temporary facilities, waste disposal, unforeseen defects, and potential temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable during the renovation. VAT costs can also add up, especially if you have a lot of work carried out by professionals.

Distinguish between visible and invisible costs. Plumbing, electrical work, and insulation are often expensive items that are not immediately visible in the final result, but are essential for a well-functioning home. Allocate at least 30% of your total budget for this.

How do you plan the sequence of tasks during a renovation?

Always plan work from rough to fine and from top to bottom. Start with structural changes, such as removing walls, followed by plumbing and electrical work, then finishing, and finally the finishing, such as painting and laying floors.

Start with the most extensive work, such as breaking through walls or creating new openings. This prevents damaging beautiful finishes later on. Ensure that all structural changes are complete before starting plumbing work.

Plan plumbing and electrical work in the correct order. First come the main lines, such as central heating, water, and electricity, followed by the connections to individual rooms. Always have this work inspected before closing up walls. Also plan the necessary openings and penetrations for pipes immediately.

Work systematically room by room to remain habitable during the renovation. For example, start with the upper floor and work your way down. Keep one bathroom and kitchen intact for as long as possible so that your home remains habitable. Also, allow sufficient time for materials such as plaster and screed to dry.

How De Betonboorder helps with renovation projects

We specialize in all concrete work required for your renovation. From safely removing load-bearing walls to creating precise openings for new doors and windows, our experienced craftsmen ensure that structural changes are carried out skillfully and safely.

Our services for renovation projects include:

Professional removal of load-bearing walls with the proper reinforcement
Drilling precision holes for pipes and installations
Sawing openings for doors and windows
Milling grooves for electrical and central heating pipes
Complete finishing and cleaning of the workplace

We will contact you within 24 hours and can often arrange a professional within two days. Our concrete drillers work throughout the Netherlands and ensure that your renovation proceeds according to schedule. Contact us for a no-obligation quote for your renovation project.

How do you plan a major renovation in an existing owner-occupied home?