Renovator FAQ
Renovation Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about renovation costs, quotations, materials, schedules and every stage of a professionally managed project.
Cost & initial assessment
How much does a renovation cost?
A reliable renovation cost cannot be calculated from floor area alone. It depends on the property's age and condition, the scope of work, layout changes, electrical and plumbing systems, permits, access, technical constraints and material choices.
A site survey, technical assessment and clearly defined scope are required before an accurate quotation can be prepared.
What is the minimum project budget accepted by Renovator?
Renovator undertakes organised renovation and construction projects with a minimum budget of €40,000 plus the applicable VAT.
This amount covers the works and basic construction materials described in the quotation. Client-selected finishes, sanitaryware, taps, lighting and appliances are normally excluded unless agreed otherwise in writing.
How much does renovation cost per square metre?
A price per square metre is only a broad indication, not a reliable pricing method. Two properties of the same size may require entirely different structural, mechanical and finishing work.
Renovator prices the actual work and technical conditions of each property.
Does Renovator undertake projects throughout Greece?
Yes. Renovator undertakes projects in Athens, Attica and across Greece.
For projects outside metropolitan Athens, travel, accommodation, equipment transport and site-specific requirements are assessed and disclosed before appointment.
Is the initial site visit free?
The first visit for a prospective project is free within metropolitan Athens and provides an initial assessment of the property and proposed works.
It is not a full technical inspection, detailed survey, specialist defect diagnosis or engineering study. Travel charges may apply outside metropolitan Athens and are confirmed in advance.
Is the initial site visit the same as a Property Inspection?
No. The free initial visit assesses a potential renovation project.
A Property Inspection is a separate technical service with a defined scope, specialist equipment, documented findings and deliverables. It may be requested before a purchase, before renovation or to investigate a property's condition.
Can I receive an estimate without a site visit?
A preliminary indication may be possible if you provide plans, recent photographs or video, the location, floor area and a detailed description of the work.
Any remote estimate remains indicative. A complete quotation follows a site visit and verification of the actual conditions.
How quickly will I receive the quotation?
A quotation is normally issued within two to five working days after the site visit and receipt of all necessary information.
Large or technically complex projects may require additional time for surveys, measurements, drawings, studies or specialist quotations.
Is there a charge for preparing the quotation?
The initial assessment and standard quotation are normally free.
A fee may apply where a large or complex project requires detailed measurements, drawings, engineering studies, extensive research or specialist cost planning. Any fee is agreed before work begins.
Quotation, materials & procurement
What should a professional renovation quotation include?
It should clearly define the scope of work, principal technical specifications, included construction materials, exclusions, payment stages, start conditions, expected programme and the approval process for variations.
Where required, it may also include drawings, technical descriptions, measurements and specialist subcontractor quotations.
Which materials are not included in the quotation?
Unless agreed otherwise, client-selected finishes are excluded, including tiles, decorative surfaces, sanitaryware, taps, feature lighting, special switches and sockets, appliances, furniture and decorative items.
The quotation identifies which basic construction materials are included and which products are purchased separately.
Must materials be selected and ordered before work begins?
Yes. Products that affect design, dimensions, services or the sequence of work must be selected and ordered before the start date is scheduled.
Product codes, dimensions, technical specifications, installation requirements and confirmed delivery dates must be available so the project can be organised reliably.
Must all materials be on site before work starts?
Not necessarily. Materials must be available in line with the approved programme, but critical items with long lead times must be ordered and have confirmed delivery dates before commencement.
The site must not be overloaded with products that could obstruct work or be damaged.
Can Renovator purchase the client's selected materials?
Yes, where agreed in writing. Renovator can coordinate orders, deliveries and checks for selected products.
The supplier, product, price, delivery terms, handling costs and responsibility for warranties are confirmed before purchase.
What happens if materials or client decisions are delayed?
Late selections, approvals or deliveries may interrupt the work sequence, require rescheduling of trades and extend the completion date.
Any resulting standby time, repeat visits, storage, remobilisation or additional work is assessed separately.
Changes & additional work
Can I use my own contractors alongside Renovator?
Only by prior written agreement. Parallel contractors must be coordinated so that responsibilities, access, health and safety, sequencing and warranties remain clear.
Renovator cannot accept responsibility for defects, delays or damage caused by third parties outside its control.
Why can additional work arise?
Hidden defects may only become visible after demolition or opening up. Common examples include damaged services, moisture, unsuitable substrates, structural issues and previous non-compliant work.
Additional work may also result from client changes or requirements imposed by authorities, engineers or suppliers.
How are variations and additional works approved?
The scope, price and effect on the programme are communicated for written approval before the additional work proceeds.
A written record may be provided by email, variation order or supplementary quotation.
What happens when urgent intervention is required?
Where immediate action is necessary to protect people, the property or completed work, Renovator may carry out the minimum reasonable emergency measures.
The client is informed as soon as possible and the work is documented and priced transparently.
Can the final renovation cost change?
Yes, but only for documented reasons such as approved variations, hidden conditions, changes in quantities, client selections or authority requirements.
Renovator records and communicates changes so the financial position remains clear throughout the project.
Should I allow a contingency budget?
Yes. A sensible contingency is recommended, particularly for older properties or projects involving extensive demolition and replacement of services.
The appropriate amount depends on the property's condition and the level of technical uncertainty.
Payments, programme & permits
How are payments made?
Payments are linked to agreed project stages, procurement requirements or certified progress and are described in the quotation or contract.
Invoices and supporting documents are issued in accordance with applicable legislation.
What happens if an agreed payment is late?
Late payment may lead to suspension of work, rescheduling of trades and an extension of the completion date.
Work resumes after the outstanding amount is settled and resources become available again.
How long does a renovation take?
Duration depends on scope, size, technical complexity, permits, material lead times, access and coordination of specialist trades.
A realistic programme is prepared after the scope and critical selections have been finalised.
When can the project start?
A start date can be scheduled after the scope, quotation and commercial terms are approved, required permits are in place, critical selections are finalised and key materials have confirmed delivery dates.
The date also depends on the availability of the required project team.
Is a permit required for renovation work?
It depends on the nature of the work and the property. Some interventions require no permit, while others require a small-scale works approval, building permit or other authority consent.
The appropriate engineer must assess the project before work begins.
Who pays for permits, authority fees and engineers?
Unless expressly included in the quotation, these costs are borne by the client.
Fees and professional services are identified and approved before the relevant process begins.
Can Renovator manage design and technical procedures?
Yes. Depending on the project, Renovator can coordinate architectural design, engineering input, surveys, permits, technical studies and specialist consultants.
The exact services and deliverables are defined in writing.
Can I remain in the property during renovation?
For a full renovation this is usually impractical and may be unsafe because of dust, noise, service interruptions and restricted access.
For limited works, partial occupation may be possible following a project-specific safety and logistics assessment.
Project organisation & management
Can Renovator manage a project while the owner is abroad?
Yes. Renovator can provide structured remote coordination through scheduled updates, photographs, video calls, written approvals and progress reporting.
Decision-making authority, communication channels and approval times should be agreed before commencement.
Who is responsible for the project on a daily basis?
A designated Renovator representative coordinates trades, programme, site access, quality controls, deliveries and communication.
Specialist engineers retain responsibility for their own regulated professional services.
What affects the cost of work in an apartment building?
Access restrictions, lift protection, working hours, waste routes, parking, neighbour protection and building-management requirements can affect logistics and cost.
These conditions are assessed during the site visit.
Who informs the building manager and neighbours?
The owner is normally responsible for formal notifications and obtaining any building approvals.
Renovator can provide programme and logistics information needed for those communications.
Are communal and neighbouring areas recorded before work begins?
Where appropriate, common access routes, lifts, stairwells and vulnerable adjacent areas are photographed before work begins.
This record helps establish their initial condition and organise suitable protection.
What happens if damage appears in an adjoining property or communal area?
The incident is documented and investigated to identify its cause and responsibility.
Where damage is attributable to Renovator's work, appropriate corrective action is arranged in accordance with the contract and applicable law.
Can the project be insured?
Project-specific insurance may be available depending on scope, value and risk profile.
Where requested or required, the type of cover, exclusions and cost are reviewed before commencement.
How are dust and disturbance controlled?
Renovator uses suitable protection, local isolation, dust extraction where practical, controlled waste removal and regular cleaning.
Some noise and dust are unavoidable, but the site is organised to minimise unnecessary disruption.
Is removal of construction waste included?
It is included when expressly stated in the quotation. The scope may cover collection, loading, transport and lawful disposal.
Special or hazardous waste requires separate identification and handling.
Handover, warranty & support
Is final professional cleaning included?
Final construction cleaning is included only when specified in the quotation.
It is distinct from routine site cleaning carried out during the works.
Is there a warranty for the work?
Renovator provides warranty support for its workmanship in accordance with the contract, the nature of the work and applicable law.
Manufacturer warranties apply separately to products and equipment.
How is a problem handled after handover?
Notify Renovator promptly in writing, with photographs and a clear description where possible.
The issue is assessed to determine whether it concerns workmanship, a product, misuse, maintenance or a third party, and the appropriate response is then arranged.
What is delivered when the project is completed?
Depending on scope, handover may include completed works, keys, operating information, available product documents, warranties, certificates, drawings and a record of outstanding minor items.
The property is reviewed with the client before final acceptance.
What should I have ready before the initial site visit?
Please provide the address, approximate floor area, property type, plans if available, photographs, your objectives, desired timeframe and an indicative budget.
Information about known defects, building restrictions and existing engineers is also useful.
How can I request a renovation quotation?
Complete the project enquiry form on the Contact page with the essential property and project details.
Renovator will review the information and contact you to organise the appropriate next step.
Still have a question?
Tell us a little about your property and project, and we will guide you towards the right next step.