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Old apartment renovation: What are the correct stages?

except-admin • 10.04.2026 • 3 min read
Old apartment renovation: What are the correct stages?

Renovating an old apartment doesn’t fail at execution, but earlier, in planning or in the absence of it. Blown budgets, missed deadlines and results that look nothing like what was agreed upon almost always share the same root cause: work began before the project was complete. The guide below walks you through the right stages, their exact order, and the mistakes that cost the most.

Where to start when renovating an old apartment

The first step, before choosing finishes, is a proper diagnosis of the apartment. What is the condition of the electrical and plumbing systems, the wall structure, the flatness of surfaces, and any potential water infiltration or dampness?

In an older building, surprises are almost guaranteed to appear after the first hole is knocked in a wall.

“Unpredictable elements almost always show up in concealed areas, installations that aren’t what they appear on paper, structures hiding flaws, existing finishes that need remedying before you can move on”, explains Ioan Dobre, founder of Except Custom Solutions. “These are technical risks we manage through a proper diagnostic phase at the start of every project.”

Planning: budget, design, and permits

Only after the diagnosis, which must be complete before the first intervention on site, comes the design phase . Not just a floor plan, but the electrical and plumbing schematics, the exact positions of light fixtures, the dimensions of custom furniture and the technical execution details.

“The biggest hidden cost doesn’t come from materials or structural surprises, but from decisions made too late or changed along the way. Every modification after work has begun costs several times more than if it had been resolved during the design phase”, says Ioan Dobre.

If you’re planning to reconfigure the layout and want to demolish walls, first check their structural role. You may need a building permit from the local authority. Consult an architect or structural engineer before making any decisions.

The correct order of renovation works

In renovating an old apartment, the sequence of work directly affects cost, time, and the quality of the final result. The right order is:

  1. Diagnosis and strip-out. Removal of old finishes and inspection of concealed areas.
  2. Reconfigurations where the project calls for spatial changes
  3. Electrical, plumbing and heating installations are carried out before any finishes.
  4. Rough finishes. Plastering, screeds, surface levelling with proper drying times observed.
  5. Joinery. Windows and doors, where applicable.
  6. Final finishes. Floor tiles, wall tiles, parquet, paint, light fixtures.
  7. Furniture and fittings. Installation of custom furniture, appliances, and sanitary ware.

How much does renovating an old apartment cost?

The cost varies depending on the initial condition of the property, the complexity of the work, and the desired finish level. “There’s no universal minimum budget, because everything depends on the standard you’re aiming for and the starting condition of the space. Realistically, a full renovation, one that includes work on the installations, not just the finishes, starts somewhere in the range of €800–1,500/m², depending on complexity”, notes Ioan Dobre.

Common mistakes in renovating an old apartment

The most frequent mistakes are starting work without a finalised project, overlooking the condition of the installations, choosing cheap materials for critical areas and failing to set aside a contingency budget. Equally costly are mid-execution changes of mind, as they almost always lead to delays and additional expenses.

A successful renovation starts with a clear project, proceeds in the right order, and finishes without compromises made along the way.

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Design & Build reduces costs in interior fit-out projects

except-admin • 31.03.2026 • 3 min read
Design & Build reduces costs in interior fit-out projects

Design & Build in interior fit-out projects means more control, fewer bottlenecks and more predictable costs. When starting an interior fit-out project, the first instinct is often to hire an architect, a designer, a contractor and several suppliers separately. It may seem logical at first. In reality, this type of fragmentation leads to the most common problems: budget overruns, missed deadlines and no clear accountability for the final result.

The Design & Build in interior fit-out projects model changes this equation completely. In Romania, more and more residential and corporate clients are already choosing this approach.

What Design & Build in interior fit-out projects actually means

Design & Build in interior fit-out projects means that a single integrator takes over the entire project. They manage the concept, technical design, furniture production, execution and finishes. The client signs one contract and has a single point of contact throughout the process. This model works equally well for an apartment, an office headquarters or a hospitality space.

At Except Custom Solutions, this model works exactly like that: “One contract, one team, one accountable partner.” Under one roof, the company coordinates design, interior architecture, renderings, custom furniture production and full execution. This also includes the management of all the trades involved.

Why a single contract reduces real costs

In a fragmented model, responsibility is spread across the architect, contractor and suppliers. When a problem appears, each party points to the other. It may be an unforeseen issue inside the walls, a system that does not match the design, or a supplier delay. In the end, the client pays for corrections, rework and extra coordination.

Design & Build in interior fit-out projects removes these hidden costs. Solutions are developed from the design phase so they can be built efficiently and correctly. As Ioan Dobre, founder of Except Custom Solutions, explains, the integrated model reduces errors, execution gaps and unforeseen costs. It also gives the client more clarity, more predictability and projects delivered as originally designed.

In renovation projects, this approach becomes even more valuable. Renovations account for more than 75% of Except Custom Solutions’ activity. They almost always involve structural unpredictability. Old systems, surprises hidden in walls or structures that differ from the original plans can quickly block the site. When design and execution are managed under the same control, the team can adapt the project in real time. This reduces bottlenecks and eliminates extra coordination costs.

The bottlenecks a single contract helps avoid

The most common bottlenecks in an interior fit-out project involving multiple contractors are easy to recognize.

  • Discontinuity between phases. The designer delivers a concept that the contractor cannot execute within budget.
  • Unsynchronized deliveries. Furniture arrives before the finishes are completed, or the finishes are delayed and block installation.
  • Diffuse responsibility. No one owns the full picture of the project, and no one takes responsibility for the final outcome.
  • Redundant communication The client unintentionally becomes the intermediary between the architect, contractor, and suppliers.

The Design & Build in interior fit-out projects model removes these bottlenecks through a single point of control. Except Custom Solutions manages design, production, and execution simultaneously. Depending on the complexity of the project, the delivery ecosystem can include up to 50 specialists coordinated internally.

When Design & Build in interior fit-out projects makes the most sense

This model is especially relevant in three types of projects.

  • Complex residential renovations. Here, unpredictability is almost guaranteed, and a single integrator significantly reduces the risk of budget overruns.
  • Office fit-out. In this type of project, deadlines are tight, and coordination between partitions, systems, furniture, and finishes is critical.În astfel de proiecte, termenele sunt strânse, iar coordonarea dintre compartimentări, instalații, mobilier și finisaje este critică.
  • Clients living abroad or unable to be physically present. In these cases, one trusted partner manages the entire process, with transparent reporting and documented decisions.

Discover Except Custom Solutions’ portfolio:

RESIDENTIAL

CORPORATE

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Apartment design in 2026: 7 trends worth investing in

except-admin • 30.03.2026 • 3 min read
Apartment design in 2026: 7 trends worth investing in

In 2026, interior design trends are moving further away from short-lived solutions and focusing instead on authentic materials, true functionality, and interiors designed to stand the test of time. For any apartment interior design project, the direction is clear: fewer passing effects, more long-term value.

At Except Custom Solutions, we are seeing this shift in more and more projects: clients are no longer looking simply for a “beautiful” apartment, but for a coherent, durable and thoughtfully designed space where design and execution are fully aligned. This is also the advantage of a Design & Build model: a single partner managing the design, budget, execution, and custom furniture, with greater control and fewer costs caused by errors or inconsistencies.

Here are the 7 directions shaping interior design in 2026:

  1. Natural materials used as base

Wood, stone, and tactile finishes are no longer just decorative accents. They become the foundation of the entire interior, creating a warmer, more authentic, and more durable space.

  1. Authentic wood, not just a wood lookalike

In premium projects, wood remains one of the best investments. Whether used in furniture, cladding, or architectural details, it adds visual depth and can be refinished over time, unlike many standard solutions.

  1. Matte metals and patinated finishes

Brass, bronze, copper, and brushed steel are replacing overly glossy finishes. These details bring understated elegance and integrate more naturally into contemporary interiors.

  1. Warm, earthy colors

Terracotta, deep green, espresso brown and mineral tones are replacing cool greys. These shades add depth and create an ideal backdrop for natural materials and custom furniture.

  1. Personalized interiors, not “catalog” spaces

More and more homeowners are choosing solutions tailored to their lifestyle. In a complete apartment interior design project, personalization means smart layouts, efficient storage, and furniture designed specifically for the space.

  1. A balance between classic and contemporary

Classic architectural details such as cornices or finely crafted woodwork are returning in combination with modern finishes and clean lines. The result is an apartment that feels elegant, yet current.

  1. Visual restraint, without cold minimalism

Instead of sterile interiors or excessive decoration, the trend is moving toward calm, coherent, and well-balanced spaces. Every material and every piece should have a clear purpose.

Why these trends matter for your budget

A complete interior design project carried out with authentic materials and well-integrated solutions may come with a higher initial cost, but it reduces future expenses. You make fewer compromises, avoid costly rework and gain better long-term value.

That is why, for homeowners planning a full renovation, the Design & Build model is one of the most efficient solutions. It ensures consistency between concept and execution, better cost control and a much clearer process from start to handover.

If you are planning an apartment interior design project in 2026, it is worth investing in choices that will remain relevant and functional over the long term.

Discover Except Custom Solutions’ portfolio of completed apartment interiors.