How to renovate an apartment? The complete guide

Effectively plan the renovation of your apartment

Before starting, good planning is essential to avoid unforeseen events and optimize the progress of the apartment renovation. Durations, cost estimates, authorizations... this preparatory phase determines the success of the project, including for lighting-related work.

How long does it take to renovate an apartment?

The duration of a project depends on several factors: total area, level of transformation (refresh or heavy renovation), type of housing (studio, T2, Haussmannian apartment...). On average:

• Studio or T2 (30–50 m²): 3 to 6 weeks
• T3 or T4 (60–90 m²): 6 to 10 weeks
• Old apartment or one to be completely reorganized: 2 to 4 months

These timelines include technical phases: floor repairs, painting, plumbing, electricity, but also the installation of new lighting fixtures. Installing recessed lighting, wall sconces, or modernizing the electrical panel for LED lighting requires anticipating these steps in the overall schedule.

How to estimate apartment renovation work?

To get a realistic view of the budget to plan, it is advisable to request a renovation apartment quote from a professional. This should include structural items (plumbing, electricity, masonry), but also finishing elements such as painting, flooring, or lighting.

In recent projects, an increasing part of the budget is allocated to architectural lighting: installation of recessed spots, indirect LED strips, or niche lighting. These aesthetic choices have a direct impact on visual comfort and the perceived value of the apartment.

Can you do work in a rented apartment?

If you are a tenant, you can undertake some light work without authorization, such as repainting walls, hanging curtains, or replacing existing lighting fixtures with more aesthetic and functional models. However, any structural change (partitions, tiling, electrical installations) requires the written consent of the owner.

Lighting fixtures are a good lever to personalize a rented home without altering it: a modern LED pendant in the living room, an adjustable wall sconce in the bedroom, or a designer floor lamp often suffice to transform the atmosphere.

The major stages of apartment work

To successfully carry out an apartment renovation, it is essential to follow a strict chronology. Each phase influences the next, and good anticipation, especially of lighting, helps avoid many mistakes. From demolition to finishing, apartment work transforms the space deeply. We start with demolitions: removal of non-load-bearing partitions, removal of coverings, removal of old lighting fixtures. This step allows starting on a clean slate, identifying light points to reposition, and thinking about a new, more functional and aesthetic layout. Next comes the network refurbishment. Electricity is at the heart of any interior apartment renovation: it determines use, comfort, but also the lighting of volumes. It is at this stage that lines for recessed spots, pendants, sconces are planned, and circuits adapted for low-consumption LED lighting.

Floor coverings, walls, paint, and moldings finalize the project.

Finally, good lighting is often what gives full impact to a transformation. It is often the play of light that reveals the modernity and harmony of the result. That is why it is crucial to integrate them from the first stages of the project.

The best lighting fixtures for a renovated apartment

Often relegated to the background, lighting nevertheless plays a decisive role in the success of an interior apartment renovation. Well-chosen, lighting fixtures transform the atmosphere, optimize volumes, and enhance materials. They do not just illuminate: they are true tools for ambiance and staging. A good lighting arrangement is therefore as strategic as the choice of furniture or coverings. For a successful apartment decor, light must be considered from the project design stage.

Recessed spots for modern and adjustable lighting

Recessed spots offer clear, directional, and discreet light. In the kitchen, hallway, or bathroom, they ensure optimal visibility while adding a contemporary touch. Their installation requires a false ceiling or reservation, hence the importance of anticipating them during apartment renovation work. For a sober and functional renovation, it is essential: Discover our DOT recessed spot.

Chandelier for a Haussmannian apartment

In old apartments with moldings and high ceilings, a Haussmannian chandelier is an obvious choice. It allows preserving the charm while modernizing the lighting. The style can be classic, contemporary, or even offbeat, provided the volume balance is respected. In an old apartment renovation, the chandelier becomes a central, visible, and identifying piece: See our ANTIC suspension chandelier.

Wall sconce to structure the space

Wall sconces are ideal for creating zones of indirect light: around a bed, in a reading corner, or framing a mirror. They add visual depth, highlight wall textures, and subtly outline the interior architecture. In any apartment lighting fixture project, they allow structuring the space without cluttering the floor or ceilings, like our BUNA wall sconce.

Decoration for a small apartment: playing with light

In small spaces, lighting is a precious weapon to visually open volumes. By playing with reflections, indirect halos, and space-saving lighting fixtures, an impression of spaciousness is created. Portable lamps, LED strips, LED lighted mirrors, waterproof ceiling spots for the bathroom like our ISIS bathroom sconce.

Our tips for a successful renovation

Renovating an apartment is an exciting project but can be fraught with pitfalls. To ensure a result that meets your expectations, it is better to anticipate some common traps. Here are our apartment renovation tips to approach your work calmly, without unpleasant surprises or budget overruns.

• Not establishing a detailed plan: without a clear plan, tradespeople risk interfering with each other, deadlines lengthen, and finishes suffer. Plan each step, from major work to lighting fixture installation, integrating technical and aesthetic constraints from the start.
• Poorly coordinating interventions: in renovation, everything is a question of timing. You need to know when to call in the electrician, painter, or plumber to avoid unnecessary touch-ups. A site coordinator or generalist craftsman can save valuable time.
• Underestimating the overall budget: the apartment renovation price varies greatly depending on the area, initial condition, and chosen materials. Think about adding a safety margin (10 to 15%) for unforeseen events. And don’t forget to budget for lighting: between spots, pendants, and sconces, the lighting post can quickly rise if not anticipated.
• Not comparing several quotes: for a reliable estimate, request at least 2 to 3 apartment renovation quotes. This helps detect inconsistencies and better understand expense items.
• Neglecting regulatory constraints: in some cases (condominium, old housing, classified apartments), specific authorizations are required. And for any apartment work, make sure to comply with current electrical and evacuation standards.

By following these recommendations, your apartment renovation project will gain fluidity, quality, and serenity. And if you are still unsure about finishing or lighting choices, our team is here to support you at every stage.