How to Renovate an Apartment? The Complete Guide

Effectively plan the renovation of your apartment

Before getting started, proper planning is essential to avoid unforeseen events and optimize the progress of your apartment renovation. Timescales, cost estimates, permits... this preparatory phase determines the success of the project, including for work related to lighting.

How long does it take to renovate an apartment?

The duration of a construction site depends on several factors: total surface area, level of transformation (refreshment or major renovation), type of accommodation (studio, one-bedroom apartment, Haussmannian apartment, etc.). On average:

• Studio or 1-bedroom (30–50 m²): 3 to 6 weeks
• T3 or T4 (60–90 m²): 6 to 10 weeks
• Old apartment or apartment to be completely reorganized: 2 to 4 months

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

How to estimate the work on an apartment?

To get a realistic view of the budget to plan for, it is advisable to request an apartment renovation quote from a professional. This should include structural items (plumbing, electrical, masonry), as well as finishing elements such as paint, flooring, and lighting.

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

Can work be done on a rental apartment?

If you're a tenant, you can undertake certain minor renovations without permission, such as repainting walls, hanging curtains, or replacing existing light fixtures with more aesthetically pleasing and functional models. However, any structural changes (partitions, tiling, electrical installations) require the landlord's written consent.

Lighting is a good way to personalize a rented property without altering it: a modern LED pendant light in the living room, an adjustable wall light in the bedroom or a designer floor lamp are often enough to transform the atmosphere.

The main stages of apartment renovations

To successfully complete an apartment renovation , it is essential to follow a strict timeline. Each phase influences the next, and good anticipation, particularly regarding lighting, helps avoid many mistakes. From demolition to finishing, apartment work transforms the space in depth. We start with demolition: removal of non-load-bearing partitions, removal of coverings, removal of old light fixtures. This step allows you to start again on a sound basis, to identify the light points to reposition and to think about a new, more functional and aesthetic distribution. Next comes the repair of the networks. Electricity is at the heart of any interior apartment renovation : it determines the use, the comfort, but also the lighting of the spaces. It is at this stage that we plan the lines for recessed spotlights , pendant lights, wall lights, and that we adapt the circuits for low-energy LED lighting.

Flooring, walls, paint and moldings complete the project.

Finally, good lighting is often what gives a transformation its full impact. It's often the play of light that reveals the modernity and harmony of the result. That's why it's crucial to integrate it from the very beginning 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 apartment interior renovation . Well-chosen light fixtures transform the atmosphere, optimize the volumes, and enhance the materials. They don't just provide lighting: they are real tools for creating ambiance and setting the scene. A good lighting arrangement is therefore as strategic as the choice of furniture or coverings. For a successful apartment decoration , you must consider lighting from the design stage.

Recessed spotlights for modern and adjustable light

Recessed spotlights provide clean, directional, and discreet lighting. In a kitchen, hallway, or bathroom, they ensure optimal visibility while adding a contemporary touch. Their installation requires a false ceiling or a recessed ceiling, hence the importance of planning ahead during apartment renovation work. For a simple and functional renovation, this is a must: Discover our DOT recessed spotlight.

Chandelier for a Haussmannian apartment

In older apartments with moldings and high ceilings, a Haussmann-style chandelier is an obvious choice. It allows you to preserve the character while modernizing the lighting. The style can be classic, contemporary, or even offbeat, as long as the balance of volumes is respected. In an old apartment renovation , the chandelier becomes a central, visible, and distinctive piece: See our ANTIC pendant chandelier.

Wall light to structure the space

Wall lights are ideal for creating areas of indirect light : around a bed, in a reading corner, or as a mirror frame. They add visual depth, highlight wall textures, and subtly define interior architecture. In any apartment lighting project, they help articulate the space without cluttering the floor or ceiling, like our BUNA wall light.

Decorating for a small apartment: playing with light

In small spaces, lighting is a valuable tool for visually opening up spaces. By playing with reflections, indirect halos, and space-saving lighting, you can create a sense of spaciousness. Portable lamps, LED strips, LED illuminated mirrors , and waterproof ceiling spotlights for the bathroom, such as our ISIS bathroom wall light, are all options.

Our tips for a successful renovation

Renovating an apartment is an exciting project, but it can be fraught with pitfalls. To ensure results that meet your expectations, it's best to anticipate certain common pitfalls. Here are our apartment renovation tips to help you approach your project with peace of mind, without unpleasant surprises or budget overruns.

• Not drawing up a detailed plan : without a clear plan, tradespeople risk getting in each other's way, deadlines are extended and the finishing touches suffer. Plan each stage, from the structural work to the installation of lighting , integrating technical and aesthetic constraints from the start.
• Poorly coordinated work : In renovations, timing is everything. You need to know when to call in the electrician, painter, or plumber to avoid unnecessary rework. A site coordinator or general tradesperson can save valuable time.
• Underestimate the overall budget : The cost of renovating an apartment varies enormously depending on the size, initial condition, and materials chosen. Remember to add a safety margin (10 to 15%) for unforeseen events. And don't forget to factor in lighting costs: between spotlights, pendant lights, and wall lights, the cost of lighting can quickly add up if not planned for.
• Don't compare multiple quotes : For a reliable estimate, request at least two to three apartment renovation quotes. This allows you to detect inconsistencies and better understand your cost items.
• Ignoring regulatory constraints : in certain cases (co-ownership, old housing, listed apartments), it is necessary to request specific authorizations. And for any apartment work , be sure to comply with current electrical and drainage standards.

By following these recommendations, your apartment renovation project will improve flow, quality, and peace of mind. And if you're still unsure about your choice of finishes or lighting, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.