“Planning a renovation? Whatever price they give you, double it.”
Many people have heard this advice from a friend, relative or neighbour. Some have experienced it themselves: they agreed on one price at the start, costs gradually increased as the work progressed, and the renovation ended up costing far more than planned.
After hearing stories like these, anyone planning an apartment renovation naturally asks: how much can I rely on the quoted price, and what will I actually need to spend?
With Mshenoveli, an unexpected doubling of the price for the agreed work is ruled out. We inspect the apartment in advance, take detailed measurements, prepare an itemised estimate and fix the price for the agreed work in the contract. Any additional work and its cost are agreed with the client before that work begins.
Why do renovation costs increase?
The first price is often mentioned during a brief conversation, based on the apartment’s floor area. At that point, no one has assessed its condition in detail, drawn up a complete list of work or fully clarified the client’s requirements.
Even so, the client may already think of that figure as the total renovation cost.
Once work begins, familiar phrases follow: “That wasn’t included in the price,” “That needs to be done separately,” or “There’s an extra charge for that.”
When a renovation is already under way, turning down an additional expense can be difficult. The client wants the project finished and feels compelled to pay more. Experiences like these create the expectation that the original budget will never be enough.
Before agreeing on a price, it is therefore essential to establish exactly which work the proposal covers.
At Mshenoveli, every estimate starts with an on-site inspection
Floor area alone is not enough to calculate the exact cost of an apartment renovation. Two apartments of the same size can require very different amounts of work.
Before calculating the renovation cost, Mshenoveli’s designer visits the apartment, takes detailed measurements and checks its condition.
During the visit, we consider the apartment’s particular features, its existing condition and the client’s preferences. We clarify what needs to be changed, what needs to be installed or built, and the result the client wants to achieve.
The purpose of this stage is to identify the necessary work from the outset, reduce the risk of omissions and bring the estimate as close as possible to the final renovation cost.
Detailed measurements also help us calculate quantities accurately. The client receives an estimate prepared specifically for their apartment and can see how the budget is allocated.
What should a renovation estimate include?
An estimate should make sense to someone who does not work in the renovation industry. A total figure alone does not explain what the client will receive.
For example, an entry such as “wall work” needs clarification. The estimate should specify what will be done, the quantities involved and the limits of that work.
Responsibility for materials, delivery, carrying materials up to the apartment, waste removal and other necessary services should also be clarified in advance. The client needs to know what is included in the agreed price and what falls outside it.
When these details are clear from the beginning, the client and contractor share the same understanding of the work to be carried out.
For a more detailed explanation of how to read an estimate, see our article: Renovation Estimates: What Should Be Included in the Price.
The price for the agreed work is fixed in the contract
After inspecting and measuring the apartment, we prepare the estimate. We agree the scope and cost of the work with the client, then record the agreed price in the contract.
If the agreed scope of work remains unchanged, its price remains unchanged too. With Mshenoveli, you will not be asked to pay an unexpectedly higher amount after the agreed work has been completed.
From the outset, the client has a specific agreement that defines both the work to be delivered and its price. This allows them to plan their finances and rely on the contract price.
What if you want to add something during the renovation?
Your preferences may change as the renovation progresses. You might need an extra socket, decide to change the lighting layout or add work that was not part of the original project.
In that case, we agree the cost of the additional work with you in advance. Before deciding, you know:
- exactly what work is being added;
- how much it will cost;
- whether the change affects the completion date.
Additional work is never carried out without your approval. You will not discover its cost in an unexpected bill after it has been completed.
You decide whether to approve the addition or stay with the original scope and budget.
Why “double the price” does not apply to Mshenoveli
At Mshenoveli, budget planning takes place before work begins. We inspect the apartment, take detailed measurements, clarify your requirements and prepare an estimate.
The price for the agreed work is fixed in the contract. If you later decide to change the project, the cost of the addition is agreed with you in advance.
This process rules out an unexpected doubling of the price for the agreed work. You know what you are paying for and make the decision on every additional expense yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can apartment renovation costs be calculated from floor area alone?
Floor area can provide a basis for discussing an indicative price. To prepare a detailed estimate, Mshenoveli’s designer visits the apartment, checks its condition, measures the space and clarifies the work required.
Can the price for work agreed with Mshenoveli increase?
If the scope of work agreed in the contract remains unchanged, its price remains unchanged too. Unexpected increases in the price for the agreed work are ruled out.
When can the overall renovation budget change?
When the client approves additional work or a change to the project. The relevant cost is discussed before the work begins, and additional work is carried out only with the client’s approval.
How can I get an estimate for renovating my apartment?
Contact us with the apartment’s location, floor area, current condition and the work you would like to have done. We will arrange an on-site visit with you and clarify the details needed to prepare an estimate.
Planning an apartment renovation? Start with an inspection and a detailed estimate. You should know the price for the agreed work before it begins.
