Apartment or house renovation in Lausanne: mistakes to avoid

Are you undertaking renovations on your apartment or house in Lausanne and the surrounding area? This exciting project can turn into a nightmare if you make these common mistakes. From budget overruns and aesthetic errors to technical problems, discover the mistakes to avoid to successfully renovate in the canton of Vaud and transform your interior with complete peace of mind.

Mistake #1: Underestimating the budget

Failing to anticipate unforeseen events

One of the most common mistakes in a renovation project in Lausanne is to plan a budget down to the last cent, without any safety margin. But every construction site is full of surprises, especially in the old buildings of Lausanne's city center, for example.

Outdated electrical wiring hidden behind walls, plumbing that needs updating, or unsuspected moisture problems can quickly inflate the bill. Experts always advise adding a 15 to 20% safety margin to your overall budget.

This reserve should not be used to finance last-minute whims, but only to absorb genuine unforeseen technical issues that arise during construction.

Forget about hidden costs

Beyond the construction work itself, many additional expenses are often overlooked in the initial budget. Administrative fees for municipal permits, even for interior work, construction site insurance, post-construction cleaning, and moving and storage costs are all significant amounts.

Connections and commissioning after the work is completed, along with all the small additional purchases (switches, handles, accessories), add up. Factor these into your budget from the start to avoid any surprises.

Mistake #2: Forgetting the planning step

Leaving without an overall perspective

Starting renovations without a comprehensive vision for your interior design project is a fatal mistake. Renovating piecemeal without an overall plan leads to aesthetic inconsistencies and costly technical problems that will need to be fixed later.

Even if you plan to carry out the work in several phases for financial reasons, define an overall plan with an interior designer from the outset. This overview ensures harmony in materials and colors, and that changes in one room won't complicate subsequent work in adjacent rooms.

Ignoring technical and regulatory constraints

In Lausanne and the canton of Vaud, certain renovations require prior authorization, even for interior work. Failure to comply can result in fines, remediation work, or problems when reselling your property.

Listed buildings or those located within heritage protection zones are subject to strict regulations. Always check with your local council before undertaking any structural modifications, facade changes, or even certain interior alterations in protected areas.

Underestimating the actual delays

Many homeowners in the canton of Vaud believe their renovation will be finished in a few weeks, but the reality is quite different. Between material order delays, the availability of tradespeople, unforeseen technical issues, and the weather, a construction project always takes longer than expected.

Be realistic in your planning and always allow extra time. If you need to move out of your current accommodation or have time constraints, factor in these extra delays to avoid stress and costly rushed decisions.

Mistake #3: Choosing poor quality materials and equipment

Always choose the cheapest

Choosing the cheapest materials might seem like a good way to control your budget, but it's often a false economy. Poor-quality materials wear out quickly, need to be replaced prematurely, and can even be dangerous or unsanitary.

Prioritize quality for structural elements and high-traffic areas (floors, kitchen). You can, however, save on purely decorative and easily replaceable items. An interior designer can guide you toward the right balance of quality and price based on your budget.

Choosing materials not suited to the Vaud climate

The Vaud climate, with its temperature fluctuations and humidity, requires appropriate materials. Some flooring, paints, or insulation materials do not perform well here and deteriorate quickly.

Choose moisture-resistant materials for bathrooms and kitchens, and check their compatibility with the local climate. Lausanne's tradespeople are aware of these constraints and can guide you toward the right solutions.

Follow the trends

Falling for a decorating trend and adopting it without thinking throughout your entire home is a common mistake. Trends come and go; what's cutting-edge today will be outdated in a few years.

For a lasting renovation, opt for a neutral base with classic, high-quality materials, then add trendy touches that are easy to change: textiles, accessories, or a single wall painting. This method allows you to refresh your decor frequently without undertaking major renovations.

Error #4: Poor coordination of the construction site

Wanting to do everything yourself without experience

Many homeowners believe they are saving money by managing the project themselves and coordinating the tradespeople. Without experience, this approach often leads to costly mistakes, delays, and stress.

Coordinating a renovation project involves knowing the order in which different tradespeople work, managing schedules, monitoring the quality of execution, and resolving technical issues. A professional interior designer or project manager significantly reduces their costs by preventing mistakes and ensuring a smooth project.

Selecting artisans solely on price

Choosing your tradespeople solely based on the cheapest quote is a mistake. A price that's too low often hides a lack of experience, low-quality materials, or incomplete work that will need to be redone.

Choose recommended tradespeople, check their references, visit their previous projects if possible, and make sure they are properly insured. A good tradesperson may be more expensive initially, but they guarantee clean, durable, and up-to-code work.

Failure to establish clear contracts

Undertaking work based on verbal agreements or vague quotes is a source of disputes. Each intervention must be priced with a detailed quote (materials, quantities, deadlines, payment terms).

These contractual documents protect you in case of a dispute and define each party's responsibilities. Have your contracts reviewed by an expert if you have any doubts about certain clauses.

Mistake #5: Prioritizing aesthetics over functionality

Forget about ergonomics and comfort

A beautiful interior that's impractical for everyday living isn't a successful interior. Prioritizing aesthetics over practicality is a common mistake that will cost you in the long run.

A beautiful but poorly designed kitchen makes meal preparation a chore. A stylish bathroom with no storage quickly becomes a mess. A chic but poorly lit living room won't be pleasant in the evening. Think about how you use your space every day and make sure each area is functional first.

Forget about storage

Underestimating your storage needs is one of the most regretted mistakes after a renovation. Homeowners often realize too late that they lack storage space.

Take advantage of your renovation to create clever storage solutions: custom-made closets, wall niches, under-stair storage, and functional walk-in closets. An interior designer knows how to make the most of every space to optimize your storage without compromising aesthetics.

Disregarding traffic flow and proportions

Changing the layout of your apartment or house in the canton of Vaud without considering circulation patterns will create unpleasant spaces. Narrow corridors, doors that bump into each other, and poorly proportioned rooms all detract from the comfort of living.

Respect minimum passage widths, check that doors open in the correct direction, and maintain balanced proportions between spaces. These technical points require the eye of an interior design professional.

Mistake #6: Forgetting the lighting

To be satisfied with the existing lighting

Keeping the original lighting during a renovation can be a mistake. Lighting changes everything in a room, and a renovation is the perfect opportunity to redo everything.

Multiply the light sources in each room: general, ambient, and task lighting. This layering creates adaptable atmospheres and significantly improves your daily comfort.

Forget the daylight

Optimizing natural light should be a priority in any renovation. Before knocking down walls or changing the layout, consider the effect on natural light.

Opt for glass partitions to separate spaces without blocking light, strategically place mirrors to reflect it, and use light colors to maximize brightness. In the often gray skies of Vaud, maximizing natural light improves your well-being.

Mistake #7: Trying to do everything at once

Not phasing your project according to your skills

We want to redo everything at once, but it's not always financially or practically possible. Living in a complete construction site for months is very unsettling, and exceeding your budget creates unnecessary stress.

A well-phased project allows you to spread out the investment, learn from each phase, and maintain habitable spaces during construction. Start with the key areas (kitchen, bathroom) and then move on to the other rooms.

Living on the construction site without preparation

Choosing to remain in your home during renovations without proper preparation affects your quality of life and delays the project. Dust, noise, lack of equipment, and the daily presence of tradespeople require meticulous planning.

If you have to live on site, partition off the construction areas as much as possible, plan alternatives for the kitchen and bathroom, and set a precise schedule with the tradespeople to maintain your privacy and minimum comfort.

FAQ: Common mistakes in renovation

Can you change your project while it's being built?

Changes made during construction are technically feasible but rarely without consequences. Each modification disrupts the schedule, requires different workloads for tradespeople, and almost always results in additional costs. If a structural modification is requested after work has begun, it may involve undoing what has already been done, doubling labor costs. Substituting materials mid-project can also lead to further supply delays. If you need to change something, do it as soon as possible, confirm the budgetary and time impact with your interior designer, and document these changes with all stakeholders to avoid misunderstandings.

How far in advance should I plan my apartment or house renovation in Lausanne?

For a complete apartment or house renovation in Lausanne and the surrounding area, ideally allow 4 to 6 months of preparation before work begins. This time allows you to consult with an interior designer, draw up plans, obtain permits, select tradespeople, and order materials with delivery deadlines. For simpler projects like renovating a single room, 2 to 3 months may suffice. This advance planning prevents hasty decisions, allows you to compare quotes, and ensures the availability of qualified professionals. Skilled tradespeople in the canton of Vaud are often booked several months in advance, especially during the spring and summer months, which are peak periods.

Do I absolutely have to use an architect for my renovation?

The requirement depends on the nature of your project. For structural alterations requiring a building permit, the signature of a registered architect (REG) is often mandatory. For interior work without structural modifications, an architect is not required, but an interior designer is highly recommended. They can help you avoid costly mistakes, optimize your budget, coordinate the various tradespeople, and ensure a harmonious and functional result. In listed or protected buildings in the canton of Vaud, specific regulations apply, and professional assistance is essential to navigate them.

What should I do if I find a major problem during the work?

Detecting a major technical problem (damaged structure, water infiltration, dangerous electrical wiring) requires swift and structured action. Stop the affected work, photograph and describe the problem, and immediately contact your interior designer or project manager. Depending on the severity, you may need to call in a technician (structural engineer, building expert). Obtain several quotes for the repairs before committing. Check if your construction insurance covers this type of discovery. Then, revise your overall budget and schedule accordingly. These stressful moments are common in renovations of old buildings in Lausanne, hence the importance of having built in a contingency budget for unforeseen events.

HEMMAMIA Advice

At HEMMAMIA, we regularly assist homeowners in the cantons of Vaud and Valais with their apartment and house renovation projects. Our experience has allowed us to identify all the common mistakes and implement proven techniques to avoid them.

Our team of architects and interior designers will guide you from the initial ideas to define a realistic project, a clear budget with all expenses included, and a schedule that takes into account the technical and regulatory constraints of the canton of Vaud. We manage all trades, monitor the quality of execution, and help you avoid the pitfalls that too often turn a renovation dream into a nightmare.

Renovate with complete peace of mind with HEMMAMIA

Avoiding common renovation mistakes isn't a matter of luck, but of preparation and guidance. Your apartment or house in Lausanne deserves a successful renovation, carried out professionally and with complete peace of mind.

Contact us now for an initial consultation and benefit from our expertise to successfully complete your renovation project without any surprises. Together, let's transform your interior without falling into the traps that waste your time, money, and energy.

Carry out your project with complete peace of mind!