Where to Start a Renovation of an Old Apartment?

1. Structural & Mechanical Survey

In districts like Şişli, Fatih and Beyoğlu where old housing is dense, the condition of reinforced‑concrete columns, moisture intrusion, and seismic resilience are critical. Schedule a free on‑site inspection with an architect or building‑inspection specialist; the report should document load‑bearing elements, waterproofing, and the state of utilities (water, gas, electricity).

• •Check for cracks, corrosion, and wear in load‑bearing elements
• •Assess waterproofing and roof drainage functionality
• •Determine need for replacement of old plumbing (copper, PVC) and wiring

2. Permits & Regulatory Checks

Within municipalities like Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, any façade alteration, floor addition, or roof extension requires municipal approval. Obtain the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s “Zoning Status Certificate” and “Occupancy Permit” beforehand; otherwise the project may be halted.

• •Zoning check – floor‑height limits, usage change restrictions
• •Clarify legal responsibilities in contractor‑architect contracts
• •Compliance with energy efficiency and fire codes (e.g., EN 13501)

3. Budget Allocation & Prioritization

In Istanbul’s old flats, roughly 40 % of the budget goes to cabinets, kitchen and bathroom units, 30 % to structural and infrastructure work, 20 % to interior finishes, and 10 % to decorative touches. These ratios are refined after the free on‑site inspection and written fixed‑price quote; prioritize structural safety to minimize overruns.

• •Structural & utility repairs → wall/floor finishes → kitchen‑bath cabinets → decoration
• •Reserve 10‑15 % of each phase for unforeseen expenses

4. Timeline & Workflow

Given Istanbul’s traffic and delivery delays, split the schedule into “critical path” and “flexible path”. Critical path: structural, water‑gas‑electric works; flexible path: painting, flooring, furniture installation. This prevents a delay in one area from cascading into others.

• •Weeks 1‑2: structural & utility inspection, permit acquisition
• •Weeks 3‑5: demolition, wall reinforcement, utility replacement
• •Weeks 6‑8: plastering, insulation, floor laying
• •Weeks 9‑10: cabinet installation, painting, final cleaning

5. Choosing a Reliable Contractor

Teams with Four Seasons and Grand Hyatt experience bring not only technical expertise but also know‑how in navigating Istanbul’s narrow streets and building committees. The contract should clearly state workmanship warranty, delivery schedule, and the pricing method for any change orders.

• •Request reference projects and photo reports
• •Sign a contract with a written fixed price and workmanship guarantee
• •Document progress with photos and reports at each stage

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before demolishing walls in an old apartment?

Verify whether the wall is load‑bearing, see if electrical or plumbing runs inside it, and assess fire‑compartment and acoustic requirements. A structural engineer’s report will flag these risks.

Is it possible to add an elevator to an old building in Istanbul?

Within the municipality’s ‘Housing Transformation’ program, an elevator can be added if the building’s load capacity and floor plan allow it. This requires zoning permission, a structural report, and neighbor consent; the process may take 6‑12 months.

What should I do if there’s a water outage during renovation?

Obtain a temporary connection permit from Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ). Set up a temporary water tank and flexible hose system to keep work uninterrupted.

How long does the workmanship warranty last after renovation?

Beyond the legal requirement, Güven Kardeşler provides a 2‑year workmanship warranty; structural defects arising within this period are repaired at no cost.