Flat renovation using a green shaker kitchen design in a single wall layout. Includes herringbone flooring.

Kitchen advice

How To Plan A Flat Renovation

From minimising mess to maintaining shared access, understanding how to plan a flat renovation will ensure a home update in an apartment runs smoothly. That is why we have enlisted the help of interior blogger, Poppy Marples. Having recently updated a kitchen in a flat, her experience has provided valuable lessons that will help others remodel their space. So, whether it is battling with limited space, or managing disgruntled neighbours, we cover all the things you need to consider, so your project is primed for success.

Poppy stood in front of a teal shaker kitchen, wearing a floral dress, looking down, and pouring a cocktail into a glass.

About Poppy

Poppy has spent the last two years honing her interior design skills with several renovation projects and creating her own signature style. Having used our Fairford Navy doors in her old home, Poppy wanted to use a Howdens kitchen to transform her new Brighton flat, which is part of a Grade II listed building.Poppy has been updating the property into an open-plan space to reflect her aesthetic, whilst retaining all the original features and character.

See more @dustsheets_and_decor

Flat renovation with bare walls, plaster, covered furniture.

1. Prep your home

Flats tend to have a high resident turnover, which means they have more wear and tear than houses. The first thing to check when planning a flat renovation is the overall condition. Any damage, like damp or cracks, needs to be fixed before work starts, so you have a good base to work from. We were lucky that our flat was in good shape and required no structural changes. We also had a few minor repairs before checking the plumbing and electrics ran smoothly.

See plumbing

2. Know your goals

Understanding what you want to achieve with your space will help determine what work needs to be carried out. It will also give you a better idea of the project cost, timescales, and who needs to be involved. For us, creating an open-plan layout where we could cook, relax, and entertain was essential. We also wanted to transform the old kitchen into a second bedroom where family can stay, which could also double up as an area for home working.

See open plan kitchen ideas

3. Talk to an expert

Consulting with trade professionals early is vital, as this will help you understand if your plans are achievable structurally and financially. Many will have years of experience that can help you set realistic expectations for your project. As our flat is in a Grade II listed building, we spoke with an architect before starting work. They helped us create a design that would be approved quickly by the planning authorities. For help finding a tradesperson, contact your local Howdens depot.

Find a depot

4. Think about planning permission

Knowing what permission is required will save time, money, and stress. Like most flats, we needed consent from the freeholder to alter the space. This depends on the lease, so check with your managing agent first. We required Listed Building Consent. However, with no structural changes, our renovation did not need planning permission. The approval took around 10 weeks, but we recommend adding two or three months into your project schedule.

Poppy sitting on scaffolding in a room with green paint on walls.

5. Set a budget

Creating a defined budget will ensure your renovation remains on track financially. Having previously remodelled a flat, we knew the rough costs of most things. However, during the planning stage, we researched everything that we needed, including materials, parts, and labour charges. We also took into account any work we were planning to do ourselves. Having a budget per room is more manageable and I also recommend having a contingency of around 10 per cent of your overall project cost to cater for any surprises.

6. Research the trade

In my opinion, finding the right tradespeople is priceless, as this will ensure your flat renovation is carried out to a high standard. Trade professionals have their own areas of expertise, so it is worth taking the time to research and find specialists. For example, as our building is listed, we had to keep all the original skirting intact. Our carpenter found a bespoke solution by cutting kitchen panels and slotting them over the skirting to create a seamless look. Howdens depot staff also have great connections to local trade professionals and are a great place to start if you need help finding one in your area.

Find a depot

7. Shop around for materials

When buying materials for your renovation, getting several quotes will ensure you get the lowest price and keep within budget. It is best to balance price with quality, as going for the cheapest option can mean sacrificing the finish and longevity of your design. Having used Howdens products in my old flat, I already knew I would use them again for my project. Their cabinetry is constructed to a high standard and is built to last, as it comes with a 25-year guarantee. It is also affordable, making them my preferred choice.

See kitchen cabinets

8. Plan your project

Everything is in the planning, especially if you are living in the property whilst work is carried out. A good plan will keep your project running on time, prevent avoidable mishaps, and ensure your home is liveable throughout. I suggest working in three main stages: structural, functional, and cosmetic and allowing enough time between each change to complete the work. I also highly recommend booking tradespeople in advance – this makes your plan more accurate and gives you the confidence that you have the right people for the job.

9. Have a back-up plan

Space and good access can be in short supply in flats, and this is often highlighted during a renovation. Living away during noisy or busy periods is a practical solution and allows more room for work to be carried out. If that is not an option, then think ahead. We came up with several ideas, like setting up a temporary cooking area with a microwave that was great for heating up our pre-made batch meals. We also thoroughly cleaned each day to minimise mess that could be carried through to other areas.

See microwaves

10. Make friends with the neighbours

With shared access areas, planning a flat renovation means you need to be considerate of other residents in your building. Consistent communication is key, along with sticking to your construction schedule. We informed the neighbours of our plans and gave them our contact details in case of emergencies. If there was any noisy work, we would let them know in advance and we cleaned communal hallways. A bottle of prosecco also goes a long way as a thank you.