How to Choose a Renovation Company — 7 Essential Tips

Choosing the right renovation company largely determines whether your renovation is a well-managed project or months of stress. A poor choice can lead to delays, cost overruns, and disputes — while a good partner does the work as agreed and keeps you informed throughout.

• Quick Summary — How to Choose Safely:
• Request at least 3–5 quotes for the same scope
• Check references, reviews, and photos of completed work
• Verify the company has insurance and proper qualifications
• Do not automatically choose the cheapest — focus on clear scope, timeline, and contract
• Pay in stages as work progresses, not a large upfront deposit
• Put everything agreed in a written contract
• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, find another contractor

7 Steps to Choosing the Right Renovation Company

Step 1: Define Your Project and Budget Before contacting anyone, clarify: - Which rooms are being renovated? (Bathroom, kitchen, floors, walls?) - Full renovation or surface update? - Rough budget range - Any material or brand preferences

The better you describe your needs, the more comparable quotes you will receive.

Step 2: Find Companies Experienced in Your Type of Renovation

Not all renovation companies excel at everything. Some specialise in wet rooms, others in kitchens, and others in small renovations. Look for companies with:

• Clear focus on your renovation type
• References from similar projects
• Experience with housing associations and local building authorities

Step 3: Check References, Photos, and Reviews Do not settle for marketing slogans. Ask to see: - Before-and-after photos from similar projects - A list of reference projects - Google and Facebook reviews - Housing association recommendations if applicable

A good company openly shares past challenges and how they were resolved. If references are unavailable or refused — that is a red flag.

Step 4: Request a Detailed Written Quote

A safe quote includes at minimum:

• Clear description of the work scope and phases
• Materials specified (brand/model, quantity)
• Assessment of factors that could cause extra work
• Realistic timeline with start window and duration
• Price including VAT, with clear statement of what is NOT included

Avoid quotes that simply say "bathroom renovation €12,000" without breakdown. You cannot compare or verify such quotes.

Step 5: Compare More Than Just Price The cheapest quote is not automatically the worst, and the most expensive is not always the best. Also consider: - How clearly the quote is written - Whether planning is included or just execution - Whether demolition, waste disposal, and final cleanup are included - Whether related electrical and plumbing work is included - Warranty terms (e.g., 10-year waterproofing warranty for bathrooms)

Step 6: Agree on Payment Terms

Never pay more than 20–30% upfront. A healthy payment structure:

• Small deposit (10–20%) at contract signing
• Payments tied to completed milestones
• Final payment (10–20%) after all work is approved

Step 7: Put Everything in a Written Contract The contract should include: - Detailed scope of work - Materials and specifications - Total price and payment schedule - Start date, duration, and completion date - Warranty terms and period - Process for handling changes and additional work - Both parties' responsibilities

Red Flags to Watch For

• Company has no website, references, or visible track record
• Significantly cheaper than all other quotes (too good to be true)
• Demands large upfront payment (50%+ before work starts)
• Cannot provide insurance certificates
• Gives only verbal promises, resists written contracts
• Pressures you to decide immediately
• Cannot specify a realistic timeline

## Frequently Asked Questions

How many quotes should I get? At least 3, ideally 5. This gives you a good sense of the market price and helps identify outliers.

Should I always choose the cheapest? No. Focus on the best value — clear scope, realistic timeline, good references, and transparent pricing. A cheap quote with hidden extras often ends up being the most expensive.

What if problems arise during the renovation? A good contract specifies how changes are handled. Additional work should always be agreed in writing before it is done, with a clear price.

Can I check a company's reliability? Yes. Check the company on YTJ.fi (Business Information System) for business registration, and asiakastieto.fi for credit ratings. Also verify they are registered in the prepayment register (ennakkoperintärekisteri).