Knowledge hub13 questions
Renovations and apartment fit-out, answered plainly.
Whole house renovations and apartment fit-outs, from strip out to finish.
Renovations and apartment fit-outStraight answers
What people ask us about renovations and apartment fit-out.
What is included in a full house renovation?
Our renovation scope can include finishes, strip-out, structure, services or a full fit-out.
We define every room and retained element in writing, so the scope is clear.
Next We agree an itemised scope and exclusions schedule with you.
Can I live in the property while it is renovated?
This depends on separation, access, safe services, dust, noise and the work sequence.
A deep refurbishment often makes staying in the property impractical.
We plan this with you rather than assume either way.
Next We compare the cost and disruption of staying against moving out.
Can the renovation be phased room by room?
We can phase work by room to help with access or funding.
Phasing can add repeated setup, temporary protection and service changes.
Work in one room can depend on systems serving the rest of the house.
Next We give you a phased programme with the added cost and limits set out.
What is the difference between shell and core, first fix and second fix?
These terms describe different levels of completion.
They can mean different things from one project to the next.
Our contract sets out what structure, services and finishes each stage includes.
Next We use an explicit package schedule rather than relying on shorthand labels.
Can structure start while interiors are still being designed?
Sometimes, if the early package is fully defined. It must not be undermined by decisions still open in the interiors.
Door positions, drainage, lighting and joinery dimensions can affect early works. We review these dependencies before each package starts.
Next We list the decisions needed before each package is released.
How much hidden work should I expect in an older house?
Existing wiring, drainage, floors or earlier alterations may need attention once exposed. Surveys reduce uncertainty, but cannot reveal every concealed condition.
Next We agree how discoveries are recorded, priced and approved.
Can original floors and existing finishes be reused?
Condition, removal method, storage and compatibility with new levels or heating affect reuse. We include a realistic allowance for repair and replacement where salvage cannot be guaranteed.
Next We identify retained items before demolition is priced.
What makes an apartment renovation different from a house?
Shared structure, neighbour proximity, lift access and management rules shape every work package. We settle the permissions and logistics alongside the design.
Next We get the building’s work rules and available service information first.
Can NU take over a project that another contractor has started?
A takeover needs a separate review of completed work, records, outstanding design and condition. We agree responsibility for previous work before taking a new appointment.
Next Send us the existing contract, drawings, inspections and payment records.
How do you protect furniture and belongings during work?
We decide together what leaves the property, what stays and what protection is needed. Storage, packing, access and responsibility for valuable items are agreed explicitly.
Next Prepare an inventory and move fragile or high-value items before we start.
How should damp or water ingress be handled before decorating?
We identify the cause and extent before specifying a cosmetic finish. The right investigation and repair depend on the building and the moisture source.
Next We carry out a condition assessment and set the repair scope first.
Can sound transmission between rooms or flats be reduced?
We assess the source and transmission routes before choosing a treatment. Floors, walls, doors, services and workmanship all affect acoustic performance.
Next We agree the acoustic goal and any specialist input before fixing finishes.
How should waste, salvage and recycling be planned?
We identify retained materials and agree the waste approach before demolition starts. Segregation, storage and collections are planned around your site and any specialist handling.
Next We record what can be reused and how waste is moved.
Next step
Ready to talk about renovations and apartment fit-out?
Read more about how NU works. Or send us your project.