Reconstruction Costs: Avoid These Mistakes | Architect Advice

When the dream of a new home turns into a nightmare. Markéta Heralecká, founder of the Girls in Reconstruction projectworked for years on large construction sites as a technical supervisor. So she did not expect a problem in the reconstruction of her own small apartment. But he came. Pregnant, in a run-down apartment, and after an experience with a handyman who did shoddy work, stopped communicating and disappeared with high deposits.

Only in retrospect did she find out that she had fifteen foreclosures on her neck. “If I had done a basic check back then, I would never have agreed to that cooperation,” she says today. A lawsuit ensued, which she won, but the money will probably never be returned. Just this experience made her start with enlightenment and support women who embark on renovations alone – and often encounter similar difficulties.

What is most important during reconstruction? “Tough nerves,” laughs Markéta Heralecká. And he adds: “Surround yourself with people who will support you. Reconstruction is demanding mentally and financially. When you have support, it goes much better.” And further? Don’t underestimate planning and talking about money – with your partner, family and tradespeople.

According to Markéta Heralecká, women often have to prove that they understand technical matters on construction sites. There are still stereotypes that “girls don’t understand” and have nothing to advise craftsmen. But just now knowledge of details a emphasis on quality they tend to be key to the result. “Craftsmen often rely on the way they’ve been doing it for twenty years. But technology changes. And if I expect a perfectly executed kitchen, it’s not enough to make things old.”

How much does the renovation cost? The price varies by range, but a few rough numbers will help:

Are you dreaming of a custom-made kitchen? Prepare half a million. Do you want to break the barriers? Expect additional items. Today, without a clear plan, reconstruction rarely goes as planned.

What are the biggest mistakes? Bad guess, weak contract a excessive deposits.

Markéta Heralecká advises not to underestimate the following steps:

According to the expert, where is it worthwhile to put money?

On the contrary, you can save on:

If it is to be a complete reconstruction, the answer is unequivocal: Yes. The architect will estimate the price, create a layout solution, design the materials and, above all, plan it so that everything is connected. For the study and implementation documentation you pay roughly 10-20% of the budgetbut it will save you much more money and nerves. And what copyright supervision? One visit costs 2-5 thousand, but it helps to ensure that they really build according to the project.

Golden rule: do not touch electricity. On the contrary, most people can handle painting, simple modifications, painting kitchen doors or choosing materials. However, the time required is often underestimated – and the result may not be 100% professional. This is where you need to be honest with yourself.

Markéta Heralecká she is an architect and author of the project Girls in reconstructionwhere he shares experience, inspiration and practical advice for everyone who is going to renovate an apartment or house. For many years she worked on large constructions as an investor’s technical supervisor, today she is engaged in interior reconstruction and consulting. She is known for her human approach, attention to detail and her desire to help people avoid the mistakes she herself once made.