Useful articles

• Experience and portfolio: Review previous projects and client feedback. Companies with a longer track record are usually more reliable. Take a look at our portfolio and client reviews.
• Licences and insurance: Make sure the company has the necessary licences and insurance. Andres Renovations OÜ is fully licensed and insured.
• Clear communication: A good renovation company communicates clearly, answers questions and keeps you informed. Our team serves you in both Estonian and English.
• Transparent pricing: A quality company provides a clear quote before work starts. See our pricing information.
• Guarantee: Ask about the guarantee – it shows how much the company trusts its own work. We provide a guarantee for all work we carry out.

If you need help choosing a renovation company, feel free to contact us – we will help you find the best solution for your needs.

1. Define your needs

Before starting, think through what exactly you need. Create a list of priorities – what is essential and what can wait. Also review our list of services to understand which services you might require.

2. Prepare a budget

Include both labour and material costs. Always leave a 10–15% buffer for unexpected expenses. Our pricing is transparent – call‑out fee 30 EUR + VAT, hourly rate 45 EUR/h + VAT, materials according to actual cost.

3. Choose the right time

Consider when it is most convenient for you to carry out the renovation and take into account seasonal workload. Our working hours are Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00 and Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00, and we can also work evenings and weekends.

4. Communicate clearly

Clear communication with the renovation company helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the result meets your expectations. Our team communicates in both Estonian and English. Contact us and we will talk through your project in detail.

• Clear the space: Remove furniture and personal items from the area being renovated. This allows the team to work efficiently and reduces the risk of damage.
• Protect floors: Use protective coverings to shield the floors during the work, especially during painting and plastering.
• Talk to neighbours: Let your neighbours know if the work may cause noise. This helps avoid conflicts and supports good relations.
• Ensure access: Make sure the renovation team has easy access to the area being renovated. This speeds up the process and can reduce costs.
• Ventilation: Ensure sufficient ventilation, especially during painting and plastering. This is important for health as well as the quality of the finish.

Proper preparation ensures a smoother renovation process and reduces the chance of things going wrong. If you need help planning, contact us and we will help you get ready.

Paints and lacquers

Choose quality paints and lacquers that are durable and easy to maintain. High‑quality materials last longer and keep their appearance. We only use high‑quality materials and proven techniques.

Tiles and ceramics

For bathrooms and kitchens, choose materials that withstand moisture and heat. Proper installation is just as important as the material itself. Our team has extensive experience in installation works and can help you select the best options.

Flooring

Consider how the room is used. For high‑traffic areas, choose more durable materials such as tiles or quality parquet. We help you choose materials that match your needs and budget.

Electrical and plumbing materials

Do not compromise on quality when it comes to electrical and plumbing materials – they are critical for safety and long‑term reliability. We only use certified materials that meet all safety requirements.

If you need advice on choosing materials, contact us – we will help you select the best materials for your project.

1. Inadequate planning

Mistake: Starting work without a clear plan. Solution: Prepare a detailed plan and budget before you begin. See our article “Planning renovation works and budgeting” for more advice.

2. Saving on quality materials

Mistake: Choosing cheap materials that do not last. Solution: Invest in quality materials – they pay off in the long run. We use only quality materials and help you choose the right options.

3. Poor preparation

Mistake: Starting without proper preparation. Solution: Clear the space, protect surfaces and ensure access. Read our article “How to prepare for renovation?” for a detailed checklist.

4. Insufficient communication

Mistake: Vague communication with the renovation company. Solution: Maintain regular contact and ask questions whenever something is unclear. Our team communicates in both Estonian and English to ensure clarity.

5. Ignoring the schedule

Mistake: Underestimating how long the work will take. Solution: Plan enough time and anticipate possible delays. We offer flexible scheduling that takes your timetable into account.

If you need help planning your renovation or avoiding costly mistakes, contact us – we are happy to help you make the right decisions.

Regular maintenance

Carry out regular maintenance – clean surfaces, check for leaks and fix small issues before they become bigger. Consistent care is the key to long‑lasting results and helps avoid costly repairs.

Correct use

Use rooms as intended. For example, avoid using harsh cleaners on high‑quality flooring. Proper use preserves materials and keeps them looking good.

Protection

Use floor protection in high‑traffic areas and protect walls from furniture damage. Protection is especially important in kitchens and entrances.

Right temperature and humidity

Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels. This helps preserve the quality and appearance of materials, especially wood and painted surfaces.

Quick repairs

Repair minor damage immediately before it grows and becomes more expensive to fix. Quick action saves time and money and helps maintain the overall look.

If you need help with maintenance or small repairs, contact us – we will help you take care of your renovated home.

1. Money: what does the repair really cost?

Repairing makes sense when the cost of repair is roughly 30–40% of the price of a new solution and the result will last for years, not just months. If the problem is local (for example, a single crack, worn edge or loose component), repairs are often a cost‑effective solution.

Buying new is reasonable when the cost of repair approaches or exceeds 50% of the price of a new solution, when the same area has already been “patched” several times or when the repair requires additional work (for example electrical or plumbing changes, extra demolition).

2. Technical condition and lifespan

Repair is worth it when the structure is strong, straight and dry. For example, solid wood kitchen cabinets with worn finishes but sound carcasses – in many cases sanding, painting and adding new handles is enough.

Replacement is better when there is moisture damage, rot, major cracks in load‑bearing parts or the expected lifetime has long been exceeded and spare parts are no longer available. In such cases, repair is usually only a temporary solution.

3. Functionality and everyday comfort

Repairing is suitable if the existing solution works well for you – the layout, sizes and everyday comfort meet your needs and only signs of wear are bothering you.

A new solution is a better choice when the layout is inconvenient, worktops are chronically too small or there is a constant lack of storage. In that case, a new layout can improve daily life much more than cosmetic fixes.

4. Emotional and style value

Old elements are worth saving when they have sentimental, historical or stylistic value – for example original wooden doors, plank floors or inherited furniture. Professional restoration can give your home character that is hard to achieve with standard new solutions.

Style is worth updating when different eras, colours and finishes clash with each other and the space feels visually tired or chaotic, and “patching” does not create a cohesive whole. In this case, it is better to create a new, well‑thought‑out concept.

5. Environmental impact: a greener choice between repair and new

Repairing is often more environmentally friendly because it reduces waste and extends the life of existing materials – especially when you use durable finishes and the work is done properly so it doesn’t need to be redone soon.

A new solution can be greener if the old system wastes a lot of energy (for example old windows, poor insulation or very inefficient heating). In such cases, new energy‑efficient solutions can significantly reduce both costs and the ecological footprint over time.

6. Quick checklist: repair or buy new?

• How much does repair cost compared to new? If repair is >50% of the price of a new solution, seriously consider replacement.
• Is the problem superficial or structural? Superficial issues are often suitable for repair; structural problems usually require new solutions.
• How long will the result last? Ask yourself if this is a short‑term patch or an investment for 10+ years.
• Does the solution meet your current needs? If your lifestyle and expectations have changed, repairing an outdated system might not be worth it.
• What is the impact on property value? A well‑executed upgrade can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to future tenants or buyers.

If you are unsure whether to repair or replace a specific solution, we can assess the situation together and help you choose an option that makes the most sense for your home, budget and time. Contact us to discuss your plans and receive a personalised recommendation.