Many of NCR’s older societies, DDA flats and builder floors are now 15 to 30 years old. They often have generous rooms and good locations — and dated kitchens, tired bathrooms, old wiring and too little storage.
A well-planned renovation can make an older flat feel new. The key is doing the work in the right order.
Start with a condition check
Before designing anything, check what is behind the walls. Problems found later are expensive to fix after new furniture is installed.
- Electrical: old aluminium or undersized wiring, too few points, an outdated distribution board, and whether the sanctioned load supports ACs and modern appliances.
- Plumbing: corroded GI pipes, low pressure, leaks and slow drains.
- Dampness and seepage: around bathrooms, kitchens and external walls — especially after the monsoon.
- Structure: cracks in beams, columns or slabs need a structural engineer’s opinion.
The right order of work
- Structural repairs and waterproofing.
- Rewiring and new electrical points; plumbing replacement.
- Civil changes — removing old kitchen platforms, retiling, bathroom upgrades.
- False ceilings, AC piping and the chimney duct — see false ceiling guide.
- Modular kitchen and wardrobes.
- Painting and polishing, then loose furniture and décor.
What renovation costs
A renovation budget has two parts: the interiors (kitchen, wardrobes, ceilings, finishes) and the civil and services work (rewiring, plumbing, waterproofing, tiling). The interiors cost broadly the same as in a new flat — use our cost calculator and cost guide. The civil and services work varies far more with the condition of the flat, so it is estimated after a site inspection.
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Complete rewiring | Significant, but essential in very old flats |
| Replacing plumbing lines | Moderate to significant, depending on access |
| Retiling floors throughout | Significant — consider laying over existing tiles where suitable |
| Bathroom renovation | Moderate per bathroom — see our bathroom guide |
| Keeping existing layouts | Saves cost — moving kitchens and bathrooms is expensive |
Renovating while living at home
- Renovate in phases — for example bedrooms first, then the kitchen with a temporary cooking setup.
- Seal off work areas and protect floors and furniture from dust.
- Agree working hours with your society and neighbours in advance.
- Plan for a few days without water or power during service changes.
If you can move out for the duration, a complete renovation of a 2 or 3 BHK typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on the civil work involved.
Where we renovate
We renovate homes across Delhi, Ghaziabad — including established areas such as Indirapuram and Vaishali — Noida and the rest of NCR. Book a site visit.
