Apartment renovation in Estonia — where to start and when to hire a pro
Renovating an apartment is one of the biggest projects you can take on at home. In this guide, we'll walk step by step through how to plan construction work, in what order to do it, and where it pays off to hire a pro versus simply renting a tool.
1. Planning and budget
Before you grab a hammer, put together a plan on paper. Write down every room you want to renovate and note whether it's a cosmetic refresh or a full overhaul. On average in Estonia, a cosmetic apartment renovation costs 150–350 €/m², while a major renovation starts from around 500 €/m² and can reach 1000 €/m².
2. Order of construction work
- Demolition and cleanup
- Electrical and plumbing work (inside walls)
- Plastering and leveling
- Subfloor preparation
- Installing doors and windows
- Finishing — painting, tiling, wallpaper
- Installing flooring
- Final cleanup and furniture setup
3. When to hire a pro and when to DIY?
A rule of thumb: anything related to electricity, gas, or water pipes should be handled by a licensed professional. A wrong connection can cost far more than hiring a pro from the start. However, you can paint, wallpaper, lay laminate, and do simpler woodwork yourself — as long as you have the right tools.
Definitely hire a pro for:
- Electrical work (outlets, lighting, fuse box installation)
- Plumbing work (toilet, sink, shower, radiators)
- Modifying load-bearing structures
- Tiling in wet rooms
- Relocating ventilation
You can do it yourself (by renting a tool):
- Painting walls (with a roller and telescopic pole)
- Installing wallpaper
- Installing laminate and parquet flooring
- Removing old wallpaper (steamer)
- Simple demolition (pickaxe, chisel)
4. Where to find a trustworthy pro?
Leiaks brings together local builders, electricians, plumbers, and cleaners in one place. Every pro has a verified account, with a visible portfolio, hourly rate, and reviews from previous clients. Before starting, ask for a written quote, and for bigger jobs, a short contract.
5. Common mistakes to avoid
- An overly optimistic timeline. Always add a 20% buffer — renovations never finish exactly on time.
- Getting only one quote. Ask for at least 3 quotes before deciding.
- Buying materials at the last minute. Tiles and flooring often have a delivery time of 2–6 weeks.
- Underestimating dust and noise. If you're living in the apartment during renovation, set up at least one dust barrier.
Good luck with your renovation! If you need a local pro, start with the directory of pros.