Setting a realistic renovation budget
A renovation rarely goes wrong because of one big mistake, but because of optimism up front. These five steps help you build a budget that accounts for the reality of a Belgian home.
1. Start with your home, not your wish list
First map the current state: year of construction, EPC label, roof condition, signs of damp, age of the wiring and pipes. Older homes (before 1970) more often hide surprises. Starting from the state of the property rather than a Pinterest board gives you a budget that holds up.
2. Separate essential from optional
Not everything is equally urgent. A leaking roof, damp problems or an unsafe electrical installation are essential; a designer kitchen or walk-in shower are choices. Separating the two tells you what must happen and where you can cut or postpone if the budget gets tight.
3. Work with a range, not a round number
A single exact figure gives false certainty. Trade sources recommend setting aside 15 to 20% reserve for unforeseen work — often more for older homes. So work with a minimum and a maximum to avoid nasty surprises.
4. Count the grants — but at the end
Grants lower your net cost and vary widely by region and by measure. Calculate the gross cost first, then estimate the grants, then look at the difference. You'll immediately see which measures become extra worthwhile thanks to support.
5. Test against your budget and phase if needed
If the estimate doesn't fit what you can or want to spend, you have two levers: drop the optional part, or phase the work over several years. A budget isn't a snapshot but a document that grows with your choices.
A good renovation budget is honest about uncertainty: it works with a range, separates must from want, and accounts for grants. Recalculate at every major choice.
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