Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our renovation services and processes

The duration depends on the property size and scope of work. A one-bedroom flat typically requires 4-6 weeks, while a three-bedroom property may take 8-12 weeks. This includes demolition, electrical and plumbing installations, plastering, flooring, tiling, decorating, and final touches.

Factors affecting timeline include structural changes, custom joinery, bathroom and kitchen installations, and material availability. We provide a detailed schedule before starting and keep you updated throughout the process.

Our comprehensive service covers every aspect from initial consultation to final handover. This includes design planning, obtaining necessary permits, demolition, structural work, electrical rewiring, plumbing installation, heating systems, plastering, flooring, tiling, kitchen and bathroom fitting, decorating, and final cleaning.

You receive a fully finished property ready to move in, with all fixtures, fittings, and finishes completed to specification. We coordinate all trades and manage the entire project timeline.

For complete renovations involving electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes, we recommend relocating temporarily. This ensures safety, allows faster progress, and prevents damage to your belongings from dust and debris.

For partial renovations or single-room projects, it may be possible to remain in the property. We can discuss phased approaches where we complete one area at a time, though this extends the overall timeline.

Costs vary based on property size, specification level, and location. A basic renovation of a one-bedroom flat starts from £25,000-£35,000, while mid-range specifications range from £40,000-£60,000. Premium finishes with custom features can exceed £80,000.

Larger properties naturally cost more. A three-bedroom flat typically ranges from £60,000 to £150,000 depending on choices. We provide detailed quotations after assessing your property and discussing your requirements.

We operate on a staged payment system tied to project milestones. Typically, this includes an initial deposit of 20% upon contract signing, followed by payments at key stages: after demolition and first fix (30%), after second fix and plastering (30%), and final payment upon completion (20%).

This structure protects both parties and ensures funds are available for materials and labour at each stage. All payments are clearly outlined in your contract with corresponding completion criteria.

Yes, we manage all necessary applications and approvals. This includes building control notifications for structural work, electrical and plumbing certifications, and any required planning permissions. Our team has extensive experience navigating London borough requirements.

We ensure all work complies with current building regulations and obtain the necessary certificates upon completion. This documentation is essential for property sales and insurance purposes.

Absolutely. We encourage clients to select materials, fixtures, and finishes that match their preferences and budget. Our team provides guidance on quality, suitability, and cost-effectiveness, but final decisions remain yours.

We can source materials on your behalf or work with items you purchase directly. If you choose to supply materials, we coordinate delivery timing to align with the construction schedule and verify specifications meet installation requirements.

We provide a 24-month warranty on all workmanship and installations. This covers defects arising from our work, including plastering, tiling, joinery, decorating, and installations. Manufacturer warranties on appliances, fixtures, and materials are passed to you with full documentation.

Electrical work is certified by registered electricians with appropriate guarantees, and plumbing installations carry similar assurances. We respond promptly to any issues during the warranty period.

We implement strict site management protocols including dust barriers between work areas and unaffected spaces, daily cleaning routines, and proper waste disposal. Heavy-duty extraction equipment is used during dusty operations like sanding and cutting.

Rubbish is removed regularly, typically twice weekly or more frequently for larger projects. We protect floors, stairs, and communal areas with appropriate coverings and ensure the site is left tidy at the end of each day.

Unexpected issues like hidden water damage, outdated wiring, or structural concerns sometimes emerge once work begins. We contact you immediately when such situations arise, explain the problem clearly, and provide options with associated costs.

No additional work proceeds without your approval. We document findings with photographs and provide written quotations for necessary remedial work. Our experience helps anticipate potential issues during initial surveys, minimizing surprises.

Yes, we regularly work in flats within occupied buildings. We respect neighbours by adhering to reasonable working hours (typically 8:00-18:00 on weekdays), minimizing noise where possible, and maintaining clean communal areas.

We notify neighbours before starting, coordinate with building management regarding access and facilities, and ensure our team behaves professionally. Noisy operations are scheduled considerately, and we address any concerns promptly.

We have experience working within the constraints of listed buildings and conservation areas. This requires additional planning permissions and adherence to specific guidelines regarding materials, methods, and appearance.

We liaise with conservation officers, prepare necessary applications, and ensure work respects the property's character while meeting modern standards. This process takes longer than standard renovations due to approval requirements.

Our team includes qualified tradespeople with relevant certifications in their specialisms. Electricians are registered with competent person schemes, plumbers hold appropriate qualifications, and all work follows British Standards and building regulations.

We conduct regular site inspections, maintain photographic records of progress, and perform quality checks at each stage. Final inspections ensure everything meets specification before handover, and we address any concerns immediately.

Changes are possible but easier and less costly when made early. We assess each request for feasibility, impact on schedule, and cost implications. Minor adjustments like paint colours or fixture choices are straightforward.

Significant changes affecting completed work or requiring different materials may incur additional costs and delays. We provide written variation orders detailing changes, costs, and timeline adjustments before proceeding.

We offer design consultation for standard renovations, helping you plan layouts, select finishes, and optimize space. For complex projects requiring structural changes or architectural drawings, we collaborate with architects and structural engineers.

If you already have architectural plans, we work directly from those specifications. We can also recommend trusted design professionals if needed and coordinate closely throughout the design and construction phases.

You receive regular updates through your preferred communication method - phone, email, or messaging. We provide weekly progress reports with photographs, schedule updates, and any decisions requiring your input.

A dedicated project manager serves as your main contact, available to answer questions and address concerns. Site visits can be arranged at convenient times, and we maintain detailed records of all communications and decisions.

We maintain comprehensive public liability insurance covering £5 million, protecting against damage to your property or injury during work. Our employers' liability insurance covers all team members working on site.

All electrical work is certified under Part P building regulations, and plumbing installations comply with Water Supply Regulations. We provide all necessary certificates and documentation upon completion, essential for property records and future sales.

About Barizi

Building quality living spaces across London since 2015, we deliver comprehensive apartment renovation services with attention to detail and client satisfaction.

Our Foundation Story

Barizi was established in 2015 by a team of construction professionals who recognized a gap in the London market for reliable, full-cycle apartment renovation. Starting with small projects in Camden and Islington, we built our reputation through consistent delivery and transparent communication with clients.

Over eight years, we have completed 340 apartment renovations across Greater London, from studio flats in Shoreditch to three-bedroom properties in Richmond. Each project taught us valuable lessons about managing timelines, coordinating trades, and maintaining quality standards under various conditions.

Our workshop in North London houses a team of 23 specialists: electricians certified to BS 7671 standards, plumbers registered with Gas Safe, carpenters with NVQ Level 3 qualifications, and decorators experienced in both modern and period properties. This in-house capability allows us to control quality at every stage without relying on subcontractors.

Barizi renovation team working on apartment project
Completed apartment renovation by Barizi

Our Approach to Renovation

We operate on a fixed-price contract model with detailed specifications agreed before work begins. Clients receive a project manager who coordinates all trades, handles building control notifications, and provides weekly progress updates. Our average project duration is 6-8 weeks for a two-bedroom flat, depending on scope.

Materials are sourced from established UK suppliers: Wickes for timber and hardware, Screwfix for electrical components, and Topps Tiles for bathroom and kitchen finishes. We maintain accounts with these suppliers to ensure consistent availability and competitive pricing. For kitchens, we work with Howdens and Magnet, offering clients a range of styles from contemporary handleless units to traditional shaker designs.

Every renovation includes a 24-month warranty covering workmanship and installations. We return for a 6-month inspection to address any settling issues and ensure all systems function correctly. This follow-up service has resulted in 89% of our clients recommending us to friends and family, measured through independent surveys conducted in 2023.

What Guides Our Work

Transparent Pricing

Detailed quotes with itemized costs for materials, labour, and waste removal. No hidden fees or unexpected charges during the project.

Regulatory Compliance

All electrical work certified by NICEIC registered electricians. Gas installations handled by Gas Safe engineers. Building control notifications submitted where required.

Schedule Adherence

Realistic timelines with buffer periods for unforeseen issues. Daily site cleanup and waste management to minimize disruption to neighbours.

Quality Materials

British Standard compliant materials with manufacturer warranties. Dulux and Crown paints, Armitage Shanks sanitaryware, MK electrical fittings as standard specifications.

340+
Completed Projects
8
Years Operating
23
Qualified Specialists
89%
Client Recommendations