Renovating an old apartment
- inbyko
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Planning, costs and challenges when converting an old building
An apartment in an older building often possesses a special charm: high ceilings, generous windows, historical details, and a unique atmosphere. At the same time, many older apartments no longer meet today's requirements for comfort, spatial layout, or technology. Anyone wishing to renovate an older apartment therefore faces an exciting challenge: preserving the character of the existing apartment while simultaneously creating modern living comfort.
Especially in cities like Basel, where many apartments date from different construction periods, renovating an older apartment is a frequent challenge. With careful planning, the potential of these apartments can be optimally utilized – both for personal living comfort and for the long-term value of the property.
Why professional interior design is particularly important in old buildings:
Apartments in older buildings differ significantly from those in new buildings. Often, building plans are incomplete, or the existing building structure has peculiarities that must be taken into account during the planning phase .
An interior designer therefore first analyzes the existing conditions of the apartment:
Spatial structure and floor plan
existing installations
load-bearing walls
historical building elements
Lighting conditions and room proportions
The aim is to preserve the character of the apartment while simultaneously developing a functional room structure for today's everyday life.
Especially in older buildings, it becomes clear that interior design goes far beyond mere aesthetics. It combines planning, technology, and design into a holistic concept.
Typical challenges when renovating an old apartment
Floor plan and room layout
Many older apartments were planned at a time when different housing needs were paramount. Small kitchens, separate living areas, or long hallways are typical examples.
Targeted optimization of the floor plan often allows rooms to be used much more effectively.
Technical installations
In older apartments, installations often need to be renewed or adapted, for example:
Electrical installations
Sanitary pipes
Ventilation systems
These adjustments must be carefully planned to avoid problems later on.
Preservation of historical elements
Older apartments often possess valuable details such as stucco ceilings, parquet floors, or historic doors. When renovating, the question often arises as to which elements should be preserved and how they can be integrated into a new spatial concept.
Planning an old building renovation – step by step
A successful renovation always begins with structured planning.
Analysis of the existing apartment
Initially, the existing spatial structure and the building's structural conditions are examined in detail. This also includes assessing which elements can be preserved.
Development of a spatial concept
A new spatial concept is developed based on this analysis. Typical goals include:
better use of living space
Integration of modern living needs
harmonious combination of old building and modern materials
Planning of materials and interior design
The next step involves defining materials and surfaces. Especially in older apartments, the combination of historical and modern materials plays an important role.
Preparation for implementation
The planning is then translated into detailed execution plans. These form the basis for implementation by tradespeople and specialist planners.
Our approach as interior designers in Basel
As federally certified interior designers and members of the Association of Swiss Interior Designers, we develop renovation projects with a structured and holistic approach.
Our interior concept system comprises several phases:
Analysis of the existing apartment
Development of a spatial concept
Interior design and materials planning
Coordination of implementation
Especially in older buildings, careful consideration of the existing architecture is crucial. The goal is to preserve the character of the apartment while simultaneously creating contemporary living standards.
From idea to implementation
A renovation of an old building usually involves several steps:
Analysis of the existing apartment
Development of a new spatial concept
Planning of materials and interior design
Coordination of the various trades
Implementation of the project
Structured planning helps to keep costs and construction time under control.
Added value for owners
Renovating an old apartment offers many opportunities:
better use of the available space
modern living comfort
Preservation of historical architecture
long-term increase in the property's value
Especially in Basel, where many apartments have grown historically, careful interior design can preserve the character of an apartment while simultaneously creating new qualities.
Frequently asked questions about renovating an old apartment:
How much does it cost to renovate an old apartment ?
The costs depend heavily on the scope of the renovation and the quality of the materials. Early planning helps to realistically estimate the budget.
Is it possible to change the floor plan of an old apartment building?
In many cases, yes. However, load-bearing walls and installations must be taken into account.
How long does it take to renovate an old apartment?
Depending on the scope of the work, a renovation can take several weeks to several months.
Conclusion
Renovating an old apartment means combining past and present. With professional planning, historical elements can be preserved while modern living needs are integrated.
A structured planning process ensures that design, technology and budget are harmonized – and that an existing apartment is transformed into a contemporary and high-quality living space.
INBYKO is an interior design firm in Basel focusing on high-quality renovations and interior design projects in private residential construction.
