Over the years we've met hundreds of clients who had a bad renovation experience and are now doing it again. They asked us to summarise what went wrong. Here are the 5 most common mistakes.
1. Choosing the cheapest quote
The cheapest quote is almost never the cheapest final result. Low prices usually hide one of these: inexperienced subcontractors, poor materials, no warranty offered, or a quote that doesn't include all work. Fixing bad work always costs more than doing it right the first time.
2. No fixed price in the contract
"We'll see how it goes" — one of the most dangerous things a contractor can say. Without a fixed price, the work can cost anything in the end. Every serious contractor can give a fixed price if the scope is clearly defined.
3. Not planning a contingency
In older Budapest buildings there's always the possibility of surprises behind walls. Anyone who spends exactly what they planned with no buffer will sooner or later face a hard choice: stop work or go over budget? Always plan 15–20% contingency.
4. Structural work without permits
Demolishing walls, touching load-bearing elements, moving gas pipes — these require permits in Hungary. Work done without permits can make a property unsellable and expose you to fines. At ConSol we handle all permit applications.
5. Not checking references
Photos are easy to fake or borrow. The only reliable method: call previous clients and ask how the work went. A trustworthy contractor will happily provide contact details for references.
Frequently asked questions
Best method: personally call 2–3 previous clients. Ask: did they keep the deadline, did the final invoice match the quote, how much follow-up work was needed. Google reviews are more trustworthy than contractor-provided recommendation letters.
First: written notice (email). If that fails, enforce penalty clauses in the contract. In serious cases, consumer protection authorities or legal action are options. This is why a penalty clause in the contract matters.
At handover you should receive: an itemised handover protocol, a warranty certificate (at least 2 years), material and equipment warranties, and where applicable, permit documentation.