An old flat renovation can completely transform your home — restoring its charm while adding modern comfort and style. Old flats in India often come with unique architectural beauty — high ceilings, large windows, and spacious layouts — but also with challenges such as outdated wiring, worn-out flooring, or water seepage.
When you decide to renovate, the big question is:
👉 Should you take the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) route or hire professionals?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down both options in terms of cost, time, quality, and convenience, helping you choose the best renovation strategy for your needs. Whether you’re planning a small makeover or a complete transformation, the goal is the same — to make your old flat look and feel brand new again.
💡 Related: Check our step-by-step guide on How to Renovate Your Old Flat Under ₹2 Lakh for budget renovation ideas.
Understanding Old Flat Renovation Needs
Before you choose between DIY or hiring professionals, it’s essential to identify the actual scope of your renovation. Many older flats in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata have structural and design issues that go beyond simple cosmetic updates.
Common renovation requirements include:
- Structural repairs or wall modifications
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
- New flooring or wall finishes
- False ceiling and lighting installations
- Modular kitchen and wardrobe redesign
If your renovation involves electrical, plumbing, or waterproofing work, professional help is strongly recommended. However, for smaller cosmetic upgrades, DIY can be an exciting and cost-saving option.
You may also like: Cost-Saving Tips During Home Interior Work — ideal for planning your next renovation smartly.
DIY Old Flat Renovation – Budget-Friendly but Demanding
DIY renovation means taking control of the entire project yourself — from planning and budgeting to material selection and execution. This method is ideal for homeowners who enjoy hands-on work, have some technical knowledge, and wish to save on labor costs.
Pros of DIY Renovation
- Cost Control:
You pay only for materials, avoiding labor charges. With good planning, this can reduce renovation expenses by 30–40%. - Personal Satisfaction:
Completing a project yourself gives a deep sense of accomplishment and creativity. - Creative Freedom:
No restrictions! You can experiment with wall textures, furniture placement, or color palettes as per your taste. - Flexible Schedule:
Work at your own pace without depending on a contractor’s availability.
Cons of DIY Renovation
- Time-Consuming:
Without prior experience, even simple tasks like tile fixing or painting can take longer than expected. - Limited Skills:
Specialized tasks such as electrical rewiring, plumbing, or false ceiling work require technical expertise. - Quality Issues:
DIY finishes might lack the polish and durability of professional work, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. - Hidden Costs:
Wastage of materials, wrong measurements, or repeated corrections can offset your savings.
👉 Best For: Small décor updates such as painting, lighting upgrades, re-varnishing old furniture, or installing open shelves.
Professional Old Flat Renovation – Reliable and Time-Efficient
Hiring a professional ensures your renovation is done by qualified engineers, designers, and skilled laborers using proper materials and methods. This is the preferred choice for large-scale or structural renovations.
Pros of Professional Renovation
- Expertise:
Civil engineers and designers bring technical knowledge that ensures safety, durability, and high-quality results. - Time Efficiency:
Professionals follow a set timeline with project tracking, ensuring the renovation is completed on schedule. - Superior Finish:
The end result is cleaner, more durable, and aesthetically appealing compared to DIY efforts. - End-to-End Service:
From layout planning and material procurement to execution and cleanup, everything is managed professionally.
Cons of Professional Renovation
- Higher Cost:
Professional labor, design fees, and supervision increase the total budget. - Less Flexibility:
You must adhere to the planned schedule and design specifications once work begins. - Dependence:
Your timeline depends on contractor availability and workflow efficiency.
👉 Best For: Full-scale flat renovation involving structural changes, plumbing, waterproofing, kitchen design, or modern lighting systems.
Related Read: 2025 Interior Design Cost Guide for Indian Homes — to estimate professional renovation costs accurately.
Cost Comparison – DIY vs Professional Old Flat Renovation
| Work Type | DIY (Approx.) | Professional (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Painting (2BHK) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Flooring | ₹30 – ₹60/sq ft | ₹80 – ₹150/sq ft |
| Kitchen Renovation | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹90,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Bathroom Upgrades | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Full Flat Renovation | ₹2–3 lakh | ₹4–6 lakh |
💡 Tip: For major structural or plumbing work, always go for professionals. DIY is suitable mainly for aesthetic or surface-level upgrades.
Hidden Costs to Consider: Waste disposal, permit fees (for civil changes), and tool rentals — often overlooked by DIYers.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Ultimately, your decision should depend on your budget, time availability, skill level, and project scope.
- Budget:
If you’re short on funds, DIY small portions of the renovation — like wall painting or basic décor. - Time:
Professionals deliver results faster, especially if you need to move in soon. - Skill Level:
DIY is viable only if you understand tools, materials, and construction safety. - Scope:
For complete transformation, professional help ensures structural stability, waterproofing, and long-term durability.
Balanced Approach:
Many homeowners adopt a hybrid method — hiring professionals for major construction work and adding DIY touches later (e.g., wall art, curtains, lighting fixtures). This allows cost savings without compromising on quality.
Why Choose Limehouse Decor for Your Old Flat Renovation?
At Limehouse Decor, we specialize in turning outdated flats into stylish, functional homes — delivered on time and within your budget.
With over 25 years of experience, our team includes civil engineers, architects, and skilled craftsmen who handle everything from concept to completion.
What We Offer
At Limehouse Decor, we bring experience, precision, and creativity to every project:
✅ Comprehensive Planning & Expert Supervision – Every stage is managed with professional oversight to ensure flawless execution.
✅ Customized Designs for Indian Homes – We craft functional and aesthetic layouts that perfectly suit Indian lifestyles and flat sizes.
✅ Clear & Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs or last-minute surprises — you know exactly what you’re paying for.
✅ Complete Turnkey Renovation Solutions – From concept to completion, we handle design, materials, and construction under one roof.
Whether you need a full-scale makeover or just want to revamp your flooring, walls, and lighting — we ensure high-quality results that add lasting value to your home.
❓ FAQs About Old Flat Renovation
Q1. How long does an old flat renovation take in India?
A full 2BHK renovation usually takes 2–3 months, depending on the extent of structural or interior changes.
Q2. Can I do partial DIY renovation to save cost?
Absolutely! You can handle light tasks such as painting or décor while professionals manage technical work like wiring or flooring.
Q3. What is the average cost of 2BHK old flat renovation in Delhi?
Expect around ₹4–6 lakh for a complete professional renovation, including design, materials, and labor.
Q4. What mistakes should I avoid during DIY renovation?
Avoid skipping waterproofing, ignoring electrical safety, and making wrong measurements. Always plan material quantities accurately.
Q5. Does Limehouse Decor offer turnkey renovation services?
Yes! We provide end-to-end renovation — including design consultation, material sourcing, and site execution.
Conclusion
Both DIY and professional old flat renovation methods have their pros and cons.
DIY helps you stay within budget and gives creative control, but professional renovation ensures long-term durability, superior quality, and time efficiency.
For most Indian homeowners, hiring professionals like Limehouse Decor ensures peace of mind and a flawless finish — especially for complete renovations.
📞 Contact Limehouse Decor today to discuss your renovation goals and get a personalized quotation. Let’s transform your old flat into a beautiful, modern, and functional living space!