mccormickfoy 
The Flemish Renovation Survey, a survey among 800 Flemings, shows that we consider buying and renovating a home more than new construction. “Because the country is already quite built up and affordable building land is becoming scarce,” it says. “And because it is almost the only possibility to live in the city”. The Flemish Renovation Survey was carried out by iVox on behalf of construction company Verelst, who wanted to know the opinion of candidate renovators about the ‘Verelst renovation scan’. With this scan, candidate renovators know what a renovation will cost. The scan thus negates the most frequently cited disadvantage of buying and renovating.
The questions were put to 800 Flemings who indicated that they were or will be busy with the purchase, construction, and/or renovation of a home within a window of 2 years in the past or in the future.
By the way: According to recent research by FABA (Federation of General Construction Contractors), 16% of Belgians over the age of eighteen are currently renovating/renovating, compared to only 2% of new builders. The positive attitude towards renovation is therefore clearly reflected in reality. A large majority think that the government should promote and favor renovation a little more.
A less cited pro-argument is that renovation is cheaper than new construction. Even at the same cost price, they would resolutely opt for renovation. This percentage is even higher among city dwellers. Renovation is therefore often regarded as the only way to acquire a home in the city.
Seasoned handymen may tackle a renovation with confidence, but what they like to do is a problem for many others. As counterarguments, many respondents mentioned, among other things, the unpleasant surprises that can arise during a renovation, as well as the uncertainty about the final budget and the ultimate duration of the renovation.
“Verelst offers a safe solution for these contras with their ‘renovation scan’”, says Luc Kerkhove, renovation consultant at Verelst. “After all, our company applies the key-on-the-door principle when renovating in order to be able to accurately record budget and timing. In addition, Verelst, as a renovation specialist, takes care of all concerns (planning, coordination, expertise,…).”
Verelst Renovation scan
Bouwfirma Verelst has developed a unique instrument to give candidate renovators an insight into the process they are about to embark on: the renovation scan. This is made in three phases, with the candidate retaining the freedom to leave after completing a phase:
- building analysis and initial cost estimate (free);
- extensive file including architectural plans and urban development files;
- renovation contract with a detailed quotation of the renovation project.During the survey, iVox also probed the respondents’ appreciation for this renovation scan. More than half of the respondents are considering having a renovation scan carried out themselves. They realize how important it is to know exactly the renovation needs of their home before starting.
