Full renovation in Luxembourg: preparing your budget

List what will be retained, removed, repaired or replaced in each room. Specify finishes and have quantities measured. House size describes neither equipment nor the condition of utilities. If you later calculate a cost per square metre, state the area and included items so that you do not compare different bases.

Request separate lines for studies, preparation, work, equipment and finishes. Add expenses outside the contract, such as moving, storage or temporary accommodation where needed. Record each item's reference document, net price, VAT, total and exclusions. A blank cell means « needs pricing », not « included ».

Ask which items depend on opening up an area, an assessment or a product choice. Have alternatives priced where possible. Then set your reserve with those involved based on identified risks; a standard percentage alone does not establish that the budget is sufficient. Separate technical surprises from upgrades you choose during the project.

Direct application of housing VAT relief requires AED approval before the relevant work. Furniture, including fitted kitchens, is excluded from this relief. Have the housing conditions and treatment of each item checked. Distinguish payments due from possible later refunds and do not treat an unconfirmed grant as available cash.

Match offers line by line and obtain prices for missing services before comparing totals. Also check payment dates, offer validity and conditions for price changes. An affordable total is not enough if payments fall due before funds are available.