When my partner and I bought a small apartment in Zugló, we knew from the start that it would need a full renovation before it could become our home. Both of us grew up in the 18th district of Budapest, and this was our first own place, purchased with a loan. From the beginning, we wanted a space that was modern, practical, and safe to operate — especially when it came to heating and energy use.
One of our first decisions was to avoid any gas-based systems. We were specifically looking for a home that didn’t use gas convectors, and we eventually switched to an electric heating system throughout the apartment. We even removed the gas line from the kitchen. For us, the main motivation wasn’t a big green transformation, but rather practicality: electric systems felt simpler, cleaner, and more manageable in the long term. At the same time, this choice aligned with the way we both think about consumption — trying not to use more energy or resources than necessary.
The renovation itself taught us a lot. We waited three months for the construction team we wanted, but it was absolutely worth it. We had heard too many horror stories from friends about unreliable contractors and work that had to be redone from scratch, so choosing a team with solid references was essential. We were lucky: the workers were reliable, communicative, and did a careful, high-quality job. Because we had the option to temporarily stay with my parents, we didn’t face the pressure to move in immediately, which made the whole process much less stressful.
Good planning turned out to be just as important as choosing the right team. We worked with interior designers and had a detailed renovation plan before the first hammer swing — and even then, many things still had to be adjusted along the way. Without a proper plan, it would have been overwhelming. We also had to prioritize what absolutely needed to be completed before moving in and what we could postpone for later. This helped us avoid running out of money halfway through and ending up “camping” in an unfinished home for months.
My advice to others is simple: take the time to plan thoroughly, and never choose a contractor just because they can start the fastest. Work only with people who are recommended by someone you trust. It saves money, nerves, and time. And if possible, give yourself space — both mentally and practically — to make decisions that support long-term comfort rather than short-term rush.