Cosmetic, major, turnkey and design-led renovation answer different questions. Choosing only by the cheapest price per square metre can lead to a scope that does not match the property.
Cosmetic renovation
Best for updating finishes where walls, floors and building services remain suitable. It may include preparation, painting, wallpaper and selected floor finishes, but does not hide the need for deeper work when the base condition is poor.
Major renovation
Appropriate when demolition, substantial surface preparation, partitions or building-services work is needed. The actual depth follows inspection rather than a fixed assumption that everything must be replaced.
Turnkey renovation
Describes one team's coordination of the agreed process through to handover. A turnkey project can be cosmetic or major depending on the property.
Design-led renovation
Implements a professional interior design project and requires coordinated drawings, material decisions and detail control. Design development is a separate service unless included explicitly.
New-build and existing-apartment renovation describe the starting condition, not a fifth depth category. A new build may still require major work; an existing apartment may only need a cosmetic refresh.
