When considering renovation work, one question often comes up: how much time does it take to organize everything properly? The answer depends on many factors, but one thing is clear: without planning, there is no successful renovation.

At Ateliers Thomquin, we know from experience that a well-planned project is the key to a well-managed site, free of unpleasant surprises. In our case, when a company works with several certified contractors, often in high demand, it takes at least 1 to 2 months to gather suppliers, collaborators and ensure sufficient stock.

Our contractors’ job is to start thinking about your project as early as possible, taking into account each party’s schedule, to ensure work is executed within the agreed timeframe. Of course, this depends on the type of renovation and the service requested.

In this article, we explain why planning is a crucial phase to ensure the success of your renovation and guide you through the key aspects to consider even before starting the work.

First, poor planning can lead to consequences such as:

  • Missed delivery deadlines
  • Budget overruns
  • Lack of coordination between contractors and communication issues

This is why planning is a critical phase that should not be overlooked in any interior or exterior renovation project.

1. Before planning: making the right choices

Choose a reliable contractor registered with the BCE

The first step is to verify that the company is registered with the Belgian Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (BCE), with the required professional qualifications. Even though some obligations have been lifted in Flanders, these certifications still provide objective proof of expertise and rigor.

Next, check the company’s share capital and financial health. Today, it’s possible to create a company with zero capital. A low capital might indicate a fragile structure, poorly equipped to carry out the work. If possible, check the accounting records, creation date, and avoid very young or unstable companies.

Architect? Not always a guarantee of success

In Belgium, an architect is only required for certain types of work, such as structural changes or facade alterations. In other cases, it is completely legal and sensible to proceed without one.

At Ateliers Thomquin, we have all the necessary skills to oversee a project from A to Z, in full compliance with regulations, with expert teams and meticulous project management. We frequently carry out projects without an architect, achieving high-quality finishes and client satisfaction.

Additionally, some architects, due to their strategy or budget constraints, use “low-cost” contractors, sometimes selected without proper verification. It’s not uncommon to see these companies go bankrupt mid-project, despite their administrative credentials. Hence, always verify the chosen company’s stability—whether there’s an architect or not.

Avoid marketing platforms that trivialize the profession!

Sites like TrustUp, Bobex, Travaux.com or Casiers.be claim to “find the right contractor” for you. In reality:

  • They do not thoroughly verify companies’ skills or financial reliability
  • They charge for visibility, which does not reflect quality or experience
  • They promote a bidding war model, at the expense of real quality support

These platforms reduce the role of general contractor to a simple quote comparison.

At Ateliers Thomquin, we value direct relationships, trust, field experience and transparency.