YourrenovationquestionsinBrussels,answered.

BBuild Constructions is a general renovation company founded in 2007 and based in Brussels. We have completed over 5,000 projects, exclusively with our own employed teams. We cover all residential building trades: structural work, bathrooms, kitchens, painting, plastering, plumbing, electricity, insulation, carpentry, tiling, roofing, and post-disaster restoration.

BBuild was founded in 2007. Nearly two decades of continuous activity in Brussels positions the company among the established players in the residential renovation market in the capital.

Over 5,000 projects delivered since 2007, ranging from simple refreshes to heavy renovations of single-family homes, as well as disaster recovery projects managed on behalf of insurance companies.

We operate throughout the Brussels-Capital Region and its immediate surroundings: Uccle, Ixelles, Etterbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Forest, Saint-Gilles, Anderlecht, Jette, Evere, Schaerbeek, Auderghem, Watermael-Boitsfort, and Brussels-City.

BBuild Constructions is a company registered in Belgium under VAT number BE0502848493. The director is Stanislav Birg, the company's founder.

Three concrete reasons. Firstly, we do not subcontract any trade: everything is carried out by our employees. Secondly, we systematically measure each client's satisfaction at the end of every project, and this rating directly influences the variable remuneration of our teams. Thirdly, you have a single point of contact from quotation to hand-off of keys.

The difference is not just about technique but organization. Most general contractors coordinate subcontractors; we employ all our trades in-house. Our management system aligns team remuneration with end-client satisfaction, which radically changes the dynamic on site.

BBuild employs its own multidisciplinary teams covering all renovation trades: masons, plasterers, tilers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, roofers, and site managers. This structure allows us to manage several projects simultaneously without relying on external providers.

No. We work for private individuals, co-ownerships, architects, insurance companies for disaster claims, and real estate investors renovating a property before rental or resale.

From isolated bathrooms to complete renovation of mansions. Our minimum threshold is around €5,000 ex VAT to remain consistent with our organizational model. There is no maximum ceiling.

A general contractor coordinates and executes all the trades necessary for a project. You sign one contract, you pay one company, and you have one point of contact. At BBuild, unlike most general contractors, all these trades are in-house.

BBuild is a registered company, VAT compliant, covered by professional civil liability insurance and ten-year liability insurance. Certificates are provided upon request before signing.

Stanislav Birg is the founder and director of BBuild Constructions. He has led the company since its creation in 2007 and is personally involved in quality strategy and customer satisfaction.

Site safety, quality of execution, and seeking real savings for the client. These three pillars guide every internal decision, from recruitment to project planning.

BBuild complies with the rules of the Confédération Construction and current Belgian standards (NBN). We regularly work with independent experts and recognized inspection bodies.

Upon request and with the agreement of the client concerned, we organize site visits. This is often the best way to get a concrete idea of our level of execution and the cleanliness of our teams.

Yes. Our clients leave public reviews on Google. We display an average rating of 4.7/5 across all reviews received. Reviews can be checked directly on our Google Business profile.

Six steps: free technical visit, detailed item-by-item quotation, written schedule with milestone dates, execution by our in-house teams, weekly follow-up by a single project manager, joint acceptance with a list of reservations cleared before final payment.

One of our managers will visit free of charge to take measurements, identify technical constraints (ducts, structure, humidity), and discuss the program and your wishes. The visit lasts 45 to 90 minutes depending on the scope of the project.

Each item is detailed: work description, surface or quantity, unit price, total. Supplies and labor are identified separately. No vague lump sums. You understand exactly what you are paying for.

The schedule is written, shared with the client, and validated before starting. The site manager provides weekly updates and flags any potential deviations as soon as they arise. Working with in-house teams allows us to quickly reallocate resources if necessary.

Any unforeseen event (unpleasant surprise behind a wall, non-compliant ducting, etc.) results in a written amendment, itemised and signed before execution. No signed amendment, no additional work charged. This is a strict rule.

Yes, systematically. The quote includes detailed specifications: selected materials, brands, references, finishes. This prevents misunderstandings and allows for objective comparison with other offers.

You have a single point of contact: your site manager. Email, WhatsApp, or phone, depending on your preference. Weekly written reports. On-site visits are possible at any time, by simple appointment.

A joint handover inspection is organised: we walk through the site together, list any potential reservations (paint touch-ups, joint repairs) and set a deadline for their resolution. The balance is only due after all reservations have been fully addressed.

Yes. Post-construction cleaning is included in all our quotes: vacuuming, dusting, floor washing, removal of protective coverings. The property is delivered ready to live in.

Yes. Before any work begins, we install protections on preserved floors, cover furniture that remains on-site, and, if necessary, isolate areas not affected by the work with zipped plastic partitions.

We handle the removal and selective sorting. A dedicated container is used if the volume justifies it. Waste disposal slips are available upon request. No waste is left at the client's premises.

No, except for emergency repairs. Our teams work Monday to Friday, typically 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, to respect neighbours and our employees' quality of life.

Yes, this is common. We adapt the work sequence to keep a kitchen or bathroom functional, and we install temporary partitions to limit dust in living areas.

No. This is one of our fundamental commitments: no trade is subcontracted. All our workers, team leaders, and managers are BBuild employees. This is rare in the sector, and it's a deliberate choice.

Because a renovation is a chain where each trade prepares the work for the next. The plumber prepares for the tiler, the tiler prepares for the painter, and the painter depends on the plasterer. If each link belongs to a different company, communication degrades, responsibilities become unclear, delays increase, and errors multiply.

One team, one communication, one schedule, one responsibility. If a problem arises, there's no one else to point the finger at: we take responsibility and fix it. The client never becomes the arbiter between multiple companies.

Yes: masonry, plastering, plumbing, electrical, tiling, painting, carpentry, insulation, waterproofing. We only call upon external partners for highly specialized services that don't justify an internal team (custom kitchens of a brand imposed by the client, elevators, certain photovoltaic installations).

Unfortunately, yes. The majority of general contractors coordinate a network of subcontractors to limit their fixed costs. This offers more flexibility for the company, but it shifts the quality, schedule, and coordination risks onto the client.

By having the work carried out by a single, in-house team. With subcontractors, a plumber's delay shifts the tiler, who in turn shifts the painter. With coordinated internal teams, scheduling rarely slips and can be easily recovered.

BBuild, unequivocally. No passing the buck between the plumber and the tiler. A single company signs the quote, executes, guarantees, and repairs.

Not for core trades. Our workers are employees on permanent or long-term temporary contracts. This ensures shared knowledge of internal quality standards and team continuity from one project to the next.

For very specific services (e.g., restoration of antique stained glass, installation of a private elevator), we work with selected partners and explicitly state this in the quote. This remains the exception.

The hourly cost of an internal team may seem slightly higher than that of a low-cost subcontractor. But the total project cost is more predictable (no hidden extra costs, no reworks) and the final result is significantly more reliable.

Because it's the only indicator that truly matters. A project completed on time and within budget is worthless if the client isn't fully satisfied with the outcome. Systematic measurement forces us to aim for genuine satisfaction, not presumed satisfaction.

At the end of each project, we contact the client and ask five specific questions concerning the quality of the work: finishes, adherence to schedule, cleanliness, communication, and value for money. A comprehensive score is then calculated.

A person independent of the team who carried out the work. This ensures the sincerity of the responses: the client has no reason to downplay their criticisms for fear of offending someone.

Yes. The client's score directly influences the variable remuneration of the project manager, team leaders, and workers involved in the project. It's mechanical, transparent, and known to everyone.

Because what isn't measured isn't improved, and what is measured without consequence isn't taken seriously. Linking bonuses to the score creates a real alignment between the client's interest and that of the teams.

The tiler takes ten extra minutes to perfectly align a joint, the electrician double-checks a box before painting, the painter sands an extra coat. No one takes shortcuts to finish faster: the bonus depends on the final score, not on raw speed.

Because it transforms a moral obligation ("do your job well") into a direct and tangible interest ("doing my job well pays off"). Internal quality standards become a collective habit, not a top-down instruction.

Every worker knows that their personal contribution will be evaluated by the end client. This promotes individual accountability ("if I mess up my part, I penalize my colleagues") and collective accountability ("we help each other to aim for the best possible score").

An internal analysis is immediately conducted with the team concerned: what went wrong, what should have been done, how to prevent it from happening again. And of course, we return to the client to correct what can be corrected.

Yes. Public reviews are available on our Google profile. Upon request, we can also provide you with references from recent clients who are willing to share their direct feedback.

Our public Google rating is 4.7/5. Internally, our satisfaction score (calculated from five post-project questions) is at the same level.

Yes. Each team receives personalized feedback after every project. There is full transparency: no secret ratings, no opaque criteria.

On the contrary. The teams appreciate this system because it objectively rewards work well done. The pressure already existed, but before it wasn't rewarded. Now it is.

We prefer that. The more demanding you are, the more significant the final rating and the higher the quality of our execution. Our best projects have often been carried out for very demanding clients.

Three levels of control: self-inspection by the team leader at the end of a task, weekly inspection by the site manager, and a final inspection by an independent quality reference person before handover. Any non-conformity is rectified before moving to the next stage.

You notify us in writing. We will intervene under warranty (perfect completion during the first year, two-year, or ten-year depending on the nature). Our handling does not depend on your willingness to insist: it is traced in our quality system.

Because our teams are not paid per square meter completed but are evaluated on final client satisfaction. An employed internal painter, whose bonus depends on the final rating, will take the time to properly sand before the second coat.

Written procedures for each trade (surface preparation, drying between coats, shower floor waterproofing, electrical connections), continuous in-house training, and a direct link between client ratings and variable remuneration.

Yes. We work with recognised brands: Knauf and Gyproc for plaster, Mapei and Weber for adhesives and grouts, Schluter for waterproofing, Grohe, Hansgrohe or Geberit for faucets and sanitary ware, Niko or Hager for electrical. Exact references are written in the quote.

When the project requires it (structural work, structural modifications, electrical conformity with an AREI certificate), yes. We work with accredited independent organisations.

Each project has a dedicated manager, an on-site team leader, and an internal multidisciplinary team. The schedule is divided into milestones (demolition, shell work, technical installations, finishes, painting, cleaning), each validated before moving to the next.

A single site manager. They will support you from the quote to the handover and remain reachable throughout the warranty period.

All trades belong to BBuild. Coordination is done internally, on a daily basis. No need to organise roundtables between five independent companies, no wasted time waiting for a subcontractor to find an opening.

We adapt the workload to the actual capacity of our teams to never overload a schedule. Refusing a project that we couldn't deliver properly is part of our model.

Since our teams are in-house, we immediately reassign a colleague from another worksite or our talent pool. Our schedule isn't dependent on the order book of an external subcontractor.

Yes. The on-site technical visit and detailed quote are entirely free and without obligation, regardless of the project size.

The detailed quote is provided within 7 to 10 working days after the free visit. For small projects, often much faster.

Three channels: online form on bbuild.be, phone at +32 2 346 60 04, or email at info@bbuild.be. We will schedule a visit within a few days.

An idea of the program (what you want to do), ideally a plan or the areas concerned, and all fundamental questions (desired timing, approximate budget, living constraints). No need to be an expert: we will translate your project into specifications.

Two or three are sufficient. Beyond that, the time lost comparing outweighs the potential gain. Prioritize detailed, line-item quotes — a global lump-sum quote cannot be compared.

Check that the areas and quantities are identical, that material brands and references are specified, that supplies are included or identified, and that ancillary items (disposal, protection, cleaning) are itemized. A quote that is 20% cheaper often hides missing items.

Our quotes are valid for 60 days. Beyond that, material prices may change, and we will re-issue an updated quote.

Yes, as much as necessary before signing. You can add or remove items, change a finish, or spread out the work. We will issue a new clean quote for each significant modification.

We work by prioritization: we identify essential items (technical, waterproofing, structural) and adjustable items (finishes, materials). We can also spread the project over two phases.

HTVA = excluding VAT (price before VAT). TVAC = VAT included. For renovation of homes over 10 years old, the applicable rate is generally 6%. Otherwise 21%. The quote systematically shows both totals.

A quote details each item with quantity and unit price; you know what you're paying for. A lump sum gives a global price without detail; you can neither verify nor compare. We work exclusively with detailed quotes.

Yes. Our calculator available on bbuild.be gives you a rough estimate in a few minutes for a bathroom, kitchen, or complete renovation. It doesn't replace an on-site quote but helps you frame your budget.

By default, yes. Common materials (paint, tiles, plaster, cables, pipes) are supplied by BBuild. Finishing choices (high-end tiles, sanitaryware, taps) can be left to your responsibility if you prefer to purchase them yourself.

Yes, for finishes (tiles, sanitaryware, taps, light fixtures). No, for structural materials (plaster, cement, electrical cables, pipes) which we supply to ensure their conformity and compatibility.

We are transparent: if a competitor is cheaper for strictly identical services (same brands, same quantities, same guarantees, same insurance), we explain it. But our price reflects salaried in-house teams, active ten-year warranty, and a real quality system.

No. The quote is only binding once you sign it and pay the deposit. You can review it, compare it, request modifications, or simply decline it without any repercussions.

Estimate the surface area concerned and the level of intervention (refreshment, standard, heavy). Multiply by the per-m² ranges below. Add specific items (kitchen, bathroom, frames). Our online calculator provides an estimate in minutes.

Standard renovation: €800 to €1,400/m² incl. VAT. Heavy renovation (partial demolition, overhaul of technical systems, meticulous finishes): €1,400 to €2,200/m². Refreshment (paint, floors, touch-ups): €350 to €600/m².

For a fully renovated 80 m² apartment, expect to pay €60,000 to €110,000 incl. VAT. The price depends on the initial condition, choice of materials, and potential replacement of the kitchen and bathroom.

For a typical Brussels single-family house of 150 to 200 m², a heavy renovation ranges from €220,000 to €380,000 incl. VAT. The range depends on the structural work, technical systems to be redone, and the level of finish.

Standard bathroom of 5 to 8 m²: €9,000 to €16,000 incl. VAT, all-inclusive. Compact shower room: from €6,000. High-end bathroom: €18,000 and above.

Standard kitchen (furniture + labor): €14,000 to €25,000 incl. VAT. Custom-made: €25,000 to €55,000. Excluding furniture, the labor cost (plumbing, electricity, tiling, painting) is around €5,000 to €9,000.

Painting walls and ceilings (proper preparation + two coats): €25 to €40/m² incl. VAT, depending on the surface quality. Heavy preparation (filling, sanding, primer) extra if necessary.

Floor or wall tile installation: €55 to €90/m² incl. VAT for installation only. With standard supplies: €90 to €160/m². Large formats (>60 cm) and patterns (herringbone, opus) increase the price by 20 to 40%.

Interior insulation (mineral wool between rafters): €60 to €95/m² incl. VAT. Exterior insulation (sarking): €180 to €280/m². Rénolution premiums cover a significant portion depending on your income.

For an 80 m² apartment: €4,500 to €8,000 incl. VAT, depending on the scope. Includes electrical panel, replacement of non-compliant circuits, sockets, and light points according to RGIE. AREI certificate included.

Three main variables: the initial condition (a sound dwelling is cheaper to renovate than a dilapidated one), the level of finish (entry-level tiles vs. large-format natural stone), and the degree of intervention on technical systems (keep vs. completely redo).

For homes older than 10 years, reduced VAT at 6% applies to labor and materials invoiced together. For properties less than 10 years old, it's 21%. The quote systematically details the calculation.

No. Everything that will be invoiced is included in the quote: demolition, evacuation, protection, cleaning, connections, certifications. If something is missing, it's our responsibility to cover it.

Four levers: spreading the work over several phases, keeping what can be kept (sound floors, partitions), adjusting the level of finish on secondary items, utilizing Rénolution premiums and the 6% VAT.

Demolition of light partitions + evacuation: €30 to €50/m³ incl. VAT. Demolition of structural elements: by quote with prior study. Includes sorting, evacuation, and waste disposal slips.

Standard apartment: 6 to 12 weeks. Heavy renovation of a single-family house: 6 to 9 months. The schedule is written in the quote and is binding on the company.

4 to 6 weeks on average, excluding custom sanitary ware order lead time. A simple shower room can be delivered in 3 weeks.

For the work (plumbing, electricity, tiling, painting): 3 to 5 weeks. Excluding custom furniture manufacturing lead time (8 to 14 weeks from signing).

For a project signed today, commencement is generally between 4 and 10 weeks depending on the season and project size. We communicate a firm date in the quote confirmation.

Yes, for insured losses (water damage, fire): we provide securing interventions within 48 hours. For planned renovations, the standard schedule applies unless there is specific availability.

We can offer an intensive schedule with multiple teams working in parallel. The hourly rate remains the same, but the logistical organization slightly increases the total cost. This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

The schedule is included in the signed quotation. Any delay exceeding five working days attributable to BBuild will result in a pre-agreed compensation. Delays caused by the client (late material choices, ongoing modifications) are not covered.

Client reflection time + signature + down payment + material order + internal planning = 4 to 10 weeks on average. For an emergency, we can compress this period.

Demolition, potential structural work, overhaul of technical systems (electricity, plumbing, ventilation, heating), insulation, plastering, tiling, interior joinery, painting, flooring, bathroom, kitchen, and final cleaning. Everything that transforms an existing dwelling into a refurbished one.

Ideally, yes. For extensive renovations, the property is fully vacated. For partial renovations, we can isolate unaffected areas and store some furniture on-site under protective covers.

No, if you don't alter the structure, facades, roof, volume, or intended use. Yes, if there is an opening in the facade, an extension, division into multiple dwellings, roof modification, or change of use. The communal Urban Planning department decides on a case-by-case basis.

Demolition → structural work → technical systems (electricity, plumbing, ventilation) → insulation and partitions → plastering → tiling → joinery → painting → soft flooring → sanitary fixtures and kitchen → cleaning. Each step validates the next.

For extensive renovations, it's not advisable. For partial renovations (single room, bathroom, or kitchen only), yes, by adapting the sequence and isolating living areas.

If you have an architect, we work from their plans. Otherwise, we can carry out the surveys and technical plans necessary for execution. For permits, an architect is mandatory.

We accompany you to our partner suppliers (tiles, sanitary ware, taps, kitchen) with a target budget. You retain the final decision; we verify technical consistency and availability.

One kick-off meeting, a weekly update during the works, and a final acceptance meeting. This can be adjusted according to your needs. All decisions are documented in writing.

Yes, regularly. We comply with the internal regulations, mandated hours, protection of common areas, and coordinate with the building manager for any necessary prior authorizations.

For strictly interior work not affecting the facade, common areas, or collective pipes: generally no. For any modification visible from the exterior or impacting common areas: yes, agreement at a general assembly.

Written information to neighbours at the start of the project, strict adherence to working hours (8 AM - 5 PM on weekdays), protection of common areas, daily cleaning of landings and the lift, deliveries concentrated in short time slots.

Yes, with the tenant's agreement or at the end of a lease. We adapt the schedule to your rental strategy (renovation between two leases, or in the presence of the tenant for limited works).

A fully renovated studio apartment of 30 to 40 m² costs between 25,000 € and 45,000 € including VAT. This includes a shower room, kitchenette, painting, flooring, electricity, and plumbing.

Yes, for work that may affect common areas or create a risk (water, fire). A simple written notification to the building manager is usually sufficient; we will help you formulate the request.

Often yes, provided that drain connections can be properly made (slope, distance, shaft height). We check technical feasibility during the site visit.

Yes, this is a significant part of our business. We respect heritage elements (moldings, old parquet floors, fireplaces) while integrating modern comfort (insulation, ventilation, home automation).

Mandatory prior diagnosis: type of humidity (rising damp, condensation, infiltration), structural causes or ventilation. Adapted treatment: injection, drainage, double-flow ventilation, breathable renders. A renovation launched without a humidity diagnosis is doomed to fail.

If the installation is more than 25 years old or does not comply with the RGIE, then yes. It's also mandatory when selling the property. Bringing it up to standard costs between €6,000 and €15,000, depending on the size, and includes an AREI certificate.

Yes, with a preliminary study by a structural engineer and load redistribution (dimensioned IPN or HEA beam). Never touch a wall of uncertain nature without a study. The cost varies from €3,500 to €12,000 depending on the span.

Yes. Structural diagnosis, insecticide/fungicide treatment if necessary, reinforcement by scarfing/sistering, replacement of degraded parts, insulation by sarking or between rafters depending on the thermal strategy.

Preservation of old elements (restored parquet, fireplaces, mouldings, stained glass), discreet integration of modern techniques (ducts out of sight), choice of compatible materials (lime instead of cement for old walls).

Yes, provided there is sufficient ceiling height (ideally 1.80 m over 50% of the surface), insulation, ventilation, drainage for a bathroom, and a compliant access (standard staircase). A permit is often required.

Depending on the initial state: €600 to €1,200/m² including VAT for a standard conversion (insulation, plastering, electricity, flooring, painting). Additional cost for a bathroom or kitchen in the attic.

Demolition → plumbing and drainage → electricity → screed or leveling compound → waterproofing under tiles → floor and wall tiling → grouting → installation of sanitary ware → taps → ceiling paint → finishing silicones → cleaning.

A waterproofing system under tiles, such as Schlüter Kerdi or equivalent, installed over the entire floor and extending 20 cm up the walls. Water tests before tiling. No simple silicone: this guarantees zero leaks for 20 years.

1.5% to 2% towards the drain, i.e., 1.5 to 2 cm per meter. Too little slope = standing water, too much slope = discomfort. This is created in the screed before tiling.

Tile = porcelain stoneware or stone, hard, low porosity, suitable for floors and wet areas. Earthenware = glazed terracotta, fragile, only for walls in low-traffic areas. Today, porcelain stoneware is used everywhere.

Yes, for naturally resistant species (teak, ipe, bamboo) or special moisture-resistant laminates, provided there is perfect sealing of the edges and efficient ventilation. Not in the shower itself.

Yes, it is mandatory to remove humidity and prevent mold and material degradation. Single or double-flow mechanical ventilation depending on the configuration.

Electric towel dryer or connected to central heating. Underfloor heating is an optional extra, very comfortable, to be planned from the screed phase. Count €30 to €60/m² for electric underfloor heating.

Between 3 and 6 weeks depending on the scope of work. We generally plan for a temporary sink elsewhere and identify an emergency shower option (neighbour, friends, sports club).

Reliable brands with after-sales service: Grohe, Hansgrohe, Hansa, Roca. Avoid no-name budget options: cartridges fail in 2-3 years, and aesthetics quickly deteriorate. Price difference: €50 to €200 per tap, well worth the investment.

Walk-in shower for accessibility, daily comfort, and resale value. Bath for relaxation or for a family bathroom. Combine both if space permits (from 7 m²).

Up to the ceiling for a contemporary look and maximum waterproofing. Otherwise, half-height (1.20 m) with washable paint above to save costs. Always full height in the shower.

Demolition and removal of old elements → plumbing and electrical adjustments according to the new plan → tiling and painting → delivery and installation of furniture → connection of appliances → testing and commissioning.

We handle the work (plumbing, electricity, tiling, painting, connections). The furniture itself is manufactured by a partner kitchen designer whom we coordinate, or by your chosen kitchen designer if you have one.

Minimum: one dedicated 32A circuit for the hob, one 16A circuit for the oven, one 16A circuit for the dishwasher, one 16A circuit for the worktop sockets, one lighting circuit. The electrical meter often needs to be upgraded.

Wastewater drainage under the sink with a trap, dishwasher connection branched off. The maximum distance to the main collector and the slope (3 cm/m) often dictate the sink's position. This must be validated before finalizing the kitchen plan.

Laminate (economical, wide choice, average resistance), reconstituted quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone: very resistant, medium-high price), natural stone (granite, marble: luxurious, maintenance), Dekton (high-performance ceramic, high price). Quartz is the best compromise today.

Yes, if the duct can be run to an external wall or an existing duct. Recirculating hoods (carbon filter) are an alternative when exterior ventilation is impossible, but they are less effective.

Design 2-3 weeks, manufacturing 8 to 14 weeks from signing, installation 3 to 5 days. Ancillary works (plumbing, electricity, tiling) are scheduled to finish just before installation.

Yes, after a stability study if it's a load-bearing wall (often the case). Installation of a dimensioned beam, finishing touches, floor jointing. Expect €4,000 to €10,000 for the opening alone.

Standard: one primer coat + two finish coats. This ensures durability, coverage, and visual quality. A single coat, even of good paint, always ends up showing imperfections.

Professional water-based brands (Trimetal, Sigma, Levis Pro, Caparol). Low odour, quick drying, washable depending on the room. 'First price' paints from supermarkets are excluded from our worksites.

Brushing, washing if necessary, filling holes and cracks with filler, sanding, dust removal, and an suitable adhesion primer. Without this preparation, the paint won't hold, and defects will show through.

Diagnosis: shrinkage crack (cosmetic) or structural. Cosmetic: open in a V-shape, filler, jointing tape if necessary, paint. Structural: prior analysis of the cause (settlement, movement) before any aesthetic treatment.

Yes, technically if the wallpaper is perfectly adhered, smooth, and in good condition. Not recommended: wallpaper that subsequently peels off will take the paint with it. It's better to remove it, prepare the surface, and repaint.

Application of a smooth coating (plaster or plaster + lime) on walls and ceilings to obtain a flat surface ready for painting. Essential after installing new partitions or correcting very uneven walls.

Smoothed with a sponge float then fine sanding for a paint finish. Three levels: Q2 standard, Q3 careful (subtle under grazing light), Q4 luxury (perfect under grazing light). Q3 is the good value-for-money compromise.

For an 80 m² floor area (approx. 250 m² of developed walls and ceilings), expect €4,500 to €7,500 VAT included, depending on the preparation required and paint choice. All-inclusive: protection, preparation, primer, two coats, cleaning.

Yes: Venetian stucco, tadelakt, polished concrete, lime plasters. Specialized service, significantly higher cost than paint (from €80/m²), but incomparable effect.

With the roof: this is where heat loss is highest (up to 30%). Then the walls, then the windows, then the heating system and ventilation. This order maximizes savings.

Mineral wool (glass or rock wool) for interior furring walls: economical, efficient, non-flammable. Sprayed polyurethane for complex sloped ceilings. Cork or wood fiber for ecological solutions. The choice depends on the configuration.

Exterior: better thermal performance (no thermal bridging), preserves the building's thermal mass, doesn't reduce living space. Interior: cheaper, possible without a permit, but thermal bridges at slabs and risk of condensation if poorly designed.

Triple glazing with reinforced insulation (Ug ≤ 0.6) with aluminium or PVC frames with thermal break. Overall Uw ≤ 1.0 W/m²K to qualify for maximum grants. PVC for value for money, aluminium for slenderness, wood-aluminium for high-end.

Yes, absolutely. A well-insulated dwelling is airtight: without mechanical ventilation, humidity accumulates, and mold appears. System C (extraction only) at a minimum, System D (double flow with heat recovery) ideally.

Air-to-water heat pump if the insulation and emitters (low-temperature radiators or underfloor heating) allow it. Otherwise, a high-efficiency gas condensing boiler as a transitional solution. A case-by-case study depending on configuration and budget.

For a 150 m² house: €80,000 to €150,000 VAT included, all-inclusive (roof insulation, walls, window frames, boiler, ventilation, photovoltaics). Rénolution premiums cover 25 to 50% depending on income.

Building Energy Performance (PEB) is expressed in kWh/m²/year and rated from A (excellent) to G (very energy-intensive). In Brussels, selling requires a PEB certificate. Our goal is to bring a renovated project to at least C, ideally A or B.

Multilayer for distribution (hot/cold water): flexible, durable, reliable crimped fittings. PER for passages in sheaths. PVC or polyethylene for drainage depending on constraints. Copper only on request for exposed installations.

Not systematically. Healthy copper plumbing less than 30 years old can be kept. Lead plumbing must be entirely replaced (health and legislation). Galvanized steel plumbing: to be replaced (internal oxidation).

Anti-vibration fixings, insulating sleeves at wall crossings, proper bracing in sheaths, adjusted water pressure. Pipe noise is almost always an installation defect, not a material defect.

Yes. Installation after the meter, before internal distribution. Highly recommended in Brussels: hard water that limes up water heaters, washing machines, and heating elements. Expect €1,500 to €3,500 installed.

Thermal camera, tracer gas, electroacoustic listening depending on the context. Non-destructive diagnosis before opening. If the leak is confirmed, targeted opening, repair, and finishing.

Highly recommended in the shower and bath: child safety, comfort, water saving. Additional cost of €100 to €300 per faucet, largely justified.

Between 3 and 4 bars at the meter outlet. Above 5 bars, install a pressure reducer to protect equipment. Below 2.5 bars, consider a booster if multiple bathrooms.

Yes. Prior diagnosis according to current RGIE, detailed quote item by item, execution, control visit by an approved body, delivery of the compliant AREI certificate.

A mandatory document for any sale or new commissioning, issued by an independent approved body after inspection of the electrical installation. Without this certificate, the notary cannot finalize a sale. Valid for 25 years.

Regulatory minimum: one lighting circuit per 8 light points, one outlet circuit per 8 outlets, dedicated circuits (cooking, oven, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, water heater). For 80 m², count 12 to 16 circuits.

If the installation passes the RGIE inspection, yes. Otherwise, mandatory replacement: modern modular panel, 30 mA differential switches, circuit labeling, updated diagram. Cost: €1,500 to €3,500 depending on size.

Yes. Wired solutions (KNX, Niko Home Control) or wireless (Loxone, Shelly), depending on budget and use. Always combinable with standard backup switches.

Anticipate this even if you don't have an electric car today: installation of a dedicated 7.4 or 11 kW cable waiting, power supply from the panel, adapted differential protection. Marginal cost during the construction phase vs. later work.

Living room: 6 to 8 outlets + 2 RJ45. Bedroom: 4 to 6 outlets + 1 RJ45. Kitchen: minimum 6 countertop outlets (in addition to dedicated circuits). Hallway: 1 outlet every 5 m. Plan generously: adding an outlet later costs 10 times more.

Yes. Measurement, ordering from our suppliers (Reynaers, Schüco, Aluk for aluminum, Profialis or equivalent for PVC), removal of old frames, installation, sealing, finishing. All done in-house by our carpenters.

PVC: Profialis, Salamander. Aluminum: Reynaers, Schüco, Aluk. Wood-aluminum: Sapa, Internorm. The choice depends on your budget, aesthetic constraints (protected areas), and desired performance.

Yes: standard doors, solid doors, glazed doors, recessed sliding doors (Eclisse type system). Frames, hardware, and finishes included.

Yes, in partnership with specialized cabinetmakers whom we coordinate. Design, measurements, manufacturing, installation. Lead time 6 to 10 weeks.

Depending on their condition. For heritage wooden frames: sanding, treatment, replacement of degraded parts, renovation double glazing, repainting. Often cheaper than replacement, and compatible with urban planning constraints.

Yes, in partnership with specialized brands (Picard, Fichet). Installation, frame connections, finishes. Recommended for ground floors in Brussels.

Full-body porcelain stoneware, 60x60 or 80x80 cm for a contemporary look. Wear resistance PEI IV or V for high-traffic areas. Anti-slip R10 minimum in bathrooms.

Yes (60x120, 80x180, or even 100x300 cm slabs) provided the substrate is perfectly flat (self-leveling screed if necessary), an appropriate double-bonding adhesive, and specific tools are used. A high-end effect is guaranteed.

Use epoxy grout in bathrooms (waterproof, stain-resistant, more expensive but durable). Cementitious grout with integrated waterproofing for other rooms. Regular cleaning with a non-acidic product to avoid damaging the resin.

Standard: 2 mm for contemporary floors, 3 mm for walls, 1 mm for rectified large formats. Too thin a width = risk of cracking; too wide = unwanted rustic effect.

Yes, it's even an ideal combination: porcelain stoneware conducts heat well. Liquid or anhydrite screed is recommended, with a decoupling membrane if necessary to prevent cracks.

Outdoor porcelain stoneware (20 mm thick if installed on pedestals, 10 mm thick if glued). Anti-slip R11 minimum, essential frost resistance. Brands: Marazzi, Mirage, Florim.

Yes: moss removal, gutter cleaning, checking of flashings and ridges, replacement of broken tiles. Regular maintenance (every 2-3 years) prevents major repairs.

Yes: removal, truss inspection, sarking felt, insulation, counter-battening, battening, new covering (tiles, slates, zinc depending on the configuration). A permit is often required if there's a visible modification.

Visual inspection, drone if necessary, water test, search in the sub-roofing. A damp spot on the ceiling can be 3m away from the actual infiltration point: a serious diagnosis is essential before intervention.

Yes: repointing, renovation, waterproofing, paint on render, treatment of rising damp, localized brick repairs. Scaffolding and permits managed by us.

In Brussels, yes in most cases (intervention on the visible aspect from public space). Simplified urban planning permit procedure. We assist with the process.

For standard installations, in partnership with certified installers. We coordinate the roof waterproofing, conduit passages, and aesthetic integration. A combined roof + photovoltaic quote is possible.

Yes. BBuild has professional civil liability insurance (damages caused to third parties) and decennial liability insurance (structural defects appearing within 10 years). Certificates provided upon request.

A mandatory insurance in Belgium that covers, for 10 years from the date of acceptance, defects or flaws compromising the solidity of the work or its habitability. It is the most important protection for the client.

Yes, that's even a significant part of our business. We manage claims files (water damage, fire, etc.) directly with your company or broker, from expert assessment to restoration.

No, except for the deductible. We invoice the insurance company directly according to the agreed conditions. You get a restored home without advancing the cost of the work.

Yes: we use the nomenclatures of each company (Belfius, AG, Ethias, AXA, Allianz, KBC, P&V) and prepare quotes in the expected formats to facilitate the processing of the file.

We communicate directly with the expert appointed by your insurance company: joint inspection, quotations, potential adjustments, and execution. You'll be kept informed without having to act as an intermediary.

RC (Responsabilité Civile) means Public Liability insurance; it covers damages we might cause to third parties during construction works (e.g., water flooding the neighbor downstairs). Decennial insurance covers structural defects in the work for 10 years after completion. Both are complementary and mandatory.

Yes. For incidents (major leaks, fire, structural water damage), we provide securing and drying interventions within 48 hours. We also offer telephone standby for emergencies via +32 2 346 60 04.

Securing and drying within 48 hours, direct communication with your insurance company, quotation prepared in the company's format, reconstruction to an identical or improved standard, and lifting of reservations. You only pay the excess.

Yes. Securing the site, removal of burnt elements, specialized post-fire cleaning (soot, odor), odor treatment, reconstruction, and finishing works. The entire claim is handled directly with the insurance company.

Securing is immediate. Quotations are provided within 5 to 10 days. Works begin as soon as the insurance company gives its agreement, often within a month.

1) Cut off the water and electricity to the affected area. 2) Identify the source (is it from your property or a neighbor's?). 3) Take photos. 4) Report to your insurance company within 8 days. 5) Call us for securing and a quote. Do not throw anything away until the expert has visited.

It happens (due to excessive obsolescence, contractual exclusions, late declaration). Our role is to provide a solid quote that maximizes coverage. If refused, you remain free to proceed with the works at your own expense or dispute the decision.

Yes: industrial dehumidifiers, forced ventilation, and probe-based humidity measurement. Drying time: 1 to 4 weeks depending on materials and extent. This is essential before any definitive repair work.

Yes, regularly. We execute projects designed by independent architects, strictly adhering to their specifications. Our methods (in-house teams, tight scheduling, quality) align well with their requirements.

It's mandatory for any project subject to a building permit (extension, modification of a facade or roof, division into multiple dwellings). It's not mandatory for interior works that do not require a permit. However, it's always beneficial for complex projects due to their design expertise.

Yes. We work with several Brussels-based firms whose quality and professionalism we trust. We remain neutral: you make the choice. There are no hidden commercial ties.

The architect is responsible for the design, plans, permit application, and site supervision from a compliance perspective. BBuild is responsible for executing the work according to the plans. Both sign off jointly upon completion.

On average, 7 to 12% of the total cost of the works for a complete mission (design, permits, supervision). For partial missions (permit only, plans only), it's less. This should be budgeted in addition to the construction costs.

For any project affecting the structure (removing a load-bearing wall, overloading a floor, modifying a timber frame), yes. The architect usually commissions the structural engineer. Cost: €1,500 to €4,000 depending on the scope of work.

Perfect completion guarantee: 1 year on all services. Biennial guarantee: 2 years on equipment items (sanitary ware, faucets, appliances). Decennial guarantee: 10 years on the structure and waterproofing. Everything is covered by our insurance policies.

Send an email to info@bbuild.be describing the defect, ideally with photos. One of our technicians will contact you, schedule a visit, diagnose the issue, and intervene. There are no additional charges if the defect is covered by the guarantee.

Any apparent or hidden defect reported within one year following handover: peeling paint, cracked joints, leaking taps, loose sockets. Intervention is free of charge.

Equipment items that can be separated from the building: water heaters, mixer taps, shutters, integrated appliances, etc. This is valid for 2 years starting from the handover date.

Defects or flaws compromising the solidity of the structure (foundations, framework) or rendering it unfit for its intended purpose (major infiltration, serious waterproofing defects). This is covered for 10 years by our decennial insurance.

The decennial insurance is tied to the construction site, not to the company. Even if BBuild were to disappear, you could directly activate the decennial insurance with the insurer during the 10 years following completion.

A 30% down payment upon signing the quote. Intermediate payments based on progress (generally 3 to 5 milestones). A balance of 5 to 10% upon completion, after all reservations are lifted. Everything is detailed in the quote.

No, we only invoice via bank transfer. This facilitates accounting traceability and VAT. No cash payments are accepted beyond legal thresholds.

A down payment invoice upon signing, one invoice per milestone, and a final balance invoice after all reservations are lifted. All are in the legal Belgian format with detailed VAT.

First, a friendly reminder. If the delay persists, work stops in accordance with the quote, and legal late payment interest will be applied. We always prioritize dialogue to understand any potential difficulties.

Beyond standard milestones, we evaluate on a case-by-case basis. For very large projects, bank financing may be an option through your bank (renovation loan), which you can activate in parallel.

For private individuals: generally no, except for certain insulation or energy-saving works eligible for Rénolution premiums (which are not a tax deduction but a direct subsidy). For investors, works can be amortized according to their tax status.

Strict criteria: recognized quality, reliable availability, active after-sales service, and solid guarantees. We have worked with the same partners for years, which gives us leverage on prices and lead times.

Yes. We organize a visit to our partner suppliers (tile showroom, sanitaryware exhibition hall, carpentry depot) so you can see and touch them before making a final decision.

Geberit (wall-hung WCs, mechanisms), Villeroy & Boch or Duravit (basins, bathtubs), Grohe or Hansgrohe (faucets). These brands offer reliability, durability, and after-sales service.

Yes, upon request: bio-sourced insulation (hemp, cellulose wadding, wood fiber), natural paints (lime-based, clay-based), FSC-certified wood, lime plasters. Costs are generally 15 to 30% higher.

Yes, which gives us access to negotiated rates that we partially pass on to our quotes. You would not be able to obtain these prices through individual purchase.

Storage at your home if you wish (for future touch-ups), otherwise we take them back. No invoiced material is wasted.

Masons, plasterers, tilers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, roofers, team leaders, site managers. All are employees, and all are trained to our internal quality standards.

Yes. All our team leaders and managers are perfectly French-speaking (often also Dutch-speaking). Some workers come from different communities, but the team leader ensures client communication.

Rigorous selection: technical qualification, on-site testing, progressive integration. We favor experienced profiles with a sense of customer service. The variable remuneration system linked to satisfaction naturally filters for good candidates.

Yes, continuously: technical training (new products, new standards), safety training (VCA, first aid), customer relations training. We make systematic investments every year.

Mostly yes. Our model relies on team stability: cohesion, shared standards, long-term motivation. Turnover is very low compared to the sector.

Yes. Uccle is a commune where we work regularly, particularly on single-family homes, villas, and high-end apartments. Our teams are well-versed in the local urban planning constraints.

Yes. Many old apartments and townhouses, often in heritage zones. We are adept at managing constraints related to the character of these properties (parquets, moldings, wooden frames).

Yes. A diverse neighborhood, with a strong presence of late 19th and early 20th-century buildings. We handle many renovations of apartments and small single-family homes there.

Yes. Single-family houses, villas, and modern apartments. We often carry out comprehensive energy renovations there, which qualify for the maximum Rénolution grants.

Yes. Dense building stock, typical narrow houses, and many heavy renovations. We manage logistical constraints (deliveries in limited parking areas, site parking).

Yes. We renovate bourgeois heritage and workers' houses, with great potential for upgrading older properties. We have a good knowledge of the local land registry.

Yes, throughout the northwest of Brussels. Many single-family homes are renovated for families, and apartments are renovated for rental.

Yes. A mix of old houses and apartments, with renovations often combined with electrical and energy compliance upgrades.

Yes. More residential areas, villas, and single-family homes. Many high-end renovations involving home automation and high energy performance.

Yes, throughout the Pentagon and the Louise, Sablon, Marolles districts. We are proficient in navigating particular urban planning constraints (protected zones, listed facades).

Yes, for the communes in the immediate periphery (Drogenbos, Linkebeek, Wezembeek, etc.), on a case-by-case basis depending on team availability.

The Rénolution grants cover insulation, window frames, roofing, boilers, ventilation, and renewable energy. The amount depends on your income (up to 50% of the cost). For properties over 10 years old, the reduced VAT rate of 6% also applies.

For renovation work carried out by a registered contractor (which we are) on a property over 10 years old, primarily used as a private dwelling. The supply of materials is included at the reduced rate when invoiced with the installation.

Yes. We provide the necessary certificates, detailed invoices, and forms for the Rénolution grants. While you remain responsible for submitting the application, we guide you step-by-step.

Official timeframe: 4 to 6 months after submitting a complete application. Payment is made to a bank account once the favorable decision has been notified.

Yes: Rénolution grants + 6% VAT + reduced-rate loan from Brussels Capital Region (Renoprêt). All of these can be combined and can cover a very significant portion of an energy renovation.

We start with insulation (roof, walls, floors), then replace window frames, the boiler, and the ventilation system. This order maximizes savings. Grants and reduced VAT make the investment very profitable over 10 years.

No, for interior renovation without structural changes, facade modifications, or changes in use. Yes, if there's an opening in the facade, an extension, a division into multiple dwellings, a roof modification, or a change of use. The communal Urban Planning department decides on a case-by-case basis.

Simplified urban planning permit: 75 to 90 days on average. Urban planning permit with an architect: 120 to 180 days. Complex cases (protected zone, derogation): up to 12 months. Always factor this into the overall planning.

The architect appointed by the client, for standard urban planning permits. For simplified permits, sometimes the owner directly submits it. We coordinate the work ↔ permit schedule with the architect.

Strictly forbidden for work requiring a permit. Risk of sanctions, compulsory reinstatement, and retroactive refusal. It is best to wait for the favorable decision.

Regularization is possible but uncertain: submission of a regularization permit, review by the commune. If refused, compulsory reinstatement is imposed. We help prepare the application but cannot guarantee success.

Four common mistakes: underestimating the budget by 20-30%, accepting a bid that is too brief and lacks detail, not conducting a survey of existing conditions, and starting without a written schedule. A clear statement of work and a single point of contact prevent most cost overruns.

Because a significant price difference almost always hides missing items, inferior materials, or a lack of insurance. Compare strictly identical services before making a decision.

No. This is tax fraud (punishable for both you and the company), and you lose all guarantees: no invoice = no ten-year warranty, no civil liability, no recourse. Absolutely avoid this.

No. A signed quote is your only enforceable document. Without a quote, there are no price references, no work descriptions, and no obligation of result.

No. A verbal schedule is not binding on anyone. Always demand a written schedule with milestone dates and an estimated completion date, either in the quote or as an appendix.

You can, but each change incurs costs (materials already ordered, dismantling, rescheduling) and delays. It's better to finalize the plan before starting. A visit to suppliers before signing avoids 80% of regrets.

Without a statement of work, there is no reference point for what needs to be delivered. The company delivers what it deems appropriate, you expected something else, and conflict is guaranteed. The statement of work is your best protection.

More contractors = more coordination, more risk of errors, more difficulty in identifying who is responsible in case of a defect. This is precisely why BBuild does not subcontract.

Once signed, the price is firm. Negotiating during the project creates distrust, damages the relationship, and encourages the company to compensate elsewhere (quality, finishes). It's better to negotiate honestly before signing.

A layer of mortar (3 to 7 cm) laid on the slab to level the floor and receive the final covering (tiles, parquet, vinyl). Can integrate underfloor heating. Essential on a raw slab.

Application of a thin self-leveling mortar to correct irregularities in an existing floor before laying a flexible covering (vinyl, linoleum, carpet) or large-format tiles.

A waterproof film placed on the warm side of insulation (interior in winter) to prevent ambient air humidity from migrating into the insulation and condensing. Essential for interior insulation.

An area of a building where the insulating barrier is interrupted (wall-slab junction, window frame, cantilevered balcony). A source of heat loss and localized condensation. To be treated as a priority in an energy renovation.

A ceiling installed below the existing ceiling, made of plasterboards on a metal frame. Used to lower height, hide ducts, integrate spotlights, improve acoustics, or insulation.

A ventilation system that extracts stale air and supplies fresh air preheated by a heat exchanger. Significant heating savings in an insulated building. Cost: €4,000 to €8,000 installed depending on configuration.

The General Regulations for Electrical Installations in Belgium. Defines mandatory standards (cable sections, differential circuit breakers, earthing, protections) for all electrical installations. RGIE inspection is mandatory before commissioning and every 25 years.

Building Energy Performance, an official document mandatory for the sale or rental of a dwelling in the Brussels-Capital Region. Evaluates theoretical consumption and proposes improvement recommendations. Valid for 10 years.

Official certification that an electrical installation complies with the RGIE. Mandatory for any sale, any new commissioning, and every 25 years. Issued by an independent approved body after inspection.

A load-bearing floor made of reinforced concrete. Never to be drilled or modified without prior structural study. Recognizable by its solid sound (vs. a hollow-sounding wooden floor).

A wall that supports a structural load (floor, frame, roof). Recognizable by its thickness (generally ≥ 20 cm) and its position within the building's framework. Any modification requires a stability engineer's study and load transfer.

Liquid screed (cement or anhydrite) is self-levelling. It is ideal for achieving a perfect flat surface and for integrating underfloor heating. It requires a long drying time (1 cm per week, so 4 to 6 weeks for 5 cm).

Check their VAT registration, decennial insurance, years in business, and Google reviews. Ask for a detailed item-by-item quote (not a lump sum), compare two or three companies, and opt for a single point of contact who coordinates all trades.

Yes. BBuild acts as a general contractor: site visit, detailed quote, planning, coordination of trades, weekly progress reports, and final acceptance. You have a single point of contact from signing the contract to receiving the keys.