Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our cosmetic renovation services in London and surrounding areas.

Cosmetic renovation covers surface-level improvements without structural changes. This includes painting walls and ceilings, replacing wallpaper, refinishing or replacing flooring, updating light fixtures, replacing door handles and hardware, refreshing kitchen cabinet fronts, and installing new skirting boards. We focus on visual enhancements that transform your space while keeping plumbing, electrical systems, and load-bearing structures intact. This approach delivers noticeable results within 2-4 weeks, depending on flat size, and costs significantly less than full renovation.

For a standard one-bedroom flat in London, cosmetic renovation typically takes 10-14 working days. A two-bedroom property requires 14-21 days, while three-bedroom flats need 21-28 days. These timeframes assume straightforward work without complications. Factors affecting duration include room count, ceiling height, surface condition, and whether you need furniture moved. We provide a detailed schedule during the initial consultation, breaking down each phase from preparation through final touches. Rush services are available for an additional fee if you need faster completion.

This depends on the scope of work. For single-room projects like bedroom or living room updates, you can usually stay in the flat and use other rooms. However, for whole-flat renovations, we recommend relocating temporarily due to dust, paint fumes, and limited access to facilities. If staying is necessary, we can work room-by-room to maintain liveable space, though this extends the timeline by 30-40%. We use dust barriers and ventilation equipment to minimize disruption. Many clients stay with family or in temporary accommodation for 2-3 weeks to allow uninterrupted work and faster completion.

Cosmetic renovation costs vary based on flat size, materials chosen, and work complexity. A one-bedroom flat typically ranges from £3,500 to £7,000, two-bedroom flats from £6,000 to £12,000, and three-bedroom properties from £9,000 to £18,000. These figures include labour, standard materials, and waste removal. Premium finishes, designer wallpapers, or solid wood flooring increase costs. We provide itemized quotes showing material and labour costs separately, allowing you to adjust selections to fit your budget. Payment is typically split: 30% deposit, 40% at midpoint, and 30% upon completion.

We can work with furniture in place, though this affects efficiency and final results. For painting and flooring, we move furniture to room centres and cover it with protective sheeting. However, this limits access to edges and corners, potentially compromising quality. For best results, we recommend clearing rooms completely or using our furniture removal service. We can arrange temporary storage through partner facilities in South London, with costs from £150-£400 per week depending on volume. Alternatively, we move items between rooms as we progress, adding 3-5 days to the schedule but avoiding external storage costs.

Before we begin, remove personal items, valuables, and fragile objects from work areas. Clear wardrobes and cupboards if we're painting nearby. Take down curtains, blinds, and wall decorations. If you have pets, arrange alternative accommodation as open doors and unfamiliar workers cause stress. Ensure we have building access, parking permits if needed, and keys or entry codes. Notify neighbours about upcoming work, especially in flats where noise travels. We handle furniture moving, floor protection, and workspace setup. Providing clear access and empty rooms allows us to start immediately and work efficiently throughout the project.

We offer both options. Most clients prefer our full-service approach where we source all materials, ensuring compatibility and quality while saving you time. We purchase from trade suppliers at better rates than retail, passing savings to you. Our quotes specify brands and grades for transparency. If you prefer selecting materials yourself, we provide detailed lists with specifications, quantities, and delivery timing requirements. This works well if you have specific brands in mind or found particular items on sale. However, we cannot guarantee results with client-supplied materials if they differ from our specifications or arrive damaged.

We conduct thorough initial assessments to identify potential issues, but occasionally hidden problems emerge once work begins. Common discoveries include damp patches behind wallpaper, damaged plaster requiring more extensive repair, or outdated wiring near light fixtures. We immediately notify you with photos and explain the situation. You receive a written quote for additional work needed before we proceed. Minor issues like extra filling or primer coats are typically absorbed within the original quote. Significant problems requiring specialist trades or materials need approval. We never perform unauthorized work, and our contracts clearly outline the change order process to protect both parties.

All our decorators and tradespeople hold relevant qualifications and have worked in London properties for 5-15 years. Our team includes NVQ-certified painters, City & Guilds qualified plasterers, and flooring specialists trained by manufacturers. We carry £5 million public liability insurance and £2 million employer's liability insurance, with certificates available on request. Each worker has undergone DBS checks for your security. We're members of the Federation of Master Builders, adhering to their code of conduct. Our insurance covers accidental damage to your property and injuries on site, though we maintain strict safety protocols to prevent incidents.

Yes, we can match existing colours using spectrophotometer technology available at major paint suppliers. Bring a sample at least 2cm square, preferably from an inconspicuous area, and we'll create a custom match. Keep in mind that aged paint appears different from fresh application, so newly painted areas may look slightly different initially but will blend as they cure. For wallpaper or specialty finishes, we photograph existing materials and search supplier catalogues for matches or similar alternatives. If exact matches are unavailable, we present closest options with samples for your approval before ordering.

We provide a 24-month warranty covering workmanship defects including paint peeling, wallpaper lifting, or flooring issues resulting from improper installation. This excludes damage from accidents, improper maintenance, or normal wear. Material warranties vary by manufacturer, typically 5-10 years for flooring and 2-5 years for paint. We return for touch-ups within the first year at no charge for minor issues like nail pops or settlement cracks. The warranty is transferable if you sell the property. We document all work with photos and keep material batch numbers for future matching needs. Our reputation depends on lasting results, so we address concerns promptly.

We maintain clean work sites throughout the project. Each evening, workers sweep floors, remove debris, and organize materials. We use dust sheets and plastic barriers to contain mess. Waste is sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, collected in bags or bins we provide. At project completion, we remove all waste to licensed disposal facilities, included in our quoted price. We vacuum thoroughly, wipe surfaces, and clean windows affected by work. For buildings without lift access or with strict waste rules, we coordinate with building management for approved disposal times and methods. You receive a clean, ready-to-use space.

We regularly work in managed buildings throughout London with specific regulations. Before starting, we obtain required permits, provide insurance certificates, and register workers with building management. We adhere to restricted work hours, typically 8:00-18:00 on weekdays and limited Saturday hours. Our team uses service lifts when required, protects common areas with floor runners, and follows noise restrictions. We coordinate with concierge services for access and parking. For buildings requiring contractors to use specific entrances or follow particular procedures, we brief our team thoroughly. Our experience with various building types means we adapt smoothly to different requirements.

We accept bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards. Payment is structured in stages: 30% deposit upon contract signing to secure your slot and order materials, 40% at the midpoint when major work is complete, and final 30% upon project completion and your approval. We provide detailed invoices for each payment showing work completed and materials used. For projects exceeding £15,000, we can arrange payment plans through finance partners, subject to credit approval. We do not accept cash payments over £500 in line with money laundering regulations. All payments are documented with receipts, and we're VAT registered with invoices showing our registration number.

Booking 4-6 weeks ahead ensures your preferred start date, especially during busy periods from March to October. We can sometimes accommodate shorter notice for small projects or if we have cancellations. Winter months (November-February) typically have more availability with 2-3 weeks notice sufficient. For rental properties needing work between tenancies, contact us as soon as you have move-out dates. We maintain a waiting list and can notify you of earlier slots if they become available. Rush bookings within one week incur a 15-20% premium to reorganize schedules. Early booking also allows more time for material selection and planning, resulting in better outcomes.

About Gozico

Delivering quality apartment renovation services across London since 2015

Gozico renovation team working on apartment

Gozico started in 2015 when three tradesmen with 12 years of combined experience decided to establish a renovation company focused on residential properties in London. We began with small projects in Wandsworth and Battersea, gradually building a reputation for completing work on schedule and within agreed budgets.

Our team consists of 18 qualified specialists: painters, plasterers, electricians, and plumbers. Each member holds relevant certifications and undergoes annual safety training. We work primarily in South London boroughs including Wandsworth, Lambeth, and Merton, completing approximately 85 apartment renovations annually.

The company operates from our office on Elmfield Road in Tooting, where clients can view material samples and discuss project specifications. We maintain partnerships with three local suppliers, ensuring consistent material quality and competitive pricing for our clients.

9
Years Operating
750+
Completed Projects
18
Team Members
3
London Boroughs

Our Mission

We provide apartment renovation services using established building practices and quality materials. Our focus is completing projects according to agreed timelines while maintaining clear communication with clients throughout each stage of work. We aim to deliver renovations that meet British building regulations and client specifications.

Our Vision

To become a recognized renovation contractor in South London by consistently delivering completed projects that match initial proposals. We plan to expand our service area to cover additional London boroughs while maintaining our current standards for workmanship and project management.

What Guides Our Work

Transparent Pricing

We provide itemized quotes listing materials, labour costs, and timelines before work begins. Clients receive written estimates with no hidden charges. Any necessary changes during the project are discussed and approved before implementation.

Skilled Workforce

Our team includes City & Guilds certified tradespeople with an average of 8 years in their respective fields. Electricians hold Part P certification, and plumbers are Gas Safe registered where applicable. We conduct quarterly skills assessments to maintain standards.

Quality Materials

We source paints from Dulux Trade range, use British Gypsum plasterboard, and install Armitage Shanks fixtures. All materials meet BS EN standards. Clients can upgrade to premium brands, and we provide samples for approval before purchasing.

Reliable Scheduling

Projects are planned using a detailed timeline shared with clients. We coordinate trades to minimize delays and provide weekly progress updates. Our completion rate within the original timeframe stands at 87% based on projects from the past 24 months.

Completed apartment renovation by Gozico

Experience Across Property Types

We have worked on Victorian conversions, post-war council flats, and modern developments built after 2000. This variety has given us knowledge of different construction methods, from dealing with original lath and plaster walls to working with modern plasterboard systems.

Our projects range from single-room updates to complete flat refurbishments. We handle properties from studio apartments of 30 square metres to four-bedroom flats exceeding 120 square metres. Each project receives the same preparation process, including site surveys and material calculations.