Renovate or rebuild? A walk-through review of your house
The Renovation and Extension Review is a walk-through with a registered architect, on site or by video, to decide what to keep, change or remove in an existing house. You leave with a written list, the points an engineer must check, phasing options and a view on renovating versus rebuilding.
- 60 or 120 minutes
- From KES 20,000, VAT excluded
- Credited against design
Renovation and Extension Review at a glance
| Led by | A registered architect at Aalis Studios (Arch. Vincent Abuya, BORAQS Reg. No. A1867) |
|---|---|
| Price | 1 hour: KES 20,000 · 2 hours: KES 35,000. VAT excluded. |
| Format | Video call, or at our office at Sundial Plaza, Nairobi. On-site option with travel quoted by location. |
| Best length | 1 hour for a single area or question, 2 hours for a whole house or an extension with phasing. |
| You receive | A Walk-through Note with a keep, change, remove list, flagged structural questions, phasing options, indicative cost bands with their date and a renovate-or-rebuild view. |
| Fee credit | Credited in full against the design fee if you book design with us within 90 days. |
Who is this for?
- Homeowners planning a renovation or extension
- Owners unsure whether to renovate or rebuild
- People who have bought an older house and want a plan
What does the meeting cover?
- A walk-through of the house, on site or by video
- What to keep, change and remove
- Layout, light and ventilation problems
- Points a structural engineer must check
- Phasing so you can live in or use the house
- Approvals for the work
What do you receive?
A Walk-through Note with a keep, change, remove list, flagged structural questions, phasing options, indicative cost bands with their date and a renovate-or-rebuild view.
Delivered by email within two working days of the session.
What is not included?
- Structural assessment or certification
- Drawings
- A fixed quotation
How to prepare
- Photos and a short video of each area
- Any existing plans
- What bothers you most about the house
- Budget range and timeline
We send a short intake form after you book. You do not need title documents to book.
Questions about the Renovation and Extension Review
Can you tell me if the structure is safe?
No. We flag the points that a structural engineer must check, and the note says what to ask them. A structural assessment is a separate service.
Is a site visit necessary?
No. A video walk-through works well. An on-site option is available, with travel quoted by location before you book.
Will you tell me if I should rebuild instead?
Yes. The note gives a renovate-or-rebuild view based on what we see and your budget, with indicative cost bands.
How much does an extension cost in Kenya?
Cost depends on the size of the extension, the structure it connects to and the finish level. Our house extension guide sets out the cost drivers, and this session gives you an indicative range for your own house.
Is the fee credited if I proceed to design?
Yes. If you book design with Aalis Studios within 90 days, the session fee is credited in full against the design fee.
More from Aalis Studios on this topic
Ready to think it through?
Talk your idea over with an architect before you commit to land, design or a contractor.