OMAIEO Editorial Desk

Renovation has a way of opening things up — literally and metaphorically. Walls closed for decades get opened. Floors untouched since construction are lifted. And sometimes, what you find isn’t just old or outdated — it’s actively hazardous. Amsterdam and the Netherlands have a dense stock of older housing, with many materials installed in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s that have never been systematically assessed or replaced. Before you start any renovation — and in some cases, while simply living...

Dutch housing policy has been moving fast. In the past 18 months alone, homeowners have seen: A new planning law (Omgevingswet 2024) come into effect Mortgage rules now linked directly to energy performance A quality assurance act (Wkb) changing contractor liability A government reversal on mandatory heat pump installation If you own a home in the Netherlands — or are considering a renovation — understanding this policy environment is essential. Some of these changes create opportunity. Some...

Renovations that run smoothly do exist. The contractor arrives on time, the walls contain only what the drawings promised, the budget holds, and the finished home looks exactly like you imagined. This is not a fantasy — it happens regularly. But it never happens by accident. The difference between projects that succeed and projects that become expensive, drawn-out ordeals almost always comes down to preparation. The questions you ask — and answer honestly — before requesting your first...