What Are Buyer-Requested Apartment Modifications?

Buyer-requested apartment modifications are changes made to the original apartment design at the purchaser's request while the property is still under construction.

Unlike a renovation carried out after handover, these changes are planned and implemented before the apartment is completed. As a result, you receive a home that better matches your preferences without the need for expensive alterations after moving in.

The range of available modifications depends primarily on the construction stage and the developer's internal policies. It's a good idea to ask about these options before signing the developer agreement.

For a helpful checklist, see our guide on what to ask before buying an apartment.

What Can Be Changed?

The possibilities are broader than many buyers expect. The most common buyer-requested modifications include:

• Relocating or removing partition walls.
• Changing the location of electrical outlets and lighting points.
• Modifying water supply and drainage installations.
• Relocating or removing interior doors.
• Changing the type or layout of flooring.
• Customizing telecommunications and low-voltage installations to suit individual needs.

There are, however, certain limitations.

A developer cannot approve modifications that affect the building's structural integrity, shared building systems, or fire safety regulations. Load-bearing walls, main utility risers, and elements covered by the building permit cannot be altered.

When Should You Request Apartment Modifications?

Timing is critical.

Buyer-requested modifications can only be submitted before construction reaches the relevant stage. Once electrical and plumbing installations have been concealed and partition walls completed, making changes becomes technically impractical and disproportionately expensive.

For this reason, it's best to submit your requests immediately after signing the developer agreement and before work begins on the relevant installations.

In most cases, this means during the shell construction stage—or even earlier.

How to Request Buyer Modifications – Step by Step

Although procedures vary between developers, the process usually follows these steps:

1. Contact the developer's customer service team to confirm the current construction stage and determine which modifications are still possible.
2. Obtain and complete the buyer modification request form provided by the developer.
3. Clearly describe the requested changes, ideally including drawings or sketches.
4. Submit the request before the specified deadline.
5. Wait for the technical department to review the proposal and prepare a cost estimate.
6. Sign an amendment to the developer agreement or a separate apartment modification agreement.
7. Pay the required fee according to the developer's modification price list.

Once the request has been approved, the developer forwards the instructions to the construction teams, and the modifications are incorporated into the ongoing building works.

When you choose J.W. Construction, you'll receive support from a dedicated team of engineers and advisors who will guide you through every stage of the apartment modification process.

Explore our current selection of:

• apartments for sale in Gdańsk,
• apartments for sale in Zawada.

Apartment Modification Agreement Template

Buyer-requested modifications should always be documented in writing.

This may take the form of an amendment to the developer agreement or a separate apartment modification agreement.

The document should include:

• A detailed description of the requested modifications.
• The completion deadline.
• The developer's remuneration and payment terms.
• Any consequences of failing to complete the work within the agreed timeframe.

Before signing, carefully review the agreement—particularly the clauses concerning responsibility for the quality of the completed work.

A well-drafted agreement protects both parties and helps prevent misunderstandings during the apartment handover, which is one of the most important formalities after purchasing a home.

Apartment Modification Price List

The cost of buyer-requested modifications depends on the scope of work, selected materials, and the developer's pricing policy.

There is no standard apartment modification price list used across the market.

Each developer sets its own fees, which may be:

• Fixed rates for specific services (for example, removing a partition wall).
• Calculated based on labor hours and material costs.
• Adjusted according to the construction stage.
• Before submitting your request, always ask for a detailed quotation.

Remember that project modification fees are often overlooked, yet they can represent a significant additional cost when buying an apartment and should be included in your budget from the outset.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What are buyer-requested apartment modifications?

Buyer-requested apartment modifications are changes made to an apartment's design at the purchaser's request while the property is still under construction. They may involve partition walls, electrical installations, plumbing, telecommunications systems, or certain finishing elements.

What modifications can be made?

The most common changes include relocating partition walls, moving electrical outlets and lighting points, modifying plumbing installations, and changing the layout of interior doors. The scope of available modifications is limited by the building design and applicable construction regulations.

How much do apartment modifications cost?

The cost depends on the scope of work and the individual developer's pricing policy. Always request a detailed quotation before submitting your application, as prices can vary significantly depending on the type of modification and the stage of construction.

What is an apartment modification design?

An apartment modification design is a technical document describing the proposed changes to the apartment. It is required for more complex modifications, such as altering the layout of partition walls or utility installations.