Frequently asked
questions

The easiest way is to book a no-obligation site visit. We come to your home, map out your wishes and the technical scope, and return with a quote. You are not committed to anything until a contract is signed.

The first site visit is always free and with no obligation within our service area - Oslo, Asker and Bærum.

It varies with the scope of the project and whether a permit is required. Smaller jobs can start within 4-6 weeks, while full renovations and permit-requiring work often have a lead time of 8-16 weeks. We give you a realistic timeline already at the quote stage.

Our main focus is Oslo, Asker and Bærum - including Sandvika, Bekkestua, Stabekk and Høvik. We also take on projects in neighbouring municipalities by arrangement.

We offer both. With fixed-price work you get a predictable total for a defined scope. With time and materials, you are invoiced for the hours and materials used - often best for smaller or open-ended jobs where the scope is hard to determine in advance.

We have our own rates for service orders, which are always given before the work starts. See also our overview of service order prices in the menu.

Larger projects are normally invoiced according to an agreed progress plan with part invoices at milestones - for example after demolition, after plumbing and electrics, and at handover. You never pay for work that has not been carried out.

Our quote is detailed and includes scope, material choices, progress plan and assumptions. Anything not described is not priced either - so you always know what is included and what counts as an extra.

For surface refurbishment of individual rooms - often yes. For a full renovation you normally have to move out. Dust, noise and periods without a bathroom or kitchen make it demanding to live in the home at the same time.

Interior refurbishment normally does not require an application. A permit is required, for example, when altering load-bearing structures, changing the use of a space, changing the facade, or work that affects fire partitions. VBKU is centrally approved and can act as the responsible applicant.

Refurbishment is surface work - painting, flooring and simpler upgrades. A full renovation goes deeper: plumbing, electrics, ventilation, insulation and structure - often stripping back to the shell before new work is installed.

A bathroom normally takes 4-6 weeks, a full apartment renovation 3-6 months, and a new build or extension 6-12 months from start. We always provide a concrete schedule for your project.

For work on real property you have a 5-year complaint period under the Craftsman Services Act and the Housing Construction Act. For loose products the period is 2 years under the Consumer Purchases Act, or 5 years if the product is intended to last significantly longer.

Send a short description of the issue with photos and the project reference to post@vbku.no. You can also use the form on the Complaints page. We'll be in touch within two working days.

You receive a written handover protocol, FDV documentation (management, operation and maintenance) for all delivered products and systems, as well as any declarations of conformity for electrics and plumbing. All the documentation is added to your home file.

Yes. VBKU holds valid liability insurance covering any damage that may arise as a result of our work during the construction period. A certificate of insurance can be sent on request.

It means we commit to working systematically with human rights, decent work, the environment and anti-corruption throughout the supply chain - and report annually on this work. Read the full sustainability report on our sustainability page.

Yes. We have trusted quality suppliers we recommend, but you are free to choose - as long as the products meet technical and regulatory requirements. We are happy to join you on supplier visits.

Of course. Studio Pietra Element is our sister studio for interiors and products - curated especially for our projects. Let us know at the site visit and we'll guide you through the selection.