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When I bought my first apartment I knew right away it would be a serious project. The walls were bare, the ceiling was full of old drill holes, the bathroom and toilet were completely outdated and the overall layout felt closed off. As a student it is very rare to even get the chance to buy an apartment, so when the opportunity came I had to take it, even though there was clearly a lot of work ahead. My budget was very limited but I was determined to turn the place into a fresh and modern home.

Hiring contractors was out of the question because of the costs. I decided to do as much as possible myself, even though I had very little experience with renovations. At first the work felt overwhelming. I had removed a wall to create an open kitchen and suddenly electrical cables were hanging out of the ceiling. In the bathroom I wanted to install a modern in wall toilet but I had no idea where to start. Even basic questions such as whether I should repair the holes in the ceiling or build a false ceiling left me uncertain.

That was when I turned to generative AI and discovered how powerful it could be as a guide during a renovation.

From overwhelmed to guided

As a student with little budget and no real experience, renovating my apartment felt overwhelming until I started using generative AI. Instead of endless searching, I received clear explanations and complete step by step guides that helped me build a false ceiling to hide and reroute cables, extend wiring through neat wall chases so I could place outlets and switches where I wanted, and even install and tile a modern in wall toilet. It also gave me advice on the best order of work, the right materials for wet rooms, and smart tips for my new open kitchen layout. What impressed me most was that it not only told me what to do but explained why, which gave me the confidence to tackle jobs I thought were impossible. In the end AI combined knowledge from countless sources into practical instructions that saved me money, taught me valuable skills, and turned my apartment into the modern home I wanted.

Saving on a student budget

Because I had to watch every euro I asked AI for ways to keep costs low. I received suggestions such as using large format tiles from a standard DIY store to achieve a spacious and modern look. I learned that it was smarter to rent or borrow expensive tools that I only needed once. I also discovered that using pre assembled systems such as toilet frames might cost a little more in the beginning but reduced the chance of expensive mistakes later.

These tips allowed me to achieve the modern look I wanted without overspending.

Reflection on generative AI

This renovation taught me that generative AI is more than a tool for writing or programming. It became a practical coach that helped me in three important ways.
1.  It made knowledge accessible by condensing scattered information into one clear plan.
2.  It accelerated decision making by showing me the options with their pros and cons.
3.  It gave me the confidence to tackle jobs that I would never have attempted without guidance.

Looking ahead

I can also imagine how this technology will develop further in the future. Imagine AI that not only explains what you need but also prepares a complete shopping list connected to local stores. Imagine being able to preview your new kitchen or bathroom in a 3D simulation before doing any work. Imagine augmented reality guidance through glasses or a phone screen that shows exactly where you need to drill, cut or place a tile. Imagine AI that calculates the most effective way to achieve your vision within a given budget.

If such tools become available then AI will no longer be only an advisor. It will be a true renovation partner for beginning or advanced renovators standing beside you throughout the entire process.

Conclusion

Renovating my apartment as a student was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. With a limited budget and almost no experience I was able to complete complex tasks such as building a false ceiling, extending electrical wiring, and installing and tiling a modern toilet by relying on the guidance of generative AI. The technology not only gave me clear instructions but also explained the reasoning behind each step, which helped me avoid mistakes. It showed me how powerful AI can be as a practical coach. Looking ahead I see even greater potential in tools that create shopping lists, 3D previews, and augmented reality guidance. What started as an overwhelming project became a successful renovation and proved to me that generative AI can be more than just an advisor. It can be a true partner in learning new skills and achieving ambitious goals.