Apartment renovation is one of those things that every homeowner loves to do. Well, why wouldn’t they? The apartment owner gets to design and decorate the apartment the way they like it. While this is certainly exciting, it is also a task that requires care on your part. Here are 5 essential tips for owners planning an apartment renovation.
5 Tips For Every Owner Planning An Apartment Renovation
Whether you plan to update the kitchen or are looking to reconfigure the layout, you need to know the right way to do it. For your recommendation, we present these helpful tips for apartment renovation projects.
1. You Must Know About The Building’s Rules & Regulations
Do not hire a renovation service provider and start tearing down the walls. You need to understand that there are some rules and regulations for apartment buildings. As an apartment owner, you must understand these building codes, especially for renovation work. These regulations provide safety and noise control for other apartment owners or tenants.
If you are a condo owner, you might be required to submit renovation plans for approval by the management company. In addition to this, some changes require permits like rewiring, installation of new flooring, plumbing works, and more. If you don’t heed these rules & regulations, it can cost you severe fines, and you might need to undo all the work done without the right permissions.
2. Plan With A Realistic Spending Budget
Apartment renovations can be costly. Often, these renovations can cost more than what you might have anticipated. This usually happens when you get too carried away with the renovation work, adding high-end finishes or extra features. You must plan a thorough budget to prevent overspending on the renovation work. When you create a budget for apartment renovation, you not only need to consider labor costs and materials.
There must be a slot for contingency funds in case of unexpected renovation problems, such as electrical upgrades or plumbing issues. Keep in mind that many apartment renovation tasks can require you to have a temporary living arrangement. Those living costs away from home are also part of the renovation budget.
3. Make Renovation Plans For Long-Term Use
Apartment renovations are not just about adding aesthetic appeal. They are actually a long-term strategic investment in your lifestyle and living space. When you plan a renovation, you need to consider its long-term functionality. You must ask yourself, will these changes be alright for the next 5 to 10 years? Will the interior design I choose be practical and efficient?
If you plan to sell this apartment, you can consider the resale value of significant changes like bathroom or kitchen renovation. Choosing timeless renovation styles will not only be functional but also likely to add to your apartment’s overall value.
We recommend considering your future needs when planning an apartment renovation. Plan for your home to adapt to your evolving lifestyle and family needs. Plan for at least a decade ahead or even longer.
4. Employ Only Experienced Apartment Renovation Service
Everyone loves to save costs for renovation work, but trust us, no matter how tempting it is, it will cost you more. Also, doing DIY renovations leads to complexities that only professionals can handle. These complex renovation tasks can include electrical work, structural changes, and plumbing work, all requiring the help of a skilled contractor, designer, or architect. These professionals know all about the building rules and regulations, like codes and permits, to ensure a smooth renovation work process. They will make suggestions and recommendations based on your style and budget.
One tip you must take heed of is that you need to look for references when hiring professional help. Ask friends and family who recently had renovation work done for their apartments. Moreover, you can also do your own due diligence by researching apartment renovation companies. Conduct interviews with the professionals or read about them from the reviews of their past clients. Only choose the ones that meet your budget range.
5. Think About Neighbors: Keep Noise & Disruption At Minimal
You are the owner of your apartment, but you also need to consider your neighbors in the building. Renovations involve lots of noise and disruptions for one’s neighbors. If the renovations are extensive, they can cause loud noises that can lead to fines from building management. This is why it is best to have clear communications with both the building management and your neighbors about this issue.
- Communicate with the neighbors about your renovation plans. Tell them ahead of time about the project part that will cause huge noises, like flooring installations, wall treatments, and window covering solutions.
- All these renovation works require drilling and hammering. To limit noise and disruptions, we recommend scheduling the renovation from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
- You can also employ soundproofing methods to limit the disturbance for neighbors.
- For more detailed planning, it is best to ask the building management for their policy on noise restriction in your building.
Our Bonus Tip: Keep Renovations Focused On Storage
We must tell you ahead of time that this is not an immediate priority for apartment renovation but still offers great value. You must organize your apartment to feature maximum storage space, a truly valuable and much-needed option for smaller apartments. Opt for creative storage options, such as built-in shelves, custom wardrobes, pantries, or under-bed storage spaces. All these can effectively transform your apartment for better functionality.
Top Pick: Choosing the Right Blinds and Curtains for Apartment Renovation in Dubai
Conclusion
Apartment renovation is enjoyable, letting one design their space how they like it. However, every renovation task needs to be properly planned, including the budget and the challenges that can pop out of nowhere. Our 5 essential tips for owners planning apartment renovations will certainly help you with any future renovation work.
