During the pandemic, the one thing that stay at home orders have done is make us aware of the areas where our apartments or homes are no longer as functional as we once perceived. Perhaps the storage or overall flow of your New York apartment is less than ideal. However, before you start breaking down walls or buying furniture, read on and get some guidance on what you need to consider before you begin to renovate your New York apartment.
It will take a team
This point specifically is essential. While Covid testing is available, you have to consider that one individual does not do the renovation of a space. It takes a team. That team may be comprised of an architect, designer, inspector, contractor, subcontractors, cleaning teams, and more. This type of task takes planning and coordination to keep everyone safe. Homeowners need to be realistic on timelines during the pandemic. One person could get ill and delay a significant piece of the project, and oftentimes, not everyone can be in the same space together safely. You also need to check with your building management to determine if they will let contractors into your building and under what conditions.
This is Not a Stand-Alone Home
Unlike a single-family or stand-alone home, renovating your apartment involves considering the shared spaces and that your neighbors may not like contracting staff in the buildings elevators and halls. This can also present additional timing challenges. Permits, coordination with neighbors, and even your building association committee can extend out completion times. Hiring someone who can coordinate a team of professionals who can think ahead to the project’s needs and keep you informed on changes will be essential. New York apartment renovations are known to have hiccups, but being realistic about timelines helps.
Planning for Alternative Housing
Once you have your timeline and project rolling, depending on the renovations taking place, finding alternative housing may be necessary. Ensuring that wherever you find will allow for the extension of stay is critical in the event, there are delays in the project. Make sure you budget ahead of time for housing and extended housing if needed. This should be included with your budget for the renovation as it truly is a working factor.
Being Aware of Your Budget
Have a long discussion with your family or team about your budget for the project. Keeping in mind that having a buffer up to a certain percentage is vital as most renovations tend to go right to the top or over. There is no way to anticipate what can go wrong. Once walls, floors, or even piping is exposed, issues can present themselves, paving a new way for your project and the budget. Having a realistic budget will help not only with stress but with completion times.
Who’s Responsible for What?
Ensure that when your plans and the contractors are laid out, each is identified as who is responsible for what. Avoid finger-pointing and project delays. Determining who is working on what, who is responsible for each part’s insurance and permits, and verifying each of these will be necessary. Don’t be left with a mess and the financial responsibility of someone else’s mess due to lack of diligence. Make sure you know who is responsible for what.
Ensure this project will Make a Positive Impact
Questions like, how long will we live in the apartment or how do these renovations compare to other apartments of like size and location? Ensuring that the investment you are making in these updates reflects a positive down the line is imperative. There are different types of renovations, and all do not need to suffice the next homeowner’s tastes. Depending on whether you are looking to do a personal update, which can be smaller in scale but make the space more “You,” or even an investment update, that would reflect a higher value when you do decide to sell or remains a positive space for you and your family if you choose to stay. Having this discussion with your architect is the key to developing the right project.
Major Renovations Overview
If you are considering a significant renovation to your New York apartment, then you must find the right architect to help you through this process. They will make sure you have the right team, keep you compliant, and meet your visionary goals.
Our team has been working in the New York and surrounding area for years, and we can guide you through renovating your apartment while also helping you use your budget wisely to get the most impact. Contact us today to discuss your plans and learn how we can bring your vision to reality.
Located in the Greater New York area, Jeffrey Jordan Architect specializes in the design of high-end projects such as luxury apartment and townhouse renovations, schools, churches, temples, and offices.