Buying an apartment can be a complicated process, and it’s hard to find something that is perfect as-is.
Often, doing a renovation after you’ve purchased your home is the best way to get it exactly how you want it.
Of course, a renovation itself is not always straightforward either. If you want to renovate your apartment, there are certain steps that you need to follow to make sure everything turns out exactly how you want it.
Working with an expert architect can help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Below, we’re reviewing the eight steps you need to take to get your renovation started on the right track.
1. Know Your Building’s Rules
Before you do anything else, it’s important that you know your building’s rules and guidelines for a renovation. There may be certain aspects of your apartment that you can’t change or update. You must be aware of that.
Some buildings also have rules on when renovations can occur, so make sure to factor that into your timeline.
2. Create a Budget
Apartment renovations can get expensive. Having a budget in place before the renovation process begins will help you make decisions on what to update and what to leave as is.
You can also create a list of priorities and spend the most money on the things you want done first.
3. Let Your Neighbors Know
Try to inform your neighbors of the renovation and give them as much detail as possible. Let them know about the noise that might impact them and even consider making them aware of when workers will be in the building.
Keeping them as informed as possible and opening the line of communication could buy you goodwill down the road.
4. Find the Right Architect
When you renovate your apartment, you want to work with someone who understands how important the space is to you. You deserve to come home to an apartment that you love. Work with an architect who values that.
Renovation can be a long, and at times, frustrating process so it’s important to find an architect you trust to guide you every step of the way.
5. Complete Any Required Analysis and Approvals
Before construction begins on your renovation, any necessary analysis or approval processes will need to be completed.
This could include such things as site analysis, fire safety, and securing building permits. Ideally, your architect handles this for you, so consider that when you’re analyzing a firm’s services.
6. Plan Your Design
Creating a design for a renovation is usually one of the most exciting parts of the process. It’s your opportunity to create a home that truly reflects who you are.
Spend some time researching trends and visiting friends’ homes in order to get an idea of what you like. Then you can work on customizing a look that’s perfect for you and your space.
7. Set Deadlines
It’s important that all parties involved in your renovation — you, your architect, and the construction crew — are aware of the anticipated timeline.
Renovations often take longer than planned, but if you set deadlines from the beginning, the project is more likely to finish on time.
8. Expect the Unexpected
You want to go into your renovation with optimism, but you need to be realistic as well. Many people are involved in seeing a renovation through from start to finish. When a project is that big, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be some surprises.
Have patience and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s going on or where things are getting backed up.
You deserve to be kept informed about the process as it’s unfolding.
Ready to Renovate Your Apartment?
As you evolve, your home should evolve with you. An efficient, well-planned, and well-executed renovation is the best way to make your apartment feel new again.
For more information or to get your renovation started, please contact us today.
Located in the Greater New York area, Jeffrey Jordan Architecture specializes in the design of high-end projects such as luxury apartment and townhouse renovations, schools, churches, temples and offices. Additionally, we serve as project managers and facilitate the administrative aspects of projects, ensuring a smooth process.