5 Helpful tips and tricks when renovating an apartment
Renovating an apartment is not a walk in the park. You have your budget, permits, and designs to consider. Plus, you have to choose the best contractor for the job as this will make or break your project. If you’re planning to give your apartment a makeover, then check out Marriott Constructions’ handy tips below
Know what you want and have a plan
Apartment renovation projects often stumble when owners don’t know what they want and don’t have a plan. These days, it’s easy to plan and visualize what you want with a little help from technology. You don’t have to collect magazine clippings or build a miniature anymore.
Utilize modern technology to plan your renovation, and one of the easiest and most accessible tools you can use is Pinterest (both the website and the app). You can use it to collate design ideas, and you can show them to your contractor later. Other online tools you can use include SketchUp, SmartDraw, and Planner5D. Design tools like Floorplanner, Roomstyler 3D Home Planner, and HomeByMe are also available for homeowners. The good news is most of these tools are available for free for personal use.
But when planning your house, make sure that you don’t get overwhelmed by trends as these come and go. Factor in your lifestyle, too. For example, if you’re not the type of person who loves cooking or you don’t entertain guests often, then it doesn’t make sense to spend so much money on expanding the kitchen.
Know your budget
This is one of the most important things you need to consider when renovating your apartment. Know the maximum amount of money you can spend for the renovation and stick to it. Don’t let your builder or your mother-in-law or your neighbour sway you into spending much more than you’re willing to shell out. Get quotes from several contractors first before committing to one.
Get the best apartment renovation builder you can find
Keep in mind that skimping on labour is one of the deadly sins of renovating your apartment. Ask any homeowner who had done it before and they’ll say that the one that provides the cheapest apartment renovation service may not necessarily offer the best. Before signing up with a builder, make it a habit to ask for references. It is also wise to visit their past job sites to check the quality of their work.
Oversee the project yourself
You’re busy and you have barely time to eat or spend time with your kids — much less oversee an actual renovation. But renovating an apartment is a major project, and you don’t want to live in a home that you hate just because you neglected to supervise the renovation process. Without micromanaging, make sure that you’re at home for every important decision regarding your apartment during the renovation process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify what needs to be clarified with your builder. It is your money after all.
Secure the necessary permits
Last but not least, always check with your City Council before renovating your apartment and hiring a contractor. Check out the Sunshine Coast City Council rules for more information.