There are many reasons why people renovate their apartments. Some people choose to renovate because they want to improve their homes and make them more functional or comfortable. Others decide on a renovation because they need more space in their apartment or want to increase its resale value.
According to realtor.com, home renovations in the U.S. can cost you between $25,000 and $75,000 or more. As you can tell, these costs are very high. You’ll almost always end up spending more money than what you had initially planned.
Angi reported that for apartments specifically, you can expect to spend between $25 and $40 per square foot for renovations. Whatever your reasons may be for wanting to do a renovation, there are many things that should be considered before starting any project so that you don’t end up spending too much money with no results at all.
Here are a few things to remember when renovating your apartment.
Also Read: Getting your home renovated? You MUST know these 5 facts
#1 Start with a Proper Floor Plan
If you’re thinking about renovating your apartment, the first thing you should do is draw a proper floor plan. This might seem like a small step, but it’s essential to getting the right design for your space.
A floor plan will help you visualize how all of your furniture can fit into the space and how it will flow around each other. It’s also helpful to understand how much space you have and what kind of furniture or appliances might take up too much room.
If you don’t want to get a custom floor plan, you can buy an existing one of Studio Casita’s floor plans from their website. Using these premade plans is far easier since they’ve been designed by experts and don’t require you to sit around while someone draws the plans for you. Plus, you also get to save money since you don’t have to hire someone to custom-make a floor plan for you.
#2 Consult with an Engineer
A renovation is a big project, and it’s important to know that you’ll be able to get it done. Especially if you’re planning on moving in while the renovation is happening, you’ll want to make sure that your plan is feasible and that there aren’t any major issues with the building or structure.
That’s where an engineer comes in.
An engineer can look at your plans and give you advice on what will work and what won’t. They’ll also check out the building’s structural integrity, which is something that can’t be done by just anyone. You’ll want someone who has experience inspecting buildings for safety reasons.
In addition, they’ll be able to advise you on how best to approach construction. Some materials require more time than others, while some require more skill than others. Some are more likely to slip through cracks in a building’s structure than others, and so forth.
#3 Get Permission from the Local Authorities
When you’re renovating your apartment, you need to get permission from the local authorities. The process of getting permission can be a little tricky, and if you don’t have the right information, it could cost you a lot of time and money.
First off, you have to find out what type of renovations are allowed in your area. This is usually listed on the local government website or in a document called “Permitted Development Rights,” which will tell you what type of work can be done without having to apply for planning permission.
Secondly, make sure that when carrying out any renovations that conform with permitted development rights, they must not alter the external appearance of the property or its location within certain areas such as conservation areas or conservation zones. Therefore, make sure that any changes made match what was there before.
#4 Prioritize Natural Lighting for Your Renovated Apartment
When you are renovating your apartment, it is important to prioritize natural lighting. Natural light can make any space feel more spacious and inviting. When you have a lot of natural light in your space, it will be easier for you to make it your own. It can also help you save money on electricity bills because you won’t need as many lights on during the day.
Medical News Today recently reported that vitamin D deficiency can lead to an increased risk of dementia. Since natural light is a pure source of vitamin D, it’s vital that you allow it to fill your house during the day. You can’t risk not having sunlight enter the house as it can be very detrimental to your health in many ways.
#5 Dispose of the Rubbish Properly
To avoid problems with the EPA, make sure that you’re disposing of your garbage properly.
Consider what kind of material is in your trash. If it’s mostly construction materials like wood or metal, you can take it to a recycling facility.
If not, check with your local government or waste management service provider to see if they offer a disposal service for your type of garbage.
Conclusion
Renovating your apartment is no doubt one of the hardest challenges you’ll ever take on. However, keeping these things in mind will help make the renovation job a little easier and less stressful.