Planning your apartment renovation can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be daunting if you just follow these steps to get inspired and lay out your plan of action first. This will allow you to more easily get through the actual design and construction so that you’ll have a finished product that you can be proud of—both because it looks great and works well. Here’s how to get inspired and plan your apartment renovation in New York!
Sketch Out the Specifics
If you’re looking to renovate your apartment, there are a few things you should consider. The first thing is the budget. You want to make sure that you have enough money set aside for the project and that you don’t exceed the budget by too much.
Next, figure out how much time you can dedicate to it. You want to make sure that you have enough time to do this project because it will take a lot of work and dedication on your end. Sketching out what specific changes you want to make will also help.
Make a list with some ideas, then narrow them down to your favorites. Once you’ve made those decisions, sketch out what each room would look like after the renovations are completed so that you have an idea of what needs to be done.
Finally, start tackling one area at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed trying to renovate everything at once or you may never finish. Tackle one area of the home at a time, such as the kitchen or bedroom. Each renovation could require different materials, which is why it’s important to know exactly what you want beforehand. For example, if the wall between two rooms needs to come down and be replaced with a new wall , shopping for materials will require a trip back to the store several times before everything’s purchased.
With all of these steps in mind, go ahead and start planning! Draw sketches, write down ideas, map out areas of focus, and finally start working on the project step-by-step. You’ll feel accomplished when you see your apartment transformation from beginning to end.
Be realistic about apartment remodeling
It’s true that some apartment renovations take a lot of planning and patience. But there are plenty of ways to make the process easier and more manageable. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
-Be realistic about what you can do and what you want to do. There’s no point in doing a major overhaul if you don’t have the time or money to really see it through.
-Identify your priorities and be clear about them with your designer. If you know from the start which projects you’re willing to tackle, this will save both of you time and energy.
-Plan around current residents’ schedules. If someone is living on site, try not to schedule any work during their regularly scheduled hours at home.
Be sensitive to their needs while they’re still occupying the space, as well-intentioned renovation plans often lead to increased tension between neighbors! Remember to communicate clearly about noise levels and dust control, too.
If an individual does plan to undertake significant alterations in an apartment remodel, remember that landlords usually require all occupants of the building sign off on new rules or regulations first. Also, renters should check how rental agreements cover planned improvements before moving forward with larger remodeling jobs like installing new flooring, plumbing fixtures or air conditioning units!
For tenants who want to paint their own walls, repaint cabinets or replace light fixtures with updated models, consider scheduling these tasks when tenants are away from the property. When necessary, work can be completed overnight or when a tenant is out of town; always let your neighbor know when you’ll be working so they’re prepared for any noise disturbance!
You decide to do anything over 10 days, ask your landlord permission first! You may also need permission from the other people renting apartments in the same complex. Landlords usually require all occupants of the building sign off on new rules or regulations first.
The bottom line is to follow safety guidelines and be mindful of other people’s lives. After you’ve done your research and done your best to be respectful of the place where you live, go for it! Take pictures throughout the project so that years later when friends come by, they can see just how much work you put into beautifying your new digs.
What Steps Can You Take To De-Risk Your Renovation?
No one wants to spend the time and money on a renovation only to find out that their budget isn’t enough or they made a bad decision. Here are some things you can do to mitigate these risks:
-Know your budget: It’s important that you know what you have available so you don’t overspend.
-Consult an interior designer: Interior designers will be able to help you figure out the best layout and design scheme for your space. They’ll also be able to make recommendations on materials, fixtures, etc.
Once you’ve got the floorplan figured out, then it’s time to get into more detail with your contractor about how much this project is going to cost overall and what decisions need to be made before starting construction. For example, if you want custom cabinetry but don’t want to pay extra for them up front, there may be a way to work out a payment plan after the fact.
Or if you’re not sure about tile colors and finishes but still want something that looks like marble, there are plenty of ceramic options that mimic natural stone patterns.
-Have clear lines of communication with your contractor: Communication is key when working on any project, especially one as big as renovating an apartment. Make sure you have someone who understands your needs from start to finish and feels invested in getting the job done well.
One good way to set yourself up for success is by hiring a general contractor who has experience managing large jobs. General contractors understand the importance of paying attention to details while keeping the bigger picture in mind. With a detailed understanding of what works within each area, they’ll be able to manage every aspect of your home’s transformation.
Plus, they come with references—so you’ll feel confident knowing that your new contractor is reliable and capable.
-Schedule regular check-ins with your architect: Architects can provide you with a list of people to contact, ensure everything is running smoothly, and offer valuable advice along the way. After all, they’ve been through this process many times before!
-Reach out to friends and family: Friends might be familiar with reputable contractors or DIY experts in your area. Family members might have resources that you didn’t even know about. Whatever you do, just remember to ask around and share information with others.
A lot of people might be interested in what kind of renovations you’re doing, so this could be a great opportunity to network and expand your support system.
Do’s and Don’ts of your Apartment Renovation NYC
Do make sure to get a detailed quote from your contractor before agreeing on anything. This will help you stay within budget and avoid costly surprises. Plus, it’s always good to know what you are paying for upfront.
Don’t forget to research all the costs associated with your renovation project. This includes items like paint, fixtures, appliances, and more. Take note of everything that is included when getting quotes so you can stay on track financially.
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time when planning your renovations so that they don’t take over your life or interfere with other aspects of your life, such as work or family obligations. And don’t be afraid to put some money into renovating your kitchen.
Kitchens account for about 25% of a home’s value according to recent studies and it’s worth putting some money into making this space perfect. Think about new cabinets, countertops, tile backsplash, flooring, lighting and appliance updates to really make this room shine. You’ll love cooking again in your newly renovated kitchen! Don’t forget about those smaller projects too.
Just because something isn’t considered essential doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. In fact, small touches can often have the biggest impact on your daily life and happiness – especially if you do them up right.
Consider painting trim and moldings or adding custom lighting around windows (like our favorite ones at All about Windows). There’s no wrong way to do these smaller jobs but just remember to plan accordingly by allowing time for delays which inevitably happen during any big project.
When deciding where to start your apartment renovation NYC, think about how important each area of your house is to you and what kind of mood you want each one to evoke. It may seem overwhelming now but it gets easier once you start breaking things down. Now go check out NYC’s best contractors and we’ll see you soon with the next post in this series!
How Long Does It Take To Renovate An Apartment In NYC?
The length of time it takes to renovate an apartment depends largely on the scope of work being done. For example, a basic renovation might take anywhere from two weeks to three months, while a major overhaul could take from one year to 18 months.
There are several factors that influence the timeline and any given project, including the size and layout of your apartment. A larger space may require more labor or specialized tools to complete the renovations in a timely manner.
If you’re considering adding new features such as walk-in closets or a home theater, your renovations will be more complex and will likely take longer than anticipated. It’s best to have a plan before starting any home improvement projects so you know what is needed and can stay on budget accordingly.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Outline your goals for the project: What do you hope to accomplish? Is there a room that needs updating? Do you want to upgrade your kitchen appliances? Knowing what needs improving will help with the planning process.
Figure out how much money you want to spend, then research potential contractors. Be sure to ask them about their previous projects and what they specialize in before making a decision. Once you find someone who works well with your vision and has the necessary experience for your job, decide on a price and contract details, then put together a payment plan that works for both parties.
Get all contracts signed and reviewed by an attorney before you start the project so there are no surprises down the line.
Hire Alma Design for Your Apartment Renovation
Alma Design has been serving the NYC area since 2006. We are an award-winning remodeling company that specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels. Our team of experts will work with you to transform your home into a place you can feel proud of.
The NYC area is our only location, but we have completed projects all over the country and are ready to serve clients across the country too. Contact us today to get started on your project! To just sprucing up your current living space, Alma Design is here for you every step of the way.