Renovating an apartment is certainly rewarding. According to Abilene Management team, there’s nothing quite like transforming a small, outdated flat into something spacious, open, and modern.
But it’s no secret that North London flat/apartment projects come with a unique set of challenges.
At Combit Construction, professional building company North London we’re well acquainted with apartment renovations. Our team understands the challenges and the rewards, and that’s why we’ve taken the time to jot down some points to consider before you launch into your project:
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Make a Roadmap
Planning is probably the most important part of your project.
Understanding what you want to achieve with your renovation, and each stage of the project is crucial to ensuring that your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
Take the time to jot down your goals. Make a scrapbook or mood board with ideas from magazines and brochures. Collect colour swatches and catalogues and have a clear vision of your completed project.
A clear understanding of each stage of the project will help you to be prepared for whatever challenges you might face.
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Involve the Experts!
If you’re planning structural changes, it’s wise to get input from the experts.
An architect can offer advice and help you come up with a design that’s functional, beautiful, and structurally possible.
Choosing professional builders in North London, with the creativity and expertise to handle your project from beginning to end is super important. Do your research thoroughly: look at reviews, ask for referrals and visit showrooms. It’s no exaggeration to say that your builder can literally make or break your renovation project!
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Do You Need to Get Permits?
We get it: the world of paperwork and council permits might seem daunting, but here are a few things to consider:
#1 If you don’t own your apartment, you will probably need to get permission from the property manager or landlord.
#2 If you’re planning structural changes, you may need to get permissions from your local authorities.
#3 Think about how the trades/contractors will access your property: will you need to arrange parking permits?
#4 What about waste removal – do you need to arrange a skip bin and the relevant permits?
If you have any concerns or questions around what permits are necessary to complete your project, don’t hesitate to contact your building team.
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Get Your Neighbours on Side
Before you start renovating your apartment, it’s important to communicate with your neighbours – a quick chat over a cuppa before you start your remodel might go a long way towards maintaining good relationships once the noise and dust starts.
Explain what you’re planning to do and make sure they’re happy, especially if your renovation will be noisy or involve using communal spaces.
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Open Up
Removing internal walls to create an open, free flow living zone is a great way to make your apartment feel spacious and modern.
In more recent years, combined living zones have become popular across the UK – they’re perfectly suited to busy family life and a casual entertaining style.
Think about both form and function: making sure your home ‘flows’ well sometimes needs the expertise of a professional designer, so speak to your team of experts about this.
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Bring in the Light
Bring in as much natural light as possible to create that bright and airy feel inside your home.
Oversized windows, glass panels and ceiling windows (where possible) are all great ways to flood your home with nature’s gift of sunlight.
Installing glass doors rather than solid ones between living zones allows light to flow between rooms, helping to make spaces feel bigger than they really are.
Hot tip: mirrors reflect light and make spaces feel more spacious, so hanging one in a small, poorly lit room can help to create the sense of extra space and light!
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Refresh the Flooring
New carpet, tiles or vinyl is one of the best ways to transform the look and feel of your apartment or flat.
And nowadays the range of options is mind boggling: from solid timber to plush carpets (and everything in between), there’s a flooring to suit every taste, style, and budget.
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Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to change the look of any space.
Remember, light colours reflect light while dark, moody tones absorb it.
Don’t be afraid to use colour to create a focal point or draw attention to a particular structural detail – it’s a great way to add your own ‘personal’ touch to your renovation project.
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Remodel the Kitchen
It’s the heart of the home: we love kitchen renovations and it’s no secret that a beautiful kitchen will add real value to your home.
Open plan kitchens are all the rage, and they’re excellent for apartment living. So, where possible, remove the walls around your kitchen to create a space that’s practical for both cooking and eating.
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be large to be functional: think about how you use the space and plan your layout accordingly.
Utilize every square inch – too much kitchen storage isn’t even a thing, so talk to your design team about maximizing your space!
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Keep the Communication Channels Open
Clear communication is the key to ensuring that your North London apartment renovation project is 100% successful.
If you have any concerns or questions, contact your building team and talk it over with them.