A Builder’s Guide to Apartment and Town-house Renovations

Ready to transform your living space? Discover expert tips from a builder on renovating your apartment or townhouse for maximum style and functionality.

Consider your Style

Before beginning any renovation project, it's important to consider your personal style and how you want it reflected in your home. This will help you choose the right materials, colours, and finishes that complement the existing style of your home. A great first step in understanding your design style is to browse design magazines, websites, or attend home shows. Compiling your design selections onto a mood board on Pinterest can encapsulate the different aspects and features you want to include in your project. Once you have an idea of your style, you should then select your design team. Different designers may have niche styles, so it's always good to ensure the designer aligns with your personal style.

Maximise your Space

Apartments and townhouses are often limited in space, so it's essential to make the most of the available area. This can be achieved by removing non-load bearing walls to create an open floor plan, choosing multi-functional furniture, or selecting built-in storage options. Clever use of lighting can also make a small space feel larger and more inviting. If maximising space is important to you, make sure to communicate this with your design team. They are experts at utilising space, lighting, furniture, and decor to maximise any area.

Maximise the Functionality

When renovating, it's important to consider the functionality of each room. Think about how you use each space, and what changes could be made to improve its functionality. For example, adding more storage space in the kitchen, creating a dedicated workspace or nook in a spare room, or installing a new bathroom to accommodate growing family needs. Again, if you communicate this with your chosen designer, they will be able to identify where best to maximise the functionality of your space. This may involve a combination of furniture and renovation changes that are necessary to optimise the functionality of your space.

Choosing a Suitable Designer

We previously touched on the importance of choosing the right designer for your project. This is critical to the success of your renovation project. Look for designers who specialise in apartment or townhouse renovations and who have a track record of delivering successful projects. It is important to note that in New South Wales, designers are now required to be Class 2 certified. If you are uncertain whether your designer has the required certification, you can Check here. Also, it is important to check their references, view their portfolio of previous work and ensure that they understand your needs and preferences and style.

Choosing a Suitable Builder

Choosing the right builder is equally important. Look for builders who have experience in apartment and townhouse renovations, have a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget, and are licensed and insured. Just like designers, builders also require Class 2 certification. You can read more about that here. Additionally, you can check the builder's license here and class 2 certification here. Ask for references, view their previous work, and ensure that you feel comfortable working with them. Meeting with your builder in person will ensure that both parties understand the goals of the project and that you get along well - remember, you may be spending quite a bit of time together throughout the duration of the project!

In Conclusion

Renovating an apartment or townhouse can be a fantastic way to upgrade your living space and increase the value of your property. As builders, we always recommend putting a lot of thought into your personal style and finding ways to maximize space and optimize functionality. It's important to choose the right designer and builder for your project to ensure successful planning and execution. With the right team and pre-planning, you can transform your home into a beautiful and functional space that meets your needs and preferences. Lastly, it's important to source your appliances before making any aesthetic choices. We have seen too many cases where an incompatible oven clashes with the newly installed cabinetry, leading to costly and avoidable mistakes. By doing some pre-planning, you can avoid such unpleasant surprises and ensure a successful renovation.

If your unit is ready to be updated give LPC Projects a call today!