Apartment Renovation Architect and Builder Services

Apartment renovations are complex. Since apartments share walls, floors, and systems, having an integrated team of architects and builders from the start is essential. Bringing the builder in early helps manage fixed limitations and ensures a quick turnaround. Our team, with experienced architects, planners, and builders, can quickly interpret these challenges and develop a clear plan, making the process smoother.

Access is a big challenge since lifts and stairs are shared, sometimes even the loading dock. Renovating an apartment requires careful scheduling, planning, and managing approvals, as well as coordinating with strata and body corporate. Having a builder on hand for these discussions can make approvals smoother, and it reassures the strata manager and other tenants that any disruption will be well managed.

Working with a skilled engineer who knows apartment construction is crucial. Some walls that look load-bearing actually aren’t, but if something does need support, you can’t just transfer the load to the apartment below—you need to transfer it down to the building’s base. So, we typically work within the apartment’s existing structure, and any structural changes require expert planning.

Choose an architect with experience and the right qualifications. For major work, they should be a registered design practitioner, which allows them to oversee and sign off on more complex apartment projects. It’s important to have someone who understands the specific needs of apartment renovations.

Apartment renovations involve the same stages as home renovations, but with much tighter planning. We start with a consultation to create a scope of works and a brief. Then we move on to measuring, concept design, approvals, and detailed design. Finally, we execute the work, with every detail pre-planned to minimize disruption.

It depends. Minor changes, like replacing a benchtop or re-rendering walls, might be exempt from approval. If you’re changing layouts, it usually falls under complying development. Structural changes or major works often require strata or body corporate approval, and sometimes a development application. Each building and project is different, so “it depends” is the best answer.

Get professional advice early. It’s hard to set a budget just by adding up quotes for items like taps or tiles. Much of the cost is in things you don’t see, like managing waste, transporting materials, labor, and waterproofing. A professional with experience in apartment renovations can give you a realistic budget based on similar projects.

Usually, it’s best to plan to move out, as renovations can be messy and disruptive. For example, a bathroom renovation in a one-bathroom apartment means you won’t have access to facilities. Even for simpler jobs, like painting or recarpeting, it’s better to stay out until everything is dry and ready.

It depends on the scope, but for a full bathroom, kitchen, and other work throughout the apartment, plan for about 12 weeks. It sounds long, but many trades need to come in and out, and we need time to coordinate all the logistics. In some cases, we can finish faster, but this timeline is typical.

There are often restrictions on changing the exterior of the building or making major changes under strata rules. Usually, you’re limited to the existing footprint, but we can sometimes adjust walls within that space. For top-floor apartments, there may be options to expand upward, but it’s complex and requires body corporate approval and often a development application.

Surprisingly, there are fewer limitations than people expect. We can reconfigure and reimagine spaces within the apartment’s footprint. For instance, many apartments have large laundry areas that can be opened up to expand the kitchen and living space. We’ve done this on several projects, creating a much more open feel.

With an apartment, there are added complications because you’re sharing walls and plumbing with neighbors. Any work you do, like plumbing, can affect the units below. Also, people live close together, so managing noise and disruption is critical. You need a contractor who understands these dynamics and can keep neighbors informed and comfortable with the work.

The best upgrades usually focus on the living area and kitchen. Many kitchens are cramped or poorly laid out. By opening up spaces, like converting a large laundry into part of the kitchen, you can create more usable space and improve flow, which tends to add the most value.

Look for a contractor with experience in apartment renovations. Finishing quality is crucial, so choose someone with skilled tilers and tradespeople. They should also be good at managing neighbors and other building occupants, keeping everyone informed and maintaining a tidy work environment.

The key is communication. Letting neighbors know what’s happening and when means they can plan around it. For instance, they might choose to be out when we’re removing tiles or demolishing walls. We also keep common areas clean and organized, and we make sure to talk to everyone affected to set expectations and minimize inconvenience.