I've owned my apartment for about four years, and the previous owners gave it a royal makeover with fancy wallpapers and chandeliers. While it's been fun living here, I'm getting bored of the look, and the appliances are getting old, so I'm ready for a change. I've done some renovation work in the past; I can paint and do flooring and baseboards. I've already renovated two bathrooms and two bedrooms. However, I'm a bit worried about tackling the living space and kitchen because they are the most visible areas for guests, and I want them to look nice. My biggest struggle is the popcorn ceiling—I absolutely hate it, but removing it is such a hassle. I tried it once in a bedroom, and it turned out terrible and uneven. I think about hiring someone for that part, but I enjoy doing the work myself, and labor costs are just crazy these days. I'm looking for advice from anyone who's renovated a whole apartment (almost 1000 sq ft). What were your biggest challenges, and do you have any tips to help me avoid those pitfalls?
3 Answers
Don't hesitate to hire out larger tasks like painting or similar jobs. Sometimes it's worth it to save your energy and focus on the parts you really want to tackle yourself!
Are you renting? Generally, I wouldn't put money into fixing up a place that isn't mine. You might not get it back in the long run.
As a contractor for 39 years, just a heads up that many apartment complexes have rules about renovations and may require permits. They strictly enforce building codes, especially for plumbing and electrical work. Make sure you check with your management to avoid fines or stop orders. However, painting and floating flooring usually don’t need permits, so you're likely good there!