The Importance of Interior Renovation and Design
Remodeling involves changing a building’s structure and layout. It may involve removing walls, altering floor plans or adding new rooms. It is typically the most time-consuming and expensive type of renovation project.
A good interior designer will also be knowledgeable about construction documents, occupancy loads, healthcare regulations and sustainable design principles. They can help ensure your renovation complies with NYC building codes and requirements.
Planning
A renovation requires a clear vision and detailed design plan to make it successful. An interior designer will help you hone in on the decisions that need to be made, saving you time and energy. They will provide digital 3D renderings, architectural blueprint designs and a wide range of product samples for things like paint colors, quartz countertops and furniture selections.
Space planning is the first step in the design process and examines the existing stairways, walls, doors, windows and other elements in your home to create an efficient floor plan for how you want to use your space. It’s the foundation that will allow you to enjoy your renovated home and will make all the aesthetic choices work together.
Design is the next step which includes a series of sketches and digital renderings that show what your remodel will look interior renovation and design like when it’s completed. This helps the client to see how their ideas will be implemented and gives them a chance to make changes before the build starts.
The design phase may also include a full set of project binders that contain the programming guidelines, layout options and specifications for the construction and interior renovation including flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, millwork and architectural accent materials. The project binders can often be used to obtain the building’s alteration agreement and to submit the required paperwork. This can take up to a month to be approved by the board and building management.
Design
The design process is where the most important decisions are made. Your team will collaborate with you to make sure the final layout and design is exactly what you want it to be. After the design has been finalized, invitations to bid are sent to general contractors. During this time, we can be the intermediary between you and the architect and contractor and ensure that the scope of work is defined to the highest level, so there are no surprises down the road.
One of the most important things to remember about renovation is that it’s not a quick fix. If you begin the project with the mindset that it’s just for a few cosmetic changes, then you’re not going to get the most out of your investment. Instead, think of it as a long-term plan to create an ideal living environment. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your home for years to come.
During the design phase, you’ll meet with your designer (which may not be the same person who stopped by at your initial consultation, based on team member availability). While many people assume that interior designers are just hotel patio furniture customized decorators, they are highly trained to understand both form and function. In fact, they can be the lead on a smaller scale renovation in lieu of an architect (when DOB permitting is not required). For more extensive renovations, your interior designer will work closely with your architect to ensure that all aspects of the layout are considered before construction begins.
Permits
The most common mistake homeowners make during renovation is not getting a permit before starting work. While some minor home improvement projects such as painting and wallpapering do not require a permit, many other projects will. Having a permit ensures that the project is in compliance with building codes and safety regulations. The permit process can be complex, and it is important to plan ahead and to stay up-to-date on changes in the rules and regulations.
If your project involves changing the layout of your home or adding any new structures, you will most likely need a DOB permit. While some work may qualify for a “self-certification,” it is best to seek out the opinion of an architect with experience working in NYC to make sure your plans comply.
Depending on your project, you may also need to submit a detailed list of materials and schedule inspections at various stages of the construction. If you are not familiar with the City’s building codes, or if you do not have the time to research them, it is worth hiring a permit expediter who can help you navigate the process.
For most co-op and condo buildings, a DOB permit will be required for any renovation that affects the interior living space of your unit. However, for some units, such as those in brownstones, a permit will not be required if you do not change the interior layout or the footprint of the structure.
Contractors
While some renovators are tempted to skip hiring an architect altogether and instead hire a general contractor to oversee the construction, the experience of a trained designer is critical when it comes to ensuring the project meets your vision, is completed on time, and stays within budget. They know how to read a set of plans, and will be in the best position to manage any issues that may arise during the construction phase.
They will also be able to handle navigating the Department of Buildings permitting process and can steer projects through approvals more quickly than an individual who does not have this level of expertise. They will also be able to help you understand what’s involved with a certain renovation, which is important when choosing between options.
It is worth noting that your architect may charge for their design services either as an hourly rate, or on a fixed fee (which is typically based on the size of the space being renovated) or a percentage of total construction costs – ranging from 15 to 25 percent in NYC -. It’s important to understand how they’ll be billing you so that there are no surprises down the road.
Once your design is finalized, you’ll be ready to approach contractors to bid on the work. Your interior designer or architect should be able to recommend reputable contractors whom they’ve worked with on other renovations in New York and can trust to complete the job.
