What to Consider Before Renovating Your Apartment

Renovating your apartment can dramatically improve its comfort, style, and market value. Whether you're looking to modernise an older property, maximise space, or create your dream home, the success of your renovation depends on careful planning. At Fine Touch Group, we've transformed apartments across Sydney and understand the key considerations that make a renovation smooth, efficient, and cost-effective.

1. Strata Rules and Approvals

Before you start knocking down walls or upgrading your bathroom, you need to understand your building's strata by-laws. Strata approval is often required for:

• • Bathroom and kitchen renovations
• • Flooring changes
• • Wall removals or modifications
• • Plumbing or electrical upgrades

Tip: Fine Touch Group can manage the strata approval process for you, ensuring your project complies with building regulations.

2. Setting a Realistic Budget

Renovation costs vary depending on the scale of work, finishes, and complexity. When budgeting:

• • Allocate 10–15% contingency for unexpected expenses
• • Decide if you're renovating for personal use or resale
• • Compare costs of essential upgrades vs. luxury finishes

3. Maximising Space in Apartments

Apartments often have limited space, so clever design is key. We focus on:

• • Open-plan layouts for better flow
• • Built-in wardrobes and hidden storage
• • Space-saving kitchen designs with integrated appliances
• • Smart lighting to make rooms feel larger

4. Choosing the Right Style and Finishes

Your apartment's design should reflect both your personal taste and the building's character. Popular Sydney styles include:

• Modern Coastal: Light tones, timber, open spaces
• Industrial Chic: Exposed brick, matte black finishes
• Luxury Contemporary: Marble, gold accents, premium lighting

Tip: You can always engage a designer and we will build in accordance to plans provided.

5. Understanding the Renovation Timeline

Renovations take time, especially with strata approvals and supplier lead times. Typical timelines:

Tip: Booking early helps secure your preferred schedule and avoids delays during busy seasons.

6. Working with the Right Renovation Team

A successful apartment renovation requires an experienced, licensed, and insured team. At Fine Touch Group, we provide:

• • End-to-end project management
• • Skilled tradespeople and designers
• • Transparent quotes and timelines
• • Clean, respectful work practices in shared buildings

7. Improving Property Value

Renovations can significantly boost your apartment's market value if done right. Strategic upgrades for ROI include:

• • Kitchen and bathroom renovations
• • Flooring and lighting improvements
• • Balcony enhancements
• • Modern, neutral colour schemes

Considering Your Neighbours & Common Areas

Noise Management & Work Hours

Renovation noise can disrupt your neighbours, especially in high-density buildings. Most strata plans set specific work hours for noisy activities:

Protecting Common Areas

Common areas like hallways, lifts, and foyers are shared by all residents. We use:

• • Protective lift curtains
• • Floor coverings for hallways
• • Corner guards for walls
• • Temporary barriers for dust control

Clear Communication with Neighbours

Keeping your neighbours informed about your renovation can go a long way toward maintaining good relationships. We recommend:

• • Sending a polite notice to neighbours before work begins
• • Outlining expected start/end dates
• • Providing your or our project manager's contact details for concerns