If you live in an apartment that you love, but need more space, have you considered combining two apartments into one? Or, if you want a more spacious apartment to move straight into, could you buy two adjoining ones (side by side or upstairs and downstairs), and turn them into a bigger, more luxurious apartment?
The experts say that actually, it’s more cost-effective to combine two apartments into one, than search for an existing unit that’s already bigger. Thought hadn’t occurred to you? Well, you’re not alone; it isn’t a concept that the majority of people even consider undertaking. But while it is a big project to take on, it can be done, and when done well, the results can be outstanding.
If you’re thinking about combining two apartments into one, here are some tips to help the project go a little more smoothly:
Sort your finances out first
Despite offering better value for many homebuyers, combining two apartments can become costly, and it’s vital that you sort out your finances before getting into any serious conversations with general contractors and renovation companies. That said, you may find it useful to schedule an initial consultation with a professional company to give you a more accurate idea of what the complete project might cost you.
Gain the necessary approvals and permits
It’s one thing to be excited about merging two apartments to create the ultimate chic and functional living space, but quite another to be investing time and energy into planning it, only to find out that permission has been denied. Get your approvals and all necessary permits as quickly as possible, and ideally, your chosen renovation company will do that for you. In the majority of instances, approval for combining apartments that adjoin on the same floor, is easier than for those on vertical floors. The latter is also costlier and a lot more complex.
Expect challenges with gas and plumbing
It’s best to be prepared for potential problems with gas and plumbing when combining two apartments, than bury your head in the sand and hope for the best. It will almost always present a minor challenge at the very least, so be prepared for this and have some additional funds set aside in case the process costs more than anticipated.
Be prepared for extra costs along the way
Unfortunately, there are almost always unexpected costs associated with combining two apartments into one, just as there are with any major renovation in fact, and it pays to be ready for them when they arise. Also, it’s worth remembering that any changes you make to the renovation mid-way through the project, could add a minimum of 5% to your total spend.
If you’ve got the budget, patience and imagination, you could create a wonderfully spacious and luxurious apartment from two smaller ones, and provided you choose a general contractor who’s experienced with this type of project, it could all go swimmingly!