Apartment bathrooms might seem hemmed in by space and limitations, but decorating options are endless. If you want to spruce up your bathroom without wrecking your budget or violating your lease, try adding peel-and-stick contact paper for an instant upgrade.
Prior to starting a renovation project, review your condo or co-op board’s alteration agreement for rules, regulations and approval processes. It’s important to work within governing building laws, insurance requirements and noise restrictions.
Plumbing
The plumbing is an essential element of a bathroom renovation. If you have any existing water issues that need to be addressed, these can be fixed before the remodel begins. If you need to add a new fixture, such as a toilet or shower, check with your condo or co-op board about their rules and regulations.
For more extensive renovations, such as moving or rerouting plumbing lines, it may be safer and easier to temporarily move out of the apartment during construction. This is especially true for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies who can be sensitive to the dust and noise of construction.
Electrical
In many apartment buildings, it can be hard to move plumbing around. If you want to add a washer and dryer you will need to make sure your building’s alteration agreement allows for it as well as new drains, water hookups, 50A electrical circuit, and an exhaust vent.
It’s a good idea to map out where you want the switches before your contractor begins work so they can plan the wiring accordingly. Your electrician will also be able to explain the power capacity of your bathroom so you can avoid adding too many appliances that could overload the circuits and cause a fire during your renovation.
Lighting
The right lighting can brighten a bathroom and make it feel inviting. Install recessed ceiling lights for ambient lighting, and consider adding a decorative chandelier on a dimmer switch to create romantic mood lighting.
Heated towel racks add convenience and are a big hit with renters. They are also a great selling point for future buyers in resale properties, especially in NYC.
Check with your condo, co-op board, or building management to see what’s permitted. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the rules before you start work on your apartment bathroom remodel. This will help you plan for the duration of your renovation and minimize disruptions to other livable spaces in your home.
Floors
Flooring services can be a significant part of any bathroom renovation. Typically, the floor is laid first and this can give easier access to plumbing and subflooring.
If you’re a Sweeten homeowner, you may want to consider adding a ventless washer and dryer into your apartment. While this may require additional approval from your building’s board, it can add value to your home and can be a great space-saver in a smaller NYC apartment.
Tile is a popular choice for bathrooms and your design build team can lay them in a variety of patterns, colors, and textures. Other options include concrete, which can be stained to match your bathroom — or buffed for a sleeker aesthetic.
Walls
One of the most affordable ways to transform your bathroom is to repaint it. If you are renting, check with your landlord first to make sure it’s okay- some landlords are fine as long as you paint back the original color before moving out, and others have an absolute no-painting rule.
If you are planning on staying in your apartment for a while, consider adding radiant floors and a heated towel rack. Those are easy upgrades that will add value and appeal to future buyers.
Remember to always work with a licensed, insured and certified professional to ensure all work is up to code. In most cases, a permit will be required for any significant changes to bathrooms.
Storage
When it comes to apartment bathroom renovation, a remodeled bathroom can be a real selling point to potential buyers. It can even increase your apartment’s value by a few thousand dollars.
Be sure to check with your Condo or Co-Op Board about if adding a bathroom is permitted in your building. If it is, your Sweeten contractor will apply for the necessary permits and help you navigate any building board approvals.
If the bathroom is the only livable space in your apartment, consider alternative living arrangements during the renovation. If possible, work with your renovation team to create a barrier between the construction site and livable spaces, to minimize dust and noise infiltration.
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