Housing layouts in modern high-rise buildings are generally either meticulously planned from the initial design stage of the entire building or handed over by the developer for individual customization at the discretion of the residents. Nevertheless, the need for remodeling arises due to a variety of reasons, including family expansion, changes in the purpose of rooms, the desire to increase living space, inefficient (outdated) standard layouts from previous decades, and so on. There are many reasons, but the process for addressing this issue involves a set of common mandatory steps.
Step 1: Drafting the plan for the renovated apartment.
The excitement and inspiration that come with envisioning the perfect future space for your own apartment often fade under the pressure of consolidating all those ideas into a coherent plan. If you’re not a professional builder, it’s wise to consider the services of a design and construction company that can draft a plan for the upcoming work, adhering to all legal regulations and safety standards. Removing a couple of walls and overhead storage units on your own might seem straightforward. However, no one can guarantee that such alterations to the structure of a multi-story building (even within a single apartment) won’t compromise the integrity of the entire building, putting your neighbors’ property and lives at risk. For instance, you must never disrupt the ventilation system or demolish exterior walls (such as when combining a balcony with a room). Dismantling walls within an apartment requires a clear understanding of whether those walls are load-bearing in the building’s overall structure. Erecting new walls or relocating rooms connected to water supply or sewage systems will necessitate modifications to these utilities, again considering the layout of the entire building.
Step 2: Project Approval
According to the amendments in Estonian legislation from July 2015, if the renovation of your apartment only affects internal partitions (which are not load-bearing walls), involves the removal of built-in furniture, or the replacement of equipment without changing its location within the apartment, then no approvals or permits are needed, and it is legally considered as ordinary maintenance. However, if your renovation project involves the demolition or replacement of load-bearing walls or the building’s facade (such as connecting a room with a balcony), then obtaining a permit requires a written notification to the planning department, including the date when the work will begin and the submission of a renovation plan (project).
Step 3: Executing the Project Redesign
The key point to emphasize in this section is that no deviations or changes to the agreed-upon project are possible, or they will incur additional time and financial costs. You can carry out the actual remodeling work either on your own or by contracting a renovation team. Focus on the careful selection of construction and finishing materials: do not skimp on items that will enhance the internal comfort of your home and last for several years without needing replacement or repair. Adhere to a strict schedule for the work — respect your neighbors’ right to well-deserved rest after work and on weekends. Do not forget to promptly remove construction debris from the residential area, and do not turn the stairwell into a dumping ground.
Renovating an apartment is a highly demanding and responsible task. It requires not only financial investment but also your personal commitment to making the right, accompanying decisions.
