As 2023 continues, many design experts have pointed out several renovation trends that are growing in popularity, and they can be applied to both houses and apartments. One of the greatest impacts has been the COVID-19 pandemic, and while it’s finally coming to an end, it has drastically changed how people work and use their living spaces. Material costs have also risen, and the housing market’s prices are higher than ever. Due to this, many predict that future apartment renovations will focus mainly on comfort and functionality, and more optional projects won’t be as big of a priority as before. If they are taken on, it will likely be alongside a necessary repair or replacement of another home appliance.

With this in mind, what are the most trending apartment renovations this year? Five are listed here.

1. Home Offices

Working at home is becoming the new normal for many jobs. So clearly, a growing renovation trend is making a functional office space. This can mean either building a whole new area of the apartment or upgrading an existing workspace to meet the job type’s standards. Not only is working from home more convenient for some people, but it allows them to work outside the standard 9-5 office hours that most traditional jobs provide. This can also help people like psychologists, therapists, teachers, and other jobs to work effectively online without spending extra on a commercial space for their business.

2. Outdoor Spaces

While some apartments don’t have much access to connecting outdoor spaces, that doesn’t mean there aren’t places to gather outside. As the weather begins to warm up again, many people will want to gather outside, so making outdoor renovations where you can is a good choice. Upgrading a deck, patio, or even a balcony can give it a new flare and create a stunning area where anyone would want to gather. If there’s space, investing in an outdoor kitchen or barbeque would work too. 

3. Energy Efficiency

With renovation and market prices rising, finding ways to save money is very important. Today there are many efficient and eco-friendly ways to do this. Some popular methods are installing insulation, switching to solar panels, adding energy-efficient appliances, and purchasing low-flush toilets. Other more recent additions include getting a smart thermostat, installing a humidistat in the bathroom or other areas where water is common, and updating windows and doors to produce passive solar heating from the light they let into the living space.

4. Bathroom and Kitchen Upgrades

Two spaces that are most used in any home are the kitchen and the bathroom. Therefore, it’s clear how these rooms will be given the highest priority renovations as appliances are replaced and updated to accommodate the home residents. Projects such as updating cabinets, replacing countertops, adding additional lights, exchanging faucets, and many other small apartment renovations can significantly revamp the functionality and appeal of the kitchen and bathroom. Some more popular additions include custom cabinets and other smaller, hidden storage features that can be used for many different tasks. Appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, closets, and other things seem to blend into the room, giving the feeling that everything has its own proper palace.

5. Accessory Apartments

Sometimes called a multi-dwelling residence or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), accessory apartments consist of a single house with an additional dwelling space that is used as a separate residence. This is not to be confused with duplexes or other similar buildings. Duplexes are considered two separate dwellings with separate addresses and mailboxes but only one owner of record. ADUs share the same address as the main residence but can be entered separately, and they do not have access to the primary residence. ADUs are becoming increasingly common with multigenerational families wishing to live in the same home, allowing them to have their own space while staying close to the rest of the family. The areas include separate kitchens, bathrooms, and other necessities that every resident needs to live comfortably.

Contact Mcmillian Contracting Services

Have an apartment design in mind and need help figuring out where to start? If you live in the San Diego area, Mcmillian Contracting Services is an excellent service to contact for any contracting project. Their fantastic contractors are ready to help turn your home into your dream property. Not only can they improve your property at a reasonable price, but they will do it safely without cutting corners anywhere. Whether remodeling a kitchen or an exterior, Mcmillian is the place to turn.

During the uncertain time when COVID-19, everyone was confined to their homes instead of venturing outside. So homes became the central place where everything had to be done: school, work, dining, and other activities and tasks. This can be chaotic for people in apartments since most aren’t not designed for multitasking. However, it is possible to create a room for multiple purposes and still be a space everyone in the family can use and enjoy.

Creating Zones

One of the greatest challenges when creating a multi-purpose room is creating a balanced design no matter what angle you are looking from in the home. Furniture must work on all sides of the space, not just from one. If one furniture piece runs from one room into another, does the design work in both rooms, or does it only favor one? If it is only one, selecting a different piece is recommended. Rugs and carpets can also help create different zones, as each rug collaborates with all the furniture and assists in bringing everything together. A select item can also be used as the centerpiece for each zoned area to draw eyes to as well.

Blur the Lines

It is not just the indoors where multifunctional spaces can be created. A new, rapidly growing trend is creating hybrid spaces where the indoors and outdoors blur together. This has become especially popular in areas in warmer climates. For example, a bottom-floor apartment with a courtyard can double as a dining area with the best tables and cushioning. In an apartment renovation, taking out unnecessary walls and barriers can also open up the space. Partial walls can be utilized too. 

However, it is best to use smaller furniture pieces and decor rather than large ones when combining larger areas like an indoor and outdoor living room and courtyard. Using too many large pieces can divide the area further, creating a makeshift barrier in the middle of the space and making everything look clunky and claustrophobic, which can happen easily in small apartments. Using multiple smaller pieces can tie the entire room together as the eyes are drawn to take in all the small details that the smaller furniture can create.

Use Multi-Use Pieces

Some furniture pieces are designed explicitly for multifunctional rooms and purposes, like a dining table used for mealtimes and as a workspace for a remote job. Storage and cabinets can also store dishes and cutlery, as well as work folders and other office supplies. Simply moving furniture to a new location can completely transform a space too. Bringing in more natural light from the outside can bring more unity into the indoor space, providing a great transition into the outdoors. Investing in such changes in an apartment renovation can easily transform the entire living space.

Think About Storage

Everyone loves having plenty of space to put everything they need and have room for a little more. Storage is a must for any multifunctional space. If there is clutter lying around, the room can quickly go from open and conjoining to small and compact. Some furniture can function as additional storage while still keeping the aesthetically pleasing design of the rest of the room and space. Side tables, desks, and other similar furniture pieces can fulfill this dual purpose.

Make Room For Entertainment

While having a place for work and other practical purposes is well and good, the main point of investing in such a space is creating a space people want to gather. Your apartment renovation doesn’t need to include an elaborate dining table to entertain guests. Making the room more casual and welcoming would be a better choice. Adding soft rugs and comfy cushions is sure to draw people in. You can also add a sound system or a bar area, perfect for parties and other gatherings. Creating a cozy corner for comfortable reading by a fireplace during a cold evening is also enticing for many. 

Contact Mcmillian Contracting Services

Have a home design in mind and do not know where to start? Hiring a general contractor is the best option to ensure your property gets the best renovation and that it will last. If you are living in the San Diego area, Mcmillian Contracting Services is an excellent service to contact for any contracting project. Their fantastic contractors are ready to help turn your home into your dream property. Not only can they improve your property at a reasonable price, but they will do it safely without cutting corners anywhere. Whether remodeling a kitchen or an exterior, Mcmillian is the place to turn.

Strategies for Remodeling Your Apartment

Are you looking to do a remodel or apartment renovation? There are so many options, and factors which go into a remodel, and here at McMillin Contracting Services, we want to assist you in identifying the best strategies to create your dream remodeling project. Here are some of our recommendations in receiving a remodel which is exactly what you envisioned.

Build a Plan

Plans are essential for any major project, and can be crucial in your remodel. Apartment renovation requires a plan and vision for you to be happy with the results. What are the changes which you want to be made, how much are you willing to spend, what time will you allot for this remodel, and what style are you looking for? By asking yourself these questions and inputting them into a written plan, you are able to contribute much more in meeting your initial vision which inspired the remodel. 

Focus on the Details

Most property owners want every single detail of their home to be right, and so it is important to look at those details and make sure that it is all important and correct to you. McMillin receives lots of clients in the San Marcos area for example. Many of these apartment renovations in San Marcos require specific details on location, extent of the apartment renovation, and what details need to be adjusted. Sometimes people want to start off by renovating everything, but it is far more useful to focus on one detail at a time so that you can determine an end goal for each space in the apartment and knock them out one by one.

Determine your Budget

It is obvious that budgets are crucial in an apartment renovation. How much are you willing to spend? A strategy you can use is deciding what you will commit to your remodel before you begin. This will lead you to not bend your budget or go beyond your means when you start considering which materials, colors, and other expenses are required for your project.

Find the Shortcuts

There are many methods and strategies which can make your remodel do more for you than you originally expected. Some of these strategies include using paint to bring out the natural lighting in your apartment, putting a mirror into your remodel to make the room look bigger, or by changing the color, style, or trim of a door, as it is the first impression a room has on someone. There are different stylistic shortcuts which you can use to elevate a simple change to make magic happen in your apartment. 

Wonderful Windows

An apartment renovation in San Marcos and other nearby areas can be elevated through these shortcuts involving the windows. Windows are a natural tool in the area which can be utilized to take advantage of the famous California sunshine, and sometimes just need to be changed or brought out more. Windows are rare in an apartment, and so they should be featured more prominently in order to bring out the benefits they bring.

Care about Capacity

Another strategy in your dream remodeling project and apartment renovation is to think about the capacity of your space. Many apartments serve small families, and prevent the residents in being able to host events and gatherings. Does this apply to you? Think about a remodel you can do which can lead to more space. Where could more sitting spaces would be? How would it lead to the kitchen or bathroom, two rooms often involved in events. An apartment’s max capacity can definitely be increased through the use of a remodel, so strategize with that in mind.

Do it for the Decor

Decorations give apartments personality and provide the feeling and energy inside your living space. Many property owners have different pieces of decoration, furniture, paintings, clocks, lamps, or other items which are very valuable and hold a special place within a family. These items are sometimes so special that the space requires a remodel just in order to better fit and display these special items. A small remodeling project could be just what you need to better display that painting you have been wanting to hang up, or to put more focus on the family photo which you absolutely love.

Floors are the Foundation

Floors are physically and symbolically the foundation of your apartment. While you may look over your floor most of the time, it is often the first aspect of your apartment that people notice. In your apartment renovation, think about what sort of foundation your floor sets for the rest of the apartment. Is it tile, wooden, carpet, or something else? What does that do for your apartment, and should your floor require an apartment renovation? Remodeling the floor of a main room, kitchen, or bathroom can completely change the look and feel of the room, because it truly is the foundation.

We all have dreams and aspirations about our dream houses or apartments. When it comes to apartment renovation, is very different compared to home renovation but can be equally challenging.

Are you interested in remodeling apartment units? Or do you own apartment buildings or newly bought apartments that need some work? Perhaps you wish to increase the value of the apartment complex, or your current rental property needs some remodeling work in-between tenants.

Apartment renovations are performed for many reasons, but one of the most important factors to consider is cost. Here are some apartment renovation ideas to help you get the most for your money if you’re working with a limited budget.

Also Read – 6 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor

Let’s look at some points to consider before renovating an apartment:

1. Scale and Size

One of the points before considering a renovation project is the scale and size of the entire project. Start separating and planning areas that you would like to renovate first. Tackle the smaller projects first. For big projects like plumbing, kitchen, and wiring, hire a general contractor for the job. Determining the overall project scale will make a quick and efficient renovation.

2. Financial Resources

One factor before starting any renovation project is the budget. You should carefully organize and plan your renovations according to your financial situation. Creating a budget and expense list will help cut down unwanted costs. Avoid undertaking numerous large-scale initiatives at once; instead, combine them with smaller projects for the best results. Focus on aesthetics while taking care of areas like painting, electrical, and plumbing. Try to complete minor projects beforehand, and get professional help for other remodeling projects.

3. Stick to Budget

Once you have a broad idea of what you want to do with the apartment, look into any financial matters. To save money on smaller projects, it is advisable to have a professional do the apartment remodeling tasks, including painting walls, installing little shelves or cabinets, renovating bedrooms or bathrooms, and more. The experts can also undertake demo work, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. Remember to seek an estimate from a company before renovating flats to keep within your budget.

4. Planning and Timelines

Another factor before starting any apartment renovation is organization and timelines. Renovations can seem fun and exciting, but without proper planning, they can become intimidating. It is advisable to create a planning sheet and stick to timelines. There are factors like weather, budget, and more things to consider before starting a renovation project. Plan your renovation meticulously and keep realistic timelines.

5. Licenses and Health Precautions

Renovation projects often need various licenses and permissions from your local county. Depending on the kind of projects you are considering, read about the permits and apply for them accordingly. In such cases, hiring a general contractor is beneficial as they have all the required licenses and in-depth knowledge. Another factor to keep in mind is your health and safety. Renovation and construction projects generate a lot of dust and debris, so ensure you have the right equipment and dispose of the construction materials. Ensure the safety of your surroundings as well. Hiring professionals for large junk removal is both time and cost-efficient.

6. Hiring a Professional

Apartment renovation may not be for everyone. Thus, hiring a professional is the best choice. Research and find the best professionals in your area who fit your needs and budget. General contractors are the way to go for most renovation needs. You can hire professionals who specialize in various construction areas. Hiring a professional is both time and cost-efficient in the long run. 

Also Read – 5 Benefits to Hire General Contractor for Balcony Repair

Choose McMillin Contracting Services

Are you preparing to undertake a San Diego apartment remodeling project and need some assistance? If you are a management company or a property owner looking to renovate apartments in San Diego for a multifamily apartment remodel project, you can contact McMillin Contracting Service.

McMillin Contracting Service is a San Diego-based general contracting company dedicated to assisting and supporting the property management industry.