Your Renovation Roadmap: For Co-ops and Condos

The Apartments at City Center| Washington, DC

Renovation Road Map For Co-Ops and Condos

A renovation project can be a long and arduous journey fraught with plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and more than a few potholes. Over the years, we have traveled this road with numerous properties. Here are the key tips we have learned along the way, which we hope will help you avoid those potholes and have a smooth and satisfying renovation experience.

1

CREATE A CLEAR SCOPE

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At the onset of the project, it is vital to write a detailed and precise RFP (request for proposal) outlining the project scope and what your property hopes to accomplish through a renovation. Spending the time on this at the onset will save numerous headaches and costs throughout the project.

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A clear and comprehensive RFP not only ensures everyone on the property board is on the same page in terms of the renovation’s goals and priorities, but it also ensures you will receive consistent responses from designers and contractors - enabling you to compare apples to apples and make quicker, more informed decisions.

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If needed, consider working with a design consultant to help your property board create the RFP.

Modera Sedici | Washington, DC

After (Left), Before (Right)

2

DETERMINE THE BUDGET •

Renovations involve many hidden costs (demolition, permitting fees, hauling away debris or unneeded furniture, additional time for revisions, delivery fees for furniture, etc.) that boards are often either unaware of or do not factor into their budget. Having an unrealistic expectation of what the available renovation budget will allow is one of the most common issues we see boards experiencing.

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We advise investing in having a contractor and/or design consultant do a cost estimation exercise. The exercise will give you an accurate picture of what your ideal scope will actually cost. It is often a reality check for renovations, and the information will allow you to prioritize your scope in line with your budget.

Lakeside Apartments | Centreville, VA After (Left), Before (Right)

3

THINK LONG-TERM

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Avoid having a disjointed look by thinking long-term. A common issue we see is properties that have no clear visual identity due to renovations occurring at different times with different board decision-makers and different designers.

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Take the time to establish a long-term design signature or identity for your property. This design playbook can help guide future updates and result in a holistic and cohesive look throughout the building, regardless of when the renovation is undertaken. Along the same lines, be sure to select a designer who will embrace your goals for the property and be sensitive to any existing features/building architecture that you would like to incorporate into a new design.

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Work with your designer to establish the best phasing for your renovation, taking into account your functional and aesthetic priorities. They can help you identify which items/areas should be grouped for maximum efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and impact.

The Apartments at City Center | Washington, DC After (Left), Before (Right)

4

ESTABLISH AN INTERNAL PROCESS •

Create a clearly defined process for project decisions - who is involved in the discussion, when will these discussions take place, and who will be the final decision-maker(s). Then, as important, stick to that plan throughout the renovation. Make sure decision-makers are available to render decisions in a timely manner.

It’s up to all parties involved - the property board, the designer, and the contractor - to stay on schedule.

Everyone has a role to play that could help or hinder the process.

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Identify a primary internal POC (point of contact) to communicate those decisions to the designer and contractor. This POC will also be responsible for relaying other information between the board/residents and the designer and contractor. Having one primary contact streamlines the process and avoids confusion.

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Ensure the designer gives the board a clear and detailed plan of the entire process - deadlines, deliverables, project schedule, number of meetings, etc. Having a clear strategy at the beginning (and sticking to it) eliminates confusion and additional fees, and wasted time down the road.

Idylwood Towers| Falls Church, VA After (Left), Before (Right)

5

MANAGE RESIDENT EXPECTATIONS •

Decide at the onset the level of involvement residents will have in the process. Communicate this clearly and early. If applicable, give residents a project timeline noting their opportunities to provide feedback.

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Renovations do cause disruptions. Clarify and communicate honestly to residents where, when, and the level of disturbance during construction, any site surveys, or the furniture installation at the end of the project.

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Ask the designer and contractor to identify which renovation items will cause the most disruption to residents (for instance, anything that might require access to units or work in resident corridors). Plan the time for working on those spaces mindfully and communicate early with residents on what they can expect during the construction process.

Modera Sedici| Washington, DC After (Left), Before (Right)

6

THINK PARTNERSHIP •

Engage a designer with whom you feel comfortable and have confidence in their character. Renovations can be lengthy processes and, invariably, there will be unforeseen bumps in the road. You want a designer that has the experience and temperament to handle unexpected troubles and present solutions.

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A strong working relationship is vital to a successful renovation project. Establishing clear terms, understanding, and hierarchy at the beginning of the project creates the foundation for a healthy, strong working relationship.

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Have an open and honest relationship with your designer. You will work closely together for the length of the renovation (and potentially longer over multiple phased renovations). A good designer will be a partner to the property - available to answers questions and speak honestly.

Idylwood Towers | Falls Church, VA After (Left), Before (Right)

Top Row: Denizen | Middle Row: Avec on H | Bottom Row: Solaire 8250

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Drew Garfield | Business Relationship Manager drewg@srainteriodesign.com | 301.778.8777 www.srainteriordesign.com

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