In short. Bought a 1500 sq ft, duplex apartment. It’s in a bad state internally, but no structural problems. It definitely has the potential to be turned into a penthouse style apartment.
I’ve found good builders – been shown around their completed projects, I liked the quality, they come recommended by a friend.
There aren’t any structural works to be done, just knocking down some stud walls, other than that new kitchen, bathrooms, floors, repainting, in-ceiling recessed lighting, etc.
I’ll be spending around £70k on this refurb, the flat isn’t super central so we paid £800k for it - crazy amount I know, but 1500 sq ft in London near Tube stations is rarely found on this budget. My dream is to accomplish the sort of “Canary Wharf penthouse”, modern look in it that is normally found in £2mln properties. Floating stairs, artwork on walls, hotel-style bathrooms. I’ve seen quotes of £100k for such work but our builder says it can be done for £70k.
Should I hire a designer or architect? If so where do I get them from? Are there websites with reviews/ratings/testimonials? I was recommended a “sensibly priced designer” who would cost about £7k, but her portfolio hardly impressed me, her projects looked like regular neat flats with Ikea furniture. I have a good sense of aesthetics and I’m pretty sure I could achieve a “normal”, neat look without a designer. It’s that wow factor that I think I may need professional help for. For example, the flat has double-height ceiling in half the living room, then really low ceiling in the other half, so I’d need to accentuate the former and draw attention away from the latter somehow. It’s these sort of problems that I’d need help with.
The builder says we can work out the design between two of us but I’m sceptical. What do you think?