Before you start breaking tiles and moving walls, it’s smart to understand the building you live in. Every building has its limits and its rules, and ignoring them can cost you money later.
First, talk to your society or building management. Ask what kind of changes are allowed and what’s strictly not permitted. Some buildings don’t allow cutting certain walls, changing balcony grills, or shifting bathroom locations because of plumbing and structural risks. Better to know upfront than undo finished work.
Check the age and condition of the building. Older structures may have weaker slabs or sensitive areas where heavy materials or built-in furniture shouldn’t be added. If you’re planning to use heavy stone, large wardrobes or mezzanine storage, make sure it’s safe for your floor.
Plumbing lines and electrical risers also matter. Find out where the main pipes run, which walls carry wiring, and where common shafts are placed. This helps avoid drilling into important lines and saves you from future leaks or power problems.
Noise and timing rules are another big point. Many societies have fixed hours for noisy work like drilling. Check these before you finalise your contractor’s schedule, so work doesn’t keep stopping because of complaints.
Lastly, ask neighbours who have renovated recently. They can tell you which ideas worked in this building and which caused trouble. Their experience can save you from repeating the same mistakes.