When assessing an apartment at Edifício Escócia, I look first at the floor plan. Finishes can change; proportions, daylight and the arrangement of rooms are the foundation of a thoughtful renovation.
This care forms part of Acervo Exclusivo's approach to São Paulo property: seeing the home as it is today and how it could adapt to its future residents' lives.
What to observe before renovating
Related reading: Living in Vila Nova Conceição; Buying an apartment near Parque Ibirapuera: a practical guide; Floor plans that age well: what to consider when choosing an apartment; Architecture that stands the test of time.
I like to imagine the rooms without furniture. Is the living room well proportioned? Do the shared areas protect the bedrooms' privacy? Does the kitchen connect well with the spaces for spending time together? Do the windows bring light deep into the rooms?
These answers help distinguish dated decoration from architecture that remains appealing. A finished apartment does not always provide the best foundation for a personal project.
Updating without erasing the architecture
A renovation can improve circulation, rethink lighting and update surfaces and fitted cabinetry. It can also preserve original materials, dimensions and solutions that give a property its identity.
Opening up rooms and changing the layout must respect the structure, building services and condominium rules. Qualified professionals should assess the project before any work begins.
At Edifício Escócia, what interests me is that opportunity to interpret the space: to understand what deserves to remain and what can support a new routine.
Is it worth buying an apartment to renovate?
That depends on the quality of the floor plan, the budget, the timescale and the buyer's needs. A sound architectural foundation may make a more personal home possible, but the decision requires an assessment of the specific unit and the feasibility of the work.
Before asking how much needs to change, I prefer to understand what that floor plan allows us to create. Speak with Gabi to discover Acervo Exclusivo's approach to selecting homes.
An English edition of original Acervo Exclusivo content. Read the Portuguese original.