Principal Architect Shares How To Renovate Your Property Without Making Expensive Mistakes – Lenka Ilic and Lily Patrascu

Renovating a property can increase its value—but poor planning, the wrong contractor, unexpected costs, and permission problems can turn a profitable project into an expensive nightmare.
Lenka Ilic, principal architect specializing in New York City apartment renovations, helps property owners and investors navigate design, budgets, building regulations, contractors, permits, timelines, and construction risks.
Lenka explains why one of the biggest mistakes owners make is hiring a contractor before consulting an architect, especially when changing layouts, adding bathrooms, relocating kitchens, or making other structural or regulated changes.
Tune in to discover how to plan your renovation properly, protect your budget, reduce costly surprises, and make smarter decisions before construction begins.
🏗️ Learn why Lenka recommends speaking with an architect before hiring a contractor.
💰 Discover how to reduce unexpected change orders and budget overruns.
📅 Learn how clear contracts can protect renovation timelines.
🏢 Understand why building rules, permits, and alteration agreements should be checked before buying or renovating.
📈 Discover which renovations may add the most value, including additional bedrooms, improved layouts, kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices.

About the guest:

Lenka Ilic is a New York State registered architect, entrepreneur, and founder of Lenka Ilic Architecture D.P.C., a full-service architectural firm specializing in apartment renovations, interior design, and construction oversight in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Holding a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, Lenka has extensive experience working on projects ranging from residential renovations and building conversions to major infrastructure developments and U.S. Embassies. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with prestigious engineering firms and contributed to projects involving the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Transportation. Her creative work has also been exhibited at MoMA PS1 and the Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York City.
As the founder of Apartment Renovation NYC, Lenka helps property owners transform their homes while avoiding expensive renovation mistakes, unreliable contractors, unexpected costs, and construction delays. Her expertise includes architectural planning, interior design, contractor selection, building permits, construction administration, and regulatory compliance. As a registered architect and Technical Director of a New York City registered Special Inspection Agency, she advocates for transparency, professional accountability, and protecting property owners throughout the renovation process. Passionate about educating homeowners, Lenka empowers property investors and apartment owners to make informed decisions, protect their investments, and create beautiful, functional living spaces while maintaining control over renovation budgets and project timelines.

For More Info About Lenka Ilic, visit:

00:00 Introduction – How to Renovate Your Property Without Making Expensive Mistakes
00:51 Why You Should Hire an Architect Before a Contractor
16:01 Renovation Delays, Timelines, Contracts & Change Orders
23:45 Planning Permission, Building Codes & What You’re Allowed to Renovate
31:01 Avoiding Overspending, Hidden Costs & Unexpected Renovation Problems
35:43 Renovation Case Studies & Choosing the Right Contractor
42:19 Which Renovations Give Property Owners the Best Return on Investment
44:21 Where to Connect With Lenka Ilic

About The Host

Lily Patrascu is an ultra-creative book publisher and personal brand strategist for thought leaders, CEOs, luxury influencers. As an influencer, bestselling author, copywriter, global speaker, she supports busy entrepreneurs to find their message and share it with millions of people.

Feel free to connect with me or find out more about my book publishing/influential entrepreneur events/speaking/ projects here: & www.lily.global I am launching a few collaborative books: on property wealth strategies, confidence, millionaire secrets, health tools, AI, and seeking influencers with large communities to promote their expertise with the books. I can help you write/ghostwrite and publish your books in 90 days. Message me (Lily) on +447557351222 to collaborate.

If you want to be featured on this podcast, and you’re a successful entrepreneur able to share about how you grew your company, book your spot here: www.lily.global/podcast –

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Welcome to the Property Wealth Strategies Podcast, hosted by Lily Patrascu! This podcast is your go-to resource for expert insights into the world of property investment, property management, and wealth-building strategies. Each episode features in-depth conversations with top industry professionals who share their expertise, success stories, and actionable tips to help you navigate the dynamic property market.