Must Know Tips for Renovating Your Condo

renovating

Are you currently considering renovating your condo? Trying to figure out where to start? Renovating a condo is different than renovating a house. There are factors that can easily put your project on hold or sidetrack you from getting the job done quickly and efficiently.  Below are some simple tips to get your condo renovation started on the right foot.  

8 Tips To Help When Renovating Your Condo

1. Get approval from the Condo Management office before you start.  Older buildings are more likely to be accustomed to the process as they will have had more experience dealing with requests. Younger buildings are more likely to be a little more stringent.  In either case, it is advisable to make sure that you are able to provide as many pictures and plans for your renovations.  

2. If you’re buying a suite specifically to renovate, make sure you find out if there are any rules or regulations that would keep you from making the changes you want.  By making your offer conditional on the Status Certificate, you will get the time to go over a copy of the declaration and rules for the building. That document will include the rules the condominium board has set up regarding renovations.

3. Find out what you own and what is jointly owned. Commonly referred to as common elements.  Again this will be in the Status Certificate.   If you remove or alter something that doesn’t belong to you there is a good chance that the building will require you to replace it.

4. When making plans be aware that there are certain physical things within your unit that will restrict what you can do.  The ceiling may be cement which makes pot lighting a no go. Or the pipes may be located in the wall (which most likely classes them as common elements) so relocating your toilet or washing machine may be more difficult or not possible.

5. Find out what the condominium rules are in regards to how work is to be carried out.  For example; how long you can have a garbage bin on premises, hours that tradespeople can work, parking for tradespeople, elevator access and acceptable delivery times.

6. Take your time and select a qualified contractor.  This is key in any type of renovation.  With condominium renovations you may actually find that some contractors won’t consider doing the job.  It’s advisable to find one that has experience in this area. One that is accustomed to dealing with condominium corporations and management companies.  

7. Make sure you order all of the products and supplies that you need to complete your project.  Don’t wait until a week before the cabinets are to be installed to order them! You”ll need to make sure that you have enough time to arrange for access to the elevator and loading areas.

8.  Send your neighbours a hand written note!  Renovations can certainly interrupt your neighbours peace. So be aware of this and send them a note ahead of time thanking them for being understanding and apologizing for the inconvenience.

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