Renovating your condominium can be very different compared to renovating a home. There are limitations and strategies you might not encounter in a home renovation. It helps to have an experienced contractor work on the home, but it all comes down to the expectations and planning of the work.
Know the Rules of the Condo Association
Before you can start the planning process, you have to understand the rules of the condominium association. They will have policies in place like when your contractor is allowed to work in the unit. They’ll be barred from working after a certain hour and might not be allowed to work on the weekends.
Renovating for Resale or Rental?
The renovations for a resale, a rental or yourself can look like three different things. You don’t want to put high-end finishes into a unit that you’ll be renting out to a tenant. The unit should be serviceable but not fancy. For resale, you’ll want features that will attract buyers. This will mainly be focused on the kitchen.
Understand the Project Limitations
Whether you’re renovating for yourself or a renter, there might be things you can’t do based on the limits of the space itself. In a home, you can expand or move items that don’t fit with the plan. That might not be possible with a condominium where there could be posts or structural elements that can’t be moved.
When the Fixtures Can’t be Moved
This can be true in the bathroom or kitchen where plumbing can’t be moved because it’ll impact other units. In these areas, you’ll need to be creative to get the look you want. Instead of moving a shower, pick a glass shower that will make the space feel larger.
Adding Lighting in the Space
It can be tough to move the lighting but not impossible. Many condominiums have cement ceilings as a firewall between the units, which can make it tough to add overhead lighting. You can consider a drop ceiling in the space to introduce beautiful lighting to the design.
Addition Instead of Demolition
You can certainly demolish the entire space. On the other hand, it might be helpful to consider what can be added to the condominium instead. Details like crown molding and chair rails can add texture without spending a ton of money. This is a great way to change the space for a rental without spending a ton of money.
Build Flexibility into Your Plans
You might be determined to have certain elements in your design, but they might not be realistic. It’s important to be flexible when it comes to condominium design. There are too many limitations like the condo rules that might destroy your plan.
Don’t be Afraid of Color
If you’re keeping the unit for yourself, don’t be afraid to add the colors that you love. You can worry about resale choices later when you’re ready to sell.
Hire a Designer Familiar with Condo Renovations
It can be tough for you to keep up with all the rules and design problems that can come up with a condominium design. A professional designer with experience in condos will know how to navigate the process.
Move while Renovating
If possible, don’t stay in the unit while you’re renovating it. Move to a hotel or stay with a friend during the worst parts of the renovation to keep your sanity.
It can be stressful to renovate a condominium unless you have a plan and work with the professionals at Alair Homes Lawrence Park Toronto who have experience with this kind of renovation.