From Concept to Construction ™

Guide to Remodeling Your Condo

October 24, 2024

A condo remodel differs from a stand-alone home renovation in that there are shared spaces in a condo that must be considered as part of the renovation, as well as numerous very close neighbors who are likely to have an opinion on any work you wish to conduct. You will also have to follow the norms of your own complex and the legislation that applies to renovating condos in your jurisdiction, which has its own set of obstacles. This post aims to walk you through some of the most essential items to consider before starting a restoration project in your condo. Understand the rules in your area. Before proceeding, you should learn about the procedures that your body has established for your apartment complex regarding renovation clearances. An excellent place to start is by reviewing the strata By-Laws, which often contain specific instructions on what is authorized to ensure the comfort and safety of all tenants within the apartment complex. The By-laws that you need to consider include: What you can and cannot do, such as modifying the windows, what flooring you can use (for example, wood floating floors are frequently not permitted due to noise transfer), and so on. Hours your craftsmen and technicians will be able to work. What you need to do to protect common areas throughout the remodeling (e.g., cover lifts and standard floors with protective material) Which materials you can use Installation of satellite television or air conditioning devices. What alterations are and are not allowed Whether you’re authorized to make any structural changes, and if so, how to do so. The By-Laws aim to establish the regulations under which everyone in the apartment complex functions in terms of what they can and cannot do to their units and their behavior within the complex. The By-Laws protect each owner in the apartment complex while ensuring all inhabitants’ privacy and safety. The By-Laws also outline what can and cannot be done to the common property, such as windows. Once you’ve determined what you can and cannot do within your condo complex, the following step is to create your design and scope of work and present it for approval. Your corporate body will likely require a combination of the following to examine your remodeling application: Plans and/or a design of modifications, typically drawn up by a designer or draftsman (for significant works) A structural engineer can provide advice and drawings for any structural work you want. A thorough scope of work. Projected timelines for your project A timetable of fittings and finishes, particularly any changes to fixed floor coverings. It is critical to be well-prepared when presenting all of the above to your Body Corporate, as it may take some time for your demands to be discussed and a decision made. Do cosmetic changes that are within the rules Cosmetic improvements to your unit can sometimes be performed without formal approval. Still, verifying the By-Laws for your specific condo complex is always a good idea. Before completely renovating your condo, evaluate whether you can fulfill many of your goals with relatively simple updates. Without a doubt, a […]

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Condo Remodeling Best Practises

May 28, 2023

Are you thinking about remodeling your condo? Here are valuable tips that will serve you right. Understand the space you have to work with You are considering doing a condo remodel because the size of your physical space has limitations you don’t like. The area might be too small, or you might not like its appearance. When you start a redesign, the items in the house can alter your perception of the space. You don’t have to clear them to measure the room, but it will assist. In any case, this minor action will be worth your time. The measurements of the room you are looking to renovate are an excellent place to start drawing a picture that will guide future planning. These essential dimensions should stay the same unless you begin removing barriers and expanding or altering the area. Relying too heavily on a single copy to remain intact throughout your project may result in time-consuming erasing and redrawing. So make multiple copies of the condo and the changes you want. The parameters will act as constant reference points during your renovation. Furthermore, always measure the furniture you intend to maintain and purchase. This includes anything from set pieces like sofas to side tables. Knowing the exact specifications of major objects might save time if your redesign requires a lot of rearrangement. Think about functionality As much as you want to improve your house’s look, you should consider its functionality. The adage “form follows function” really applies to most remodeling projects. Before you start the remodel, be honest about what you want your room to be to help define its function. Some of the functionalities you can go with include: Intimate setting for hosting guests Enough space for large gatherings. Your television room A decorated but appealing corridor leading to additional rooms It is critical to decide early in the planning process so that you may begin to design your perfect layout, furniture configurations, and decorations. If you want more room to lounge with your guests or close visitors, you could remodel your condo to arrange the seats so that everyone faces each other and set up a table where everyone can readily get refreshments. If you work from home and you are looking for more space that you can work with, begin your renovation designs by focusing on the greatest location for your work-from-home arrangement, then organize the lighting, seats, and so on. Pay attention to the colors. Color is a powerful tool for setting the tone of a room. Certain hues are relaxing or soothing, while others might stimulate activity. Variety also affects feelings, so don’t place too much emphasis on the hue of your walls. Sure, it’s vital, but think carefully about the color of everything in your condo. In general, begin with a color palette of two to four hues. Consider how much visual space the things in your condo will take up as you choose. You may begin with the walls, rugs, and furniture. The reason for this is that the color scheme of these larger items will have a corresponding impact on the […]

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