Guide to Remodeling Your Condo
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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Renovate or Remodel: What’s The Difference?
A home remodel needs some tedious planning. For one, you need to consider your budget for the project. In addition, you need to plan for other things that will be affected by the renovation. This includes: Relocating your furniture and appliances Waste disposal and safety plan Checking the water lines and electrical lines that can possibly be affected Temporary shelter for your family in case the entire house will be renovated Before implementing the remodeling project, you should consult a reliable home addition builder first. Home addition companies should offer affordable home additions and other services for their clients. The company should also have good feedback from previous customers. That way, you can ensure that the remodeling project will be in good hands. Home renovation vs. home remodeling Home renovation and home remodeling are often interchanged. After all, they sound as if they are pertaining to the same thing. For one thing, they both refer to making improvements in an existing home, apartment, or any property. However, they slightly vary on some factors. On one hand, renovation refers to the repair of a damaged property into a better state. However, it depends on the extent of the repair needed. If it only needs a minor repair, it’s considered a renovation. But if it needs a major overhaul which can totally change its original look, it’s already considered remodeling. Speaking of remodeling, it refers to changing or transforming the form of a certain thing. When you are planning to remodel – say, your kitchen – it means the look will totally change and will look different once the project is done. Distinguishing the difference between the two is crucial. You need to communicate with the builder about what you want to do to your property. When you say you want to renovate your home, it means making repairs but not necessarily changing it into a different and unrecognizable one. For your home remodeling requirements, you should find the best home remodeling architects near your area. Preparing your home for remodeling One of the things you need to consider when planning remodeling or renovation is the timing. Experts suggest implementing the home makeover during the summer season. Here are some things you need to do in preparation for the home renovation or remodel project: Ensure clear and constant communication with the contractor or home additions builder especially before and during the project. Create a detailed timeline. It should include the estimated date and time of the renovation project. Instruct children and other family members to keep away from the construction area. Relocate your furniture, appliances, and other home décor elsewhere away from the construction area. Plan on keeping dust and debris from flying throughout your home. Things to consider before remodeling your home The thought of renovating or remodeling your home can make you feel giddy. It can be an exciting milestone as a homeowner. However, make sure to follow these reminders before deciding to overhaul your home. Ask yourself what you really want. It’s easy to say that you want to renovate your bathroom. But what part of the bathroom? Do […]
Read moreThe Do’s and Don’ts of Bathroom Remodeling
If you’re considering undergoing a bathroom remodel near McLean, VA, you should talk to an interior designer about the best bathroom remodel ideas for your space. A bathroom renovation should make your bathroom more functional, beautiful, and modern. Here is a look at some of the key do’s and don’ts of bathroom renovations. Do: Create a Working Budget Before you even begin your bathroom renovations, you should create a working home improvement budget. To determine your general bathroom remodel budget, you must first thoroughly and honestly evaluate your finances to find out how much you can afford to devote to the project over the next few months. Next, consider how much longer you plan on living in your home. If it is less than five years, your bathroom remodel is a home improvement on investment. Find out how much your bathroom renovations will increase your home’s resale value, and then compare that figure to the prices of other homes in your neighborhood. You don’t want to over-improve your home’s design. Do: Consult with Professionals While homeowners can complete some simple home improvements successfully, there are many elements of a bathroom remodel that are best left to professionals. You should consult with an interior designer, contractor, home builder, or bathroom renovation expert to ensure that your remodel is completed safely, efficiently, and successfully. If you attempt a renovation on your own and make a mistake, you will end up spending more money correcting it than you would have if you had hired a professional in the first place. Don’t: Ignore Your Overall Home Design Your bathroom remodel should fit seamlessly within your home’s overall interior design. Don’t opt for costly bathroom remodel ideas that are dramatically different from the aesthetics of the rest of your home. This will make your home much harder to sell in the future. Instead, focus on key home improvements that will improve your bathroom’s functionality, storage, safety, and comfort. Any bathroom design elements you choose should complement your existing home design.
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