If you're keen on giving your kitchen or bedroom a makeover, or if you're contemplating a complete overhaul of your condo, starting on a renovation project can be simultaneously thrilling and overwhelming. Yet, with a proper strategy and meticulous care, it can turn out to be immensely satisfying.
Through years of experience in the real estate industry, I've honed my organizational skills and gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with renovating condominiums.
Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to successful condo remodeling and empower you to transform your space with confidence.
1. Know the Condo Board Rules
Before you get started, check with your condo board for any rules or regulations that could impact your condo renovation ideas. Condo boards often have restrictions on work hours, materials, or even types of renovations allowed.
Make sure to get the necessary permits and approvals before beginning your project to avoid costly delays and conflicts.
A quick conversation with a board member or condo building manager can save you headaches later.
2. Tailor Your Renovation to Its Purpose
Are you renovating for your own comfort or to increase the value of your condo for resale?
If it’s for your personal use, focus on comfort and style—perhaps upgrading the kitchen for better functionality or creating a cozy home office space.
But if you’re planning to sell or rent, prioritize upgrades that will add the most value, such as modernizing the condo bathroom, upgrading appliances, or enhancing the curb appeal of your space.
3. Figure out Your Limits
In real estate, it is important that you know what your project limitations are. Essentially, you have to be realistic about the design plans - not all of them will be able to come to fruition. There may be some distinct design and architectural structure plans, which are too hard to make into a reality. You can hire an outside consultant to ensure that you are not expecting something that is impossible to achieve.
4. Don’t Move Fixtures Unless Necessary
One of the most expensive aspects of any renovation is moving fixtures—especially plumbing or electrical. Instead of relocating your kitchen sink or bathroom toilet, focus on updating the finishes.
For instance, replacing cabinetry, countertops, or faucets can make a big impact without the hefty price tag of rearranging your layout.
5. Work with the Ceiling Constraints
Most of the condos come with a cement ceiling, so there are fewer chances of drilling into them for additional lighting fixtures. There are mostly overhead installations of the light switches and other ceiling-related changes. This also includes the rerouting of the ventilation or even for using a new hood fan.
Depending on the type of fixture that you want, you will need a six to twelve-inch drop. There will be a noticeable change of the ceiling height at that particular spot, but you can definitely manage it by implementing some unique design features.
6. Focus on Building Up, Not Tearing Down
Some condos include richly detailed moldings that give off a sense of elegance and traditional richness. Some are very modern and built to be simple, efficient, and budget-friendly.
Whatever the case, in order to get that kind of a look, you don’t have to really focus on breaking things down. The best way to enhance open space is usually by focusing on the process of building things up.
For example, if you want to change your metal door, you don’t have to tear it down. Instead, you can think of a backband that could readily go with it.
Adding a frame layer on top of the door may be a minor change, but it will definitely create a feeling of luxury nonetheless.
7. Try to Stay Flexible
Things don’t always go as planned during a renovation. Be prepared to adjust your vision if unexpected issues arise.
Whether it’s a design element that doesn’t work out or a delay in material delivery, staying flexible and open to alternative solutions will help you stay on track without unnecessary stress.
Prioritize the essentials and be willing to compromise on less important aspects.
8. Don’t Shy Away from Painting
Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to breathe new life into your condo.
Whether you're creating a bold accent wall or sticking to neutral tones, the right paint can transform a space at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
Popular colors like muted greens, soft blues, or classic neutrals can make the space feel modern and inviting.
Or you can simply choose some of the interior designers’ favorite or most popular hues, such as dusty blue, muted green, and apple red [1].
Avoid constantly going in and out of the room where you’re painting to keep the paint from staining the areas you are not painting. Put all your materials in the same room so when you need any of the tools, you can just grab and go. Prepare two sets of materials for prepping and painting.
- Danny, Home Decorator at CondoLiving
9. Consider Hiring Professional Help
If your renovation involves complex work like plumbing, electrical changes, or large-scale construction, it’s best to hire a professional. A contractor can manage the details, coordinate with tradespeople, and ensure that the work is completed to code.
Having an expert onboard not only streamlines the process but also minimizes risks and ensures the project stays on schedule [2].
10. Plan for Temporary Accommodation
Another important issue is to make sure you have somewhere to stay during the whole condo renovation process. Of course, if you prefer to stay at home, nonetheless - you do that. However, finding that temporary living space often ensures that you stay rested and better prepped for work - both physically and mentally.
You can choose to stay at a friend’s or family’s place while the project is undergoing renovation. Essentially, you don’t have to deal with the extra hassles of moving stuff around unnecessarily.
Unlocking the Secrets of Condo Renovation
With a detailed plan, you can smooth out the entire renovation project easily. Keep yourself informed about all the rules and regulations of the condo board before going ahead with anything. If you want the project to run effortlessly, it is important to have everything thoroughly planned and laid out bare before your eyes.
Make sure you have all the aspects clearly thought out and planned for before you begin with any renovation activity. Remember, condo renovation is no mere task. But it can be made simpler by keeping in mind the above-mentioned criteria and suggestions.
Or, you could just skip the whole condo renovation process and get a pre-construction condo that’s fully furnished and renovated. Visit Precondo for more renovation tips and exclusive access to all the new and upcoming condos in Canada.
Related Article: How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Condo?
References:
- https://www.thespruce.com/best-interior-paint-colors-small-house-4082895
- https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/developing-and-renovating/accessible-adaptable-housing/aging-in-place/hiring-a-contractor
