Condominiums have a growing popularity in the real estate market. They offer high-quality community amenities that are often a far-fetched dream in a detached home. For all the luxury living condos offer, they are also comparatively easier to maintain. When it comes to renovating your condo, it’s important to know that the process and proper planning is a bit different that your typical home renovation.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide for your condo renovation planning for a stress-free renovation.
Important Tips for Toronto Condo Renovation
Know the Rules
Every condominium building has different rules when it comes to renovation. The key is to consult your condominium board way in advance. Your building manager should be the first one to know about your plans to renovate your condo. You will be handed over a few forms that need to be filled before you set out. It is common for condos to have a rule that there can be no noise after certain hours of the day.
There are some unwritten rules which can also be considered common courtesy. Letting your neighbours know that you have a renovation planned will spare them the dilemma of where the drilling noise is coming from.
Make a Condo Renovation Wishlist
The next step in your condo renovation planning process is coming up with a detailed wish list. Having a wish list will help you prioritize the most important aspects of your renovation vs. what is not necessary but can be secondary items on your wish list.
Wishlists will also help you to not only establish your budget but to keep the renovation within it.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Consider Your Long-Term Goals
Do you plan on staying in the condo for a while? Or have you considered selling it in the near future?
Understanding what goals you have in mind will help you to build a space that makes sense for you and your family.
Prioritize Your Needs
To start, focus on areas of your condo that require the most attention. Perhaps it’s time for a complete layout change, or certain rooms need functional improvements.
Beginning with your needs ensures that your condo renovation planning addresses essential issues first.
Details Are Key
It’s in the fine details that your condo design truly comes to life. This is where you can infuse your unique style and personality. Think about the flooring that complements your vision and select fixtures that harmonize with your new space.
These details are what elevate your condo’s design from ordinary to extraordinary.
Make a Design Plan
Brainstorm a few design ideas for your condo renovation. When you begin working with a designer or your contractor, they can help you gather ideas and provide recommendations to achieve your new condo design.
This is one of our top tips on condo renovation as it will help you get a better idea of your goals and how you can achieve them. It’s better to see if initial plans will work, limiting the chances of problems during the renovation stage.
Approval from The Condo Board
Just filling out the forms is not enough. You should wait for the approval of the condo board. Approval times depend on how old your condominium building is. In brand-new buildings, there is no procedure set in place which may take longer times.
Similarly, in very old condominiums, there are long lists of condo renovation rules that need to be ticked before the approval comes in. If your building is somewhere in between new and old, chances are that you will get your approval faster.
Renovating Your Condo Kitchen
A renovated condo kitchen will also improve your overall property value. Many potential buyers will be more interested in a property with a newly designed kitchen. There are several important things to consider before you begin renovating your condo kitchen. First, are you making adjustments to the current layout? If there are any adjustments to the overall size, it’s important to start with that first. Then, consider if you want to replace or refinish the kitchen cabinets. An upgrade to your cabinets will make a huge impact on your new condo kitchen.
Determine if you want to make additional upgrades like a new kitchen backsplash, installing new lights, or new fixtures. Bigger investments include installing a new kitchen island or brand-new flooring. No matter what you choose to upgrade, make sure that it compliments your new modern condo design.
Updating Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures
When it comes to condo renovations, it’s important to consider refreshing appliances and plumbing fixtures. These updates play a crucial role in enhancing your living space.
- Appliances: Modern appliances not only look sleek but also improve efficiency. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can lead to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. Additionally, new appliances often come with advanced features that make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Updating plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, can enhance functionality and conserve water. Water-efficient fixtures not only save you money on utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, a stylish faucet or showerhead can add a touch of luxury to your space, elevating its overall appeal.
By investing in updated appliances and plumbing fixtures, you not only improve your condo’s functionality and aesthetics but also make a positive impact on your daily life and the environment. These are valuable tips on condo renovation that should not be overlooked.
Renovating Your Condo Bathroom
When renovating your condo bathroom, prioritize optimizing space and enhancing accessibility. Start by making the most of your limited space through smart storage solutions such as recessed shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, and under-vanity drawers to keep things organized. Consider adjusting the vanity height for improved accessibility, especially if mobility is a concern. A tub-to-shower conversion can free up space and boost accessibility, with the addition of grab bars and seating for convenience and safety.
For a touch of luxury and privacy, create a dedicated shower room within your bathroom using stylish tiles and fixtures. Upgrading your vanity to a modern, space-saving design and incorporating storage solutions like mirrored medicine cabinets and open shelves will not only improve functionality but also enhance the overall aesthetics of your condo bathroom. These key points for condo renovation planning will make your bathroom more functional.
Renovating Your Bedroom
When it comes to condo renovation, the bedroom can be the most challenging due to limited space and distinctive layouts. By working with your designer or contractor, it’s essential to creatively address the quirks of your condo’s floor plan.
Make the most of architectural features, like alcoves or corners, by discussing innovative solutions. Embrace multi-functional furniture, such as Murphy beds and built-in storage, to maximize space without clutter.
Efficient storage solutions, such as under-bed drawers and closet organizers, help maintain order in a compact bedroom.
Adequate lighting, a carefully chosen color palette, and minimalist décor further enhance the perceived spaciousness, ensuring your condo bedroom design is a harmonious yet functional retreat.
Selecting Material Finishes
The right finishes for your new condo can make a huge impact on the final results. We recommend creating moodboards before you start renovating to gather design ideas.
Keeping an overall lighter colour palette will make the condo appear larger than it is. During the condo renovation planning stage, it’s important to gather samples of your finishes to see how it will look in your condo.
Elevator Booking
Once you have an approval, you might want to get all the materials in. Booking an elevator for the movement of materials will ensure that other residents of the building do not face any inconvenience.
If your building has a separate freight elevator, a moving room or a loading dock, be sure to book them in advance. Depending on the delivery timing of your material, you can book the elevator for one or two days or for specific times of the day.
Condo Renovation Budget
Condo renovation can be an unexpectedly costly affair. But if you have a properly laid out and detailed condo renovation budget, you will know what to expect. The budget should include the cost of materials, fixtures, electrical and plumbing cost along with other renovation services that you may take.
A condo owner in the city spends an average of $10,000 on renovating the condo. However, the cost varies depending on your condo and your renovating plans for the condo.
Reliable Condo Contractor
Given the complex rules of renovation and other logistic challenges, not every contractor is perfectly skilled to give your condo the remodelling it deserves.
A skilled contractor will handle the permits and the coordination and will ensure that the renovation is going as per the plan. Ensure that the contractor is familiar with working in a condo. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor about previous projects and an overall portfolio.
Invest in A Post-Renovation Cleanup
You might want to save on some condo renovation cost and plan to take the broom in your hands. But, hiring a professional cleaning company is definitely an investment.
Getting rid of the polish odour or the little bits of husk from your new woodwork is not a task for the unskilled. You need heavy-duty cleaning appliances and cleaning supplies to make sure there is no drop of polish, glue or drywall left in your condo.
RELATED ARTICLE: Is Renovating an Old Condo Worth It?
You are now ready for some condo renovation. Get those catalogues out!