What renovations can you do in a condo

Key Takeaways

• Make sure to check your condo corporation’s renovation bylaws and guidelines to know the rules and follow local condo regulations to prevent any delays.

• Obtain necessary approvals from your condo board before starting your renovation project to streamline the process and prevent potential conflicts.

• Remodeling your kitchen can greatly enhance your living space. Modernize your bathroom and replace your flooring to increase your home’s value exponentially.

• Make sure you’re able to plan your renovation timeline accordingly, including contractor availability and the impact of seasons, to avoid derailing your project.

• Be upfront and honest with your neighbors and condo association about your plans to renovate, and work to assuage any concerns they may have to keep the peace.

• Collaborate with seasoned renovators who know the condo ropes and can give you the outcome you’ve envisioned!

Renovating a condo in Ontario brings limitless opportunities to improve style and function. At Kozak Renovations, we specialize in contemporary kitchen updates and bathroom renovations.

We are experts at efficient storage solutions and unique spaces designed to suit your lifestyle. Having more than 10 years of experience, we have the privileged to serve 273 “happy” clients.

Our strong staff of 17 licensed professionals ensures quality without interruption. We handle everything, from pulling permits to coordinating all trades and providing a full two-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Understanding Condo Renovation Rules

Undertaking a condo renovation project in Ontario means being sensitive and attentive to the needs of the building and the community. Structural changes, like removing load-bearing walls, are almost always off the table. These rules exist to maintain the character of the building, so knowing them cold is not optional.

We’re given to saying that you should carefully read your condominium’s declaration and bylaws before attempting any renovation project, and we mean it. Clear communication with your condo corporation and neighbors is just as important. Renovation plans need to be in accordance with the condominium’s policies, and these may require submitting detailed renovation proposals.

For instance, some boards might want to see insurance or a deposit that would protect common elements from any potential damage. If you will be creating noise or disruption, notifying your neighbors in advance can help create goodwill and ensure fewer complaints. Construction activities are generally limited to 7:00 a.m. To 7:00 p.m. On weekdays, while condo boards may impose stricter limits, such as 9:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays.

Ignoring even small details can lead to fines or delays. Renovations are notoriously tricky. 9 out of 10 run into issues from breakdowns in communication to unexpected roadblocks. With the right preparation, transparent communication, and experienced advice, positive results are not only possible but highly likely.

Key Considerations Before Renovating

Before starting any condo renovation in Ontario, it’s important to know what the condo board often referred to as a condo association in other countries regulates. Such policies explicitly outline what types of changes are permissible. They protect the structural integrity of the building and the shared interests of the building’s tenants.

For example, many co-op boards limit types of flooring or changes to plumbing and electrical systems. Taking the time to review these rules in detail up front can prevent costly delays or fines.

It can be a much longer process, and time management is just as important. Renovations often stretch beyond the anticipated timelines due to unexpected complications, like supply chain delays and permit approval processes.

Giving additional time for these unknowns helps prevent the project from falling behind schedule. Noise restrictions and construction hours, like the common 7:00 a.m. To 7:00 p.m. Window, play a significant role in scheduling.

Smart budgeting makes all the difference. Expect the average cost of condo renovations in the city to be about $10,000. The scale of the work can make a huge difference in this number.

To receive reliable estimates that aren’t padded with additional fees, plan to work with knowledgeable contractors. Sustainable, eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions are always a great idea for a greener renovation.

When you work with experienced professionals, it makes the process that much easier. At Kozak Renovations, we’ve been perfecting our craft since 2008. From pre-design to post-cleanup, we oversee every phase to limit inconveniences while providing superior quality.

Renovation Options for Condo Owners

Renovating a condo in Ontario presents amazing possibilities, but it takes thoughtful consideration to abide by stringent regulations. Condos in Toronto tend to have very specific rules regarding what a resident is allowed to alter. Structural elements, such as walls or plumbing, may be off-limits without special approval from the condo corporation.

As a general practice, it’s best to take a complete look at your condo’s renovation policies before initiating any renovations. Timing is just as crucial. Renovation work often requires access from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. On weekdays. This is consistent with local noise bylaws and limits disruption to your neighbors.

Communicating your plans with fellow residents in advance, particularly about noise and temporary inconveniences, fosters goodwill and avoids potential complaints. Condo renovations also come with added layers of complexity. Well beyond design, there are permits, elevator bookings, parking arrangements and building access for trades to contend with.

Selecting a contractor who has successfully completed projects in condo associations before is critical. We’ve done dozens of these projects in Toronto. The devil is in the details and we understand the complexities intimately, from navigating building codes to facilitating efficient production schedules.

When making major renovations like upgrading kitchens, bathrooms or flooring, having licensed trades means long lasting quality work built to local code. Our team of 17 skilled professionals take care of daily cleanup and efficient coordination of sub-trades providing you with peace of mind and a stress free experience!

Managing the Renovation Process

Renovating a condo in Ontario takes some special considerations and preparation. Navigating the regulations imposed by condo boards and municipal bylaws will be key. We nearly always begin by looking at the condominium corporation’s rules. Each building has its own arcane policies, frequently governing what can be changed, ranging from flooring replacements to wall changes. Following these rules will help things move along without any annoying holdups.

Noise mitigation is just as critical. Toronto enforces noise bylaws, allowing construction between 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. On weekdays. However, many condo boards restrict work further, typically to 9:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and public holidays. Scheduling as much as possible within these hours and notifying neighbors in advance goes a long way toward keeping neighborly relations intact.

We share detailed work plans, including timelines and where there may be disruptions, creating accountability and respect on both ends. Experience goes a long way when approaching condo renovations. With more than 10 years of specialized experience, Kozak Renovations knows how to address unique condo-specific challenges.

From custom cabinetry to refreshing interiors, our team blends technical expertise with a deep knowledge of Toronto’s strict design standards. We take care of coordinating permits, managing all sub-trades, and daily site clean-up, all to ensure a smooth, worry-free process. A unique two-year limited warranty provides peace of mind that goes hand in hand with our dedication to quality.

Hiring experienced contractors helps ensure quality, craftsmanship, and peace of mind for years to come.

Avoiding Common Renovation Mistakes

Renovating a condo in Ontario can be rewarding but requires careful planning to avoid costly setbacks. Renovations aren’t inexpensive, so avoiding mistakes and getting things completed correctly the first time is imperative. Condo renovations pose special challenges, from ironclad building regulations to increased logistics.

Unlike independent houses, work in condos must often get the go-ahead from the condo board in advance. This saves time and money by making sure that no unauthorized work is done, and ensures all work is compliant with bylaws.

Hiring the right contractor can be the difference. A contractor who is experienced with condo renovations will know the ins and outs, such as how to work around building access, elevator bookings, and parking permits. They’ll be the ones to deal with noise limitations, since most buildings only permit work during the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM on weekdays.

Following rules like these prevent issues with neighbors and with property management. Debris disposal can be a challenge, too. Most condos won’t permit renovation waste in their dumpster, although some may be willing to allow temporary bins in marked parking spaces.

Pre-inspections and post-work completion inspections by property management are usually needed to make sure work will be completed to their standards. Practical decisions go a long way, as well. For instance, if a unit has two full bathrooms and one is not needed, keeping at least one bathtub retains resale value and marketability.

It’s these nitty gritty elements, along with experienced, capable teams, that create positive, seamless, successful outcomes.

Communicating with Stakeholders

Whether you’re renovating a condo in Ontario or elsewhere, honest, open conversation with every single stakeholder is key. From scheduling and communication, we manage every aspect of this process so that their collaboration goes seamlessly.

First, it’s important to have property management on board. Condos will frequently have detailed guidelines regarding renovations, including noise restrictions, operating hours, and allowable materials. We communicate directly with property managers to establish guidelines and obtain the required approvals.

We manage elevator reservations for moving materials in. We approve various flooring materials that qualify for soundproofing credits.

Second, we help the homeowners get permits. Often condo renovations—such as major plumbing relocations or electrical rewiring—necessitate permits. Our team makes this easy by doing the legwork to prepare these applications and submit them to local authorities.

When you do a bathroom reno, we require that you bring that bathroom up to Ontario Building Code standards. This means making sure buildings are adequately ventilated and properly waterproofed.

We communicate with our subcontractors. Renovations usually involve electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Our 17-member expert super crew makes sure every one of the 15 trades works together, effectively and beautifully.

For instance, if upgrading a kitchen, our electricians install under-cabinet lighting while plumbers manage sink relocation, all within a streamlined schedule.

Last but not least, we communicate directly with condo boards when appropriate. From the initial presentation of renovation plans to fielding resident concerns, we work to maintain transparency and collaboration at every stage for the best possible results.