Renovating a condominium comes with its unique challenges especially because of the regulations and the need to consider other occupants. You also want the renovation work to run smoothly with minimal stress. Here are some steps from Alair Homes Scottsdale you should consider when renovating.
1. Check the Regulations
Before embarking on renovating a condominium, you need to know the guidelines governing the apartment. Often the building will have a board mandated with developing guidelines that ensure harmony among all the occupants. The board may not restrict beautification or the type of materials you wish to use. However, the regulations may stipulate when renovations can occur and when building materials can enter the premises. Failure to consult on the policies can interfere with your work and cause a lot of stress.
2. The Purpose of Renovation
The purpose of renovating can be answered by the question; for whom are you renovating? There are two purposes. You can renovate a condo to add to its commercial value (resale or rental) or to suit your leisure. Commercial and personal repairs differ in their approach. When renovating for yourself, you may want to consider how long you will stay in the house. If you are staying for a less than five years, you do not need to replace fixtures such as the flooring. When focusing on commercial property, your renovation investments should improve the value of your house and offer high returns. You can concentrate on cosmetic details and replace fixtures with the best fixtures.
3. The Limitations
It is vital that you understand the limitations of your renovations; what you can renovate and what you cannot. Every apartment has policies that protect all the occupants. Some condos will prohibit renovation on some areas of the structure to shun potential damage to your house or another house or shared space.
4. Common Areas
Common areas and elements are part of your condo but remain the property of the condominiums. The condominium corporation owns this area and covers the front door, supporting columns, and balcony. Communal parts also include areas you share with your neighbors such as hallways, courtyards, and elevators. You cannot renovate a shared area without the consent of the concerned neighbor and the approval by the property owner.
5. Plumbing and Electrical
Remember that the plumbing system of your condominium drains into a system shared by other houses. This means you cannot move systems such as the shower, bathing tub, toilet seat as you deemed in your plan. The apartment may also have to turn off the water for all tenants to facilitate your renovation. Electrical works have similar concerns as the plumbing. The electrical works may not interfere with your neighbors, but you may have limited options.
6. Be Flexible
It is clear that some limitations exist regarding common areas and plumbing systems. You may be forced to change your original idea. Some fixtures such as sinks and toilets cannot move because they drain into a shared drainage system. You will have to leave such accessories in position. You can, however, focus on the finishes that blend well with the setup or turn the attention into other ornamental fixtures.
7. Build Up
It is important that you avoid tearing your condominium and build up the areas you want to renovate. While this is a difficult task, you can hire the services of the experienced Alair Homes Scottsdale to simplify the task. Instead of replacing metallic door frames, you can opt to add a molding layer over the structure.
8. Do Your Paint Job
Do not fear painting your house according to your desire. Go for colors that lighten up your living space and create the right mood for your home.
9. Work with a Third Party
It is essential that you involve a third party particularly when the condo regulations are strict. You can collaborate with your designer or contractor, such as Alair Homes Scottsdale, to ease the process. A third party can help you manage the deliveries within few trips and ensure the materials arrive when needed.
10. Find Temporary Shelter
It is advisable to renovate while you are not living in the condominium. You can commence the improvement process before you move in or you can opt for a temporary shelter during the renovation. Renovating can hinder or inconvenience your routine, for example, rendering your kitchen or bathroom unusable for several days.