Are you dreaming of a new kitchen? Perhaps you want to give your main bathroom a complete makeover. But if you’re living in a condo, you may have to set aside your design ideas. We spoke to Mark Nazar of The Art of Renovation, who shares his expertise on the complexities associated with condominium renovations.
“You have to consider the condominium board, which is responsible for approving any renovation you do in the building,” he says. “You also have to consider the appropriate permits.” A condo renovation design must also satisfy both municipal building codes, he says.
Here are some other factors to consider when planning a condo renovation.
Need a new kitchen in your condo? Hire an experienced condo renovator to help you out.
Elevator restrictions
“This sounds rather obvious, but can be forgotten. Everything that goes into that condominium has to come up an elevator and has to go down,” he says. “It’s an important thing to keep in mind when you’re considering the design of the space.”
Structural changes are limited
If you want to take down a wall to increase living space, these structural changes aren’t always feasible. “Structural walls cannot be moved because you’re dealing with the integrity of the building,” says Nazar. In a home, a contractor can take down a wall and strengthen the structure with a supporting beam. “You may not have that luxury [in a condo].”
Structural changes in a condo are tricky. That’s why it’s important to hire a condo renovator.
Be aware of plumbing restrictions
If you want to renovate a bathroom, plumbing can become an issue. “You can use plastic drain pipes in your house, but you can’t use plastic, like ABS, in a condominium,” says Nazar, adding there is a fire restriction associated with the material, which ultimately adds cost to the project.
In a condominium, Nazar says there are restrictions as to where you can move the plumbing fixtures because of the concrete floor.
These condo bathrooms are ready to go thanks to The Art of Renovation.
How to renovate a condo the right way
Condo renovation restrictions shouldn’t prevent you from doing any remodeling. The correct way to satisfy all requirements without damaging your condo is to speak with an experienced condo renovator. The Art of Renovation specializes in condo renovations. After 25 years, Nazar has acquired extensive knowledge of building codes and knows what condominium boards will and won’t approve.
Nazar will work directly with clients to determine what type of design and remodel is feasible. “I figure out what their design requirements are and tell them how I can satisfy those needs,” he says.
Once a design concept is developed, Nazar will provide clients with a thorough drawing and description, which is then submitted to the condo board for approval.
“Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can’t due to the physical restrictions in your condominium.”
Throughout the process, it’s Nazar’s goal to satisfy the client, the condo board and building codes.
“I will come up with a design to please everybody,” he says.
With the right condo renovator, you can make any renovation happen!
Ready to get renovating? Contact Nazar at The Art of Renovation to transform your living space! Check out the company’s profile on our website for a gallery of their work to get inspired.
