There are similarities and differences between a condo and home renovation. Whichever you own, if you want to do a renovation to it, there are certain things you need to know before you start. Our team at Orange Contracting want to discuss the key differences between what it’s like to renovate a house and renovate a condo.
Permissions Needed
Condo Construction
When you want to renovate a condo, this is going to require you to get permission from the property management. They are going to go over the rules and regulations to see exactly how you will need to go forward and when you can do certain sections of your renovation. You will also need to give your property managers the following information:
-Renovation design plans
-Work description
-The start date and estimated end date
-The WSIB, license, and insurance of your contractor
-The WSIB, license, and insurance for all trades involved
-A sample of the acoustic flooring overlay (needs to meet sound control regulation)
-Elevator use security deposit
House Construction
When you own a home, it is yours to do whatever you want to it, whenever you want. For certain renovation projects, you will need to get permits from your municipality. If your renovation does require a permit, you will need to present the architect’s plan to the city and get their approval before you start.
Book Condo Elevator for Material Delivery
Since it’s most likely that you don’t live on the ground floor, you are going to need to book the elevator in your condo in order for your contractor to get all their materials to your condo. All deliveries of material and disposal of waste and construction debris require the use of the elevator. Make sure to coordinate with your contractor and book the elevator accordingly and in advance for when they need it.
What Can Be Done?
How much can be done is one of the biggest differences between a condo and home renovation. For homes, you have the ability to change things like plumbing and the electrical, if you want. For condos, this is not possible. You can’t touch or change anything above or below your condo, but you can gut the inside and change that to whatever you want. This is because condos have been specifically designed for functionality throughout the entire building. This means all the electrical, plumbing, and ductwork are “set in stone” and literally encased in concrete. Making it virtually impossible to relocate plumbing and electrical. As an example, if you want to install pot lights, you might have to drop the ceiling. If you want to move the plumbing, you will have to raise the floor.
When Can the Renovations be Done?
Construction noise is an issue for both home renovations and condo renovation. This means that there are certain times when construction can take place.
Condos
If you are having renovations done to your condo, you are allowed to have it take place between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and no weekends.
Houses
If you are having renovations done to your home, you are allowed to have it take place between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
Exceptions to The Rule
Painters and other “quiet” trades are the only exception, since they don’t make noise when working, so they can go beyond the time restrictions.
How Our Team Can Help
Whether you live in a condo or a house, there are times when you will want to renovate and update it. Our team at Orange Contracting is here for you! Give us a call at (416) 817-2590 if you are interested in our Home Renovation Services in Newmarket!