Top renovation destinations
Given that more and more people across the GTA are living in condos, it is not surprising that condo renovations are on the rise.
RenoMark renovator Brendan Charters, of Eurodale Developments, says that kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most popular, and one of the most common projects is upgrading and customizing finishes such as cabinets, backsplashes and countertops.
“Typically we install new finishes in the same locations as the original, although in some instances we are able to get creative and shift things around — something that is not easy in condos with common elements such as plumbing, gas, phone and cable main lines which can’t be moved,” says Brendan, who is a BILD board member.
Other popular renovations he lists include changing flooring, trims and paint, which allow condo owners to upgrade the esthetic of their suites and make them uniquely their own.
Design and planning are key to a successful condo renovation. This starts with hiring a renovator who is familiar with the structural and service elements of condos, as well as how to navigate condo board approvals and work around potential challenges.
Working with a condo board ensures that your renovation is not affecting any of the building’s common elements while adhering to any of the board’s renovation-specific bylaws. Brendan warns that these bylaws may differ substantially from typical municipal bylaws, such as sound transfer standards or time of work.
While you are unlikely to be moving any structural walls in a condo renovation, you may still need a building permit from your local municipality if you’re changing plumbing locations or working with electrical.
A professional renovator will help you navigate through the permit process if necessary. A great place to find one is renomark.ca. The website has a searchable database of professional renovators from across Canada. Make sure you ask lots of questions about the renovators’ past experience working in condos.
Another good place to learn about renovating condos is the Toronto Fall Home Show. It runs from Oct. 1 to 4 at the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place and this year’s show is all about embracing your space and among its many features you can explore condo living and learn more about maximizing smaller spaces.
Be sure to visit the Destination Renovation display at Booth 720. This is BILD’s featured exhibit where you can meet with professional Reno-Mark renovators and get free unbiased advice and renovating tips.
We are also holding a renovation-focused seminar on the main stage on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. The seminar is called Destination Renovation presents: Renovating with Confidence, and will offer pointers on how to undertake your renovation project, find a reputable professional renovator, and tips on how to get the best value with your budget.
Tickets for the show are available online at fallhomeshow.com and if you use the promo code “STAR1” you will get $4 off the regular adult admission.
I hope to see you at the show. Bryan Tuckey is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association and a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. Follow him at @bildgta, facebook.com/ bildgta and bildblogs.ca.