What to consider when renovating a luxury condo
If remodeling your luxury condo is in the near future, being prepared for all the steps needed to get your project done efficiently and professionally is easy to do when you know what to expect.
The first step starts with contacting a custom builder with experience in condo renovations. With this professional, experienced guidance, they can assist with the entire process including working with an experienced architect, city permitting, demo, construction and receiving approval from your POA (property owners association).
Michael Sims, president of Sims Luxury Builders, said approval from the property owners association as well as a permit from city are needed to get started.
“Oftentimes, a separate demo permit will also be needed before work can begin. It’s extremely important that the builder understand the construction guidelines set forth by the POA, including designated workdays/times, access to elevators, and the proper handling of materials and waste,” Sims said.
In general, some projects may not need approval from the POA. These include interior painting and trim work such as baseboards, casings, and crown molding. This also includes replacement of shower, bath, and sink fixtures, and light fixtures.
“However, we always recommend running any condo remodels past the POA first, as condo owners are legally obligated to follow the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. Better safe than sorry,” said Sims.
With things in order, it’s time to get started. Depending on the project, whether with plumbing, storage, structural or lighting, there are different issues to address.
With the POA retaining control of common property, which often includes plumbing as well as electrical, any plans resulting in changing or rerouting either of these will need to be reviewed and approved by the POA, Sims said.
“Simple replacement of plumbing fixtures, such as sink, shower, bath fixtures, should not require any plumbing rework, thus should not present problems with the POA,” he said.
Changing spacing elements within the condominium has a different set of rules.
“First, homeowners should know that true structural changes generally cannot be made to a condo as they may impair the structural integrity of the building,” Sims said. “However, walls and other elements that are not considered
structural can be altered. Building additional walls to create storage options should not be difficult to get POA approval for as long as it meets code.”
With light fixtures, it all depends on what type of improvement the homeowner is looking to do.
“Simple replacement of light fixtures should not present issues with the POA as long as existing electrical wiring will properly support the new fixtures. Also, if you
are replacing a large light fixture with a heavier one, additional support may be needed above the ceiling to sufficiently support the new load,” said Sims.
According to TheSpruce.com’s article, When Do You Need Permits and Approval
for Your Condo, it’s important to know that since condominiums are a communal entity, POAs are concerned with maintaining the property as a whole.
In addition, it stated that though structural integrity is a very high priority, they’re also concerned about noise.
Noise is the number one cause of rancor in condos, and associations want to keep peace among residents.