5 Things to do Before Starting a Condo Remodeling Project
If you’re considering remodeling your condominium and want to do it right, there are five things you need to do before any work gets started.
- Review Your Condo’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions – also known as your CC&R’s or Status Certificate. This lists all the rules your association has in place. When you purchased your condo, you likely signed acknowledgement of receipt and agreement to follow these rules or face penalties. Before you face any penalties, know the rules. If you don’t understand something, ask your committee, in writing, and ask for the response in writing as well. This will protect you in case of future issues.
- Interview Contractors – It’s likely that you won’t be doing all the remodeling yourself. If that is the case, you want to work with a licensed contractor. Any contractor you consider should be willing to come to you to discuss the condo remodeling. Only when they are in your home can they see the space and better understand what you want to accomplish. Make sure the remodeling company you are considering using is familiar with and can work within the constraints your condo has in place regarding working hours and excess vehicles on the property. Ask, how they will remove debris? A fully contained work site is key to keeping dust and debris from littering common areas.
- Get Approval – Assuming you’ve chosen a contractor and agreed on what the project will be, get approval from your condo board. Make sure your contractor has provided you with drawings and a timeline so you can relay that information. Condo remodeling is not uncommon but requires a few extra steps.
- Let Your Neighbors Know – Don’t just tell those next to you but if you have upstairs or downstairs neighbors, they should be notified as well. It’s not required but will help allay any fears that unexpected noises from demolition or installation may bring up. Just be a good neighbor and give them a head’s up.
- Move Fragile and Valuable Items – Every remodeling company takes extreme care when in your home, however, accidents happen. If you remove any fragile items that are out as decoration, you’re protecting yourself from frustration. By keeping valuable items out of site, you’re removing temptation. It’s likely your contractor has background checked his employees but when a remodeling project is in progress, often times doors are left open or unlocked and removing temptation from passersby is always a good idea.
One of the benefits of being an owner is that you can remodel your condo, just make sure to follow the rules of your governing board. A condo remodel can modernize it, make it feel bigger, and make it feel like your own. Silver Palm Remodeling has experience in condo remodeling throughout Tampa Bay. If it’s time to update yours, contact us today at 727-420-6693 for a free consultation.
Remember, your neighbors are the recipient of property value appreciation via your improvements / vice versa.
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