Condo vs. Home Renovation: What’s the Difference?
A home renovation in a condo can differ greatly from a house renovation.
You’ve never been put off by the prospect of a home renovation; in fact, you prefer a home that requires a little extra attention. However, you’ve narrowed down your choice to a condo and a house, and now you don’t know which way to go.
Before you gather up your money for a down payment, it’s important to know the differences between renovating a condo and renovating a house.
Exterior and Interior Renovation Hours
House
Noise bylaws can play a big role in how late – and how early – you work on your renovation, especially when working on the exterior of a home. In some cases, it’s OK to continue to work passed the specified hours but be careful. If your mitre saw is set up outside, your neighbours may complain, and you could be faced with a fine.
Condo
The working hours in a condo are typically even more restricted in a condo. Depending on the rules set in place by the board, your window of renovation could be much smaller. There may also be rules in place about which elevator you use to bring up materials.
Building Material Selections
House
Picking out new flooring and paint colours are just a few of the perks of house improvements. When renovating a house, the options are nearly endless, and pretty much anything goes.
However, you may want to avoid some of the trends mentioned in our previous blog: Home Renovation Trends Best Avoided.
Condo
When renovating a condo, the paint colour and flooring options are slightly more limited. The condo board may veto your selections, so be prepared and present more than one option.
Permits and Approvals
House
For some of the more intensive home renovations that can affect the structural integrity of your home, you’ll likely need a permit from the city. The permit may also include a post-renovation inspection.
Condo
A condo requires a lot more than just a permit, and typically there is zero wiggle room for knocking down walls or building additions. When renovating a condo, you’re mostly limited to aesthetic improvements.
Functionality and Layout
House
The sky’s the limit when switching up a layout to improve the functionality of your home. These renovations require a little more money and time, but they’re definitely doable.
Condo
Structurally, a condo can’t be changed. You’re pretty much limited to picking out throw cushions and new appliances. You may be able to change the kitchen configuration, but all proposals will need to go through the condo association.
Are you looking for a team of construction contractors that can help renovate your house or condo? Kelowna homeowners rely on Rafter 4K Contracting for all their house improvement needs. From bathroom renovations to home additions, we can do it all.
