You may be of the mind that renovation is renovation. When considering the end result, this is the case but when it comes to the process itself, there are many different factors that weigh in. If you’re currently living in a condo and wanting to renovate, you’ll face certain limitations, possibilities and strategies for approaching it. In this article, we’re going to look at a condo kitchen renovation and all of what you should consider when renovating this space. This will help you to avoid unwanted surprises during the process.

Renovating a condo kitchen: what to know!

Know what can and can’t be done

Before you start tearing out that dated backsplash, it’s important to know your building's renovation rules. Most condo buildings have a board that determines the regulations for many aspects of living in as well as making changes to the building, and this will generally include renovations. Aspects of your renovation that could be delegated by the board may be any of the following:

• Days and times renovations can take place;

• Materials that are allowed in the building;

• Which elevator or staircase can be used;

• Rules on contractor hiring.

In some instances, you will need a permit on top of written approval from the board. In any case, it’s crucial to know the logistics of renovating your condo ahead of time. Otherwise, you may be left with a major headache when it comes to scheduling, outsourcing work or the renovation itself.

Bear in mind that confirming these logistical aspects ahead of time will keep you in the good graces of both the board and your neighbours. It’s also important to mention that due to the logistics of renovating in a condo, the process may be slower than if you were renovating your own home. When it comes to drawing up a timeline, try and be as realistic as possible about this aspect.

What are your kitchen needs?

Once all of the logistical details are out of the way, you can really delve into your kitchen needs. Determine the reason for taking on the renovation in the first place. Are you looking for more space in the kitchen? Are you hoping to add to the resale value of the condo? Do you hate the way the current countertop looks? Are you looking to add another layer of personal enjoyment to the kitchen? Each of these questions will allow you to determine how the renovation will play out. Deciding which of these takes priority will help you to move things forward. 

If you plan on renovating cosmetic aspects alone, potentially focus on adding pieces that are removable or can be taken to another home, such as upgrading appliances or furniture. If you’re hoping to add to the resale value of your condo, you should think about aspects such as kitchen cabinets and tiles, flooring or adding a new coat of paint to the walls.

Limitations

Condos aren’t the largest of spaces, and so when it comes to renovating your kitchen there may be some serious limitations. For this reason, you may consider a remodelling plan that works to maximize the space. In some cases, you may be dealing with strangely angled walls or columns that sit in weird places. If you’re moving forward with large-scale changes, it’s crucial to know which walls and other elements can be moved, removed or opened up. This could require the help of your board or an expert. 

Another crucial mention is that electrical wiring may have some limitations or further, create difficulty during the renovation process. In some cases, the main electrical wiring may be routed through the ceiling or outside of your unit. In almost all cases, you’ll need to work with an expert to reroute electrical wiring.

We especially suggest that you check out our checklist for kitchen renovation projects, as this article contains a ton of information and also comes with a document you can use to organize your project.