Condo living can be a great experience – until it’s not. Maybe you’re feeling cramped, or the building needs some repairs that you’re not up for dealing with. Whatever the reason, if you’re ready for a change, consider remodeling your condo! In this blog post, we will give you five tips to make sure your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
- Remodeling is not a quick and easy process
Before you start tearing down walls, make sure you have a realistic idea of how long the remodel will take. Factor in permits, material delivery times, and labour – and then add on at least another week for potential unforeseen delays. Bottom line: be prepared to live with some construction dust and noise for a few months.
This also means you may need to think about where you’re going to live in the meantime or how your life will be affected by the changes that can take some time to complete. Disruptions will cause stress, and stress will cause poor decision making!
- Get everything in writing before you start the project
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s amazing how many people don’t do it. Ensure that you and your contractor have a clear understanding of what is expected of each of you and when – from the start of the project to the finish. Anything that isn’t spelt out in writing can be open to interpretation, and that can lead to problems down the road.
- Put together a budget before starting your remodel
This one is especially important if you’re on a tight budget. Know how much money you’re willing to spend and be prepared to stick to it. This means being realistic about what you can or cannot afford and not getting carried away with your plans.
There’s nothing worse than starting a remodel and then realising you can’t afford to finish it!
- Hire professionals for all aspects of your remodel to avoid any costly mistakes
This is another way to avoid surprises down the road. Professionals, or condo remodelers, have the experience and expertise to get the job done correctly – and they’re insured in case something goes wrong. Trying to save a few bucks by doing some of the work yourself can quickly turn into a money pit if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Don’t underestimate the stress
This one is especially important if you live in the condo during the remodel. Make sure to schedule some downtime for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two every day. Take a bath, read a book, go for a walk – anything to help.
You’d be amazed at the psychological impact of renovating, especially if things start to go wrong and problems start appearing. Keep your head on straight, and remember that it’s only a temporary disruption in your life!
Summary
All in all, breathing new life into your condo can be an amazing experience that can bring a ton of fulfilment into your life, but you don’t want this to be at the expense of your happiness, health, and finances. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a successful remodel!