Before you get started on your Ottawa condo bathroom renovation, there are a few things you need to consider. With a little planning, you can make sure your renovation goes smoothly and you end up with a beautiful bathroom or powder room that is also functional.
Here Are 5 Tips to Help You Get Started:
1. We all have our budgets and we try to stick to them. Before you start tearing out tiles and picking out paint colours, take the time to figure out how much money it will cost you to renovate your condo bathroom. Once you have a number in mind, try to stick to it as closely as possible. Sometimes, it’s not that easy as most companies will provide you with two prices, one is fixed, that’s the labour cost, and one is very flexible, which is the cost of the materials you will have to purchase. One way to stick to your budget is to order an all-inclusive package where all of your bathroom materials and labour is included in one price. For more information, check out our Mobile Showroom and its advantages!
In general, a condo bathroom renovation will cost you slightly more than a regular bathroom renovation due to additional labour costs and extra costs for trades. It also depends on what you want to renovate in your condo as condos typically have more restrictions. For example, a tub-to-shower conversion in a condo is only possible if the new shower is a custom tiled shower, no acrylic base is possible. Wanting to relocate bathroom fixtures in a condo bathroom renovation is also out of the question.
2. Hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in working in a condo. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your renovation is who to hire as your contractor. Take some time to do your research and hire someone who has experience renovating condo bathrooms. Condo bathrooms are different from regular residential bathrooms. Ask for references and read their online reviews before making your final decision. Make sure that this renovation company has references from clients who live in condos.
Make sure that the renovation company uses qualified and licensed tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians. Do not fall prey to a low price – oftentimes, it may mean that the contractor will do plumbing or electrical on their own to save a few dollars. Make sure the materials that will be used for waterproofing are good quality and installed correctly. In a condo, you can’t have leaks. The renovation needs to be done correctly the first time. As a side note, you may find that many contracting companies do not want to work in condos, as it’s more difficult and costly.
3. Get permission from your condo board. If you live in a condo, chances are you’ll need to get permission from your condo board before starting any renovations regardless of the size. They may have rules about what types of changes you can make to your unit, so it’s best to check with them before getting too far into the planning process.
Very often, a condo board will want to make sure that licensed plumbers and electricals are being used. This is done to protect both you and your home as well as the residents of the building.
4. Choose high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. When renovating any room in your home, it’s important to choose materials that are durable and can withstand regular use. This is especially true in a bathroom where moisture is often present. Opt for tile floors instead of carpeting or vinyl and choose fixtures that are made from quality materials like brass or stainless steel.
Also, just as with all of the above, you want to make sure that the materials that will be installed are designed to be used in the condo. Some buildings will have a requirement for sound-dampening membranes to be installed under hard surfaces.
5. Don’t forget the details. The little things can often make the biggest difference in a bathroom, so don’t forget about that when planning your renovation.
Things like towel racks, soap dispensers, and toilet paper holders may seem like minor details, but they can really help to pull the whole room together.
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Renovating your Ottawa condo bathroom can be a daunting task, but with a little research and planning, it can be a breeze! From setting a budget to choosing durable materials, keep these 5 tips in mind during your condo bathroom renovation and you’re guaranteed to end up with the bathroom of your dreams.