If you’re looking to freshen up the look of your San Francisco condo, a home renovation is the way to go. But before you start your condo remodeling project, you first need to acquaint yourself with the basic steps and guidelines.
Keep these five essential condo renovation tips in mind to ensure you have an easy and successful home remodel:
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Understand what you can and can’t do
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Plan it out carefully
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Know who the renovation is for
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Find the right contractors
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Keep an open mind
First and foremost, you have to know the rules of your condo building’s association. Find out if there are restrictions on the type of renovations you can do or if there are specific materials you aren’t allowed to use.
Most of the time, restrictions in condos come in the form of working schedules. Often, building associations have a schedule on when construction and renovations start and end to control noise and other disturbances.
Some associations may be stricter than others, so it’s always best to check before doing anything. Go to the board of your building association and ask about the building’s policies.
Condo renovations are tricky because there’s not a lot of room to work with. If you’re renovating one area of the home, think about how that can affect the rest of the space. Because condos are smaller than the average single-family home, even the slightest change can make a huge impact.
Also, consider where you’ll be staying during the renovation. A major remodel could easily turn your condo uninhabitable because of the construction equipment, debris, and the like.
Ask yourself whether the renovation is for your and your family’s enjoyment, or solely to increase the value of the property. Although these aren’t mutually exclusive, it’s still an important distinction.
If you’re remodeling for profit, then you have to think more broadly. Research current design trends and which renovations will provide the most return on investment. For cases like these, it’s best to get in touch with an experienced real estate agent.
Your choice of contractor can make or break your condo renovation. You need to ensure the contractor or builder you choose is the right fit for the project. Search around the area for reputable builders. Before hiring anyone, make sure you interview them and reach out to their references.
Your condo renovation dreams might not align perfectly with reality. Some ideas might sound great on paper but may be almost impossible to execute. The best way to ensure the renovation project goes smoothly is by being flexible and open to compromise on the small things.
Be smart about your renovation and figure out which aspects are must-haves and which ones are can-do-withouts. Make sure you see the bigger picture so you don’t get hung up on the small details.
Whether you’re looking to flip your condo after renovation or looking for the perfect property to make your own, you can find help here. Call me, Amir Hardy, at 415.602.0570 or email amir(dotted)hardy(at)compass(dotted)com. Let’s discuss your real estate needs today!