Lived in your condo for a while now and know it’s time to update it? Just about to move into one, but know it needs a total remodel before you do? No matter what your circumstances, if “remodel my condo” is top of your wishlist, here are five things to consider before you get started.
Understand Your Condo Policies & Rules
It’s important to understand the policies of your Condo Association (COA) at the very early stages when you begin planning your condo remodeling project. Your COA may have limitations on the specific type of changes you are planning. Most COAs also have a review period, meaning you have to submit your designs for approval before work can start. The average time for the review process is typically 45 days, so you need to factor this into your remodeling timeline. Many COAs also include restrictions on certain times work can be conducted during the day and/or where and when materials can be delivered or stored in your building. Knowing these policies beforehand will save you time and stress during your condo remodel. Last but not least, being considerate of your neighbors and keeping them informed of your plans will go a long way in keeping everyone happy. If you are working with a professional design/build firm, most reputable companies will have a plan in place to communicate to your neighbors ahead of time before they start your remodel.
Find the Right Partner
You wouldn’t hire a CPA to balance your checkbook, so you probably don’t need a full service design-build firm to update your powder room. Knowing what you need is the first step in finding the match for the work you need to be done. At Synergy, we believe every homeowner deserves the home they’ve always dreamed of, even if you don’t pick us to help you get it! That’s why there’s nothing we like more than helping to inform you about what your choices are and giving you the resources to find the perfect partner for your remodel. Read our insights into who the best remodelers in Reston are and where to find them or download our Free “Ways To Renovate” Guide to help get you started.
Know Your Budget
Effective budgeting is one of the most important steps to ensure your condo remodel goes according to plan. This is also one of the hardest things to do in any remodeling project. No one wants a “wasn’t expecting that” HGTV moment once walls start coming down. Mistakes like that cost time and money. If a contractor comes through your front door and immediately starts giving you ballpark estimates, they are assuming standard finishes and have no reality around allowances for your design choices or the complexity of design at this early stage. You shouldn’t be change-ordered at every turn once you get into the construction phase either. Your chosen remodeling partner should be able to give you a realistic contract value before anyone comes near your condo to start construction. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Be Realistic
Homeowners considering remodeling their condo often dive in head first with predetermined thoughts and expectations. Confusion ensues because different contractors you meet with tell you all sorts of different things from scope to cost to timeline to everything in between. Part of the problem is not having realistic expectations about how long the design and construction process really takes. Don’t let any contractor start pulling out your cabinets unless you have a fully agreed upon design in your hands and have made your selections decisions. The last thing you want is to have your contractor tell you halfway through your project that the beautiful tile you wanted has a six week lead time and they’ve already pulled up your floor. Read Mina’s recent column, “Why You Won’t Get Your New Kitchen By Thanksgiving” for more information.
Life Under Construction
Whether you are remodeling multiple rooms, a kitchen or a bathroom in your condo, you’ll need to make a decision if you should continue to live in your home while construction is underway or move out for the duration of the project. Unlike townhomes or single family homes with fully built-out basements, most condos don’t have the luxury of having a separate floor to set up temporary living quarters. Discuss this upfront with your contractor, and have clear expectations about the level of disruption your remodel is going to have on your day-to-day life. Your contractor should also have a project plan prepared for your project and should be able to tell you exactly when work will start and when it will finish. Many luxury condos in the Reston area have communal-use areas with kitchens, grills and seating available for tenants. If you are willing to use communal spaces, maybe staying put is an option for you. At Synergy Design & Construction, if you decide to remain in the home while construction goes around you, we try to make life a little easier but providing all the essentials you need for a basic temporary kitchen.
Choose Synergy Design & Construction For Your Condo Remodel in Reston
At Synergy Design & Construction, we are just as excited to begin remodeling your condo as you! We take the time to understand you and your family’s needs to provide the best personalized condo design and construction services. We’re always happy to learn more about your needs or call us on (703) 766-6333 to speak with one of our home remodeling professionals today.
Want to get started on renovating your condo right now? Read more about how we can help with your condo remodel.
