Can I Renovate a Condo?

March 12th, 2021

In recent years, condo living has proven to be a popular option amongst first home buyers, families moving to a more central area of the city, and fast-paced entrepreneurs and freelancers alike. One of the reasons for this boost in demand is the condo’s convenience, proximity to various forms of entertainment, and ultimately the added comfort. 

You’ve got your eyes set on a new condo for sale in the Marina District, but you feel as though a few renovations can make it precisely to your liking? With all that condo living has to offer, there are a few things to be on the lookout for when preparing to renovate your new condo home. 

What renovations can you do in a condo? 

The perks of living in a condominium and all its advantages come at a small price which adds up to following the condo community rules. You may feel like doing a few tweaks and repairs in your condo or doing simple renovations to your new property. There are certain changes you can make without needing the approval of your condo board, such as: 

• Floor repairs
• Interior wall painting
• Crown molding work
• Bath and shower replacements
• Replacing of light switches and fixtures

What remodeling needs a permit?

If you’re only familiar with living in a house, you may need some time to get used to specific rules that apply to condo living. Where once you didn’t need to require a permit in order to change your living room floor, you now have to think twice about your plans. Condominiums impose strict construction rules that you need to follow. As properties in condos tend to increase in value, most homeowners looking to sell want to make adjustments and improvements before doing so.

However, condos are set up in such a way that their residents make up the members of the condo board, a form of a homeowners’ association. Residing in a condo building means you’re covered when it comes to its maintenance, security, and its many amenities. 

This, in return, means that certain rules and regulations apply when it comes to renovations. Your renovation ideas might interfere with condo guidelines and. therefore, not be possible to undertake. Generally, all major renovation plans in your space need to be run and approved by the condo board. This includes reconstruction projects such as:

• Ceilings
• Interior/exterior columns
• Interior/exterior walls
• Floor finishing and structural changes
• Plumbing and electrical work

How do you plan a condo renovation? 

Once you get a green light to proceed with your renovations, it’s always good to plan ahead, especially as approvals tend to come with strict timelines. Here are some steps you can take to save yourself from possible complications and unnecessary headaches:

• Find out allowed work hours
• Hire a contractor
• Book parking and elevator
• Plan material transport and its disposal
• Follow safety procedures

Where can I find classy condos for sale across the Marina District  & other top locations in San Diego?

If you’re dreaming of waking up each morning overlooking the water and Coronado Beach across the San Diego Bay, here at Neuman & Neuman, we strive to make it all come true! Our team of highly motivated and dedicated experts is standing by to smoothly guide you through the intricate and demanding world of real estate hunting. 

We offer a vast number of real estate possibilities for the up-and-coming entrepreneurs, as well as for families and individuals looking to take full advantage of the many highlights of urban lifestyle. With Neuman & Neuman, modern and high-end condos are at your fingertips. Get in touch with our team today!