As condominiums are often built in densely populated, urban areas, they offer the convenience of being close to work, shopping and cultural events.

Many new owners purchase an older condominium that may require some freshening – things like new flooring, maybe a spa bathroom or some designer paint colours. However, if you are planning renovations it is important to know just what the condominium   renovation guidelines stipulate.  “Remember that  when renovating a condominium you must have board approval. Every by-law is individualized and set up for your specific condominium,” says Maria Bartolotti, managing director and owner of New Concept Management.

When it comes to renovations, it is also important to know where the boundaries of your unit start. Ownership of a condominium is basically limited to the space within the walls. The unit boundary can be at the backside of the interior drywall of the unit’s dividing walls or at the centre line of the unit’s walls. According to Bartolotti, anything that is fixed or attached is common property – that includes load bearing walls, common pipes and the exterior of the home and usually owners cannot make any changes to the common property.

Inside your home, you may find that there are restrictions regarding major renovations such as installing new flooring, cupboards, plumbing or recessed lighting.  Some high-rise condominiums only allow certain kinds of flooring  to keep noise to a minimum. 

Bartolotti says that most condominium by-laws are set up so that renovations rules, guidelines and regulations are defined.  “Many don’t stipulate renovating times, but they do say that if you are doing any kind of renovations inside your unit, you must contact the board of directors and state your intention,” says Bartolotti.