However, before you buy you may wish to consult the prospective condominium corporation's by-laws regarding the changes you are considering. This process also applies to owners living in a condominium who may be looking at renovating their units.

Some of these renovations and/or additions might include the following:
•   flooring
•  painting, exterior and interior
•  removing interior wall(s)
•  bathroom fixtures
•  kitchen cabinets and fixtures
•  installing an ensuite washer and dryer
•  doors and windows
•  window coverings
•  mounting exterior shades and/or shutters
•  changing exterior light fixtures and use of colored bulbs
•  building decks and patios
•  mounting lattice
•  installing an outdoor hot tub
•  setting up an outdoor tool shed
•  setting out birdbaths, bird or squirrel feeders
•  installing doggie or kitty doors
•  hanging wreaths or plaques on exterior doors
•  placing exterior door mats
•  landscaping changes
•  exterior storage of items
•  signage
•  satellite dishes

Lets take a look at some of the aforementioned in more detail. With so many new and exciting products on the market such as wood, cork, tile and hybrids, flooring is often one of the first upgrades that you may consider.

Do consult your by-laws as many of the condominium corporations have restrictions on the types of flooring that can be installed in the units. For example, some corporations do not allow anything but wall-to-wall carpet and linoleum, as soundproofing may be a consideration.

The installation of new windows and doors will need to be consulted with the condominium's board of directors as these items are considered part of the building's exterior and will require written approval as the by-laws may prohibit anything that would change the building's exterior uniformity. The same would apply to the addition of exterior shades, shutters, exterior fixtures, and exterior paint.

Window coverings should also be considered as the by-laws may stipulate color. For example, the by-laws may indicate that all window coverings must be of a beige or ivory hue, so that it lends to the building's exterior look of continuity. The by-laws may further say that the coverings can be of any color as long as they are backed in white or ivory and the interior color does not show through.

If your renovations require the removal of an interior wall(s), you will need to consult the Board and the building plans to ensure that the wall is not considered a supporting wall or that it does not house the suite or building plumbing and/or electrical.

If the kitchen and bathrooms are to be renovated, consult the building and suite's plumbing schematics to ensure that the water sources are not disturbed and can be turned off prior to the replacement of any taps, sinks or toilets.

If your suite is not equipped with ensuite washer and dryer hook-ups you may wish to enquire if the Board requires written approval for the installation of these appliances. Often times the building may already have public laundry facilities and may not allow additional ensuite washers and dryers for a variety of reasons, i.e. the building's existing electrical and plumbing supply may not have the capacity for it.

When moving to the outdoor items, one must remember that in townhouse style units as well as in apartment style units the yards, balconies and patios are often times considered exclusive use areas, which are also governed by the corporation's by-laws. Installing satellite dishes may or may not be allowed and will usually require the approval of the Board.

If the by-laws allow for the building of decks and/or patios, it will most likely require the written approval of the Board of Directors, as there are inherent liability issues. For example, installing a stone patio may change the drainage of the surrounding landscape, which could result in subsequent flooding. The installation of lattice on existing fencing or to the exterior of the unit may not be allowed, as it could compromise the exterior finish. Any landscaping changes, such as removing or planting trees or adding flower- beds will also apply.

You will need to consult the by-laws and request written approval from the Board for outdoor tool sheds and the installation of hot tubs. Again attaching any of these to the exterior of the building or fence may not be permitted.

Before putting out birdbaths, bird feeders and squirrel feeders consult the by-laws, because many condominium corporations do not allow them, as they attract mice and can populate the lawns with unwanted seedlings and unsightly debris and droppings.

Consider inquiring prior to installing doggie and kitty doors, or hanging wreaths or plaques on the exterior doors since many corporations do not permit them.  For apartment style units, doormats may also apply.

If you are considering a home based business, check with your by-laws prior to proceeding or displaying any signage in the windows or on the lawn.

Consider the storage of personal items or construction materials on exclusive use areas, as often by-laws will strictly govern what can and what can't be stored in these areas (even if it is temporary).

Researching your projects prior to implementing them can help save you money and potential aggravation and disappointment.

Marc Bateman, BA, ACCI, CPM, is the President and Broker of Acclaim Condominium Managers.
Ana Bateman, BSc, MEd, is an Agent and the Managing Director with Acclaim Condominium Managers.