Remodeling your condominium-Things to consider

Remodeling in your high rise condominium demands a certain amount of forethought. Hiring a contractor to lay new tile, switch out appliances and make drywall repairs might seem like a simple task.  However, there are things to consider when performing construction or maintenance work within your unit.

Check in with the management company

Check in with your condominium management to see if there are guidelines to interior unit construction.  For the most part, what you do within your unit is your concern.  However, there could be guidelines the association would like you to follow in regards to tile floors/underlayment and hours of construction.

Your Contractor

One of the most important things to remember when undertaking a remodel of your unit is your unit is just one of several in your building or complex.  Not only do you have to tolerate a construction crew interrupting your daily life, your neighbors and fellow unit owners have to tolerate it to a degree as well. Workers that are loud, obnoxious and scream orders across the parking lot are an unpleasant nuisance to deal with, for both you and your neighbors.  Make sure your contractor understands that poor behavior by his/her workers will not be tolerated.

The work to be done

One of the more unpleasant tasks associated with unit remodeling is the removal of a tile floor.  The most efficient way to do this is with a pneumatic (air) chisel.  Otherwise, the process could take days with a conventional hammer and chisel.  While it speeds up the process considerably, it is extremely loud and will reverberate through the entire building and complex.  When your contractor tells you he plans to remove the tile floor, tell your contractor that he can’t start the process until 10 am.  Your remodeling guidelines from the association manager might say that work can commence between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm but take into consideration the family underneath you that just spent $3000 renting an oceanfront condominium for a week.  An ounce of consideration can go a long way.

These are just a few tips to consider when embarking on your condo remodel project.  There’s more to come so stay tuned.