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Jay Anderson – Perspectives – REAL Construction

Thinking Of Remodeling Your Condo?

By Jay Anderson

It is the time of year when our Florida weather spawns spring cleaning and remodeling projects. Large condominium projects typically occur when a resale purchase is made, while smaller projects, like a kitchen or bath, can occur any time. In a single-family home you are usually inconveniencing one person or a single family, but in a condo, you could be impacting hundreds. Sometimes, though, structural elements or utilities prevent a contractor from being able to redesign the interior as much as you would like. If you live in a condo here are a few items to consider from my years of performing condo renovations.

Approvals

Outside of municipal approvals the building/remodeling process really starts with the condo association. Restrictions vary from building to building, but most associations have policies in place to preserve the overall look and feel of the development. In other words, your condo renovations can’t impact the building’s common spaces or neighboring units. But when it comes to remodeling within individual units, most associations are flexible. Before embarking review your condo association’s rules and regulations. They outline what can (and can’t) be altered in your unit and what permissions are needed. The condo association is interested in preserving the building and making sure proper materials are used. A good example is sound suppression. Sound suppression in the floors isn’t required by code but condo associations mandate it.

Occupants

Most condo associations restrict the hours contractors can work so residents are not disturbed too early, too late or on weekends. Personally I further restrict working hours to be a good neighbor. This ultimately impacts the project schedule but you still want your neighbor to be your friend at the end of the job. A prudent contractor will meet with the owners of the units that surround the one where they will be working to give them information on the project and to provide contact information, including cellphone numbers, in case there is a problem.

Materials

When remodeling a condo you are dealing with space constraints. Space constraints create logistical challenges, from staging or storing materials, to the necessity of removing debris from the project each day. Something as simple as reserving and scheduling a freight elevator must be considered. A contractor must strive to have materials delivered at the right time so they can be installed immediately rather than storing them on-site. This presents a challenge for wood flooring or cabinets that need a week or more to acclimate in an air conditioned environment before installation. To cure wood products I maintain my own climate controlled warehouse for flooring and cabinets. Framing materials also come into play since in a condo you are working with noncombustible materials.

Subcontractors

When building or remodeling a home the owner wants to see 30 people working on the job. In a condo, with space constraints, it is the exact opposite with only one or two trades on the job at any time. It starts with parking and material delivery. Limited parking restricts the number of workers. Coupled with limited storage space for material and confined working conditions it is imperative the sub on the job get in, perform their duties and get out, so the next sub can get on with their work. If there is a limited number of guest parking spots (which is typical), you have to make arrangements for contractors while they are working. Communication with the concierge or building manager is paramount to getting workers in and out.

Work with your general contractor and understand that a condo remodel will take a little longer, but you’ll be pleased with the end result.

In 2003 Jay Anderson founded Edgewater Contractors, a firm created to meet the needs of a savvy and upscale clientele. The boutique company focuses on relationship-driven business, and the projects he handles reflect Jay’s technical prowess with his personable approach. Click HERE to read Jay Anderson’s Cover Feature Story in REAL Exclusive.

Jay Anderson
Edgewater Contractors
229 South Osprey Avenue
Suite 101
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 809.4835
ExpectMore@EdgewaterContractors.com
www.EdgewaterContractors.com