Things You Should Know About When Renovating A Condo

Homes are significant because it’s a part of our self-definition. They are more than just a physical structure we live in. It is an extension of ourselves and how we want to be seen by others, may it be by family, friends, and even strangers. The space you live in reflects who you are as a person. That is why transforming your condominium into a space that truly reflects your taste and personality is just as important as having a roof over your head.But designing a condominium unit isn’t an easy task. There are patterns and motifs, budget requirements, and permits that we need to consider first before designing the condominium unit of our dreams.

Before you dive head-first into a complete condo unit transformation, here are some things to keep in mind as you embark on the exciting journey of decorating your new home.

Learn the basics of what you need to know before building and designing the interior of your condominium unit:

• CHOOSE A CONDO DESIGN INSPIRATION THAT FITS YOU 

Before anything else, you need to choose what you want your small condo unit design to look like. There may be limited space in a condominium but not limited interior design ideas to make your unit look like your home.

If you’re stuck on creative ideas for home decor, the most popular condo design themes this 2019 range from contemporary, traditional, and modern tropical, to eclectic patterns. These condo design trends are all different from each other when it comes to color palette, patterns, lighting, layouts, and even window fixtures.

Taking one of the most popular condo design trends, contemporary condo design has a simple and no-frills approach. The prevalent color palette is neutral and monotone colors that make the space look cool and clean. Even the minor key pieces like lighting, art, and home decor are in metal colors and materials that communicate simplicity at its best.

On a different note, the modern tropical design is all about incorporating natural elements like wood, stone, and natural lighting to the condominium space. This condo style interior design is perfect for condo owners who want to be in touch with nature and experience resort-living even at the heart of the city. There are so many condo design trends to choose from. You just have to find the condo design inspiration that represents you, your interests, and the things that make you feel at home best.

• KNOW YOUR CONDO’S RENOVATION RULES

All condominium projects have homeowner rules and regulations to follow when it comes to renovation.

Keep in mind that before you do any type of condo renovation, you must first inform your property management office of your plans to renovate. Although you first need to give them your renovation plans first before approval, it’s best to know your condo’s renovation limitations first before setting everything in place.

This is the biggest difference when it comes to doing interior design to a house compared to a condominium unit. More than just the limited space, you need to be more cautious when it comes to designing a condo unit.

There are multiple things to consider like working permits, design guidelines, and safety requirements before and after you conduct a full-on renovation at your condominium building. Be considerate to other homeowners and neighbors. Follow all the building guidelines and make sure to abide by the rules to avoid disruptions in construction that may affect your moving into your dream home.

• ALLOCATE ENOUGH BUDGET

Time to lay down your budget. From your condo design inspiration, ask yourself what matters most in your home. Everything you initially planned with your condo living interior design must be molded or at least come into terms with the budget you have set.

But how much is condo renovation in the Philippines? Interior designer Vera Villarosa-Orila renovated a 50-square-meter condominium, covering construction, furniture, and accessories which cost her about Php15,000 to Php20,000 per square meter. More or less you will be shelling out at least half a million for your dream home to happen.

To give a rundown on the expenses: you have to take into account the cost of demolition, flooring and tiling, plumbing, electrical wiring, furniture, upholstery of doors, windows, and cabinets, and even your small home decor.

Out of all the areas of your home, expect the kitchen and the bathroom to be the most expensive places to design and renovate in your condominium unit. These are the most expensive areas that require a lot of extra work and plumbing to get the job done. Plus, these are the areas that are most used in a home.

Depending on your initial plans on how to decorate your condo unit, be financially prepared to spend a lot to make your dream home come to life.

• FORMULATE A CONDO DESIGN PLAN

Once you’ve chosen your condo design inspiration, the hardest part is yet to come: the planning stage.

Envision your dream home into your existing condo living space. From there, list down the things you want to keep in your home and the things you want to discard. Consider if these items can be revamped to fit your design peg. Also, list down all the items and materials you need to buy and where to find them. Everything from construction materials, tiles, and fixtures to simple home decor.

Be wary when browsing as you may be tempted to buy items that don’t fit in with your condo design inspiration. Interior designer Marc Laroco said in an interview that buying condo home decor just because it looks great without considering the effect to your overall design is the number one mistake condo dwellers make when doing DIY interior decorating for their condominium.

• SET A REASONABLE TIMELINE

Once you have your design peg, your to-do lists, and materials ready, then it’s time to create a timetable of all the major and minor renovations you want to make for your home.

Your timeline still depends on the overall design of your home, the scope of work you want to do, and the area/s or space/s you want to renovate. Gila Salvador of Madhouse Studio designed a 22-square-meter condo unit in 45 days. This is just for designing the space with the theme of ‘beach vacation living’ and creating more storage space like cabinets, tables, and other multi-functional furniture.

Interior designer Rock Robins managed to renovate a 64-square-meter condominium unit in Makati in just 3 weeks time due to his/their client’s request. The design peg was Singaporean modern design, with an additional special request to make space for a small office. Due to the time constraint, major renovations were not able to be accommodated. But overall, the whole peg was done and executed, leaving the client satisfied.

If you want to transform your condo unit from top to bottom, then construction may take as fast as three months to as long as a whole year. This all depends on whether or not you have a clear vision, a proper plan, and a skilled team to make the magic happen. But most importantly, take into account the homeowner guidelines discussed before.

Settle all the necessary requirements, submit your renovation plans, the scope of work and specifications—all for the approval of the property management office first before you proceed with construction. There are also workers’ ID permits, construction bonds, and monitoring fees to consider.

Once you’ve settled all the requirements, only then can you start the labor-heavy work in renovating your condominium.

• MAKE YOUR CONDOMINIUM UNIT “YOU”

With all the planning and preparations, here comes the real deal: the whole construction of your condo unit design. Keep in mind that there will be more hurdles in budget or construction to overcome just to make your dream space come to life.

What’s important is you should build your home exactly the way you imagine it in your head. Each paint color you choose for your walls, each fixture you decide to buy, and each furniture you place is the result of hours of planning, searching, and building your own condo living space.

Now that you’ve designed your condominium unit to how you want it. Turn the key to your new home and tell me what do you see? Is it still the blank empty space that has all your belongings? Or is it the dream home you’ve always wanted to see when you were younger? It’s all on you.

To help you design your condominium into your dream home, we have provided the best colors and patterns to the trendiest light fixtures, and the practical furniture designs to make your condominium reflect who You are.

When you turn the key to your condominium, what do you see? Do you see the dream home you’ve always wanted to have when you were younger? Or is it just a bare and blank space with all your belongings? If so, then this is definitely for YOU. 

source: www.zipmatch.com