We all know the feeling of looking at the same four walls and finding they lack inspiration. Condo remodeling can open up a world of possibilities, and with the right experts, you can create a beautiful, personalized space – perfectly suited for your needs and lifestyle!

What Do You Need to Know Before Your Condo Remodeling?

Condo remodeling projects can be a different process than your average home remodeling process. Here are some of the important things you need to consider.

First Thing’s First, Understanding Your Why 

Before you even think about starting a condo remodeling project, or any home remodeling project, consider why you want to remodel in the first place. How will this project improve your quality of life? Or, on the flip side, how will it make an aspect of your condo work better?

Common Reasons for Condo Remodeling

• Aesthetic – simply put, you don’t love how something looks. Maybe your kitchen is too dark, preventing you from cooking as much as you want to. Or, the bedroom wallpaper chosen by the previous tenants is really driving you nuts when you’re trying to fall asleep at night. Let’s make something beautiful! 
• Function – your bathroom is falling apart. We all know how important a bathroom is to a comfortable home life. Let’s make something that works!  
• Accessibility – you’re looking to open spaces up for mobility or to seamlessly age in place. Because condos are typically single-level, we often see this as an inspiration for condo remodeling. Let’s make your home comfortable!

Once you list out your goals and gather up inspiration photos…

Decide on Your Investment

How much do you feel comfortable investing in this remodel?
Condo remodeling can come with some added costs, which is why it’s so important to…

Hire an Expert

An expert remodeling company will be able to look at your budget and the scale of your proposed project. Your team will let you know what’s possible (and what isn’t possible) within the confines of your space. Plus, they’ll make sure your goals align with your values. And together, work to ensure that the overall task is feasible and find a project that works for your building, budget, and remodeling goals.

Digging In: Be Aware of Restrictions and Challenges

Because condominiums typically have specific policies, it’s time to bring in experts who are used to understanding and working within these confines. From the initial condo approval process to the nitty gritty details, condo remodeling requires meticulous planning and research. You can avoid having your project interrupted – or even worse, ruined – if all of the rules and requirements are followed during your remodel and by paying close attention to the details.

Imagine this scenario: you absolutely hate your condo carpeting. You want to rip it all out, but, there are rules about having hardwood flooring in your condo because of the extra noise it can cause for your downstairs neighbors. What are your options? 

At Bluestem, we research those flooring rules for you. Then, we craft solutions. Example: We often include extra padding – which helps honor noise restrictions – while simultaneously laying down the walnut or cherry floor of your dreams. All it takes is knowledge, creativity, flexibility, and expert experience. 

Remember, You’re Not Remodeling a House

As you plan out your condo remodeling project, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

Building access – Building access may be more limited. And because remodeling elements are being brought in through a limited space (usually an elevator, and almost always, a small one), things can take longer. This also means materials may have to be smaller or cut down to get them where they need to go! 

Different work hours – Depending on the rules of your condo, work hours might be restricted, which can add to your overall timeline. 

Cleanliness – Because condos are shared spaces, you want remodelers who can carefully haul equipment through beautiful hallways without dirtying or damaging them.  

The Perks of Condo Remodeling

Don’t worry. There are some bonuses from remodeling a condo! For one, because most condos are newer (and often maintained by a professional) — it’s more rare to encounter unforeseen conditions that can bog down or halt a project altogether.

And, since we don’t have to focus on the exterior, we can really dig into making the interior what you imagine and dream of.

The Beauty of Limitations 

Limitations can actually be beneficial. We’re going to be honest: it can be difficult (but not impossible) to move plumbing in a condo. But having that as a barrier means our creative problem solving skills go into overdrive. We’ve worked with homeowners to create some absolutely stunning condo remodels, uniquely designed around elements we couldn’t change. 

Simply put: limitations can drive a good design.

At Bluestem, we harness our expertise and design skills to deliver cost effective and unique solutions.  

If You’re Gonna Do It, Do It!

If you’re going to go through with the investment and time to remodel one aspect of your condo, our advice is to go all in. Change out the floors that have been driving you wild, update your living room’s paint color, or move the walls to open up your bedroom. It’s always more efficient to remodel multiple areas at once. That saves you time, and money. So, dig in, make some dust, and get ready for a brand new (feeling) condo! Just be flexible, keeping in mind that the remodeling process can be a bit more challenging within the confines of a condo than a typical home remodeling project might be. 

The Bluestem Way

As with everything we do at Bluestem, our goal is to make your remodeling dreams your new reality. Whether you’re just starting to figure out your why, or you have a whole Pinterest board of inspiration, we’re here to help you on your condo remodeling journey. 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you remodel your own condo – whether you’ve lived there for years or are just moving in!