6 Tips To Make Your Condo Renovation Go Smoothly.
Renovations for condominiums are more complex than those for HDBs. As a result, more planning and work is inevitable. Here are 6 tips to help you get started and keep your condominium renovation on track!
Management Corporation (MC) Must Approve Any Changes To Common Property
MC permission is usually required when making any alterations to common property. The changes usually include improvements to the external façade of the building, such as installing an additional awning on a common wall or installing new balcony screens. Additionally, be aware of how a strata development's majority rule can be taken to an extreme when it comes to the safety of children.
2. Renovation Activities May Be Restricted By Management Corporation (MC) Rules.
The estate's house rules may restrict the type of renovations that can be carried out. For example, the house rules may set limits on the amount of time and duration renovation work can be done during the weekdays and weekends. Aside from that, types of permitted renovations may vary among estates as well. The installation of glass curtains on balconies, for example, is only allowed in certain condominiums. Make sure that your Renovation Professional is informed about the rules that govern renovations in your condominium. If you are thinking about renovating your condominium, it is wise to consider remodelling professionals with condominium renovation experience.
3. Estate Access May Be Restricted.
Management Agent (MA) should arrange access for your Renovation Professional. Chances are if your condominium just obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), there are many other renovations going on at the same time. Because of this, the elevator and the visitor parking lots are limited in availability and access. Be sure to inform the MA staff, especially the security personnel, well in advance who and when your renovation workers will need access. In the case of limited access to the buildings, an experienced Renovation Professional will buffer in the expected delays and come up with a contingency plan in advance.
4. Make Arrangements For The Removal Of Bulky Renovation Waste.
While HDB flats provide a bulky item removal service for their residents, Renovation Professionals are responsible for the removal and disposal of the waste generated during the renovations. Some materials should not go into the refuse chutes, such as flammables, wet cement, and adhesive materials. Consult the MA before removing debris to find out if any guidelines need to be followed. The MA should be informed of the schedules for the disposal of waste. You are also responsible for the cost of replacing and/or repairing the refuse chute and/or the common property. Further, workmen should only use the lifts and staircases designated by the MA in order to minimize inconvenience to the residents.
5. Ensure a buffer budget is set aside.
Renovations can go wrong no matter how well they are planned. As such, a renovation budget should include a buffer, especially since renovating a condominium requires more overhead. You might have to take into account the costs of disposing of renovation waste, for instance. Typically, you can allocate 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your total budget for a contingency budget. Make sure you get a detailed breakdown of the renovation quote.
6. Planning permission will be required if alterations increase Gross Floor Area (GFA).
In the case of renovations resulting in an increase in GFA, you will need planning permission approval. If home improvement works to cause an increase in GFA, you will need the Secretary or Chairperson of the Estate's Management Corporation (MC) to sign the letter. A letter from MC has to include that 90 per cent of the unit owners have agreed to the proposed works. In addition to the proposal, a copy of the authorization letter is required for submitting it to the URA as part of the planning application.
