Thinking about transforming your condo into a custom, elevated space? From design choices to space-saving solutions, there’s more to consider than you might expect.
High rise condos and even walk-ups come with their own set of rules. Overlooking the small details can have a big impact on your budget and timeline. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or planning a full transformation, understanding the unique logistics of condos will help you make confident decisions throughout your renovation.
Here is everything you should keep in mind before starting the planning process, along with design tips to make your space feel timeless, remarkable, and completely custom.
The Logistics Behind a Condo Renovation
Condos bring a completely different set of logistics than traditional homes. From material delivery to mechanical upgrades, every decision can impact the budget and schedule.
In this Edmonton penthouse condo renovation, the new 10ft kitchen island was too large for the elevator, which meant that we would either have to rent a crane to get it through the window or introduce a seam in the countertop. If you’re planning to include premium, oversized pieces in your condo, be prepared for the extra costs that might come with getting them into the unit.
It’s also worth knowing that running gas or high-amperage electrical lines often require your contractor to core through concrete, which is something that adds both time and cost to the project. While condos may have a smaller footprint, the logistics involved can make a renovation equally, if not more expensive than a traditional home.
Sprinkler systems are another important consideration, and striking one by accident could cause serious water damage to your unit and others. It’s important to ask your contractor if they’re installing sprinkler cages and ensuring their team knows how to shut off the system.
See the full Quest Penthouse project or watch the video for more details!
Brightening & Elevating Your Dark Condo Kitchen
One of the most common challenges in a condo kitchen is limited natural light, especially if it’s closed-off, or has no windows.
In this Ramsay Heights project, we removed the wall between the kitchen and dining area to open up the space and allow natural light to flow through from a large exterior window.
We also installed energy-efficient LED panel lights, added under-cabinet lighting for focused tasks, and used reflective surfaces, like high-quality tile and granite, to amplify the room’s brightness. The result is a kitchen that feels elevated, airy, and timeless, despite the small footprint.
Check out the Ramsay Heights condo renovation or watch the video for more details!
Reconfiguring Your Small Condo Bathroom
Maximizing Space in Your Small Condo
This home office renovation proves that even a small room can be transformed into a high-functioning, beautiful workspace.
In this Downtown Edmonton condo renovation, we transformed a compact space into a custom home office centred around the family’s heirloom desk. Every detail, from the built-in millwork to the colour palette, was designed to complement and enhance this centrepiece.
The bookcase looks simple at first glance, but it’s actually recessed into the wall to reduce how far it projects into the room, adding storage for the client without sacrificing space. To pull it off, we reframed the wall, which added some cost to the budget, but delivered a polished and remarkable result.
We also upgraded the flat ceiling with a recessed cove detail and layered lighting to bring a premium feel to the space. The lighting upgrade works with the other design details to make the room feel more grand.
Take a look at our video for more tips on maximizing space in your small condo!
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Condo Renovation
When updating the flooring in your condo, there’s more to consider than just choosing a product that fits with your desired aesthetic.
You’ll need to consider underlay thickness, acoustic performance, and even the limits of your strata’s bylaws. In high rise units, sound transfer between floors is a major concern, and failing to meet acoustic standards can delay your permits and approvals or require costly rework.
We work with our clients to select flooring options that balance style, performance, and building compliance. Whether it’s engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tile, our focus is always on achieving a high-quality result that meets both your vision and your building’s regulations.
Take a look at the full Quest Penthouse project or watch the video for more high rise condo flooring tips!
Need a little professional advice as you plan your dream renovation?
We have much more to share! Send us an email at info@contactrenovations.ca – we’d love to help you make your dream home a reality.
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