Condo Renovation Ideas for Every Room

Renovating your condo can help turn your house into a home and is also a great way to improve the value of your home.

If you are looking to freshen up spaces in your condo, consider these renovation ideas for every room.

Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Whether you’re looking for a complete gut renovation or a smaller scale kitchen facelift, there are many different ways to add value to your kitchen.

One of the largest improvements you can make to your kitchen is upgrading your kitchen cabinets. This can include completely swapping out your old cabinets for new ones or just giving them a fresh paint job. In addition to switching out your cabinetry color, adding new hardware to your cabinets can also add to the look and feel of your space.

If you upgrade your cabinets, you’re more than likely going to want to consider upgrading your countertops as well. If you’re going for a long-lasting option, a neutral quartz or granite countertop is a great way to go. 

If your space allows, you could also add an island. An island is such a great addition to your kitchen space, as it allows for more room to prep your food, adds a little extra storage space, and you can also use it as additional bar seating as well. When mapping out your island, just be sure there’s at least 42” of space between the kitchen counter and the island and there’s enough space for an island at least 4’ x 2’, but ideally larger. When choosing your island materials, you could either choose a cohesive palette to match the kitchen counters or mix it up by going with a complimentary scheme. For example, you could use white for the kitchen cabinets and black for the island, but feel free to play around to find a combo you like best.

When renovating your kitchen, you could also swap out your current appliances for brand new ones. Stainless steel is all the rave right now, so you truly can’t go wrong with those. If you’re working in a small space, there are also plenty of appliances built for small condo living you could incorporate throughout the space as well.

Another quick and easy renovation idea that you could do to upgrade your kitchen is adding a splash of new paint. No matter the vibe of your home, a fresh coat of paint can always help the space feel brand new. If you’re looking for a timeless color, you can’t go wrong with white, beige, gray, or any other neutral color.

If you want to showcase some of your beautiful kitchenware, you could also swap out a few cabinets for open shelving. If you need some inspiration, Pinterest has loads of ideas on what types of materials work best with your cabinets and finishes.

Calling all coffee aficionados and wine enthusiasts! Creating a space for your most beloved beverages is a must, but if you don’t have space to store them or you don’t want to leave them out on the kitchen counters, consider creating a wet bar in an unused corner of the kitchen.

Living Room Renovation Ideas

In addition to the kitchen, the living room is one of the spots you spend the most time in at home, so it’s important that your space feels homey and inviting.

One of the best ways to do this is to create more open space. If you have a closed-off living area, consider opening up some walls into the kitchen or dining areas to allow for more light to flow throughout your home. This will require getting in touch with your HOA for approval and local contractor to be sure any walls aren’t load-bearing.

Another renovation idea for your condo living space is to paint the walls. Lighter colors make your space feel more open and light, but there isn’t anything wrong with throwing a splash of color on the walls every now and then either. If you’re up for something a bit different, try out wallpaper on a wall or two. This trend is well on its way back and we highly recommend.

A great way to elevate your living room to the next level is by switching up the flooring. The most popular flooring for living rooms is hardwood, as it’s ultra durable for all the traffic throughout the space. If you’re leaning towards carpeting the living room, look for a low-pile option, as this tends to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life a bit more than other options.

Elevating your lighting situation in your living area is another way you can enhance your space. Recessed lighting is always a great option, but consider adding a chandelier or other statement light to give the room a more professional finished look.

If your living area doesn’t have a focal point, consider adding one of your own. One of the best ways you can do this is by adding a fireplace. Electric might be best if you’re working with a condo, but you can add a gorgeous tiling or brick surround to really bring the wow factor up a notch.

Fireplace not an option? Try a built-in bookshelf as your focal point. This will act as additional storage and a way to show off your personal belongings, prized possessions, and plethora of books.

Once your living room renovations are complete, consider these decorating tips and tricks to elevate your space even more.

Bedroom Renovation Ideas

Bedrooms are the place to get some shut eye, so it’s important to make sure your space feels calm and relaxed.

If you haven’t already updated your wall color or flooring, those are two simple ways to elevate your bedroom space. As for the color, choose something soothing like blues or beiges. For the flooring, carpeting is a great pick to amp up the coziness, and it also adds a little extra warmth for when you roll out of bed in the mornings too.

Another renovation idea for your bedroom is adding a walk-in closet or closet organizers where room allows. Turn that awkward unused space in your room into a closet or amp up the one you currently have by adding built-ins so you can have a perfectly organized closet all year around.

If you have a huge bedroom that you don’t even know what to do with, consider converting the space into two bedrooms. This one may require a little back and forth with the HOA, but if you get the green light, it’s a huge value-add to your property.

Tons of windows but no seating space? Consider adding a built-in bench. Creating a space to sit while putting on your shoes or curling up with a good book is so important for a bedroom, and it’s made even better if you can position it in front of a few windows. Bonus: built-in benches are also great for the storage you can get out of it too.

Another great way to elevate your bedroom space is by adding a wall-mounted headboard. This could cover the entire portion of your wall or just the little space above the bed, but adding a wall-mounted headboard helps create the focal point of the space. You could install a wall-mounted headboard with built-in side tables for more compact spaces, or make a big impact by covering the entire wall in upholstered wall panels or stained wood.

If you already have a headboard, you could also consider adding some floating shelves above the bed for additional decor and storage.

Bathroom Renovation Ideas

The bathroom may just be the easiest spot to upgrade on a smaller budget because of its size.

Paint and flooring take the cake again for the easiest two ways to really upgrade your bathroom. In the bathroom, it’s okay to splurge a little on the flooring since it’s such a small footprint. Consider adding that tile you’ve been dreaming about but was too expensive to go all out in the kitchen. As for the paint, neutral never disappoints, but wallpapering is another great pick for the bathroom. Since it’s a smaller space and you won’t need as much, wallpapering will give you less of a headache and is less of a burden on your wallet. 

Another way to upgrade your bathroom is to optimize your storage by swapping your pedestal sink for a vanity. Doing so allows you to get rid of any clunky storage devices you were using in the bathroom and hide it in the new vanity. And if you already have a vanity in your bathroom but it needs an update, consider painting it to match your new style and throw in some updated hardware as well.

You could also switch up the metals throughout your bathroom. Instead of going for a full-out nickel or brass set, switch it up by throwing a black neutral hardware into the mix.

Another great addition to your bathroom is an upgraded showerhead. You could pick one with multiple sprays, an eco-friendly option, or a smart showerhead.

Installing new tiling is another option when you’re looking to renovate your bathroom. You could just swap out new tiles in the shower, or you could extend the tiling throughout the bathroom halfway up the wall as well.

Office Renovation Ideas

Our home offices have quickly become our new best friend and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon.

The first thing you can do to elevate your office space is by fixing up the walls. If you’re looking to paint, blue is a great color for an office, as it’s known to stimulate the mind. Neutrals always go well in this space too, especially if it’s small. And if you’re looking for something a little more outside of the box, wallpapering is a great option too.

Another renovation idea for your home office is to create a reading nook. This could be a built-in bench by a window or just pull up some accent chairs to a corner and add some built-in bookshelves beside it.

To help define the space a bit more, you could also consider adding some french doors to your home office. This also helps bring more light into the space.

If you’ve been working from your couch or dining space and are in need of a workspace of your own, you could create your own desk nook within an unused closet space. Throw a different color or wallpaper in the closet, hang some shelves, add a desk, and voila!

For more ways to maximize your office space, check out this blog.

Smart Home Condo Renovation Ideas

Smart home integration is such a great upgrade to your space, as it will help with selling your place down the road and takes your living experience to the next level.

Smart thermostats are one of the most popular features in homes that we’re seeing today. These smart home upgrades allow you to create automatic temperature settings based on your daily schedule or weather conditions and can also connect to Alexa for a further seamless experience.

Built-in speakers are another great option when looking to upgrade your home. Speakers can get clunky and wiring can be an eyesore, but integrated speakers in the ceiling is a great option for creating a luxe space in a minimalist setting.

Another smart home renovation idea is to upgrade your electrical switches and outlets. Newer homes are accommodating USB ports so you no longer have to worry about the charging blocks.

There are many questions you may have when you begin your condo renovations, so be sure to check out our blog about everything you need to know before you start your condo renovations.

Ready to find your next home to renovate? Take the next step in your home-buying process and reach out to one of our experienced professionals today. They can help answer any questions you have and provide you with further insight on your home buying journey.

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Can You Convert One Bedroom Into Two in Your Condo?

If you’re considering adding an extra room to your condo, don’t be too quick to begin construction.

Before any big remodel project, especially one that involves converting one bedroom into two, you must first receive the go-ahead.

 

Why you need HOA Approval

Homeowner associations (HOAs) are responsible for maintaining and managing condo communities. These associations have tight control over establishing rules that unit owners must follow, especially when it comes to remodeling.

Before beginning any renovations, including adding an extra room to your condo,  it is critical to examine your HOA’s condo renovation rules to see what is permissible. You can find these guidelines laid out in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

Many CC&Rs require board approval before moving forward with any structural remodeling.

Homeowners associations generally try to grant unit owners as much freedom as possible, as long as they don’t upset or violate the rights of community members. The rules are in place to keep the community as safe and peaceful as possible.

If you disregard or violate your HOA rules and regulations, be prepared to face fines or legal action.

 

What is Considered a Structural Change in the City

If condo owners want to add or remove a wall within their unit, they need permission from the HOA because this type of remodeling is considered a structural change.

So what exactly is considered a structural change in a condo?

In many HOA bylaws, when defining structural change, a standard clause reads, “Nothing shall be done in any unit or on the common areas which may impair the structural integrity of the building or which may structurally change the building.”

Essentially, these definitions mean that a structural change involves changing your condo unit’s original floor plan and knocking down walls.

Anytime you change your unit’s layout, you need to run your design plans by HOA to ensure the safety of your unit and the entire building. Many associations ask homeowners to file an architect’s plan for any alterations on a unit.

If you add an extra room to your condo, this will involve changing the original floorplan of your unit and knocking down walls, therefore this renovation constitutes a structural change.

While it is likely that your HOA will allow this type of structural change, they need to be in the loop of this process, especially if it will be a loud and possibly disruptive project.

If you are serious about adding an extra room to your condo, don’t delay speaking with your HOA. The quicker you can get approval, the sooner you can begin your dream home renovations!

How to Use Condo Remodeling Contractors

Remodeling a condo can be extensive and exhausting. To save yourself from overcommitting to a DIY project, consider teaming up with a professional condo contractor.

Leaving some of the hard work in the hands of an expert will help ensure that the vision for your space comes to life.

 

Residential Contractor Condo Work

Relying on condo remodeling contractors helps optimize the outcome of your home renovations. It also saves you time and stress associated with home improvement projects.

Residential contractors have the experience and credentials to flip your space, taking one more worry off your plate.

Additionally, these contractors are familiar with how homeowner associations operate and how to navigate HOA’s Codes, Conditions, and Restriction (CC&Rs). This is important because every condo HOA has its own unique set of rules and regulations that dictate what can and can’t be done during home improvement projects.

Unlike single-family homes, condos present a limited, finite, and shared space. Contractors understand how to work with this unique space and within the restrictions of multi-family housing.

 

Finding Condo Contractors

Before teaming up with any contractor, you need to find a good fit.

Narrowing down a suitable contractor involves finding one who you trust and fits in in your condo renovation budget.

Get recommendations. Speak with local real estate experts or friends to help find someone with a good track record. If no one in your circle of friends has a referral, check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of reliable members in your area.

If you think you’ve found your potential hire, be sure to meet or an in-person interview before moving forward.

Before hiring anyone, write up a contract that details every phase of the project: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn’t pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers.

 

Condo Renovation Budget

Financing condo renovations can be tricky and costly.

Before beginning any phase of remodeling, establish a condo renovation budget. It’s important to decide in advance how much money you have to work with. Also, be sure to stick with this budget as closely as you can during the process.

If you decide to hire a contractor, be sure to know how much you have to spend on this hire. Consider setting up an agreed upon payment plan before the work begins.

With a better understanding of residential condo contractor work, that renovation project you’ve been dreaming of may not be far from reality. Find the perfect contractor today!

What You Need to Know About Condo Renovation Rules

If you are considering remodeling your condo, you want to make sure that you are up to speed with all the rules and regulations before moving forward with any project.

The Luxury Living team is here to break down the major condo renovation rules that any unit owner should keep in mind.

Renovating a Condo Rules

Homeowner associations (HOAs) are responsible for managing condo communities. These HOAs have tight control over establishing rules that unit owners must follow, especially when it comes to remodeling.

Due to the fact that condos are attached to other units, condo owners are often under many more regulations when it comes to remodeling a unit than single-family homeowners.

Before beginning any renovations, it is critical to examine your HOA’s condo renovation rules to see what is permissible. You can find these guidelines laid out in the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

If you don’t follow your HOA’s condo rules, the board may subject you to fees or court time, neither of which are fun to deal with. So to avoid these repercussions proactively stay informed and in accord with the CC&Rs.

Can you Remove Walls in a Condo?

Many condo owners remodeling inquire if they can remove a wall in their condo. While the answer is generally  ‘yes’, the unit owner must first go to the HOA board for approval.

Because condo units share walls and floors with neighbors, remodeling requires consideration of the building as a whole.

The homeowners association wants to be sure that the removal of your interior walls won’t result in damage of the condo or the integrity of the building.

What is Considered a Structural Change in a Condo?

Unit owners require permission to remove a wall is because it is considered a structural change.

So what exactly is a structural change in a condo?

In many HOA bylaws, when defining structural change, a standard clause reads, “Nothing shall be done in any unit or on the common areas which may impair the structural integrity of the building or which may structurally change the building.”

Based on this definition, a structural change involves changing your condo unit’s original floor plan and knocking down walls.

Therefore, if you are interested in changing up your condo’s floor plan, be sure to get the go-ahead from your board before beginning remodeling.

With a better understanding of the rules involved in renovating a condo, hopefully you feel more confident moving forward with your next remodeling plans.

If you’re looking for a new home to add a little TLC, you came to the right place. Our experienced brokers are well versed in the Chicago market and can help you find a home to add your own personal touches to or a brand new move-in ready construction.

Need some additional renovation ideas for your condo? Follow the link below!

Condo Renovation Ideas For Every Room

Condo Renovations That Improve Your Home Value

If you are considering selling your condo be sure to first maximize the value of your home.

Renovations provide an excellent opportunity to upgrade your space and improve the worth of a home.

The Luxury Living team is here to share some worthwhile condo renovations that increase home value and optimize the return on your investment.

 

How Renovations Increase Value of Condos

Home improvement projects prove to be one of the best ways to boost home value.

By remodeling your condo, you can improve the functionality and beauty of your property, which ultimately increases the selling price of your home.

If you can list your condo at a higher price than what you purchased it for, you may be able to pocket a significant amount of money once the deal closes.

However, to ensure a return on investment, it is critical to chose your renovations wisely. You want to be sure that the cost of enhancing your property will pay off when you resell.

 

Best Condo Upgrades

When deciding on remodeling projects to pursue, you want to consider the desires of prospective purchasers.

Here are some of the best condo upgrades to entice potential buyers and  improve your home value:

 

  • Kitchen: According to real estate experts, the kitchen is the most significant upgrade. Many new home buyers rank ‘modern kitchen’ as a top priority in their house hunt. Invest in refitting this area with brand new quartz countertops, refitted cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
  • Hardwood Floors: Floors are also a major selling point for your home. While hardwood floors may cost more out of pocket, they prove to be a worthwhile investment by helping units sell faster and for higher prices. There’s nothing worse than bad, outdated carpet.
  • Bathroom: Similarly to the kitchen, the bathroom speaks volumes to potential homebuyers. It is worth your dime to upgrade the cabinets and other features throughout your bathroom. Good news is that these upgrades tend to run at a much lower cost compared to kitchen renovations.
  • Paint: Even a fresh paint job can work wonders for increasing the value of a condo. Play it safe and stick with a neutral color scheme. Whites and off-whites remain the top-selling interior colors and appeal to most homebuyers.

 

Should you Renovate?

For any homeowner planning to resell, renovations may be the key to increasing your condo’s value.

If your condo unit is looking outdated or in need of a structural change, then renovating may be a no brainer.

Even if your condo is in good condition, simple changes, such as a fresh paint job, or new appliances may lead to greater interest and higher asking prices.

Consider meeting with a local real estate expert or contractor to get advice on which renovations are right for you.

Now that you have insight into remodeling and renovations that improve home value, it may be time to begin a project of your own today!

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