Regardless of its layout, everyone knows that most condo units look pretty much the same. So it’s no surprise that some DMCI Homes condo owners would like to stand out from the rest and get some renovation done. If you’re one of those people, you might want to stop right there and find out how to renovate your unit the proper way to avoid hefty fines.
When we say the proper way, we mean knowing the common condo association rules when it comes to renovating your unit. Yes, there is such a thing because condo tenants live so close to each other that any noise from the construction may cause a disturbance within the community. These rules are laid out to be fair to each party — the construction firm, the tenant who wants to renovate, and their neighbors.
Here are 10 things you need to know about condo renovations.
Hire a trusted contractor
Start your renovation journey with a trusted contractor. That’s easy to say, but some don’t have an idea on where or how to find one. Here’s a quick tip: if you have an insurance for your condo, it would be best to ask them for a list of accredited contractors. You can also request this list from your condo’s admin.
Among the list, look for a contractor that’s near to you to save on transportation allowance. Do check their credentials and see if he/she is a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor.
Moreover, a good contractor is easy to communicate with. The person in charge of the job should understand what the client’s goals are and has the initiative to update you on a weekly basis, if not daily.
Make sure everything is in writing. This includes contract, timeline, job requirements, labor, and material costs. This way, you can always go back to it in case something happens that’s not in the original plan.
Find a good interior designer
Searching through the net isn’t the best way to go when looking for a good interior designer. After all, you wouldn’t want a complete stranger to design your home without anyone’s testimonial. You can ask your friends for recommendations or go through home design magazines to search for names and contact details.
Like your contractor, an interior designer should be someone who you can easily communicate your goals with. He/she should also offer their insights and suggestions to improve your dream design without being rude. Real living.com.ph says an interior designer can cost around Php500 to Php10,000 for consultation and range anywhere around Php400 to Php1,000 per square meter for each project.
Read the design guidelines
Before you give your go signal for the new look of your unit, you might want to go through the design guidelines of your condo. There are certain standards that your condo’s developer will require you to follow in case you push through with the renovation, such as the areas that can be altered, what materials should be used, etc.
Hold a meeting with your contractor, interior designer, and condo admin (if possible) to discuss the details of the design guidelines. Also, present your design and have it approved by the condo admin. Make the necessary changes if needed. Record the meeting in writing and have everyone involved sign it. This way, they can be held accountable if anyone doesn’t follow the guidelines.
Complete the paperwork
Now that your design has been signed off, it’s time to complete the paperwork. This may include renovation plans, approval of the property management office, and names and government IDs of the workers.
There are more required documents that are all listed in DMCI Homes homeowner’s manual under the pre-construction phase. Take the time to read it and write it all down so you don’t miss anything.
Prepare for more permits
To begin construction, you’ll have to secure more permits for the welding jobs, insulation test, load test, permanent closure of ceiling, and more. The full list is also available under the construction phase of the DMCI Homes homeowner’s manual. You’ll have to complete all these at least three days before the property manager’s inspection.
Pay the necessary fees
Aside from the contractor, interior designer, labor, and materials, you’ll have to pay the construction bond, fit-out/processing, and maintenance fee. Prepare to shell out Php20,000 for the construction bond. Don’t worry. You can get it all back assuming that no damages or other charges have been applied two months after the renovation is done and dusted.
Meanwhile, the fit-out/processing and maintenance fee will cost Php5,000. This will cover the processing of permits and monitoring of the renovation work for a period of 60 days. Moreover, a Php100 extension fee will be imposed for every day that you exceed the prescribed construction period. This will be deducted from your construction bond.
Inform the contractor of the rules
It’s no secret that renovating a condo unit is costly. The last thing you want is to be handed hefty fines because you failed to inform your contractor, the workers, and your interior designer of the condo renovation rules.
Take the time to run through the guidelines with all the parties involved. Luckily, you can easily see it on the DMCI Homes homeowner’s manual. Better to spend on a quick meeting than pay fines.
Better safe than sorry
As the old saying goes, better to be safe than sorry. So before you start construction, a safety kit should be available on the site all the time. Your safety kit should include one unit of a 10-lb ABC type fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and extra protective apparel such as hard hats, gloves, boots, etc.
Schedule the delivery and pull-out of materials
One of the best condo renovation tips is to schedule when to deliver and pull-out materials from your DMCI Homes home address. Scheduling it right will mean the difference between a smooth project and spending a little extra for storage and other penalties. It will also allow you to free up time to personally receive the items as the guards and admin are not allowed to do it for you.
Delivery of construction materials such as gravel, sand, cement as well as bulky materials must follow the approved schedule from the project management office. The removal of debris also has a strict schedule. It would be best to communicate with the admin for this.
Be a good neighbor
The construction will surely make a ruckus in your condo and may disturb your neighbors. Be a good neighbor and inform them that there will be renovation work in your unit and its schedule ahead of the actual work. This way, they will be aware enough that they don’t need to complain about the noise from all the work.
Condo renovation is an exciting time for homeowners. It’s a good way to break away from the monotonous look of living in a condominium and even customize that kitchen of yourshttps://communities.dmcihomes.com/budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation/. Just make sure that you take a good look at the condo association rules before all the work begins to avoid additional stress and fines.