Do I need condo board approval for small reno jobs?

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Mar 2nd, 2020 10:55 pm

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Feb 29th, 2020 10:54 am

wiab89 [OP]: Member; Feb 7, 2018; 248 posts; 313 upvotes

Feb 29th, 2020 10:54 am

Do I need condo board approval for small reno jobs?

Question for people on condo boards or have dealt with condo boards for renovations.

I’m looking at putting more potlights in my new condo, specifically extending potlights currently in the entryway into the living area via a bulkhead. I’ve seen other units in my building recently sold that have this set-up.

Are potlights something that needs condo board approval before installing? If so - what is the process (new to condos), do I send a letter to the board? Do I have to draw out my plans and have a contracter & quote on hand? Also what is the average timeframe between submission and approval, am I looking at days/weeks/months here?

Follow-up Q for those on condo boards - what is the threshold for work that needs condo board approval? I would assume anything structural, plumbing, or major electrical - but would simple jobs like replacing shower door, light fixtures, tiling in kitchen/bath, replacing vanity or toilet, new blinds etc... require approval.

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Feb 29th, 2020 1:55 pm

masarwar: Deal Addict; Jan 13, 2014; 1645 posts; 568 upvotes; Calgary

Feb 29th, 2020 1:55 pm

When i added retrofit potlights (no new connection, used existing lights in the ceiling connection) i needed to take permission from condo board and show proof that the pot light was installed by a master electrician.

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Feb 29th, 2020 3:16 pm

skeet50: Deal Addict; Jan 15, 2017; 3514 posts; 2866 upvotes

Feb 29th, 2020 3:16 pm

Adding pot lights will almost for certain need condo board approval as it affects the electricity load of the condo and hence the entire building. Anything that has the potential to affect the major systems of the building - like electrical, HVAC, plumbing will need condo board approval. So, swapping out lights yes, as it is a safety issue if not done properly. Swapping out things like toilets and vanities - yup, as you are potentially changing the plumbing. A shower door most likely wouldn't require approval. Tiling yes as there may be restrictions on floor types and parameters around waterproofing wet areas. Blings most likely as many condos have by-laws on what type and colour of window treatments can be used in order to present a pleasing look from the exterior.

Feb 29th, 2020 4:17 pm

realtorhome: Sr. Member; May 3, 2013; 643 posts; 199 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 29th, 2020 4:17 pm

I would recommend just talking to your property manager. They would have a specific answer for your specific condo building. And even if no permission is required, the property manager may be resourceful in reminding you on other related restrictions such as what time renos can take place, etc.

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Feb 29th, 2020 5:48 pm

CondoChic: Jr. Member; Jan 30, 2019; 103 posts; 63 upvotes

Feb 29th, 2020 5:48 pm

OP: what is the threshold for work that needs condo board approval? I would assume anything structural, plumbing, or major electrical - but would simple jobs like replacing shower door, light fixtures, tiling in kitchen/bath, replacing vanity or toilet, new blinds etc... require approval.

Replacing shower door, light fixtures, and replacing a vanity would most likely not require approval.
Tiling....I don't think so, but ask just in case.
New blinds do not need approval but many condos have a rule where the part of the blinds that is facing out to the window must be white or beige. Indoor colour of your blinds is your choice.

One more thing to find out....what are the times during the day/weekend that work can be done in your condo, for noise reasons.

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Mar 2nd, 2020 8:15 am

michelb: Deal Fanatic; Jul 4, 2004; 5698 posts; 1759 upvotes; Ottawa

Mar 2nd, 2020 8:15 am

Our condo requires notification before any and all renovations. Basically, if someone sees any sort of contractor going in the building, they'll wonder which unit they are going to and why.

I've always just given a brief description of what was being done although for some things (e.g. flooring), they want a list of materials.

Mar 2nd, 2020 8:19 am

senasena: Sr. Member; Feb 19, 2019; 847 posts; 923 upvotes; Stouffville ON

Mar 2nd, 2020 8:19 am

First read the condo by-laws, you will find there most of the details will and procedures will be explained, secondly contact condo management.
Anything electrical is very likely to require approval. I also wouldn't be surprised if they required ESA approved electrician (If in ON) to do the work, that's despite the fact in ON the home owner can do their own electrical.

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Mar 2nd, 2020 10:08 am

negotiater: Member; Oct 26, 2007; 298 posts; 175 upvotes

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:08 am

Your just creating more work and delays for yourself... potlights are small and quiet job.. I did a reno where there was banging on floors day and night and didn't get any approvals and no one complained

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:30 am

senasena: Sr. Member; Feb 19, 2019; 847 posts; 923 upvotes; Stouffville ON

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:30 am

negotiater wrote: ↑ Your just creating more work and delays for yourself... potlights are small and quiet job.. I did a reno where there was banging on floors day and night and didn't get any approvals and no one complained

Just because nobody complained doesn't mean that's the proper way to go. Also when selling a unit the buyer's rep should insert the clause stating that the seller warrants there was no unauthorized work done on the unit.

Full Time and Full Service Realtor

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Mar 2nd, 2020 9:29 pm

wiab89 [OP]: Member; Feb 7, 2018; 248 posts; 313 upvotes

Mar 2nd, 2020 9:29 pm

Thanks everyone for your help here. I looked through the bylaw document that my lawyer fwded to me but nothing regarding renos/modifications to units. I will contact the property manager as @realtorhome suggested and also figure out the hours I can work as @CondoChic mentioned.

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Mar 2nd, 2020 10:33 pm

divx: Deal Expert; Oct 26, 2003; 34436 posts; 4015 upvotes; Winnipeg

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:33 pm

Just talk to the board and they will let you know, generally they want to be informed of all renovations.

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Mar 2nd, 2020 10:43 pm

Furcorn: Sr. Member; Jun 7, 2017; 942 posts; 677 upvotes; BC

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:43 pm

Ask for permission to upgrade your home?!? Omg, this is funny.

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:55 pm

wiab89 [OP]: Member; Feb 7, 2018; 248 posts; 313 upvotes

Mar 2nd, 2020 10:55 pm

Furcorn wrote: ↑ Ask for permission to upgrade your home?!? Omg, this is funny.

Agreed, but when sharing 4 walls + ceiling + floors with neighbours I actually think it’s logical to have some level of oversight. The only problem is that there doesn’t really seem to be any set standards across the province/country - so what could be allowed in one building is not allowed in another. Also it seems as if some fairly minor improvements, in my view, still have to go through the board too which seems to be another avenue for them to flex their muscle.

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