With new developments happening in Montréal daily, more and more yuppies and young families are now moving to the heart of the city. After all, there’s something appealing about having your own condo a stone’s throw away from where you work, even if you have to remodel every now and then.
The freedom and convenience that this set-up offers are the reason why there are many who buy Montreal condos instead of renting. With the affordable housing initiatives led by government, it’s now even more possible to own a condo and do whatever you want with it.
The Joy of Remodeling
With a condo of your own, many things could trigger a remodel. Perhaps you bought the unit for a bargain but you’re not entirely convinced with its current layout. Perhaps you just got married or are expecting your first baby. It could also just be a mood swing or a craving for something new and fresh.
Whatever the reason, it’s usually a joy to remodel. Making something new again gives you a fresh start, especially if what we’re talking about is the place you come home to every single day. For the exact same reasons, though, it could also be insanely expensive because you could easily get carried away.
Saving on Your Remodel
If you don’t want to spend a fortune, consider these tips:
- Take a step back, plan, and stick to your plan.
At the beginning, set a budget and stick to it. Be clear about your vision and know how much of a change you want. Is it just a paint job? Do you want to customize the cabinets and the furniture? Do you want an entirely new look?
You should also be aware of your building’s rules, starting with your condo’s status certificate. Know your limits on time and on what you can and cannot alter to avoid making a costly mistake a little too late.
- Recycle as much as you can.
It’s tempting to make everything brand new, but of course, this will cost a lot. You can actually save a lot by recycling some old items, and a lot of this is do-it-yourself as well. But if you’re not too keen on DIY, you can always hit the recycling center. You’ll be surprised at how many gems you can find there – from unique fixtures to acrylic skylights.
- Avoid moving plumbing fixtures.
It’s always costly to move plumbing, whether that’s your kitchen sink or your toilet. If you can work on your current plumbing, this will save you a lot.
- Custom-fit is ideal, but maybe all it takes is patience.
With condo units, you often have too little space to work with. This is why it’s ideal to have custom-fit cabinets and furniture that will really maximize every nook and cranny. However, custom-fit pieces can also be expensive.
If you’re really on a budget, just be patient with your canvassing and don’t give up easily. Sometimes all it takes is patience and a stroke of luck.
