Board approval for renovations

[Terry Gibson]

GREAT QUESTION.

In my experience, it is an important bylaw clause to require board approval of improvements or major renovations. Of particular interest: anything that might impact other owners.

For example:

In an apartment-style condo, most condos require underlays to protect owners below – to reduce sounds.

We heard of a case where someone removed a bearing wall, impacting the structural integrity of the building.

Some concrete buildings have post-tension cables – drilling into the slab should only be taken under engineering supervision for the safety of the renovator and the building.

If replacing windows (may or may not be an owner’s responsibility), purchasing windows that look the same as others in the building is important. Mixed windows make a complex look poor. It is essential to ensure that the windows are installed not to allow any water ingress into the exterior wall systems.

When in doubt, some condos should consult engineering expertise.

Laypersons may not be aware of the impact of changes on their unit on others.

I hope this helps! Terry terry@cofsab.ca

Please spread the word!

[Wesley Karges]

Hi Ingrid- This is a great question and you’re not alone. Plenty of condo corps in Alberta have vague approval processes for renovations in their bylaws, if anywhere.

That said, I think any reasonable board would have a difficult time deeming an appliance removal/replacement as a “renovation”, especially if it’s not clarified in the bylaws.

Certainly something to consider adding to the bylaws during the next round of reviews.

Please spread the word!