Condo renovations are a different game from freehold homes. Between bylaws, neighbours, elevators, and building systems, the path from idea to finished space takes a little choreography. If you’re planning a Toronto condo kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation, use this contractor‑backed guide to avoid delays, protect your warranty/insurance, and get beautiful results that pass inspections the first time.

First Principles: Board Rules > City Rules (Sometimes)

• Condo board approval is mandatory. Most corporations require a renovation package (scope, drawings, insurance, timelines) before work begins.
• City permits may also be required, but many interior “like‑for‑like” finish changes don’t need them. Any work touching structure, fire separation, plumbing stacks, or electrical circuits almost certainly will.
• Quiet hours, elevator bookings, corridor protection, and contractor credentials are part of the process. Plan for deposits and proof of liability insurance.

Tip: Ask for your building’s alteration agreement and design/renovation guidelines early. These documents dictate what’s allowed (and how to do it).

Usually Allowed Without City Permits (Still Needs Condo Approval)

• Finish upgrades: paint, wallpaper, tile, backsplash, countertops.
• Cabinetry refacing or replacement in the same layout.
• Appliance swaps using existing hookups (respecting electrical load and venting limits).
• Fixture replacements (faucets, sinks, showerheads) without moving plumbing locations.
• Lighting fixture swaps at existing junction boxes; ESA may still be involved depending on the scope.
• Flooring changes that meet the building’s impact insulation (IIC/STC) rating (often requires underlayment and sometimes a sound test certification).

Always verify with management; some buildings restrict hardwood, mandate specific underlayments, or require sound test reports.

Work That Commonly Triggers Permits/Extra Reviews

• Moving plumbing (relocating sinks, tubs, or adding showers) because you’re near shared stacks and fire‑rated assemblies.
• New electrical circuits or panel upgrades (requires ESA permit/inspection).
• Any structural change (in condos, structural elements, and slabs are usually common elements and cannot be altered).
• Penetrations through fire separations (shafts, demising walls) or changes to fire dampers and rated doors.
• Venting changes (kitchen hood to exterior shaft vs. recirculating, dryer venting).
• Waterproofing membranes in wet areas that must meet building standards (shower pans, balcony doors, balconies typically off‑limits for reno changes).

Bottom line: If it affects the building’s shared systems or safety, expect permits and third‑party review.

The Approval Path (So You Don’t Lose Weeks)

1. Define scope & capture measurements. Photos + dimensions of kitchen/bath, panel capacity, and stack locations.
2. Pre‑consult with management. Confirm what’s allowed, insurance limits, quiet hours, and elevator reservation rules.
3. Drawings/selections. Layout plan, finishes, products, and any engineered details your board requests.
4. Submit your package. Scope, drawings, insurance certificates (contractor & you), schedule, deposit (if required).
5. City & ESA (if applicable). We’ll file the right permits and coordinate inspections.
6. Book elevator & protection. Mats, corner guards, and staging areas—don’t forget delivery windows.
7. Start work. Daily clean‑up, sealed corridors, negative air if dusty scope, and respectful neighbour comms.

Kitchen: High‑Impact Upgrades That Play Nice with Condo Rules

Storage & Layout

• Tall pantry towers and drawer‑based bases maximize capacity in tight footprints.
• Panel‑ready appliances (24–30″) create a seamless look and often fit elevators better.

Venting & Electrical

• Many condos use recirculating hoods; when a shaft connection exists, we ensure it’s rated and approved.
• Map amp loads: induction ranges, built‑in ovens, and micro/hood combos may need a dedicated circuit.

Surfaces & Sinks

• Quartz or porcelain slabs offer durability with a lighter weight than some natural stones.
• Undermount sinks with flood‑stop valves and leak detectors add peace of mind for you (and your board!).

Lighting

• Layer under‑cabinet task lighting, dimmable ambient, and accent strips. Avoid peppering the slab with too many recessed fixtures.

Bathroom: Waterproofing, Noise, and Neighbours

• Waterproofing is non‑negotiable. We use full‑system membranes, pre‑slope pans, and flood testing where permitted.
• Tub‑to‑shower conversions are popular; confirm drain sizing and thresholds allowed by your building.
• Sound control: Add mineral wool and heavy drywall at shared walls; use quiet fans and soft‑close hardware.
• Low‑profile heated floors can be condo‑friendly when paired with the right underlayment and GFCI controls (verify with management and ESA).

Budget & Timeline (Order‑of‑Magnitude)

Every building and unit is unique, but these ranges help planning:

• Condo Kitchen Refresh (same layout): Cabinet refacing/new fronts, counters, backsplash, lighting, hardware. From low‑$ tens of thousands.
• Condo Kitchen Remodel (reconfigure within constraints): New cabinets, counters, appliances, lighting/electrical upgrades, selective plumbing moves. From mid‑$ tens of thousands.
• Condo Bathroom Renovation: Waterproofing system, tile, vanity, lighting, fan, plumbing trims; shower conversion optional. From low‑ to mid‑$ tens of thousands.

Timelines:

• Board approval: ~2-6+ weeks, depending on review cycles.
• Lead times: 2-8 weeks for cabinets, counters, and specialty fixtures.
• On‑site work: 5-15 working days per space, plus inspections and condo logistics.

We’ll provide a line‑item quote after a site visit so you can see exactly where your dollars go.

Common Mistakes (That Cost Time & Money)

• Starting before approval (fines, stop‑work orders).
• Ignoring IIC/STC flooring rules (forced tear‑outs happen).
• Overloading the electrical panel or skipping ESA.
• Penetrating rated walls/ceilings without restoring the fire rating.
• Ordering appliances or slabs that don’t fit the elevator.

Ready to Renovate Your Condo the Right Way?

We’ll handle approvals, permits, logistics, and craftsmanship so you can enjoy a beautiful new kitchen or bath without the boardroom drama. Book a consultation today with JG Contracting, your local expert for Toronto condo renovations.

📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632

✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com\