CondoBusiness - Restoration & Renovation
REMI

Restoration & Renovation

aging in place

Evolving smart home tech redefines aging in place

Emerging technologies are powering homes into active support systems that can monitor, predict and respond to the changing needs of older adults and boost their
amenity

Renewing amenity spaces in midtown Toronto

At 319 Merton Street in Toronto, the condo board recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment of its nearly 20-year-old amenity floor.
common areas

Refreshing common areas without construction

Minor updates can dramatically shift how a building feels without the cost, disruption, or timeline of a full renovation.
roberts

Common element alterations carry legal risks

Every improvement that touches the common elements brings legal and operational consequences. How bulk indemnity agreements can offer long-term protection and cost-efficiency, help resolve historical issues, and streamline future requests.
balconies

Cracks and corrosion put condo balconies at risk

Aging condo balconies demand structural repair and upkeep to remain safe.
retrofits

Barriers stall deep energy retrofits in condo sector

Condominiums are among the fastest-growing types of housing, a trend that is particularly significant in a country where the built environment accounts for roughly 18 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
small space

Rising costs drive innovation in small space living

As living costs continue to skyrocket, particularly in urban centres like Vancouver and Toronto, the way people think about their living spaces has seen major changes.
aging

Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities

New updates to the OBC, which come into effect January 1, 2025, do little to address accessibility. How can existing condos prioritize inclusion when planning for renovations?
condo

Eco-friendly condo upgrades

Reaching net zero by 2050 means sustainability targets for new and existing condo buildings will need to change quickly.
EV

The intricacies of EV infrastructure remain at odds with condo legislation

The electric vehicle landscape is complex, ever-changing and at the cutting edge of technology. For condominium corporations and their owners, this means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
depreciation reports

Considerations for deferring capital project work

The industry panel discussed what capital repairs and replacement costs could potentially be deferred by prolonging the life of various building components and what professional resources to seek for guidance.
embodied carbon

Reducing embodied carbon in capital projects

Condo owners now have the opportunity to understand the embodied carbon impacts of capital replacements work at their buildings.
WELL

WELL evolves into residential communities

Minto Communities is the first developer in Canada to pilot the WELL for residential program, which sets out to create healthier homes.
common element

Access to units for common element work

What if access is required through a residential unit to perform common element maintenance or repairs to the building in general?
condo

Tailoring amenities to evolving demographics

The types of amenities that were once popular in condos have changed.
condo terrace

Designing a successful private condo terrace

The first step is to have a landscape architect draft up a preliminary plan for the terrace or balcony renovation.
windows

‘Windows’ of opportunity for home retrofits 

In low-rise homes, including condos, up to 35 per cent of heated air can be lost through the windows during the heating season.