Creating Your Renovation Master Plan Part 1

Part 1: Laying the Groundwork – Assessing the Space and Setting Priorities

In this first part of our renovation series, we’ll dive into how we approached our 1232 sq. ft. condo renovation project. This space, inherited from my late father-in-law, has great bones but needs some love to become a comfortable and stylish rental property! We’ll walk you through how we assessed the space, identified problem areas, and set our priorities. Plus, we’ll share some actionable tips for first-time renovators to help you plan your project effectively.

Assessing the Space:

Tight Spaces:

This property's layout is efficient for the most part but feels cramped in certain areas, especially in the bathrooms and living room. For example, the half bathroom on the first floor has a large vanity that leaves little room around the toilet, making it uncomfortable and impractical.

Outdated Features: The property overall features older finishes, such as worn flooring, outdated kitchen appliances, and mismatched hardware, all of which detract from its potential.

Safety Concerns: Delayed maintenance on the back deck and poor ventilation on the second floor were red flags that needed immediate attention.

Setting Priorities:

Here are our top priority projects:

  1. Pressure washing the exterior to improve curb appeal and prevent further deterioration.

  2. Repairing the deck to ensure safety.

  3. Addressing the poor ventilation, especially in the laundry area, to improve air quality and comfort.

  4. Renovating the bathrooms, mainly in the main bathroom upstairs, as well as the cramped "airplane bathroom," to create a more functional and appealing space.

Nice-to-Have Updates:

We’ve also identified several updates that would enhance the property's appeal but aren’t immediately necessary. These include a kitchen overhaul, new flooring throughout, and installing central HVAC.

Actionable Tips when acquiring your first property:

1. Walk Through with Fresh Eyes: If possible, live in or spend time in the space before making decisions. Identify what makes the space uncomfortable or less functional. Ask yourself in each space: "What's working?" and, "What's not working"?

2. Create a Priority List: List what needs to be addressed immediately for safety, comfort, or aesthetic reasons, and what can be updated later.

3. Set a Budget Early: Be realistic about what you can afford to do now versus later. This will guide your decision-making throughout the renovation.

Stay tuned for more plans and tips!

Brittany