-->
CM Magazine Cover
From the Fall 2023 Issue

The Hilarious Journey of Condo Refurbishment: Unraveling the Design-Build Enigma

Your Condo: Refurbishment

Your Condo || Rajmonda Cukaj

Friday night, a glass of wine and a well-deserved moment of relaxation on my porch. It sounds like the perfect time to ponder the eternal question of what is the right choice for boards and property managers regarding condominium refurbishment processes and companies. As someone deeply immersed in the condominium industry, first as a property manager and later and presently as the principal of a condominium refurbishment company, I’ve encountered various experiences and perspectives. With this article, I intend to take a lighthearted journey with you down the rabbit hole of condominium refurbishment.

Condominium property managers and board directors face various challenges when selecting the perfect construction process and company for their common area refurbishment projects. Choosing the right construction company means grappling with the mysterious art of estimating project costs. You’re playing a high-stakes poker game, where property managers and board members carefully analyze quotes, trying to decipher if they’re being low-balled or hit with a “budget-buster” bluff. The challenge lies in distinguishing the honest and capable candidates from those offering to build a gold-plated fountain in the lobby for the price of a garden gnome.

Property managers and board members start their quest by diving into the vast ocean of design-build companies. The search begins with good old-fashioned Google searches, leading them down the rabbit hole of internet information. However, the sheer number of results can be overwhelming, and the comedy begins as they face the challenge of filtering out the diamonds from the rough. They may morph into amateur detectives as they vet potential construction companies. Hours are spent scrolling through online reviews, stalking the company’s social media profiles, and contacting past clients for references. They become Sherlock Holmes, sniffing out clues to solve the mystery of the reliable and reputable contractor hidden in the vast abyss of internet information. Will they uncover a hidden gem or stumble upon an online troll’s manifesto?

While websites can provide essential details about the company’s services and experience, social media offers a glimpse into their culture and work ethic, thanks to quirky posts and behind-the-scenes photos. But beware of the comedic pitfalls - not everything on social media is what it seems! Memes, cat videos, and hilarious hashtags might distract you from the actual credibility of the company.

As the investigation deepens, property managers and board members seek references like never before. They reach out to previous clients like long-lost friends, hoping to uncover the truth about the design-build company’s track record. Conversations that should be straightforward turn into hilarious games of “Did they really say that?” as those providing references offer compliments and polite remarks, sometimes leaving essential details between the lines.

When it comes to condo refurbishment, design-build is the buzzword lately. It should set the stage for a smoother and more streamlined process. Unlike traditional construction methods, design-build brings the entire project under one umbrella. From conceptualization to execution, a single entity handles the whole process. This integrated approach promotes better communication, accountability, and efficiency.

The process of soliciting design-build bids for refurbishment projects, however, can resemble a comedic bidding war. Property managers and board members are bombarded with proposals ranging from the ridiculously low, “We’ll do it for a lifetime supply of pizza!” to the astronomically high, “We’ll renovate your common area and throw in a private jet for good measure!” Finding the Goldilocks zone where the bid is just right is challenging.

Now that our comedic explorers have survived the wild online search, checked references and decoded the jargon jungle, it’s time to narrow down the options and focus on crucial factors when selecting the right design-build company for their condominium refurbishment project.

First and foremost, define your project objective. A condominium refurbishment project aims to enhance the overall quality, functionality, and aesthetics of the building’s common areas, ensuring a pleasant living experience for residents and preserving the property’s long-term value. Clearly define what that objective means for your building. Carefully assess the reserve fund, establish a well-planned project budget, and prioritize essential replacements while incorporating wish list elements.

When selecting a refurbishment company, expertise and experience are like the aged wine of the industry. Look for companies with a track record in condominium refurbishments, as they understand the unique challenges and intricacies of working within these environments. Experience matters, so uncork those project portfolios and taste the flavours of successful past projects.

Effective communication is the glue that holds a design-build project together. The right company will be transparent about the process, timelines, and budgets. Clear communication ensures that everyone involved is on the same page, preventing misunderstandings that might lead to comedic misadventures.

Creativity and innovation are the fairy dust that transforms mundane spaces into breathtaking masterpieces in the design-build world. Seek companies that embrace new ideas and are willing to think outside the box. Who knows, they might surprise you with a touch of whimsy!

Condo refurbishment projects are often subject to unexpected twists and turns. The ideal design-build company should exhibit flexibility and adaptability when faced with challenges. After all, life in a condo refurbishment wonderland is full of surprises!

Ultimately, property managers and board members must trust their instincts and decide based on their gathered information. Like Sherlock Holmes, rely on their powers of deduction to choose the most reliable and reputable contractor for your condominium refurbishment project.

Remember, the right choice may vary based on each condominium project’s specific needs and goals. Assessing each potential partner with a discerning palate and a healthy dose of curiosity is essential. So, sit back, savour your wine, and trust your instincts as you navigate the labyrinthine world of condominium refurbishments. Cheers to the hilarious hurdles the brave decision-makers face, the right choice and a fruitful journey ahead! 

 

Rajmonda Cukaj, PMP, is the owner of Congruent Build Inc., a condominium refurbishment company. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she started my journey as a property manager, later transitioning to project management and has worked in the condominium refurbishment industry for approximately 15 years.
congruentbuild.com


View PDF Back to Latest Issue


Search Archives

Issue Archive
Article Categories
iTunes
iTunes

CM Magazine
Subscribe