Common Retrofits for Condominiums

When property managers and residents think of upgrading the complex systems of their condominium building – costs can be the first item to address. There are simpler ways to retrofit your condominium without draining the bank. Every upgrade can make a big difference in helping you improve the value of your real estate and increase energy efficiency. Saving money, time and energy is a possibility if you retrofit the right way.

1.  Lighting

   • It’s possible to achieve multiple goals by installing well-designed, well-thought-out lighting in a condominium.
   • By now everyone knows the cost savings of installing LED lighting throughout a condominium. Have you taken action yet? While you’re at it, install motion activated sensors for less frequented areas such as garages and back entrances.

2. Landscaping

   • One of the more inexpensive options is upgrading your buildings gardens. By planting a few more trees, or designating a community herb garden space, your residents and the environment will thank you.

3. Boilers

   • A big-ticket item that is sometimes a necessity to upgrade, boiler upgrades are costly and strenuous work. Remember you have to consider what you will do with the old boiler parts. Ensure you get multiple quotes or bids from boiler installation companies. A boiler only needs to be replaced every 30 to 60 years, so you may not run into this retrofit in your career. In any case, it helps to be educated and prepared.

4. Windows and Exterior Sealing

   • Older buildings with original windows are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Design, materials and manufacturing techniques have developed tremendously over the last 20 years. Utility usage costs will go down when windows are replaced or fixed, increasing energy efficiency, improved ventilation and decrease in noise complaints.
   • Most damage is caused by mold and mildew which can quickly become a health hazard. Water penetration can cause wood windows to rot. Become familiar with your building’s exterior needs. Canadian weather is unpredictable and exterior cracks need to be addressed immediately to prevent further damages.

5. Submetering

   • Monitoring utility consumption is made simple with the installation of submeters. Water, electricity, gas or thermal can be submetered. When residents are submetered, they become responsible for their own utility usage. This promotes utility conservation, decreasing the stress put on the building and increasing building value.
   • Utility billing ensures residents are individually billed based on their actual utility consumption. Once submeters are installed, a utility billing company, such as ourselves, will read the meters, assess the costs and send invoice to residents.