Condo Upgrades

[SaprykinPWNSjoo]

Hey Guys,

I just recently purchased my first condo and was wondering what upgrades are the most important, for example which will improve the value of the place and which are more sought after by buyers and renters.

It comes standard with

Maple Cabinets
1 Heated Underground Parking Stall
5 appliances
Personal storage units
Premium sound attenuation system
Gypcrete concrete floors
elevator
computer area
delux telephone and cable wiring package
private patio
brushed chrome hardware
master bedroom ensuite
raised eating bar
microwave shelf
veggie spray kitchen tap
sauder #500 oversized door headers
secure foyers
100 percent nylon carpet with 7.5 underlay
choice of 4 interior color packages

Thats the list I have so far and I do not have an upgrade list yet. Just wondering what fellow cpers have upgraded or look to be upgraded when buying or renting a place. Also this unit is being built by cardel homes if that helps with anything.

Thanks alot

Jordan

[Flames in 07]

Totally depends.

what neighbourhood? what price point?

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by SaprykinPWNSjoo

5 appliances
private patio
raised eating bar
microwave shelf
choice of 4 interior color packages

Without knowing more details about your new purchase, I would start with these upgrades (if they're offered):

Stainless Steel appliances
Gas outlet on the patio for BBQ
Granite Countertops in the kitchen and eating bar
Over-the-range Microwave oven
Depending on your choice of interior colours, make sure the cabinets match.

If you have anymore questions about your place or condos in general feel free to PM me.

[killer_carlson]

an extra parking stall

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

an extra parking stall

Only if it's a titled or a delineated lease, otherwise it would add nothing to the equity/resale value.

[BlackEleven]

hardwood floors? That's always something I look for. And I don't know how applicable it is in Calgary, but here its certainly nice to have central air for those hot summer days.

[SaprykinPWNSjoo]

First off thanks so far for the responses keep em coming. Condo is in Mckenzie Town and after taxes before upgrades was 272 000ish It is also a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom.

The extra parking stall is out of the question because there is available parking out side and for an underground stall it cost 8 grand a little out of my price range and not worth it in opinion(sp)

The thing about hardwood floors is they ding easily is tile a better option?

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by SaprykinPWNSjoo

First off thanks so far for the responses keep em coming. Condo is in Mckenzie Town and after taxes before upgrades was 272 000ish It is also a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom.

The extra parking stall is out of the question because there is available parking out side and for an underground stall it cost 8 grand a little out of my price range and not worth it in opinion(sp)

The thing about hardwood floors is they ding easily is tile a better option?

Tile is much more durable than hard wood, but there is an extra upfront cost with it. I have heard stories about some condo's that don't allow tile. Often you will need to add onto the sub floor to make it rigid enough to install tile on. I've never liked tile on an entire floor, but for entry's kitchens and high traffic areas it is nice. Wood floors do ding up, but the dings add character and wood can be refinished unles it's that crap pre-eng stuff.

[Flames in 07]

The dings aren't that big a deal, if it's hardwood. If it's laminate floor covering then it can start to look cheap. Incinerator has it right with that list ... if you do hardwood, don't get bottom of the line material.

[corporatejay]

we have stone tile in our kitchen and I love it, i wouldn't go with linoleum if that's what is standard.

re: Stainless steel appliances, I don't tihnk that's really that big of a deal, originally i thought they were sexier but they get so marked up, definitely go black and NOT WHITE!

[corporatejay]

you can get some really nice laminate floor these days but you'll pay for it (it's probably more than some hardwood) just don't go cheap.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

we have stone tile in our kitchen and I love it, i wouldn't go with linoleum if that's what is standard.

re: Stainless steel appliances, I don't tihnk that's really that big of a deal, originally i thought they were sexier but they get so market up, definitely go black and NOT WHITE!

But sexier is the only thing that is important if you are thinking of value. You make thousands based on the buyers first impression of a place. And stainless almost always highlights a kitchet.

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

But sexier is the only thing that is important if you are thinking of value. You make thousands based on the buyers first impression of a place. And stainless almost always highlights a kitchet.

Absolutely I would agree with that but how long is he planning on living in the unit for? is it worth the money now? stainless is sexy now but will it last? white was in 15 years ago!

Plus if you do'nt make sure they are 100% cleant they look dirtier. If i was doing "flip this house" and had to decide i would go stainless but i'm not sure if i'd put it in my place now.

[Flames in 07]

I hear ya, but read is first sentance. If you live in it fifteen years, he won't ask us what HIS tastes are ... sounds like he/she simply asks, how do I max. value.

[STAMPEDRED]

Originally Posted by SaprykinPWNSjoo

First off thanks so far for the responses keep em coming. Condo is in Mckenzie Town and after taxes before upgrades was 272 000ish It is also a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom.

The extra parking stall is out of the question because there is available parking out side and for an underground stall it cost 8 grand a little out of my price range and not worth it in opinion(sp)

The thing about hardwood floors is they ding easily is tile a better option?

Ahh, but you stated in your answer why you should buy that extra stall. Sure it's 8 grand right now, but for that extra stall people are always looking for is going to be worth more and you don't have to do any upgrades to it, just park in it!

When you go to sell you can always sell that stall separately to anyone else in the building and even possibly start a bidding war. Heck, if you don't want it, I'll buy it if I can (dependant upon if a guy can own it without owning a condo!)

[Nikki]

Well, being as you are going to be my neighbour.... I bought the 2 bedroom, 2 bath as well.

I have decided that I am going with the following upgrades:
-granite (haven't decided if I am going with it in the bathrooms)
-hardwood everywhere except bedrooms and bathrooms
-upgrade carpet (for bedrooms)
-black appliances
-gas barbque hook up
-gas fireplace

I still haven't decided on tile in the bathrooms, as I don't like the feel of tile but I am torn due to resale appeal.

I appreciate the input as well!

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Well, being as you are going to be my neighbour.... I bought the 2 bedroom, 2 bath as well.

I have decided that I am going with the following upgrades:
-granite (haven't decided if I am going with it in the bathrooms)
-hardwood everywhere except bedrooms and bathrooms
-upgrade carpet (for bedrooms)
-black appliances
-gas barbque hook up
-gas fireplace

I still haven't decided on tile in the bathrooms, as I don't like the feel of tile but I am torn due to resale appeal.

I appreciate the input as well!

Speaking strictly on resale value and disregarding personal taste:

You can cheap out on the main bathroom if you absolutely have to, but the ensuite should definitely have granite if it's an option.

No need to upgrade the carpet, won't make a huge difference

Stainless Steel appliances, as mentioned above, if not now then get them before you sell.

Definitely tile over lino in the bathrooms every day of the week and thrice on Sundays.

BBQ hookup and fireplace = good.

Buy that extra underground parking stall if Sappy isn't gonna

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by Incinerator

Speaking strictly on resale value and disregarding personal taste:

You can cheap out on the main bathroom if you absolutely have to, but the ensuite should definitely have granite if it's an option.

No need to upgrade the carpet, won't make a huge difference

Stainless Steel appliances, as mentioned above, if not now then get them before you sell.

Definitely tile over lino in the bathrooms every day of the week and thrice on Sundays.

BBQ hookup and fireplace = good.

Buy that extra underground parking stall if Sappy isn't gonna

Thanks for the advice!

The extra parking spots are above ground, do you still think it is worth the investment?

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Thanks for the advice!

The extra parking spots are above ground, do you still think it is worth the investment?

Hmm, I thought Sappy said the ones costing $8k were underground? If it's above ground and not covered, in MacKenzie Town, I'd have to say no. Not for $8K. I'm sure you can leave your car at the strip-malls' parking lot for cheaper than that j/k

There's definitely no shortage of parking in the 'burbs, just a shortage of warm, toasty parking.

[corporatejay]

are they 8000 for an above ground spot? that seems ridiculous.

we only have one spot in our building and that jammed us up pretty good, I would have loved a second parking space.