Guide to Condo Living

People with pets sometimes would rent a sub-standard apartment or condo just to make sure that their beloved are with them. There was a time that pets were an absolute no-no in all condos, but times have changed. Most villa and townhouse condos allow pets more than the high-rise ones.

Most now allow small pets, with strong and strict rules. Here are some examples of rules regarding pets:

• Pets are limited to 10 kgs., each
• A maximum of two pets are allowed
• Pets should be hand-leashed when in the common area
• Pets needs to be hand-carried through the lobby, halls, and elevators

Dues in their many forms in shapes in a condo ownership may seem steep but considering the amount you’d have to pay for tearing down the old chimneys may sound reasonable. Besides, the convenience and additional amenities you may get when you purchased the unit does need upkeep and so does the grounds in and around the condo facility. The tennis courts, swimming pools, landscaping and other up-keep needs are shared among all unit owners and other issues such as complaints are also handled in the same manner. Meetings of unit owners and information leaflets keep residents informed of the goes in the building as well as reports regarding safety and coordination with law enforcement. In meetings, be sure to question all your doubts for there is a need to do so. Some condos let facilities such as function rooms out for rent to friends and affiliates of owners and the money they get from these rentals also get into the up-keep of the building. There is also a security issue with it being a necessity for most areas. Don’t be scared of dues for they are for your benefit as well as for the whole condo community.

There is nothing stopping you from holding them in condo units as long as they are not too noisy or too intrusive of the other tenants. There are a lot of incidents of such problems for noise is one of the most disruptive things that can wake even the deepest sleeper. Review your building guidelines regarding these matters and some buildings require a notification of other tenants of such events so they do not get alarmed by the presence of other people. Occupants get so attached, they almost get to know each and every unit owner by look so any unknown or questionable people are reported to security. Also, inform your guests of any parking issues for you wouldn’t want to have your party interrupted by security buzzing you telling you one of your guests has parked in another tenant’s space. Ask management regarding options so you could inform your guests beforehand and so you can avoid problems yourself.

Ever consider changing the looks of your condo through lighting but never got around to it? Well the influx of LED lighting technologies allows some very unique and creative ways of lighting condos bathing it in color for both function and form. Most condos need excessive lighting due to the darkened areas well away form the windows that normally sits onto one side of the unit. Flexible LED strips allows you to place lighting in areas where you wouldn’t have considered doing so in the past, redefining the meaning of ambiance as you change the mood with varying colors and light intensity that wasn’t possible with past lighting technologies.

Most probably not, for condos is the enemy of the barbecue which just happens to be one of the most loved outdoor activities in the US. Most condo’s have a specified area where one can grill away such as in the member areas of the pool-side where you can swim and have a picnic with the family if they’d allow it. Some do allow some grilling from the patio but only with electric grilles due to the fire hazards involved with good old charcoal grilles. Most however totally prohibit such activities fearing complaints form smoke and other issues that may arise so just hop on down and get to the nearest barbecue joint, you won’t get any complaints there.

That’s what statistics are showing as people try to save as much as they could for their needs as people continue to live in uncertainty if they would still have a job in the near future. Siblings share their rooms all the time but for now, more have to settle with what little room they have, their parents foregoing home renovation till the recession ends allowing them to save on many costs that would otherwise accumulate should they continue plans to expand living space. The many people who face eviction due to unpaid mortgages are still on the rise with foreclosures at ever high figures, sure sign of the growing problems in the housing market that still has to recover, hit hard by the recession throwing many out of their homes.

Living in a confined space as a condo would require some creative thinking as to the quality of air in today’s world. We often rely on air fresheners and sanitizers without giving much thought to the overall quality of the air we breathe as we sleep and go around our daily lives. Short of having to wear a face mask all the time, you can at least improve the quality of air within the condo with the proper balance of humidity and fresh clean air. [...]

Call it rising consciousness or call it a fad, but green is here to stay which can be seen in the many green developments the world over. From less impacting developments that incorporates green more than an accessory of times past, the greening of our previously harsh city centers are here to stay. From use of less environment impacting materials to recycling of old shipping containers, the technology is there for all and we are sure to see more of such developments in the coming times. Green homes, designed from the bottom up to incorporate solar power and small-scale wind power generators are popping up everywhere. [...]

Salvage yards have begun to spring up all over the place with more and more people recognizing the value in stuff that used to go to landfills such as old doorknobs, cabinet pulls and many other nifty stuff that can still be used for more than what their owner decided. Thrifty and also quite green, recycling old stuff such as doors, windows and other trinkets that deserve a second life with a little coat of paint and cleaning are well worth the cost. They are also cheaper than their new counterparts and when people are opting to save more due to uncertain economic conditions. [...]

Flea markets are one of the best sources for all sorts of decorations for your condo. From lamps and picture frames to books and shelves and dressers and even couches and beds, a flea market is a virtual treasure house of possible additions to your condo to make it more stylish and comfortable.

One of the things you should remember when going to a flea market is to get there early, so you can get the best pickings before someone else beats you to it. Also bring a lot of loose change and small bills so you have more bargaining power. You should also dress down, so that vendors will not mistake you for someone loaded and give you higher prices for their goods. Wear comfortable clothes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.