Renovations/Additions/Alterations & Paint Policy

Purpose of the policy:

• To maintain Co-op property.

• To set out Co-op requirements for members during move-in and move-out or internal transfers.

• For members who wish to paint, alter, or improve their unit.

• For the purpose of this policy the word alterations will be used in reference to: Renovations, Additions, and Alterations.

Policy:

Painting:

1. Members must use paint types and colours specified by the Co-op if they are to repaint the exterior sections of their unit.

2. Members are permitted to alter their unit indoor wall colour or use wallpaper, with the understanding and agreement that the member is responsible for putting paint back to the original standard colour, or removing paper properly and/or preparing walls for painting using filler and/or primer.

3. The co-op will supply the paint in the co-op's standard colour to a member, upon written request every five (5) years. The labour involved in painting a unit will be at the member's expense if labour is done before the ten (10) year mark.

After the ten (10) year mark, members may request to have their unit painted by the Co-op. However, the amount of units painted will be subject to the co-op's budget.

4. Any units that have smokers would be responsible for the additional cost, if cleaning, sealant, and/or additional paint is needed for the unit to be properly painted.

Move-out & Internal transfer:

5. On move-out or internal transfer, a member will be held responsible for damage or wear and tear to the painting that is inconsistent with the paint’s life expectancy. The painting Standard Life Expectancy is:

• Walls/Doors/Closet doors: Ten (10) years.

• Ceilings: at co-op's expense unless required due to member damage, i.e. stains, holes, nicotine residue. Etc. 

6. Upon move-out or internal transfer, the member is responsible for repairing normal wear and tear. The office will supply the member with co-op standard paint. Members must fill holes, sand, and wash walls before painting.  If this is not done or the member fails inspection, The office will arrange for professional painting of the unit and the member will be responsible for the total cost, less a 10% reduction every year. At ten (10) years the Co-op will be responsible for the cost of painting the unit.

7. Any damages exceeding the normal wear and tear or life cycle of any of the paint, walls, cabinets, fixtures, or appliances of the unit, Will be charged back at the member's expense.

8. Upon move-out or internal transfer, the member is responsible for returning the unit to its Co-op standard. Any alterations made must be repaired or replaced. (Unless the incoming member to the unit agrees to keep the alteration and take responsibility henceforth for it.) If this is not done the member will be charged at their expense for the Co-op to hire its professionals to complete the work. Units must be restored to paint types and/or colours specified by the Co-op, and the Co-op standards.

Minor alterations:

9. Members may paint and attach pictures, shelving, and other decorative items to the unit's interior.

10. Upon written request, members may paint their kitchen and bathroom cabinets/cupboards. If done at the Co-op expense it will follow the same guidelines set out in this policy.

11. Upon move-out or internal transfer, a member is responsible for all repairs or damages done to walls or ceilings and for returning the interior unit to the co-op's standard paint colours.

12. Any appliance upgrade such as stove and fridge. Must be approved by the board of directors. If a member wishes to take their upgraded appliance upon move-out or internal transfer, they are responsible for the cost of replacing the existing unit with a standard Co-op appliance.

13. Members must receive written permission from the Board of Directors for any tree or shrub removal and/or installation. Fish ponds, and the erection of structures such as sheds, gazebos or extensive latticework must also receive written permission prior to installation.

Major alterations:

14. Any major alterations, renovations, and/or additions must conform to acceptable building standards, codes, bylaws, and fire regulations. And are subject to prior written approval from the Board of Directors.

15. If a member wishes to alter their unit, for example by replacing their flooring, mouldings, countertops, ceramic tile, and cabinets. They must submit their request in writing to the board of directors and must receive an official response before doing any work. Any alterations made by the member without prior written approval from the board of directors may be removed or restored by the co-op at the member's expense.

16. The exterior appearance of any building and or unit shall not be altered by painting, woodwork, ironwork, concrete brickwork, or any such materials permanent or temporary, with the exception of holiday decorations without prior written consent from the board of directors. This includes balconies and patios.

17. No commercial signs, fences, antennas, place cards, or billboards may be displayed on any unit or common property without written approval from the board of directors. Units may place political signs during voting sessions within Canadian politics. No longer than three (3) months.

18. All electrical upgrades such as plugs, light switches, lighting, and electrical panels, must be done by a Co-op approved professional.

19. All plumbing upgrades such as toilets, showers, bathtubs, and sinks, must be done by a Co-op approved professional.

Procedure:

1. Inspections are to be done by two (2) of any of the four (4) following personnel:

• Office staff, members of the Board, maintenance personnel, and committee volunteers.

2. Refer to the Member vs Co-op Responsibility policy.

3. Refer to the Access and Repairs policy.

4. Refer to the Fines and Warnings policy.

5. Refer to the Grounds Maintenance policy

6. Refer to section 6 – Rule 6.01 page 16 of the Occupancy Agreement

Approved by the General Membership: 19/November/2024