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Guide33°46′ N · 118°22′ W

Renovating where neighbours share the walls.

A condo or apartment renovation is a remodel with extra rules: shared walls, shared systems, an association or building owner to satisfy, and neighbours who live through the noise. Multi-unit work adds tenants and phasing. Planned well, all of it is routine.

A renovated condominium living room with light wood floors and a balcony overlooking the coast

What it costs

A 900 sq ft unit, by finish level.

For a full interior renovation of a 900 square foot condo in Rancho Palos Verdes, our estimator gives $227k–$599k at a standard finish, $267k–$705k at premium and $361k–$951k at luxury. A lighter refresh (paint, floors and fixtures without moving walls or plumbing) costs far less; moving kitchens or bathrooms costs more.

Chart: estimated full interior renovation of a 900 square foot condo in Rancho Palos Verdes. Standard $227k–$599k, premium $267k–$705k, luxury $361k–$951k.
  1. Standard finish$227k–$599k
  2. Premium finish$267k–$705k
  3. Luxury finish$361k–$951k
  4. A cosmetic refreshWell below these ranges

Rules and neighbours

Read the association rules before the design.

Most condo associations limit what can change: structural walls, plumbing stacks, windows and balconies are usually common property. Many also set work hours, require floor underlayment to limit noise, and want the contractor's insurance on file before work starts. Getting the association's approval in writing first saves redesign later.

For apartments and small multi-unit buildings, renovate unit by unit or in phases so most of the building stays occupied, and plan shared systems such as water, electrical service and fire safety as one project.

A remodeled apartment kitchen with white cabinets, a stone counter and a window with a hillside view
  1. Association approval and work-hour rules
  2. Sound underlayment under hard floors
  3. Shared plumbing, electrical and fire systems
  4. Phasing unit by unit in occupied buildings

Common questions

Condo and apartment questions

Do I need a permit for a condo remodel?

Yes, once electrical, plumbing or walls change. The association's approval is separate from the city's permit and usually comes first.

Can a multi-unit building stay occupied?

Usually, by working one unit or one floor at a time, with notice to residents and protected access.

How firm are these figures?

Figures are planning ranges from our cost estimator (2024 Southern California base rates, adjusted for each city and finish level). They are not a bid; a site visit and drawings set the real number.

Next

Check your budget against your scope.

The scope and budget tool shows whether the renovation you want fits the budget you have.

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