CONDO REMODEL
Update your St. Petersburg condo with a contractor who understands high-rise logistics, HOA requirements, and the unique challenges of building renovation. Transparent pricing, expert navigation.
Signs You Need a Condo Remodel
Condos Date Faster Than Houses
Many units are original to the building—whether 5, 10, 20, or 30 years old. Nothing from magazines 10 years ago is still in today's magazines, so even a 2015 building shows its age.
Dated Finishes Throughout
The most common issue is simply outdated finishes—countertops, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and lighting that looked great at move-in but now feel tired.
Layout Frustration
Some condo owners want to change their layout, but plumbing lines in a 20-story building can't be moved without major building-wide approval. Most layout changes are off the table.
Lighting Limitations
Sometimes ceilings are concrete, preventing easy addition of recessed lighting. Solutions exist (dropped sleeper systems for thin wafer can lights and fans) but require creative approaches.
Our Condo Remodel Process
Timeline Depends on Your Building
Condo remodels can be relatively fast compared to homes, BUT timeline depends heavily on the building itself:
HOA Rules
Application requirements and restrictions
Building Management
Responsiveness varies widely
Neighbor Considerations
Noise and disruption concerns
Elevator Availability
Scheduling and capacity limits
Work Hours
Building-specific restrictions
Unique Condo Logistics
Work Hours
Some buildings have strict hours, short work days, or late start times depending on how strict management is.
Elevator Coordination
We schedule elevators in advance. When they malfunction, carpenters may need to haul tools up stairs—all that time is billed to the owner because it's not our fault.
Material Limitations
If the elevator's longest dimension is 10 feet, we can't take 12-foot baseboards. We cut materials in the garage, losing 15% of materials—communicated upfront.
Common Area Protection
We protect floors, walls, and elevators in common areas throughout the project.
Trash & Deliveries
Coordinating dumpsters and material deliveries requires building approval and scheduling.
Living Situation
Like any major remodel, clients typically don't stay during significant condo renovations. Plan for alternative housing during the project.
Condo Remodel Cost in St. Petersburg
Entry-Level
$200/sq ft
Basic finishes, cosmetic updates
Mid-Range
$300/sq ft
Quality finishes with some layout work
High-End
$400+/sq ft
Luxury finishes, premium everything
What You Save On (vs. Houses)
- •No roof work: Building handles exterior maintenance
- •No foundation work: Structure is what it is
Unique Condo Costs
- •Parking fees: Building-required parking for contractors
- •Protection time: Carpenters and subs protecting common areas
- •Material waste: From elevator size constraints
- •Time lost: To elevator issues and building logistics
Transparent Communication
We communicate building-specific costs upfront. Elevator constraints, material waste, and logistics time are factored into our estimates from the start—so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.
Ready to Discuss Your Condo Remodel Project?
Get expert guidance from a contractor who understands high-rise logistics and HOA navigation.
Planning Your Condo Remodel
Pre-Construction Requirements
- •HOA Application: Most HOAs require an application and want to see the permit before work starts. Adds a week or two but is mostly just an annoyance—factor it into your timeline.
- •Insurance Requirements: Standard requirements—liability and workers' comp. No surprises here.
- •High-Rise Licensing: Buildings over four stories require a commercial unlimited GC license (which we have).
Design Constraints
- •Structural elements: Utility runs and structural components inside a unit aren't negotiable. We build cabinetry or custom furniture around them.
- •Learn from neighbors: Often neighbors have done similar projects, so we can learn what's possible in your specific building and unit type.
Permits for Condo Remodels in St. Petersburg
Requires a Permit
- •Plumbing changes
- •Electrical work
No Permit Needed
- •Paint
- •Flooring
- •Cabinets
Additional Requirement: HOA application and approval, plus permit review, before work begins.
Special Considerations for Condo Remodels
HOA and Building Management
The biggest challenge with condo remodels is dealing with the association and building management. Rules vary by building, and some are more restrictive than others. We navigate these relationships so you don't have to.
Neighbor Relations
Nosy neighbors are inevitable. We minimize disruption by befriending neighbors, letting them know what we're doing, giving advance notice before loud work (jackhammering floors/ceilings), and putting notes on doors. It makes us look professional and makes the project smoother for everyone.
Concrete Ceilings
Many condos have concrete ceilings, limiting lighting options. Solutions include dropped sleeper systems that accommodate thin wafer can lights and ceiling fans without cutting into structural concrete.
Plumbing Limitations
In a high-rise, moving plumbing is typically impossible. Drain lines, supply lines, and vents are shared building infrastructure. We design around existing wet-wall locations and work within your building's constraints.
WHY CHOOSE REVOLUTION FOR YOUR CONDO REMODEL
What sets us apart from other contractors in St. Petersburg.
IN-HOUSE LABOR
Our skilled craftsmen are Revolution employees, not subcontractors. This means better quality control, accountability, and a team that truly cares about your project.
T&M TRANSPARENCY
Our Time & Materials billing model means you see exactly where every dollar goes. No hidden markups, no surprises—just honest, transparent pricing.
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Deep knowledge of St. Petersburg permits, historic district requirements, and coastal building codes. We navigate local regulations so you don't have to.
TILE & WATERPROOFING
Specialized expertise in wet areas that most contractors lack. Proper waterproofing and tile installation prevent costly failures down the road.
Condo Remodel Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a condo remodel take?
Can be faster than a home remodel, but depends heavily on your building. HOA rules, elevator availability, work-hour restrictions, and building management all affect the timeline. Budget extra time for HOA approval before work even begins.
How much does a condo remodel cost in St. Petersburg?
Similar to home remodels—$200-400/sq ft depending on scope and finishes. You save on roof and foundation work but may pay extra for parking, common-area protection time, and material waste from elevator size constraints.
Do I need HOA approval for a condo remodel?
Yes. Most HOAs require an application and want to see the permit before work starts. This adds a week or two to your timeline. It's mostly an annoyance, but factor it into planning.
Can I change my condo's layout?
Limited. Plumbing lines in high-rises can't be moved without major building-wide approval (rarely granted). Structural walls and utility runs aren't negotiable. We design around existing constraints and build custom solutions where needed.
What are the biggest challenges with condo remodels?
Building logistics and HOA management. Elevator coordination, work-hour restrictions, protecting common areas, and dealing with nosy neighbors all add complexity. We've had projects where elevator malfunctions meant hauling tools up 28 flights of stairs—all that time gets billed because it's outside our control.
Can I add recessed lighting to my condo?
Depends on your ceiling. Concrete ceilings prevent traditional recessed cans, but we can install dropped sleeper systems for thin wafer lights and fans. It's a creative solution that works within structural limitations.
What licenses do you need for high-rise condo work?
Buildings over four stories require a commercial unlimited general contractor license. We have it—not all contractors do.
How do you handle neighbor disruption?
We introduce ourselves to neighbors, give advance notice before loud work like jackhammering, and put notes on doors when necessary. Building relationships makes the project smoother for everyone.
LOVED BY OUR CUSTOMERS
Nothing means more to us than making our clients happy, unless perhaps it is making them so happy they come back to us or refer us to their friends and family!
"We had multiple contractors tell us that our 100-year old bungalow in Old Southeast should be torn down instead of remodeled. Revolution worked with us on an extensive plan to rebuild structural components and remodel the entire house. Now we have the best house in the block!"
"The guys at Revolution have done projects for us in two houses now. They added a master bathroom for us in northeast St Pete and then remodeled every square inch of a 4500-sq. ft house in Pinellas Pt. Through every challenge over two years of construction they have been there pushing our projects forward. We wouldn't use anybody else!"
"Awesome company! I had Revolution Contractors do some work on my house and did an amazing job!!! The guys there are great to work with and very professional and knowledgeable on there work. I am very happy they way there work came out and will be getting more work done on my house from them."
"Find them to be very professional, provide sufficient info for bidding, easy to contact, and most importantly they pay good. All and all NuTrend really enjoys a very productive and lucrative relationship with Revolution Contractors would recommend them and do often"
"On a challenging structural project for an investment property Revolution saw me through all sorts of headaches with the building department and were able to carry off multiple layout changes with gorgeous results. They've done multiple projects for my family as well as my group of closest friends and are now working on my primary residence!"
"Revolution Contractors have helped my family on numerous projects, providing guidance and honesty throughout all projects. The crew is hardworking and reliable. The owners are quick to respond and very honest. Definitely would recommend!"
