Can You Replace Windows In A Condo? All You Need to Know

With the constantly rising prices of owning a home, it’s an established fact that condo living is here to stay. But condominium owners have their own specific challenges when it comes to renovation projects.

And not surprisingly, they often hinge on who is responsible for funding the different types of projects, including window replacement: the homeowner or the condominium management. Let’s break it down!

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Who’s Responsible for Replacing Windows in a Condo?

When it comes to replacing condo windows, your bylaws and condominium plan are a good place to find who is responsible for a repair or replacement. Generally there are two scenarios in which windows get replaced in condos:

• The condominium board decides to replace windows in multiple units at the same time. A board meeting is called and tenants are notified or are asked to vote on undertaking the project. If the board is in agreement with the tenants they go forward and begin selecting companies for quotes. In this scenario, the condo management may cover a part of the costs associated with strata windows installation. The downside with this scenario is that tenants are often forced into getting new condo windows only because other units are doing it.
• The board doesn’t have any involvement in the replacement process and the tenants are left to replace their own windows when they see fit. In this scenario, the tenants are responsible for finding their own condominium windows replacement company, scheduling quotes, and paying for the order. Although you have a say in when you replace your windows, in this management scenario you are also responsible for the full costs associated with the project.

It is important to note that in both of these scenarios the condo management team will ask that the existing style, colour, window combination, and installation type get preserved.

Therefore, you may not have a lot of choices when it comes to getting exactly the custom windows that you want. Chances are the new units will have to be the same style and function as your existing windows. The bigger problem is that you may have to settle for a lesser quality installation. If your condo has retrofit insert windows installed, you may not be allowed to take advantage of the full-frame replacement.

What Are The Best Windows for Condos?

When planning a condo window replacement, many homeowners hope to upgrade to stylish new designs. However, in most cases, condo rules require you to maintain the same style you already have but with better thermal performance.

Hence, for condo windows, the window style is less important than choosing the best features for energy efficiency and long-term comfort. The right condo replacement windows will keep your utility bills lower and make your home feel more comfortable year-round. Here’s what to look for in any modern window condo upgrade:

• Double or triple-pane glass for maximum insulation and noise reduction
• Low-E coatings that reflect heat and harmful UV rays
• Argon or krypton gas fills to reduce heat transfer
• Quality weatherstripping for a tighter seal
• Modern vinyl frames that prevent drafts and moisture problems

Whether you’re replacing one condo window or all your units’ windows, focus on energy-efficient features that add real value to your investment.

Condo Window Installation in High-Rise Buildings

Another hurdle to getting quality custom windows for condominium homeowners is in the type of condo they own.

Most window replacement companies in Western Canada that specialise in residential replacements don’t work on buildings higher than three floors. It may be a bit tricky, but if you are an owner in a high rise condo, you may want to look for companies that do both commercial and residential windows. Companies that work with commercial window replacements usually have the installers and equipment necessary to carry out replacements in higher buildings.

If you are one of those condo owners in a tall building, the list of companies available to you might be much smaller than for homeowners or townhome condominium owners. High-rise buildings also have different standards for what is considered a quality replacement. The preferred window material for these buildings is aluminum, whereas vinyl windows are the best choice for residential homes.

High-rise buildings also have a different fire code requirement than residential homes. Make sure that you do your research when it comes to what kind of windows will qualify, and what rooms have to have fire code eligible windows.

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How Much Does Condo Window Replacement Cost?

It’s no secret that condo window replacement projects can add unexpected costs for owners, especially if your condo board decides to replace windows in multiple units at once. While you may not have budgeted for this upfront, there’s an upside: larger projects mean bigger bulk discounts, so your price per window could be significantly lower than if you were to replace them on your own later.

It’s impossible to provide an exact quote for strata window installation since each building and contract is unique, and most companies negotiate project-specific pricing. However, you can expect a high-quality, energy-efficient condo window to typically start at around $1,000 per unit. Factors such as triple-pane glass, custom sizing, or premium finishes can increase costs but deliver improved insulation, noise reduction, and long-term value, making your investment well worth it.

Moreover, your strata management may be eligible to apply for local tax credits or government incentives, such as the CleanBC Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program, to help offset costs and make your investment in condo replacement windows even more affordable.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a condo owner who’s considering a replacement or the management is switching out windows in multiple units, be sure that you are familiar with your building’s bylaws and condominium plan. That’s the best way to know your rights as a tenant homeowner, and avoid confusion when it comes to paying the window company.

If you’re in charge of your own replacement, make sure that the window style, functionality, and installation type are all approved by the board before signing the contract with the window company. That way you’ll ensure you’re getting the right product and aren’t wasting money on windows that the board doesn’t allow to be installed.

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