What's happening?

You want to change something

In a house, you can change what you like and answer to the inspector. In a shared building your drain is over someone's ceiling, so the association or landlord usually gets a say. Ask before you buy anything.

• Do I need permission to remodel my condo bathroom?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: You normally pay for your own remodel; the board or manager usually decides whether the work may go ahead, and the local building department decides whether it needs a permit.
• Can I move a toilet or sink in my condo?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: The owner who wants the move normally pays for it; the board usually decides whether shared drains, floors or walls may be touched, and later trouble from the work may come back to that owner.
• Can I add a washing machine to my apartment?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: You usually pay for the machine and any plumbing to install it; the lease or association rules decide whether it's allowed at all, and a leak from it may land on you.
• How often should I change the washing machine hoses?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: If the washer and hoses are yours, the hoses are usually your cost; with a landlord's machine, the landlord usually handles them, so report wear instead of swapping them yourself.
• Are leak sensors worth it in a condo or apartment?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: You usually buy your own sensors; a shutoff valve cut into a pipe is different, usually needing approval from the association or landlord and a plumber, normally at the expense of whoever asked for it.
• My water heater is in a closet. What should I watch for?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: Owners often pay for a heater serving only their unit, depending on the declaration; if you rent, the landlord usually repairs or replaces it, and any leak below may involve several insurers.
• Can I put a water softener or filter in my apartment?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: You normally pay for treatment equipment you want for your own unit; the association or landlord usually decides anything plumbed in, and some declarations leave its upkeep and insurance with the owner.