CONDO PRO - Getting Better All the Time

By Barbara Lawlor

I find working in the new condominium industry exciting and fascinating. Over the past couple decades, the changes for the better in design, quality and technology have been remarkable – and the condos available today are more spectacular than ever before. From a practical standpoint, Ontario Building Code undergoes regular reviews and updates, and is amazingly stringent. By virtue of that alone, condominium buyers receive a quality home. And add to that the fact that new condo suites in Ontario are covered by Tarion Warranty Corporation, and the value is superb.

There are also many other aspects of condominium living that have improved over the years. Modern building technologies allow for much larger windows than we saw in the condos of 20 years ago – and with views and natural light being such an attractive part of living in the sky, this is wonderful news for every suite owner. Today’s windows are also more energy efficient, which is a practicality bonus that results in lower energy costs. The windows also add to the visual appeal of the fabulous and diverse architecture popping up all around the city. Builders are creating everything from modern to classical exteriors with windows, balconies and terraces that make the most of views. Developers work with the City of Toronto and surrounding municipalities to achieve the optimum height for their buildings, many of which include setbacks that minimize their street impact for pedestrians, and allow for things like rooftop gardens on podiums, or garden terraces for large suites.

The suites themselves are also more soundproof than they used to be, which benefits everyone - including the increasing number of families we see opting for the condo lifestyle in and around Toronto. Standard finishes here are of such a high quality, that Toronto condominium buyers are the envy of those in other cities in North America, such as Chicago and New York. That level of quality extends to suite design, which has come so far in the past few years. Suites are now laid out to maximize space usage, so even a compact studio or one-bedroom design “lives” a lot larger than its square footage. Open-concept main living areas, 9-foot and even higher ceilings, the elimination of hallways that eat up space, sliding barn doors that can open up rooms even more, beautiful linear kitchens that look like part of the furniture, movable islands – the list of design elements that make the most of every square foot is long and impressive.

Of course, one of the best things about condo living is having amenities under the same roof as your home. And the amenities today are breathtaking! Architects and designers are going to great lengths to streamline design so that condominium interiors reflect the sensibilities of the exteriors. Whether they’re sleek, chic, modern, classic, elegant, contemporary or eclectic, the amenities in new condominiums are as visually appealing as they are exciting. Suite owners also benefit from having commercial equipment in the fitness rooms, where there is often space for aerobics, yoga, Pilates and/or personal training and classes. Pools and whirlpools are luxurious and bathed in natural light from massive windows, and some condos include spas where residents can book individual treatments. Theatre rooms with big screens and comfortable seating are popular for entertaining, as are multi-purpose party rooms with catering kitchens and bars. Whatever the amenities in the condominium you choose, they are truly extensions of your living space.    

We have seen improvements and innovation in the heating and cooling of condominium buildings, such as Enwave Energy Corporation’s system that taps into the deep cold waters of Lake Ontario. Advancements in sustainability include building near public transportation nodes and installing rainwater collection devices on green roofs and using that water to irrigate buildings’ landscaping.

And all of this for prices that are still undervalued on the world stage. As I have said many times, the best time to buy a condo is NOW.

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas.