Welcome to your guide for condo maintenance. Living in Yaletown or Kitsilano means dealing with strata rules. You need to know who fixes what. You need to know who pays. Use this guide to manage your home.
Understand the Strata Lot
Your unit is your strata lot. You own the space inside your walls. You own the floor coverings. You own the appliances. You own the fixtures. You must maintain these items. You must pay for repairs inside this space.
Start by checking your strata plan. Locate the boundaries of your unit. Identify the walls. Identify the ceilings. Identify the floors. Everything inside these lines is your responsibility.
Identify Common Property
Common property belongs to the strata corporation. This includes the roof. This includes the hallways. This includes the lobby. This includes the exterior walls. The strata corporation maintains these areas. The strata corporation pays for these repairs.
Sometimes damage starts on common property. A roof leak is common property. The strata fixes the roof. You still fix your ceiling. You still fix your paint. You still fix your floors.
Check your bylaws for specific rules. Some buildings have different definitions. Read the maintenance section. Look for repair obligations. Then act.
Repairing Interior Walls
Drywall damage is common. You hang a TV. You move furniture. You hit the wall. This is your fix.
Fix a Small Hole
- Clean the area.
- Remove loose debris.
- Apply spackle.
- Let it dry.
- Sand the surface.
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
- Paint the patch.
Fix Large Drywall Damage
- Cut out the damaged piece.
- Cut a new piece of drywall.
- Screw the new piece to the studs.
- Apply mesh tape.
- Apply joint compound.
- Smooth the edges.
- Let it dry.
- Sand the area.
- Repeat layers.
- Paint the entire wall.
Contact Randall The Handyman for drywall repairs. We help homeowners in the West End and Yaletown. We finish the job quickly.
Managing Plumbing Issues
Plumbing responsibilities depend on location. Pipes inside your unit are yours. Pipes inside the walls are often common property.
Leaky Faucets
A leaky faucet is your fix. It is inside your strata lot. It serves only your unit.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Open the faucet.
- Drain the remaining water.
- Remove the handle.
- Remove the cartridge.
- Install a new cartridge.
- Reassemble the handle.
- Turn on the water.
- Check for leaks.
Clogged Drains
Clogs inside your unit are your fix. Clogs in the main stack are strata fixes.
- Use a plunger first.
- Try a drain snake.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Remove the P-trap if needed.
- Clean the trap.
- Reinstall the trap.
- Test the flow.
Ceiling Leaks
Water from above is an emergency.
- Call your strata manager.
- Document the damage.
- Take photos.
- Place a bucket.
- Wipe up puddles.
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Call a professional for unit repairs.
Electrical Maintenance
You maintain the electrical systems inside your unit. This includes light fixtures. This includes wall switches. This includes outlets.
Replace a Light Fixture
- Turn off the power at the breaker.
- Test the wires.
- Remove the old fixture.
- Disconnect the wires.
- Connect the new wires.
- Mount the fixture.
- Install the bulb.
- Turn on the power.
Change a Dimmer Switch
- Turn off the power.
- Remove the cover plate.
- Unscrew the switch.
- Pull the switch out.
- Label the wires.
- Disconnect the wires.
- Connect the new dimmer.
- Tuck wires into the box.
- Screw in the switch.
- Attach the plate.
Doors and Windows
Exterior doors and windows are usually common property. You maintain the hardware inside.
Repair a Door Handle
- Unscrew the handle.
- Remove the old latch.
- Insert the new latch.
- Align the handles.
- Tighten the screws.
Seal a Window Draft
- Inspect the seal.
- Remove old caulking.
- Clean the surface.
- Apply new silicone.
- Smooth the bead.
- Let it cure.
Balconies and Patios
Balconies are Limited Common Property (LCP). You have exclusive use. The strata usually maintains the structure. You maintain the surface.
- Clean the surface regularly.
- Do not use power washers without permission.
- Inspect for cracks.
- Report structural issues to the strata.
- Keep drains clear of debris.
Furniture and Smart Home Setup
Modern condos in Kitsilano often use smart technology. You own these devices. You must install them.
Mount a TV
- Find the studs.
- Mark the holes.
- Drill pilot holes.
- Secure the bracket.
- Attach the TV.
- Hide the cables.
Install a Smart Lock
- Remove the old deadbolt.
- Install the new latch.
- Connect the interior assembly.
- Connect the exterior assembly.
- Insert the batteries.
- Program the code.
Randall The Handyman provides TV mounting and smart home setup. We serve clients in South Vancouver and the Westside.
Coordinate with Property Managers
Communication is vital. Follow these steps for any repair.
- Review your bylaws.
- Email your strata council.
- Ask for permission for major changes.
- Keep records of all emails.
- Use licensed professionals.
- Provide certificates of insurance.
Many property managers in Yaletown and Kitsilano require specific documentation. We provide professional service for strata properties. We understand the requirements.
Areas We Serve
We provide handyman services throughout Metro Vancouver.
- Yaletown
- Kitsilano
- West End
- East Vancouver
- Kerrisdale
- UBC
- Westside
- South Vancouver
- Main St
- South Main St
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
Clear Pricing
We use a simple pricing model.
- $120 for the first hour.
- $85 for each additional hour.
This allows for predictable costs. You pay for the time used. We work efficiently. We bring the tools. We finish the list.
Professional Support
Do not let your to-do list grow. Fix small issues before they become big problems. Maintain your condo value. Protect your investment.
Contact Randall The Handyman today. Email us your list. Schedule a visit. Get it done right.
Google Business Profile Post (GMB)
Title: Condo Repairs in Yaletown & Kitsilano? We Can Help!
Are you a condo owner in Vancouver? Dealing with strata repairs is confusing. We fix things inside your unit so you don't have to.
We handle:
- Drywall and paint
- Faucets and fixtures
- TV mounting and smart home setup
- Door and lock repairs
Serving Yaletown, Kitsilano, West End, and all Metro Vancouver neighborhoods.
Rates: $120 for the first hour. $85 for each additional hour.
Professional. Reliable. Done Right.
Call Randall The Handyman at 604-442-5142 or visit www.randallthehandyman.com to book your repair.
