Welcome to your new home. Moving into a condo in Vancouver requires planning. You have keys for a unit in Yaletown or the West End. You want the space to function. You want the walls to look clean. Repairs are easier to complete before your furniture arrives. Use this guide to prepare your condo.
Randall the Handyman serves owners in Kerrisdale, East Vancouver, and UBC. We work in the Westside and South Vancouver. We also help residents in Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver. Our team visits West Vancouver, Main St, and South Main St. We handle the tasks on your list. This allows you to focus on your move.
1. Patch Holes and Repair Drywall
Inspect every wall in your unit. Previous owners often leave holes from nails. They leave marks from anchors. These holes catch the light. They make the walls look used. Fix these spots before you bring in boxes.
Walk through each room. Mark holes with tape. Buy a container of spackle. Use a putty knife. Scoop a small amount of spackle. Press the knife against the hole. Swipe across the hole. Fill the gap. Remove the excess material. Let the spackle dry. Sand the spot with fine sandpaper. Touch the surface. Ensure the surface is flat.
Repeat this process for larger dents. Scrapes from furniture happen during moves. Apply spackle to these areas. Sand them smooth. Then prepare for paint.
2. Touch Up Paint and Trim
Condo walls suffer during move-outs. Owners bump corners. They scrape baseboards. Look at the corners in your hallway. Look at the trim in the kitchen. Find the paint cans left by the previous owner. Check the labels for color matches.
Open the paint can. Stir the paint with a stick. Use a small brush. Dab paint onto the sanded patches. Blend the edges into the wall. Then look at the baseboards. Dirt and scuffs collect on trim. Clean the trim with a damp cloth. Apply paint to the scuffs. Then let the paint dry.
If the walls have many marks, paint the whole wall. Empty rooms make painting fast. You do not need to cover furniture. You do not need to move heavy items. Paint the walls, then move your belongings.
3. Replace Locks and Door Hardware
Security is a priority. You do not know who has copies of your keys. Previous tenants might have spares. Real estate agents might have spares. Change your locks on move-in day.
Check your strata bylaws. Some buildings require specific lock brands. Some buildings require specific colors. Buy a new deadbolt. Buy a new entry handle. Unscrew the old hardware from the door. Remove the latch from the door edge. Slide the new latch into the hole. Screw the latch into place. Align the new lock cylinders. Insert the screws. Tighten the screws. Test the key. Ensure the bolt moves.
Then look at the interior doors. Squeaky hinges are common. Spray lubricant on the hinge pins. Open the door. Close the door. Repeat this until the noise stops. Then tighten the screws on every handle. This prevents handles from wobbling.
4. Install Shelves and Storage
Vancouver condos often lack storage. Use your vertical space. Install shelves in the living room. Install organizers in the closets. Do this before your clothes arrive. Do this before your books arrive.
Find the studs in your wall. Use a stud finder. Mark the locations with a pencil. Hold your shelf bracket against the wall. Use a level. Ensure the bracket is straight. Mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes into the studs. Place the bracket over the holes. Drive screws through the bracket and into the wall. Then place the shelf on the brackets. Secure the shelf with small screws.
Install hooks in the entryway. Place hooks for coats. Place hooks for bags. This keeps your floor clear. It keeps your unit organized.
5. Update Faucets and Fixtures
Old faucets leak. They look dull. Replacing a faucet changes the look of a kitchen. It changes the look of a bathroom.
Turn off the water valves under the sink. Use a wrench. Disconnect the water lines. Unscrew the nuts holding the faucet. Lift the old faucet out. Clean the sink surface. Place the new faucet into the holes. Tighten the mounting nuts. Connect the water lines. Turn on the water valves. Then check for leaks.
Look at the light fixtures. Builders often install basic lights. Swap these for fixtures you like. Turn off the power at the breaker box. Remove the old fixture. Connect the wires of the new fixture. Match the colors. Black to black. White to white. Secure the fixture to the ceiling. Turn the power back on. Then test the light.
6. Replace Caulking and Silicone
Look at the bathtub. Look at the kitchen backsplash. Caulking cracks over time. It turns yellow. It grows mold. Remove the old caulk before you use the shower.
Use a caulk removal tool. Scrape the old silicone away. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Let the area dry. Cut the tip of a new caulk tube. Place the tube in a caulk gun. Squeeze the trigger. Run a bead of caulk along the gap. Dip your finger in water. Smooth the bead of caulk. Then let it cure for 24 hours.
This prevents water from getting behind walls. It prevents rot. It keeps your bathroom clean.
7. Setup Smart Home Devices
Install your tech before you unpack. This includes thermostats. This includes doorbells. This includes smart switches.
Remove the old thermostat. Label the wires. Attach the base of the smart thermostat. Connect the wires to the terminals. Snap the thermostat onto the base. Connect the device to your Wi-Fi. Then set your schedule.
Mount your TV. Find the studs. Use a mount rated for your TV size. Drill the holes. Bolt the mount to the wall. Lift the TV onto the mount. Then hide the cables.
Manage Strata and Logistics
Vancouver condos have rules. Read your strata bylaws. Book the elevator for your move. Book the elevator for your handyman.
Check the work hours. Most buildings allow work between 9 AM and 5 PM. Some buildings forbid work on Sundays. Pay your move-in deposit. Tell the concierge when workers arrive. This prevents fines. It prevents delays.
Pricing and Booking
Randall the Handyman provides professional service. We are reliable. We arrive on time. We bring the tools.
Pricing is transparent:
- $120 for the first hour.
- $85 for each additional hour.
Contact Randall the Handyman. Schedule your move-in repairs. Clear your to-do list. Enjoy your new condo.
