Condo Flooring Replacement in Ottawa: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Replacing flooring in an Ottawa condo can look like a simple renovation: remove the old floor, prepare the surface and install the new one.

In practice, condo flooring projects have a few additional considerations.

Your condominium may have rules about hard-surface flooring, noise transmission, renovation hours, elevator use, contractor insurance and construction waste. Some buildings also require documentation showing that the proposed flooring assembly meets specific acoustic requirements.

The concrete underneath matters too. Once the existing flooring is removed, the slab may need to be checked for moisture, flatness, old adhesive or other conditions that could affect the installation.

The best place to start is therefore not the flooring showroom.

Start with your condominium’s requirements.

Before You Buy Flooring, Ask the Condo

Every condominium is different. A flooring system accepted in one Ottawa building may not be acceptable in another.

Contact your property manager or condominium corporation and ask for the current renovation or flooring requirements.

In particular, find out:

• Whether board approval is required
• Whether there is a flooring or alteration application
• Whether a Section 98 agreement applies
• What acoustic requirements apply
• What acoustic documentation the corporation accepts
• Whether certain flooring types or installation methods are restricted
• Whether contractor insurance documentation is required
• What hours renovation work is permitted
• Whether the elevator or loading area must be booked
• How construction debris must be removed

Do this before ordering materials.

It is much easier to choose a flooring system after you know what the building requires than to discover later that the product, underlay or installation method does not satisfy the condominium’s requirements.

Does Section 98 Apply to Flooring?

Section 98 of Ontario’s Condominium Act, 1998 deals with certain additions, alterations or improvements that an owner makes to the common elements.

Where Section 98 applies, the Act provides for requirements that can include condominium corporation approval and an agreement between the owner and corporation addressing matters such as costs, maintenance, repair and insurance.

That does not mean every flooring replacement automatically requires a Section 98 agreement.

Whether Section 98 applies depends on the proposed work and the condominium’s governing documents. Your property manager or condominium corporation should confirm what procedure applies to your particular renovation.

If the corporation requires an alteration agreement, keep a copy with your renovation records.

Acoustic Requirements: What Condo Owners Need to Know

Noise is one of the main reasons condo flooring renovations can have additional requirements.

Replacing carpet with a hard-surface floor can change impact-noise performance, particularly when the new flooring system provides less impact isolation than the previous assembly.

You may encounter terms such as:

• IIC, or Impact Insulation Class
• STC, or Sound Transmission Class
• ΔIIC, which describes an improvement in impact insulation for a specified test configuration
• FIIC, which refers to field testing of an actual floor-ceiling assembly

These measurements are not interchangeable.

The whole flooring assembly matters

Acoustic performance depends on the assembly that was tested. Depending on the test, that can involve the flooring, underlay or membrane, concrete slab and ceiling construction.

For example, an acoustic result for one flooring and underlay combination does not necessarily establish the performance of a different flooring product installed over the same underlay.

This is why an underlay advertised with a particular acoustic rating is not automatically proof that your complete flooring system meets the condominium’s requirements.

If your condo requests acoustic documentation, ask the property manager exactly what documentation is required and whether it must relate to the proposed flooring assembly.

The useful question is:

“Does this proposed flooring assembly meet the building’s requirement?”

Not simply:

“Is this underlay rated for sound?”

Those are two different questions.

What Flooring Works Well in a Condo?

There is no single flooring product that is right for every condo.

Common options include vinyl plank, laminate, engineered hardwood, tile and carpet. The appropriate choice depends on the room, the substrate, the condominium’s rules and the installation system.

Vinyl plank

Vinyl plank is popular because it is durable, easy to maintain and available in systems suitable for many condo applications.

There are several types of vinyl flooring, including floating rigid-core products and glue-down systems.

One thing to check is whether the product already has an attached pad.

Some vinyl products include an acoustic or cushioning layer on the back. Adding a second underlay underneath may not be permitted by the manufacturer and can affect the performance or stability of a floating floor.

More padding is not automatically better.

Check the installation instructions for the exact product before adding an underlay.

Laminate

Laminate is generally installed as a floating floor.

Some products require a separate underlay, while others include an integrated pad. The underlay needs to be compatible with the flooring and, where required, satisfy the condominium’s acoustic requirements.

Do not choose an underlay based only on a large number printed on the packaging. The technical documentation should correspond to the flooring system and test configuration that actually apply to the project.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood is commonly used over concrete because many products are designed specifically for concrete substrates.

Depending on the product, it may be installed as a floating floor or glued down.

Before choosing it, check:

• Whether the product is approved for concrete
• The manufacturer’s moisture requirements
• Whether the installation is floating or glue-down
• Whether an underlay or membrane is required
• Whether the proposed assembly satisfies the condo’s acoustic requirements

Solid hardwood is a different product category and may require a different installation method.

Tile

Tile requires a suitable tile installation system.

A generic flooring underlay should not be substituted for a membrane designed for tile.

If sound control is part of the project, the membrane and complete tile assembly need to be appropriate for the application and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Carpet

Carpet can provide different impact-noise characteristics from many hard-surface flooring systems, but that does not mean it is automatically exempt from a condominium’s renovation requirements.

Check the building’s rules before replacing an existing floor, regardless of the material.

Choose the Underlay as Part of the Flooring System

One common mistake is treating the underlay as a completely separate purchase.

It is better to consider the entire system:

flooring + underlay or membrane + concrete/substrate + installation method

An underlay that is suitable beneath one floating laminate product may not be suitable beneath a particular vinyl plank.

Different products are used for different applications, including foam, fibre, cork, rubber and specialized acoustic membranes.

The material itself does not tell you how the finished assembly will perform.

What about acoustic underlay?

If your condo requires acoustic documentation, obtain the requirements before buying the flooring.

Ask the property manager what documentation the corporation will accept. Depending on the building, this may include technical data, a test report or documentation for a particular flooring assembly.

A product described as “condo approved,” “soundproof” or “acoustic” is not automatically approved by your condominium.

Those descriptions may be marketing terms. The building’s actual requirements are what matter.

The Concrete Slab Needs Attention Too

Once the old flooring is removed, the condition of the concrete slab becomes important.

Depending on the project, preparation may include:

• Removing old adhesive
• Grinding high spots
• Filling low areas
• Repairing damaged concrete
• Cleaning the surface
• Moisture testing
• Installing an approved moisture-control system

The amount of preparation can make a significant difference to the final cost.

A quote based only on the square footage of the condo does not tell you what condition the substrate is in.

Moisture testing

Concrete can look dry while still containing enough moisture to cause problems for certain flooring systems.

ASTM F2170 is an established test method for measuring relative humidity within concrete floor slabs using in-situ probes. Flooring and adhesive manufacturers may require moisture testing before installation and specify their own acceptable limits.

There is no single moisture limit that applies to every flooring product or installation system.

The requirements for the particular flooring, adhesive or moisture-control system should be followed.

If the slab does not meet those requirements, the solution may involve additional drying time or a compatible moisture-mitigation system.

Flatness matters

Floating floors require a suitable substrate.

A concrete slab with significant high and low areas can contribute to movement, clicking, gaps, stressed joints and premature wear.

The flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions will normally specify the permitted substrate tolerances.

If the slab falls outside those tolerances, it may need grinding, patching, leveling or another form of preparation before installation.

What About Old Flooring and Adhesive?

This is particularly important in older buildings.

When existing flooring is removed, you may find layers of adhesive, old patching compounds or other materials underneath.

Some older flooring products and adhesives can contain asbestos.

If there is reason to suspect asbestos-containing material, do not start grinding, sanding or aggressively removing it. Have the material assessed by an appropriately qualified professional before disturbing it.

Trying to save time during demolition can create a much larger problem if suspect material is handled incorrectly.

Can New Flooring Go Over the Existing Floor?

Sometimes.

Whether it is possible depends on the existing material, its condition and the new flooring system.

Before leaving the existing floor in place, consider:

• Is it securely attached?
• Is it flat enough?
• Is it an acceptable substrate for the new flooring?
• Is it dry?
• Will the additional height create problems?
• Will doors still open properly?
• Will appliances fit?
• Are transitions still workable?
• Does the flooring manufacturer permit installation over that material?

A floating floor may be suitable over an existing hard surface in some circumstances.

That does not mean it can be installed over every existing floor.

Loose, damaged or unsuitable flooring may need to be removed.

Floor Height Is Easy to Forget

Floor height becomes especially important when an acoustic underlay, membrane or leveling system is added.

The finished floor can end up higher than expected.

Before installation, check:

• Interior doors
• Closet doors
• Entry doors
• Transitions
• Appliances
• Dishwasher clearance
• Balcony or patio door clearances
• Baseboards and trim

Dishwasher clearance is particularly easy to overlook.

If the finished floor is raised enough, removing the dishwasher later can become difficult without first addressing the surrounding flooring or cabinetry.

It is much easier to identify the clearance issue before installation.

What Goes Into a Condo Flooring Application?

The exact paperwork varies by building.

A condominium may ask for some combination of:

• Flooring product information
• Product specifications
• Underlay or membrane specifications
• Acoustic test documentation
• Installation method
• Contractor information
• Proof of insurance
• Proposed work dates
• Work hours
• Elevator booking
• Loading arrangements
• Waste-removal plans

The easiest approach is to ask the property manager for the current application package.

Do not rely on a checklist from another condominium. Requirements can differ even between buildings in the same neighbourhood.

What Happens on Installation Day?

Once the paperwork is approved and the building arrangements are sorted out, the physical work is relatively straightforward.

A typical project may involve:

1. Protecting the elevator and common areas.
2. Moving or protecting furniture.
3. Removing the existing flooring.
4. Inspecting the substrate.
5. Completing any required moisture testing.
6. Preparing the concrete.
7. Installing the approved underlay, membrane or moisture-control system.
8. Installing the flooring.
9. Installing trim and transitions.
10. Cleaning the unit and common areas.
11. Removing waste according to the building’s requirements.

The exact sequence depends on the flooring system and the condition of the substrate.

Floating vs. Glue-Down Flooring

The installation method affects more than how the flooring is attached.

It can also affect moisture requirements, acoustic performance, floor height and substrate preparation.

Floating floors

A floating floor is assembled without bonding the finished flooring directly to the substrate.

This is common with some:

• Vinyl plank
• Laminate
• Engineered hardwood

The manufacturer’s requirements for expansion gaps, underlay and substrate preparation still apply.

Glue-down floors

Glue-down flooring is bonded to the substrate or to an approved membrane.

Some vinyl and engineered hardwood products use this method.

With glue-down installations, moisture testing and adhesive compatibility can be particularly important.

The concrete may need to meet specific moisture requirements before the adhesive can be used.

How Much Does Condo Flooring Cost in Ottawa?

There is no useful single price for condo flooring without knowing what is involved.

Two 800-square-foot condos can have very different project costs.

One might have a clean, reasonably flat slab and require straightforward installation.

Another might need extensive demolition, adhesive removal, concrete repair, moisture mitigation and multiple flooring transitions.

Cost can be affected by:

• Flooring material
• Square footage
• Demolition
• Concrete preparation
• Moisture mitigation
• Underlay or acoustic membrane
• Installation method
• Trim and transitions
• Furniture moving
• Elevator and building access
• Delivery requirements
• Disposal of the old flooring

That is why a site assessment is more useful than a generic price per square foot.

How Long Does It Take?

The installation itself may take anywhere from a couple of days to longer, depending on the size of the unit, the flooring system and the amount of preparation required.

The overall project can take longer than the installation.

You may need to allow time for:

• Condo approval
• Ordering materials
• Product lead times
• Elevator scheduling
• Contractor scheduling
• Concrete preparation
• Moisture mitigation, if required

If you have a move-in date or another deadline, start the approval process early.

Common Condo Flooring Mistakes

Buying flooring before checking the condo rules

Get the building’s requirements before ordering materials.

Choosing an underlay because the package says “soundproof”

A marketing description does not establish that the complete flooring assembly meets the building’s requirements.

Assuming every IIC rating means the same thing

Find out what was tested, how it was tested and whether the documentation applies to the proposed assembly.

Adding an extra underlay

This is particularly relevant to flooring with an attached pad.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before adding anything underneath it.

Ignoring the slab

The condition of the existing concrete can affect the installation just as much as the flooring itself.

Starting demolition before approval

If your condominium requires approval, do not start removing the floor until the required approval is in place.

Assuming another building has the same rules

It may not.

Even nearby condominium buildings can have different renovation policies and acoustic requirements.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before ordering materials, make sure you know:

• What your condo’s current flooring rules are
• Whether board approval is required
• Whether a Section 98 agreement applies
• What acoustic criteria the building uses
• What acoustic documentation it accepts
• Which flooring systems are permitted
• Which underlay or membrane is permitted
• What the flooring manufacturer’s installation requirements are
• What moisture requirements apply
• Whether the existing slab needs preparation
• Whether the new floor will affect door or appliance clearances
• What work hours are permitted
• Whether the elevator needs to be booked
• How flooring waste must be removed
• What contractor documents are required

Once those questions are answered, choosing the flooring becomes much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need condo board approval to replace flooring in Ottawa?

It depends on the condominium’s governing documents and the nature of the work.

Many condominiums have specific procedures for flooring renovations, particularly when replacing carpet with hard flooring.

Ask the property manager before ordering materials or beginning demolition.

Does every Ottawa condo require the same IIC rating?

No.

There is no single IIC requirement that should be assumed for every condominium in Ottawa.

Ask the corporation what acoustic criteria apply to your building and what documentation it accepts.

Does an acoustic underlay automatically make a floor condo compliant?

No.

The relevant question is whether the proposed flooring assembly satisfies the condominium’s requirements.

An underlay’s advertised rating is not necessarily proof of compliance.

Can I install vinyl plank in a condo?

Often, yes.

The specific product, installation method and underlay still need to be compatible with the building’s requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the product has an attached pad, check whether an additional underlay is permitted.

Can engineered hardwood be installed over concrete?

Many engineered hardwood products are designed for concrete substrates.

The manufacturer will specify the permitted installation method and moisture requirements.

The condominium’s acoustic requirements also need to be considered.

Can I install new flooring over my existing floor?

Sometimes.

The existing material must be suitable for the new flooring system, and the manufacturer must permit the installation.

Floor height, flatness, moisture and transitions should also be checked.

Does concrete always need a moisture test?

Not necessarily for every flooring system, but many flooring and adhesive manufacturers have specific moisture-testing requirements for concrete.

Follow the requirements for the product being installed rather than using a generic moisture number.

What if the neighbour below complains about noise?

The condominium corporation can assess the complaint against the applicable rules and the circumstances.

Ontario’s Condominium Act, 1998 contains provisions concerning unreasonable noise and other disruptive activities. Owners and other parties are also required to comply with the Act and the condominium’s declaration, by-laws and rules.

Keeping your condo approval, flooring specifications, acoustic documentation and installation records is therefore useful.

What should I send the property manager?

Start by asking for the building’s current flooring or renovation application.

Depending on the building, you may need to provide flooring product information, acoustic documentation, the installation method, contractor insurance and proposed work dates.

The Bottom Line

Condo flooring is not difficult, but it is worth completing the approval and planning steps before buying materials.

First, find out what your building requires. Confirm the approval process, acoustic criteria, permitted flooring systems and installation restrictions.

Then assess the physical condition of the unit.

The existing concrete may need moisture testing, preparation or repair. The finished floor height needs to be checked. The flooring, underlay or membrane and installation method all need to work together.

Most importantly, do not choose an underlay or flooring product based solely on a marketing claim. The proposed system needs to satisfy both the condominium’s requirements and the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

If you are replacing flooring in an Ottawa condo, Solomon Flooring can assess the existing floor, discuss suitable flooring systems and provide an estimate based on the condition of the unit.

Choose the flooring after you know the building’s requirements, not before.Condo Flooring Replacement in Ottawa: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Replacing flooring in an Ottawa condo can look like a simple renovation: remove the old floor, prepare the surface and install the new one.

In practice, condo flooring projects have a few additional considerations.

Your condominium may have rules about hard-surface flooring, noise transmission, renovation hours, elevator use, contractor insurance and construction waste. Some buildings also require documentation showing that the proposed flooring assembly meets specific acoustic requirements.

The concrete underneath matters too. Once the existing flooring is removed, the slab may need to be checked for moisture, flatness, old adhesive or other conditions that could affect the installation.

The best place to start is therefore not the flooring showroom.

Start with your condominium’s requirements.

Before You Buy Flooring, Ask the Condo

Every condominium is different. A flooring system accepted in one Ottawa building may not be acceptable in another.

Contact your property manager or condominium corporation and ask for the current renovation or flooring requirements.

In particular, find out:

• Whether board approval is required
• Whether there is a flooring or alteration application
• Whether a Section 98 agreement applies
• What acoustic requirements apply
• What acoustic documentation the corporation accepts
• Whether certain flooring types or installation methods are restricted
• Whether contractor insurance documentation is required
• What hours renovation work is permitted
• Whether the elevator or loading area must be booked
• How construction debris must be removed

Do this before ordering materials.

It is much easier to choose a flooring system after you know what the building requires than to discover later that the product, underlay or installation method does not satisfy the condominium’s requirements.

Does Section 98 Apply to Flooring?

Section 98 of Ontario’s Condominium Act, 1998 deals with certain additions, alterations or improvements that an owner makes to the common elements.

Where Section 98 applies, the Act provides for requirements that can include condominium corporation approval and an agreement between the owner and corporation addressing matters such as costs, maintenance, repair and insurance.

That does not mean every flooring replacement automatically requires a Section 98 agreement.

Whether Section 98 applies depends on the proposed work and the condominium’s governing documents. Your property manager or condominium corporation should confirm what procedure applies to your particular renovation.

If the corporation requires an alteration agreement, keep a copy with your renovation records.

Acoustic Requirements: What Condo Owners Need to Know

Noise is one of the main reasons condo flooring renovations can have additional requirements.

Replacing carpet with a hard-surface floor can change impact-noise performance, particularly when the new flooring system provides less impact isolation than the previous assembly.

You may encounter terms such as:

• IIC, or Impact Insulation Class
• STC, or Sound Transmission Class
• ΔIIC, which describes an improvement in impact insulation for a specified test configuration
• FIIC, which refers to field testing of an actual floor-ceiling assembly

These measurements are not interchangeable.

The whole flooring assembly matters

Acoustic performance depends on the assembly that was tested. Depending on the test, that can involve the flooring, underlay or membrane, concrete slab and ceiling construction.

For example, an acoustic result for one flooring and underlay combination does not necessarily establish the performance of a different flooring product installed over the same underlay.

This is why an underlay advertised with a particular acoustic rating is not automatically proof that your complete flooring system meets the condominium’s requirements.

If your condo requests acoustic documentation, ask the property manager exactly what documentation is required and whether it must relate to the proposed flooring assembly.

The useful question is:

“Does this proposed flooring assembly meet the building’s requirement?”

Not simply:

“Is this underlay rated for sound?”

Those are two different questions.

What Flooring Works Well in a Condo?

There is no single flooring product that is right for every condo.

Common options include vinyl plank, laminate, engineered hardwood, tile and carpet. The appropriate choice depends on the room, the substrate, the condominium’s rules and the installation system.

Vinyl plank

Vinyl plank is popular because it is durable, easy to maintain and available in systems suitable for many condo applications.

There are several types of vinyl flooring, including floating rigid-core products and glue-down systems.

One thing to check is whether the product already has an attached pad.

Some vinyl products include an acoustic or cushioning layer on the back. Adding a second underlay underneath may not be permitted by the manufacturer and can affect the performance or stability of a floating floor.

More padding is not automatically better.

Check the installation instructions for the exact product before adding an underlay.

Laminate

Laminate is generally installed as a floating floor.

Some products require a separate underlay, while others include an integrated pad. The underlay needs to be compatible with the flooring and, where required, satisfy the condominium’s acoustic requirements.

Do not choose an underlay based only on a large number printed on the packaging. The technical documentation should correspond to the flooring system and test configuration that actually apply to the project.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood is commonly used over concrete because many products are designed specifically for concrete substrates.

Depending on the product, it may be installed as a floating floor or glued down.

Before choosing it, check:

• Whether the product is approved for concrete
• The manufacturer’s moisture requirements
• Whether the installation is floating or glue-down
• Whether an underlay or membrane is required
• Whether the proposed assembly satisfies the condo’s acoustic requirements

Solid hardwood is a different product category and may require a different installation method.

Tile

Tile requires a suitable tile installation system.

A generic flooring underlay should not be substituted for a membrane designed for tile.

If sound control is part of the project, the membrane and complete tile assembly need to be appropriate for the application and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Carpet

Carpet can provide different impact-noise characteristics from many hard-surface flooring systems, but that does not mean it is automatically exempt from a condominium’s renovation requirements.

Check the building’s rules before replacing an existing floor, regardless of the material.

Choose the Underlay as Part of the Flooring System

One common mistake is treating the underlay as a completely separate purchase.

It is better to consider the entire system:

flooring + underlay or membrane + concrete/substrate + installation method

An underlay that is suitable beneath one floating laminate product may not be suitable beneath a particular vinyl plank.

Different products are used for different applications, including foam, fibre, cork, rubber and specialized acoustic membranes.

The material itself does not tell you how the finished assembly will perform.

What about acoustic underlay?

If your condo requires acoustic documentation, obtain the requirements before buying the flooring.

Ask the property manager what documentation the corporation will accept. Depending on the building, this may include technical data, a test report or documentation for a particular flooring assembly.

A product described as “condo approved,” “soundproof” or “acoustic” is not automatically approved by your condominium.

Those descriptions may be marketing terms. The building’s actual requirements are what matter.

The Concrete Slab Needs Attention Too

Once the old flooring is removed, the condition of the concrete slab becomes important.

Depending on the project, preparation may include:

• Removing old adhesive
• Grinding high spots
• Filling low areas
• Repairing damaged concrete
• Cleaning the surface
• Moisture testing
• Installing an approved moisture-control system

The amount of preparation can make a significant difference to the final cost.

A quote based only on the square footage of the condo does not tell you what condition the substrate is in.

Moisture testing

Concrete can look dry while still containing enough moisture to cause problems for certain flooring systems.

ASTM F2170 is an established test method for measuring relative humidity within concrete floor slabs using in-situ probes. Flooring and adhesive manufacturers may require moisture testing before installation and specify their own acceptable limits.

There is no single moisture limit that applies to every flooring product or installation system.

The requirements for the particular flooring, adhesive or moisture-control system should be followed.

If the slab does not meet those requirements, the solution may involve additional drying time or a compatible moisture-mitigation system.

Flatness matters

Floating floors require a suitable substrate.

A concrete slab with significant high and low areas can contribute to movement, clicking, gaps, stressed joints and premature wear.

The flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions will normally specify the permitted substrate tolerances.

If the slab falls outside those tolerances, it may need grinding, patching, leveling or another form of preparation before installation.

What About Old Flooring and Adhesive?

This is particularly important in older buildings.

When existing flooring is removed, you may find layers of adhesive, old patching compounds or other materials underneath.

Some older flooring products and adhesives can contain asbestos.

If there is reason to suspect asbestos-containing material, do not start grinding, sanding or aggressively removing it. Have the material assessed by an appropriately qualified professional before disturbing it.

Trying to save time during demolition can create a much larger problem if suspect material is handled incorrectly.

Can New Flooring Go Over the Existing Floor?

Sometimes.

Whether it is possible depends on the existing material, its condition and the new flooring system.

Before leaving the existing floor in place, consider:

• Is it securely attached?
• Is it flat enough?
• Is it an acceptable substrate for the new flooring?
• Is it dry?
• Will the additional height create problems?
• Will doors still open properly?
• Will appliances fit?
• Are transitions still workable?
• Does the flooring manufacturer permit installation over that material?

A floating floor may be suitable over an existing hard surface in some circumstances.

That does not mean it can be installed over every existing floor.

Loose, damaged or unsuitable flooring may need to be removed.

Floor Height Is Easy to Forget

Floor height becomes especially important when an acoustic underlay, membrane or leveling system is added.

The finished floor can end up higher than expected.

Before installation, check:

• Interior doors
• Closet doors
• Entry doors
• Transitions
• Appliances
• Dishwasher clearance
• Balcony or patio door clearances
• Baseboards and trim

Dishwasher clearance is particularly easy to overlook.

If the finished floor is raised enough, removing the dishwasher later can become difficult without first addressing the surrounding flooring or cabinetry.

It is much easier to identify the clearance issue before installation.

What Goes Into a Condo Flooring Application?

The exact paperwork varies by building.

A condominium may ask for some combination of:

• Flooring product information
• Product specifications
• Underlay or membrane specifications
• Acoustic test documentation
• Installation method
• Contractor information
• Proof of insurance
• Proposed work dates
• Work hours
• Elevator booking
• Loading arrangements
• Waste-removal plans

The easiest approach is to ask the property manager for the current application package.

Do not rely on a checklist from another condominium. Requirements can differ even between buildings in the same neighbourhood.

What Happens on Installation Day?

Once the paperwork is approved and the building arrangements are sorted out, the physical work is relatively straightforward.

A typical project may involve:

1. Protecting the elevator and common areas.
2. Moving or protecting furniture.
3. Removing the existing flooring.
4. Inspecting the substrate.
5. Completing any required moisture testing.
6. Preparing the concrete.
7. Installing the approved underlay, membrane or moisture-control system.
8. Installing the flooring.
9. Installing trim and transitions.
10. Cleaning the unit and common areas.
11. Removing waste according to the building’s requirements.

The exact sequence depends on the flooring system and the condition of the substrate.

Floating vs. Glue-Down Flooring

The installation method affects more than how the flooring is attached.

It can also affect moisture requirements, acoustic performance, floor height and substrate preparation.

Floating floors

A floating floor is assembled without bonding the finished flooring directly to the substrate.

This is common with some:

• Vinyl plank
• Laminate
• Engineered hardwood

The manufacturer’s requirements for expansion gaps, underlay and substrate preparation still apply.

Glue-down floors

Glue-down flooring is bonded to the substrate or to an approved membrane.

Some vinyl and engineered hardwood products use this method.

With glue-down installations, moisture testing and adhesive compatibility can be particularly important.

The concrete may need to meet specific moisture requirements before the adhesive can be used.

How Much Does Condo Flooring Cost in Ottawa?

There is no useful single price for condo flooring without knowing what is involved.

Two 800-square-foot condos can have very different project costs.

One might have a clean, reasonably flat slab and require straightforward installation.

Another might need extensive demolition, adhesive removal, concrete repair, moisture mitigation and multiple flooring transitions.

Cost can be affected by:

• Flooring material
• Square footage
• Demolition
• Concrete preparation
• Moisture mitigation
• Underlay or acoustic membrane
• Installation method
• Trim and transitions
• Furniture moving
• Elevator and building access
• Delivery requirements
• Disposal of the old flooring

That is why a site assessment is more useful than a generic price per square foot.

How Long Does It Take?

The installation itself may take anywhere from a couple of days to longer, depending on the size of the unit, the flooring system and the amount of preparation required.

The overall project can take longer than the installation.

You may need to allow time for:

• Condo approval
• Ordering materials
• Product lead times
• Elevator scheduling
• Contractor scheduling
• Concrete preparation
• Moisture mitigation, if required

If you have a move-in date or another deadline, start the approval process early.

Common Condo Flooring Mistakes

Buying flooring before checking the condo rules

Get the building’s requirements before ordering materials.

Choosing an underlay because the package says “soundproof”

A marketing description does not establish that the complete flooring assembly meets the building’s requirements.

Assuming every IIC rating means the same thing

Find out what was tested, how it was tested and whether the documentation applies to the proposed assembly.

Adding an extra underlay

This is particularly relevant to flooring with an attached pad.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before adding anything underneath it.

Ignoring the slab

The condition of the existing concrete can affect the installation just as much as the flooring itself.

Starting demolition before approval

If your condominium requires approval, do not start removing the floor until the required approval is in place.

Assuming another building has the same rules

It may not.

Even nearby condominium buildings can have different renovation policies and acoustic requirements.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before ordering materials, make sure you know:

• What your condo’s current flooring rules are
• Whether board approval is required
• Whether a Section 98 agreement applies
• What acoustic criteria the building uses
• What acoustic documentation it accepts
• Which flooring systems are permitted
• Which underlay or membrane is permitted
• What the flooring manufacturer’s installation requirements are
• What moisture requirements apply
• Whether the existing slab needs preparation
• Whether the new floor will affect door or appliance clearances
• What work hours are permitted
• Whether the elevator needs to be booked
• How flooring waste must be removed
• What contractor documents are required

Once those questions are answered, choosing the flooring becomes much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need condo board approval to replace flooring in Ottawa?

It depends on the condominium’s governing documents and the nature of the work.

Many condominiums have specific procedures for flooring renovations, particularly when replacing carpet with hard flooring.

Ask the property manager before ordering materials or beginning demolition.

Does every Ottawa condo require the same IIC rating?

No.

There is no single IIC requirement that should be assumed for every condominium in Ottawa.

Ask the corporation what acoustic criteria apply to your building and what documentation it accepts.

Does an acoustic underlay automatically make a floor condo compliant?

No.

The relevant question is whether the proposed flooring assembly satisfies the condominium’s requirements.

An underlay’s advertised rating is not necessarily proof of compliance.

Can I install vinyl plank in a condo?

Often, yes.

The specific product, installation method and underlay still need to be compatible with the building’s requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the product has an attached pad, check whether an additional underlay is permitted.

Can engineered hardwood be installed over concrete?

Many engineered hardwood products are designed for concrete substrates.

The manufacturer will specify the permitted installation method and moisture requirements.

The condominium’s acoustic requirements also need to be considered.

Can I install new flooring over my existing floor?

Sometimes.

The existing material must be suitable for the new flooring system, and the manufacturer must permit the installation.

Floor height, flatness, moisture and transitions should also be checked.

Does concrete always need a moisture test?

Not necessarily for every flooring system, but many flooring and adhesive manufacturers have specific moisture-testing requirements for concrete.

Follow the requirements for the product being installed rather than using a generic moisture number.

What if the neighbour below complains about noise?

The condominium corporation can assess the complaint against the applicable rules and the circumstances.

Ontario’s Condominium Act, 1998 contains provisions concerning unreasonable noise and other disruptive activities. Owners and other parties are also required to comply with the Act and the condominium’s declaration, by-laws and rules.

Keeping your condo approval, flooring specifications, acoustic documentation and installation records is therefore useful.

What should I send the property manager?

Start by asking for the building’s current flooring or renovation application.

Depending on the building, you may need to provide flooring product information, acoustic documentation, the installation method, contractor insurance and proposed work dates.

The Bottom Line

Condo flooring is not difficult, but it is worth completing the approval and planning steps before buying materials.

First, find out what your building requires. Confirm the approval process, acoustic criteria, permitted flooring systems and installation restrictions.

Then assess the physical condition of the unit.

The existing concrete may need moisture testing, preparation or repair. The finished floor height needs to be checked. The flooring, underlay or membrane and installation method all need to work together.

Most importantly, do not choose an underlay or flooring product based solely on a marketing claim. The proposed system needs to satisfy both the condominium’s requirements and the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

If you are replacing flooring in an Ottawa condo, Solomon Flooring can assess the existing floor, discuss suitable flooring systems and provide an estimate based on the condition of the unit.

Choose the flooring after you know the building’s requirements, not before.