Last fall we asked co-ops for photo submissions of their renovations for a chance to win a Home Depot gift card. Among the submissions was a powerful first-person dispatch from Tamarack Co-operative Housing in Sudbury, Ontario. Heather Petryna, the co-ordinator at Tamarack, penned a frank and detailed account of what co-ops experience when they undertake renovation projects. We are thrilled to share this success story with you.
When the members of Tamarack decided they had to bite the bullet and move forward with renovations on their nearly 35-year-old bathrooms, the scale of the project was definitely a concern. Tamarack has 60 units, bathroom renovations are expensive and they often present many unpleasant surprises. Floors and walls, once uncovered, can be rotten from slow leaks etc. But, like all other projects undertaken by the co-op, the members approached it the only way they knew how—with calm and careful planning.
To start with, the Maintenance Committee sought quotes from several contractors and suppliers. As fate would have it, a bad leak in a bathroom required immediate attention so it was decided that the bathroom would be fully renovated instead of repaired. A contractor was approved for the job as a sort of an audition , with our upcoming project fresh in our minds. The contractor, Mr. Eric Laurin, of Laurin Construction, was better than the co-op could have hoped for and provided quality work, along with a helpful, happy attitude.
Plumbing Warehouse, the approved local supplier, also proved to be excellent with beautiful products and service. Both the contractor and the supplier were reasonable in their costs and in line with what the co-op expected. Both were asked to submit formal quotes on products and labour for 12 bathroom renovations.
Based on the quotes and information gathered, the co-op’s Finance Committee met to determine a budget and timeframe for the total project that would not cause undue financial strain and would keep the co-op in compliance with its agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). A period of four years was recommended to the board for the total project, with confirmation that 12 bathrooms could be completed in Phase 1.
But which units would be done first? Could this be an epic round of rock, paper, scissors? After much discussion, the board presented the members with the option of a lottery. The 12 bathrooms to be renovated would be picked by the members themselves at a special Members Meeting, guaranteeing full transparency. The members felt this was the fairest option and their excitement about the draw heightened.
Phase 1 started in spring 2018, and to say it was a success is an absolute understatement. The work went forward like clockwork with only minimal, easily resolved issues. All of the products from the tubs to the taps were beautiful and every member was thrilled with their new bathroom. Neutral colours—white vanities with quartz countertops, white and grey flecked throughout, plus grey and white tonal flooring—allowed for a myriad of paint and accessory colours for members to choose from. From the onset, member participation was expected and all agreed that members would paint the final coat.
The cherry on top was that we came in under budget! This didn’t happen by accident, however. A lot of work was done by the Board, committees and the Office Co-ordinator to ensure the budgets were accurate, the best deals were secured (flooring, toilets etc.) and the HST rebates were remitted.
There was no question that, in 2019, Phase 2 would move forward. Due to another round of diligent planning, coupled with our wonderful contractor and supplier, another 12 bathrooms were completed—again under budget.
We are ready to start Phase 3, and the members are eager for their new bathrooms—15 units this time. Because they understand there is no gain without a wee bit of pain, there have been minimal complaints about the work, which usually takes seven days. Most of the complaints, or maybe worries, were born out of nervousness about the construction and subsequent mess, but were soon put to rest by the contractor. Mr. Laurin is well respected and greatly appreciated by everyone at the co-op.
By presenting a solid plan and budget, combined with clear and consistent communication to our members, we made everyone feel they were working together for the good of the co-op. Tamarack is truly privileged to have active participation from its board, committees, membership and “ahem” staff.
As a side benefit to this project, many members have had a new burst of energy! With a lovely new bathroom in place, they have renewed interest in their units. They have been happily cleaning, de-cluttering and painting like busy bees!
Along with a bit of pure luck getting our contractor, the success behind this happy story of thrilled and engaged members, plus below-budget expenditures, all comes down to the basic principles of co-op living: work together!
Congratulations, Tamarack Co-operative Housing! Do you have a success story to tell about renovations or something else? We want to hear from you! E-mail us at info@agency.coop. And don’t forget the photos, if you have any.