Welcome to Condo’s Corner!

Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Why Consistency Matters in Townhouse Condominiums

Inspired by a great question from Chris H.

In the world of townhouse condominiums, standing out might seem like a good thing — until it’s your neighbour’s fire-engine red front door throwing off the charm of your beautifully uniform community.

A question we often get from Boards (and from thoughtful individuals like Chris H.) is: Does consistency really matter? The short answer? Yes — and it’s not just about aesthetics.

Here are some examples for you to consider before we get to the article.

What would you think if the middle unit one day decided that they wanted a black garage door?

Could you imagine the left unit decided one day that they wanted to replace their concrete driveway with an asphalt one?

What would you do if one of these units needed to replace two of its windows and replace them with black-trimmed windows?

How would you react if the middle unit decided they wanted to paint their red brick another colour?

A Note on Exterior Consistency: Standard vs. Vacant Land Condos

In a Standard Condo, the corporation typically owns and maintains the building exteriors, shared land, and amenities. That means things like paint colours, mailbox styles, and even the location of air conditioning units are directly managed by the Board. It’s all about a polished, cohesive look — and the corporation has complete control over this look.

By contrast, in a Vacant Land Condo, each owner owns not just the home, but also the land it sits on — and they’re responsible for maintaining everything within that boundary. While the corporation still oversees shared roads and common areas, exterior design restrictions are not directly managed by the board; instead, they are governed by it. That means a bit more room for individuality — but limited to what is written within the governing documents and the board that oversees them.

Bottom line? Standard condominiums tend to deliver a more consistent look-and-feel across the community, while vacant land condos require a bit more cooperation and communication to maintain curb appeal. Either way, strong rules and shared pride of ownership are key.

Why Uniformity Works

There are reasons for uniformity, often written right into the governing documents. Over time, upkeep and modernizing may change colour tones, but uniformity is predictable—even among high-end properties.

1. Cohesive Curb Appeal = Higher Property Values

When prospective buyers drive through your complex, the first thing they see isn’t your granite countertops or upgraded ensuite. It’s the community as a whole. Clean, consistent exteriors signal pride of ownership, effective governance, and a well-managed property. Appraisers and realtors often cite uniformity in design as a factor that enhances perceived value.

2. The Power of First Impressions

Whether it’s identical mailbox designs or matching AC units installed neatly and uniformly, small details paint a bigger picture. Inconsistencies — like five different shades of beige doors — can give the impression of a community lacking control or cohesion. (And yes, I’ve seen every shade of taupe on one street.)

3. It’s a Governance Issue Too

Most declarations and rules actually prohibit owners from changing the exterior appearance of their unit. Whether it’s installing a satellite dish, changing out windows, or painting the front door — owners are typically required to seek written approval from the Board before making such changes. A well-written rule or guideline, communicated clearly, can help maintain visual uniformity.

4. Unique ≠ Better

It’s understandable — owners want to express themselves. But while personalization inside the unit is encouraged, the outside is a shared canvas. Individual flair should never compromise collective appeal. A luxury community is rarely remembered for the one unit that has designer shutters.

Uniformity Drives Market Value

Research consistently shows that condominiums with consistent exterior elements—like doors, windows, paint colours, and landscaping—retain and grow in market value more effectively than those without.

There is no single, direct data point on buyer sentiment specifically about “uniformity” in condo exteriors, but 2025 market surveys and expert commentary clearly demonstrate that buyers highly value well-maintained and visually consistent condominiums.

Real estate experts also caution that non-conforming elements (like mismatched doors or DIY privacy fences) make a condominium look neglected (or as I call it, a circus)—lowering perceived value and buyer confidence.

How to Keep It Consistent: A Proactive Strategy That Works

One of the most effective ways to maintain a uniform exterior look across a townhouse-style condominium is simple — but often overlooked: put it in writing and make it easily accessible.

At Read Property Management, we work with our legal professionals to draft a concise, one-page document that clearly outlines the limitations and request procedures for any exterior customization as per that corporaitons governing documents — whether it’s a new storm door, upgraded light fixture, or the temptation to paint your garage something… bold.

This document isn’t meant to restrict residents for the sake of it. It’s meant to protect the integrity, property values, and overall balance of the community. While there’s an upfront legal cost to create it, the time and stress it saves your board in the long run is immeasurable. Fewer disputes. Fewer surprises. More clarity.

To take it a step further, we attach this one-pager to every status certificate. That way, every potential buyer knows exactly what they’re buying into before they close on their unit — no confusion, no drama, no headaches.

When owners grasp what needs approval and the correct channels for submitting exterior change requests, it simplifies the process for everyone involved. We provide an “Architectural Change Request” form for owners, and when filled out properly, this form supplies the board with all necessary information to make a well-informed decision regarding the approval or denial of the change request for their corporation.

At the end of the day, great communities are built on owners who understand the benefits of condo living, respect the rules in place, and follow the right process when change is wanted — and at Read Property Management, we make sure that happens.

Got a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don’t be shy—share ’em with me! Whether it’s a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we’re all ears. All you need to do is reply to this email so we can keep the content coming.

Make sure to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and, more importantly – that neighbour who could learn a few things!