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When you live in a condominium unit in Toronto, there is no doubt that the possibility of having your vehicle professionally detailed by just meeting a mobile detailer in your parking space must have crossed your mind. While the answer varies from one condominium to another, the answer is in most cases no. There are a number of challenges associated with underground garage condominium buildings that make professional car detailing very challenging even for a willing detailer.
This is what is actually the case and what condominium boards usually permit as well as what Toronto condominium owners can resort to as an alternative solution such as the valet pickup service of ALPHASHINE.
Restrictions Imposed by Condo Board and Property Management
In most cases, most Toronto condos have restrictions that limit or prevent business in the shared garage. Not every building is being difficult for no reason; the property managers have a responsibility to manage the common elements of the property, and when it comes to a detailing business using the garage for their operations, it exposes the board to liabilities they didn’t bargain for.
There are some buildings that will let you wash your own car in the allotted spot, but the detailers are a whole different matter altogether. They require permission to do their work in writing, insurance certificate from the detailing firm and in most cases booking through the concierge or the property management office. Failure to do so might earn one a warning, a fine, or an order to leave midway through their work.
This is particularly true for new high rise buildings located within Downtown Toronto, where there have been increased restrictions on commercial access in these buildings by condominium boards in recent times due to security reasons and conflicts that arose in the past regarding water usage and garbage created by commercial users. Buildings that are older and less managed can be more flexible in this respect, but you can never take it for granted.
Water Access Is Not Often Designed for Detailing
Interior and exterior detailing requires a reliable water source, but underground parking garages generally lack one that is available to residents. When there is a water source, it may either be locked for use by the building maintenance only, or it will be too small to wash a vehicle.
There are waterless or water efficient detailing options available, however, these do not serve as a good replacement for the thorough exterior wash required for a vehicle after Toronto winter full of road salt and dirt. Attempting to detail a very dirty vehicle without enough water supply may also lead to damaging the paint, which is the last thing you want from a detailing service. A professional detailer knows how to explain waterless detailing services limitations.
Drainage and Runoff Regulations
It might be there but what happens with it afterwards is another question entirely. The drains in underground garages are designed to accommodate the runoff from rain and melted snow brought in by vehicles, not for dealing with the amount of soaps and other detailing products used in the process.
This is one of the primary reasons why many condo boards hesitate with approving car detailing at their facilities. Not only because of the mess created but also because of where this runoff should go in accordance with regulations which prohibit discharging any of the detailing products into storm drains in Toronto municipalities and buildings.
Access to Electricity and Limitations of the Equipment
The vacuums, buffers, and steam cleaner all require electricity, and the power sockets available in condo garages tend to be limited, sometimes locked, or allocated to particular units to charge electric vehicles (EV). A detailer who cannot get sufficient access to electricity has no other choice but to use battery-powered equipment which will significantly reduce their effectiveness.
It is especially true in cases when extended power supply is required such as in case of steam cleaning for stains or extraction cleaning for carpets and mats.
Limitations on Space and Maneuvering
In general, parking spaces in Toronto condo buildings are limited, but this does not take into account that a detailer needs some space for opening all four doors and accessing the trunk. The limitation is imposed by low ceilings, supporting pillars, and nearby cars, which restricts the available space for detailing, making an effect on its quality and duration.
One can imagine the amount of free space available when someone tries to open a car door in a regular spot in the condo building next to the parked car. However, when this person attempts to open the door while being accompanied by a detailer with his equipment and drop cloths, one gets the idea about the lack of space even faster, especially in the case of SUVs and trucks that are rather common in Toronto.
Security, Insurance and Liability
Opening up the secure residential garage to an outside individual presents issues which few buildings are ready to address without due diligence. If something happens to the parked car – who is responsible? If there is a slip on the wet floor – who is going to be held accountable? Do they have insurance to meet the requirements of the building?
It is completely natural to ask these questions, because it is one of the reasons for many Toronto condo boards asking for prior approval, insurance certificate, and even time slots for detailers, and not just showing up with a notice.
Permission when it is actually possible
When your building allows onsite detailing provided that some requirements are met, the best place to start is your property management office and not the detailing company. Inquire about:
- The possibility of commercial detailing in resident parking spaces
- Required insurance documents
- Water and power availability to visitors
- Any time limitation or other requirements
This way you will make sure that you do not come for an appointment only to find out that it is impossible to get the permission. Sometimes the information can be found in the resident manual or the portal of the building, and sometimes it can be confirmed only verbally by the concierge.
An Alternative Approach for Condos Owners
The better approach for the majority of Toronto condos owners would be to bypass the entire garage question completely. The valet pickup service of ALPHASHINE takes your vehicle from the building, delivers it to the detailing facility, and brings it back when everything is done. Thus, the question of water access, drainage, power and space needs is addressed in an efficient manner, and no approvals from the condo board are necessary. In fact, this seems to be the easiest approach to be adopted by the residents of condominiums where access of vehicles to the premises is tightly controlled, as no detailing is taking place in the garage at all.
Alternatively, if you prefer to drive to the detailing shop yourself, there are also multiple shops owned by ALPHASHINE in Toronto such as in the Financial District, King West and Yorkville neighborhoods, which have been outfitted with the required water supply, drainage and tools for the task at hand, which is not something a condominium garage can provide.
In either case, booking is made easy using the ALPHASHINE application for arranging a pick-up from your building or booking a slot in one of the facilities in Toronto. You can also call 647-249-2960 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Would a mobile detailing service be able to operate within the underground parking lot of my condominium?
In general, no, because most Toronto condominiums do not allow any commercial activity to take place within their shared parking facilities and must have insurance documents in advance of entry. - Why don’t condo garages have water access for detailing?
It is because underground garages are constructed to provide limited water connections meant for building maintenance and not for commercial purposes. The amount of water that a car wash needs is quite substantial compared to the amount of water that is provided through the connections. - Can one wash a car in a condo garage in Toronto?
The answer is that it is subject to the rules of each particular building. There are condos where people can rinse their own car in a specially assigned area. This is different from providing commercial services. - How can I detail my car if I am a resident in a condo?
It is always easier if a valet service does a pick up service because the vehicle will be picked up from the premises and taken to be detailed in a professional environment without having to seek permission from the condo board. - Is there a pickup service available for condos at ALPHASHINE in Toronto?
Yes, there is. The valet service provided by ALPHASHINE takes care of the pick up and delivery of the vehicle within a 3-5km radius of our locations.
