Home renovations can potentially increase your home’s value to protect your investment.
Category House expansion
17 May 2019,
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Home renovations can potentially increase your home’s value to protect your investment.

Homeowners in Calgary are interested in a home renovation because they want their home to be perfect for their needs. They also understand that as the most important asset they own, a house requires updating or improvement from time to time to protect its value.

Let’s face it; the perfect house which you bought 15 years ago may not be so perfect now.

The design may not be to your taste anymore, flooring and paint may be looking worn out, or the space has become inadequate. With the kids being older, your lifestyle changes, or even your health, certain improvements in the home may be needed for your comfort and convenience.

According to Statistics Canada, homeowners in Canada spent over $70 billion in home renovations in 2018 and is expected to increase in the years to come.

If you find yourself wanting to make changes to your home’s design, layout, or space, a home renovation would be your best solution.

What exactly is included in a home renovation? Below you will find tips regarding the most popular home renovation projects in Calgary.

 

Home renovation benefits: Reasons why renovating a house can pay off

A home renovation can provide you with a more efficient home and additional living space that you can enjoy for many years.

 

Depending on what your goal is, a home renovation can be a great solution if you need to make changes in the house but don’t want to move or buy a new one.

If you need to have another bedroom or bathroom or want a bigger kitchen, a home renovation may be more affordable than selling and buying another one.

The most common reasons that homeowners in Alberta renovate include:

 

  1. A future home sale

Many homeowners who put their house on the market renovate before the sale to fix issues, improve aesthetics, and increase the selling price. You can spruce up your house with a home renovation to sell a house faster and for a better price.

  1. Increase comfort and convenience

Your personal comfort and convenience are important. You want a house where you can be happy and comfortable. If you need more kitchen space, a patio to enjoy the outdoors, or an additional bathroom, a home renovation can meet all of these goals.

  1. Improve an outdated home

Time can be unkind and a house can begin to show signs of aging. Older homes especially need updating to make them look attractive and not look weather-beaten or neglected.

Aside from the home’s exterior, older homes will need updating of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

  1. Protect your investment in an income property

If you own an income property, you will need to renovate it at one point to improve income by attracting loyal tenants. A rental can give a higher return if tenants stay on because the property is well-maintained.  You can charge a higher rent for a property that has been renovated.

  1. Make the house more environment-friendly.

Today, many improvements can be made to a home to make it more eco-friendly. Shower heads and taps can be low-flow for long-term savings.  Installing high-quality insulation will let your house stay warmer in winter and cooler in the summer so you can save on energy bills.

There are many reasons why homeowners want to renovate. The important thing is to know what your goals are.

 

Popular home renovation projects to consider

Why are you thinking of a home renovation? It is important to know what your ultimate goal is so your investment will pay off.

It is possible to revamp your entire house with a whole home renovation or just improve areas such as a bedroom renovation, a kitchen renovation, or a basement renovation.

Regardless of your choice, a home renovation can increase your home’s value and give you a home that matches your needs and lifestyle.


Bathroom renovation

 

Enjoy a newly-renovated bathroom with spa-like atmosphere every time you come home.

A bathroom is among the top home improvement projects of homeowners in Calgary and Alberta. They want a more functional and convenient bathroom where they can relax after a hard day at work.

Would you like a walk-in shower to replace your old tub? Are you dreaming of turning your bathroom into an oasis with natural stone and glass enclosure?

 

Do you need to make your bathroom bigger to make it more comfortable and convenient?

Many modern homeowners want to have a spa-like bathroom because this is a place where they can linger and enjoy a relaxing bath and take time with their personal hygiene.

The bathroom is also important to renovate because house guests will usually see and use your bathroom.

A bathroom renovation starts with an idea which you want to realize. Before this can become a reality, certain steps must be taken. The first step is to know what type of bathroom you have in mind and set your budget.

When you are ready with a bathroom renovation project, it is time to look for the right bathroom renovation contractors in Calgary to help you make it happen. You must obtain multiple quotes to compare so you can save time and money.

 

Kitchen Renovation

 

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular home improvement projects in Calgary.

 

Are you dreaming of a stylish and modern kitchen where you can whip up your favorite dishes in less time and a more comfortable environment?

There are many kitchen renovation contractors in Calgary that can help make your dream kitchen a reality. Regardless of your budget, big or small, kitchen renovation specialists can help you with the:

✓   Design
✓   Layout
✓   Materials
✓   Permits

With a kitchen renovation, you can install custom-made cabinets, have a spacious island counter, replace the flooring, change the layout, upgrade your workspace, fix and improve the plumbing, and replace appliances that are more energy-efficient.

It is best to find the best kitchen renovation contractors for your project to build a kitchen you will love!

You can use our short online request form on this page to get free quotes from reliable contractors in your area.

 

Basement Renovation

 

Basement renovations are complex and require contractors that have a lot of experience.

Do you have an unfinished basement? Would you like to turn your dreary basement into a beautiful living space or maybe a complete suite that you can rent for additional income?

Whatever your goal is, a basement renovation is sure to do two things: add space to your house and increase your home’s value.

Popular renovation ideas for a basement include:

  • A family room: TV room, gym, recreation area
  • Entertainment area: bar, living room
  • Additional bedroom and bathroom
  • An income suite: can have a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen which can be rented

Basement renovation projects are more complex than you think.

It is important to have licensed professionals do the work to avoid future issues such as:

  • Flooded basement
  • Lack of ventilation
  • Poor insulation
  • Failing to correct existing problems like mold

 

It is important to keep a basement dry and to ensure the safety of your family.  It requires careful planning and serious thought as well as hiring qualified professionals so that every detail is accounted for.

Look for reputable and licensed basement renovation professionals to help turn your basement into a beautiful space your whole family will love.

 

Patio renovation

 

A patio renovation is a good way to create an outdoor living space that adds value to your home.

The long and cold winter can make any homeowner long for a living space in a home where the outdoors can be enjoyed when the weather is fine.  A patio renovation is very popular in Alberta because people like to spend quality time outside to enjoy nature and good weather alone or in good company.

How can you plan a patio renovation?

It all starts with what your vision for your patio is. Do you want a covered patio so you can use it throughout the year? What is the size of the patio you have in mind based on the activities you plan to do there?

Knowing what you want is critical when planning a patio renovation.

A patio can be a beautiful living space outdoors. If you go for a covered patio, you can enjoy it even in cooler weather. In fact, you can use it all year round.

You actually have several choices when you want outdoor space in your home with a patio, sunroom, screen room, pergola, or deck.

You may need a permit, depending on the type of patio or deck you plan to construct. You can visit Calgary-Home Building and Renovations for information about the new Alberta Building Code.

 

Whole home renovation

Whole home renovations can be a good solution if you need to make significant changes to a house you don’t want to give up because of its location or other benefits.

A whole home renovation is, without a doubt, the most expensive and complex type of renovation project. It will require a lot of planning before the project which includes where you will live and what to do with all of your furniture and other possessions during construction.

 

When is a whole home renovation ideal? Wouldn’t it be better to just buy a new house?

A whole home renovation will certainly not be easy because you will be out of your home for a while.

Homeowners may opt to renovate an entire home than buy a new one if they don’t want to leave their current location. Further, as you already own the land, a whole home renovation may be cheaper than buying a new house.

Whole home renovations are sensible if your home’s foundation is solid, the structure is still good, and you want to stay where you are. It would be ideal when you want to create a new home without totally rebuilding it.

 

REASONS FOR A WHOLE HOME RENOVATION
Your home is in a perfect location but the home is not so perfect. If you have decided to raise a family and need more room, or your children have moved out and you want to remodel it to suit your new lifestyle, a whole home renovation may make sense.
You want to change the home’s footprint and remodel the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc. If you are not satisfied with more than one part of your home but don’t want a total rebuild, you can choose a whole home renovation.

 

You can find the right contractor for your home renovation project. Whether you need a kitchen renovation, patio renovation, or a whole home renovation, our vast network of reputable and qualified contractors can assist you from start to finish.

Find renovation contractors for your project that suits your preferences and budget.
 Compare multiple quotes today, free of charge and no obligation!

 

Homeowner grants in the province of Alberta: Alberta Renovation Grants

Alberta residents who want to make their home more energy-efficient, or want to add a new suite with a home renovation can actually save money with Alberta home renovation grants.

There are provincial programs and municipal grants for residents of Edmonton, Calgary, Grand Prairie, Banff, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Edmonton.  Seniors with disabilities can also benefit from programs that help with renovation costs.

Below are some Calgary Homeowner Renovation Programs that can provide financial assistance to your home renovation project.

 

Calgary Homeowner Renovation Programs
Attainable Homes Calgary Corp. (AHCC) The program was created to assist homeowners in Calgary to buy a new home. A new homeowner can make a payment of $2,000 to get started.

 

Peak Housing Initiative This program allows a homeowner to get a second mortgage without interest for the first 5 years of the program.
Residential Access Modification Program This program provides up to $7,500 for one year or a  maximum of $15,000 for ten years for renovations to a home that aims to make it more livable for people with disability issues.  You need to file a claim within 90 days of a renovation.
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) This program provides a loan of up to $40,000 to seniors who want to renovate their primary residence.
Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Home Improvement Rebate This program is available for homeowners in Alberta who aim to make their homes more energy efficient.  You can save up to $1,500 for windows, $3,500 on insulation, $1,000 on a new tankless water heater, etc.

 

You can save money with a home renovation by finding the right Calgary homeowner renovation programs and grants. With this kind of assistance from the provincial government, it makes even more sense to renovate your home.

 

5 Reasons not to DIY a home renovation project

Experts recommend hiring professional contractors for major home improvement projects.

Does a DIY home renovation sound exciting to you? Well, make sure that you are not taking on more than you can handle.

Home renovations can be really expensive. It is not surprising to hear of homeowners who decide to do the renovation themselves to save money. With the proliferation of video tutorials online that teach us how to do this and that, many people start to believe they can take on the job even without experience.

If you talk to experts, however, they will be frank in telling you not to attempt a home renovation on your own. Below are some of the reasons why it is better to hire qualified professionals for any type of home renovation.

  1. You may spend a lot more money and get unsatisfactory results.

Just because you cut out skilled tradesmen, it doesn’t follow that you will actually save money. Your inexperience and lack of skills can cause you to make mistakes, repeat the work, waste materials, and even cause damage to your home. You will also have to buy the tools you need which can amount to hundreds of dollars.

If you hire a professional to do it for you, you can avoid waste, additional expenses, and save yourself the aggravation.

  1. Be safe and prevent accidents.

Any home renovation project carries risks of accidents that can cause damage or injury. Professionals have the necessary training and are aware of the risks and the steps they must take to mitigate those risks. They also have the necessary protective gear and carry the right insurance coverage to compensate them in case of accidents or protect them from liability.

  1. Experience counts.

It is always possible to DIY certain home improvements like adding shelves or re-painting the fence, etc. Certain renovations, however, that involve structural changes, or require special training like electrical and plumbing work are better handled by licensed professionals. Some aspects of renovation may also be dangerous such as roofing, insulation, or structural defect repairs.

  1. Access to proper tools.

Professionals use specialty tools, heavy machinery, etc, that you don’t have. It isn’t practical for you to buy equipment for one-time use. If you carry out renovation work without using the proper tools, you will get substandard results that won’t be satisfactory for many reasons.

These are just some of the reasons why it is better to hire professionals for a home renovation project. Think carefully before embarking on a DIY home renovation. You will be investing time and money in renovating your house and you deserve to get the best results your money can buy.

 

How to find and choose the right home renovation contractors

How can you find a contractor for your home renovation that will not take advantage of you or cause regrets that would be hard to live with.

We have all heard stories of homeowners who got burned by a bad contractor during a home renovation. In order to protect yourself and your investment, it is critical to hire only qualified and reputable contractors in Calgary.

But how do you make sure to choose the right home renovation contractor?

You need to compare and check multiple contractors and ask the following questions.

 

10 Questions to ask before hiring a contractor

Don’t go blindly into a home renovation. It is critical to choose the right contractor for any aspect of your home renovation. Ask the right questions from several contractors you will be needng and wait to hear their responses.

  1. How long have you been in business?
  2. Are you licensed in Calgary?
  3. What type of business insurance do you have?
  4. Do you have workers compensation insurance?
  5. Can you give 3 references for your most recent projects that can be contacted?
  6. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?
  7. Do you belong to any professional or trade association?
  8. Will you provide a written contract specifying the scope and other relevant details of the project?
  9. Do you offer a warranty for the work?
  10. What are the terms of payment?

It is always advisable to check on any contractor or supplier for your home renovation. You can contact the Calgary Renovation Contractors Association for information on all trades, suppliers, and contractors in Calgary.

 

Home improvement tips to consider when planning a home renovation

Use home renovation tips to reduce your renovation expenses and get optimum results for your project.

 

If you think your home needs some improvements, whether with a major renovation or just some simple touches, never be in a rush. It is important to plan any kind of house remodeling or renovation.

This is especially true if you are planning a home renovation because you plan to sell your home.

Instead of expensive or impractical home improvements, try to choose traditional and relevant improvements that can be useful for many years to come and actually increase your home’s value.

Below are some useful tips you can consider when you are looking for upgrades for your home.

Bathroom Improvements

  • Two-bathroom homes and a master bathroom gives maximum ROI.
  • Plenty of storage cabinets
  • Splashes of color instead of all-white
  • Bigger bathrooms

 Kitchen Improvements

  • Plenty of natural light
  • Multiple storage options
  • An island with stools
  • Built-in microwave, six-burner ranges, dishwasher, etc.
  • Light colors
  • An extra sink

Patio Improvements

  • A covered patio is usable all-year round
  • Concrete patios are durable, long-lasting, and flexible in terms of design
  • Add a firepit and boost the value of your patio
  • Check your building codes and requirements

Basement improvements

  • Check on moisture issues
  • Plan the best exit
  • Build an income suite or secondary suite to increase the resale value of your home or give additional income
  • Reduce noise with the right insulation
  • Consult a general contractor to ensure the best results

Every home is unique; each home renovation project will be different. It is important to plan a home renovation with input from experienced and qualified professionals so you can avoid mistakes that can cost you a lot of money.

With good planning and help from professional home renovation specialists, you can reap maximum benefits from a home renovation that can take your family’s quality of life to new heights.

 

5 Mistakes in Home Renovation to avoid

The more time you devote to planning a home renovation, the less likely you are to forget something important which could haunt you forever.

A renovation that is carefully planned will give you beautiful living space, allow you to save on energy and insurance bills, and increase the potential selling price of your home.

Whether you are doing a complete revamp or a room renovation, here are some home renovation mistakes to watch out for.

  1. Preparing an unrealistic budget.

You’ll never get a $25,000 kitchen if your budget is $10,000. Don’t believe a contractor who promises the impossible.

Always have a contingency fund which should be around 10% to 20% of the cost.

  1. Hire the lowest bidder.

Hiring a contractor requires the consideration of various factors aside from price. A contractor with a low-ball offer won’t provide high-quality work because he will cut corners and lower the standards to be able to meet the price.

It is also important to check if the contractor is insured and licensed.

  1. Prioritize aesthetics over safety or efficiency.

Homeowners are happy when they get complimented for the results of a home renovation. However, don’t prioritize beauty over what is important such as insulation, fire safety, energy efficiency, or health. While neighbors are unlikely to be impressed by your new plumbing, such renovation projects are critical to the safety of your home. Aesthetics should come second.

  1. Not obtaining permits required for the project.

Permits are essential to a home renovation. Your project can be stopped or you can be slapped a fine if you fail to comply with municipal requirements.

  1. Forgetting your insurance.

It is important to talk to your insurer or insurance broker about the effect of a home renovation on your home insurance policy. If you are adding a new pool or patio, you need to inform your insurer. Your home insurance premiums could also be substantially lower with plumbing, electrical, and other upgrades.

You can avoid making mistakes by hiring professionals from our vast network of reputable and experienced contractors. All of our partners have been carefully screened and are committed to providing high-quality services for the best possible price.

 

Compare multiple quotes and save on home renovation costs

The cost of your home renovation will depend on the scope, the size of the project, and the design and materials you choose. The cost can also be affected by your choice of contractor.

It is not a smart move to hire a contractor with the lowest price without a careful comparison. Remember, you always get what you pay for and with a home renovation where you are investing thousands of dollars, you want to get the best return on your investment.

This is why we have gathered reputable and qualified contractors in Calgary to provide you with fast and reliable quotes to help you plan your renovation.

Would you like to start planning your home renovation? You can obtain free and no commitment quotes from reliable contractors in Calgary for any type of home renovation.
Fill out a short online form and compare licensed and qualified renovation contractors for your project.

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