Calgary home renovations: Should I renovate an old house?

Finding a home perfect for you can be nearly impossible. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered, not to mention projected costs that are overwhelming to any potential homeowner. Although an old home that needs to be renovated can seem like a significant gamble, it can also be a worthy investment to make. An older fixer-upper can be fraught with areas of disrepair that will prove to be expensive, deterring homeowners from pursuing the project. But the result could culminate in your dream home that you would not have otherwise received through the purchase of a modern home. Before you begin to search for an old house that needs remodelling, you should be aware of the pros and cons that come with owning and renovating an old home. 

This article will outline the benefits and drawbacks of remodelling an old home and what considerations should be taken before tackling a Calgary home renovations project. 

Pros of renovating an old home

  • Old homes are much less expensive than purchasing a new home outright. By buying an older home, you can initially save thousands of dollars that can be put into future renovations. 
  • Older homes are often more solidly built than modern houses. With secure flooring and thick walls, there is usually no need for complete reconstruction.
  • When purchasing an older home, you can be assured that it contains a lot of unique characteristics that aren’t found in modern homes. Older homes can be adorned with unique mouldings, fashionable light fixtures, and timeless hardwood floors. These characteristics can be salvaged during the renovation process.
Empty room of an older home that is being renovated

Cons of renovating an old home

  • Older homes can contain toxic materials that can be hazardous to your health if disturbed. Toxic materials like asbestos and lead are hard to decipher with the naked eye, and they can harm you without your knowledge. Before you begin to renovate, it is always recommended by home renovation professionals to get someone to come and inspect your home and remove any hazardous materials discovered for maximum safety. 
  • Renovating an older home can amount to exorbitant prices. If you are required to replace the foundation and roof and electrical and plumbing, the price can become increasingly high. 
  • Renovations can be a timely process for fixing up an older home. Because there are replacements that will need to be made, fixtures that will need to be installed, and additions that need to be implemented, this particular renovation can become very lengthy. 
Considerations

Before you begin to renovate the older home of your dreams, you should factor in several considerations. One renovation element you should consider is the cost of the entire project. Add up the estimated price of every part of the renovation and see how it aligns with your budget. It can be detrimental to be in the middle of a renovation and realize you do not have the funds to pay for most of the necessities you want to implement. Another factor is the timeline of the renovation. Consider how much time this may take and where you will reside during the majority of the renovation. Create an accurate timeline based on your contractor’s best estimates. 

Finally, you’ll want to hire a reliable contractor and renovation team. Get referrals from family and friends, and be sure to hire someone that will keep you in the loop. Contact your local renovation company within your area for more information about Calgary home renovations

Mastered Home Renovation is your source for complete home renovations. Whether you are looking for custom home renovations or luxury home renovations, our goal is always to increase your dwelling’s overall quality and value. As honest, hardworking and seasoned professional contractors, we exceed our client’s expectations by utilizing the latest tools, techniques and technology, alongside high-quality materials. We execute big and small projects for every room, including bathroom renovations, basement development, bedrooms and kitchen renovations in Calgary. Experience master quality by contacting our Calgary renovators at (403) 700-7444 today!

You’ve been dreaming of your new kitchen for months, even years. Now the renovation project has finally started, and you can’t wait to see the stunning results. But things don’t always go as planned. Use these tips to help you handle things if your kitchen renovations in Calgary go wrong.

6 Tips To Help You When Your Kitchen Renovations Go Wrong

1- Set Realistic Expectations for a Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovations often take five months to complete, sometimes more. That’s a long time to be without a space that’s such an important part of your home. Plan for a lengthy project, and don’t be surprised if things take longer than expected. Plan changes, permit delays, backordered parts, and many other issues can cause setbacks that you have no control over. Expect that ahead of time to help you avoid frustration during the project.

2- Reserve Funds for the Renovations

Another area where things often go wrong during renovation projects is with the budget. While it’s important to create a budget prior to the project, it’s also important to remember that it’s just an estimate. It’s easy for homeowners to underestimate the cost of products or services and create a budget that’s too low. Many homeowners also choose to go with more expensive materials or products once the project is actually underway. Setting aside a cushion in your budget for these and other unexpected expenses helpΩ you avoid the problem of running out of funds.

3- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 

Work to maintain a sense of perspective during your kitchen renovation in Calgary. It’s easy to get hyper focused and feel like every decision you have to make is a huge choice. Agonizing over the smallest details is a good way to turn a renovation into a stressful disaster. Instead, try to relax and enjoy the process. The hardware and countertop edges really aren’t that important after all; the goal is to have the whole project come together beautifully.

kitchen renovation contractor

4- Get Away from the Kitchen Renovation

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your renovation project is to get away from it, especially if things get delayed or seem to be going poorly. Plan an escape route if the project gets to be too much for you. A stay with a friend, at a hotel, or in a short-term furnished rental can be just what you need to gain a little perspective and relax during a difficult time in the renovation project.

5- Maintain a Sense of Humour 

The ability to laugh at the things that go wrong is crucial to surviving a home renovation. A renovation contractor in Calgary can tell you that with just about any renovation project, there are things that don’t go exactly as planned. Be prepared for the unexpected, and try to go with the flow and laugh off the little hiccups. If things seem overwhelming in the moment, try making a list of things you’re grateful for. Remember to include the ability to renovate your kitchen and create a new space.

6- Prepare for Days without Progress by a Renovation Contractor

Between anticipation about the new kitchen and frustration with the mess and disruption of your space, it’s easy to wish the renovation will end. This makes it particularly difficult to handle days where it seems like there’s no progress. But remember that such days happen with any kitchen renovation. Sometimes there are periods of waiting or times when you can’t see the progress even though the renovation contractor in Calgary is hard at work. Expect these days, and remind yourself that they are part of the process and each day brings you closer to your goal.

Set yourself up for success during kitchen renovations with proper planning, but be prepared for things to go wrong occasionally. Handling the downs as well as ups can help you make the most of your kitchen renovation throughout the process.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Updating your kitchen or transforming the basement is exciting – you get to see your vision become a reality. Unfortunately, there may be bumps along the way, including when homeowners find themselves paying more than expected for remodelling projects.

Updating or renovating your home is an exciting part of your home’s future. You get to create something from nothing, and you will be able to enjoy what you have created. At the same time, you will be able to increase the value of your home, so you get your money back.

Money though is the problem that most people face. Many homeowners find themselves paying more than expected for their custom home renovation projects. But a lot of people want to renovate their homes without spending too much, sticking within their budget. So how can you avoid that situation where you blow your budget?

Here are four tips where you can complete a Calgary home renovation on a budget.

Focus On Where You Need/Want To Make Renovations 

What is the point of starting renovations if you don’t know what you renovate? Do a sweep of your home and decide where you would like to make your renovations. Is it the kitchen, the bathroom or do you want a basement development? Once you know what you to renovate, then you can start making plans for those renovations. With a solid foundation to build upon, you will be able to commence your project.

Plan Out Your Budget From The Start 

Too often, people start their home renovations without planning out their budget. And this leads to problems down the line as when the renovations begin, as the prices skyrocket, and they haven’t planned for it. So the first thing is first: plan out your budget and make sure you have everything considered. As a side note, always add a little extra to your budget in case you need it.

Map Out Your Renovations 

Create a detailed plan for home renovations, regardless of the size of your project. The more detailed and in-depth your plan then the easier the process will be when it comes to your home renovations. The more you plan through things during the development phase, the less likely you’ll be to encounter unexpected problems during the project. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, get all the details down for your improvements, so when the time comes, your project can kick-off to a good start.

Look For An Excellent, Yet Affordable Renovation Contractor in Calgary 

Many homeowners often expect that a DIY approach to save them money on renovation projects, but this isn’t always the case. They may end up paying more if they do the work themselves because lack of knowledge and experience can cost them. If you follow the same path, the lack of expertise might see you make mistakes, and it is going to cost you just as much to repair those mistakes. So it is best if you hire a Calgary renovation contractor. They have all the knowledge and experience to handle all types of home renovations. For most projects, hiring a Calgary renovation contractor is the way to go and can save you from costly mistakes.

Custom renovations Calgary

While completing a home renovation within your budget can be challenging at times, you will be able to get your dream situation, and save money at the same time. With the help of a Calgary renovation contractor, it’s possible to achieve your dream home renovations.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started

Renovating your home involves some degree of risk. From demolition to power tools, the road to a beautiful home has any number of dangers. You have to keep yourself. How? Keep reading.

Keep Your Calgary Home Renovations As Safe As Possible With These Tips

  • Don’t Rush Through A Demolition
    Just about any renovation project starts with some sort of demolition. This is a particularly hazardous part for home renovations. Homeowners sometimes tackle parts of the demolition process themselves; if this is your strategy, focus on the task and don’t try to rush through it.
  • Get A Picture Of The Layout Before The Home Renovations
    Do your best to learn what’s behind the walls before beginning renovations. Water pipes, gas lines, asbestos, electrical wires, and a host of other dangers can lurk just out of sight. Give your renovation contractor in Calgary as much information as you can about the layout of your home.
  • Use The Right Tools Unless You Hire A Calgary Renovation Contractor
    The right tools make a job easier, faster, and safer. A renovation contractor in Calgary has the appropriate tools for all kinds of renovation projects, but if you plan to work on any steps yourself, make sure you have the right tools as well. It’s also important to use them in the correct way.
  • Keep Your Home Clean During Renovations
    Home renovations are messy business, so take steps to minimize the mess. Seal off areas that are getting worked on from the rest of the house by taping up sheets of plastic. Work with your renovation contractor in Calgary to keep things clean throughout the project, particularly if you need access to the work area.

Taking a few simple precautions can help you complete home renovations as efficiently and safely as possible.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Updating your bathroom makes the space better for you and can also increase your home’s value. Get inspired with these seven ideas for modern bathroom renovations.

  1. Paint the Bathroom with Moody Blues
    Blue is a calming colour that is ideal for bathrooms. Have the renovator contractor in Calgary set the mood with a cool palette of blues, greys, and white.
  2. Upgrade the Shower with a Renovation Contractor in Calgary
    For an easy shower upgrade, consider replacing the showerhead during bathroom renovations. The right one gives your bathroom a spa-like feel.
  3. Let in Light
    Bathrooms often have small windows, if they have windows at all, but this room greatly benefits from natural light. A renovator contractor in Calgary can install a large window that helps open up and illuminate the space. Choosing frosted glass preserves your privacy.
  4. Go Natural during Renovations with Wood Floors
    Wood floors are typically avoided in bathrooms with good reason. However, adding an accent with wood under the tub creates a warm, natural feel. Choose rot-resistant wood or laminate flooring that mimics wood. With the latter, you can use it for the entire floor.
  5. Open the Shower with Renovations
    An open shower creates a feeling of being unencumbered, elevating your everyday experience. Your renovation contractor in Calgary can open up the shower area and make sure it won’t soak the rest of the bathroom.
  6. Try Tile Wainscoting in the Bathroom
    Tile is both functional and attractive in the bathroom. Tile wainscoting offers classic appeal while protecting the lower part of the wall from stains and scuffs.
  7. Improve the Lighting during a Bathroom Renovation
    Upgrade the lighting in the bathroom so that it’s functional and sets the mood. To best control the lighting, put the main lights on a dimmer during bathroom renovations and install additional lighting around the mirror.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Updating your kitchen is a big task that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Taking time to plan and prepare beforehand can help the project go more smoothly. Here are some of the things that go into creating your dream kitchen with a renovation contractor in Calgary.

Get Inspired for Your Kitchen Renovations

Don’t take on kitchen renovations unless you feel inspired and excited about updating your space. Gather a collection of ideas and photos that inspire you, and make notes about what you like about your favourites. It might be the overall style or feel of a kitchen, the colors used in the space, or a specific element like a light fixture that catches your eye. Collect it all together and blend it for your own design.

Lay Out the Space with a Renovation Contractor in Calgary

Consider trying an online tool that allows you to create a layout for your new kitchen. This is an interesting way to play around with some of your ideas. You can also talk with a renovation contractor in Calgary. They’ll have design experts available who can help you develop a detailed plan for the space. Think about how you want to use the space while you work on the layout. Do you want to entertain friends? Cook for your family? Get organized? Increase the value of your home? Answer this question first before anything else.

Research the Products for A Kitchen Renovation

Do a little research on the products and appliances you’re interested in for your kitchen renovations. Do they have numerous recalls and reviews from unsatisfied customers? Or do they meet high standards for consumer safety and customer satisfaction? The same goes for finding a contractor to complete your kitchen renovations. Research the renovation companies you’re considering to find the one that’s best for your situation.

Building a dream kitchen is an exciting process. Use these tips to get ready for your kitchen renovations.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Planning is key for home renovations. Whether you’re considering a relatively small project or a major remodel, planning ahead helps the whole thing go more smoothly. As you plan for a custom home renovation, consider these seven things.

The 7 Things To Consider For Your Custom Home Renovation

  1. A Budget for Home Renovations
    Figure out how much you can spend on renovations so you can plan accordingly. Remember to leave yourself a little extra wiggle room for unexpected expenses.
  2. Your Wants and Needs
    Some things are very important to you, while others would just be nice. Sorting out which is which helps you prioritize the home renovations and helps guide and inspire the design process.
  3. Square Footage for Your Custom Home Renovations
    Pay attention to how you use your current space and where you spend the most time. Think about how to use the space effectively and whether you need more space or just use it more effectively.
  4. Inspiration!
    Look around for inspiration to help determine a style and spark creativity. This could be from magazines, images online, other custom homes in Calgary, or fixtures; anything you find inspiring.
  5. A Renovation Contractor in Calgary
    Hire a professional renovation contractor in Calgary to help you complete your project. Look for someone you feel comfortable with a good reputation and references.
  6. Hidden Problems
    Be aware that you may uncover hidden problems during a home renovation, like structural deficiencies or water damage. These things can set back your renovation schedule and budget if they pop up.
  7. Storage Space
    It’s nearly impossible to have too much storage. Be sure to consider your storage needs and plan accordingly. Otherwise, your newly renovated custom home in Calgary will get cluttered in no time.

Considering these seven things can help you plan appropriately for stunning home renovations.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Transforming a beat-up shack into a palace is a fantasy many home buyers have entertained at one time or another. If you’re one of them, perhaps you are considering buying a fixer upper and wondering if it’s practical. Here are a few reasons why you should.

Custom Renovations in Calgary on a Fixer Upper can Make it a Bargain

One of the most common reasons people choose a fixer upper is to get a great deal on the house. You can often spend significantly less when purchasing a home that needs work, but remember that you’ll need to pay for home renovations in Calgary. Talk with a renovation contractor before making the purchase to get an estimate on what it will take to fix the house up.

You can Make a Fixer Upper Your Own with Home Renovations in Calgary

A fixer upper gives you the opportunity to make a home the way you want it without having to start from the ground up. Getting custom renovations in Calgary can help you create a beautiful, unique home.

You Love Custom Homes in Calgary with Character and History

Most fixer uppers are older homes and are often unique with lots of history. Work with a renovation contractor in Calgary to give the home a little love, and let all that personality come shining through.

DIY Buffs Enjoy the Challenge of Home Renovations on a Fixer Upper

If you’re a DIYer who loves taking on a new challenge, then a fixer upper is a great choice. Determine what you have the time and skills to do safely yourself, then hire a contractor to complete the home renovations in Calgary.

Transforming an old, rundown house into an ideal home is a challenging, fun project. Find a home you love and give it some attention with custom renovations in Calgary.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Start the new year right with an office renovation! A fresh start in the work environment can increase productivity and reduce stress and burnout. Make the most of custom home renovations at your office this year with these tips.

Plan Ahead for Calgary Home Renovations

Improve your chances of a smooth and successful office renovation by planning ahead with a renovation contractor in Calgary. Before the project begins, take time to identify goals, put together a renovation team, develop a realistic schedule, and create a contingency budget.

Reduce Clutter with a Calgary Renovation Contractor

Work areas seem like magnets for attracting clutter. Use Calgary home renovations as an opportunity to cut the clutter and create more usable space. Purge the office during renovations of common clutter culprits such as stacks of paper, extra office supplies and inventory, used items, and professionally-focused magazines or books you aren’t going to read. Talk with a renovation contractor Calgary about ways to organize the space during the renovation project so that you have appropriate places to store the items you need, then get rid of the rest.

Improve the Space with Custom Home Renovations

Calgary home renovations make it easy to improve your workplace. During the renovation you can update infrastructure systems, change the function of the space, install new technology, enhance aesthetics, improve workplace flow, and much more. Think about what will help your office become more productive and efficient, then work with a renovation contractor Calgary to improve the space.

Take advantage of custom home renovations for your workspace. Whether you work from a home office or run a large office with numerous employees, an office renovation can help you kick off the new year the right way. Don’t put off renovations that can improve your office; get started today and enjoy the many benefits all year long.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

Updating your kitchen and turning it into an ideal space takes time and money, but doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some ways to stick with a budget and make the most of kitchen renovations in Calgary.

Make a Grand Plan for Home Renovations Calgary

Work with a renovation contractor in Calgary to create a plan for the kitchen if the project involves more than replacing countertops or cabinets. It may seem like an extra expense at the beginning, but working with a professional designer often saves money and time in the long run because it helps avoid expensive errors.

Prepare for Kitchen Renovations Calgary

Decide what you want for home renovations in Calgary, and have everything on site before beginning demolition. Picking kitchen products during the project can create expensive delays.

Light Up the Space

Adding light is a smart choice during home renovations in Calgary. Choose lighting carefully to make the most impact; use a combination of overhead lights, hanging pendants, and under-cabinet lights to add style and light to the kitchen without breaking the budget.

Leave Plumbing Alone

Working with the existing layout for piping and utilities saves a lot of money during renovations. This is another reason it’s good to work with a professional designer; they can help you create an ideal space while working with an existing layout.

Add Architectural Interest with a Renovation Contractor Calgary

Incorporating impact details into the design gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Large and small details can give the kitchen a high-end feel without a high-end price tag. Talk to your renovation contractor in Calgary about options for impact details, like a stacked stone mosaic on the back of the island.

It’s possible to achieve a gorgeous kitchen while keeping costs down. Use these tips to help make kitchen renovations in Calgary possible on a budget.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Phone: (403)-700-7444