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!

The cost of home renovations in Calgary can change a lot, depending on what you expect to change. For instance, a simple bathroom renovation will be much less expensive than a kitchen renovation. However, in spite of the varying cost of renovations, there are some generally acceptable costs.

Although if you are planning to renovate your home entirely, the costs can get a little murky. The reason for this is because of the great variety and selection of products, services and designs. 

Typical Home Renovation Costs by Area

Kitchen Costs

The kitchen is the most expensive room for renovations. Typically, even if you are conservative in your budget, the prices will still exceed most other areas of your home. The renovation cost of this room is an average between $20,000-$60,000. If your kitchen is under 80 sq ft or so, you may be able to lower this cost to a more manageable amount, around $5,000-$15,000. 

Bathroom Costs

The typical cost of bathroom renovations is $6,000. The price will fluctuate depending on the level of detail that you choose to change, especially if you replace the cabinetry or add additional tiling. As well, it is worth noting that the small nature of the room makes it an ideal space for trying your own DIY projects. 

Basement Costs

The cost of basement development is typically between $25,000-$50,000. This cost will include hanging drywall, painting the walls, and any additional plumbing you may need. Remember, adding a bathroom in the basement is one of the best ways to add value to your home. The convenient location of the plumbing stack and the small nature of the room make it the perfect addition. 

searching a great deal

Extra Costs

As you can see, the variable costs are astounding when it comes to complete home renovations in Calgary. The rooms above are just the most common areas for renovations, but there are several other areas of your property that you can change at the same time. 

Take the exterior area of your home, for example. There the costs can vary between $5,000 and $15,000. This cost will include changing your siding and some aspects of your lawn as well. Additionally, if you wish to repaint your home’s exterior, you can expect costs around $2,000-$4,500. 

Another great room worth renovating in your home is the bedroom. Usually, people wish to make changes that reflect a change in lifestyle, such as adding an en suite bathroom or repainting a room for an upcoming child. These costs will not be overly expensive unless you get into changing the placement of walls. A reasonable estimate of the cost is $3,000. 

How to Make the Most of Calgary Home Renovations

Now that you understand the variable costs of home renovations, you may have an interest in getting the most bang for your buck. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce the cost of any particular renovation, such as purchasing basic materials, waiting for good deals, and strategic planning. 

Although, one of the best ways for you to save money on your home renovations is by working with a qualified contractor. The more you rely on your renovation expert to share essential tips and tricks, the better. This process will get you the absolute best deals and savings possible, and you will likely be happier with the result. 

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.

When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the most significant areas you probably focus on is the shower, which is totally understandable. One of the best benefits of modern bathrooms is the shower or shower/ tub combo, at least. 

However, what can you do to really change this star area during your bathroom renovations? Well, we have some tips and ideas to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

bathroom-renovations

7 Best Showers for Your Bathroom Renovations

1. Change the Design

Indeed, you may say that the above subheading applies to any bathroom renovation you will perform. But, the purpose of this statement is to consider the dimensions of the shower space. 

If you have a walk-in shower, for instance, could you add a short wall with some lovely tiling? Or, could you flip your tub so that it faces a different way and opens up additional space in your bathroom?

2. Change the Tiling

Understandably, some people aren’t interested in totally changing their bathroom space. Instead, consider updating some of the features, such as the tile. Replace big tiles with small, stunning mosaics. Or, do the opposite and have large, expansive tiles that create a holistic image. 

3. Replace the Door

Another great and inexpensive way to update your shower is through the replacement of the door. For instance, try replacing your transparent glass with an opaque choice, or go old-school and get a curtain that expresses your personality. 

4. Match Your Walls and Cabinets

Sometimes, you like a style or pattern so much that you simply want to drape it over every nearby surface. If you have found this design for yourself, consider getting custom cabinets and paints to complete the look in your bathroom. Crashing waves or muted mahogany are both excellent choices, but feel free to find something unique to you.

5. Open Up the Area

This shower renovation idea is specific to en suite bathrooms, but it has good potential. For this idea, the core concept should be your consideration of knocking down some of the walls that separate your bathroom and bedroom. Then, you can add sliding doors or fold-open doors to cover the extra space and breathe in the spare room and comfort you have just found for yourself.

6. Install a Clawfoot Tub

Nothing speaks of opulence and luxury, quite like a clawfoot tub. Yes, our suggestion here is to do away with the shower entirely by replacing it with a clawfoot tub. Large, gorgeous, and comfortable as all get out, the clawfoot tub can make a big splash during your bathroom renovations. 

7. Accentuate the Details

For our last tip, we are inviting you to make small adjustments to the overall look of your bathroom. Reframe the window, replace the lighting fixtures, repaint your doors, renew your baseboards. Use the little details of your space to create a whole new look without expensive replacements or shower renovations, and see the difference they can make.


Find Your Bathroom Renovation Specialists Today!

Hopefully, you have found some beautiful ways for you to change up the style and feel of your bathroom in this article. Now, the only thing left is finding a company that prizes attention to detail and quality over all else. Happy renovations, and remember to stay positive!


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.

When it comes to finding the cost of basement renovations in Calgary, there are many angles from which you must consider your purchase. For instance, the scope of your renovation project will obviously affect the cost substantially. Sure, putting in a wet bar for your ultimate man cave isn’t too big a deal, but adding an additional bathroom and covering the floor with a more pleasing aesthetic certainly will be a more significant undertaking. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Basement Renovations in Calgary

This is, however, just an illustrative example. Many other factors will influence the cost of your basement renovations in Calgary as well. Another good factor for your consideration is the renovation contractor you hire to perform the work. Some renovation contractors are just out to make a quick buck, and they will deliver a substandard, hastily finished job just so that they can demand their payment. 

However, that likely sounds unpleasant for you, the purchaser, which it is! Therefore, finding a high-quality professional who values their customers and strives to complete the work as intended is far more valuable. Likely, they are aware of this, but cheaping out on the cost of your labour is probably going to just cause you further problems down the road. 

Interior frame of a new basement under construction

Yes, the value of exceptional renovation contractors and a clearly defined scope of work will pay large sums when it comes to the value of your basement renovations. However, while these are two very relevant factors in your considerations, there continues to be more for you to think about. Another item that will affect the cost is the type and quantity of materials that you need for your project.

Of course, this factor has slightly less prescience for you as you will just have your renovation contractor complete the purchase and bill you back, most likely. However, that doesn’t mean you get to plead ignorance and hope for the best. No, instead, you should consider what materials you want for your renovation, and work with your renovation contractor to make sure that they understand your desires. This collaboration will pay out almost immediately, as you work together to find appropriately priced items and brainstorm alternatives that are cheaper or better for the holistic aesthetic. 

These three factors are going to play the biggest role in your basement renovations, and due to the large amount of choices housed within each of them, pinning down the average cost of Calgary basement renovations can be very difficult. 

The Cost of Basement Renovations in Calgary

However, the title listed here wouldn’t be accurate without at least some mention of the associated costs, so don’t be discouraged just yet. On average, you are going to spend just over $25,000 on a complete basement renovation, although that cost can go all the way up to $50,000 based on your desires. 

Yes, it seems like a fair amount of money, but working with the right team of professionals will certainly get you a better bang for your buck. And, who knows, maybe you will find that there are more benefits than you initially considered when it comes to your incredible basement 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.

It is always a wonderful time of year when you get to consider Calgary basement renovations because it means you are that much closer to realizing the full potential of your basement. However, as is typical with all renovation projects, the cost can often be exuberant, and hard to stomach if you have not prepared yourself financially. 

But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider Calgary basement renovations, as there are many ways that you can save costs. From the selection of materials to the overall scope of work, here are a few ways to save money on your next basement renovation project.

Methods to Saving Money on Your Calgary Basement Renovations

     1.Limit the Scope of Your Renovations

While you may wish to have a luxury basement renovation, some of that work can just simply be put off. Try and prioritize your renovations for what must be done, and what can be done later or with your labor. A good example of this would be getting professional basement renovators to hang drywall, but getting your family to paint it or apply wallpaper. 

In other circumstances, your plan can be simplified to give you more control over when the renovations take place. Hiring an independent contractor to do the plumbing may be cheaper than lumping it into the cost of the developer, or reducing the amount of electrical outlets that you need to install.

     2.Choose Cost-Effective Materials

Similar to the above, getting the oak or mahogany wood for your dry bar may be out of your reach. But, a pressboard that is stained to match the look of those regal woods may be much more affordable and healthier for your wallet.

Similarly, avoid expensive light fixtures or water faucets. While these are stylish, the overall value they add to the project is not substantial compared to high-quality building materials.

      3.Perform the Labour Yourself

One of the best ways to save money on Calgary basement renovations is to do the labor yourself. With the advent of how-to videos, there are many resources available to perform the basic tasks that don’t require general laborers.

This should be relegated to simple tasks, as when it comes to activities like plumbing and electrical, you will want to trust the professionals to install any additions safely and effectively. 

Basement Renovation Calgary

     4.Do the Renovations Progressively

This method involves scheduling short bursts of your renovations. This way you can continue to make progress without needing to commit or put down all of the money at once. If the period of time extends long enough, you may even find that the materials are cheaper than they were at the beginning.

This is a great way to save costs and give yourself the freedom to make different decisions as the project progresses.

     5.Consult the Professionals

Perhaps the best way to save yourself money with your Calgary basement renovations is to speak with an expert. They will likely know all the tricks of the trade, so to speak, and be able to direct you to the best deals and the cheapest measures available which they are likely to do because of their involvement with the completion of the project.

Consulting the professionals won’t only ensure that you have the best tricks available, it will also give you the widest variety of options to choose from. 

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.

Your home is your space. Making changes to it is as natural as the seasons changing outside its windows. However, expressing yourself shouldn’t have to come at the cost of losing property value. This can take many different forms depending on the individual, but there are some universal pieces of advice that will help anyone make informed decisions that will maintain the property value of their home, and we will look at some of those in this article.

Small choices for your custom home renovations make a big difference

Many people can identify with the feeling of disliking a specific room in their home. Maybe it’s the kitchen that has very bright orange walls, or the foyer side-room with its glass doors that don’t offer any privacy. However, it’s important to remember that there is an easier solution than gutting the room and replacing every aspect of it. 

Focus on the small things 
Just change the color of that garrish wall. Just replace those glass doors and put in some solid wood ones that match your existing trim. Simple changes not only help maintain your budget, but they allow families that come after yours to see the original designers’ vision, and homes are made to entice the imagination of their potential and future owners.

Make an open concept floor plan
Although, it is easy to appreciate how sometimes replacing a door or painting a wall would be insufficient for your custom home renovations. If this is true for your circumstances, then it is best to come up with a detailed plan before you go knocking down walls left and right. Do some research, and look at other floor plans for homes in your neighborhood, or go online and find floor plans that match your home’s approximate square footage. 

Open-concept floor plans make a lot of the research easier, however. The intent of such designs is to give you a view of all areas on a floor while keeping the necessary furnishings (cupboards, closets, etc) set along the walls around the perimeter. This helps stir the imagination and gives individuals the opportunity to really make the space their own through furniture placement, color palettes, and custom materials.

Custon Home Renovations Calgary

Finish the basement, but don’t go overboard with your custom home renovations

Finishing the basement during your custom home renovations is a great way to actually increase the property value of your home. However, many people look at these custom home renovations as a burden because it involves placing rooms and designating certain areas of the basement for certain activities. However, you don’t have to go to such great lengths in most circumstances. Simply hiring a qualified contractor to hang drywall around the perimeter, and designating an area near the plumbing stack for a bathroom is often enough. Not only will this save you the cost of adding walls and flooring, but it will essentially give you an open-concept space in your home!

There are many great ways to make small changes to your space during your custom home renovations, but it can be challenging on your own. This is why it is so important to contact a qualified and professional contractor that will help you make these decisions. They will offer suggestions from their years of experience in making other people’s home renovation dreams come true, and if you do your research, it is easy to find a custom home renovator that will do their best to keep the renovations at a reasonable price. 

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

If you’re ready to purchase a home, one thing to consider is whether to buy one or have one built. Many people enjoy searching for the perfect home while others prefer designing it. There are advantages either way, but the but here are six benefits of custom homes.

The Six Benefits Of Getting A Custom Home In Calgary

1. Pick the Perfect Floor Plan for a Custom Home

Open floor plan or designated spaces? Master bedroom downstairs or upstairs? One or two story? Your family has specific needs and preferences, and custom homes allow you to personalize the floor plan so that its just right.

2. Stick with a Budget during Calgary Renovations

People often assume that a custom home costs more, but this isn’t necessarily true. Many builders offer reasonable prices that fit with a budget. By designing your home, you can make it exactly how you want and avoid spending money changing things.

3. Customize the Home for the Lot

You get to choose the lot for your custom home and can then design the home to complement the space. Undergoing renovations in Calgary give you the opportunity to emphasis the things you love about your property.

4. Minimize Maintenance and Repairs with a Custom Home

Buying a home and moving is a lot of work; once you’re in your home you want to enjoy it. Custom homes provide that opportunity because they need minimal maintenance and repairs for a long time.

5. Enjoy the Sentimental Value of a Custom Home

Designing your own home and living in one that no one else has are special things. A custom home offers a lot of sentimental value for you and your family.

6. Pick Your Home’s Finishes

A custom home lets you pick all the finishing touches that make a big difference. Choosing your own countertops, flooring, and other finishes lets you make the home your own with 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

Embarking on a home renovation project is exciting, but can also be a bit scary. After all, there are a lot of things that could go wrong. Choosing the right expert from the start is one of the best ways to ensure a successful renovation..

Use These Tips To Find A Renovation Contractor You Can Trust

  • Assess the Scope of Your Home Renovations
    Are you planning to make a few simple updates to your home or totally gut the place? The scope of your home renovations impacts which builder you should choose. Some renovation contractors specialize in certain areas, like the bathroom or kitchen, so choose one that has experience with the type of project you want to complete.
  • Get Referrals for Renovation Contractors
    Ask for referrals from your friends, family, neighbours, coworkers – anyone who has completed home renovations in Calgary. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the contractor easy to communicate with? Did they have any problems along the way?
  • Research Renovation Contractors
    Once you have a list of potentials, take time to research them. Review past projects and testimonials from previous clients, search for the company online, and get references from past customers.
  • Focus on Communication
    When you interview your top choices, pay attention to the way they treat you and how they communicate. Do they talk in lay terms and explain things so that you can understand?
  • Pay for Calgary Home Renovations as You Go
    Choose a renovation contractor that allows you to make payments subject to construction milestones. Don’t pay everything upfront.
  • Trust Your Instincts
    Do you have a gut feeling about a renovation contractor? Although it’s important to do your research, your instincts are often a valuable indicator of things like reliability and honesty.

Make the most of home renovations in Calgary by working with a contractor you can trust.

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

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