Name: Mastered Home Renovations
Address: 7620 Elbow Dr SW Unit 336, Calgary, AB T2V 1K2, Canada, AB
Telephone: (403) 700-7444

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.

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 you start your bathroom renovations, it is natural to feel joy and excitement. After all, you’ve spent all of this time planning and reviewed those plans with the renovation contractor who will be assisting you. The material is selected, and you are ready to see the results of all of your hard work start to pay off.

However, sometimes bathroom renovations don’t actually proceed according to your plan. In fact, it is an uncomfortably common occurrence that they go off track. Sometimes the material is delayed from the supplier, or the dimensions incorrectly measured during the planning phase. In other cases, the first company you go to agrees to do the work, but then they have to cancel because they have unexpected occurrences that will delay them for too long.

Although, none of this means that your bathroom renovations will fail. Instead, it merely means that you will have to adapt to the changes and make the most out of your situation. Check out these tips for some ways to adapt appropriately and properly in your renovations planning.

Tips for Adapting Your Bathroom Renovations

Clear Communication

Communication is at the beginning of your tips because it will smooth over almost any problem. Clear communication is essential between your renovation contractor and yourself. Make sure that they are on the same page as you, and that you can both ensure a clear understanding of the project.

This simple step will save you lots of time and spare you from the regular headaches of readjustment. If there is a delay and you are notified promptly, it is easy to compensate or redirect the plan. If you need access to a space that is under construction, communicating your needs will save you and the renovation contractor valuable time.

Secondary Plans

During your planning phase, you are likely to come up against decisions where both options seem acceptable. Rather than making a difficult choice about which one will make the cut, instead put them both on your plan. This way, if materials are not available or the piece is out of stock, you can simply refer to your second choice and proceed without interruption.

Young man fixing a leak under the bathroom sink

Remember, planning involves not only the ideal situation but also effective risk management. When conjoined with clear communication, there is very little that proper planning can’t prepare you for during your bathroom renovations.

Keep Calm

Of course, keeping calm can be difficult when you are watching your project experience hiccups or issues. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your response has to reflect your internal feelings. When anyone gets upset or angry, it makes clear communication and effective planning difficult. Perhaps, you feel as though you have been wronged and you should seek retribution. Or, maybe you think you are entitled to a better situation than the one you are receiving.

However, it is important that you remember that everyone is in this project together. As much as you want to get your bathroom renovations completed, your renovation contractor wants to ensure you get a quality job that is done right the first time. Working together and keeping a level-head will help this process flow smoothly, and you will not have to compromise your relationship to make it possible.

Find the Right Bathroom Renovation Contractor

Of course, these tips are relatively reliant on your relationship with your chosen renovation contractor. Therefore, finding the right company can make a huge difference in the way your project flows to completion.

Find a company that you can trust, with friendly and knowledgeable staff, to get the most out of your bathroom renovations in Calgary.

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.

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.

Updating the kitchen or transforming the basement is exciting as your vision for the space becomes a reality. Unfortunately, there may be bumps along the way. Many homeowners find themselves paying more than expected for remodelling projects. How can you avoid that situation? Here are some ways to complete home renovations on a budget.

Work with a Calgary Renovation Contractor

Homeowners often expect the DIY approach to save them money on renovation projects, but this isn’t always the case. You may end up paying more if you do the work yourself. Your labour may be free, but lack of knowledge and experience can cost you. Hiring and scheduling can also be inefficient if you attempt them yourself. For most projects, hiring a Calgary renovation contractor is the way to go and can save you from costly mistakes.

Map Out the Home Renovations

Create a detailed plan for home renovations, whether the project is large or small. The more you think through things during the planning phase, the less likely you’ll be to encounter unexpected expenses during the renovations. Remember to include small items like cleaning materials, sales tax, and delivery charges because these costs add up.

Know Where to Invest in Your Custom Home

Determine what your priorities are so you know where to invest in your custom home for the most significant impact. Spend the most money on the project goals and let other things take second place.

Pad Your Renovation Budget

Plan for the unexpected with a custom home renovation. You’re likely to encounter something along the way that wasn’t part of your project, so include extra money in your budget for those unexpected changes.

Completing a home renovation within your budget can be challenging at times but, with the help of a Calgary renovation contractor, it’s possible to achieve your dream home.

Updating your kitchen is an investment that can reap significant benefits including making the room more welcoming, creating more storage space, and boosting resale value. Jobs range from small updates to major overhauls, but they all tend to be expensive. Get ready to update your kitchen without breaking the budget with these tips for keeping costs of kitchen renovations down.

Know Your Home Renovation Limits

Determine before Calgary home renovations begin what you can and can’t afford to do. Avoiding structural changes like tearing down a wall or adding on to the kitchen can save a lot of money. So can leaving all the appliances where they are because you’ll avoid additional electrical and plumbing work.

Consider the Cabinets during Kitchen Renovations

Cabinets make up a large part of most budgets for kitchen renovations. Rehabilitating existing cabinets or choosing standard cabinets can save money in this area. Sticking with a simple design can also help you cut costs. Consider a combination approach of standard and custom cabinets if there are certain things you want custom made.

Choose Countertops for Calgary Home Renovations

The material you choose for the countertops can make a big difference in the final price of Calgary home renovations. Tile and laminate are affordable options that can give you good results. Tile comes in a variety of shapes, colours, and patterns that can fit well in any kitchen, and laminate can mimic the look of more expensive materials like granite and stone.

Work with a Calgary Renovation Contractor

Some kitchen projects are ideal for experienced DIYers, but renovations are best left to the professionals. Working with a Calgary renovation contractor helps you avoid costly mistakes and keep your renovation project on schedule.

Prepare to update your kitchen by talking to a Calgary renovation contractor about additional ways to transform your space on a budget.

Starting a renovation project is an exciting time; you’ve probably been thinking about and planning for this project for awhile. Get the results you want by hiring the right contractor for the job. Look for these things when hiring a Calgary home renovations contractor.

A Connection with Your Calgary Renovation Contractor

The contractor you hire for renovations should be someone you can talk with easily. Share your dreams and goals for Calgary home renovations and make sure they understand your vision. Good communication is key for any renovation project, to establish regular contact with your contractor from the beginning.

A Contractor with Home Renovation Credentials

Only hire someone with the appropriate licensing and insurance to practice in your area. Be on the lookout for additional certifications or memberships from national trade organizations which indicate further expertise.

A Written Calgary Home Renovations Contract

Never begin work on Calgary home renovations without a detailed, written contract from your contractor. The contract should include things like a timeline, payment arrangements, the total cost, project description, and the contractor’s license number.

A Calgary Home Renovations Contractor who Obtains Permits

All contractors should obtain the necessary permits before beginning work, but not all of them do. Some suggest not doing so to save money, but this can cause big problems later on. Check to make sure your Calgary renovation contractor pulls the proper permits before the project begins.

A Renovation Contractor with Reasonable Rates

You want to get the most bang for your buck with renovations, but this doesn’t mean you should choose the lowest bid. The price of renovations reflects quality, so look for a Calgary home renovations contractor who balances good quality work with reasonable rates.

The right contractor can help make your renovation dreams possible. Watch for these things when hiring a Calgary renovation contractor.

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

Developing your basement is a great way to increase your living space, and often increases the value of your home too. But not all basement renovation ideas are equally good. If you’re preparing for renovations, avoid these seven common Calgary basement development mistakes.

1. Lack of Lighting without a Calgary Renovation Contractor

Basements tend to be dark places that need additional lighting. Talk to your Calgary renovation contractor about installing larger windows or window wells, and include plenty of artificial light from various sources.

2. Awkward Floor Plan for Calgary Home Renovations

Various obstacles like floor drains and utilities can create oddly-shaped rooms. Avoid making things smaller to create more traditional shapes because chopping things up quickly makes the space feel claustrophobic.

3. A Noisy Hub after Basement Development

Mechanical systems are often stored in the basement, so choose materials that absorb sound to avoid creating a noisy environment during Calgary home renovations.

4. Too Specific Calgary Basement Development

Keep resale value in mind during Calgary home renovations and try to avoid making your basement something too specific. If there’s something specific you really want, talk to your Calgary renovation contractor about ideas for keeping the area flexible.

5. No Design Continuity with the Rest of the Home

Your basement should reflect a sense of continuity with the style of the rest of the home. This doesn’t mean you can’t get a little adventurous, but don’t make it feel like a completely different home.

6. Unappealing Descent to the Basement Renovation

Include the stairwell in your basement development plans and try to make it more appealing.

7. Ignoring Water During Home Renovations

Basements are more prone to water damage. It’s important to address any issues before beginning renovations and then choose materials that can handle extra dampness.

Make the most of your Calgary basement development by avoiding these common mistakes.

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

In 2018, the future of home renovations look promising as a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies out of Harvard University suggests that we could see a record number of home renovations in the coming year. This report suggests how we will most likely see a 7.7 percent increase in spending in this field by the fourth quarter of 2018. Here are some of the most popular Calgary home renovations in 2018.

1. Rejuvenate with Colour

Hands down one of the hottest trends of 2018, colour will play a big role in the coming year. We have seen years of homeowners playing it safe with neutral colors like grays and whites, but this year will see and infusion and blend of colors. In particular, greens and blues have grown in popularity.

2. Energy Efficiency

Sometimes the smallest improvements can cause the biggest ripples. One of the biggest changes we might see in 2018 is a trend toward smarter homes that have efficient doors, windows, siding and roofing. With Energy Star windows, you can save anywhere from $126 to $465.

3. Finishes and Patterns

In the 1960s and the 1970s, we saw a lot of popularity with geometric patterns. In 2018, some of this has started to make a comeback with the chandeliers to the frames and drawers pulls. If you have hired a Calgary renovation contractor for a kitchen remodel, you may want to upgrade to vintage appliances, which have replaced the stain steel and added more color to the kitchen.

4. Hygge Design

The Danish word for “cozy,” this concept has entered the Calgary home renovations field and kept a strong momentum. In 2018, we’re likely to see an embracing of authenticity and simplicity in homes. One of the big trends this year has been to rejuvenate the style with vintage.

5. Widening Out Hallways and Doors

In particular, this has become one of the Calgary home renovations among the elderly. This has meant widening the hallways and doorways of homes because it helps to accommodate for the elderly with scooters and wheelchairs. Pocket doors have become an alternative choice for those who choose to stay at home because it takes up less room than swinging doors.

When looking to do a home renovation, you also have to look at what will be the most comfortable for you if you plan to live in it over the long term. Also, sometimes personal taste is as important as adding value to the home.

Phone: (403)-700-7444

When it comes to custom homes in Calgary, you have tons of questions that need answers. In fact, your response might even change with time as your needs evolve. You might be nestled in a loving community where you can knock on your neighbor’s door and ask for a cup of coffee. Making it into a home comes with the right home renovation ideas.

1. Connected Space

One of the great ideas is to design a connected space with an open floor plan. This will usually include an adjoined kitchen and a family room. This shows us a wonderful example of connected spaces, and the contractor can give you an assessment of how to remove the walls.

2. Add the Square Footage

You can do a lot by adding to the living space. One of the most common additions that you can make is to do a single story room closer to the back of your house. For example, you might do a kitchen bump-out. In another example, one homeowner did Calgary custom renovations where they added 600-square feet onto their unattached garage. In this case, the custom home renovations added to a children’s play area and a family entertainment area.

3. Design an Outdoor Living Space

For those with a love for the outdoors, you might slant your custom home renovations more towards the outdoor space. In the summer, it becomes a place to enjoy your patio. When planning your outdoor space, you should think about how you want to use it. For example, perhaps an outdoor kitchen will be of better convenience to you, or maybe you will design a pergola to escape the midday sun.

Designing custom homes in Calgary can breathe a lot of new life into your home. What you should do depends on what you want most in your new home. You should remodel it based on what you want to do in the space.

Phone: (403)-700-7444