Calgary Kitchen Renovations: European Inspired Home Improvements

When it comes to Calgary kitchen renovations, people tend to follow familiar trends when it comes to home improvement and design ideas. However, this does not always mean that such designs are the best, hence the need to look elsewhere for inspiration. And when it comes to this, Europe has proved to have some of the best home designs that you can consider. These include;

  1. The Finnish Dish Drying Closets Designed by Maiju Gebhard, a Finnish Designer, these dish drying closets have been made to make the process of dish drying much easier and more efficient. On the outside, this closet usually resembles a kitchen cabinet. However, on the inside, it has shelves that are made of metal or plastic dish slots while the bottom part of the cupboard has been left open to allow water to drain off. Something to consider in your next Calgary kitchen renovations project.   

2.Self-Locking Doors Most European homes and apartments have self-locking front doors. This means that you can comfortably leave your home without having to worry about whether your front door is actually locked or not. Most of the self-locking doors are sturdier and are designed with deadbolts that help in making them a more secure option.  

3.Italian Combination Shutters The fact is; window coverings are very essential components of our homes. Even though most Canadian homeowners prefer the internal window coverings like blinds and drapes, external window coverings are known to offer a range of benefits. For instance, window shutters always offer excellent home privacy, while other designs offer rotating blinds for easier light control.

4.Hard Flooring While most Canadians love wall-to-wall carpeting, this is not suitable for the European weather. For this reason, most European homeowners usually opt for different hard flooring options like tiles, wood, stone, cement and terrazzo, very different compared to how kitchen renovations in Calgary are done. These are more hygienic, easier to clean and can be used by people with dust or mildew allergies.  

Other European-inspired home improvements you can consider include; tilt-and-turn windows, the light kill switch, window clotheslines, rolladens bidets and radiators for home heating. Whether you need the best of Calgary Kitchen renovations or you would like to implement any of these options in your Canadian home, there are renovation and home improvement experts that can help.  

Unique Gifts From Renovation Contractor Calgary

During the holiday seasons, it can be quite challenging to choose the right kind of gift for a loved one, especially if they have a liking for good quality home décor products. As a renovation contractor Calgary we are no different in facing this dilemma and wanted to help with some ideas on the subject.

Some of the best gifts tend to be costlier especially when they are sourced from large gift stores. Because of this, instead of going to big-box store catalogs for a gift, you should consider getting one from a local supplier, a crafts person, a Canadian company or a small business. As a renovation Contractor Calgary we have a unique perspective on that and fully support local economy. Here are some of the best gift ideas we suggest:  

1.Point Two Designs If you are looking for the best home decor gift for a Canadian city lover, then Point Two prints would be the best. These are normally created by urban planning graduates from the British Columbia University and are meant to reflect a city’s cultural atmosphere. Here you can get a colourful maps for any of Canada’s major cities.   

2.Rivers of Canada Print Purely made in Canada, this poster showcases the different Canadian rivers on a high quality 80lb paper. The piece is ideal for nature lovers that want to decorate or remodel their spaces. It is a unique piece of art that is designed by Ty Johnson from w/studio.  

3.Maiko Kuzinishi’s Geometric Clock Designed by Maiko Kuzinishi, a renowned freelance graphic designer in Kansas, this is a beautiful wall clock that is usually churned out of the 2-layer birch plywood. The clock runs silently without ticking and is an ideal gift for anyone that would like to add some sophisticated touch their current living space.   

Other very unique home decor gift ideas that you can consider include; The LightCookie hand-made pendant light chandelier, Vancouver Candle Company city candles, Fernweh faceted geometric succulent planters, the west elm globe pendant, Majorel-Design Moroccan leather pouf and the HBC collection multi-stripe point blanket. The best thing is that even if you do not know which home decor gift would be the best; a renovation contractor Calgary can assist.

Residential Remodelling Calgary: Best Holiday Gifts 2018

Though we know it as being fun-packed, the holiday season can equally be quite stressful especially if you are thinking of finding a perfect gift for some Residential Remodelling Calgary. If you are planning to give your friend or loved one a gift that will be of help in their renovation or remodeling project, then it would be advisable to go for something that seems unconventional and yet unique and of good quality. Some of the best gift ideas include:

  1. LANDSKRONA Sofa Legs

Just switching up a sofa’s legs can make a significant difference to a new or an existing sofa. You can therefore buy upgraded legs from the sofa brand or simply get new ones that will add style and elegance to the room. In case you are a Do-It-Yourself gift-giver, you can spray-paint the sofa legs so as to add that personalized touch to them, as an option instead of buying new ones.

2.FLOR Carpet Tiles

FLOR carpets are another great home improvement and residential remodelling Calgary gift idea. They are very unique products that usually come in different tile shapes including triangles and squares. Moreover, they are very versatile products that are available in creative, eye-catching and extremely beautiful designs that will revolutionize your space. The carpets are also non-toxic, washable, durable, and recyclable.

3.BleUcoin Tile Decals

Though they are beautiful, hand-painted tiles can be quite expensive. The best news is that you can give a gift of artisanal beauty without draining your bank account as a gift for residential remodelling Calgary. BleUcoin tile decals usually give the appearance of the Mexican Cantina without any huge investment. All you need to do is to peel and stick them. They are particularly the best option for renters or any person that needs some quick change to their scenery.

Other great home remodelling gift ideas you may want to consider include; the peel &stick self-adhesive privacy window films, the forge hardware studio brass-pulls, wallpaper 4 beginners, the cubes sheet vinyl flooring, and Apple home kits. You can also go for; RINGSKÄR Faucet, and the nest thermostat among others.

TOP 10 In Calgary Home Renovation Trends

Strong competition and limited housing supply has made Canadian home renovations including basement renovations in Calgary to be more feasible options than purchasing new property. This year alone, Canadians have spent billions of dollars on home improvements. Below are the top 10 Calgary home renovation projects that have been carried out in Canada this year:

  1. Door and Window Upgrades

On average, door and window upgrades can cost up to $8,522. This Calgary home renovation project is particularly costly since doors and windows usually play a significant role in the appearance of the building. The upgrades usually involve a number of services including the replacing of existing fixtures.

  1. Roofing

This year alone, there have been so many Canadians that have been keen on re-doing their roofs particularly in preparation for the harsh winter conditions. A typical roof refinishing project may involve the very simple re-shingle process or total roof replacement.

  1. Floor Laying

New flooring projects have also become very popular in Canada this year. Floor installations are a great renovation since they always have a significant return on investment and always have a big impact on a room’s appearance. On average, Canadians have been willing to spend between $2000 and $4500 on floor laying renovation projects.

  1. Tiling

Tiling projects have also continued rise in popularity in the recent past. And this can largely be attributed to the fact that these kinds of projects usually have very quick installation timelines, while the product selection is quite versatile.

  1. Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovations have also made it to the top home improvement projects. Ideally, the cost of this type of Calgary home renovation project is depended on a number of factors including; the project scope, location and the materials involved. An average Canadian is willing to spend approximately $14,479.10 on their kitchen renovations.

  1. Painting

Painting projects are also popular home renovation projects among the Canadian population. Even though it is it is a very common DIY project, it is always important to hire a professional especially when you are handling a large exterior painting project or if you are not experienced in wall preparation.

  1. Fence Construction

Fence construction is another popular home improvement project particularly when it comes to fencing properties. Ideally, the cost of fencing usually varies depending on the materials being used. The installation technique and the level of privacy needed.

  1. New Decks

New decks have become a very popular home improvement option in Canada. And this can largely be attributed to the fact that Canadians love their patios during summer as well as winter. On average, Canadians are ready to spend up to $6,603.30 on deck projects.

  1. Basement Renovation

If you want to maximize the living space in your home, basement renovation is a great way to achieve this. Besides being affordable, they have one of the best returns on investment. On average, most Canadians are willing to spend up to $17,785 on basement renovation or remodeling.

  1. Bathroom Renovations

Ideally, 50% of Canadian provinces have bathroom renovations as the most preferred renovation options. Moreover, a typical bathroom renovation project usually takes a short period of time depending on the size and scale of the project. In addition, it will also improve home efficiency as well as the overall bathroom experience.

Home renovations are a great way to improve the appearance and functionality of your home without incurring the huge cost or purchasing a new home. However, it is always advisable to involve experts. If you are looking for experts with experience in basement renovations in, Calgary there are renovation contractors that can help.

Calgary Home Renovation: Tiles

Tiles are practical, economical, beautiful and durable products that are found in most homes today and are widely used in Calgary home renovation. As much as they are commonly used, not all tiles are good for all surfaces. For this reason, when choosing tiles for the walls, floors or backsplashes in your home, you need to select those that are suitable for that specific surface, environment or room. Below are some of the things to consider when choosing your tiles.

1.Durability

Note that the durability of tiles is largely dependent on the materials and their finish. Ceramic tiles in particular are normally measured by their hardness. Ideally, the hardness of the tile is what determines the surface and the area where that tile will be used. The best thing is that the information about their hardness is normally indicated on the box. Note that hard tiles may be uncomfortable to stand on, particularly for longer periods of time, but are more resistant to chipping and cracking.

2.Porosity Level

The tiles’ porosity level usually indicates the type of environment that those tiles can best work in. For instance, an extremely porous or non-vitreous tile like terracotta may not be ideal for use in a shower stall. This is because this type usually absorbs a large amount of water, and this is likely to damage the drywall, joists as well as the subfloor. For this reason, you need to use impervious or vitreous materials within your shower stall, when doing Calgary home renovation.

3.The Installation and Labor Cost

The installation and labor costs for tile installation usually vary based on the materials used and the tile project itself. While the average wage per hour for tile setters ranges from 12.75 to 38.90 dollars per hour, different factors usually affect the price for a tile laying project. For instance:

a.Smaller tiles are likely to cost you more to install since they take more time to lay.

b.Some materials are quite difficult to work with, hence require more time and specialized expertise to handle.

c.Wall tilling projects tend to be costlier than floor tiling projects.

d.More complex styles including boarders, tile cutting, patterns and mosaics are costlier and

e.If some demolition is required before installation, you are likely to pay more.

4.The Grout

Grout is an extremely important part of a tiling project, unless you opt for the peel and stick tiles. Ideally, grout is what keeps the tiles together and also sealed to the surface. You can either use the cement grout which comprises of Portland grout with other fillers or Epoxy grout which is typically made of epoxy resin and fillers. Note that cement grout is not usually waterproof and tends to stain, though it is cheaper and easier to handle, while the epoxy grout is waterproof, does not stain and is a bit expensive.

By putting all these factors into consideration, you are guaranteed of the best tiling that matches your space, meets your needs and is properly installed. If you need help with the selecting and installation of the best tiles for your home or property, there are Calgary Home Renovation experts that can help you out.

Renovations Calgary: Stats 2018

Just like in the past few years, this year Canada’s home market has become a roller-coaster and this has had a significant effect on renovations Calgary. In fact, most homeowners have seen an increase in home prices in Metropolitan areas and the mortgage rules tightened. And most economists have concluded that the housing market, low supply and high demand is what has inspired most homeowners to significantly increase their overall spending on home renovations rather than purchases. Findings from the collected data have shown quite a number of things in relation to home renovations in Calgary.

1.Renovating To Stay or Sell?

Renovations Calgary, like bathroom remodeling projects have become some of the most popular home improvement projects. And this could be pointing to two things; homeowners are renovating their homes so as to improve their overall quality of living or they are simply investing in the homes with the intentions of reselling them in future. In fact, bathrooms are known to have high returns on investment of between 7- to 100 percent. On the other hand, bathroom renovations are known to be very costly home improvement projects with costs ranging from $150 to $250 per square feet.

2.The Contractor’s Ratings

Statistical findings have also shown that most homeowners are extremely keen on the star ratings of the contractors they would hire. Even though most of them are not necessarily looking for perfection, about 44 % of them say that they would only hire contractors with a rating of more than 3.5 stars, while 19 percent of them say that they can only hire contractors with a rating that is above 4 stars. And what this means is that contractors must step up their game as well as their online presence if they are to keep abreast with the rising demand for renovations, quality and consumer expectations.

3.The Renovation Reality Check

Although so many Canadians want to set very high budgets for their home renovations, it is only wise to set a realistic budget that will not drain you financially. From the findings, most homeowners usually underestimate the project cost in relation to the average industry standards. In fact, it is only just about 20% of the homeowners that usually set realistic budgets for their kitchen renovations; one of the most popular renovation projects in Canada. All-in-all if you are planning to do some home renovations Calgary and do not know how much it is likely to costly, you can involve a qualified renovation contractor to help you with the budget estimates.

From these statistics, you can learn quite a number of things that will enable you to plan for your home renovation project and ensure that it is well executed, timely and cost-effective. For instance, as a homeowner, you must know the amount you need to set aside so as to ensure that the project is completed as per your expectations. On the other hand, if you are the contractor, you will know what your clients expect of you and hence ensure that the highest standards of professionalism and reliability are established. Above all any renovation should only be done by a professional who has enough experience in the industry.