Renovations in central Alberta can be a great way to improve your lifestyle and bring your home up to date with the latest design trends. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or undertake a full-scale renovation, there are several factors to consider. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key considerations for homeowners in central Alberta who are planning a renovation, as well as some of the most popular design trends and lifestyle improvements that can be achieved through renovation.
First and foremost, it’s important to set clear goals for your renovation project. What do you hope to achieve through the renovation? Are you looking to increase the value of your home, create more functional living spaces, or simply update the look and feel of your home? Setting clear goals will help you make informed decisions about the scope of your renovation and the investments you make in the process.
Consideration #1: Budget
Renovations can be costly, and it’s important to have a realistic understanding of what you can afford. Before you begin any work, it’s a good idea to have a qualified contractor into your home to assess any potential obstacles and the feasibility of your proposed ideas. They may be able to provide you a budget range as a starting point, or, depending on the complexity of the project, be able to lay out a concise action plan to secure a budget. Having conversations with your financial institution as this point is also wise. Builders who have experience in working with the finance side of projects can be a helpful resource for knowing what types of questions you should be asking. There are many financing options available, such as a home equity loan or a line of credit, to help cover the costs of your renovation.
Consideration #2: Design
There are countless design trends and styles to choose from, so it’s important to consider what will work best for your home and your personal taste. Some popular design trends in central Alberta include farmhouse style, which combines rustic and modern elements for a cozy and welcoming look; minimalist design, which focuses on clean lines and a clutter-free aesthetic; and industrial style, which incorporates raw materials and exposed brick or concrete for a rough-hewn, urban look.
No matter what design style you choose, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, consider the layout and flow of your home. How do the different rooms and spaces connect, and how will the renovation impact this flow? Will you be adding any new rooms or openings, or reconfiguring existing spaces? It’s important to consider these questions in order to create a cohesive and functional living space. Having the noted contractor into your home will likely expose ideas you had not previously even considered, too!
Consideration #3: Lighting
Good lighting can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a space, so it’s important to think about how you can incorporate natural and artificial light in your renovation. Consider adding windows to bring in more natural light, and adding dimmer switches or different types of light fixtures to create your own ambiances in different rooms. Older homes are often quite dark and it is amazing how you can transform your home with updated lighting. A good rule of thumb is: Over Light a space! You can always add dimmers or turn them off!
Consideration #4: Functionality
Renovations are a great opportunity to improve the functionality of your home, whether that means adding a mudroom to help organize your family’s belongings, creating an open concept kitchen and living area to encourage socializing, or adding a home office or gym to create a dedicated space for work or exercise.
So, what are some of the most popular renovations in central Alberta? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Kitchen renovations: The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and a kitchen renovation can be a great way to improve the functionality and look of this important space. Consider updating appliances, cabinets, and countertops, and think about adding a kitchen island or breakfast bar for extra prep and seating space.
- Bathroom renovations: A bathroom renovation can be a great way to add value to your home and create a spa-like retreat. Consider updating fixtures, tiling, and lighting, and think about adding features like a steam or rain shower, or a freestanding tub to create added luxury.
- Open concept: One of the most common renovation questions is: Can we remove this wall? Open concept is continuously popular. Homes from past decades are sectioned off and compartmentalized. Opening up or removing the right walls can be one of the biggest impacts possible to a home. Having a professional in to assess whether a wall is load bearing or contains mechanical or plumbing in it is key here.
- Cosmetic Upgrades: Or, lipstick reno as we like to call it. Get rid of that golden oak! Never say never, but we will be shocked if that golden oak comes back into style any time soon. By just updating the finishes such as: flooring, trim, railings, paint, you can give a space a complete makeover. The hardest part to this is often where to stop!
- Exterior Facelift: Most products have a lifetime on them. Siding or exterior cladding is definitely one you want to pay attention too. If your home is older than the 80’s, it’s probably not a bad idea to have someone take a look at it. New exterior products are ever evolving. By updating your exterior with a new product, a splash of color or wood grain, or adding a feature, you can make a huge change to the curb appeal of your home!
- Energy Efficiency: This is one where it is hard to know where to stop. Older homes were simply not built to be energy efficient. To make a big impact, or get it close to where new homes are being built, it calls for a “full-gut” renovation and applying new home technology to get it up to snuff. Some smaller things you can do to make a difference are:
- Windows and Doors: more energy efficient windows and doors installed with modern installation practices make an incredible impact.
- Topping up the attic insulation. Recommended R40 or better.
- Spray foam penetrations and joist ends to the exterior and attic. If you can improve air-loss by making the home have less areas the heat will “leak” the better.
The opportunities to improve your home are endless!
The opportunities to improve your home are endless! Make sure to spend enough time prior to swinging a hammer, building the project on paper. Understand the risks and unknowns. Make your finish and material selections early to avoid cost increases and surprises. Renovations can certainly be intimidating, but with the help of the right contractor and their team, they can be incredibly rewarding!