Putting together your renovation Calgary plan!




Do your renovation Calgary plan, only once you have figured out your overall strategy. It's important to have a clear vision before you engage in putting together how you are going a detailed plan of how you are going to approach this. Having a clear plan and thinking ahead will allow you to work through your renovation process efficiently. Before you start construction, lets take a look at the aspects you need to know:



1. Renovation Calgary budget

Identifying a budget for your renovation is a must. However it best to have a backup plan for if the renovation costs more than you think. This is why it is important to evaluate your list of priorities and decide where you can bring the price down by reducing the scope of work, or a contingency plan to increase your budget.


2. Permits

Remember when you do your renovation Calgary plan, that permits might well be required for your renovation. Significant exterior changes or additions are likely to require a development permit and these take at least 2-3 months to process (even after all the time it takes to put the final plans and application together). More commonly required are building permits to ensure you project is built to code and inspected by the city of Calgary. Ensure you understand what is needed for your renovation well before you start.


3. Engineering

If you are looking at removing walls, modifying load bearing elements, changing window and door openings, doing an addition or undertaking work of any kind that affects the structure, you could well need a structural engineer. The problem is structural engineers are not cheap, so it is advisable to have a good idea in advance if you need an engineer or if there are way of avoiding this. In some cases it is not possible to know for sure without exploratory work, but in many cases an experienced renovation expert (like CRC), can advise what is likely and set you on the right path.


4. Contractor

As an independent consultant, CRC does not endorse specific renovation companies, but we do strongly endorse doing your due diligence to find a good one! Do you reseach and ensure you deal with Calgary renovation contractor who is reputable, transparent and honest and who will provide with clear information and pricing. Remember the less clear the details of your project are when you start, the higher the chance you will have a difference of opinion in construction.


There are often ways to reduce your budget that many clients overlook! Some expert consulting can potentially save you big time! You can trust us to give you this advice, as what you spend on your renovation has absolutely no impact on the information we give you. We just want to give you the best advice plain and simple!

5. Architects and interior designers

If you are doing significant exterior changes, you will likely need an architect who will put together plans for your renovation Calgary. For most projects you will likely need an interior designer to help with putting together interior plans and help with selections. Although this is a not unsubstantial cost, do not be tempted to skimp or no or poor plans and selections! Remember you will get quotes based off plans and selections and someone has to ultimately build your renovations. Without accurate information to work from, there will almost certainly be mistakes and items overlooked. Also be careful not to let and architect or interior designer work in isolation, without accountability to a budget. Designs should regularly be revised as they develop to ensure they are in line with your budget and if not options should be looked at immediately.



6. Selecting materials

Selection materials is exciting, but with literally tens of thousands of options out there it can be overwhelming too! Again a good designer should be able to help you select suitable product which fits into your budget (so make sure they have a clear plan of how they are going to achieve this). Also give yourself enough time to be able to visit suppliers with your designer and not feel too rushed. People who have a full time job and try to do this often under estimate the amount of time they need to do this properly.


7. Duration and where to live

This is sometimes overlooked in your renovation Calgary plan, but living through a renovation is highly stressful and to be avoiding if possible. The reality is if you are looking to renovate a bathroom or kitchen, those rooms are going to be out of action of almost the full duration of your property. In any case renovation work sites are noisy, dusty, dangerous, with stages such as painting or redoing hardwood floors when you need to be out of the property. Have a plan where you will live during your renovation and understand the duration of your project, always being prepared for the possibility that it could run over the proposed schedule.


So are you ready for us to help you with your renovation project?