Discovering the key risks for renovations in Calgary!

Many renovations in Calgary are undertaken without due consideration of the main risk areas! By identifying risks areas and either trying to work around them, or having a plan of how best to deal with them, is the prudent approach for your renovation. Knowing what they are is a great place to start, so lets look in broad terms, at the main categories for renovations in Calgary:

Renovations in Calgary - Risk areas 1-3

1. Structural / physical

• Structural deficiencies or modifications - This may be a result of previous renovations or settlement in structure / movement in foundations. Could aslo be a requirement for the new renovation
• Floor leveling - The biggest risk is the basement floor but main and upper floors can also present problems too
• Exterior damage - This could be the result of natural deterioration over time, lack of maintenance or damage by poor workmanship

2. Environmental

• Damp / rot - Maybe the result of poor exterior envelope, overdue replacement of exterior finishes or poor venitlation
• Asbestos - This is a risk in homes built prior to 1986 and can be found in flooring, drywall, insulation, exterior wall finishes and other items
• Radon - This gas has recently identified as a major health risk, so when you are renovating is an ideal time to address it.

3. Mechanical / Electrical

• Poly B - This type of plumbing pipe has been proven to have high failure rate and you consider swapping it out when you renovate
• Electrics - You need to consider overall capacity as well as location and need for individual circuits
• Gas - If you are install new or bigger gas appliances, your current supply may not be big enough
• HVAC - Is your current furnace big enough to service increased area or run effectively into an extension?

Renovations in Calgary - Risk areas 4-6

4. Code / permits

• Any work that requires a City permit to be pulled will have to comply with current code (which may result in having to bring other areas currently not compliant up to code)
• Extensions - anything over a very small extension now requires extensive energy calculations to pass code 
• Glazing - adding additional windows (especially to the sides of your house), may result in failure to meet code for renovations in Calgary
• Permit applications - City of Calgary permit applications can be a mine field for the novice, what permits do you need and what information does this require (some relative small changes can result in significant cost for plans being drawn)

5. Energy efficiency

• Insulation - Does your current insulation mean high energy bills? What types should you consider for renovations in Calgary?
• Windows and doors - These are a key source of heat loss and should be considered in a major renovation

6. Age of property

• Risk - In general terms your risk in doing a renovation increases with the age of your home. It is likely work has been done over the years, to varying standards and often not in a cohesive manner. In particular on century homes we have found many structural issues and insulation is often very poor. Lathe and plaster walls make it harder to match new and old. These are just some of the high lights but it is wise to approach renovations on older homes with a higher degree of caution.

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

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