Making your Calgary house a home that fits your taste and lifestyle requires an investment, both of time and money. While there are some corners you can cut to save money, there’s often a durability trade-off that we encourage our clients to consider before choosing less expensive options. As a Calgary homeowner contemplating a renovation, you’ve likely thought about what look or designs you like that would still be long-lasting – but long-lasting designs also rely on materials that last, too.
After countless client projects, here are some of our top tips when prioritizing renovations that stand up to the day-to-day of your household.
Look at the big picture.
Before you start any renovation, it’s important to have a plan. This will help ensure that your project is successful. Here are some things to consider:
- Know what you want to achieve by renovating. This can be anything from improving the curb appeal of your home to creating a modern space for entertaining guests.
- Decide on a budget before starting the project. Look at other homes in your area with similar square footage and come up with an estimate based on those numbers (just ask us!).
- Set timelines for different phases of construction so that everyone involved knows when tasks have been completed and when they can expect new ones coming up next week; this keeps everyone moving forward together!
Check your plumbing
No one can argue with the simple fact that plumbing is an essential part of any modern home. But, as something that can easily go quite wrong quite quickly, it’s essential that plumbing is a focus for your home maintenance and any related renovations. Any renovation we do that involves a plumbing component means we bring in the pros. As a starting point, we
- Check for leaks.
- Inspect for corrosion and damage.
- Fix or replace corroded or damaged pipes before they break, causing water damage and the need for a costly repair job.
A long-lasting renovation means we can’t overlook the crucial parts that, really, help your home function as it should.
Use quality materials
You may be tempted to save money by going with lower-quality materials, but we’re tellin’ you right now: there’s are certain materials that are just not worth settling on the cheap options.
Quality materials are not only more durable and long-lasting, they are most often the more energy efficient and even fire resistant option. Over time, homeowners save money on both replacement costs, utility bills, and air conditioning costs. Not to mention, durability often translates to better resale value should you decide to sell your home.
The next time you are renovating your home or office, it is important to consider what type of construction materials you choose for each project. While it may seem like an extra expense at first glance, these higher quality finishes will pay off in the long run by lasting longer than those made from cheaper alternatives such as plywood and particleboard—and who doesn’t want their home to stand the test of time?
Don’t skimp on foundational work
Your foundation is the most important part of your home. Without it, it’s just a pile of sticks and nails. The foundation holds everything together and keeps your home from sliding down the hill (okay, we might be a bit dramatic here… but only a bit). Please, if the thought crossed your mind to go with a cheaper alternative for foundational work: don’t.
Use proper waterproofing products
While waterproofing may seem like a boring part of the renovation process, it’s actually one of the most important. A leaky basement, for example, can be a major headache and also very expensive to fix. If you don’t use proper waterproofing products, your home will have to bear the burden of repairs for years to come—and that’s just completely opposite to the definition of long-lasting!
When renovating your basement or any other part of your home, make sure that all foundational components are sealed properly with a quality waterproofing product. You’ll want to work with professionals who know what they’re doing when it comes time for this step in the process—look for someone who has experience working with whatever room you’re wanting to remodel!
If you’re planning on renovating an older house, make sure you let experienced contractors handle all aspects related to waterproofing so they can help ensure long-lasting results from start until finish.
Hire a professional
Hiring a professional to renovate your home is the most cost-effective and efficient way of making sure that your renovations are done right. A professional knows what to do, how to do it, and how to do it efficiently. They will also be able to tell you exactly what it will take in terms of time and money so that you can make an informed decision about which renovations (and which materials) will give you the best return on investment.
Doing it right the first time will save you money and headaches later!
We’re all guilty of getting a little too excited about the things that we buy.
But it’s important to remember that your home is not simply an investment or a piece of property. It’s where you live, and so there are some things that you just shouldn’t skimp on—like renovations.
For upgrades to your home, send us a message to see how we can help make it a home for the long haul. https://cbrannonconstruction.com/contact-page/