Having the opportunity to renovate your house is exciting, but there's a bit of research that you need to complete before starting your kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, basement renovation, whole home remodel, or addition.
What are the Essential Things to Know Before Starting a Remodel In Calgary?
When you're preparing for a home remodel in Calgary, it's important to know everything you can, from permitting and quotes to what even counts as a renovation. If you're looking into starting a renovation in Calgary, you might want to have a look at the items below of discussion and add them to your checklist before you speak with home renovation companies:
Complete Home Renovations Encompass Most Rooms
A complete home renovation typically involves most, if not all, rooms, but there may be a few spaces that you want to leave as they are. So, you should start by planning which rooms will be renovated and what order you would like them worked on. Knowing what you want is the hardest part of the process, and the more assertive you are, the easier the contractor's job will be.
Quotes are Essential
It goes without saying that home renovations are expensive, so you need to know that your budget will cover all the work you want to be done before you begin the project. The best way to get a realistic idea of how much you'll be spending is to request quotes from different remodelling contractors. You can then compare the quotes to see your home renovation cost and decide which will best fit your home renovations.
You'll Need Design Services
The contractors you employ will follow your instructions, so you need to have a clear end product in mind. Drawing up a design of the remodelled house is a good way to visualize exactly how the renovation process will go and what it should look like.
Your contractors will appreciate your dedication to the project and have tangible plans to work with as they renovate. If you need help with the design, working with a design-build firm like Kavaleer Renovations is a good idea, as we include design solutions in our renovation services.
Permit Applications are a Must
A permit may be just a document, but it holds high value if you want to complete a successful renovation. Renovating without a permit is an offence and will get you into hot water with your local authorities. You need permission to extend existing structures and create new ones; otherwise, you are acting independently of building regulations.
To keep everything above board, you must look into applying for a permit as soon as possible. Permits are easily accessible, so long as you know where to apply for them. Most commonly, you'll apply to your local authority for their permission to renovate and then wait while they assess your application.
Sometimes, the permit may be issued straightaway, but other times, you'll need to wait longer. At Kavaleer Renovations, we handle the permitting process for you.
Start With the Highest Value Areas
A lot of complete home renovations begin with the rooms that will add the most value to your home. These renovations must be done with extreme care and uninterrupted attention so that the rooms can be transformed how you want them to be the first time around.
Often, the room that will, once renovated, increase the property's value the most is the kitchen, which is why a lot of complete renovations begin with it. So, consider which renovation will improve your house the most and start the project in that room.
You Need to Ensure Comfort and Safety at All Times
Even after your renovation is in the capable hands of the contractors, you should not be completely hands-off. You need to constantly assess your home, which will be a working building site, for any threats to the safety of your family, the builders or your neighbours.
You should also be hospitable, make the builders feel welcome, and apologize to your neighbours for any disruptions your renovation may cause. Little gestures like these will keep everyone happy and make the process smoother.
Know What Counts as a Renovation for a Permitting Process
Renovations are typically defined as substantial changes to the structure or layout of your home. Cosmetic upgrades – like painting walls, replacing flooring, swapping kitchen cabinets, or updating lighting – usually do not require a building permit. However, they may still require mechanical permits if you're making changes to plumbing, electrical systems, or HVAC components.
A building permit is required if you're planning any structural changes, such as building a garage, altering the home's layout, adding a basement suite, or constructing an extension or pool. These types of projects modify the physical footprint or framework of the home and are regulated accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that any new electrical or plumbing work requires a permit, even if it's part of a minor upgrade. If your property is zoned as multi-family or commercial, you will also need permits for most work and may require a development permit if your project alters the approved land use outlined in local bylaws.
In certain residential cases, a development permit may also be needed, especially if you're planning a sizeable addition or a renovation that changes how your land is used under municipal regulations. That's why we always check with your local building authority before starting to ensure you're fully compliant.
Use a MoSCoW Method to Prioritize Your Project
Before starting your renovation in Calgary, take time to perform a MoSCoW analysis: identify what you Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won't Have in your project. This simple exercise helps you clarify your priorities and expectations.
Share your list with your contractor early on to establish a clear comfort zone for your budget. From there, collaborate on planning and design to ensure your top priorities are aligned with what's feasible, and you can make room for the nice-to-haves when possible.
For Home Remodeling in Calgary, Choose Home Improvement Contractors Kavaleer Renovations
If you're planning a home remodel in Calgary, start by bookmarking this guide and reaching out to experienced local contractors like Kavaleer Renovations. Known for our high-quality craftsmanship and dependable service, we handle everything from full home remodels to additions and custom builds.
At Kavaleer Renovations, we understand that renovating your home is a significant investment and a profoundly personal journey. Since day one, we've built our reputation and Calgary remodelling services on trust, transparency, and clear communication. Whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, or whole-home renovation, our team is with you from concept to completion. If you're ready to get started, book your free, no-obligation consultation with Kavaleer Renovations today.
