(Repost from original article written 2013)

When one conjures up images of the laundry room, we often think about the one we had in our home growing up. Chances are it was in a dark, damp corner

of the basement, had unfinished walls and ceilings, and the washer/dryer probably shared space with the deep freeze, the furnace, the cat litter box, and every other bit of household junk we didn’t have a place for. More often than not, the floors were bare concrete with a rusty old floor drain and exposed pipes as the room’s “focal point”. Sound familiar? Maybe this sounds like your current laundry room. If so, you’re not alone.

As a renovation contractor and designer having been in the business for 15 years, we are sometimes asked about common renovation and design mistakes made by homeowners. While we have seen (and fixed) many, one fairly common mistake comes to mind, which revolves around renovating for the kids.

We’re often asked about the advantages of design-build over the conventional system of architect/designer and general contractor. It’s a great question and with 2 decades of design-build experience under our belts, we feel like it’s a good time to call out our top ten reasons why the design-build system is absolutely the best way to get what you want in your renovation at a price you are prepared to invest.

Your bathroom should be your own personal sanctuary, a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day. But if your bathroom feels more like a functional space than a luxurious retreat, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to upgrade your bathroom and make it feel like a true at-home oasis, and some high-ROI bathroom improvements will make your home more attractive to buyers. With just a few luxury upgrades, you can elevate your bathroom beyond a mere room where you do business: it can be your own private spa!

When planning a kitchen renovation, there are many different styles to choose from. Homeowners should consider what style of kitchen they want before making any decisions. This will help narrow down the options and make the process easier. You wouldn’t start picking out paint colours before deciding on a house, and likewise, you shouldn’t select a backsplash pattern for a kitchen that hasn’t yet been styled.

There are five main kitchen styles: Traditional, Contemporary, Transitional, Country, and Rustic. Once you've decided on a style, you can start planning the details of your kitchen remodel. This includes choosing the right appliances, cabinets, countertops, and flooring. With so many choices available, it's important to consult with a professional kitchen designer to make sure everything comes together perfectly—and to make sure your kitchen remodel translates to a value-increasing home upgrade.

So you’ve decided to renovate your home. Excited? Intimidated? Nervous, or anxious about what’s next? A house renovation can bring out all those emotions and many more. Home renovations are ranked among the most stressful events that couples go through together, but having realistic expectations up front can go a long way towards the ultimate success and the feeling of satisfaction when your project is complete. Whatever you do, don’t just watch a few renovation shows on TV and think you have a good idea of what it’ll be like. TV renos can give you a false sense of timeline, costs, and the realities of what really goes into a major renovation. And that says nothing about the realities of living through one… if you must (more on that later).

We have taken the advice of some of the leading experts in the field and compiled them here. Get ready to roll up your sleeves - armed with a little knowledge of what to expect and tips on what to do will have you ready to embark on your reno adventure.

5 Electrical Renovations that will make your Home your Happy Place. No one thinks electrical renovations are exciting. But did you know how much easier your like would be if you make the right ones?

A renovation is an exciting opportunity to make your home your own personal heaven.

One of the ways you can do that is through your electrical system.

We know what you’re thinking: that’s nowhere near as exciting as adding an island or a fireplace.

There are actually several electrical renovations and upgrades that will not only make your home safer and more convenient, but will give you a thrill every time you come home.

How to Plan Heating and Cooling for a Renovation vs. a New Construction

Working with us to design your renovation or new home involves a lot of important decisions (but also a lot of fun). Our commitment to being thorough and hands-on to create your perfect living space means that we’re going to be asking you questions about everything. That includes your heating and cooling system.

It’s not the most glamourous part of design, but it is important. Your home heating and cooling system is what keeps you comfortable everyday in every season, especially our Calgary winters. Now is a perfect time to look at making some changes/decisions that could not only increase energy efficiency, but save you money on your energy bills.

These are some things we’ll talk about in the design stage, with different options for a renovation vs. a new construction.

Despite its physical size, a kitchen renovation is one of the largest and most complex renovations performed in a home. And in terms of price per square foot, one of the most costly. So it’s important to understand, in advance, all the elements involved in ensuring your project is a success. We’ve been designing and installing kitchens for almost 25 years. So we can’t emphasize these key components enough, plus the importance of hiring a professional, experienced kitchen renovator.