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Is it worth renovating your basement into a suite?

Is it worth renovating your basement into a suite?

As the cost of living increases, more homeowners are developing their basements into suites. Currently, there are 9,497 registered secondary suites in the City of Calgary. That’s 651 more than last year.  A basement suite is a separate living space on the lower level of your home. It typically includes the same basic amenities as any home, including a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and a separate entrance from the main house.  Renovating your basement into a suite is a major project requiring a significant investment. So is renovating your basement into a suite worth it? Pros & Cons of Renovating Your Basement Into a Suite There are a lot of benefits to having a basement suite, but it’s not a good idea for every homeowner. It’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of a basement renovation of this size before you proceed.  4 Pros of a Basement Suite Let’s look at four of the main benefits of a … Read more

7 Crucial Considerations for Ideal Basement Storage Solutions

basement kitchenette with custom cabinetry

Basement storage solutions abound, but not all solutions work for every household. How can you choose the ideal basement storage options for your home?  7 Important Factors for Basement Storage Solutions Whether your basement is finished or not, and regardless of what you store there, you need to consider several important factors before you invest in storage solutions for your basement. 1. Moisture- and Pest-Resistance Basements have a reputation for attracting pests and trapping moisture. This can damage your belongings. Even a well-organized pegboard for metal tools fails to protect from rust, and a dedicated rack to hang out-of-season clothing won’t ward off that horrid musty smell.  Prevent rust, mold, mildew, and that damp, musty smell by choosing storage that protects your belongings from moisture and pests—such as cupboards or closets with doors, and lidded bins or baskets. It’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier in your basement, too.  2. Awkward Spaces Some basement layouts create awkward spaces that … Read more

How to Design a Bathroom-Laundry Room Combo That Works Best for You

Bathroom Laundry Room Combo 1

A bathroom-laundry room combo can be the perfect solution for small spaces. These two rooms have related functions that require similar utilities and features. There are many design and layout options, so here are a few tips on how to design the best bathroom-laundry room combo for you. Is a Bathroom-Laundry Room Combo Right for You? Before you invest time and energy into designing a bathroom-laundry room combo for your home, it’s important to evaluate if this combination space is right for you. Here are four great reasons to design a bathroom-laundry room combo. Save money If you’re home needs both a bathroom and a laundry room, combining these two spaces into one can save money. Because the bathroom fixtures and laundry machines share plumbing, the cost of installation is reduced. Save space Naturally, combining two rooms into one will save valuable square footage in your home. A bathroom-laundry room combo doubles the use of the space for optimal efficiency. … Read more

10 Practical Ways to Upgrade Your Laundry Room

Gone are the days of traipsing into a dark and dingy unfinished concrete basement to use the washer and dryer. Our laundry rooms are high-functioning spaces, deserving a more dignified design. Is it time to upgrade your laundry room? How to Update Your Laundry Room: 10 Simple Ideas These 10 practical ways to upgrade your laundry room will make this ongoing household chore more enjoyable and add value to your home.  1. Hide the washer and dryer If your home doesn’t have a separate room for your washer and dryer, you can improve the look of the space by hiding the appliances behind a curtain. Better yet, have them installed inside a closet. If you want to dress it up, put decorative doors over the opening.  2. Add more storage It’s surprising how much space laundry takes up. Maintain a tidy laundry room by adding enough storage to keep dirty laundry out of sight. Pull-out drawers can store laundry bins … Read more

8 Invisible Bathroom Problems You Can’t Afford to Ignore

8-Invisible-Bathroom-Problems-You-Cant-Afford-to-Ignore

There might be a time for the “don’t-look-at-it-and-it-will-disappear” approach. But when it comes to bathroom problems, ignoring them only makes them bigger. To make matters worse, many serious issues in a bathroom are invisible, so you might not notice them if you’re not  actively looking for them. Keep Your Eyes Open for These 8 Hidden Bathroom Problems As part of a regular home maintenance routine, be on the lookout for these hidden problems in your bathroom. 1. Unsuitable materials The bathroom is a unique room in your home because of the high moisture levels produced in this space. All the materials used to create your bathroom must be sealed or protected against moisture.  Is your drywall water resistant? Is there a vapour barrier between the drywall and insulation? Is the paint mildew resistant? Is the grout water resistant? Is there silicone caulking sealing the edges where your tub and toilet meet the floor? If the answer to any of these … Read more

10 Clear Signs It’s Time to Renovate Your Bathroom

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A bathroom renovation can be a big investment and an inconvenience to your household. How do you know if it’s time to remodel your bathroom and worth the ordeal? In this post, we’ll look at the top 10 reasons to take the plunge and spend money on a bathroom renovation. 10 Reasons to Renovate Your Bathroom The cost of a bathroom renovation is enough that it’s not something you jump into impulsively. Before you start on a project like this, evaluate the cost-benefit ratio and be sure it’s worth the time and energy.  There are definite signs that it’s time to remodel your bathroom. If any of these 10 things apply to your bathroom, a renovation project is in your future! 1. Plumbing Problems Minor plumbing problems like a leaky faucet can easily be fixed without a major renovation. But if there are bigger issues, or if you have a leak behind the walls, ignoring the problem could lead to … Read more

How Much Does A Bathroom Renovation Cost in Calgary?

how-much-does-a-bathroom-renovation-cost-in-calgary

If you’re considering renovating your bathroom, your number one concern is probably, “What’s a bathroom renovation going to cost? And is it worth it?”  10 Notable Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation Sometimes it’s necessary to remodel your bathroom for the sake of safety—regardless of the cost. Safety hazards like water leaks, mold and mildew, or rot in the flooring or walls must be dealt with to prevent further damage and to protect the health and safety of your family.  But no matter what you spend on your bathroom renovation, there are always significant benefits.  A bathroom renovation can actually reduce your utility bills when you replace fixtures with energy-efficient and water-conserving models. An updated bathroom will increase your property value. And remodeling your bathroom is an opportunity to create more storage, a more functional layout, and luxurious features.  The benefits of a bathroom renovation are clear, but the question remains: What’s your bathroom renovation going to cost?.  10 Factors That … Read more

10 Tips for an Amazing Ensuite Renovation

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An ensuite renovation can be trickier than a main bathroom renovation. It’s usually a smaller space, and if you share your ensuite with your spouse, coming to agreement on all the design details can be a challenge.  10 Helpful Design Ideas for a Successful Ensuite Renovation To help you experience an ensuite renovation you both enjoy, we’ve made a list of our top tips and design ideas.  1. Think about the future of your ensuite In home design, it’s important to think beyond the present. Tastes change, needs change, and there’s also resale value to consider.  The most practical way to design your ensuite is with a neutral foundation. If you like bold colours or statement pieces, you can play with wallpaper or paint, add accessories that pack a punch, or even get a little wild with your light fixture or mirror. But stick to more timeless looks for the tub, tile, and other elements that are more difficult to … Read more

3 Surprising Things to Expect During the Bathroom Renovation Process

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You’ve finally decided to renovate your bathroom, and you can hardly wait to see your new and improved space. All that stands between you and your dream bathroom is the renovation process. But that process can be painful if you’re not prepared. Do you know what to expect during your bathroom renovation?  What to Expect During Your Bathroom Renovation At first glance, these expectations might seem obvious. But the mistake many renovating homeowners make is not actually thinking through the renovation process, not preparing for it—mentally and physically. This leads to unnecessary stress. Here’s how to avoid that.  1. Expect your bathroom to be unavailable It’s possible to survive a renovation of almost any room while living in the house. You simply modify your routines while your spaces are out of commission. But a bathroom renovation makes this much more difficult—even impossible, at times.  “What’s the big deal?”, you think. “We have another bathroom (or two). We’ll just use those … Read more

How to Make Your Bathroom Look & Feel Luxurious

luxury-bathroom

For most people, a dream bathroom is one that looks and feels luxurious—whether that means a spa-like space, a room that resembles a 5-star hotel suite, or high-end, state-of-the-art features. Is it possible to transform your own bathroom into a place of indulgence? 10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Luxurious We believe any bathroom can become elegant and inviting. Here are 10 tips to help you create a luxury bath experience in your own home.  1. Prioritize privacy A luxury bath demands a sense of seclusion. If you’re designing a new home or bathroom renovation, prioritize privacy by locating the bathroom away from the busiest areas of your home. Tucking your bathroom away in a corner of the house turns this room into a retreat.  2. Enhance your tub or shower Decide if you want a tub, a shower, or a tub-shower combo. Any option is the right option if it’s the one you prefer, and all three can be … Read more

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