Whether you’re planning an expansion or just want to give your home a much-needed uplift, we see homeowners make the same Alberta home renovation mistakes. Not only does it cost them time and money, but it also risks the quality of the finished work.
Some Alberta home renovation mistakes are bound to happen. Nothing in life ever runs completely smooth, and it’s easy to overlook issues with so many aspects to consider. (It’s one reason why you should hire the most experienced professionals.)
Still, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and problems by following the right guidance and advice. We’re revealing the six biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating in Alberta.
Let’s get started!
Biggest Alberta Home Renovation Mistakes
1. Cosmetic Upgrades Over Fundamental Ones
Let’s be honest: nobody appreciates a new structural wall or layout change after it’s completed. Instead, it forms the framework – the canvas – for what comes next. Yet, these labour-intensive foundational upgrades are a crucial step in many home renovations.
It’s tempting for homeowners to skip over these changes, focusing instead on the cosmetics – the furniture, soft furnishing, décor, and other ancillary aspects of interior design.
However, the boring stuff, e.g., replacing an ageing water heater or fixing a hole in the roof, is far more important in the long term. Just imagine if you get a brand-new kitchen or bathroom only for a leak to ruin your expensive countertops and fixtures. It’s a renovation nightmare! (And that’s without mentioning the risks of water damage and mould.)
Avert potential catastrophes by getting a thorough property inspection. Ask a renovation expert to review your home, advising on the groundwork for your renovation. Trust us; it’ll save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
2. Not Planning for Alberta’s Tough Winters
Wintertime in Alberta is harsh, snowy, and difficult to work in. One of the biggest Alberta home renovation mistakes is not accounting for the slowdown in work. Depending on the weather conditions, work on your renovation project may halt completely.
But it’s not just the workers who are affected by winter, but the renovation itself. When adding extensions, knocking down walls, building outhouses, and other projects, it’s crucial to keep winter in mind. Your plans should consider the right level of humidity in your home, selecting winter-proof windows, and preventing ice dams on new roofs. Failure to consider winter home maintenance can lead to further problems later down the line.
3. Ignoring Permit Requirements
Are you guilty of this classic Alberta home renovation mistake?
Alberta’s building regulations are strict and detailed, making compliance essential. Homeowners often underestimate the importance of securing the necessary permits before beginning renovation projects. This oversight can lead to costly fines and even require you to undo completed work if it fails to meet local codes.
Always check with your local municipality about what permits you need before starting any work, no matter how minor it seems. It’s better to spend a few hours sorting out paperwork than weeks rectifying unauthorised renovations.
You can find comprehensive information about permits and building codes on the Alberta government website. Helpful resources include:
- Building Codes and Standards. Review the latest editions of the national and energy building codes specific to Alberta.
- Permits and Safety Code System. Learn about when a permit is required, why, and how to apply for it, as well as information about Alberta’s Safety Code System.
4. Failing to Budget Correctly
Budget. Budget. Budget. We’re always hearing horror stories about this Alberta home renovation mistake. People appear to blunder into a major renovation without properly taking into account the costs.
You can easily avoid this pitfall by researching material costs in advance. List out everything you need to complete, be it a new bathroom, kitchen, or home extension. Then, you can go through each task, calculating the available money. Don’t rush headfirst into a home extension only to find there’s no money for the kitchen that’s supposed to go in it.
Ever heard of Hofstadter’s law? It says, “Everything always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.” Life just has a funny way of running over time. Similarly, home renovation projects are renowned for going over budget. But it’s not inevitable.
If you work with a home renovation professional, they should work with you to provide a thorough and accurate assessment of costs ahead of time, so you can adjust your budget – or your project – before renovation work begins.
5. Not Doing Enough Research on Contractors
Contractors come in all shapes and sizes, from tried and trusted renovators to absolute cowboys. When choosing a contractor for your Alberta home renovation, we cannot overstate the importance of research.
Rather than rushing into a contract with the first vendor you find, take your time to vet several options. Check their licensing, insurance, and, most importantly, their track record of successful projects. Read online reviews, ask for references, and even visit ongoing job sites if possible.
The more research you perform, the less risk of a project going awry.
6. Copying and Pasting Design Ideas
Ever visited a home where everything looks like a brochure? No personality. No personal touch. Just cookie-cutter designs.
Your home is, well, your home. Interior design magazines, showrooms, and online stores might spark your imagination, but they shouldn’t be a paint-by-numbers template.
Instead of strictly adhering to a single style, mix and match elements from different sources, experiment with unusual colour schemes, incorporate unique accessories and ensure your home reflects your personality. Embrace creative freedom to ensure your space is both comfortable and a true representation of you.
At Lambert Brothers, we work with a professional design team who can help you capture the most up-to-date design elements while combining them with your personal style and needs.
Want to learn more about our home renovation services? Contact us today at 780-910-2025 or message us here.