When getting started on your renovations, it’s absolutely vital that you be able to trust the contractors you’re working with. Unfortunately, there are several supposed contractors out there who take advantage of your faith and the bustle of the project to leave your expectations wanting. In this kind of situation, both the quality of the renovation and your wallet end up hurting.

Mike Holmes of The Holmes Group recently shared an article discussing the phenomenon of “bait-and-switch” contractors, known for presenting one thing during the negotiations only to pull the rug out from under you while the renovations are underway, whether it’s about the quality materials being used or about who is actually coming into your home to do the work.

You spend time with the contractor during contract negotiations. He seems like a nice person—someone you can work with—and sign a contract with him even though the price was a little higher than the other candidates.

“Terrific!” he says as he takes your deposit, “We’ll start Monday.” Then on Monday, some guy you never met with the name of another company on the side of his truck shows up and starts tearing up your house. It is likely and legitimate that the subtrades like electrician and plumbing will be separate companies, but not the site supervisor or the labourer that is on site every day.

When it comes to renovations, you need to know that the contractors you’re negotiating with value the integrity of their work and respect your part in the renovation project by keeping you fully informed of everything that is going on. Learn more about what Mike Holmes has to say about bait and switch contractors here.

After this seemingly never-ending winter, patio season is now just around the corner. If you have a current deck, or need to have one built, now is a great time to get started on drawing up plans for a new one.

Many options are available for materials such as pressure treated wood, cedar, rolled vinyl, composite decking such as Trex and exotic woods including kayu.

If you would like to replace only the top of your decking, remember that the joists probably are in rough shape as well or sometimes are just spruce non-treated material. Wood only has a finite life, and you don’t want to put a new deck on a decaying frame. It might seem like you are saving money at the beginning, however, this will result in more money being spent in the long run. Ensure your deck has a great foundation and it will last for years to come.

Any deck over 600mm off the ground requires a permit from the city, even if you are rebuilding a previous deck to the same size. Any deck over 600mm also requires railings. At Envision Custom Renovations we will create all the drawings required from the city, and apply for your permit building permit and look after the inspections, all of which you will receive copies of.

Please contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation so you can have the deck of your dreams!

We were recently chosen to be part of Houzz.com’s Pro Spotlight article series. Such an honor to be able to share some of our knowledge! Check out the full article below:

Alan speaks with Houzz in a Pro Spotlight article, “3 Ways to Take Your Home to the Next Level.”

We love a good before and after! On this transformation Tuesday we are sharing a kitchen renovation that we completed in DeWinton. This family of five was struggling with their lack of storage space and the lack of functionality in their kitchen.

As you can see, there was a major lack of counter and storage space. The homeowner loves cooking and baking with her three young children, and there just was not enough space for all of them in the kitchen!

To accomplish their vision of a family-friendly kitchen with enough storage space we installed custom cabinetry to the ceiling and a large island.

There is ample room for storage now with multiple cupboards and drawers surrounding the kitchen and in the island. There is also a full pantry with soft-close dovetail drawers.

The countertops and backsplash are hand planed quartzite. The light colours really help to open up this space and the dark island helps to add contrast.

This kitchen is now perfect for cooking and enjoying family time.  To see more of this kitchen, click here!

Thinking about a home renovation project? We will be at the Calgary Home and Garden Show from March 1-4, 2018 at the BMO Centre. Our booth has been newly re-designed, and we cannot wait to show it off! Pop by the Envision Custom Renovations at booth #409 to get inspired and have all your renovation questions answered.

The Home and Garden Show is a great place to interview several contractors over the course of a day and have your questions answered by professionals. This year’s show features a tiny home village, a wine lounge and the Telus Future Home.

Speaking with customers and educating them about the renovation process and pros and cons of remodeling their space is one of our Project Manager Alan’s favorite things about attending the home show, “Whether they become customers or not, it is always great to be able to give people some tips about choosing the right renovation company.”

Be sure to stop by with your list of questions for our knowledgeable team, take a look at our before and after photo boards, or just to say hello!

To learn more about the Calgary Home and Garden Show click here .

Good Morning!

We have two tickets to the Flames vs. Kings game tomorrow at the Saddledome to giveaway!

Head on over here to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/22a3a5a81/?

Good luck!!

Envision Custom Renovations Playhouse 2017

Who said exquisite homes are just for adults?

Get ready, you may find yourself playing in the backyard with your little ones a lot more often after you’ve perused the Playhouse Parade at the Calgary Renovation Show (Jan 13-15th 2017 at the BMO Centre). Envision Custom Renovations imaginations will run wild, creating the ultimate play home, adapting all the features of a dream home into a little backyard haven with adventurous kiddos in mind. Built for play, you won’t want to miss these incredible creations with awe-inspiring details. Even better, place your bid for the chance to take a playhouse home! Each of the mini-masterpieces will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the Rotary Flames House through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Meet Lewiston

At just two and a half months old. Lewiston Olstad was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. a condition that causes nerve cells in the lower part of the brain and spinal cord to break down and stop sending signals to the body’s muscles. Lewiston received incredible love, care and treatment from the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, while spending his days at the Rotary Flames House, a hospice that serves families caring for their children with progres-sive life-threatening conditions, where mom Jessica, dad Ronnie and little sister Swayzie could be by his side. While Lewiston’s jour-ney ended on November 22. 2016, the Rotary Flames House provided a sanctuary for this brave little boy and his family. All proceeds from the Playhouse Parade silent auction will be shared with the Rotary Flames House in honour of Love for Lewiston.