Best Contemporary Home Builders In Calgary

When it comes to contemporary home builders, Calgary certainly has its fair share – the question is, which ones are the best? Of course, “best” is subjective, so if you came here to expect a clear-cut answer, you might end up disappointed. But if there is one thing that many people can agree on, it’s the meaning of quality.

And here at Riverview Custom Homes, we strive to offer nothing less than the best quality to our clients.

Home Builder in Calgary - Riverview Custom Home

An award-winning Calgary contemporary home builder

There are four factors to any successful home building project – quality, time, cost, and process. At Riverview Custom Homes, we believe that there is no bigger responsibility as a builder than the commitment we make to you. We understand that your home is where your family grows and where memories are made. Our clients trust us – and that’s something we don’t take lightly.

The awards we have won are a reflection of the commitment we make to you and having your best interests at heart throughout the entire process. Our accolades include:

Humble beginnings

President Chris York started Riverview Custom Homes in 2011 with a vision to create some of the most incredible homes in and around Calgary. Ever since Riverview Custom Homes’ first completed build, Chris knew he wanted to continue pushing the limits and creating amazing properties.

Since then, the company has grown to a team of 20, including a project manager, site coordinator, warranty and service manager, designers, and architects. Every house we build is approached from a team concept. Our team of experts is really what makes Riverview Custom Homes one of the most sought-after luxury home builders in Calgary.

Building your legacy

We have experience building houses ranging from modern to contemporary to traditional. Keep in mind that all of our designs are fully customized homes. In other words, you won’t be able to find them anywhere else. Unlike production homes, the properties we build are completely unique.

We build one-of-a-kind homes for one-of-a-kind people.

If your wish is to build your very own custom luxury home in Calgary, then you have come to the right place. Our staff is comprised of the very best managers and craftsmen, each with years of experience in the Calgary home building industry. Take a look at our portfolio to see what we can do for you.

Our clients express how happy their home makes them – seeing that amazing piece of architecture they worked so hard to construct gives them a sense of joy. If you are interested in working with us, drop us a line or give us a call. You can trust us to make your dream home a reality.

5 Renovation Ideas To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Whether you want to remodel the home you’ve lived in for years or you’ve purchased a house that needs upgrading, renovating an existing home can be a greatly rewarding experience. You can enjoy the comfort of the home you love while adding the architectural brilliance of a quality renovation. Should you decide to sell your property in the future, there are certain aspects that will increase the value of your house.

Home Renovation Ideas for Your Home - Riverview Custom Homes

Below are 5 home renovation ideas that will not only improve your property’s value in Calgary, but are sure to transform your entire space.

1. A full kitchen renovation

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and is the first room that prospective buyers gravitate towards. And when it comes to a custom kitchen renovation, the possibilities are endless – changing the backsplash, countertops, drawers and cupboards, flooring, lighting, hardware, fixtures, appliances, materials – you name it.

When transforming your kitchen, we recommend striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add an expansive breakfast island with plenty of countertop space
  • Incorporate a wet bar to entertain guests
  • Expand the pantry to optimize storage space
  • Utilize blank spaces by adding more cabinets, drawers, or a mini wine cellar

2. Modernize the layout

The original layout of most older homes are closed off with many walls, doors, and separate rooms. Modern homes feature bright and breezy open-concept designs with plenty of windows and natural lighting. On the contrary, you may have an open-concept home that can benefit from adding an extra room or separate area.

Whatever the case, changing the layout is one of the best ways to make an existing home feel brand new. You also have the option to add a home extension such as a sunroom or a large patio. An experienced custom home builder will know the laws and policies pertaining to extensions. A professional architect on the team will ensure that the renovation plans are structurally sound.

3. Enhance the curb appeal

First impressions are crucial and when it comes to increasing the value of your home, curb appeal should not be ignored. Most home renovations focus on the interior design – while this is important, upgrading the exterior of your home is just as impactful. Some exterior home improvements that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your property include:

  • A clean and simple landscape design
  • Upgrading windows and doors, including the garage door
  • Small but powerful details such as crown molding, trims, and columns
  • Adding different textures and elements such as brick, stone, and wood
  • Fresh paint and changing the sidings
  • A dormer at the front door to give the illusion of height
  • Glass panels for a more modern look

These are just a few of the possibilities when upgrading the exterior of your home. Not only will an exterior renovation entice prospective buyers, but you will love the feeling of pulling up to your beautifully remodeled property.

4. Create an outdoor living space

There are few things that can quite capture the feeling of a warm summer evening on the deck, the smell of delicious barbecue wafting from the grill, the fire crackling, and being surrounded by friends and family in your personal outdoor living space.

Designing an outdoor space includes elements that influence how we experience and connect with our surroundings. Certain features such as a full outdoor living room, plenty of seating, a luxurious pool and hot tub, dining area, a separate space around the fire, water features, greenery, and more can make a world of a difference. It’s where you can relax and recharge.

Relaxing starts at home and building an expansive outdoor living space is a great opportunity to create a sense of refuge right in the comfort of your own home.

5. Don’t forget the little details

While a home renovation is a large undertaking, the little thoughtful design details can make the most impact. For example, vintage hardware to match a timeless aesthetic, elegant trim, a textured wall, statement lighting, and more can pull all of the elements together.

At Riverview Custom Homes, our team of designers will exceed your expectations – right down to the smallest details. You can expect the same superior craftsmanship and quality in our home renovation designs that we pour into our luxury custom home builds. If you can dream it, we can build it.

Modern vs. Traditional House: Which One is Right for You?

Your home is more than a place where you lay your head at night. When guests step through the door, they get a sense of your style, preferences, and personality. Some people prefer more contemporary homes with present-day amenities, while others enjoy a more conventional type of home with quaint and simple attributes.

Thus, the competition between the modern and traditional house wages on. However, if you’re currently in the planning stages of building a luxury home in Calgary, you may be wondering which one is the better choice for you, personally.

Perhaps you’ve been weighing out the pros and cons of each, and find yourself thinking either one would be a good fit. As an award-winning custom home builder in Calgary area, Riverview Custom Homes want to help you weigh out the factors of a modern vs traditional home.

Building a luxury home in Calgary

 

Modern homes

Modern homes offer a plethora of benefits that make them an appealing choice for the more progressive homebuyer. Keep in mind that a modern home goes beyond the clean aesthetics of contemporary architecture, sleek lines, and minimalistic look.

Features such as environmental friendliness (more commonly known as a ‘green’ home), beautifully designed composition, even something as “innocuous” as excellent space utilization is a great selling point for many people. Modern homes offer all of these elements and more.

Contemporary construction also offers the luxury of a naturally superior atmosphere. What does this mean? Every home decor conveys a certain texture that affects your emotional state. For example, rundown and dilapidated homes make you feel ill-at-ease and uncomfortable. On the other end of the spectrum, beautiful homes that are clean and well-maintained make you feel relaxed, calm, and peaceful.

Now, of course, with the proper refurbishment, even the dreariest of home decors can become lively again. But why go through the work when you can have that high-quality layout right from the get-go with a more present-day house?

That’s exactly what a modern home helps you achieve.

So if you’re someone who is forward-thinking and appreciates the finer things in life, a custom luxury home in Calgary may be the ideal choice for you.

 

Traditional Homes

I know, modern homes sound appealing, don’t they? But that doesn’t mean you should count out traditional homes. Trust me when I say these properties have their charm.

First of all, traditional homes are very family-oriented. So if you’re someone who holds family in high regard as a strong, personal value – then a traditional home will certainly have its appeal.

Secondly, traditional homes possess a certain amount of character and quaintness that can sometimes be hard to find in more modern homes – they are timeless. And they offer an unfailing classic reversion that can remind you of simpler times – think 2.5 kids with the white picket fence.

This is something many people yearn for; a return to more customary and time-honoured ideals. And if you happen to be one of those individuals, then the traditional home is right up your alley.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between traditional and modern houses?

There are many differences between modern and traditional homes: space utilization, amenities, windows, lighting, the materials used for construction, even the floorplan are all differentiators that separate these two styles of homes.

Do modern-style homes cost more?

Yes – in general, modern homes are more costly than traditional ones. Why? Because modern houses are equipped with up-to-the-minute technology, constructed with better materials, outfitted with higher quality appliances, and stocked with other features that enhance their inherent value in the marketplace.

What is the difference between traditional and modern design?

There isn’t a single difference that separates modern and traditional homes from one another. But rather, there are many differences that are unquestionably unique to each type. Everything from colour, design, layout, style, all play a role in differentiating one type of house from the next.

Modern vs Traditional Home: Which is Best For You?

Choosing one style of home over the other is neither good nor bad – it’s simply a matter of preference. If you enjoy a more sleek and polished home with sophistication and refinement, then the modern home is for you. However, if you hold more conventional values and enjoy simple and old-fashioned architecture, then the traditional home will most likely be the better fit.

The good news is, with a custom luxury home, you won’t have to sacrifice one for the other. If you dream of a traditional style with modern features, this is all possible with our team of expert designers and architects at Riverview Custom Homes. We construct custom homes for our clients; you dream it, we build it. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to connect with us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

How Riverview Custom Homes Can Help You Select The Perfect Lot In Calgary

Before building your custom home in Calgary, there are a few things that you have to take care of. One of these things is lot selection. As you already know by now, where you will build your future house matters a lot. Whether you choose to build it in the heart of downtown or in a more rural area, it has the potential to affect you and your family dramatically for many years to come. It is important, therefore, that you spend a good amount of time looking at your options.

Unfortunately, it’s sometimes easier said than done — especially when so many options are available in Calgary. The good news is that Riverview Custom Homes can help you. With us, lot selection does not have to be so complicated. Our team of professionals will first discuss your expectations with you before finding lots that fit those expectations. Here’s how our team at Riverview Custom Homes can help.

Select Perfect Lot in Calgary - Riverview Custom Homes

A detailed first consultation

During the first meeting to discuss your future luxury home, we sit down with you to get to know your full vision. There are no limitations here – you can let us know how you want your home to look, your inspiration, and any features you dream of. Whether it’s a large home theatre, an expansive entertainment area, a hidden room, indoor basketball court, just to name a few – the possibilities are endless.

We’ll discuss your desired location and answer any questions you may have about building on an acreage or within the city, including any restrictions, zoning laws, taxes, and more.

A finger on the pulse of the market

As experts in luxury home building, our team at Riverview Custom Homes is closely connected to the current real estate market, including existing lots and future properties that will become available. We know the ins and outs of both urban and rural living, development plans for the area you’re looking at, neighbourhood characteristics, easements, amenities, and the smallest details to consider such as the ideal view.

We can walk with you through the lot, answer your questions, and discuss the pros and cons that will help you make an informed decision. Lot selection is a crucial part of the home building process – you can take the time to choose the location that reflects your lifestyle and interests.

Simply put – we care

Building a house is a long and complex process that requires a dedicated team. If you are considering building your legacy in Calgary, then relying on Calgary contemporary home builders such as Riverview Custom Homes might be the wisest course of action. You will be working closely with professionals who have your best interest at heart.

5 Easy Tips to Help You Choose the Best Home Remodelling Contractor

Are you planning a home remodelling project? Do you want to know what to look for when choosing a contractor? Home remodelling is an exciting endeavour many homeowners seek to take on. In fact, in the second quarter of 2021, home renovation application loans increased by 30%. Even during a global pandemic, Canadians want to develop the home of their dreams with custom renovations.

In order to achieve your dream home, as well as have a successful, smooth, and seamless renovation process, you must ensure the right people are on the job. More specifically, you need to have a competent and professional contractor.

Choose the Best Home Remodelling Contractor - Riverview Custom Homes
 

Without such an individual, the process to create the house of your dreams can turn into a nightmare. But how do you find the best remodelling contractor for the job? Keep reading to find out.

1. Reach out to friends & family

All of us know somebody – whether it’s a relative or close friend – who has gone through the remodelling process before. And whether it’s your first time or not, it’s always a good idea to first consult with those in your inner circle who have already done it.

The reason being is that if your connection recommends you to a contractor, it means they trust this particular contractor and their business. They wouldn’t refer you to them otherwise. This can save you a lot of time and hassle trying to sift through the plethora of contracting companies.

You’re essentially removing an entire step by getting a recommendation for a contractor who has already proven himself to be reliable and trustworthy. Work smarter, not harder.

2. Check online reviews

Regardless of whether you get recommendations from connections or you find the contracting company yourself, be sure to review their online presence. More specifically, their reviews. These will say much more about their code of conduct, levels of professionalism, and the degree of integrity with which they operate than anything else.

If you see a myriad of scathing reviews of angry customers, this is obviously a red flag. Steer clear and continue your search. On the other hand, if people are generally happy and satisfied with the contractor’s service, then congratulations, you may have a winner!

If the company doesn’t have any online reviews, this should be a warning, but not a deal-breaker. Some companies are just getting started in business, while others may have just recently joined the online space (better late than never), and as a result, have yet to produce those raving reviews.

If such is the case, call and ask for testimonials from previous clients.

3. Weigh out your options

Once you have a few contractor companies in mind, compare your options. See which ones you like best. If possible, ask for “before and after” photos of other projects they’ve worked on. It will help solidify your choice if you have something tangible to see what the quality of their workmanship is.

Moreover, it will give you a visual representation that will be impossible to deny. If you notice things about their work that you don’t like – ask for another photo of a different job. If a similar blemish is spotted again, then you have found a pattern in their craftsmanship that you should take care to avoid.

4. Certification and licensing

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few, you’ll want to dig a little deeper. Ask for any certifications, accreditation, as well as licensing information pertinent to your home renovation project. This is simply a precautionary measure to ensure your contractor is not only competent, but operating legally.

Home renovation projects are difficult as is, the last thing you need is additional trouble from the law because you failed to exercise a little due diligence. If your prospective contractor is unable to provide this information, consider it a red flag and move on to the next company.

5. Connect with their team

It’s important to know the kinds of people that you’re hiring. You don’t have to become buddy-buddy with everyone. However, if you meet and connect with the workers who will be carrying out the project – and find that you like and trust them – you’ll feel a greater sense of confidence knowing that your home is in good hands.

And this will do wonders for your peace of mind during the process. If you get an unpleasant or uneasy feeling from your contractor’s team, this may be cause for concern and you might want to reconsider that particular business relationship.

Final Thoughts

With over 10 years of experience providing custom luxury renovations in Calgary, Riverview continues to awe clients with stunning architecture and unique, one-of-a-kind home creations. We pride ourselves on being able to bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship.

If you’d like additional information about Riverview and how we can serve you, get in contact with us today to learn more.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid With Your Calgary Home Renovation

Your home is most likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. For this reason, your due diligence is required when it comes to anything related to your home. Mistakes can prove to be quite costly, particularly, home renovation mistakes. With this in mind, it makes sense that you’ll want to do all you can to avoid such blunders.

Custom home renovations in Calgary can breathe new life into your living space and create the home of your dreams. However, they can also become a nightmare if you don’t know which mistakes to avoid.

Calgary Home Renovation - Riverview Custom Homes

If you want to steer clear of those unnecessary errors, then keep reading to learn about the top 5 biggest home improvement mistakes.

1. Failure to do your research

Sometimes the excitement of change can be overwhelming. We get so caught up in the emotional appeal of the end result that we fail to properly plan for that outcome.

So it is vital to do your research. Don’t leave the details up to chance, thinking or hoping they will sort themselves out. They won’t.

Study home renovations, research the materials you want, and learn if they can meet your needs as a homeowner. Whether you plan on doing the work yourself or you decide to hire someone else, you should have an idea of what’s going on.

2. Cheap renovation materials

We all want to save money. However, the old axiom, “you get what you pay for” is a deep-rooted truth that is especially pertinent for bigger or more large-scale purchases. You don’t have to spend your life savings, but you should budget for quality materials and good labour to ensure the job is done right.

Failure to do so could actually end up costing you more in the long run.

Cheap materials wither away and break down quickly, poor labour doesn’t hold up well against time and wear and tear.

So be sure to budget enough for these all-important elements for your home renovation project. And if you can’t quite afford to yet, then it may be wise to wait a bit longer until you have the funds to do so.

3. Not budgeting

Piggybacking off of the previous home renovation mistake, you must budget for this expense. Money will play an obviously large role in your new endeavour. And unless you have everything on a spreadsheet – keeping track of the financial details – it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of overspending.

Granted, even with a budget, sometimes it is possible to go overboard. However, you will be far more in control if you have the safety rails of an airtight budget keeping you levelheaded.

4. Keeping the budget too strict

Budgets are made to be followed, however, sometimes unexpected events occur. This is particularly true when you’re dealing with something as complex as a home renovation. For this reason, you must plan for contingencies in your budget.

If your budget is too narrow, too strict, you run the possibility of feeling like you need to cut corners if any unforeseen circumstances arise.

It’s important to have breathing room in your budget for these kinds of scenarios. An additional few thousand dollars can go a long way in covering the costs of unexpected expenses.

5. Not properly qualifying contractors

You’d be surprised at the number of incompetent contractors that are out there. And if you aren’t aware of what to look for, you will pay the price. To avoid this, be sure you are properly pre-screening your contractors.

Ask for their qualifications and past experience, check for online reviews from previous clients, and ask for images or videos of work they’ve done before. You want to gain an accurate assessment of the quality of contractors you’re considering hiring for your home project.

A home renovation is going to be stressful enough, the last thing you need during the process is inept people adding to your stress. That’s why this vetting process is so important.

When you have the right team working on your renovation, they will meet deadlines, be professional, inform you of problems, and proactively solve them. In short, they will make the entire process easier for you rather than harder.

Final thoughts

At Riverview Custom Homes, we want your vision to come to life. For this reason, we offer more than just construction services. We will work with you – alongside our award-winning designers and architects – to find the perfect lot, control costs, and ensure that it all fits within your predetermined budget.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact us today to see how we can help.