What’s the Best Time of Year for a Home Renovation? (The Answer May Surprise You)

Calgary has a lot to offer. It’s a city of both abundance and opportunity. As such, this makes it an amazing place to call home. And judging by its 1.3 million residents, many people agree with this notion. In fact, according to a 2022 Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, Calgary was ranked among the world’s top 10 most livable cities!

There’s only one drawback: the frigid winters…

As a homeowner, your home renovations in Calgary will undoubtedly be based on the time of year it is. Many people assume spring or summer may be the ideal seasons for such a project – but is that really the case?

Home Renovation - Riverview Custom Home

At Riverview Custom Homes, we are one of Calgary’s best custom home builders. As such, we want you to be well-informed about your home renovations in Calgary. Keep reading to learn the best time of year to start your next project.

1. Springtime

Spring may seem like the obvious choice. And for good reason; the snow has melted, temperatures have warmed, and the days are just more pleasant, in general. However, this necessarily doesn’t mean that home renovations during the spring are perfect by any stretch.

Calgary sees more rain in the spring than any other season. Moreover, rain can occur sporadically, and without warning – starting midday and carrying through to the evening. Or it can turn off and on like a light switch throughout the entire day.

This isn’t exactly conducive for a home renovation project. Why?

Rain brings with it the possibility of damaging expensive materials for your home renovation. As frigid and chilly as winter is, cold temperatures won’t irreparably damage pricey materials

2. Summertime

Summer is another highly favoured season for home renovations. Longer days, and warmer weather make this an easy choice among homeowners. However, something to keep in mind is the uncomfortable elevated temperatures. Calgary gets hot (by Canadian standards). It’s not uncommon for the city to hit the low to mid thirties, which can not only be exhaustive to work in, but also dangerous.
Too much exposure to that kind of heat can result in sunburn, heat exhaustion, or even skin cancer. However, this is typically only after long periods in the heat without the proper sun protection.

3. Fall

The fall may be the best time of year to work on your home renovation project. Why? Because temperatures will be almost perfect: they will be cooler than both spring and summer, but still much warmer than winter. You get the best of both worlds and can work comfortably during the entire project.

Starting a home project in the fall has other benefits as well. Namely, you and your family can enjoy the beautiful spring and summer months without construction hindering your experience.

Start Your Home Renovation Project in Calgary

While fall is indeed an ideal time to start a home renovation project, at the end of the day – preference plays a role too. If you enjoy working in the heat, opt for summer. If you love the rain, find a way to make it work in the spring; the choice is yours and it should be based on what works best for you and your family.

At Riverview Custom Homes, we are Calgary’s luxury custom home builders. We can craft your home with architectural brilliance and effective cost management strategies. Moreover, we have been named the 2021 Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Calgary Region Builder.

As such, if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can help you create your dream home, contact us today for additional information.

MODERN HOME BUILDERS CALGARY — BEST PLACES IN CALGARY TO BUILD A HOUSE

Calgary has become one of the country’s fastest-growing cities — and for good reason. Modern, interesting and fast-moving all at the same time, this city welcomes heaps of new families every year. And with luxury home builders in Calgary erecting some of the most interesting properties in western Canada, this is a city that continues to grow and innovate the architectural excellence of its residential homes.

As such, if you are thinking of settling down in Calgary, then you have the choice between many unique and beautiful neighbourhoods. Before making any decision, however, we do recommend bringing this subject up with your modern home builders in Calgary.

Modern Home Build in Calgary - Riverview Custom Homes

As we like to say, building a house is an investment that lasts a lifetime. Lot selection should never be underestimated. With that being said, you may be wondering to yourself…

What are the Best Places to Build a House in Calgary?

At Riverview Custom Homes, we have a myriad of skillful craftsman, expert contractors, and modern home builders in Calgary who have worked on some of the city’s most luxurious homes. For this reason, we have the experience and knowledge to share some of the best places on where to build your new home.

And you may be surprised by the answer…

Because the truth is that there is no real answer — it all depends on what you are looking for. As an example, a family might benefit from living in a family-friendly neighbourhood such as Cambrian Heights in Northwest Calgary. On the other hand, a young, childless couple might prefer living in Altadore, Southwest Calgary. This neighbourhood is in close proximity to downtown Calgary and offers residents a number of breathtaking panoramic views.

Determining the Right Calgary Neighborhood for You

Begin by familiarizing yourself with Calgary’s neighbourhoods. During this process, you should ask yourself many questions. Are you planning on having children? Do you prefer to live in a rural or urban area? Are you interested in living in an area filled with beautiful sceneries? The more questions you ask yourself, the more clarity you’ll gain, and the easier your decision will be.

If you are unfamiliar with Calgary, then your home builders might play an important role in your decision. Ensure to be in touch with them and to always be honest with what you want.

This simple process will help you to determine what matters most to you and your family in a neighbourhood. As a result, you’ll have a much easier time deciding on a home once you see that it meets all of your criteria.

Final Thoughts

When you’re new to a city, deciding a neighbourhood and picking a home can feel like a daunting task. The reason being is simple: you’re unfamiliar with the region. You have nothing to go off of other than pure speculation and the opinions of others. However, you’ll find that if you do your own research and prepare enough ahead of time – choosing the right neighbourhood will be much easier than you think.

At Riverview Custom Homes, we are first-rate luxury home builders who possess the creative architectural flare to turn visions into reality. For this reason, if you need expert assistance in bringing your dream home to life, be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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.