Business in Calgary

Renos as a Solid Investment • Construction/Renovation
RENOS
AS A SOLID
INVESTMENT
From dazzling kitchens and hardwood
to energy-efficient plumbing and
lighting, renos have a solid ROI
BY JOHN HARDY
Renos are a national trend. In Calgary, design,
architectural and construction renos are hotter
than hot.
From the cosmetic, ‘beauty stuff’ like ripping out worn
carpets and installing dazzling hardwood floors, quartz
counters and sinks, oversized and fancy stand-alone tubs,
steam showers and other touches to transform a basic
bathroom into a luxurious ensuite spa; gutting a tired,
old kitchen and installing stunning cabinets, stainless
steel appliances and a large granite countertop island;
to knocking out walls to make small rooms bigger and
transforming a cramped, 40-year-old living room, dining
room and kitchen layout into one open family room area.
The recent Scotiabank Home Renovation Poll underscores
that 2014 promises to be a good year for the
remodelling and home improvement industries.
The surveys says: the most common reasons for renos
are (45 per cent) adding comfort and enjoyment to a home,
(22 per cent) increasing value and (19 per cent) due to necessary
repairs.
In some Calgary areas, last year’s flood resulted in some
renos that are still ongoing.
Other recent real estate and reno tracking suggests
other reasons why people are opting for major home
makeovers versus moving, such as sustainability factors
66 • March 2014 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com