Business in Calgary

Renos as a Solid Investment • Construction/Renovation
Most architectural, construction and interior design experts share a
resounding consensus about the definite and undisputable ‘green factor’
impacting many contemporary reno projects.
MacDonald and other Calgary-based
interior design professionals agree
about other contemporary decor trends.
Consumer choices and demand indicates
that closet renos are hot. Whether a
reno or buying a house, people want more
spacious closets. For walls, taupes and
greys are still vogue but lighter shades
than a few years ago. The raised panel
cabinet doors of stunning kitchens are
giving way to simple but luxurious slab
cabinet doors with modern hardware.
The granite countertop rage may be
cooling off a bit because granite has
become so common and it’s no longer
special. There may be a shift to the new
caesarstone, occasionally (pricey and
fragile) quartz and even some new arborites.
“Age groups are definitely a factor when it comes to
interior design and decor,” MacDonald explains. “Especially
when it comes to furniture, lighting and accessories.
Younger clients tend to be more trend-conscious but they
are also from a more disposable society. They don’t care if it
will be out of style in five years. They will just go out and
get a new one.”
Most architectural, construction and interior design
experts share a resounding consensus about the definite and
undisputable ‘green factor’ impacting many contemporary
reno projects.
The Scotiabank poll finds that 65 per cent of reno clients
are likely to consider green renos and 70 per cent are likely
to consider them even if they are more costly than nongreen
renos.
Surveying Alberta homeowners also charts that 55 per
cent are convinced that green reno choices will lower the
operating costs of their home in the long run, 53 per cent
agree that it will increase the value of their home and 82 per
cent are likely to go green with major reno details such as
solar heating and insulation and would also choose green
products – like ultra-low flush toilets and LED lighting – for
smaller reno jobs.
Scotiabank’s Stafford underscores the popularity of green
reno choices. “If you’re doing a reno anyway, consider various
aspects behind the walls – energy-saving options like
lighting, heating and ventilation systems.
“Replacing windows used to be the biggest energy saver.
Today it’s ventilation, insulation, lighting, heating and water.”
He also makes a case for proven and legit renovation ROI.
“People are paying more attention to what’s behind the
Interior designer and Calgary real estate professional
Rod Macdonald at RDM Interiors
walls. There’s a long-term payback, not
only for resale value but in energy cost
savings and lowering the operating
costs of their home.”
Calgary’s Lynn Donaldson agrees.
“Green has become a bit of an overused
buzzword. We prefer energy efficiency
or sustainability. When the reno is
being done anyway, it only makes sense
to include options like R-factors and
upgraded insulation, water conservation
with low-volume toilets, energy-efficient
light fixtures and appliances.
“It’s not necessarily more expensive.
Besides, the payback is guaranteed!”
From major additions, creating a
spacious, open grand room to luxuriously
decadent spa ensuites, the
balance of the year will have many Calgary renos on the go.
For various reasons, mostly the terrifically Internet-informed
and savvy homeowner and consumer, it’s no longer about
matching throw cushions and paint colours.
Today’s informed-consumer research reinforces the point
that a contemporary house is more than just four walls and
a roof. It’s a complex system of different components that
interact and impact overall home performance, the longevity
of materials (from roof shingles and windows to flooring
and faucets), energy costs and the health, safety and enjoyment
of the people living in it.
The building industry has long recognized the importance
of “the house as a system” domino concept – that
changes to one part of the system will affect other systems
and eventually the entire house.
That temperature distribution, ventilation, humidity and
moisture levels (mould and mildew), rate of deterioration of
building materials, the building envelope air-tightness, the
efficiency of heating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment,
structural integrity, drainage patterns and more, matters.
Calgary reno and construction professionals work with an
integrated, house-as-a-system (HAAS) approach, so renovations
in one area won’t create problems somewhere else.
New high-efficiency windows won’t prevent condensation
problems if your furnace airflow is inadequate, the humidifier
is adjusted incorrectly or your kitchen’s range vent was
not installed correctly. Proper drainage and run-off has been
altered by renos like additions and decks and is not keeping
outside moisture away from the house. Just two random
examples of the intricate HAAS logic.
When it comes to Calgary renos 2014... it’s the new normal. BiC
72 • March 2014 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com