Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just bought a new place that needs an overhaul, the idea of a complete renovations in Calgary can be both exciting and daunting. In a city like Calgary, with its unique blend of classic homes and modern family lifestyles, a full home renovation is often the ideal solution for homeowners who love their neighbourhood but want a modernized, more functional space.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about complete home renovations in Calgary, from understanding the scope to navigating the process, and making sure you choose the right partner for your project.
Portfolio Gallery for Renovation by Falcon Contracting Inc.
Understanding Complete Home Renovations
So, what exactly is a “complete home renovation”? Unlike a simple cosmetic update or a single-room refresh, a complete home renovation in Calgary involves updating multiple areas of a house, and often includes major structural or system upgrades.
Click here for “step-by-step renovation process & punch-list“
Definition & Scope
A full renovation, also known as a whole house remodel Calgary, is a comprehensive project that typically transforms the entire interior of your home. It can include:
- Redesigning the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Changing the floor plan by removing or adding walls.
- Developing a basement or building a house addition.
- Upgrading major systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
- Replacing flooring, windows, and insulation.
The goal is to create a unified, cohesive living space that perfectly suits your family’s needs and modern lifestyle.
Why a Full Reno vs. Piecemeal Updates?
You might be wondering if it’s better to tackle one room at a time. While a piecemeal approach can seem less disruptive, a full home renovation offers significant advantages:
- A Unified Vision: You can achieve a consistent design aesthetic from room to room, creating a seamless flow throughout the entire house. This is often difficult to do one room at a time.
- Cost & Time Efficiency: A single, comprehensive project can be more cost-effective. Contractors and tradespeople are on-site for a longer period, which can save money on repeat mobilization costs and streamline the schedule.
- Upgraded Systems: A full remodel allows you to address core systems like wiring, insulation, and plumbing. Doing this all at once prevents you from having to tear down a newly painted wall to fix an old pipe a few years later.
- Minimal Disruption: Although a full renovation is a big project, it’s one single period of disruption rather than a series of smaller ones spread out over years. You can often move out temporarily and return to a completely new home.
Benefits of a Whole-Home Makeover
Beyond the immediate satisfaction of a new look, a whole house remodel offers tangible benefits that can improve your life and your home’s value.
1. Cohesive Design & Lifestyle
A complete renovation lets you rethink how you live in your space. Want an open-concept kitchen and living room for family gatherings? How about a spacious ensuite that feels like a spa? A full remodel can align your home’s layout with your lifestyle, making daily living more comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Modern Systems & Safety
Many older homes in Calgary are beautiful but have outdated systems. A full renovation is the perfect opportunity to replace old wiring, install energy-efficient windows, or upgrade your HVAC system. This not only improves your comfort but can also reduce your utility bills and enhance your home’s safety and sustainability.
3. Increased Home Value
Calgary’s real estate market values turnkey properties—homes that are fully updated and ready to move into. A well-executed full home renovation can significantly increase your property’s resale value, often yielding a strong return on investment (ROI). A home that looks and feels new is a major selling point.
Planning Your Renovation
The key to a successful renovation lies in meticulous planning. Taking the time to get the details right upfront will save you time, money, and stress down the road.
1. Defining Goals & Vision
Start by creating a clear vision for your renovated home. What do you want to achieve? Is it more living space for a growing family, a modern update for better functionality, or a complete design refresh? Gather inspiration from design blogs, magazines, and social media to create a mood board that you can share with your Calgary home remodeling contractor.
2. Budgeting & Financing
One of the biggest questions is, “How much does it cost?” While costs vary widely, a common estimate for a complete home renovation in Calgary is around $150 per square foot on average. This can fluctuate based on the quality of materials and the scope of work. For a 1,500 sq ft home, that could be an estimated $225,000. It’s crucial to set a realistic budget and include a 10–20% contingency fund for unexpected issues that might arise during the project.
Most homeowners finance a major renovation through savings, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), or a home improvement loan.
3. Design & Material Selection
Once you have a budget, you can start making design choices. This is where your vision comes to life. Work with your contractor to select high-quality materials that match your style and budget, from custom cabinetry and countertops to flooring and light fixtures. This is your chance to pick every detail, so take your time and choose wisely.
The Renovation Process (Step-by-Step)
While every project is unique, most Calgary full home renovations follow a similar sequence of steps to ensure a smooth, efficient process.
Step 1: Consultation & Vision Session
The process begins with an initial meeting. You’ll meet with your contractor and designer to discuss your lifestyle, goals, and design ideas. This is the time to ask questions and make sure the contractor is the right fit for your project.
Step 2: Permits & Pre-Construction
This is a critical, often-overlooked step. Any major structural changes, like moving a wall or adding a new room, require a building permit from the City of Calgary. A reputable contractor will handle this process for you, ensuring all necessary approvals are in place before any work begins. This phase also includes finalizing all architectural plans and ordering materials.
Step 3: Demolition & Structural Work
Once permits are secured, the physical work begins. The old elements of your home are removed, and the space is prepared for its new layout. This is followed by major structural tasks like framing new walls, installing support beams, and making rough-ins for new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Step 4: Build-Out & Finishes
This is where your new home starts to take shape. New systems are installed, followed by drywall, flooring, paint, and all your beautiful finishes, including custom cabinets, countertops, lighting, and fixtures. This is a meticulous phase that brings your design vision to life.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough & Warranty
Finally, your contractor will conduct a final walkthrough with you. You’ll check every detail and address any “punch list” items—small tasks that need to be finished. At the end, you will receive care instructions for your new finishes and details about your project warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Popular Renovation Projects in Calgary
While a complete renovation can include anything you dream of, a few projects are consistently popular among Calgary homeowners.
Open-Concept Kitchen & Living Areas
This is one of the most requested Calgary kitchen renovation projects. Knocking down a wall to merge a kitchen and living room creates a spacious, modern layout that’s perfect for entertaining and family life.
Bathroom & Ensuite Upgrades
Many homeowners seek to transform their bathrooms into luxurious, spa-like retreats. This can involve heated floors, walk-in showers with rain heads, new vanities, and modern fixtures.
Basement Development
Finishing a basement is a fantastic way to expand your home’s usable square footage without the cost of a full addition. It can create extra bedrooms, a home office, a gym, or even a rental suite for extra income.
Click here to see Falcon Contracting Inc.’s basement development portfolio in Calgary.
Home Additions & Exterior Upgrades
For families who need more space, a home addition is a great solution. You can add a new sunroom, an extra bedroom, or even expand an existing family room. Updating your exterior with new siding, windows, and doors also improves curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Cost and Timeline Considerations
Understanding the potential costs and timeline is essential for a smooth renovation experience.
Cost Estimates
As mentioned, costs can vary significantly, but a good rule of thumb is to budget around $150 per square foot for a mid-range full home renovation. Remember that kitchens and bathrooms are generally more expensive per square foot but often yield the highest ROI. Factors like the age of your home, the quality of materials, and the complexity of the design all impact the final price.
Project Duration
A full home renovation in Calgary is a significant undertaking. While a small main-floor renovation might take a few months, a complete house remodel often takes 9 to 12 months from the initial consultation to final completion. Your contractor’s communication and proper scheduling are vital to minimizing delays.
Choosing the Right Contractor
A great contractor is the most important ingredient for a successful renovation. Here’s what to look for:
- Licensed & Bonded: Ensure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded in Alberta. This protects you in case of accidents or issues.
- Local Experience: Choose a contractor with specific experience in Calgary home renovations. They’ll understand local building codes, permit processes, and design trends.
- Transparent Process: Look for a company that offers a clear process, a fixed budget, and a detailed timeline. They should be transparent about costs and schedules from day one.
- Excellent Reviews: Ask for references and check online reviews. A good reputation is a strong indicator of quality work and customer service.
Interview Questions
When you meet with a potential contractor, ask them about past whole-home projects, their project management process, and their warranty policies. A key question is, “Do you handle all the permitting and city approvals?” A professional Calgary home remodeling contractor will manage this for you.
Complete Home Renovations in Calgary with Falcon Contracting Inc.
Ready to transform your Calgary home into the modern, functional space you’ve always wanted?
Get in touch with Falcon Contracting Inc. today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your dream home. Request a renovation quote and let us help you plan your complete home makeover.
FAQs about Complete Home Renovations in Calgary
A complete home renovation is a multi-room project that involves major updates to areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement, and may include structural changes and system upgrades.
Costs vary widely, but builders estimate about $150 per square foot on average. A 1,500 sq ft renovation might be around $225,000, but the specific cost depends on the scope of work and your choice of finishes.
A full main-floor or whole-house renovation typically takes 9–12 months from initial planning and design to final completion. Proper scheduling and clear communication can help minimize delays.
A whole-house remodel often includes new flooring, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, and upgraded systems. It covers demolition, framing, new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, as well as finishes like drywall, paint, custom cabinets, and flooring.
Yes. Structural changes (like moving walls or adding space) and new plumbing or electrical work always require a permit from the City of Calgary. A professional contractor will handle this process for you.
Many homeowners use savings, home equity (HELOCs), or home improvement loans. It’s essential to budget realistically and set aside a 10–20% contingency fund for unexpected costs.