Complete home renovations in Calgary can be an incredibly exciting, worthwhile journey as you watch your house transform into your dream home. However, these projects can also be quite costly, and may require significant budgeting and saving.

But what if there was a way to make back some of your initial investment? Let’s explore whether home renovations are tax deductible in Canada.

Combining Home Renovations and Tax Deductions

HATC

When it comes to claiming expenses during tax season, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit is the most popular option that allows homeowners to see some return on their investment. The HATC enables individuals 65 years of age or older, or disabled people of any age, to claim up to $10,000, provided their renovations were designed to make their home safer and more accessible.

Since this is a non-refundable tax credit, you would be eligible to receive 15% of the renovation costs as a reduction on your taxes. Simply ensure that you meet all of the CRA’s requirements to confirm you are an individual (or care for an individual) who fits this category.

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

This option is a bit more picky when it comes to covering home renovations. While this rebate was designed to apply to those buying or building a new home, you can actually make it work for you, provided your home renovations are deemed substantial enough. The Canada Revenue Agency defines “substantial” as renovating at least 90% of your home.

Essentially, this rebate is available to homeowners who completely gut and redo their home. As a note, those hoping to flip a house and use this rebate may be out of luck; the home you are renovating must be considered your primary residence.

Provincial Tax Credits

A few provinces, such as New Brunswick and British Columbia, also offer their own tax credits. However, their guidelines and requirements tend to be similar to that of the HATC and focus on seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion

If you are looking to simply update your kitchen or redo your bedroom, you will likely not be eligible for tax deductions. However, if you intend to significantly alter the interior of your home and conduct a complete home renovation in Calgary, then you may see some money returned to you during tax season.

At Mastered Home Renovations, attention to detail is our specialty. Your home renovation is sure to meet all of your functional and stylistic needs. It is our mission to turn your dream home into a reality. Contact us for a quote to get started.

Home additions are one of the largest home renovation projects you can take on. However, the end result is more than worth it. Instead of moving, you get to tackle a custom home renovation in Calgary and end up with the extra space you needed in the home that you love.

When it comes to second story home additions, many homeowners opt for a modular addition. But what are the benefits of going this route? Let’s take a look!

3 Reasons Why To Get A Modular Second Story Addition

Installation Speed

The biggest advantage of choosing a modular second story addition is the rate at which you can have the renovation completed. With modules, the structure comes pre-assembled, meaning that the contractors aren’t starting from scratch when they arrive at your home. In fact, the module can be attached to your home within hours of removing the roof of your current home.

This means you can bypass months of living in a construction zone and allow your family to continue living as normal.

Customization

Don’t let modules deceive you; while they may be prefabricated, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a say in their design. Modules are built specifically for your home and its dimensions, so it only makes sense that you would have the opportunity to offer your input. This can ensure that the interior of your second story addition is just as cohesive with the rest of your home as the exterior will be.

Extra Space

This one may be obvious, but it couldn’t be more true. Homeowners fall in love with their property and the location; they establish a community and build connections. But as they get older and their family evolves, sometimes their home is no longer able to serve them the way that they need. But if space is the only thing that your home is lacking, why bother moving?

Instead, a module second story addition affords you the space you need, allowing you to stay in the home you love.

If you’re considering a modular second story addition, consider reaching out to professional contractors that specialize in custom renovations in Calgary. They will be able to assist you with the project and advise you on the best course of action.

As Canadians, we understand that nice weather is often limited. That’s why we often strive to take full advantage of the sun during those summer months, spending as much time outside as possible.

Therefore, it only makes sense that the patio should be as inviting as the rest of our home. But why settle for ordinary? Take your patio to the next level and build your own home renovation in Calgary with these renovation ideas.

4 Patio Renovation Ideas For 2021

Make The Patio An Extension Of Your Home

Make the transition from inside to out as seamless as possible! By installing rolling or sliding doors, you can instantly open up your kitchen or dining room to your backyard. You won’t even notice you’ve left one space and entered another once you’ve extended your inside flooring onto your patio, allowing for that fluid transition.

Mix Materials

Add some dimension and visual interest to your patio by playing with different materials. This can help to create distinctions between zones and establish designated areas. For example, you can set up a barbecue area on wooden planks, while perhaps the seating area is slightly lower on a tiled section.

Utilize Flowerbeds

If you’re hoping to create a more private, intimate patio, flowerbeds are actually a great way to do this. By placing raised flowerbeds around the patio, you can feel like you’re relaxing in the middle of a meadow, taking in all the splashes of colour.

If you’re hoping to make the space feel bigger, simply ensure the walls of the planters are in a light colour, such as white.

Add A Fire Pit

Create a focal piece for your patio by incorporating a fire pit. This is an incredibly trendy option right now, and for good reason. It creates a gathering space, as people come together to talk and warm themselves around the fire. Plus, you can decide the style and size of your fire pit, ensuring it works for your patio.

Custom renovations in Calgary don’t need to be restricted to inside your home. Create a patio you’re excited about!

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that it is worth investing in the quality of our homes. Given the amount of time we spend in them, why not make your home feel like your own sanctuary or palace?

As time progresses, the standard of luxury evolves with it. Let’s explore some of the features that make a house stand out from the rest.

4 Key Features of a Luxury Home

Commercial-grade Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so why not show it some love? Restaurant-quality appliances and a walk-in pantry allow you to cook in style, while also trusting that your kitchen is working to serve you in the best way possible.

beautiful kitchen in new luxury home with island, pendant lights, and hardwood floors

Want to add a little something extra? Wine fridges are increasingly becoming a common sight in showhomes, and for a good reason. They scream sophistication while also being practical.

Spa Bathroom

As we begin to place more value on self-care, the time we spend in the bathroom has increased. From bubble baths to steamy showers, it’s important to feel relaxed in this space.

Soaker tubs are a true bathroom showpiece at the moment. However, if you’re looking for something a little more subtle, consider installing in-floor heating or towel warming racks. As soon as you step out of your shower, your whole body will be wrapped in warmth, from your head to your toes.

Walk-in Closet

This is a must-have for any fashion lover. Walk-in closets can be designed with every piece of clothing in mind, allowing you to showcase each item you own. From shoe racks to drawers for jewelry and watches, there is no limit to what you can include to maximize the space’s usefulness. Adding mirrors and plenty of lighting allows you to model your outfits before heading out the door.

Theatre Room

Why leave the comfort of your home when everything you need is right here? Theatre rooms allow you to have the surround sound experience of a movie theatre at the push of a button.

If you’d like, take this a step further. From gaming rooms to even an indoor bowling alley, it’s all about creating a space that you can entertain yourself and any guests.

Ultimately, you determine what having a luxury home means to you; what others prioritize may fall lower on your list of must-haves. As long as you are excited to walk into your home every day, that’s all that matters!

When it comes to home improvement, some homeowners prefer to look to the future, hoping to get the most out of their renovations.

Those who take the time to consider how their improvements will impact the value of their home may just find themselves saving money in the long run.

Let’s look at a few examples of projects that will benefit you down the road.

Home Improvements That Will Add Value To Your Home

Landscaping

Naturally, the first impression you have of any house is from the outside. Adding to your curb appeal will make neighbours and future buyers do a double-take.

Elements like new turf or trees can create a more lush and green space, which can be an especially attractive feature in a city.

Outdoor structures can also add to the value of your home. Fences add a significant amount of privacy to your home while also allowing young kids and dogs to run around unsupervised. Decks, as well, are a solid investment. These can be a pricer build, but it creates a more livable space outside.

Basement

This renovation is not a small or inexpensive undertaking, but it adds incredible value to your home. Turning your unfinished basement into a fully-functional space allows future buyers to appreciate the extra square footage.

Windows

Replacing your windows may not be the most exciting home improvement project visually, but you will reap the benefits of it immediately.

Older windows may no longer be properly insulated, resulting in drafts blowing through your home. By putting in new windows, you’ll instantly notice a change in your heating and cooling bills. Additionally, when it comes time to sell, buyers won’t bargain for money off the asking price with the intent of buying new windows.

Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are another big undertaking, but to many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Homebuyers will often look at the quality and condition of the kitchen when setting their expectations for the rest of the house.

That said, you also want to consider your own needs and wants when renovating your kitchen. If you’re going to put the time and money in, why not make it work better for you? If you find you’re too short on counter space or there’s not enough room for storage, then change it! Finding value in how you interact with your home is important too.

There are several ways that home improvement can add value to your home. However, take the time to consider your finances and what would serve you best. Unless you’re moving in the near future, these improvements should bring value to your lives first.

Summer in Canada is often affectionately referred to as construction season. With only a few short months of nice weather, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to want to tackle home improvement projects during this time.

However, is there a better time of the year to take on these tasks?

Let’s take a look at which seasons best suit the various home improvement projects.

Home improvements Throughout the Year

Winter

Winter isn’t known for being a bustling time for home improvement. However, homeowners may want to use this to their advantage.

Contractors still need to work during the winter months, so they may be more willing to give you a deal in order to lock down your business. Naturally, you’d be sticking to indoor projects during this time, but you could always reach out and start drawing up plans for future construction as well.

Additionally, if you’re looking to renovate your kitchen or laundry room, this may be the perfect time to begin your appliance shopping. Stores will often give discounts on last-season models as they try to make room for next year’s products.

Spring

Provided Canadian springs cooperate, this is a great time to start on outdoor improvements. Deckbuilding is especially popular during this time, as it will be finished when summer rolls around, and you’ll actually get the chance to enjoy your new build.

Summer

Home renovations during the summer are typically in preparation for future months. Projects like reshingling, installing new windows, and redoing attic insulation are perfect for this time, as they prepare your home for colder months.

Starting in the summer, as opposed to the fall, can be important for these types of projects as well, as it allows for buffer room. Construction projects can run late, and no one wants boarded-up windows when cold weather rolls around.

Fall

It’s time to return to indoor projects. As mentioned above, timelines can run long, and you don’t want to leave an outdoor task unfinished if the snow comes earlier than you’d like (and let’s face it, it’s Canada, so it could).

That said, September and October aren’t complete write-offs. If you’re doing a larger demo, it’ll still be easy enough to take old structures out of the home and bring new materials inside. Meanwhile, everything will still be protected during the chillier nights.

Ultimately, there isn’t a right or wrong time of the year for home improvement. Rather, determine your timeline and what projects you hope to accomplish, and see how the time of year can improve your experience.

When you compare your average bathroom to luxury bathrooms, the difference is clear. There’s a huge departure when it comes to quality, furniture, and approach in design. If you’re trying to transform your regular bathroom into a luxury bathroom, here are some great ideas you should consider for 2021.

Five Luxury Items for Your Bathroom Renovations

1. Quartz countertops

Yes, countertops can be quite expensive. But when it comes to luxury bathroom renovations in Calgary, you should definitely consider quartz. It’s a great material because it’s non-porous, easy-to-clean, durable, and provides a sleek look. Remember, quality is just as important as the look you’re creating.

2. Back-lit mirrors and cabinets

This is a very affordable yet luxury idea you can use for bathroom renovations in Calgary. Adding back-lit mirrors and cabinets can help create more visibility while adding to the look of your bathroom. It will also serve as a night-light when you go to the bathroom at night.

3. Luxury sized tubs

One thing you notice in all luxury bathrooms is a big and trendy tub. A big tub allows you to stretch out your whole body and enjoy a luxurious bubble bath. The flat-bottom tubs tend to create a more luxurious feel than the clawfoot tubs that look antiquated. Tubs these days also come with advanced technology that allows you to various options from preset temperature settings, water levels, and more.

Tiler installing tiles on the bathroom floor

4. Heated flooring

One of the worst feelings is having to walk into cold bathroom floors during the fall and winter. Heated flooring helps you eliminate this issue and keeps your floors warm for maximum comfort. The great thing about this luxury option is that it’s not as expensive as you think it’ll be. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot depending on the different options.

5. Unique ceramic and porcelain tile designs

The tiles in your bathroom often define the look of your bathroom. The worst thing you can do is to go with your standard white tiles. Instead, there are many different tile designs you can go with. This includes floral designs, Spanish designs, designs that mimic the look of wood, artsy designs, and more.

So you’ve decided to renovate your Calgary home. There are many things you have to figure out for your upcoming renovation project. One thing you may be concerned about is the total cost of home renovations. Here is an outline of estimated costs for various projects.

Breaking Down the Cost of Each Home Renovation in Calgary

Kitchen Renovations in Calgary

First, let’s start with the kitchen. The kitchen is a common area that homeowners often look to renovate. You can expect to spend anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 for an involved kitchen renovation project.

This is because things like the countertop, flooring, and cabinetry tend to be quite costly. You will also have to spend money on labor costs. You can, however, save money on kitchen renovations if you opt for complete home renovations in Calgary with a contractor.

Basement Development in Calgary

Next is the basement. Renovation costs for basements cost anywhere from $45 to $75 per square foot. There is a large range in pricing due to the material you’re going to use for flooring, the need to set up new walls, and the installation of new furniture/areas such as bathrooms and storage spaces. You can look at an estimate of $10,000 for your basement.

Bathroom Renovations in Calgary

Another common area to renovate is the bathroom. Due to fixtures, tiles, flooring, and plumbing, bathrooms can end up costing you more than you think. But you can expect to spend around $15,000 on average for a hefty renovation project.

Other Home Renovations

Other areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and spare rooms are more flexible. They can end up costing a few thousand dollars to a few hundred dollars depending on how much you want to change. These areas are more DIY friendly, so you can save a lot of money on the renovation costs.

If you tally everything up, you can expect to spend around $50,000 for complete home renovations in Calgary. This includes the cost of one master bathroom, a full kitchen, and a medium to large basement.

The best way to save money on your renovations is to build a list of everything you want to do and calculate the costs. From there, you want to define your budget and focus on renovating the absolute essentials. This will help you eliminate renovations that are unnecessary and help you see the change in your home that’s going to have the most impact.

Looking to refresh your living room for 2021? Your living room is the first space that you and your guests encounter upon entering your home. You want to make sure that it makes a strong impression while offering the functionality and comfort you’d expect. Here are some great ideas you can use to transform your living space.

Four Unique Home Renovation Ideas For Your Living Room

1. Go with a Minimalist Angle

Many sources will recommend that you add more furniture and accessories for home renovations in Calgary. But when it comes to your living room, less is often more. You should eliminate the things that you don’t need and create a more open space.

Clear out furniture that is not used. Do away with the excessive use of pillows and throws. Rearrange the furniture in a more simplistic manner so that there’s more open space. The result is a minimalist look that offers peace, simplicity, and comfort.

2. Opt for Space Saving or Discreet Furniture

If you like to keep some of your belongings in your living room, then you can still create more space with the right furniture. There are space-saving furniture that can maximize your space if you have a small living room. You can also go with discreet furniture that can store your belongings and blend in with the living room space.

3. Figure Out a Way to Bring in Natural Light

Your living room is going to be a space where your family and friends go to hang out and relax. That’s why you want to really bring in a natural and comfortable feeling by figuring out a way to bring in natural light. This may mean building several windows near your front door whether it’s above or next to your entrance door.

4. Choose the Right Color Palette

For home renovations in Calgary, you can’t go wrong with changing the color palette. Going with a good color palette will dramatically change any room. Two to three colors that work well together can help set the right tone for your home. The best part is that it’s one of the cheapest ways to renovate your home.

These are just some simple home renovation ideas for your living room. It doesn’t take much to change the look and feel of your living room. The less is more approach is a good idea to adhere to no matter what decisions you make.

To get the most out of your home, think about a basement development in Calgary. A basement remodel allows you to maximize your living space and optimize the value of your home. Before you get started, here is what you need to know for your budget.

The Size of the Basement Changes the Cost

In general, size is going to be the biggest factor to think about in terms of cost. If you are developing a bigger area, then you need to budget for a bigger project. You can consider breaking up your basement into separate rooms. In this way, you can develop the space in phases to spread out the cost. However, a larger project yields more usable living space.

The Quality of the Finishes Impacts Your Bottom Line

We have all been in basements that have been done on a slipshod budget. These makeshift remodels get the space developed without any frills. This can be a cheap way to get the job done, but it is not necessarily the best way. You should make sure to properly insulate the area. Take time to finish the walls and ceiling. These finishes cost more, but they make your basement far more attractive and usable over time.

The Fixtures In Place Will Affect Your Price

You can also change your cost by thinking about the fixtures you need to add. For example, if you want to add a bathroom or kitchen, then you have to account for plumbing. You may have to add electrical fixtures as well. Some basements already have these utilities lined up, which can minimize expenses. If you have to start from scratch, you can expect to pay more for basement development in Calgary.

Contact an Calgary Home Renovations Expert

If this process is too much for you, remember that you can reach out and speak to an expert Calgary home renovation contractor. They can help guide you through this process, and ensure that you get the basement development you want.