General Construction
General questions about construction, home improvement, and renovations
Can I heat my garage with an in-floor radiant system tied into my home's boiler system?
Yes, you can absolutely heat your garage with in-floor radiant heating tied into your home's existing boiler system, provided your boiler has sufficie...
What is the lifespan of those old clay sewer lines in inner city neighborhoods like Mission or Cliff Bungalow?
Clay sewer lines in Calgary's inner-city neighborhoods like Mission and Cliff Bungalow typically last 50-100 years, but most are now at or beyond thei...
Can you paint fiber cement siding yourself, or do you need special equipment for proper adhesion?
You can absolutely paint fiber cement siding yourself with the right preparation and materials — no special spray equipment is required, though proper...
We replaced all our windows and added R-50 insulation - our energy bills dropped by about 35% the first winter?
That's an excellent result - a 35% reduction in energy bills after window replacement and R-50 insulation is on the higher end of what we typically se...
How deep does a deck footing need to go in Calgary to avoid frost heave? My neighbor said 4 feet is overkill?
Deck footings in Calgary must extend at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) below grade to reach below the frost line, and your neighbor is incorrect — this dep...
Can I pour a concrete driveway in September in Calgary, or is it too late in the season for proper curing?
September is actually an excellent time to pour a concrete driveway in Calgary — you're well within the ideal window for concrete work, and the cooler...
Should I insist on 6x6 posts instead of 4x4 posts for a 16x20 deck in Hidden Valley for better wind resistance?
For a 16x20 deck in Calgary, 6x6 posts will provide significantly better wind resistance than 4x4 posts, especially given our extreme chinook winds an...
What's involved in running electrical to a detached workshop on acreage 150 feet from the main house?
Running electrical to a detached workshop 150 feet from your house requires careful planning for trenching, proper wire sizing, and multiple permits a...
Comparing stamped concrete vs pavers for a patio in elbow park — which holds up better to chinook freeze-thaw cycles?
For Calgary's extreme chinook freeze-thaw cycles, pavers significantly outperform stamped concrete. Pavers can move independently with ground movement...
How wide do doorways need to be for wheelchair access in a main floor renovation?
Doorways for wheelchair accessibility must be a minimum of 32 inches clear width when the door is open 90 degrees, though 36 inches is the preferred s...
Can I convert my single-car garage to living space in Pump Hill without adding parking? What does the city require?
Converting your garage to living space in Pump Hill is possible, but Calgary requires you to maintain the same number of parking spaces on your proper...
Can I pour concrete for a garage pad in Calgary in November, or is it too risky with chinooks?
Pouring concrete in Calgary in November is extremely risky and generally not recommended. While chinooks can bring temporary warm spells, the unpredic...
Comparing Trex vs. pressure-treated pine for a deck in Nolan Hill - does the Chinook wind justify composite for longevity?
Yes, Chinook winds and Calgary's extreme temperature swings absolutely justify composite decking like Trex over pressure-treated pine for longevity in...
What's the latest I can pour footings in Airdrie before ground freeze makes it risky?
In Airdrie, you'll want to complete footing pours by mid-to-late October at the latest, with early October being much safer. Once nighttime temperatur...
Can I replace my own furnace filter and clean the flame sensor, or does that void the warranty?
Replacing your furnace filter is absolutely a homeowner task and won't void your warranty, but cleaning the flame sensor should be left to a licensed...
Insulating a detached garage for a year-round workshop in Cochrane - should I use spray foam or batt insulation for -30 degree Celsius winters?
For a year-round workshop in Cochrane facing -30°C winters, spray foam insulation will provide superior performance over batt insulation, though both...
Frost heave lifted one corner of my deck in Evanston. Can I jack it up and add more piles, or do I need to rebuild?
Frost heave damage to your deck corner can often be repaired by adding properly installed frost-protected piles, but the extent of structural damage w...
How much can you save on heating bills if you upgrade from R-30 to R-60 attic insulation in a Calgary winter?
Upgrading from R-30 to R-60 attic insulation in Calgary can save you 15-25% on your heating bills, which typically translates to $300-$800 annually fo...