Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Calgary homeowners.
How much do contractors charge for single window replacement in Calgary?
Single window replacement in Calgary typically costs $400-$1,200 per window installed, depending on the window type, siz...
We gutted our bathroom down to studs — how long until we can use it again with permits and inspections in calgary?
With permits and inspections, expect your gutted bathroom to be out of commission for 3-4 weeks minimum, though 5-6 week...
Does ENMAX charge extra to add a separate meter for a basement suite or can you just split the bill?
ENMAX does charge for installing a separate meter for a basement suite, but many homeowners find it worthwhile for the l...
My new build basement in auburn bay has minor concrete cracks after one winter is that normal?
Minor concrete cracks in a new basement after one winter are very common in Calgary, especially in Auburn Bay where expa...
What is the average cost of full bathroom renovation small in Calgary in 2026?
A small bathroom renovation in Calgary typically ranges from $15,000-$35,000 for a complete gut renovation, with most ho...
What is the average cost of powder room addition in Calgary in 2026?
Adding a powder room (half bath) in Calgary typically costs $8,000-$18,000, with most homeowners spending around $12,000...
What is the average cost of garage build double detached in Calgary in 2026?
A double detached garage in Calgary typically costs between $35,000-$65,000 in 2024-2025, with most homeowners paying ar...
We're converting our old soaker tub into a double vanity setup — took 3 days and the extra counter space is a game changer?
Converting a soaker tub to a double vanity is one of the smartest bathroom renovations you can make — you've gained valu...
What's the permit process and cost to dig out a crawlspace basement in an old crescent heights bungalow?
Converting a crawlspace to a full basement in a Crescent Heights bungalow is a major structural project requiring multip...
Can you put heated floors under tile in a main floor bathroom or is the concrete slab too thick?
Yes, you can absolutely install heated floors under tile in a main floor bathroom, even over a concrete slab. In fact, c...
Should i install a sump pump in my developed basement even though bowness never flooded in 2013?
Installing a sump pump in your Bowness basement is still worth considering, even though your area avoided the 2013 flood...
My furnace keeps shutting off when it hits minus 25 degrees Celsius outside. What should I check first?
Your furnace is likely shutting down due to a blocked air intake or exhaust vent, which is extremely common during Calga...
Does anyone recommend a good kitchen designer in Edgemont who actually understands older open-concept layouts?
Finding a kitchen designer who truly understands the unique challenges of 1970s-1980s open-concept homes in Edgemont req...
What does a kitchen look like before and after adding a load-bearing beam to open up the wall to the dining room in Canmore?
Opening up a kitchen wall to the dining room with a load-bearing beam creates a dramatic transformation from a closed, c...
What is the cost to build an 850 square foot laneway home behind my house in Marda Loop with separate utilities?
Building an 850 square foot laneway home in Marda Loop will typically cost between $170,000-$340,000, with most projects...
Is it worth $60k to add 18 inches of ceiling height when underpinning the foundation of a 1912 bungalow in Inglewood?
Adding 18 inches of ceiling height through underpinning a 1912 Inglewood bungalow is rarely worth $60,000 unless you're...
Should I finish a basement bathroom myself or hire out the plumbing and do the drywall myself?
For a basement bathroom, you should definitely hire a licensed plumber for all plumbing work and can tackle the drywall...
Is a vapor barrier required on basement ceiling joists under the Alberta building code, or just on the walls?
Under the Alberta Building Code, vapor barriers are required on basement walls but NOT typically required on basement ce...
How do I install a well and septic system on raw land in Rocky View County? What is the permits process?
Installing a well and septic system on raw land in Rocky View County requires multiple permits, professional contractors...
My contractor says we need a structural engineer for a load-bearing wall removal in our 1912 heritage home in Mission. Is that normal?
Yes, absolutely normal and required. Removing any load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer's assessment and stam...
Is quartz or granite better for kitchen countertops in Calgary where we get extreme temperature swings from chinooks?
Quartz is generally the better choice for Calgary kitchens due to its superior resistance to thermal shock from our extr...
Can I install my own basement bathroom rough-in plumbing, or does a licensed plumber need to do that part in Alberta?
In Alberta, you cannot legally install basement bathroom rough-in plumbing yourself — this work must be performed by a l...
What type of vapor barrier do I need for a basement renovation in Calgary clay soil with moisture?
For a basement renovation in Calgary's challenging clay soil conditions, you'll need a comprehensive moisture management...
What's the timeline for a full furnace replacement in Calgary? Is it same-day, or do they need to order parts?
Most furnace replacements in Calgary can be completed in one day if it's a straightforward swap of a standard high-effic...
My garage conversion got flagged by city inspector in Parkdale. What are common code violations?
Garage conversions in Calgary frequently get flagged for fire separation, ceiling height, egress, and electrical issues....
How long does a development permit appeal take in Calgary if my neighbor objects to my laneway home in Kensington?
Development permit appeals in Calgary typically take 4-6 months from filing to final decision, though complex cases invo...
Is it worth adding a secondary kitchen in the basement for a legal suite in Marda Loop, or does that trigger full suite permitting?
Adding a secondary kitchen in your Marda Loop basement will absolutely trigger full secondary suite permitting requireme...
What's the timeline for a full kitchen renovation in Calgary if we order custom cabinets - 8 weeks or more like 12?
Custom cabinet orders will push your timeline to 12-16 weeks minimum for a full kitchen renovation in Calgary, not 8 wee...
Can I install a garden door myself in my walkout basement in Airdrie, or does it need an engineer's stamp?
Installing a garden door in your walkout basement typically requires a building permit and structural assessment, but yo...
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, pro...
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...
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 equipm...
Is it worth underpinning a basement in Kensington or just accept the 6-foot ceilings?
Underpinning in Kensington can be worth it if you're planning a major renovation and have the budget ($40,000-$80,000+),...
Is my home insurance going to drop me if I don't replace knob and tube wiring in Bankview within a year?
Many Alberta home insurance companies will indeed cancel or refuse to renew policies with active knob and tube wiring, o...
How long does vinyl siding last in Calgary with chinooks and hail? The contractor said 25 years, but that seems optimistic?
Your contractor is being optimistic – in Calgary's extreme climate, vinyl siding typically lasts 15-20 years, not 25. Th...
What is the timeline for obtaining a development permit and building permit to build a detached garage with a suite above in Auburn Bay?
For a detached garage with suite in Auburn Bay, you'll need both a development permit (6-12 weeks) and building permit (...
Do Calgary building inspectors check insulation levels during basement development final inspections, or do they just check the framing and electrical?
Calgary building inspectors absolutely check insulation levels during basement development inspections, not just framing...
What's the real cost to build a 750 sq ft legal basement suite in Seton with separate entrance and parking pad?
A legal 750 sq ft basement suite in Seton will typically cost $65,000-$120,000 all-in, including the separate entrance,...
Should we replace our 20-year-old furnace now or wait until it dies? Efficiency savings versus upfront cost?
A 20-year-old furnace in Calgary is approaching the end of its typical lifespan, and replacing it proactively rather tha...
What are the permit requirements for adding a separate entrance to a basement suite in Tuxedo Park or Beddington?
Adding a separate entrance to a basement suite in Tuxedo Park or Beddington requires both a development permit and build...
What are the HVAC sizing rules for adding a basement suite furnace under the Alberta Building Code?
Adding a basement suite furnace in Alberta requires careful sizing calculations and must comply with specific Alberta Bu...
Adding a walkout basement to a bungalow on a flat lot in Lake Bonavista - how much does grading and retaining wall cost?
Adding a walkout basement to an existing bungalow on a flat lot is a major excavation project that typically costs $80,0...
Is quartz or granite better for a kitchen renovation in Calgary's humid summers and dry winters?
For Calgary's extreme climate swings, quartz is generally the better choice due to its non-porous surface and superior d...
Does anyone know a good contractor for infill basement underpinning in Inglewood that understands clay soil?
Yes, basement underpinning in Inglewood requires specialized expertise with Calgary's expansive clay soils, and you'll w...
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 high...
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 ne...
What's the timeline to get City of Calgary approval for a garage suite conversion in Marda Loop?
Converting an existing garage to a backyard suite in Marda Loop typically takes 8-12 weeks for City of Calgary approvals...
What flooring is best for aging in place, non-slip, but still looks good, not hospital tile?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with textured surfaces is your best bet for aging-in-place flooring that's both safe and stylis...
Can I DIY a basement bathroom rough-in, or does the safety codes council require a licensed plumber for all of it?
In Alberta, you cannot legally DIY the plumbing rough-in for a basement bathroom. All plumbing rough-in work must be per...
Our roof got hit by that June hailstorm — what's the insurance claim process like in Calgary, and do we need a contractor estimate first?
Start by calling your insurance company immediately to report the claim, even if you haven't had a contractor assessment...
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