Archive for September, 2010

Pinnacle Group Renovations Shares in Safe Haven Foundation’s Passion for Saving Calgary’s At Risk Youth One Life at a Time.

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Since 1999, Pinnacle Group Renovations has proudly supported Calgary’s Safe Haven  

As dedicated parents to four of their own children, Paul Klassen, GM of Pinnacle Group Renovations, and his wife Elaine believed in the mission and vision of this incredible non-profit organization committed to assisting Calgary’s vulnerable and at risk children and youth. Driving Pinnacle Group Renovations business philosophy is Paul’s belief in creating homes for life – making the home a family’s favourite place to be. However, for many children, home is far from a haven – a warm and wonderful sanctuary filled with love. It is for these children that Safe Haven Foundation is dedicated to helping stay off the streets and in school, giving them their future back. The Safe Haven Foundation was established in 1996, providing an innovative approach to early intervention and prevention of child abuse and youth homelessness. With the goal to reduce the number of girls living on the street by changing one life at a time, the Live Long Homes Program (now known as Haven’s Way), was opened in 2000 and is operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary .

Safe Haven Foundation

Paul & Elaine have always held family values close to their heart, but an experience in their own lives provided them with further inspiration to support the valuable efforts of the Safe Haven Foundation. In 1998, Paul & Elaine found themselves in a position to help a family they had known from out of province locate their daughter who was living in a vulnerable situation, at times faced with fending for herself in very difficult circumstances in the inner-city of Calgary. Through a series of conversations, compassion and reassurance, they convinced this young teen to leave this behind and seek safety and refuge in their family home. Fast forward 15 years, and this once at risk teen is a vibrant, grateful and healthy contributing member of our society, running her own successful business enterprise. The Klassen’s consider her part of the family and feel fortunate to have had their lives and the lives of their children enriched by this experience. It solidified for them the idea that we truly are capable of positively impacting the lives of others, one individual at a time.

The Klassen’s have instilled their passion for helping Calgary’s youth into the corporate culture at Pinnacle Group where staff and trades have opportunities to contribute to this worthwhile foundation by providing volunteer labour and supplies to refurbish some of Haven’s Way safe homes used to house former street youth. As well, for the last several years at the Safe Haven Foundation’s annual gala, Paul & Elaine sponsor a table where they bring 6 guests to enjoy the evening’s events; a class act fundraising evening, bringing out Calgary’s caring business community as well as some of Calgary’s fantastic celebrity personalities. Paul is currently putting together a silent auction package from Pinnacle Group Renovations for this year’s upcoming Safe Haven Foundation Gala on October 23rd, 2010, which promises to be another premiere event featuring an exciting night of entertainment followed by both a silent and live auction fundraiser.

Last year at the gala, Paul decided to place a bid on one of the fun auction items – a luxurious Bentley for a weekend and two night’s accommodations at the Banff Springs Hotel. To Paul’s surprise he won the bid and recently enjoyed what he deems as the best ride of his life!! As Paul puts it, “I had boyish laugher coming out of my belly that I didn’t know existed!” He thoroughly put to the test this lavish Continental GT Convertible’s 550 horsepower engine, taking in the beauty of the scenery and wildlife surrounding him through Kananaskis Country, Golden, Jasper and Longview – a ride he and his wife Elaine won’t soon forget!

For more information on how you can make a difference in the life of an at risk youth or for details on attending one of Calgary’s premiere philanthropic events, visit www.safehavenfoundation.ca .

Okay Sir, You know that 550hp is fast right?

I Love you! Are you ready for a spin?

Looking Great Mr. and Mrs. Klassen!

Now this is truly fun!

Accommodations at the Banff Springs Hotel. "Paul, you can park the car now. It is time to check in."

Did you know that renovating in and of itself is a green initiative?

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

The concept of renovating being a green initiative manifests itself on many levels when it comes to Pinnacle Group Renovations’ process.

Green Earth Recycling

We all know that we live in a highly consumable society with a disposable mindset, though many of us are working to change this. Making the decision to renovate one’s house vs. selling and buying new, in essence captures this consciousness of becoming a less expendable society, similar to teaching our family’s how to use our infamous Blue Recycling containers now a common sight in Calgary! Embracing the concept of working with what you already have really does have many green pay offs at the end of the day!

Consider this – when our renovation families first meet our talented design team, our architectural designer helps maximize the strengths of the existing floor plan, while finding innovative ways to create spaces that appropriately meet the renovation needs of the family. Not every home renovation needs to be a ‘gutted to the studs’ project – we are committed to providing the best possible, environmentally conscious design to get the end result you need. Even in the instance that it is a complete home renovation from the ground up, there are many elements of the existing house that can be refurbished or reused. For example, a renovation project we just completed saw salvaged slate from the exterior of the home painstakingly reclaimed and re-installed on the newly renovated exterior; in addition quartz brick from a former fireplace was re-cut and used to frame the new spectacular main floor aquarium. Similarly, bricks from the old fireplace were reused when designing the cozy new master bedroom fireplace area. Amalgamating the old and the new is not only a green concept, but for some homeowners, this emotional connection to the past plays an integral part of creating meaningful design choices and peace of mind.

Renovating your home also provides the opportunity to update and change the not-so-environmentally-friendly building products of the past. From environmentally friendly paint products to energy efficient appliances, there is always room for improvement. We can dramatically reduce the carbon foot print of a home with eco- conscious choices like the installation of a new furnace, hot water tank and window systems. Thickening exterior walls, reinsulating ceilings and using products such as open-cell spray foam to provide increased insulation to outside wall cavities, all improve the insulation value of a home. It is not uncommon for us to reduce a home’s carbon foot print by 40% or more with these types of changes!


Pinnacle Group Renovations is committed to recycling as much renovation debris as possible from our sites. Working with our trade partner Clean Earth Recycling (www.recyclingcalgary.com), specialists in recycling construction material, it is possible for us to recycle as much as 65% of construction and demolition waste material from our renovation sites – now that is impressive! We had a unique experience recently when we presented one of our clients with potting soil to be used in their new temperature controlled solarium that was in fact compost from the recycling debris removed from their job site!

We are committed to incorporating green initiatives into our renovation process and encourage you to inquire about ways in which we can help you reduce your carbon foot print when renovating. For more information on Pinnacle’s carbon reduction initiatives we invite your inquiries!

Pump Hill Transformation- Creating Unique Spaces for Families

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

For the past 6 ½ months, the team at Pinnacle Group Renovations has been transforming  a 2500 sq ft bungalow in the estate community of Pump Hill. This full home renovation is now complete and we couldn’t be happier with the spectacular result!

The home was gutted to the studs, incorporating several structural changes as well as an extensive eco-component which included the installation of a new furnace, hot water tanks and window systems. The ceilings were reinsulated and the exterior walls were thickened to improve the insulation value of the home. In addition, substantial open-cell spray foam was used to provide increased insulation to the outside wall cavities. We conservatively estimate that we have reduced this home’s carbon foot print by a significant 40%. As well, we recycled an extraordinary 10.5 tons of renovation debris! We are confident this project will be another award winning design recognized at this year’s upcoming SAM Awards.

Entrance into this crisp, contemporary design inspired home is through the solid hemlock custom front door where the grand foyer hosts an expansive, vaulted ceiling. Here you are greeted by an incredible floor to ceiling double sided fire place providing views from the foyer to the complete open concept great room.

The newly designed and constructed soaring 2 storey dormer found in the great room brings the outside views in, perfectly framing the magnificent backyard pine. There is liberal use of windows throughout the design of the home, capturing natural lighting wherever possible.

The kitchen boasts refined custom espresso maple cabinetry, triple build up granite counter tops, and an oversized island with seating for four. The complete appliance package was outfitted by Jerome’s, Calgary’s finest appliance supplier. A butler’s pantry equipped with its own dishwasher provides the transition between the kitchen and vaulted dining/flex room. Capturing the site lines of the two way fireplace, the open concept of this dining/flex room allows for the opportunity to transform it into anything from a formal dining room to a theater, den, home office or library.

The luxurious master retreat incorporates an impressive two-way fireplace, strategically located above the relaxing soaker tub, sharing views from the master bedroom to the ensuite. Adjacent to the soaker tub is a 6 ft x 4 ft floor to ceiling glass tiled shower with dual shower heads. Dual sinks can be found in the 10 ft long custom vanity featuring exquisite leathered-granite vanity tops.

A secondary bedroom was built inclusive with its own 3 piece bath and vanity allowing for a guest bedroom providing a welcoming sanctuary for visiting family and friends.

The rear entry to this home was completely reconfigured to accept a walk-in laundry area and sizeable mudroom complete with under counter washer and dryer.

The stairwell leading to the lower level was relocated from the far end of the house to a more central location and features a gorgeous maple, radius tread, wrought iron railing system designed by Prestige Railing. A games room area and dedicated exercise room were created on the lower level, still leaving more than half of the generous 2500 sq ft basement to be developed in the future if desired. A complete floor plan was created by our architectural designer ensuring that future bath, media and bedrooms all meshed with mechanical placements.

The entire home was also smart wired with a completely integrated sound, media and security system with recessed TV niches provided in both the great room and master retreat.

To further enhance this home, the exterior was painted and the overhead garage doors, roofing, windows, gutters and eavestroph were replaced, maintaining a subtle yet sophisticated estate feel. The exterior may be subtle and unassuming; however one step through the front door and it becomes quickly apparent; this home is a spectacular estate bungalow with the very best of new technology and design welcoming our homeowner and guests.

We would like to extend a sincere thanks and congratulations to all of the trades, suppliers and Pinnacle staff who contributed to this fine project and a very special thank-you to our valued client for allowing us the privilege of transforming their home into their favourite place to be! We look forward to posting our before and after gallery of this prominent home renovation to our website in the near future.