Okotoks Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom Renovations are often part of a larger scale whole home Renovation; sometimes Clients prefer to Renovate in stages, starting with their highest priority single room Renovation like a bathroom or kitchen. As well, we often have Clients meet with us to discuss a specific room Renovation only to ascertain they actually want to continue Renovating several other rooms. It is of outmost importance that your Builder has a substantial Design Discovery Process in place to help you navigate your Renovation and any future Renovation plans you might have to mitigate any redundancies or added costs.

Work top down when it comes to considerations regarding plumbing; plumbing flows from the highest point to the lowest point. Looking at the entire home evolution versus from a single room Renovation perspective can greatly impact the design choices you make that could affect future Renovation plans. The following is a real life example of the impact this can have on a Renovation.

A Client came to us to Renovate the main floor of their home. During the Pinnacle Design Discovery Process, we discussed the fact that they were considering Renovating their second storey in the future. We strongly advised them to incorporate preparations for this potential phase 2 Renovation into the plan from the onset. Even though this would have incurred some additional up front design and build costs to accomplish this, in the long run this approach was a more cost efficient solution. This would have entailed burying the necessary plumbing and electrical in the walls and ceiling for future second storey Renovations during the first phase of the main floor Renovation; this would significantly reduce their phase 2 Renovation costs. Unfortunately they did not heed our advice and went forward with their main floor Renovation without future consideration for the second storey revitalization. Three years later we have now been asked to Renovate their second storey which unfortunately requires opening up their beautifully Renovated main floor ceiling to incorporate plumbing pipes for their ensuite Renovation on the second floor; ultimately this means portions of the main floor Renovation have to be done twice with added costs and lifestyle impact. Ensure your Builder helps you evaluate not only your immediate needs but your long term goals and thoroughly weigh these considerations.

We also see limitations placed on bathroom Renovations due to the location of plumbing fixtures; don’t let this determine the best use of the space. Using the right diagnostic tools, your Okotoks Builder should be able to recommend the best possible solution to achieve your goals which may include relocating fixtures; ultimately you want your Builder to determine a plan of action that requires the least amount of impact and the most cost effective solution to maximize your use of space.

Design-Build is a term used to describe a project delivery system in which the design and construction of a project is contracted by a single entity known as the Design-Builder. There are many advantages to this system not only for bathroom Renovations but any Renovation project or Custom Home Build. Some Design-Build firms employ professionals from both the design and construction sector which is the case with Pinnacle Group Renovations; this creates a seamless communication forum. Naturally, the expertise and creativity of an Architect is required to draw up the plan. However, they may not be conversant in real-life construction applications; specifically as the design relates to associated costs of construction. What is designed and what occurs on the construction site can lead to a disconnect, resulting in major setbacks in project timelines and midway construction delays. Pinnacle Group Renovations actually goes one step further inviting not only the architect and production team to the initial design discovery conversation but also our interior designer and trades. Having all parties involved in the conversation from the onset allows valuable input into the final project solution, providing the Client with a synergistic solution and an achievable result. There is no stone left unturned; with this level of planning prior to the start of any Renovation project, unforseen project delays and costs are mitigated. This is why Pinnacle is the only Renomark™ Renovator to guarantee the start date, completion date and cost, known as their SCC Guarantee™.

As well, a reputable Design-Build Firm will also utilize leading edge diagnostic equipment such as a thermal camera to evaluate the build site prior to any initial tear down. The insight provided by this evaluation can greatly influence the final project specifications. For example, a thermal camera can identify the main stack location, heat run location, joist directions, and beam locations that are all buried behind the drywall. A reputable Design-Build contractor will invest in this equipment so they aren’t guessing or having to unnecessarily cut into your walls. Think of it like an MRI for your home; who would want a surgery performed on their body without first having the proper diagnosis; the surgeon has a plan and knows exactly what he or she is dealing with prior to the first cut just like a Builder who uses the right diagnostic equipment so they can plan the best execution of your Renovation requirements.