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Calgary Kitchen Renovation Guide

Calgary Kitchen Renovation Guide 
Why Should You Upgrade Your Kitchen

1. Why Should You Upgrade Your Kitchen?

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Kitchens receive the most traffic versus other areas in your home. It’s the place where celebrations unfold, daily routines happen, and families connect.

If your kitchen is 25-30 years old, you're likely approaching a major decision to upgrade and make your kitchen more functional with a current aesthetic.

Are small repairs adding up?

Does your shelves, drawers or storage show structural fatigue with countertops that haveseen better days?

 

Would you like a different layout that can help you live easier in your home?

 

Many kitchens were designed for yesterday's lifestyle. Rather than pouring money into costly one-off upgrades, a thoughtful renovation creates a cohesive space that works for how you live today while investing in your home's future.

 

A professionally renovated culinary space delivers decades of future enjoyment, enhances your daily experience, and significantly increases your property value. When designed withintention, your new food preparation area will serve your family beautifully for another 20-30 years—making it not just a renovation, but an investment in exciting memories in yourhome.

 

Timber Valley Renovations is a trusted team of home renovation experts. We have createdthis kitchen renovation guide for Calgarians like you who want to know what to expect inbuilding an affordable and beautiful space for your family to enjoy for decades.

Contents


Calgary Kitchen Renovation Guide 

  1. Why Should You Upgrade Your Kitchen? 

  2. What Does It Cost In Calgary For A New Kitchen Renovation? 

How Much Does A Kitchen Renovation Cost? 
Factors Influencing Home Renovation Pricing In Calgary 
Budgeting For Your Custom Kitchen Renovation Project

3. How to Choose the Right Kitchen Renovation Company in Calgary? 

What To Look For In A Trusted Kitchen Contractor 
Are You A Fixed Cost Or Cost Plus Renovation Contractor? 
What Is A Fixed Cost Project? 
How Is Timber Valley Able To Provide A Fixed Price To The Project? 
Minimizing Decision Fatigue In Selecting The Right Kitchen Selections
Do You Need A Professional Kitchen Designer
Timber Valley Trusted Local Companies We Work With

4. Calgary Specific Renovation Considerations

Calgary Permitting Requirements
Challenges Renovating Older Calgary Homes

5. Why Consider Timber Valley to Build Your New Kitchen? 

Calgary Based Project Design & Management 
How we communicate with you through each stage of your project 
Client Communication When Unexpected Things Happen

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline 

What To Anticipate Before You Begin Your Kitchen Renovation

Normal Phases Of A Kitchen Project With Timelines

We Help You To Prepare Your Home And Live Through Your Kitchen Transformation
The Emotional Journey Through A Renovation
Why We Are Just As Invested In Your New Kitchen Improvement As You Are 
When A Kitchen Warranty Issues Arise, We Handle Them Directly 
Overcoming Common Kitchen Renovation Challenges 

Change Orders For A Change In Client Preference

Unexpected Structural Problems

Budget Management

No Worries, We Are Fixed Cost Provider

Only Client Approved Change Orders Alter The Budget

6. What Are the Best Kitchen Design Ideas for Affordable Renovations? 

Personalized Kitchen Renovations On A Budget
Why Complete Cabinet Replacement Often Makes More Sense Than Partial Upgrades
Maximizing Functionality In Your Kitchen Remodel 

7. How Can You Remodel Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank?

Cost-Effective Upgrades For A Stunning Kitchen 
DIY vs. Hiring A Professional Builder For Kitchen Renovations

8. What Are the Latest Trends in Kitchen Renovations in Calgary?

Modern Kitchen Design Trends To Consider 
Eco-Friendly Renovation Ideas For Your Kitchen

9. How to Request a Quote for Your Kitchen Renovation Project
10. Our Commitment to Resolving Issues and Ensuring Client Satisfaction
11. Contact Us To Request Your No-Obligation Quote From Us 

2. What Does It Cost In Calgary For A New Kitchen Renovation?

How Much Does A Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Depending on the size of the project, kitchen renovations in Calgary typically range from $45,000 to $75,000 for a standard upgrade project. However, this is project-based and can vary significantly.


If you're considering a more custom build rather than a standard package, costs will increase according to your preferences and quality requirements.

Factors Influencing Home Renovation Pricing In Calgary

Standard kitchens are made with pre-manufactured cabinet boxes. During installation, these standard kitchens have limitations on customization of shapes and sizes. Installers use spacers, fillers, and risers to make the cabinetry work, which ensure that everything fits properly, but with limited customization options.


Tailored kitchens allow for any size of box you want, along with specialized features like built-in coolers, wine racks, interesting pullouts, and aluminum with glass components.
 

The primary cost difference comes from the level of customization, materials and features. Tailored layouts are more desirable with a higher cost factor because they're made to order rather than prefabricated.

Budgeting For Your Custom Kitchen Renovation Project

At Timber Valley, we structure our payments with four deposits for every job:

  • 10% at contract signing

  • 40% at start of construction

  • 40% at cabinet installation

  • 10% holdback that gets paid when the project is complete and you've signed off that there are no deficiencies and the project is complete

The initial 10% allows us to begin drafting design work and ordering materials with long lead times, such as tile.


The 40% deposit at the start of construction covers all mechanicals, rough-ins, and drywall.
The 40% finishing deposit covers from cabinet installation through to finishing work.


As a fixed-cost builder, we assume the risk of the quote. Any cost overruns on what we estimated versus what a trade needs (or unexpected issues within the existing scope) are our responsibility. The only additional costs would come from change orders that modify the scope of work which you approve before we proceed.

What Does It Cost In Calgary For A New Kitchen Renovation? 
How Much Does A Kitchen Renovation Cost? 
Factors Influencing Home Renovation Pricing In Calgary
Budgeting For Your Custom Kitchen Renovation Project

3. How to Choose the Right Kitchen Renovation Company in Calgary?

What To Look For In A Trusted Kitchen Contractor

When looking for a local renovator that you can trust, you should ask about several key elements. At Timber Valley Renovations, our team will be happy to explain and show evidence of the following items.

1. Ask About Their Process:

It is important that you understand what the project steps will be before you commit to
expectations and deposits.


2. Request Proof of Reliable Contracting:


Professional and dependable tradespeople should be able to provide evidence of these critical documents at the first in-person meeting, or within 24 hours of request via email.


Here is your checklist:

  • A copy of their contractor license from the City of Calgary

  • Their bond certificate

  • Certificate of insurance for a current commercial general liability policy

  • WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) coverage

  • Trade references

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation


Copy of their license, and proof of bond certificate and insurance. Any professional renovation company will carry this documentation and have it readily available to show clients.


3. Adequate Insurance Coverage:


Verifying that they're insured is critical to your peace of mind. If something goes wrong in your home and you're working with an uninsured company, there's very little recourse.


Often, the homeowner will be responsible for unexpected and uninsured repairs. It’s also likely that you may need to hire a new renovation company to remedy the damages if an unqualified or uninsured contractor disappears on you.

4. Industry Experience:


Kitchen renovations requires experience in several aspects of construction that requires multiple trades coordination. Request client references from previous projects. A quality renovation company should have a list of clients who are willing to talk with prospects
about their experience.


All of these items create trust and comfort as you move forward with your upgrade project.

Are You A Fixed Cost Or Cost Plus Renovation Contractor?

One of the things that sets Timber Valley apart from other local renovation companies is that we're a fixed cost builder, not a cost plus builder.

What Is A Fixed Cost Project?

As a fixed cost builder, we provide you with an accurate estimate because we assume the risk of the quote. This means that, “For this much money, for this scope of work, for this kitchen configuration, we are going to quote this price.” You will be able to plan your project financing from our quote.


As a fixed cost builder we provide you a detailed project scope of work along with a fixed price for the cost of the project. Once you approve the project, the final price doesn't change unless there's a change order accepted during the project.


Our fixed cost approach allows us to keep our margins fair because we know exactly what our costs will be.

How Is Timber Valley Able To Provide A Fixed Price To The Project?

We start with design first and then get hard quotes from our trades rather than estimates, which gives you an exact price from the beginning.


Our quoting practice eliminates a lot of unforeseen hidden or unexpected price overages that other renovation companies might add as change orders after the fact.


We steer away from a cost plus approach so that you don’t have to face unexpected pricing increases throughout the project.

Minimizing Decision Fatigue In Selecting The Right Kitchen Selections

What is a selection?


We understand that building a new culinary space in your home can seem overwhelming in the beginning. This is why we provide several options to help you make the best decisions to help you design your ideal food preparation and entertaining area.
 

A selection is a specific kitchen component that you need to include in your layout and planning. For most kitchen renovations, we help clients through a structured selection process. Within the first two weeks of the project, we introduce clients to our preferred
vendors to make their selections:

  • Flooring materials

  • Cabinets & Storage (box & door materials, style, color, hardware)

  •  Countertops (material, durability, aesthetics)

  •  Backsplash (porcelain, ceramic, stone, or glass tiles, metal panels)

  • Plumbing fixtures (sink, connections for dishwasher, fridge, coffee maker)

  • Lighting fixtures (overhead, under-cupboard, accent coverage)

  • Appliances (dishwasher, fridge, cook top, oven, microwave, coffee maker)

  • Accessories & Decorative options

Do You Need A Professional Kitchen Designer?

layout will fit into your home. If clients prefer not to incur the cost for a professional designer, we have an alternative direct to supplier process where we take you to our kitchen manufacturer stores where we have people who can help you design your ideal
configuration and layout.

 

What sets Timber Valley Renovations apart from other renovators is our willingness to quote a project in multiple ways. We will never try to force a "one and done" approach with our quoting. We tell clients we'll provide as many versions of a quotation or options as
needed to help them make the best decision for their home upgrade.

 

We don't try to put clients into a box early in the process. We give them time to think about things, look at samples, visit our suppliers, check out display showrooms, talk to our representatives, and take their time making decisions.
 

We understand that upgrading and replacing your kitchen is a major investment for any homeowner. We don't rush, but are here to guide you through the selection process.

Timber Valley Trusted Local Companies We Work With

At Timber Valley Renovations, we work primarily with three trusted local companies for our kitchen improvement projects:

  1. We have a Finished Carpenter who handles very custom kitchen work and smaller
    jobs with specialized requirements.

  2. Woodcraft Kitchens is our partner for pre-manufactured doors, shelves, and boxes.

  3. Bow Valley Kitchens is our go-to vendor for custom cabinetry work.

We've carefully selected these partners based on their quality, reliability, and ability to deliver the level of craftsmanship that our clients and team expect.

3. How to Choose the Right Kitchen Renovation Company in Calgary?
What To Look For In A Trusted Kitchen Contractor
Are You A Fixed Cost Or Cost Plus Renovation Contractor?
What Is A Fixed Cost Project?
How Is Timber Valley Able To Provide A Fixed Price To The Project?
Minimizing Decision Fatigue In Selecting The Right Kitchen Selections
Do You Need A Professional Kitchen Designer?
Timber Valley Trusted Local Companies We Work With

4. Calgary Specific Renovation Considerations

Calgary Permitting Requirements

For kitchen renovations in Calgary, several permits are typically required:
 

The primary permit we obtain is the City of Calgary building permit, which we as the renovation expert are responsible for securing.
 

Additionally, our mechanical trades pull individual permits as required for:

  • HVAC & Gas Fitting

  • Electrical

  • Plumbing

If you're outside Calgary city limits, these would be municipal building permits depending on your location (such as Rocky View County, Chestermere, etc.).
 

All permits are pulled as required by code - we ensure everything is properly permitted to avoid issues with inspections or future resale.

Challenges Renovating Older Calgary Homes

Calgary's older homes present specific challenges, with asbestos being a significant concern. In older homes, we always test for asbestos for both clients and our team and trade safety. Even if tests come back negative, we've learned to use cautious language in our contracts.
 

Since we cannot fully be sure of asbestos evidence, our contract states that "we haven't found asbestos yet "rather than" there is no asbestos," because multiple layers of flooring or other hidden materials may contain asbestos that wasn't detected in initial testing.
 

From experience, we had a situation in a 1950s Westbrook home where asbestos testing came back negative, but once demolition started, they discovered three more layers of subfloor below where testing had been done, and found asbestos. We had to stop work
immediately, as required by provincial law.

This creates both cost implications and schedule delays, requiring difficult but honest conversations with clients. We believe that being forthright about these situations, even when they're challenging, and explaining the process to move forward is essential to
maintaining trust with homeowners.

4. Calgary Specific Renovation Considerations
Calgary Permitting Requirements
Challenges Renovating Older Calgary Homes

5. Why Consider Timber Valley to Build Your New Kitchen?

Calgary Based Project Design & Management

Timber Valley has extensive experience renovating kitchens throughout Calgary, with particular focus in the Northwest and Southwest areas.


We frequently work in established neighbourhoods with older homes that are ready for an update, including:

  • Mount Royal (est. 1904)

  • Westbrook Area of Communities

    • Rosscarrock (est. 1954)

    • Shaganappi (est. 1949)

    • Killarney/Glengarry (est. 1906)

    • Spruce Cliff (est. 1950)

  • Altadore (est. 1945)

  • Lakeview (est. 1962)

These are typically 50-70 year old homes that have been renovated once before but are now approaching 20-25 years since their last kitchen update.


Our designers are particularly familiar with these areas, which gives us specialized knowledge of the common challenges and opportunities in these neighbourhoods.

How we communicate with you through each stage of your project

At Timber Valley, we believe in constant communication throughout your renovation project.
 

For day-to-day conversations (outside of emails for updates, quotes, or paperwork), we create a WhatsApp chat group that includes all stakeholders in the project. This provides an easy way for clients to ask questions and get updates. If a trade is on their way to your house, we can send a quick message letting you know they'll be there at 2:00 that afternoon.

 

This real-time communication is especially valuable when something is happening in just a few hours and the 24-hour response time of an email wouldn't be practical.
 

We also schedule a weekly project meeting, typically 15-20 minutes, to update clients on everything that happened that week and what's coming up the following week. During this meeting, we review the Gantt chart and schedule to ensure expectations are aligned.


As a small company, we provide direct access - clients have our cell phone numbers and can call anytime when there's an issue. If you're doing a renovation with us and need to talk, you'll be able to reach us that day.

Client Communication When Unexpected Things Happen

Here's a real-world example of how our communication works:


In one project, we had two Blanco cultured granite sinks delivered to a client's home, and both arrived damaged - one had a crack, the other had a hole in it.


We immediately contacted the client via our WhatsApp group to explain what happened. We let them know the sinks had been reordered, provided the ETA for the new ones, and explained how we were adjusting our schedule to minimize the impact on their timeline.


This type of situation is what we call a "gotcha" - unexpected issues that arise during construction. These might include material delays, items arriving broken or in the wrong size, a trade getting sick requiring rescheduling, or discovering unexpected issues behind walls.


Construction is an imperfect science with many variables. When these issues occur, prompt communication allows us to adjust quickly and keep clients informed every step of the way.

Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline

What To Anticipate Before You Begin Your Kitchen Renovation

Before your kitchen renovation begins, we prepare you by discussing important considerations such as:

  • Are you living in the house during renovation?

  • What are your plans for feeding your family?

  • Will you use hot plates for simple cooking?

  • Where can we relocate your fridge to for you (living room, basement, garage)?

  • Will you be away on holidays during any part of the project?

  • How will we access your home?

  • Are there restricted hours when we can't be in your home?

We also obtain written permission to share your personal information with our vendors and suppliers for privacy purposes.
 

Our internal checklist is our Gantt chart, which keeps us on track to ensure we're not missing any steps throughout the process. This is constantly reviewed with clients.


At the end of the project, we conduct a customer satisfaction survey where clients rate us out of five and provide feedback on how we can improve our service, whether they would recommend us, and any outstanding items on the deficiencies list.

Normal Phases Of A Kitchen Project With Timelines

A typical kitchen renovation timeline spans 10-12 weeks, though this is project-specific based on the individual scope of work:
 

We create a detailed Gantt chart at the beginning and review it with trades to ensure we can meet proposed dates. At contract signing, we walk clients through each phase of work, explaining why it takes 10-12 weeks even though many people assume it can be done sooner.

YourRenovationJourneywithTVR

Our major phases include:


Phase 1: Contract and pre-construction - Building permit application and schedule finalization.


Phase 2: Pre-construction

  • Client introduction emails to sent vendors

  • Selection appointments scheduled with client and designer

  • Ordering kitchen selections

  • Confirming details for a first change order if needed

Phase 3: Construction - From demolition through project completion, quality control, and final sign-off.


The first month typically involves finalizing your kitchen selections and changes. Within the first two weeks, we send clients to all vendors for selections. We order materials as quickly as possible, especially items with long lead times like flooring, tile, and cupboards.


On average, we're looking at 4-5 weeks to schedule a tile installer, so getting these items booked early is crucial to avoid delays.

We Help You To Prepare Your Home And Live Through Your Kitchen Transformation

Managing dust, noise, and disruption is crucial during a kitchen renovation.


For dust control, we are meticulous about site protection. We use fleece wrapping on railings, floor protection, poly walls with support posts - essentially putting plastic on everything to minimize dust transfer. While we can't promise zero dust (that would be
unrealistic), we do everything possible to contain it.


We even bring our own front door mat on project work days, so dirty boots don't soil your existing mats. Keeping our sites clean helps prevent dust from transferring between rooms.


For noise management, we typically work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If exceptions are needed (such as a tradesperson needing to stay until 7:30 PM to finish drywall sanding), we always get your approval first. Working during standard daytime hours minimizes
disturbance to you and your neighbours.


For multi-unit buildings, we post notices for neighbours with our contact information in case any issues arise. Even for single-family homes, we inform neighbors about the renovation as a courtesy.

The Emotional Journey Through A Renovation

At Timber Valley, we prioritize personal connections throughout your renovation journey.
 

We thoroughly enjoy connecting with families on a personal level. We're not just a business - we look at renovation as a way to build relationships with our clients.


When we're on site, we always check in about more than just the project:"How's your day? How are you feeling about things?" We care about the people, not just the project.
 

This meaningful connection with clients differentiates our service. We're small enough to provide personal attention and accessibility throughout the process.


Most importantly, we don't walk away from problems. If something comes up - and things do in construction - we deal with it until you're satisfied. We won't pass the buck or pretend it's not our responsibility.

Why We Are Just As Invested In Your New Kitchen Improvement As You Are

All the products that we install come with their own manufacturer warranties, but Timber Valley also warranties everything we touch in your home for one year from the project walk-through date.


We also conduct a six-month check-in after project completion to ensure that everything is functioning properly and you love your new kitchen.

When A Kitchen Warranty Issues Arise, We Handle Them Directly

For example, we had a faucet that stopped working a couple of months after installation. The client called us, we contacted our plumbing company, got a replacement faucet, and installed it at no charge.
 

Even after the one-year warranty period, clients can still call us and we'll facilitate repairs, although there may be material costs involved.


We stand behind our work completely, making warranty service straightforward and hassle-free.

Overcoming Common Kitchen Renovation Challenges

Change Orders For A Change In Client Preference

When unexpected issues arise during your renovation, we handle them through our change order process.


We understand clients will make changes during the project. When you decide to modify something - for example, switching from a tile backsplash to a quartz backsplash that matches your countertop - we get a quote from our vendor and send it to you for approval.
 

Once approved, we send a change order for you to sign. We typically request payment for change orders at that time since these often involve materials we need to order right away. The change then becomes part of the contract.

Our clear process ensures any modifications are properly documented and incorporated into the project scope.

Unexpected Structural Problems

When unexpected challenges arise, our response demonstrates our commitment to quality.

In one project, we encountered an issue with tile installation. The tile setter had installed backsplash tile that was noticeably crooked. After the client called with concerns, we inspected with a laser level and confirmed the installation was off.
 

That same day, we removed all the tiles. As this was covered under warranty, there was no charge to the client. We had new tile in stock and within two days had rebuilt the backsplash properly. The project experienced very little delay, and there was no cost to the
client.


This example illustrates why using credible local trades is valuable - they stand behind their work. We use journeymen and experienced professionals rather than unqualified individuals, ensuring accountability when issues arise.

Budget Management

No Worries, We Are Fixed Cost Provider

What sets Timber Valley apart is our approach to project design and quoting.
 

We start with the design drawing phase first, which accomplishes two important things:

First, we get ideas developed professionally with precise layouts and building specifications.
Second, we can provide exact cost quotes rather than estimates.


For example, instead of approximating costs, we can give an exact price because we know exactly what needs to be done. This allows us to keep our margins reasonable while providing accurate pricing.


As a fixed-cost builder, we assume the risk of the quote. We provide a firm price for a specific scope of work and design, and that price doesn't change unless there's a change order.


This differs from "cost plus" builders who may add unexpected overages as change orders after the fact.

Only Client Approved Change Orders Alter The Budget

Our approach to handling potential cost overruns is straightforward: as a fixed-cost builder, any cost overruns on what we estimated versus what the trades actually require (or unexpected issues within the existing scope) are Timber Valley's responsibility.
 

The only additional costs you might incur would be for change orders that modify the scope of work, which you approve before we proceed.

 

Cost overruns are typically addressed through change orders that are paid at the time of the change. This transparent approach ensures you're never surprised by unexpected costs within the original project scope.

5. Why Consider Timber Valley to Build Your New Kitchen?
Calgary Based Project Design & Management
How we communicate with you through each stage of your project
Client Communication When Unexpected Things Happen
Your Kitchen Renovation Timeline
Normal Phases Of A Kitchen Project With Timelines
We Help You To Prepare Your Home And Live Through Your Kitchen Transformation
The Emotional Journey Through A Renovation
Why We Are Just As Invested In Your New Kitchen Improvement As You Are
When A Kitchen Warranty Issues Arise, We Handle Them Directly
Overcoming Common Kitchen Renovation Challenges
Budget Management
What To Anticipate Before You Begin Your Kitchen Renovation
Change Orders For A Change In Client Preference
Unexpected Structural Problems
Only Client Approved Change Orders Alter The Budget
No Worries, We Are Fixed Cost Provider

6. What Are the Best Kitchen Design Ideas for Affordable Renovations?

Personalized Kitchen Renovations On A Budget

When discussing standard versus personalized kitchens, there are important differences to understand.
 

Standard kitchens use pre-manufactured cabinet boxes, which limit customization of shapes and sizes. Installers use spacers, fillers, and risers during installation to make everything fit properly.


Personalized kitchens allow for any box size you want and let you add special features like built-in coolers, wine racks, specialized pullouts, and components like aluminum with glass.
 

The key difference beyond appearance is cost - uniquely tailored kitchens are significantly more expensive because they're made to order rather than prefabricated.


For budget-conscious homeowners wanting customization, we can help you create a hybrid focus. We will help you consider which elements provide the most impact and focus your custom elements in those key places. The other areas and structural elements can be fulfilled using standard components which makes your investment go further while having a unique look to your next kitchen.

Why Complete Cabinet Replacement Often Makes More Sense Than Partial Upgrades

Ask yourself whether the age of the structural boxes and other elements are able to withstand the weight and fit of a partial upgrade?


In our experience, trying to resurface old cupboards while upgrading countertops and backsplashes is often not worth it. Cupboards get tired over time - door slides wear out, gables and support pieces crack and break. When removing old countertops and installing
heavier materials like quartz or granite (replacing laminate), the supporting structure is often not built to handle the additional weight.


By the time we've removed countertops, backsplash tile, plumbing fixtures, and sinks, it's typically more cost-effective to replace all cabinet boxes. This ensures everything is properly supported and built to withstand the weight of modern materials.

 

By doing this, you ensure that they kitchen can stand up to the wear and usage over the lifespan of your new upgrade.

 

Another issue with partial replacements:


If you replace just the doors on older white melamine cabinets, the melamine tape around the edges of the boxes has likely yellowed over time. Even with new doors in the same color, the discoloration is visible, making it obvious you have old boxes with new doors.
 

For long-term satisfaction, complete replacement often makes more sense since kitchens take tremendous wear and tear as the most heavily used room in the home.

25 year old kitchen before transformation
25 year old modernized kitchen transformation by Timber Valley Renovations

Maximizing Functionality In Your Kitchen Remodel

To maximize space in your kitchen renovation, we rely on expert guidance. We work with experienced interior designers and kitchen cabinet manufacturers who specialize in space optimization.


During selection appointments, clients meet face-to-face with these experts who help bring their vision to reality while maximizing functionality.
 

Space utilization happens through smart cabinet design, appropriate appliance selection, and layout optimization that considers your specific cooking and entertaining habits.
 

These professionals have seen hundreds of kitchens and understand which layouts work best for different spaces and lifestyles.

6. What Are the Best Kitchen Design Ideas for Affordable Renovations?
Personalized Kitchen Renovations On A Budget
Why Complete Cabinet Replacement Often Makes More Sense Than Partial Upgrades
Maximizing Functionality In Your Kitchen Remodel

7. How Can You Remodel Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank?

Cost-Effective Upgrades For A Stunning Kitchen

For kitchen renovations, here's our advice on where to invest more budget and where to save:

  • Invest in hard-surface quartz or equivalent countertops. These provide the biggest bang for your buck and the most perceived value. A kitchen with white melamine interiors but quartz countertops will still look beautiful, whereas expensive cabinet boxes with laminate countertops will have lower perceived value.

  • Save money on doors by choosing flat panel doors rather than raised doors, and avoid solid wood doors in favor of those with panel inserts. From a distance, these options look similar until you open and touch them.

  • For backsplash tile, you can create beautiful effects without spending $100 per square foot. Sometimes a simple layout change or different tile selection can achieve a high-end look for less money.

  • Another significant cost saving decision is to opt for more cabinets and fewer drawers, as drawers cost considerably more than doors.

DIY vs. Hiring A Professional Builder For Kitchen Renovations

At Timber Valley, we have a clear policy regarding DIY work: we don't work with people who want to do parts of the project themselves. We either take on the whole project or none of it. This is because partial DIY work adds too many complications to the renovation process.


Similarly, we don't accept customer-supplied materials. This policy helps us maintain quality control and ensures everything works together properly.


We may recommend other companies if you're looking for a DIY-friendly approach, but our business model is built around delivering complete, professionally managed renovations.

7. How Can You Remodel Your Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank?
Cost-Effective Upgrades For A Stunning Kitchen
DIY vs. Hiring A Professional Builder For Kitchen Renovations

8. What Are the Latest Trends in Kitchen Renovations in Calgary?

Kitchen design preferences in Calgary have evolved considerably over the past 5-10 years.


We've seen a shift away from all-wood "cappuccino style" kitchens toward more MDF paint-grade finishes and two-tone designs.
 

More importantly, kitchens now incorporate significantly more functional hardware options. Modern kitchens feature innovative solutions like specialized Lazy Susans, spice racks, and pantry organization systems.
 

These design improvements add to the functionality and efficiency of the kitchen, making storage more accessible and the space more user-friendly.


Today's hardware options allow for creative storage solutions that weren't available a decade ago, making even smaller kitchens more functional.

Modern Kitchen Design Trends To Consider

Current kitchen design trends in Calgary have evolved significantly.
 

  • Green and white kitchens have fallen out of fashion. Designers are now recommending warm whites (off-whites with a bit of warmth) and two-tone kitchens that include both paint-grade and wood accents, such as a maple or oak island with painted upper doors and boxes.

  • Slim profile or low-profile shaker doors are now trending, replacing the larger shaker panels with big boxes. Completely flat profiles are also popular.

  • For hardware, black and gold are coming back into style, while chrome and antique bronze are trending out.

These design shifts reflect broader changes in home aesthetics and provide a fresh look that updates the entire home's feel.

Eco-Friendly Renovation Ideas For Your Kitchen

For eco-friendly and energy-efficient kitchen options in Calgary, consider the following tips:

  • Focus on plumbing fixtures with low-flow technology to reduce water consumption.

  • Choose energy-saving appliances that reduce electricity usage.

  • Install LED pot lighting instead of standard fixtures, or use LED bulbs in existing fixtures.

These small changes can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while also lowering utility costs - saving on water usage, power consumption, and overall energy expenses.

before old modernized kitchen transformation
new modernized kitchen transformation by Timber Valley Renovations
8. What Are the Latest Trends in Kitchen Renovations in Calgary?
Modern Kitchen Design Trends To Consider
Eco-Friendly Renovation Ideas For Your Kitchen

9. How to Request a Quote for Your Kitchen Renovation Project

The process of getting started with Timber Valley follows a clear path.


First, we begin with a discovery call. When you reach out through our website, contact form, or a direct call, we'll respond and set up this initial conversation.

During the discovery call, we discuss three key things:

  1. Your project scope

  2. Timeline you want the project completed by

  3. Project expectations and budget

This helps us understand your needs and also lets you get to know us as a company.
 

Rather than just talking about ourselves, we focus on answering your specific questions -whether about our experience, process, or previous projects. This ensures we address what matters most to you.
 

Based on this call, we determine together if there's a good fit. If so, we schedule an on-site visit to discuss the project in more detail, take measurements, capture photos, and gather key information we need to prepare an accurate fixed-cost quote.
 

This structured approach ensures we have all the information needed to provide a comprehensive proposal tailored to your specific kitchen renovation needs.

9. How to Request a Quote for Your Kitchen Renovation Project

10. Our Commitment to Resolving Issues and Ensuring Client Satisfaction

We hold ourselves to a high standard even when using expert trades. In one example, we encountered an ongoing toilet issue and returned twice to resolve it. We removed the toilet, examined the situation, identified the problem, and reinstalled it properly.
 

No matter the size of the issue, our process remains the same: we comfort clients by explaining exactly what will happen, how we'll fix it, and when. Then we follow through, ensuring they're happy before considering the matter resolved.
 

Most issues are small, but our response is always comprehensive. We're not satisfied until our clients are satisfied, regardless of the situation.

10. Our Commitment to Resolving Issues and Ensuring Client Satisfaction

11. Contact Us To Request Your No-Obligation Quote From Us

As we mentioned earlier in this Kitchen Renovation Guide, we will set up a first phone call with you to go over what you are looking to accomplish with your kitchen upgrade. Please complete the simple form below and we will respond to you within 72 hours. We look forward to talking with you soon.

Request A Quote

11. Contact Us To Request Your No-Obligation Quote From Us
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