FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

I have decided to renovate my home. What are the steps I should take before I call Ultimate, or any renovator?


Typically, the first step is deciding on a budget. Renovations normally have several different variables, all of which can have a dramatic effect on the final price to you. It is therefore usually prudent to have a set budget amount in mind, which will therefore allow us to determine which variables suit you best.


Next is deciding what room(s) to renovate and what types of changes you are interested in making. Many of our clients have difficulty in this "ideas" stage, and we can certainly help you in that regard.


Lastly, some research is always necessary. The CRHBA (Canadian Home Builders Association - Calgary) has some excellent guidelines for you to follow during your investigation. Every consumer, seeking a service, is concerned with reliability, quality, and a proven track-record in the professional they choose.


For well over 30 years, Ultimate Renovations has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including being recognized as the "Renovator of the Year" multiple times, (at the annual Calgary Home Builders' Association SAM awards).

 

 

Does Ultimate specialize in any particular renovation?

 

Having been in this industry for over three decades, Ultimate Renovations has encountered and performed every imaginable type of renovation. As a result, the company has evolved into a complete (start to finish) renovator on interior work and an overall home improvement specialist. That means our contracts normally include all facets of a project (e.g. demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, cabinetry, millwork, paint etc. )


Having said that, our exterior division specializes in window installation and capping, siding and roofing work, including (but certainly not limited to) soffit, fascia, and eavestrough. Note that Ultimate provides exterior services for residents of both Calgary and Edmonton. Edmonton residents seeking exterior renovations may contact Marc Cloutier of our Edmonton office for an estimate (please visit our contacts section for information).

 

 

How does Ultimate stand out amongst other Renovators?

 

 

We are interested in a significant renovation to our house, but how can we live there during this transition period?

 

Ultimate Renovations has rental properties specifically reserved for our clients who have decided to undergo this kind of renovation. Therefore, if necessary, we can offer you alternate living arrangements while your home is being improved.

 

 

How much will my renovation cost?

 

There are literally dozens of variables that determine the final contract amount our clients are willing to pay. Our representatives can often provide callers with a "ball-park" renovation estimate (which is usually within a 15% range of the final detailed quote.)

 

Note that calling us for a rough estimate results in no cost to you. Once a specification is prepared, there are nominal fees associated with the time and effort put forth in preparing a presentation for you, which includes drawings prepared by our professional draftsmen using state-of-the-art software.

 

 

We don't know what to change! Does Ultimate provide design ideas?

 

Absolutely. Over the years, Ultimate has been fortunate to complete many award-winning projects so it stands to reason that having both vision and efficiency is what makes it happen. Ultimate's experienced staff will guide you from the outset so that together we create a natural flow from existing to the newly renovated areas. Ultimate also employs professional designers that take our service to the next level of assisting our clients in developing a detailed theme or vision for what your home will look like at the conclusion of work.

 

 

We have heard horror stories about contractors. How do we protect ourselves?

 

We have heard those same stories, and we have empathy for those consumers who have had bad experiences with other contractors. Having said that, Ultimate has been able to carve out its own special niche, which is partially attributable to the reputation of our peers. We stand out, and above, with proven quality and reliability, year after year.

 

Many contractors function as 'fly-by-night' operations which makes it imperative for consumers to do their homework. To name a few, this includes researching past newspaper articles, contacting the BBB (Better Business Bureau) , speaking with representatives at the CRHBA, asking your contractor for references, etc.

 

 

Will Ultimate be the lowest bidder for our home renovation project?

 

In many cases, frankly, Ultimate will not be the lowest bidder for your project. Before that scares you away, the well known cliche of "you get what you pay for" is perhaps relevant in the construction industry more-so than any other. Ultimate specializes in quality and peace of mind throughout the renovation process.

 

We don't "cut corners" or take shortcuts when getting the job done. We only use the best trades-people available. We also have a thorough administrative staff to provide a behind-the-scenes foundation, something you can rely on day after day. You will always have an outlet to whom you can communicate, whether it's related to design, product selection, accounting, project supervision etc. This overall structure is put in place to ensure your happiness throughout the job, upon completion, and for many years afterwards.

 


We are confident your research will quickly reveal the best choice... the Ultimate choice.

 

Summary

 

So you're interested in renovating?

 

Basic Renovation Steps:

 

 

Based on those questions (among others), our representative can usually provide a fair estimate of your project cost (note: this is a "best guess" estimation which is often within 15% (+/-) of the final quoted price. We call that the ballpark price. If it falls within the budget you have in mind (from step 1), the next steps are developing ideas, drawing plans, and presenting to you the final detailed specification.