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Home Improvement Comes with Special Needs
When planning a home improvement project, such as landscaping, roofing, or kitchen remodeling, residents of Vancouver, British Columbia have unique planning obstacles to overcome, than do other Canadians.
Vancouver - A Unique Climate May Require Special Considerations
Because of the different climate found in Vancouver, some home improvement projects will require special consideration. With the abundant rainfall and lush vegetation afforded by the climate, special emphasis might be put on landscaping, roofing, or basement remodeling projects.
When planning a landscaping project in Vancouver, involving the services of a professional landscaping contractor will help insure the success and pleasing visual effect of the completed project. Many exotic plant species thrive in the unusual climate and a good landscape professional will be knowledgable about which ones to incorporate.
The added rainfall may also present special problems when installing a sound, functional roofing system. Be sure to enlist only a certified, licensed roofing contractor who will be knowledgeable about the special attention needed for proper flashing and watershed systems. Vancouver is the last place where a homeowner would want to struggle with a malfunctioning roof.
If planning a basement renovation project in Vancouver, the higher humidity might also dictate some special considerations for offsetting potential problems with moisture or mold in the structure. Limit your potential contractor candidates to those who have experience in basement remodeling and who offer design features to help ensure a dry, mold & mildew- free basement.
Be thorough in the planning process for these special features, and include any modifications on paper before the work begins. Adding features or making modifications during the remodeling process can easily frustrate the contractor, homeowner, and project budget.
When engaging in a kitchen remodeling, or any of these projects, it might be wise to use an architect or design professional to draw up the plans for the home improvement to be done.
Utilize Federal Rebates in Your Renovation
Another suggestion is that you may be able to incorporate an energy efficiency retrofit into you renovation project and receive a cash rebate from a federal program through the Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE).