Finding the right renovation company is much easier when you know what to how to research

Renovations can turn an almost-perfect home into a dream home, or can boost the value of a home for sale, making it stand out from the competition.

But how do you find the right renovation company or contractor for the job?

Are you living in your future net-zero home?

Have you ever dreamed of living in a net-zero home? According to Peter Darlington, that dream might be closer than you think. In fact, you might already be living in your future net-zero home.

Darlington runs Solar Homes Inc., a Calgary company specializing in renovating existing homes into net-zero homes, which produce as much energy as they consume. Net-zero might seem like a remote, ambitious target, but Darlington insists it's more attainable than you might think. In fact, his first green renovation project was on his own 1980s-era home.

Making the most of a small living space

Visitors to this year's Calgary Fall Home Show might have come across a feature area called Small Space Living.

Designed by Rosalyn Lazaruk, owner of Wicket Blue Interiors, the 1,000-square-foot display showcased ways to optimize a smaller living space.

Lazaruk says people downsizing into a smaller house or condominium don't have to give up style and livability just because they have less square footage.

Tips for hot tub buying and ownership

Having a hot tub at your home is a great way to relax with family and friends, while also providing some real therapeutic benefits.

"It's always been a health and wellness thing," said Drew Christy, a client care specialist at Rocky Mountain Pools & Spas in Calgary.

Christy says the social aspect of owning a hot tub is often the first thing that appeals to people, but later they find themselves mostly using the spa for relaxation.

Choosing the best high-efficiency water heater

A typical hot water heater accounts for about one-fifth of the energy used in most Canadian homes.

Choosing the right hot water heater, therefore, can have a huge impact both financially and environmentally – especially as energy prices and carbon levies continue to rise.

Many of us still choose conventional, gas-fired hot water tanks because they're cheapest – but are they really? The initial price of your hot water heater can represent as little as 12 per cent of the overall cost over its lifespan. The other 88 per cent is energy.

Planning is crucial to a smooth and successful move

You've found the home of your dreams, made an offer and, eventually, sealed the deal – now it's time for the big move.

While moving day can be a stressful time, some advance planning can make the process run as smoothly as possible, while limiting the likelihood of unpleasant surprises.

First of all, you should know how to deal with a situation where the previous owner has saddled you with a dirty house or left-behind furniture on possession day.

Putting together your first down payment is all about planning and prioritizing

With changes to mortgage regulations and the Bank of Canada's qualifying rates, buying a first home might be tougher than expected, especially for those already carrying a large amount of debt. Currently, the total cost of a mortgage payment, property tax and utilities must be less than 40 per cent of a borrower's gross income.

"The debt ratio makes a big difference to your purchasing power when buying a home," said Calgary mortgage broker Monika Hägele. "Some people might work really hard, save up five per cent towards their desired home, and then that amount might not even be enough if they are carrying too much debt."

In Calgary's competitive rental market, homeowners looking to make a few extra bucks must set themselves apart

Short-term home renting has been going on for decades, but has now become an entrenched part of the economy, and a popular way to generate a bit of extra income, thanks to rental services and facilitators, such as Airbnb, VRBO, Kijiji and property management companies.

When Angela Casale lost a long-term tenant in the Ramsay property where she runs a wellness clinic on the lower floor and has a rental unit upstairs, it meant adjusting to Calgary's competitive rental market.

"There are no renters to be had. Apartment buildings are giving people three free months and TVs and all kinds of things," said Casale.