The Calgary residential construction industry's view on government policy at any level often hinges on housing affordability and choice, and these issues remain a point of emphasis for builders and developers as candidates for mayor and council hit the campaign trail.

Whatever "new normal" is coming, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of the real estate industry in Calgary and across Canada. From changes to the way homes are built, bought and sold, to shifts in buyer priorities and the economic forces at play, it's been a wild ride for REALTORS^®, builders, homebuyers and everyone in between.

Anyone who has walked into a hardware store lately is aware of the current price of lumber, a situation that is creating issues for the homebuilding and renovation industries in Calgary and across the country.

Calgary is one of the most unique cities in Canada when it comes to weather. Throughout the year, we can see temperatures span from -40C to 40C in a matter of months, and chinooks can warm our frostbitten city into a springtime paradise in only a few short days.

Because of this, our homes have to be prepared to withstand the most extreme weather Alberta has to offer. While these temperature fluctuations can cause damage to your home's exterior, they can also affect your home's interior, as there is a direct correlation between the temperature outside and the indoor humidity. The damage your home sustains could lead to unforeseen issues and cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Sound transmission class (STC) is the rating system used to measure a partition wall's ability to reduce the effect of airborne sound. A higher STC rating means less sound will make its way through the partition wall – sometimes called a party wall, common wall or shared wall – creating a quieter living space.

I've been building homes for over two decades, which means I've come across hundreds of common issues that many builders don't feel they need or want to address. Radon gas is one such issue and an invisible threat to homeowners across Canada.

A custom home can tick every box on a prospective buyer's wish list. Without the right builder, however, both the experience of building the home and the finished product might come up short.

Before signing a contract with a builder, there are several important questions people in the market for a custom home should have answered.

Many people who purchase a new condo at a sales centre let the builder's sales staff guide them through the entire process. However, there are many benefits to having your own REALTOR® assist you with the purchase instead, especially when that Realtor is a Certified Condominium Specialist (CCS).

A n attached home has many benefits, but there are a few things to be aware of if you are planning to buy. Working with a REALTOR® experienced in this type of real estate will help you navigate the buying process.

Designed for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, the master-planned community of Carrington in Calgary's northwest features an abundance of green space, along with a sleek architectural presence defined by European design.