Cecily Woolrich takes the stress out of home improvement at 2020 Calgary Renovation Show

Cecily Woolrich

Cecily Woolrich, designer and managing partner at Cochrane-based Woolrich Group Design and Construction, has a wealth of tips and advice for those pondering their next home renovation. Drawing from more than 21 years in the renovation and design industry, she wants to help reduce the stress homeowners experience when embarking on their own renovation adventures.

"There is a huge psychology behind a renovation. It is really one of the most stressful things you can do," she said.

"Take you time to find the right renovation company, one that is a match for you. Look for a natural fit. Choosing a renovation team is really like a marriage. Can you have the big talks? Can you dance together?"

At the Calgary Renovation Show, running from Jan. 17-19 at the BMO Centre, Woolrich will be tackling the nuts and bolts of renovations – everything from budgeting to pinpointing what you want to achieve.

"Often, when big issues happen, they result from different communication styles between designers and contractors and the trades." - Cecily Woolrich, Woolrich Group Design and Construction

"You want to make sure that you are going to get your return on investment and a space that suits you," she said, noting that poor communication with your renovation team is one of the biggest threats to a successful project.

This is one of the reasons that she partnered with her husband, a contractor, in 2012. She had previously operated her own design business.

"We wanted to put everything all together, so everyone was on the same page – using the same language as an integrated team with a common goal," she said. "Often, when big issues happen, they result from different communication styles between designers and contractors and the trades."

You can catch Woolrich on the Calgary Renovation Show Main Stage on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. for her presentation How Renovations are Like a Marriage, a topic that ties in with Saturday's renovation and decor theme.

In addition to renovation and decor day on Jan. 18, check out DIY day on Jan. 17, and sustainability and energy-saving day on Jan. 19.

"We are really changing it up a bit this year with lots of exciting things, including the introduction of three unique theme days," said Micheline Picot, show manager with Marketplace Events.

For more information, or to buy tickets online and save $2, visit calgaryrenovationshow.com.