Seven years ago, Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield wasn't really thinking about buying a new home. That all changed, however, when he and his partner were introduced to a two-bedroom-plus-den apartment for sale in South Surrey that they couldn't pass up.

Bathrooms have obvious practical uses, but for many people, they are also a place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

This need for both style and function is why a complete bathroom remodel is a popular renovation, especially for ensuite baths.

Like oxygen, hot water is something you only appreciate when it's absent. So, it's not surprising that a water heater is a vital part of the home. Since each home has its own hot water needs, understanding the various types of heaters and what they offer will help you make the right choice for your family.

Imagine waking in the middle of the night to a familiar feeling in your bladder – nature is calling. As you walk into the bathroom, a warm blue light appears near the base of the toilet, guiding you on your mission. At the same time, the seat, already preset to a comfortable temperature, senses your proximity and silently rises. One push of a button later, the built-in sound system starts playing your favourite song – Taking Care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

When you're buying a new home, the last thing you need is to inherit someone else's problems. Even if you've done a walkthrough and taken a close look at plumbing fixtures, paint and ceilings, the potential for disaster might be lurking just beneath the surface – literally.

Your kitchen and bathroom need to stand the test of time, both in design and function. How do you create a kitchen – one that you will love – that serves both needs?

It starts with an experienced designer who understands today's products, innovations, space-saving ideas and, of course, trends that actually stand the test of time. The right designer will have the expertise to ensure your renovation runs as smoothly as possible.

Calgary's established suburbs are full of vintage character and reno potential

There are tens of thousands of Calgary homes built from the 1950s through the early 1970s in what were then new suburbs. One thing many of those homes have in common is the need for updating to modern tastes.

When Lewis Cowie bought a home in Kingsland about six years ago, it was as if time had stood still in the classic, 1950s bungalow. Most of the home was still original, right down to the bathroom fixtures, so a major renovation project was in order.

Luckily, Cowie is a director with Corefront Custom Homes & Renovations, and his company was ready for the challenge.

The top home renovation apps for your next project

When searching for new property listings, we all know to turn to realtor.ca. But where do you go for support when starting a home improvement project? Before you roll up your sleeves or slip on your work boots, go high-tech with these top home improvement and renovation apps.

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.