With unemployment rate soared to 13% and business closures continue to increase.

As the economy weakens, we’re all expecting a recession to follow.

So, where does that leave you and your renovation plans?

• Is it a good idea to make home improvements during a recession or should you wait?
• Should you remodel or renovate your home?
• Are you likely to get a better deal now or should you wait until the economy recovers?

Well, providing you have the cash flow available, there are some definite upsides to a downturn in the economy when it comes to renovating your home, make sure you contact the best Reliable Roofing, Windows and Siding company around.

What happens to prices in a recession?

During a downturn in the economy, house prices usually fall due to the uncertainty.

In actual fact though, house prices in Calgary have been dropping since 2017, with the market sluggish well before the pandemic arrived.

There has been an almost 10-percent decline in March sales compared to last year and home sales are tracking at 24 percent below the five-year average.

So, there were signs of recession even before the pandemic. The past couple of months have simply rammed this message home.

But is it time to “stick” or “twist” with your home?

WHY RENOVATE?

While there is a temptation to resist spending money during times of uncertainty, now could be the ideal time to renovate.

Here are five good reasons why:

1. YOU MIGHT BE SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME

Opportunities to travel in the near future look slim. Those tropical vacations may have to wait a couple of years.

The money you save could be put towards some long-overdue home improvements.

Who’s to say there won’t be a second wave and another lockdown?

Get your house ready for another extended period at home: add a bathroom or family room or extend your kitchen – it could make a huge difference to home life.

2. COMPETITIVE PRICING DURING A RECESSION

With lower demand for real estate, we typically see a higher demand for home renovations during an economic downturn.

Instead of making the moves to bigger homes, it is a great time for homeowners to work on improvements to their existing homes.

This means that contractors will be readily available to get to work and offer homeowners competitive pricing for their home improvement projects.

3. AVAILABILITY OF HIGH-QUALITY CONTRACTORS

It is more important than ever to do your research to find the right contractors for your price range and preferred timescale.

As competition rises, high-quality contractors will stand out with their raving online reviews and qualifications.

Create a home renovation checklist to ask the renovation to make sure you are well-prepared before making the decisions.

A trustworthy contractor will work for you to find the best materials at the most reasonable price.

4. YOU CAN REDUCE ENERGY COSTS

Replacing old windows, doors and appliances can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce energy bills.

With the lower prices for these items, you may be able to save both in the upfront renovation costs and in the ongoing monthly bills you pay (which will help to offset the costs of the project).

You will also reduce your carbon footprint.

5. YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WEATHER

Homeowners have a short ‘window’ now when we should be expecting better weather for a few months. It’s a shame to waste it due to a recession.

Until September or October, take advantage of the milder weather to make those home improvements before the Calgary winter is upon us again!

RENOVATING TO SELL

If you’re renovating to sell, it’s good to know that homes in Calgary are still selling.