GARY SERRA’S VANCOUVER SPECIAL RENOVATION UPDATE

It’s a new month and a new project for Gary! Gary was lucky enough to grab a Vancouver special, which was originally built in 1966. You can read more about Vancouver specials in our blog post here! While it is in it’s original condition, Gary knows he has a lot of work ahead of him to make it really feel like home. He not only has plans to open up the space, but also to renovate the kitchen to give it a modern look and feel, along with other areas of the home.

Finding the right contractor and designer

With a home renovation project such as this, Gary advises homeowners to do their research when it comes to finding a contractor and a designer. These are individuals who you will trust to bring your vision to life, therefore, it is important to meet with at least two or three, to check their references and their previous work to make sure it will be a perfect fit for your project! For Gary’s home project, he is working with Luke Caisley of Caisley Developments. They have done a lot of great work and also a pleasure to work with. Gary’s designer, Jaqueline Pasqualie, is also a critical individual in the planning stages and will be throughout the project. Her ability to perfectly visualize and organize a space is key from beginning to end.

Asbestos in homes built prior to 1990

There are precautions to take in regards to asbestos, during a renovation or demolition, in homes built prior to the 1990’s. Due to the hazardous material being heavily used in homes built before the 1990’s, there is a likelihood that the home may contain asbestos in many places. Gary’s Vancouver special was full of it! Make sure to do your due diligence by contacting a company to test the home for asbestos. Your contractors can then take the proper precautions during abatement and dispose of the materials appropriately. While this will increase your budget, the City of Vancouver is very strict towards their policy around this, so remember to plan accordingly.

Make sure to stay tuned as we follow along Gary’s renovation journey! He fulfills a lifelong dream of owning a Vancouver special and really making it feel like home! If you are interested in working with our team to find your perfect home, connect with us for a free consultation!