There are a variety of ways that you can make your house in West Vancouver more appealing to potential buyers. From the right colour of paint to the right lighting, these changes can have a big impact on how buyers perceive your home.
A little bit of planning can go a long way when it comes to selling your home. A qualified luxury real estate agent can help you determine which repairs and renovations will have the biggest impact on your sale price.
Additions
Sometimes home owners just want to get more out of their living spaces. They may be looking for an in-law suite or a guest room for their parents. Or, they may want to expand their kitchen or bathroom without converting their existing house. Whatever the reason, adding a room can give you extra square footage and increase your home’s value.
The Askari family lives in a house on Nelson Avenue in West Vancouver. It was built in 1987, but has undergone several renovations since then. It is a two-storey, modern house that sits on a private dead-end road that faces southwest over the ocean and is visible from Bowen and Passage Islands.
One of the most interesting additions to this home is its rocky terrain. The cliff-top site prompted the architects to use glass in a creative way, and create an open space that allows residents to view the water and forest around them. The additions also feature a dramatic stair that is three stories high and opens up to the main floor.
Despite its rustic exterior, the house is an inviting space to live in. The wood used in the construction is light, and the furniture is a mixture of white-painted oak and natural materials. The design is contemporary, yet has a hint of Japanese shinto architecture that is grounded by the natural materials.
The additions are part of a larger project called Creek House, designed by architect Lewis Morse. The property is surrounded by two creeks that flow through forest, creating habitat for salmon, river otters and eagles.
Before building, the custom house builders perform local market research to determine if a home site makes sense in the West Vancouver area and obtain all the necessary permits. They then survey the land to ensure it’s suitable for construction.
After a long consultation process, District West Vancouver council has approved bylaws that limit the maximum size of new houses in the RS3 zone. The bylaws are intended to encourage housing diversity while limiting the impact of houses that are out of scale with their neighbouring homes, according to staff.
Renovations
Alterations are the quickest way to change the look and feel of your home, without compromising on its function or your personal style. They’re also a great way to increase the value of your property, so you can sell it later on or keep it for your own enjoyment.
In West Vancouver, Canada’s most livable city, homeowners are often looking to remodel or expand their houses in order to make their spaces more functional and attractive. They can add more bedrooms, update a bathroom or even build a new room that doubles as a guest bedroom.
Whether you’re considering renovating your entire home or simply adding some new features, finding a quality West Vancouver general contractor can help you get the job done right. They’ll manage all of the day-to-day tasks that move your project along to completion.
A good home renovation company in West Vancouver will make sure that all the work is done to code, is on schedule and that you’re happy with the results. They’ll also take care of all the necessary permits and inspections so that you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.
They’ll also be on-site to supervise the work and resolve any problems that arise, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. And they’ll be able to offer advice on the most effective and cost-efficient ways to make your house more comfortable and stylish.
The best West Vancouver home renovation companies can handle all types of projects, including drywall repairs, electrical wiring and plumbing upgrades, flooring installation, kitchen and bath updates, and more. In addition, they can provide expert advice on how to choose the right fixtures and finishes for your space, as well as tips on how to maximize space and budget.
For example, if you’re planning on installing a new kitchen in your West Vancouver home, you may want to consider tucking away the old countertops or adding a backsplash instead of replacing them all with granite slabs. This will save you a lot of money on materials, and it’s likely to be more effective for your family.
Alterations
The Spencer House is a well-preserved example of Craftsman architecture, featuring a modest bungalow in an idyllic landscape setting. It was featured in a 1918 promotional brochure for West Vancouver, and was recognized as a highlight of the 1939 Gardens Beautiful Tour. The original home was designed by architect John McLean, who drew on his knowledge of rural landscapes to create an ideal living space for families. Throughout the decades, West Vancouver’s neighbourhoods have shifted to more suburban designs, but the notion of a modest bungalow on a spacious lot is still a defining characteristic of the community.
Earlier this year, council approved a range of zoning by-law changes that will restrict the size of new homes in West Vancouver. The change will reduce the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) for single-family houses by 12.5%, from a current 0.35 FAR to 0.3 FAR. This will also allow for a smaller lot size for homes built in West Vancouver, which will make them more affordable and reduce the district’s housing shortage. You can comment on these changes by visiting the Neighbourhood Character Working Group’s draft recommendations until August 21.
Extensions
Architectural firm Edmonds International envisioned a faceted house with two glazed wings that balance transparency, reflections and views. Located on a steep West Vancouver site, the home features an angular structural layout that maximizes privacy and directs expansive vista views over a pool terrace, city skyline and Strait of Georgia through massive floor to ceiling glass. It’s a surprisingly functional and impressive piece of architecture.
Listed for $5 million, the home has been on the market since 2007. Sellers are looking for a creative and adventurous buyer who’s not afraid to think outside the box, realtors say.
Contact us for more information or to request a private tour of the home. We’ll also help you find similar off-market houses in your price range. We have a big database of cool properties in BC.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.