Not every renovation needs a big firm with project managers, designers and rotating crews. Many Calgary homeowners want a few rooms updated well by someone they can actually reach. Cowgirl Construction is owner-operated: Lauren quotes the work, plans it and is on site doing it.
Renovations we take on
- Kitchen refreshes: new hardware and lighting, updated trim, open shelving, an island upgrade, backsplash prep and finish carpentry around new cabinets.
- Living spaces: fireplace surrounds, feature walls, built-ins and new flooring.
- Open-concept updates: removing or opening a wall. Structural changes need an engineer's input and a building permit in Calgary.
- Condo renovations: flooring, trim, bathrooms and kitchens, worked around building rules and elevator bookings.
- Whole-floor refresh packages: drywall repair, paint, trim and doors throughout a level, a common pre-sale or move-in project.
Why owner-operated matters
On a small renovation, the biggest frustrations are usually communication and scheduling, not workmanship. With one owner-operator you deal with the same person from the first visit to the final walkthrough, and the person who quoted the job is the one who knows every detail of it.
Condo renovations in Calgary
Most condo boards require written approval before renovations, and some restrict working hours, flooring types (often with sound-control underlay requirements) and elevator use. If a building permit is needed for a condo unit, the City of Calgary asks for a letter of authorization from the condo board. Get your board's rules early; we'll plan the job around them.
Permits
In Calgary, interior renovations need a building permit when walls are moved or removed, when new openings are cut, or when a basement is developed for the first time. Plumbing and electrical changes need their own permits. Cosmetic work like finishes, paint and furniture usually does not. If your project needs permits, we will tell you up front.
Frequently asked questions
Do you do full kitchen renovations?
We focus on kitchen refreshes and the carpentry around kitchens. For a full gut with new cabinets, we can talk through your plans and be clear about which parts we handle.
Can you remove a wall to open up my main floor?
Possibly. Load-bearing walls need an engineered beam and a building permit in Calgary. Non-structural walls are simpler but may still hide wiring, plumbing or ducts.
What is the smallest renovation you take on?
There is no real minimum on scope. For one-off fixes, see small and odd jobs.
