Blog
2 Information
Explore practical information about 2 from MLCRL, serving St. Albert and the Edmonton area. Use this page to understand the topic, review relevant considerations and plan your next steps.
Table of Contents
Why Homeowners Are Moving Away from Traditional Vanity CabinetsBathroom Vanity Without Cabinets: Open Shelving Bathroom StorageOpen Shelving Materials That Handle Bathroom HumidityFloating Bathroom Vanity Ideas for Small and Mid-Size SpacesWall-Mounted Vanity Installation and Plumbing ConsiderationsFurniture Bathroom Vanity Ideas: Repurposing Dressers, Sideboards, and TablesProtecting Repurposed Furniture from Moisture and…
Table of Contents
Assess Your Current Kitchen Layout and WorkflowMap the work triangle and measure clearancesDocument workflow pain points and circulation patternsMeasure your space and document existing infrastructureOutdated Kitchen Layout Ideas Worth ConsideringCompare layout types and when each worksAssess feasibility and constraintsSmall Kitchen Layout Ideas for Maximum FunctionVertical storage and wall-mounted solutionsCompact appliances…
Table of Contents
Understanding Construction Financing for a Custom HomeStep 1: Assess Your Financial Position and Down Payment RequirementsStep 2: Choose the Right Construction Mortgage for Your ProjectStep 3: Understand Construction Mortgage Draw Schedules and InspectionsHow Draw Schedules WorkThe Inspection and Verification ProcessUnderstanding HoldbacksLien Holdbacks and Statutory DeclarationsDraw Request TimelineQuestions to Ask Your Lender…
Table of Contents
Start With Your Budget and Renovation PrioritiesSetting a Realistic Budget for Bathroom FixturesWhere to Splurge and Where to SaveFollow the Right Bathroom Fixture Selection OrderStep 1: Measure Your Space and Check Rough-In DimensionsStep 2: Choose the Fixed Elements FirstStep 3: Select Vanity, Sink, and FaucetChoosing Bathroom Fixture Finishes That LastHow Finish Durability Actually WorksMatching Finish to the RoomCare,…
Table of Contents
Setting a Realistic Kitchen Remodel BudgetThe 5-to-15 Rule for Kitchen Renovation CostsKitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown: Where Your Money GoesA Sample Itemized Budget by Project SizeBasic, Mid-Range, and High-End Remodel TiersWhy Your Numbers Will Differ From Anyone Else’sYour Kitchen Remodel Priority List: Must-Haves vs. Wish ListHow to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel Without Sacrificing QualityKeep the Existing Layout and…
Table of Contents
Why 2026 Custom Home Design Trends Matter for Your BuildQuick Comparison: The 10 Trends at a Glance1-3: Warm Minimalism, Biophilic Design, and Flexible SpacesWarm MinimalismBiophilic DesignFlexible Spaces4-6: Outdoor Living, Multipurpose Rooms, and Smart Home IntegrationOutdoor LivingMultipurpose RoomsSmart Home Integration7-10: Sustainable Materials, Passive Design, Accessible Layouts, and Timeless FinishesSustainable…
Table of Contents
1. Rethink the Layout: Space Planning That Buys You Room2. Smart Storage and Clutter Reduction That Actually Works3. Wall-Hung and Shallow-Depth Vanity Units4. Walk-In Showers and Wet-Room Layouts5. Statement Tile and Natural Materials6. Lighting and Color Palettes That Make a Room Feel Larger7. Moisture Control, Ventilation and Aging-in-Place AdaptationsWhat a Small Bathroom Renovation Costs in CanadaFrequently Asked…
Table of Contents
Laminate vs Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets: Key Differences at a GlanceWhat Each Material Actually Is: Solid Wood, Veneer, Laminate, TFL, and HPLThe Cabinet Box: Why the Substrate Matters as Much as the DoorLaminate Kitchen Cabinets Pros and ConsSolid Wood Kitchen Cabinets Pros and ConsDurability, Water Exposure, and How Each Material Ages in a Real KitchenSide-by-Side Performance Across Real Kitchen ConditionsWear Resistance and…
Table of Contents
1. Square Footage and Total Floor Area2. Site Conditions and Soil Testing3. Architectural Design Complexity and Structural Requirements4. Material Selection and Finish Quality5. Location, Permits, and Utility ConnectionsHow to Budget for a Custom Home BuildFinancing mechanics that change your total costFixed-price vs. cost-plus: the contract structure is a cost factorThe budgeting framework we useAverage Cost Per Square Foot…
Table of Contents
Small Bathroom Remodel Before and After: What Changes MostThe Layout Shift That Opens Floor SpaceFinishes That Make a Compact Room Feel LargerSmall Bathroom Renovation Cost: What Drives Your BudgetThe Three Scope TiersWhere the Money Actually GoesWhy Square-Footage Pricing FailsHow to Get a Real NumberBathroom Renovation Timeline: From Demo to Final WalkthroughWhat Each Phase Actually TakesThe Critical PathWhat Actually Causes…
