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.
Last Updated: November 2, 2026
Quick Summary
Commercial office interior design is the planning and construction of workspace layouts, finishes, acoustics and furniture so a business can run efficiently in its building. For St. Albert offices, plan around how your team actually works: flexible furniture on casters, acoustic zoning and lounge-style gathering areas, then measure results six and twelve months after the work.
Pick the two design…
Last Updated: November 1, 2026
Quick Summary
Basement ceiling height is the clear distance from the finished floor to the lowest point of the finished ceiling, and permit reviewers check this figure rather than the rough height. The minimum depends on room type and the code edition your municipality enforces, so confirm the exact number with your local building authority before finalizing drawings.
Measure from the finished floor to the…
Last Updated: October 31, 2026
Quick Summary
Custom home timelines in Alberta usually run longer than homeowners expect, once planning, permits, and site work are counted. Timelines depend on design changes, permit review, and season, so treat any single duration as an estimate and plan buffers for each major phase.
Late design changes are the most common cause of schedule slips, so lock plans before permits are submitted.
Permits and…
Last Updated: October 30, 2026
Quick Summary
A DIY exterior home inspection is a structured walk-around from the ground that lets you record visible problems with the outside of your house before they become expensive repairs. Walk the full perimeter, photograph everything, note locations, and use binoculars for the roof, chimney and upper walls. Do not climb onto the roof, lean a ladder against siding, or open electrical panels.
Record four…
Last Updated: October 27, 2026
Quick Summary
Drop ceilings suit basements where you expect to reach pipes, wiring, or ductwork later, since tiles lift out by hand. Drywall suits homeowners who want a seamless finish and maximum headroom. Drop ceilings typically reduce ceiling height by approximately 10 to 15 cm, so low basements often favor drywall.
Drop ceilings give quick access to plumbing, wiring, and ductwork by lifting out tiles.
A…
Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
The main bathroom design trends for 2026 are natural materials and stone surfaces, warm neutral colour palettes, walk-in showers and wet-room layouts, and layered lighting. The trends emphasise comfort, practical layouts and finishes that hide water marks well.
Honed and matte stone finishes hide water spots better than polished surfaces.
Warm neutrals like greige, soft clay and cream are easy to…
Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
Rerouting basement HVAC ducts means moving existing duct runs to clear beams, joists, plumbing and a new ceiling. The article does not give a verified Canadian price for this work, so no specific dollar range is stated. The main cost drivers are labour, duct material and fittings, insulation and sealing, and system rebalancing.
Labour is usually the largest share of a basement duct reroute bill on…
Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Quick Summary
To soundproof basement ductwork effectively, first diagnose whether the noise is airflow, equipment or vibration, then fix rattles before adding insulation. Pair external duct wrap or foam mats with sealed seams, and break sound paths at the register with a sound maze.
Diagnose the noise first: airflow whoosh, equipment hum, or duct vibration each need a different fix.
Tighten hangers and add rubber…
Last Updated: October 27, 2026
Quick Summary
The best low clearance basement ceiling leaves the structure exposed and painted, because that keeps every inch of headroom. When you need a finished surface, drywall gives a clean, continuous look, while a drop ceiling sits lower on a grid and works where access matters most.
Exposed painted joists keep all headroom, since nothing is added below the framing.
Exposed services need tidy routing to…
Last Updated: October 26, 2026
Quick Summary
The best kitchen flooring materials for busy homes are luxury vinyl plank and SPC flooring, which offer excellent water resistance, durability, and minimal maintenance. For those prioritizing natural aesthetics, engineered wood or porcelain tile provide strong alternatives that balance performance with style.
Luxury vinyl plank costs $6-$11 per square foot installed and requires only sweeping and…