The top city in Canada? Calgary

[urban1]

Some of these new communities dont look too terrible because they are "new". Give it 10 or 15 or 30 years when the houses start to get old and these areas with "starter homes" are going to look absolutely pathetic.

[Flashpoint]

Having lived in Calgary (5 years), Vancouver (3.5 years), and Dallas (4 years), I can say that each of them has much to offer and at least one significant issue that makes me want to move away.

Calgary's cold.
Vancouver's price.
Dallas's crime.

And in each case the major downside has a major upside as well.

Calgary's cold results in awesome winter sports (like pond hockey!)

Vancouver's price is because it is such a temperate climate and there is so much to do.

Dallas's crime is because it is a huge American city - very metropolitan.

It all comes down to what you value in life, what your job is, and what you enjoy doing with your free time. I couldn't do my current job in Calgary. I could do it in Vancouver, but my standard of living wouldn't be as high. I love to play hockey though, and I could do it for free in Dallas. Here I pay $600 a season - about $20 a game.

It's all about balance.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Saint Troy

Most houses in new communities also have architectural controls in place, so you don't have the Parthenon flanked by two regular houses.

Believe me I know. We live in a free society. Yet we don't.

[firebug]

Originally Posted by Muta

$345,000, or 15%. This can vary (12-18%) depending on the architect and the demand for their services.

Of course, that fee comes down if you're just doing renovations / modifications as opposed to designing an entirely new home.

I would be interested to know more about an architectural facelift on my new home.

I recently built new in MacKenzie Towne and while I am pleased with the interior of the home, it's exterior appeal is lacking. Any idea what a consultation would be worth and firms that would be interested in such a project.

Would a project be $15K, $25K or $50K (i realize a person could spend as much as they want, but how much to take an average looking new home and make it something the inner-city elite would no longer throw-up into their mouth when they see it ;-) ).

~firebug

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by firebug

I would be interested to know more about an architectural facelift on my new home.

I recently built new in MacKenzie Towne and while I am pleased with the interior of the home, it's exterior appeal is lacking. Any idea what a consultation would be worth and firms that would be interested in such a project.

Would a project be $15K, $25K or $50K (i realize a person could spend as much as they want, but how much to take an average looking new home and make it something the inner-city elite would no longer throw-up into their mouth when they see it ;-) ).

~firebug

Well there are definitely alot of local architects that could help you out with an exterior redesign. It's very encouraging to see that residents are concerned about the roof they live under, exterior design has alot to do with being happy in one's home.

Ask Muta about residential architects, he should know.

Also, it's no so much that inner-city dwellers throw-up at cookie cutter homes, it's just that there's nothing really to get excited about them.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by firebug

I would be interested to know more about an architectural facelift on my new home.

I recently built new in MacKenzie Towne and while I am pleased with the interior of the home, it's exterior appeal is lacking. Any idea what a consultation would be worth and firms that would be interested in such a project.

Would a project be $15K, $25K or $50K (i realize a person could spend as much as they want, but how much to take an average looking new home and make it something the inner-city elite would no longer throw-up into their mouth when they see it ;-) ).

~firebug

Firebug I'm finding out for ya. I'll let you know when I have that info... we don't do small residential, just large residential and commerical... I'll have an answer for you in a bit!