While it’s possible to differentiate new projects on factors such as the type of building, location, and marketing, the interior features are also being used to compare and contrast the various projects ongoing in Calgary. Many projects have put together comprehensive feature packages, which simplify the buying process for consumers while allowing for customization through colour and upgrade choices. An added benefit is consumers can choose from colour and specification packages that have been professionally designed by some of the top interior design firms in Calgary, ensuring the latest colours and styles are included in their suite.

Kitchens receive a lot of attention in sales centres and are easily the one place where consumers can spend the most money upgrading and customizing. Fortunately, many developments are now including many of the most desirable upgrades as standard features, incorporating items such as wood cabinetry, tile backsplashes, and upgraded appliance packages into the base unit price. Standard features vary from project to project, but generally speaking inner-city developments include more upgraded items standard, while suburban developments focus on providing the best home value at a good price. Within the downtown core, it is not uncommon to find upgrades like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances as standard features, while in the suburbs these are offered as upgrades. Common to both markets is a complete appliance package, including an over-the-range microwave, which saves valuable counter space and maintains a consistent look in the kitchen, and a washer/dryer. Downtown projects, particularly high-rise developments, are offering many innovative and unique features as both standard and upgradeable items. Items such as exotic countertop materials, including marble, limestone, and quartz; premium appliance brands, such as Miele and Sub-Zero; and appliance features like built-in wine fridges and cappuccino makers are now available at several projects downtown, providing plenty of choice and options.

In addition to the kitchens, flooring offers many upgrade opportunities, from the quality of the materials to the actual flooring itself. Standard flooring at most suburban projects includes linoleum in the kitchen, entry, and bathrooms, and carpet in the living room and bedrooms. There is considerable variation in the type and weight of the carpets, including both polyester and poly/wool blends, ranging from 28-ounce to 50-ounce.

Berber carpet is offered at some suburban projects, but is much more common in the downtown region—where it is standard at over half of the active projects. Downtown projects are also more likely to include other flooring options, such as cork, hardwood, and tile as standard. Hard-surface flooring, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, hardwood, and cork are standard features at most inner-city projects, with linoleum rarely included in the basic package.

Bathrooms are the other major area where features vary substantially from project and region, with inner-city developments offering considerably more upgrades than the suburban developments. Most suburban developments offer a relatively comparable bathroom specification, including laminate countertops, drop-in sinks, and basic bathtub surrounds. Luxury projects, notably in the inner-city, include features such as upgraded tile bath surrounds, granite countertops, vessel sinks, and upgraded plumbing fixtures. The lack of upgrade features in suburban projects points towards consumers desire to upgrade items in highly-visible areas, such as the kitchen, but take a more cost conscious approach to other areas including the bathroom.

Environmentally-friendly features are starting to find their way into many developments found in projects throughout Calgary. Several “green” features, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, are mandated by the City of Calgary and are found at all new projects. However, some developers are going the extra step by including other environmentally-friendly products, such as solvent-free paints, renewable flooring materials, low-E windows, and tankless water heaters. Many buildings are also designed to be environmentally friendly, with features such as rain water irrigation, green roofs, and geothermal heating/cooling. The inclusion of green features in multi-family projects benefits more than just the environment; consumers save through reduced utility costs and lower condo fees, as well as less variability due to fluctuating energy prices. With rising energy costs and more focus on the environment, it is expected that more and more projects will include green features as part of their standard specification package.

Calgary projects offer a wide variety of interior features, colour choices, upgrades, and customizations to meet almost anyone’s taste. The variety of projects and interior options available means consumers can find exactly what they’re looking for anywhere in the city. Spend some time comparing the projects you are interested in and you’ll be sure to find some feature or specification item that matches your style.  CL


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