Welcome to Olympic City!

You’re in the right place!  We are a husband and wife team who LOVE this business and love doing good work for good people.  We’re believe in the face-to-face version of this business built and not the one that hides behind websites and fake five star reviews.

As a husband-and-wife team we’ve been in and around the home business for over thirty years.  And because of that, we can’t possibly convey all of that experience in a few mouse clicks.  Reach out.  Connect.  Come see us at one of the home shows.  We are quietly one of the fastest growing renovation companies in Calgary and look forward to hearing about your project large or small. Just FYI, EVERY contractors bread and butter are smaller projects so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Kitchen Renovation Red Flags: What to Watch for in Calgary

Kitchen Renovations

Not Every Kitchen Reno Goes Smoothly

Calgary has great contractors — and a few that aren’t so great. Here’s what to watch for before and during your kitchen renovation to avoid costly mistakes and contractor headaches.

Red Flags Before You Sign Anything

No Written Quote

Any contractor who won’t give you a written, itemized quote is a problem. You should know exactly what’s included: cabinets, counters, plumbing, electrical, permits, labour, allowances. Verbal quotes are unenforceable.

Low-Ball Price

If one quote is 40% below everyone else, it’s not a good deal — it’s a warning. The lowball gets you in, and then change orders pile up. Always get three quotes.

Pressure to Decide Today

“This price is only good today.” That’s a sales tactic, not reality. Good contractors have a full pipeline and don’t need to pressure you.

No Business License or WCB Coverage

In Calgary, renovation contractors should have a business license and Workers’ Compensation Board coverage. Always ask for proof of WCB and liability insurance ($2M minimum).

Large Upfront Deposit

Standard is 10-20% deposit, with progress payments tied to milestones. If someone asks for 50-100% upfront, walk away.

Red Flags During the Project

Work Stops Mid-Project

Contractors who juggle 10 jobs at once will abandon yours for a week with no notice. Get a written schedule with milestones. Stopping is sometimes unavoidable — extended unexplained stops are not.

Workers Keep Changing

Some turnover is normal. But if every day brings a different crew with no continuity, quality suffers and nothing is accountable.

No Permit Pulled

Kitchens that add or move electrical, plumbing, or gas lines need permits in Calgary. If your contractor says “we don’t need a permit for that” — ask why. Unpermitted work creates problems at resale and with insurance.

Surprise Change Orders

Legitimate change orders happen (hidden damage, scope additions). But change orders for things that were clearly in scope from the start? That’s a contractor with a habit of underquoting to win, then padding with extras.

Subs Working Without Supervision

If you hire a general contractor, they should be supervising subcontractors, not just handing your house over to them. Check in regularly and ask who is on site.

Protecting Yourself

  • Get everything in writing — scope, timeline, payment schedule, warranty
  • Pay by milestone, not in advance
  • Ask for references and actually call them
  • Keep a project journal with photos and dates
  • Don’t make final payment until the work is complete and inspected
  • Check BBB, Google reviews, and HomeStars

What Good Looks Like

A solid Calgary kitchen contractor will: give you a detailed written quote, pull permits, show up on time, communicate proactively when issues arise, and back their work with a written warranty. That’s the baseline — not the exception.

Why Choose Olympic City Renovations?

  • Full design-build process with a single point of contact
  • Written contracts with fixed-price scopes
  • All permits pulled and inspected
  • WCB and liability insurance on file
  • Post-project warranty and follow-up

Related Articles

Pillar Guide: Kitchen Renovations Calgary: The Complete Guide

Also read: Kitchen Renovation Cost Calgary 2026 | Custom Cabinetry vs IKEA Calgary

Contact Olympic City Renovations for a free consultation.

Olympic City Renovations serves Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.