Maximizing Outdoor Living: Tips for Designing Patios, Decks, and More
Outdoor living spaces can become true extensions of your home with smart planning and durable materials. Start by defining how you want the space to function dining, lounging, hosting, or relaxing, and design each zone with intention. Choose materials that withstand Canadian weather, such as composite decking, cedar, or concrete. Add shade and privacy through pergolas, screens, or landscaping to make the area more comfortable. Layer in outdoor lighting to create ambience and improve safety. For year-round use, consider covered seating, heaters, or fireplaces. With thoughtful design, any patio or deck can become a welcoming space you enjoy all season long.
5 Common Renovation Surprises (and How We Handle Them)
Renovations are exciting; they transform spaces, improve functionality, and add value. But anyone who’s been through a renovation knows surprises often come with the territory. Even the best plans can encounter hidden challenges once walls come down or floors are lifted. At Oakhaven Properties, we’ve been navigating renovation surprises for years. Our experience means we’re ready for whatever pops up and that we handle issues efficiently and professionally, so your project stays on track.
2026 Trends To Watch For (And Others To Say Goodbye To)
Understanding which trends are gaining momentum—and which ones are fading—is key to making smart decisions for your property. Let's explore the top trends for 2026.
Top 5 Tools We Can’t Live Without In The Field
Whether we’re framing a custom home, wiring a new build, or finishing a commercial space, these five tools consistently prove their worth in helping us deliver.
Contractor Gift Guide: What to Get the Builder in Your Life
This holiday season, we have put together this comprehensive contractor gift guide to help you find something that your builder will appreciate this Christmas.
Winter Renovations: What You Can Still Do When It’s Cold
Snow, rain, and chilly weather present obstacles when it comes to renovations, but with proper planning, there’s still a lot you can do to upgrade your space.
How We Keep Your Renovation Site Safe and Clean
We take pride in how we manage our job sites. Here’s a closer look at how we keep your site safe, clean, why it matters, and how it benefits you as a homeowner.
Why We Love Converting Unused Spaces (Like That Underdeck!)
Our favourite types of projects? Converting underutilized areas into fully functional living or working spaces. Sometimes, it just takes a little imagination.
What’s a Change Order and Why It’s Not Always a Bad Thing
At Oakhaven Properties, we view change orders as an essential tool for delivering high-quality, customized renovations that help us bring exactly what you want.
What’s Behind the Walls? Why Demo Reveals Matter
No matter how good the drawings are, how experienced the contractor is, or how many walkthroughs happen, we never truly know what’s hiding behind the drywall.
Contractor vs. Handyman: When You Need a Pro (and Why)
We’re often asked where the line is between a task that’s handyman-friendly and a project that demands the training and oversight of a professional contractor.
Local Suppliers We Love Working With (and you will, too)
The suppliers we work with consistently offer us more than just quality product—they offer service, accountability, and a shared dedication to excellence.
Renovation Shows: The Truth About What You See On Television
The reality? It's a bit more complicated—and that’s okay. Let’s pull back the curtain and explore what really goes into the kind of projects you see on TV.
Universal Design Ideas for Accessibility
In today’s world, accessible and inclusive spaces aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential. Whether you're designing a family home in Langley or updating a commercial office space, universal design ensures that people of all ages, abilities, and circumstances can use a space safely and comfortably.
Creating an Entertainer’s Dream Space in the home
There’s nothing quite like hosting family and friends in a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether it's a holiday dinner, game night, birthday party, or casual BBQ, your home can be more than just a place to live—it can be your very own entertainment haven.
Flooring Options for Every Room in Your Home
Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about functionality, comfort, durability, and lifestyle. Whether you're planning a full home renovation, building new, or just updating one room, selecting the best flooring for each space is key to creating a home that not only looks good, but feels good too.
Master Suite Must-Haves: Tips for the Ultimate Retreat
In today’s fast-paced world, having a space in your home that offers peace, privacy, and pure comfort isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s where the master suite comes in. More than just a bedroom, a well-designed master suite serves as your personal sanctuary: a place to rest, recharge, and escape from the hustle of everyday life.
Mudroom Design Ideas and Inspiration for Langley, BC Homes
When it comes to practical spaces in a home, the mudroom often flies under the radar, but ask any busy household, and they’ll tell you this small area can make a big difference. Whether you’re corralling muddy boots, organizing sports gear, or keeping your front entry clear of clutter, a well-designed mudroom is one of the most functional upgrades you can make.
Building a Deck: A Basic Guide from Start to Finish
A well-built deck can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home while increasing its value. Whether you're looking for a relaxing outdoor retreat or an entertainment space for friends and family, building a deck is a rewarding project. This guide will walk you through the process from start to finish, covering material options, stains, and what to expect during the construction process.
What Is A Design-Build Process and How Does it Compare?
When starting a home build or renovation, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is choosing the right construction method. Two of the most common approaches are design-build and traditional construction (also known as design-bid-build). While both methods aim to bring your dream home to life, they follow very different processes that can impact cost, timeline, and overall experience.