Ackard Contractors, a renowned Edmonton renovation company, is celebrating its latest Renovator of the Year award while preparing for a leadership transition as its founders retire. The company, which has accumulated over 40 awards over the years, including 12 Renovator of the Year titles in greater Edmonton, was honored at the recent BILD Edmonton Metro Awards of Excellence in Housing gala in mid-March.
Founders Reflect on Award Wins
Richard Plamondon, who co-founded Ackard with his friend Aquilino Naccarato in 1982, expressed that while all awards are meaningful, this year's win was particularly memorable. 'They're all really fun. The first one is always exciting, but this year's, in my opinion, was probably our most memorable one just because of it being the last one,' he said, referring to the founders' upcoming retirement.
Succession Plans Underway
Plamondon and Naccarato are stepping away from the business they started during a tough economic downturn in 1982. A new generation of leaders, including Travis Plamondon, Michael Plamondon, Remi Plamondon, and Paul Swekla, will take the helm. The transition marks a new chapter for the company, which has seen decades of success in the renovation industry.
Current Renovation Trends in Edmonton
According to Ackard, Edmonton homeowners are increasingly looking to add second-storey additions to older, smaller homes in mature neighborhoods. This trend of building upward is more cost-effective than demolishing and rebuilding, as it leverages existing structures. The company also notes a decline in the popularity of open-concept floor plans, with clients now requesting separate spaces like offices and dining rooms.
Kitchen and bathroom refreshes remain popular, while interest in green renovations has waned. Plamondon speculates this may be because eco-friendly upgrades, such as solar panels, lack the visual impact of a new addition or revamped primary suite. Homeowners are also opting to break renovations into phases to avoid moving out during construction, often due to affordability concerns.
A Legacy of Excellence
Despite the challenges of starting a business during a recession, Ackard Contractors has built a strong reputation in Edmonton's renovation market. The company's multiple awards and loyal client base attest to its commitment to quality and innovation. As the founders retire, the new leadership team is poised to continue this legacy, adapting to evolving homeowner preferences and market conditions.
