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The Most Common Reno Jobs

February 16, 2018 No Comments

Ever wonder what the most common reno jobs are these days? It may surprise you to learn what the top requests are from homeowners. To find out what renovation projects we do most for our customers, check out our top seven common renos list. Bathroom Reno Probably the most commonly reno job is a bathroom upgrade. And it’s not really surprising as many older homes are still sporting 80s styled pastels and tacky patterned tiling. With all the upgraded materials and spa-like fixtures available today, you can finally say goodbye to your green coloured tub and hello to a design that showcases your personal style at a price you can afford. Kitchen Remodel The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its no wonder why it’s on the list of the most common reno jobs. Adding an island, beautiful countertops, stainless steel appliances, and more cabinet space can go a long way when it comes to style and functionality. But today’s trends focus more on space organization and innovative decorative elements than ever before. Think sleek black stainless steel that hides fingerprints, scratchproof Dekton in place of granite, and stylish adhesive backsplashes that can be changed out in a flash. Window And Doors Many homeowners are now focused on finding ways to add more energy efficiency to their homes in order to cut down on their energy costs. Taking on a reno project to incorporate brand new windows and doors is one of the best ways to improve efficiency as well as adding more aesthetics to your home. Addition Expanding the home and adding another floor or section, is another one of the most common reno jobs today. For families who are expanding, a new addition can save them the pain of finding a new home and moving. It’s also a great way to get a better price on your home when you’re ready to sell. Finished Basements A finished basement is another excellent way to add more space to your home. And the best part is that there are endless opportunities for how you can utilize the extra room. Common conversions include creating an income-producing rental unit, a space for a playroom, entertainment area, office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom for an aging parent or the returning college student. Flooring That old plush carpet you have not only starts to look drab over time but can also contain a lot of dirt and mold deep within the fibres. It’s wise to get your carpet flooring replaced every five years or so. Beautiful looking flooring is also a great selling feature. Changing old tile or carpet to hardwood has also become a very popular request. Wood flooring comes in a variety of finishes and laminates, and also provides improved durability and improved aesthetics in any room. Exterior Siding Whether it’s time to replace old or damaged aluminum siding or to switch up the materials to a more modern style of stucco or cedar, exterior siding remains a prevalent reno project among homeowners. And there you have some of the most common reno jobs that we tackle for homeowners today. When you’re ready to take your home to the next level with a transformative reno, we are your go-to renovation company in Ottawa. We handle a wide range of projects from the kitchen, bathroom, basement, exterior and additions. No matter what your vision, we can help you design your dream home. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes

February 11, 2018 No Comments

Bathrooms seem like they should be a pretty easy renovation project. How hard can it be to update a 6”x6” room? The project seems so simple, it’s tempting to hire the cheapest guy in the phone book or even try your hand at a weekend DIY project. These assumptions are all wrong. When you factor in important components like plumbing and lighting, not to mention the intricate work of laying tiles, even a small powder room can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, with a plan in place and the help of the pros at RenosGroup.ca, you will be avoiding major bathroom remodelling mistakes Mistake: Not having a clear plan in place You can’t make up a renovation as you go along! Demolish the old room one day, maybe pick up some fixtures once you’ve saved up enough funds, install the shower surround when you have the time…that’s no way to go about a bathroom renovation. You also can’t buy a supply of ceramic floor tiles only to decide partway through that you prefer the look of slate. Solution: Make a detailed plan in advance – and stick to it You can dream about your ideal bathroom design and materials for years, and sketch out as many layouts as you wish. But once you settle on it, stick with it. A detailed plan that includes everything from the tools and materials you need (and their cost) to a projected timeline will ensure that your bathroom remodel process goes smoothly. Mistake: Failing to Budget Close your eyes and picture your dream bathroom. Stunning marble flooring, a luxurious soaker tub, an eye-catching natural wood accent wall, maybe even a high-tech automated shower system. Now calculate how much this costs? If your budget calls for a “beer” bathroom and you’ve got “champagne” tastes, you need to re-evaluate. Solution: Budget Honestly Calculate the estimated cost of your budget, including materials, tools, and labour. When in down, overshoot on costs. Don’t forget to add wiggle room for things like broken tiles or the supplier delivering the wrong sized counter top. You’ll enjoy relief when you come in under budget, whereas coming over budget can range from minor stress to major financial disaster. Mistake: Going it Alone It doesn’t matter how many hours of HGTV you watch – you are not a professional bathroom renovator. If you’re lucky, maybe you just do a sloppy job with the paint and reverse the hot/cold taps by accident. If you’re unlucky, maybe you burst a pipe or heaven forbid electrocute yourself. It’s not worth it. Solution: Choose RenosGroup.ca Don’t cut corners with your bathroom remodel project. From the earliest stages of imagining the layout to estimating costs through to completion, RenosGroup.ca will handle the project with professionalism and care. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Types of Renos Which Do Always Increase Your Home’s Value

February 9, 2018 No Comments

No two renos are equal when it comes to increasing your home’s value. And in our last article, we showed you how some of the most popular renos don’t really make the grade when it comes to adding more value to your home. So now it’s time to dive into the second part to tell you the types of renos, which will always increase your home’s value. Here are the top five improvements that we believe make a real difference in the purchase price. Kitchen The kitchen is often the place a family will spend the most time in. It’s considered to be the heart of the home where people cook together, eat together, and congregate throughout the day. It’s also the room that has a variety of renovation opportunities that can greatly increase the value of your home. Improvements like adding more functional space, an island, energy efficient appliances, more counter space, and bigger cabinets, all can be done to transform your kitchen into a space that buyers will pay more for. Bathroom The bathroom is also a room that gets a fairly decent return on investment. And a simple reno can provide lots of added worth without requiring extensive costs. Updating your dated bathroom with some fresh paint, a new floor, a functional vanity and modern fixtures can go a long way. Flooring A shiny modern floor can really catch a buyer’s attention. So if your current flooring is made up of cracked tiling or dingy carpeting, it might be time to replace it with new materials. A picky buyer who puts design and aesthetics near the top of their list will be willing to pay more for a home that has beautiful flooring. To get the most bang for your buck, try using trendy materials like wood tiles, stone, and cork that looks much more expensive than they are to purchase. Finished Basement or Attic Adding more space to your home is one of the best ways to improve your home’s value. By finishing your basement or renovating your attic into an extra living space, you can change your home from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom and bring an even larger return on investment, especially if it can be used as a rental suite. Windows And Doors Improving your home’s curb appeal and adding energy efficient features can attract more buyers too. Replacing your windows and doors is one of the best ways to achieve both factors. Buyers like to know they will be saving on their energy bills right from the get-go and won’t have to replace any dated materials in the near future. When you’re ready to make a new home transformation, we can help you design it and build it. At Renosgroup.ca, we are your one-stop shop for complete home renovations. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today and let us tell you more about how you can improve your home value with a reno project this year.

Types of Renos Which Don’t Always Increase Your Home’s Value

February 2, 2018 No Comments

If you’re thinking about renovating your home this year, you should first ask yourself why. If your answer is to increase the purchase price, then you should first understand that not every renovation will add value to your home. That’s why it is wise to talk to a professional first to make sure you’re making the right decision for your goals. But until then, here’s a little information to help you get a better idea of the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value. Swimming Pools Many potential buyers see a swimming pool as a danger to their children and also an expensive item to maintain. Inground swimming pools are also very expensive to put in and fill, which is a cost that you may never recoup when you go to sell your house. High-End Remodels Before you decide to do a pricey remodel to make your house the biggest and nicest on the block, you need to consider the average sale price in your neighbourhood first. For instance, if the largest house on your block sold for only $150,000, you probably won’t be getting much more than that when you sell, especially if the others homes in the area are much smaller. If the only reason you’re adding a large second story or new addition is to improve your sale value, you should maybe think again. Expensive Carpeting Beautiful carpeting can transform the look of your home, but it doesn’t always increase the value. Not everyone likes carpeting. Some people prefer natural hardwood or tiles. It is also a very personal design choice, and the colour and style you choose may not suit other people’s preferences. And considering that carpet is expensive to buy and install, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recoup the cost by the time you go to sell your home. Gardens And Landscaping Another type of reno that doesn’t often increase your home’s value is landscaping. Not everyone will enjoy the same selection of plants and design choices that you do, and they may even end up seeing a garden as an actual drawback or burden to upkeep. Bold Design Choices Trying to be trendy isn’t always be easy to pull off. Bright wall colours, abstract patterns, and custom designs can turn off potential buyers that don’t share your tastes. Instead, keep wall colours and patterns as neutral as possible if you plan to sell your home in the near future. Backyard Features A brand new backyard deck may add to the aesthetics, but it might not be exactly what the buyer had in mind. So don’t go overboard with backyard features. If things need repairing, you should definitely spend the money to fix any cracks or deteriorated items, but don’t spend thousands of dollars on something that may not appeal to the next homeowner. Don’t make the mistake of spending thousands of dollars on a renovation hoping it will add more value to your home without talking to an expert first. A bit of extra time researching and seeking the advice from the experts can end up saving you a lot of time, money and aggravation. If you want to learn more about the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Your Fireplace is Your Best Friend During Winter

January 27, 2018 No Comments

Without a doubt your fireplace becomes your best friend during winter. With its cozy and romantic setting and reliable warmth, it’s no wonder why it’s among the favourite of home amenities. If you’re on the fence about whether it’s a worthy investment for your home, here are just a few of the many benefits of having a fireplace in your home. Cozy Warmth There’s no denying how cozy a fireplace is. Fireplaces offer a warm, focal place to curl up beside with a book or loved one, or a cheerful place to gather around with your family or friends. It creates the type of cozy, inviting warmth that simply cannot be created by anything else. Reliable Source Of Warmth When The Power Goes Out Beyond the sultry, romantic setting that a gas fireplace offers, it’s also a very reliable and practical source of heat. When you’re hunkered down with a nasty winter storm outside and all of a sudden the electricity goes out, it could make for a very cold and uncomfortable environment until the power can be restored. But with a fireplace, you don’t have to worry. You can still keep warm and cozy with plenty of light to read a good book or find other ways to pass the time, comfortably until the power is back up and running. Reduce Utility Costs With Efficient Zone Heating Rather than having your heating warm every room in your home – including ones that are rarely or are never used at all – gas fireplaces offers a more efficient alternative. With zone heating, fireplaces provide heat for where you actually need it. By turning down the thermostat and allowing your fireplace to warm up the areas you need it, you can enjoy energy savings of up 40 percent. So you can keep your home warm while reducing your overall consumption and expenses. Enhance Décor Element to Any Room Fireplaces today are available in just about any style you can imagine, and can easily be installed in any room in your home. So whether it’s the bedroom, living room, basement or even bathroom, you can find the style you want and enhance the beauty of any area of your home. Fireplaces give you the opportunity to reduce your consumption and become more efficient with zone heating. And beyond the benefits of your monthly heating costs, there’s simply no other appliance that can offer the kind of cozy and romantic setting that a fireplace can. So when you’re ready to crank up the coziness of your winter nights at home, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Take Advantage of Your Attic – Renovate It

January 20, 2018 No Comments

The attic is a reservoir of untapped space. Aside from using it to store away forgotten treasures and old junk, you can take advantage of it by creating a functional space that you and your family can actually use and enjoy. All you need is a little imagination. So if you’ve been eager for more space at home without the hassle of moving or placing a new addition onto your home, here are a few inspiring ideas that show how the attic can become the perfect space to use. Take Advantage of Existing Space If you’re looking to expand your space, it’s always best to look up before you start looking outside and elsewhere. Taking advantage of your attic means you can also avoid having to add on an additional roof and walls that would be necessary for a home addition. This makes it a much easier renovation project to conduct and can often be completed in much less time. Take Advantage of Energy Savings We all know that attics, for the most part, are very neglected. After all, they’re not exactly the most inviting space to use prior to being renovated. And even though most attics have insulation, the reality is that it’s often not enough to really keep your home airtight from energy leaks. But by renovating your attic space, insulation will need to be bulked up in order to make it comfortable for you or your family to use and enjoy it. With the increased insulation, that equates to fewer drafts and a more comfortable home, which can lower your monthly energy bills. Take Advantage Of The Natural Light The attic also usually offers an abundance of natural light, and by installing a skylight or two, you can really maximize it and create a bright, fresh and inviting space. Get Creative You can really get creative with the attic space, especially with the unique design, thanks to the roof. You can create your own luxurious Zen room where you get to relax away from the kids and noisy television. Or, you can explore so many other options like a new bedroom for your eldest child, or even a play den for the kids to enjoy. The options are endless! So if you’ve been looking to expand your current living space, the answer might be right above you. Take advantage of your attic by renovating it into whatever space you need. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our expert contractors have the knowledge and expertise to transform your attic into a warm and inviting room in your home.

Our Thoughts on the Exposed Brick Style

January 15, 2018 No Comments

The exposed brick style is more popular than ever among interior designers – whether it’s for a home or commercial space. With the stunning texture, colour, charm and surprising warmth it adds to a space, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. But before you jump into adding this to your interior design, there are a few important factors to consider before you begin the renovation process. Here are a few of our thoughts on the exposed brick style and what you need to know before moving forward. Prepping The Brick It may seem like a fairly simple DIY project where you rip off the plaster concealing the brick, seal or paint it and it’s good to go. However, it’s not quite that simple. First, you have to prep the brick. You can do this by cleaning it thoroughly with some soap and water-avoid any using acidic solutions. Using the soapy water, be sure to wipe away any dirt and white residue that can often linger on the brick. If you notice any signs of mold, then apply a weed killer to eliminate it. Using vinegar or bleach is not recommended on the porous surface. Allow the brick wall to fully dry before moving forward. Sealing Brick When you expose the brick, what you’re usually left with is a porous surface with gaps and cracks in the mortar and other incomplete factors that can make it easy for moisture to enter. It’s important to prevent moisture from getting in since it can cause the brick to deteriorate over time. Sealing or painting from the interior won’t be enough. You’ll need to seal any of these discrepancies along the wall and use a good exterior insulation to seal the exterior and protect the brick. Staining Vs. Painting If you decide to add a colour to your exposed brick wall, our advice is to go with a stain. Since the brick is porous, it will allow the paint to cake on the surface, leaving noticeable bubbles and certain areas bare. Hiring a professional to apply stain to your wall is always an investment that’s worth it since they are experienced and know the correct method and products to apply to produce a stunning, long-lasting final product. There’s no denying just how beautiful and inviting the exposed brick style is. But it’s important to understand that it can involve a number of important steps in order to have a final product that won’t lead to a damaged, crumbling wall in the near future. If you’re ready to give your wall a facelift, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 instead of turning it into a DIY project that can easily end up costing you more money down the road to correct. Our team of professionals are experienced and can take care of the entire process for you. Contact us today to get started!

5 Signs You Need a Home Addition

January 7, 2018 No Comments

Feeling a little cramped in your home? Looking for a way to increase your property value? If your current home isn’t providing you with the room you need, a home addition may be the best answer. There are a lot of reasons why people choose to renovate their current home. Often it’s because they run out of space when their family has grown, or they’d like supplemental income for their financial goals. Whatever the case may be, if you are experiencing any of following list….they may be signs you might need a home addition to solve your problems. You’re Out Of Space Often the home you buy as a couple doesn’t serve the same purpose when you have a family. When you’ve run out of space, a new home addition can help you get the room you need without having to move. Say goodbye to waiting for the bathroom, tripping over each other, and sharing closet space with your spouse. With a renovation, you can build an addition with an extra bathroom, a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, a spacious and functional kitchen, and much more. You’d Like Rental Income Need to supplement your income? Adding a separate apartment to your home for a potential renter can be just what you need. With a long-term tenant, you can get stable monthly cash flow to use towards other things, like a much-needed vacation, home upgrades, or to put towards your children’s college education. Your Eldest Has Moved Back Speaking of college, more and more graduates are moving back in with mom and dad after school. When they return they often come with more stuff than when they left, making it difficult to fit them back into your already cramped space. The easiest way to move them in and give you both the space you need for your sanity is a home addition. And when they eventually move out there’s no loss – a temporary on-suite can be later used for an aging parent or tenant, making it worth the investment. You’re Looking For More Resale Value If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, a home addition can provide a lot more value to your home. Every home improvement and reno that you make adds to the price tag. And when it comes to the rate of return on money spent, adding a bathroom, family room, or expanding a kitchen can ensure a high rate of return on your investment. You’d Like To Work From Home Whether you’re starting a new business or planning to work more from home, you need an area to conduct business without distraction. The kitchen counter often won’t do the trick when your kids are around. What you need is your own personal office, a space you can be productive and efficient. A home addition for an office space can get you all the space you need to work from home. If any of these points resonate with you, then a home addition is the perfect answer. Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 – our professional team is ready to help.

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

December 29, 2017 No Comments

When people think of renovations, they often visualize projects and upgrades being completed during the warm and sunny months. But contrary to popular belief, winter is also a great time to get your reno work done, and provides many benefits over the spring and summer months. If you’ve been pondering when to start your next reno project, check out these reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter time. More Availability The busiest seasons for home renovations are spring and summer. This is primarily because people don’t generally associate snowy winter weather with being an appropriate time to get work done to their home. But getting your reno done in the winter has many advantages, like allowing more flexibility when it comes to availability. Come winter when there are less projects on the go, contractors can easily schedule the reno based on your timeframe as opposed to the much busier spring and summer months. Winter renovations provide a smoother, more efficient approach than the logistical challenges frequently seen during peak seasons. Without a backlog of work, contractors can give every renovation project their full focus, guaranteeing on-time completion and painstaking attention to detail. Homeowners can exhale with ease, knowing that their renovation project will go forward without any problems, free from the scheduling conflicts and delays that frequently occur during busy times of the year. Additionally, homeowners may see cost reductions during the winter months due to the decline in demand for remodeling services. In order to draw in business during the off-season, contractors might be more willing to provide competitive prices or unique incentives. Winter improvements might become even more affordable if manufacturers and suppliers offer beneficial conditions or discounts on materials. Essentially, even if spring and summer are the most popular seasons for house remodeling, it would be a mistake to ignore the benefits of winter accessibility. By embracing winter renovations, homeowners can enjoy more flexibility, more efficient scheduling, and possible cost savings, all of which contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable renovation process. Thus, as the winter chill descends and the snowflakes start to fall, think about taking advantage of this opportunity to make your house the haven you’ve always imagined. Better Room For Negotiation Many reno companies often raise their prices during the spring to take advantage of the rush in business. And since winter usually means less of a line up with demand, you can take advantage of the better deals offered throughout the slow season. Plus, the majority of owners experience better room for negotiation on not only the rates but also the materials, resulting in ample cost savings. While spring might scream “renovation rush,” winter whispers “bargain bonanza.” Reno companies often inflate prices during peak seasons, but winter’s slack demand means better deals are up for grabs. Negotiate not just rates, but also materials, and unlock ample cost savings for your dream project. It’s a win-win: contractors get work, you get a beautiful, budget-friendly home! Faster Permit Approvals During the spring time, the city permit offices get jammed with inspection and permit requests, naturally slowing down the process. Conveniently, the opposite holds true in the winter time. If you submit for permits during this time of year, you will experience much shorter wait times to get your project approved, and in turn, faster completion times as well. The relaxed pace of winter also means permit officials have more time and availability to dedicate to your application. This translates to thorough reviews and prompt responses, potentially leading to smoother approvals and fewer delays. Certain projects, like interior renovations, might even face fewer weather-related restrictions during winter, further streamlining the permit process. Discuss your project details with your contractor to explore winter-friendly options that can expedite approvals. With shorter wait times, focused attention, and potential weather benefits, you can secure the green light for your project faster, bringing your dream renovation closer to reality. Remember, early planning and clear communication with your contractor are key to ensuring a smooth permit process in any season. Avoid The Mess As most Canadians take their vacation time in winter, scheduling your home renovation to coincide with your holiday time can be the perfect way to avoid living in a chaotic reno environment. With some careful planning you can head out for your travels before the work starts and come back to your completed project. Enjoy It When It Matters Why wait to benefit from your new renovation? Having your reno completed in the winter means that you can enjoy it come spring time, when it matters. If you want to avoid living in a construction zone, paying top reno prices, or waiting for permits, you should get your reno done in the winter. To get started with your project, contact us at the RenosGroup. We can assist you with your plan and provide all the expertise you need to get the work done. If you like to learn more reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Turn Your Foyer Into a Winter Wonderland

December 22, 2017 No Comments

Decorating during the holiday season is the best way to beat the chilly weather and add some colour and warmth into your home. And since your foyer is what greets you and your guests first, it’s worth some time and efforts in making it look magical and inviting. Here are some ways to turn your foyer into a winter wonderland so you can be greeted by the warmth of the holiday season each and every time. Add Fresh Garland On The Railings Garland is always a holiday classic and it’s one of the best elements to add into your foyer so that you and your guests can enjoy being greeted with the fresh, outdoor pine scent when you walk inside. You can also intertwine some lights along the garland to make it really set the tone of the holidays. Stick To Neutral Tones Turning your foyer into a winter wonderland is easy to do with a display of neutral tones and white, mixed with the magical touch of sparling lights and ornaments. This combination essentially mimics the glistening snow that makes winter such a beautiful and magical time of the year. So consider ways to pair off-whites, beige, and that snowy winter palette through ornaments, candles, cushions and more. Create A Centerpiece If you have a table in your foyer, why not create a centerpiece for it? This can be a combination of floral arrangements, such as a mixture of greenery, birch branches, bows, boughs and more. Alternatively, you can create a cake plate of Christmas bulbs stacked up to form a triangular concept of a tree. Whether you prefer classic and traditional or modern and sleek, get creative with your foyer table centerpiece to add height and a focal point to your display. Add Touches Of Festive Bronze Bronze is another stunning element that really adds shimmer and light that can instantly turn your foyer into a winter wonderland. You can add shimmering bronze bows to your front door wreath, combine it with touches of that rich forest green, or sprinkle some dashes of it throughout your urns and table centerpiece to draw in the eye of your guests as they enter your home. Nothing says winter wonderland like the combination of neutral tones and shimmering dashes of light. So if your foyer is looking bland and boring, create some winter magic by adding some of these simple décor features into your home this season. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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