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Designing a Playroom the Kids Will Love

November 14, 2016 No Comments

Let’s be honest, designing a play area for your child is almost as much of a thrill for you as it is for them. It’s just about the only household project that’s fun and exciting to create because you get to be a little wild and crazy with the design. You can splash on some bold colours or funky wallpaper on the walls that would never be “approved” anywhere else. And the best part of all is that you get to see the smile on your child’s face when all is said and done. As a parent, it truly is one of the best household projects to undertake. So when you begin to think about creating a special space for your kids, here are some important factors to consider when designing a playroom the kids will love. The Design and Layout Before you go crazy with the Disney characters or bright pink carpeting, take a moment to first consider how quickly your children will grow and inevitably change their tastes and preferences. So when it comes to the layout, you should always take this into careful consideration when choosing design features that are more permanent (or ones you at least don’t want to have to change often), such as carpeting or wallpaper. They may look great now, but give it a few years and you (and your child) might be regretting it. Type of Flooring As mentioned, flooring is one of those choices that must be given some serious thought before throwing down the first selection you like. Take the time to really consider safety, aesthetics and of course, whether it will make sense in the near future. Because after a few months when your child has grown, you want that flooring to still hold well to wear and tear, while not looking completely out-dated. Some great options for you to consider that can provide you with each of these elements include cork, laminate, hardwood, and soft yet durable carpeting. Optimal Storage Of course, every playroom needs to have an appropriate amount of storage to tidy away all of those toys and crafts. Incorporating this into the design is a must in order to keep it clean and tidy. Whether it’s some toy boxes, cubed shelves and drawers – be sure that there is always some area that can house all of those toys. When it comes down to designing a playroom that the kids will love, it’s all about creating a space that is safe, fun and functional. And by considering a few of these key design elements, you can make a space that will serve both you and your kids well into the future. Ready to start your basement renovation? Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Common Reasons to Plan a Home Addition

November 7, 2016 No Comments

Planning a home addition to your house can be a significant project to undertake, but it can also be the best solution that can provide you with the room and comfort that you need so that you can avoid another big move. That’s one of the main reasons why more and more people are opting for home additions, too. If you’re considering adding space to your house but feel unsure whether it’s the right decision for you, here are four common reasons to plan a home addition Provides you with more space Of course, it goes without saying how a new addition will provide you with some much-needed space. But just think about how much it can benefit you both now and in the future. Whether you are (or will be) planning to have children down the road, this could be the perfect way of incorporating more room into your house now and avoiding a massive move in the future. Stay in the neighbourhood It’s easy to get attached to the neighbourhood that you’re living in. So rather than having to move, building more space into your current living space will allow you to stay put and enjoy the place that you’ve grown to love. Treat yourself to some personal space Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little selfish. And sometimes that means having a space to call our own. If your house doesn’t have enough room to provide you with a space to relax and enjoy, then maybe it’s time to think about yourself. Creating a new suite, or even a den – whatever you desire, can be incorporated with a new addition to your home. So you can stay put, avoid an aggravating move, and have a space to call your own. Increase the value of your home If you do happen to decide to move from your home in the future, you can bet that the new addition that you create will only add value to it. No matter what you decide to turn that space into, having that extra room with treat you well when it comes to your return on investment if you do decide to move in the future. So if you’re on the fence about committing to a new addition, take some time to really think about how it will benefit you in the long run. Aside from the obvious extra room, you can avoid a potential move in the future; you can create your own personal space, all the while adding more value to your home. Read more about our Ottawa home additions services or book a free in-home consultation! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

October 31, 2016 No Comments

Performing renovations to your home not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but when done correctly, can also add value to your home. However, if your sole purpose for renovating is to increase that value with a high return on investment (ROI), there are certain projects that – despite all your efforts – won’t make the dollar sign increase to make it worth your while. If you’re trying to plan your next home reno, here are the best areas of focus if you want additional value that is worth your while. The Kitchen If you were questioning whether it’s worth it to rip out those dated cabinets and cupboards – it is! Just like we’ve always been told, the kitchen is one of the most important features of a home, especially when it comes to selling it. It’s the most utilized room, and therefore the most significant. For any areas that look decrepit, outdated, or just ugly, renovating and upgrading them will benefit your ROI in the future. If budget is tight, affordable but effective changes like replacing cabinet hardware and adding a modern backsplash are well worth it. If the budget is higher, a new countertop, new floors, and new sink will pay off. To save money, try to keep your existing cabinets if they’re in good shape, and avoid moving the plumbing (sink, dishwasher) if you can help it. The Flooring These days, flooring is a big deal, and new buyers aren’t exactly keen on purchasing a home when they know they’ll have to spend more time and money ripping up that floor. It’s worth your time and money to bite the bullet and install that beautiful hardwood flooring that buyers are looking for. Then, you can just tack on a little extra when it comes to your selling price – you can bet that people are willing to pay more for work that’s already been done. If your carpeting is in rough shape, consider peeling a corner discreetly to see if hardwood lays underneath. The Exterior If your exterior has little to no curb appeal, you can bet that it will impact any prospects for selling. Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, it’s one of the most important for giving them a great impression of the home. Whether it’s the dead lawn, cracked patio stones, or crumbling façade of the home – add it to your renovation list! The Basement Gone are the days when the state of the basement wasn’t really a significant factor in the success for selling purposes. But today, more and more homeowners take great value in having that extra space remodelled and finished, not only for the potential purpose of having an extra den or TV room, but for renting purposes as well. So if your basement is unfinished and could use some extra TLC, take the time to finish it. This goes doubly so if your basement is damp or mouldy. When it comes time to place your home up for sale, you want to make sure that the effort you put into your renovations will benefit your return on investment. So focus on these main areas and you’ll be set to bump up that value to your home, guaranteed. What renovations will pay off for you? Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca. Our Ottawa general contractor will evaluate your home and recommend the best areas for improvement. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

The Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick

October 24, 2016 No Comments

For many designers and homeowners, one of the most popular trends in design right now is exposed brick walls. It brings just enough mixture of warmth, rustic, and industrial edge, all-in-one. But sometimes, what’s good for the design isn’t always good for the homeowners. So before you start ripping down those walls, consider these pros and cons first. Pros of Exposed Brick Desirable Design – Like we said, there’s simply no denying how much people are loving the exposed brick style. It adds versatility to a space, contemporary edge, all the while adding that touch of warmth to just about any room. A Feature Wall – A wall with exposed brick is also a great way to break up a room by having it as a feature wall. Maybe it’s above your fireplace, or maybe it’s a partition between two rooms – wherever it is, exposed brick is a great way to break up a room and create that perfect feature space. Uncovering Historical Roots – Despite the popularity of trendy, modern interiors, many homeowners prefer to add in that touch of historic, vintage character throughout their home. And there’s no better way than by exposing that original brick, flaws and all. Cons of Exposed Brick Modern Interiors – When it comes to interior brick walls, it doesn’t always match well with every style. That especially goes for extremely modern interiors. So consider your style and what’s present throughout your home, and assess whether it will add or subtract to your space. Crumbling Brick – Once you’ve ripped into the plaster and exposed the brick beneath, you could be left with crumbling bricks and mortar that may need some serious TLC before showing them off to the family. So having a test area for you to get a peek before going all in is always a good idea. Allergies, Noise, and Drafts – Keep in mind that when you remove that insulation and plaster atop the brick wall, you’re also removing that extra buffer for noise, drafts and even allergies. The porous nature of bricks means they are more prone to collecting dust. They also allow drafts to permeate more easily without that extra layer of insulation, especially in an older home. So what may be great for your design, may not be so great for your allergies and even your heating bill. Before you start knocking down that drywall, it’s important to consider each of these factors first so that you aren’t left with a beautifully exposed brick wall and a whole lot of regret. The design and renovation experts at RenosGroup.ca can help you weigh the pros and cons of exposed bricks and other design considerations, so you get the space that looks and feels right for you. Get your free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Renovating a Historic Home

October 17, 2016 No Comments

When it comes to historic homes, there really is no comparison to the charm and character many of them exude. Whether it’s an elegant Victorian in The Glebe, a turn-of-the-century row house in the ByWard Market or a timeless country home in Manotick, it’s no surprise how many home buyers are drawn to those alluring designs. But with age also comes the weathered infrastructure and repairs that they require. If you’re in the market for a historic home or have recently purchased one, here’s what you need to know about renovating a historic home Time and Money If that newly purchased home requires a significant amount of repairs, especially to the exterior, finding matching designs and materials can be a hefty challenge and expense. Those crumbling carvings on that stone exterior may be a selling feature to you, but you could be left with having to tear it down anyway, while spending more time and money than you anticipated. Replacing the Windows Windows are never a small expenditure. And of course, unless you know they’ve been recently updated and replaced, chances are they could be as – or nearly as old – as the house itself. With dated windows, you can bet those cold drafts and heating bills won’t be subtle. So that means upgrading each and every unusually shaped window frame to the more modern, expensive, and energy efficient ones. Unexpected Repairs Charm and character aside, let’s face it – when it comes to older homes, they can be very unpredictable when it comes to sudden repairs and issues that will require more attention and money. Expect to face the unexpected as things may not always go as you planned. Older homes have a way or gradually causing the kind of surprises no one enjoys waking up to, especially issues with plumbing, electrical, the foundation, or the roof. Limitations on Redesigning If you’re keen on the size and location of your historic home, but have plans to redesign the exterior, you could end up facing a lot of red tape and delays. Many historic buildings and home are protected under by-laws for preservation purposes. So always ensure you know what type of limitations and restrictions you’re facing before jumping into that purchase or demolition. As part of its heritage conservation efforts, the City of Ottawa has targeted some 3,500 properties for preservation. In order to make changes to an historic home, you must apply for a permit under the Ontario Heritage Act, write a Cultural Heritage Impact statement, submit detailed plans, and apply for other approvals and permits. This goes for whole home demolition, but it also applies to the “construction of additions, window replacement, partial demolition, and porch replacement or restoration.” Newly built, modern homes are certainly not everyone’s dream home design. For many homeowners, having an old building with historic roots outweighs the benefits of modern convenience any day. But don’t let all of the old-world charm blind you from the reality of owning an old home and the challenges you may face. Always make sure that you know the details of the infrastructure what exactly you’re buying into. At RenosGroup.ca, we can help guide you through the process of renovating a historic home and deal with all the red tape. Schedule an in-home consultation today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Remodelling for Empty Nesters

October 10, 2016 No Comments

You’ve finally reached that point in life where the kids have flown from the nest and you’re suddenly left with a big old empty home with an abundance of space you forgot you had. So now what? Start thinking about what you want! If you’re in search of some ideas to inspire you, here are some popular ideas when it comes to remodelling for empty nesters. Woman Cave, Man Cave Who says that women can’t have their own dedicated rooms just like the man caves? Whether it’s one or both, why not create a room that’s dedicated to you? It could be a meditation room where you can store all of your favourite cushions, candles, and incense, or an arts and crafts room for when you’re in the mood to paint. Whatever your hobby and interests may be, having a room that’s dedicated for this purpose provides you with the perfect place to enjoy doing what you love. Library Who doesn’t dream of converting a room into their very own personal library? Just imagine your favourite books lining the walls from floor to ceiling, with a sliding ladder and two comfy chairs to fully allow your imagination to wonder. Home Gym You know those long and cold winter months that force you to hibernate and reject most forms of physical exercise? Well forget about making that long trek to the gym. Create you own personal gym in the comfort of home. You can easily hop online to your local buy and sell website to find a few great deals on equipment. You’ll have no more excuses for avoiding those workouts! Wine Room If you’re a wine lover and happen to have a spare room in the basement courtesy of your adult child’s departure, it just makes sense to create a room full of wine, right? There’s no justification required! Who doesn’t dream of this? With that cool, dark room, you can easily line those walls with wine racks to show off your new collection to your friends each and every time they visit. Home Office Distractions are one of the biggest hindrances for being productive and getting work done. That’s why home offices are one of the most popular when it comes to remodelling for empty nesters. So if you’ve got work to do, with no space to do it, a home office could be a great addition to your home. Once that initial shock has worn off from having a plethora of space and time on your hands, it’s time to start thinking selfishly, and these ideas are perfect for getting you started. Contact RenosGroup.ca to start planning your home renovation project. Get your free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a Cool Bedroom for Your Teen

September 26, 2016 No Comments

As a parent you likely spent a lot of time designing your child’s bedroom, making it the perfect spot for them to play and enjoy themselves in their own space. But the years fly by and suddenly your adorable little toddler is now a full-blown teenager! There is no way to properly prepare yourself for this, but you can try to prepare their room to accommodate their new stages of life. The pastel-coloured walls and owl decor is not likely to excite a teenager. Talk to your teen and discover what they want to do with their room. If you give your teenager some creative design over their room reno, they may be more inclined to keep it neat and tidy! Here are some tips on designing a cool bedroom for your teen. Lighting Instead of the overhead lighting with a baby animal lamp, perhaps your teen would appreciate some track lighting with a dimmer switch. Teenagers have different requirements for their bedrooms than young children do. They will be reading, playing video games, staying up late with friends and maybe even doing some homework in their rooms. Having different lighting options that can adapt to their current needs is a great place to start a bedroom reno. Colour The colour scheme for any room is a personal choice. As the parents you likely chose the colours for your son’s or daughter’s room when they were young, but now they should have some creative input even if it doesn’t match up with the style you have in your mind. If painting your kids walls bright blue and bright orange will make them happy, then by all means go for it. It’s only paint after all, it’s not permanent. Soundproofing Teenagers are loud. Perhaps you have other kids in the house that aren’t in their teenage years yet, or perhaps you are just tired of hearing their music and conversations at 3am. Whatever the reason, there are different methods of soundproofing that can solve some serious parent/teenager arguments before they begin, if done right by a contractor. Storage Suddenly the stuffed animal holder hanging from the ceiling is not a sufficient means for storage. Teenagers require space for their school work, clothes, makeup, sports equipment, and general “stuff” that comes with the job description. Putting in some custom storage, and having them help with the designs, is a great way to personalize a room while encouraging cleanliness. If they have somewhere to put something then it is less likely to end up on the floor! Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca book a free in-home consultation for all your home renovation needs! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Surviving Your Home Remodel Project

September 19, 2016 No Comments

The thought of renovating your home can bring out a mixture of emotions. One emotion sure to make an appearance is frustration! How the heck are you supposed to live a somewhat normal life when your kitchen is scraped back to the bones, there’s a poorly hung curtain acting as your bathroom door and you can’t tell your bedroom from your living room? It sounds like a disaster zone, but really it’s just a temporary setback in your comfort for the luxury of having an amazing post-reno home. Here are some tips for surviving your home remodel project. Determine What Will Be Your Living Space If you are remodeling bedrooms or the living room area, it’s especially important to designate another part of the house as your “no reno zone” where you will do most of your living. Yes this may mean that you sleep on a mattress in the kids play room, or that you are watching your television in the dining room next to some construction equipment. However you are able to do it, be sure to designate a construction escape zone where you can rest in peace. Don’t Stress About Eating Too Much Takeout There is enough to stress about when living through a home reno, so the level of takeout should not be one of them. If you are renovating your kitchen it only makes sense that your meals are going to have to be supplied elsewhere. Try to be easy on your wallets, but don’t feel bad if you have pizza three times a week. It’s not forever, soon you will be cooking in style. Be as Easygoing as Possible This may be the hardest thing to remember for some people. Home renovations are extremely stressful and things can pop up along the way to add to that stress. It’s important to remain as calm, cool, and collected as possible throughout the process and to not stress about things that are out of your control. There will be dust everywhere, there will be equipment and materials all over the place and there will be a constant level of disorganization in your life. If you can manage to be easy breezy through the process it will make things a lot easier on you, mentally speaking. Budget Accordingly It’s important to have extra money available for emergencies that come up throughout the home renovation process. There might be reason for additional repairs as walls get taken down or plumbing is closely examined and this can be very stressful if you have already maxed out your budget on the initial plan. Having a contingency set up will save you heartache and stress along the way. Enjoy a smooth, stress-free renovation process – and a jaw-dropping final result – with RenosGroup.ca, your #1 choice for bathroom, kitchen, and basement renovations, mobility renovations, and home additions. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Ideas to Save Space in the Bathroom

September 12, 2016 No Comments

Great design is all about optimizing space, especially when it means avoiding a huge bathroom renovation. When it comes to your bathroom, bigger is always better, but not always necessary or practical. Sometimes you’ve just got to work with what you have in order to avoid spending a large sum of money on a costly addition. So if you’re desperate for more space in your bathroom, and want to avoid tearing down any walls, here are three ideas to save space in the bathroom. Wet Room Layouts Although you may not have heard about wet room layouts, they’re actually a very popular design throughout Europe and Asia. They’re very practical and space-saving. It’s essentially a waterproof room that combines your shower, toilet and sink, all-in-one. So there’s no need for a separate space for a shower stall. This is a great way at truly optimizing what you’ve got, while giving your bathroom that unique European flair. And for those who aren’t keen on the idea of a wet room, you can opt for what many others have done instead – create a half wet room where only the tub and shower are included, segregated on the other side with sink and vanity. Wall Mounts Wall mounts are one of the easiest ways to open up space in your bathroom and really give that sense of openness – especially for tighter spaces. Instead of having the plumbing and tank of your toilet located on and beneath the floor, it’s placed behind the wall. The same thing goes for your sink. So if floor space is limited, and the idea of a sink and vanity consumes the majority of space available, you can have mounted faucets and vanities installed as an alternative to the traditional designs. The Toilet-Sink Combo Not a fan of mounted fixtures? Why not try the toilet-sink combo. It may sound odd, but for those extremely tight spaces, it can sure be practical. The sink is in essence, attached to the tank of the toilet where fresh water comes out of the faucet and then drains into the tank for flushing. It’s simple and pragmatic. So if you have a master bath or guest bathroom that you’re eager to optimize, think outside of the box and consider these three practical solutions. Wall mounts and even a toilet-sink combo are ideal for those looking to free up more floor space. And wet rooms are increasingly growing in popularity not only for that unique European touch, but for the practicality of them as well. Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Contact RenosGroup.ca to schedule a free in-home consultation! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What’s the Deal with Coach Houses in Ottawa?

September 7, 2016 No Comments

What’s the Deal with Coach Houses in Ottawa? In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of Ottawa coach houses, answering all your questions about these versatile secondary suites. The idea of “bigger is better” for homes is not supported by all. In fact, a new craze has hit Ottawa, making coach houses the talk of the town. What is a coach house? A coach house is a smaller house that exists on the property of an existing dwelling. They are oftentimes referred to as a secondary dwelling. It’s like a regular house, but tiny. Depending on the design style and size, there can be different rooms or it can be an open bachelor pad style. The design style is key to making the coach house function, talk to RenosGroup.ca and we will guide you in the right direction for the best possible coach house. Who are coach houses ideal for? Coach houses are ideal for many people! It’s an ideal income property for someone who is willing to give up some of their yard for the coach house to be built. Since the houses are small it’s easy to fit them up with high-end finishes so as to attract the right tenant. Coach houses are also amazing as an “in-law suite.” If your parents are aging and you want them closer to you, but not sharing a bathroom with you, then having them live in a coach house on your property is the best possible answer. Can I build my own coach house in Ottawa? Well sure you can try, but it’s not like building a clubhouse for your kids. A coach house has many of the same amenities found in a regular size house, so unless you are a skilled contractor who builds houses for a living, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. The coach house will need to be fitted up with plumbing, electricity and gas just as a regular house would, so it’s not the project to be taken on by the average handyman. In order to be a livable dwelling, it must pass all building and fire codes. If you are thinking about putting a coach house on your property, you should start with a phone call to the RenosGroup.ca. Does it have to be built from scratch? Not at all! There is room for creative design here, so if you have an existing structure on your property that you think is stable enough to be retrofitted into a residential dwelling then a professional can turn that dream into reality. Obviously an old barn that is one windstorm away from being firewood is not the ideal candidate, but structurally sound detached garages or large sheds can likely be turned into a coach house in the hands of a professional. The structure must have a fixed foundation. If you have no suitable structure on your property, it can be built from scratch to your exact specifications and design tastes. Contact us to learn more about Ottawa coach houses! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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