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The Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

March 6, 2015 No Comments

Unfortunately, very few homes are designed with concern for mobility limitations. Steep staircases, tight spaces that limit maneuverability, and designs that cause safety issues abound in most homes. If you want to make your home friendly to loved ones with mobility limitations, make sure to follow this mobility-friendly renovation checklist: Schedule an In-Home Consultation An in-home consultation is absolutely necessary to observe the mobility limitations of your loved one and assess the state of your home. Do not trust any estimate or promise that is made without having met you in person or without having seen your home. An in-home consultation with mobility renos experts can assure your renovation is done right the first time. Ask Around You may know people who have also had their homes renovated to accommodate mobility limitations. Ask around and see what features they love, what features they wish they had, and what they might have done differently. You can learn a lot from speaking with people who have been down the same path. Plan for the Present and Future You want your mobility renovation to suit your current needs, but you also want it to accommodate future changes. If you plan on living in your home for another decade, consider what your mobility needs will be at that time. It is better to do a full renovation now than to have to redo everything in five or ten years to accommodate new mobility issues. For example, it may be wise to increase the width of doorways even if your loved one does not require a wheelchair at the present time. Bathroom Safety One of the primary concerns for mobility limitations is being able to use the bathroom safely with dignity and privacy. For this reason, the bathroom is one of the key areas for mobility renos. Whether you wish to install lower sinks that can accommodate a wheelchair, build a wider toilet area, or construct a walk-in shower, these accommodations can vastly improve quality of life. Slip-resistant flooring is also important. Ease of Access It is important that your loved ones have the space to comfortable move around in the home. The house should be organized so that items are accessible and bending, reaching, or other difficult movements are not required. Some of this will not require renovation, but simply reorganizing the house from the perspective of someone with mobility issues. In the instance that renovation is required (such as doorway widening), mobility renovation experts can do the job right. Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and accessible home with the help of mobility renos experts in Ottawa. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

How to Finish Your Basement

February 27, 2015 No Comments

If you have an unfinished basement, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential. When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners can increase the value of their homes and maximize space. Here are some of the great things you can do with a finished basement: Play Area If you have kids, you know all of their toys can quickly take over your entire house. Give your kids a defined play area and a room to call their own. You can set up a crafts area with an easel and drawing table, and have lots of storage with every toy in a proper place. Whether your kids want to play mini sticks, set up a train set, or build a Lego world, nothing beats a nice carpeted and colourful play area in your finished basement. Movie Room When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners often opt to make a movie room. A movie room is the perfect hangout for a family on the weekend. With comfy couches, a nice media centre, and a bowl of buttery popcorn, you can relax and escape into the wide world of cinema. Guest Bedroom Especially in smaller homes without much spare room upstairs, building a guest bedroom in the basement can be a great option for the holidays. Your guests get their own comfortable and private space, while you still get to play host. You can work with an Ottawa contractor to design the perfect guest bedroom, even adding an ensuite bathroom to really impress your in-laws. Workout Space If you want to get in shape, nothing beats a home gym – especially in cold Canadian winters. Set the room up with exercise equipment, a yoga mat, and don’t forget to pipe in surround stereo sound and get those workout tunes playing. Lay down some rubber flooring to prevent slippage or dents from dropped weights. Storage Even an unfinished basement can be used for storage, but you can design built-ins and get your basement more organized that ever. Whether you want to store books, Blu-ray discs, toys, clothes, or seasonal decorations, everything can have a proper place in your finished basement. Income Suite You can even use your finished basement to make money. Enlist a trusted Ottawa contractor to help design an appealing income suite. The renovation will pay for itself in no time, and you can use the additional income to help pay off your mortgage or other household bills. As far as basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners should know that installing an income suite is a very viable option. Don’t squander the potential of your house by leaving your basement unfinished. Expert basement renovators in Ottawa can remodel your basement and turn it into stylish and useful space. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

February 20, 2015 No Comments

Imagine a home that’s stylish and comfortable for everyone. Designing with mobility limitations goes beyond accessibility – it’s about creating a livable space for all. This guide explores features for a beautiful and functional home that promotes independence and safety. Learn how to design a dream home that works for everyone! When your loved one has mobility limitations, you want to do everything possible to make their home life safe, comfortable, and accessible. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners should make sure the following areas are covered: Maneuverability Especially if your loved one needs a walker or wheelchair, it is important that they have enough room to navigate safely and comfortably around the house. You may consider enlisting the help of mobility renovation experts to widen doorways and made it easier to move from room to room. Swinging doors can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to open, so you may consider installing pocket doors. Sinks & Counters High countertops and sinks may be difficult for your loved one to use if they are in a wheelchair. Consider renovating to install lower sinks and countertops so they are easily accessible at wheelchair height. Your loved one can move around independently and not have to struggle with unreachable countertops and sinks. Safe Flooring Slippery flooring is a concern for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with mobility issues. Make sure to install slip-resistant flooring with non-slip coating to prevent your loved one from falling on slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Bathroom Accessibility Bathrooms can be especially troublesome for people with mobility limitations. When they need mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners place bathroom concerns at the top of the list. Fortunately, the experts can install strategically placed handrails, wide walk-in shower stalls, bathtub seats, handheld showering devices, and lowered fixtures. All of these adjustments make it easy for your loved one to use the bathroom privately, safely, and comfortably. Lighting For individuals who suffer from declining vision, it can be difficult to navigate around the house with normal lighting. Mobility renovation experts can install brighter lighting to increase visibility, reduce safety risks, and improve quality of life. Staircases For your loved one with mobility limitations, it can difficult or even impossible to enter houses with stairs or go up to a second story. Mobility renovation experts can construct ramps, place reflective non-slip tape on staircases, and install handrails to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs safely. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners now have all the information they need to design their home and make it safe, comfortable, and accessible to their loved ones. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Making the Perfect Man Cave

February 13, 2015 No Comments

After a long hard day at work, there’s nothing you deserve more than to retreat to a cozy and comfortable space in your home. When a living room or den won’t cut it, you need a man cave – the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. Ottawa basement contractors recommend these must-have items for the perfect man cave: Comfortable Furniture A man cave starts and ends with comfortable furniture. You want a variety of seating options to suit every need. You may opt for a recliner or two to sit in while you watch your favourite team play, or go for a cushy leather couch for when you watch movies. You can take your man cave to the next level with bar stools and comfortable seats around a poker or card table. Entertainment Centre A man cave is all about entertainment. You’ll want to invest in a nice setup, with a big screen TV, surround sound stereo and gaming consoles. For a classy look, Ottawa basement contractors can construct a built-in media centre designed to your specific needs. Not only will it look awesome, but every electronic device will have its proper place. Bar & Refreshments While a couch and TV fit the basics, you’ll really wow guests if you opt for refreshment options and even a custom-built bar. You can buy a mini bar fridge to keep your thirst quenched, or enlist the help of Ottawa basement contractors to design your dream basement bar. Whether you want warm wood topped with elegant granite or budget-friendly laminate, your contract can make this luxurious add-on a reality. Fun & Games During the sports off-season, you can still keep your buddies entertained. Shoot some pool, test your aim with darts, keep the sports action going with a foosball or air hockey table, or practice your bluffing skills with a poker table. If quarters are tight, you can even buy an all-in-one table with interchangeable surfaces for most of these activities. Décor When you think man cave, you may not be too bothered about words like design, style, and décor. Decorate the room with classic movie posters, sports memorabilia, or neon signs, and you’ll give your man cave the perfect look. You might go for a specific theme, like an Ottawa Senators-themed hangout with red walls and framed jerseys, or a James Bond theme with a sharp look and some movie memorabilia. Or maybe you just want a mishmash – whatever you choose, make it yours. Creating the perfect man cave can be easy. With the help of Ottawa basement contractors, you can design, plan, and build your dream basement retreat. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

February 6, 2015 No Comments

A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable kitchen design ideas will help you update your kitchen on a budget: Delightful Lighting Shed a little light on your drab kitchen with new lighting fixtures. Pendant lighting is ideal over islands to add personality and a sense of modern design. You can also install task lighting beneath your cupboards to give your kitchen a modern edge. Breakfast nooks receive an instant touch of elegance with the sparkle of a chandelier hung low above your table. Living room lighting ideas Add an Island Many kitchen renovations in Ottawa include an island. If your kitchen space allows consider adding an affordable island that is a little unconventional. Look for interesting finds at flea markets and garage sales for items such as old tables, dressers and even side buffets that can be repurposed. You can add extra height to tables getting creative with items such as newel posts or garden fencing poles and add a lick of paint to complete the look. Eye Popping Wallpaper The trend for large geometric patterns on walls is the perfect and affordable update for your kitchen. You can use wallpaper on just about any wall including a dull and uninspired backsplash. It can be added in small areas such as across your bulk head, on a focal wall behind your dining area or throughout the kitchen for a real wow factor. You can even consider adding wallpaper insets on your kitchen cabinet doors. Paint Many kitchen renovations dream of always include new custom cabinets. Give your kitchen a face lift with a paint job on your boring, dated cabinets. It just takes a good sanding, primer and a few coats of paint for a total transformation to your kitchen. Cream or black add sophistication, white is filled with country or contemporary charm and grey can add a modern edge. You can add a focal point with a bright colour such as red or lime green for upper cabinets or go with one colour for a unified look. New Fixtures Oversized door pulls in modern metals make lots of impact for a small price. A new faucet can add sparkle and help bring a new look to an old sink. Painted cabinets without pulls have an edgy look. As you can see kitchen renovations are within your reach with these affordable updates. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for your next kitchen project

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

January 29, 2015 No Comments

If you are about to embark on the basement finishing Ottawa homeowners often undergo, families should always make their basements kid friendly. Here are some tips that will help you create a perfect space for kids: Workspace for Homework Teachers always advise that kids have a designated area for homework. This space should be free of interruption and have all the tools a child will need. When designing your basement, Ottawa contractors can help you come up with the perfect work area for your studious little ones. You want to have a large desk or counter surface that will be able to accommodate projects that might need a bristle board as well as a computer and space to open text books. In smaller spaces a built in counter is ideal with drawers below and shelves above. In larger basements you can use a nice large desk where kids can spread out their work. You also want to have good lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of storage space for supplies. Indoor Playground There are many fun additions you can add to your basement finishing Ottawa kids will love. An indoor playground will offer a safe, year round area that will help keep your kids active. Consider adding a climbing wall with a comfy, foam floor where kids can take fun tumbles. You can also look at installing a basketball hoop, slide and even a tire swing. Consider your kids’ interests and look at ideas such as a little stage where they can put on shows, indoor jungle gyms and fun crawl spaces where kids can hide. The space under the stairs can make a cozy reading space with book shelves, lots of pillows and an overhead pot light. Carpet Carpeting is a must for kid friendly spaces. It will allow kids to crawl around, laze, read and avoid injury. Install wall to wall carpeting in the area designated for play. You can then add a more sophisticated flooring like hardwood in the “adult” area. Foam tile works well for kids as well. Chalkboard Wall Kids love to draw and play games like school. Paint an entire wall using chalkboard paint so kids can get creative and also not be tempted to paint or colour on areas they shouldn’t. These tips will help you create a perfect kid friendly basement the whole family will love. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Renovating an Older Home

January 22, 2015 No Comments

If you are considering renovating your older home there are many ways an Ottawa general contractor can help you make updates without taking away the original character and charm. Focus on Architecture The architecture of an older home tends to feature far more charm and character than homes that have been mass produced in sub-divisions. Even retro homes that are mid-century modern will have some interesting features you might want to leave untouched. Some common features you might want to repair and refinish as opposed to completely tear out and replace would include: • Original crown moulding • Stair cases, including retro 70’s “Brady Bunch” stairs • Original doors and framing • Original hardwood or even parquet floors • Mantles and fireplace detailing • Special window features such as stained glass and transoms Items to Salvage When you are renovating older homes there are also a number of items you might want to discuss salvaging with your Ottawa general contractor. For example if you want to redo your kitchen many older homes might have interesting vintage or even historical details such as sinks and lighting. Even if you do not want to use these items yourself you might be able to sell these items for a fair penny to those who are looking for original pieces for their own renovations. Other items worth salvaging can include: • Doors • Trim (might be hard to remove without damage) • Claw foot tubs • Window panes and storm windows • Old light switch plates • Old heating grates • Old door knobs and cupboard pulls • Old kitchen and bathroom cabinets • Old flooring Items to Update Your Ottawa general contractor can also assist in updating areas of your home without the need to completely tear out or replace certain features. For example, an old staircase can be reinvented with the addition of modern glass balustrades. Another update can be as simple as painting out dark wood features from baseboards to wainscoting. An old front door might have a certain element of charm while adding to the authenticity of your exterior architecture. Sanding and painting might be a better option than just tearing it out and replacing it. Hardwood and parquet floors can be sanded and given a modern edge with a darker stain. You can even change unneeded closets into interesting alcoves. Your Ottawa general contractor can help maintain the integrity of your older home while offering a sense of contemporary aesthetics you desire. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Working with Small Spaces

January 15, 2015 No Comments

Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces: Remove Barriers Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces. Optimize Every Centimeter Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet. Look Up Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room. Add More Light Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens. Camouflage Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well. Glass Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room. Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

3 Simple Kitchen Renovations

January 9, 2015 No Comments

If your kitchen looks a little uninspired there are a few ways you can invest in an affordable kitchen renovation. Instead of undergoing a complete remodel you can make partial renovations that will help to update your kitchen. Here are three budget friendly ideas to give your tired space a little makeover: Cabinets and Backsplash Your cabinets can be updated in a number of ways. You can opt to refinish them with a new stain or a fresh coat of paint. This can be a little labour intensive but well worth the effort. You can also look into refacing your cabinets. Cabinet refacing uses the base of the cabinets and replaces the doors. This is an easy process with little disruption. It is also affordable and makes a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. A backsplash update is also an affordable option. With so many choices of tile you can really get creative. However even a fresh new backsplash of simple white subway tile can do wonders to make your kitchen look new. Tile and Appliances Nothing dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Replacing your appliances with new, energy efficient appliances will make your kitchen look state of the art. It will also help reduce your energy bills. You can opt for sleek stainless steel for a modern look or look for options such as built-ins for island cook tops, wall ovens and fridges. Tiling is another excellent way to create a decorative update for your kitchen. You can create an interesting mosaic design behind your stove, update your backsplash or look at new flooring options. Tile is affordable and can be used to create a number of styles including modern, traditional or rustic. Countertops and Hardware Countertops cover quite a large surface area in your kitchen, even in smaller spaces. That means new countertops can make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. There are many options for countertops including natural stone and marble, butcher block and man-made options including recycled glass. A simple finishing touch that can really update your cabinets is replacing your hardware. Look for large and impressive handles in white metal for a modern look or rustic finishes such as brass or black cast iron knobs for a traditional or country kitchen. Partial kitchen renovations are the budget friendly option for easy kitchen makeovers. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next renovation project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

December 29, 2014 No Comments

Whether you have bought a diamond in the rough, or have just decided it is time to remodel your home it can be difficult deciding which project should be renovated first. Here are some considerations to help you decide where to begin. Need First consider your needs. Is there any one space that is interfering with your comfort or everyday needs? Perhaps a bathroom is leaky and causing further damage to your home. Maybe your kitchen is a complete disaster making preparing meals a nightmare. You might even have serious issues such as poor insulation or a leaky roof. Look at how each issue is affecting the condition of your home and your comfort and prioritize based on the severity of each room. Quick Fixes While you get started on major changes you can also look at some quick fixes. For example you might need new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. This is an easy fix that can be addressed right away. Other easy fixes might be basic cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint. Budget Realistically you will only be able to do the changes that you can afford. Once you prioritize the changes that are needed consider making a budget plan that allows you to take on projects one at a time. Balance need and want in order to make the right decisions. Here is a good way to prioritize: • Must Haves: Look at all of your must haves. These are issues that will affect the safety of your home such as mould removal or a major leak in your roof or foundation. You might also have an oven or fridge that doesn’t work. Consider the cost and see which of these must haves are affordable. • Timing: Look at each project and come up with a plan that you can map out on a schedule. Speak to a contractor and see if there would be any savings by electing to do certain things at special times of year. Also see if there are discounts for doing more work at once. Once you have a scope of the work required speak to your bank and see what credit is available. They might make the decisions and planning easier if you have access to a line of credit that will allow you to make all of the changes you need. If you are still having trouble deciding which project you should renovate first, give us a call, at (613) 727-9427, we can answer all your questions…….To get in touch you can also fill out an online form

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