Basement Blog
Stay updated with our basement blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.
Adding a Basement Games Room
The wintertime is perfect for spending quality time inside together with the people you love the most. But after a few months of feeling cooped up at home, all that time spent indoors can begin to wear on you and family, leaving you feeling restless and bored. Adding a basement games room can offer the perfect kind of entertainment that you and the family can embrace all year long – especially during those cold spells that keep you cooped up at home. So why not embrace that quality time at home together with a games room that the whole family can have some fun with? Here’s how to plan it out and get started! Consider Where it will be Located Whether it’s your basement or a spare den off of the main floor, wherever you are considering housing your games room, give it some careful thought. Location is important. When those air hockey pucks go flying, you don’t want them to be anywhere near your fragile furniture. A games room is all about having a room to escape, get a little crazy, while still being able to keep your home safe and well intact. Put some careful thought on where yours should be located. Make it Comfy and Inviting Having a games room doesn’t just mean throwing a few games in a room for the kids. This can be your space, too. So consider adding those elements of comfort and luxury that you will enjoy. Maybe it’s big, comfy chairs, or a cute little bar. Whatever it is, add some elements that will make it a warm and inviting space that you will actually want to use. Consider Games to Add Of course, your games room should be tailored with games that you and the family will love. So take the time to think about what type of games you want. Maybe it’s pinball machines and air hockey, or foosball and a beautiful pool table as the main feature. Or you could add an entertainment system with the latest and greatest 3D consoles. The options are endless, so let your imagination run wild! Having a games room is all about providing a space where you can have some fun and entertainment at home while spending quality time together. Whether it’s throwing down a game of foosball or setting up a snooker tournament with your friends, an entertainment space that you can call your own is the perfect addition to any home, especially during those long winter months when you’re cooped up inside! Have you got a basement renovation on the mind? For more info on adding a basement games room, give RenosGroup.ca a call at (613)727-9427 to book your free in-home consultation and discover what opportunities await.
Remodelling for the Long Term
If you’ve endured home renovations in the past, chances are that you know very well just how gruelling and expensive they can be. What starts as a fun weekend DIY projects turns into months of living in a dusty construction zone. When you start to consider doing some renos on your new home, you want to make sure that you hire a professional general contractor and ensure whatever you’re investing in will give you the most amount of ROI in the future. Before you starting remodelling your home, here are some key factors to consider to get the best return on your investment that will serve you well for the long term. Neutral or Calming Walls When you’re in the midst of deciding what colour to throw on your walls, a good idea is to avoid anything harsh or bold. If you want to get the best long-term benefit out of that paint, your best bet is to go for neutral or calming colours. That way, if you decide that you no longer like the designs and accenting features in your home, you won’t be limited by the colour on your walls, or have to repaint them. Adding Windows If you’re feeling unsure about knocking down a few walls in order to enhance the natural light in your home, take comfort in knowing that this renovation will serve you and the value of your home well in the future. Adding more natural light to a home is always a smart idea. If you were on the fence about this one – let there be light! Be Bold Through Accessories Of course, we still need to incorporate some fun, flair, and colour into the interior design and one of the best ways for doing this through accessories. Accessories such as your cushions, artwork, or even curtains, are all great ways to help add in some vibrant colour without requiring any significant expense or alteration down the road. So if you happen to grow tired of a particular colour that’s dotted throughout your home, you can easily switch it up. Make Functionality a Priority No matter what you do, always have functionality as a priority in your design. For example, when it comes to your kitchen, make sure that the location of your appliances, countertops and cupboards all make sense to the flow of the space. That way, even if you have to change any aesthetics in the future, the main bulk layout (and expense) won’t have to be altered. It’s always important to consider what makes the most sense for the long-term when remodelling your home. So before you begin those blueprints, consider these tips to help you make the right decisions that will benefit you and your home the most in the future. Looking for home design ideas that will look just as good in a year or ten? RenosGroup.ca is Ottawa’s choice for expert kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovation projects with a focus on timeless finishes and design choices. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?
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
5 Ideas for an Amazing Basement Office
There are all kinds of different projects you can tackle when you start to look into ways to transform your basement. Some of them will immediately interest you whereas others may not be all that appealing. On top of that, basement transformation projects can cost a pretty penny without proper planning and organization. Of all the basement transformation projects out there, from home theatres to income suites, one of the most popular and wise investments is to turn your basement from a dark and dingy space into a fantastic office. To help you with this kind of project, we’ve put together five ideas that you’ll want to contemplate integrating into your Ottawa basement renovation project. Build a Basement Office/Bedroom Space If you want to make the most of the real estate that you have in your home, it’s always a good idea to create “multipurpose spaces” – and that means creating a basement office that has room for friends or family to sleep over. If you create a guest room only, chances are that space will go unused most of the time. Create a True Business Office Feel A lot of basement offices feel exactly like that – like an office that has been pigeonholed into the basement – and that isn’t always the most conducive environment for productive work. Think instead about constructing a business office that looks EXACTLY like your dream corner office in that Manhattan high-rise and you’ll find yourself getting a lot more quality work done than you ever would have in a more traditional space. No one says a basement office has to feel like a basement office. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting It’s been proven time and time again that the lighting you have in a space directly impacts your productivity and your mood. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to be getting that much natural light working below ground in a basement! Use quality lighting fixtures, dimmable lights, and other lighting options that give you complete and total control over the light in your space and you’ll be able to dial it to the ideal setting during your working hours. Climate Control is Critical Basements are usually quite a bit cooler than the upstairs space during the summer so you can usually save big time on your air-conditioning bills. They should have climate control technology built right into them so that you hit the perfect temperature and humidity level without any difficulty at all. Think About Adding a Mini Fridge Don’t be shy about throwing a mini fridge into your basement office. Even though you’re only down a single floor from your kitchen, you want to be able to have drinks quick at hand so that you don’t have to slow down your productivity or break your flow by trudging upstairs. Nothing beats grabbing a quick drink to fire you up when you’re running a little low on energy! Are you interested in a basement renovation? RenosGroup.ca is here to help with expert results. Get a free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Turn the Basement into a Game Room
Is your basement a dark, musty, unfinished space? No longer. For many homeowners in Ottawa, the basement is so much more than a gloomy storage room, musty laundry room, or unused space. Have you thought about turning your basement into a game room? A fully customized space the whole family can enjoy? First Things First – Is Your Basement Waterproof? Before we start talking about selecting the right ping pong table and what brands of craft beer you want to store in the basement wet bar, there are a few structural concerns to address. An unfinished basement seems like more work, but it’s actually a better blank canvas for evaluating any potential issues like water damage, mould growth, pest infestations, and so on. If any of these issues are present they absolutely must be addressed right away. Waterproof your basement now, and you won’t have to pay money replacing wet belongings and knocking down drywall to fix it. The last thing you want to do is invest in a swanky renovation that’s not built on a solid foundation. Next – Evaluate the Space Every basement is different. Hopefully you have a bright basement with lots of open space and big windows, but that’s not always going to be the case. How is your ceiling height? You don’t want to have to dig down just to fit a game room, but it is an option. What is the placement like for the furnace room, water hookups, ductwork, electrical panel etc.? These elements will be difficult and/or expensive to move, so you’ll want to plan any layout around these important parts of the basement. Next – Design Time You can come to your contractor with designs in hand, or you can work together to design the perfect layout for the same. If you hope to have games tables in the room, layout is extremely important. For example, a pool table requires at least enough clearance to use a standard cue (58”) comfortably in all directions. If you plan to have other tables in the area, plus seating, plus a bar etc., layout becomes imperative. Finally – Games Time Bring the whole family and figure out what kind of games you would like to see. Pool table, table tennis, foosball, or air hockey? The latest video game consoles like a PS4, WiiU, or Xbox One, built into a customized media centre? Board games like Monopoly and Risk? A remodeled basement will increase the value of your house and will pay off in big bucks when you resell. It is a win-win. The space is big and cozy and with the right games for your family, it will soon become your sanctuary. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca for your free in-home consultation to get the process started. Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Transforming Your Basement – On a Budget
When we start remodeling our houses, it is common to go over budget – especially if you have a budget that is unrealistic to start with. Let’s say you want to construct a basement bar with a sink hookup, recessed lighting, and a solid cherry wood bartop – fantastic! And you want to do it all for $750 or less…not so fantastic. Still, it is possible to transform your basement on a budget. Get Multiple Estimates Do not settle for the first estimate that you get. For one, if you ask around, you may discover that the first estimate was wildly off-base – or you may discover that the first contractor got it exactly right. Just remember, you are not looking for the lowest price – you are looking for the most comprehensive estimate that sets out a plan to achieve your renovation goals at a price that fits your budget. Working with a contractor like RenosGroup.ca, you will be able to get better prices because we can leverage relationships with our trade partners, without sacrificing quality or attention to detail in any way. It’s wise to seek several estimates before finalizing your basement renovation project. This ensures you have a good understanding of market rates and project complexities. Here are some tips: Contact at least 3 reputable contractors: Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations, or search online review platforms. Clearly communicate your vision and budget: Provide detailed plans and specifications to ensure accurate estimates. Compare apples to apples: Ensure each estimate covers the same scope of work, materials, and timelines. Ask questions and clarify doubts: Don’t hesitate to ask about qualifications, insurance, warranties, and payment terms. Consider value, not just price: Choose a contractor based on experience, expertise, communication style, and trust, not just the lowest cost. STICK to Your Budget On the one hand, your budget shouldn’t be a loose target. It should be calculated based on the material and labour needs for the project, and going thousands over budget without an explanation is not OK. On the other hand, having the whole project grind to a halt because you can’t afford new subflooring is not ideal, either. You also need to allocate your budget wisely – if there is a limited pool of funds, then fixing up a foundation crack comes before buying that breathtaking $8000 coffee table. Therefore, it is all about balance. If you can’t afford your dream renovation quite yet, there is nothing wrong with saving up for another year until the finances make more sense. Here are some tips to navigate this balancing act: Plan realistically: Account for labor, materials, permits, and potential contingencies (10-15% buffer). Prioritize essentials: Allocate funds to crucial aspects like waterproofing, insulation, and safety features first. Explore cost-saving alternatives: Research DIY options, compare prices, consider repurposing materials, and seek discounts. Communicate openly: Discuss potential changes with your contractor and explore adjustments within your budget. Embrace adaptability: Small modifications, like substituting materials or delaying non-essential features, can save costs. Don’t overstretch: If your dream renovation requires exceeding your budget significantly, consider postponing it until finances align. A successful basement renovation requires not just creativity and planning, but also financial discipline. By following these tips and adapting them to your specific project, you can achieve your vision while staying true to your budget. Always Hire Professionals Always hire professionals. If you go for a company or contractor that has less than adequate experience then it is likely that they might make some mistake which costs a fortune to correct. Don’t throw away good money! Hiring a professional and experienced contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup will ensure you get the best service, no compromises. You can save money in the long run because you won’t have to worry about disasters down the road caused by poor quality workmanship. Here are some reasons why hiring qualified professionals is crucial for a successful basement renovation: Knowledge and experience: Professionals possess in-depth knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and best practices for basement construction and renovation. Quality craftsmanship: Their expertise ensures proper installation of materials, adherence to construction standards, and overall project quality. Problem-solving skills: Professionals can anticipate and address challenges efficiently, minimizing costly delays and rework. Insurance and warranties: Reputable professionals offer insurance and warranties, providing peace of mind and financial protection. Time efficiency: Their experience and equipment enable them to complete projects efficiently, saving you time and potential frustrations. Choosing the right professional is key. Conduct thorough research, obtain multiple quotes, and verify licenses, insurance, and references before making your decision. While the initial investment may seem higher, the long-term benefits of quality workmanship, project peace of mind, and potential cost savings from avoiding future issues can be significant. Renovations First, Accessories Later Once the main renovations are done, you can always get furnishings down the road when money is not too tight. Buy one piece at a time as the budget allows until your basement is perfect. Soon enough you will have a beautiful basement for all to enjoy and it will be worth every penny you invested. Once the core renovation of your basement is complete, it’s tempting to fill it with furniture and decor right away. While creating your dream space is exciting, remember: Prioritize functionality: Ensure the essential elements like lighting, flooring, and storage are in place before decorating. Start small and be patient. Furnish gradually, focusing on key pieces that fit your budget and needs. Embrace multi-functionality: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes to maximize space and budget. Get creative with DIY: Upcycle and repurpose existing items to add personality and save money. Accessorize strategically: Use accents like plants, artwork, and rugs to personalize your space without breaking the bank. A well-designed basement doesn’t require everything at once. By prioritizing and taking your time, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your style and budget, one step at a time. Remember, Quality Matters While transforming your basement on a budget is crucial, remember that quality should never be compromised. Here’s why: Durability: Opting for cheap materials or labor often leads to costly repairs down the line. Quality materials and proper workmanship ensure longevity and save you money in the long run. Safety: Subpar electrical work, poor waterproofing, or faulty construction can pose serious safety hazards. Investing in qualified professionals and quality materials prioritizes
5 Ideas for Your Basement Remodel
Are you a homeowner who has a basement that is dark, gloomy, leaky and gives children nightmares? These days, wasted basements are left for horror movies. With the help of a basement renovation contractor in Ottawa, you can remodel your basement and turn into anything you like. The best part is, in most homes the square footage is so big and there are typically few limitations as long as the ceiling is high enough. If you have an unfinished basement, your home is resting on a goldmine. Without further ado, here are five great ideas for your basement remodel that may inspire you to finally finish that basement: Home Office It is the perfect room it you want peace and quiet. You can carpet the floor, paint the room with a productivity-boosting tone like stimulating red or calming blue. Place an oak desk, an ergonomic leather chair, and of course don’t forget the wireless router. If you have clients coming over for meetings, then you can place a room divider and have a couch and a coffee table placed separately. Talk with your contractor about designing custom shelving to maximize the use of space. Band Practice Room If your teenager is in a band but the garage is filled from top to bottom, what better place for band practice than in the basement? Paint the walls, put up some nice band posters, lay down area rugs, and install racks for amps and guitars. Also, if you don’t want your neighbors filing noise complaints against you, ask your contractor to make soundproofing a priority. Dog Sit Area It’s an open space that dogs can’t escape. If you are looking for a stay-at-home job to make some money on the side then this is a great idea. Advertise your business on social media and set up flyers at the nearest grocery store. Lay down tile flooring for easy clean-up and chew-proof the area. You have yourself a fluff fest that pays! Jazz it Up Love clubbing? Well, you can turn your basement into your personal jazz club. Bring down a piano, install mood lighting, decorate the walls with vintage artwork, and offer guests a drink from your custom home bar or wine cellar. Seating options can vary with lounge chairs, bar stools, and more. Game Room Parents are constantly looking for ways to connect with their children. It’s not as easy as it used to be. Turn your basement into a game room and get a couple of old arcade games, a foosball table and board games to keep the children interested. Paint the room real bright and get a comfortable couch and a coffee table. Throw in a couple of huge cushions to sit on and enjoy Saturday nights watching Inside Out and eating popcorn with the family. These were just a few of literally hundreds of possibilities for your finished basement. You can also turn your basement into a guest bedroom or a personal library or literally anything else according to your tastes and hobbies. The whole family can get together and put your heads in to find a way for everyone to enjoy the room and spend quality time together, or give RenosGroup.ca and we’ll discuss the best options for your needs and the space. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to get your FREE basement renovation estimate.
Planning the Perfect Basement Apartment in Ottawa
Ottawa Basement Blues? Turn it into a dream apartment! Our guide to Planning the Perfect Basement Apartment is here. There are so many possibilities for your basement. Should you turn it into a guest room for when the in-laws visit? A kids’ playroom to keep them out of your hair? A home gym to finally shed off those unwanted pounds? Or a man cave to get away from it all? These are all attractive options, but have you given thought to turning your basement into an income suite? Adding a basement apartment to your home in Ottawa will provide supplemental income which can go toward the mortgage, help pay for your retirement or your children’s tuition, or even finance a few winter vacations to hot tropical destinations. When planning the perfect basement apartment in Ottawa that will attract the right tenants, there are many things you need to know: Understanding Building Codes in Ottawa You can’t throw a bed in the basement and call it a basement apartment (also known as an income suite or secondary dwelling). For the city to approve the space as a habitable dwelling, it must have a separate entrance, the unit must be fireproofed, and so on. If you try to turn your basement into a separate apartment, you may miss things and be denied a permit. In working with a contractor, you can ensure that the apartment is entirely up to code and get a tenant in more quickly and bring in rental income right away. Enough Natural Light Ask anyone about the downsides of living in a basement apartment, and most people will point to the lack of light as a big concern. The City of Ottawa recognizes this concern for safety reasons (big windows = safe egress), but as a landlord you need to recognize the psychological benefits of light. In planning your basement apartment design, do everything you can to maximize the amount of natural light. Enough Sound Insulation The next biggest complaint people have about living in basement apartments in Ottawa is the sound of people walking (stomping?) overhead. This is a two-way street – you don’t want to hear your upstairs neighbour, and you don’t want your upstairs neighbour hearing your conversations through the air duct, either. Sufficient sound insulation between units isn’t only convenient – it’s required by building codes. Enough Function Most basements have limited square footage, and there is only so much you can with the space as you need to account for posts, electrical panels, the furnace room, perhaps a laundry room etc. If you’re starting from scratch, do everything you can to design a space with maximum function. A two-bedroom apartment will typically rent for more than a one bedroom, but not if the bedrooms are closet-sized, so don’t force it. Planning the perfect basement apartment? Contact us, or give us a call (613)727-9427 to get the process started!
Creating A Desirable Income Suite In Your Finished Basement
Depending on the location, style, and underlying water table, a home may have either a partial or complete basement under the first floor of the home. While this space has been used in the past for storage and the occasional rumpus room, more and more homeowners are finding ways of turning the basement into a source of profit. How is this done? Let’s take a moment to find out. Learn more about Income Suite In Your Finished Basement The Basics of Converting a Space While there is a great deal of variation, the typical basement space incorporates several different rooms that are below the first floor of the home. While lighting may be limited, the utility of this space is not. More often than not, water pipes and other necessary structure for quickly and affordably converting a basement space are already there. In the City of Ottawa, there are several basic requirements for a basement apartment. These include safe egress, a fire-resistant door, a bathroom, sufficient natural light, minimum ceiling height, and so on. Your income suite must be safe and completely up to building code and fire code. Beyond this, you want to create a space that is attractive to desirable tenants. Consider Hiring A Professional Contractor in Ottawa During this process you will be hit by a range of problems that differ in the effort and skill required to tackle. You will also want to choose certain tasks to do first as they will either take the longest or be necessary steps to further work done later in the redesign. In either case, the best thing you can do for yourself is to consider hiring a professional renovation contractor. What they will help you do is create a schedule of what needs to be done, what needs to be purchased, what is possible with the space provided, and how long everything might take. They may also know local plumbers and electricians, who will help you get your basement space up to code as its own separate apartment. Either way, with professional help you begin the process on solid ground and set yourself for success down the line. With major considerations out of the way, you will want to re-evaluate your cost and consider special amenities. Perfect for attracting that ideal tenant, these amenities will help make your space an attractive potential location for tenants looking in your area. As a final consideration, take into account the quality of the work and materials in a 10 or 20-year plan consideration. Will it cost more now to install good quality fixtures or replace them between tenants? This, along with many other questions is a thing that a professional home renovation contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup.ca will be able to answer. Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.
Creating the Perfect Basement Home Theatre
Are you a big movie buff, but hate having to deal with lineups for tickets, inflated concession prices, and someone kicking the back of your seat all movie long? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for a basement home theatre. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect basement home theatre: Special Installation As you’ve probably guessed, a home theatre is not quite as simple as plunking down a TV next to a La-Z-Boy chair and calling it a day. Unless you want wires hanging everywhere, a DIY approach simply won’t cut it if you want a proper home theatre. A professional renovation company can tuck away all the wires and connections out of sight, install built-in components like speakers and the display screen, connect dimmable lighting, create sound insulation, and route HVAC to regulate temperature. All of these upgraded features combine to make the perfect basement home theatre, and cutting corners won’t do. Choosing a Location The basement is usually the best place to install a home theatre because it is large, open, and relatively isolated from the rest of the house. This “blank canvas” lets professional renovation companies work their magic without having to tear apart the rest of the house. Remember that windows carry sound, so your best location is an area with one or no windows. Take space that would otherwise be wasted and turn it into a movie lover’s paradise. Creating a Layout Once you have selected the right location, next you must determine the layout of your home theatre. A professional renovation company can help choose a layout that accounts for lighting, sound systems, cable hookups, and other components. A layout will help you visualize the best seating locations and mounting points for your A/V equipment. Selecting Equipment A layout is one thing, but equipment is what will really set your home theatre apart. Create an equipment budget and work from there. Identify which aspects are most important and which can be scrapped for more economical choices. For example, a PlayStation 4 can act as a video game console, Blu-Ray player, media streamer, and music player. Design Time With all of the equipment selected and a layout design in place, next you must choose your finishes. Do you prefer elegant hardwood flooring or cozy carpet? Rustic wood paneling or warm and earthy paint tones? Built-in cabinetry or sleek smooth walls? You can choose a design aesthetic that blends with the rest of the home or stands out all on its own. If premium leather reclining seats are important to you, then don’t be afraid to invest the money. Trust a professional renovation company to create the perfect home theatre. Lights, camera, action! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Risks of a DIY Basement Renovation
When you’re planning a basement renovation, it can be tempting to save money by doing it yourself. DIY projects can be quite risky, and you may find it much more advisable to trust the experience and workmanship of a qualified renovations company. Here are some of the big risks of a DIY basement renovations: Going Over-Budget When you plan a DIY basement renovation, it can be easy to underestimate your budget. This may be caused by hopeful thinking – if you only budget a certain amount, this must be what it costs. It may also be caused by a lack of knowledge. For example, you might budget for the cost of new tiles in a basement bathroom, but not for the backer board, mortar, and grout. Furthermore, your inexperience can lead to higher material costs if you botch installation. Renovation companies have the knowledge to properly estimate the cost of materials and keep the project on budget by doing it right the first time. Spiraling Timeline When you start a DIY basement renovation, it can be easy to misjudge and imagine that the project will be complete in a matter of weekends. Even with the best of intentions, setbacks or poor estimations of work time can stall your project. DIY basement renovations can end up taking months, if they even get completed at all. Renovation companies follow a strict process and make sure that the timeline for completion is met as closely as possible. You want a dream renovation, not a permanent work site in your basement. Cutting Corners When you’re trying a DIY project, it can be tempting to skip steps to save time and get closer to the finished project. However, it is very important to follow the proper process. Skipping vital steps like sanding floors or cleaning walls before painting can end up turning into big, ugly problems down the road. Measure Twice… Sloppy work leads to sloppy results and can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run if you have to restock on supplies and materials. Errors of millimetres can actually derail your entire basement renovation. Contractors are attentive and diligent and will make sure everything is properly measured. Unskilled Labour There are amazing resources out there which make DIY projects seem like a breeze. However, watching a few videos or reading DIY manuals is not the same as having practical experience and high-quality workmanship. Don’t try to be a jack-of-all-trades. Renovation companies have the required skills to complete your basement renovation right. Avoid the risks of a DIY basement renovation by trusting renovation companies to do the job right. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today for more details!
Creating an Amazing Kids Play Area in Basement
If you have kids, you’ve probably noticed that their toys and art projects start to take over all of your living space. If it has gotten to the point where you can hardly move without stepping on a Lego piece, it may be time to find a solution. A fun and inviting kids play area in the basement is the perfect way to keep toys out of your living room…and dining room, and office, and kitchen, and…When your kids have a contained area to let their imaginations run wild, with plenty of activity stations to keep them busy, you’re much more likely to have an organized upstairs living space. Here are some tips for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement: Floor Space Sometimes kids don’t even need fancy layouts or state-of-the-art designs. Ottawa basement contractors can lay down soft carpet or interlocking foam tiles in your basement. Your kids will have a blast building a giant fairy tale village or putting together a massive train track set. Art & Creativity A kids area in the basement is the perfect place to set up arts and crafts stations. Start by painting one wall with chalkboard paint, which your kids can draw on and just as easily erase. Another wall can be magnetic or made of bulletin board material for pinning up drawings and paintings. Set up an easel station in one corner and a reading nook in another. Entertainment Centre If your kids like to watch movies and television, then you can set up a pint-sized movie room for their viewing pleasure. Kids will have a grand old time watching Frozen on a mounted projector while they sit in comfy mini beanbag chairs. Mount an iPhone dock in easy reaching distance for the kids so they can put on a playlist and dance their little hearts out in their newly renovated basement. Storage When the kids are zonked out from playing, it comes time to keep things organized. Ottawa basement contractors can design and construct beautiful custom built-in storage with a place for every single toy, book, and arts & craft item. You can include every storage component imaginable, from cubbies and bookcases to shelving and media consoles to keep your brand new kids play area organized and clean. With these essential elements, you’ll have everything you need for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement. If you need help for this project please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427