Bathrooms Renovations Blog
Stay updated with our bathrooms blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.
Our Top 5 Favourite Bathroom Reno Trends
If you’re ready to give your bathroom a facelift and are wondering what the hottest bathroom reno trends are right now, we’ve got you covered! From luxurious materials to modern twists on classic features, you can easily show off a little personality and flair in your new and improved bathroom. To help get you inspired, here are our top 5 favourite bathroom reno trends this year. Efficiency And Small-Scale Luxury For many homeowners, home designs today often involve tighter living spaces, and that includes the bathroom. As much as you’d love to have that soaker tub that’s featured in your favourite interior design magazine, it’s just not possible. But, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on luxury for the sake of size. With this growing small-scale layout, one of our favourite bathroom reno trends is focused on efficient design and smart storage, even for those tighter spaces. Efficient use of space is crucial to make your bathroom feel comfortable instead of cramped. Using smaller, yet aesthetically appealing elements like a smaller toilet, sink bowls, walk-in showers and floating shelves can allow you to achieve this. Unique Tiles Today, you can find so many stunning tile designs that can really make any space in your home stand out. Whether it’s glass tiles, bold colours or even textured tiling that can mimic wood, the options are endless. So take advantage and make your bathroom reno personalized and unique by getting creative with the tiling to create those bold accents. Brass & Gold Brass and gold coloured fixtures are making a strong comeback this year also. Forget about the tacky trends of the 80s and 90s. Today, you can find warmer tones that look chic, classic and luxurious. Different finishes range from satin, matte, spun gold and more to add some unique flair to your faucets. High-Tech Bathrooms Of course, with the rapid tech-based evolution that’s occurring these days, we can’t forget about the bathroom. The growing trend of high-tech bathrooms includes toilets with features like seat warmers, adjustable air dryer, deodorizer, automatic lids openers and more. You can also find heated flooring and even smart showers that can automatically remember and adjust the temperature to your liking. The future is here, and it can be a part of your new bathroom design! Floating Vanities Functionality and design must go hand in hand with any update, and that’s why floating vanities have been growing in popularity this year. Whether you have a large bathroom or small, they can free up more floor space and customized for height, while adding a stylish and impressive focal feature into your design. And there you have our top favourite bathroom reno trends for this year! With so many impressive and exciting elements to play with, you can create the perfect design you’ve been dreaming of. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We can take care of it all for you!
Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes
Bathrooms seem like they should be a pretty easy renovation project. How hard can it be to update a 6”x6” room? The project seems so simple, it’s tempting to hire the cheapest guy in the phone book or even try your hand at a weekend DIY project. These assumptions are all wrong. When you factor in important components like plumbing and lighting, not to mention the intricate work of laying tiles, even a small powder room can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, with a plan in place and the help of the pros at RenosGroup.ca, you will be avoiding major bathroom remodelling mistakes Mistake: Not having a clear plan in place You can’t make up a renovation as you go along! Demolish the old room one day, maybe pick up some fixtures once you’ve saved up enough funds, install the shower surround when you have the time…that’s no way to go about a bathroom renovation. You also can’t buy a supply of ceramic floor tiles only to decide partway through that you prefer the look of slate. Solution: Make a detailed plan in advance – and stick to it You can dream about your ideal bathroom design and materials for years, and sketch out as many layouts as you wish. But once you settle on it, stick with it. A detailed plan that includes everything from the tools and materials you need (and their cost) to a projected timeline will ensure that your bathroom remodel process goes smoothly. Mistake: Failing to Budget Close your eyes and picture your dream bathroom. Stunning marble flooring, a luxurious soaker tub, an eye-catching natural wood accent wall, maybe even a high-tech automated shower system. Now calculate how much this costs? If your budget calls for a “beer” bathroom and you’ve got “champagne” tastes, you need to re-evaluate. Solution: Budget Honestly Calculate the estimated cost of your budget, including materials, tools, and labour. When in down, overshoot on costs. Don’t forget to add wiggle room for things like broken tiles or the supplier delivering the wrong sized counter top. You’ll enjoy relief when you come in under budget, whereas coming over budget can range from minor stress to major financial disaster. Mistake: Going it Alone It doesn’t matter how many hours of HGTV you watch – you are not a professional bathroom renovator. If you’re lucky, maybe you just do a sloppy job with the paint and reverse the hot/cold taps by accident. If you’re unlucky, maybe you burst a pipe or heaven forbid electrocute yourself. It’s not worth it. Solution: Choose RenosGroup.ca Don’t cut corners with your bathroom remodel project. From the earliest stages of imagining the layout to estimating costs through to completion, RenosGroup.ca will handle the project with professionalism and care. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.
How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth Following a Bathroom Renovation
Bathrooms are a common place for mold and mildew to thrive in. With all of the constant moisture and hot steam being produced from the shower, it can begin to grow along the ceiling, walls or shower area, causing potential harm to the structure of the bathroom and to your health. That’s why it’s necessary to take some preventative measures after you’ve renovated to avoid dealing with any harmful spores. Follow these tips on how to prevent mold and mildew growth, following a bathroom renovation. Good Ventilation is a Must Since the bathroom is the dampest room in your home, it’s where mold and mildew are most likely to develop, which can end up damaging your grout, wood and other items. It can also lead to allergies and respiratory problems. So one of the most important things to include in your bathroom renovation is a good ventilation system that can remove the moisture and steam fast. You should also encourage your family members to crack open a window after each shower. Avoid Using Textiles Although most bathroom designs don’t include textiles like carpeting, you may want to avoid using them also for the shower curtain, wallpaper and anything similar that mold spores can latch onto and grow on. With the moisture and heat, certain fabrics and materials are not suitable to include in the décor, so make sure you’re careful about what you place in there. Don’t Cheap Out of the Fixtures When it comes to the fixtures and plumbing, it can be easy to go with the cheapest options. But keep in mind that sometimes spending a little more now can save you from spending a lot more later. Upgrading your plumbing and fixtures can help you steer clear of dealing with cracks and leaks, which will add more moisture and potential mold growth into your bathroom. Use Mold & Mildew-Resistant Materials Being preventative is always a smart move to avoid costly and hazardous situations in the future. You can use materials that are resistant to mold and mildew, such as paint, flooring and other specific treatments that can be applied to surfaces. If you’ve just realized how susceptible your bathroom is to these spores, you can prevent mold and mildew growth after a bathroom renovation by implementing some of these important steps. Or you can contact us, or call at (613)727-9427 to take care of your reno for you so that you don’t have to worry!
6 Bathroom Design Trends That Have People Talking
Considering how often the bathroom gets used each day, you want it to look good. And having old and out-dated fixtures can be uninspiring and down right depressing to look at. If you’re sick of your dated bathroom and ready to make some changes, take note of these six bathroom design trends that have people talking! French Door Shower We all love the look of French doors – they’re delicate, sleek and classy – so why not incorporate them into your shower design? The combination of those windowed frames and glass really heighten the chicness in any setting. It creates a great statement piece while still serving the same purpose by keeping water contained. So you can say good-bye to that old shower curtain and hello to doors you can stare at all day! Round Vanity Mirrors Adding a round vanity to your bathroom and ditching the old rectangular look is a quick and inexpensive way to change up the décor and boost the appeal of your bathroom space. Vessel Sink In case you haven’t noticed, vessel sinks are one of the main bathroom design features that homeowners can’t get enough of today. It’s eye-catching and modern with a distinct touch of old-world charm. It’s the perfect addition that provides that modern and slightly vintage flare. In-Shower Plants Ever think about hanging a plant of two in the shower? Aside from it being a convenient place to water, hanging plants adds a natural punch of colour, while also purifying the air and encouraging those blissful relaxation vibes when you’re soaking in the tub. Playful Tile More homeowners are getting creative with their bathroom tiles. Today you’ll find everything from black and white retro tile decking the floors, to playful, colourful designs like vintage blue countertops. This is a popular way to add some flare and colour to your bathroom design that’s different, bold and beautiful. Rustic Vintage Vanities The interior design world just can’t get enough of rustic vintage wood. And now, you can find it creeping into bathroom designs as well. We can’t get enough of this look – slightly refurbished rustic vanities that show that stressed wood, with classic drawer handles to finish them off perfectly. Together with a vessel sink and vintage faucets, you’ll be finding a lot more reasons to hang out in your bathroom. If you’re tired of staring at your dated bathroom design several times a day, then it’s time for an upgrade. Use these stunning bathroom design trends to help get you inspired, and when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to help make your vision a reality.
Adding a Half Bath to Your Home
Planning to add a half bath to your home? It’s an excellent way to increase the value of your home and to add more convenience for your family and guests. If you’re ready to get started, here’s everything you need to consider when adding the perfect half bath to your home. Options There are lots of potential areas in your home that can make for a perfect half bath. If you have a stairway with unused space underneath, a large garage, or spare closet space, these areas can make for good potential locations. Space Once you have some potential options in mind, consider how much space you need. When adding a half bath, it doesn’t need to be large, just enough space for a toilet, sink, mirror, and vanity. You also want to make sure people can move around in the area without feeling claustrophobic, and a smart design can make this happen. Plumbing For your half bath to work you need it to be close enough to plumbing connections that are already in place. Otherwise, you will be spending money expanding your indoor plumbing and pipes, costing you more than you might have bargained for. An ideal plumbing scenario is run piping from the nearby laundry room or kitchen. Ventilation You may also require ventilation in your half bath to control odours, improve air quality, and reduce the risk of growing mildew or mold. Consider adding a window or an exhaust fan to the space. You don’t have to get fancy, but there are lots of different designs when it comes to fans, so shop around for the best prices. Lighting Lighting is of course, a necessity but can also be a great way to add some style and design touches to the room. You can add dimmer switches, elegant lighting fixtures, or battery-operated candles to jazz up the space. Materials The half bath is often the only room guests see besides your entertaining spaces. So why not decorate to impress? Skip the basics and add marble sinks, potted plants, wood accents, and other luxury décor items. Sound Insulation Adding sound insulation is a must when it comes to half baths that are located near living rooms spaces or areas where people gather. So, during the installation project, add some sound absorbing materials to the walls, pipes, and drains. A half bath can be an easy project if you have the right plan and contractor for the job. Before you start your new project, talk to RenosGroup.ca – we can help you with everything you need to get the perfect half bath for your budget and home design. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Is It Time for a Master Bath Upgrade?
Over the years, our senses can become dull to our common everyday surroundings. And that includes areas throughout our home. For example, your master bathroom that gets used multiple times a day is particularly susceptible to us overlooking many stark signs that would tell others that it’s desperately time for a few upgrades. Bathroom design has evolved dramatically over the last few years. So if you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider a master bath upgrade, here are some signs that will tell you it is! Your vanity and toilet are older than your kids If you try to think back to when you had your bathroom vanity, sink and toilet installed and realize it was before your parenting days – this is definitely your wake up call for a much-needed upgrade. Aside from the dated design – plumbing, toilets and just about everything else has changed so much. You can install a low-flow toilet to conserve water, along with touchless faucets and even touchless toilets. Your tiling and grout make you cringe Over the years, the tiling and grout throughout your bathroom and along sinks and tubs can easily discolour, making your entire bathroom look dated and dirty. Sometimes mold can even start to develop if you notice black spots along the grout. If this is the case in your master bath, give it a refreshing facelift that it desperately needs. The lighting is a one-size-fits-all situation Bathrooms are where proper lighting is important. Whether it’s to do makeup, pluck your eyebrows, or shave – the one-size-fits-all lighting that barely illuminates the space has got to go. Your toiletries have no home If you have your toiletries constantly scattered along the counter or on any surface you can find because you just don’t have the proper storage for them, then new cabinets can make all the difference. You can clear out the clutter and create sufficient storage space with some new, space-efficient designs. You feel slightly embarrassed to let others see your master bath If you do having feelings of shame whenever someone needs to use your bathroom when the guest one is occupied, then this should be enough reason to bite the bullet and make this reno project a reality. If the colours, patterns, and tiling all scream 1980, give yourself the luxury of being able to finally feel proud about your space. As life changes and evolves, so should the designs and features throughout your home. This is especially true for areas that get used the most, like the master bathroom. Aside from the convenient factor, the whole point of a master bath is to feel that tinge of spa-like luxury. So if you’re not feeling those vibes each time you use it then it’s time for an upgrade. At RenosGroup.ca, we have qualified professionals that can take care of the entire project for you to give you that spa-like master bath you deserve! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Is a Skylight Right for Your Space?
A skylight can create many added benefits to your interior design. Both aesthetically pleasing and good for your overall health, skylights are frequently used to improve the comfort levels throughout a home by opening up any given space and enhancing the abundance of natural light. If you’re trying to determine whether a skylight is right for your space, here we look at some of the reasons why you should consider installing one in your space. Adds Space You can make any room look more inviting and spacious by simply adding in a skylight. Slanted ceilings and narrow spaces can make a room feel boxed in and confined. A skylight can provide that necessary illusion of more space. That’s why skylights have become such a popular addition to rooms such as the attic, bathroom, and small bedrooms. More Light One of the biggest advantages of having a skylight is being able to enjoy more natural sunlight in a room. With various health benefits, exposure to sunlight is proven to reduce anxiety and stress, and to improve your overall level of comfort in any given space. Natural Ventilation Certain skylight designs can also offer you added ventilation throughout your home. Whether it’s placed in a bedroom or even the kitchen, you can let in some fresh air and take advantage of natural ventilation. This is also an excellent, cost-effective way to control room temperatures and reduce humidity throughout your home. Improved Insulation Believe it or not, skylights can help make your home more energy efficient if installed correctly. They allow heat to enter the home and insulate against further heat loss. For rooms and spaces that have poor insulation and tend to be cooler, a skylight can help maintain a more comfortable temperature by retaining heat from the solar rays that shine in. Adds Value Did you know that a skylight can boost the value of your home? Skylights are seen as a luxury item when it comes to interior designs. And with the added benefits mentioned in the above points, it’s easy to understand why it can increase the resale value. A skylight can be right for just about any space in your home, including your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, and even your attic. There are also many different sizes and models to choose from so you can find the right fit for your space. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
4 Things to Consider When Doing a Bathroom Reno
Taking on a bathroom renovation can be a grueling project, but one that’s worthy of the effort – especially if you ever consider placing your home up for sale. It can bump up the resale value, and of course, boost the luxury of your interior. But before you begin knocking down walls and removing the toilet, there are some important things to consider when doing a bathroom reno. Here’s what they include: Do you have an alternative bathroom to use? Remember, once you begin that renovation to your bathroom, it will become inaccessible for a while. So using the toilet, sink, and shower won’t exactly be an option. That’s why before getting started you should figure out a plan for these important necessities. Whether you have a second bathroom to use, or the neighbour is kind enough to let you use their shower, make a plan for bathroom usage so that you won’t end up stuck when it really matters. What sort of functionality will you need? Is this going to be a primary guest bathroom or one more so for your own personal use? This is important to determine so that you can think about the layout and functionality of the bathroom. Are you looking to create a luxurious, spa-like getaway in the comfort of this bathroom, or is it merely an additional one to free up your primary one during those hectic mornings? This will help you determine whether a bathtub is necessary or not, whether two sinks are necessary or not, along with other design features that will create your desired space. Will you need storage incorporated into the design? If you live in a condo or are simply limited on space, you know that any potential for storage is important. Think about how and where areas for storage can be incorporated and how you can optimize space for those essential toiletries. What is your budget? Determining your budget is the safest way to keep your expenditures at a range that won’t shock you once everything is completed. A bathroom reno project can quickly turn into one that ends up costing much more than anticipated, especially with all of the high-end décor items and fancy faucets that look so tempting at the home décor store. In order to avoid serious temptation and stick to what you can afford, create a budget before you begin shopping for your remodeling items. Bathroom renos can be a big undertaking, but they can also be fun! Consider each of these factors first before jumping ahead with your Ottawa bathroom renovation. To learn more things to consider when doing a bathroom reno, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
Make Your Small Ensuite Beautiful
Who says that size has to limit your design? If you have a small ensuite bathroom, it can look every bit as glamorous as your main bathroom. All it takes is the right elements to optimize the space that you do have and incorporate elements that can provide the illusion of more space. Follow these design tips to help make your small ensuite beautiful. All Glass Walk-in Shower If there’s a shower in your tiny ensuite, it can either make or break the look of your bathroom. The enclosure can really box in the area and make it appear even smaller than it really is. That’s why more modern designs are opening up that enclosure by using glass. This allows more light to filter within the ensuite and doesn’t take away from the size of the space. Built-in Countertop Having adequate space for a counter is one of the main problems when facing the design of a smaller bathroom. But by incorporating a built-in shelf within the main wall where the sink will be placed, it can provide that necessary component without having a counter that protrudes and takes up much room. Floating Sink Fixture Thanks to floating designs, even the tiniest bathroom can still be practical and look great. You don’t have to take up any unnecessary floor space with the sink. Plus, you can achieve that contemporary “bling” style with chrome piping and dazzling faucets. Customized Floating Cupboards Using the space above the toilet is always best for placing either a shelf or floating cupboard. And with the customized designs that are available today, you can store away all of your toiletries without having them on display for the world to see. Chic Tiling and Flooring The size of a space definitely shouldn’t hold you back from adding that design flair that you want. There are a wide variety of tiles and added finishes that you can install within your ensuite to bring out your flare and style. So get creative when selecting your tiling and flooring. Big Mirrors Mirrors are always a great option to utilize in smaller spaces for allowing light to reflect and give the illusion of greater space. Don’t feel limited by the small size of your ensuite. With the selection and designs that are available today, you can find just about anything you’re looking for to fully optimize your space without sacrificing your desire for a striking design. Get in touch, with the Ottawa bathroom contractors at RenosGroup.ca to book a consultation or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss design ideas.
Make Your House Wheelchair Accessible
When it comes to certain home designs, sometimes there simply isn’t enough room to provide accessibility or convenience for wheelchairs. Life can become extremely frustrating when you feel limited even within the comfort of your own home. But with a few renovations, you can provide the necessary space and layout to access every area of the home with ease. Here are just a few sample ways in which we can help make your house wheelchair accessible. Improving Accessibility Wider Doorways Doorways can be altered and widened in order to provide easy access to each and every room of the home without the challenge or struggle of maneuvering the wheelchair through them. Lowered Countertops, Tables & Bathroom Fixtures Being unable to reach countertops, sinks and tabletops is another common challenge that creates limitations for those in wheelchairs. With a few alterations, we can lower those surfaces and provide you or a loved one with the suitable height that removes those barriers and provides access. Handrails for Bathroom and Seat for Shower Don’t risk a slip and fall. Handrails can easily be installed near the toilet or inside the shower stall and tub. In addition, you have the option of having a seat installed inside of the bathtub or shower stall to help make it more comfortable by providing you with a seat as you cleanse. Non-Slip Floors and Coverings No matter what type of flooring you have, it can either be damaged from constant wear and tear from a wheelchair or even provide a hazardous surface on some uncarpeted surfaces. Non-slip floorings and coverings can prevent those problems by protecting your floors and minimizing any hazardous, slippery surfaces. Safety, Space, and Accessibility No one should feel limited within their own home. Making your house wheelchair accessible can be achieved in a variety of ways. Whether it’s opening up the doorways, installing handrails in the bathroom, or lowering counters and table tops to provide easy access, any renovations that can make life at home feel comfortable and easy is always well worth it. No matter what your needs may be, we can provide you with the information and expertise that are necessary for improving wheelchair accessibility. We’re here to provide you with the renovations that can help make life at home what it should be – without limitations so you can feel comfortable, confident and gain back your independence. Here at RenosGroup.ca, we specialize in mobility renovations, barrier-free renovations, and accessibility renovations. Call us at (613)727-9427 or contact us to book a free consultation to learn more!
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
3 Ideas to Save Space in the Bathroom
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