Home Improvements That Pay Off When You Sell
If you’re thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you can do to increase its value and make it more appealing to buyers. By making some strategic home improvements, you can recoup your investment and even turn a profit. Here are seven home improvements that will help you sell your home for top dollar. 1. Kitchen Remodel A kitchen remodel is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s value. A well-designed kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes will appeal to buyers and help you fetch a higher price. Even if you don’t have the budget for a complete gut renovation, making smaller changes like painting the cabinets, installing new countertops, or upgrading the lighting can make a big difference. Beyond the visual appeal, kitchens with convenient layouts will catch the eye of buyers, especially if they enjoy preparing their own meals. Add-ons like islands, cabinets, and open shelves provide more options for storage space, which is great for buyers with lots of cooking utensils and appliances. The positioning also matters here, as you’ll want to ensure you have everything you need to cook a meal right in front of you. If you have to make six 180s just to put together a grilled cheese sandwich, opting for a more practical layout will generate more interest from home buyers – not to mention it will make your life easier before you sell. It is possible to go a bit overboard with upgrading your kitchen, which may end up having the opposite effect than you intended. If you go with a mega-sized refrigerator and top-tier garbage disposal, the cost may rise higher than most buyers are willing to pay (of course, this is entirely up to you, as if you do find a buyer, you’ll end up selling your home for more). Your best bet to get the most bang for your buck is to renovate your kitchen with high-end appliances, cheery lighting, and an optimized design to make preparing meals a breeze. 2. Bathroom Remodel Like the kitchen, bathrooms are another important selling point for potential buyers. A bathroom remodel can be relatively simple and inexpensive, but it will make a big impact on buyers. If your bathroom is outdated or in need of repairs, consider renovating it before putting your home on the market. Above all else, bathrooms should feel clean and pleasant. Sometimes, a refresh is all a bathroom needs. What’s that? A bathroom refresh is where you make several essential touch-ups to reinvigorate your bathroom. This includes things like a fresh coat of paint, a new vanity or mirror, and replacing busted towel racks. Other times, a more extensive renovation is necessary to make your bathrooms attractive to the market. The lighting in your bathroom can make a huge difference to some buyers, especially those that enjoy unwinding by soaking in a dimly lit tub. Adding a light dimmer is always a good idea, as is experimenting with different lighting combinations. If your bathrooms are tinier than a broom closet, adding more space with an addition or by moving around your sink and tub will help boost their appeal. While a tiny bathroom in connecting areas is fine, it’s better to have larger bathrooms in major areas, especially the master bedroom. Home buyers won’t like to see older-style toilets, so you should update them if they’re ancient. That’s because older toilets waste much more water, leading to a larger bill. Modern toilets are more efficient and save water, so it’s always wise to retrofit your bathrooms. 3. Finished basement A finished basement is a great way to add extra living space to your home without having to build an addition. If your basement is currently unfinished, consider finishing it with drywall, flooring, and lighting fixtures. You could also add a bathroom or wet bar to make it even more appealing to buyers. An unfinished basement is wasted potential, as it’s part of your home’s square footage that you aren’t using. After all, you have to pay 100% of your mortgage, so why not use 100% of the space you have available? The best part is you can essentially add a brand-new room to your home without having to construct an addition. Would-be homeowners want to see your basement put to good use, and you have so many options. You could transform your basement into a kid’s playroom, a guest suite, a movie theater, or even a second living room. New homeowners love guest rooms, and having one will instantly make your home more valuable. There’s another benefit to transforming your basement into an extra bedroom besides increasing your property value – as it can generate passive income for you. By renting out your basement bedroom on platforms like Airbnb, your spare bedroom can make money for you before it’s time to pack up and sell your house. That’s not to mention that basements also make excellent wine cellars, man caves, and libraries. Not only will finishing your basement make your property value skyrocket, but it will also provide you with a great new space to enjoy in the time before you sell. If your basement is really exciting and attention-grabbing, you may start an all-out bidding war – which is 100x better than home buyers deciding without taking a second thought to skip on your property due to an unfinished basement. 4. Deck or Patio More home improvements…If your home doesn’t have an outdoor living space, now is the time to create one. Adding a deck or patio is a great way to add extra square footage to your home and make it more enjoyable for entertaining guests. And since many buyers place a premium on homes with outdoor living spaces, you’re likely to see a return on your investment when you sell. There are many ways to create an exciting outdoor space with your new patio or deck – and they don’t all involve going into debt. For instance, creative
Undermount Sink with a Laminate Countertop ?
Undermount sinks have become all the rage in today’s age, as they provide a sleek appearance and are easier to keep clean (no ridge means no opportunity for grease and grime to accumulate). Yet, an undermount sink requires a different type of installation than traditional ‘drop-in’ sinks. Also, undermount sinks work better with certain materials than others. In particular, solid surface materials work best, as they can support the considerable weight of the sink and your not left with exposed edges of unfinished wood around the sink opening. Due to their strength and durability, granite, soapstone, and concrete are all perfect countertop material options for undermount sinks. But what if you have laminate countertops instead? Will you still be able to install a beautiful undermount sink for your kitchen? The answer is a bit complicated. While possible, it’s a complex job that you should leave to a finish carpenter experienced in building laminate countertops. If you attempt to install an undermount sink into your laminate countertops by yourself, you could end up costing yourself thousands in repairs. Read on to learn more about undermount sinks and laminate countertops and how to combine the two successfully. What are Undermount Sinks? In general, there are two types of sinks used in kitchens and bathrooms – drop-in sinks and undermount sinks. The primary difference lies in the installation method. Drop-in sinks get installed by cutting a hole on top of the counter and dropping the sink in, hence the name. Undermount sinks, on the other hand, get installed beneath the countertop and are held in place by an extra-strong adhesive and special mounting brackets. For this reason, it’s critical for the material to be robust enough to support the weight of the sink without causing issues. For an undermount, the sink installs flush into the countertop, not below or above. While this provides a stylish look that’s also easier to clean – it’s what can cause problems with weaker materials, such as laminate countertops. Strength and stability aren’t the only issues laminate countertops have with undermount sinks, either. Laminate countertops contain MDF (medium-density fibreboard) underneath, which is extremely sensitive to moisture. If the MDF gets wet, it will ruin your countertops due to warping (foiling your ability to install an undermount sink in the future, too). So if you’re going to install an undermount sink on a laminate countertop in your kitchen or bathroom, you need to make doubly sure that no moisture can seep through into the MDF. Why are Undermount Sinks Popular? In the past, down-in sinks were virtually everywhere due to their versatility and ease of installation. However, undermount sinks have taken over in recent years due to a variety of attractive benefits they yield to homeowners, including: A superior sense of style. Undermount sinks provide a sleek, streamlined look that’s more modernized than a down-in sink. Many homeowners desire undermount sinks for the visual appeal alone. They’re more hygienic. Drop-in sinks have the unique disadvantage of having silicone bead seals around the edges. Not only are these unsightly, but they’re breeding grounds for bacteria, as they’re notorious for accumulating grease, grime, and dirt. An undermount sink has no such seal, so they’re a far more hygienic option. Clean-up is a breeze. This plays off the previous benefit. Since there’s no seal around the edge, there’s nothing for water/food remaining to get caught on. As such, you can clean your countertops by funneling everything directly into your sink. They add counter space. A drop-in sink will take up more counter space, limiting the area where you can prepare food and store appliances. Undermount sinks are far more compact, so you’ll enjoy more counter space as a result. You can install the faucet anywhere. On a drop-in sink, the faucet can only go in one spot – in the sink basin. With an undermount sink, you’ll experience full faucet freedom. You can choose to install it on the wall, behind the bowl, to the side, or wherever else you please. Those are the main reasons why undermount sinks have dramatically risen in popularity in recent years. Laminate Countertop Concerns As previously stated, laminate is a weaker material than granite or marble – which is why it has trouble supporting an undermount sink. So does that mean there’s no hope for laminate countertop owners with their hearts set on undermount sinks? Not at all, just that there are a few extra steps involved in the process (which will likely require homeowners to rethink their budget). We can’t stress enough that a complicated job like this is best left to professional contractors like us. Attempting to build your own laminate countertops or install a sink with mounting brackets and glue can end in disaster. For instance, if you get the particle board wet, it can warp your countertops and ruin them forever. Concluding Thoughts: Undermount Sink With Laminate Countertops In summary, installing an undermount sink on laminate countertops is possible. While laminate is far from the ideal material to use, it’s still doable with custom laminate countertops and a thin, utterly flat sink. We’ll be completely transparent…. In many cases, it will be more work and cost than it may be worth for you. If properly installing an undermount sink on your laminate countertops is out of your budget, we can recommend looking for good deals on leftover stone countertop pieces and using a standard unmount sink of your choice. Feel free to contact us or call us at 613-727-9427 for a free in-home consultation on your next renovation in Ottawa Gallery of manufacturer’s pictures Website: Karran.com Link to video on how a stainless steel sink is installed under laminate countertop Link to video on how a solid surface (acrylic) sink is install under laminate countertop
Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Renovations in Ottawa
Are you thinking about renovating your bathrooms in Ottawa? Renovating a bathroom is a considerable investment, so it’s worth doing it right. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to bathroom renovations in Ottawa. The last thing you want is to spend thousands on a subpar renovation that looks worse than the original. Yet, that can easily happen if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it’s worth doing a little research before getting started. Luckily, we’ve compiled everything you need to know in this handy guide. Read on to learn what it takes to set up a successful bathroom renovation in Ottawa. Start with the Basics: Create a Wishlist Before you do anything, you need to determine what you want out of your bathroom renovation. You may know that you want renovations but haven’t pinpointed the exact modifications you wish to make. Now is the time to do that, and you can do so with this questionnaire: What do you not like about your bathroom the most? Which modification takes precedent over the rest? (i.e., installing a new shower to get rid of mold is more important than a new sink) Is the layout of your bathroom convenient, or could you make some changes? (i.e., new shelving or layout to make the most efficient use of space) Do you like your current color scheme, or would you like to change it? What would your dream bathroom look like? Does your bathroom have accessibility issues? (i.e., an elderly resident has trouble standing in the shower) How many people use your bathroom, and do they have enough space? Do you want a portion of your bathroom to be private? What aesthetic changes would you enjoy the most? (i.e., new tile, vanity, color scheme, etc.) These questions will help you narrow things down in terms of renovations. From there, make a list of the modifications that you want the most. That will help you during the next step, which is determining your budget. Be Realistic With Your Budget This step is easy to screw up, even if it doesn’t seem that way. You’ll want to create a realistic budget within a specific ‘sweet spot.’ You want to pay enough to get quality work done, but you don’t want to go broke in the process. At the same time, going with cheap contractors is never a good idea. Consider how much money you have available. You’ll want at least $15,000 – $20,000 available for the renovation to achieve desirable results. That’s the average price range for a single bathroom renovation, considering you don’t want to change the layout or plumbing. Once you know how much money you have, it’s time to start comparing prices for the job. Here are some tips for discovering how much your project will cost: Check out online trade shows and slideshows. Renovation companies often have trade shows/slideshows available for their products. They’re a great place to start researching how much your renovation project will cost. Try to find at least 5 to view the Ottawa area to see how much the prices differ. Flip through renovation magazines and websites. There are plenty of publications out there that list bathroom renovation products. You can use them to determine how much sinks, toilets, showers, and new tile will cost. Get quotes from contractors. Next, you’ll want to contact local contractors in Ottawa. As with the slideshow, reach out to at least five contractors and more if you can. The idea is to compare their quotes not only against each other but against your prior research. Since you’ve done some digging and know how much the components will cost – you’ll have a better idea of what contractors should charge. Taking those steps will help you find contractors that charge realistic rates. Of course, price isn’t everything when finding a contractor. You’ll also want to look closely at their reputation and past work. Try to find an online gallery containing photos of their completed projects. Also, find several websites listing reviews of their services. The ideal contractor charges fair prices and has an impeccable reputation. Plan for the Unexpected Our final budgeting tip is to leave a little wiggle room in it. Provide yourself with a 10-20% cushion just in case you run over budget. Why’s that? It’s because it’s very common to spend at least a little more than what you planned on renovations. You may find that you want to add extra fixtures and finishes during the process. You can add them without any headaches if you have that budget cushion. You’ll especially need a budget cushion if you’re making significant changes to your layout. When the contractors begin tearing down walls – they may find mold or need to do expensive drywall repairs. That’s why it’s always a good idea to add that 10-20% cushion just in case something pops up. An Overview of Bathroom Renovation Fixtures and Finishes You can do and change a lot with a bathroom renovation. Many components go into renovating a bathroom. There are various fixtures, finishes, vanities, cabinets, and more. Here’s a look at the elements you can change with a renovation. Cabinetry & Vanities (Storage Options) First, you’ll need to decide what to do with your storage. Does your bathroom have enough room to store all your toiletries and accessories? If not, you’ll want to add additional cabinetry or a vanity. A vanity should have storage areas for makeup, towels, and a mirror. Cabinetry is ideal for storing toiletries and grooming items. You can choose from framed or unframed cabinets. Also, it’s possible to hide the hardware and fixes for a more contemporary look. Next, take a look at the feasibility of your layout. Is there anything inconvenient that you want to change? An example would be that you have to walk to the other side of the bathroom to get your hair straightener. That’s an inconvenience, and renovating can remedy it. Ask your contractor to install a shelf,
Poorly Planned Bathroom Renovations
Every Year Thousands of Home Owners are Financially Devastated by Poorly Planned Bathroom Renovations. If you’re planning on renovating your entire bathroom you may be tempted to hire an independent contractor or a jack-of-all-trades to keep your costs down. Unfortunately, these individuals are often mediocre at many things and experts at nothing. Remember…just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean it’s a deal! Hiring a professional bathroom contractor is your best bet at keeping your costs down and protecting your home. A professional bathroom renovation company can provide every service you need and will always be prepared for potential obstacles that may arise, like discovering a rotten floor or mold hidden behind a wall when replacing your tub. RenosGroup.ca specializes in all aspects of complete bathroom renovations with a team of professionals for every job from designers to carpenters to plumbers. Many companies who do offer complete renovation services don’t offer low-cost options due to the high overhead tied up in their expensive showrooms. The massive cost difference between the expensive showroom companies and the jack-of-all-tradesmen creates confusion and frustration for homeowners. RenosGroup.ca has stepped into the gap as one of the only mid-priced full-service bathroom renovators in Ottawa. Our free in-home consultations will give you a more reliable cost estimate because it helps us to correctly prepare for your specific project. Once we’ve measured and poked around in the renovation space we’ll be able to better implement the designer’s plan and anticipate where problems may arise. Our advance preparation strategy is what allows us to work cleaner, faster, smarter and more efficiently than other renovation specialists. Making us even more tempting is our online showroom. Though we don’t sell any products these pages can help with your product selections while your in your own home. We even have our own interior designer to help you match colours and fixtures bringing out the warmth and comfort you want your home to exude. Design work does come with extra fees, but well worth it when it comes to the final look of the finished product If you or a member of your household has mobility limitations you may need to have specific renovations done to your bathroom and home. It is imperative you have a professional make these renovations for you to ensure the proper weight specifications are accounted for and future mobility issues are taken into consideration. An independent bathroom contractor will not plan for further mobility limiting problems you or your loved ones may encounter. Our team of bathroom renovators are experts in installing mobility limitation products for any age group, and almost every conceivable disability. Your free in-home consultation is designed to give us the information we need to install the correct products, in the appropriate location within your home. We’ll also take into consideration future limitation problems you may encounter so you won’t have to go through another expensive renovation down the road. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427. * This was our original main page page for bathroom renovations.
Five-Star Bathroom Renovations in Kanata
Do you dread having to visit your bathroom? If so, then something is definitely wrong. Luckily, there’s nothing that some renovations can’t fix. If your bathroom is a dreary, disorganized mess, it’s time to renovate! Your bathroom should be cheery, clean, and practical. If you’re unhappy with your bathrooms, you can always rely on our team at RenosGroup to fix things up. We can provide you with new plumbing, toilets, showers, sinks, lighting fixtures, and more. Thanks to our interior designer, you can come up with a stunning look for your bathrooms. You can use themes, modern trends, and more to spruce things up. So if you want bathroom renovations in Kanata, you’re in the right place. Stay tuned to learn how we can enhance your bathrooms at RenosGroup. Reasons to Renovate Your Kanata Bathrooms If Kanata is where you call home, then there’s a lot to appreciate. It’s a diverse, sprawling suburb of Ottawa with a lot to offer. It’s also home to the digital technology companies in the city. Kanata is fast-paced and continually growing. As such, it can be a tad overwhelming to keep up at times. That’s why you need to renovate your home to stay relevant regularly. There are many reasons why you should undergo bathroom renovations in Kanata. Renovating can increase your property value, add more storage space, and so much more. Here are what we find are the most common reasons our clients choose to renovate their bathrooms: Expanding Existing Bathrooms Nothing is worse than a claustrophobic bathroom. If your bathrooms are incredibly cramped, then renovations are a fantastic idea. Our team at RenosGroup can help you get the most out of your existing space. In some cases, we don’t even have to expand the square footage of the room. Instead, we have to simply rearrange a few things to add more space and breathing room. An example would be rearranging the placement of your shower and sink. Doing so can free up more space that was once occupied. During your free in-home consultation, we’ll evaluate your existing bathrooms. If there are ways to rearrange things to add more space, we’ll let you know. Of course, we can also remove walls to expand the square footage of your bathrooms. A common reason for adding on to a bathroom is an expanding family. If you have a new baby on the way, you’ll need some extra space in the bathroom. Other reasons to expand include adding more storage space for your toiletries and accessories. Updating Outdated Bathrooms Is your bathroom stuck in the 70s? Do you feel like you went back in time every time that you need to do your business? Then renovations are a must for you. That’s especially true if you’re sick and tired of looking at outdated toilets, sinks, and showers. Old wallpaper is another eyesore of outdated bathrooms. If you have floral wallpaper that’s peeling off, it’s time for an upgrade. Older sinks, showers, and toilets are also less efficient. They will use more water and end up costing you more money in the long run. Modern appliances are far more efficient at using energy and water. Our team at RenosGroup can fully customize every aspect of your bathroom. Do you want to update your lighting fixtures and mirrors? That’s no problem for us. We have a ton of great bathroom products to choose from on our online product showroom We can also provide you with brand-new plumbing. So if your bathroom has clogged pipes that are rusty and outdated, don’t wait to let us know. You see, we have an entire team of specialists ready to work on your home. For our bathroom remodels, we have a team of in-house plumbers. They have an extensive amount of experience working with plumbing. They can repair any issues or install brand new pipes for you. While other contractors sub out their plumbing work, we would never dream of doing that. We’re obsessed with quality control, and we would never hand over our flawless reputation to a third party. Instead, we’re more than capable of doing all the plumbing work ourselves. Brightening Up a Dull Bathroom Another reason to pursue the best bathroom renovations Kanata has to offer is to add visual appeal. You’ll end up spending quite a bit of time in your bathrooms, so they should look pleasant. Nothing is more off-putting than visiting someone’s home to discover they have a filthy, dull bathroom. If your bathrooms don’t have any sense of style, you need to change that. Not only will they look better, but upgraded bathrooms will add value to your home. Even if you don’t plan on selling your house, upgraded bathrooms are still a good idea. Our interior designer will work with you to create unique themes for your bathrooms. You can select from modern trends, colors, styles, and more. We’ll give you all the tools that you need to express yourself. You’ll love having the freedom to explore so many different options for personalizing your bathrooms. Accommodating an Aging Relative Do you live with your elderly mother or father? If so, then they probably have some special needs that you should consider. Luckily, we offer mobility renovations at RenosGroup. We can renovate your bathroom to make it accessible for your aging relative. An example would be adding rails or a seat to your shower. We can also install special accessible toilets, rails, ledges, and more. Simply let us know what your needs are, and we’ll make it happen. We can add brighter lighting and lower bathroom fixtures as well. If your relative has a hard time reaching the sink or medicine cabinet, we can lower them. The same is true for toilets and other fixtures. If your relative has arthritis, then we can install easy-to-use handles for your cabinets. These handles are large and are effortless to open. That will save your relative from having to fiddle with smaller handles that are harder to
Giving Your Bathroom the Reno it Deserves
Planning a bathroom reno? Aside from the kitchen, the bathrooms are the second most valued room in the home. It’s what buyers look at when sizing up a property. Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, a bathroom reno will help modernize your entire home and benefit you and your family for years. If you’re wondering about giving your bathroom the reno it deserves, consider these tips for improving its aesthetics, functionality and comfort. Modernize the Shower Is your shower boxed in behind overbearing, closed-in walls? If so, this can not only make the bathroom look dated, but it can also make it appear smaller and congested. To make the room feel more open and airy, we highly recommend modernizing the shower space by adding a custom glass enclosure or shower door. This will dramatically upgrade your space and make it appear brighter and bigger. Retiling Over the years, bathroom tiles can look grungy with dirty grout and outdated patterns. That’s why retiling is a must when you’re taking on a bathroom reno. For a luxurious and modern look, use larger tiles on the floor. Wide, plank-style tiles are an excellent choice for really enhancing the look of the bathroom. When tiling the shower, the combination of wide planks and smaller, texture tiles works well. This will create a cohesive and modern look for the shower, and also add grip to make it safer when standing in the shower. There are also grouts available today that are resistant to mold and stains which are ideal for the bathroom and shower. Upgrade the Plumbing Though it’s out of sight and often out of mind (until there’s a blockage), the plumbing plays a significant role in the overall functionality of your bathroom. Older, standard drain plumbing is usually smaller, measuring about 11/2 inch diameter or smaller. This can lead to frequently clogged drains. If you have a larger family, we recommend improving your drainage by having a larger 2-inch drainage pipe installed. A large pipe equals fewer clogs for you to deal with. It’s well worth it! Add a Window If your bathroom doesn’t already have a window in it, chances are it has poor ventilation and is more prone to mold. Even if you have a fan installed, it doesn’t compare to being able to air out the humidity with an open window. Talk to your contractor about installing an extra window in the bathroom. Not only will this remove excess humidity, but it will also make the room brighter. Install a Recessed Cabinet If your bathroom is tight on storage space and you don’t have much room to store those bathroom essentials, a recessed medicine cabinet can help. These cabinets are usually placed near or above the vanity and get installed directly in the wall, about a few inches. This is a handy option to consider if you’re lacking in storage and want somewhere to keep your toiletries. Get the Best Lighting for Your Space Lighting is an essential part of any design, so it’s worth putting some extra thought into. Most bathrooms don’t have the best natural lighting. All the more reason to make sure you’re upgrading yours to something that will provide all the brightness you need. Having a dimmer switch installed can be useful for adjusting the level of light, such as when you’re taking a soothing bath and don’t want bright lights to ruin the ambience. Recessed lighting fixtures are also a popular choice to place around the vanity mirror. This balances the light so you can clearly see your face when doing makeup, hair and other grooming. The shower might be another spot to consider having a light installed. Upgrade to a Modern Toilet It might not be the most glamorous fixture, but your toilet is a necessity. It can also take up a lot of space if you have a smaller bathroom. And if you have an old toilet, it can waste a significant amount of water too. Today, there are many innovative toilet designs that are space-saving and more water-efficient. Some toilets come with hidden tanks that get installed directly in the wall. These are ideal if your bathroom is smaller. Either way, upgrading your toilet to a newer one with a low flow creates a contemporary look that will save water. Renosgroup.ca is here for you whenever you want to make some upgrades to your bathroom or home. Contact us today! or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.
What Bathroom Renovations Really Costs
Renovating your bathroom may sound like a simple do-it-yourself project, but can easily come with some unforeseen costs. Bathroom renovations can be one of the best investments you can make in your home, but before you get started, you’ll need a well-informed budget of the cost of each bathroom component. Here’s what you should plan for. Construction Plumbing and Electrical – You may be able to get away with a simple renovation if you’ve got some handyman know-how, but some aspects of your project will require the licensure and expertise of a certified tradesman. Our research shows that most licensed trade work costs approximately $70-$120 per hour, with more complex installations like pot lights costing an additional $250 per light. Expect to spend about $4,000 on all plumbing and electrical work. General Labor – The cost of basic labor can vary greatly from contractor to contractor, so be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price possible – without sacrificing quality, of course. In general, labor and painting costs are calculated by the square foot, so it’s a good idea to take measurements of your bathroom before beginning. On average, $5,000-$7,500 is a reasonable estimate for a midsized bathroom. Demolition and Disposal – Before you begin tearing down any walls, you’ll want to make sure you’re not destroying any load-bearing structures, and that the material inside the wall isn’t hazardous. If you encounter any asbestos whatsoever, be sure to contact a professional with the proper skill set to dispose of it safely. Between the cost of demolition labor and removal, plan to set aside roughly $1,500 safely. Aesthetics Vanity – The vanity houses the sink, faucet, and any items you plan to store, and sets the tone for the look of the rest of your bathroom. Custom vanities can cost $2,000 or more excluding installation (which costs $600), while standard vanities typically range from $500-$1,500. Countertops – The material of choice for most countertops is stone, and the price varies based on the quality, cut, and thickness of the material. We’ve found that most engineered stone, quartz and granite countertops cost $100-$125/sq.ft including installation, while higher-end materials like marble can range from $125-$200/sq.ft. Although a less common option, some customers have chosen wood as a countertop material with beautiful results. Wood can also be a more economical material, with prices ranging from $30-$50/sq.ft plus installation. Wood can hold moisture, though, so make sure your countertops are properly sealed before going this route. Tiling – Porcelain, ceramic, and marble are the primary tile materials most customers choose, with ceramic being the least expensive. Porcelain tiles are more durable and are easier to clean, so although they cost an average of $5-$10/sq.ft, they can be a better investment long-term. Our experts have found that perfectly good porcelain tiles can sometimes be found on sale for $1/sq.ft, so be sure to check the clearance section for the best possible value. Marble mosaic designs are available as a luxurious alternative, but the cost depends largely on the intricacy of the pattern design and can range anywhere from $10-$100/sq.ft. All totaled, we’ve found that the average cost of bathroom renovations are approximately $13,393 for a midsized bathroom. Of course, the price tag of bathroom renovations could vary significantly based on location and bathroom size, so check out our cost estimation table for a more precise estimate. Of course, the biggest factor for your renovation is just how extravagant you’d like your bathroom makeover to be, so whether you have a vision for your new bathroom or would like to develop one, browse our website for idea on bathroom renovations and let us help you turn your dream bathroom into a reality! To get in touch, give us a call today at (613) 727-9427.
How to Save Money on a Bathroom Renovation
Is your bathroom in need of an overhaul? Before you jump into a reno and pour money down the drain, read below to learn how you can save money on a bathroom renovation by being strategic with some cost-saving measures. Refinish Rather than Replace If your tub, vanity, plumbing fixtures or shower are looking a little rough, consider whether they can be refinished rather than replacing them entirely. If they’re simply looking rough but still operate just fine, restoring and reviving them will save a lot more money than swapping them out for something new. You can find many handy products today that make this process much easier. For example, if the bathtub is in need of attention, there’s a special coating that will spruce it back up in no time. This will also help make your reno more environmentally friendly as you’ll avoid placing old fixtures into a landfill. Don’t Alter the Layout Bathroom renos can quickly stretch your budget if you’re not careful. One way to trim added expenses is by keeping the layout the same. If you want more bathroom space, consider the cost-benefit and whether it’s really worth it. Moving the pipes and the toilet or resizing the room will hike up the cost dramatically. Always weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. Don’t Touch Load Bearing Walls Load-bearing walls are what keep the floors secure and safe above. That’s why moving them is a massive job that comes with a hefty price. Talk to your contractor about moving non-load bearing walls if needed to moderate the cost instead. Opt for a Prefab Shower One of the most costly projects for bathroom renovations is tearing out the shower and installing a custom tiled design. Instead of going this route, you could opt for a prefab one-piece shower stall. These can be installed in hours, making the labour less intense and less expensive. They also look great! Don’t Go Crazy with a New Toilet If your current toilet is an old water waster, it makes sense to upgrade to a modern water-saving one. But toilets can also become quite costly if you get swept up in the myriad of fancy features. They don’t need to be fancy to do what they’re designed to do. So look for a quality toilet that’s well made and offers low-flush options, but avoid the excessive features if you’re looking to save. Renosgroup.ca has you covered for all of your home renovation needs. When it’s time to renovate the bathroom, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
6 Things to Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Bathroom
Getting ready to update your bathroom this year? Undertaking a reno like this can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, even though it’s generally the smallest room in the house. Bathrooms equate to a good portion of your home value, and it’s where homebuyers pay the most attention (aside from the kitchen) when house hunting. So it’s an important process to wade through carefully. Whether you’re redoing your master suite or a smaller guest powder room, functionality should always be the focal part of your design. And of course, adding in a few chic and modern touches like granite counters or a lavish soaker tub can add a touch of luxury to your home. As a reminder, with any major renovation, you should also expect your home to look and feel a little chaotic while the work is being completed, but just remember that it’ll be well worth it! To help you prepare for your upcoming project, here are a few good things to keep in mind when renovating your bathroom. Be Stern with Your Budget Be warned: bathroom renos can add up quickly if you’re not careful. A basic facelift can easily turn into a full-blown remodel once you start shopping around for different features. Not sure how much is appropriate? As a general rule of thumb, if you’re tackling a smaller guest bathroom that’s in need of some serious TLC, we recommend limiting your budget to approximately 5% of your home value. If you’re focusing on the main master suite, then increase that to 10%. Whatever you decide on for an amount, be clear about your budget and stick with it. Prioritize Your Needs Before beginning the reno, prioritize what your bathroom really needs. Whether it’s new tiling, a new bath, or a new shower enclosure, know which features are most important to focus on and in need of replacing. This way, when you’re debating between something you want and need, you’ll be able to sacrifice that ‘want’ over what’s really needed to improve the bathroom. And remember, you don’t have to reinvent the entire layout. Whatever areas are fine, leave them be and put your attention into the features that are malfunctioning or truly outdated and desperately need replacing. This can also make it easier to stay within your budget. Consider Alternative Materials like Porcelain If you’re debating between certain materials to implement into your floors, counters or shower enclosure, porcelain can give you a much better bang for your buck while still looking equally as luxurious as other pricier items, like natural stone. Today, you can find a multitude of varieties that look just like real stone. Porcelain is also a durable and virtually indestructible material, so it will last for years and still look as good. Just another reason why it’s smart to consider all of your options when it comes to the materials you decide on. What Luxury Touches Do You Enjoy? The bathroom is meant to exude a little luxury, so consider what you dream of most for creating an ultimate relaxation space in your home. Maybe it’s a stand-alone tub or having a sleek and modern glass shower with multiple showerheads or a large vanity with dual sinks. Whatever it is, make room for one or two of those special extras that you’ve really been dreaming of, budget permitting, of course. What’s Your Theme? It’s helpful to have a general design theme before diving into a reno. It makes the entire process go much easier when you know what particular look you’re aiming for. This could mean a rustic country style, industrial, ultra-contemporary, or something more traditional and elegant. Find a style that you enjoy or continue whatever look you have throughout the home to make your final layout look stunning and cohesive. Otherwise, it may look out of place in comparison to the rest of your home. Be Prepared for the Reno Process The bathroom is obviously a pretty important room in the home. And if there’s only one to share among multiple people in the family, then you’ll have to be prepared to go without it for at least a few hours or even an entire day. So make sure to plan accordingly. Schedule the reno when the kids are away, ask relatives if you can stay with them until it’s complete or ask a close neighbour if you can use their facilities for the day – whatever works. Having a plan can make the coping process much easier and less chaotic for both you and the workers. When you’re looking for honest, hardworking, and reliable contractors to tackle your bathroom renovation – or any other home projects, give us a call at the Renosgroup. We’ve been serving residents throughout Ottawa for years and can help transform your home, hassle-free. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a quote!
Bathroom Design 101: Popular Bathroom Renovations
Looking for some ideas to transform your old bathroom into a luxurious spa-like setting? With as much use as it gets, the bathroom always deserves a remodel to keep it updated and looking great – especially since it impacts the value of the home significantly. To create a modern masterpiece in your home, we’ve compiled some of the most popular bathroom renovations this year to inspire your new design. Here they are: Smart Technology It was only a matter of time before smart tech invaded the bathroom. And now it finally has! Modern homeowners can make their bathroom sleek, chic and more convenient than ever with innovative designs like high tech toilets with seat warmers, automatic lid openers, adjustable air dryers, and built-in deodorizers. This year, we’re also seeing more smart showers, automatic sinks, Bluetooth built-in speakers, and even voice-activated features for lights, mirrors, and temperature. With smart technology included in your bathroom reno, every experience can be relaxing and convenient. The future is here! Brass, Copper & Gold Fixtures Brass, copper, and gold might make you think of the flashy 90s, but with a modern twist, they’re one of the hottest growing trends in popular bathroom renovations this year. Each of these features display warm and rich tones that create an undeniably elegant and modern look. Whether satin, matte or spun – shades of brass, copper, and gold for faucets, sinks, or even the toilet can add timeless character and a splash of luxury to your bathroom design. New Age Industrial Theme Combinations of rich wooden textures, concrete, and iron make the industrial style classy and sleek with just enough rustic edge to it. The industrial theme combines notes of the classic vintage era with modern clean lines and a rich yet neutral palate. To achieve this look in your reno, consider combining metal fixtures with a large basin sink, a wooden vanity, and accent colours like brass or gold. Despite the name, the industrial style is all about creating a cozy and timeless design that’s inviting. Funky Tiles Manufacturers today are capable of creating the most versatile designs, even when it comes to bathroom tiles. This gives homeowners so many choices to find the perfect look for their individual space. Patterned tiles, subway tiles, wooden plank walls, exotic colours – the options are endless. Add some bold colours with your backsplash or shower walls to create a truly personalized and unique look. Wood Vanities We can’t get enough of the inviting warmth that wood exudes in any space. That’s why it’s still one of the most consistent trends among interior designers. And today, with the advancement of manufacturing processes, there are plenty of varieties that can enhance the design of the bathroom and hold up perfectly to moisture and humidity. Floating wood vanities are a particular favourite since they open up more floor space and emphasize a clean, minimalistic look. Large Bath Tubs To really relax and melt away the stress after a long day of work, a bathtub is a must. But having to squeeze into a shallow tub that’s uncomfortable can defeat the entire purpose of it. That’s why more homeowners are including a large tub in their bathroom renovations. More space means more relaxation when soaking in the bubbles. Whether it’s jacuzzi style or a classic deep soaker style, homeowners deserve some R&R in comfort! Open Showers Homeowners also are forgoing the cramped and contained shower for an open concept instead. With only a single, shallow step to enter and partitioning glass or tiles to contain it, open showers can eliminate that confined feeling. They can also be an ideal way to maximize space for those who are limited. Plus, it’s ideal for seniors since they won’t have to worry about stepping up into the shower. Heated Floors Living in a temperate climate can make morning showers painful when you have to stroll across a cold icy floor. But with heated floors, you can keep your feet nice and toasty. Underfloor heating is versatile and a worthy investment if you live in a particularly cold climate. It can be installed with concrete, tile, vinyl, wood and more. Aside from keeping your bathroom warm, this can also buffer out sound and even reduce allergy symptoms without the need for dusty forced air. I hope this guide inspires you! Popular Bathroom Renovations can help you find the perfect update for your bathroom, no matter your budget or style. Planning a bathroom renovation in your home? Allow us to help at the Renos Group. Get professional, high-quality and friendly service for all your reno needs. We’ve been helping homeowners transform their homes for years, and we can help you too. From professional design advice to product selection to the completion of your project, we can assist with every step of your renovation process. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to discuss your needs and get an upfront quote.