4 Decor Ideas for Your Backyard Coach House
Need some ideas for your backyard coach house? Modern coach house designs have come a long way since housing horse and carriages back in the day. Today, they’re often converted into quaint and characterful domestic dwellings that can be tailored to whatever style or need you prefer. Whether you have aging parents to care for, an older child looking for some independence, or if you simply need some extra quiet space to get work done, here are some décor ideas for you to consider for your backyard coach house. Home for Aging Parents When your parents reach a certain age, it’s nice to be able to have them close to home so that you can look after them and help take care of them when needed. A backyard coach house offers the perfect space for them to live, being close to home without invading your space while allowing them to maintain their independence as well. When designing for this purpose, consider features such as wide doorways or easy, accessible ramps. Also, enhanced safety features like a walk-in shower with handrails and lots of great lighting along the exterior and interior are important. Apartment for Your Eldest Child If you have a college-age child that’s eager for some independence, why not convert your backyard coach house into a loft where they can test out their wings before they really spread them? Make it modern and fresh with a great entertainment system, surround sound, and of course, a workspace where they can get all their assignments done. Home Office Space If you have a work-from-home career, you can create the perfect work zone that’s away from the distractions so you can get down to business. For this, you’ll need lots of built-in storage, large expansive windows to give you plenty of natural light, and product-inspiring colours for the walls like blue, yellow, or orange. Rental Unit If you’re eager to make some additional income, you can create a cozy rental property with rustic wooden floors, fresh, bright kitchen cabinetry, and even a few sunroofs to brighten it up if you find that you coach house is overshadowed and dark during the daytime. Having a backyard coach house is a great additional space that can come in handy when you need it the most. So if you’ve been neglecting yours, let these ideas get you inspired to create an additional space the serves your needs well. At RenosGroup.ca, we can help make your vision a reality. With our knowledge and expertise, you can trust us to take care of any home reno project. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
4 Most Popular Home Additions
Just because you’re in the midst of change – maybe it’s a baby, maybe your kid is coming back from college, or maybe you need to keep an eye on your aging parents – it doesn’t mean that you have to start house hunting. More and more people are realizing that by staying put and instead, creating an additional space in their current home, they can save money, have more room and still enjoy their own neighbourhood and the home that they’ve worked hard at creating over the years. Whether you need the extra space or simply want it for a home improvement upgrade, here are a few of the most popular home additions that might provide you with the inspiration that you’ve been waiting for. The Kitchen The kitchen is the focal point in just about any home. It’s also one of the best upgrades you can invest in that can provide a solid ROI in the future if you ever do plan to sell. If you’re interested in opening up your kitchen space, take comfort in knowing that it’s an investment worth making. The Bathroom Aside from the bathroom also being one of the most used rooms and profitable areas to upgrade, it can also be one of the most necessary ones. If you have other family members staying with you and only one bathroom to share, this can quickly turn a living situation into an uncomfortable nightmare. With a great ROI and an even greater reason to build – you can’t go wrong with this one. The Bedroom If you’re expecting a baby, or if your kid is all grown up and moving back home from college then an extension to a bedroom might be necessary. Plus, this is always great for family or guests when they need a place to stay during the holidays or special occasions. Aside from the bedroom, you can even upgrade your master suite and create that luxury bedroom that you’ve always dreamed of. Second or Third Storey If you’re really keen on having more room, but are set on staying, adding on a second or third storey can still be well worth the investment rather than engaging in the process of moving. And with an average ROI that’s around 70 percent, you can create that additional income suite or even a den for the kids to enjoy knowing that’s it’s a worthy investment. You don’t have to consider moving when you’re in need of more space. If you’re attached to your current home and neighbourhood, then why not consider a home addition instead? You can avoid the hassle of moving, increase the value of your home, save money in the long run, and create the home of dreams. 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
A Quick Guide to Planning a Second Storey Addition
If you feel like your home is tight for space, or maybe you have a new addition to the family that’s on the way, adding on a second storey to your home can be a great way to remain in the place you’ve grown to love, while avoiding that gruelling moving process. But there are a variety of factors involved during this process. The first is determining of course, whether it is, in fact, possible to add on an additional storey. So before you get your plans in motion, here is a quick guide to planning a second storey addition to your home. Determine What’s Permitted Before getting started, the first step is to consult the City of Ottawa to assess your property and determine if you can build that addition. Depending on legalities and proximity to neighbouring structures, there may be roadblocks involved. You need to determine whether you will be looking to build upward or outward, and which one is possible. Consider the Cost Although adding an addition on to your home can end up saving you a lot of time and aggravation from moving, it can also have the potential of being more costly than you anticipated. For example, if your home doesn’t have the proper, solid foundation that can support an addition to the home, you could end up having to dig deeper into your wallet to have your foundation reinforced. Consider Additional Costs Beyond the actual construction of a new addition, you must also take into account the other additional costs that will come along with it. This includes added furnishings for the space, flooring, fixtures, along with added energy usage. You may also need to update the mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to account for the extra space. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved before moving ahead. Know the Layout It’s no good if you begin this type of project with no specific purpose in mind. If you’re just adding a second storey for the sake of expanding, then you should take some time to really play out what the purpose of that extension will be. If it’s going to be a room for the baby, an exercise space, or even a games room with some entertainment features, knowing what the space will be used for initially is important for creating the proper layout. Deciding to add on a second storey to your home is a big decision, but when given the proper amount of thought and preparation, it can be a great investment and addition to your home. But before you jump into the process, it’s important to consider these factors first to ensure that it’s the best decision for you. RenosGroup.ca can help you plan and execute your home addition project from start to finish. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to schedule your free in-home consultation.
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
Designing a Playroom the Kids Will Love
Let’s be honest, designing a play area for your child is almost as much of a thrill for you as it is for them. It’s just about the only household project that’s fun and exciting to create because you get to be a little wild and crazy with the design. You can splash on some bold colours or funky wallpaper on the walls that would never be “approved” anywhere else. And the best part of all is that you get to see the smile on your child’s face when all is said and done. As a parent, it truly is one of the best household projects to undertake. So when you begin to think about creating a special space for your kids, here are some important factors to consider when designing a playroom the kids will love. The Design and Layout Before you go crazy with the Disney characters or bright pink carpeting, take a moment to first consider how quickly your children will grow and inevitably change their tastes and preferences. So when it comes to the layout, you should always take this into careful consideration when choosing design features that are more permanent (or ones you at least don’t want to have to change often), such as carpeting or wallpaper. They may look great now, but give it a few years and you (and your child) might be regretting it. Type of Flooring As mentioned, flooring is one of those choices that must be given some serious thought before throwing down the first selection you like. Take the time to really consider safety, aesthetics and of course, whether it will make sense in the near future. Because after a few months when your child has grown, you want that flooring to still hold well to wear and tear, while not looking completely out-dated. Some great options for you to consider that can provide you with each of these elements include cork, laminate, hardwood, and soft yet durable carpeting. Optimal Storage Of course, every playroom needs to have an appropriate amount of storage to tidy away all of those toys and crafts. Incorporating this into the design is a must in order to keep it clean and tidy. Whether it’s some toy boxes, cubed shelves and drawers – be sure that there is always some area that can house all of those toys. When it comes down to designing a playroom that the kids will love, it’s all about creating a space that is safe, fun and functional. And by considering a few of these key design elements, you can make a space that will serve both you and your kids well into the future. Ready to start your basement renovation? Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
4 Common Reasons to Plan a Home Addition
Planning a home addition to your house can be a significant project to undertake, but it can also be the best solution that can provide you with the room and comfort that you need so that you can avoid another big move. That’s one of the main reasons why more and more people are opting for home additions, too. If you’re considering adding space to your house but feel unsure whether it’s the right decision for you, here are four common reasons to plan a home addition Provides you with more space Of course, it goes without saying how a new addition will provide you with some much-needed space. But just think about how much it can benefit you both now and in the future. Whether you are (or will be) planning to have children down the road, this could be the perfect way of incorporating more room into your house now and avoiding a massive move in the future. Stay in the neighbourhood It’s easy to get attached to the neighbourhood that you’re living in. So rather than having to move, building more space into your current living space will allow you to stay put and enjoy the place that you’ve grown to love. Treat yourself to some personal space Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little selfish. And sometimes that means having a space to call our own. If your house doesn’t have enough room to provide you with a space to relax and enjoy, then maybe it’s time to think about yourself. Creating a new suite, or even a den – whatever you desire, can be incorporated with a new addition to your home. So you can stay put, avoid an aggravating move, and have a space to call your own. Increase the value of your home If you do happen to decide to move from your home in the future, you can bet that the new addition that you create will only add value to it. No matter what you decide to turn that space into, having that extra room with treat you well when it comes to your return on investment if you do decide to move in the future. So if you’re on the fence about committing to a new addition, take some time to really think about how it will benefit you in the long run. Aside from the obvious extra room, you can avoid a potential move in the future; you can create your own personal space, all the while adding more value to your home. Read more about our Ottawa home additions services or book a free in-home consultation! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family
Is it the right time to build a home addition? On the one hand, you need extra space for your family. On the other hand, a home addition is a significant financial undertaking that is not without mess, noise, and stress. A home addition is the ideal solution for many families, but you want to be sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into when you sign on the dotted line and hire an Ottawa home addition contractor for this kind of work. Hopefully we can help point you in the right direction as you weigh this important decision for the future of your home and family. Here are some signs a home addition might be right for your family Why do you feel you need more space in the first place? If you are looking to tackle a home addition for no other reason than you’re bored with your home as it sits currently, the odds are pretty good that you can get away with waiting a little while for this kind of project until you know that it is something you absolutely have to change. On the other hand, if you are looking to add an addition because your family has simply outgrown the space that you are in currently – and it’s really starting to make everyone uncomfortable – you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to consider taking advantage of everything that a new addition has to offer. Whether you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’re finally in a financial position to build that dream kitchen you’ve always wanted, or you want to dramatically boost the value of your home, home additions are appealing options for many reasons. How much value will this addition bring to your bank account? One of the most significant additions you can make to your home is a new space to expand your kitchen. It also happens to be one of the highest return on investment construction projects you can choose to undertake as well. Bathroom additions are also great from a purely investment standpoint. At the same time, you may be looking to add a couple of extra bedrooms to your home for a variety of different reasons that have almost nothing whatsoever to do with your bank account – and that’s all right as well. Just don’t expect to see your property value grow quite as significantly as with high-demand renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Are there any kinds of restrictions that might stop you from tackling the work? Every city has its own particular rules, regulations, laws, and zoning restrictions that you have to be aware of when you decide to undertake this kind of construction project. In the city of Ottawa, for example, a home addition cannot interfere with the minimum yard setbacks or exceed the maximum building height for your zone and dwelling type. Your home addition contractor can provide an estimate and draw up plans that comply with existing bylaws to ensure your home is not only beautiful but also fully up to code. You deserve a stunning home addition built by the professionals. To learn more signs a home addition might be right for your family don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home
Building a custom home can be one of the most exciting projects you ever invest in – but it can also be one of the scariest. Don’t let stress overwhelm your excitement. If you’re interested in building a custom home, consider these important priorities before you take that next step. Choose a Reputable Contractor Nothing is more important than being able to trust the hands that will be constructing your dream home. A custom home is so much more than a bathroom remodel or a weekend renovation project, so it demands a lot of research and investigation. Do your homework and time your time when choosing a home builder. Search online, talk to family and friends, and consult with other pros in the industry to get their expert opinion. You want to ensure that whoever will be conducting the show has the proper set of skills, knowledge, and trade partners to do the job right. Investing time and research for selecting a reputable contractor will give you piece of mind and help avoid any potentially detrimental mistakes in the long run. Meet with several builders in person. Ask for references and examples of past work. Do you get a good vibe from the builder? Remember, building a custom home is going to be a long process that takes cooperation and communication, so you want to gel with the builder in addition to trusting their qualifications. Use Your Contractor Right From the Get Go Once you’ve hired someone you feel confident with, use their knowledge and experience right from the beginning. Involve them in the major decisions, such as selection of location and property. They have invaluable information that can help guide you in selecting a property that can save you time and money. Discuss design plans with them before you make final decisions so that they can determine what may or may not be realistic before you get your heart set on an idea. List Your Priorities Mapping out a list of what your needs and priorities will be throughout the design will help your contractor – and ultimately, you – make tough decisions when necessary, and allow you to adjust and develop your budget accordingly. Since you are investing a significant sum of money in customizing your home, be sure to consider not only your present needs, but also future needs. Think about the prospect of having children, or even when you’re elderly and can’t climb those stairs like you used to. Flexibility is important! Create a Budget After you’ve made a list of what the priorities will be throughout the design, the next step is creating a detailed budget for the project. The sky is the limit in terms of possibilities, but keep in mind that exotic, elaborate designs come with a matching price tag. Fortunately, at RenosGroup.ca we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, we leverage the best possible quotes from our trade partners and suppliers. Consult with your contractor during this process and always leave some extra wiggle room for those unexpected expenses. If you’re planning to build a custom home in the Ottawa area, consider these priorities before you get started. Do your research and find the right contractor so that you can avoid any headaches, and feel confident about investing in your future. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
4 Signs You Need a Home Addition
If your home is not quite right, it can be hard to decide what to do. Do you move? Do you slap a coat of paint on it like putting lipstick on a pig? Do you try a slight remodel while trying to keep the budget in check? Or do you plan a home addition? These 4 signs you need a home addition may help You’ve Run Out of Space Is every morning a fight for the bathroom? Do you feel like sardines in a can trying to prep dinner? Do you have three kids stuffed into one bedroom, with an extra in a crib in the master? A home addition can solve all these problems. Whether your home addition includes a new master suite, new bedrooms for the kids, an extra bathroom, a bonus family room (or all of the above!) a home addition You Love the Location, but Not the Home You love your neighbours, you love the local park, and you love the nearby bakery that makes the world’s best lemon tarts. But the home is a bit of a disaster. So what do you do? If you don’t want to go through the uncertainty of hunting for a new house, the tension of negotiation, the panic of packing, the stress of moving…home additions can give your current home a new lease on life. You get all the benefits of a new house, while getting to stay in the place you have come to call home. You Want to Add to the Resale Value of Your Home If you’ve got the long-term picture in mind, then with every renovation and home improvement project you should keep the resale value in mind. How much of a priority it is depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, but a home addition can certainly add dramatically to the value of your home. You’re Stuck in a Time Warp If your home décor looks like it comes straight off the set of Bewitched or even Family Ties, it’s a clear sign that your home needs an update. Even though retro is back in style, cheap Formica counters, wood panelling, and peeling wallpaper are definitely not all the rage. While there are many options ranging from a quick facelift to a total home addition, updating your house’s style can be an opportunity to solve other issues at the same time. If these or any other signs apply, give RenosGroup.ca a call and we’ll guide you through the entire renovation project until your home is perfect. To learn more signs you need a home addition, please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, or you can call us at (613) 727-9427.