The Risks Of A DIY Bathroom Renovation
When treated right, your home becomes a valuable investment that will serve you well for years to come. With many people looking to improve the quality and price of their home, things like interior repairs and renovations are becoming increasingly popular. As much of this work is being done by the homeowners themselves, an entire cottage industry of “do it yourselfers” (or DIY) has emerged. While DIY is a great way to save money and invest your personal time in your house, it is not without its risks. In particular, work done to renovate bathrooms can be particularly challenging. If you are considering DIY work regarding your bathroom, then let’s take a moment to review some of the risks you should consider. 1. Underlying Pipes Changing up or expanding a bathroom means dealing with the underlying pipework necessary for running water in and out of your bathroom. While this may seem simple on paper, there is a lot to learn when it comes to pipework and water that few people consider. From proper water pressure to running the lines correctly, there are many chances to accidentally flood the bathroom and your home if you are not careful. As always, be sure to turn off the water line into your home prior to removing water fixtures as you may end up with either leaks or flooding. 2. Time People prefer DIY home renovations because it saves them money. However, what it saves in money it will cost in time. If you have more than one bathroom in your house, then this won’t be a problem. However, if you need to rely on the bathroom that you are renovating, then prepare for the hassle that will come with utilizing a space that is transitioning. This means increased risk of potential damage to both you and your bathroom during this time. 3. Off-Centre While minor, there is the risk that your eventual plans are going to be off when practically applied to the space due to limitations that only become apparent once you are knee-deep in the bathroom renovation. While some people live to problem solve, others will find it frustrating when a fantastic concept falls to pieces due to unforeseen limitations on placement. With this in mind, be sure to provide everything you use in the bathroom with its necessary space. One of the most common problems seen with DIY bathroom renovations is a tight clustering of different things around a particular spot. To avoid all of these DIY mistakes altogether, enlist the help of a professional bathroom renovations contractor like RenosGroup.ca. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
5 Questions to Ask When Planning a Home Addition
If your home isn’t quite doing it anymore, a home addition is a great solution to address your needs without having to go through the stress of relocating. As you begin planning a home addition, make sure you consider the answers to the following five questions: How Would You Design a Home from Scratch? When we buy existing homes, we have to make a lot of compromises. Sure, you can easily repaint the walls and switch out cabinet hardware, but other changes require a lot more time and money. Close your eyes and picture what you would want the home to look like if you were starting anew. Some of these changes can be made through a home renovation, like upgrading the countertops or rearranging the upstairs space to create an ensuite bathroom. In other instances, a home addition is the best option to get the home of your dreams. How Much Value Will an Addition Add? Adding value to your home shouldn’t be the only factor, but it’s something you need to think about when it’s time to move on. Additions with needed spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms usually have high return-on-investment. It will be difficult to recoup the costs of some other additions, like adding a sunroom or upgrading the home well beyond the standards of the neighbourhood. By all means choose an addition that speaks to your heart, but don’t ignore the ROI altogether. Is There a Renovation Alternative? Before you break ground, consider whether it is possible to achieve your goals within the existing space in your home. Ottawa contractors like RenosGroup are very creative and can transform spaces in ways that you couldn’t imagine. A home addition may indeed be the correct choice, but make sure you explore whether a less costly and less time-intensive remodel is feasible. How Will it Blend with the Existing Home? One of the trickiest parts of planning a home addition is making it fit in with the rest of the home. On the exterior, you’ll want the rooflines, windows, and siding to match. If you can’t get them to match, at least choose a complementary option that enhances the original home. On the interior, there should be a natural flow in the space. What Will You Spend? No two home additions are alike, and neither are the costs of the projects. We offer free in-home consultations and free estimates, so you can get a realistic and honest view of what the project is expected to cost. There’s a big difference between a mid-scale kitchen remodel and the creation of an entire two-storey addition, but we’ll help you plan and design a project that makes sense for your goals and your budget. Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions, it’s time to get started. RenosGroup.ca can plan and build a home addition that makes sense for you and your family. Stop living in cramped space and embrace the opportunity that a home addition brings. 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 Prepare Your Home for Safe and Comfortable Retirement Living
More and more people are choosing to continue living in their own homes during their retirement years. They love remaining independent, as well as enjoying more financial freedom in a rent and mortgage-free home. If you are looking forward to enjoying your retirement years in the comfort of your own home, you can start preparing your home for retirement years Bathroom Comfort The bathroom can become difficult to navigate as you get older. You can make a number of simple adjustments to help make your bathroom feel safer. First, you can look for flooring that is not as slick and that provides more traction to help avoid slips and falls. Your shower or tub area can also be made safer by making it a walk in without any lips or steps when getting in and out. You can also add bars to make it easier to get in and out of the tub as well as for sitting on the toilet. These are very affordable changes that will make you feel more secure in your home. Tiresome Stairs Many seniors will find going up and down stairs becomes more challenging as they get older. There are a number of changes that can be made to make your stairs safer. First, it is important to ensure they are not too slippery. Hardwood treads, for example, can be made a little less dangerous with properly installed carpeting. However, poorly installed carpeting can be just as dangerous as it can lead to tripping and falling. Make sure any stair solutions are installed by a professional contractor to avoid these problems. A chair lift is always a great update. On shorter steps leading to landings, you can add ramps. Poor Lighting It might not seem very important, but when it comes to safe and comfortable living, excellent lighting is a must. You will be very pleased if you have the proper task lighting in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You will also feel safer in poorly lit halls or areas such as the basement. Good lighting will also update your home and give it a more modern look. Adding safety lighting outside is also a good idea so you do not have difficulty unlocking your door at night. It just takes a few simple home renovations to update your home for senior living. You will be safer, more comfortable and able to live independently for years to come. Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.
5 Risks of DIY Bathroom Renovations You Should Know
It is always tempting to test your DIY skills in order to save money for your home renovations. However when it comes to bathroom renovations, there is far more at risk than you might think. Here are five risks of DIY bathroom renovations you will want to avoid: Improper Installation It is easy to think you are using the right technique for installation of materials like tiling and plumbing for pipes and faucets. However, the scary thing about a lot of installation during a bathroom renovation is that it is hidden behind walls and underneath floors. That means you won’t know you have done something wrong until you suddenly have a serious leak. You can also have a slow leak you will never discover which can lead to dangerous mould and mildew that can affect your health. Safe Electrical Most people can handle basic electrical such as replacing a light fixture. However if you are attempting more complicated installation such as a light in your shower stall or even thermal heated flooring, you are putting yourself and family at serious risk of shock. Water and electricity don’t mix and it just takes one faulty wire to cause serious damage to your home or your family members. Unprofessional Finish You might think applying tile is an easy job, but it is very easy to muck it up. You can easily make things look uneven, use improper cutting methods and even miss spots of grout that will not only look awful but also cause issues with water damage. Expense Many homeowners are all about the most expensive materials and the latest looks. However although you think you are saving money doing DIY bathroom renovations you are not getting a discount on materials like a professional contractor. This means you are paying highly marked up pricing for items such as tiling, faucets, and lighting fixtures. Material Use It is also a common mistake to think that any tile or finish can be used in a bathroom renovation. Unfortunately not all tile, flooring and even countertops are designed for bathroom use. You may love the look of a certain tile, but if it becomes very slippery, it’s not the right choice for a bathroom. When it comes to a bathroom renovation, it is really in your best interests to look for help from a professional contractor. They will save you time, money and also the pain of expensive mistakes that can lead to the need for do-overs! 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 Plan Mobility Renovations for Your Home
How to Plan Mobility Renovations? Some home designs can be quite unfriendly for your loved ones with mobility limitations. Staircases, high countertops, slippery bathroom floors and poor lighting can hamper the independence of your loved ones. Thankfully, many of these issues can be solved through mobility renovations. Mobility renovations can significantly enhance accessibility and independence, empowering you or your loved ones to navigate daily routines with ease and safety. Whether you’re anticipating future needs or tackling current limitations, meticulous planning is crucial for a successful outcome. Follow these steps to plan, design, and execute successful mobility renovations: Determine the Needs of Your Loved One Everyone has different challenges and needs that can be aided or solved thanks to mobility renovations. Perhaps your loved one is a senior who simply needs their kitchen to be a bit more accessible. Maybe your loved one uses a wheelchair and needs doorways and staircases to be altered. Once you have taken stock of your loved one’s mobility needs, it becomes easier to determine what changes should be made to make their home safer and more accessible. Remember: Involve your loved one in every step of the process. Their input and preferences are crucial. Prioritize safety and functionality. Aim for solutions that promote independence and minimize risk of falls or injury. Start small and scale up as needed. You don’t have to renovate everything at once. Begin with the most pressing needs and expand as necessary. By carefully assessing your loved one’s needs and planning renovations accordingly, you can create a home that fosters independence, dignity, and safety for everyone. This investment in their well-being will bring immense value and peace of mind to both of you. Consider Future Needs Our needs can change as we age, sometimes quite dramatically. If you’re planning mobility renovations, an important consideration is to consider future needs in addition to current ones. Your loved one may currently be able to walk, but may need a wheelchair in two or three years’ time. While current space may be adequate, a wheelchair may require wider doorways and more ample turning space. If your loved one plans to remain in the home for a considerable period going forward, it is advisable to account for potential changes in mobility. 1. Progressive Conditions: If your loved one has a progressive condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s, anticipate gradual changes in mobility. Opt for modular or adaptable solutions. For example, choose doorways with removable side panels to widen them later, or install countertops with adjustable heights. 2. Multi-functionality: Think beyond “accessibility features” and embrace flexible design. For instance, a wider doorway wouldn’t just benefit wheelchair users, but also make carrying furniture or bulky items easier for everyone. 3. Universal Design Principles: Incorporate elements that cater to a wide range of abilities, not just your loved one’s current needs. These include lever door handles, accessible sinks, and step-free entry points. This inclusive design benefits everyone and adds long-term value to your home. 4. Future Medical Equipment: Consider potential needs for specialized equipment like hospital beds, hoists, or oxygen tanks. Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate them, and leave space for maneuvering within the room. 5. Age-friendly Lighting: As vision can deteriorate with age, install brighter lighting with dimmer switches to adjust for changing needs. 6. Technology Integration: Smart home features like voice-controlled lighting, thermostats, and appliances can significantly improve independence and ease of living as mobility declines. Remember: Flexibility is key. By planning for potential changes, you create a resilient and adaptable home that supports your loved one’s comfort and independence, now and in the future. This not only fosters well-being but also increases the home’s overall value and marketability. Schedule an In-Home Consultation Do not use a mobility renovation company that gives you an estimate over the phone or by email without having met you or having seen your home in person. An in-home consultation is very important to accurately assess the mobility and accessibility limitations of your home and to give you a proper quote. Alleviate the stress of your loved ones and make sure everything is done right the first time by scheduling an in-home consultation. Unique Homes: Generic estimates miss your home’s nuances. Professionals need to see the space to assess challenges, measure accurately, and consider layouts. Tailored Solutions: Without seeing your home, companies can’t personalize solutions for your loved one’s needs and preferences. In-home consultations lead to customized recommendations for optimal functionality and comfort. Accurate Costs: Phone estimates can be inaccurate, leading to budget overruns or inadequate solutions. In-home consultations ensure the quote reflects the project’s complexity, avoiding surprises. Build Trust: Meeting professionals face-to-face allows you to ask questions, gauge expertise, and build trust. This is crucial for informed decisions and peace of mind throughout the process. Uncover Hidden Issues: In-person assessments can reveal unforeseen structural, electrical, or plumbing issues missed by phone estimates. Early detection saves time and money down the line. In-home consultations are an investment in peace of mind. They ensure accurate quotes, tailored solutions, and the confidence that your loved one’s needs are met effectively. Don’t settle for generic quotes – schedule an in-home consultation for a successful mobility renovation from the start! Ask Others You likely know many people who have had their houses improved thanks to mobility renovations. If you don’t, you can ask around on the internet, through friends, or through local connections. They can advise you about the benefits of mobility renovations and perhaps even offer advice on some things you had not considered – like opting for a stove with front controls instead of knobs at the back that are harder to reach. Seek diverse perspectives: Don’t limit yourself to one source. Gather information from a variety of individuals and professionals to gain well-rounded insights. Ask specific questions: Tailor your questions to your specific needs and concerns. This will help you get targeted and relevant advice. Be mindful of online advice: While online resources can be valuable, remember to verify information with qualified professionals before making any decisions. By leveraging the wisdom of others, you can gain valuable inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what to expect. This collaborative approach will ultimately lead to a more
Small Space Renovation Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Bigger
Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces: Remove Barriers Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces. Optimize Every Centimeter Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet. Look Up Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room. Add More Light Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens. Camouflage Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well. Glass Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room. Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427
3 Simple Kitchen Improvements to Update Your Space
If your kitchen looks a little uninspired there are a few ways you can invest in an affordable kitchen renovation. Instead of undergoing a complete remodel you can make partial renovations that will help to update your kitchen. Here are three budget friendly ideas to give your tired space a little makeover: Cabinets and Backsplash Your cabinets can be updated in a number of ways. You can opt to refinish them with a new stain or a fresh coat of paint. This can be a little labour intensive but well worth the effort. You can also look into refacing your cabinets. Cabinet refacing uses the base of the cabinets and replaces the doors. This is an easy process with little disruption. It is also affordable and makes a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. A backsplash update is also an affordable option. With so many choices of tile you can really get creative. However even a fresh new backsplash of simple white subway tile can do wonders to make your kitchen look new. Tile and Appliances Nothing dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Replacing your appliances with new, energy efficient appliances will make your kitchen look state of the art. It will also help reduce your energy bills. You can opt for sleek stainless steel for a modern look or look for options such as built-ins for island cook tops, wall ovens and fridges. Tiling is another excellent way to create a decorative update for your kitchen. You can create an interesting mosaic design behind your stove, update your backsplash or look at new flooring options. Tile is affordable and can be used to create a number of styles including modern, traditional or rustic. Countertops and Hardware Countertops cover quite a large surface area in your kitchen, even in smaller spaces. That means new countertops can make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. There are many options for countertops including natural stone and marble, butcher block and man-made options including recycled glass. A simple finishing touch that can really update your cabinets is replacing your hardware. Look for large and impressive handles in white metal for a modern look or rustic finishes such as brass or black cast iron knobs for a traditional or country kitchen. Partial kitchen renovations are the budget friendly option for easy kitchen makeovers. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next renovation project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
5 Fun Basement Remodel Ideas
The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo do not have to be the same old family room, extra bedroom or spa bathroom. Here are five fun basement remodels to consider for your renovations: Playroom Kids toys can make a real mess on your main floor. The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo allow you to get creative. Design a kid friendly space with plenty of storage for all of their toys, shelves for books, movies and video games and even create a work space dedicated to home work. Playrooms can also be combined with a family area for watching movies, gaming and other family activities. Consider your children’s interests and decorate based on their needs. For example if they love crafts create a large built in work space with specialty storage shelves with everything they need within reach. Gym If you are a workout fanatic create a designated area for a gym. Install a wall of mirrors to check out your technique, mats for yoga and of course a spot for all of your equipment such as weights, tread mills or stationary bikes. A bathroom complete with steam shower or sauna are perfect luxury features to complete your home gym. Shared Space Divvy up the space and create a shared area for kids and parents. A nice area with floor space and toy storage is perfect for the kids to enjoy play time. You can then create a beautiful living area with comfortable couches, a home entertainment centre and even a built in wet bar for the adults. Office An office is a must for today’s families. If you work from home often create a closed off area with a door for privacy. You can also create a work space for the family computer ideal for homework and paying the bills. The basement renovations Ottawa contractors offer can include a built in office space with storage, desk space and all the necessary electrical outlets for your computer set up. Laundry Room Although doing the laundry isn’t fun, doing the laundry in a remodeled basement can be a pleasure. Install new high efficiency appliances, a gorgeous tile floor, sink and granite work surfaces to make doing the laundry less of a chore. The basement remodel is the perfect opportunity to have some fun and mix things up a little. These ideas can provide inspiration for the basement renovations Ottawa homeowners might consider. 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 Survive Living Through a Home Renovation
Even the simplest renovations can cause extreme chaos in your home, but if you plan ahead and mentally prepare you should be well equipped for the transition. Here are several tips to help you survive living through renovations: Where to Live It is important to look at the renovation plans and consider if it is realistic to remain in your home during the work. For example if you have a basement renovation it might not be quite as disruptive as a kitchen or main floor overhaul. Speak to your contractor to find out what is involved and for major renovations decide if it makes better sense to make other living arrangements. Keep in mind other arrangements could prove just as stressful. Weigh all of your options and maybe decide to take a well-planned vacation when the majority of the dirty work is underway. Reorganize your Living Space Look at where the renovations will take place and consider how it will affect your day to day life. Remember to plan where you will prepare food and do the dishes if your kitchen is being renovated. If you only have one bathroom and are determined to stay home during the renovations you will hopefully have a very close neighbour to share their shower or a nearby gym where you can take care of your daily showering needs. Avoid Dust This is one of the biggest challenges. Your best friends during renovations are tape and sheets of plastic. Use these to seal off the area that is undergoing the renovation to keep dust contained. Hire Smart The more experience your contractor has the less troublesome your renovations will be. A good contractor will keep things as comfortable and livable as possible as well as complete the job on schedule to make life easier. Shop Early You will need a number of fixtures and finishes during the renovations. Anticipate what you will need by speaking to your contractor. He can list the amount of light fixtures, faucets, switch plates and other finishes you will need so you can shop ahead to avoid delays. Plan for Trouble They say a pessimist is never disappointed. Renovations are complicated so be prepared for challenges in order to avoid stress when trouble arises. Being better prepared for your renovations will make it easier on everyone and help the overall project run more smoothly. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.
5 Home Upgrades That Can Help Sell Your Home Faster
If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market for months, here are five upgrades that can sell your home: Fresh Paint You have probably been living with the same paint colours in your home for years. Nothing brings a home back to life more quickly than a fresh coat of paint. You can take years off your home with this simple change. Use neutral colours to help potential buyers picture the home with their belongings so they can see themselves living there comfortably. Don’t forget about doors and trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can quickly make your old trim look yellowed and worn. Although paint is affordable it will bring the value of your home up substantially. Use professional painters to avoid unsightly drips for a clean and finished look to each room. Install Hardwood When it comes to the home renovations Ottawa buyers are seeking, hardwood floors top the list. Many homes feature hardwood throughout with the exception of the basement and stairs. If your home is older chances are it still has quite a bit of carpet and old linoleum. To compete with others homes in your area replace those outdated materials with beautiful, natural hardwood. Reface Your Kitchen Kitchens sell houses. An outdated kitchen with old cabinets and countertops shouts 80’s to potential buyers. When kitchen renovations seem too expensive you can reface your kitchen by adding new cabinet doors, handle hardware and inexpensive countertops. You can even do the work yourself with a fresh coat of paint or a new darker, modern stain on your cabinets. These are the affordable home renovations Ottawa buyers will love. They offer an instant update even though they are simply cosmetic. Finished Basement A finished basement offers much needed living space and privacy. Homeowners love finding unexpected treasures such as a guest bedroom and ensuite in a private basement area. This offers a place for guests to stay without interfering with the home owner’s privacy. Upgraded Bath A mobile friendly bathroom upgrade is very appealing to the growing sandwich generation. These buyers are seeking a new home to accommodate their own families and elderly parents. This type of upgrade makes it possible to care for elderly parents easily. Selling a home can be very competitive. These five home renovation ideas will make your home top the list of potential buyers. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.