Contractor Blog
Stay updated with our contractor blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.
Ottawa’s RenosGroup Wins “Best of TrustedPros 2024” Award
We are so excited to tell our community some amazing news! RenosGroup has won the highly sought-after 2024 “Best of TrustedPros” award, a significant distinction that demonstrates our dedication to providing excellent service and making our customers happy. This award isn’t just a title; it’s a sign of how much our clients trust us. We’re really stoked to have won in the super competitive “Bathroom Renovations” category. trustedpros.ca/company/renosgroup This means a lot to us because it’s not based on one vote or a panel of judges. It’s not because of anything else; it’s because of the real, verified client reviews and ratings and our overall TrustScore on TrustedPros. Our clients’ voices are loud and clear, and their good feedback is the most important thing to us. We’re thankful for every 5-star rating, every heartfelt review and every kind word that helped us achieve this. This award is for everyone. It’s the work of our skilled trades, designers and project managers who work hard to make dreams come true. The keys to our success are their careful attention to detail, their ability to come up with new ways to solve problems, and their commitment to getting things right every time. We want to thank everyone in the RenosGroup family for their hard work and dedication. And, of course, we want to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing clients. Thanks for trusting us with your properties and your plans to remodel them. Everything we accomplish is because of your support and comments. We are grateful for your trust in our work, and this award shows how strong our relationships are. As we commemorate this important event, we are more determined than ever to keep raising the bar for quality and service in the remodeling business. We look forward to the future and the chance to help even more families make the beautiful, useful environments they deserve. Ready for a Home Renovation? If you’re thinking about renovating your home, today is the best day to start planning. Our team can help you with any renovation job, big or small, from kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation or even basement renovations. Call us at (613) 727-9427 or visit us at RenosGroup.ca to set up a free consultation. Let’s get you a home that looks good, works good and will stand the test of time. For all your Ottawa renovations needs, think RenosGroup.ca. We work in Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata and more. And we do it all right.
An Extensive Guide to Carpentry in Ottawa
If you want to renovate your home, the chances are high you’ll need to find skilled carpentry in Ottawa. Carpenters are involved in everything from building custom cabinets to doors and window frames. If you’re seeking quality renovations, you’ll need to know a bit about the basics of carpentry. This knowledge will help you find and hire the best contractor in your area (as well as the right specialty.) It may not seem like there’s much to it. Yet, carpentry is an expansive field that’s as old as time. You’ll need to know about carpentry’s essential skills, specialties, and training. That’ll help narrow down the search when looking for a carpenter in Ottawa. If you don’t take it seriously and hire a cheap/unskilled carpenter – your results will look less than stellar. That’s why it’s worth learning more about carpentry to ensure your renovations come out looking fantastic. Finding a skilled carpenter will also help you save money in the long run since you won’t have to pay for expensive repairs to fix mistakes. Here’s an example of what we mean, does your project need a farmworker, framer, or cabinet maker? If you aren’t sure, you’ll need to do a little homework first to avoid wasting your money. Luckily, we’ve prepared this handy carpentry guide to fill you in on everything. Nailing the Basics: What is Carpentry? Let’s begin with a plain English definition of carpentry. It’s the art of working with wood to construct buildings, frames, and other objects. Woodworking and joinery also fall under the umbrella of carpentry. Here’s a breakdown of their subtle differences: Carpentry is a trade that strictly uses wood for construction. It primarily refers to the construction of buildings with timber. Woodworking is the craft side of carpentry, such as constructing cabinets and furniture. Joinery is constructing frames and panels by creating and installing fittings. There are carpenters, woodworkers, and joiners to go along with these crafts. (That’s not to mention the different specialties within each, but more on that later.) Let’s consider a few examples to make things easier to understand. In example #1, you need a professional to construct a custom nightstand for you. Would you need: A.) A carpenter B.) A woodworker C.) A joiner If you guessed B.), you’re correct. Woodworkers specialize in handcrafting furniture, cabinets, and other wooden objects. As such, if you want a custom nightstand, you need to call a talented woodworker. A joiner or a carpenter won’t have the necessary skills – unless they moonlight as a woodworker. In example #2, you need someone to construct an entire shed in your backyard. Would you need: A.) A carpenter B.) A woodworker C.) A joiner In this scenario, A.) is the correct choice. A carpenter will have the skills and wherewithal to construct the entire shed on-site. A woodworker lacks the know-how to build a building from scratch. Instead, they focus on creating objects and furniture. All right, in example #3, you need someone to build a new window frame for you. Would you need: A.) A carpenter B.) A woodworker C.) A joiner The answer is C.), as a joiner constructs frames, doors, and other joinings. They tend to work isolated in their shops and don’t work on location. By now – you should have a better understanding of the difference between the three crafts. While they’re all technically forms of carpentry – there are tiny differences – as these examples have shown. Carpentry in Ottawa – Basement Framing in Orleans The Different Types of Carpentry Within carpentry, there are various styles and specialties. In particular, there are two primary types of carpentry that we’ll focus on in this section. They are rough carpentry and finish carpentry. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both. Rough Carpentry If the carpentry work doesn’t need a brilliant finish, there’s no need to waste time and money applying one. For instance, if walls and paint hide the carpentry work – a rough job will suffice. This type of work is rough carpentry, and it’s more about doing quality work than making it look pretty. Most of the time, rough carpentry refers to structural work. Structural carpenters erect rafters, posts, and beams for a new building. With this type of work, efficiency and sturdiness are what matter most. There’s no need to make the rafters and beams aesthetically pleasing – as no one will see them. Rough carpenters find lots of work in roofing and framing new buildings. A structural carpenter puts together the skeleton of a building. They also have to pay close attention to safety codes and regulations. Remember, if you’re after a visually pleasing job, you don’t need a rough or structural carpenter. You will need one if you’re constructing a new building and need a solid foundation for it. Finish Carpentry A finish carpenter is the polar opposite of a structural carpenter. Finish carpentry is all the work that will be visible once a building gets completed. That’s why finish carpenters put a lot more effort into making their work look excellent. Finish carpenters boast great attention to detail. They install trim, molding, decks, staircases, and so much more. If you want a carpenter to build an elegant staircase with a stunning finish – you need a finish carpenter. They will go to great efforts to make their work look outstanding. For constructing a new building, you’ll need rough carpenters and finish carpenters. The rough carpenters knock out the foundation, while the finish carpenters make it look pretty. You’ll want to hire both if you’re constructing a building from scratch. Trim Carpentry Is your Ottawa home in need of a new fireplace mantle? If so, you’ll want to give a trim carpenter in Ottawa a call. They specialize in creating wood trims and moldings for homes. That includes fireplace mantles, ornamental trim, skirting boards, and so much more. Other types of carpenters may not be as familiar with installing trim, so it’s best to use a trim
General Contractors in Ottawa: Why RenosGroup is the Best
Are you thinking of undergoing home renovations? If so, you need to hire reputable general contractors in Ottawa that places your needs and total satisfaction above all else. That’s how we feel at RenosGroup, which is why we continue to offer free in-home consultations for every new client. For us, it’s a matter of common decency. After all, nobody can possibly give you a realistic estimate without setting eyes on your property first – which is something that a growing number of general contractors in Ottawa will charge you for. Unlike them, we’ll show up at your home completely free of charge. More importantly, we’ll give you plenty of time to let us know precisely what you want. Leave no stone unturned, as we’re never in a rush when we consult with new clients. Our team will measure everything, answer your questions, and write a detailed estimate for the project’s total costs. The best part? The free in-home consultation is completely obligation-free. If you decide that you don’t need renovations (or would like some time to think about it), that’s no problem for us – and you won’t incur any charges. Thanks to our expertise and years of experience, we provide flawless: Home renovations Bathroom renovations Kitchen renovations Basement renovations Mobility renovations Home additions Whether you want to transform your basement into a studio apartment or lower your bathroom fixtures by a half-inch, we do it all at RenosGroup. Read on to learn more about our home renovation services in Ottawa. Ottawa’s Finest Kitchen Renovations and Products It’s hard to drum up the desire to cook in a kitchen that isn’t: A) Visually pleasing B) Laid out practically You need a better layout if you have to do three laps around the kitchen to grab pots, pans, and appliances before you can start cooking. At RenosGroup, the only limit is your imagination. We can incorporate many clever storage options such as open shelving and kitchen islands. Our team will ensure that you have everything right where you want it, even if we have to restructure your kitchen completely. For visual appeal, no other general contractor in Ottawa can touch the quality of our kitchen products, custom cabinetry, and quality craftsmanship. We also have an in-house interior designer that you can consult with to completely rethink the way your kitchen looks. Top-Tier Bathroom Renovations Your bathrooms are some of the most used rooms in your home, so it’s crucial not to neglect them. That’s why we offer the whole gambit when it comes to bathroom renovations, including: Countertops Cabinets New fixtures, sinks, and toilets Custom showers Tile Our team boasts exceptional knowledge of the bathroom renovation process, which tends to be a delicate one. An easy example, we know never to install drywall behind shower and tub surrounds due to its tendency to absorb moisture and grow mold. Our trained, licensed, and insured professionals know how to safely renovate your bathroom with zero issues or need for repairs. Polished Basement Renovations and Transformations Are you only using basements to air-dry your laundry? If so, you aren’t making the most of your available square footage. Your basement is a very much usable room in your home, and you can transform it into whatever you want with our help. We’re the best general contractors in Ottawa at turning dull basements into: Luxurious studio apartments Home movie theaters Game rooms A nursery or playroom As you can see, your basement is more of a blank slate than it is storage space. Helpful Mobility Renovations in Ottawa Do you live with an older loved one that has trouble getting around? If so, don’t wait to reach out to us to renovate your home to make them more comfortable. We offer all manner of accessibility renovations, including: Raising and lowering fixtures Adding rails Installing lifts and elevators Making showers and tubs more accessible/easier to get into Our team will go to rigorous efforts to ensure that your home is adequately mobile-friendly to keep your loved ones comfortable and safe. Our unwavering commitment to our customers is a big factor that sets us apart from other general contractors in Ottawa. Stunning Home Additions If you don’t feel like moving, but your current Ottawa home isn’t cutting it for you, don’t wait to check out the home additions that we offer. What would make your home more convenient, appealing, and comfortable? A spacious sunroom where you can entertain guests, or an addition to your garage to add more storage space? Or would you prefer to add a bump-out to your kitchen to make it more spacious and beautiful? No matter what you want to add to your home, our talented team at RenosGroup can knock it out at a fair price for you. What Sets RenosGroup Apart from the Crowd? At RenosGroup, we’re trusted general contractors in Ottawa that are licensed, insured, and experienced. We have a team of renovation professionals, including plumbers, electricians, and even an interior designer. Every new client gets an obligation-free in-home consultation, and our showrooms are entirely online (we never try to upsell clients using pricey products in showrooms). We have a flawless reputation, years of experience, and a large gallery of work showcasing our excellence. So if you need a general contractor in Ottawa, don’t hesitate to fill out our form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.
The Best General Contractor in Ottawa
If you live in the Ottawa area and need a general contractor, you’ve probably searched for these words. Well, the good news is that you’ve landed on the best here at RenosGroup. We’re general contractors in Ottawa that provide extensive remodeling services. We specialize in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and more. Our team is trustworthy, educated, and highly skilled. Whether you want to revamp the layout of your kitchen or have mobility limitations, we do it all here. So if you’ve been searching for ‘the best general contractor Ottawa’ in Ottawa, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn all the reasons why RenosGroup is your #1 choice for remodels and beyond. Why Hiring RenosGroup is Better Than DIY Lots of homeowners try to save money by tackling the renovations themselves. While this may work for experienced craftsmen, it’s not a good idea for the majority. That’s because renovating your home correctly takes a lot of expertise. Not only that, but if you screw things up, you could wind up costing yourself thousands. Say, for example, that you want to add extra space to your basement by knocking down a wall. That’s a risky job if you don’t have any experience. If you mess things up, you could do damage to the foundation of your home. That will end up costing far more than simply hiring us from the start. There’s also the real risk of injury. Renovating involves a lot of hard work with tools, ladders, heavy lifting, and more. If you wind up injuring yourself, you’ll lose even more money through medical bills. Not only that, but you’ll end up losing income by missing work too. A lot goes into renovating a home, and it takes a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills. At RenosGroup, we have a fantastic team with lots of varying specialties. We have professionals that are master carpenters, drywall workers, and more. So if you want to renovate your home in Ottawa, you need to save yourself some stress by calling us. That way, you won’t have to worry about damaging your home or injuring yourself. Our team knows how to stay safe on the job, and we’re licensed and insured for our work. Here are a few other reasons why you should choose us instead of DIY: The craftsmanship. Even if you fancy yourself as a jack-of-all-trades, you can’t be a master at everything. As a consequence, your renovations will wind up looking amateurish. If you’re not highly experienced with carpentry, drywall, and other trades, you won’t get stellar results. Hiring us, on the other hand, is the best way to ensure impeccable craftsmanship. The required tools. Many budding DIY’ers get stopped in their tracks when they realize they don’t have the tools they need. After all, it’s not very common to have a wood lathe in your garage for casual use. The fact is that you probably lack the equipment necessary to complete the renovations that you want. Time-consuming. Another reason lots of DIY’ers give up is the amount of time involved. Proper renovations take a considerable amount of time. If you work a full-time job, you probably won’t have enough time to complete the project. Sure, you can work strictly on the weekends, but achieving your goals will take twice as long. You won’t have to worry about any of that by hiring us instead. Responsible for your mistakes. If you blast a claw hammer through your wall by mistake, then it’s on you. If you want to fix it, then you’ll have to dish out the money for repairs. With our team at RenosGroup, we’re insured for our work, protecting you from any damages. We’re also staunch professionals that rarely ever make mistakes. The 80% curse. A lot of DIY’ers will get cocky once they reach the 80% completion point. Once they start to see the end in sight, they can’t resist the urge to ‘take a break.’ The bad news is that this break is usually indefinite. It’s rare for a homeowner to complete a renovation job on their own. Your Reliable Source for Ottawa Renovations You’re on the lookout for the ‘best general contractor Ottawa,’ so let’s list some reasons why it’s us. We have very high standards for excellence at RenosGroup. That’s why we boast a flawless track record with our clients in Ottawa. We’re committed to providing you with the renovations of your dreams. That’s why we provide free in-home consultations for every client. Unlike other contractors in the area, we never charge for our consultations. Beyond that, we perform them in your home. That way, we can lay eyes on your space and gauge the feasibility of your project. We’ll work with you to determine the best action plan to make your renovations a reality. Of course, you’ll always have the final say on what we end up doing with your home. Communication is one of our most essential values. Every step of the way, we’ll keep you updated on the progress of your renovations. You’re also free to request any changes or updates as well. It’s our goal to win your total satisfaction with our work. That way, we’ll become your go-to for all your future renovations. Free In-Home Consultations We feel that general contractors have lost their personal touch in Ottawa. That’s why we’re here to pose a return to form. You see, it’s all too common for general contractors to charge you before ever visiting your home. Sure, you can view their showroom for free, but that’s to upsell you on their most expensive products. They’ll show you impressive backsplashes, cabinetry, and floor coatings. Yet, this is all in a showroom backdrop and not your actual home. If you request an in-home consultation, they’ll want to charge you. At RenosGroup, we do not agree with this model at all. In fact, we think that it’s pretty insane. How can you expect a contractor to know the needs of your home
Choosing The Right General Contractor in Ottawa
For most homeowners, the most challenging part of beginning a new renovation project is finding a professional, competent and reliable contractor. Choosing the right general contractor can make a significant difference between a successful home renovation project and a complete disaster. We understand that this is a critical first step in your planning process and would like to help. The more you know about working with a general contractor, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate the road ahead. What You Need to Know Before Hiring a General Contractor Know What You Want Even before speaking or meeting with a potential contractor, it’s important to think about your goals and vision for the project. What would you want your kitchen remodel to look like? What amenities do you want? And so on. Decide on the scope of work to be done and how much you’re willing to spend on that project. Consider factoring major future life changes into your plan to cater to your potentially expanding family. Whether it’s an accessible walk-in shower or an open-plan family room big enough to accommodate your family and guests. Don’t settle for a Couple of Bids. Get More Call a few companies and get multiple estimates. Make sure you’re comparing the same set of plans and specifications for each bid as you can’t effectively compare the estimates if you’re using different brands of building materials, work methods, etc. Find Someone You Can Trust Trust is a critical component when it comes to finding the right contractor. Your home is your personal place of safety and relaxation so it helps to find someone who understands and respects your space, privacy, and security. After all, the people you entrust the service to will be in your home for weeks or even months. Don’t Make a Decision Based on Price Alone The lowest prices may not ultimately provide the best value for your home renovation project in Ottawa. A lot of homeowners are lured by the lowest prices, thinking that they have landed a great deal. Be skeptical of very cheap prices as these tend to be more costly in the end, especially if a contractor is trying to cut corners, excluding certain costs, using cheap materials, not pulling permits, or is inexperienced. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re forced to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who delivered shoddy or unsafe work. Choosing Your Home Renovations Partner in Ottawa Once you begin your search for a general contractor in Ottawa, you’ll likely come across all levels of experience and ability. Fortunately, there are ways to sift through the numbers to find a fit that guarantees quality work and peace of mind. The National Association of the Remodelling Industry offers some suggestions on some of the qualities you should look out for in a qualified general contractor. At Renosgrop.ca, exceeding industry standards is how we have put ourselves ahead of the competition. Free In-Home Consultation with a difference One of the benefits that we offer is a free in-home consultation. While some companies only rely on virtual consultations, we prefer to meet you at your home to assess the project. This enables us to evaluate and discuss your needs as well as come up with reliable cost estimates. We recognize that every home renovation is different, and a proper assessment is necessary to implement the designer’s plan efficiently while being able to anticipate possible problems. Everything Under One Roof When it comes to major renovations like additions or complete kitchen overhauls, it’s important to work with a licensed and insured general contractor who is in charge of all aspects of the project, from beginning to completion. Homeowners can find it challenging to deal with independent contractors who come and go, only specializing in certain areas of the construction process, e.g. electricity work, carpentry, etc. At Renosgroup.ca, we are responsible for design work and construction management of all your home renovations in Ottawa. This means that you only need to hire one company, not several. We supervise all of the contractors and constantly check the quality of their work to guarantee high-quality workmanship and timely delivery of your projects. Mobility Renovations As a full-service general contractor, we not only provide bathroom/kitchen renovations, home additions, basement transformations, etc but also offer home accessibility modifications to make the home you love safer and more accessible for your loved ones. While some companies claim to offer this service, unfortunately, they may lack experience in all the nuances of adapting a home to better suit the abilities living there. The highly-skilled team at Renosgroup.ca has successfully overcome many building challenges for residential projects involving a range of different scopes. We take the time to know you and understand your needs before recommending an accessibility or mobility solution. Your Professional Local Contractor Hiring an experienced general contractor saves you money, time, and hassle at the very least. As your local general contractor in Ottawa, it’s easier to contact us whenever you have a home renovation need. We show up on time and finish jobs when we say we will. This core mission has enabled us to build successful relationships with homeowners all across Ottawa and solidified our reputation as a professional contractor focused on offering exceptional customer service. Communication From the first point of contact with your contractor, you want to make sure they are providing good communication. Many times, some contractors fail to get back to a client in a timely manner to confirm the appointment or answer all of their client’s questions. This usually can be an indicator that things could only intensify as the home renovation project heats up. Most contractors today don’t care enough to educate and support their customers and help them make smart and confident decisions. All they do is simply provide a quote and get going. This is where we are different. We are committed to transforming your living spaces and elevating the comfort of your home with superior services you can
8 Things You Should Look for in an Ottawa Contractor
When you’re ready to transform your home into something that you’ve been dreaming of, it’s important to make sure you’re placing it in the hands of a qualified contractor. Choosing the right one can make all the difference, especially when it comes to the quality of workmanship and the level of collaboration and transparency you receive. To ensure you’re hiring the best for your home, here are some important things you should look for in an Ottawa contractor. Experience Your home is your biggest investment, so when it comes to performing renovations, experience matters. You need experienced contractors who know what they are doing and that have a team they work well with. Many obstacles can arise during home renovation projects, and when they do, you’ll want someone who knows how to handle them. This way, you will receive the best outcome and can still remain within your budget. Good References Strong, solid references are very important to have before deciding who to hire. References will let you know whether the contractor is worth your money and trust. Any professional and reputable contractor will have numerous references from previous jobs and clients that show their level of workmanship, customer service, and ability to work with their clients. Most contractors today should have a website or Facebook page with testimonials for you to read through. Attention to Detail Attention to detail also matters when you’re looking for a contractor. You want someone who won’t cut corners or rush the job. Even minor errors can end up costing you more to repair down the road. A good contractor is thorough and organized with a thorough overview and agenda of what to do each day while tracking the progress during the reno. Keep an eye out for this when looking at reviews. A Fixed Address You don’t want to end up hiring a contractor who operates out of their vehicle, with no fixed business address. Make sure to ask for an address and do your research to see if it exists. If there isn’t one, this could leave you vulnerable if something goes wrong and you can’t track them down to dispute a shoddy job. Good Communication Skills Even if a contractor has meticulous workmanship, if their communication skills are lacking, it can ruin your entire experience and even impact the job. Good, clear, and courteous communication is fundamental for a successful renovation. There should be transparency, trust and professionalism right from the start. So pay attention to how they conduct themselves from the moment you contact them. Do they promptly reply? Do they ask questions to understand more about the details of your project? Do they keep you informed about any changes or problems? These are key things to look out for when scanning testimonials. Workers Compensation Insurance Even if it’s a minor project that you need done, problems can still occur and someone could get injured on the job. That’s why you should only hire a contractor with Workers Compensation Insurance. This insurance provides medical benefits and wages to workers who get injured while at work. This means they can’t sue you for damages or hold you responsible. In some cases, contractors may be automatically covered, but this can vary in different jurisdictions. Always ask and get confirmation that the contractor is covered with the WCB/WSIB to protect yourself from any unforeseen legal complications. Liability Insurance Homeowners can also land in legal jeopardy and be held liable if the contractor injures someone or damages any part of your property during the renovation. This can lead to expensive repairs and legal fees. This is another reason to look for liability insurance that will protect you against being blamed for actions, injuries and damages caused by the contractor. Any contractor you hire should carry valid liability insurance. Business and Professional Licenses Home renovations can be dangerous which is why they require professionals who are thoroughly trained and skilled in order to do them safely and correctly. This is why licenses are required for certain occupations, including contractors who conduct property improvements. If you hire a contractor who isn’t licensed, they could be unqualified and end up leaving you with more errors to fix. A business license shows they have adhered to a regulatory framework that allows them to operate as a business, and a professional license proves that they have the professional skills to carry out the required work safely. If you’re ready to renovate and spruce up an area of your home, our team at Renosgroup.ca can help. We are licensed, experienced and have proudly served homeowners throughout Ottawa for years, providing exceptional workmanship and customer service. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.
Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles
Knowing that your kitchen needs an upgrade can often be a lot easier to determine than knowing exactly how to upgrade and design it. And sifting through endless kitchen design magazines can easily become overwhelming. So to help make it easier and clearer for you to decide, we’ve profiled 5 popular kitchen styles to give you some great inspiration without overwhelming you during the process. Farmhouse Kitchen Style Homeowners can’t get enough of the quaint, cozy home-grown vibes of the farmhouse kitchen style – and neither can we! Warm, rich, distressed wood, big basin-style sinks, exposed brick, vintage appliances, open shelving and a big kitchen table for family dinners make this a classic design that will always remain timeless. Chic, Clean & Modern Kitchen Style If clean lines, minimalistic décor and chic appliances speak to you, then the modern kitchen style is the way to go. This is an increasingly popular design preference as more efficient appliances, and cabinetry enter the marketplace. Think of frameless cabinets, simple and sleek hardware, a blend of natural materials and strong lines framing the layout. Contemporary Kitchen Style Similar to the modern style, contemporary designs offer more room for playful elements and finishes. This style can blend the sleek, sharp modern form with dashes of warmth from more traditional designs such as a mixture of materials like wood or stone, and colour in the cabinetry or countertops. Industrial Kitchen Style Another popular kitchen style is the industrial look. Unfinished concrete flooring, sharp lines, mixed with rustic elements like dark wooden cabinetry, metallic shelving, and exposed lighting features, make this a style a unique yet warm design. Spanish Kitchen Style Colourful tiling along the countertop or walls, arched windows, and warm-wooden cabinets make the Spanish revival kitchen style inviting and extremely popular. If you’re looking to add more colour and character to your kitchen, this is for you! It can be challenging to take on a kitchen upgrade when you’re unsure of what you really want. And with all of the options available today, it can be more stress-inducing than helpful. But it’s important to nail down your preference of kitchen style before you begin with the reno. Whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial or something more Mediterranean – figure out which of these popular kitchen styles speaks to you and then contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We have handymen that can take care of it all for you.
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
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring
There’s something about hardwood flooring that really gives a home that timeless character. And best of all, it can provide that cohesive element that can go with any type of design. But of course, with the variety of selections available, it can be confusing to figure out which style is best suited for your home. Rustic Maple? Oak? Walnut, Birch? So before you begin shopping for your flooring, here are some factors to consider that can help you in choosing the right hardwood flooring that will keep up with your lifestyle and home. Lifestyle Before you get your heart set on any particular style of flooring, it’s important to consider a style and colour that will keep up with your lifestyle first. If you have kids or pets, you must take that into consideration so that you won’t end up with a style or stain that will mark up as easily. When it comes to hectic lifestyles, with many footprints that may be coming and going, hardwoods such as hickory and walnut are most resilient to wear and tear. Budget The next important factor to take note of before heading out to shop is your budget. Different types of hardwood can vary with price range. Solid hardwoods such as oak, or exotic hardwoods such as bamboo can consume your budget way beyond your expectations. Always be realistic with what you can afford. There are a variety of budget-friendly options that can deliver that timeless hardwood look, that have been engineered with blends to provide you with both affordability and aesthetics. Maintenance No one wants to have to vacuum or mop the floor several times a day just to maintain it. Consider the shade of flooring that will be most convenient. If you do have a hectic household, lighter flooring can be much easier for hiding dust and dirt so that you don’t have to bring out the mop so often. Darker shades tend to place any dust on display. But maintenance is important in getting the most longevity out of your flooring, so always ensure you know what the most recommended method is for cleaning it. Each type can differ depending on the variations. When it comes to selecting hardwood flooring that’s the right choice for your home, these are the most important factors to consider first. Once you determine how and what will fit in with your lifestyle the most, you can easily narrow down your options and make that selection process a whole lot easier when you head out to shop. When planning a home renovation, flooring is just one of the many design choices you need to think about. Want a little expert help? Contact us or give RenosGroup.ca a call at (613)727-9427 – we do it all to bring timeless designs to life.
Remodelling for the Long Term
If you’ve endured home renovations in the past, chances are that you know very well just how gruelling and expensive they can be. What starts as a fun weekend DIY projects turns into months of living in a dusty construction zone. When you start to consider doing some renos on your new home, you want to make sure that you hire a professional general contractor and ensure whatever you’re investing in will give you the most amount of ROI in the future. Before you starting remodelling your home, here are some key factors to consider to get the best return on your investment that will serve you well for the long term. Neutral or Calming Walls When you’re in the midst of deciding what colour to throw on your walls, a good idea is to avoid anything harsh or bold. If you want to get the best long-term benefit out of that paint, your best bet is to go for neutral or calming colours. That way, if you decide that you no longer like the designs and accenting features in your home, you won’t be limited by the colour on your walls, or have to repaint them. Adding Windows If you’re feeling unsure about knocking down a few walls in order to enhance the natural light in your home, take comfort in knowing that this renovation will serve you and the value of your home well in the future. Adding more natural light to a home is always a smart idea. If you were on the fence about this one – let there be light! Be Bold Through Accessories Of course, we still need to incorporate some fun, flair, and colour into the interior design and one of the best ways for doing this through accessories. Accessories such as your cushions, artwork, or even curtains, are all great ways to help add in some vibrant colour without requiring any significant expense or alteration down the road. So if you happen to grow tired of a particular colour that’s dotted throughout your home, you can easily switch it up. Make Functionality a Priority No matter what you do, always have functionality as a priority in your design. For example, when it comes to your kitchen, make sure that the location of your appliances, countertops and cupboards all make sense to the flow of the space. That way, even if you have to change any aesthetics in the future, the main bulk layout (and expense) won’t have to be altered. It’s always important to consider what makes the most sense for the long-term when remodelling your home. So before you begin those blueprints, consider these tips to help you make the right decisions that will benefit you and your home the most in the future. Looking for home design ideas that will look just as good in a year or ten? RenosGroup.ca is Ottawa’s choice for expert kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovation projects with a focus on timeless finishes and design choices. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?
Performing renovations to your home not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but when done correctly, can also add value to your home. However, if your sole purpose for renovating is to increase that value with a high return on investment (ROI), there are certain projects that – despite all your efforts – won’t make the dollar sign increase to make it worth your while. If you’re trying to plan your next home reno, here are the best areas of focus if you want additional value that is worth your while. The Kitchen If you were questioning whether it’s worth it to rip out those dated cabinets and cupboards – it is! Just like we’ve always been told, the kitchen is one of the most important features of a home, especially when it comes to selling it. It’s the most utilized room, and therefore the most significant. For any areas that look decrepit, outdated, or just ugly, renovating and upgrading them will benefit your ROI in the future. If budget is tight, affordable but effective changes like replacing cabinet hardware and adding a modern backsplash are well worth it. If the budget is higher, a new countertop, new floors, and new sink will pay off. To save money, try to keep your existing cabinets if they’re in good shape, and avoid moving the plumbing (sink, dishwasher) if you can help it. The Flooring These days, flooring is a big deal, and new buyers aren’t exactly keen on purchasing a home when they know they’ll have to spend more time and money ripping up that floor. It’s worth your time and money to bite the bullet and install that beautiful hardwood flooring that buyers are looking for. Then, you can just tack on a little extra when it comes to your selling price – you can bet that people are willing to pay more for work that’s already been done. If your carpeting is in rough shape, consider peeling a corner discreetly to see if hardwood lays underneath. The Exterior If your exterior has little to no curb appeal, you can bet that it will impact any prospects for selling. Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, it’s one of the most important for giving them a great impression of the home. Whether it’s the dead lawn, cracked patio stones, or crumbling façade of the home – add it to your renovation list! The Basement Gone are the days when the state of the basement wasn’t really a significant factor in the success for selling purposes. But today, more and more homeowners take great value in having that extra space remodelled and finished, not only for the potential purpose of having an extra den or TV room, but for renting purposes as well. So if your basement is unfinished and could use some extra TLC, take the time to finish it. This goes doubly so if your basement is damp or mouldy. When it comes time to place your home up for sale, you want to make sure that the effort you put into your renovations will benefit your return on investment. So focus on these main areas and you’ll be set to bump up that value to your home, guaranteed. What renovations will pay off for you? Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca. Our Ottawa general contractor will evaluate your home and recommend the best areas for improvement. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427
The Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick
For many designers and homeowners, one of the most popular trends in design right now is exposed brick walls. It brings just enough mixture of warmth, rustic, and industrial edge, all-in-one. But sometimes, what’s good for the design isn’t always good for the homeowners. So before you start ripping down those walls, consider these pros and cons first. Pros of Exposed Brick Desirable Design – Like we said, there’s simply no denying how much people are loving the exposed brick style. It adds versatility to a space, contemporary edge, all the while adding that touch of warmth to just about any room. A Feature Wall – A wall with exposed brick is also a great way to break up a room by having it as a feature wall. Maybe it’s above your fireplace, or maybe it’s a partition between two rooms – wherever it is, exposed brick is a great way to break up a room and create that perfect feature space. Uncovering Historical Roots – Despite the popularity of trendy, modern interiors, many homeowners prefer to add in that touch of historic, vintage character throughout their home. And there’s no better way than by exposing that original brick, flaws and all. Cons of Exposed Brick Modern Interiors – When it comes to interior brick walls, it doesn’t always match well with every style. That especially goes for extremely modern interiors. So consider your style and what’s present throughout your home, and assess whether it will add or subtract to your space. Crumbling Brick – Once you’ve ripped into the plaster and exposed the brick beneath, you could be left with crumbling bricks and mortar that may need some serious TLC before showing them off to the family. So having a test area for you to get a peek before going all in is always a good idea. Allergies, Noise, and Drafts – Keep in mind that when you remove that insulation and plaster atop the brick wall, you’re also removing that extra buffer for noise, drafts and even allergies. The porous nature of bricks means they are more prone to collecting dust. They also allow drafts to permeate more easily without that extra layer of insulation, especially in an older home. So what may be great for your design, may not be so great for your allergies and even your heating bill. Before you start knocking down that drywall, it’s important to consider each of these factors first so that you aren’t left with a beautifully exposed brick wall and a whole lot of regret. The design and renovation experts at RenosGroup.ca can help you weigh the pros and cons of exposed bricks and other design considerations, so you get the space that looks and feels right for you. Get your free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427