5 Types of Kitchen Sinks

April 10, 2017 No Comments

When it’s time to replace your kitchen sink, it can be difficult to decide on what style and material to choose. Today, there are a variety of different styles and materials that are each great for various designs and uses. Below, we outline five of the most common types of kitchen sinks to consider if you want to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen. Stainless Steel Stainless steel is a popular choice for many homeowners since it is economical and simple to install. Stainless steel sinks are very durable and are also very versatile. They can however, be prone to scratching and watermarks which can make it more of a hassle to maintain. But this can be a minimal drawback considering how resistant it is against harsh stains and heat. Double Bowl Sink This sink design incorporates two bowls that are attached for greater convenience. This is the most common style of sink used in modern kitchen designs today. You can be more selective with the size of the basins – both can be of equal size, or you can choose to have one larger than the other. Fireclay Sinks The fireclay style sink is a more eccentric style that can really add that unique touch to your kitchen. Fireclay is created by molding ceramic clay into a shape of a sink, and is then dried. It is then coated in porcelain enamel. This material is very durable and strong. Concrete Sinks Concrete has become increasingly popular with the modern, industrial kitchen designs. These can be greatly customized and can be incorporated into any design features. Concrete is however, heavy and does require periodic sealing against the moisture, so it’s not as low maintenance as other materials. Cast Iron This material has been used the longest for creating kitchen sinks. Cast iron is very strong and is sealed with an enamel, glossy finish. You can customize the colour of the designs as well. This material is also very heavy and makes installation much more difficult. It is also prone to rust. There are many different materials and styles of kitchen sinks available today that can create the perfect addition to your kitchen design. Take the time to explore the different options available to help you find the best one for your home. Are you planning an Ottawa kitchen renovation? Contact RenosGroup.ca to book a free in-home consultation or request a free estimate! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Backsplash

March 15, 2017 No Comments

Backsplashes installed above the kitchen countertops aren’t just placed simply for the purpose of aesthetic appeal. Although they do look great and enhance a kitchen design, they actually serve a greater purpose. Below we’ve outlined a few of the benefits of installing a kitchen backsplash. Protects Paint and Wallpaper Your kitchen is the most used room in your entire home. And with all of the baking and cooking that happens there on a regular basis, it doesn’t take long for it to get messy. Backsplashes are great for this purpose since they cover the area of the wall above the countertop to protect the paint or wallpaper that’s on it from getting dirty. So when that tomato sauce starts to bubble and splash, you can simply wipe it off the tile instead of worrying about it staining the wall. Covers Gaps in the Walls Often when countertops are installed – especially granite ones – the cuts of it can leave some minor gaps between the end of the counter and the wall behind it. By installing backsplash tiles, it covers these gaps and makes it much more appealing. Protects Against Water and Mould In addition to covering gaps, it also provides a barrier against water. It blocks any water from seeping behind the counter and wall, which can also prevent the growth of mould. Protects Against Heat When the stove is blazing and there’s a cooking frenzy happening, all of the heat from the stove can gradually affect the wall close to it over time. Tile can also provide a barrier for the wall from the heat or those rising flambé flames that can get a little too hot sometimes. Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of your Kitchen If you walk into a kitchen, the backsplash is often one of the first elements that get noticed. And with the wide variety of styles, colours, and patterns available today, you can get creative with it and add that splash of colour and flair to your kitchen décor. So if you’ve been toying with the idea of whether it’s worth it to add in backsplash to your kitchen reno, consider each of these factors. You can ask just about any interior designer and they will encourage you to use them. They not only look great, but they can extend the design of your kitchen by providing that necessary barrier to protect the wall to keep your kitchen looking great for years to come. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Finish Your Unfinished Basement

March 1, 2017 No Comments

The basement can often become one of the most neglected rooms in a home. But it can also have some of the best potential for providing additional space for a variety of purposes. It can benefit your entire family and your resale value in the future. If you’ve been thinking about finishing your basement, consider these five reasons to finish your unfinished basement. Create More Space Having an unfinished basement is really wasting a space that could have so much potential. Depending on the size and layout, you can create an additional space that can be turned into whatever you need or want in your home. Whether it’s another bedroom, an income suite, a children’s playroom, or even a den for yourself where you get to indulge in your personalized entertainment space – there are so many options! Increase the Value of Your Home Aside from additional space, investing in finishing your basement can also significantly improve the value of your home. Potential buyers want to purchase a home where there’s little renovation needed. Having your basement upgraded and finished is one of the best ways to keep buyers interested in your property if you should ever consider selling in the future. Increase Storage and Organization Basements are the perfect place to store away items that aren’t frequently used. You can create a space in the basement purely for keeping all of your storage organized and tidy, while still have space to utilize for enjoyment. So rather than having to rely on your garage for storing away old boxes and risk having them ruined by any potential mildew, you can keep them safe and dry, out of sight and well organized. Improve Health and Safety Finishing your basement not only provides more space and storage, but it can also improve the health and safety of your home as well. Basements that are neglected can become a haven for mould to develop and grow since water damage and leaks can become a common problem. By taking the time to renovate it now, you can avoid and eliminate the potential for toxic mold and water problems in the future. Comfortable and Economical There’s no better place to get some reprieve during the summer heat waves than down in the cool basement. But when it’s unfinished, no one wants to even consider stepping down there. By renovating it into a comfortable space, you and the family can utilize it during the summer, and even save on those energy bills by avoiding the need to crank up the A/C as often. If you’re undecided about investing in your unfinished basement, it truly can be one of the most rewarding projects to undertake. Aside from it improving the safety and resale value of your home, you can create a comfortable and economical space that you and the family can enjoy. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How a New Front Entrance Way Can Change the Look of Your House

February 15, 2017 No Comments

Changing your entrance way can improve the look of your entire house. You can guide guests and friends into your home with that first great initial impression. And all it takes is a few new enhancements to really show how a new front entrance way can change the look of your house. Improve Functionality The first few steps are always the most important. And having that first point of entry that’s well laid out with good functionality is important. Whether it’s a hot and balmy day or a cold winter night, guests and family need to have enough space to manoeuvre comfortably once they’re past the front door. Consider elements for containing shoes and placing coats and boots so they aren’t in the way and cramping up space. Add Leading Lines with a Pathway If you’re ever in conversation with an artist or photographer, they can tell you about the power of designs that lead and invite the eyes. Whether it is family or simply people passing on by, a fresh, new entrance way can guide the eyes of guests as they make their way towards your home. And having a well maintained, clearly marked path is key. Elevate the Architecture Whether it’s an arched doorway, spotlights, or columns, there are countless ways that you can really elevate and enhance the architecture of your home. If you’ve put effort into the interior design, why not make the exterior entrance way just as beautiful? Add Personality When you’re at home, you want to show off your own unique style and personality. You can get creative right from the start and show off your bold or quirky side. It’s your home, so it should represent your personality. Boost your Curb Appeal Simple elements such as lights that can lead up your pathway are great for making your landscape, entrance way and entire home stand out and have that extra pop of curb appeal. You can have solar lights lead the way up your driveway or even install some that can reflect onto the surface of your home to make it more inviting. A new front entrance way can change the look of your house and boost up that curb appeal. With a few simple touches that incorporate functionality, leading lines, and light, along with elements that reflect your own personal style and taste, you can change the look of your house and make it more inviting that ever. To learn more about how a new front entrance way can change the look of your house, please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

The Pros and Cons of Paint vs. Wallpaper

February 6, 2017 No Comments

We’ve broken down some pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper for you to consider when it’s time to make a decision that you won’t regret. The walls of a home are no small matter when it comes to putting the finishing design touches on your home renovation project. After all, they do take up a great deal of space, and therefore, can change and transform the look of your entire home. Whether it’s soft and light, or bold and cozy – your walls matter. When it comes to deciding between paint or wallpaper, which is the best to choose? Wallpaper Pros Durability – Wallpaper can be very durable against wear and tear over the years. If you’re in search of something to stand strong against all of those dirty fingerprints from the kids, this could be worth considering. Versatility – Although paint is available in a variety of different colours, with wallpaper, you can incorporate different designs that you can’t achieve with paint. There is great versatility if you’re looking to add more flair and personality to a wall and room. Preparation – Depending on the state of your wall, it can take more effort and time for preparing the surface for paint. Cons Expensive – Wallpaper will generally cost more than paint, especially considering the size and surface you are covering. Difficulty Installing – Although you can attempt to wallpaper yourself, it can be much more challenging to apply correctly without any bumps. Having a professional is usually the best way to ensure it is done correctly without any flaws. Removing it – If you change your mind in the future, removing wallpaper can be a tedious and frustrating endeavour. You need to have the right tools and a whole lot of patience to ensure that it’s fully removed and that the wall beneath isn’t damaged during the process. Paint Pros Preparation – It can be easy and can take little time and effort to prepare a wall for painting depending on your walls. With a quick application of primer or spackle, you can correct many imperfections in no time. Affordable – Paint is much more affordable than wallpaper, and you don’t have to spend money having someone apply it for you. Easy DIY– Although hiring a professional painter is always an option, it’s much easier to take on as a DIY project than with wallpaper. And even for hiring someone, the fee is generally lower than when applying wallpaper. Cons Not as Durable – Paint can mark and chip away much easier than wallpaper. So if you do have small children, the wear and tear factor could be an issue to consider. Less Selection – Although you can select a wide variety of paint colours, there still is a lack of selection when compared to the wallpaper designs. So you may be limited when you want to customize a wall. Can Emphasize Imperfections – Paint can easily show imperfections that are present on the wall. It’s less forgiving, especially when the sun shines on the surface. Wallpaper is usually better at concealing this. Whichever you decide to go with for your walls, these pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper are worth considering before transforming the walls of your home. Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

Make Your Small Ensuite Beautiful

January 16, 2017 No Comments

Who says that size has to limit your design? If you have a small ensuite bathroom, it can look every bit as glamorous as your main bathroom. All it takes is the right elements to optimize the space that you do have and incorporate elements that can provide the illusion of more space. Follow these design tips to help make your small ensuite beautiful. All Glass Walk-in Shower If there’s a shower in your tiny ensuite, it can either make or break the look of your bathroom. The enclosure can really box in the area and make it appear even smaller than it really is. That’s why more modern designs are opening up that enclosure by using glass. This allows more light to filter within the ensuite and doesn’t take away from the size of the space. Built-in Countertop Having adequate space for a counter is one of the main problems when facing the design of a smaller bathroom. But by incorporating a built-in shelf within the main wall where the sink will be placed, it can provide that necessary component without having a counter that protrudes and takes up much room. Floating Sink Fixture Thanks to floating designs, even the tiniest bathroom can still be practical and look great. You don’t have to take up any unnecessary floor space with the sink. Plus, you can achieve that contemporary “bling” style with chrome piping and dazzling faucets. Customized Floating Cupboards Using the space above the toilet is always best for placing either a shelf or floating cupboard. And with the customized designs that are available today, you can store away all of your toiletries without having them on display for the world to see. Chic Tiling and Flooring The size of a space definitely shouldn’t hold you back from adding that design flair that you want. There are a wide variety of tiles and added finishes that you can install within your ensuite to bring out your flare and style. So get creative when selecting your tiling and flooring. Big Mirrors Mirrors are always a great option to utilize in smaller spaces for allowing light to reflect and give the illusion of greater space. Don’t feel limited by the small size of your ensuite. With the selection and designs that are available today, you can find just about anything you’re looking for to fully optimize your space without sacrificing your desire for a striking design. Get in touch, with the Ottawa bathroom contractors at RenosGroup.ca to book a consultation or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss design ideas.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring

December 20, 2016 No Comments

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.

A Quick Guide to Planning a Second Storey Addition

December 13, 2016 No Comments

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

November 21, 2016 No Comments

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

November 14, 2016 No Comments

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

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

October 31, 2016 No Comments

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

October 24, 2016 No Comments

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

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