How to Finish Your Basement

February 27, 2015 No Comments

If you have an unfinished basement, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential. When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners can increase the value of their homes and maximize space. Here are some of the great things you can do with a finished basement: Play Area If you have kids, you know all of their toys can quickly take over your entire house. Give your kids a defined play area and a room to call their own. You can set up a crafts area with an easel and drawing table, and have lots of storage with every toy in a proper place. Whether your kids want to play mini sticks, set up a train set, or build a Lego world, nothing beats a nice carpeted and colourful play area in your finished basement. Movie Room When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners often opt to make a movie room. A movie room is the perfect hangout for a family on the weekend. With comfy couches, a nice media centre, and a bowl of buttery popcorn, you can relax and escape into the wide world of cinema. Guest Bedroom Especially in smaller homes without much spare room upstairs, building a guest bedroom in the basement can be a great option for the holidays. Your guests get their own comfortable and private space, while you still get to play host. You can work with an Ottawa contractor to design the perfect guest bedroom, even adding an ensuite bathroom to really impress your in-laws. Workout Space If you want to get in shape, nothing beats a home gym – especially in cold Canadian winters. Set the room up with exercise equipment, a yoga mat, and don’t forget to pipe in surround stereo sound and get those workout tunes playing. Lay down some rubber flooring to prevent slippage or dents from dropped weights. Storage Even an unfinished basement can be used for storage, but you can design built-ins and get your basement more organized that ever. Whether you want to store books, Blu-ray discs, toys, clothes, or seasonal decorations, everything can have a proper place in your finished basement. Income Suite You can even use your finished basement to make money. Enlist a trusted Ottawa contractor to help design an appealing income suite. The renovation will pay for itself in no time, and you can use the additional income to help pay off your mortgage or other household bills. As far as basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners should know that installing an income suite is a very viable option. Don’t squander the potential of your house by leaving your basement unfinished. Expert basement renovators in Ottawa can remodel your basement and turn it into stylish and useful space. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Making the Perfect Man Cave

February 13, 2015 No Comments

After a long hard day at work, there’s nothing you deserve more than to retreat to a cozy and comfortable space in your home. When a living room or den won’t cut it, you need a man cave – the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. Ottawa basement contractors recommend these must-have items for the perfect man cave: Comfortable Furniture A man cave starts and ends with comfortable furniture. You want a variety of seating options to suit every need. You may opt for a recliner or two to sit in while you watch your favourite team play, or go for a cushy leather couch for when you watch movies. You can take your man cave to the next level with bar stools and comfortable seats around a poker or card table. Entertainment Centre A man cave is all about entertainment. You’ll want to invest in a nice setup, with a big screen TV, surround sound stereo and gaming consoles. For a classy look, Ottawa basement contractors can construct a built-in media centre designed to your specific needs. Not only will it look awesome, but every electronic device will have its proper place. Bar & Refreshments While a couch and TV fit the basics, you’ll really wow guests if you opt for refreshment options and even a custom-built bar. You can buy a mini bar fridge to keep your thirst quenched, or enlist the help of Ottawa basement contractors to design your dream basement bar. Whether you want warm wood topped with elegant granite or budget-friendly laminate, your contract can make this luxurious add-on a reality. Fun & Games During the sports off-season, you can still keep your buddies entertained. Shoot some pool, test your aim with darts, keep the sports action going with a foosball or air hockey table, or practice your bluffing skills with a poker table. If quarters are tight, you can even buy an all-in-one table with interchangeable surfaces for most of these activities. Décor When you think man cave, you may not be too bothered about words like design, style, and décor. Decorate the room with classic movie posters, sports memorabilia, or neon signs, and you’ll give your man cave the perfect look. You might go for a specific theme, like an Ottawa Senators-themed hangout with red walls and framed jerseys, or a James Bond theme with a sharp look and some movie memorabilia. Or maybe you just want a mishmash – whatever you choose, make it yours. Creating the perfect man cave can be easy. With the help of Ottawa basement contractors, you can design, plan, and build your dream basement retreat. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

February 6, 2015 No Comments

A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable kitchen design ideas will help you update your kitchen on a budget: Delightful Lighting Shed a little light on your drab kitchen with new lighting fixtures. Pendant lighting is ideal over islands to add personality and a sense of modern design. You can also install task lighting beneath your cupboards to give your kitchen a modern edge. Breakfast nooks receive an instant touch of elegance with the sparkle of a chandelier hung low above your table. Living room lighting ideas Add an Island Many kitchen renovations in Ottawa include an island. If your kitchen space allows consider adding an affordable island that is a little unconventional. Look for interesting finds at flea markets and garage sales for items such as old tables, dressers and even side buffets that can be repurposed. You can add extra height to tables getting creative with items such as newel posts or garden fencing poles and add a lick of paint to complete the look. Eye Popping Wallpaper The trend for large geometric patterns on walls is the perfect and affordable update for your kitchen. You can use wallpaper on just about any wall including a dull and uninspired backsplash. It can be added in small areas such as across your bulk head, on a focal wall behind your dining area or throughout the kitchen for a real wow factor. You can even consider adding wallpaper insets on your kitchen cabinet doors. Paint Many kitchen renovations dream of always include new custom cabinets. Give your kitchen a face lift with a paint job on your boring, dated cabinets. It just takes a good sanding, primer and a few coats of paint for a total transformation to your kitchen. Cream or black add sophistication, white is filled with country or contemporary charm and grey can add a modern edge. You can add a focal point with a bright colour such as red or lime green for upper cabinets or go with one colour for a unified look. New Fixtures Oversized door pulls in modern metals make lots of impact for a small price. A new faucet can add sparkle and help bring a new look to an old sink. Painted cabinets without pulls have an edgy look. As you can see kitchen renovations are within your reach with these affordable updates. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for your next kitchen project

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

January 29, 2015 No Comments

If you are about to embark on the basement finishing Ottawa homeowners often undergo, families should always make their basements kid friendly. Here are some tips that will help you create a perfect space for kids: Workspace for Homework Teachers always advise that kids have a designated area for homework. This space should be free of interruption and have all the tools a child will need. When designing your basement, Ottawa contractors can help you come up with the perfect work area for your studious little ones. You want to have a large desk or counter surface that will be able to accommodate projects that might need a bristle board as well as a computer and space to open text books. In smaller spaces a built in counter is ideal with drawers below and shelves above. In larger basements you can use a nice large desk where kids can spread out their work. You also want to have good lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of storage space for supplies. Indoor Playground There are many fun additions you can add to your basement finishing Ottawa kids will love. An indoor playground will offer a safe, year round area that will help keep your kids active. Consider adding a climbing wall with a comfy, foam floor where kids can take fun tumbles. You can also look at installing a basketball hoop, slide and even a tire swing. Consider your kids’ interests and look at ideas such as a little stage where they can put on shows, indoor jungle gyms and fun crawl spaces where kids can hide. The space under the stairs can make a cozy reading space with book shelves, lots of pillows and an overhead pot light. Carpet Carpeting is a must for kid friendly spaces. It will allow kids to crawl around, laze, read and avoid injury. Install wall to wall carpeting in the area designated for play. You can then add a more sophisticated flooring like hardwood in the “adult” area. Foam tile works well for kids as well. Chalkboard Wall Kids love to draw and play games like school. Paint an entire wall using chalkboard paint so kids can get creative and also not be tempted to paint or colour on areas they shouldn’t. These tips will help you create a perfect kid friendly basement the whole family will love. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Renovating an Older Home

January 22, 2015 No Comments

If you are considering renovating your older home there are many ways an Ottawa general contractor can help you make updates without taking away the original character and charm. Focus on Architecture The architecture of an older home tends to feature far more charm and character than homes that have been mass produced in sub-divisions. Even retro homes that are mid-century modern will have some interesting features you might want to leave untouched. Some common features you might want to repair and refinish as opposed to completely tear out and replace would include: • Original crown moulding • Stair cases, including retro 70’s “Brady Bunch” stairs • Original doors and framing • Original hardwood or even parquet floors • Mantles and fireplace detailing • Special window features such as stained glass and transoms Items to Salvage When you are renovating older homes there are also a number of items you might want to discuss salvaging with your Ottawa general contractor. For example if you want to redo your kitchen many older homes might have interesting vintage or even historical details such as sinks and lighting. Even if you do not want to use these items yourself you might be able to sell these items for a fair penny to those who are looking for original pieces for their own renovations. Other items worth salvaging can include: • Doors • Trim (might be hard to remove without damage) • Claw foot tubs • Window panes and storm windows • Old light switch plates • Old heating grates • Old door knobs and cupboard pulls • Old kitchen and bathroom cabinets • Old flooring Items to Update Your Ottawa general contractor can also assist in updating areas of your home without the need to completely tear out or replace certain features. For example, an old staircase can be reinvented with the addition of modern glass balustrades. Another update can be as simple as painting out dark wood features from baseboards to wainscoting. An old front door might have a certain element of charm while adding to the authenticity of your exterior architecture. Sanding and painting might be a better option than just tearing it out and replacing it. Hardwood and parquet floors can be sanded and given a modern edge with a darker stain. You can even change unneeded closets into interesting alcoves. Your Ottawa general contractor can help maintain the integrity of your older home while offering a sense of contemporary aesthetics you desire. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

December 29, 2014 No Comments

Whether you have bought a diamond in the rough, or have just decided it is time to remodel your home it can be difficult deciding which project should be renovated first. Here are some considerations to help you decide where to begin. Need First consider your needs. Is there any one space that is interfering with your comfort or everyday needs? Perhaps a bathroom is leaky and causing further damage to your home. Maybe your kitchen is a complete disaster making preparing meals a nightmare. You might even have serious issues such as poor insulation or a leaky roof. Look at how each issue is affecting the condition of your home and your comfort and prioritize based on the severity of each room. Quick Fixes While you get started on major changes you can also look at some quick fixes. For example you might need new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. This is an easy fix that can be addressed right away. Other easy fixes might be basic cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint. Budget Realistically you will only be able to do the changes that you can afford. Once you prioritize the changes that are needed consider making a budget plan that allows you to take on projects one at a time. Balance need and want in order to make the right decisions. Here is a good way to prioritize: • Must Haves: Look at all of your must haves. These are issues that will affect the safety of your home such as mould removal or a major leak in your roof or foundation. You might also have an oven or fridge that doesn’t work. Consider the cost and see which of these must haves are affordable. • Timing: Look at each project and come up with a plan that you can map out on a schedule. Speak to a contractor and see if there would be any savings by electing to do certain things at special times of year. Also see if there are discounts for doing more work at once. Once you have a scope of the work required speak to your bank and see what credit is available. They might make the decisions and planning easier if you have access to a line of credit that will allow you to make all of the changes you need. If you are still having trouble deciding which project you should renovate first, give us a call, at (613) 727-9427, we can answer all your questions…….To get in touch you can also fill out an online form

How DIY Projects Can Go Horribly Wrong

December 12, 2014 No Comments

Many homeowners feel their budget cannot withstand professional renovations. However when you opt to take on DIY projects it can quickly go horribly wrong. Here are just a few of the issues you might encounter when you take on your next DIY project: Cost It might seem that the DIY route will save money, however there are some things people do not consider when it comes to cost. First, your contractor will get major discounts when purchasing materials. Contractors buy some basic materials in bulk to save money. They also get discounts on finishing materials such as flooring, tile and even crown moulding. These savings are passed on to you. As professionals they will also complete the job quickly. Your DIY project could go on for weeks or months. Design Differences When working on DIY projects you can run into some design differences with your partner. It is harder to resolve design differences between the two of you than it would be if you had an impartial third party to offer advice. Conflict is a common occurrence during renovations and these conflicts can be even worse for DIY projects. A contractor can be the voice of reason to help you make the right choices you will both love. Minor and Major Mistakes It just takes one episode of “DIY Disasters” to see how easy it is to make mistakes. Minor mistakes are not only inconvenient, they also end up costing money. As a DIYer it is easy to miscalculate measurements and use the wrong products and technique. All of these potential errors can end up costing you way more than having it done right the first time. Mistakes can be problematic when it comes time to sell your home. Crooked baseboards, uneven floors and poor paint jobs are the types of imperfections that can make many home buyers pass on putting in an offer. Major mistakes can prove disastrous to your home. You can have a slow leak from poorly installed tile or plumbing that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. You can also ruin expensive materials such as hardwood floors if you install them incorrectly. Your DIY project can go horribly wrong with each mistake costing you money in wasted materials and more of your valuable time. Working with a contractor will save you time, money and help keep the peace at home. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How a New Tub & Acrylic Shower Walls Can Improve Your Bathroom

November 27, 2014 No Comments

If your bathroom is damaged or is starting to look dated your best option is to replace the old tub and shower with a sparkling new tub and easy to clean acrylic shower walls. Here are four ways how a new tub & acrylic shower walls can improve your bathroom: Solid Unlike bathtub-liners, new tubs are solid and are offered in a variety of shapes, styles and prices. They can be installed easily by a professional contractor, and can even feature slip resistant surfaces to help reduce the chances of slips and falls. Easy to Clean Your new shower walls are a breeze to clean for a number of reasons. First you can easily clean smooth surfaces using a squeegee following each bath and shower. Second you can see a reduction in mould and mildew as many products are made of antimicrobial materials that stop their growth. As well, there will not be any troublesome grout that tends to become dark and discoloured over time. Stained grout often requires a heavy duty steam cleaning to remove mould, mildew and deep down stains. Hard to damage Your new tub and custom acrylic shower walls are exceptionally durable providing high quality finishes that offer beauty and longevity. These highly walls are resistant to chipping, cracking and even damage from acidic cleaners. They are also dent proof and impact resistant. Easy Install When you opt for tile in your bathroom it is a very expensive option for your remodel. Tile is not only expensive material wise, but is also very labour intensive. Custom acrylic shower walls are installed in a matter of hours so you have a beautiful new bathroom the same day. This also means you will not be left without a bathroom during the remodel. Stylish Many people are hesitant to consider acrylic shower walls as they are concerned they are not very attractive. You will find many design choices perfect to suit your sense of style. As well there are many features that make it easier to shower with specialty handles, shelves and other handy details not available with a simple tile replacement. There are even modern options using technology to print realistic faux looks for stone and tile for an upscale look you will love. Your shower walls and new tub are both easy to install, look lovely and provide a strong seal to rid you of troublesome leaks. For more information on how a new tub & acrylic shower walls can improve your bathroom don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Creating The Perfect Basement Office Space

Creating a Basement Office Space

October 23, 2014 No Comments

As the work environment is changing it is becoming more common for people to work from home. However, if you do work from home and don’t have a dedicated work space it can interfere with your ability to work efficiently. If you’re looking to create a quiet work space consider building it in the basement. Here are several tips to help you create the perfect basement office space: No Distractions It is important to be free of distractions when working from home. Look for a quiet corner in your basement where you can add several walls and a door. Ottawa contractors can help you with this process as they can find the ideal spot as well as help minimize costs and maximize space for the perfect, quiet home office. As well, it is also a good idea to fund a source of natural light so you don’t feel cut off from the rest of the world. Add Carpet When working a long day it is important that you are as comfortable as possible. Ottawa contractors can make this happen by properly insulating your walls and by adding new carpet. This will keep you warm and cozy as well as help absorb sounds such as the television or music that may be playing elsewhere in the home. Paint Not all work spaces need to be drab and dreary. Paint the room a calm, neutral colour to ensure a relaxing, stress-free work environment. The neutral colours will help balance out the other non-work related stress, clearing up your mind for the work day. Consider hanging pictures on the walls and adding other finishing touches such as an area rug. Guest seating can complete the look of your home office while providing a place for clients to sit during meetings. Custom Desk When finishing your basement Ottawa contractors can design and install a customized desk that will suit all of your work needs. The desk can be made with plenty of storage and surface space as required. This option tends to be far more affordable then trying to buy and accommodate new office furniture that may not even function the way you need it to. You can sit down with Ottawa contractors and design something that will work well with you, rather than against you. Your contractor will consider all of your equipment and create the perfect layout for improved productivity. A basement office can provide the perfect work space when working from home. You will have much needed privacy free of distraction with a custom designed work area made to suit your needs. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

October 3, 2014 No Comments

It might seem a bit early to be speaking of holidays, but if you have big entertaining plans it is always better to be prepared before your guests come for a visit. Here are some renovation ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays: Guest Bedroom A guest bedroom could be better utilized as an actual bedroom rather than storage for unused clothes, unwanted electronics and unread books. You can easily turn the space into a welcoming sanctuary providing your guests with a quiet private space where they can go to relax, unwind, and sleep. Although guest bedrooms are often smaller spaces there are many ways you can make the space feel more comfortable such as painting it a warm colour, add soft lighting, and furnishing it with bedside tables, a desk, a small dresser and a comfortable bed for sleeping. Finished Basement Large family gatherings often include gaggles of children. Having a finished basement is a must when hosting guests and children, as they will have somewhere to play, and give their parents a bit of a break. You can look at additions such as comfy carpeting where kids can get down and play, a built in entertainment unit with a nice television and gaming equipment and if you do not have a guest room, consider adding built in banquettes that can be used as comfy beds to accommodate overnight guests. For the adults you can consider adding a wet bar and even a home theater where everyone can gather to hold a marathon of holiday movies and specials. Mobility Friendly Bathroom Family gatherings often include elderly people who may have difficulty using the bathroom. Additions to your main bathroom to make it mobility friendly can include bars near the toilet to make it easier to sit and stand, bars in the shower for overnight guests and if you have family members in a wheel chair you can even consider widening the doorway and including a sink that they will be able to reach easily. Updated Kitchen They say that every good party winds up in the kitchen and updating your kitchen will not only look better, but allow you to add some details conducive to entertaining such as an island with seating and a bar, Having your home renovations and upgrades completed before the holidays will make your home the ultimate place for family gatherings. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Designing the Ultimate Bathroom

September 17, 2014 No Comments

Bathroom designs vary from person to person whether the focus is mobility, design, or luxury. No matter what aspect you try to focus on, designing the ultimate bathroom includes the following considerations: Space Not all homeowners are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, however it isn’t always about size, but the way you utilize it. Even the smallest bathroom can be improve immensely with the right design. The floor plan will dictate how space is used and contribute to the overall functionality of the bathroom. When looking at your space consider all of the things you want to incorporate from your wish list and work with your contractor to make it happen. Budget Everyone will be working with a different budget for the bathroom renovations Ottawa contractors will provide. You have to look at the maximum amount you can afford and then make sure part of that money is set aside for your contingency plan. Bathroom renovations can often lead to unexpected costs and by including a contingency budget you will be certain to have more than enough to handle whatever happens. You can then use any leftover money for higher end finishes such as lighting and faucets. Dream Idea Even for the most functional bathroom reno you will have a dream idea in mind. Whether you collect photos from magazines, print off some ideas you have found online or have a design style such as boutique hotel or sleek and modern, incorporating your dream ideas into the design will make sure your bathroom renovation is a success. Design details to consider include flooring, tub and tiles, but it is also very important to consider the dream aspects of function as well such as storage, lighting for applying makeup and shaving, heated floors, double sinks and solutions to improve aspects of your current bathroom that you hate. Finding a Contractor Your bathroom renovation requires knowledge in many areas from plumbing to electrical and tile laying to understanding how to prevent leaks. That means you do not want to trust your bathroom renovations to just anyone. Do your research and ask around for a referral. If you do not find a referral look for a contractor who has knowledge in bathroom renovations with a website that explains their services. You also want to find a contractor with plenty of testimonials and photos of the work they have done in the past. These elements work together to create the ultimate bathroom renovations Ottawa loves. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

September 11, 2014 No Comments

Homes can often feel cold, unlived in and unwelcoming, thankfully there are several things you can do to make your home feel more comfortable. By creating a warm and inviting living space, your guests will feel more welcome when visiting, and are more likely to drop by for another visit. Here are some home renovations you should consider when creating a warm & inviting living space: A Splash of Colour Using warm colours such as beige, yellow, orange and pink will create a cozy and comfortable space. There are many ways to use colour to create interest such as using a darker colour on an accent wall. You can also install a chair rail and use a darker colour on the bottom and a complementary tone above. Wainscoting and bead board in white also work well with warm colours. Neutral warms are ideal to create a relaxing environment whereas the use of bolder warms can add drama or even a touch of playful fun. Add Character Newer homes tend to lack character. The cookie cutter approach to newer homes does not provide the workmanship and thought put into the design of older homes. Built-ins, wainscoting and crown moulding add substance to a home and the addition of substantial base boards, chair rails and other millwork create a sense of history and architectural detail. Hallways are an excellent and affordable place to add wainscoting for a more formal look and bead board works well to add charm. Built ins are great for entertainment centres in living rooms and basements and formal dining rooms are also ideal for built ins used to display fine china as well as the addition of a buffet for storage. Crown moulding should be added throughout your home to provide a finished look filled with character. Fixtures and Finishes The home renovations Ottawa home owners appreciate include the addition of higher end fixtures such as updated lighting and fireplaces. Ottawa contractors can give you an idea of what will work best, and will work with you to find something within your budget. If you’re looking for an even more cozy feel try adding a gas fireplace to your living room, great room or basement. A bedroom with a fireplace also provides the ultimate retreat at the end of a long day. The home renovations Ottawa home owners choose are designed to make your home warm and inviting. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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