Our Guide to Spring Cleaning

March 6, 2020 No Comments

Spring cleaning isn’t just an annual ritual for sprucing up your home – it’s also a necessity for maintaining it, especially after the long and intense winter months. Enduring all of that messy, wet winter weather can wreak havoc on our exterior surfaces, and being cooped up with the heat blaring for months means there’s likely plenty of dusty crevices inside to address. To help you get your home ready for the warmer months ahead, here’s our guide to spring cleaning. Wash the Windows After the winter season, there’s no area that tends to look quite as grimy as the windows. All of that snow, rain, and dirt can do a serious number on them, making your entire home look grubby and unkempt. Plus, it can darken your interior by buffering out the natural light. So, the first task to tackle on your spring cleaning list is scrubbing away that winter grime on your windows. To get them sparkling, you don’t need to use harsh chemical cleaners. A simple solution of soap and water and a microfiber cloth will clean them up even better than standard cleaning agents. Use a squeegee for the best, streak-free results and keep a damp cloth on hand to wipe up drips and clean out those sliders. If it’s a really sunny day outside, it might be best to wait until it’s cooler and cloudier since the heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry out faster and leave streaks behind. While you have the soap and squeegee handy, you can tackle two birds with the one stone by running them over your sliding patio doors too. Baseboards, Doorframes, and Walls Being stuck for such a long period of time inside during the winter can desensitize us to the areas throughout the home that need some attention, but often get overlooked. That’s why we recommend having a family member or friend who has an honest, critical eye to point out areas that may not register on your cleaning radar. Some commonly neglected areas include the baseboards, doorframes, kitchen cupboards, and even the walls. To get rid of the handprints and dirt, soap, water, and a sponge will do the trick. Clean the Carpets If you have carpeting throughout your home, or even just some rugs, the springtime is ideal for giving them a deep, thorough cleaning. The is particularly important to do at least once per year if you have pets in the home. Their hair and dander can become deeply embedded in the fibers which can provoke allergy symptoms – something we’d all rather avoid. You can hire a professional carpet cleaning service or rent out a deep cleaner to do it on your own. Vacuum Under Furniture, Along Vents, and Crevices With the windows sealed up and the heating roaring continuously during winter, vacuuming is a must during your spring cleaning. With the help of your spouse, friend or family member, make sure to get into those not-so-easy-to-access areas – under the couch, under the rugs, under appliances, around your vents, and in any crevices. If you have central air conditioning, it’s a good idea to eliminate as much dust as you can from your air ducts before it’s time to switch on the cool air. Refresh Your Kitchen As the warmer spring-like weather emerges, it’s also a popular time for homeowners to re-examine their interior and give it a refreshed look. If your kitchen, bathroom or even the basement could use an updated look, now is the perfect time to do it. Hop online to get ideas of what you like, then consult with a designer, find a reliable contractor, and lock in your dates so you can have it done in time to enjoy the summer. Dejunk We’re all guilty of buying things that we don’t need or barely used just to add it to another junk-filled drawer. If this sounds familiar, why not embrace the brighter, sunnier months with a fresh slate? Dejunking may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The secret is to chip away at it gradually, focusing on one area or room at a time. Sorting through your belongings and eliminating excess clutter not only makes your home look and feel airier and inviting, but it also will make you feel so much better without seeing junk piled up in every corner. Safety Inspection Spring cleaning is also a good time to perform a few safety inspections. Check the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide alarms and replace them if needed. And if you don’t have a fire extinguisher on hand, it’s worth your while to purchase one, learn how to use it, and always keep it nearby the kitchen in case of a fire. Renosgroup.ca has you covered for all of your home renovation needs. If you’re planning to overhaul your kitchen, bathroom or basement this year, reach out today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss your ideas and vision so we can get it done in time for the summer.

7 Ways to Optimize that Unused Space in Your Home

December 20, 2019 No Comments

Whether you need to accommodate your growing family or want to maximize storage in your unit, there are many ways to optimize that unused space in your home. Even if you have smaller square footage, there are still plenty of ways to be strategic with bare walls and other neglected nooks. To make the most of your home, here are our top tips to optimize space. Bedrooms tend to have less space than we often need to house all of our clothing. With so many seasonal clothes to store away during different months, those bulky sweaters, coats, and shoes can become a serious pain when you don’t have another inch in your closet to stuff them in. That’s where under bed storage can help. You can find beds these days that have actual storage units built within them. But if that’s not practical, you can also utilize plastic containers that are designed to fit under the bed. Store away your seasonal wear and roll out the containers whenever it’s time to swap them out for the items in your closet or dresser. This is an ideal example of using handy space that often gets overlooked. Multi-Functional Furniture From the coffee table to that vintage trunk at the end of your bed, to the footstools in your living room – there are plenty of ways to create more space for storage with multi-functional furniture throughout your home. These days, with units and homes being more limited on square footage, furniture that doubles as storage is incredibly popular and easy to find. Consider what you need for your home and how you can double down by using them to tuck away books, winter wear or other items that you don’t often need on display. Mudroom Bench A mudroom bench is elegant, eye-catching and incredibly helpful for keeping outdoor wear out of sight. When the messy wet weather is coming down outside, it’s a welcomed addition for placing your gear away. Complete with a top shelf, hooks and a hallowed-out bench, you can place hats and scarves in baskets up top, hang your jackets as needed, and place infrequently used gear within the bench. It’s a convenient feature to have and it’s also a great way to help protect your home from the mess and puddles. Shelving Units Shelving units come in all sizes and styles to suit any room in your home. To store any finicky items that often don’t have a particular spot to tuck away, add baskets to your unit to keep things together and organized while making your home look tidy and clutter-free. These are always an attractive addition to the living room, den or even the basement. Floating Shelves Floating shelves can be placed pretty much anywhere, which is why they are so handy for homes that are limited on storage space. If you have a blank wall, utilize it by adding some floating shelves. Don’t forget to consider using the space towards the ceiling too. Those high points on the wall are often neglected, but they can become a convenient place to store away stuff that doesn’t get used on a daily basis. If you have a studio, home office or even a den for the kids, consider how you could take advantage of the space that’s a bit higher than your point of vision. Neutral coloured baskets on top of your higher shelves can be a good way to make it look more discreet. Under the Stairs Basements have a lot of potential room – it’s just a matter of finding it. One of the best spots to optimize is right under the stairs. A built-in storage unit can offer a good amount of space for just about anything – toys, books, old files or photos and everything in between. Units can be customized to fit your exact space so you can make use out of every square inch. Hanging Units Inside Cupboards Bathrooms can be particularly tight on space. But you can find extra room on the interior of your vanity cupboards. Inserts can be installed on the inside of each door to neatly store your flatiron, hairdryer and other bathroom staples in. Whether it’s creating extra storage space, updating the kitchen or modernizing your bathroom to maximize on floor space, give the RenosGroup.ca a call when you need home projects done. Our team of experts can tackle just about anything you need with quality craftsmanship that you can count on. As a family-owned business that’s been serving Ottawa residents for years, we’re the home reno team you can depend on for quality work offered at the most affordable rates. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more or to get a quote.

6 Reasons to Get Behind the Minimalistic Design Trend

November 15, 2019 No Comments

From the interior design world to graphic design – minimalism is taking over in a big way, and for good reason. Focusing on space and simplicity, it can be seen just about everywhere. Today, it’s becoming more deeply embedded in our modern lifestyle as it teaches us how to curb excess clutter while learning to use and appreciate more of what we have. This concept promotes simple living in our everyday lives, encouraging us to choose and purchase only what we need and use on a regular basis while lessening our waste and footprint on the environment. To learn more about this modern way of living, here are a few key reasons to get behind the minimalistic design trend, and how to adapt it into your everyday life. Tell Me More About This Minimalistic Lifestyle As mentioned, minimalism is all about promoting a simpler way of living. It aims to encourage people to think more about their decisions on a regular basis. This doesn’t mean throwing away everything you own and having a boring, muted interior. It’s about learning to create more space, both physically and mentally, so we can appreciate what we do have. Designing a minimalistic home can offer many different benefits that can actually help to improve your own quality of life. Specifically, when it comes to designing your home interior, it’s all about incorporating pieces of furniture that are quality made and will last. Here’s how this can benefit you: Keeps Your Home Organized Staying organized is a common struggle for many of us – especially as we try to juggle what feels like a never-ending list of tasks during our busy days. But with less ‘stuff’ crowding your environment, it becomes so much easier to place items away in their proper places, which makes organization a practical and easy concept to achieve. Simply put, with less junk and clutter in the way, you can store items where they should be and locate them without having to tear the house apart or stressing out during the process. More Breathing Room Aside from cluttered homes looking untidy and unwelcoming, they’re also not good for our wellbeing. Studies have shown a correlation between living in clutter and negative impacts on our mental health. Whether it’s piles of clothing stuffed in the closets, junk in the drawers, or too much furniture and items consuming the floor space, a cluttered home environment can have a big influence on how we feel in a daily basis. It increases feelings of anxiety and depression, reduces our energy levels and our ability to focus, and can promote chronic stress. Many of us are guilty of having items around the home that are never touched or used, but we often cling to for their sentimental value or comfort. Letting go of the excess which doesn’t serve you any good or useful purpose can create a healthier home environment overall. Dejunking creates more space in your home, improves airflow, eliminates negative energy, and gives you more room to breathe and relax at home. Easy to Keep Clean Did we mention how much easier it is to keep your home clean? It’s true! This is one of our favourite reasons for adopting a minimalistic lifestyle and design. With ample storage for what you need, and less junk strewn across tabletops, cleaning becomes quick and easy. You won’t have to dedicate your entire weekend to catch up on house chores from the busy week. And since you’ll only have what you love and need, you won’t have to fuss about stuffing items in drawers, only to have to deal with that “hidden” mess at a later time. Finding Things is so Much Easier When you need to find the keys, important documents, or the strainer for spaghetti night, you can pinpoint where they are in a pinch. This makes dinner prep time and even busy mornings so much easier when you know exactly where to find what you’re looking for. Less Impact on the Environment Minimalism and environmentalism go hand in hand. In fact, it’s one of the main driving forces for this way of living. And today, homeowners are more eager than ever to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, and that includes their home design. A minimalistic home is less wasteful as it encourages us to think twice about our actions as consumers. It also helps us spend less and save more. When you’re ready to adopt a minimalistic design in your home, contact us or give the Renos Group a call at (613)727-9427 From the kitchen to bathroom to everything in between – our experts can help you design and transform your home with quality workmanship that you can count on.

6 Fall-Inspired Decor Changes for Your Home

October 11, 2019 No Comments

As the summer season starts to slowly dwindle down, at least we can look forward to the cozy and colourful autumn season that’s just around the corner. Fall is also an ideal time to jump into any needed renovations or redecorating to spruce up your home and incorporate some fresh seasonal flair into your space. Whether you’re looking to change up your living room, bedroom or an entire home, here are some of our top fall-inspired decor changes for your home to consider this season. Spruce Up the Front Porch If you love the array of colours that comes with the fall time, focus on giving your porch some attention to clean it up and add décor to make it look fall fresh. Pumpkin lined steps, big urns filled with autumn foliage, potted mums, wheat wreaths or updated cushions for your porch furniture are a few simple ways to give your entranceway a makeover while adding an extra inviting and cozy touch to your home. If the porch is looking a little worn, sanding, repainting or making any repairs can make all the difference in keeping your home looking clean and well-maintained, especially before the holiday get-togethers start. Put your best foot forward when greeting family, friends, and guests during the season with a fresh and update entranceway. Fall Table Dressings Your coffee table or dining room table is the perfect blank canvases to really get into the fall season décor. You can create a focal table feature by combining colourful gourds, leaves, miniature pumpkins, pinecones, and even some painted branches to make an eye-catching display. Or you could use a runner along the length of the table and neatly place your items along with some candles placed in the center. This is guaranteed to put you into the autumn spirit and add some earthy splashes of colour to your home. All you have to do is invite your family or friends over so you can show it off! Switch Up Your Textiles Once the summer heat starts to fade, it’s time to get out all your cozy sweaters and swap out your summer textiles. When the seasons change, switch up the fabrics in your living room, on your favourite reading chair, and bedroom. Having thick and warm throws around the house, on the couch and bed with a fall pallet can make your home look and feel inviting instantly. And of course, they’ll keep you warm and snug during those chilly autumn nights. Light It Up Since the evenings start to get darker earlier on during this time of year, there’s no better time to add some unique lighting features into your home. You could update your light sconces, add a lamp or two to any darker corners or even string some lights around your reading nook to many it cozier. You could even get creative and place small string lights inside some mason jars and place them around your tabletops for some extra sparkle. Lighting features can really set to the tone and ambiance of a space. If your place is feeling a bit cold, bare, and uninviting, consider how you can incorporate new lighting to add more warmth to your home this season. Freshen Up Furniture If some pieces of furniture are looking a bit worn and outdated, browse through fall flea markets before they shut down for the winter. There are always unique treasures and refurbished pieces that are offered at amazing prices. And if you’re limited on your budget, don’t swap out everything. Just focus on whatever is most pressing. You can even create a DIY project and refurbish some old pieces of furniture yourself! Remodel Your Kitchen The kitchen is a very high traffic area which means it can get worn down pretty quickly. If your kitchen has been screaming for an upgrade, the fall time is one of the best seasons to do it. Without the intense heat and humidity, or frigid cold from winter just yet, fall is perfect for taking on any major projects like a kitchen renovation. It’s always a popular time for homeowners to tackle reno projects, especially before the holiday season officially kicks off. Plus, with the kids back at school, it’ll be easier to manage. So, consider what areas of your kitchen are in need of updating before the Christmas season arrives. No matter the project, our team at the Renosgroup is here to help. We’re a family-owned business offering renovation services for kitchens, bathrooms, and everything in between. For more fall inspired decor changes for your home don’t hesitate to get in contact today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Trending Colour Palettes in Interior Design

August 16, 2019 No Comments

Are your walls beginning to look outdated or just dull? Add some new hues to refresh and update your space with these 5 trending colour palettes in interior design that are guaranteed to make you fall in love again with your home. Shimmering Sunset Palette Each year, the Pantone Color Institute announces a colour of the year. For 2019, they picked Living Coral, for its “vibrant, yet mellow” look that “embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment,” according to the official website. You can find this colour among other pinks, purples, oranges and yellows in the Shimmering Sunset palette. Choosing any one of the bold, energizing colours that are featured in this particular palette can help to liven up an otherwise dull room and to add a little pop of colour to an accent wall. Colour Trends 2019 Benjamin Moore’s pick of the year was the Metropolitan AF-690, for its adaptive gray hue that offers cool undertones and a calm yet sophisticated charm. The colour is supported by the Colour Trends 2019 palette that’s composed of 15 balanced hues. This includes, Hunter Green, Black Pepper, Hale Navy, and Cloud White, to name a few. It’s a palette that’s timeless and gender-neutral and can work on all walls or rooms. Wanderer A palette that pays homage to mid-western flare. The Wanderer colour palette by Sherwin Williams features warm colours like leather browns and caramels, as well as their pick of the year – The Cavern Clay SW 7701 – a cozy shade of terracotta. Harmonious and earthy, these colours can suit a variety of home styles and tastes. You can use them on the exterior to provide a neutral yet unique look, or inside a rustic home alongside stone and wood accents. Dulux 2019 Trends Colour Palette Dulux carefully curates a décor trends palette each year. This year’s palette features rich, deep hues like Black Forest, and lighter cool neutrals like Spiced Squash to create a perfect mix of modern and old-school combinations. It’s a well-balanced palette of 15 hues that can be used as feature colours or paired with an accent wall to hang back as a neutral. Earth Tones The Behr colour of the year is an inviting blueish-grey tone called Blueprint S470-5 that is one of four standout colours in their Earth Tones palette. Offering warmer tones in taupe and browns, this finely curated palette can be used on walls, exterior surfaces, as well as furniture and decor. They also work incredibly well together to add a splash of colour to anything. Are you planning a home reno this season? Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 We can provide you with an upfront quote and assist with creating your vision from design to installation. Our crew is knowledgeable, experienced and fully certified to deliver quality craftsmanship and service. For any of your kitchen, bathroom or home reno need, contact the Renosgroup!

5 Small Ways to Prepare Your Home for the New School Year

August 9, 2019 No Comments

Back to school time can be a little hectic and stressful for everyone involved. These tips are ways to prepare your home for the new school year and get everyone back on a regular schedule with minimal aggravation. Create A Study Space First things first, you’ll need to find a place in the home to create a space for them to work and study. Often their bedroom is the perfect spot, so you may have to do a little re-organizing to fit a desk and chair. If their bedroom is too small to create a work station, consider setting one up in the den, finished basement, or another quiet area of the home that doesn’t have a TV or other distractions readily available. Make The Space Fully Functional Your goal is to get your kids to work from an established space instead of from their lap or in front of the TV. To keep them focused and to spark their creativity, space will need to be comfortable and functional. You can also help to boost their productivity by putting up a pinboard or calendar to help them keep track of their deadlines, trips and after-school activities. Establish Limits Even when you create a study area for your kids, your home can quickly turn into their dumping ground if you let them. To avoid having papers, binders, backpacks, and books left scattered in every room of the house once school starts, you should establish simple limits to where your kids can work and study. Creating specific areas for their shoes and sports equipment will also help to keep your home under control. Build Some Storage Space Another way to ensure your home and their study space stay tidy and organized is to build some shelves or drawers for them to store their books and supplies neatly. If you’re tight on space, consider adding shelving in the closet area, drawers underneath the desk, an ottoman that could double as a storage trunk or a wall rack behind the door for your kids to utilize. Get A Routine Going It’s important to establish a routine early that will teach your kids how to keep themselves organized and tidy. A great way to do this is to create a checklist for them to follow every morning and before they go to bed. This could include things like putting shoes away, tidying up desk area, putting backpack by the front door and so on. Then give them an incentive for getting their checklist done like extra time for their video games or on social media sites. At the RenosGroup.ca, we can help you build out the perfect study space. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today!

How To Increase Your Home’s Value in 3 Steps

July 19, 2019 No Comments

Your home will be one of the largest investments in your lifetime. There are many things you can do for your home to increase its value. Here are some of the suggested ways to do so. Increase The Footage The size of your home will increase the value of your home. If you have a larger home, you will be able to appeal to more buyers. There are ways to make your home feel larger than it is. Adding large windows and vertical blinds or shutters let the sunlight enter a space making the room feel more spacious. Ensuring that everything in your home as a spot is crucial, if it doesn’t it is time to get rid of it. Clutter can make an area feel extremely small but by adding a shelving unit or home extension this will avoid cluster and will ensure organization. By simply adding footage to your home, buyers will notice and will increase the property value. Buyers tend to look at homes that have more bedrooms than their family requires therefore, converting an attic or basement into a bedroom can help in the future. By knocking down a wall, adding an island in the kitchen and sanding the floors this creates an open floor plan, a look that homeowners and potential buyers love. Fresh Coat Of Paint! Applying a fresh coat of paint will go a long way. This is a very cost-effective method to enhance the value of your home and gives an updated look to future buyers. Even if you are an amateur painter, you will be able to practice your skills by painting your home. You can buy a gallon of paint, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes for around $100. Neutral colours are the best paint selections as it appeals to many people making your house more attractive. Update The Bathroom and Kitchen Space New homebuyers don’t want to spend their time re-modelling their bathrooms and kitchen space. Many have noticed that making renovations to these spaces are the most impactful as they are high-traffic and highly used rooms. Homebuyers spend more time looking for the updates made in these rooms in comparison to anywhere else in the house. The kitchen’s will give you the biggest return in investment and will increase the value of your home. Replacing old appliances with matching ones, replacing outdated cabinets and by adding a backsplash will add value to your home. For the bathroom, simple renovations like changing the vanity, toilet and fixtures is a great way to enhance the look of your space. Curb Appeal You want your home to be as beautiful on the outside as it is in on the inside. Landscaping is a great way to enhance your curb appeal and will make people turn their heads when they see your home. For homeowners, this is one of the most affordable ways to increase the value of your home. By adding perennial foliage, planting native trees and young shrubs will cut costs and is very low maintenance. Are you looking to increase the value of your home? By doing these steps, you will surely increase the value of your home. At RenoGroup there is no project that is too large for us to handle. Our process is to plan out the perfect design, plan out the groundwork for the entire project, execute the renovation and deliver the result. We make sure that the homeowner is satisfied with the outcome of the renovation, contact us, or call us today at (613)727-9427 to discuss the next steps to your worthy investment!

5 Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A New Home

July 5, 2019 No Comments

Purchasing a new home is extremely exciting but can also be a lengthy process. As your home is one of the biggest lifetime investments, it is important to make sure you are checking off crucial factors when searching for a new house. Here are the 5 things to keep in mind when buying a new home. List Your Priorities When buying a new home, it is crucial to know what you want but also to be open-minded about possible changes that can be done to the space. Deciding on the type of house you want, whether you want a condo or home is the first step. Jotting down the pros and cons of each space is the next step as this will help you make the process less lengthy. As your living arrangement is a long-term commitment, make the adjustments accordingly to your lifestyle and needs. Make a list of your priorities and make sure there are enough bedrooms for those living in the home. Location and Renovations Are Crucial Home buyers need to factor in that the home can be renovated but the location in which you’ve bought the home cannot. Choosing a good location will help you in the long run for higher property value and return on investment. If you are parents or are planning on raising a family, it is important to be in a good school district. Local amenities also have a direct impact on homebuyer home decision making. Having grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment close by will raise the property value. Make Sure The Renovations Are Up To Date Before you purchase a home, you will want to make sure that all the renovations to the space were done with a permit, meaning that the renovations performed were reviewed by an inspector and were done properly. Ask the previous owners or the real estate agent for all the proper paperwork and conduct a house inspection. Not getting a permit for renovations could cause future complications and can be costly for the homeowners. Buy A House You Can Afford Be realistic about how much you can afford based on your current income and debts. It is best to purchase a house that is less than what you can afford, giving you extra wiggle room for renovations and unforeseeable changes. Saving up for a down payment and getting your finances in order will make it easier to get a mortgage at the lowest rates, and you will be able to qualify for more loans. As soon as you are thinking of buying a house, start saving up, pay your bills on time and monitor your credit score. Take Your Time Don’t feel pressured in deciding on buying a new house. Since this is a large investment, it is better to take your time to find the house of your dreams than to rush into things. Shop around for houses, mortgages and home insurance to ensure that all your home buying aspects are in order. If you’ve recently bought a home or are thinking of buying a home, let the experts at RenosGroup transform your house into a home. We have 25 years of combined experience, and we work closely with the clients to ensure that we satisfy their renovation needs and provide high-quality work for every project. Contact us for a quote on your project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How Does Natural Sunlight in Our Homes Impact Us?

May 17, 2019 No Comments

Wondering if it’s worth it to perform a few renos to increase the natural light in your home? Sunlight is a powerful thing that benefits our health and the interior of the home. It can help to improve our mood, sleep and make us feel happier with that dose of vitamin D. If you’re like most people, you likely spend almost 90% of your time indoors, which means you end up getting less exposure to fresh air and sun rays. Today, there’s a plethora of growing research that shows just how negatively this can impact our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s always a worthy project to invest in when it comes to inviting more sunshine inside your home. Read on to learn more about how natural sunlight in our homes impact us. Save Energy And Money First off – more sunlight inside means a brighter, bigger looking home. And aside from it helping to create the illusion of more space, when done strategically, it can also help to heat and illuminate the space inside. This can equate to significant savings on your monthly energy bills since you won’t have to waste as much electricity. Reduce Anxiety and Stress Did you know that immersing yourself in 30 minutes of sunlight can help to soothe and calm your body and mind? It’s true! Studies have shown a significant link to this correlation and how natural light helps us cope better with stress and anxiety. So if you’re feeling pent up, think of how you can invite more of those sun rays in your home. Stay Focused If you work from a home office or dark cubicle, make sure to take frequent breaks to bask in some rays. Even looking out the window for a couple of minutes can help boost your sense of alertness, focus and productivity. Improve Sleep Having trouble sleeping? Increased exposure to sunshine daily can help to regulate our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns so you can feel rested and ready to take on your day. Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D We all know that vitamin D is important for our body, but most of us don’t realize just how necessary it is. Vitamin D is essential for our health as it helps to regulate the vitality of our bones, immune system, skin, brain, cardiovascular system – and it’s involved in maintenance and function of over 200 genes throughout our body. By letting in more natural light into your home, you can ensure you’re getting that daily dose without having to worry. Keep Your Plants Alive Are you struggling to keep your plants alive? More light means a better environment for your plants to grow and flourish in. And since plants help to filter and detoxify the air, this will help keep your air quality at home fresher and healthier, which is especially beneficial if you suffer from allergies. Reduce Blood Pressure When you’re soaking in those glorious rays, your body is also undergoing chemical reactions that alter molecules like nitric oxide which lowers blood pressure. This in turn, also helps to lower the risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Reduce Mold And Mildew Growth Mold and mildew spores thrive in dark, damp and humid environments. And it doesn’t take much for spores to surface. That’s why having a bright and airy home is important for reducing the likelihood of mold from growing in your home. These toxic spores can compromise your home and your health. More sunlight will help keep your home dry and mildew-free. Prevent SAD There are many people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which spurs up bouts of depression during the transition of seasons. Though there’s still much to learn about this condition, what researchers have found is the correlation between SAD and a decrease of serotonin and melatonin which contributes to an interruption in sleep patterns. This happens from our decreased exposure to natural light. So you see just how powerful and important it is to get in some sunlight every single day – especially during the fall and winter seasons. Improve Mood Ever heard of our “feel-good hormones”? Well, exposure to sunlight generates these hormones and sends them rushing through our bodies. These boost energy levels while making us feel happier. It also generates serotonin production in our brain, which helps regulate mood. If you’re ready to take on a home renovation project to increase the amount of natural sunlight in your home, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Get reliable, expert service that you can depend on.

Winter-Inspired Decor Changes for Your Home

January 30, 2019 No Comments

As soon as the temperatures drop and the snow falls, it’s time to make your home cozy with classic winter styles. Think big fur blankets, colourful bows, decorative wreaths, and vibrant plants. There are plenty of winter-inspired decor changes for your home that you can do to brighten up your living space. Here are just a few of our favourites to try. Porch Decorations The first thing people see when they come to your home or drive by is your porch, so why not give it a festive touch this winter? You can use planters and fill them with evergreens and pinecones, colourful decorations, and ribbons to give a holiday feel, or you can add beautiful garland around your doorway with pinecones and berries to make your porch really festive. Festive Potted Plants One look that we love includes using large potted plants filled with tall Birch branches, bright red bows, and white and silver twigs to fill in all those empty corners throughout your living room and kitchen. You could even make some smaller planters packed with berries and cones to fill up any empty counter space or to be perched on a window sill in order to add more depth and colour to a room. Candle Lanterns Beautiful lanterns can add warmth, light, and some coziness to your home. If you prefer making these yourself, try adding some cranberry, pinecones, and faux snowflakes for a more winter-inspired look. You can also use these along your front door and stairs to brighten up the exterior of your home. Colourful Wreaths A must-have winter decoration is the door wreath. You can easily pick one up at your local department store, but where’s the fun in that? They are so easy to make, and it’s also a fun way for the family to spend some quality time together. Get creative with the classic Christmas style filled with fresh bows, flowers and pine, or experimental with unique materials and decorations like cork and gingerbread. Decorative Winter Lighting Not just for Christmas time, roof lights can be used all winter long to add a touch of light and warmth to your home. Our favourite hues include white and blue lights because they glimmer nicely off the snow. If you want to illuminate a certain area or garden decoration, try adding LED spotlights directed at the area or place twinkle lights in and around it to make it stand out at night. Branches and Berries Winter is not winter without the branches and berry décor. If you want to add a classic winter look this season, buy or create a centrepiece made from red dogwood branches and berries for your dining room table. You can also add them around the home to create more atmosphere and a cheery festive feel. Wall Decals You should also head over to your local department store and pick up a few winter-inspired wall decals. Decals are a great way to add some real winter scenes to your home. Some come with inspirational quotes and others with designs like snowflakes or lifelike winter landscapes. Best of all, they are removable so they can be interchanged as many times as you wish. Throw Pillows Having a few winter-themed throw pillows can make a real difference to your home. By adding winter-themed ones around the home, you can give any dull room a festive look. Wherever you need a little warmth just add one with green, red, or yellow accents. If you want a more relaxed look, there are a number of winter-themed pillows you could purchase in browns, greys, and faux fur. Soft Warm Blankets Keep warm, cozy, and in style this winter with soft decorating fabrics like fur and wool. These can be used to snuggle up by the fireplace or can be placed over the side of the couch as a decorative accent that adds more comfort to your home. Seasonal Plants There are plenty of vibrant plants that you can use to fill your home with colour. If you want to make a room pop just add a few potted poinsettias to any room that needs an accent or splash of colour. Smaller ones filled with orchids or irises are also a great addition to any bedside, coffee, or dining room tables come winter. The scents will fill the rooms and bring some life to your home during the winter time. Small winter-inspired changes to your decor can make a big difference to the look of your home. By adding some warm tones and creating a cozy atmosphere, you can really spruce up your home this winter. Too learn more about winter-inspired decor changes for your home don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today

10 Home Renovations that Increase Your Home’s Value Overnight

January 16, 2019 No Comments

Looking for home renovations that increase your home’s value overnight? Whether you plan on listing your home this year or just adding some value as you go along, here are ten home renovations that can increase your home’s value overnight. Kitchen Remodels A kitchen transformation can greatly increase the value of your home. Adding in new kitchen countertops, more functional space, a beautifully-tiled island, overhead racks, and modern cabinets can improve the overall design of your home. Considering the kitchen is where people spend most of the time, it’s one area of your home that is worth investing in. Bathroom Upgrades Does your bathroom still have 1990’s style tile and fixtures? If so, then it’s time for an overhaul. By simply changing the vanity, replacing the tiles, and updating the toilet and shower design, you can give your bathroom a fresh new look. In fact, the return on investment in a bathroom reno is decent, and even the simplest upgrades can provide more value. New Flooring The flooring in your home is one element you can’t ignore. It’s also the one thing that people notice as soon as they enter your home. So if your current flooring is outdated, scratched, or stained, then you can bet it’s going to impact the value of your home. New flooring can give you some real bang for your buck. With all the new materials out there today, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to transform the entire look of your home. Faux wood and stone laminate look just like the real thing but at half the cost, which means you get a nice ROI when you go this route. Energy Efficient Windows and Doors By switching to energy efficient window and door designs, you can increase your home’s value overnight. Plus, you’ll get enhanced comfort, lower energy bills, and heightened security with the newer models on the market today. Home buyers prefer purchasing a home that already has energy-saving fixtures installed because they can reap the instant benefits without having to spend money upgrading them. Replacing your windows and doors is a sure way to attract more buyers and quickly improve the aesthetics of your home. Finishing the Basement As soon as you add more space to your home, you get a boost in value. One place that is easy to renovate is the basement. There are plenty of things you can do with a finished basement — use it as a fitness room, dance studio, kids playroom, office, or even another living space that you could rent out. New Deck An old, cracked, and faded deck is not only an eyesore, but it can also reduce the value of your home. You might think it doesn’t weigh heavily on your property’s worth because it’s hidden in the back, but a buyer who loves entertaining will consider this an important aspect of the home. By replacing an old deck with a new one, you can transform your entire backyard. Landscaping Although landscaping is a personal preference, a well-landscaped home will be worth more than a home with an unkempt and unsightly yard. If your home exterior has been neglected, now’s the time to add some simple features that won’t break the bank. We’re not talking about adding a gazebo, but rather a basic garden space with some flowers, some stone interlock, and a nice seating area on the patio can make a big impact without costing you an arm and a leg. Energy Efficient Fixtures The older your appliances and fixtures are, the more money they will end up costing you in the long run. Installing new energy efficient appliances in your kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom can also improve the look of your home and attract more buyers. The main ones that make the most difference are the dishwasher, laundry machines, and a fridge and freezer. When purchasing, look for the ENERGY STAR® logo as these are guaranteed to reduce your bills and save you money. New Insulation Insulation isn’t usually on the top of most people’s renovation lists. However, it has one of the greatest returns on investment. Poor insulation in your walls and attic will allow your home to lose heat and force your HVAC system to work harder than it should. Thanks to the low cost of installation, you can get a return of over 100% when you install newer insulation throughout your home. Siding Replacement Dingy, cracked, or faded siding can turn your beautiful home into an ugly one. Considering the exterior is the first and last thing people see, it’s worth the money to improve it every few years. With all the latest advancements on the market today, you can get the style and colour you’ve been dreaming of for a fraction of the price it would have cost you a decade ago. Our team at RenosGroup are experts at home renovations that can increase your home’s value overnight. When you’re looking to give your home a facelift, we can help provide the advice you need to get the most value for your reno. Don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Woman Cave, Anyone? Here are Our Thoughts

December 19, 2018 No Comments

Imagine having a place all your own where you can unwind, kick back, and enjoy some time all to yourself. Well, why not turn that dream into your reality by creating a woman cave? That’s right! As one of the busiest members of the household, it’s time for the man caves to move over because it’s our turn to claim the garage, spare room, basement, or whatever area of the home is ready for the taking. After all, why should men have all the fun? Create your perfect little nook at home with some of our top tips for transforming your space into the ultimate woman cave. Choose the Right Space If you’re lucky enough to have a few different options for where to manifest your own little nook of the home, take some time to consider which area will be best suited to your needs. If the garage is a possibility, it can be a great amount of space to utilize, but it may also require a little more work to make it cozy, warm, and inviting. If there’s a spare room as a potential, think about whether you’ll have the quiet space you need away from the kids or if the basement might give you more of the reprieve and creative space you’re looking for. Don’t rush this process as it’s always better to take some extra time now rather than regretting your decision down the road. Remember, you want to create a space that you’ll actually use and enjoy, so choose carefully. Think About Its Purpose The best part about creating a woman cave is the fact that you can design the space for whatever you need. When considering where to place your designated space, think about how you want to use it too. Do you envision hosting wine and cheese parties for girl’s night, or having a relaxing reading nook with a plush lounge chair? Maybe you prefer the idea of a colourful room full of arts and crafts where you can get messy and be creative. Or if you’re going for gold with your design, you could install a bar and comfy seating in your basement with all the fixings set for hosting your weekly poker night. Many of these different concepts don’t require much space at all. But whatever you prefer, don’t be afraid to let loose with your concept and create something all for yourself. Choose a Theme Does your style of preference reflect more of a cottage, rustic look or something more chic and modern instead? Do you imagine having a bright, airy, and beachy theme where you can escape to during those dull, wintery, Sunday afternoons for a pick me up? Choosing a theme is equally important if you want your space to look cohesive and well laid out once it’s complete. This will also make it much easier to know what design you’re aiming for once you have an idea of what type of look you’re aiming for. Starting any project without this nailed down can make it drag on much longer and even cost more than you had budgeted for. Whether it’s a dark and sultry wine room, a cozy reading parlour, or a bright and colourful room decked out in your favourite seaside palettes, think of your hobbies and how you enjoy spending your spare time to help you pinpoint the kind of theme that’ll express your personal tastes. Think Outside of the Box If you have the urge to go a little crazy with your space, go for it! If you want a wall full of wine, add it in there! The whole point of a woman cave is to be a little selfish and make it into whatever you want it to be. So never think of it as a waste of money and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. As a busy woman in this day and age, you deserve to have a space that’s all yours. Hire the Right Team Once you’ve gotten out the graph paper and started to really plan out your space, you, of course, need the right team of contractors to help make your new space just as you envisioned it. At RenosGroup.ca our family-owned and operated business has been serving the Ottawa area for more than 25 years! And we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality workmanship and customers service to each and every client. Stop dreaming and start planning today! Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 — we’ll be more than happy to assist with any questions and help you create the ultimate woman cave in your home.

Expert Tips Blog