Turn Your Heated Garage Into the Man Cave of Your Dreams

December 12, 2018 No Comments

If you lack a space to call your own, don’t fret! You can easily create the space you need by turning your heated garage into the man cave of your dreams. All you have to do is think outside of the box a little to imagine what it could look like beyond the piles of boxes and other junk that are currently in the way of your potential dream vision. Transforming the garage into a comfortable and usable room is becoming more popular than ever, whether it’s for hosting the big game with friends or just having the ultimate area to lounge in comfort. Here are our top ideas for creating the perfect man cave in your garage! Clean It Out Before you get started, the first step on the list is clearing out all of that junk that’s been accumulating in there for years. You need a blank canvas to begin creating the man cave of your dreams, so spend some time beforehand sorting through your items, de-junking and donating what you don’t need, and giving it a good, thorough cleaning. Add Lighting Since the garage tends to be a dark space without windows and much natural light, you need to brighten it up and make it more cozy with sufficient lighting. Having one dangling light bulb isn’t going to cut it during poker night. Even if you place a few tall lamps throughout the space, you’ll be surprised how much it can improve the look of it. Make Sure It’s Cozy Enough With the garage door and lack of insulation, drafts can become a problem when you’re trying to lounge in comfort, even for heated garages. So don’t forget to consider adding some extra insulation so you’re not sweating in there during the summer or freezing during the winter. This is especially important since you’ll be spending a lot more time in there! This should include the walls, floors, and garage door. Get Painting! Since garages aren’t exactly a welcoming space, adding on a fresh coat of paint is always necessary to hide all of those dirt and scuff marks from bikes tires and tools and everything in between. Whatever your colour of choice is, adding a few fresh coats is always well worth it. Enhance Security When you’re going all in on your garage transformation, you better be prepared to heighten your security once you install your big flat screen in there. Since valuable items like this will be added, ensure that you’re using a good quality, specialized garage door lock. That way, once your neighbours and friends learn about your new project, you can feel confident that your man cave will be safe and secure. Add Furniture What’s a man cave without some comfy furniture to relax on? Whether it’s a big leather couch, snazzy bar stools for the bar, a sectional, or a few big leather recliners, make sure to include enough seating for all of your friends. That way, you can all kick back and relax while enjoying your man space in utter comfort. Don’t Forget About the Bar and Fridge! Of course, every man cave needs some extra fixings to make it both comfortable and convenient. So don’t forget to install a bar and fridge in your space. That way, you can keep the fridge and bar stocked so you won’t have to travel far when it’s time for a cold one. Add Some Special Personal Touches Don’t forget to add in some special, personalized items, like your old trophies or memorabilia to truly make it a space to call your own. If you have some classic jerseys that you’re proud of or have favourite movies or hobbies that you enjoy, don’t be afraid to include those specials items throughout your space to really make it your own. After all, it’s a space where you can let loose and get creative! Give Us a Call! When you’re ready to turn your heated garage into the man cave of your dreams, you can leave all the hard work up to us! At the Renos Group, we are a family-owned and operated business that’s been serving the Ottawa area for more than 25 years. Our team of experts can take on just about any home project you need, including interior and exterior projects. Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn more about our services or to get a quote!

Avoid Being “House Poor” by Taking these 4 Steps

November 21, 2018 No Comments

We’ve all heard cautionary tales of new homeowners who have ended up “house poor.” Yes, their homes may be gorgeous and enviable, but that asset is all they have. In reality, they’re struggling to afford their homes and live their lives comfortably. And, if there’s one thing you don’t want to do as a buyer, it’s to find yourself in a similar position. Here are the steps you can take during your home search to ensure you find a home that works with your wallet and avoid being house poor. Shop Below Your Maximum Pre-Approval Amount Once you go through the process of getting pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter that states how much money the lender is willing to loan you. Many buyers, especially those who haven’t bought before, make the mistake of shopping for homes up to that amount. In reality, this figure is not a suggested price range. It’s the absolute maximum you’re allowed to borrow. You don’t have to spend that much, and in fact, we suggest that you don’t. A smarter plan, especially if you’re concerned about taking on a mortgage, is to work backwards. First, find a monthly payment that makes sense in your budget. Then, see how big of a loan that payment will allow and use that as your maximum. To do this, you can use a mortgage calculator to play around with different loan amounts, down payments, and loan terms until you find a scenario that works best for you. After you’ve found your sweet spot, don’t forget to see how a payment of that size affects your monthly budget as a whole. Ideally, you’ll land on an amount that allows you to become a homeowner while still being able to fund the other aspects of your life. Don’t Forget Closing Costs Remember, your monthly mortgage payment and initial down payment aren’t the only costs that you have to shoulder as a buyer. There are also to consider. These fees account for all of the charges incurred during the course of the transaction and cover anything from the cost of inspections to title insurance or the cost of retaining an attorney. Traditionally, these fees will amount to around 1%-2% of the home’s purchase price and will be split evenly between the buyer and the seller. However, in some cases, the seller will agree to take care of the upfront costs and allow the buyer to tack his or her portion onto the mortgage, which means repayment can occur over time. In either case, it’s still an additional cost to consider as you budget for your new home. 1%-2% of the home’s purchase price may not sound like a lot at first, but it typically ends up amounting to a few thousand dollars. It all adds up. Be Realistic About Renovations When you’re shopping for a home, buying a home that needs a lot of work can seem like a great idea. For one thing, properties in need to TLC often come with a much lower — and more attractive — sale price. For another, undertaking these projects offers you the chance to put your own personal stamp on the home. However, be aware that renovations often come with a much bigger price tag than you might think. If you’re not particularly handy, you’ll likely need to hire professionals to handle both of the work. That alone will inflate the cost, not to mention that any estimates you get are just that — estimates. Often, extensive renovations will come across an unexpected detail that ends up costing more. When all is said and done, renovations can sometimes end up costing more than just buying a turn-key home in the first place. To keep yourself from getting in over your head, it’s important to be realistic about the size and scope of renovations that you’re prepared to handle. Ask yourself — do you have the funds to start these projects immediately, or does it make more sense to find a home that’s livable and renovate over time? Then, search accordingly. Factor in Upkeep & Maintenance Costs Realistically, settling into your new home is just the start of the costs. As you live in it, you’ll undoubtedly encounter recurring costs for its upkeep that you’ll have to pay. If your goal is to avoid becoming “house poor,” your best bet is to think long-term and account for these costs from the start. In this case, you should focus on both annual fees like property records and monthly ones like utilities. Here, the seller is your best resource. He or she should be able to provide you with estimates of these costs to factor into your budget. This article originally appeared on OpenListings.com. Get in touch with us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more and to get a quote.

Functionality vs. Appearance — How to Strike the Perfect Renovation Balance

November 21, 2018 No Comments

Whether you’re getting investment advice or purchasing a new car, there are always important questions you need to ask in order to strike the right balance between functionality and appearance. Questions about your lifestyle, family growth plans, work habits, and more can help you determine the best decision for your needs and style. This is especially important to do when you’re planning to remodel and renovate your home. Learn how to strike the perfect renovation balance with these helpful tips below. The Kitchen Functionality Since the kitchen is such a fundamental part of the home, the functionality of this space is essential. This is the most used room in the home where all of the cooking, holiday baking, family get-togethers, and everything in between happens. That’s why it’s important to take the time to think about the best way to utilize the space you have, and how you can enhance it. When remodelling, consider questions about the amount of counter space you need, the ideal location of the sink, the cupboard space, and the general layout and whether it flows. Appearance Although it’s important to have a kitchen that you can move around and cook with ease in, it’s also the focal point of the home that everyone notices. So you want it to be aesthetically pleasing to look at, too. Adding new flooring, cabinetry, and swapping out old appliances for energy efficient ones, are well worth considering. We also recommend updating countertops to material like quartz or granite since they dramatically improve and modernize a kitchen while boosting the value of your home. The Bathroom Functionality We all know that the bathroom is used for a few specific purposes. Therefore, the functionality is pretty straightforward. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve the overall space. If your bathroom is smaller in size, there are some great ways to free up more space, like with a floating vanity or shelves. Appearance With a few minor remodelling touches, you can transform your dated bathroom into your own personal spa-like retreat. You can combine different elements, like a modern vanity with a raised bowl sink, eye-catching faucets, sleek glass tiling, or a rain-style showerhead. Simple upgrades can spruce up your bathroom dramatically. The Bedroom Functionality The master suite is where you can let loose and create a space for you and your partner to enjoy. Think about what you really need to make those weekday mornings flow easier — maybe it’s a walk-in closet or a more minimalistic design that lets you find what you need without a hassle. Alternatively, maybe you’ve been dreaming of having a personal reading nook in the bedroom where you can catch up on your latest book during those chilly winter evenings. When you’re considering function for the master suite, make sure you’re clear about your needs and wants before getting started. Appearance Whether you prefer retro and vintage or modern and chic, there are endless options when it comes to designing the appearance of your bedroom. Whatever you choose, just make sure it flows with the overall design of your home. The Basement Functionality If your basement has been collecting dust over the years, now’s the time to turn it into a functional space that you and your family can use and enjoy. The functionality will depend on the purpose of your basement remodel. If you’re installing a games room, kids room, family room or a woman’s cave, plan it out carefully and think of how it will also serve your family best as an extra room in your home. Appearance The basement is one of the best areas of the home to renovate because it’s removed far enough from the main level to give homeowners the freedom to really get creative. Whether you decide to install a personal gym, a den for the kids, or an entertainment room with a bar, think about the amount of storage and space that you’ll need to make it work, and how you can turn it into a cohesive design that’s warm and inviting. Living Room Functionality The living room is also frequently used, but the functionality of it will depend on your lifestyle and family needs. If you have children or if you’re planning to, you may want to consider a comfortable layout that can free up more floor space while also providing extra storage for toys. Also, having any delicate furniture or décor pieces might be best left out of the design. If you’re a single bachelor or a couple who loves to entertain, think about factors like how your living room can best accommodate more seating space when it’s your turn to host board game night. Appearance The living room is usually where you get to lay out in comfort, watch movies, or host a good Friday night get-together with friends. So having comfortable and functional furniture is essential. Consider items that can double up as extra seating options while keeping with your design theme. The reality is, both functionality and appearance are essential when you’re remodelling your home. Spending a little extra time thinking through your remodel and determining your needs and wants can help you strike the perfect renovation balance between both. To learn more about how to strike the perfect renovation balance, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our team has been helping homeowners for over 25 years, and we can help with any of your dream designs, too!

8 Ideas for Your Future Dream Basement

November 7, 2018 No Comments

Do cold concrete floors, old Christmas decorations, and boxes with items for storage come to mind whenever you think of your basement? Although it can be challenging to see past the bare bones and clutter down there, you’d be surprised at how easily you can transform that space into your new favourite room in the house. With a few renovations, you can create your own personal haven or an area for the kids. Get inspired to take charge of your underutilized space with these ideas for your future dream basement. The Entertainment Den If you’ve been secretly dreaming about having a personal entertainment lounge in the comfort of your own home, the basement is the perfect spot to make that dream come true. Since it is below the main level, you won’t have to worry as much about noise. And, with so much blank space to play with, you can really let your imagination run wild and design it exactly how you like. Add a giant flat screen, surround sound, lazy boy chairs, and whatever you need for ultimate comfort. You can even install a beer fridge so you can sit back and relax while you watch the game. The options are endless for creating your personal entertainment den at home. The Games Room & Bar Speaking of beer fridge, you can go the extra mile and create a games room and bar alongside your entertainment den. There’s no better way to celebrate the Superbowl or kick back after the busy work week than by inviting friends over for some fun. Imagine having a retro-style pinball machine, a billiards table, poker table, dart board, and a cool bar that’s designed just as you like it. Whether your style is modern, vintage, or something in between, you can get as creative as you like! The Yogi Sanctuary If you’re a yogi and have been struggling to stretch out or find the peace and quiet that you need to enjoy your practice, this room can become your perfect sanctuary. With plush carpeting, earthy tones, and plenty of room, you can throw down your mat and set up your space as you wish. A few candles and soothing music can finish it off to create the perfect calm and inviting atmosphere to help deepen your meditation and practise. Multi-Purpose Space Who says your basement should serve one purpose? Creating a multi-functional space can offer several benefits. If you have plenty of room to utilize, you can consider redesigning it to include a home gym, alongside an entertainment area, or just an extra living room where you and the family can lounge out and enjoy the space together. An Extra Bedroom If you have kids, an extra bedroom tucked away in the basement can be ideal for your eldest child once they’re eager for more space from their younger siblings. This can keep them out of your hair while giving them more independence before they officially ‘fly from the nest.’ It can also come in handy whenever there’s a visitor or two visiting from out of town. Woman Cave In this day and age, women deserve to have their own personal space to relax and recuperate from the world. Whether it’s a reading room with a cozy setting, your own games room, or just a calm and comfortable oasis where you can listen to your music and chill out in, make it your own and think of how you can create the best space to serve your needs. Family Room When you’re entertaining guests, do you dream of having an extra family room where your kids can escape and entertain themselves for a few hours? Creating another family room is ideal. You can let the kids go downstairs and watch movies or keep busy while you enjoy the company of your guests. It’s a win-win scenario! Playroom for the Kids Alternatively, if your children are young and you’ve been feeling cooped up together without enough room for them to run around, you don’t have to consider moving. Although it may be difficult to envision your basement looking like something beyond a storage room, there are endless possibilities that can serve the purpose you need it to. A few minor renovations, like fresh, bright colour paint, carpeting, and kid-friendly furnishing and toys can be all you need to spruce it up and turn it into the perfect den and playroom for your children. When you’re struggling to see beyond the concrete and boxes in your basement, remember these ideas for your future dream basement and how it can serve you and your family’s needs best. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our wide network and handy team of professionals can take care of all of your home renovation needs.

Minimalistic Thinking May Solve Your Clutter Woes — Here’s Why

October 22, 2018 No Comments

Struggling to stay on top of your junk? Minimalistic thinking could be the answer to your clutter woes! Whether it’s boxes of old catalogues piled high in the basement, stuff strewn across your tables, or too many clothes stuffed inside your closet, having all of that excess isn’t doing you any good. Living in an environment with so much clutter becomes chaotic for your mind and weighs heavily on the body — that’s where minimalism can help. This modern way of living is based on balancing an equilibrium stream — when something is added, something must be removed. And that goes for any items — toys for your pet, clothing, knick-knacks, tools — you name it. Learn more about this way of living and how easy it can be to cut back on the surplus of stuff. Clear Out Negative Energy There’s a difference between a messy home and a cluttered home. A mess is something that can more or less be handled — tidying up the kitchen or cleaning up the living room. Clutter, on the other hand, takes up noticeable room in your home and usually has nowhere to go. Having such a surplus of stuff consuming almost every free nook in your home creates stagnant (and sometimes negative) energy, especially if some of that clutter carries unfond memories. Minimalistic thinking helps you clear out both physical and mental clutter by disposing of the chaotic, negative energy and instead, making room for more positive energy. Learn to Only Buy What You Need Minimalistic living also teaches you how to buy what you really need and ignore the items that you really don’t need. This helps to keep on top of any accumulating clutter, whether it’s your overstuffed fridge, closet, and any other area of your life. By jumping in on this way of living, you can gradually learn how to stop and think for a moment before adding something to your home. Plus, this can also make a significant impact on your finances by reducing the amount of money that you spend on unnecessary items. Make it Easier to Find Things Choosing your outfit for work shouldn’t be such a monumental task. But with so much stuff in the way, it can be hard to find anything you actually need — clothing, shoes, or anything else around the house. By downsizing your collection of items, no matter which area of the house it’s in relation to, you can eliminate this problem and make it much easier to find exactly what you need in no time. Generate Less Waste Whether you’re single, not single, married to your pet, or have a family, we tend to buy a lot of stuff. Excessive consumerism is a result of those impulsive purchases or mindless ones where we keep buying things that we really don’t need. But learning how to cut back on these bad habits also can help reduce waste, which benefits the environment and your bank account. Learn to Let Go Getting rid of old items can be tough because there’s a lot of emotional attachment to our physical stuff. That’s why you have to be willing to let go in order for this to work. Focus only on keeping the essentials and think about tossing away or donating things around the home that you haven’t even touched in the last year. Bit by bit, this process will help you get used to letting go of things more easily in your life. It’s Not About Perfection Having a minimalistic lifestyle is different for each individual. And it’s certainly not about achieving any standard of perfection. It’s about learning to live with less stuff and working every day to rid yourself of excess clutter that serves no useful purpose. Enjoy More Space As clutter accumulates over the years, it can make you desensitized to the state of your home, and the amount of space all of that stuff consumes. Adapting a minimalistic lifestyle will help you free up more of your space at home so you can stretch out, relax, and feel more at peace in your own home. If your house is all cleared up from clutter and you’re ready to make some home improvements, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 As a family-owned business, we offer quality workmanship and excellent customer service throughout the Ottawa area. Reach out today to learn how to get started with your next reno project!

Creative Room Ideas

June 27, 2018 No Comments

Have a spare room that’s not being used? Why not turn this area into something useful? Let us show you what we mean with these 5 creative room ideas that can transform an otherwise empty room into a fully functional space for everyone to enjoy. Yoga Studio If you love to practice yoga, you can take the experience right into your home. By remodelling a spare room into a yoga studio, you can create your own little sanctuary. The best part of all is that it doesn’t cost much to put together and all you need is enough room to move around freely. Recording Studio If you’re involved in the music industry, another creative room idea you can add to your place is a recording studio. Thanks to the latest advancements in digital technology, it’s easier than ever to record at home. All you need is enough space for your equipment, an adequate number of power sources, high-quality soundproofing, and a proper air-intake system to prevent the equipment from overheating. Having your own recording studio will allow you to be creative whenever you want without disrupting anyone in the process. Photography Studio When you’re a professional photographer, you know how important it is to have a studio for your photography. You’re also probably aware of how expensive renting out studio space can be over time. However, there’s one inexpensive way to get professional shots without leaving your home — create your very own working studio. All you need is some dedicated space where all the equipment and lighting can be moved around and used. Painting Studio Those who are hoping to start a career as an artist need somewhere to practice and create. An art studio at home can provide many benefits to your craft. If this sounds like the perfect idea for you or a loved one, just remember that the studio should have enough space, natural light and ventilation. Fitness Studio Health is important, but when the cost of a gym membership can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 a month, it’s easy to skip out on fitness. Thankfully, your unfinished basement, attic, or bedroom can be easily transformed into your own fitness studio. And you don’t even have to fully stock it with expensive equipment either. With a few simple weights and items, you can create just what you need to stay in shape. When you’re ready to transform one of your empty rooms into a creative space, we’re the team to call! At RenosGroup.ca, whatever design you can think of, we can create. We are the renovation experts in the Ottawa area, with over 25 years of combined experience handling a wide range of renovation projects and home additions. To find out how we can turn your vision into reality, contact us, or give us a call at (613)7279427

Renovations: Function or Style First?

June 7, 2018 No Comments

When it comes to your home renovations, you may be asking yourself whether function or style should go first. The answer is both! Personalizing the style of your design while focusing on the function that you need from it, will help you make far better decisions during your remodelling process. Take a look at these ideas that can help you bring modern style and function into your home. The Kitchen The kitchen is one of — if not the — focal areas of the home. It’s where the culinary magic happens and, it’s often where most people congregate. So function and style are both essential aspects when redesigning this space. If you’re remodelling your kitchen, take some time to consider factors like the countertop space, the flow of the layout, the location of pots and pans, the size of the sink and whether it all serves your needs well. Combine this with personalized design touches that you enjoy, like brass fixtures or dark wood cabinetry, and you can have the best of both worlds. The Bathroom Similar to the kitchen, the bathroom is a room that’s frequently used in the home for a specific purpose. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and transform it into your own little spa-like oasis. The function is already a central element here no matter what, so it really comes down to how you choose to style certain areas of the bathroom. You can really customize your design by focusing on areas like the shower, tub, faucets, floor and vanity. The Basement If you have an unfinished basement, now’s the time to finally take that leap and remodel it into a space that you or the kids can use. But first, take some time to really consider what you need. Since the basement is somewhat removed from the main floor of the house, it lets you get creative with its style and function. Whether you’ve been dreaming of having your personal at-home gym, or a playroom for the kids, or even a games room and bar to entertain family or friends, don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with this space. Home renovations should always incorporate both function and style in order to provide a successful end result. So when you’re ready to tackle that basement, or update your kitchen, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. We are a family owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience behind our name. Our handy team can help you figure out your dream design and offer suggestions to maximize functionality. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to get started!

Have You Heard These Garage Storage Ideas?

May 20, 2018 No Comments

Is your garage packed to the point where you can no longer fit your car inside or find anything you need? Then it’s definitely time to organize it! To help you get started, here are five essential garage storage ideas that will get your garage back to being a clean and functioning space. Vertical Wall Shelving Vertical wall shelving is a convenient way to add more space while organizing your garage. By using the wall space to store your tools and accessories, you can remove any items that are currently overtaking your floor or workbench. It’s also an excellent way to tidy up your garage and have everything you need all in one area. Overhead Storage Racks If you have a number of rarely used or seasonal tools cluttering your garage space, you can efficiently store these on overhead storage racks. This puts items within reach but doesn’t compromise your shelving or wall space that is better suited for frequently used items. And by dividing your drill bits and tool accessories into smaller storage containers with labels, you can stack a number of them on top of each other to free up even more space. Fitted Wall Cabinets When you’re looking for a way to keep your garage items out of sight and out of mind, we suggest adding a few fitted wall cabinets to your space. Not only will cabinets help to better organize your belongings, but they can keep everything nicely hidden behind the doors for a cleaner looking garage. And what’s also great about cabinets is there are a wide variety of styles to choose from, such as metal storage cabinets or natural wood materials so you can match your home design and style. Tracks With Hooks Larger items like extension cords, shovels, rakes, bikes and pool equipment are often difficult to store in a small garage space. But when you install hanging tracks on the wall, you can easily store all of your bulkier items. The hooks also make it easy to move things around as the seasons change so you can swap out items as you need them. Car Lift Having only one garage can be frustrating when you need to store two cars, a motorcycle or even a boat. So why not install a car lift? They may be a little on the expensive side, but they are still much less than building a second car garage. Plus, the lift allows you to park another car or vehicle in the garage at the same time, which makes all the difference when you have limited room. If you’re running out of space or don’t have a garage to store your belongings, we can help you build one as an addition to your home. At RenosGroup.ca, our professional renovation experts are ready to help you design your dream garage that will provide you with ample storage. To find out more about our services, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Creative Ideas to Transform Your Nursery

May 15, 2018 No Comments

As soon as your toddler is big enough, they’ll be ready to move out of their nursery space. And this can leave you with an extra room on your hands – a room you could ideally renovate into a practical space to use. If you’re not entirely sure what to do with the additional space, why not try one of these creative ideas to transform your nursery into a new room. Home Office In many homes, the nursery is too small to create a bedroom, but it can be big enough for office space. You can easily transform the nursery into the perfect place to get your work done (in peace and quiet) by simply adding wall cabinets, vertical shelving, and a large desk. Den Another great idea is to create an adults-only space where you can go to relax and decompress. By adding a bookcase along the back wall and a smaller lounge chair in the corner, you can quickly create a comfortable area to retreat in after a hard day’s work. Games Room Why not create a designated games room? You can add in a few comfy chairs, along with your gaming systems and have the perfect place for you and the kids to have some fun. Extra Closet As your toddler starts to grow, you’ll suddenly notice that there are so many clothes, books, toys, and other items that need a place to go. And when you’re short on storage, renovating the old nursery into an extra closet can give you all the space you need. Playroom One practical way to use the extra space is to transform your nursery into a playroom for your kids. We promise that you’ll enjoy the toy-free house and your children will also love having their very own room to play in. Bathroom We also recommend taking advantage of the empty room to build out another bathroom. If it’s adjacent to the master suite, you could open up the space and create your very own bathroom, or even build one out just for the kids. When you’re ready to transform your nursery into something new and useful, we recommend contacting a professional renovation expert. At RenosGroup.ca our experts can help you design the space to your needs and build it exactly as you imagine it. For more creative ideas to transform your nursery, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Ideas to Greenify Your Home

May 11, 2018 No Comments

If you’re eager to get on board with sustainable living, there’s never been a better or more important time. Taking small, individual steps are fundamental to improving the health and welfare of our planet. And adopting habits that positively affect our environment can be easily implemented into your everyday life. Here are a few ideas to greenify your home this spring. Reduce Water Consumption We’re all guilty of wasting far too much water – whether it’s ignoring that leaky faucet, leaving the tap on while brushing, or taking long showers. But when you consider that over 700 million people around the world don’t have access to clean water, it makes you realize how much we take it for granted. Reducing your water consumption can be achieved in many different, simple ways. For example, if you have a leaky tap or toilet that you’ve been ignoring, these items alone can waste a whopping 10,000 gallons of water per year. So start by having any leaks fixed, switch to a low flush toilet, and reduce the duration of your showers. Use Upcycled, Sustainable Materials Using upcycled or sustainable materials in your home is another great way to greenify your home. Using reclaimed wood or incorporating old, repurposed and refinished items into your bedroom, bathroom, and general design can give your home a unique character while keeping in line with a more sustainable outlook. Also consider opting for materials like bamboo that are sustainable, ethically sourced and very versatile to use. Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances If you still have old, outdated appliances and fixtures throughout your home, it’s time to make the switch. Appliances account for up to 30% of your home energy use, and considering just how much we use and depend on them; upgrading can help to significantly save on energy usage and your monthly utility bills. Avoid VOC Materials Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many different areas around the home, such as paint, wood finishes, caulking and adhesives. So when you’re shopping around for items for the home, make sure to check the label to ensure it says “low-VOCs” or “zero-VOCs.” Choose Environmentally Responsible Brands When you’re renovating and redecorating your home, spend a little time researching some environmentally responsible brands and businesses that are making an effort to focus on environmentally-friendly products. You can help support their initiatives by using sustainable alternatives that won’t have a negative impact on our planet. When you’re looking for ideas to greenify your home, keep these tips in mind. By making a few adjustments one step at a time, you can drastically reduce your ecological footprint, while creating a healthier, happier, eco-friendly home for you and your family. Contact us, of give us a call at (613)727-9427

Why Renos are Best Left to Professionals

April 16, 2018 No Comments

Many people try to tackle their own reno projects every year. And while some succeed, many end up with unfortunate results and excessive costs. To find out where they went wrong, here are five reasons why renos are best left to the professionals. Experience Counts You may be able to tackle a small DIY project like hanging the curtains, or refinishing your dresser, but it’s highly unlikely that you have the experience to excel at a full-blown renovation. When you’re working on a reno, you need to have some skill sets, such as woodworking, electrical, plumbing, and general construction. When you hire a professional reno company, you are guaranteed that the job will be done right the first time by a trained expert. Safety Matters Reno jobs come with some hazards. If you’re not careful or properly skilled, you could be placing your safety or the safety of others at risk. That’s why it’s always wise to leave any projects to trained and qualified professionals to avoid injury. Time Is Money Taking on a full renovation project yourself will likely take double the time to complete than it would if you were to hire a professional. Time is also money, especially if the space is planned for a rental apartment, office, or studio. Leave it to the pros to get it done faster. Mistakes Are Expensive If you happen to make a mistake in your reno, it can cost you big time. Hiring an expert to do the project right on the first go is the best way to save money in the long term. Proper Tools Are A Must Before you start any renovation project, it’s important to find out what tools you will need and how much it will cost to rent or buy those you don’t currently own. Buying specialty tools is expensive and a waste of money if you’re only doing the project once. Hiring a reno company that has all the tools on hand will save you money, time and the aggravation. When you need a professional reno company to step-in to perform your home project, RenosGroup is the company you can count on to get the job done right. Our experienced and trained professionals will take care of all your upgrades and ensure you get the highest quality craftsmanship, most affordable pricing, and attentive customer support. To find out more, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today!

5 Uses for a Coach House

April 4, 2018 No Comments

Although coach houses were primarily used for one thing back in the day – housing the horse and carriage – today, that extra detached space from the home can be transformed into a number of different ideas. Whether you have a kid returning home for college, an ageing parent who needs to be cared for or even if you’re in need of a separate home office space that’s free from distractions, a coach house can be extremely convenient to have. To find the best idea for your situation, here are a few different uses for a coach house to consider. Keep Aging Parents Close By If your ageing parents or a widowed parent needs to be cared for, you can keep them close to home while giving them (and yourself) enough separate space to live in. This allows you to provide the assistance they need while allowing them to still maintain some independence. You can keep an eye on them and enjoy the comfort knowing that they’re only a few steps from home if they need you. Space For Eldest Child Do you have a child returning home from college? Or maybe your eldest child is ready to take the first steps in living on their own? Your coach house could be the perfect space to transform into a separate apartment suite to give your child the independence they’re seeking before they are fully ready to take on the responsibilities of living completely on their own. An Income Suite If you don’t have any kids or ageing parents to house, then why not make some extra side cash by creating an income suite? By converting your coach house into an apartment, you can rent it out and enjoy the benefits of extra income. Home Office With more people working from home these days, having a separate space to get work done can be extremely beneficial. Trying to work amidst the flurry of activity at home can be a challenge. But with a few renovations, you can create your very own cozy office space just a few steps from your front door. So you can close the door behind you and leave the distractions in the main home while you get down to business. Visitor’s Suite If you’re located in a popular spot for friends and family to visit, the coach house can be the perfect spot for them to stay in. This lets them come and go as they please without completely encroaching on your personal space. There are so many different handy uses for a coach house. So if you’re lucky enough to own one on your property, consider some of these ideas for transforming it into something that can truly be useful and beneficial to you. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our professional contractors can help with any of your household renovation projects.

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