Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

February 20, 2015 No Comments

Imagine a home that’s stylish and comfortable for everyone. Designing with mobility limitations goes beyond accessibility – it’s about creating a livable space for all. This guide explores features for a beautiful and functional home that promotes independence and safety. Learn how to design a dream home that works for everyone! When your loved one has mobility limitations, you want to do everything possible to make their home life safe, comfortable, and accessible. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners should make sure the following areas are covered: Maneuverability Especially if your loved one needs a walker or wheelchair, it is important that they have enough room to navigate safely and comfortably around the house. You may consider enlisting the help of mobility renovation experts to widen doorways and made it easier to move from room to room. Swinging doors can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to open, so you may consider installing pocket doors. Sinks & Counters High countertops and sinks may be difficult for your loved one to use if they are in a wheelchair. Consider renovating to install lower sinks and countertops so they are easily accessible at wheelchair height. Your loved one can move around independently and not have to struggle with unreachable countertops and sinks. Safe Flooring Slippery flooring is a concern for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with mobility issues. Make sure to install slip-resistant flooring with non-slip coating to prevent your loved one from falling on slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Bathroom Accessibility Bathrooms can be especially troublesome for people with mobility limitations. When they need mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners place bathroom concerns at the top of the list. Fortunately, the experts can install strategically placed handrails, wide walk-in shower stalls, bathtub seats, handheld showering devices, and lowered fixtures. All of these adjustments make it easy for your loved one to use the bathroom privately, safely, and comfortably. Lighting For individuals who suffer from declining vision, it can be difficult to navigate around the house with normal lighting. Mobility renovation experts can install brighter lighting to increase visibility, reduce safety risks, and improve quality of life. Staircases For your loved one with mobility limitations, it can difficult or even impossible to enter houses with stairs or go up to a second story. Mobility renovation experts can construct ramps, place reflective non-slip tape on staircases, and install handrails to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs safely. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners now have all the information they need to design their home and make it safe, comfortable, and accessible to their loved ones. 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

Working with Small Spaces

January 15, 2015 No Comments

Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces: Remove Barriers Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces. Optimize Every Centimeter Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet. Look Up Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room. Add More Light Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens. Camouflage Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well. Glass Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room. Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

3 Simple Kitchen Renovations

January 9, 2015 No Comments

If your kitchen looks a little uninspired there are a few ways you can invest in an affordable kitchen renovation. Instead of undergoing a complete remodel you can make partial renovations that will help to update your kitchen. Here are three budget friendly ideas to give your tired space a little makeover: Cabinets and Backsplash Your cabinets can be updated in a number of ways. You can opt to refinish them with a new stain or a fresh coat of paint. This can be a little labour intensive but well worth the effort. You can also look into refacing your cabinets. Cabinet refacing uses the base of the cabinets and replaces the doors. This is an easy process with little disruption. It is also affordable and makes a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. A backsplash update is also an affordable option. With so many choices of tile you can really get creative. However even a fresh new backsplash of simple white subway tile can do wonders to make your kitchen look new. Tile and Appliances Nothing dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Replacing your appliances with new, energy efficient appliances will make your kitchen look state of the art. It will also help reduce your energy bills. You can opt for sleek stainless steel for a modern look or look for options such as built-ins for island cook tops, wall ovens and fridges. Tiling is another excellent way to create a decorative update for your kitchen. You can create an interesting mosaic design behind your stove, update your backsplash or look at new flooring options. Tile is affordable and can be used to create a number of styles including modern, traditional or rustic. Countertops and Hardware Countertops cover quite a large surface area in your kitchen, even in smaller spaces. That means new countertops can make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. There are many options for countertops including natural stone and marble, butcher block and man-made options including recycled glass. A simple finishing touch that can really update your cabinets is replacing your hardware. Look for large and impressive handles in white metal for a modern look or rustic finishes such as brass or black cast iron knobs for a traditional or country kitchen. Partial kitchen renovations are the budget friendly option for easy kitchen makeovers. Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next renovation project, 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

4 Mobility Renovations Tips

December 5, 2014 No Comments

If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips: Open up the Space When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways. Use Safe Materials For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces. Consider Their Perspective For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach. Hire the Professionals Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors. A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety. 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

Updating Your Basement

November 20, 2014 No Comments

Updating your basement is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and add much needed living space. Whether you are starting from scratch or redoing a retro basement, there are a number of upgrades you can do to get a comfortable, affordable, high end look. Discard the Vintage Carpet or Tile Many basements were once finished with hideous flooring, including bad tile and shag carpet. If your basement still features this perhaps it is time to update. When you eventually decided to update it is important to keep in mind budget, purpose and style. If you want an affordable option that will keep your feet warm opt for a modern carpet in a plush Berber or new styles that feature interesting patterns or textures. When laying carpet in the basement it is a good idea to lay an under padding that has anti-microbial protection to discourage mould and mildew growth in the moist, damp environment. Another good option is a nice hardwood that will lighten up the darker space. You can then add an area rug in your main seating area for warmth as well as to anchor the decor of the room. Update the Bar Many older homes come equipped with full size wet bars, unfortunately many homeowners have chosen to leave them in their original state, making them severely outdated. Look at tearing out the current bar and adding modern finishes such as sleek new cabinetry, updated wine coolers and granite counter tops. Add stylish recessed lighting as well as mood lighting beneath the counter for an interesting look. You can then finish your bar update with contemporary seating. Paint the Fireplace You would be surprised how a fresh coat of paint can make an old fireplace look like new. Consider the current look of your fireplace and think of other ways you can make an update. Replace or add a new mantle and consider adding a nice marble hearth at the front. You can also add a tile surround in a modern mosaic such as stainless steel or something a little cozier like river stone. Add a Bathroom A new bathroom is a must. Depending on your space and budget you can either do a powder room or add a full bathroom complete with steam shower and soaker spa tub. These updates will offer a modern, comfortable space your family will love while increasing the value of your home. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Living through Renovations

November 14, 2014 No Comments

Even the simplest renovations can cause extreme chaos in your home, but if you plan ahead and mentally prepare you should be well equipped for the transition. Here are several tips to help you survive living through renovations: Where to Live It is important to look at the renovation plans and consider if it is realistic to remain in your home during the work. For example if you have a basement renovation it might not be quite as disruptive as a kitchen or main floor overhaul. Speak to your contractor to find out what is involved and for major renovations decide if it makes better sense to make other living arrangements. Keep in mind other arrangements could prove just as stressful. Weigh all of your options and maybe decide to take a well-planned vacation when the majority of the dirty work is underway. Reorganize your Living Space Look at where the renovations will take place and consider how it will affect your day to day life. Remember to plan where you will prepare food and do the dishes if your kitchen is being renovated. If you only have one bathroom and are determined to stay home during the renovations you will hopefully have a very close neighbour to share their shower or a nearby gym where you can take care of your daily showering needs. Avoid Dust This is one of the biggest challenges. Your best friends during renovations are tape and sheets of plastic. Use these to seal off the area that is undergoing the renovation to keep dust contained. Hire Smart The more experience your contractor has the less troublesome your renovations will be. A good contractor will keep things as comfortable and livable as possible as well as complete the job on schedule to make life easier. Shop Early You will need a number of fixtures and finishes during the renovations. Anticipate what you will need by speaking to your contractor. He can list the amount of light fixtures, faucets, switch plates and other finishes you will need so you can shop ahead to avoid delays. Plan for Trouble They say a pessimist is never disappointed. Renovations are complicated so be prepared for challenges in order to avoid stress when trouble arises. Being better prepared for your renovations will make it easier on everyone and help the overall project run more smoothly. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

November 7, 2014 No Comments

Many people think that the kitchen renos Ottawa homeowners undergo are far too expensive for their own budgets. However if you take an eco-friendly approach to your kitchen renovation you will find it can become quite affordable. Here is the perfect way to create an affordable eco-friendly renovation kitchen for your home: Repurposing Countertops Take a look at your counterops. They may be in perfect condition and do not need replacement. Many people discard their old countertops which is a major addition to the local landfill. If your countertops are in good condition they can be reused. With the addition of newer features throughout the kitchen you can take focus away from the counters. Energy Star Appliances You would be surprised at how much energy your old fridge can use up every day. A new Energy Star fridge will be an investment up front but will then save you money in the long run. It is also the eco-friendly choice as it will reduce your energy consumption. The addition of Energy Star appliances is also a perfect way to update the look of the kitchen renos Ottawa contractors’ offer, even with minimal work to the rest of the space. Natural Light Consider adding a window to your kitchen to bring in natural light to reduce your use of electricity. Install a window over the sink where you are doing much task work as well as a major stretch of counter space where you will be doing food prep. Windows with soft curtains will bring in much needed light. In some kitchens you can even consider adding a skylight. Recycled Cabinets Get creative with kitchen renos Ottawa contractors offer by seeking out recycled cabinets. You can also search local flea markets and garage sales for interesting shelving, side boards and other furniture pieces that can be repurposed to create upper and lower cabinets as well as islands. Think outside the box and consider items in your home as well. You can also use your existing cabinets and reface them with a new coat of paint or a different colour stain. If you do replace your cabinets ask your contractor to save them and donate them to a salvage company to reduce waste. The kitchen renovations Ottawa contractors’ offer can be more affordable when you look at eco-friendly options. Repurposing and less waste saves money and the planet. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

3 Ways to Make Your Entrance Mobility Friendly

October 30, 2014 No Comments

If you or someone in your home has mobility challenges it is important to make your home as comfortable and mobility friendly as possible. For many homeowners the entryway can pose the biggest challenge for those with mobility issues. From steps leading up to the front door, to cramped, closed spaces in the foyer, there are a number of challenges your front entry can pose. Here are three ways to make your entrance mobility friendly: Clear the Entryway Maneuvering in small, cramped spaces is very difficult for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Take a look at your entryway and hall and look for anything that can be removed. This includes pieces of furniture, awkward mats and of course excess amounts of boots and shoes. When you remove clutter from the entryway you will open up the space so people will be able to move around more easily. Even someone who walks with a cane can be in danger of trips and falls with too much clutter. If space is very tight the professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer can knock down the front closet or walls to create extra space. Add Hand Rails When you are well and able to get around unassisted you might not even think about holding onto hand rails. However, for someone walking with a cane or with balance issues a hand rail is a life saver. Hand rails should be placed wherever there are stairs, steps or changes in levels. This will allow people to grasp onto something to help them safely enter your home. Hand rails should be placed both outside leading towards the door and inside to assist with coming and going. Add a Ramp Ramps can make getting into a building so much easier for people in wheelchairs, using walkers and scooters. Ramps are affordable renovations Ottawa home owners can install for easier access to your front door. The professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer will help transform your entry making it mobility friendly. Arrange for a consultation for more suggestions on how your home can be made more comfortable for those with mobility challenges. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form 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.

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