What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

October 31, 2016 No Comments

Performing renovations to your home not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but when done correctly, can also add value to your home. However, if your sole purpose for renovating is to increase that value with a high return on investment (ROI), there are certain projects that – despite all your efforts – won’t make the dollar sign increase to make it worth your while. If you’re trying to plan your next home reno, here are the best areas of focus if you want additional value that is worth your while. The Kitchen If you were questioning whether it’s worth it to rip out those dated cabinets and cupboards – it is! Just like we’ve always been told, the kitchen is one of the most important features of a home, especially when it comes to selling it. It’s the most utilized room, and therefore the most significant. For any areas that look decrepit, outdated, or just ugly, renovating and upgrading them will benefit your ROI in the future. If budget is tight, affordable but effective changes like replacing cabinet hardware and adding a modern backsplash are well worth it. If the budget is higher, a new countertop, new floors, and new sink will pay off. To save money, try to keep your existing cabinets if they’re in good shape, and avoid moving the plumbing (sink, dishwasher) if you can help it. The Flooring These days, flooring is a big deal, and new buyers aren’t exactly keen on purchasing a home when they know they’ll have to spend more time and money ripping up that floor. It’s worth your time and money to bite the bullet and install that beautiful hardwood flooring that buyers are looking for. Then, you can just tack on a little extra when it comes to your selling price – you can bet that people are willing to pay more for work that’s already been done. If your carpeting is in rough shape, consider peeling a corner discreetly to see if hardwood lays underneath. The Exterior If your exterior has little to no curb appeal, you can bet that it will impact any prospects for selling. Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, it’s one of the most important for giving them a great impression of the home. Whether it’s the dead lawn, cracked patio stones, or crumbling façade of the home – add it to your renovation list! The Basement Gone are the days when the state of the basement wasn’t really a significant factor in the success for selling purposes. But today, more and more homeowners take great value in having that extra space remodelled and finished, not only for the potential purpose of having an extra den or TV room, but for renting purposes as well. So if your basement is unfinished and could use some extra TLC, take the time to finish it. This goes doubly so if your basement is damp or mouldy. When it comes time to place your home up for sale, you want to make sure that the effort you put into your renovations will benefit your return on investment. So focus on these main areas and you’ll be set to bump up that value to your home, guaranteed. What renovations will pay off for you? Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca. Our Ottawa general contractor will evaluate your home and recommend the best areas for improvement. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Biggest Bathroom Renovation Trends

August 17, 2015 No Comments

Every year, the home and garden website Houzz conducts a survey measuring the behaviours and interests of North American homeowners. So, what trends do we see in bathroom renovations this year? Are homeowners expanding bathrooms or working with the existing footprint? What are the biggest bathroom renovation trends? Supersize Showers Even if the footprint remains the same, homeowners want supersized showers, especially in the master bathroom. In fact, 84% of homeowners upgraded their master showers during the bathroom renovation. 30% of master bath showers were increased by 50% of more in size. Mobility Renovations The Baby Boomer generation is three times more likely to install grab bars and other accessibility features than younger generations. However, other features of mobility renovations like hand-held shower heads, shower seats, non-slip flooring, and thermostatic mixers were popular regardless of the age of the homeowner. What Matters Most in Terms of Design Most homeowners reported that they wanted their renovated bathrooms to be stylish and beautiful (83%) or to have a spa-like atmosphere (41%). Other popular design elements include a reflection of personality (38%), abundant natural light (34%), making a statement (23%), being energy efficient (22%), being eco-friendly (8%), and being romantic (7%). What Matters Most in Terms of Function 55% of homeowners wanted a bathroom that was easy to clean (55%), while 53% of respondents wanted easy storage. Other important functions include good lighting (47%), compatible for two people (46%), easy to get ready in (36%), relaxing (34%), and making the homeowner look good (2%). How Often Are Bathrooms Renovated? According to the survey, 46% of homeowners last upgraded the bathroom between 16 to 30 years ago. 30% of full baths were last upgraded more than 30 years ago! Some homeowners have the renovation bug, though, with 4% of full baths being remodeled under five years after the last renovation. What Style is Most Popular? Contemporary is the most popular style (25%), followed by traditional (21%), and transitional (18%). Other popular styles include modern (10%), eclectic (5%), craftsman (5%), and beach (3%). Flooring & Walls Ceramic was the most popular title choice, followed closely by porcelain. Other common flooring options included marble, wood, travertine, and linoleum. Paint was the overwhelming favourite wall finish (71%), but other common choices included ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble, wood, travertine, and wallpaper. Lighting Many homeowners placed an emphasis on good lighting in the bathroom. The most common options were wall sconces (60-64%) and recessed lighting (44-61%), followed by lighted mirrors (14-16%), chandeliers (5-15%), and pendant lamps (9-12%). However, in 12% of masters and 17% of family baths, the lighting was not upgraded at all. Whether you want to follow the popular trends or set out on your own path, RenosGroups.ca is here to help make your bathroom renovation dream a reality. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

5 Home Renovations and Additions That Add the Most Value

August 10, 2015 No Comments

Ottawa homeowners plan renovations and additions to address their changing lifestyle or family needs. However, improving the resale value of the home should also be a consideration. Here are five home renovation and additions that add the most value to the home: Kitchen Renovation According to HGTV, homeowners can expect to recoup between 60 to 120% of the cost of the kitchen renovation when it comes time to sell. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and no one wants to see an outdated kitchen with linoleum countertops, scuffed flooring, and appliances that could break down at any minute. A kitchen remodel can be as simple as replacing hardware, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and giving cabinets and walls a fresh coat of paint. Of course, a fully upgraded kitchen renovation from a trusted Ottawa contractor like RenosGroup.ca would wow potential buyers and add a lot of value to your home. Bathroom Remodel or Addition Bathroom additions pay back 80% to 130% of their cost when it comes time to sell the home. Nobody wants to walk into a humid and cramped bathroom that hasn’t been upgraded in thirty years. Whether you are updating the family bathroom, creating a stunning master bedroom, or adding a powder room on the main floor, all of these upgrades pay off when it’s time to sell. Home buyers expect to have at least two bathrooms in a home, and a master bathroom is always a desired bonus. Finished Basement Homeowners can expect to recoup 70 to 80% of the cost of a finished basement renovation. Don’t turn off home buyers with a perfect home that has an unfinished basement. Your basement can house a media room, guest bedroom, kid’s play area, exercise room, laundry room, or even an income suite. Deck Addition Remember, the value of your property extends beyond the home itself. Upgrade your outdoor space with a deck addition, which returns 65 to 95% on investment. Enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation with an outdoor kitchen, built-in seating, outdoor dining area, and more. When it’s time to sell, you’ll be glad you made the upgrade. Full Home Addition Sometimes, space is the biggest problem of all. The return on investment will vary depending on the size and function of the full home addition. Create a master suite, in-law suite, great room, or transform the layout of your home with the extra space. For more inspiration, contact Ottawa contractor Renosgroup.ca to find out which home renovation or additions that add the most value to 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.

Making the Perfect Man Cave

February 13, 2015 No Comments

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

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

January 29, 2015 No Comments

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

Fun Renos Blog

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

Biggest Bathroom Renovation Trends

5 Home Renovations and Additions That Add the Most Value

Making the Perfect Man Cave

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

READY TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME?

Services

Resources

Recent Posts