Kitchen Page Blog

Stay updated with our kitchen page  blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.

The Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick

The Pros and Cons of Exposed Brick

For many designers and homeowners, one of the most popular trends in design right now is exposed brick walls. It brings just enough mixture of warmth, rustic, and industrial edge, all-in-one. But sometimes, what’s good for the design isn’t always good for the homeowners. So before you start ripping down those walls, consider these pros and cons first. Pros of Exposed Brick Desirable Design – Like we said, there’s simply no denying how much people are loving the exposed brick style. It adds versatility to a space, contemporary edge, all the while adding that touch of warmth to just about any room. A Feature Wall – A wall with exposed brick is also a great way to break up a room by having it as a feature wall. Maybe it’s above your fireplace, or maybe it’s a partition between two rooms – wherever it is, exposed brick is a great way to break up a room and create that perfect feature space. Uncovering Historical Roots – Despite the popularity of trendy, modern interiors, many homeowners prefer to add in that touch of historic, vintage character throughout their home. And there’s no better way than by exposing that original brick, flaws and all. Cons of Exposed Brick Modern Interiors – When it comes to interior brick walls, it doesn’t always match well with every style. That especially goes for extremely modern interiors. So consider your style and what’s present throughout your home, and assess whether it will add or subtract to your space. Crumbling Brick – Once you’ve ripped into the plaster and exposed the brick beneath, you could be left with crumbling bricks and mortar that may need some serious TLC before showing them off to the family. So having a test area for you to get a peek before going all in is always a good idea. Allergies, Noise, and Drafts – Keep in mind that when you remove that insulation and plaster atop the brick wall, you’re also removing that extra buffer for noise, drafts and even allergies. The porous nature of bricks means they are more prone to collecting dust. They also allow drafts to permeate more easily without that extra layer of insulation, especially in an older home. So what may be great for your design, may not be so great for your allergies and even your heating bill.  Before you start knocking down that drywall, it’s important to consider each of these factors first so that you aren’t left with a beautifully exposed brick wall and a whole lot of regret. The design and renovation experts at RenosGroup.ca can help you weigh the pros and cons of exposed bricks and other design considerations, so you get the space that looks and feels right for you.  Get your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Renovating a Historic Home

Renovating a Historic Home

When it comes to historic homes, there really is no comparison to the charm and character many of them exude. Whether it’s an elegant Victorian in The Glebe, a turn-of-the-century row house in the ByWard Market or a timeless country home in Manotick, it’s no surprise how many home buyers are drawn to those alluring designs. But with age also comes the weathered infrastructure and repairs that they require.  If you’re in the market for a historic home or have recently purchased one, here’s what you need to know about renovating a historic home Time and Money If that newly purchased home requires a significant amount of repairs, especially to the exterior, finding matching designs and materials can be a hefty challenge and expense. Those crumbling carvings on that stone exterior may be a selling feature to you, but you could be left with having to tear it down anyway, while spending more time and money than you anticipated. Replacing the Windows Windows are never a small expenditure. And of course, unless you know they’ve been recently updated and replaced, chances are they could be as – or nearly as old – as the house itself. With dated windows, you can bet those cold drafts and heating bills won’t be subtle. So that means upgrading each and every unusually shaped window frame to the more modern, expensive, and energy efficient ones. Unexpected Repairs Charm and character aside, let’s face it – when it comes to older homes, they can be very unpredictable when it comes to sudden repairs and issues that will require more attention and money. Expect to face the unexpected as things may not always go as you planned. Older homes have a way or gradually causing the kind of surprises no one enjoys waking up to, especially issues with plumbing, electrical, the foundation, or the roof. Limitations on Redesigning If you’re keen on the size and location of your historic home, but have plans to redesign the exterior, you could end up facing a lot of red tape and delays. Many historic buildings and home are protected under by-laws for preservation purposes. So always ensure you know what type of limitations and restrictions you’re facing before jumping into that purchase or demolition. As part of its heritage conservation efforts, the City of Ottawa has targeted some 3,500 properties for preservation. In order to make changes to an historic home, you must apply for a permit under the Ontario Heritage Act, write a Cultural Heritage Impact statement, submit detailed plans, and apply for other approvals and permits. This goes for whole home demolition, but it also applies to the “construction of additions, window replacement, partial demolition, and porch replacement or restoration.” Newly built, modern homes are certainly not everyone’s dream home design. For many homeowners, having an old building with historic roots outweighs the benefits of modern convenience any day. But don’t let all of the old-world charm blind you from the reality of owning an old home and the challenges you may face. Always make sure that you know the details of the infrastructure what exactly you’re buying into. At RenosGroup.ca, we can help guide you through the process of renovating a historic home and deal with all the red tape. Schedule an in-home consultation today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Remodelling for Empty Nesters

Remodelling for Empty Nesters

You’ve finally reached that point in life where the kids have flown from the nest and you’re suddenly left with a big old empty home with an abundance of space you forgot you had. So now what? Start thinking about what you want! If you’re in search of some ideas to inspire you, here are some popular ideas when it comes to remodelling for empty nesters. Woman Cave, Man Cave Who says that women can’t have their own dedicated rooms just like the man caves? Whether it’s one or both, why not create a room that’s dedicated to you? It could be a meditation room where you can store all of your favourite cushions, candles, and incense, or an arts and crafts room for when you’re in the mood to paint. Whatever your hobby and interests may be, having a room that’s dedicated for this purpose provides you with the perfect place to enjoy doing what you love. Library Who doesn’t dream of converting a room into their very own personal library? Just imagine your favourite books lining the walls from floor to ceiling, with a sliding ladder and two comfy chairs to fully allow your imagination to wonder. Home Gym You know those long and cold winter months that force you to hibernate and reject most forms of physical exercise? Well forget about making that long trek to the gym. Create you own personal gym in the comfort of home. You can easily hop online to your local buy and sell website to find a few great deals on equipment. You’ll have no more excuses for avoiding those workouts! Wine Room If you’re a wine lover and happen to have a spare room in the basement courtesy of your adult child’s departure, it just makes sense to create a room full of wine, right? There’s no justification required! Who doesn’t dream of this? With that cool, dark room, you can easily line those walls with wine racks to show off your new collection to your friends each and every time they visit. Home Office Distractions are one of the biggest hindrances for being productive and getting work done. That’s why home offices are one of the most popular when it comes to remodelling for empty nesters. So if you’ve got work to do, with no space to do it, a home office could be a great addition to your home. Once that initial shock has worn off from having a plethora of space and time on your hands, it’s time to start thinking selfishly, and these ideas are perfect for getting you started. Contact RenosGroup.ca to start planning your home renovation project. Get your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a Cool Bedroom for Your Teen

Designing a Cool Bedroom for Your Teen

As a parent you likely spent a lot of time designing your child’s bedroom, making it the perfect spot for them to play and enjoy themselves in their own space. But the years fly by and suddenly your adorable little toddler is now a full-blown teenager! There is no way to properly prepare yourself for this, but you can try to prepare their room to accommodate their new stages of life.  The pastel-coloured walls and owl decor is not likely to excite a teenager. Talk to your teen and discover what they want to do with their room. If you give your teenager some creative design over their room reno, they may be more inclined to keep it neat and tidy! Here are some tips on designing a cool bedroom for your teen. Lighting Instead of the overhead lighting with a baby animal lamp, perhaps your teen would appreciate some track lighting with a dimmer switch. Teenagers have different requirements for their bedrooms than young children do. They will be reading, playing video games, staying up late with friends and maybe even doing some homework in their rooms. Having different lighting options that can adapt to their current needs is a great place to start a bedroom reno. Colour The colour scheme for any room is a personal choice. As the parents you likely chose the colours for your son’s or daughter’s room when they were young, but now they should have some creative input even if it doesn’t match up with the style you have in your mind. If painting your kids walls bright blue and bright orange will make them happy, then by all means go for it. It’s only paint after all, it’s not permanent. Soundproofing Teenagers are loud. Perhaps you have other kids in the house that aren’t in their teenage years yet, or perhaps you are just tired of hearing their music and conversations at 3am. Whatever the reason, there are different methods of soundproofing that can solve some serious parent/teenager arguments before they begin, if done right by a contractor. Storage Suddenly the stuffed animal holder hanging from the ceiling is not a sufficient means for storage. Teenagers require space for their school work, clothes, makeup, sports equipment, and general “stuff” that comes with the job description. Putting in some custom storage, and having them help with the designs, is a great way to personalize a room while encouraging cleanliness. If they have somewhere to put something then it is less likely to end up on the floor! Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca book a free in-home consultation for all your home renovation needs!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Surviving Your Home Remodel Project

Surviving Your Home Remodel Project

The thought of renovating your home can bring out a mixture of emotions. One emotion sure to make an appearance is frustration! How the heck are you supposed to live a somewhat normal life when your kitchen is scraped back to the bones, there’s a poorly hung curtain acting as your bathroom door and you can’t tell your bedroom from your living room? It sounds like a disaster zone, but really it’s just a temporary setback in your comfort for the luxury of having an amazing post-reno home. Here are some tips for surviving your home remodel project. Determine What Will Be Your Living Space If you are remodeling bedrooms or the living room area, it’s especially important to designate another part of the house as your “no reno zone” where you will do most of your living. Yes this may mean that you sleep on a mattress in the kids play room, or that you are watching your television in the dining room next to some construction equipment. However you are able to do it, be sure to designate a construction escape zone where you can rest in peace. Don’t Stress About Eating Too Much Takeout There is enough to stress about when living through a home reno, so the level of takeout should not be one of them. If you are renovating your kitchen it only makes sense that your meals are going to have to be supplied elsewhere. Try to be easy on your wallets, but don’t feel bad if you have pizza three times a week. It’s not forever, soon you will be cooking in style. Be as Easygoing as Possible This may be the hardest thing to remember for some people. Home renovations are extremely stressful and things can pop up along the way to add to that stress. It’s important to remain as calm, cool, and collected as possible throughout the process and to not stress about things that are out of your control. There will be dust everywhere, there will be equipment and materials all over the place and there will be a constant level of disorganization in your life. If you can manage to be easy breezy through the process it will make things a lot easier on you, mentally speaking. Budget Accordingly It’s important to have extra money available for emergencies that come up throughout the home renovation process. There might be reason for additional repairs as walls get taken down or plumbing is closely examined and this can be very stressful if you have already maxed out your budget on the initial plan. Having a contingency set up will save you heartache and stress along the way. Enjoy a smooth, stress-free renovation process – and a jaw-dropping final result – with RenosGroup.ca, your #1 choice for bathroom, kitchen, and basement renovations, mobility renovations, and home additions.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Ideas to Save Space in the Bathroom

3 Ideas to Save Space in the Bathroom

Great design is all about optimizing space, especially when it means avoiding a huge bathroom renovation. When it comes to your bathroom, bigger is always better, but not always necessary or practical. Sometimes you’ve just got to work with what you have in order to avoid spending a large sum of money on a costly addition. So if you’re desperate for more space in your bathroom, and want to avoid tearing down any walls, here are three ideas to save space in the bathroom. Wet Room Layouts Although you may not have heard about wet room layouts, they’re actually a very popular design throughout Europe and Asia. They’re very practical and space-saving. It’s essentially a waterproof room that combines your shower, toilet and sink, all-in-one. So there’s no need for a separate space for a shower stall. This is a great way at truly optimizing what you’ve got, while giving your bathroom that unique European flair. And for those who aren’t keen on the idea of a wet room, you can opt for what many others have done instead – create a half wet room where only the tub and shower are included, segregated on the other side with sink and vanity. Wall Mounts Wall mounts are one of the easiest ways to open up space in your bathroom and really give that sense of openness – especially for tighter spaces. Instead of having the plumbing and tank of your toilet located on and beneath the floor, it’s placed behind the wall. The same thing goes for your sink.  So if floor space is limited, and the idea of a sink and vanity consumes the majority of space available, you can have mounted faucets and vanities installed as an alternative to the traditional designs. The Toilet-Sink Combo Not a fan of mounted fixtures? Why not try the toilet-sink combo. It may sound odd, but for those extremely tight spaces, it can sure be practical. The sink is in essence, attached to the tank of the toilet where fresh water comes out of the faucet and then drains into the tank for flushing.  It’s simple and pragmatic. So if you have a master bath or guest bathroom that you’re eager to optimize, think outside of the box and consider these three practical solutions. Wall mounts and even a toilet-sink combo are ideal for those looking to free up more floor space. And wet rooms are increasingly growing in popularity not only for that unique European touch, but for the practicality of them as well. Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Contact RenosGroup.ca to schedule a free in-home consultation!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What’s the Deal with Coach Houses in Ottawa?

What’s the Deal with Coach Houses in Ottawa?

What’s the Deal with Coach Houses in Ottawa? In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of Ottawa coach houses, answering all your questions about these versatile secondary suites. The idea of “bigger is better” for homes is not supported by all. In fact, a new craze has hit Ottawa, making coach houses the talk of the town. What is a coach house? A coach house is a smaller house that exists on the property of an existing dwelling. They are oftentimes referred to as a secondary dwelling. It’s like a regular house, but tiny. Depending on the design style and size, there can be different rooms or it can be an open bachelor pad style. The design style is key to making the coach house function, talk to RenosGroup.ca and we will guide you in the right direction for the best possible coach house. Who are coach houses ideal for? Coach houses are ideal for many people! It’s an ideal income property for someone who is willing to give up some of their yard for the coach house to be built. Since the houses are small it’s easy to fit them up with high-end finishes so as to attract the right tenant. Coach houses are also amazing as an “in-law suite.” If your parents are aging and you want them closer to you, but not sharing a bathroom with you, then having them live in a coach house on your property is the best possible answer. Can I build my own coach house in Ottawa? Well sure you can try, but it’s not like building a clubhouse for your kids. A coach house has many of the same amenities found in a regular size house, so unless you are a skilled contractor who builds houses for a living, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals.  The coach house will need to be fitted up with plumbing, electricity and gas just as a regular house would, so it’s not the project to be taken on by the average handyman. In order to be a livable dwelling, it must pass all building and fire codes. If you are thinking about putting a coach house on your property, you should start with a phone call to the RenosGroup.ca. Does it have to be built from scratch? Not at all! There is room for creative design here, so if you have an existing structure on your property that you think is stable enough to be retrofitted into a residential dwelling then a professional can turn that dream into reality. Obviously an old barn that is one windstorm away from being firewood is not the ideal candidate, but structurally sound detached garages or large sheds can likely be turned into a coach house in the hands of a professional. The structure must have a fixed foundation. If you have no suitable structure on your property, it can be built from scratch to your exact specifications and design tastes. Contact us to learn more about Ottawa coach houses!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

One of the simplest (and least expensive) home renovation projects you can tackle all on your own is the project of completely refacing your kitchen cabinets. You’ll be able to breathe a lot of life into an otherwise old and outdated kitchen with this kind of upgrade. Better than that though, you’ll be able to completely transform the way that your kitchen space looks like without wasting any money on and oversized budget – making this one of the savviest construction projects you can choose to tackle. To better help you with your kitchen cabinet refacing project we’ve put together the information in this quick guide. Shall we dive right in? Determine whether or not your cabinets should be refaced in the first place Even if you are really committed to refacing your kitchen cabinets and saving quite a bit of money, you have to be 100% certain that your kitchen cabinets can – and should – be refaced in the first place. This project saves money, but it will require some serious sweat equity. You don’t want to undertake this project only to find out in a couple of months – or even just a year or two – that all of your work is for naught because your cabinets are falling apart and need to be completely replaced. Figure out whether or not you are going to be able to handle this project from start to finish If you are working with solid “bones” as far as your cabinet frames are concerned, you really don’t have all that much skilled or challenging work ahead of you. A little bit of paint, some new hardware, and a handful of simple and straightforward refinishing tricks are usually more than enough to transform your cabinets. At the same time, if you have to repair the structure of your cabinets (especially your upper cabinets) things can get out of hand pretty quickly. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of construction or woodworking experience to lean on. Repairing damaged wood is not the kind of project most people feel completely comfortable tackling, and it’s easy to see why. Make sure you’re up for the task at hand before you dive in! Fall in love with YouTube At the end of the day, it’s possible to find tips, tricks, and tutorials about pretty much anything and everything imaginable on YouTube. If you’d like to better understand the project that you are about to undertake or even just pick up a couple of new tips and tricks to help the project go faster be sure to jump on YouTube and watch videos to your heart’s delight. You can save a bit of money by choosing to reface kitchen cabinets, but you’re going to want to leave the big projects to the pros to handle with finesse and expert techniques. RenosGroup.ca is here to guide your Ottawa kitchen renovation project at every step of the way to make the kitchen of your dreams a reality.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is Your Home Ready for Your Golden Years?

Is Your Home Ready for Your Golden Years?

More and more seniors are electing to stay in their homes today than ever before, giving up on the nursing home and instead choosing to stay in the home that they’ve known for some time to live out their golden years. Most of the time, this is the right call – especially if the seniors in question still have quite a bit of autonomy and aren’t going to struggle with a decrease in quality of life by staying home. At the same time, most homes require significant upgrades specifically with seniors in mind, is your home ready for your golden years at home? Mobility upgrades are some of the most important changes you can encourage your elderly loved one to make. If you are in charge of the home renovation project they are going to have to be first on your list. You don’t necessarily have to go with the relatively new “universal design principles” that make it effortless for elderly, disabled, and other mobility-challenged folks to restore independence, safety, and comfort. Still, it may not be a bad idea trying to get as close to that ideal as possible. To help you better navigate the world of home upgrades when you are dealing with a senior living situation, we put together a couple of tips and tricks below that you want to try and really zero in on. The Bathroom Must Be Transformed There are two spaces in your home that have to be completely transformed when you are going to have a senior living in them, and the bathroom is one of them. Daily hygiene is mission critical, but it’s also life supporting when you reach your elderly years. Not only do you want to have it effortless for your loved one to take care of themselves in the bathroom with well-designed fixtures and appliances, but you also want to make sure that slippery floors have been eliminated, shower stalls and walk-in bathtubs have been implemented, and bath seats and grab bars fill the space. The Kitchen Must Also Be Transformed The other space that must be transformed in the home is the kitchen. Being able to cook for themselves is going to be incredibly important for seniors that may not have the opportunity your ability to drive any longer. The kitchen is also the main entertaining and visiting space for most everyone that drops into spend time with a senior – and it has to be fully functional as well as safe. Smart upgrades to appliances, intelligently designed countertops and cupboards with easy access, and hands-free functions everywhere possible are going to be big upgrades that are always welcome in the kitchen. RenosGroup.ca is the leading mobility renovations contractor in Ottawa! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to schedule a free in-home consultation to evaluate your needs and transform your home for the golden years ahead.

5 Ideas for an Amazing Basement Office

5 Ideas for an Amazing Basement Office

There are all kinds of different projects you can tackle when you start to look into ways to transform your basement. Some of them will immediately interest you whereas others may not be all that appealing. On top of that, basement transformation projects can cost a pretty penny without proper planning and organization. Of all the basement transformation projects out there, from home theatres to income suites, one of the most popular and wise investments is to turn your basement from a dark and dingy space into a fantastic office. To help you with this kind of project, we’ve put together five ideas that you’ll want to contemplate integrating into your Ottawa basement renovation project. Build a Basement Office/Bedroom Space If you want to make the most of the real estate that you have in your home, it’s always a good idea to create “multipurpose spaces” – and that means creating a basement office that has room for friends or family to sleep over. If you create a guest room only, chances are that space will go unused most of the time. Create a True Business Office Feel A lot of basement offices feel exactly like that – like an office that has been pigeonholed into the basement – and that isn’t always the most conducive environment for productive work. Think instead about constructing a business office that looks EXACTLY like your dream corner office in that Manhattan high-rise and you’ll find yourself getting a lot more quality work done than you ever would have in a more traditional space. No one says a basement office has to feel like a basement office. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting It’s been proven time and time again that the lighting you have in a space directly impacts your productivity and your mood. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to be getting that much natural light working below ground in a basement! Use quality lighting fixtures, dimmable lights, and other lighting options that give you complete and total control over the light in your space and you’ll be able to dial it to the ideal setting during your working hours. Climate Control is Critical Basements are usually quite a bit cooler than the upstairs space during the summer so you can usually save big time on your air-conditioning bills. They should have climate control technology built right into them so that you hit the perfect temperature and humidity level without any difficulty at all. Think About Adding a Mini Fridge Don’t be shy about throwing a mini fridge into your basement office. Even though you’re only down a single floor from your kitchen, you want to be able to have drinks quick at hand so that you don’t have to slow down your productivity or break your flow by trudging upstairs. Nothing beats grabbing a quick drink to fire you up when you’re running a little low on energy! Are you interested in a basement renovation? RenosGroup.ca is here to help with expert results. Get a free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

Is it the right time to build a home addition? On the one hand, you need extra space for your family. On the other hand, a home addition is a significant financial undertaking that is not without mess, noise, and stress. A home addition is the ideal solution for many families, but you want to be sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into when you sign on the dotted line and hire an Ottawa home addition contractor for this kind of work. Hopefully we can help point you in the right direction as you weigh this important decision for the future of your home and family.  Here are some signs a home addition might be right for your family Why do you feel you need more space in the first place? If you are looking to tackle a home addition for no other reason than you’re bored with your home as it sits currently, the odds are pretty good that you can get away with waiting a little while for this kind of project until you know that it is something you absolutely have to change. On the other hand, if you are looking to add an addition because your family has simply outgrown the space that you are in currently – and it’s really starting to make everyone uncomfortable – you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to consider taking advantage of everything that a new addition has to offer. Whether you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’re finally in a financial position to build that dream kitchen you’ve always wanted, or you want to dramatically boost the value of your home, home additions are appealing options for many reasons. How much value will this addition bring to your bank account? One of the most significant additions you can make to your home is a new space to expand your kitchen. It also happens to be one of the highest return on investment construction projects you can choose to undertake as well. Bathroom additions are also great from a purely investment standpoint. At the same time, you may be looking to add a couple of extra bedrooms to your home for a variety of different reasons that have almost nothing whatsoever to do with your bank account – and that’s all right as well. Just don’t expect to see your property value grow quite as significantly as with high-demand renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Are there any kinds of restrictions that might stop you from tackling the work? Every city has its own particular rules, regulations, laws, and zoning restrictions that you have to be aware of when you decide to undertake this kind of construction project. In the city of Ottawa, for example, a home addition cannot interfere with the minimum yard setbacks or exceed the maximum building height for your zone and dwelling type. Your home addition contractor can provide an estimate and draw up plans that comply with existing bylaws to ensure your home is not only beautiful but also fully up to code. You deserve a stunning home addition built by the professionals.  To learn more signs a home addition might be right for your family don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Should You Leave to the Pros

What Should You Leave to the Pros?

The do-it-yourself (DIY) spirit is alive and well in Canada as homeowners from coast to coast take on repair work by themselves. It’s easy to see why – we’ve all watched a YouTube video or sat through a reality TV marathon and thought, how hard could that be? Repainting walls, changing cabinet hardware – these are all great little tasks that can transform the look of your home without breaking the bank. However, there are a few things that you should probably not do on your own because they are dangerous or too hard to get right. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of what should you leave to pros instead of attempting yourself. Let’s begin. Bathrooms Whether you are building or renovating a bathroom, you will want expert help. What makes bathrooms particularly challenging is the plumbing. It is far too easy to make a mistake when it comes to plumbing. Whether it occurs at that moment or a few months later, improperly installed plumbing can lead to significant water damage that will cost an order of magnitude more to repair than hiring a professional in the first place. Whether you have the review your design for errors or have them design the bathroom from the ground up, plumbing is something you want to leave to the pros. Expensive Materials The materials we use in a room lend their charm to how we see the space. It is no wonder then that we prize expensive materials for home decoration. Some of the most expensive and most common materials to work with include marble and granite countertops.  You can benefit a great deal from having a professional do the measurements and install the materials. Along with covering the costs of things like mistakes, you will know for sure that the installation was done correctly and that there is no worry about premature wear and tear. Contractors can also leverage relationships with trade partners to get you the best possible prices on high-quality building materials. Electrical Along with plumbing, electrical is generally considered one of the two things that DIY people should steer clear of. Having your home wired correctly is critical to ensuring that power gets to where it needs to go. The power has to be able to handle a certain load without becoming overworked. If set up incorrectly, parts of the grid can become overloaded and you risk have electrical fires occur. The risk of electrocution is also very real if you do not know what you are doing. For the sake of insurance, you may need to prove that the source of the damage resulted from professional work and not a DIY job. DIY home improvement is a great thing, but it’s important to know when to bring in the pros. If electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical work is involved, call in a contractor. Even better, work with a contractor from the beginning. You can lend a hand as needed with demolition and little jobs to help reduce the bill, or you can sit back and let the pros demonstrate their expertise and create a new oasis at home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427