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Warm and inviting living space with a neutral color palette, gallery wall, and comfortable sofa.

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

September 11, 2014 No Comments

Homes can often feel cold, unlived in and unwelcoming, thankfully there are several things you can do to make your home feel more comfortable. By creating a warm and inviting living space, your guests will feel more welcome when visiting, and are more likely to drop by for another visit. Here are some home renovations you should consider when creating a warm & inviting living space: A Splash of Colour Using warm colours such as beige, yellow, orange and pink will create a cozy and comfortable space. There are many ways to use colour to create interest such as using a darker colour on an accent wall. You can also install a chair rail and use a darker colour on the bottom and a complementary tone above. Wainscoting and bead board in white also work well with warm colours. Neutral warms are ideal to create a relaxing environment whereas the use of bolder warms can add drama or even a touch of playful fun. Add Character Newer homes tend to lack character. The cookie cutter approach to newer homes does not provide the workmanship and thought put into the design of older homes. Built-ins, wainscoting and crown moulding add substance to a home and the addition of substantial base boards, chair rails and other millwork create a sense of history and architectural detail. Hallways are an excellent and affordable place to add wainscoting for a more formal look and bead board works well to add charm. Built ins are great for entertainment centres in living rooms and basements and formal dining rooms are also ideal for built ins used to display fine china as well as the addition of a buffet for storage. Crown moulding should be added throughout your home to provide a finished look filled with character. Fixtures and Finishes The home renovations Ottawa home owners appreciate include the addition of higher end fixtures such as updated lighting and fireplaces. Ottawa contractors can give you an idea of what will work best, and will work with you to find something within your budget. If you’re looking for an even more cozy feel try adding a gas fireplace to your living room, great room or basement. A bedroom with a fireplace also provides the ultimate retreat at the end of a long day. The home renovations Ottawa home owners choose are designed to make your home warm and inviting. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Home renovation contractor preparing wall for painting and finishing touches.

The Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

August 29, 2014 No Comments

If you are about to embark on the home renovations Ottawa residents dream of, then you’ll want to be certain you understand the do’s and don’ts to avoid disappointment. Take a look at these suggestions for the top do’s and don’ts of home renovations: Do: Create a Decorating Idea: Going into even the simplest renovations Ottawa home owners undergo requires a good decorating plan to ensure the changes made reflect your sense of style. Measure: It all boils down to the old adage, measure twice cut once. You don’t want to ruin your entire plans by being off by an inch on your kitchen counter measurements. This is frustrating and worse, costly. Interview Contractors: You want to be certain you hire someone with the right skill set for your specific job therefore interviewing contractors is important in order to hire someone who can handle the renovations required. Have Contingency Funds: Even the best contractor in the world cannot foresee every potential problem that might arise during a renovation. Therefore it is important to not only have a budget but a contingency fund to handle any surprises that might arise. Organize: Make plans to work around the renovations so your family is still able to live as comfortable as possible until the work is complete. Don’t: Have Exposed Floors: When renovating it is imperative that you don’t leave your finished floors exposed, as many things throughout the process can damage them. Workers boots, heavy products and materials, and dust are just a few of the things that can cause a problem. Consider laying down old blankets or tarps to ensure your floors are thoroughly protected. Throw Out Receipts: Keep each and every receipt for everything you buy and every service you hire in case of conflicts or a change of heart. Buy Your Own Materials: Your contractor will get far better deals than you on materials. If you see something you like let them know and they will get it for you. Skip the Prep Work: Great renovations Ottawa home owners love start with great beginnings. Skipping the prep works just means you are starting with a poorly planned execution which can only lead to trouble down the road. Ignore the Accents: Factor in everything from light switch plates to lighting, back splashes to door knobs and everything in between. You don’t want to run out of money because you forgot about all of the finishing touches you will need from crown moulding to paint. Using these top do’s and don’ts of home renovations will help keep your renovations under control. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Damaged room after a bad Ottawa renovation, exposed brick and framing, signs of structural issues.

The After Effects of a Bad Renovation

August 22, 2014 No Comments

From DIY disasters to hiring a contractor without the required experience a bad renovation can leave your home in unlivable conditions with dangers you might not even know exist until a tragedy occurs. An inexperienced or really inexpensive contractor can leave you with a bad renovation that could not just be unappealing to the eye, but also do serious damage to your home putting your family in danger. Some of the after effects of a bad renovation can include: Unplanned Costs Going over budget is actually one of the best of the worst things that can happen. However, this will affect you financially and put a real dent in your savings, hike up your credit cards, deplete your line of credit and worst of all could have a negative effect on your credit rating which can stay with you for years. Even worse is having your Ottawa renovations performed so poorly you have to hire a second company to come in to fix everything at your expense. This is one of the most popular techniques used by shady contractors, get in the door with low pricing, then hit them with every additional they can think of. Inconvenience Hiring a contractor without the right experience can turn your Ottawa renovations into a never ending nightmare with you living in turmoil as your contractor stumbles through the job for months, imagine living without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for months on end and the stress it will place on your family. When you hire an inexperienced contractor they might have every intention of completing your project and may even do a good job but disorganization, lack of funds to hire the right people for the job and overall inexperience in time management can mean months of inconvenience. In even worse scenarios the job might be completed on time but performed so poorly you have to have the job redone leading to more inconveniences not to mention the cost. Disagreements An inexperienced contractor is more likely to run into disagreements with the way things happened which can lead to the wrong work being done, the wrong quote being provided and often the wrong decisions being made. Any of these scenarios can lead to disaster leaving you in the lurch with a job you are not happy with and a bill you do not want to pay. Taking the time to do your research and being careful to recognize that the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice will help you avoid a renovation nightmare. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Industrial style basement remodeling with exposed brick, open ceiling, and comfortable seating.

Creating an Industrial Design Basement

August 14, 2014 No Comments

If you are going for a different look for the basement remodeling in your home you should consider doing an edgier industrial look. The basement remodeling Ottawa home owners undergo doesn’t always have to follow the same design scheme. Instead look to the lofts of New York City for inspiration and go industrial. Here are some tips to help you create an industrial design basement. Open Ceiling One of the first things a basement remodel focuses on is covering up those “unsightly” beams and ducts in the ceiling. However, in a space that is already frightfully low leaving the floor beams and ducts exposed can really open up the room. Consider painting out all of those unfinished features in white or grey and leaving the metal ducts raw to create an airier, industrial feel. Jack Posts Jack posts are usually painted an unattractive brownish red and stick out like a sore thumb. However in an industrial space you can avoid the cost of covering these posts and opt to paint them out instead in white or black. Depending on their location you can even consider building a “table” or “bar” around the post for people to lean on or place a drink during a game of pool or darts. Cement A very popular feature in an industrial style loft is the cement floor. If you’re looking to completely remodel the basement ask your Ottawa contractors whether a cement floor is right for you. You may also consider lying down some floor heating and covering it with a warm polished cement for the industrial look. You can also cover walls in cement to intensify the effect. Corrugated Metal Corrugated metal can be used in a number of ways for your basement remodeling including a textured and interesting ceiling, as a wall covering and ideally as the front for your basement bar. Corrugated metal has a modern edge that looks fantastic. Exposed Brick Many older homes have brick that can be exposed for a more historical industrial feel. Again you will have to discuss the effects of using the actual brick of the foundation or other areas and how it will work in a basement that can tend to be damp and cold. These are just a few affordable ways to give your basement remodel an industrial edge. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Trusted contractor tools and equipment for Ottawa home renovations.

Finding a Trusted Contractor

August 8, 2014 No Comments

When you are preparing to make improvements to your home you are investing a lot of money to see your dream become a reality. This means you want to be 100 percent certain you hire a trusted contractor who will complete the project and avoid any disasters requiring a call to Mike Holmes. There are a number of ways to find contractors Ottawa trusts to lessen your worries including: Read Reviews If you want to find a contractor who has performed their services without any problems one of the easiest places to start is to read reviews. The internet is the perfect resource to provide you with all the information you require when it comes to outstanding service. You will find positive and negative comments on reviews from many different websites and a good place to start is often the contractor’s own website. They will offer before and after pictures as well as reviews and testimonials from their happy clients. You can then do further research by entering their company name and the word “reviews” and see what pops up. Word of Mouth Most stellar contractors build their reputation on their own hard work. This is where word of mouth comes into play. Ask around and find out if anyone has used any contractors Ottawa home owners had recommended to them or that they themselves would recommend you try. This will help you find a few names to contact as well as to do further research. Nothing is more convincing than hearing first hand from someone you know and trust that a contractor has performed a project well and you can even ask if you can stop by their home to see the work for yourself. Trusted Resources You can also look at the contractor’s website and see if they are recommended by the Better Business Bureau or are members of any associations. You can look for credentials for training and also research their name on search engines and see if there are any reviews. If you have the actual owner’s name you can check that out as well in case they have worked under different business names in the past that might reveal some shady practices. The more research you do the more information you’ll discover, whether it be raving reviews, or negative reviews explaining in detail the problem and situation. If you are thorough enough you are certain to find contractors Ottawa homeowners can trust. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Acrylic shower walls and glass shower enclosure in a modern bathroom renovation.

Why We Recommend Acrylic Walls for Your Bathtub or Shower

July 25, 2014 No Comments

Homeowners tend to choose what they feel is the most visually appealing and cost effective when it comes to renovating, however there are some items that should have extra consideration spent on such as acrylic shower walls. Find out why you choose acrylic shower walls over tile, pre-fab or store bought acrylic systems below: Tile & Grout Lines Mold, dirt and soap scum eventually build up in the grout as it is a porous material. Depending on what the tiles are made of they can stain or discolour. Acrylic walls are 100% non-porous and will not grow mold, stain or discolour. Pre-fab Tub/Shower Units These units are fairly bland and are mostly hollow behind the walls. If someone were to slip and fall they could possibly crack or put a hole in the wall. As tubs and showers are very slippery this is a common occurrence. Custom acrylic shower walls are installed directly on top of existing tile walls (as long as they are not coming loose), or on top of new drywall or cement board so they are never hollow. They also come in many sizes and are continually growing in colours and patterns. Shower Wall Systems in a Box Poor quality materials are often used in building, and top layer can wear extremely thin very quickly. This can make your shower wall system to appear faded and outdated. Shortly after that it becomes the porous material just below that thin layer, usually fiberglass. Once dirt and grime get inside of the pores in the fiberglass they never come out, ultimately causing your 3-5 year old shower walls to look much older, faded and dirty. Please don’t wait to get in touch with us at RenosGroup so that we can make your dream bathroom renovation Ottawa into a reality. To do so, you can complete our online form, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to request your free in-home

Bathtub liner installation versus new bathtub replacement in Ottawa bathroom renovation

New Bathtub vs Tub Liner

July 17, 2014 No Comments

We highly recommend that when homeowners are going through a bathroom renovation that they replace their bath with a new bathtub vs a bath liner. This is for several reasons: Access to the Tub Drain, Overflow & P-trap Many bathtubs and drains are made from cast iron or other metals that can rust, rot and overtime the metal drains can become very brittle. This can cause the bathtub drain to break from trying to loosen it before installing a new tub liner. This same issue may occur when trying to tighten the new drain. The tub drain can snap without the installer having any idea of what has happened, and may cause either major or sometimes minor leaks that will not start showing up for at least a week or more. Access to the Tile Backer Board Many times we find the drywall where the tub walls meet the bathtub to be mouldy. When installing a new bathtub we completely remove this area giving us a good view of any mold or any other issues that may be a problem. When installing a new liner this does not happen, so there is always a chance there may be mold growing. Full Access to the Subfloor Over time the subfloor can weaken from moisture and regular use. It’s also the possible that the floor beneath your tub is not up to today’s standard building code if you live in an older home. By removing the existing tub we can check this for you and reinforce the floor if required. Tub Liners will Soon be Obsolete The majority of new homes or recently renovated homes feature some form of plastic (usually acrylic) bathtubs. Tub liners can only be installed over steel or cast iron bathtubs, this makes installing a liner on top of a plastic bathtub impossible. Resale Value Real estate and homeowners agree that a tub liner is not as appealing as a bathtub, and it does not add value to the home. In part, this is because potential homeowners are worried about water getting in between the bathtub and the tub liner, this is known in the industry as “soakers”. However, a new modern bathtub with custom acrylic walls will add the wow factor many homeowners are looking for. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Older man using walking cane and assistance for mobility-friendly home renovations.

Making Your Home Mobility-Friendly

July 11, 2014 No Comments

If circumstances of your life have changed, or if someone in your family requires special assistance due to ill health or aging, moving homes may not be the right answer, and could actually do more harm than good. With the right renovation team adjustments can be made to your home in order to make it more mobile-friendly to help assist those with special health conditions. Although the decision to go with mobility-friendly renovations can be a daunting thought it may be the best solution to your given circumstances. Before you embark on a mobile-friendly renovation here are some tips on making your home mobility friendly: Cost Cost is definitely the most important factor when deciding whether or not it is possible to go through with the renovation. Look at your current funds available and discuss your options with your family and your bank. Compared to the monthly cost of a decent retirement home, making your home mobility-friendly ultimately saves you quite a bit of money in the long run. Before you get started it is imperative you determine your maximum renovation budget before speaking to a mobility-friendly renovation team. By doing this you will see if the renovation is possible, and set aside a nest egg in case unexpected costs occur. Necessity Before you start the renovation you should have an idea of what needs to be changed, and what else you would like to be adjusted. Some examples of professional mobility-renovations include: Wider doorways Lower counters Improved lighting Comfortable handles Handrails Non-slip tape Bathroom handrails Level flooring Adjustable shower devices Design Once you have considered your budget and needs you can speak to a mobility renovation professional to help you come up with the design you need that will be both mobility and design friendly. They will be able to make suggestions to help avoid making your home look too clinical. Design plans can include the latest trends in home health care design and convenience chosen to complement the look of your home. You will have the comforts and assistance you need for mobility while maintaining a home that you will still find comfortable and stylish. These three important considerations will help prepare you for the changes your home will require. To make your home mobility-friendly please contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Basement remodel Ottawa: ladder and finished space for home theatre or office.

3 Tips for Your Basement Remodel

July 3, 2014 No Comments

An unfinished basement isn’t fun for anyone as it is usually left as a disorganized mess providing nothing but a dumping ground for old toys and holiday decorations. Instead of letting it go to waste here are three tips to follow when undergoing a basement remodel Ottawa homeowners love: Keep it Warm Basements tend to feel cold and unwelcoming when they are not properly finished. When going through a basement remodel stick to warm colours on the wall and select welcoming carpet or engineered hardwood to create a cozy space your family and friends will want to use. You have to consider your basement as additional living space and design it to create an inviting area perfect for a home theatre, office, guest room or a play zone for the kids. Choose plush comfortable seating with plenty of throw pillows to make the room perfect for snuggling up and watching movies. Make It Fun Whether you’re interested in creating a kid friendly zone or a man cave, it is important that your basement is fun, entertaining and functional. The basement remodeling Ottawa homeowners undergo usually takes some thought, as they choose what is best for them. Play areas, offices, man caves, and sports zones are just a few ideas of how you can turn your basement into a fun, functional living space. Other ideas you can incorporate into your basement include an arts and crafts table, a wet bar, pool table, air hockey or even ping pong depending on the size of your basement, budget and the design theme. Stay Modern Basements tend to date themselves quite easily, so try to stay modern by keeping up with the current basement design trends. Look at the latest lighting, flooring and design details available such as fireplaces in order to create intimate, cozy spaces that you will all love. You can also consider adding some high end features such as a full bathroom complete with heated floors, a built in sound system for your home theatre and a full bar complete with sink and wine fridge. As well look at modern storage systems that will allow you to make the most of your space. These three tips will make your Ottawa basement remodel quick and easy. Once your basement is finished you will have storage space that is organized and presentable as well as a living space you can use for the whole family to enjoy. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Man painting kitchen cabinets during home renovation project.

4 Reasons Why You Should Choose RenosGroup.ca

June 26, 2014 No Comments

When Ottawa homeowners are in need of renovations, remodels or touch-ups to their homes they take time to find the Ottawa contractors they can trust. If you are looking for a professional, dependable contractor in Ottawa you need look no further than RenosGroup.ca. We are the Ottawa contractors that homeowners have been trusting for years to provide stunning upgrades and designs to create your dream home. Here are a few reasons you should choose RenosGroup.ca as your Ottawa home contractors: We Do It All Bathrooms, kitchen, basements, mobility, etc. That means you don’t have to hire one team to do your bathroom, another to finish your basement and yet another to install a ramp. You can speak to one contractor who will provide you with all of the services you need handling all of the best trades in the area to complete your job on time and on budget for complete peace of mind. Polite We’re extremely kind and courteous and pride ourselves on dealing with our customers in the same way we would expect to be treated. Each member of our team is trained to provide a specific service and understands the importance of customer satisfaction. You will see that we care about your project, your home, your safety and your family and we take the time to make sure you understand the process, have everything you need and feel comfortable having us working in your home. We Create Your Dream Home We make your design dreams a reality taking the time to listen to your needs and showing you what we can do to create the home you have always wanted. We understand design and will work with you to develop a plan that you will approve and then we will work diligently to complete each step perfectly down to the most finite details. We are not happy until you are happy. Local We’re a local business and take pride in our work having built our business on our reputation. We know that word of mouth is the best way to advertise our services and as locals we know that our work will speak volumes and therefore our work better be good! If you are looking for Ottawa contractors you can trust call RenosGroup.ca or visit our website to learn how we can make your dreams become 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.

Modern bathroom design with neutral wall colors, sleek fixtures, and stylish accents.

5 Bathroom Design Trends for Your Home Renovation

June 19, 2014 No Comments

Many Ottawa homeowners often overlook one of the most important rooms in the house: the bathroom. Not only is a bathroom meant to be functional, but also stylish. In fact, guests get a little glimpse into your personal life when they visit your home and enter your bathroom. They can do this simply by looking at your design scheme, and organization. If you feel it is time to update your bathroom with a beautiful renovation here are several design trend that will impress your family, friends and other guests: Wall Colour Your wall colour choice plays a key role in the entire design of your bathroom, so you may want to consider something cool and relaxing such as a soft sea blue, or neutral beige. If you’re looking to add a bit more oomph to your design paint a major wall a different complementing colour, or add a texturized design. This is a great design choice to accent the wall behind the toilet or where your bathroom storage is located. Fixtures Finishing touches really show that you pay close attention to detail, and having them complement each other is extremely important. When it comes to selecting the fixtures for your bathroom it is imperative you stick to one type of finish as they will include everything from the pulls on your vanity door and drawers to your lighting and faucets. Lighter metal fixtures are more modern, and brass finishes are expected to make a big comeback Toilet & Sink To keep up with current bathroom design trends you should consider an eco-friendly toilet that is low flow. These toilets allow you to choose the required flush, which vary in water levels, ultimately saving you money overtime. Sink shapes have changed greatly in recent years going from small oval shapes to large rectangular shapes. These deep sinks are a great way to add style to your home as well as better function as they accommodate two people much more easily. Flooring Your bathroom floor is the design element that ties everything together. Your options are almost endless as there are different types of flooring and many patterns to choose from. If you’re looking for something that will look great and that is slip resistant try a tile floor. They offer great slip resistance as they come in many different textures, and the grout provides extra grip when needed. Accents Accents can add a lot of detail and personality to your bathroom, so be sure to include proper shelving, storage and minor design details that will finish the room. Adding folded elegant guest towels, flowers and even tiny trinkets can bring the entire room together in seconds. Don’t forget that not only do you share your bathroom with roommates and family, but also guests. Now is the perfect time to consider a bathroom renovation that Ottawa homeowners need in order to have a comfortable space you won’t be embarrassed to share. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and updated countertops for Ottawa kitchen renovations.

4 Ways to Make your Kitchen Look Like New

June 11, 2014 No Comments

Not everyone has the budget to undergo the complete kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners require to complete their dream home. However, these four simple changes can help make your kitchen look like new: New Back Splashes It might seem like an under whelming prospect but back splashes can add a major impact to a dull and outdated kitchen. You can make a minimum investment for maximum impact by choosing even the simplest back splash such as white subway tiles. However, if you’re interested in making a bigger statement with a major change try mixing designs with matching colours and materials to create a stunning back splash unique to your home. There are so many choices it might be difficult to decide, however once you do decide between glass mosaics to stunning granite or marble you can take your kitchen out of the 80’s with the simple and very affordable addition of a fabulous updated back splash. New Countertops Even the most tired kitchen cabinets can suddenly appear brand new with the addition of upgraded countertops. Whether you opt for the stunning sparkle of granite or marble, or go for recycled glass products or even some of the excellent man-made materials, new countertops make an impact and design statement that is not easily ignored. When it comes to the kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners desire most, kitchen counters top the list and will upscale even the most tired kitchen. Refaced Cabinets You don’t have to go to the expense of tearing out kitchen cabinets that are in perfect condition but just look a little outdated. Re-facing your cabinets is an affordable and simple way to have a brand new kitchen with very little effort. With multiple design options available, re-facing will make it look like you have undergone a complete kitchen renovation in Ottawa. Updated Small Appliances Buying new major appliances can easily break the bank. However, replacing your small appliances won’t. Plan to replace small appliances one at a time starting with your microwave and then doing a new appliance each month. Look for items such as a new range hood, toaster, coffee maker and blender in modern designs using stainless steel or fun colours that will add punch to your kitchen. These four simple updates will take little investment to make your kitchen look like new. We’ve got an expert team of specialists, free in-home consultations, and transparent contracts. 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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