Hottest Basement Trends

August 7, 2017 No Comments

Basement renos and remodelling have grown in popularity over the past few years as homeowners become more inclined to make use of that entire square footage. Whether it’s an entertainment hub for the family, a place for the kids to hang out, or your own special spot to have the friends over for cocktails, here are some of 2017’s hottest basement renovation trends that are leading the way this year. Open Concept Think the open concept has passed? Think again! When it comes to basement floor plans, the open concept is a keeper. Tearing down those dividing walls and taking advantage of the expansive space is not only beneficial from a design standpoint, but also for promoting air flow and allowing as much natural light to filter in from the windows. An Integral Part of the Home In the past, the basement was often a forgotten space. It was commonly used for storage, setting up an extra spot for extended family to stay during the holidays, or an unfinished den where your teenage kids would retreat to with their friends in tow. Well, not anymore. Now, we’re seeing an increasing trend where homeowners are honing in on that once forgotten space. It’s now being transformed into an integral part of the home and an extension of the upstairs living space. So naturally, you will find just as much attention to detail, design, and décor throughout the basement layout as you would in the main living room. Home Theatre & Media Room Some homeowners are even taking full advantage of the basement space by cranking up the luxury factor and adding in elements they can really indulge in like an enclosed home theatre and a media room. This is where the serious media enthusiast can get pampered. The Basement Bar & Sports Center Imagine having your own personal sports bar, right in your own home! If you’re bored with the idea of creating another bedroom or zone for the kids, why not make it your own space to kick back and relax with your friends while you take in all the sports action? You can create the ultimate sports lounge with a customized bar, paired with some exceptionally comfy seating, a widescreen to blow your mind, and even a few entertainment pieces like a pool table. If you can dream it, you can create it – and that goes for your basement. If you’re bored with the idea of wasting it on storage or another bedroom that you simply don’t need, claim that space and transform it into something you truly want. When you’re ready, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 RenosGroup.ca to help keep up to date with the hottest basement trends

Does Your Laundry Room Need a Makeover?

July 24, 2017 No Comments

Is your laundry room driving you a little bit crazy? Is the room cluttered and disorganized so much that your clothes end up piled up without room to organize? If this sounds like your struggles, maybe it’s time for a laundry room makeover. Here we provide some secrets on how you can better utilize your laundry room space and make the most of your weekly cleaning. New Efficient Machines If your clothes are coming out worse than when they went in, it’s probably time to upgrade your machines. Washing machines take a lot of abuse over the years, and you should consider replacing them every five or so years depending on the make. If you want to utilize your laundry room space, try purchasing a stacking dryer and washer. With the savings in energy usage, they’ll pay for themselves over the years! Storage Space For better space utilization, you should try installing more storage units. Consider implementing a pull-out hamper, narrow sliding cart, or closet organizer. Rigging your laundry room with additional storage can really help to free up more needed space and keep your belongings organized. Take it to the next level with custom storage perfectly fitted to the space by your general contractor. Laundry Sink Not everything should go into the washer. That’s why having a laundry room sink is handy for hand-washing any delicates or hard-to-clean textures. It’s also convenient when you need to immediately rinse off stains or soak items. This can also free up the kitchen or bathroom sink when you need to hand-wash any items. Folding Station When it comes to organizing laundry, nothing is handier than a having a folding station that you can take advantage of when your clothes are fresh out of the dryer. If you’re short on space, you can add a fold-down table to the back of the door. You can also utilize this area for ironing and stacking clothes once dried. Natural Light You should also consider adding more natural light if possible. Installing a window or sunroof can really help with the quality of your washing – say goodbye to mixing up colours in the dark. But if your house won’t permit a build-out, you can always purchase new and brighter lighting and bulbs for the room. Your laundry room is one of the most essential rooms in your home. So why not make it both functional and easy to navigate? By following these tips, you can easily save plenty of space and upgrade the features for more efficient use. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Buy a Fixer-Upper

July 17, 2017 No Comments

Buying a fixer-upper has many advantages for purchasers. And it doesn’t matter how well or poorly the market is performing, you can buy a fixer-upper at any time. With a fixer-upper, you can make a decent profit off the purchase price if you put some quality work into it. But that isn’t the only reason to buy a home with upside potential. Here we outline some reasons to buy a fixer upper. Renovate Key Rooms Maybe it’s an older design that hasn’t been updated in decades, or the previous owners started but didn’t have the money to finish the upgrades. Whatever the condition, a fixer-upper is the perfect purchase for those who love to renovate and create. By focusing on the key rooms of the home, like the living room, kitchen and master bedroom, you can flip the house from drab to fab in no time. Make It Your Own Sure, you can buy a brand-new home with all the latest designs, appliances, and fixtures. But you probably won’t have any money left over to truly make it your own. With a fixer-upper, you can renovate the home to suit your needs and make it the dream house you’ve always wanted. Save Money A house with some imperfections will sell for a lower price than a newer build or upgraded property. If you aren’t too fussy about living with some wear and tear initially, you can save a lot of money. Especially if you have a particular neighbourhood in mind that is out of your price range. Going with a fixer-upper can help you get a place in the area you prefer for less than what you would normally pay. Make Profits Fixer-uppers usually come at a bargain price. And when you take advantage of buying at a low rate, it can help you rake in the profits when it comes to putting it back on the market. You don’t even have to renovate if you don’t want to, you can simply wait for market conditions to improve and sell it at a profit. Add a Home Addition With all the money you can save from buying a fixer-upper, you could put on a whole new addition on your home. And the options are endless to what you can create – a second floor, a sunroom, a double car garage – if you can dream it, you can build it. There are so many advantages when you buy a home that you can upgrade. Yet, fixer-uppers may not be for everyone, but if you’re someone who likes to design, renovate, and build, then it’s the best way to go. For more reasons to buy a fixer upper don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

6 Reasons to Put a Bedroom in Your Basement

July 10, 2017 No Comments

If you have a basement that is not being utilized, you’re missing out! There are plenty of great things you can do with the empty space in your basement. And putting a bedroom downstairs is one of the best ways to implement any unused area in your home. So, if you’re getting low on space or would like to make some extra income, read on to as we delve into some of the reasons to put a bedroom in the basement Need a Guest Room If you have family members who live out of town or friends who like to visit, then creating a guest room may be the perfect option for the basement space. Having a Baby When your house is already full and you have a baby on the way it can be stressful figuring out what to do with the nursery. Creating a bedroom in the basement is a great way to move one of the older children downstairs and free up one of the rooms closer to you. Teenager Preference As a teen, it’s really cool to have your own personal space in the basement. It may also be better for you too, as you won’t have to listen to their loud music or chit chat with their friends right next door to your room. Family Assistance A returning college grad might need a place to live to get back on their feet. And maybe you have an aging parent who may need extra assistance. Creating an extra room to help family members have a free rent space for a while is a great reason to add a bedroom in the basement. Get a Tenant If your home has a separate entrance to the basement you may even be able to make some extra side income. Basement apartments are an easy way to make money through long term rentals. All you need to add is another small bathroom and kitchen area and make sure it has a separate entrance and you are ready to rent. Increase Resale Value Adding an extra bedroom to your home can also be an easy way to increase the resale value. In most homes, it doesn’t take much money to remodel a quality living space downstairs compared to the payback you will get. It’s also an excellent way to add more square footage without doing having to build a costly extension on your home. Basements are often underutilized spaces where old belongings pile up. So why not put it to better use by simply doing a remodel and adding in an extra bedroom? Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Renovation

July 3, 2017 No Comments

Taking on a kitchen renovation can be one of the trickiest projects to live through. Without having access to your kitchen sink, stove, and other necessary amenities, it takes some planning in order to make it as practical and stress-free as possible. The inconvenient factor is something that’s next to impossible to avoid, but with a little strategizing beforehand, you can avoid having a remodel impede your lifestyle during the process. If you’re wondering what the best approach is to make your project as easy as possible on you and the family, here are some tips for surviving a kitchen renovation. Create a Stand-In Kitchen Zone Getting around using the kitchen sink usually means taking over the bathroom sink. Alternatively, you can use a basin to fill and empty for wash dishes in. But with a little space, you can place a simple table, folding chairs, and even a hot plate that you can use for cooking up some stovetop meals. Turning to fast food and take-out is always a part of the reno process, but if it’s a large undertaking that will take some time, it can get tiring very quickly and put a significant dent in your budget. Creating a simple makeshift stand-in kitchen zone can be practical with just enough space and amenities to help you and the family survive without living completely off of fast food. Plan Out Your Meals Having a plan on what you can make that will be easy and practical can save you time and help you avoid resorting to fast food when you don’t feel like putting effort into meal prep. Before you begin the renovation, make a practical and easy meal plan for each day of the week so you know what to do which can help take the guessing game out of what to prepare and make. Take Advantage of the Grill and Crock Pot When your kitchen is under construction, it’s the perfect time to take full advantage of those appliances that can make your life a whole lot easier. Depending in the time of year, the grill can be the perfect substitution that will let you grill up some delicious BBQs. Also, the crockpot lets you throw on meals well in advance so you can have dinner simmering away so it’s ready when you are. Preparation is key to surviving a kitchen renovation. And with these three tips, you can sail through that project without having it cause a major huge impediment to your meal times throughout the process. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Simple Design Features to Elevate a Room

June 26, 2017 No Comments

Improving the look of a room or even your entire home doesn’t require a professional Interior Designer. You can do it yourself! When it comes to design, it’s really the smaller details that can enhance a space and tie it all together. So if you’ve been eager to spruce up a room in your home, follow these simple design features to elevate a room. Choose a Focal Colour Colour is one of the easiest ways to really add that much-needed spark to a room. This doesn’t mean that you need to start considering repainting the walls that you just completed in soft beige. You can keep your neutral walls while still accentuating a specific, vibrant colour. You can choose just one feature wall to paint, and incorporate it into the room through smaller décor items, such as throws, vases, art pieces and pillows. This is super simple but so effective at kicking up vibrancy of any room. Create a Decorative Feature Wall Aside from choosing a colour to place on a feature wall, you can really get creative with that wall that stands out amongst the rest. Whether it’s a partition wall or the wall that’s located directly behind the couch, think of ways to add in your own personal touch. For example, you could create a collage of your favorite photographs, have them framed and then place them on display. Or, you could create a collage of mirrors, mixed with other items, such as art pieces, framed photos, and quaint hanging décor items that speak to your overall style. Create a Theme No matter which room it is – bedroom, living room, bathroom – choosing a theme to inspire you can add so much character to a space. If you love boats, why not choose a nautical theme to incorporate into your room? You can add in some rustic wooden pieces with striped patterns, anchors signs and ocean blue accents to add in a splash of colour. Focusing on a certain mood or theme is great way to help you achieve the right ambiance that suits your style. Enhancing a room is much easier than you think. And best of all, you can do it without breaking the bank. Think about colours and themes that you enjoy, and then select a feature wall to create an exciting focal point in the room. By incorporating small accent feature through pillows, throws, and décor, you can spruce up any room throughout your home in no time at all. To learn more design features to elevate a room don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Most Popular Home Additions

June 19, 2017 No Comments

Just because you’re in the midst of change – maybe it’s a baby, maybe your kid is coming back from college, or maybe you need to keep an eye on your aging parents – it doesn’t mean that you have to start house hunting. More and more people are realizing that by staying put and instead, creating an additional space in their current home, they can save money, have more room and still enjoy their own neighbourhood and the home that they’ve worked hard at creating over the years. Whether you need the extra space or simply want it for a home improvement upgrade, here are a few of the most popular home additions that might provide you with the inspiration that you’ve been waiting for. The Kitchen The kitchen is the focal point in just about any home. It’s also one of the best upgrades you can invest in that can provide a solid ROI in the future if you ever do plan to sell. If you’re interested in opening up your kitchen space, take comfort in knowing that it’s an investment worth making. The Bathroom Aside from the bathroom also being one of the most used rooms and profitable areas to upgrade, it can also be one of the most necessary ones. If you have other family members staying with you and only one bathroom to share, this can quickly turn a living situation into an uncomfortable nightmare. With a great ROI and an even greater reason to build – you can’t go wrong with this one. The Bedroom If you’re expecting a baby, or if your kid is all grown up and moving back home from college then an extension to a bedroom might be necessary. Plus, this is always great for family or guests when they need a place to stay during the holidays or special occasions. Aside from the bedroom, you can even upgrade your master suite and create that luxury bedroom that you’ve always dreamed of. Second or Third Storey If you’re really keen on having more room, but are set on staying, adding on a second or third storey can still be well worth the investment rather than engaging in the process of moving. And with an average ROI that’s around 70 percent, you can create that additional income suite or even a den for the kids to enjoy knowing that’s it’s a worthy investment. You don’t have to consider moving when you’re in need of more space. If you’re attached to your current home and neighbourhood, then why not consider a home addition instead? You can avoid the hassle of moving, increase the value of your home, save money in the long run, and create the home of dreams. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is It Time for a Master Bath Upgrade?

June 12, 2017 No Comments

Over the years, our senses can become dull to our common everyday surroundings. And that includes areas throughout our home. For example, your master bathroom that gets used multiple times a day is particularly susceptible to us overlooking many stark signs that would tell others that it’s desperately time for a few upgrades. Bathroom design has evolved dramatically over the last few years. So if you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider a master bath upgrade, here are some signs that will tell you it is! Your vanity and toilet are older than your kids If you try to think back to when you had your bathroom vanity, sink and toilet installed and realize it was before your parenting days – this is definitely your wake up call for a much-needed upgrade. Aside from the dated design – plumbing, toilets and just about everything else has changed so much. You can install a low-flow toilet to conserve water, along with touchless faucets and even touchless toilets. Your tiling and grout make you cringe Over the years, the tiling and grout throughout your bathroom and along sinks and tubs can easily discolour, making your entire bathroom look dated and dirty. Sometimes mold can even start to develop if you notice black spots along the grout. If this is the case in your master bath, give it a refreshing facelift that it desperately needs. The lighting is a one-size-fits-all situation Bathrooms are where proper lighting is important. Whether it’s to do makeup, pluck your eyebrows, or shave – the one-size-fits-all lighting that barely illuminates the space has got to go. Your toiletries have no home If you have your toiletries constantly scattered along the counter or on any surface you can find because you just don’t have the proper storage for them, then new cabinets can make all the difference. You can clear out the clutter and create sufficient storage space with some new, space-efficient designs. You feel slightly embarrassed to let others see your master bath If you do having feelings of shame whenever someone needs to use your bathroom when the guest one is occupied, then this should be enough reason to bite the bullet and make this reno project a reality. If the colours, patterns, and tiling all scream 1980, give yourself the luxury of being able to finally feel proud about your space. As life changes and evolves, so should the designs and features throughout your home. This is especially true for areas that get used the most, like the master bathroom. Aside from the convenient factor, the whole point of a master bath is to feel that tinge of spa-like luxury. So if you’re not feeling those vibes each time you use it then it’s time for an upgrade. At RenosGroup.ca, we have qualified professionals that can take care of the entire project for you to give you that spa-like master bath you deserve! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

You Deserve the Kitchen of Your Dreams

June 5, 2017 No Comments

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to finally commit to creating the kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of having. If you think about all of your hard-earned money that’s gone into purchasing your home, and the number of times you’ve said that you would make that dream kitchen a reality one day – well now’s the time to start. You deserve the kitchen of your dreams, and to help inspire you to get started, here are some ideas to consider. Extra Room If your kitchen feels boxed in and confined, then this is the first issue to address. Nothing is as important than having enough room to move around comfortably in your kitchen. But you can overcome this barrier by removing an adjacent wall or two. Partition walls were a very common design feature in homes throughout the 70s and 80s. But today, it’s all about the open concept layout that allows you to prepare dinner in the kitchen while still being able to see and speak to your family or guests. Marble Countertops When it comes to great kitchen designs, the countertops are what stand out the most. Whether you prefer granite, marble or even a rustic and industrial slab of concrete – the options today are endless. With a little research you can find the perfect beautiful slab to replace your current countertops that can enhance the entire look of your kitchen space. Luxury Finishes Even if you’re not able to commit just yet to a budget for new granite countertops, you can still create that dream kitchen design by focusing on the smaller details. For example, the finishes such as the faucets on the sink, can really enhance the functionality and luxury with a chrome pull-down spray nozzle. New Cabinetry Alternatively, if you are looking to really overhaul your kitchen, then new cabinetry is usually essential. If your current cupboards are extremely old and worn, then replacing them is necessary since they equate to a significant portion of your kitchen design. And with the wide variety of materials and styles available today, you’re guaranteed to find the style and price range that you want. The kitchen really is the highlight of a home. It’s the room that gets used the most, and it’s where family and friends are commonly drawn to hang out. If you love to cook or simply love the idea of having a stunning kitchen to walk into every day, then make this year the one where you finally commit to creating the kitchen that you’ve longed for. And when it’s time to get started, you can contact us! We have qualified professionals who can take care of any renovation project that you need – from the kitchen to an entire home renovation. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today and we’ll help you get started!

Home Trends: Wood Elements in the Bathroom

May 29, 2017 No Comments

Whether it’s the floor, kitchen cabinets, mantelpiece, or even the bathroom – no matter the design space, nothing seems to captivate the warmth and texture quite as well as wood. Homeowners and interior designers in Ottawa continue to have an affinity towards this material, and with good reason. Even with our immaculate modern designs, we can’t resist the authenticity and natural, rustic connection that wood offers. And with the advancements in designs, mixing wood with moisture is no longer such a taboo concept. Here we delve into some of the ways in which wood elements in the bathroom are being incorporated in designs more and more and how you can too! Wood Flooring It’s no surprise that wood flooring is one of the most sought-after design elements throughout a home. But the bathroom was commonly an area where that was left out of the equation in fear of it buckling and softening under all of that heat, moisture, and foot traffic. But thanks to advancements, you don’t have to worry any longer. There are misconceptions about wood in the presence of humidity –but it’s actually quite resilient. And with the application of some oil-based polyurethane to protect it, you can enjoy wood flooring just about anywhere. Wooden Fixtures Beyond the flooring, wooden fixtures such as sinks and tubs might sound a little more radical. However, wood has actually been used for centuries by the Japanese in these ways. It’s just a matter of using the correct type of wood. Cedar and teak for example, are strong hardwoods that hold well against water. And these wooden sink and tub designs are slowly starting to catch on here in Canada to add that beautiful rustic natural element to the bathroom. And with some regular applications of oil as recommended by your manufacturer, you can enjoy these stunning wooden features like never before. Wooden Countertops Wooden countertops paired with large washbasins and metal decor elements create a stunning combination. And with the addition of waterproof oils, this dynamic design is becoming a favourite for homeowners. Wood is an exceptionally durable material, even on its own. It’s been an element that has been used alongside water for centuries. And now, as we take note from other cultures and shed the limitations we thought wood imposed, we can now create the stunning, dynamic bathroom designs that we’ve always wanted. At RenosGroup.ca, we bring your bathroom renovation vision to life. To learn more about wood elements in the bathroom don’t hesitate to Get a free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Choosing a Room’s Colour Scheme

May 22, 2017 No Comments

Struggling to choose a colour scheme for a room in your home? It can be a tough decision to make! Knowing what colour to invest in as the base colour in a room is something that can be challenging for many homeowners. But there are some helpful ways to get some inspiration that can leave your home looking fabulous. Here are some helpful ways to find inspiration for your colour schemes at home. Choose Your Favourite Colour First and foremost – what’s your favourite colour? Your home is meant to be a space that reflects you and your lifestyle. If bold and colourful is your style, then go with it to lead you towards a colour that you love. Having colours that make you feel good is always a great place to start finding inspiration for a base colour. From there you can create a scheme using complimentary colours to match. Get Inspired by Fabric Have a favourite scarf, pillow, or blanket that has a colour palette you love? Use it for ideas to place throughout your room. This is also a great way to see how different colours go together – even ones that you may have never thought usually would. Creating an accent wall is always a great way to try and add in a different splash of colour to a room, especially when you’re a little unsure about the thought of fully committing to a colour. Get Inspired by Art The same thing applies to just about anything, including art pieces. If you have a mosaic of tiles, or a painting that stands out to you, you can try and bring a photo or the actual art piece into your local paint store to have them match and mix up that colour for you. Get Inspired by Magazines If you really find that you’re stuck on your decision, pick up some home décor magazines or catalogues. They have a variety of home-inspired ideas and photos that can help jostle some ideas that might highlight a palette that you enjoy. In addition to magazines, hop onto Pinterest – it’s one of the leading sites for providing inspiration and ideas for everything and anything that’s home-related. When you remodel and redecorate a room in your Ottawa home, it’s important that you end up with a finished project that you love. And choosing the right colour scheme can feel stressful if you’re unsure of how everything will tie in together once it’s complete. But you can overcome that uncertainty by sifting through magazines, catalogues, and using great websites that are designed to inspire ideas such as Pinterest. When it comes down to your decision, use colours that inspire you and make you feel good. Then find what colours will compliment it and you’ll be guaranteed to end up with a room that you’ll love. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Creating a Relaxation Zone

May 15, 2017 No Comments

After a long and exhausting day, your body and mind need to regroup, relax and recharge. But sadly, that isn’t what they always get. Even with good intentions, once you get home, it’s easy enough to get swept up into more commitments, chaos, and technology. But by creating a relaxation zone, you can force yourself to unplug and unwind. Create a relaxation zone in your home as part of your home renovation project with some of these ideas in mind. Create a space that is inviting If each individual room throughout your home represents some form of individual chaos, clearly these are not going to be in any way conducive to relaxing. You need to create a designated relaxation space that will easily lure you in when your mind is pressing on to do more. First of all, find a room or space that can be your space to Zen out in. Then, start to get creative with how you can make it soothing and comfortable. Consider placing your favourite chair beside a bright window. Throw down a cozy rug and some oversized pillows to reinforce those mellow vibes. Add some soothing candles and essential oils to enhance that calming ambience. It really doesn’t take much to create a soothing and inviting space. Make it your own Once you’ve incorporated some soothing elements into your space, make it your designated spot that no one else can invade. That means that it can’t become a spare room or space for clutter to get thrown, it can’t be a space where the kids are allowed to barge in and play, it can’t be a space that is used for any other purpose other than for you to relax and unwind. Make it yours. Remove Technology One of the important aspects of having a relaxation zone is to have it as a designated “Dead Zone” meaning, keep technology out of the equation. Try to correlate your relaxation time as a time to also unplug. Remove any televisions or smart devices. Also, if you have a modem that happens to be located close to your relaxation zone, relocate it. Make this a designated “Dead Zone” for any form of tech gear, aside from maybe a CD player to provide some soothing music. In today’s hectic, overworked world, finding – or rather, making – time to relax is so important. Without this, we get stressed out and burnt out. Make relaxation a priority by creating a zone or space in your home that is welcoming and conducive to this. It really doesn’t take much. You can get started by using some of these simple ideas. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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