Breakdown of Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

May 10, 2024 No Comments

Many families in Canada are choosing to live together across generations. This trend, called multi-generational living, is driven by both necessity (like shared expenses) and a desire for closer family bonds. To help Canadians with the expenses of creating a suitable living space for extended family, the government introduced the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) in 2023. This credit can offset the cost of renovations to create a secondary suite within your home for a qualifying relative. While there are benefits like emotional support and childcare, there are challenges too, such as privacy and space. Recognizing this, the Canadian government introduced the Multi-Generational Home Renovation Tax Credit in 2023. Qualifying for the Tax Credit This credit helps offset the cost of renovating your home to accommodate multiple generations. Here’s how to qualify: Who lives there? The renovation must be for a relative aged 65 or older, or someone with a disability. This can include grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, or nephews. Talk to your family member about their specific needs, like mobility issues. What kind of renovation? You need to create a separate suite with its own entrance, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Think of it as a mini-apartment within your home. Consider consulting an architect or designer specializing in accessible living. When will they move in? The suite must be occupied within a year of completion. Work with your contractor to ensure a realistic timeline. What can you claim? Eligible expenses include construction costs (walls, doors, layout changes) and accessibility features (ramps, grab bars, wider doorways). Keep receipts for everything – appliances, purely cosmetic upgrades, and housekeeping are not covered. Do you own or rent? You must be the homeowner or a long-term tenant with permission to renovate. If renting, get written approval from your landlord and discuss how increased property value will be handled. Who’s doing the work? Hire licensed and insured contractors with experience in multi-generational renovations or accessible design. Check references and past projects. Keep it documented! Detailed receipts and records are essential for your application. Use digital tools to track expenses and store receipts securely. Applying for the Tax Credit Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, gather your documents: proof of ownership/tenancy, renovation plans, contractor quotes, and all receipts. The application process typically involves a form (online or paper) submitted with your documents to the relevant government department. Meet deadlines and double-check your application for accuracy. Upon approval, you’ll receive instructions on claiming the credit (rebate, tax reduction, etc.). At RenosGroup.ca, we believe that home is more than just a physical space—it’s where memories are made, bonds are strengthened, and generations come together. What is the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)? The MHRTC is a refundable tax credit that offers financial relief for Canadians who renovate their existing homes to create a self-contained secondary unit. This secondary unit is intended to house a qualifying relative, specifically: A senior family member aged 65 or older by the end of the renovation period taxation year. An adult family member (at least 18 years old by the end of the renovation period taxation year) who qualifies for the disability tax credit. The credit helps offset the costs associated with creating this secondary unit, making multigenerational living arrangements more accessible. Eligibility for the MHRTC Claiming the MHRTC involves three key aspects: Qualifying Individual: This refers to the person who will reside in the secondary unit. They must be a: Senior family member aged 65 or older by the end of the renovation period taxation year. Adult family member (at least 18 years old by the end of the renovation period taxation year) who qualifies for the disability tax credit. Qualifying Relative: You, the person renovating your home, must be a qualifying relative to the individual residing in the secondary unit. This means you have a close blood relationship, such as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. Qualifying Renovation: The renovations must create a self-contained secondary unit within your existing home. This unit needs to meet specific requirements outlined below. Secondary Unit Requirements: Separate Entrance: The secondary unit should have its own private entrance, allowing for independent access for the resident. Kitchen and Bathroom Facilities: The unit must be equipped with a complete kitchen and bathroom, fostering independent living for the qualifying individual. How is the MHRTC Calculated? “The MHRTC is a refundable tax credit, meaning you can receive the credit amount even if you don’t owe any taxes. Here’s how it works: Tax Rate: The credit is calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate in Canada (15%) by a specific amount. Lesser of Two Values: This specific amount is the lesser of two values: $50,000: This is the maximum qualifying expense limit. Total Qualifying Expenditures: This is the actual amount you spent on eligible renovations that meet the MHRTC criteria. Example: Let’s say your qualifying expenditures for the renovation totaled $50,000 (the maximum). In this case, the credit amount would be: MHRTC = 15% x $50,000 = $7,500 However, if your qualifying expenditures were only $30,000, the calculation would be: * MHRTC = 15% x $30,000 = **$4,500**” Source: MHRTC Official Website Additional Points: You cannot claim any credit if the qualifying individual wasn’t a resident of Canada throughout the taxation year.” Only one qualifying renovation can be claimed per qualifying individual in their lifetime. Remember, this tax credit aims to support multigenerational living arrangements, benefiting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families. 🏠💙 For more details, you can visit the official Canada Revenue Agency page. Feel free to contact RenosGroup.ca at 613-727-9427 for a free in-home consultation on your next renovation in Ottawa. Previous article on same topic: Many families in Canada are choosing to live together across generations. This trend, called multi-generational living, is driven by both necessity (like shared expenses) and a desire for closer family bonds. To help Canadians with the expenses of creating a suitable living space for extended family, the government introduced the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) in 2023. This credit can offset the cost of renovations to create a secondary suite within your home for a qualifying relative. While there are benefits like

Don’t Let Your Mobility Limitations Chase You Out of Your Home

October 9, 2021 No Comments

Make your home safer more accessible and easier to live in with well thought out mobility renovations. A survey by the American association of retired persons found 90% of people age 65 to 74 would like to live out their years in their current homes. Yet many homes are still ill suited for the physical limitations and challenges that arrive with advancing age…don’t let your mobility limitations chase you out of your home. The primary issues seniors and people with mobility limitations come across in most homes are: Space – Most homes don’t have enough open space in the appropriate area to allow easy maneuvering for people with mobility limitations, particularly those in wheelchairs or scooters Access – Counters cabinets and storage areas are designed for easy access for people who have no limitations on their reaching, bending or standing Safety – Storing heavy or large items, reaching across hot elements on the stove, retrieving linens from high shelf, taking a shower and other seemingly routine tasks can be very dangerous for people with mobility limitations Unfortunately some home renovation contractors are beginning to realize the value in providing renovation services specifically to those with mobility limitations, I say unfortunately because most of these jack of all trade types have little experience with mobility aiding products and/or understanding the medical conditions of the clients Their lure of dirt cheap prices highlights the risk in hiring them…..trusting someone with your health should never be based on price. RenosGroup is currently one of Ottawa’s only specialist in providing mobility limitation renovations….we don’t cut corners with your well being. “The more you’re renovator knows about you, the safer you’ll be in your home” If your potential renovator can’t observe the nature and severity of your mobility limitations within the confines of your home they can’t possibly make your home safer or more accessible. Free estimates over the phone or in a showroom are not compatible with mobility limitation renovations. The RenosGroup team of renovators insists on a free in home consultation to ensure we get your renovation done right. Our free consultation service will allow us to understand your current limitations and take into consideration where your future health may lead. Our questions may seem personal, but they are invaluable in protecting your future quality of life within your home, and we will help you avoid future remodeling should your condition or those of your loved ones change Being in your home will allow our project manager to see exactly what kind of products you need to increase your comfort and make your mobility easier within your home. Mobility limitation Changes can include: Whiter doorways Lower counters and table tops for ease of access whether sitting or standing Brighter lighting for increased visibility Easy to grasp handles for all drawers and cabinet doors Hand wheels on Both sides of all steps Reflective non slip tape on all non carpeted stairs Ease of movement, non slip floors and floor coverings Shower stall or bathtub seat, so you can sit down while taking a shower Strategically placed handrails in your bathroom for greater ease of use Eddie handheld shower devices to give you increased independence And many more Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

6 Common Mobility Home Renovations in Ottawa

January 21, 2021 No Comments

If you need to make your home more accessible for you, a senior loved one or another family member who’s experiencing limitations with mobility, Renosgroup.ca can help make any adjustments you need. If you’re unsure what these home renovations involve, here are some of the most common mobility renovations in Ottawa to consider. Widening Doorways Doorways can become a major hindrance if you or your loved one depends on a wheelchair, especially in older homes. If a wheelchair or walker is a bit too wide to fit through the doorway, we can help to resize the entrance and add a few more inches of space. Ramp Installations Ramps are one of the most common mobility renovations we complete. While this type of renovation isn’t major, if your front porch and exterior are uniquely situated, we can find a viable solution to install a ramp and rails so you or your loved one can enter and exit safely. Lowering Countertops Making the kitchen more accessible is essential to perform daily tasks without limitations. This type of renovation can involve lowering the countertops and cabinets, rearranging appliances to make it easier to reach them, and placing the sink and stovetop at a lower level too. Adjusting the Bathroom The bathroom can require several adjustments to make grooming and bathing easier as well. This can involve a lower vanity and sink, grab bars, a step-in shower with grab bars and a seat, and a raised toilet seat with handles. Accessible Closets Getting dressed can be a challenge when clothing is hung up too high in the closet. Storing items in dressers is always an option, but some clothing may still need to be hung up. In this case, an accessible closet can help with lower rods and shelving that are located only a few feet from the floor. Flooring If you have carpet and rugs throughout the home, this can create hazardous situations for tripping, and it can also make it harder to move around with a wheeler or walker. New flooring that’s either hardwood, ceramic tile or vinyl is a much better option to eliminate those risks and hazards. If you need mobility home renovations in Ottawa, our team at Renosgroup.ca can make it happen. Get in touch with us today, or call us at (613) 727-9427 to learn more about our services, rates and how we can help make your home more accessible.

Mobility Limitations? No Problem.

July 16, 2018 No Comments

Most homes are just not suited for people who have physical limitations or challenges. Traditional home builders never thought to consider the needs of the elderly or disabled, which has resulted in many people with mobility limitations feeling unsafe living in their own home. If you’re one of these people and you’ve been recently asking yourself whether it makes sense to relocate, we can help you avoid a painful move altogether. At RenosGroup.ca, we specialize in accessibility renovations that will change the design of your home to adapt to your needs. Mobility limitations? No problem. We understand what you’re going through and want to help improve the safety and accessibility of your home. With a few minor modifications, we can help you feel comfortable in your own home. Here’s how: Add More Space There are many people out there who don’t have access to all the rooms in their homes. That’s because most homes were not built to accommodate a walker or wheelchair to move easily from room to room. That’s where we come in! With a few design changes, like wider doorways, we can help create more space and give you access to your entire home. You shouldn’t feel restricted by your own home. Wider doorways are just the beginning! Here are some additional ways to create more accessible living space: Open floor plans: Consider knocking down non-load-bearing walls to create seamless transitions between rooms, offering easier navigation and increased light. Ramp up entrances: Replace steps with gentle ramps for effortless entry and exit. Install automatic doors: Make entrances a breeze with hands-free door openers. Widen hallways and doorways: Ensure ample space for maneuvering wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. Eliminate thresholds: Smooth transitions between rooms prevent tripping hazards. Lower kitchen counters and cabinets: Accessible workstations promote independence in daily tasks. Rearrange furniture: Create clear pathways and avoid crowding furniture for easy movement. Provide You With More Accessibility Our team can help redesign your kitchen and storage areas to give you more accessibility. We can install new counters, table tops, cabinets, and storage areas to make it easier for you to reach whether you’re sitting or standing. Closets can also be adjusted to have a widened door, lowered shelving, and an easy to reach switch. Eliminate Bathroom Safety Issues Taking a shower can be increasingly dangerous when you have a mobility issue. We can modify your bathroom to help prevent an injury and improve your overall accessibility in your most private space. We’ll take the time to learn about your unique needs so we can renovate your bathroom to suit your individual requirements and safety needs. Some of the modifications that are possible include adding more full doors, swing away hinges, easy to grip handrails, non-slip floors, shower stall or bathroom seats, higher toilet seats, hand held shower devices, and lowered sinks, and mirrors. Here’s how we can help: Enhanced shower safety: Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers featuring low thresholds, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-grip grab bars for stable movement and confident showering. Improved accessibility: Install wider doorways, swing-away hinges, and barrier-free design elements to ensure effortless navigation with wheelchairs or walkers. Seating for comfort and stability: Equip your shower with built-in benches or removable shower seats for safe and comfortable bathing. Height adjustments: Raise toilet seats for easier sitting and standing, and lower sinks and mirrors for convenient use. Handheld shower devices: Increase maneuverability and control with easy-to-grip handheld showerheads. Improved lighting: Enhance visibility and reduce fall risks with brighter, strategically placed lighting. Beyond safety, we focus on comfort and style. We offer a wide range of design options to create a bathroom that reflects your taste and personality, ensuring it complements your home’s aesthetics. Don’t settle for feeling vulnerable in your own bathroom. Visibility Concerns We also offer a wide range of accessibility and safety products for those with visibility concerns. With a few modifications, we can quickly improve the lighting, especially in darker areas, by using reflective non-slip tape, non-slip floor coverings that will allow you to move around your home with ease. Beyond basic safety, we focus on creating a welcoming and inviting environment. We offer design consultations to integrate these modifications seamlessly into your existing décor, ensuring your home remains stylish and comfortable. Finding a contractor who specializes in accessibility renovations and understands your mobility issues is often a challenge. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place! At RenosGroup.ca, we are Ottawa’s only specialist in providing mobility limitation renovations. Mobility limitations? No problem…..Don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our expert and compassionate team will carefully listen to all your needs and find the solutions that will help improve your lifestyle and ability to live in your home.

How to Plan Mobility Renovation - Mobility Renovations in Ottawa

All About our Mobility Renovations

March 9, 2018 No Comments

You don’t have to leave your home because of your mobility issues. We can help remodel your home to make it safer and more accessible for you or a loved one. We specialize in mobility renovations and can help you with the design. Here’s more about our mobility renovations and how they can enhance the comfort and functionality in your own home. More Space Many homes are ill-equipped for those with mobility limitations. And most homes don’t have the open space that is required for fitting scooters or wheelchairs through doorways. At RenosGroup.ca, we can build wider doorways so that you can get more space to move your mobility equipment in and out of your home with ease. Better Access When you have a mobility limitation, it can be difficult to access cabinets, countertops, and tables like you used to. That’s why we offer custom built counters, table tops, and bathroom fixtures, as well as easy to grip handles for doors and drawers that puts everything back in arms reach. Improved Safety Routine tasks also become difficult when your mobility is restricted. Things that were once easy to navigate suddenly become complicated. The stairs become a hazard and taking a shower becomes a risk. Thankfully, we can help improve the safety of your home. With brighter lighting for improved visibility, reflective non-slip tape on stairs, and shower stall and bathroom seats, we can help you feel safe and secure in your home again. Ease of Movement A renovation can further improve how you get around and enhance your overall movement. Some of the most common renovations include adding handrails on both sides of steps, non-slip floor coverings, and installing handheld shower devices that can provide more independence at home. Affordable Prices You don’t have to let your mobility issues cause you to leave your home. We offer affordable pricing and professional, quality service. And you never pay for our consultation service. We will come and access your needs for free. Industry Knowledge We have the industry experience you need. We thoroughly understand mobility conditions and what mobility aiding products are best to suit your individual needs. Our team will meet directly with you at your home so we can clearly understand your current limitations and how we can help you overcome them. At renosgroup.ca, we strive to make your home safer and more comfortable for you. We specialize in mobility renovations and enhancing accessibility so you can enjoy your home for many more years to come. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today for more details!

Make Your House Wheelchair Accessible

January 9, 2017 No Comments

When it comes to certain home designs, sometimes there simply isn’t enough room to provide accessibility or convenience for wheelchairs. Life can become extremely frustrating when you feel limited even within the comfort of your own home. But with a few renovations, you can provide the necessary space and layout to access every area of the home with ease. Here are just a few sample ways in which we can help make your house wheelchair accessible. Improving Accessibility Wider Doorways Doorways can be altered and widened in order to provide easy access to each and every room of the home without the challenge or struggle of maneuvering the wheelchair through them. Lowered Countertops, Tables & Bathroom Fixtures Being unable to reach countertops, sinks and tabletops is another common challenge that creates limitations for those in wheelchairs. With a few alterations, we can lower those surfaces and provide you or a loved one with the suitable height that removes those barriers and provides access. Handrails for Bathroom and Seat for Shower Don’t risk a slip and fall. Handrails can easily be installed near the toilet or inside the shower stall and tub. In addition, you have the option of having a seat installed inside of the bathtub or shower stall to help make it more comfortable by providing you with a seat as you cleanse. Non-Slip Floors and Coverings No matter what type of flooring you have, it can either be damaged from constant wear and tear from a wheelchair or even provide a hazardous surface on some uncarpeted surfaces. Non-slip floorings and coverings can prevent those problems by protecting your floors and minimizing any hazardous, slippery surfaces. Safety, Space, and Accessibility No one should feel limited within their own home. Making your house wheelchair accessible can be achieved in a variety of ways. Whether it’s opening up the doorways, installing handrails in the bathroom, or lowering counters and table tops to provide easy access, any renovations that can make life at home feel comfortable and easy is always well worth it. No matter what your needs may be, we can provide you with the information and expertise that are necessary for improving wheelchair accessibility. We’re here to provide you with the renovations that can help make life at home what it should be – without limitations so you can feel comfortable, confident and gain back your independence. Here at RenosGroup.ca, we specialize in mobility renovations, barrier-free renovations, and accessibility renovations. Call us at (613)727-9427 or contact us to book a free consultation to learn more!

4 Advantages of Mobility Renovations

December 9, 2016 No Comments

Your home is a place where you should feel comfortable and at ease. But when your mobility is limited, it can make your home feel restrictive and uninviting. Don’t let your home determine your limitations. With a few simple renovations, you can make it more accessible and provide yourself with a space that is easy and comfortable to get around in so you can retire at home. If you have mobility issues that are limiting you in your own home, here are four advantages of mobility renovations that can drastically improve your quality of life at home. Minimize the Risk of Slipping in the Bathroom The bathroom is one of those areas that can easily become the ultimate nemesis when you are struggling with mobility. But with a few simple tweaks, they can enhance the ease, safety, and allow you to embrace your independence. You can have handrails installed along the tub to reduce any slips, or a walk-in tub so you don’t have to lift, or even a lower vanity set installed so you can easily reach the sink and mirror. Simple additions can really make all the difference. Ease of Entering and Exiting with a Ramp Having to hike up a flight of stairs just to make it to the front door can make you dread coming home before you’ve even entered it. And when the harsh winter arrives and there’s snow and ice to endure, it can create a very treacherous surface to travel on. But you can easily eliminate that effort and risk of falling with a ramp that can provide accessibility when entering or exiting your home. Safe Kitchen to Cook in Take back control of your own kitchen with lower countertops and space that can maximize ease of movement. You can create the perfect layout that you can easily manoeuvre in and reach items. With the holiday baking season around the corner, there’s no better time to take advantage of a mobility renovation! Expand Doorways for Mobility Chairs Different models of mobility chairs can sometimes end up being too wide to easily fit through narrow doorways. But it’s a problem that can be fixed. With a few adjustments to the doorways you can move around at home through any room without feeling the need to squeeze on through. Don’t let mobility limitations hold you back from feeling comfortable in your own home. Making the effort to have your home renovated in order to optimize mobility can give you back control of your independence and help you embrace the comfort of being home. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What is Universal Kitchen Design?

November 28, 2016 No Comments

What is Universal Kitchen Design? Home is where the heart is, and we all know that the heart is where the kitchen is. The kitchen is, without a doubt, the focal point of a home. It’s where you and your family spend time together, eating, collaborating on new recipes, discussing homework, and so much more. That’s why the design of your kitchen is so important – it should permit and encourage those interactions. It’s all about providing a cohesive, open and inviting atmosphere, and that’s what the universal kitchen design aims to create. It combines aesthetics with functionality, along with the added benefits of safety and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of how this universal design can be benefit your kitchen. Universal design principles ensure that your kitchen is truly accessible to everyone regardless of age, size, or ability. Safety First When it comes to the kitchen, safety always comes first – especially if you have young children. Always consider this when developing your kitchen design. For example, when laying out the stove, sink and countertops, try to always ensure that there is sufficient room to manoeuvre without congestion in the kitchen. That means having enough counter space to easily place objects from the stove. Design that Makes Sense Universal layouts are all about creating a design that makes sense. So when you need to move from the sink to the dishwasher, or have bake-offs with your kids, your design provides room and space so that you and your family can easily place things down, fill things up and interact with each other. Whatever needs to be done, think ahead of how it can flow cohesively and make sense for your family and lifestyle. Minimal Effort No one likes to expend unnecessary amounts of energy. And starting your kitchen design off with the right layout and design can help to alleviate any unnecessary effort and aggravation. For example, storing appliances and bakeware in locations within the kitchen that make sense to how and where you use them; or even installing appliances that are easy to clean and don’t provide your arms with a serious workout can make all the difference for keeping your life that much easier. Monitoring Ability These days, with the high-tech appliances that are available, you can sit back and relax in the living room as dinner cooks away. Instead of worrying about the hot stove, the kids, or the pets, your appliances can monitor them for you with visual or auditory alarms. Talk about convenience! Creating a space that optimizes functionality, cohesiveness, and a layout that just makes life a bit easier for you, is what universal kitchen designs are all about. And it’s no wonder more homeowners are jumping on board with these layouts. When it comes to your home, who doesn’t want to make life easier? RenosGroup.ca specializes in mobility renovations. Our renovations strive to provide more space to manoeuver, better access to cabinets and counters without benching or reaching, and safety to cook in comfort. The RenosGroup.ca team of renovators insists on a free in-home consultation to ensure we get your renovation done right. Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is Your Home Ready for Your Golden Years?

August 22, 2016 No Comments

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.

Planning a Home Accessibility Renovation

March 17, 2016 No Comments

Do you have any elderly loved one, say your aged mom and dad, moving into your house or coming over to spend the summer? Well, just remember that when you came in their lives they made a lot of changes to the interior of the house to make it comfortable for you, babyproofing top to bottom. It’s time to return that favour with mobility renovations to your home! It All Starts With an Estimate Schedule an in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca We’ll evaluate your home and the needs of your loved one. Together, we’ll determine improvements we can make to your home to make it more accessible and accommodating to your parents. If your mother is in a wheelchair, perhaps you need an exterior wheelchair ramp. It is best to install stairlift, or retrofit an area of the main floor to become a guest bedroom? If your father loves to cook but is suffering from arthritis, we can install hands-free taps and easy-open drawers and cupboards to make the kitchen more accessible. Accessibility Ideas Bathroom Accessibility Non-slip floors Shower stall/bathroom seat Handrails Lowered sink and counters Improved lighting Touch-control faucet Hand-held shower devices Kitchen Accessibility Non-slip floors Lowered countertops Easy handles on drawers and cabinets Touch-control faucet Improved lighting Household Accessibility Wider doorways Improved lighting Non-slip flooring Handrails on stairs You may also consider moving your parents into a coach house. We can retrofit a shed or garage into an accessible living space, or design a coach house from scratch with all customized features for barrier-free living. Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit When we get any home renovations done, it is inevitable that further small repairs surface. If budget it tight, then make a full plan before you get started and sort out where the money will come from. Remember, in the province of Ontario homeowners can take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. You can claim up to $10,000 of eligible home improvements on your income tax each year and receive 15% in a refund. As a yearly tax credit, you can receive up to $1,500 back each year that your home receives eligible renovations. To help ease the financial burden, for example you could renovate the bathroom this year, the kitchen next year, the exterior in 2018, and so on. During Renovations Also meanwhile the renovation work in underway in your house, make comfortable living arrangements for your family. Many people choose not to live at home during standard renovations to avoid the dust, noise, and disruption. If your loved ones have mobility limitations, then it is even smarter to stay away until the renovations are completed. Stay with family, friends, or in a hotel under the renovations are completed, and you can come how to a beautiful (safe) home in no time. Get in touch today to learn more about our mobility renovation services or to schedule a free in-home consultation!

How to Make a Home Safe for an Aging Parent

How To Make A Home Safe For Aging Parent

September 17, 2015 No Comments

It is human nature to care for our parents. When parents get older, there is the prospect of them moving back in with their kids. While the children may be more than willing to accept their parents into their home, their house may be less forthcoming. Like it or not, many homes in the Ottawa are not safe for aging parents. This becomes abundantly clear when tackling issues of mobility within the house. With that in mind, let’s review some of the ways you can make your home safer for an aging parent. 1. Design With A Purpose Mobility within a home serves a variety of purposes. Chief among these is the ability to navigate the house in case there is an emergency. Having a clear fire-escape route should be your top priority when designing around an aging parent. This can mean a wide range of things, including proper ramps if your parent is in a wheelchair, a widening of the doors, and fire extinguishers. Also, consider how reliable your handrails are and possibly replace them with a sturdier alternative that an aged loved one can utilize with all their weight if the need arises. 2. Consider Lighting Even the most mobile houses can become dangerous if poorly lit. With this in mind, try to make hallways in particular well lit. This will help aging parents navigate the house and reduce the chances of falls or other injury. In addition to hallways, focus your attention on porches, outside walkways, and stairways. Having more than one light switch can make accessing the lights easier for an aged parent, saving them the risk of navigating a room in the dark while looking for a switch. 3. Make Your Bathroom Friendly When responding to the call of nature, aging parents may be in a rush to use the restroom. Making your bathroom friendly is one of the best ways to also make your home safe. Installing grab handles in the bathroom is a popular and easy way to make the bathroom more accommodating. Non-skid mats are also a cheap and effective way to make the bathroom less slippery, reducing the chances of a slip and fall. Finally, consider things like shower chairs and bath benches for when they shower as this can reduce the stress they feel and reduce their risk of injury as well. RenosGroup.ca are the mobility renovations experts in Ottawa. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today for a free in-home consultation.

10 Handy Tips for Staying Safe in the Bathroom

July 27, 2015 No Comments

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada, more seniors are injured at home than at any other location. About half of all seniors falls happen at home. Environmental hazards in the home are the most common environmental risk factor for falls, and nowhere are these hazards more prominent than in the bathroom. Here are ten handy tips so you can stay safe and prevent falls in your home bathroom: Throw Out Throw Rugs According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, throw rugs are the number one cause of household falls in the US. If you like the look of the rugs and don’t want to remove them, you can secure the rugs in place with slip-resistance backing or double-sided tape. Non-Slip Shower Water and soap are both slippery, which makes taking a shower a pretty big risk for falls. For this reason, you should place a non-slip mat or anti-slip shower treads on the floor of the tub or shower. If you plan a mobility renovation, you can choose to have slip-resistant tiles installed. These tiles are coated with an abrasive material for safety purposes. Clean Tub If you don’t clean your tub regularly, soap scum can build up and make the tub slippery. So clean it on a weekly basis. As an added safety bonus, you’ll also clear away mould and mildew growth. Dry Floor It’s no surprise that water on the floor creates a hazardous condition. Make sure you keep your bathroom floor dry and mop up any wet spots if they appear. To prevent water from the shower dripping on the floor, purchase a weighted shower curtain. Mobility Renovations Grab bars and rails around the toilet, shower, and tub are important safety features, especially for seniors. They help you maintain your balance so you don’t fall. If you do accidentally slip, you can reach out and grab a bar to regain your balance. Remember, items like towel bars are NOT substitutes for proper grab bars. Lighting You should place nightlights in the hallway to easily guide you toward the bathroom at night. Within the bathroom, place a nightlight or install an illuminated switch so you can safety turn on the light and conduct your business. Higher Toilet Seat Trying to crouch down onto a low toilet seat isn’t only uncomfortable for people with mobility limitations, it can also lead to a fall. Invest in a heightened toilet seat or use the opportunity to upgrade to a new toilet that not only sits higher, but is more energy efficient. Bath Seat or Bench Your mobility renovations should also include a bath or shower seat or bench. This gives you a place to rest if you feel tired, and you can also bathe yourself comfortably while sitting down safely. Handheld Showerhead If you are trying to get your whole body clean with a stationary showerhead, it requires a lot of movement on your part. A handheld showerhead is much more convenient, and can easily be used from the comfortable perch of a bath seat or bench. Slow and Steady When you try to rush, you are more likely to cause an accident. Go slow and steady and make sure you are safe and balanced. Make sure you allocate more time in the bathroom for yourself by waking up ten minutes earlier, for example. These ten tips should help keep everyone safe in the bathroom. For more handy tips regarding mobility renovations, contact RenosGroup.ca today. 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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