Basement Renovations Are Often Overlooked

October 9, 2021 No Comments

Many homeowners often leave their basements unfinished, or use them for storage rather than functionality. Even though basement renovations are often overlooked, the potential to make an incredible basement living space is always there. Whether you’re looking for a fun kid friendly space, a place to entertain friends, a man cave or organized storage, RenosGroup.ca can help make all of your basement renovation ideas become a reality. Anyone Can Offer a Free Quote Over the Phone Each basement renovation presents unique challenges; after all, each of us has a personal vision for our home. Embracing your vision is the key to giving you a successful basement renovation. This cannot be captured in a phone call or email. What you need is a free consultation. Upon your request our designers will meet with you to determine your needs and specifications. Working with you, we’ll create a design plan to ensure the proper use of space in the area to be renovated. Our contracts are written out in layman’s terms, free of industry jargon. This way you’ll be able to understand your renovation contract and be protected against hidden escape clauses. Trust the Professionals Although you may think to try a basement renovation as a weekend DIY project, we do not recommend it. Some jobs are certainly meant to be done by professionals and basement renovations are one of them. If you attempt a basement renovation by yourself, unknown problems, expenses and safety hazards could occur. It is our job to design, plan and execute the entire renovation ensuring all aspects are covered and taken care of in a professional manner. Creating the Perfect Basement You may have a type of basement living space in mind; however there is a lot more to a renovation than a simple idea. The concept is the first step, and consulting a basement renovation professional is always a good idea as they can help you envision and utilize the space to the fullest. Cheaper Isn’t Always Better Many independent contractors simply can’t perform the quality work they continually boast about. Instead they offer cheaper services, which is not usually the best option. Hiring a professional team of renovators will protect you and your home from unexpected complications. The RenosGroup.ca team of experts has the knowledge and experience to handle any situation onsite as they may arise. You won’t have to wait three days for the plumber to show up, or worry about carpenter fixing your electrical wiring 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.

Choosing the Best Lighting Fixtures for Your Kitchen

Best Lighting Fixtures for Your Kitchen Renovation

June 25, 2021 No Comments

Whether you’re gearing up for a major kitchen renovation or are just looking for ways to enhance and improve the design, lighting is a key piece in any design puzzle. It plays an important role in the overall look, feel and functionality of a room. But choosing the best lighting fixtures for your kitchen can feel a bit tricky with so many options out there today. From blingy statement fixtures to cozy ambient lighting to subtle modern pendant lights – it can feel daunting when you don’t know what you want or need. To help you narrow it down and find the right one, here are some tips to guide you in selecting the best lights for your kitchen. Fixtures for Ambient Lighting The kitchen typically requires more light than other areas of the home. And the primary source usually comes from overhead ambient light fixtures. It’s important to be able to see what you’re doing when you’re cooking up a storm, which is why we recommend spending a little time calculating the amount of wattage you’ll need for your kitchen renovation. This way, when you’re shopping around for a light fixture, you can narrow down your scope and make sure you end up with the proper amount of light. Generally, for a larger kitchen, a light fixture with at least 5 light bulbs is ideal for your ambient lighting. Having a light that fills the space really makes a big difference, so make sure to pay attention to the number of bulbs. Fixtures for Task or Direct Lighting Beyond the main source of lighting, there are many other types of light fixtures that can add more character and make it easier to see during dim evenings. For example, task lighting can be helpful when you want to place direct light in certain areas. This could include light sconces to see better at night, lamps, or under-the-counter lighting to make it easier to read your cookbook or see which spices you’re adding to your new recipe. Consider these smaller fixtures for any areas where you think you’ll need more direct light. Decorative Lighting to Accent Features Similar to task lighting, accent lighting also adds more illumination, but its primary purpose is to enhance the design, highlight certain features in your kitchen, and make it feel cozy. Light installed under the counter plays into this too since it helps to highlight the backsplash. You could also add a light fixture behind one of your glass cabinet doors to show off your fancy wine glass collection, and place a few built-in ones throughout the counter area. If you want your kitchen to have a decorative look and feel, don’t skip out on accent lighting. Here are some of the most common light fixtures for your kitchen renovation: Chandeliers If you love a little decorative bling and need a light fixture overtop of your kitchen table, a chandelier is a popular choice. There are lots of different sizes and styles to consider. If you’re adding other fixtures, we suggest sticking to one particular style and theme. Pendants Pendants are smaller and won’t produce as might light. These generally have only one bulb in them, so they’re not suitable as a main overhead source of light. But they could work well to supplement another fixture. Flush Mounts For smaller kitchens that have a lower ceiling, flush mounts might work well. These are the standard light fixtures that you can find in many homes. They provide strong, diffused light. If you prefer something subtle that can blend in with the surroundings, this could be better suited to your kitchen. Determining Your Lighting Style Keep in mind that your lighting fixtures will always be on display which is why they should play into the overall theme and design of your kitchen and home. If you have a modern kitchen, it won’t make much sense to add in a light fixture that’s super busy, blingy or traditional. To make sure it will look good and cohesive, focus on other elements of your kitchen – are they predominantly metallic, simple black matte, chic and copper? Whatever the common look is, stick with that as much as possible. If most items are finished in black matte, then look for a fixture that’s similar to that style too. It doesn’t have to be the exact same, but it should complement the other features in the kitchen. Lighting seems like a simple afterthought during home renovations and remodels, but when you stop to think about it, it plays a significant role in the overall aesthetics, comfort and function of each space in your home. If you’re planning to redo your kitchen this year, get in touch with our team, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 at the Renosgroup.ca. We can help transform your space and offer our professional recommendations to enhance your design.

8 Things You Should Look for in an Ottawa Contractor

February 9, 2021 No Comments

When you’re ready to transform your home into something that you’ve been dreaming of, it’s important to make sure you’re placing it in the hands of a qualified contractor. Choosing the right one can make all the difference, especially when it comes to the quality of workmanship and the level of collaboration and transparency you receive. To ensure you’re hiring the best for your home, here are some important things you should look for in an Ottawa contractor. Experience Your home is your biggest investment, so when it comes to performing renovations, experience matters. You need experienced contractors who know what they are doing and that have a team they work well with. Many obstacles can arise during home renovation projects, and when they do, you’ll want someone who knows how to handle them. This way, you will receive the best outcome and can still remain within your budget. Good References Strong, solid references are very important to have before deciding who to hire. References will let you know whether the contractor is worth your money and trust. Any professional and reputable contractor will have numerous references from previous jobs and clients that show their level of workmanship, customer service, and ability to work with their clients. Most contractors today should have a website or Facebook page with testimonials for you to read through. Attention to Detail Attention to detail also matters when you’re looking for a contractor. You want someone who won’t cut corners or rush the job. Even minor errors can end up costing you more to repair down the road. A good contractor is thorough and organized with a thorough overview and agenda of what to do each day while tracking the progress during the reno. Keep an eye out for this when looking at reviews. A Fixed Address You don’t want to end up hiring a contractor who operates out of their vehicle, with no fixed business address. Make sure to ask for an address and do your research to see if it exists. If there isn’t one, this could leave you vulnerable if something goes wrong and you can’t track them down to dispute a shoddy job. Good Communication Skills Even if a contractor has meticulous workmanship, if their communication skills are lacking, it can ruin your entire experience and even impact the job. Good, clear, and courteous communication is fundamental for a successful renovation. There should be transparency, trust and professionalism right from the start. So pay attention to how they conduct themselves from the moment you contact them. Do they promptly reply? Do they ask questions to understand more about the details of your project? Do they keep you informed about any changes or problems? These are key things to look out for when scanning testimonials. Workers Compensation Insurance Even if it’s a minor project that you need done, problems can still occur and someone could get injured on the job. That’s why you should only hire a contractor with Workers Compensation Insurance. This insurance provides medical benefits and wages to workers who get injured while at work. This means they can’t sue you for damages or hold you responsible. In some cases, contractors may be automatically covered, but this can vary in different jurisdictions. Always ask and get confirmation that the contractor is covered with the WCB/WSIB to protect yourself from any unforeseen legal complications. Liability Insurance Homeowners can also land in legal jeopardy and be held liable if the contractor injures someone or damages any part of your property during the renovation. This can lead to expensive repairs and legal fees. This is another reason to look for liability insurance that will protect you against being blamed for actions, injuries and damages caused by the contractor. Any contractor you hire should carry valid liability insurance. Business and Professional Licenses Home renovations can be dangerous which is why they require professionals who are thoroughly trained and skilled in order to do them safely and correctly. This is why licenses are required for certain occupations, including contractors who conduct property improvements. If you hire a contractor who isn’t licensed, they could be unqualified and end up leaving you with more errors to fix. A business license shows they have adhered to a regulatory framework that allows them to operate as a business, and a professional license proves that they have the professional skills to carry out the required work safely. If you’re ready to renovate and spruce up an area of your home, our team at Renosgroup.ca can help. We are licensed, experienced and have proudly served homeowners throughout Ottawa for years, providing exceptional workmanship and customer service. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Building a Home Studio in Your Basement

November 27, 2017 No Comments

Looking to create your own home studio in your basement? Whether it’s for work or play, if you have some free space in your basement you can easily build the type of space you’ve been dreaming of. But knowing how to plan properly and prepare is essential to getting it done right. Soundproofing and utilizing the amount of room that you can play with efficiently to house your equipment, are just a few factors to consider. Before you jump into your renovation, check out our 3 key steps for setting up a home studio in your basement. Space Requirements Most home studios require two spaces – one for the sound booth where you capture the music and one area for the audio mixing room where the music mixing and producing resides. The size of the sound booth will depend on how many instruments you want to record from, and it will be different if you plan to house a small band versus just you on the guitar and mic. The mixing room will also need to fit your equipment, which can change depending on whether you want a small or large-scale studio operation. Creating a thorough floor plan before you start the renovation will save you time and money in the long run. Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment Building the home studio in your basement will already ensure some soundproofing from the surrounding foundation and ground outside. However, you want to create additional soundproofing between the downstairs and upstairs. Plus, you want to keep outside noises away that could distort the sound. You can easily install some acoustic foam, sound diffusers, bass traps and reflection filters to keep the noise in and to ensure you can keep distracting ambient noises out. Purchasing the Equipment Once you have the sound booth and mixing studio built, you’ll want to add the necessary equipment. To get you started you need a computer, digital audio workstation to mix and edit the music, audio interface to provide all the connections to your music, a quality set of microphones, headphones, studio monitors, a cable to connect the mic and audio interface, along with cables to connect the interface to the monitors. And of course, any of the instruments you would like to use in your studio should also be purchased if not already done so. Building your own home studio in your basement can provide hours of fun and can help you take your sound to the next level. But if you don’t plan and build it out right you might end up ignoring it more than using it. So let us help! At the RenosGroup, we can help you plan and create your build so that you can easily transform your basement into a studio that gets you pumped to use it every time. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Decor Ideas for Your Backyard Coach House

November 20, 2017 No Comments

Need some ideas for your backyard coach house? Modern coach house designs have come a long way since housing horse and carriages back in the day. Today, they’re often converted into quaint and characterful domestic dwellings that can be tailored to whatever style or need you prefer. Whether you have aging parents to care for, an older child looking for some independence, or if you simply need some extra quiet space to get work done, here are some décor ideas for you to consider for your backyard coach house. Home for Aging Parents When your parents reach a certain age, it’s nice to be able to have them close to home so that you can look after them and help take care of them when needed. A backyard coach house offers the perfect space for them to live, being close to home without invading your space while allowing them to maintain their independence as well. When designing for this purpose, consider features such as wide doorways or easy, accessible ramps. Also, enhanced safety features like a walk-in shower with handrails and lots of great lighting along the exterior and interior are important. Apartment for Your Eldest Child If you have a college-age child that’s eager for some independence, why not convert your backyard coach house into a loft where they can test out their wings before they really spread them? Make it modern and fresh with a great entertainment system, surround sound, and of course, a workspace where they can get all their assignments done. Home Office Space If you have a work-from-home career, you can create the perfect work zone that’s away from the distractions so you can get down to business. For this, you’ll need lots of built-in storage, large expansive windows to give you plenty of natural light, and product-inspiring colours for the walls like blue, yellow, or orange. Rental Unit If you’re eager to make some additional income, you can create a cozy rental property with rustic wooden floors, fresh, bright kitchen cabinetry, and even a few sunroofs to brighten it up if you find that you coach house is overshadowed and dark during the daytime. Having a backyard coach house is a great additional space that can come in handy when you need it the most. So if you’ve been neglecting yours, let these ideas get you inspired to create an additional space the serves your needs well. At RenosGroup.ca, we can help make your vision a reality. With our knowledge and expertise, you can trust us to take care of any home reno project. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Things to Consider When Doing a Bathroom Reno

March 21, 2017 No Comments

Taking on a bathroom renovation can be a grueling project, but one that’s worthy of the effort – especially if you ever consider placing your home up for sale. It can bump up the resale value, and of course, boost the luxury of your interior. But before you begin knocking down walls and removing the toilet, there are some important things to consider when doing a bathroom reno. Here’s what they include: Do you have an alternative bathroom to use? Remember, once you begin that renovation to your bathroom, it will become inaccessible for a while. So using the toilet, sink, and shower won’t exactly be an option. That’s why before getting started you should figure out a plan for these important necessities. Whether you have a second bathroom to use, or the neighbour is kind enough to let you use their shower, make a plan for bathroom usage so that you won’t end up stuck when it really matters. What sort of functionality will you need? Is this going to be a primary guest bathroom or one more so for your own personal use? This is important to determine so that you can think about the layout and functionality of the bathroom. Are you looking to create a luxurious, spa-like getaway in the comfort of this bathroom, or is it merely an additional one to free up your primary one during those hectic mornings? This will help you determine whether a bathtub is necessary or not, whether two sinks are necessary or not, along with other design features that will create your desired space. Will you need storage incorporated into the design? If you live in a condo or are simply limited on space, you know that any potential for storage is important. Think about how and where areas for storage can be incorporated and how you can optimize space for those essential toiletries. What is your budget? Determining your budget is the safest way to keep your expenditures at a range that won’t shock you once everything is completed. A bathroom reno project can quickly turn into one that ends up costing much more than anticipated, especially with all of the high-end décor items and fancy faucets that look so tempting at the home décor store. In order to avoid serious temptation and stick to what you can afford, create a budget before you begin shopping for your remodeling items. Bathroom renos can be a big undertaking, but they can also be fun! Consider each of these factors first before jumping ahead with your Ottawa bathroom renovation. To learn more things to consider when doing a bathroom reno, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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

Remodelling for the Long Term

November 21, 2016 No Comments

If you’ve endured home renovations in the past, chances are that you know very well just how gruelling and expensive they can be. What starts as a fun weekend DIY projects turns into months of living in a dusty construction zone. When you start to consider doing some renos on your new home, you want to make sure that you hire a professional general contractor and ensure whatever you’re investing in will give you the most amount of ROI in the future. Before you starting remodelling your home, here are some key factors to consider to get the best return on your investment that will serve you well for the long term. Neutral or Calming Walls When you’re in the midst of deciding what colour to throw on your walls, a good idea is to avoid anything harsh or bold. If you want to get the best long-term benefit out of that paint, your best bet is to go for neutral or calming colours. That way, if you decide that you no longer like the designs and accenting features in your home, you won’t be limited by the colour on your walls, or have to repaint them. Adding Windows If you’re feeling unsure about knocking down a few walls in order to enhance the natural light in your home, take comfort in knowing that this renovation will serve you and the value of your home well in the future. Adding more natural light to a home is always a smart idea. If you were on the fence about this one – let there be light! Be Bold Through Accessories Of course, we still need to incorporate some fun, flair, and colour into the interior design and one of the best ways for doing this through accessories. Accessories such as your cushions, artwork, or even curtains, are all great ways to help add in some vibrant colour without requiring any significant expense or alteration down the road. So if you happen to grow tired of a particular colour that’s dotted throughout your home, you can easily switch it up. Make Functionality a Priority No matter what you do, always have functionality as a priority in your design. For example, when it comes to your kitchen, make sure that the location of your appliances, countertops and cupboards all make sense to the flow of the space. That way, even if you have to change any aesthetics in the future, the main bulk layout (and expense) won’t have to be altered. It’s always important to consider what makes the most sense for the long-term when remodelling your home. So before you begin those blueprints, consider these tips to help you make the right decisions that will benefit you and your home the most in the future. Looking for home design ideas that will look just as good in a year or ten? RenosGroup.ca is Ottawa’s choice for expert kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovation projects with a focus on timeless finishes and design choices. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a Playroom the Kids Will Love

November 14, 2016 No Comments

Let’s be honest, designing a play area for your child is almost as much of a thrill for you as it is for them. It’s just about the only household project that’s fun and exciting to create because you get to be a little wild and crazy with the design. You can splash on some bold colours or funky wallpaper on the walls that would never be “approved” anywhere else. And the best part of all is that you get to see the smile on your child’s face when all is said and done. As a parent, it truly is one of the best household projects to undertake. So when you begin to think about creating a special space for your kids, here are some important factors to consider when designing a playroom the kids will love. The Design and Layout Before you go crazy with the Disney characters or bright pink carpeting, take a moment to first consider how quickly your children will grow and inevitably change their tastes and preferences. So when it comes to the layout, you should always take this into careful consideration when choosing design features that are more permanent (or ones you at least don’t want to have to change often), such as carpeting or wallpaper. They may look great now, but give it a few years and you (and your child) might be regretting it. Type of Flooring As mentioned, flooring is one of those choices that must be given some serious thought before throwing down the first selection you like. Take the time to really consider safety, aesthetics and of course, whether it will make sense in the near future. Because after a few months when your child has grown, you want that flooring to still hold well to wear and tear, while not looking completely out-dated. Some great options for you to consider that can provide you with each of these elements include cork, laminate, hardwood, and soft yet durable carpeting. Optimal Storage Of course, every playroom needs to have an appropriate amount of storage to tidy away all of those toys and crafts. Incorporating this into the design is a must in order to keep it clean and tidy. Whether it’s some toy boxes, cubed shelves and drawers – be sure that there is always some area that can house all of those toys. When it comes down to designing a playroom that the kids will love, it’s all about creating a space that is safe, fun and functional. And by considering a few of these key design elements, you can make a space that will serve both you and your kids well into the future. Ready to start your basement renovation? Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Common Reasons to Plan a Home Addition

November 7, 2016 No Comments

Planning a home addition to your house can be a significant project to undertake, but it can also be the best solution that can provide you with the room and comfort that you need so that you can avoid another big move. That’s one of the main reasons why more and more people are opting for home additions, too. If you’re considering adding space to your house but feel unsure whether it’s the right decision for you, here are four common reasons to plan a home addition Provides you with more space Of course, it goes without saying how a new addition will provide you with some much-needed space. But just think about how much it can benefit you both now and in the future. Whether you are (or will be) planning to have children down the road, this could be the perfect way of incorporating more room into your house now and avoiding a massive move in the future. Stay in the neighbourhood It’s easy to get attached to the neighbourhood that you’re living in. So rather than having to move, building more space into your current living space will allow you to stay put and enjoy the place that you’ve grown to love. Treat yourself to some personal space Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little selfish. And sometimes that means having a space to call our own. If your house doesn’t have enough room to provide you with a space to relax and enjoy, then maybe it’s time to think about yourself. Creating a new suite, or even a den – whatever you desire, can be incorporated with a new addition to your home. So you can stay put, avoid an aggravating move, and have a space to call your own. Increase the value of your home If you do happen to decide to move from your home in the future, you can bet that the new addition that you create will only add value to it. No matter what you decide to turn that space into, having that extra room with treat you well when it comes to your return on investment if you do decide to move in the future. So if you’re on the fence about committing to a new addition, take some time to really think about how it will benefit you in the long run. Aside from the obvious extra room, you can avoid a potential move in the future; you can create your own personal space, all the while adding more value to your home. Read more about our Ottawa home additions services or book a free in-home consultation! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

October 31, 2016 No Comments

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

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