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The Pros and Cons of Paint vs. Wallpaper

February 6, 2017 No Comments

We’ve broken down some pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper for you to consider when it’s time to make a decision that you won’t regret. The walls of a home are no small matter when it comes to putting the finishing design touches on your home renovation project. After all, they do take up a great deal of space, and therefore, can change and transform the look of your entire home. Whether it’s soft and light, or bold and cozy – your walls matter. When it comes to deciding between paint or wallpaper, which is the best to choose? Wallpaper Pros Durability – Wallpaper can be very durable against wear and tear over the years. If you’re in search of something to stand strong against all of those dirty fingerprints from the kids, this could be worth considering. Versatility – Although paint is available in a variety of different colours, with wallpaper, you can incorporate different designs that you can’t achieve with paint. There is great versatility if you’re looking to add more flair and personality to a wall and room. Preparation – Depending on the state of your wall, it can take more effort and time for preparing the surface for paint. Cons Expensive – Wallpaper will generally cost more than paint, especially considering the size and surface you are covering. Difficulty Installing – Although you can attempt to wallpaper yourself, it can be much more challenging to apply correctly without any bumps. Having a professional is usually the best way to ensure it is done correctly without any flaws. Removing it – If you change your mind in the future, removing wallpaper can be a tedious and frustrating endeavour. You need to have the right tools and a whole lot of patience to ensure that it’s fully removed and that the wall beneath isn’t damaged during the process. Paint Pros Preparation – It can be easy and can take little time and effort to prepare a wall for painting depending on your walls. With a quick application of primer or spackle, you can correct many imperfections in no time. Affordable – Paint is much more affordable than wallpaper, and you don’t have to spend money having someone apply it for you. Easy DIY– Although hiring a professional painter is always an option, it’s much easier to take on as a DIY project than with wallpaper. And even for hiring someone, the fee is generally lower than when applying wallpaper. Cons Not as Durable – Paint can mark and chip away much easier than wallpaper. So if you do have small children, the wear and tear factor could be an issue to consider. Less Selection – Although you can select a wide variety of paint colours, there still is a lack of selection when compared to the wallpaper designs. So you may be limited when you want to customize a wall. Can Emphasize Imperfections – Paint can easily show imperfections that are present on the wall. It’s less forgiving, especially when the sun shines on the surface. Wallpaper is usually better at concealing this. Whichever you decide to go with for your walls, these pros and cons of paint vs. wallpaper are worth considering before transforming the walls of your home. Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

Thinking About an Income Suite?

January 30, 2017 No Comments

Have you been thinking about an income suite in your home? More homeowners are realizing just how great it can be for generating additional income. Whether you have a basement, separate apartment space, or spare room, with a few renovations, you can create the perfect space that can provide you with extra income each month. Consider these tips to help create that income suite in your Ottawa home. Figure Out the Essentials It’s important to assess your living space and where might be the best place to create your extra suite. You need to figure out all of the essentials that will be necessary. To be up to code, a separate entrance will be required, as will a separate bathroom and kitchen. These are other requirements will determine the layout and renovation requirements for the space. Take some time to assess the space you have and what is most practical for both you and your prospective tenant. Learn About Laws and Regulations In addition to mapping out where and how you can create your income suite, it’s imperative to learn about the laws and regulations that are required when creating this kind of space. Factors such as permits, fire safety, and exits must be incorporated into your layout. Invest In Areas That Count When constructing certain areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen, always invest your money in areas that really count. The bathroom fixtures, toilet, and tub, along with the kitchen amenities and appliances, are what count and what prospective tenants will notice. Plus, it will benefit you and the value of your property in the future.Other design features like expensive carpeting or curtains don’t have to be extravagant. Focus on cost-effectiveness and durable. Stay Neutral With The Design When it comes to deciding on paint for the walls, and styles for the layout and furniture, try to stay neutral. Neutral colours on the walls are usually best since you can alter the décor without having to worry about colour. And when deciding on furniture and other décor items, again, keep it simple and choose items that will make the space look new and clean. Don’t Go Over Budget It can be easy to go way over budget once you get into the depths of renovating. So it’s best to have a budget to provide some limitation. It’s usually recommended not to spend over two years of rent on the renovation process. With a few renovations and the right space, you can create an area that can generate extra income for you and put that empty space to good use. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Revitalize Your Fireplace

January 23, 2017 No Comments

With a little effort, you can easily revitalize your fireplace and make it the focal point of your home once again. The fireplace is always a focal part of any room. If it begins to deteriorate over the years and look outdated, it can affect the entire design of the surrounding room. Small noticeable signs of wear and tear, such as broken and discoloured tiles, stone, or fixtures that are hanging off or stained by soot over the years can really look unattractive. Plus, if it’s an old fireplace that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it could endanger your health. So why not make the effort to spruce up your interior by revitalizing your fireplace? It really can crank up the beauty and design of your entire living room. Use these tips to help get inspired. Reface with Stone If the current surround of the fireplace has old, worn brick, the best (and easiest) way to tackle that refacing project is by using stone. Not only does stone look great and provide that timeless character and warmth to your home, but it’s also very simple to install. You can use stone panels, which can be directly installed over the existing brick. Refacing with stone is straightforward and you can choose from a variety of styles and colours. Reface with Granite Granite looks elegant and luxurious. It’s a feature that designers and homeowners are in love with. And there’s no better place to show it off than your fireplacee. Granite and similar stone surfaces like marble compliment any fireplace and they are fire resistant so no need to worry about that heat affecting them. Add a Mantle If your fireplace doesn’t have a mantelpiece over it, this is a great way to enhance the look and really provide that statement piece. There are so many options available. You can go for big and bold, rustic and cottage-like, or sleek and contemporary. Mantels really allow you to get creative with the design. Reach for the Ceiling One popular look that many homeowners are in love with lately is the grandeur look of floor to ceiling panels. What better way to extenuate that focal feature? You can choose from large stones, small stones, and play with the elements of texture while really enhancing the ambience of the room. Add The TV If you’re worried about where you should place the TV, why not above the fireplace? You can incorporate it into the design so you don’t have to make any sacrifices. When your fireplace has reached a point where it no longer enhances a room, but rather takes away from the rest of your design and living space, revitalizing it is the best way to boost up your entire décor. So make it a project in the New Year to make your design pop with a new and improved fireplace. When you’re planning a home renovation in Ottawa, RenosGroup.ca can be there every step of the way from those first design ideas until the final step of construction. Get your FREE estimate now! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Make Your Small Ensuite Beautiful

January 16, 2017 No Comments

Who says that size has to limit your design? If you have a small ensuite bathroom, it can look every bit as glamorous as your main bathroom. All it takes is the right elements to optimize the space that you do have and incorporate elements that can provide the illusion of more space. Follow these design tips to help make your small ensuite beautiful. All Glass Walk-in Shower If there’s a shower in your tiny ensuite, it can either make or break the look of your bathroom. The enclosure can really box in the area and make it appear even smaller than it really is. That’s why more modern designs are opening up that enclosure by using glass. This allows more light to filter within the ensuite and doesn’t take away from the size of the space. Built-in Countertop Having adequate space for a counter is one of the main problems when facing the design of a smaller bathroom. But by incorporating a built-in shelf within the main wall where the sink will be placed, it can provide that necessary component without having a counter that protrudes and takes up much room. Floating Sink Fixture Thanks to floating designs, even the tiniest bathroom can still be practical and look great. You don’t have to take up any unnecessary floor space with the sink. Plus, you can achieve that contemporary “bling” style with chrome piping and dazzling faucets. Customized Floating Cupboards Using the space above the toilet is always best for placing either a shelf or floating cupboard. And with the customized designs that are available today, you can store away all of your toiletries without having them on display for the world to see. Chic Tiling and Flooring The size of a space definitely shouldn’t hold you back from adding that design flair that you want. There are a wide variety of tiles and added finishes that you can install within your ensuite to bring out your flare and style. So get creative when selecting your tiling and flooring. Big Mirrors Mirrors are always a great option to utilize in smaller spaces for allowing light to reflect and give the illusion of greater space. Don’t feel limited by the small size of your ensuite. With the selection and designs that are available today, you can find just about anything you’re looking for to fully optimize your space without sacrificing your desire for a striking design. Get in touch, with the Ottawa bathroom contractors at RenosGroup.ca to book a consultation or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss design ideas.

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!

Adding a Basement Games Room

December 27, 2016 No Comments

The wintertime is perfect for spending quality time inside together with the people you love the most. But after a few months of feeling cooped up at home, all that time spent indoors can begin to wear on you and family, leaving you feeling restless and bored. Adding a basement games room can offer the perfect kind of entertainment that you and the family can embrace all year long – especially during those cold spells that keep you cooped up at home. So why not embrace that quality time at home together with a games room that the whole family can have some fun with? Here’s how to plan it out and get started! Consider Where it will be Located Whether it’s your basement or a spare den off of the main floor, wherever you are considering housing your games room, give it some careful thought. Location is important. When those air hockey pucks go flying, you don’t want them to be anywhere near your fragile furniture. A games room is all about having a room to escape, get a little crazy, while still being able to keep your home safe and well intact. Put some careful thought on where yours should be located. Make it Comfy and Inviting Having a games room doesn’t just mean throwing a few games in a room for the kids. This can be your space, too. So consider adding those elements of comfort and luxury that you will enjoy. Maybe it’s big, comfy chairs, or a cute little bar. Whatever it is, add some elements that will make it a warm and inviting space that you will actually want to use. Consider Games to Add Of course, your games room should be tailored with games that you and the family will love. So take the time to think about what type of games you want. Maybe it’s pinball machines and air hockey, or foosball and a beautiful pool table as the main feature. Or you could add an entertainment system with the latest and greatest 3D consoles. The options are endless, so let your imagination run wild! Having a games room is all about providing a space where you can have some fun and entertainment at home while spending quality time together. Whether it’s throwing down a game of foosball or setting up a snooker tournament with your friends, an entertainment space that you can call your own is the perfect addition to any home, especially during those long winter months when you’re cooped up inside! Have you got a basement renovation on the mind? For more info on adding a basement games room, give RenosGroup.ca a call at (613)727-9427 to book your free in-home consultation and discover what opportunities await.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring

December 20, 2016 No Comments

There’s something about hardwood flooring that really gives a home that timeless character. And best of all, it can provide that cohesive element that can go with any type of design. But of course, with the variety of selections available, it can be confusing to figure out which style is best suited for your home. Rustic Maple? Oak? Walnut, Birch? So before you begin shopping for your flooring, here are some factors to consider that can help you in choosing the right hardwood flooring that will keep up with your lifestyle and home. Lifestyle Before you get your heart set on any particular style of flooring, it’s important to consider a style and colour that will keep up with your lifestyle first. If you have kids or pets, you must take that into consideration so that you won’t end up with a style or stain that will mark up as easily. When it comes to hectic lifestyles, with many footprints that may be coming and going, hardwoods such as hickory and walnut are most resilient to wear and tear. Budget The next important factor to take note of before heading out to shop is your budget. Different types of hardwood can vary with price range. Solid hardwoods such as oak, or exotic hardwoods such as bamboo can consume your budget way beyond your expectations. Always be realistic with what you can afford. There are a variety of budget-friendly options that can deliver that timeless hardwood look, that have been engineered with blends to provide you with both affordability and aesthetics. Maintenance No one wants to have to vacuum or mop the floor several times a day just to maintain it. Consider the shade of flooring that will be most convenient. If you do have a hectic household, lighter flooring can be much easier for hiding dust and dirt so that you don’t have to bring out the mop so often. Darker shades tend to place any dust on display. But maintenance is important in getting the most longevity out of your flooring, so always ensure you know what the most recommended method is for cleaning it. Each type can differ depending on the variations. When it comes to selecting hardwood flooring that’s the right choice for your home, these are the most important factors to consider first. Once you determine how and what will fit in with your lifestyle the most, you can easily narrow down your options and make that selection process a whole lot easier when you head out to shop. When planning a home renovation, flooring is just one of the many design choices you need to think about. Want a little expert help? Contact us or give RenosGroup.ca a call at (613)727-9427 – we do it all to bring timeless designs to life.

A Quick Guide to Planning a Second Storey Addition

December 13, 2016 No Comments

If you feel like your home is tight for space, or maybe you have a new addition to the family that’s on the way, adding on a second storey to your home can be a great way to remain in the place you’ve grown to love, while avoiding that gruelling moving process. But there are a variety of factors involved during this process. The first is determining of course, whether it is, in fact, possible to add on an additional storey. So before you get your plans in motion, here is a quick guide to planning a second storey addition to your home. Determine What’s Permitted Before getting started, the first step is to consult the City of Ottawa to assess your property and determine if you can build that addition. Depending on legalities and proximity to neighbouring structures, there may be roadblocks involved. You need to determine whether you will be looking to build upward or outward, and which one is possible. Consider the Cost Although adding an addition on to your home can end up saving you a lot of time and aggravation from moving, it can also have the potential of being more costly than you anticipated. For example, if your home doesn’t have the proper, solid foundation that can support an addition to the home, you could end up having to dig deeper into your wallet to have your foundation reinforced. Consider Additional Costs Beyond the actual construction of a new addition, you must also take into account the other additional costs that will come along with it. This includes added furnishings for the space, flooring, fixtures, along with added energy usage. You may also need to update the mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to account for the extra space. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved before moving ahead. Know the Layout It’s no good if you begin this type of project with no specific purpose in mind. If you’re just adding a second storey for the sake of expanding, then you should take some time to really play out what the purpose of that extension will be. If it’s going to be a room for the baby, an exercise space, or even a games room with some entertainment features, knowing what the space will be used for initially is important for creating the proper layout. Deciding to add on a second storey to your home is a big decision, but when given the proper amount of thought and preparation, it can be a great investment and addition to your home. But before you jump into the process, it’s important to consider these factors first to ensure that it’s the best decision for you. RenosGroup.ca can help you plan and execute your home addition project from start to finish. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to schedule your free in-home consultation.

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

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