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5 Different Ways to Use a Coach House

June 7, 2016 No Comments

If you haven’t heard yet, coach houses are now approved in Ottawa. These changes are meant to make properties more flexible for homeowners and create more living options for people throughout the city. Some people have decided to create incredible functional spaces out of their coach house whereas others have utilized these extra chunks of usable square footage to create much more attractive and appealing real estate properties when they go on the market. Regardless of how you anticipate using your coach house in the future, you want to think about converting it into at least one of the 5 different ways to use a coach house below. Coach House for Extra Income You can convert an old garage or shed into a coach house, or built a new coach house from the ground up. Regardless of which option you choose, a coach house can functional as an external apartment that you can rent out. In the Ottawa area, a private dwelling of this nature is very appealing for students, young professionals, or even retirees who do not need much space but appreciate the separation and quiet of a standalone coach house. You can use the extra income to pay down your mortgage, finance renovations to your main property, put it toward retirement, your children’s education funds, or just have fun with it! Coach House as an Office If you have difficulty concentrating with all of the noise in the main house, or the idea of working with your laptop on the couch doesn’t scream “productivity,” how about transforming a coach house into an office? The space can be designed to your exact specifications, with all the storage and organization needs met. If clients come to your home, it’s a great secluded space to do business. Coach House for Hobbies If you have hobbies you are passionate about, you can bring these hobbies to the next level with a coach house. You can custom-built an art studio, a band rehearsal space, a state-of-the-art greenhouse, a hot tub/spa zone…and much more. The possibilities are endless! Coach House as a Guest Cottage Of course you aren’t going to be the only person that can take advantage of your coach house after it has been renovated, especially if you make sure to turn that space into a beautiful guest cottage for all your visitors, family, and friends in the future. It’s a great way to give your guests some privacy – and ease some stress on you as the host! Downsize into Your Coach House Once the kids have moved out and you no longer need all that space, what happens if you still love your neighbourhood/property and don’t want to move? An alternate idea is to rent out the main home and live in the coach house. It can be as luxurious and high-end as you’d like. Would you like to learn more about the 5 different ways to use a coach house? RenosGroup is Ottawa’s favourite choice for coach house construction and coach house conversions, so contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Frequently Asked Questions About Coach Houses

May 19, 2016 No Comments

The small house movement has taken the country and the world by storm. Creating smaller living accommodations where everything is compressed into a functional space is a popular hobby for some and an ideal living space for others. Whether you are new to the idea or interested in learning more, it helps to see these houses in practice. Going by many names, small homes are sometimes called coach houses. Let’s take a moment to review frequently asked questions about coach houses in Ottawa to give you a better understanding of their purpose and function. What Are Coach Houses? As mentioned above, a coach house can be considered a small or tiny house. It is built on a property and is no way connected to the primary house. It typically has the full range of amenities, including bathroom, kitchen, and bed. More often than not, the coach house consists of one or two rooms, often serving dual purposes. Coach houses are often converted sheds and garages, or they can be constructed from scratch. What Is The Difference Between A Coach House And A Garden Suite? Good question. Granny suites, also known as granny flats, are typically considered any non-permanent structure. Consider a trailer home, or temporary shed. It is important to know that a garden suite does not have a fixed foundation while a coach house does. Simply put, the coach house is designed to be a permanent addition to your property. Are Coach Houses Livable? Of course! Coach houses are designed to be livable and self-contained. They are an excellent way to add an additional rent option as individuals can live on your property and in the coach house without accessing your home directly. In effect, it provides you either a landlord and tenant opportunity or additional housing in case family or friends come over. Where Can Coach Houses Be Built? That is a good question. When a coach house is built on a property already containing a home, then you will have to look into the local zoning laws for your city. There may be issues of privacy or other considerations that you will have to comply with prior to building your coach house. Some proposed bylaws that will apply Ottawa coach houses: Must be smaller and lower than the main home Maximum of 592 sq ft, 50% of yard Must be 1.2 metres from property line to have windows facing the adjacent property Design guidelines may come into play down the road Do Coach Houses Affect Property Taxes? Where coach homes have been built, they have tended to affect the property value. The property value typically goes up, as the coach home is considered its own freestanding property. If you build one, expect to be paying more in taxes as a result. MPAC evaluations go hand-in-hand with building permit applications. It’s time to make your dream of backyard living a reality. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca today, or call us at (613)727-9427 to talk more about frequently asked questions about coach houses

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

May 12, 2016 No Comments

Building a custom home can be one of the most exciting projects you ever invest in – but it can also be one of the scariest. Don’t let stress overwhelm your excitement. If you’re interested in building a custom home, consider these important priorities before you take that next step. Choose a Reputable Contractor Nothing is more important than being able to trust the hands that will be constructing your dream home. A custom home is so much more than a bathroom remodel or a weekend renovation project, so it demands a lot of research and investigation. Do your homework and time your time when choosing a home builder. Search online, talk to family and friends, and consult with other pros in the industry to get their expert opinion. You want to ensure that whoever will be conducting the show has the proper set of skills, knowledge, and trade partners to do the job right. Investing time and research for selecting a reputable contractor will give you piece of mind and help avoid any potentially detrimental mistakes in the long run. Meet with several builders in person. Ask for references and examples of past work. Do you get a good vibe from the builder? Remember, building a custom home is going to be a long process that takes cooperation and communication, so you want to gel with the builder in addition to trusting their qualifications. Use Your Contractor Right From the Get Go Once you’ve hired someone you feel confident with, use their knowledge and experience right from the beginning. Involve them in the major decisions, such as selection of location and property. They have invaluable information that can help guide you in selecting a property that can save you time and money. Discuss design plans with them before you make final decisions so that they can determine what may or may not be realistic before you get your heart set on an idea. List Your Priorities Mapping out a list of what your needs and priorities will be throughout the design will help your contractor – and ultimately, you – make tough decisions when necessary, and allow you to adjust and develop your budget accordingly. Since you are investing a significant sum of money in customizing your home, be sure to consider not only your present needs, but also future needs. Think about the prospect of having children, or even when you’re elderly and can’t climb those stairs like you used to. Flexibility is important! Create a Budget After you’ve made a list of what the priorities will be throughout the design, the next step is creating a detailed budget for the project. The sky is the limit in terms of possibilities, but keep in mind that exotic, elaborate designs come with a matching price tag. Fortunately, at RenosGroup.ca we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, we leverage the best possible quotes from our trade partners and suppliers. Consult with your contractor during this process and always leave some extra wiggle room for those unexpected expenses. If you’re planning to build a custom home in the Ottawa area, consider these priorities before you get started. Do your research and find the right contractor so that you can avoid any headaches, and feel confident about investing in your future. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Partner Profile: Grant’s Marble

May 5, 2016 No Comments

As a leading home renovation company in Ottawa, we are proud to partner with the best manufacturers and supplies of quality materials for your home, kitchen, and bathroom. From custom-built cabinetry to tiles to assisted living modifications to window shutters, we seek out partners who embody the values of quality, dependability, and impeccable design. Many of our suppliers are based right here in Ottawa or the surrounding area. Today, we are excited to profile Grant’s Marble, a manufacturer of engineered marble and granite products. What is Engineered Stone? Engineered stone (also known as cultured stone or synthetic stone) is a blend of cast polymers – typically fiberglass, limestone, and resin – combined with pigment to create natural-looking colours and patterns. Cultured marble looks indistinguishable from its natural counterpart, but it also has many advantages. For one, because it is engineered you can request any colour or pattern of your choosing, rather than being limited by nature. Engineered marble is cast in moulds, allowing you to create custom shapes, lengths, and widths for shower surrounds and countertops that would not be possible with slab marble. Finally, engineered marble is the far more economical choice for homeowners who want luxury design at an affordable price point. What are the Advantages of Engineered Marble? Engineered marble is maintenance-free and a breeze to clean. Unlike plastic shower bases and walls, the material never cracks. As a bonus, it’s much easier and quicker to install than tile. With roll-in or low threshold options available, it’s a great choice for accessible/mobility friendly bathrooms, and recessed shower niches were also recently added to the product line. We spoke with Paul Grant, owner of Grant’s Marble, who explained the compelling advantages. “Our synthetic marble products make great bathroom choices. Our shower bases are solid when you stand on them, and when combined with our one-piece wall panels it is said they will outlast the customer! If they are looking for a shower that will never leak, easy to clean, and last – this is it. Oh, did I mention that both have a lifetime warranty? And with 52 colours to choose from, you can always find the perfect colour. We also make custom shower bases to fit different sizes and drain locations. Custom bases offer a low profile threshold that is only 2 1/4” high and is most desirable.” Marble & Granite for Your Renovation Project Grant’s Marble is based in Elginburg, ON, a small village just north of Kingston, about a two-hour drive from Ottawa. Grant’s Marble specializes in synthetic marble and granite products for bathrooms, including shower bases, wall panels, seamless vanity tops, and tub decking/skirting. They also make engineered marble accessories, like shower seats and caddies that integrate flawlessly with the rest of the shower. All of their shower bases and wall panels are covered by a robust lifetime warranty. Grant’s Marble has a very active Facebook page, and we’d like to share some of their creations to give you a visual idea of what is possible with cultured marble. Custom shower with marble panels with grey swirl and ceramic tiles Glass shower with marble shower base, wall panels, and custom caddy Marble tub decking and skirting Engineered granite vanity top The manufacturing process: a marble wall panel in the factory If cultured marble from Grant’s Marble sounds like the right fit for your bathroom renovation project, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca! Quality installation, quality materials, and quality customer service is what we’re all about. To see some of our other great partners, check out our Online Product Showroom. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Unique Ways To Add Character To Your Home

May 2, 2016 No Comments

Have you ever visited a friend’s home only to be “wowed” by the experience? What about it was memorable? Chances are that there was something in the home that helped add to its character. Simply put, the character of a home is the feeling you get when you are inside. It can be warm, inviting, cool, austere, grandiose, classic, and more. Simply put, there are innumerable ways you can add character to your home and make it that special place you love to live in. Below are five unique ways you can add character to your own home. A primer guide, hopefully some of the suggestions here will get you thinking! Focus On Your Staircase The staircase is an often-missed opportunity to add unique character to your home. Consider removing the carpet if any and repair any damage to the wood. Consider making changes to stain of the wood, adding a decorative railing, or simply consider wall hangings for the home. You will be amazed at how many ideas come to mind when you take a long hard look at your stairwell. Stress Architectural Aesthetics Many homes, especially older homes, are filled with smaller architectural embellishments. Stress these embellishments in the style of the home and make it stand out both internally and externally. You can create a more unifying aesthetic inside and out by focusing on these minor features. Consider Built-Ins For Unused Spaces Many homes have unused space like a bay window or area around a fireplace. Consider hollowing out some of these spaces to create a seat with storage. Something like a chair and cabinet space either built into the space or added can create a picturesque scene within your home. Put Time Into Your Entrance And Welcoming Foyer The first thing people will see when entering your home (outside of your front door of course) will be your entrance and welcoming foyer. Use this as an opportunity to set the mood and theme of the house. Whatever is stressed aesthetically throughout the home can have a representation of that style or design clearly on display when people enter. Pay Closer Attention To Lighting People often forget lighting when they are considering their interior space. Don’t make this mistake and do some research. Different intensities and colours may work in different parts of the home to help give each section their own unique feel. For design inspiration and professional renovation done right, RenosGroup.ca is the preferred choice. Get a free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Remodeling the Laundry Room

April 28, 2016 No Comments

Let’s be honest, we don’t think about the laundry room much. For many homeowners, if it’s not a stacked washer/dryer crammed into a linen closet, it’s a dark, dingy room with bare floors, exposed walls, and zero charm. If you’re planning a home renovation project, why not incorporate a laundry room upgrade, too? Location, Location, Location First things first, a laundry room doesn’t by default need to be in the basement. Ask yourself what location makes the most sense for your family. Does it make sense to have it upstairs so you can throw in dirty clothes right away and not have to haul loads of laundry up and down the stairs? On the main floor so you can sort and fold while keeping a watchful eye on the kids (bonus: a main floor laundry room can double as a mudroom)? Or do you want a custom-designed laundry room in the basement with all the storage you could ever need? Creative Laundry Room Ideas Who says a laundry room has be a dark, lifeless space? Consider incorporating some of the following ideas: Window to the world. If you have a main floor laundry, why not place it near a window? Bring life to the space with plants and tasteful décor. Let there be light. Task lighting Utility sink. Every laundry room needs a sink, but it can also be a mucky sink where kids can wash hands after playing outside, you can clean your gardening tools, or you can rinse sports gear before heading inside. Hanging rod. This is a cheap and useful addition to any laundry room. Use it air-dry delicates and hang shirts so they don’t get wrinkled after drying. Cupboards can be used to hide away detergents, bleach and other washing accessories that need to be hidden away from the kids. Cabinets help keep the look of your laundry room clean by tucking away hampers, the ironing board, and much more. Material Choice When it comes to flooring, water resistance is the key. The last thing you want in the unfortunate case of a washing machine leak is to ruin the floor. Stone, slate, or ceramic tiles are great choices, while vinyl is a budget-friendly alternative. For countertops, consider concrete or stainless steel. Cupboard/cabinet material is entirely up to your style choice. These are just a few options. You can design and remodel your laundry room as you like. Just let your creative instincts guide you, or talk to the Ottawa renovation pros at RenosGroup to learn more. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Pay for Your Home Renovation

April 21, 2016 No Comments

Why do you want to plan a home renovation? To add more space to your home? Add resale value to your home? Make it more functional? More energy efficient? Or does the space simply need a style makeover? Whatever the reason, it is likely obvious and close to your heart. Financing your renovation project, on the hand, may be a fuzzier topic. Before you get into the nitty gritty of designing a layout or choosing the right paint colour, you need to determine where the money will come from. If you’ve been saving specifically for this occasion and have a lump sum sitting in the bank, then you’re golden. If not, do you plan to take a loan? Secure a home equity line of credit? Let’s explore a few of the different financing options on how to pay for your home renovation: Savings If you are planning a small renovation project like turning a spare bedroom into the nursery or adding a powder room to the main floor, you can likely pay for it out of pocket if you have sufficient savings. However unless you have been a very diligent saver, larger renovation projects like overhauling the kitchen or planning a home addition will require alternate funding. Credit Card A credit card is fine for paying for materials, especially if you are doing a smaller renovation or DIY weekend project – just make sure you pay it off quickly. However due to the high interest rates on credit cards, you’re better off finding alternate funding options if the project is large. Personal Loan As with a mortgage, you can apply for a personal loan. In addition to the principal, you will have to pay interest. On the upside, personal loans have a lower interest rate than credit cards. Unlike a personal line of credit, you will have to reapply for a new loan once you pay it off. Personal Line of Credit The huge benefit of a personal line of credit is that you can access funds to the credit’s limit on an ongoing basis. This is ideal for ongoing renovations rather than one project with a determined end date. A personal line of credit has much lower interest rates than credit cards. Home Equity Loans Home equity loans borrow money against the value of your home. They have even better interest rates than personal lines of credit. Beware that home equity loans do require set-up costs, such as legal fees and appraisal fees. You can usually borrow up to 80% of your home’s value. Mortgage Refinancing Mortgage refinancing allows you to spread the cost of renovations over a period of years by bundling it with your mortgage repayment (at the same interest rate as your mortgage, far better than credit card/personal loan interest rates). You can borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home. As with home equity loans, legal and appraisal fees do apply. Additional Funding You can qualify for government funding to incentivize positive renovations, like making your home more energy-efficient or mobility-friendly. For example, the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit encourages seniors and their families to make homes safer and more accessible. You can claim up to $10,000 in eligible expenses and receive up to 15% back as a tax credit. The HHRTC is proposed to end on January 1, 2017. Once you’ve secured funding, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca to get your estimate for a bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation, mobility renovation, basement renovation, home addition, or coach house remodel/construction. To learn more about how to pay for your home renovation, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home for Sale?

April 14, 2016 No Comments

You have had your house for some time now and made a great life for yourselves in it. But now that it’s time to move, how much will you get back on your investment? It should come as no surprise that the better the condition of your home, the more modern the design, and the more energy-efficient, the better your chances of getting the full value of the property. So – Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home for Sale? The simple answer is yes, you should choose renovation projects that make sense for your budget, that will be noticed by potential buyers, and that will improve the resale value of your home. Save the big ambitious projects for your next home, and try to stick to renovation ideas and décor choices that have universal appeal. Red Flag for Buyers When potential buyers walk into the house, they are looking for red flags. A red flag may be a huge substantive issue, like a massive visible foundation crack or water spots upstairs that may hint to a roof leak. In this case, potential buyers are right to turn away. However red flags can also be small things that drop the desirability of your home when compared with competing properties. These red flags will vary from buyer to buyer, but yes, it could be things like your structurally sound but aesthetically hideous 80s kitchen, or your ratty old living room carpet keeping you from getting an offer. Every time a potential buyer spots a red flag, they are mentally reducing how much they would be willing to pay for your home – if they’re even interested in making an offer at all. Renovation for Resale If you are planning to sell your home, there are many valid reasons to do a renovation project beforehand. Whether it’s small DIY fixes like upgrading cabinet hardware or a massive overhaul project, remodelling will make your house more attractive to buyers and improve the resale value of your home. Inspiration from the House Hunt Since you are likely looking for a new home at the same time, why not take inspiration from other homes that you see online or during showings? What features make your jaw drop, and what do you not even notice? Let’s say you always appreciate a clean, well-organized entryway. Well, this would be an easy improvement project that you can do in a weekend. On the other hand, what if homeowners spent thousands installing new cabinetry when a simple reface would have made you happy? Potential buyers will always look at floors, countertops, paint colour, appliances (even if appliances aren’t included in the home). Other features are tricky. Potential buyers will point out hideous light fixtures, and beautiful light fixtures – but they won’t even notice regular, run of the mill light fixtures. So there’s an area you can save money. Likewise, they will notice grotesque stained carpet, and admire beautiful glossy hardwood floors, but if you have regular clean carpet you’re fine. BONUS TIP: While a DIY approach is appropriate for some small projects like upgrading to LED light bulbs, be careful about any project where sloppy work will show. For example it is easy and affordable to install new shower tiles, but if the tiles are crooked and grout is uneven, potential buyers will not be impressed and all your efforts will go to waste. Work with a qualified contractor in Ottawa and get professional results. To learn more about whether you should renovate before listing your home, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Turn the Basement into a Game Room

April 7, 2016 No Comments

Is your basement a dark, musty, unfinished space? No longer. For many homeowners in Ottawa, the basement is so much more than a gloomy storage room, musty laundry room, or unused space. Have you thought about turning your basement into a game room? A fully customized space the whole family can enjoy? First Things First – Is Your Basement Waterproof? Before we start talking about selecting the right ping pong table and what brands of craft beer you want to store in the basement wet bar, there are a few structural concerns to address. An unfinished basement seems like more work, but it’s actually a better blank canvas for evaluating any potential issues like water damage, mould growth, pest infestations, and so on. If any of these issues are present they absolutely must be addressed right away. Waterproof your basement now, and you won’t have to pay money replacing wet belongings and knocking down drywall to fix it. The last thing you want to do is invest in a swanky renovation that’s not built on a solid foundation. Next – Evaluate the Space Every basement is different. Hopefully you have a bright basement with lots of open space and big windows, but that’s not always going to be the case. How is your ceiling height? You don’t want to have to dig down just to fit a game room, but it is an option. What is the placement like for the furnace room, water hookups, ductwork, electrical panel etc.? These elements will be difficult and/or expensive to move, so you’ll want to plan any layout around these important parts of the basement. Next – Design Time You can come to your contractor with designs in hand, or you can work together to design the perfect layout for the same. If you hope to have games tables in the room, layout is extremely important. For example, a pool table requires at least enough clearance to use a standard cue (58”) comfortably in all directions. If you plan to have other tables in the area, plus seating, plus a bar etc., layout becomes imperative. Finally – Games Time Bring the whole family and figure out what kind of games you would like to see. Pool table, table tennis, foosball, or air hockey? The latest video game consoles like a PS4, WiiU, or Xbox One, built into a customized media centre? Board games like Monopoly and Risk? A remodeled basement will increase the value of your house and will pay off in big bucks when you resell. It is a win-win. The space is big and cozy and with the right games for your family, it will soon become your sanctuary. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca for your free in-home consultation to get the process started. Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Transforming Your Basement – On a Budget

March 23, 2016 No Comments

When we start remodeling our houses, it is common to go over budget – especially if you have a budget that is unrealistic to start with. Let’s say you want to construct a basement bar with a sink hookup, recessed lighting, and a solid cherry wood bartop – fantastic! And you want to do it all for $750 or less…not so fantastic. Still, it is possible to transform your basement on a budget. Get Multiple Estimates Do not settle for the first estimate that you get. For one, if you ask around, you may discover that the first estimate was wildly off-base – or you may discover that the first contractor got it exactly right. Just remember, you are not looking for the lowest price – you are looking for the most comprehensive estimate that sets out a plan to achieve your renovation goals at a price that fits your budget. Working with a contractor like RenosGroup.ca, you will be able to get better prices because we can leverage relationships with our trade partners, without sacrificing quality or attention to detail in any way. It’s wise to seek several estimates before finalizing your basement renovation project. This ensures you have a good understanding of market rates and project complexities. Here are some tips: Contact at least 3 reputable contractors: Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations, or search online review platforms. Clearly communicate your vision and budget: Provide detailed plans and specifications to ensure accurate estimates. Compare apples to apples: Ensure each estimate covers the same scope of work, materials, and timelines. Ask questions and clarify doubts: Don’t hesitate to ask about qualifications, insurance, warranties, and payment terms. Consider value, not just price: Choose a contractor based on experience, expertise, communication style, and trust, not just the lowest cost. STICK to Your Budget On the one hand, your budget shouldn’t be a loose target. It should be calculated based on the material and labour needs for the project, and going thousands over budget without an explanation is not OK. On the other hand, having the whole project grind to a halt because you can’t afford new subflooring is not ideal, either. You also need to allocate your budget wisely – if there is a limited pool of funds, then fixing up a foundation crack comes before buying that breathtaking $8000 coffee table. Therefore, it is all about balance. If you can’t afford your dream renovation quite yet, there is nothing wrong with saving up for another year until the finances make more sense. Here are some tips to navigate this balancing act: Plan realistically: Account for labor, materials, permits, and potential contingencies (10-15% buffer). Prioritize essentials: Allocate funds to crucial aspects like waterproofing, insulation, and safety features first. Explore cost-saving alternatives: Research DIY options, compare prices, consider repurposing materials, and seek discounts. Communicate openly: Discuss potential changes with your contractor and explore adjustments within your budget. Embrace adaptability: Small modifications, like substituting materials or delaying non-essential features, can save costs. Don’t overstretch: If your dream renovation requires exceeding your budget significantly, consider postponing it until finances align. A successful basement renovation requires not just creativity and planning, but also financial discipline. By following these tips and adapting them to your specific project, you can achieve your vision while staying true to your budget. Always Hire Professionals Always hire professionals. If you go for a company or contractor that has less than adequate experience then it is likely that they might make some mistake which costs a fortune to correct. Don’t throw away good money! Hiring a professional and experienced contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup will ensure you get the best service, no compromises. You can save money in the long run because you won’t have to worry about disasters down the road caused by poor quality workmanship. Here are some reasons why hiring qualified professionals is crucial for a successful basement renovation: Knowledge and experience: Professionals possess in-depth knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and best practices for basement construction and renovation. Quality craftsmanship: Their expertise ensures proper installation of materials, adherence to construction standards, and overall project quality. Problem-solving skills: Professionals can anticipate and address challenges efficiently, minimizing costly delays and rework. Insurance and warranties: Reputable professionals offer insurance and warranties, providing peace of mind and financial protection. Time efficiency: Their experience and equipment enable them to complete projects efficiently, saving you time and potential frustrations. Choosing the right professional is key. Conduct thorough research, obtain multiple quotes, and verify licenses, insurance, and references before making your decision. While the initial investment may seem higher, the long-term benefits of quality workmanship, project peace of mind, and potential cost savings from avoiding future issues can be significant. Renovations First, Accessories Later Once the main renovations are done, you can always get furnishings down the road when money is not too tight. Buy one piece at a time as the budget allows until your basement is perfect. Soon enough you will have a beautiful basement for all to enjoy and it will be worth every penny you invested. Once the core renovation of your basement is complete, it’s tempting to fill it with furniture and decor right away. While creating your dream space is exciting, remember: Prioritize functionality: Ensure the essential elements like lighting, flooring, and storage are in place before decorating. Start small and be patient. Furnish gradually, focusing on key pieces that fit your budget and needs. Embrace multi-functionality: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes to maximize space and budget. Get creative with DIY: Upcycle and repurpose existing items to add personality and save money. Accessorize strategically: Use accents like plants, artwork, and rugs to personalize your space without breaking the bank. A well-designed basement doesn’t require everything at once. By prioritizing and taking your time, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your style and budget, one step at a time. Remember, Quality Matters While transforming your basement on a budget is crucial, remember that quality should never be compromised. Here’s why: Durability: Opting for cheap materials or labor often leads to costly repairs down the line. Quality materials and proper workmanship ensure longevity and save you money in the long run. Safety: Subpar electrical work, poor waterproofing, or faulty construction can pose serious safety hazards. Investing in qualified professionals and quality materials prioritizes

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!

5 Ideas for Your Basement Remodel

March 9, 2016 No Comments

Are you a homeowner who has a basement that is dark, gloomy, leaky and gives children nightmares? These days, wasted basements are left for horror movies. With the help of a basement renovation contractor in Ottawa, you can remodel your basement and turn into anything you like. The best part is, in most homes the square footage is so big and there are typically few limitations as long as the ceiling is high enough. If you have an unfinished basement, your home is resting on a goldmine. Without further ado, here are five great ideas for your basement remodel that may inspire you to finally finish that basement: Home Office It is the perfect room it you want peace and quiet. You can carpet the floor, paint the room with a productivity-boosting tone like stimulating red or calming blue. Place an oak desk, an ergonomic leather chair, and of course don’t forget the wireless router. If you have clients coming over for meetings, then you can place a room divider and have a couch and a coffee table placed separately. Talk with your contractor about designing custom shelving to maximize the use of space. Band Practice Room If your teenager is in a band but the garage is filled from top to bottom, what better place for band practice than in the basement? Paint the walls, put up some nice band posters, lay down area rugs, and install racks for amps and guitars. Also, if you don’t want your neighbors filing noise complaints against you, ask your contractor to make soundproofing a priority. Dog Sit Area It’s an open space that dogs can’t escape. If you are looking for a stay-at-home job to make some money on the side then this is a great idea. Advertise your business on social media and set up flyers at the nearest grocery store. Lay down tile flooring for easy clean-up and chew-proof the area. You have yourself a fluff fest that pays! Jazz it Up Love clubbing? Well, you can turn your basement into your personal jazz club. Bring down a piano, install mood lighting, decorate the walls with vintage artwork, and offer guests a drink from your custom home bar or wine cellar. Seating options can vary with lounge chairs, bar stools, and more. Game Room Parents are constantly looking for ways to connect with their children. It’s not as easy as it used to be. Turn your basement into a game room and get a couple of old arcade games, a foosball table and board games to keep the children interested. Paint the room real bright and get a comfortable couch and a coffee table. Throw in a couple of huge cushions to sit on and enjoy Saturday nights watching Inside Out and eating popcorn with the family. These were just a few of literally hundreds of possibilities for your finished basement. You can also turn your basement into a guest bedroom or a personal library or literally anything else according to your tastes and hobbies. The whole family can get together and put your heads in to find a way for everyone to enjoy the room and spend quality time together, or give RenosGroup.ca and we’ll discuss the best options for your needs and the space. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to get your FREE basement renovation estimate.

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