Surviving Your Home Remodel Project

September 19, 2016 No Comments

The thought of renovating your home can bring out a mixture of emotions. One emotion sure to make an appearance is frustration! How the heck are you supposed to live a somewhat normal life when your kitchen is scraped back to the bones, there’s a poorly hung curtain acting as your bathroom door and you can’t tell your bedroom from your living room? It sounds like a disaster zone, but really it’s just a temporary setback in your comfort for the luxury of having an amazing post-reno home. Here are some tips for surviving your home remodel project. Determine What Will Be Your Living Space If you are remodeling bedrooms or the living room area, it’s especially important to designate another part of the house as your “no reno zone” where you will do most of your living. Yes this may mean that you sleep on a mattress in the kids play room, or that you are watching your television in the dining room next to some construction equipment. However you are able to do it, be sure to designate a construction escape zone where you can rest in peace. Don’t Stress About Eating Too Much Takeout There is enough to stress about when living through a home reno, so the level of takeout should not be one of them. If you are renovating your kitchen it only makes sense that your meals are going to have to be supplied elsewhere. Try to be easy on your wallets, but don’t feel bad if you have pizza three times a week. It’s not forever, soon you will be cooking in style. Be as Easygoing as Possible This may be the hardest thing to remember for some people. Home renovations are extremely stressful and things can pop up along the way to add to that stress. It’s important to remain as calm, cool, and collected as possible throughout the process and to not stress about things that are out of your control. There will be dust everywhere, there will be equipment and materials all over the place and there will be a constant level of disorganization in your life. If you can manage to be easy breezy through the process it will make things a lot easier on you, mentally speaking. Budget Accordingly It’s important to have extra money available for emergencies that come up throughout the home renovation process. There might be reason for additional repairs as walls get taken down or plumbing is closely examined and this can be very stressful if you have already maxed out your budget on the initial plan. Having a contingency set up will save you heartache and stress along the way. Enjoy a smooth, stress-free renovation process – and a jaw-dropping final result – with RenosGroup.ca, your #1 choice for bathroom, kitchen, and basement renovations, mobility renovations, and home additions. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

June 13, 2016 No Comments

Next to bathroom renovation projects, kitchen renovation and kitchen addition projects are the top priority for homeowners in Canada. According to Houzz’s Canadian Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners choose to renovate the kitchen because can no longer stand the old kitchen, recently purchased the home and want to make it their own, the old kitchen broke down, or they recently found inspiration to make changes. By far the most popular motivation was wanting to do it all along, but finally having the means to renovate. What are the most convincing reasons for undertaking a kitchen renovation project? We have collected five of the very best reasons below: Dramatically Boost the Value of Your Home The biggest remodel projects you can tackle to dramatically improve the overall value of your home are going to be the kitchen and in the bathroom, two of the most “valuable spaces” in any property and two of the most important spaces new home buyers are going to focus on. Knock your kitchen remodel project out of the park and you will be able to sell your home above asking price in record time! Just remember, if you are planning to resell in the future you may want to avoid overly customized features, like neon green cabinets or your family name lovingly etched into the backsplash. Increase Your Ability to Entertain on a Grander Scale Probably the second most referenced reason to completely remodel a kitchen (only behind the first reason that we mentioned above), when you improve your kitchen with a remodel project you will be able to more effortlessly entertain on a much grander scale with a lot less effort. Hosting family dinners, Christmas gatherings, and Super Bowl parties will be a joy, not a headache. Substantially Boost the Overall Enjoyment of Your Home There is just something a little bit depressing about having an old and outdated kitchen that makes you want to spend a lot less time at home and a lot more time out at a restaurant or ordering in pizza. Improve the overall impact of your kitchen on your lifestyle by dramatically improving its aesthetics and functionality with a remodel project. Improve Your Ability to Cook All Your Favourite Foods Nobody likes to cook in a kitchen that is cramped, difficult to maneuver around in, and generally unappealing. Renovate your kitchen and you will be able to spend a lot more time in it – and not only that, but you’ll actually begin to look forward to spending a lot more time in your kitchen as well! If you have any special interests in the kitchen, you can design the new layout around your preferences. For example, you may want to include a special prep area if you love to bake, or add additional cabinetry if you have a lot of accessories to store. When you cook more frequently at home you aren’t just going to be able to enjoy healthier and more diverse food options, but you’re also going to be able to save a lot of extra money compared to those that spend all of their time eating out at restaurants. To learn more about planning a kitchen renovation for your Ottawa home or to schedule a free in-home consultation, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca 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

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.

5 Challenges You Can Expect With Your Remodel

March 2, 2016 No Comments

If you have ever remodeled your house before, you know it can be a stressful but ultimately rewarding process. After all, there is nothing quite like owning the house of your dreams – no matter what it looked like in the beginning. But to get to that you need to go through financial stress, tough choices, unforeseen delays, and more. If you want to get through it all while maintaining you sanity, then keep calm and replace all ill-thoughts with the anticipation of the result.If you understand the challenges homeowners typically encounter and realize that it is totally normal – and completely worth it – the renovation process gets a little bit easier. Here are 5 challenges you can expect with your remodel Noise Home renovations require drilling, hammering, scraping, chiseling, whirring, sawing…it gets noisy. If you don’t think you can handle the noise, ask family or friends if you can stay with them during the renovation process. Even though your home is your sanctuary, it doesn’t feel like it during the renovation process. Just keep faith that it will be over soon and peace and quiet will soon be restored. Mess and Annoyance It happens. You might want to kick all the workers out and just sit in silence in your living room for five minutes. It can be annoying and stressful to have people walking through your home, giant work boot footprints on your floors, dust in the air, and so on. Though we take care to protect your belongings, treat your property with respect, and clean up after ourselves, ultimately this is a construction site – it’s going to be messy. Try not to get hung up on what it looks like in progress, because we promise the final result will be clean, organized, and simply breathtaking. Surprises Accidents happen, there are delays from suppliers, your countertop is delivered with a crack down the middle, and you discover a mould problem in the upstairs bathroom. It can be stressful especially with so much on the line, but take a step back and trust that everything will turn out right in the end. You may not believe it now, but you’ll laugh at the setbacks and surprises one day. Too Many Decisions Under your roof you are the boss and with ownership comes a hundred questions. You will be making decisions you never made before along with the kind of faucets you need, how high shower head must be and many, many other decisions. How do I choose between Winter Linen and Aged Lavenderblush paint? Be prepared and know what you want because at the end of the day, it’s your call. But still do any research if required and ask your contractor for recommendations. Showing it Off When it’s all over, you have to show it off! Which should be fun, but planning a party when you just want to relax in your new space can be a bit of a headache. This can be a challenge, but once the party is on and you get to see the astonished looks on the faces of your family, friends, and neighbours, you’ll know the renovation was worth it. There are many other things that you will come by but whatever it may be, it will be short-lived so take comfort in that. Happy renovations from your friends at RenosGroup.ca! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Steel Door vs. Fibreglass Door Replacement

January 21, 2016 No Comments

Your front door is the focal point of the entranceway to your home. A door that is in poor condition or lets in cold air during the winter can really take away from all the hard work you put into making your front yard and entrance look clean and inviting. For homeowners in Ottawa, fiberglass entrance doors are becoming popular because of their durability and their aesthetics. In older homes, steel entry doors were commonly used because they are sturdy and affordable. If you are thinking about replacing your entry door, here are the pros and cons of steel doors vs fiberglass doors: Pros of Fibreglass Doors Fibreglass doors are lightweight compared to their steel counterparts, making them easier to install. These doors are highly resistant to dents and warping. They are also energy efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills. They offer a sleek wooden look that is very desirable. Cons of Fibreglass Doors If your fiberglass door is constantly exposed to direct sunlight, delamination can occur. Delamination is the failing of the bonding between the insulation and the door skin. If your door frame is not the standard door size, you will need to have a manufacturing professional mold the fiberglass to fit your door frame’s shape, which will cost you extra money. Pros of Steel Doors Steel doors are a less expensive option than fibreglass. They are, of course, made of steel so they are very solid and secure. Steel doors are also energy efficient and will help you save money on your energy bills. Experts routinely report that upgrading to a steel door often has the best ROI (return on investment) of any home improvement project. Cons of Steel Doors Unfortunately, steel doors can face frequent scratching that can lead to rust, and paint chipping which will require routine maintenance from the homeowner. About once a year, you can lubricate the hinges with a small spray of grease or silicone. Steel doors conduct the temperature of the outside air, so the door will be hot to the touch during the hot summer months, and cold in the winter. While this may seem concerning, steel doors actually provide excellent insulation for the home. When trying to decide between picking a fiberglass door or a steel door as your replacement, the first thing you should consider is your personal preference. Both doors offer similar pros, but there are big difference in their cons and how they look. Give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss the steel door vs fiberglass door debate. We’re here to help with all of your home renovation and home addition needs in Ottawa! Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

Choosing The Right Colour For Your Master Bedroom

January 14, 2016 No Comments

A home is a reflection of your aesthetic sense, a space where you feel free to be yourself, and a place to unwind. Playing one of the most important roles in creating a truly relaxing space is the paint or wallpaper you use. This is especially true in the master bedroom, where choosing the right colour is critical. With that in mind, let’s spend a moment reviewing two competing colour choices. Along with describing how lighter golds and deeper reds differ, we will go into variations of each to further explore the options available. With that, let’s begin! Golds Golds are softer, inviting colours that liven up a space, make it appear brighter, and make it even feel happy and youthful. The colour yellow has a lot of connotations in our society, and finding the right tint can make all the difference in the world. Golds: Warmth and Brightness Golds exude warmth and vibrancy, making a space feel cheerful and inviting. The inherent optimism associated with yellow, a key component of gold, plays a significant role in creating a positive ambiance. Beyond the visual aspects, gold is often associated with positive emotions like happiness, creativity, and success. This psychological influence can contribute to a more uplifting and energizing atmosphere in your master bedroom, perfect for starting your day on a positive note. Choosing the Right Gold Tone: The key to harnessing the power of gold lies in selecting the perfect shade for your specific needs and preferences. Consider these factors: Room size: Lighter shades, such as tame yellow, can visually enlarge a smaller space, while soft gold can work well in both larger and smaller rooms. Natural light: Rooms with abundant natural light can handle bolder gold tones, while rooms with limited natural light might benefit from lighter shades like tame yellow to avoid making the space feel closed in. Personal preference: Ultimately, the perfect shade is the one that resonates with you and creates the desired mood in your personal haven. The Soft Gold Look Soft gold has a classic feel that is nearly impossible to deny. While it creates less of contrast with wood, it still is inviting. Nearly rustic in its application, the soft gold look provides an aged warmth that is hard to replicate in any other way. The Allure of Soft Gold: Classic and Enduring: Soft gold transcends fleeting trends, offering a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. This classic hue exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet inviting space. Warmth and Invitation: Unlike stark white or cool grays, soft gold possesses an inherent warmth that fosters a sense of welcome and comfort. This quality makes it ideal for creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in your master bedroom, a space dedicated to unwinding and rejuvenation. Subtle Contrast: While soft gold may not create a stark contrast with wooden elements like furniture or flooring, this very feature contributes to its charm. The subtle interplay between the warm tones of wood and the gentle gold hue creates a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility. A Tame Yellow The tame yellow look creates a feeling of openness, airiness, and space. It is warm and inviting. Often going incredibly well with the darker browns of wood borders, windows, and furniture, even a tame yellow is still bright and inviting. With countless classic looks, soft gold is highly versatile. The Allure of Tame Yellow: Warmth and Brightness: Similar to soft gold, tame yellow exudes warmth, instantly brightening your space. This is especially beneficial in rooms with limited natural light, as it can combat feelings of gloominess and create a more inviting atmosphere. Openness and airiness: Tame yellow has the unique ability to visually enlarge a space. This characteristic makes it ideal for smaller bedrooms, as it can create the illusion of more square footage and contribute to a feeling of openness. Versatility and Balance: Unlike bolder yellows, tame yellow is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a variety of colors, from crisp whites and calming grays to rich browns and even pops of contrasting colors. This allows you to create a personalized and balanced color scheme that reflects your preferences. Reds Reds are perfect for creating a cozy, calm, and inviting master bedroom. Often accented with pillows, decorations, and bronzed metal fixtures, deeper reds draw us in and don’t disappoint. Like with the golds and yellow, success in using deeper reds is all about identifying the right shade for your needs. The Allure of Deeper Reds: Cozy and Inviting: Deeper reds possess the unique ability to create a sense of warmth and intimacy, making your master bedroom feel like a true haven. This quality is particularly appealing in larger bedrooms, where cooler tones might create a feeling of vastness. Calming and Relaxing: Contrary to popular belief, deeper reds can actually promote relaxation. Studies have shown that certain shades of red can have a calming effect on the nervous system, fostering feelings of peace and tranquility – perfect for unwinding after a long day. Sophistication and Elegance: Deeper reds exude an air of sophistication and elegance that can elevate the aesthetic of your master bedroom. This is further enhanced by carefully chosen accents, such as bronze metal fixtures or plush velvet throw pillows. Burgundy Vibrant, burgundy is deep, dark, but still has enough going for it to stand out. With incredible success as a background colour paired with white or a very fine tan, burgundy is often not the only colour used on the walls. Consider your space when considering burgundy as it can be highly specific to the space in your home. The Enthralling Allure of Burgundy: Statement-Making Potential: Unlike lighter colors, burgundy makes a bold and dramatic statement. It instantly elevates the visual impact of your space, fostering a sense of sophistication and elegance. Depth and Intimacy: The depth of burgundy creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, making your master bedroom feel like a cozy and inviting retreat. This is particularly appealing for larger bedrooms, which can sometimes feel vast

Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Custom Kitchen

December 10, 2015 No Comments

Creating a custom kitchen can improve the quality of the home, making it more livable and even more attractive to future buyers. One aspect of a custom kitchen that often presents a challenge is the flooring. With that in mind, let’s review some of the most commonly used materials to help in choosing the right flooring for your kitchen. Wood Wood feels more inviting when you walk on it than stone. It is warm, and can be bright or rustic depending on the stain used. When finished properly, the wood floor can withstand frequent use and even spills. The primary issue with wood kitchen flooring is in the price. Laminate can be a cost-effective alternative, though it is much less durable than hardwood. Vinyl Long gone are the days where vinyl only comes in one or two generally repulsive colours. Now vinyl offers the widest colour and patterning selection available, making countless combinations possible. In addition, they are among the least expensive flooring options out there, and resistant to water to boot. The downside is that many people consider vinyl to be cheap and instead go for something like wood or tiling. Cork In addition to wood, you may want to consider cork. Durable, resistant to water, and resistant to impact, cork is generally versatile and reliable. However, expect it to wear a bit more than other materials on this list. Tile Or Stone If the kitchen is in a part of your home where there is a lot of traffic, then tile, stone, and even concrete work very well. Whether they are ceramic, tile, or stone, you will have many different options for creating the colours, textures, and feel of your kitchen. At the same time, you face some of the highest prices for kitchen floors. In the end, you may save more by looking for a local source of the material where shipping and reselling fees will be less. Limestone Limestone is separate from tile or stone because it is composed of a porous material that will stain and damage easily if not sealed. Along with being sealed when first installed, it will need to be sealed every two years after. In addition, there is the cost that can be higher as well. So, why bother? Well, limestone offers an old world look that is captivating and it can bring an entire kitchen together. Regardless of the material you choose, consider hiring a professional renovation contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup.ca. With years of experience and countless past jobs helping out people like you, a contractor will speed up the process, make sure a high-quality job is done, and even save you materials on supplies and overall cost when compared to DIY. 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.

Which Room Should You Remodel First?

October 29, 2015 No Comments

Getting ready to remodel a portion of your home can be exciting, but it might also be somewhat stressful, too. Remodelling anxiety happens to those who do not adequately prepare before a renovation. Simply figuring out which room to remodel first can take a long time, especially when you have no idea what a complete remodeling project entails. How to Figure Out Which Room to Remodel First The first thing you need to do when remodelling your home in Ottawa is to decide which room you want to start with first. This can be somewhat difficult. In order to simplify things a bit, narrow down your choices by considering the following: The Amount of Traffic in the Room Think about how many people walk in or through a given space before you decide to remodel it. If it is a space in your home that is used quite a bit, then you might want to think about doing that room either first or last. A room that is needed in order to carry out your day-to-day routine might not be the best place to start. Because some renovation projects can be difficult, it might be a better idea for you to begin remodelling in a space that is somewhat secluded just in case it takes longer than anticipated. Why Does Foot Traffic Matter? Prioritization: High-traffic zones like kitchens or entryways deserve strategic planning. Disrupting these daily essentials can throw your routine into disarray. Consider tackling less-used rooms first to minimize chaos. Material Selection: A busy hallway needs durable, easy-to-clean flooring, while a spa-like bathroom can handle more delicate options. Matching materials to traffic patterns ensures longevity and reduces frustration. Project Duration: Renovations rarely stick to the script. A heavily used space taking longer than expected can derail your whole household. Opting for a quieter room offers a buffer against delays. Noise and Dust: Remember the construction zone vibes? Imagine that in your bustling living room! Starting in a less-frequented space offers a haven from the din and mess. The Number of Issues that Need Fixed Any room that needs a lot of work to get it where you want it will take extra time to complete. Keep this in mind when deciding which room to start with, and don’t forget to realistically consider how much time and energy the project is going to take. If your space is in need of a lot of work, you might want to get it out of the way first. On the other hand, starting on a room needing lots of remodelling may allow you to get it out of the way so you can concentrate on more important things. 1. The “Get it Out of the Way” Option: Pros: Tackle the behemoth first and enjoy the satisfaction of crossing it off your list. This frees up your mental energy and allows you to focus on other projects without its shadow looming. Cons: Extensive renovations can be emotionally draining. Be prepared for potential delays and unforeseen challenges. Ensure you have the stamina and support system to weather the storm. 2. The “Start Small, Gain Momentum” Option: Pros: Begin with a less demanding room to gain confidence and experience. This empowers you to approach the fixer-upper with a honed skillset and newfound enthusiasm. Cons: Living with an unfinished and potentially messy space can be inconvenient. Ensure you have alternative arrangements (like temporary kitchens or bathrooms) for crucial areas. The Cost to Remodel Versus What Your Budget Allows Remember that most remodelling projects cost a lot of money. Not only that, but unforeseen problems may arise causing you to spend even more. When deciding which room to begin remodeling first, think about how much capital you have to invest and ask yourself if you can feasibly complete the project while staying within budget. If you are not sure how things will add up, have a professional give you a cost estimate before you begin. Budget Basics: Knowing Your Numbers Before diving in, get crystal clear on your financial limitations. Consider: Available Capital: This is your war chest – the total amount you’re comfortable spending. Be realistic and factor in potential buffer funds for unforeseen expenses. Project Costs: Research average costs for your desired renovations. Consult professionals for accurate estimates specific to your room and needs. Remember, unforeseen problems can arise, so add a contingency buffer to your estimations. Financing Options: Explore financing options like loans or credit cards (use responsibly! Remember, choosing the right room for your initial remodel is a blend of practicality and passion. By understanding your budget, exploring cost-saving options, and prioritizing what truly matters to you, you can set the stage for a financially feasible and emotionally rewarding home transformation! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a free no-obligation estimate on your home renovation project.

The Ultimate Guide to Remodelling Your Master Bedroom

The Ultimate Guide to Remodel Your Master Bedroom

October 15, 2015 No Comments

Ready to remodel your master bedroom? Before you start knocking down walls and reconfiguring the layout, use this guide to create a design that is exactly as you like it. Open Things Up One of the hottest trends in home layouts is the open-concept living space. Since the master bedroom is supposed to be a place for you to unwind and relax, it makes sense that the room should not be small and cramped. High ceilings and minimal walls are ideal, so see about opening the space if you can. Before remodeling your master bedroom, make sure you know where everything is supposed to be placed so you will have enough space for everything you need. Brighten the Space Nothing makes a master bedroom feel more inviting that a nice paint job. While your room is meant to be a haven, it is not supposed to feel like a dungeon. Dark paints and stains can look great when juxtaposed against brighter colours. Keep in mind that the most relaxing colours are subdued hues of greens, blues, and yellows. Consider your intended purposes while picking out the paint for your master bedroom. Have you chosen a colour that matches the design concept as well as your idea of a relaxing space? When in Doubt, Go with the Best During your master bedroom remodel you will eventually notice that not all products are created equally. Some are noticeably better quality while other items have hidden flaws that end up costing you money in the end. This can make it difficult to find the right pieces for your space. When you are in doubt about what to choose, always go with the best product. Keep in mind that “best” is not always synonymous with “most expensive.” Study the quality of the products you pick and opt for something that has lasting value. When all is said and done, you will be happy you did and you could also save a lot of money in the future. Hire a Professional Remember that you can always use an expert to help you create the master bedroom of your dreams. Professional help from Ottawa home renovators like RenosGroup.ca can give you design insights that you hadn’t considered. Even if you don’t want to spend the money on services, we are happy to come to your house for a free no-obligation estimate so you can structure a more realistic budget. A good professional contractor and/or designer can streamline the process and perfect the details of the project though, which makes their services well worth the money in most cases. To learn more about remodeling your master bedroom to better suit your needs and taste, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today.

Hoping to Remodel? Watch Out for These Five Renovation Trends

September 24, 2015 No Comments

Homeowners have plenty of reasons to rejoice this year thanks to some innovative home renovation trends. With an increase in job availability, consumers should seek new improvements for convenient, affordable, and attractive living. This year brings some of the most ingenious advancements to home renovations. Many consumers chose to make outdoor improvements. With this summer being one of the hottest ever, everything from outdoor pizza ovens to smart ceiling fans caught homeowners’ attention. But as the demand for efficient and appealing remodeling increases, aspiring renovators may wish to focus on their bathrooms and kitchens. Read on to learn about five fascinating home renovation trends. Beautiful Plant Life and Refrigerated Medicine Cabinets This year, homeowners were excited to see the latest trends in bathroom design. Bathrooms often tend to be among the least appealing rooms in the home. However, renovators are now redesigning by bringing plant life inside the house. Meanwhile, medicine cabinets now have built-in refrigeration systems perfect for storing medications and organic skin care products. Built-In Stereo Systems and Eco-Friendly Showerheads Showering is more fun than ever this year thanks to trending technology for bathrooms. Showerheads come equipped with H2O kinetic technology making water usage highly efficient and just as pleasant. Meanwhile, renovators can purchase technology and enjoy soaking in surround sound with built-in stereo equipment with no visible speakers. These latest bathroom renovation trends should make remodeling your bathroom one of your top priorities. Hands-Free Kitchen Gadgets Everyone loves convenience, right? Few home renovation trends are as exciting as kitchens with handleless, easy to use appliances. Thanks to inventions such as the Miele’s Generation 6000 dishwasher, homeowners are now considering the latest “knock2open” technology. Knock twice and your dishwasher opens. Other hands-free kitchen appliances include motion-activated sinks that keep your water running as long as a sensor detects dishes underneath. What’s more, consumers still get the attractive, high-quality and highly efficient models they need. Mobility Renovations Aging citizens and people with mobility issues prove that these latest renovation trends provide incredibly valuable for the elderly, while also benefiting children and younger adults, particularly those new to the cooking environment. Renovations such as lowered counters in the kitchen, safety flooring throughout the house, hands-free lighting, and grab bars in the bathroom make living comfortable for everybody. If you’re hoping to remodel, don’t wait until the trends go out of style. Now is the time to renovate your home with five of this year’s most surprising home renovations trends. Contact RenosGroup.ca to learn more. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Understanding the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

June 12, 2015 No Comments

In the fall of 2012, the province of Ontario introduced the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, a refund designed to help seniors convert their homes to accommodate mobility limitations. Here’s everything you need to know about the credit: What is the tax credit? The tax credit is a permanent refundable income tax credit. Qualifying taxpayers can claim up to $10,000 of eligible home improvements on their income tax return per year, and will receive 15% of the eligible expenses in a refund. Eligible home improvements costing $10,000 would return $1,500, while mobility renovations costing $5,000 would return $750. This is a yearly tax credit, meaning you can receive a refund of up to $1,500 for every year that eligible renovations are conducted going forward. What is the purpose of the tax credit? The purpose of the tax credit is to help seniors and their families make their homes safer, more accessible, and more accommodating toward mobility limitations. These renovations will allow seniors to live at home for longer instead of moving into a care facility. Who is eligible? Seniors who are residents of Ontario and 65 years or older by the end of the year are eligible to receive the tax refund. Family members who live with seniors 65 years or older also qualify for the tax refund. Income level has no effect on eligibility. What are eligible expenses? Eligible expenses generally include renovations completed for the purpose of improving safety and accessibility. These projects can include walk-in bathtubs, wheel-in showers, grab bars, handrails, non-slip flooring, widened doorways, lowered counters, wheelchair ramps and lifts, and motion-activated lighting. Speak with your mobility renovation contractor in advance to make sure planned work is eligible. What are ineligible expenses? Renovations that improve the value of the home without directly improving safety and accessibility are not eligible for the tax credit. Examples of this work include plumbing and electrical, roof repairs, window replacements, and updates to the HVAC system. Assistive devices ranging from wheelchairs and walker to fire extinguishers and home safety monitoring do not qualify. Finally, services like landscaping, housekeeping, and home care also are not eligible. Talk with your mobility renovation contractor before any work begins to clarify if the work is eligible for the tax credit or not. Take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit today. Call RenosGroup.ca for a free in-home consultation today to start the process of making your home safe and mobility friendly. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Remodel Blog