Planning a Stunning, Affordable Kitchen Remodel

May 8, 2015 No Comments

If you have been putting off your dream kitchen remodel because you think you can’t afford it, think again. You can easily plan a stunning yet affordable kitchen remodel with these handy tips from the pros: Paint It is not always necessary to make major changes to change the look of a room and that includes the kitchen. Paint can make a positive change to the look of your kitchen by cleaning and refreshing your walls and adding an affordable splash of colour for your backsplash. Lighting Adding new touches to your kitchen such as lighting can help to modernize a space instantly. Lighting in a kitchen can also make it easier to work. Pendant lighting hung over an island adds sparkle and interesting design detail, while a chandelier above a table can add elegance and sophistication. Cabinet Refacing The most affordable cabinet refacing is a lick of paint. However you can also have completely new cabinet doors and trim without the costly removal and installation associated with a complete gutting. Refacing allows you to choose new cabinet doors and drawers and use the existing bases and wall mounts. Original Fixtures and Appliances You can also save a lot of money by maintaining as many of the original fixtures and appliances as possible. If they do not look too bad and the electrical and plumbing is in good shape this will save thousands of dollars as well as fuss and mess. As long as appliances are running and energy efficient you can save up and replace them when your budget allows. Sinks just need a good polish to shine again. Flooring If your flooring is not in bad shape you can keep it in place as well. There are also many laminate tile and wood flooring products that are available at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood, ceramic or stone. Counters Of course we all want the glamour and sparkle of granite, but this is a huge expense during a kitchen remodel. Instead opt for a modern laminate that will give you a new stone look without the hefty price tag. You can always save up and replace them at a later date. Your kitchen remodel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Using these affordable tips will allow you to have a stunning kitchen you will enjoy for years to come without the high price tag. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

5 Risks of DIY Bathroom Renovations

April 16, 2015 No Comments

It is always tempting to test your DIY skills in order to save money for your home renovations. However when it comes to bathroom renovations, there is far more at risk than you might think. Here are five risks of DIY bathroom renovations you will want to avoid: Improper Installation It is easy to think you are using the right technique for installation of materials like tiling and plumbing for pipes and faucets. However, the scary thing about a lot of installation during a bathroom renovation is that it is hidden behind walls and underneath floors. That means you won’t know you have done something wrong until you suddenly have a serious leak. You can also have a slow leak you will never discover which can lead to dangerous mould and mildew that can affect your health. Safe Electrical Most people can handle basic electrical such as replacing a light fixture. However if you are attempting more complicated installation such as a light in your shower stall or even thermal heated flooring, you are putting yourself and family at serious risk of shock. Water and electricity don’t mix and it just takes one faulty wire to cause serious damage to your home or your family members. Unprofessional Finish You might think applying tile is an easy job, but it is very easy to muck it up. You can easily make things look uneven, use improper cutting methods and even miss spots of grout that will not only look awful but also cause issues with water damage. Expense Many homeowners are all about the most expensive materials and the latest looks. However although you think you are saving money doing DIY bathroom renovations you are not getting a discount on materials like a professional contractor. This means you are paying highly marked up pricing for items such as tiling, faucets, and lighting fixtures. Material Use It is also a common mistake to think that any tile or finish can be used in a bathroom renovation. Unfortunately not all tile, flooring and even countertops are designed for bathroom use. You may love the look of a certain tile, but if it becomes very slippery, it’s not the right choice for a bathroom. When it comes to a bathroom renovation, it is really in your best interests to look for help from a professional contractor. They will save you time, money and also the pain of expensive mistakes that can lead to the need for do-overs! To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

December 29, 2014 No Comments

Whether you have bought a diamond in the rough, or have just decided it is time to remodel your home it can be difficult deciding which project should be renovated first. Here are some considerations to help you decide where to begin. Need First consider your needs. Is there any one space that is interfering with your comfort or everyday needs? Perhaps a bathroom is leaky and causing further damage to your home. Maybe your kitchen is a complete disaster making preparing meals a nightmare. You might even have serious issues such as poor insulation or a leaky roof. Look at how each issue is affecting the condition of your home and your comfort and prioritize based on the severity of each room. Quick Fixes While you get started on major changes you can also look at some quick fixes. For example you might need new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. This is an easy fix that can be addressed right away. Other easy fixes might be basic cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint. Budget Realistically you will only be able to do the changes that you can afford. Once you prioritize the changes that are needed consider making a budget plan that allows you to take on projects one at a time. Balance need and want in order to make the right decisions. Here is a good way to prioritize: • Must Haves: Look at all of your must haves. These are issues that will affect the safety of your home such as mould removal or a major leak in your roof or foundation. You might also have an oven or fridge that doesn’t work. Consider the cost and see which of these must haves are affordable. • Timing: Look at each project and come up with a plan that you can map out on a schedule. Speak to a contractor and see if there would be any savings by electing to do certain things at special times of year. Also see if there are discounts for doing more work at once. Once you have a scope of the work required speak to your bank and see what credit is available. They might make the decisions and planning easier if you have access to a line of credit that will allow you to make all of the changes you need. If you are still having trouble deciding which project you should renovate first, give us a call, at (613) 727-9427, we can answer all your questions…….To get in touch you can also fill out an online form

5 Fun Basement Remodels

December 18, 2014 No Comments

The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo do not have to be the same old family room, extra bedroom or spa bathroom. Here are five fun basement remodels to consider for your renovations: Playroom Kids toys can make a real mess on your main floor. The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo allow you to get creative. Design a kid friendly space with plenty of storage for all of their toys, shelves for books, movies and video games and even create a work space dedicated to home work. Playrooms can also be combined with a family area for watching movies, gaming and other family activities. Consider your children’s interests and decorate based on their needs. For example if they love crafts create a large built in work space with specialty storage shelves with everything they need within reach. Gym If you are a workout fanatic create a designated area for a gym. Install a wall of mirrors to check out your technique, mats for yoga and of course a spot for all of your equipment such as weights, tread mills or stationary bikes. A bathroom complete with steam shower or sauna are perfect luxury features to complete your home gym. Shared Space Divvy up the space and create a shared area for kids and parents. A nice area with floor space and toy storage is perfect for the kids to enjoy play time. You can then create a beautiful living area with comfortable couches, a home entertainment centre and even a built in wet bar for the adults. Office An office is a must for today’s families. If you work from home often create a closed off area with a door for privacy. You can also create a work space for the family computer ideal for homework and paying the bills. The basement renovations Ottawa contractors offer can include a built in office space with storage, desk space and all the necessary electrical outlets for your computer set up. Laundry Room Although doing the laundry isn’t fun, doing the laundry in a remodeled basement can be a pleasure. Install new high efficiency appliances, a gorgeous tile floor, sink and granite work surfaces to make doing the laundry less of a chore. The basement remodel is the perfect opportunity to have some fun and mix things up a little. These ideas can provide inspiration for the basement renovations Ottawa homeowners might consider. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

4 Mobility Renovations Tips

December 5, 2014 No Comments

If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips: Open up the Space When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways. Use Safe Materials For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces. Consider Their Perspective For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach. Hire the Professionals Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors. A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How a New Tub & Acrylic Shower Walls Can Improve Your Bathroom

November 27, 2014 No Comments

If your bathroom is damaged or is starting to look dated your best option is to replace the old tub and shower with a sparkling new tub and easy to clean acrylic shower walls. Here are four ways how a new tub & acrylic shower walls can improve your bathroom: Solid Unlike bathtub-liners, new tubs are solid and are offered in a variety of shapes, styles and prices. They can be installed easily by a professional contractor, and can even feature slip resistant surfaces to help reduce the chances of slips and falls. Easy to Clean Your new shower walls are a breeze to clean for a number of reasons. First you can easily clean smooth surfaces using a squeegee following each bath and shower. Second you can see a reduction in mould and mildew as many products are made of antimicrobial materials that stop their growth. As well, there will not be any troublesome grout that tends to become dark and discoloured over time. Stained grout often requires a heavy duty steam cleaning to remove mould, mildew and deep down stains. Hard to damage Your new tub and custom acrylic shower walls are exceptionally durable providing high quality finishes that offer beauty and longevity. These highly walls are resistant to chipping, cracking and even damage from acidic cleaners. They are also dent proof and impact resistant. Easy Install When you opt for tile in your bathroom it is a very expensive option for your remodel. Tile is not only expensive material wise, but is also very labour intensive. Custom acrylic shower walls are installed in a matter of hours so you have a beautiful new bathroom the same day. This also means you will not be left without a bathroom during the remodel. Stylish Many people are hesitant to consider acrylic shower walls as they are concerned they are not very attractive. You will find many design choices perfect to suit your sense of style. As well there are many features that make it easier to shower with specialty handles, shelves and other handy details not available with a simple tile replacement. There are even modern options using technology to print realistic faux looks for stone and tile for an upscale look you will love. Your shower walls and new tub are both easy to install, look lovely and provide a strong seal to rid you of troublesome leaks. For more information on how a new tub & acrylic shower walls can improve your bathroom don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Living through Renovations

November 14, 2014 No Comments

Even the simplest renovations can cause extreme chaos in your home, but if you plan ahead and mentally prepare you should be well equipped for the transition. Here are several tips to help you survive living through renovations: Where to Live It is important to look at the renovation plans and consider if it is realistic to remain in your home during the work. For example if you have a basement renovation it might not be quite as disruptive as a kitchen or main floor overhaul. Speak to your contractor to find out what is involved and for major renovations decide if it makes better sense to make other living arrangements. Keep in mind other arrangements could prove just as stressful. Weigh all of your options and maybe decide to take a well-planned vacation when the majority of the dirty work is underway. Reorganize your Living Space Look at where the renovations will take place and consider how it will affect your day to day life. Remember to plan where you will prepare food and do the dishes if your kitchen is being renovated. If you only have one bathroom and are determined to stay home during the renovations you will hopefully have a very close neighbour to share their shower or a nearby gym where you can take care of your daily showering needs. Avoid Dust This is one of the biggest challenges. Your best friends during renovations are tape and sheets of plastic. Use these to seal off the area that is undergoing the renovation to keep dust contained. Hire Smart The more experience your contractor has the less troublesome your renovations will be. A good contractor will keep things as comfortable and livable as possible as well as complete the job on schedule to make life easier. Shop Early You will need a number of fixtures and finishes during the renovations. Anticipate what you will need by speaking to your contractor. He can list the amount of light fixtures, faucets, switch plates and other finishes you will need so you can shop ahead to avoid delays. Plan for Trouble They say a pessimist is never disappointed. Renovations are complicated so be prepared for challenges in order to avoid stress when trouble arises. Being better prepared for your renovations will make it easier on everyone and help the overall project run more smoothly. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

5 Upgrades that Can Sell Your Home

October 16, 2014 No Comments

If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market for months, here are five upgrades that can sell your home: Fresh Paint You have probably been living with the same paint colours in your home for years. Nothing brings a home back to life more quickly than a fresh coat of paint. You can take years off your home with this simple change. Use neutral colours to help potential buyers picture the home with their belongings so they can see themselves living there comfortably. Don’t forget about doors and trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can quickly make your old trim look yellowed and worn. Although paint is affordable it will bring the value of your home up substantially. Use professional painters to avoid unsightly drips for a clean and finished look to each room. Install Hardwood When it comes to the home renovations Ottawa buyers are seeking, hardwood floors top the list. Many homes feature hardwood throughout with the exception of the basement and stairs. If your home is older chances are it still has quite a bit of carpet and old linoleum. To compete with others homes in your area replace those outdated materials with beautiful, natural hardwood. Reface Your Kitchen Kitchens sell houses. An outdated kitchen with old cabinets and countertops shouts 80’s to potential buyers. When kitchen renovations seem too expensive you can reface your kitchen by adding new cabinet doors, handle hardware and inexpensive countertops. You can even do the work yourself with a fresh coat of paint or a new darker, modern stain on your cabinets. These are the affordable home renovations Ottawa buyers will love. They offer an instant update even though they are simply cosmetic. Finished Basement A finished basement offers much needed living space and privacy. Homeowners love finding unexpected treasures such as a guest bedroom and ensuite in a private basement area. This offers a place for guests to stay without interfering with the home owner’s privacy. Upgraded Bath A mobile friendly bathroom upgrade is very appealing to the growing sandwich generation. These buyers are seeking a new home to accommodate their own families and elderly parents. This type of upgrade makes it possible to care for elderly parents easily. Selling a home can be very competitive. These five home renovation ideas will make your home top the list of potential buyers. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

October 3, 2014 No Comments

It might seem a bit early to be speaking of holidays, but if you have big entertaining plans it is always better to be prepared before your guests come for a visit. Here are some renovation ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays: Guest Bedroom A guest bedroom could be better utilized as an actual bedroom rather than storage for unused clothes, unwanted electronics and unread books. You can easily turn the space into a welcoming sanctuary providing your guests with a quiet private space where they can go to relax, unwind, and sleep. Although guest bedrooms are often smaller spaces there are many ways you can make the space feel more comfortable such as painting it a warm colour, add soft lighting, and furnishing it with bedside tables, a desk, a small dresser and a comfortable bed for sleeping. Finished Basement Large family gatherings often include gaggles of children. Having a finished basement is a must when hosting guests and children, as they will have somewhere to play, and give their parents a bit of a break. You can look at additions such as comfy carpeting where kids can get down and play, a built in entertainment unit with a nice television and gaming equipment and if you do not have a guest room, consider adding built in banquettes that can be used as comfy beds to accommodate overnight guests. For the adults you can consider adding a wet bar and even a home theater where everyone can gather to hold a marathon of holiday movies and specials. Mobility Friendly Bathroom Family gatherings often include elderly people who may have difficulty using the bathroom. Additions to your main bathroom to make it mobility friendly can include bars near the toilet to make it easier to sit and stand, bars in the shower for overnight guests and if you have family members in a wheel chair you can even consider widening the doorway and including a sink that they will be able to reach easily. Updated Kitchen They say that every good party winds up in the kitchen and updating your kitchen will not only look better, but allow you to add some details conducive to entertaining such as an island with seating and a bar, Having your home renovations and upgrades completed before the holidays will make your home the ultimate place for family gatherings. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Designing the Ultimate Bathroom

September 17, 2014 No Comments

Bathroom designs vary from person to person whether the focus is mobility, design, or luxury. No matter what aspect you try to focus on, designing the ultimate bathroom includes the following considerations: Space Not all homeowners are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, however it isn’t always about size, but the way you utilize it. Even the smallest bathroom can be improve immensely with the right design. The floor plan will dictate how space is used and contribute to the overall functionality of the bathroom. When looking at your space consider all of the things you want to incorporate from your wish list and work with your contractor to make it happen. Budget Everyone will be working with a different budget for the bathroom renovations Ottawa contractors will provide. You have to look at the maximum amount you can afford and then make sure part of that money is set aside for your contingency plan. Bathroom renovations can often lead to unexpected costs and by including a contingency budget you will be certain to have more than enough to handle whatever happens. You can then use any leftover money for higher end finishes such as lighting and faucets. Dream Idea Even for the most functional bathroom reno you will have a dream idea in mind. Whether you collect photos from magazines, print off some ideas you have found online or have a design style such as boutique hotel or sleek and modern, incorporating your dream ideas into the design will make sure your bathroom renovation is a success. Design details to consider include flooring, tub and tiles, but it is also very important to consider the dream aspects of function as well such as storage, lighting for applying makeup and shaving, heated floors, double sinks and solutions to improve aspects of your current bathroom that you hate. Finding a Contractor Your bathroom renovation requires knowledge in many areas from plumbing to electrical and tile laying to understanding how to prevent leaks. That means you do not want to trust your bathroom renovations to just anyone. Do your research and ask around for a referral. If you do not find a referral look for a contractor who has knowledge in bathroom renovations with a website that explains their services. You also want to find a contractor with plenty of testimonials and photos of the work they have done in the past. These elements work together to create the ultimate bathroom renovations Ottawa loves. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

The Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

August 29, 2014 No Comments

If you are about to embark on the home renovations Ottawa residents dream of, then you’ll want to be certain you understand the do’s and don’ts to avoid disappointment. Take a look at these suggestions for the top do’s and don’ts of home renovations: Do: Create a Decorating Idea: Going into even the simplest renovations Ottawa home owners undergo requires a good decorating plan to ensure the changes made reflect your sense of style. Measure: It all boils down to the old adage, measure twice cut once. You don’t want to ruin your entire plans by being off by an inch on your kitchen counter measurements. This is frustrating and worse, costly. Interview Contractors: You want to be certain you hire someone with the right skill set for your specific job therefore interviewing contractors is important in order to hire someone who can handle the renovations required. Have Contingency Funds: Even the best contractor in the world cannot foresee every potential problem that might arise during a renovation. Therefore it is important to not only have a budget but a contingency fund to handle any surprises that might arise. Organize: Make plans to work around the renovations so your family is still able to live as comfortable as possible until the work is complete. Don’t: Have Exposed Floors: When renovating it is imperative that you don’t leave your finished floors exposed, as many things throughout the process can damage them. Workers boots, heavy products and materials, and dust are just a few of the things that can cause a problem. Consider laying down old blankets or tarps to ensure your floors are thoroughly protected. Throw Out Receipts: Keep each and every receipt for everything you buy and every service you hire in case of conflicts or a change of heart. Buy Your Own Materials: Your contractor will get far better deals than you on materials. If you see something you like let them know and they will get it for you. Skip the Prep Work: Great renovations Ottawa home owners love start with great beginnings. Skipping the prep works just means you are starting with a poorly planned execution which can only lead to trouble down the road. Ignore the Accents: Factor in everything from light switch plates to lighting, back splashes to door knobs and everything in between. You don’t want to run out of money because you forgot about all of the finishing touches you will need from crown moulding to paint. Using these top do’s and don’ts of home renovations will help keep your renovations under control. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Creating an Industrial Design Basement

August 14, 2014 No Comments

If you are going for a different look for the basement remodeling in your home you should consider doing an edgier industrial look. The basement remodeling Ottawa home owners undergo doesn’t always have to follow the same design scheme. Instead look to the lofts of New York City for inspiration and go industrial. Here are some tips to help you create an industrial design basement. Open Ceiling One of the first things a basement remodel focuses on is covering up those “unsightly” beams and ducts in the ceiling. However, in a space that is already frightfully low leaving the floor beams and ducts exposed can really open up the room. Consider painting out all of those unfinished features in white or grey and leaving the metal ducts raw to create an airier, industrial feel. Jack Posts Jack posts are usually painted an unattractive brownish red and stick out like a sore thumb. However in an industrial space you can avoid the cost of covering these posts and opt to paint them out instead in white or black. Depending on their location you can even consider building a “table” or “bar” around the post for people to lean on or place a drink during a game of pool or darts. Cement A very popular feature in an industrial style loft is the cement floor. If you’re looking to completely remodel the basement ask your Ottawa contractors whether a cement floor is right for you. You may also consider lying down some floor heating and covering it with a warm polished cement for the industrial look. You can also cover walls in cement to intensify the effect. Corrugated Metal Corrugated metal can be used in a number of ways for your basement remodeling including a textured and interesting ceiling, as a wall covering and ideally as the front for your basement bar. Corrugated metal has a modern edge that looks fantastic. Exposed Brick Many older homes have brick that can be exposed for a more historical industrial feel. Again you will have to discuss the effects of using the actual brick of the foundation or other areas and how it will work in a basement that can tend to be damp and cold. These are just a few affordable ways to give your basement remodel an industrial edge. 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