What Home Renovations Require a Permit in Ottawa?

August 25, 2021 No Comments

Home renovations, home improvements, or home remodeling are processes of improving the design and functionality of a home. It normally involves various projects which help to upgrade the existing condition of a property. Home renovations may involve the interior, exterior, or other sections of the house. Renovating a home is important as it helps to restore its appeal and functionality. If you live in Ontario, Canada, you definitely understand how important the remodeling process is and how you need a permit before you can begin the renovations. But do you know what renovations require a permit? Well, let’s find out. What Home Renovations Require a Permit in Ontario, Canada? A building permit usually includes all aspects that relate to construction, renovation, demolition, and home addition. As per the Ontario Building Code, the validity of building permits is usually within the period of construction. But in case you have finished or started the construction process, then the validity of the permit can go up to 6 months. It should be noted that you can always seek to extend your permit, in case you are not able to complete everything within the stipulated timeframe. Home Renovations that Require a Permit in Ontario You need to apply for a permit if you need to: Change or alter a property structure Construct a detached or attached garage Construct a fireplace or chimney Underpin, repair, or excavate a property foundation Create a home addition to an existing building Construct other accessory buildings that have areas covering more than 10 meters squared. Close or change the size of windows and entrances Add new windows and entrances Home repair or renovation work involving electrical wiring, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and ventilation. Relocate or remove parts of a building Finish sections of buildings that had been previously left unfinished Construct additional rooms within a building Build a deck that’s attached to a property Construct a new detached deck that is above 60.96 cm from the ground Construct a new swimming pool enclosure Not all types of home renovations need a permit. Some of the home improvements that don’t need the application of a permit in Ontario include: Installation of shelves and cabinets Construction of fences Altering an opening Replacing windows and doors Using the same material to replace shingles, siding, or stucco Painting, patching and decorating How to Apply for the Permit If you live in Ottawa and you’re keen on doing home improvements, then you need to first get a permit. You need to personally submit your application to the customer service counter found at your local district office. This should be within the area where your home is located. Once you have paid the application fee, the building staff will do a comprehensive overview of your home improvement plan. This is a vital procedure that’s put in place by the district to ensure that your plans comply with local zoning by-laws of the Ontario Building Code. In addition to that, the plans have to comply with other stipulated regulations put in place. The best thing about the application is that you can conveniently monitor its status online. Generally, the application process is usually fast, especially for small projects such as home renovations. This is important in ensuring that you start and finish the projects as soon as possible. It takes a few days to review smaller projects while complex projects take longer because they need a comprehensive overview. The municipality offers permits to specific projects and in case you want to carry out other renovations, then you must apply for another permit. Why Are Home Improvements Important? Our needs change with time and this may be in terms of size and design. Besides that, the esthetic appeal of buildings normally declines with time. So, some of the benefits of doing home renovations include: Enhanced Comfortability A home needs to be comfortable for you to enjoy living with it. Because our needs change with time, we need to do home renovations to ensure that we can still enjoy our homes. Better Security As stated above, the aesthetic appeal of a property usually declines as time goes by. After years of use, you will find that a home has started developing cracks on the walls, contains tainted shelves and cabinets, has leaking roofs, and worn-out floors among others. This can pose a serious security threat if you are not careful. However, an effective home renovation project can help to fix such issues and minimize the risk of injuries or theft. Improved Efficiency As technology advances, you find that also equipment previously installed in our homes end up becoming updated. For instance, you will find that there are new lighting systems, window designs, flooring material, and others. To ensure that your home is efficient, you can have a renovation project. This helps to ensure that everything runs efficiently as per your preferences. Understand that some of these renovations can be cost-friendly in the long run. For instance, the installation of new heat pumps can help to significantly reduce your energy costs. Enhanced Home Function As time goes by, you might find that your family is growing or reducing in number. If you start to have kids, you might be forced to create an extra room or story. Alternatively, you might be forced to demolish some room units in case they are not in use or you need a larger space. This is important for functionality to ensure that your home meets your changing needs. Increased Home Value Home renovations can significantly increase the value of your home. If your home has an outdated design, then it will less appealing. However, improving its original design in order to meet the latest market trends in the real estate sector can easily attract a good buyer. It’s worth noting that additions such as basements, garages, and the number of bathrooms can also increase the value of your home. Changing the style of the cabinets, installing new doors and windows are all

Home Renovation During Covid 19

August 25, 2021 No Comments

Due to Covid-19, the world has come to a standstill. Plans which people had been waiting to execute for months had fallen apart. This crisis has undoubtedly effected home renovation projects and have abruptly paused the progress in the past. Although some countries have given the green signal for construction work, it is of utmost importance that you only get the job done by a team who understands the severity of the situation. This is why RenosGroup is here to provide you with a home renovation during Covid-19 in Ottawa. We have been in the home renovations and remodeling industry for years. Considering how finding a reliable general contractor has become harder than ever, we are here to satisfy all your home renovation requirements and execute your plans to perfection. It is easy to go wrong with home renovations by picking the wrong contractors. Your months or even years of planning can go down the drain with a single bad decision. Moreover, you would have to bear the financial loss as well. This is why let’s see how you can make your renovation project a success. Things to Consider When Searching for a Home Renovation Contractor 1) Finding Someone Trustable This should go without saying that if you are looking to get home renovation during Covid-19, then it should be done by someone trustable. Far too many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong contractor, and in return, their investment is wasted. Before you trust a contractor, always make sure that you evaluate their previous track record. The kind of services they offer and how open they are to communication. Renovation work can go on for days, weeks, or even months. So, rather than trusting someone who does not even come close to meeting your expectations, it is better to be more careful with your decision from the start. 2) Implementation of SOPs There is nothing more important than your health. This is why SOPs are one thing you should never compromise upon. If you are getting a home renovation during Covid-19, your top priority should be to hire contractors who strictly follow and work according to the SOPs. Professional contractors realize the importance of implementing SOPs. RenosGroup is dedicated to not only transform your house but also prioritize the safety of you and your loved ones. 3) Know your Needs This is a problem that people often face during renovations. Regardless of how professional your contractor is, if you are not sure about what you are looking for, you will ultimately be disappointed by the end-results. You must at least have a vague picture in your mind of what you expect to decide on the scope of work. We are not saying that you should come up with a full blueprint. However, giving the contractors a direction to work towards alone can significantly affect the outcome and make it turn out the way you want it to. 4) Prioritize Quality over Price One common mistake that people make when they are planning to get their house renovated is that they get too caught up in price. While it is true that everyone would want their home remodeling project to be done in the lowest budget possible, it still should not be your only priority. It often happens that when you prioritize price too much, you end up losing sight of what truly matters the most. Sure, you will be able to save a couple hundred or thousand dollars, but in the long run, it is certainly not going to be worth it. Normally, contractors who offer their services at an incredibly low price, often either lack the experience or they cut costs somewhere else. When you are getting your house remodeled or renovated, you want to at least go for a 5-year solution if not more. Therefore, if the price seems too good to be true, then you might have to pause for a moment and re-evaluate your decision. 5) Expand your Search The general rule before you get started with any renovation work is to know the market. If you directly proceed with the decision to get your house renovated, the chances are that you may miss out on much better options. Every contractor will use different building materials and have their own unique approach while working on a project. Expand your search to first understand which approach suits you the most and also get an estimate of the renovation costs. Why Choose RenosGroup? You can find numerous home renovators in Ottawa. However, what makes us truly stand-out is our attention to detail. Our main aim is to exceed industry standards, and that is what helps us stay ahead of the competition. Here’s the process we follow for all of our home improvements/remodeling jobs: Design: Our aim at RenosGroup is to help homeowners achieve their dreams. Most of the time homeowners have a vague picture in their mind on what they are expecting in terms of design. Our goal is to turn that abstract idea into a reality and provide you with satisfactory end-results. Plan: The most important aspect of any renovation project is planning. What truly makes us excel in what we do is that we lay out all the groundwork for the project. Having a direction is essential before you begin with any construction or remodeling job. And this is exactly what we always prioritize. Execute: Once the groundwork is laid out, executing it to perfection is also an equally important step. However, you do not have to worry. We are going to make sure you are involved throughout the process while we complete the job professionally and efficiently. End Result: There is no bigger dream of our team at RenosGroup than to transform the house of homeowners according to their expectations. Our main priority is to provide you with complete satisfaction, and until we have not achieved that, our job remains incomplete. Our Approach towards Home Renovation during Covid-19 Given the circumstances, it

Out with the Old in With the New: Home Renovation Checklist

August 24, 2021 No Comments

Do you want to expand your kitchen space or make your current basement more functional? Do you want to start over and make a whole new living space or upgrade an existing one with contemporary elements? A home renovation project can be as simple as installing new windows and changing flooring or as complex as tearing down a wall. To get started, picture your ideal beautiful, vibrant space and what it will look like. Prioritize function: What do you plan to do in your kitchen renovation or when finishing the basement? There are countless ways to maximize the functionality of space with remodeling or renovation. Improve energy efficiency: Going green in your home can help you save money on energy bills or make your home renovation options safer for your family. Hire a designer: If your project is big, it would be much more cost-effective to work with a professional contractor. The experts can help bring your ideas to life and introduce you to new ideas that you might love. Home Renovation or Remodel? Know the Differences Everyone seems to use the terms “renovate” and “remodel” interchangeably. But they don’t mean the same thing. Remodeling is changing the look: Installing new counters, new cabinets, new hardware, new appliances, new flooring, paint, new items, etc. Renovating updates, the function: This includes all things in remodeling plus the demolition of walls, overhauling the floor, window frames, plumping structures, power installations, and gas, and the rearrangement of the entire space to fit your new objectives. Renovations are significant changes to the current space. Remodeling, while still a major project, usually retains the same kitchen designs. You must decide whether what you want to do is remodeling or renovation. It is possible to handle small remodeling projects on your own, but general contracting can save you time and money for extensive renovation projects. How to Go About Home Renovations Find renovation ideas Image: Home renovation return on investment If you are thinking about where to start, prioritize the kitchen. Kitchen renovations are the most complicated, and if you get done here, the rest of the upgrades are easy. The other reason is the home value of the kitchen renovation has a greater potential to improve home value compared to anywhere else in the house. Bathrooms and basements come in second. Search online for the best renovation ideas within your budget and save the images in a ‘design ideas folder’ on your gadget. Consider home renovations that increase home resale value; including changes to flooring and walls Consider your comfort and the impression you want the home to have on your guests Take a tour of some of the local shops, showrooms, and home shows. Call a general contractor in Ottawa, or subcontractors for expert insight Do the Math Now that you have everything you need zoom in to what you can afford or is reasonable for your design objectives. Finishes & Repairs The cost difference between custom and stock cabinets can be huge. It is the same for flooring materials and other design elements. Think about your style and budget and decide whether you need custom or stock to meet your goals. Create a Budget You need a budget. Whether you earn a small income or have a substantial amount in your saving account, the budget keeps you, your designer, and your contractor on the right track. Not sure about the cost of remodeling your kitchen? Below We have listed average costs to help you get a good idea of how much your project will cost you. Average Renovation Costs If you want a ballpark figure to help create your budget, we have some startup numbers. Below are the national average costs of kitchen renovations: General Cost of Kitchen Remodeling The average cost of renovating a small kitchen is $ 21,185, and extensive renovations cost $ 55,503. However, these kitchen renovations increased the home resale value by $ 17,576 for a minor remodel and $ 43,363 for larger remodels. So, your cost will actually be $ 3,600 for small kitchen renovations and $ 12,000 for extensive renovations in these cases. Good math. Minor Kitchen Remodel Replace the front of the cabinet with new raised wooden drawers and doors, including the new hardware Replace wall-mounted ovens with new energy-saving features Replace laminate countertops; install a moderately priced sink and a tap Reset, add wallpaper and remove and lay down a solid floor Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel Renovate a 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional 30-foot conventional custom cabinet made of wood cabinets, including a 3-meter-long island Replace laminate countertops Install a stainless-steel sink standard tap for single handle Replace energy-saving wall oven, cooking area, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting Install a new solid floor Finish with the painted walls, ceiling, and color Major Kitchen Remodel – Upscale Upgrade a 200-square-foot kitchen with a 30-meter-high cherry cabinet top with shelves built into other interiors Replace laminate cabinets with stone countertops and ceramic or glass backsplash imported Install a built-in refrigerator, and 36-inch grade range and vent hood; built-in oven, garbage disposal, and integrated built-in microwave Install a low-rise sink faucet and add a built-in water filter Install new low voltage lamps under the cabinets Install cork flooring Bathroom Remodels A typical bathroom renovation involves updating vanities counter-tops and sinks. Re-tiling the walls, re-painting the walls, and changing the flooring Upgrading faucets and fixtures Image: https://www.greedyrates.ca/blog/how-much-do-home-renovations-really-cost/ How to Pay Your Renovation Fees Whether it’s a kitchen or bathroom renovation Ottawa, there are many ways you can pay for your project. One way is borrowing against your home’s value. There are also ways to borrow that do not rely on your credit history. Here are some of the options at your disposal. Home Equity Loans Home equity loans are secured by your home’s appreciated value. The advantage is that your interest rate mortgage amount will not be increased. Homeowner’s Loan You are borrowing against your income and not the home’s value. Your home will

Home Renovation Guide Plan Smart and Avoid Costly Mistakes

August 24, 2021 No Comments

Basics You Need to Know About Home Renovation in Ottawa, Canada Are you planning to renovate your home for the first time – or the first time in a long time? If yes, this quick, handy Home Renovation Guide will give you the steps to follow so that your renovation is low-stress, on-budget, and improves both the quality of your life and the value of your home. Enjoy! How to Find an Excellent General Contractor in Ottawa Before beginning any home renovation project, your first step is to find an excellent general contractor to take care of everything for you. The general contractor you use will either make your home renovations a joy or, if you choose poorly, could make the entire project a colossal debacle. Below are the basics to follow when searching: Call several contractors and arrange an interview with all of them. (We recommend you call 3) Check online reviews on review websites like Google, HomeStars, Trusted Pros, Yelp, and others. The more positive the reviews, and the more of them you find, the better. Also check out the companies replies Surf the contractor’s Facebook page and see how they interact with customers. This can give you a great deal of insight into how they deal with the public. Look out for companies with websites or social media pages that only have 3 or 4 portfolios/pictures of their work. You don’t want to get stuck with a company that has only done 3 bathrooms….. Ask family, friends, and colleagues who have had home renovations or a home addition done in Ottawa, who they would recommend. If they can start right away, keep looking. The best general contractors are always busy and will need to schedule your renovations to fit their work schedule. Set Aside Extra Funds for Hidden Surprises During Your Home Renovation Here’s the thing; there can be a surprise or two when having a basement renovation done in your home. The same goes for kitchen, bathroom, and other renovations. No matter how much you plan, there can be unforeseen problems, changes, and repairs that need to be made, which will increase your final cost. For this reason, we recommend setting aside 10% over and above your home renovation budget. That way, when those surprises happen, you’ll be financially ready to handle them. Don’t Be Fooled by Suspiciously Low Bids One of the biggest causes of stress when renovating a home is being told that the cost will be higher than the contractor told you at the project’s onset. In some cases, the cost can be significantly higher, especially if the contractor gave you a much lower bid than the other bids you received. Two different things cause this scenario. The first, and the worst, is that the contractor purposely underbid to get the job. The second, which is still wrong, is when the person who put together the bid either was new at their job or missed something that the contractor should have included. Either of these two scenarios, a purposefully low bid or a mistakenly low bid, can cause massive headaches down the road once your renovation project is already underway. In most cases, you’ll need to pay the difference or else be left with renovations that are only partially completed. Don’t Put Down a Large Deposit on Your Renovation Project One of the warning signs to look for when hiring general contractor is one who asks for more than 10% down to get the project started. The reason some do is a bit nefarious; unfortunately, they may need the money to finish another person’s renovation project. One caveat; if you’ve asked for expensive fixtures in your home renovation project, your contractor may ask for a 50% deposit for those items. Make Sure the General Contractor you Choose Is Insured This may seem trivial but, at the end of the day, it could be huge. It’s vital you make sure your general contractor has insurance to cover any accidents that might occur during the project. If they don’t, the responsibility for any accidents and injuries could rest on your shoulders alone, which would be very bad, financially speaking. Our suggestion; ask to see their insurance policy and ask for a copy of it as well. Be Prepared for a Bit of Extra Stress One thing that many homeowners don’t plan on is the extra stress that home renovations cause. The truth is, when you have kitchen renovation done, your kitchen will be out of commission, at least for a few weeks, if not a month. The same can be said for a basement renovation or bathroom renovation (although the kitchen is usually the worst). Disruptions, dust, and strangers traipsing through your home can be a very stressful time for many folks, especially children. Planning for this extra stress can be helpful, such as a day out at the zoo or having meals sent to your home. Speaking of planning, negotiating the rules of your home with the renovation crew is vital and needs to be done on day one. For example, will the crew use your bathroom, or will they bring a porta-potty? Will they clean at the end of each day? What hours will they arrive and leave every day, and how they’ll communicate if they’re going to be early or late? Your home addition will be much less stressful if you work these things out at the start of the project. Last Words If you follow the basics above, ask questions (and get answers to those questions), it will usually go off without any significant problems or stress. We recommend staying in constant contact with the head contractor during the project and letting them know of any issues or concerns right away. Do these things, and all of your home renovation projects should come to a very satisfactory conclusion. Don’t wait to get started get in touch, give us a call today at (613) 727-9427 or use our online form.

How to Control Pest Problems Before During and After Renovation

August 22, 2021 No Comments

Home renovation is a demanding project that may include several sub-projects that will improve the appearance and functionality of your home. In order to efficiently carry out various activities within these renovation tasks, there are several prerequisites every homeowner needs to fulfill in advance. Taking care of pests, such as bugs and rodents, is one of these important works that require certain care before and throughout the renovation process. Here’s what we suggest on how to control pest problems during renovations. Removing the furniture Furniture items usually hide a lot of secrets about pests. Mice, rats, cockroaches, and water bugs like to build their nests behind pieces of furniture and inside them. When you’re making your renovation plan, you should remove the furniture first. Homeowners need to look behind every closet, armchair, and cabinet to check whether there are any hidden nests. They’re more common in houses than in apartments. So, if you live in a house, you need to be especially careful in locating and identifying insects, mice, and rats. If you don’t notice any nests or poops left by pests, it still doesn’t mean that your home is pest-free. Take a look inside all your closets and cabinets because this is where they like to live and hatch. What’s more, inspect all the wall areas that are usually behind your furniture items. If you notice any holes or damaged parts, it might be a sign that you have some unwanted tenants in your home. Installing traps and sealing holes Homeowners who realize that pests are living in their homes need to try to eliminate them before the renovation starts. For starters, you can make some eco-friendly insecticides and treat bugs, mites, and other insects on your own. In case insects have entered your closets and cabinets or woodworms have spread throughout them, think about replacing them with new pieces of furniture. If you notice that you have rodents in your home, you’ll start wondering what to do to get rid of them. For starters, you can try using some mouse traps. They might be useful if you have only a few mice around your place. However, a larger number of mice or rats is a sign that you might have a more serious problem with pests. This is where calling a reputable pest control company that specializes in mice control to help you is a smart choice. A professional rodent exterminator will cope with your rodent problem efficiently and much quicker than a DIY mice trap method, so you’ll be able to continue with your renovation works. Once you’ve treated the bugs, insects, and rodents, the next thing you should do is to double-check the walls for holes and cracks. When you’re certain that you’ve eliminated all the pests and their nests, you can seal all the cracks, holes, and other damaged parts of the walls. Inspecting neglected parts of the home Renovation is the right time to repurpose some of the parts of your home to give them a new life. Many people neglect their garages. Instead of keeping their cars or bikes in them, they use them as storage space. Whenever there’s a lot of clutter in one place, the risk of infestation is much higher. So, when you’re cleaning or transforming your garage, it’s necessary to inspect all its corners and see whether there are any signs of the presence of pests. What’s more, if there are any water inlets in the garage, clean them with some ecological solutions to make sure that any insects and rodents are eliminated from these areas. If you don’t want to use those inlets in your remodelled garage, seal them. You should apply the same procedure to any storage spaces you have inside your home. From kitchen storage compartments to workshops and the basement, inspect all the areas, eliminate pests, and seal all the potential holes and cracks through which they could sneak into your home. Keeping outdoor pests away If you decide to replace the doors and windows during the renovation process, make sure to prevent insects, flies, and other pests from entering your home. Only one door should be used for entrance/exit to the home. Protect all other empty places for doors with screeners. The entire area needs to be covered so that neither rodents nor flying insects can enter your home. If you remove all the old windows at once, close the window holes and install new windows one at a time. This will prevent flies, hornets, and wasps from entering your home and making nests inside it during the renovation. Once the renovation is finished, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire home to confirm that you’ve kept pests away from it. Conclusion If not properly controlled and eliminated pests can slow down your renovation process. That’s why you should take all the necessary precautionary measures before, during, and after renovations. Only such an approach will ensure that you enjoy yourself in a remodelled and refreshed home, free of insects, bugs, and rodents. * To learn more about pest problems during renovations, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. For pest control services please contact the author; Pestend About the author Luqman has been a pest control technician for over 20 years. He is passionate about solving people’s pest and wildlife control problems through innovative, eco-friendly and humane methods. Luqman currently works for Pestend. He believes that pest control is a science and feels that his function in his community is very important since he helps people live in peace without causing unnecessary harm to animals.

Best Ideas for Home Renovations Ottawa Has Ever Seen

July 21, 2021 No Comments

Spruce up your Ottawa home with exciting Ideas for Home Renovations! Tired of the same old look? Breathe new life into your space with our inspiring suggestions, catering to any style and budget. Discover innovative ways to transform your outdated Ottawa home into a modern haven! Remodeling is a fantastic way to mix things up and make your house feel new again. Instead of feeling bored at home, you’ll actually want to be there. Renovations go beyond simply adding visual flair, too. In fact, a clever remodel can redefine the entire function of a room. At Renos Group, we’re the best general contractor Ottawa has available. With our help, anything is possible when renovating your interiors. To get your juices flowing, we’ve compiled 15 of our favorite home renovations. Bathroom Renovations in Ottawa First, we’ll take a look at five of our top ideas for renovating your bathrooms. It goes without saying that you’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathrooms, so they should feel warm and inviting. #5: Shift the Location of the Shower for More Space One thing we encounter in outdated bathrooms is a poor location for the shower. If the shower/tub combo is length-wise on the left or right, your bathroom will appear much smaller. By shifting the shower and tub to the back of the room, you free up lots of vanity space. Remember, renovating isn’t always about upgrading appliances or adding visuals. Instead, thoughtful home renovations are all about creating new spaces and functions for the room. The last thing a bathroom should be is claustrophobic, so opening it up for more space is a great idea. Adding more space will give your guests a lot more breathing room. As a result, your guests will feel more comfortable using the bathroom at your place, and you will too! #4: Ritz Up Your Floors How would you describe the current floors in your home? Do they catch your eye or have any reflectiveness, or are they underwhelming? If the answer is the latter, then you should give your floors a makeover. It’s shocking how often homeowners overlook the importance of their floors, especially in the bathroom. If you have plain tiles that have no personality, it’s time to get rid of them. Instead, consider some of the following options as a replacement: Polished concrete veneers Ceramic tile with patterns Metallic epoxy coatings Each of these options is a fantastic way to add visual appeal and intrigue to your bathroom floor. After all, you’ll spend most of your time in the bathroom looking at the floor! #3: Make a Single Vanity a Double Does your bathroom only have one sink but has space for two? Then it’s time to make things interesting by adding a double vanity. Not only will this be more visually appealing, but it’s a practical decision as well. You’ll have an extra sink for your guests, spouse, or special someone. With the added space, you can also add extra storage. As we all know, you can never have enough bathroom storage! The extra storage will also help you free up a lot of counter space. Nothing is worse than a bathroom with hair curlers and shaving razors strewed about everywhere. Renovating to add extra storage space is an intelligent way to keep your restrooms clean and organized. Double vanities also open up a lot of exciting design options. You can add wall lighting in the middle of the two mirrors. You can also have fun selecting two matching mirrors. #2: Add Fancy Wall Tiles If the walls in your bathroom are drab and uninspired, we can put an end to that. You don’t have to limit fancy tile patterns to just your floors. Instead, wall tile is an incredible way to add visual appeal to your walls. Why not give your guests something fascinating to look at while they do their business? Our talented professionals at Renos Group can provide many dazzling ideas for wall tile and other decorative options. Does your bathroom have basic white square tiles? Then you should definitely switch things up. With some decorative wall tile, you’ll stop feeling like you’re using a public restroom at a gas station and more like you’re at home! #1: Have Fun With the Shower Shape There’s no fun in a boring, rectangle-shaped shower. So why not have fun and make the shape of your shower something different? Remember, a good renovation is all about thinking outside the box. A simple circular arch at the top will do a lot to add intrigue to your shower. You can also try other shapes such as ovals, squares, and more. Exciting architecture is a staple of excellent home renovations in Ottawa. Basement Renovations in Ottawa Next, let’s take a look at some creative ideas for renovating your basement. There’s no reason why your basement has to be a dull area used for storage. Here are some of our favorite ways to add excitement to basements. #5: Add an Extra Bedroom Do you have an extra family member in need of their own room? Then the basement is an ideal option. You can have a lot of fun coming up with ways to transition your basement into a bedroom. You can use: Bunk beds An alcove with a built-in bed Shelves Dressers Do your best to make the basement feel as cozy as possible as an extra sleeping area. You can even use it as a make-shift guest room if you have company staying over. Using a theme is also an excellent guide for designing your new bedroom. Is your son a huge fan of race cars? Then why not deck out the entire basement with a car theme? #4: Double Down on Living Rooms Who says that your home can only have one living room? You can make your basement very interesting by making it your second living room. That is an especially great idea if you have children. The kids

8 Ideas for Your Basement Remodel

June 18, 2021 No Comments

The basement was once the area of the home that was neglected and used to store old items while collecting dust. But after being stuck at home for so long during this past year, homeowners are taking stock of their unused and underappreciated space more than ever. From a dedicated home office space to a playroom for the kids to the ultimate sports and entertainment lounge, you can get creative with your basement and transform it into something you’ll love, appreciate and actually use. Here are our top ideas for your basement remodel An Extra Bedroom Whether you have a teen who needs their own space or if you have in-laws who like to come and stay with you, the basement could provide extra space for another bedroom. Being tucked away in the basement offers more privacy and comfort. Consider adding built-in shelving if you’re limited on the room you can play with and also opt for carpet to create some additional warmth in the basement. A Home Gym If you love to workout and have been missing those trips to the gym, create a home gym right in your basement. With lots of room to spare, you can fit all of the essential pieces of equipment that you desire. To make it more authentic, add full-length mirrors to the wall and make sure to choose a type of flooring that will hold up well against the machines and weights. A Wet Bar Upgrade your basement with a wet bar so you can be the hub of entertainment when the time comes! Unlike a standard bar, a wet bar includes a sink. If you don’t have the means to include this due to plumbing complications, keep it simple without the sink. If you prefer to maintain an open concept, have the bar installed right up against the wall. This way, you can fit in a table or two if you’d like to have more seating options. Include a beer tap and fridge to make it official! A Playroom for the Kids You don’t have to reserve the basement for the adults. Make it the designated kiddie zone instead. A playroom in the basement will give your kids space to have fun and run around without having to worry as much about causing too much commotion upstairs. It’ll also give you more peace and quiet when you’re trying to get work done upstairs. Sports Games and Entertainment Create your ultimate sports and entertainment area. Add comfy chairs, a large TV screen, and surround sound so you can watch your favourite team on the big screen in your own home. If your basement has the room, consider adding a pool table, foosball table or a classic pinball machine so you can have the best of both worlds with a sports and games room. Wine Collection Are you a wine connoisseur? Why not show off your collection or expand it with a section carved out in your basement just for your wine. With customized shelving, you can decorate a portion of your wall or all of them. This will give your basement that enchanting wine cellar look and feel so you can enjoy sipping on your favourite bottle whenever you please. Home Office With more people working from home these days, the basement is becoming the staple home office hub. With a few additions like carpeting, a fresh coat of paint and a modern office set up, it can be the perfect spot at home to focus and get down to business without too many distractions. Hobby & Crafts Room Getting creative often requires some personal space so you can get into the creative zone and hone in on your craft. Whether it’s painting, photography, or some other form of hobby, use your basement as your studio so you can focus and get those creative juices flowing in peace. When you’re ready to transform your basement into something practical and beautiful, contact our team at the Renosgroup. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout Ottawa remodel and renovate their homes for years. No matter what you are looking for, we can offer our expert advice and recommendations. We will help you refine your goals and vision for the project and map out the scope while working within your budget. With our experience and dedication to quality work, you can rest assured that any project we take on will be done professionally and properly from start to finish. Reach out to us today, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to learn more about our services, or to discuss your ideas.

Remodel vs Renovation: What’s the Difference?

March 28, 2021 No Comments

You might often hear the words “remodel” and “renovation” being used interchangeably, but there is a stark difference between the two. If you’re planning a home improvement, it’s important to know how a remodel differs from a renovation so that you can better communicate with your interior designer and builder on what you’d like to achieve. Here’s how to tell the difference. Remodel To remodel something is to create something new or alter something to a new state. For instance, a kitchen remodel might include tearing down a wall to open up the space or moving the sink to a different side of the room. In a remodel, something has to be altered. If you were to turn an unfinished basement into a rental unit, this would be an example of something being remodeled from its original state. Some common remodel projects include: Finished basement or attic Secondary basement suite Second story addition Property damage repairs New deck New roof Sunroom or enclosed porch Kitchen add-on Bathroom aging in place remodel Historic preservation Bedroom to home office remodel Fireplace installment Renovation A renovation generally refers to restoring something to its original condition without changing the purpose. This could include any upgrades or repairs to an existing room. For example, in a bathroom renovation project would likely see old flooring replaced and new paint applied. It might also include tearing out old cabinets and outdated shower units and replacing them with new ones. Common renovation projects: New paint or wallpaper New flooring Upgraded cabinets or hardware New vanity New window treatments Upgraded staircase Trim replacement Upgraded shelving and closet renovations Energy retrofits and new lighting Games room or home theatre New driveway, walkway, or patio The Pros and Cons of Remodeling A remodel is an excellent way to transform an outdated or unused room into something new. With a remodel you’re basically working with a fresh canvas where you can tear down walls, add new features or build an entire new room from the ceiling to the floors. But if you’re on a tight budget, remodeling can often be more costly than renovating, depending on the labour and materials it will take to complete the project. A remodel can also take a lot longer than planned. And since most remodels involve some form of construction aspect, if you don’t plan accordingly, you could be stuck living without a kitchen or bathroom for quite some time. Fortunately, with a little planning and an expert remodeling crew managing the project, most of these concerns can be greatly mitigated. The Pros and Cons of Renovating As mentioned above, a renovation is the better choice if you have a tight budget to adhere to. You don’t have to do a lot to make a big impact, especially if you have a professional designer and renovation team on your side. Simply swapping out older features with new ones, changing up colours on the floors and walls and adding some modern décor can transform a room in a matter of days. Simple energy saving swaps can also help to save you money over the long term. The only downside of a renovation is that it’s easy to get carried away. If you don’t set a proper budget from the get-go and hire a company who knows how to stick to it, you could end up spending tens of thousands of dollars more than planned. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence and hire a company with a proven track record of finishing projects on time and on budget. How To Choose The Right Contractor Not all contractors specialize in both remodels and renovations. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between a remodel vs. renovation when you start looking for a professional for your project. When you find a general contractor in your area, don’t settle until you get a couple of bids from other companies first. Make sure you compare the plans and specifications as well as the labour and material costs before deciding. You should also make sure that you can trust this company before hiring them. So look at their reviews online, call some of their past clients, and do the necessary due diligence to ensure they are the right fit for the job. Why Choose The Renosgroup? At the Renosgroup.ca we offer everything under one roof. From small renovations to major remodels and even mobility modifications, our team can handle your project from beginning to end. You only need to hire us and we’ll supervise all the contractors required to get your job done right on time and within your budget. We’re ready to help you with all your renovation and remodeling needs. Contact us today to learn more about all of our services. We also offer free in-home consultations which ensures you are presented a reliable cost estimate from the onset. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Kick the Winter Blues, Start Planning Your Next Home Renovation!

February 19, 2021 No Comments

The winter months can make many of us feel stressed out, depressed, and irritable. But one way you can kick those winter blues is to start planning your next home renovation. If you’ve been thinking about remodelling or upgrading a few areas of your home, there’s no better time to get started than now! Being cooped up at home gives you plenty of time to sit down, think of what you want, crystalize your vision, and begin the planning process step by step. Once you have all of the planning done, you can book in your contractors and have the renos done before the summer arrives. Here are some tips for getting started! Get Clear on Your Budget Your budget will determine just about everything, so it’s the most important place to start. Sit down and work out how much you can put aside, and what it is that you want or need to be renovated. Whether it’s a new coat of paint for the house or a major overhaul, write them all down and prioritize your needs versus wants. Then compare those to the amount of money you can spend on the renos. You should know exactly what that number is so you can be realistic about what you can include in your renovation and which areas might have to wait. Gather Ideas and Inspiration This is always the best part of planning a renovation. With your budget and framework done, you can now start to gather ideas and inspiration to refine your vision and figure out which elements you want to include. You’re essentially creating a wish list. During this process, it’s important to keep an open mind and remain realistic about affordability because it can be easy to get caught up in dream concepts that are way beyond your budget. So once you have some solid ideas of the scope of the project, you’ll want to get informed about associated costs by speaking with the contractor. Or you can also find guides online that can help. This is the part where you may have to really prioritize and make sacrifices. During this stage, you’ll be working out a lot of the details, so you should expect to go back and forth as you figure it all out. Design Layouts If you’re planning on having a major renovation done, then you will likely need to consult with a professional to draft up design layouts and detailed drawings that will map it all out. However, if you’re just focusing on minor renovations, most builders will be able to plan it all out by simply communicating with you, understanding what you want and then creating a plan based on that. Choose Your Contractor Once you’re ready to get going, you’ll need to sort out which team is the best fit for your needs and who you should hire. Reach out to a few reputable contractors to learn more about their experience, terms, quotes, and make sure to ask for examples and references. This will give you a clearer insight into their previous projects and whether clients were satisfied. Also, make sure they’re licensed and insured so that you’re protected and won’t be liable for any damages or injuries during the renovations. You can easily search online to view testimonials and learn more about a company. Or ask around through your family, friends, and other networks for recommendations. Get a Detailed Breakdown of the Quote Comparing quotes from different contractors is all part of the process, but you should always ask for a detailed breakdown. The contractor should be willing to provide a list of all of the expenses for each part of the project so that you can review the prices. This is important for both major or minor jobs, especially if you are on a tighter budget. You can learn which areas you can shave down or you can swap out different materials that are cheaper to lower the cost if need be. Your contractor should be open and willing to help you with this. Book Your Dates Finally, after giving the green light on the project scope, details and costs, it’s time to book your dates and get started. Sometimes, certain projects can begin in the winter and then get completed in the spring, but this might not be the case for you. It all depends on the renovations you need. Talk to your contractor to discuss when the best time might be to begin, and what works with your schedule. Renosgroup.ca has you covered for all of your home renovations needs in Ottawa. Whether you have something minor or major in mind, our crew can make it happen. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427. to learn more about how we can help transform your

The Boldest Kitchen Renovations Kanata Has Ever Seen

January 22, 2021 No Comments

Is your kitchen in Kanata in desperate need of an extreme makeover? Would you love to lighten up the colors of your countertops and cabinets? Then you need to pick up the phone and call us at RenosGroup. We offer in-depth kitchen renovations in Kanata and surrounding areas. You’ll love our free in-home consultations, remarkable craftsmanship, and open communication. Kanata is a high-tech and fast-paced neighborhood. It’s one of the largest suburbs of Ottawa, and there are some beautiful homes there. In particular, Kanata Lakes has gorgeous high-end housing. If you want your home to compete with the best, renovations are a must. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so everything needs to be perfect. Our team will help you design a kitchen that’s beautiful, practical, and cheery. Read on if you want to learn how we can totally transform your kitchen into something special in Kanata. Standing Out From the Crowd Kanata is a diverse neighborhood with a lot of offerings home-wise. Kanata Lakes has high-end housing, while older areas have more affordable options. It’s also the home of all the high-tech companies in Ottawa. As a result, the neighborhood’s homes are cutting-edge and technological. In order for your home to have value, you need to keep up with the Joneses, so to speak. So if you want to add to your resell value, your kitchen needs to have something unique. The second that a potential buyer enters your kitchen, they should let out an audible, “Wow!” Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, a standout kitchen is always a great idea. After all, you’ll be in your kitchen every time that you eat or prepare a meal. That’s why you need a kitchen that’s practical, beautiful, and vibrant. Renovations are the best way to enhance a dull kitchen. When you enter your kitchen, what do you see? What do you feel as you fire up your skillet getting ready to cook? If you feel depressed and dread having to cook, then something is wrong. The good news is that renovations can fix all your kitchen woes. Our team at RenosGroup can transform your dull kitchen into a culinary paradise. Thanks to our free in-home consultations, we’ll provide you with an accurate quote. During the consult, we’ll bring our in-house interior designer. They will suss out all the visual details of your remodel. We excel in clear communication, so you’ll stay updated every step of the way. You can also request any changes during the entire process. So if your kitchen gives you nightmares, it’s time for a change. You can always give us a call at RenosGroup for the best kitchen renovations Kanata has to offer. Reasons to Renovate Your Kanata Kitchen So you may be on the fence about undergoing renovations. If you aren’t sure if you need to renovate or not, here are some of the top reasons to do so: Practical Renovations For a kitchen, practicality is absolutely essential. Cooking is a laborious chore, and it’s made even more challenging when your kitchen has a terrible layout. If your pots, pans, and utensils are a mile away from your stove, you aren’t doing things right. An ideal kitchen has all your tools right where you need them. So if you have to walk around in circles to gather all your materials, renovations are ideal. Too many people have a limited scope of what renovations can accomplish. To the majority, kitchen renovations are strictly superficial. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, one of the top reasons to renovate a kitchen is to improve the practicality of the layout. We’re continually enhancing our client’s kitchens through smart renovations. Here are a few examples of how we can make your kitchen more practical: Open shelving. Having to open and close every cabinet in your kitchen can be pretty cumbersome. That’s why open shelving is becoming more and more prevalent. Not only does it look sophisticated, but it’s marvelous for practicality. Now you simply need to reach up and grab what you need from your shelves. There’s no slamming of cupboards or cabinets to fetch a spatula and a pan. Open shelving is also great for being able to cook at night quietly. Kitchen islands. If your kitchen doesn’t have an island, then you’re missing out. Kitchen islands look sleek and elegant, and they also provide more storage space. We can build islands that have cabinets underneath so that you can store your coffee makers, blenders, and more. A kitchen island can also provide some much-needed cooking space on top. We offer a wide variety of kitchen islands, so don’t wait to request one during your consultation. Like open shelving, hooks have become more prevalent in recent years as well. If you’re quite the chef and have a fleet of cooking tools, hooks are a great way to store them. Once again, you won’t have to fiddle with cupboards or cabinets to retrieve your main cooking tools. Simply grab the tool off the hook and put it back on when you’re done. Hooks can also look quite stylish, and your visitors will be impressed by your collection of cooking tools. These are just a few ways that we can use renovating to improve the layout of your kitchen. We can perform other quick fixes, too, such as rearranging your appliances. An example would be moving your fridge if your cabinets hit it when they open. Renovating for Visual Appeal We wouldn’t be able to offer Kanata the best kitchen renovations around if we didn’t master aesthetics. That’s a big reason why we have an in-house interior designer. It’s our goal to provide renovations that are truly stunning to see. Visual appeal is a big reason to renovate your kitchen. Please take a look around your kitchen as it is right now. What do you see? Is the wallpaper peeling off? Do you have outdated kitchen tiles? Are your appliances all from

Basement Renovation Ottawa – Tweed Avenue

Excellent Basement Renovations in Kanata

January 22, 2021 No Comments

Is the basement in your Kanata home a tad underwhelming? Are you currently using it to store boxes and not much else? Then it would be best if you renovated with us at RenosGroup. We offer the highest quality basement renovations Kanata has to offer. Our team can help you develop a purpose for your basement so that it’s no longer wasted space. It’s a sad fact that the basement is the most underutilized room in the home. All too often, homeowners end up using their basements for storage or laundry only. That’s a shame because your basement has a boatload of potential. With our capabilities at RenosGroup, the only limit is your imagination. We’ll help you transform your dull basement into something extraordinary. So if you want to find a unique use for your basement in Kanata, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn what we can do for your basement at RenosGroup. Reasons to Renovate Your Basement in Kanata Kanata is a fast-paced, highly technological suburb of Ottawa. It’s the largest suburb and has a diverse population. There are also many styles of homes in the area. Kanata Lakes boasts high-end housing that has all the latest technological bells and whistles. Older neighborhoods have more affordable housing, but still, they retain lots of charm. These homes may cost less, but they’re still beautiful and well-built. If you call Kanata home, then the chances are that you love where you live. It’s safe, family-friendly, and has excellent schools. Yet, there are still lots of reasons why you may want to renovate your home. That way, you can address all your home’s issues and turn it into the house of your dreams. We’d love to help you do just that at RenosGroup. In particular, there are many reasons why you should renovate your basement. That’s especially true if your basement currently has no purpose. Your basement is a large part of your home. It would be a total waste not to use it for something. That’s where renovations come into the picture. Here are a few of the most common reasons to renovate your basement. Unused Space This is by far the biggest reason to renovate your basement. If you’re like most homeowners, then your basement is idle space without a purpose. You may store boxes and various items there or do your laundry. Well, there’s no reason to waste any square footage that you have available. So if your basement is vacant, renovating can turn it into something special. For example, why not turn your basement into a guest room? That way, you have a place to accommodate friends and family whenever they stay. Instead of being an empty room with some boxes in it, we can transform it into a hotel-esque guest room. You could also gift yourself with a gaming room/man cave. Since you aren’t using your basement, it’s the perfect location for all your fancy toys. You can set up a TV with video game systems, a pool table, and even a fully functional bar. Maybe now you can see why not using your basement is such a waste. There are tons of fun uses you can create for your basement. So if you wish your home had some extra space for creativity, don’t rule out your basement! You can use it to create a room that you’ve always wanted. Add Value to Your Home Are you planning on selling your home in Kanata? Maybe you want to upgrade to a high-end home in Kanata Lakes. If so, then finishing your basement will add to your resell value. An unfinished basement won’t do you any favors when trying to sell your house. Which home would you rather buy? Option one is a home with a basement with cracks in the floor, laundry everywhere, and unfinished walls. Option two has a basement that doubles as a second living room. There’s a full bar, sofa, TV, and wine racks. Obviously, option two is a far more desirable basement. As a result, that home will sell for more money than option one. So if you’re planning on selling your home, then finishing your basement is a must. It may cost you to fix it up, but you’ll end up selling your home for a lot more money. Save Money on Utility Bills Another reason to undergo basement renovations in Kanata is to save money. That may seem counterintuitive, as renovating costs money. Yet, there’s a good reason why finishing your basement will save you money in the long run. It all has to do with how hard your HVAC units have to work to heat/cool your basement. If your basement is unfinished, then the chances are that it isn’t sealed. Not only that, but unfinished/open walls will let in heat and cold like nobody’s business. If your Kanata home has an unfinished basement, then it’s killing your utility bill. Picture this, it’s freezing outside, and your basement is letting cold air inside. As such, your heater has to work twice as hard to maintain the temperature in your basement. If you renovate and finish your basement, that won’t happen. Your basement will stay completely sealed, not letting in any heat or cold air. Your heater won’t have to overwork itself to maintain the temperature in your basement. Therefore, you won’t have to spend as much on energy each month. These savings can be very significant and will eventually pay for the cost of the renovations. More Family Space Lastly, a big reason homeowners renovate their basements is because there’s a baby on the way. They’ve already used up all the bedrooms upstairs, so it’s time to turn the basement into a nursery. That, or transfer one of the older children into the basement. Either way, you’ll need to renovate to accommodate your growing family. Renovations can turn a four-bedroom home into a five-bedroom house. It’s crucial to remember that your basement can serve as an

Exceptional Home Renovations in Orleans

January 19, 2021 No Comments

Orleans is one of the closest suburbs to downtown Ottawa. It’s an affordable neighborhood with plenty of housing choices. If you call Orleans home and want to renovate, you can always rely on us at RenosGroup. We can help you add on a sunroom, make your bathrooms more accessible, and improve your kitchen layout. Orleans has seen steady growth since the 1970s. As a result, there’s a high demand for quality housing in the area. If you want to sell your home, then renovations can help you increase your resell value. We’ll help you finish your basement, upgrade your bathroom, and increase your curb appeal. If you’re interested in the best home renovations Orleans has available, you’re in luck. Stay tuned to learn more about how we can tweak your home until it’s perfect for your needs. Reasons to Renovate Your Orleans Home You may think that you don’t need any renovations because you love the aesthetics of your home. Yet, renovations are about a lot more than superficial changes. There are many reasons why you should renovate that have nothing to do with visual appeal. A quick example would be adding handrails to your bathrooms for an aging relative. Another reason to renovate is if you have a new baby on the way. To make more room, you can use our team to transform your basement into another bedroom. Here are some of the most prevalent reasons our clients choose to renovate with us. Practicality Improvements Are there things about your home that annoy or inconvenience you? If so, then you can renovate to improve them. Let’s say that your bathroom sink is a bit too high for you. If you’re smaller in stature, it may be challenging to use a raised sink. If you get a hold of us at RenosGroup, we can lower the sink to the perfect height for your needs. We also love to improve the layout of client kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. If cooking in your kitchen requires a lot of legwork, then you need to make some changes. We can use kitchen islands, open shelving, hooks, and more to save you time. That way, you’ll have all the tools and utensils that you need in one place. We encourage you to take a walk through your home. Along the way, take note of any inconveniences or impractical layouts. Once you identify all the things that you’d like to change, you can get in touch with us for a free in-home consultation. We’ll take detailed measurements of your home to ensure that we do a great job. We’ll also help you come up with the most efficient blueprint for your renovations. Increase Resell Value of Home If you want to sell your home in Orleans, then you’ll probably need to make a few renovations. That’s especially true if your home is on the older side. Thankfully, we provide the best home renovations Orleans has available, including at the best rates. That means we can help you fix up your home so that it’s in prime selling condition. That way, you can sell your home for the highest price possible. Otherwise, you risk taking a loss on your home or not being able to sell it at all. Homebuyers are on the lookout for: Finished basements Attractive bathrooms Cheery kitchens with modern appliances and practical layouts Basements that have a purpose (extra bedroom, home theater, etc.) If your home lacks any of these features, then renovations are a must. During your free in-home consultation, be sure to tell us that you’re renovating to sell your home. From there, our team will take your budget into close consideration. Brighten Up a Dreary Home Your home is your sanctuary, or at least it should be in an ideal world. The fact is that many homeowners don’t enjoy their homes as much as they should. If your home is just a place to flop, you’re doing something wrong. Your mood will drastically improve if your home has a cheery, vibrant atmosphere. That means bright and lively colors, updated fixtures, and modern appliances. Have you noticed that you’ve been in a depressed mood lately? It may be due to the aging home that no longer excites you. A great way to revitalize your lust for life is to renovate your home. All of a sudden, your boring home will become fun again. You’ll actually enjoy coming home from work to your beautiful home. Let us help you tweak things until everything is perfect for your needs. If you aren’t sure what style you’d like to go for, that’s no problem for us at RenosGroup. We have an in-house interior designer to help you out. During your first consult, you’ll get the chance to work with our designer to come up with a plan. We’ll help you design your kitchen, bathrooms, basements, and more. So if you’re tired of the same old boring house, then it’s time to undergo home renovations in Orleans. Our team at RenosGroup won’t stop until we achieve your total satisfaction. Add Accessibility to Your Home If you live with someone that’s disabled or elderly, they’re going to have some unique needs. Luckily, we provide exceptional mobility renovations for Orleans and surrounding areas. We can add all sorts of accessibility features to your home, including: Handrails for your bathrooms Lowered fixtures Easy-to-open handles for drawers and cabinets Seats for the shower Chairlifts and elevators Special openings for tubs and showers Simply let us know what your accessibility needs are, and we’ll make it happen. We’re well versed in all safety regulations and standards. You can always count on us to do an exceptional job for you or your loved ones. If you have mobility limitations, please don’t wait to get in touch with us to make your home more accessible. Doing so can help you stay in your home for many years to come. Our Home Renovation Offerings in Orleans We rise above and beyond

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