10 of the Most Popular Reno Requests We Get Come Fall

October 10, 2018 No Comments

Most people think home renovations slow down after the summer months, but not for us! Each year when fall comes along, our phones keep ringing non-stop with requests for home improvements. With the extreme cold weather conditions just around the corner, people in the area start to look for ways to better equip their homes for the winter months. In fact, fall is one of the most popular months to upgrade your home, and we’ll show you why in this article. Read on for an inside look into some of the most popular reno requests we get come fall. Kitchen Upgrades The kitchen is the heart of the home — when it gets renovated, it’s intrusive. That’s why fall is the best time to have your kitchen redone. You can open up the windows and let the fresh air in and construction dust out as the temperatures are mild. It’s also easier to get the work done when the kids are back at school. Bathroom Renos People often ask us why we believe fall is the perfect time to redo your bathroom space. We tell them it’s because the holidays are fast approaching and guests and family are more likely to visit, so wouldn’t it be nice to have a fresh new space for everyone to see? Plus, when winter rolls around you don’t want any freezing cold weather delaying any of your remodelling work. When you renovate in the fall, you can get everything ready before winter comes and slows down your progress. New Insulation Insulation is a very popular request come fall. Upgrades will leave you cozier come winter time when the temperatures start to drop off. New insulation can also reduce the risk of mould, mildew, and dry rot that commonly form when the outside temperature becomes colder than the indoors, creating condensation in your home. Mobility Improvements With shorter days and icy conditions come winter time, we receive a number of phone calls to reduce the hazards around the home. By adding safety products and installing materials that improve accessibility, we can make a home safer for those with mobility and visibility issues. This includes non-slip tape, non-slip floor coverings, easy to grip handrails, wider doorways, easy to reach light switches, and others home accessories. With just a few modifications we can help you feel more comfortable in your own home. Heated Floors That old plush carpet may help keep your home warm, but it also traps dirt and mould in the fibres. That’s why many people are switching to heated flooring. Under-floor heating provides even heating across the floor so you can stay warm all winter long. Best of all, this type of flooring doesn’t affect indoor air quality as other types do. Fireplaces If you own a wood burning fireplace, you may want to replace it and fast! Not only do they create harmful pollutants in your home, but they are also a fire concern and tend to lose more heat than today’s common gas or electric fireplaces. That’s why we get plenty of calls to install electric fireplaces in the fall. The electric fireplace is not only more energy efficient, it also doesn’t require as much maintenance over time. Finished Basements The unfinished basement is another popular fall renovation project. As people buy homes in the spring and summer, they don’t get enough time to start working on the basement until the fall. That’s why we get a number of calls for basement jobs this time of year. Personal gyms, music studios, playroom for the kids, games rooms, offices, and secondary rental units — we do them all and more. Garage Storage Did you buy a number of new toys for you and the kids this summer, but now have nowhere to store your basketball nets, ski-dos, pool toys, or bikes in the winter? You’re not alone! Not everyone has space in their home to store away all their personal belongings. That’s where we come in to help renovate your garage to improve functional storage space. Vertical wall shelving, overhead storage racks, fitted wall cabinets, you name it, we can help you organize your garage to fit your car and all your favourite toys come winter. Exterior Siding Old and damaged siding only gets worse in the winter. It only takes a few cracks or damaged areas for the freezing cold water and moisture to seep in. Fall is the right time to replace it with more modern styles like cedar and stucco that will keep your home dry all year long. Windows and Doors If you’ve been thinking about replacing your window and doors, fall is the best time to do it. The moderate temperature creates the perfect environment for window and door installations. Plus, getting them replaced now will ensure that you get energy savings come winter time. If you’re ready to talk about your reno requests come fall, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We can help you plan out your perfect renovation project this season!

The Hottest Fall Home Renovation Trends

August 23, 2018 No Comments

Whether it’s fashion or home design, one thing’s for sure — trends are always changing. If you’re looking to spice up your home this coming season, we’ve got all of the hottest fall home renovation trends to look out for. Check them out below. Smart Kitchens Technology is creeping into just about every area of our lives these days, and that includes the home. You’ll see an influx of trendy modern kitchens with more Smart upgrades than ever. With the diversity of sensors and gadgets, homeowners are integrating smart home technology into coffee makers, refrigerators, lighting fixtures, and more. No matter your age, tech-savvy kitchens can help add more ease and convenience to your home design. Minimalism One of the hottest fall home renovation trends is the minimalist look. Homeowners are starting to shed their excessive clutter and embrace the concept of minimalism, both in design and in their everyday lives. That means you can expect to see more simple and basic design concepts with little accessories, bright, natural lighting on the eyes, and clean lines. Whether it’s a single focal mirror on the wall, or a modern white palette in the kitchen, or a contemporary vase suited for an entire table, less is more. Natural Elements Nature never goes out of style, which is why year after year, wooden features will always be present in the design world. It’s rich, warm, versatile, modern, vintage and any style you want it to be. Gold and Brass Fixtures Who doesn’t love a little luxury throughout their home? Gold and brass work really well with grey tones, and they also pair exceptionally well with both industrial designs or rustic wooden styles. They are classy, they offer an extra-polished look, and they’re easy to keep clean. Enhanced Outdoor Living Having to endure winter for several months of the year is just downright depressing, which is why another popular trend that’s popping up in the home design world lately is sunrooms. Why hibernate in darkness when you can embrace and even enjoy those mystical winter wonderlands? By extending your outdoor living space with an enclosed patio, it can let you feel like you’re outside soaking up that vitamin d while staying cozy, all at the same time. There are so many hot design trends to embrace and inspire you this fall. And when you’re ready to get started on your home renovation project, give us a call! At the RenosGroup.ca, our handy team are experienced, professional and reliable. We can tackle just about any project that you need. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more about how we can help you transform your home this fall.

Mobility Limitations? No Problem.

July 16, 2018 No Comments

Most homes are just not suited for people who have physical limitations or challenges. Traditional home builders never thought to consider the needs of the elderly or disabled, which has resulted in many people with mobility limitations feeling unsafe living in their own home. If you’re one of these people and you’ve been recently asking yourself whether it makes sense to relocate, we can help you avoid a painful move altogether. At RenosGroup.ca, we specialize in accessibility renovations that will change the design of your home to adapt to your needs. Mobility limitations? No problem. We understand what you’re going through and want to help improve the safety and accessibility of your home. With a few minor modifications, we can help you feel comfortable in your own home. Here’s how: Add More Space There are many people out there who don’t have access to all the rooms in their homes. That’s because most homes were not built to accommodate a walker or wheelchair to move easily from room to room. That’s where we come in! With a few design changes, like wider doorways, we can help create more space and give you access to your entire home. You shouldn’t feel restricted by your own home. Wider doorways are just the beginning! Here are some additional ways to create more accessible living space: Open floor plans: Consider knocking down non-load-bearing walls to create seamless transitions between rooms, offering easier navigation and increased light. Ramp up entrances: Replace steps with gentle ramps for effortless entry and exit. Install automatic doors: Make entrances a breeze with hands-free door openers. Widen hallways and doorways: Ensure ample space for maneuvering wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. Eliminate thresholds: Smooth transitions between rooms prevent tripping hazards. Lower kitchen counters and cabinets: Accessible workstations promote independence in daily tasks. Rearrange furniture: Create clear pathways and avoid crowding furniture for easy movement. Provide You With More Accessibility Our team can help redesign your kitchen and storage areas to give you more accessibility. We can install new counters, table tops, cabinets, and storage areas to make it easier for you to reach whether you’re sitting or standing. Closets can also be adjusted to have a widened door, lowered shelving, and an easy to reach switch. Eliminate Bathroom Safety Issues Taking a shower can be increasingly dangerous when you have a mobility issue. We can modify your bathroom to help prevent an injury and improve your overall accessibility in your most private space. We’ll take the time to learn about your unique needs so we can renovate your bathroom to suit your individual requirements and safety needs. Some of the modifications that are possible include adding more full doors, swing away hinges, easy to grip handrails, non-slip floors, shower stall or bathroom seats, higher toilet seats, hand held shower devices, and lowered sinks, and mirrors. Here’s how we can help: Enhanced shower safety: Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers featuring low thresholds, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-grip grab bars for stable movement and confident showering. Improved accessibility: Install wider doorways, swing-away hinges, and barrier-free design elements to ensure effortless navigation with wheelchairs or walkers. Seating for comfort and stability: Equip your shower with built-in benches or removable shower seats for safe and comfortable bathing. Height adjustments: Raise toilet seats for easier sitting and standing, and lower sinks and mirrors for convenient use. Handheld shower devices: Increase maneuverability and control with easy-to-grip handheld showerheads. Improved lighting: Enhance visibility and reduce fall risks with brighter, strategically placed lighting. Beyond safety, we focus on comfort and style. We offer a wide range of design options to create a bathroom that reflects your taste and personality, ensuring it complements your home’s aesthetics. Don’t settle for feeling vulnerable in your own bathroom. Visibility Concerns We also offer a wide range of accessibility and safety products for those with visibility concerns. With a few modifications, we can quickly improve the lighting, especially in darker areas, by using reflective non-slip tape, non-slip floor coverings that will allow you to move around your home with ease. Beyond basic safety, we focus on creating a welcoming and inviting environment. We offer design consultations to integrate these modifications seamlessly into your existing décor, ensuring your home remains stylish and comfortable. Finding a contractor who specializes in accessibility renovations and understands your mobility issues is often a challenge. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place! At RenosGroup.ca, we are Ottawa’s only specialist in providing mobility limitation renovations. Mobility limitations? No problem…..Don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our expert and compassionate team will carefully listen to all your needs and find the solutions that will help improve your lifestyle and ability to live in your home.

Brighten Up — It’s Summer!

June 20, 2018 No Comments

Looking for some ways to brighten up your home this summer? This season is always such a welcoming time of year for reassessing your home and pinpointing areas that could use a refresh and reno. Consider some of these design tactics and ideas when sprucing up your home this summer. Use Soft Palettes Brightening the home during the summer means it’s time to lighten your palette. So refreshing your wall paint is always a good idea. When switching up your décor, we recommend sticking with a soft palette of colours that won’t absorb light and create dark spaces in the home. Off-whites, light greys, beige, cream, and other soft hues are great choices to consider. Update Your Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home. And, it’s where most of the family and friends end up congregating during those lovely summertime parties. So if your kitchen has been looking a little desolate and outdated, make this the year that you finally give it that facelift it needs. Just imagine new quartz countertops, chic lighting features, and contemporary cupboards that will modernize your home in no time. Take Advantage of Natural Light Does your home tend to look overshadowed and dark, even during the bright summer days? Updating your windows can help you maximize on natural light while updating the facade of your home. Incorporating new lighting features like pot lights can also help keep it looking bright and welcoming. Add Some Natural Elements Bringing in elements of the outdoors can make your home look refreshing and cozy. Installing hardwood flooring in the living room, or wooden cabinets in the kitchen are simple examples of ways to add in those warm natural tones and textures. Spruce Up Your Basement If you’re ready to transform your old basement into a family room, playroom, or even a games room, there’s no better time than now. Adding a fresh coat of paint, furniture, and installing soft carpeting can create a comfortable and inviting basement that you and the family can finally take advantage of. When you’re ready to brighten up your home for the summer, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. Our handy, experienced team can tackle any of your home reno projects, including kitchen, bathroom, basement renovations and more. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help make you achieve your dream design.

4 Biggest Interior Design Trends Today

June 15, 2018 No Comments

Ready to switch up your décor this summer? Wondering what the biggest interior design trends are today? We’ve scoured the market to bring you the hottest styles, colours, and decor features so you can update your home with a fresh, modern look this season. Here’s the low down on what’s turning heads in the design world this year. Wide Wooden Planks Wood is a classic material that is always warm, rich, and inviting in any space. But this year, one particular trend has been gaining popularity — wide 5-inch (or so) wooden planks. This expansive style of wooden flooring stretches back to the 19th century, providing a rustic, old-world charm in homes today. If you’re looking to change up your flooring, consider this trend to compliment your industrial or old vintage style beautifully. Bold and Beautiful Colours In recent years, neutral tones were all the rage when it came to the most prominent interior design trends. And, although they’re still a favourable choice among designers, bright and bold colours are making a comeback. This year, you can push past your neutral boundaries and choose an exciting colour to liven up your space. Some specific trending colours include bright reds, strong blues, mellow yellows, and vibrant greens. So go big and go bold by adding a colourful feature wall or adding splashes through your finishing touches to bring more colour into your home. Metal and Dark Finishes Copper, bronze, rose gold, black nickel — metals and dark finishes are how homeowners and designers are choosing to accessorize today. Whether it’s brass handles on the kitchen cabinets or gold faucets in the bathroom, these metallic touches create an undeniably luxurious look, especially when they’re paired with darker finishes. Vintage Accents Vintage accents continue to be one of the biggest interior design trends today, whether it’s oriental rugs, oversized farmhouse-style kitchen sinks, antique furniture, or touches of Victorian-style accessories. We recommend doing a little research to pinpoint the specific era that you love and then search for hidden gems through garage sales, down at a local antique store, or even by refurbishing that old dresser that you dislike. Vintage accents add depth and personality to a home, so take the time to find those special touches that you love. If you’re eager to remodel your home this summer, consider how some of these popular trends will look in your home. When you’re ready to get started with your interior design makeover, give us a call! Our handy team at RenosGroup.ca can customize the look of your home with experienced and reliable service. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Renovations: Function or Style First?

June 7, 2018 No Comments

When it comes to your home renovations, you may be asking yourself whether function or style should go first. The answer is both! Personalizing the style of your design while focusing on the function that you need from it, will help you make far better decisions during your remodelling process. Take a look at these ideas that can help you bring modern style and function into your home. The Kitchen The kitchen is one of — if not the — focal areas of the home. It’s where the culinary magic happens and, it’s often where most people congregate. So function and style are both essential aspects when redesigning this space. If you’re remodelling your kitchen, take some time to consider factors like the countertop space, the flow of the layout, the location of pots and pans, the size of the sink and whether it all serves your needs well. Combine this with personalized design touches that you enjoy, like brass fixtures or dark wood cabinetry, and you can have the best of both worlds. The Bathroom Similar to the kitchen, the bathroom is a room that’s frequently used in the home for a specific purpose. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and transform it into your own little spa-like oasis. The function is already a central element here no matter what, so it really comes down to how you choose to style certain areas of the bathroom. You can really customize your design by focusing on areas like the shower, tub, faucets, floor and vanity. The Basement If you have an unfinished basement, now’s the time to finally take that leap and remodel it into a space that you or the kids can use. But first, take some time to really consider what you need. Since the basement is somewhat removed from the main floor of the house, it lets you get creative with its style and function. Whether you’ve been dreaming of having your personal at-home gym, or a playroom for the kids, or even a games room and bar to entertain family or friends, don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with this space. Home renovations should always incorporate both function and style in order to provide a successful end result. So when you’re ready to tackle that basement, or update your kitchen, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. We are a family owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience behind our name. Our handy team can help you figure out your dream design and offer suggestions to maximize functionality. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to get started!

Our Top 5 Favourite Bathroom Reno Trends

March 28, 2018 No Comments

If you’re ready to give your bathroom a facelift and are wondering what the hottest bathroom reno trends are right now, we’ve got you covered! From luxurious materials to modern twists on classic features, you can easily show off a little personality and flair in your new and improved bathroom. To help get you inspired, here are our top 5 favourite bathroom reno trends this year. Efficiency And Small-Scale Luxury For many homeowners, home designs today often involve tighter living spaces, and that includes the bathroom. As much as you’d love to have that soaker tub that’s featured in your favourite interior design magazine, it’s just not possible. But, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on luxury for the sake of size. With this growing small-scale layout, one of our favourite bathroom reno trends is focused on efficient design and smart storage, even for those tighter spaces. Efficient use of space is crucial to make your bathroom feel comfortable instead of cramped. Using smaller, yet aesthetically appealing elements like a smaller toilet, sink bowls, walk-in showers and floating shelves can allow you to achieve this. Unique Tiles Today, you can find so many stunning tile designs that can really make any space in your home stand out. Whether it’s glass tiles, bold colours or even textured tiling that can mimic wood, the options are endless. So take advantage and make your bathroom reno personalized and unique by getting creative with the tiling to create those bold accents. Brass & Gold Brass and gold coloured fixtures are making a strong comeback this year also. Forget about the tacky trends of the 80s and 90s. Today, you can find warmer tones that look chic, classic and luxurious. Different finishes range from satin, matte, spun gold and more to add some unique flair to your faucets. High-Tech Bathrooms Of course, with the rapid tech-based evolution that’s occurring these days, we can’t forget about the bathroom. The growing trend of high-tech bathrooms includes toilets with features like seat warmers, adjustable air dryer, deodorizer, automatic lids openers and more. You can also find heated flooring and even smart showers that can automatically remember and adjust the temperature to your liking. The future is here, and it can be a part of your new bathroom design! Floating Vanities Functionality and design must go hand in hand with any update, and that’s why floating vanities have been growing in popularity this year. Whether you have a large bathroom or small, they can free up more floor space and customized for height, while adding a stylish and impressive focal feature into your design. And there you have our top favourite bathroom reno trends for this year! With so many impressive and exciting elements to play with, you can create the perfect design you’ve been dreaming of. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We can take care of it all for you!

The Most Common Reno Jobs

February 16, 2018 No Comments

Ever wonder what the most common reno jobs are these days? It may surprise you to learn what the top requests are from homeowners. To find out what renovation projects we do most for our customers, check out our top seven common renos list. Bathroom Reno Probably the most commonly reno job is a bathroom upgrade. And it’s not really surprising as many older homes are still sporting 80s styled pastels and tacky patterned tiling. With all the upgraded materials and spa-like fixtures available today, you can finally say goodbye to your green coloured tub and hello to a design that showcases your personal style at a price you can afford. Kitchen Remodel The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its no wonder why it’s on the list of the most common reno jobs. Adding an island, beautiful countertops, stainless steel appliances, and more cabinet space can go a long way when it comes to style and functionality. But today’s trends focus more on space organization and innovative decorative elements than ever before. Think sleek black stainless steel that hides fingerprints, scratchproof Dekton in place of granite, and stylish adhesive backsplashes that can be changed out in a flash. Window And Doors Many homeowners are now focused on finding ways to add more energy efficiency to their homes in order to cut down on their energy costs. Taking on a reno project to incorporate brand new windows and doors is one of the best ways to improve efficiency as well as adding more aesthetics to your home. Addition Expanding the home and adding another floor or section, is another one of the most common reno jobs today. For families who are expanding, a new addition can save them the pain of finding a new home and moving. It’s also a great way to get a better price on your home when you’re ready to sell. Finished Basements A finished basement is another excellent way to add more space to your home. And the best part is that there are endless opportunities for how you can utilize the extra room. Common conversions include creating an income-producing rental unit, a space for a playroom, entertainment area, office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom for an aging parent or the returning college student. Flooring That old plush carpet you have not only starts to look drab over time but can also contain a lot of dirt and mold deep within the fibres. It’s wise to get your carpet flooring replaced every five years or so. Beautiful looking flooring is also a great selling feature. Changing old tile or carpet to hardwood has also become a very popular request. Wood flooring comes in a variety of finishes and laminates, and also provides improved durability and improved aesthetics in any room. Exterior Siding Whether it’s time to replace old or damaged aluminum siding or to switch up the materials to a more modern style of stucco or cedar, exterior siding remains a prevalent reno project among homeowners. And there you have some of the most common reno jobs that we tackle for homeowners today. When you’re ready to take your home to the next level with a transformative reno, we are your go-to renovation company in Ottawa. We handle a wide range of projects from the kitchen, bathroom, basement, exterior and additions. No matter what your vision, we can help you design your dream home. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes

February 11, 2018 No Comments

Bathrooms seem like they should be a pretty easy renovation project. How hard can it be to update a 6”x6” room? The project seems so simple, it’s tempting to hire the cheapest guy in the phone book or even try your hand at a weekend DIY project. These assumptions are all wrong. When you factor in important components like plumbing and lighting, not to mention the intricate work of laying tiles, even a small powder room can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, with a plan in place and the help of the pros at RenosGroup.ca, you will be avoiding major bathroom remodelling mistakes Mistake: Not having a clear plan in place You can’t make up a renovation as you go along! Demolish the old room one day, maybe pick up some fixtures once you’ve saved up enough funds, install the shower surround when you have the time…that’s no way to go about a bathroom renovation. You also can’t buy a supply of ceramic floor tiles only to decide partway through that you prefer the look of slate. Solution: Make a detailed plan in advance – and stick to it You can dream about your ideal bathroom design and materials for years, and sketch out as many layouts as you wish. But once you settle on it, stick with it. A detailed plan that includes everything from the tools and materials you need (and their cost) to a projected timeline will ensure that your bathroom remodel process goes smoothly. Mistake: Failing to Budget Close your eyes and picture your dream bathroom. Stunning marble flooring, a luxurious soaker tub, an eye-catching natural wood accent wall, maybe even a high-tech automated shower system. Now calculate how much this costs? If your budget calls for a “beer” bathroom and you’ve got “champagne” tastes, you need to re-evaluate. Solution: Budget Honestly Calculate the estimated cost of your budget, including materials, tools, and labour. When in down, overshoot on costs. Don’t forget to add wiggle room for things like broken tiles or the supplier delivering the wrong sized counter top. You’ll enjoy relief when you come in under budget, whereas coming over budget can range from minor stress to major financial disaster. Mistake: Going it Alone It doesn’t matter how many hours of HGTV you watch – you are not a professional bathroom renovator. If you’re lucky, maybe you just do a sloppy job with the paint and reverse the hot/cold taps by accident. If you’re unlucky, maybe you burst a pipe or heaven forbid electrocute yourself. It’s not worth it. Solution: Choose RenosGroup.ca Don’t cut corners with your bathroom remodel project. From the earliest stages of imagining the layout to estimating costs through to completion, RenosGroup.ca will handle the project with professionalism and care. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Types of Renos Which Do Always Increase Your Home’s Value

February 9, 2018 No Comments

No two renos are equal when it comes to increasing your home’s value. And in our last article, we showed you how some of the most popular renos don’t really make the grade when it comes to adding more value to your home. So now it’s time to dive into the second part to tell you the types of renos, which will always increase your home’s value. Here are the top five improvements that we believe make a real difference in the purchase price. Kitchen The kitchen is often the place a family will spend the most time in. It’s considered to be the heart of the home where people cook together, eat together, and congregate throughout the day. It’s also the room that has a variety of renovation opportunities that can greatly increase the value of your home. Improvements like adding more functional space, an island, energy efficient appliances, more counter space, and bigger cabinets, all can be done to transform your kitchen into a space that buyers will pay more for. Bathroom The bathroom is also a room that gets a fairly decent return on investment. And a simple reno can provide lots of added worth without requiring extensive costs. Updating your dated bathroom with some fresh paint, a new floor, a functional vanity and modern fixtures can go a long way. Flooring A shiny modern floor can really catch a buyer’s attention. So if your current flooring is made up of cracked tiling or dingy carpeting, it might be time to replace it with new materials. A picky buyer who puts design and aesthetics near the top of their list will be willing to pay more for a home that has beautiful flooring. To get the most bang for your buck, try using trendy materials like wood tiles, stone, and cork that looks much more expensive than they are to purchase. Finished Basement or Attic Adding more space to your home is one of the best ways to improve your home’s value. By finishing your basement or renovating your attic into an extra living space, you can change your home from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom and bring an even larger return on investment, especially if it can be used as a rental suite. Windows And Doors Improving your home’s curb appeal and adding energy efficient features can attract more buyers too. Replacing your windows and doors is one of the best ways to achieve both factors. Buyers like to know they will be saving on their energy bills right from the get-go and won’t have to replace any dated materials in the near future. When you’re ready to make a new home transformation, we can help you design it and build it. At Renosgroup.ca, we are your one-stop shop for complete home renovations. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today and let us tell you more about how you can improve your home value with a reno project this year.

Types of Renos Which Don’t Always Increase Your Home’s Value

February 2, 2018 No Comments

If you’re thinking about renovating your home this year, you should first ask yourself why. If your answer is to increase the purchase price, then you should first understand that not every renovation will add value to your home. That’s why it is wise to talk to a professional first to make sure you’re making the right decision for your goals. But until then, here’s a little information to help you get a better idea of the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value. Swimming Pools Many potential buyers see a swimming pool as a danger to their children and also an expensive item to maintain. Inground swimming pools are also very expensive to put in and fill, which is a cost that you may never recoup when you go to sell your house. High-End Remodels Before you decide to do a pricey remodel to make your house the biggest and nicest on the block, you need to consider the average sale price in your neighbourhood first. For instance, if the largest house on your block sold for only $150,000, you probably won’t be getting much more than that when you sell, especially if the others homes in the area are much smaller. If the only reason you’re adding a large second story or new addition is to improve your sale value, you should maybe think again. Expensive Carpeting Beautiful carpeting can transform the look of your home, but it doesn’t always increase the value. Not everyone likes carpeting. Some people prefer natural hardwood or tiles. It is also a very personal design choice, and the colour and style you choose may not suit other people’s preferences. And considering that carpet is expensive to buy and install, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recoup the cost by the time you go to sell your home. Gardens And Landscaping Another type of reno that doesn’t often increase your home’s value is landscaping. Not everyone will enjoy the same selection of plants and design choices that you do, and they may even end up seeing a garden as an actual drawback or burden to upkeep. Bold Design Choices Trying to be trendy isn’t always be easy to pull off. Bright wall colours, abstract patterns, and custom designs can turn off potential buyers that don’t share your tastes. Instead, keep wall colours and patterns as neutral as possible if you plan to sell your home in the near future. Backyard Features A brand new backyard deck may add to the aesthetics, but it might not be exactly what the buyer had in mind. So don’t go overboard with backyard features. If things need repairing, you should definitely spend the money to fix any cracks or deteriorated items, but don’t spend thousands of dollars on something that may not appeal to the next homeowner. Don’t make the mistake of spending thousands of dollars on a renovation hoping it will add more value to your home without talking to an expert first. A bit of extra time researching and seeking the advice from the experts can end up saving you a lot of time, money and aggravation. If you want to learn more about the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

December 29, 2017 No Comments

When people think of renovations, they often visualize projects and upgrades being completed during the warm and sunny months. But contrary to popular belief, winter is also a great time to get your reno work done, and provides many benefits over the spring and summer months. If you’ve been pondering when to start your next reno project, check out these reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter time. More Availability The busiest seasons for home renovations are spring and summer. This is primarily because people don’t generally associate snowy winter weather with being an appropriate time to get work done to their home. But getting your reno done in the winter has many advantages, like allowing more flexibility when it comes to availability. Come winter when there are less projects on the go, contractors can easily schedule the reno based on your timeframe as opposed to the much busier spring and summer months. Winter renovations provide a smoother, more efficient approach than the logistical challenges frequently seen during peak seasons. Without a backlog of work, contractors can give every renovation project their full focus, guaranteeing on-time completion and painstaking attention to detail. Homeowners can exhale with ease, knowing that their renovation project will go forward without any problems, free from the scheduling conflicts and delays that frequently occur during busy times of the year. Additionally, homeowners may see cost reductions during the winter months due to the decline in demand for remodeling services. In order to draw in business during the off-season, contractors might be more willing to provide competitive prices or unique incentives. Winter improvements might become even more affordable if manufacturers and suppliers offer beneficial conditions or discounts on materials. Essentially, even if spring and summer are the most popular seasons for house remodeling, it would be a mistake to ignore the benefits of winter accessibility. By embracing winter renovations, homeowners can enjoy more flexibility, more efficient scheduling, and possible cost savings, all of which contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable renovation process. Thus, as the winter chill descends and the snowflakes start to fall, think about taking advantage of this opportunity to make your house the haven you’ve always imagined. Better Room For Negotiation Many reno companies often raise their prices during the spring to take advantage of the rush in business. And since winter usually means less of a line up with demand, you can take advantage of the better deals offered throughout the slow season. Plus, the majority of owners experience better room for negotiation on not only the rates but also the materials, resulting in ample cost savings. While spring might scream “renovation rush,” winter whispers “bargain bonanza.” Reno companies often inflate prices during peak seasons, but winter’s slack demand means better deals are up for grabs. Negotiate not just rates, but also materials, and unlock ample cost savings for your dream project. It’s a win-win: contractors get work, you get a beautiful, budget-friendly home! Faster Permit Approvals During the spring time, the city permit offices get jammed with inspection and permit requests, naturally slowing down the process. Conveniently, the opposite holds true in the winter time. If you submit for permits during this time of year, you will experience much shorter wait times to get your project approved, and in turn, faster completion times as well. The relaxed pace of winter also means permit officials have more time and availability to dedicate to your application. This translates to thorough reviews and prompt responses, potentially leading to smoother approvals and fewer delays. Certain projects, like interior renovations, might even face fewer weather-related restrictions during winter, further streamlining the permit process. Discuss your project details with your contractor to explore winter-friendly options that can expedite approvals. With shorter wait times, focused attention, and potential weather benefits, you can secure the green light for your project faster, bringing your dream renovation closer to reality. Remember, early planning and clear communication with your contractor are key to ensuring a smooth permit process in any season. Avoid The Mess As most Canadians take their vacation time in winter, scheduling your home renovation to coincide with your holiday time can be the perfect way to avoid living in a chaotic reno environment. With some careful planning you can head out for your travels before the work starts and come back to your completed project. Enjoy It When It Matters Why wait to benefit from your new renovation? Having your reno completed in the winter means that you can enjoy it come spring time, when it matters. If you want to avoid living in a construction zone, paying top reno prices, or waiting for permits, you should get your reno done in the winter. To get started with your project, contact us at the RenosGroup. We can assist you with your plan and provide all the expertise you need to get the work done. If you like to learn more reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Renovations Blog