Renovations Blog

Stay updated with our renovations blog for tips, trends, and expert advice on remodeling projects.

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

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

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

Read More »
Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

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

Read More »
Profiling Popular Kitchen Styles

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

Knowing that your kitchen needs an upgrade can often be a lot easier to determine than knowing exactly how to upgrade and design it. And sifting through endless kitchen design magazines can easily become overwhelming. So to help make it easier and clearer for you to decide, we’ve profiled 5 popular kitchen styles to give you some great inspiration without overwhelming you during the process. Farmhouse Kitchen Style Homeowners can’t get enough of the quaint, cozy home-grown vibes of the farmhouse kitchen style – and neither can we! Warm, rich, distressed wood, big basin-style sinks, exposed brick, vintage appliances, open shelving and a big kitchen table for family dinners make this a classic design that will always remain timeless. Chic, Clean & Modern Kitchen Style If clean lines, minimalistic décor and chic appliances speak to you, then the modern kitchen style is the way to go. This is an increasingly popular design preference as more efficient appliances, and cabinetry enter the marketplace. Think of frameless cabinets, simple and sleek hardware, a blend of natural materials and strong lines framing the layout. Contemporary Kitchen Style Similar to the modern style, contemporary designs offer more room for playful elements and finishes. This style can blend the sleek, sharp modern form with dashes of warmth from more traditional designs such as a mixture of materials like wood or stone, and colour in the cabinetry or countertops. Industrial Kitchen Style Another popular kitchen style is the industrial look. Unfinished concrete flooring, sharp lines, mixed with rustic elements like dark wooden cabinetry, metallic shelving, and exposed lighting features, make this a style a unique yet warm design. Spanish Kitchen Style Colourful tiling along the countertop or walls, arched windows, and warm-wooden cabinets make the Spanish revival kitchen style inviting and extremely popular.  If you’re looking to add more colour and character to your kitchen, this is for you! It can be challenging to take on a kitchen upgrade when you’re unsure of what you really want. And with all of the options available today, it can be more stress-inducing than helpful. But it’s important to nail down your preference of kitchen style before you begin with the reno. Whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial or something more Mediterranean – figure out which of these popular kitchen styles speaks to you and then contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427.  We have handymen that can take care of it all for you.

Read More »
Building A Home Studio In Your Basement

Building a Home Studio in Your Basement

Looking to create your own home studio in your basement? Whether it’s for work or play, if you have some free space in your basement you can easily build the type of space you’ve been dreaming of. But knowing how to plan properly and prepare is essential to getting it done right. Soundproofing and utilizing the amount of room that you can play with efficiently to house your equipment, are just a few factors to consider. Before you jump into your renovation, check out our 3 key steps for setting up a home studio in your basement. Space Requirements Most home studios require two spaces – one for the sound booth where you capture the music and one area for the audio mixing room where the music mixing and producing resides. The size of the sound booth will depend on how many instruments you want to record from, and it will be different if you plan to house a small band versus just you on the guitar and mic. The mixing room will also need to fit your equipment, which can change depending on whether you want a small or large-scale studio operation. Creating a thorough floor plan before you start the renovation will save you time and money in the long run. Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment Building the home studio in your basement will already ensure some soundproofing from the surrounding foundation and ground outside. However, you want to create additional soundproofing between the downstairs and upstairs. Plus, you want to keep outside noises away that could distort the sound. You can easily install some acoustic foam, sound diffusers, bass traps and reflection filters to keep the noise in and to ensure you can keep distracting ambient noises out. Purchasing the Equipment Once you have the sound booth and mixing studio built, you’ll want to add the necessary equipment. To get you started you need a computer, digital audio workstation to mix and edit the music, audio interface to provide all the connections to your music, a quality set of microphones, headphones, studio monitors, a cable to connect the mic and audio interface, along with cables to connect the interface to the monitors. And of course, any of the instruments you would like to use in your studio should also be purchased if not already done so. Building your own home studio in your basement can provide hours of fun and can help you take your sound to the next level. But if you don’t plan and build it out right you might end up ignoring it more than using it. So let us help! At the RenosGroup, we can help you plan and create your build so that you can easily transform your basement into a studio that gets you pumped to use it every time.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
Poorly Planned Bathroom Renovations

How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth Following a Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms are a common place for mold and mildew to thrive in. With all of the constant moisture and hot steam being produced from the shower, it can begin to grow along the ceiling, walls or shower area, causing potential harm to the structure of the bathroom and to your health.  That’s why it’s necessary to take some preventative measures after you’ve renovated to avoid dealing with any harmful spores. Follow these tips on how to prevent mold and mildew growth, following a bathroom renovation. Good Ventilation is a Must Since the bathroom is the dampest room in your home, it’s where mold and mildew are most likely to develop, which can end up damaging your grout, wood and other items. It can also lead to allergies and respiratory problems. So one of the most important things to include in your bathroom renovation is a good ventilation system that can remove the moisture and steam fast. You should also encourage your family members to crack open a window after each shower. Avoid Using Textiles Although most bathroom designs don’t include textiles like carpeting, you may want to avoid using them also for the shower curtain, wallpaper and anything similar that mold spores can latch onto and grow on. With the moisture and heat, certain fabrics and materials are not suitable to include in the décor, so make sure you’re careful about what you place in there. Don’t Cheap Out of the Fixtures When it comes to the fixtures and plumbing, it can be easy to go with the cheapest options. But keep in mind that sometimes spending a little more now can save you from spending a lot more later. Upgrading your plumbing and fixtures can help you steer clear of dealing with cracks and leaks, which will add more moisture and potential mold growth into your bathroom. Use Mold & Mildew-Resistant Materials Being preventative is always a smart move to avoid costly and hazardous situations in the future. You can use materials that are resistant to mold and mildew, such as paint, flooring and other specific treatments that can be applied to surfaces. If you’ve just realized how susceptible your bathroom is to these spores, you can prevent mold and mildew growth after a bathroom renovation by implementing some of these important steps. Or you can contact us, or call at (613)727-9427 to take care of your reno for you so that you don’t have to worry!

Read More »
5 Essential Elements of a Chef's Kitchen Renovation

5 Essential Elements of a Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Just because you don’t have your own restaurant, doesn’t mean you can’t feel proud about being the master chef at home. If the kitchen is where you find joy, then why not bring some more love into this space by creating your own chef’s kitchen right at home? You may never get the chance to show off your culinary delights in a five-start Michelin, but really, who cares when you get to be the head chef for your family and friends? If cooking is where your heart lies, then making the effort and investment to create a chef’s kitchen is well worth it. When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen, make sure to add these 5 essential elements of you chef’s kitchen renovation project. Ample Amount Of Room If you ever peak back behind the scenes at a restaurant, often you can see chefs fluttering around the kitchen in an almost orchestrated rhythm. So the first necessary element for a proper kitchen is to have ample amount of room for both you and anyone involved to move around in. Having an open floor layout is essential. If you have partition walls separating your kitchen from your guests in a neighbouring room, think about how you can eliminate them in your design and add in an island instead to place your culinary skills on display as you interact with your loved ones. Gas Cook Range For any chef – whether at home or in a restaurant, the stove is often where most of the magic happens. So, naturally, you need it to excel in performance with this appliance. When taking on your chef’s kitchen renovation, don’t skip out of the appliances that matter. Having a gas cook range that operates with a high British thermal unit (that’s above the average 7,000 Btu) provides larger, hotter flames, with a grill to go alongside it. Large Sink And Extendable Faucet With the amount of pots and pans getting used up on a regular basis, having at least two large basin sinks is extremely helpful. You can add these features to the island, or simply add them into your current layout. Just be sure to add in an extendable faucet that can allow you to reach the hose into areas easily. Sufficient Storage To Organize Your Equipment For a chef, the knives, spatulas, spoons, flambé torch and all of the other gadgets and gizmos that get used on a regular basis are your essential tools. And keeping them organized and stored away properly and conveniently is essential. Keeping the kitchen organized with a flow that makes sense to you is all about adding in those necessary pull-out drawers, Lazy Susan’s and other organizers to keep your tools stored away properly. Keep this in mind during the renovation to incorporate enough cabinetry and units to make your kitchen work for your culinary rhythm. Finishing Touches If the kitchen is where you truly feel at home, then make it truly your own by adding in those finishing touches that you love. Install elegant pot lights along the ceiling, place your favourite copper pots on display, add in that luxurious granite countertop you’ve been dreaming of working on.  Make it yours! Get creative and use these other key elements to help make your dream chef’s kitchen renovation into a reality that you can enjoy everyday at home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
5 Downsides of a DIY Remodel

5 Downsides of a DIY Remodel

Thinking of taking on a DIY remodel? Well, you might want to think again before jumping into that. As great as those Youtube videos may seem, the reality is that DIY projects can be much more of a hassle and simply not worth the amount of time and aggravation it can end up requiring. When it comes to home projects like a bathroom upgrade or remodelling the interior, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. Following DIY instructions to take on something that you may not be equipped for – such as plumbing, demolishing, or rebuilding – can be dangerous and can end up costing you much more in the long run if something goes wrong. So if you’re teetering on that DIY debate, consider the 5 downsides of a DIY remodel first. Calculating The Real Cost With the amount of DIY videos that are fluttering around online, it’s hard not to get caught up in that DIY fever. And one of the main motivating reasons why many homeowners take on these home projects is to save some of their hard earned money. But the reality is that it’s often not as much of a frugal path as they were hoping for. There are many projects that can cost much more in reality, and the fact is that many experienced, reputable contractors have connections to suppliers that offer discounts to keep costs lower. Plus, when you begin to factor in the amount of time you’ll have to spend in between your full-time job, the question should always be, is it really, really worth it? Take the time to analyze these factors and determine if the time, effort, and supplies really outweigh the benefits of hiring a professional contractor who can get the job done for you. Safety First Safety should always be an important priority to consider. Do you have the necessary skills to take on this DIY remodel project? Can you safely take care of the plumbing or electrical wiring for those necessary features? It’s important to recognize when something is out of your repertoire of skills and when certain tasks should only be dealt with by a trained and license professional. Can You Handle The Mess? Professional, experienced contractors not only have the skills to take on necessary projects safely, but they also know how to manoeuvre themselves, labourers, and supplies in such a way that won’t leave a massive mess for you to deal with. Containing any mess is often a part of the job. So if you can’t handle the idea of living with a mess to deal with after struggling through your DIY, then it’s worth your time to opt out of taking it upon yourself to do. Staying Within Your Budget Staying within your budget can also become extremely challenging when you’re unsure of where and what the best strategy is for obtaining the necessary supplies. A contractor can recommend materials and supplies that can achieve your vision, while maintaining your set budget. Finding The Time Ask yourself if you really have the time to spare? Remember, any project usually takes more time than initially thought – especially when you take it upon yourself to do. If you barely have the time to spare for yourself, then finding time for your DIY remodel can lead to a lot of stress and aggravation. As tempting as a DIY project may seem, in the end, many homeowners realize that it really isn’t worth the time, aggravation and energy it requires. Save yourself the headache and call the professionals at RenosGroup.  If you want to learn more about the downsides of a DIY remodel don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
Sink or Swim: New Life for Your Kitchen Sink After the Reno

Sink or Swim: New Life for Your Kitchen Sink After the Reno

Taking on a kitchen reno and wondering what to do with your old sink? Upgrading and remodelling doesn’t necessarily mean those old fixtures should be tossed away. You can consider placing it online to sell or even donating it to be reused for someone else to enjoy. If there’s still life left in your old sink, here are some options for you to consider for your kitchen sink after the reno. Repurpose the Sink When you’re in the full throttle of a renovation project, there’s often little time to really think about how to repurpose old fixtures like the sink. But once the dust has settled, you can begin to brainstorm how you can reuse them. Whether it’s your laundry room, the bathroom, or even outside, consider all of your options for where that sink might come in handy around your home. Sell Your Sink to Budget-Friendly Homeowners Selling your sink is another viable option to consider. Many homeowners these days place any and everything up for sale on online sites such as Craigslist or even in local online groups for their individual neighbourhoods. You can gain a little extra cash while giving some budget-friendly homeowners a great deal. Donate Your Sink We all know that owning a home these days often comes with a tighter budget. So why not help out some fellow homeowners who can’t afford to stretch out their budget by donating your old kitchen sink? You can ask around through family and friends first to see if anyone is in need. Failing that, there are plenty of options, such as Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, or any other suitable charity that you prefer. If you’re unsure which ones will take the sink, you can simply call them up and ask. You’d be surprised just what type of items charities are glad to accept. Call Up a Scrap Metal Collector to Recycle It Finally, if you found little success in repurposing, selling or donating, then recycling it is a final option that helps you get it out of the house and keeps it out of a landfill site. There are many eager scrap metal collectors that are more than willing to collect your old steel sink. So when you’re unsure about what to do with your old kitchen sink after a reno, don’t throw it away for garbage. Consider each of these options that can allow it to be put to good use instead.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
Renovations That Maintaining Seniors Independence

Senior Accessibility: A Guide to the Ontario Renovates Program

Is your home in need of some repairs or modifications for improved accessibility? Well if you’re a senior or a person with disabilities living in Ontario, you could be eligible for funding offered by Ottawa’s Housing Services branch. Here is a guide to the Ontario Renovates Program to help you learn how you could potentially have your home repairs covered. What is the Ontario Renovates Program? This program was created under the City Housing Services branch to provide limited funding to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to assist with home repairs. What Type of Repairs Does This Include? The Ontario Renovates Program only provides funding for repairs and modifications that are necessary for improving accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities who are living within their own home. This aims to provide necessary support to assist with independent living. What are the Eligibility Requirements? To be eligible to receive funding through this program, low-income seniors must be 65 years of age or older. It also pertains to persons with disabilities, along with families who have a member of their home who meets the criteria of being 65 or older, and or with a disability of some sort. There is a maximum annual gross annual income which varies depending on the number of residents. For instance a single-person household may have a maximum gross annual income of $36,075, while a two-person household may have a combined gross annual income up to $44,160 to qualify for the program. What are the Eligibility Requirements of the Property? To be eligible for the program, your property must be your sole and primary residence located in the City of Ottawa. It must also be valued at or under $376,300 as determined by the province and verified by the owner’s most recent property tax assessment. What Type of Repairs Can Be Included? The purpose of this program is to provide funding to assist in making the home a safer place for seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently. Some of the potential repairs that are allowed include: Doors and windows Repairs to foundation, roofs, walls, floors, and ceilings Plumbing, septic, electrical, and heating systems Fire safety features Installing handrails and ramps Chair and bathlifts Height-adjusted countertops There are many other items that qualify under the program. You can check out more details here. What About Funding? Funding is delivered in the form of a forgivable loan. The funding may also be provided in the form of a grant for eligible applicants up to a maximum amount of $18,500. There are certain stipulations when it comes to the details of the scope of funding, which can also be found here. How to Apply for the Ontario Renovates Program To apply for the funding program, head to the City of Ottawa website to access instructions, details, a checklist and the application form. The duration of the program runs until March 31st, 2018 or until the funds have been fully spent. So if you think you qualify for the Ontario Renovates Program, be sure to check out their website for all of the details so you can apply before it’s too late. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2018, or until allocated funds run out.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
Adding Half Bath to Your Home

Adding a Half Bath to Your Home

Planning to add a half bath to your home? It’s an excellent way to increase the value of your home and to add more convenience for your family and guests. If you’re ready to get started, here’s everything you need to consider when adding the perfect half bath to your home. Options There are lots of potential areas in your home that can make for a perfect half bath. If you have a stairway with unused space underneath, a large garage, or spare closet space, these areas can make for good potential locations. Space Once you have some potential options in mind, consider how much space you need. When adding a half bath, it doesn’t need to be large, just enough space for a toilet, sink, mirror, and vanity. You also want to make sure people can move around in the area without feeling claustrophobic, and a smart design can make this happen. Plumbing For your half bath to work you need it to be close enough to plumbing connections that are already in place. Otherwise, you will be spending money expanding your indoor plumbing and pipes, costing you more than you might have bargained for. An ideal plumbing scenario is run piping from the nearby laundry room or kitchen. Ventilation You may also require ventilation in your half bath to control odours, improve air quality, and reduce the risk of growing mildew or mold. Consider adding a window or an exhaust fan to the space. You don’t have to get fancy, but there are lots of different designs when it comes to fans, so shop around for the best prices. Lighting Lighting is of course, a necessity but can also be a great way to add some style and design touches to the room. You can add dimmer switches, elegant lighting fixtures, or battery-operated candles to jazz up the space. Materials The half bath is often the only room guests see besides your entertaining spaces. So why not decorate to impress? Skip the basics and add marble sinks, potted plants, wood accents, and other luxury décor items. Sound Insulation Adding sound insulation is a must when it comes to half baths that are located near living rooms spaces or areas where people gather. So, during the installation project, add some sound absorbing materials to the walls, pipes, and drains. A half bath can be an easy project if you have the right plan and contractor for the job. Before you start your new project, talk to RenosGroup.ca – we can help you with everything you need to get the perfect half bath for your budget and home design.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »
Hottest Basement Trends

Hottest Basement Trends

Basement renos and remodelling have grown in popularity over the past few years as homeowners become more inclined to make use of that entire square footage. Whether it’s an entertainment hub for the family, a place for the kids to hang out, or your own special spot to have the friends over for cocktails, here are some of 2017’s hottest basement renovation trends that are leading the way this year. Open Concept Think the open concept has passed? Think again! When it comes to basement floor plans, the open concept is a keeper. Tearing down those dividing walls and taking advantage of the expansive space is not only beneficial from a design standpoint, but also for promoting air flow and allowing as much natural light to filter in from the windows. An Integral Part of the Home In the past, the basement was often a forgotten space. It was commonly used for storage, setting up an extra spot for extended family to stay during the holidays, or an unfinished den where your teenage kids would retreat to with their friends in tow. Well, not anymore. Now, we’re seeing an increasing trend where homeowners are honing in on that once forgotten space. It’s now being transformed into an integral part of the home and an extension of the upstairs living space. So naturally, you will find just as much attention to detail, design, and décor throughout the basement layout as you would in the main living room. Home Theatre & Media Room Some homeowners are even taking full advantage of the basement space by cranking up the luxury factor and adding in elements they can really indulge in like an enclosed home theatre and a media room. This is where the serious media enthusiast can get pampered. The Basement Bar & Sports Center Imagine having your own personal sports bar, right in your own home! If you’re bored with the idea of creating another bedroom or zone for the kids, why not make it your own space to kick back and relax with your friends while you take in all the sports action? You can create the ultimate sports lounge with a customized bar, paired with some exceptionally comfy seating, a widescreen to blow your mind, and even a few entertainment pieces like a pool table. If you can dream it, you can create it – and that goes for your basement. If you’re bored with the idea of wasting it on storage or another bedroom that you simply don’t need, claim that space and transform it into something you truly want. When you’re ready, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427  RenosGroup.ca to help keep up to date with the hottest basement trends

Read More »
Does Your Laundry Room Need a Makeover

Does Your Laundry Room Need a Makeover?

Is your laundry room driving you a little bit crazy? Is the room cluttered and disorganized so much that your clothes end up piled up without room to organize? If this sounds like your struggles, maybe it’s time for a laundry room makeover. Here we provide some secrets on how you can better utilize your laundry room space and make the most of your weekly cleaning. New Efficient Machines If your clothes are coming out worse than when they went in, it’s probably time to upgrade your machines. Washing machines take a lot of abuse over the years, and you should consider replacing them every five or so years depending on the make. If you want to utilize your laundry room space, try purchasing a stacking dryer and washer. With the savings in energy usage, they’ll pay for themselves over the years! Storage Space For better space utilization, you should try installing more storage units. Consider implementing a pull-out hamper, narrow sliding cart, or closet organizer. Rigging your laundry room with additional storage can really help to free up more needed space and keep your belongings organized. Take it to the next level with custom storage perfectly fitted to the space by your general contractor. Laundry Sink Not everything should go into the washer. That’s why having a laundry room sink is handy for hand-washing any delicates or hard-to-clean textures. It’s also convenient when you need to immediately rinse off stains or soak items. This can also free up the kitchen or bathroom sink when you need to hand-wash any items. Folding Station When it comes to organizing laundry, nothing is handier than a having a folding station that you can take advantage of when your clothes are fresh out of the dryer. If you’re short on space, you can add a fold-down table to the back of the door. You can also utilize this area for ironing and stacking clothes once dried. Natural Light You should also consider adding more natural light if possible. Installing a window or sunroof can really help with the quality of your washing – say goodbye to mixing up colours in the dark. But if your house won’t permit a build-out, you can always purchase new and brighter lighting and bulbs for the room. Your laundry room is one of the most essential rooms in your home. So why not make it both functional and easy to navigate? By following these tips, you can easily save plenty of space and upgrade the features for more efficient use.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Read More »