Basements

10 of the Most Popular Reno Requests We Get Come Fall

10 of the Most Popular Reno Requests We Get Come Fall

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!

5 Compelling Reasons to Finally Finish Your Basement

5 Compelling Reasons to Finally Finish Your Basement

It’s easy to understand why the basement often becomes one of the most neglected areas of the home. It’s out of sight and out of mind. Plus, it can be challenging to see past the storage boxes, concrete floors and exposed, drywall. But when you do look past all of that, you’ll recognize that you’re ignoring an opportunity to add more usable and convenient space to your home. So before you shake your head at the idea of a basement reno, first consider a few of these compelling reasons to finally finish your basement.

Increase The Value Of Your Home


Having a finished basement can significantly increase the value of your property. Whether you decide to convert it into a separate apartment, office space, or bedroom, having that extra room when it’s time to market your home will entice more buyers and increase your selling price.

Flexible Space


Since the basement is tucked away from the main floor, you can be flexible with the design and transform it into whatever you wish. You could convert it into a games room with a bar, an entertainment room with extra comfy seating, or a workout space – the options are really endless.

Give The Kids Some Space


Imagine being able to have space where the kids can go play or hang out with their friends without causing a ruckus on the main level. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, having that extra room can provide more elbow room while giving you some reprieve from all the noise.

Extra Income


Another worthy reason to finish your basement is the extra income you could be making from it. By converting the space into a separate basement apartment, you could rent it out and enjoy a relatively passive influx of extra income each month.

At Home Office


With more homeowners working from home part-time or full-time, it can be tough finding the space you need with some peace and quiet to get down to business. Your basement provides the perfect opportunity to create a home office where you can remove yourself from the commotion on the main floor.

Don’t let all of that extra potential space be used to store away old boxes and collect dust. At RenosGroup.ca, we can help create the perfect space for your needs. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn how you can get started.

Fun Ideas To Liven Up Your Basement

Fun Ideas To Liven Up Your Basement

Are you neglecting your basement? Maybe it’s time for a basement reno to make it more inviting and comfortable to use. Basements are commonly forgotten about and deemed as a place for storage, but there’s so much potential in using all that extra space. Here are some fun ideas to liven up your basement so that you and the family will actually want to use it.

Movie Room


The basement can be a perfect spot to create your very own movie room. With limited natural light, it already has that darkened movie theatre ambience. Add a projector, surround sound, some comfy seating, maybe even a handy fridge to house snack and drinks nearby and you’re set!

Games Room


Whether it’s for the kids or you and your friends, having a games room is a great way to liven up your basement. Imagine having your very own pool table, pinball machine, poker table and more, right in your own home? Best of all, it’s tucked away off of the main level to contain any rowdy noise once the games are in full swing.

Family Room


If you’re short on space on the main level of your home, creating another family room or den for the kids can provide that much-needed extra space. You can get the kids out of your hair, or finally have enough room to lounge together as a family in a comfortable, cozy basement setting.

Woman Cave


Forget about the man cave. Today, it’s all about the woman cave! With your hectic, busy schedule, running around with the kids and everything in between, you deserve to reclaim that basement space and transform it into your own unique personal sanctuary.  Whether it’s a yoga and meditation room or a personal library where you can kick back and relax, make it your own!

Exercise Room


Gyms memberships can be costly, especially when you barely use them. But with your extra space in the basement, you can create your own personal gym right at home. You won’t have to trudge outside or use those excuses any longer! But you can finally stay in shape right from the convenience of your home.

There are endless fun ideas to liven up your basement! So get inspired and get creative to transform it into an area of the home that will be inviting and comfortable for you to use.

When you’re ready to tackle that reno, contact us or give us a call.at (613)727-9427.   We can take care of it all for you!

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.

Home Studio in Your Basement

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

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

6-Reasons-to-Put-a-Bedroom-in-Your-Basement

6 Reasons to Put a Bedroom in Your Basement

If you have a basement that is not being utilized, you’re missing out! There are plenty of great things you can do with the empty space in your basement. And putting a bedroom downstairs is one of the best ways to implement any unused area in your home. So, if you’re getting low on space or would like to make some extra income, read on to as we delve into some of the reasons to put a bedroom in the basement

Need a Guest Room


If you have family members who live out of town or friends who like to visit, then creating a guest room may be the perfect option for the basement space.

Having a Baby


When your house is already full and you have a baby on the way it can be stressful figuring out what to do with the nursery. Creating a bedroom in the basement is a great way to move one of the older children downstairs and free up one of the rooms closer to you.

Teenager Preference


As a teen, it’s really cool to have your own personal space in the basement. It may also be better for you too, as you won’t have to listen to their loud music or chit chat with their friends right next door to your room.

Family Assistance


A returning college grad might need a place to live to get back on their feet. And maybe you have an aging parent who may need extra assistance. Creating an extra room to help family members have a free rent space for a while is a great reason to add a bedroom in the basement.

Get a Tenant


If your home has a separate entrance to the basement you may even be able to make some extra side income. Basement apartments are an easy way to make money through long term rentals. All you need to add is another small bathroom and kitchen area and make sure it has a separate entrance and you are ready to rent.

Increase Resale Value


Adding an extra bedroom to your home can also be an easy way to increase the resale value. In most homes, it doesn’t take much money to remodel a quality living space downstairs compared to the payback you will get. It’s also an excellent way to add more square footage without doing having to build a costly extension on your home.

Basements are often underutilized spaces where old belongings pile up. So why not put it to better use by simply doing a remodel and adding in an extra bedroom?  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Reasons to Finish Your Unfinished Basement

5 Reasons to Finish Your Unfinished Basement

The basement can often become one of the most neglected rooms in a home. But it can also have some of the best potential for providing additional space for a variety of purposes. It can benefit your entire family and your resale value in the future. If you’ve been thinking about finishing your basement, consider these five reasons why it can benefit your home.

Create More Space


Having an unfinished basement is really wasting a space that could have so much potential. Depending on the size and layout, you can create an additional space that can be turned into whatever you need or want in your home. Whether it’s another bedroom, an income suite, a children’s playroom, or even a den for yourself where you get to indulge in your personalized entertainment space – there are so many options!

Increase the Value of Your Home


Aside from additional space, investing in finishing your basement can also significantly improve the value of your home. Potential buyers want to purchase a home where there’s little renovation needed. Having your basement upgraded and finished is one of the best ways to keep buyers interested in your property if you should ever consider selling in the future.

Increase Storage and Organization


Basements are the perfect place to store away items that aren’t frequently used. You can create a space in the basement purely for keeping all of your storage organized and tidy, while still have space to utilize for enjoyment. So rather than having to rely on your garage for storing away old boxes and risk having them ruined by any potential mildew, you can keep them safe and dry, out of sight and well organized.

Improve Health and Safety


Finishing your basement not only provides more space and storage, but it can also improve the health and safety of your home as well. Basements that are neglected can become a haven for mould to develop and grow since water damage and leaks can become a common problem. By taking the time to renovate it now, you can avoid and eliminate the potential for toxic mold and water problems in the future.

Comfortable and Economical


There’s no better place to get some reprieve during the summer heat waves than down in the cool basement. But when it’s unfinished, no one wants to even consider stepping down there. By renovating it into a comfortable space, you and the family can utilize it during the summer, and even save on those energy bills by avoiding the need to crank up the A/C as often.

If you’re undecided about investing in your unfinished basement, it truly can be one of the most rewarding projects to undertake. Aside from it improving the safety and resale value of your home, you can create a comfortable and economical space that you and the family can enjoy.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Adding a Basement Games Room

Adding a Basement Games Room

The wintertime is perfect for spending quality time inside together with the people you love the most. But after a few months of feeling cooped up at home, all that time spent indoors can begin to wear on you and family, leaving you feeling restless and bored. A games room can offer the perfect kind of entertainment that you and the family can embrace all year long – especially during those cold spells that keep you cooped up at home.

So why not embrace that quality time at home together with a games room that the whole family can have some fun with? Here’s how to plan it out and get started!

Consider Where it will be Located

Whether it’s your basement or a spare den off of the main floor, wherever you are considering housing your games room, give it some careful thought. Location is important. When those air hockey pucks go flying, you don’t want them to be anywhere near your fragile furniture. A games room is all about having a room to escape, get a little crazy, while still being able to keep your home safe and well intact. Put some careful thought on where yours should be located.

Make it Comfy and Inviting

Having a games room doesn’t just mean throwing a few games in a room for the kids. This can be your space, too. So consider adding those elements of comfort and luxury that you will enjoy. Maybe it’s big, comfy chairs, or a cute little bar. Whatever it is, add some elements that will make it a warm and inviting space that you will actually want to use.

Consider Games to Add

Of course, your games room should be tailored with games that you and the family will love. So take the time to think about what type of games you want. Maybe it’s pinball machines and air hockey, or foosball and a beautiful pool table as the main feature. Or you could add an entertainment system with the latest and greatest 3D consoles. The options are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Having a games room is all about providing a space where you can have some fun and entertainment at home while spending quality time together. Whether it’s throwing down a game of foosball or setting up a snooker tournament with your friends, an entertainment space that you can call your own is the perfect addition to any home, especially during those long winter months when you’re cooped up inside!

Have you got a basement renovation on the mind?  For more info on adding a basement games room, give RenosGroup.ca a call at (613)727-9427 to book your free in-home consultation and discover what opportunities await.

Remodelling for the long term.

Remodelling for the Long Term

If you’ve endured home renovations in the past, chances are that you know very well just how gruelling and expensive they can be. What starts as a fun weekend DIY projects turns into months of living in a dusty construction zone. When you start to consider doing some renos on your new home, you want to make sure that you hire a professional general contractor and ensure whatever you’re investing in will give you the most amount of ROI in the future. Before you starting remodelling your home, here are some key factors to consider to get the best return on your investment that will serve you well for the long term.

Neutral or Calming Walls


When you’re in the midst of deciding what colour to throw on your walls, a good idea is to avoid anything harsh or bold. If you want to get the best long-term benefit out of that paint, your best bet is to go for neutral or calming colours. That way, if you decide that you no longer like the designs and accenting features in your home, you won’t be limited by the colour on your walls, or have to repaint them.

Adding Windows


If you’re feeling unsure about knocking down a few walls in order to enhance the natural light in your home, take comfort in knowing that this renovation will serve you and the value of your home well in the future. Adding more natural light to a home is always a smart idea. If you were on the fence about this one – let there be light!

Be Bold Through Accessories


Of course, we still need to incorporate some fun, flair, and colour into the interior design and one of the best ways for doing this through accessories. Accessories such as your cushions, artwork, or even curtains, are all great ways to help add in some vibrant colour without requiring any significant expense or alteration down the road. So if you happen to grow tired of a particular colour that’s dotted throughout your home, you can easily switch it up.

Make Functionality a Priority


No matter what you do, always have functionality as a priority in your design. For example, when it comes to your kitchen, make sure that the location of your appliances, countertops and cupboards all make sense to the flow of the space. That way, even if you have to change any aesthetics in the future, the main bulk layout (and expense) won’t have to be altered.

It’s always important to consider what makes the most sense for the long-term when remodelling your home. So before you begin those blueprints, consider these tips to help you make the right decisions that will benefit you and your home the most in the future.

Looking for home design ideas that will look just as good in a year or ten? RenosGroup.ca is Ottawa’s choice for expert kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovation projects with a focus on timeless finishes and design choices.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

Performing renovations to your home not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but when done correctly, can also add value to your home. However, if your sole purpose for renovating is to increase that value with a high return on investment (ROI), there are certain projects that – despite all your efforts – won’t make the dollar sign increase to make it worth your while. If you’re trying to plan your next home reno, here are the best areas of focus if you want additional value that is worth your while.

The Kitchen

If you were questioning whether it’s worth it to rip out those dated cabinets and cupboards – it is! Just like we’ve always been told, the kitchen is one of the most important features of a home, especially when it comes to selling it. It’s the most utilized room, and therefore the most significant. For any areas that look decrepit, outdated, or just ugly, renovating and upgrading them will benefit your ROI in the future. If budget is tight, affordable but effective changes like replacing cabinet hardware and adding a modern backsplash are well worth it. If the budget is higher, a new countertop, new floors, and new sink will pay off. To save money, try to keep your existing cabinets if they’re in good shape, and avoid moving the plumbing (sink, dishwasher) if you can help it.

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value

The Flooring

These days, flooring is a big deal, and new buyers aren’t exactly keen on purchasing a home when they know they’ll have to spend more time and money ripping up that floor. It’s worth your time and money to bite the bullet and install that beautiful hardwood flooring that buyers are looking for. Then, you can just tack on a little extra when it comes to your selling price – you can bet that people are willing to pay more for work that’s already been done. If your carpeting is in rough shape, consider peeling a corner discreetly to see if hardwood lays underneath.

The Exterior

If your exterior has little to no curb appeal, you can bet that it will impact any prospects for selling. Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, it’s one of the most important for giving them a great impression of the home. Whether it’s the dead lawn, cracked patio stones, or crumbling façade of the home – add it to your renovation list!

The Basement

Gone are the days when the state of the basement wasn’t really a significant factor in the success for selling purposes. But today, more and more homeowners take great value in having that extra space remodelled and finished, not only for the potential purpose of having an extra den or TV room, but for renting purposes as well. So if your basement is unfinished and could use some extra TLC, take the time to finish it. This goes doubly so if your basement is damp or mouldy.

When it comes time to place your home up for sale, you want to make sure that the effort you put into your renovations will benefit your return on investment. So focus on these main areas and you’ll be set to bump up that value to your home, guaranteed. What renovations will pay off for you? Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca. Our Ottawa general contractor will evaluate your home and recommend the best areas for improvement.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
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