Contractor

Is Your Home Ready for Your Golden Years?

More and more seniors are electing to stay in their homes today than ever before, giving up on the nursing home and instead choosing to stay in the home that they’ve known for some time to live out their golden years.

Most of the time, this is the right call – especially if the seniors in question still have quite a bit of autonomy and aren’t going to struggle with a decrease in quality of life by staying home. At the same time, most homes require significant upgrades specifically with seniors in mind, is your home ready for your golden years at home?

Mobility upgrades are some of the most important changes you can encourage your elderly loved one to make. If you are in charge of the home renovation project they are going to have to be first on your list.

You don’t necessarily have to go with the relatively new “universal design principles” that make it effortless for elderly, disabled, and other mobility-challenged folks to restore independence, safety, and comfort. Still, it may not be a bad idea trying to get as close to that ideal as possible.

To help you better navigate the world of home upgrades when you are dealing with a senior living situation, we put together a couple of tips and tricks below that you want to try and really zero in on.

The Bathroom Must Be Transformed

There are two spaces in your home that have to be completely transformed when you are going to have a senior living in them, and the bathroom is one of them.

Daily hygiene is mission critical, but it’s also life supporting when you reach your elderly years. Not only do you want to have it effortless for your loved one to take care of themselves in the bathroom with well-designed fixtures and appliances, but you also want to make sure that slippery floors have been eliminated, shower stalls and walk-in bathtubs have been implemented, and bath seats and grab bars fill the space.

The Kitchen Must Also Be Transformed

The other space that must be transformed in the home is the kitchen. Being able to cook for themselves is going to be incredibly important for seniors that may not have the opportunity your ability to drive any longer. The kitchen is also the main entertaining and visiting space for most everyone that drops into spend time with a senior – and it has to be fully functional as well as safe.

Smart upgrades to appliances, intelligently designed countertops and cupboards with easy access, and hands-free functions everywhere possible are going to be big upgrades that are always welcome in the kitchen.

RenosGroup.ca is the leading mobility renovations contractor in Ottawa! Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to schedule a free in-home consultation to evaluate your needs and transform your home for the golden years ahead.

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home can be one of the most exciting projects you ever invest in – but it can also be one of the scariest. Don’t let stress overwhelm your excitement. If you’re interested in building a custom home, consider these important priorities before you take that next step.

Choose a Reputable Contractor

Nothing is more important than being able to trust the hands that will be constructing your dream home. A custom home is so much more than a bathroom remodel or a weekend renovation project, so it demands a lot of research and investigation. Do your homework and time your time when choosing a home builder. Search online, talk to family and friends, and consult with other pros in the industry to get their expert opinion. You want to ensure that whoever will be conducting the show has the proper set of skills, knowledge, and trade partners to do the job right. Investing time and research for selecting a reputable contractor will give you piece of mind and help avoid any potentially detrimental mistakes in the long run. Meet with several builders in person. Ask for references and examples of past work. Do you get a good vibe from the builder? Remember, building a custom home is going to be a long process that takes cooperation and communication, so you want to gel with the builder in addition to trusting their qualifications.

Use Your Contractor Right From the Get Go

Once you’ve hired someone you feel confident with, use their knowledge and experience right from the beginning. Involve them in the major decisions, such as selection of location and property. They have invaluable information that can help guide you in selecting a property that can save you time and money. Discuss design plans with them before you make final decisions so that they can determine what may or may not be realistic before you get your heart set on an idea.

List Your Priorities

Mapping out a list of what your needs and priorities will be throughout the design will help your contractor – and ultimately, you – make tough decisions when necessary, and allow you to adjust and develop your budget accordingly. Since you are investing a significant sum of money in customizing your home, be sure to consider not only your present needs, but also future needs. Think about the prospect of having children, or even when you’re elderly and can’t climb those stairs like you used to. Flexibility is important!

Create a Budget

After you’ve made a list of what the priorities will be throughout the design, the next step is creating a detailed budget for the project. The sky is the limit in terms of possibilities, but keep in mind that exotic, elaborate designs come with a matching price tag. Fortunately, at RenosGroup.ca we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, we leverage the best possible quotes from our trade partners and suppliers. Consult with your contractor during this process and always leave some extra wiggle room for those unexpected expenses.

If you’re planning to build a custom home in the Ottawa area, consider these priorities before you get started. Do your research and find the right contractor so that you can avoid any headaches, and feel confident about investing in your future.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Are The Most Overrated Home Renovations?

As a part of the entrepreneurial spirit that encapsulates 21st century Canadian homeownership, building additions and expanding the property are par for the course. However, not all renovations work out as intended. This can be seen in renovations done not as much for the delight of the current homeowner, but as a part of a large scheme to raise the value of the home prior to selling. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most overrated home renovations done for the sake of selling a home.

Installation of Pools And Hot Tubs


While both of these may seem like an incredible luxury and hence drive up the value of your home, they can both cost a lot of money. Plus, if the house sits on the market you’ll have to pay for maintenance and supplies until you sell the home. Unless conditions work out perfectly in your favour, prepare yourself to break even at best.

High-End Appliances


When renovating a home prior to selling, individuals sometimes make the mistake of putting in high-end appliances in an attempt to lure more people to buy and drive up the price. While this may theoretically work in a housing condition where buyers far outnumber sellers, the current market just doesn’t support it. More often than not, high-quality appliances will not add to the overall sell price. If you have a fridge and range from the 1980s by all means upgrade, but the emphasis should be on energy-efficiency, not luxury.

Landscaping


They say that the first impression of a home is made even before a person steps inside. This has led some to spend a great deal of money on fanciful landscaping in an attempt to drive up the sell cost. The thing is, many potential buyers see the surrounding land as something that they can address themselves, meaning that the overall value of the property does not change much even when a lot of effort is put in. What if you put in a koi pond, but a potential buyer envisioned a kids’ play structure there instead? Save the money and focus on having a clean and inviting yard instead.

Building Beyond Your Neighbourhood


Any home renovation that dramatically extends your home’s value beyond comparable properties in your neighborhood may create a problem when it comes to selling it. You want to have the best house in the neighbourhood, but it shouldn’t feel out of place.

If you are interested in home renovations and you want to spend your money wisely, then consider hiring a professional home renovator like RenosGroup. We know what renovations sell homes and which ones won’t have much of an impact. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 and we’d be happy to walk you through the process.

Creating A Desirable Income Suite In Your Finished Basement

Depending on the location, style, and underlying water table, a home may have either a partial or complete basement under the first floor of the home. While this space has been used in the past for storage and the occasional rumpus room, more and more homeowners are finding ways of turning the basement into a source of profit. How is this done? Let’s take a moment to find out.

The Basics of Converting a Space


While there is a great deal of variation, the typical basement space incorporates several different rooms that are below the first floor of the home. While lighting may be limited, the utility of this space is not. More often than not, water pipes and other necessary structure for quickly and affordably converting a basement space are already there.

In the City of Ottawa, there are several basic requirements for a basement apartment. These include safe egress, a fire-resistant door, a bathroom, sufficient natural light, minimum ceiling height, and so on. Your income suite must be safe and completely up to building code and fire code. Beyond this, you want to create a space that is attractive to desirable tenants.

Consider Hiring A Professional Contractor in Ottawa


During this process you will be hit by a range of problems that differ in the effort and skill required to tackle. You will also want to choose certain tasks to do first as they will either take the longest or be necessary steps to further work done later in the redesign. In either case, the best thing you can do for yourself is to consider hiring a professional renovation contractor.

What they will help you do is create a schedule of what needs to be done, what needs to be purchased, what is possible with the space provided, and how long everything might take. They may also know local plumbers and electricians, who will help you get your basement space up to code as its own separate apartment. Either way, with professional help you begin the process on solid ground and set yourself for success down the line.

With major considerations out of the way, you will want to re-evaluate your cost and consider special amenities. Perfect for attracting that ideal tenant, these amenities will help make your space an attractive potential location for tenants looking in your area. As a final consideration, take into account the quality of the work and materials in a 10 or 20-year plan consideration. Will it cost more now to install good quality fixtures or replace them between tenants? This, along with many other questions is a thing that a professional home renovation contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup.ca will be able to answer.  Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

When to Redecorate, Renovate, or Build an Addition

So you’ve outgrown the style or size of your home! Maybe there’s a new addition to the family who will need their own room, or maybe you haven’t had the chance to redecorate since the kids moved out. Any type of change in your life normally requires some sort of transformation in your home. We’ve come up with some guidelines for when to redecorate, renovate or home addition.

Try to Redecorate

Before doing anything too drastic, try redecorating your space. To make sure that you’re taking full advantage of the space that you have, take the time to analyze the amount of furniture in the room. Start off your redecoration by removing any furniture in the room that is unused. Get rid of that extra recliner in the corner, or that clunky side table that stores nothing important.

Give it away to a secondhand store or to someone who could benefit from it. It is simply taking up space in your home! Next, throw out the extra knick-knacks that you have lying around and find storage for the important things. Adding shelves to your walls is a great way to save space and display your books and decorations.

Renovate

Still not satisfied with your space after redecorating? You can also consider home renovation. You can completely change your living and dining areas by removing a wall and creating an open concept space. You can also give the illusion of more space without having to tear down any walls by changing a regular window to a bay window. Another great way to use the space in your home to its full potential is to finally get around to completing that basement renovation. Adding bedrooms and bathroom to your basement is the perfect way to add space without having to build an addition.  If the kids have moved out, consider changing a room from a bedroom to a useful office or guestroom.

Addition

So you’ve done it all, and you’re still not satisfied with your space. Maybe it’s time to consider an addition to your home. If your budget allows for it, an addition will provide you with the space that you and your family need for your ever-growing needs.

Remember that if you’re looking to make changes to your home, there are always options for any budget. By considering all of your options, you will find the most suitable way to make the best of your space and money. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a free estimate!

The Risks Of A DIY Bathroom Renovation

When treated right, your home becomes a valuable investment that will serve you well for years to come. With many people looking to improve the quality and price of their home, things like interior repairs and renovations are becoming increasingly popular. As much of this work is being done by the homeowners themselves, an entire cottage industry of “do it yourselfers” (or DIY) has emerged.

While DIY is a great way to save money and invest your personal time in your house, it is not without its risks. In particular, work done to renovate bathrooms can be particularly challenging. If you are considering DIY work regarding your bathroom, then let’s take a moment to review some of the risks you should consider.

1. Underlying Pipes

Changing up or expanding a bathroom means dealing with the underlying pipework necessary for running water in and out of your bathroom. While this may seem simple on paper, there is a lot to learn when it comes to pipework and water that few people consider. From proper water pressure to running the lines correctly, there are many chances to accidentally flood the bathroom and your home if you are not careful. As always, be sure to turn off the water line into your home prior to removing water fixtures as you may end up with either leaks or flooding.

2. Time

People prefer DIY home renovations because it saves them money. However, what it saves in money it will cost in time. If you have more than one bathroom in your house, then this won’t be a problem. However, if you need to rely on the bathroom that you are renovating, then prepare for the hassle that will come with utilizing a space that is transitioning. This means increased risk of potential damage to both you and your bathroom during this time.

3. Off-Centre

While minor, there is the risk that your eventual plans are going to be off when practically applied to the space due to limitations that only become apparent once you are knee-deep in the bathroom renovation. While some people live to problem solve, others will find it frustrating when a fantastic concept falls to pieces due to unforeseen limitations on placement. With this in mind, be sure to provide everything you use in the bathroom with its necessary space. One of the most common problems seen with DIY bathroom renovations is a tight clustering of different things around a particular spot.

To avoid all of these DIY mistakes altogether, enlist the help of a professional bathroom renovations contractor like RenosGroup.ca.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

15 Tips to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

If you’ve recently had a beautiful renovation in your home, the last thing you want is to see the work ruined by water damage. Water damage can come from many sources – like a foundation crack, a shower leak, or poor ventilation. Here are some helpful tips to protect your home from water damage

Ceilings, Walls & Floors

  1. Keep an eye out for stains or bubbling paint on the ceilings. This may indicate that there is a leak in the roof or in a pipe.
  2. If you do see stains or bubbling, the source may still be located elsewhere. Track the problem back to the original source and get it solved.
  3. If there is bubbling paint or stains on the walls, it may indicate that a pipe, toilet, or shower is leaking. It may even be a sign of a leak from the foundation.
  4. Place your hand on the wall. Does it feel damp, or does the paint feel flaky? There may be a presence of water behind the walls.
  5. Look for water stains and bubbling tiles on the floors. This is especially important near sources of water, like sinks and dishwashers.
  6. Floor drains should always be left uncovered so they can do their job when the time comes.

Plumbing, Pipes & Appliances

  1. Keep an ear out for strange sounds. Trace them back to the source and you may find a leaky pipe.
  2. If you have a leaky toilet or faucet, repair it right away before it spirals into a bigger problem.
  3. Regularly inspect around sinks, the washing machine, and the hot water tank. If you spot anything off, get it fixed right away.
  4. If you have a leaky toilet drain, replace the wax toilet ring for a leak-proof seal. If not, it could turn into a bigger problem in the future.
  5. Consider investing in a water damage alarm. It will let you know when trouble has started.

Sump Pumps & Sewers

  1. A sump pump is a strong preventative measure because draws off unwanted water from the home. Have it installed by a professional, and make sure a plumber inspects it at least once per year so it works when you need it.
  2. Contact a professional to install a sewer backflow preventer valve. If the main sewer does get backed up, the water won’t end up in your home.

Controlling Moisture

  1. If you have a damp basement, run a dehumidifier regularly to pull moisture from the air.
  2. It is very important to have proper ventilation throughout the house. The three most important places to ventilate properly are the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

If you take these preventative steps, you can enjoy your home, renovation and all, for many happy years to come. For more tips about water damage or if you have any questions about home renovations, contact RenosGroups.ca today.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

5 Questions to Ask When Planning a Home Addition

If your home isn’t quite doing it anymore, a home addition is a great solution to address your needs without having to go through the stress of relocating. As you begin planning a home addition, make sure you consider the answers to the following five questions:

How Would You Design a Home from Scratch?


When we buy existing homes, we have to make a lot of compromises. Sure, you can easily repaint the walls and switch out cabinet hardware, but other changes require a lot more time and money. Close your eyes and picture what you would want the home to look like if you were starting anew. Some of these changes can be made through a home renovation, like upgrading the countertops or rearranging the upstairs space to create an ensuite bathroom. In other instances, a home addition is the best option to get the home of your dreams.

How Much Value Will an Addition Add?


Adding value to your home shouldn’t be the only factor, but it’s something you need to think about when it’s time to move on. Additions with needed spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms usually have high return-on-investment. It will be difficult to recoup the costs of some other additions, like adding a sunroom or upgrading the home well beyond the standards of the neighbourhood. By all means choose an addition that speaks to your heart, but don’t ignore the ROI altogether.

Is There a Renovation Alternative?


Before you break ground, consider whether it is possible to achieve your goals within the existing space in your home. Ottawa contractors like RenosGroup are very creative and can transform spaces in ways that you couldn’t imagine. A home addition may indeed be the correct choice, but make sure you explore whether a less costly and less time-intensive remodel is feasible.

How Will it Blend with the Existing Home?


One of the trickiest parts of planning a home addition is making it fit in with the rest of the home. On the exterior, you’ll want the rooflines, windows, and siding to match. If you can’t get them to match, at least choose a complementary option that enhances the original home. On the interior, there should be a natural flow in the space.

What Will You Spend?


No two home additions are alike, and neither are the costs of the projects. We offer free in-home consultations and free estimates, so you can get a realistic and honest view of what the project is expected to cost. There’s a big difference between a mid-scale kitchen remodel and the creation of an entire two-storey addition, but we’ll help you plan and design a project that makes sense for your goals and your budget.

Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions, it’s time to get started. RenosGroup.ca can plan and build a home addition that makes sense for you and your family. Stop living in cramped space and embrace the opportunity that a home addition brings.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Why You Should Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Contractors

Deciding to undergo a home renovation is an exciting proposition, but it comes with a lot of stress. Between a large financial outlay and the hassle of having your home turned into a work zone, often the only thing keeping homeowners happy is the thought that a beautifully completed renovation is around the corner. When you enlist the services of a contractor who promises a lot but delivers very little, it can be crushing. Here are some vital reasons to avoid a “too good to be true” contractor:

Rushed Job


When you hire a contractor whose rates and timeline seem too good to be true, there’s probably a reason. If they offer an unrealistic timeline, it doesn’t mean you’ll get an amazing bathroom in a short period of time. Instead, it means you’ll get a rushed job without attention to detail. This might mean sloppy finishes, but it might also mean extremely important behind-the-scenes aspects (like thorough waterproofing behind shower tiles) are ignored. This could lead to costly complications down the road. When you work with a professional bathroom renovator, we set realistic timelines that ensure your project is done right the first time.

Inexperience


If you find a contractor who is offering cut-rates, it may be because they don’t have the experience and skills to justify professional pricing. The old adage that “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to bathroom renovations. If you choose a contractor whose prices can’t be beaten, it might be for a good reason.

Ballooning Costs


If a “too good to be true” contractor makes an appealing estimate over the phone without even seeing your bathroom in person, expect to see ballooning costs. How can they possibly know how much your renovation will cost without seeing it in person? Instead, choose a professional bathroom renovator that offers free in-home consultations. This way, you’ll be given a more reliable cost estimate and won’t get a big surprise when your bathroom is half-finished, and the money’s gone.

Higher Risk


Can you really trust a jack-of-all-trades to perform specialized work like electrical or plumbing? The consequences with these aspects run far beyond paint drips and crooked mirrors. A shoddy contractor might mess with your electrical or make a plumbing flaw that leads to leaks, water damage, and mould. Instead, trust a professional bathroom renovator who has a team of specialized workers to do the job safely.

Avoid “too good to be true” contractors, trust the services of a professional bathroom renovator like RenosGroup. We have a proven track record of making homeowners happy with successfully completed and stunningly executed projects.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How to Finish Your Basement

If you have an unfinished basement, you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential. When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners can increase the value of their homes and maximize space. Here are some of the great things you can do with a finished basement:

Play Area


If you have kids, you know all of their toys can quickly take over your entire house. Give your kids a defined play area and a room to call their own. You can set up a crafts area with an easel and drawing table, and have lots of storage with every toy in a proper place. Whether your kids want to play mini sticks, set up a train set, or build a Lego world, nothing beats a nice carpeted and colourful play area in your finished basement.

Movie Room


When it comes to basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners often opt to make a movie room. A movie room is the perfect hangout for a family on the weekend. With comfy couches, a nice media centre, and a bowl of buttery popcorn, you can relax and escape into the wide world of cinema.

Guest Bedroom


Especially in smaller homes without much spare room upstairs, building a guest bedroom in the basement can be a great option for the holidays. Your guests get their own comfortable and private space, while you still get to play host. You can work with an Ottawa contractor to design the perfect guest bedroom, even adding an ensuite bathroom to really impress your in-laws.

Workout Space


If you want to get in shape, nothing beats a home gym – especially in cold Canadian winters. Set the room up with exercise equipment, a yoga mat, and don’t forget to pipe in surround stereo sound and get those workout tunes playing. Lay down some rubber flooring to prevent slippage or dents from dropped weights.

Storage


Even an unfinished basement can be used for storage, but you can design built-ins and get your basement more organized that ever. Whether you want to store books, Blu-ray discs, toys, clothes, or seasonal decorations, everything can have a proper place in your finished basement.

Income Suite


You can even use your finished basement to make money. Enlist a trusted Ottawa contractor to help design an appealing income suite. The renovation will pay for itself in no time, and you can use the additional income to help pay off your mortgage or other household bills. As far as basement finishing, Ottawa homeowners should know that installing an income suite is a very viable option.

Don’t squander the potential of your house by leaving your basement unfinished. Expert basement renovators in Ottawa can remodel your basement and turn it into stylish and useful space.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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