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Bathroom Renovation Trends

Biggest Bathroom Renovation Trends

Every year, the home and garden website Houzz conducts a survey measuring the behaviours and interests of North American homeowners. So, what trends do we see in bathroom renovations this year? Are homeowners expanding bathrooms or working with the existing footprint? What are the biggest bathroom renovation trends?

Supersize Showers

Even if the footprint remains the same, homeowners want supersized showers, especially in the master bathroom. In fact, 84% of homeowners upgraded their master showers during the bathroom renovation. 30% of master bath showers were increased by 50% of more in size.

Mobility Renovations

The Baby Boomer generation is three times more likely to install grab bars and other accessibility features than younger generations. However, other features of mobility renovations like hand-held shower heads, shower seats, non-slip flooring, and thermostatic mixers were popular regardless of the age of the homeowner.

What Matters Most in Terms of Design

Most homeowners reported that they wanted their renovated bathrooms to be stylish and beautiful (83%) or to have a spa-like atmosphere (41%). Other popular design elements include a reflection of personality (38%), abundant natural light (34%), making a statement (23%), being energy efficient (22%), being eco-friendly (8%), and being romantic (7%).

What Matters Most in Terms of Function

55% of homeowners wanted a bathroom that was easy to clean (55%), while 53% of respondents wanted easy storage. Other important functions include good lighting (47%), compatible for two people (46%), easy to get ready in (36%), relaxing (34%), and making the homeowner look good (2%).

How Often Are Bathrooms Renovated?

According to the survey, 46% of homeowners last upgraded the bathroom between 16 to 30 years ago. 30% of full baths were last upgraded more than 30 years ago! Some homeowners have the renovation bug, though, with 4% of full baths being remodeled under five years after the last renovation.

What Style is Most Popular?

Contemporary is the most popular style (25%), followed by traditional (21%), and transitional (18%). Other popular styles include modern (10%), eclectic (5%), craftsman (5%), and beach (3%).

Flooring & Walls

Ceramic was the most popular title choice, followed closely by porcelain. Other common flooring options included marble, wood, travertine, and linoleum. Paint was the overwhelming favourite wall finish (71%), but other common choices included ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble, wood, travertine, and wallpaper.

Lighting

Many homeowners placed an emphasis on good lighting in the bathroom. The most common options were wall sconces (60-64%) and recessed lighting (44-61%), followed by lighted mirrors (14-16%), chandeliers (5-15%), and pendant lamps (9-12%). However, in 12% of masters and 17% of family baths, the lighting was not upgraded at all.

Whether you want to follow the popular trends or set out on  your own path, RenosGroups.ca is here to help make your bathroom renovation dream a reality. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Make a Safe & Accessible Kitchen

How to Make a Safe & Accessible Kitchen

As we age, we unfortunately begin to develop physical limitations and challenges which make life difficult in our current homes without adjustments. Fortunately, mobility renovations can allow you to remain in your beloved home instead of having to move to a care facility. Next to the bathroom, the kitchen should take priority when it comes to making the home more accommodating. Here are some features to include in a safe and accessible kitchen:

 

Countertops & Cupboards

Existing countertops and cupboards are often too high for someone a wheelchair to use safely or functionally. You can put yourself in danger trying to reach for a glass in a tall cupboard or trying to chop vegetables on a high countertop. Mobility renovators can replace the existing countertops and cupboards for lower ones that are much more accessible and therefore safer. Mobility renovators can also install adjustable countertops and cupboards to accommodate other residents in the house and serve a more long-term purpose as needs change.

Drawers & Cabinets

Traditional drawers and cabinets with knobs or handlebars may be difficult for people with diminishing dexterity to use, like people with arthritis. Touch and release drawers and cabinets are easy and safe for everyone to use.

 

Lighting & Outlets

Mobility renovators can improve lighting for visibility, which can be helpful for residents with declining vision. Likewise, they can place light switches and electrical outlets in more accessible locations rather than high up on the wall or at the back of a deep counter.

Taps

Knobs on taps can be difficult for people with arthritis to use, and may be hard for you to reach if you are in a wheelchair. Mobility renovators can relocate taps to a more convenient position or install hands-free taps for easy use.

Flooring

If the existing flooring in the kitchen is made of slippery material, a fall while holding a knife or carrying a hot pot of water could be tragic. You can purchase non-slip flooring mats, or mobility renovators can install non-slip flooring to keep things safe.

Pull-Out Shelves

If counters are too high to use when seated, you should investigate installing pull-out shelves. These will pull out to allow you to cut, chop, mix, and dice while in a comfortable seating position. Pull-out shelves can be tucked away to save space when not in use.

Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca to see how a kitchen renovation can make homes more safe and accessible for people of advancing age.  Contact us here, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Caring for Granite Countertop

Planning a Stunning, Affordable Kitchen Remodel

If you have been putting off your dream kitchen remodel because you think you can’t afford it, think again. You can easily plan a stunning yet affordable kitchen remodel with these handy tips from the pros:

Paint

It is not always necessary to make major changes to change the look of a room and that includes the kitchen. Paint can make a positive change to the look of your kitchen by cleaning and refreshing your walls and adding an affordable splash of colour for your backsplash.

Lighting

Adding new touches to your kitchen such as lighting can help to modernize a space instantly. Lighting in a kitchen can also make it easier to work. Pendant lighting hung over an island adds sparkle and interesting design detail, while a chandelier above a table can add elegance and sophistication.

Cabinet Refacing

The most affordable cabinet refacing is a lick of paint. However you can also have completely new cabinet doors and trim without the costly removal and installation associated with a complete gutting. Refacing allows you to choose new cabinet doors and drawers and use the existing bases and wall mounts.

Original Fixtures and Appliances

You can also save a lot of money by maintaining as many of the original fixtures and appliances as possible. If they do not look too bad and the electrical and plumbing is in good shape this will save thousands of dollars as well as fuss and mess. As long as appliances are running and energy efficient you can save up and replace them when your budget allows. Sinks just need a good polish to shine again.

Flooring

If your flooring is not in bad shape you can keep it in place as well. There are also many laminate tile and wood flooring products that are available at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood, ceramic or stone.

Counters

Of course we all want the glamour and sparkle of granite, but this is a huge expense during a kitchen remodel. Instead opt for a modern laminate that will give you a new stone look without the hefty price tag. You can always save up and replace them at a later date.

Your kitchen remodel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Using these affordable tips will allow you to have a stunning kitchen you will enjoy for years to come without the high price tag.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Creating Amazing Kids Play Area in Basement

Creating an Amazing Kids Play Area in the Basement

If you have kids, you’ve probably noticed that their toys and art projects start to take over all of your living space. If it has gotten to the point where you can hardly move without stepping on a Lego piece, it may be time to find a solution. A fun and inviting kids play area in the basement is the perfect way to keep toys out of your living room…and dining room, and office, and kitchen, and…When your kids have a contained area to let their imaginations run wild, with plenty of activity stations to keep them busy, you’re much more likely to have an organized upstairs living space. Here are some tips for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement:

Floor Space


Sometimes kids don’t even need fancy layouts or state-of-the-art designs. Ottawa basement contractors can lay down soft carpet or interlocking foam tiles in your basement. Your kids will have a blast building a giant fairy tale village or putting together a massive train track set.

Art & Creativity


A kids area in the basement is the perfect place to set up arts and crafts stations. Start by painting one wall with chalkboard paint, which your kids can draw on and just as easily erase. Another wall can be magnetic or made of bulletin board material for pinning up drawings and paintings. Set up an easel station in one corner and a reading nook in another.

Entertainment Centre


If your kids like to watch movies and television, then you can set up a pint-sized movie room for their viewing pleasure. Kids will have a grand old time watching Frozen on a mounted projector while they sit in comfy mini beanbag chairs. Mount an iPhone dock in easy reaching distance for the kids so they can put on a playlist and dance their little hearts out in their newly renovated basement.

Storage


When the kids are zonked out from playing, it comes time to keep things organized. Ottawa basement contractors can design and construct beautiful custom built-in storage with a place for every single toy, book, and arts & craft item. You can include every storage component imaginable, from cubbies and bookcases to shelving and media consoles to keep your brand new kids play area organized and clean.

With these essential elements, you’ll have everything you need for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement.  If you need help for this project please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Finish Your Basement

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.

creating-the-perfect-man-cave

Making the Perfect Man Cave

After a long hard day at work, there’s nothing you deserve more than to retreat to a cozy and comfortable space in your home. When a living room or den won’t cut it, you need a man cave – the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. Ottawa basement contractors recommend these must-have items for the perfect man cave:

Comfortable Furniture


A man cave starts and ends with comfortable furniture. You want a variety of seating options to suit every need. You may opt for a recliner or two to sit in while you watch your favourite team play, or go for a cushy leather couch for when you watch movies. You can take your man cave to the next level with bar stools and comfortable seats around a poker or card table.

Entertainment Centre


A man cave is all about entertainment. You’ll want to invest in a nice setup, with a big screen TV, surround sound stereo and gaming consoles. For a classy look, Ottawa basement contractors can construct a built-in media centre designed to your specific needs. Not only will it look awesome, but every electronic device will have its proper place.

Bar & Refreshments


While a couch and TV fit the basics, you’ll really wow guests if you opt for refreshment options and even a custom-built bar. You can buy a mini bar fridge to keep your thirst quenched, or enlist the help of Ottawa basement contractors to design your dream basement bar. Whether you want warm wood topped with elegant granite or budget-friendly laminate, your contract can make this luxurious add-on a reality.

Fun & Games


During the sports off-season, you can still keep your buddies entertained. Shoot some pool, test your aim with darts, keep the sports action going with a foosball or air hockey table, or practice your bluffing skills with a poker table. If quarters are tight, you can even buy an all-in-one table with interchangeable surfaces for most of these activities.
Décor

When you think man cave, you may not be too bothered about words like design, style, and décor. Decorate the room with classic movie posters, sports memorabilia, or neon signs, and you’ll give your man cave the perfect look. You might go for a specific theme, like an Ottawa Senators-themed hangout with red walls and framed jerseys, or a James Bond theme with a sharp look and some movie memorabilia. Or maybe you just want a mishmash – whatever you choose, make it yours.

Creating the perfect man cave can be easy. With the help of Ottawa basement contractors, you can design, plan, and build your dream basement retreat.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable kitchen design ideas will help you update your kitchen on a budget:

Delightful Lighting


Shed a little light on your drab kitchen with new lighting fixtures. Pendant lighting is ideal over islands to add personality and a sense of modern design. You can also install task lighting beneath your cupboards to give your kitchen a modern edge. Breakfast nooks receive an instant touch of elegance with the sparkle of a chandelier hung low above your table.  Living room lighting ideas

Add an Island


Many kitchen renovations in Ottawa include an island. If your kitchen space allows consider adding an affordable island that is a little unconventional. Look for interesting finds at flea markets and garage sales for items such as old tables, dressers and even side buffets that can be repurposed. You can add extra height to tables getting creative with items such as newel posts or garden fencing poles and add a lick of paint to complete the look.

Eye Popping Wallpaper


The trend for large geometric patterns on walls is the perfect and affordable update for your kitchen. You can use wallpaper on just about any wall including a dull and uninspired backsplash. It can be added in small areas such as across your bulk head, on a focal wall behind your dining area or throughout the kitchen for a real wow factor. You can even consider adding wallpaper insets on your kitchen cabinet doors.

Paint


Many kitchen renovations dream of always include new custom cabinets. Give your kitchen a face lift with a paint job on your boring, dated cabinets. It just takes a good sanding, primer and a few coats of paint for a total transformation to your kitchen. Cream or black add sophistication, white is filled with country or contemporary charm and grey can add a modern edge. You can add a focal point with a bright colour such as red or lime green for upper cabinets or go with one colour for a unified look.

New Fixtures


Oversized door pulls in modern metals make lots of impact for a small price. A new faucet can add sparkle and help bring a new look to an old sink. Painted cabinets without pulls have an edgy look.

As you can see kitchen renovations are within your reach with these affordable updates.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for your next kitchen project

updating-the-basement

Updating Your Basement

Updating your basement is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and add much needed living space. Whether you are starting from scratch or redoing a retro basement, there are a number of upgrades you can do to get a comfortable, affordable, high end look.

Discard the Vintage Carpet or Tile

Many basements were once finished with hideous flooring, including bad tile and shag carpet. If your basement still features this perhaps it is time to update. When you eventually decided to update it is important to keep in mind budget, purpose and style. If you want an affordable option that will keep your feet warm opt for a modern carpet in a plush Berber or new styles that feature interesting patterns or textures. When laying carpet in the basement it is a good idea to lay an under padding that has anti-microbial protection to discourage mould and mildew growth in the moist, damp environment. Another good option is a nice hardwood that will lighten up the darker space. You can then add an area rug in your main seating area for warmth as well as to anchor the decor of the room.

Update the Bar

Many older homes come equipped with full size wet bars, unfortunately many homeowners have chosen to leave them in their original state, making them severely outdated. Look at tearing out the current bar and adding modern finishes such as sleek new cabinetry, updated wine coolers and granite counter tops. Add stylish recessed lighting as well as mood lighting beneath the counter for an interesting look. You can then finish your bar update with contemporary seating.

Paint the Fireplace

You would be surprised how a fresh coat of paint can make an old fireplace look like new. Consider the current look of your fireplace and think of other ways you can make an update. Replace or add a new mantle and consider adding a nice marble hearth at the front. You can also add a tile surround in a modern mosaic such as stainless steel or something a little cozier like river stone.

Add a Bathroom

A new bathroom is a must. Depending on your space and budget you can either do a powder room or add a full bathroom complete with steam shower and soaker spa tub.

These updates will offer a modern, comfortable space your family will love while increasing the value of your home.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

3-ways-to-make-your-entrance-mobility-friendly

3 Ways to Make Your Entrance Mobility Friendly

If you or someone in your home has mobility challenges it is important to make your home as comfortable and mobility friendly as possible. For many homeowners the entryway can pose the biggest challenge for those with mobility issues. From steps leading up to the front door, to cramped, closed spaces in the foyer, there are a number of challenges your front entry can pose. Here are three ways to make your entrance mobility friendly:

Clear the Entryway

Maneuvering in small, cramped spaces is very difficult for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Take a look at your entryway and hall and look for anything that can be removed. This includes pieces of furniture, awkward mats and of course excess amounts of boots and shoes. When you remove clutter from the entryway you will open up the space so people will be able to move around more easily. Even someone who walks with a cane can be in danger of trips and falls with too much clutter. If space is very tight the professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer can knock down the front closet or walls to create extra space.

Add Hand Rails

When you are well and able to get around unassisted you might not even think about holding onto hand rails. However, for someone walking with a cane or with balance issues a hand rail is a life saver. Hand rails should be placed wherever there are stairs, steps or changes in levels. This will allow people to grasp onto something to help them safely enter your home. Hand rails should be placed both outside leading towards the door and inside to assist with coming and going.

Add a Ramp

Ramps can make getting into a building so much easier for people in wheelchairs, using walkers and scooters. Ramps are affordable renovations Ottawa home owners can install for easier access to your front door.

The professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer will help transform your entry making it mobility friendly. Arrange for a consultation for more suggestions on how your home can be made more comfortable for those with mobility challenges.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Bad Renovation

The After Effects of a Bad Renovation

From DIY disasters to hiring a contractor without the required experience a bad renovation can leave your home in unlivable conditions with dangers you might not even know exist until a tragedy occurs. An inexperienced or really inexpensive contractor can leave you with a bad renovation that could not just be unappealing to the eye, but also do serious damage to your home putting your family in danger. Some of the after effects of a bad renovation can include:

Unplanned Costs


Going over budget is actually one of the best of the worst things that can happen. However, this will affect you financially and put a real dent in your savings, hike up your credit cards, deplete your line of credit and worst of all could have a negative effect on your credit rating which can stay with you for years. Even worse is having your Ottawa renovations performed so poorly you have to hire a second company to come in to fix everything at your expense. This is one of the most popular techniques used by shady contractors, get in the door with low pricing, then hit them with every additional they can think of.

Inconvenience


Hiring a contractor without the right experience can turn your Ottawa renovations into a never ending nightmare with you living in turmoil as your contractor stumbles through the job for months, imagine living without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for months on end and the stress it will place on your family. When you hire an inexperienced contractor they might have every intention of completing your project and may even do a good job but disorganization, lack of funds to hire the right people for the job and overall inexperience in time management can mean months of inconvenience. In even worse scenarios the job might be completed on time but performed so poorly you have to have the job redone leading to more inconveniences not to mention the cost.

Disagreements


An inexperienced contractor is more likely to run into disagreements with the way things happened which can lead to the wrong work being done, the wrong quote being provided and often the wrong decisions being made. Any of these scenarios can lead to disaster leaving you in the lurch with a job you are not happy with and a bill you do not want to pay.

Taking the time to do your research and being careful to recognize that the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice will help you avoid a renovation nightmare.  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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251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427

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