Design

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 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

The Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

Unfortunately, very few homes are designed with concern for mobility limitations. Steep staircases, tight spaces that limit maneuverability, and designs that cause safety issues abound in most homes. If you want to make your home friendly to loved ones with mobility limitations, make sure to follow this mobility-friendly renovation checklist:

Schedule an In-Home Consultation

An in-home consultation is absolutely necessary to observe the mobility limitations of your loved one and assess the state of your home. Do not trust any estimate or promise that is made without having met you in person or without having seen your home. An in-home consultation with mobility renos experts can assure your renovation is done right the first time.

Ask Around

You may know people who have also had their homes renovated to accommodate mobility limitations. Ask around and see what features they love, what features they wish they had, and what they might have done differently. You can learn a lot from speaking with people who have been down the same path.

Plan for the Present and Future

You want your mobility renovation to suit your current needs, but you also want it to accommodate future changes. If you plan on living in your home for another decade, consider what your mobility needs will be at that time. It is better to do a full renovation now than to have to redo everything in five or ten years to accommodate new mobility issues. For example, it may be wise to increase the width of doorways even if your loved one does not require a wheelchair at the present time.

Bathroom Safety

One of the primary concerns for mobility limitations is being able to use the bathroom safely with dignity and privacy. For this reason, the bathroom is one of the key areas for mobility renos. Whether you wish to install lower sinks that can accommodate a wheelchair, build a wider toilet area, or construct a walk-in shower, these accommodations can vastly improve quality of life. Slip-resistant flooring is also important.

Ease of Access

It is important that your loved ones have the space to comfortable move around in the home. The house should be organized so that items are accessible and bending, reaching, or other difficult movements are not required. Some of this will not require renovation, but simply reorganizing the house from the perspective of someone with mobility issues. In the instance that renovation is required (such as doorway widening), mobility renovation experts can do the job right.

Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and accessible home with the help of mobility renos experts in Ottawa.  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.

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

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

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

If you are about to embark on the basement finishing Ottawa homeowners often undergo, families should always make their basements kid friendly. Here are some tips that will help you create a perfect space for kids:

Workspace for Homework

Teachers always advise that kids have a designated area for homework. This space should be free of interruption and have all the tools a child will need. When designing your basement, Ottawa contractors can help you come up with the perfect work area for your studious little ones. You want to have a large desk or counter surface that will be able to accommodate projects that might need a bristle board as well as a computer and space to open text books. In smaller spaces a built in counter is ideal with drawers below and shelves above. In larger basements you can use a nice large desk where kids can spread out their work. You also want to have good lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of storage space for supplies.

Indoor Playground

There are many fun additions you can add to your basement finishing Ottawa kids will love. An indoor playground will offer a safe, year round area that will help keep your kids active. Consider adding a climbing wall with a comfy, foam floor where kids can take fun tumbles. You can also look at installing a basketball hoop, slide and even a tire swing. Consider your kids’ interests and look at ideas such as a little stage where they can put on shows, indoor jungle gyms and fun crawl spaces where kids can hide. The space under the stairs can make a cozy reading space with book shelves, lots of pillows and an overhead pot light.

Carpet

Carpeting is a must for kid friendly spaces. It will allow kids to crawl around, laze, read and avoid injury. Install wall to wall carpeting in the area designated for play. You can then add a more sophisticated flooring like hardwood in the “adult” area. Foam tile works well for kids as well.

Chalkboard Wall

Kids love to draw and play games like school. Paint an entire wall using chalkboard paint so kids can get creative and also not be tempted to paint or colour on areas they shouldn’t.

These tips will help you create a perfect kid friendly basement the whole family will love.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Renovating an Older Home

If you are considering renovating your older home there are many ways an Ottawa general contractor can help you make updates without taking away the original character and charm.

Focus on Architecture

The architecture of an older home tends to feature far more charm and character than homes that have been mass produced in sub-divisions. Even retro homes that are mid-century modern will have some interesting features you might want to leave untouched. Some common features you might want to repair and refinish as opposed to completely tear out and replace would include:

• Original crown moulding
• Stair cases, including retro 70’s “Brady Bunch” stairs
• Original doors and framing
• Original hardwood or even parquet floors
• Mantles and fireplace detailing
• Special window features such as stained glass and transoms

Items to Salvage

When you are renovating older homes there are also a number of items you might want to discuss salvaging with your Ottawa general contractor. For example if you want to redo your kitchen many older homes might have interesting vintage or even historical details such as sinks and lighting. Even if you do not want to use these items yourself you might be able to sell these items for a fair penny to those who are looking for original pieces for their own renovations. Other items worth salvaging can include:

• Doors
• Trim (might be hard to remove without damage)
• Claw foot tubs
Window panes and storm windows
• Old light switch plates
• Old heating grates
• Old door knobs and cupboard pulls
• Old kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Old flooring

Items to Update

Your Ottawa general contractor can also assist in updating areas of your home without the need to completely tear out or replace certain features. For example, an old staircase can be reinvented with the addition of modern glass balustrades. Another update can be as simple as painting out dark wood features from baseboards to wainscoting. An old front door might have a certain element of charm while adding to the authenticity of your exterior architecture. Sanding and painting might be a better option than just tearing it out and replacing it. Hardwood and parquet floors can be sanded and given a modern edge with a darker stain. You can even change unneeded closets into interesting alcoves.

Your Ottawa general contractor can help maintain the integrity of your older home while offering a sense of contemporary aesthetics you desire.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

Whether you have bought a diamond in the rough, or have just decided it is time to remodel your home it can be difficult deciding which project should be renovated first. Here are some considerations to help you decide where to begin.

Need


First consider your needs. Is there any one space that is interfering with your comfort or everyday needs? Perhaps a bathroom is leaky and causing further damage to your home. Maybe your kitchen is a complete disaster making preparing meals a nightmare. You might even have serious issues such as poor insulation or a leaky roof. Look at how each issue is affecting the condition of your home and your comfort and prioritize based on the severity of each room.

Quick Fixes


While you get started on major changes you can also look at some quick fixes. For example you might need new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. This is an easy fix that can be addressed right away. Other easy fixes might be basic cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint.

Budget


Realistically you will only be able to do the changes that you can afford. Once you prioritize the changes that are needed consider making a budget plan that allows you to take on projects one at a time. Balance need and want in order to make the right decisions. Here is a good way to prioritize:

• Must Haves: Look at all of your must haves. These are issues that will affect the safety of your home such as mould removal or a major leak in your roof or foundation. You might also have an oven or fridge that doesn’t work. Consider the cost and see which of these must haves are affordable.
• Timing: Look at each project and come up with a plan that you can map out on a schedule. Speak to a contractor and see if there would be any savings by electing to do certain things at special times of year. Also see if there are discounts for doing more work at once.

Once you have a scope of the work required speak to your bank and see what credit is available. They might make the decisions and planning easier if you have access to a line of credit that will allow you to make all of the changes you need.  If you are still having trouble deciding which project you should renovate first, give us a call, at (613) 727-9427, we can answer all your questions…….To get in touch you can also fill out an online form

How DIY Projects Can Go Horribly Wrong

Many homeowners feel their budget cannot withstand professional renovations. However when you opt to take on DIY projects it can quickly go horribly wrong. Here are just a few of the issues you might encounter when you take on your next DIY project:

Cost


It might seem that the DIY route will save money, however there are some things people do not consider when it comes to cost. First, your contractor will get major discounts when purchasing materials. Contractors buy some basic materials in bulk to save money. They also get discounts on finishing materials such as flooring, tile and even crown moulding. These savings are passed on to you. As professionals they will also complete the job quickly. Your DIY project could go on for weeks or months.

Design Differences


When working on DIY projects you can run into some design differences with your partner. It is harder to resolve design differences between the two of you than it would be if you had an impartial third party to offer advice. Conflict is a common occurrence during renovations and these conflicts can be even worse for DIY projects. A contractor can be the voice of reason to help you make the right choices you will both love.

Minor and Major Mistakes


It just takes one episode of “DIY Disasters” to see how easy it is to make mistakes. Minor mistakes are not only inconvenient, they also end up costing money. As a DIYer it is easy to miscalculate measurements and use the wrong products and technique. All of these potential errors can end up costing you way more than having it done right the first time. Mistakes can be problematic when it comes time to sell your home. Crooked baseboards, uneven floors and poor paint jobs are the types of imperfections that can make many home buyers pass on putting in an offer. Major mistakes can prove disastrous to your home. You can have a slow leak from poorly installed tile or plumbing that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. You can also ruin expensive materials such as hardwood floors if you install them incorrectly.

Your DIY project can go horribly wrong with each mistake costing you money in wasted materials and more of your valuable time. Working with a contractor will save you time, money and help keep the peace at home.  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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