Expert Tips

How to Choose the Right Fixer Upper

How to Choose the Right Fixer-Upper

Buying a move-in-ready home is nice, but it’s not always in the budget. Sometimes, you need to buy a fixer-upper and renovate it to your unique standards. This can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be stressful when you don’t know which property to buy. Let’s explore the factors that should go into choosing the right fixer-upper for your needs:

Location, Location, Location

The first rule in real estate is to think about the location of the property you want to buy.  Ideally, the best investment is the worst house in the best neighborhood. After you fix it up, the home then becomes part of the high-end landscape surrounding it. This translates into higher property values and increased resale possibilities. When planning your next hunt for the best fixer-upper, be sure to think about where the property is located so that you can buy something in a favourable or up-and-coming neighbourhood in Ottawa.

Money Left for Renovations

The point of buying a fixer-upper is to invest your money into a property that has the potential to be something great. Try to remember that when negotiating the cost. You will need to have enough money left after you buy the home to complete all the necessary renovation projects on it. If you spend too much on your initial purchase, you could run out of funds halfway through your renovation. Instead, find a home that is both fixable and affordable.

Your Specific Needs in a Home

At the end of the day, what matters most when purchasing a fixer-upper is how well the finished property will fit into your plans for it. Before you make anything official, be sure that the home can be feasibly transformed into what you desire. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I making this an income property?
  • Will the home be used as my personal residence?
  • Will I be able to reconfigure the layout the way I want?
  • Can I afford everything that needs to be done?
  • Are there other options in my budget that are fit for my needs without needing so much work?

*Tip: If you still can’t make up your mind, perhaps ask a friend or family member to help you decide. Bring in your Ottawa contractor for consultation about the estimated renovation costs.

Once you’ve settled on your fixer-upper, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to start the renovation process. In no time, that fixer-upper will be turned into a breathtaking home.

 

The Pros And Cons Of Home Renovation Versus A Home Addition

The Pros And Cons Of Home Renovation Versus A Home Addition

Home renovation is a popular pastime in Canada. With the rise of DIY work, many homeowners have taken remodeling and renovation into their own hands, making necessary improvements that not only update dated designs but also potentially increase value by adding additional square footage. Another option many homeowners struggle with is the idea of home additions. While more intensive than remodeling work, home additions can provide space that would otherwise not be there. Let’s take a moment to review the pros and cons of each while examining cost, time, and need.

1. Cost

Generally speaking, a home addition will cost more than home remodeling. This is because an expansion will require the building of a support structure, exterior, and roofing. Renovation, on the other hand will be significantly less as the walls and ceiling will already be established. While the addition of a window may influence the exterior of the house, the costs will still be generally lower.

That being said, not all home additions have to be expensive. Some families utilize existing decks to become the baseboards for an expansion, saving on the costs of building work required. However, when considering the labour, the supply costs, and any permits you are looking to get, the costs can run generally high.

2. Time

Home renovations generally take less time than home additions. One of the chief reasons for this comes down to labour. With a home renovation, you may be able to do the majority of the work on your own schedule, completing the task quickly or slowly. However, with home additions, you will often have to rely on other people, like contractors to come in on their schedule to help get the work done. This can raise additional problems especially if the seasons are less than ideal and expansion work exposes an interior part of your home.

3. Need

Home renovations can only go so far when it comes to fulfilling your need or the needs of potential buyers. A small house will still be small, even if you knock out walls and open the space up. While renovation work may require less time and money, it does not provide the same versatility that an expansion would provide. Along with increasing the footprint of the house, an expansion can be done in such a way as to provide space where it is needed the most, making everything more open as a result.

Talk to RenosGroup.ca to discuss whether a home renovation or home addition is more appropriate for your needs.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Things to Consider for Bathroom Renovations

7 Surprising Things to Consider During Your Bathroom Renovation

There are many reasons why Ottawa homeowners decide it’s time for a bathroom renovation. Maybe they want to upgrade an outdated bathroom, improve the functionality of the space, create more storage, accommodate changing family needs, or increase the value of the home. No matter the reason, here are seven surprising things to consider for bathroom renovations:

The Importance of Prioritization


When planning a bathroom renovation, it can be easy to lose your head in the clouds, dreaming of heated floors and a wood plank feature wall and vintage clawfoot tub. This is all well and good until you realize you didn’t leave enough room in the budget for the thing you needed most, a new toilet. Make a list of your priorities and budget accordingly. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to get lost in the details.

Find a Balance


When planning a bathroom renovation, you have to balance an investment of time, money, energy, and quality. Going with a DIY approach may save you money, but it will “cost” a lot in terms of time, energy, and worse results. That’s why turning to a professional bathroom renovation contractor offers the best balance with outstanding quality delivered on time and on budget.

Contingency Fund


Once you calculate what you can afford to spend, take at least 10% to 20% of this budget to use for a contingency fund. If you allocate every penny of your budget, any delay, damaged material, or unexpected surprise behind the walls will spell trouble. Be prepared so your project can continue smoothly.

Out of the Bathroom


Consider the bathroom a “no go” zone when it’s under renovation. Move all of your bathroom essentials like toothbrushes and razors to another bathroom if possible, otherwise turn your kitchen into “bathroom central” until the renovation is complete.

Create a Sketch


Don’t just visualize your remodeled bathroom in your head. Even just a rough sketch of the layout is a good start, but then take exact measurements and get drawings or a 3D model to get an accurate picture.

Measure Twice…


This should go without saying, but the old adage “measure twice, cut once” holds as true as ever. Haste makes waste, so work slowly and accurately so you get better results. Even better, hire a bathroom renovation contractor for perfect precision.

When Replacing Flooring


If you are replacing the flooring in your bathroom, use the opportunity to replace the underlayment as well. This will provide an even, watertight surface for your flooring, and you’ll be able to undo any water damage that has gathered over the years.

Save yourself the headache and turn to the bathroom renovation professionals at RenosGroups.ca. We do it right the first time so you end up with a beautiful, functional, and durable bathroom to enjoy for years to come.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Staying Safe in the Bathroom

10 Handy Tips for Staying Safe in the Bathroom

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada, more seniors are injured at home than at any other location. About half of all seniors falls happen at home. Environmental hazards in the home are the most common environmental risk factor for falls, and nowhere are these hazards more prominent than in the bathroom. Here are ten handy tips so you can stay safe and prevent falls in your home bathroom:

Throw Out Throw Rugs


According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, throw rugs are the number one cause of household falls in the US. If you like the look of the rugs and don’t want to remove them, you can secure the rugs in place with slip-resistance backing or double-sided tape.

Non-Slip Shower


Water and soap are both slippery, which makes taking a shower a pretty big risk for falls. For this reason, you should place a non-slip mat or anti-slip shower treads on the floor of the tub or shower. If you plan a mobility renovation, you can choose to have slip-resistant tiles installed. These tiles are coated with an abrasive material for safety purposes.

Clean Tub


If you don’t clean your tub regularly, soap scum can build up and make the tub slippery. So clean it on a weekly basis. As an added safety bonus, you’ll also clear away mould and mildew growth.

Dry Floor


It’s no surprise that water on the floor creates a hazardous condition. Make sure you keep your bathroom floor dry and mop up any wet spots if they appear. To prevent water from the shower dripping on the floor, purchase a weighted shower curtain.

Mobility Renovations


Grab bars and rails around the toilet, shower, and tub are important safety features, especially for seniors. They help you maintain your balance so you don’t fall. If you do accidentally slip, you can reach out and grab a bar to regain your balance. Remember, items like towel bars are NOT substitutes for proper grab bars.

Lighting


You should place nightlights in the hallway to easily guide you toward the bathroom at night. Within the bathroom, place a nightlight or install an illuminated switch so you can safety turn on the light and conduct your business.

Higher Toilet Seat


Trying to crouch down onto a low toilet seat isn’t only uncomfortable for people with mobility limitations, it can also lead to a fall. Invest in a heightened toilet seat or use the opportunity to upgrade to a new toilet that not only sits higher, but is more energy efficient.

Bath Seat or Bench


Your mobility renovations should also include a bath or shower seat or bench. This gives you a place to rest if you feel tired, and you can also bathe yourself comfortably while sitting down safely.

Handheld Showerhead


If you are trying to get your whole body clean with a stationary showerhead, it requires a lot of movement on your part. A handheld showerhead is much more convenient, and can easily be used from the comfortable perch of a bath seat or bench.

Slow and Steady


When you try to rush, you are more likely to cause an accident. Go slow and steady and make sure you are safe and balanced. Make sure you allocate more time in the bathroom for yourself by waking up ten minutes earlier, for example.

These ten tips should help keep everyone safe in the bathroom. For more handy tips regarding mobility renovations, contact RenosGroup.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

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

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

Planning a Home Addition

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

Hottest Bathroom Trends

The Hottest Bathroom Trends

Whether you’re cooling off in the shower after a hot summer’s day outside, cuddling up with your partner in a Jacuzzi tub, or trying to wrangle the kids for a quick bath before bed, we demand a lot from our bathrooms. We also deserve for them to be relaxing spaces. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation or upgrade, consider this year’s hottest bathroom trends:

Elegant Bathtub

Gone are the days when a bathtub is just a vessel for your shower – this year standalone tubs get the spotlight all to themselves. Whether you want an elegant clawfoot tub with cast iron features and a rolled rim, an Art Deco pedestal bathtub or a freestanding soaker tub made of reinforced acrylic, there is a tub to match any design style. These quality tubs run a pretty penny, but they are incredibly durable and will be well worth the price the first time you soak into the warm and bubbly water.

Dual-Flush Toilet

We don’t talk about toilets much, but they’re definitely an important facet of the bathroom! This year, it’s all about high-efficiency dual-flush toilets. There are two different buttons or handles to flush a different volume of water depending on what is needed. The dual-flush technology cuts down on water usage, helping the environment and trimming your monthly expenses. For an extra luxury, wall hung toilets take up less space and use even less water.

Vanity with Storage

Are you sick of toothbrushes, hairbrushes, makeup, creams, and lotions that you haven’t touched in three years crowding your bathroom counter? A vanity completes the look of the space, but it also serves an important function in terms of organization. Choose from a contemporary urban vanity with natural earth tones and chrome handles, a colonial birch double vanity, or an espresso-coloured wood vanity with sophisticated granite counters.

Everything But the Bathroom Sink

No matter the size of your bathroom, you can invest in a contemporary sink that enhances the look of the space. Choose between popular options like a slim pedestal sink made of China, glass sink with a chrome faucet, or deep ceramic wall mount vessel sink. With waterfall faucets and other aesthetically pleasing features, even kids will be excited to wash up!

If you want to be at the peak of style this year, any one of these elements can give the bathroom renovation look you’ve always imagined. Whether your style is sleek and contemporary or warm and vintage, RenosGroups.ca can make it happen.  Contact us, 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

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

Have you recently had hardwood floors installed as part of an Ottawa home renovation? Do you want to keep your original hardwood floors in good condition? Follow these tips on how to care for hardwood floors:

The trick with hardwood floors is to practice simple and quick daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance. This will spare you the hassle and expense of more intensive (and expensive!) restoration down the road. You should dust daily to sweep up dust, hair, dirt, pet dander, food remnants, and other nasties. If left unattended, these particles can scratch your floor. Use a soft material like microfibre to attract dust and prevent scratching. If something gets spilled on the floors, wipe it up immediately.

Vacuum your floors about once per week. Use an attachment with a brush or felt head  designed specifically for use on hardwood floors, as beater bars or the regular vacuum can scratch the finish on your floors.

Polishing


Polish your floors with a water-based polish every season. These will restore the shine to your floor, and also fill in micro-scratches before they turn into more noticeable blights on your floor. Make sure you wipe your floors dry with a soft cloth, as standing water can damage wood floors.

Preventing Marks


Sometimes the biggest thing you can do to protect your hardwood floors is to adjust your behaviour. No one should ever walk with hardwood shoes on the floor. If you have high-trafficked areas, consider placing area rugs to reduce wear on your floors. Keep pet nails trimmed so they don’t scratch the finish with their claws. Place protective pads underneath your furniture and tables so they don’t scratch the floors if moved. Maintain a comfortable humidity level in the home.

How to Remove Marks


Even with attentive care, sometimes you can’t avoid getting marks on your floor – pet stains, water marks, heel scuffs, you name it. Most of these marks can be removed with floor wax, but it’s important to read the label beforehand and test on a small area first.

What to Avoid


Never used any products on your floor unless they are specifically for hardwood floors. Vinegar can dull the finish, soap and wax leave residues, and the heat and water from steam cleaners can do damage. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.

Hardwood floors may be the crown jewel of your Ottawa home renovation, so treat them with care and they’ll look incredible for many years.  Contact us through our  online form, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to request your free in-home

how-to-make-a-small-kitchen-feel-big

How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Big

Just because the square footage of your kitchen is smaller than average doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice an inch of style and function. With an Ottawa kitchen renovation, RenosGroup.ca can maximize the efficiency of a kitchen of any size.

Don’t be discouraged if your kitchen boasts a more modest footprint than average. Small kitchens can be transformed into delightful and functional spaces that belie their actual size. With a few clever design tricks, you can create the illusion of a more expansive room while maximizing every precious square inch for ultimate functionality. Here’s a treasure trove of tips to unlock the hidden potential within your compact culinary haven:

Satisfied Customer - Kitchen Renovation by Renosgroup

 

Tall Cabinets

If the ceiling height accommodates, think about installing extra tall cabinets. The exaggerated length makes your small kitchen appear larger than it truly is, with the added bonus of providing much needed storage space. Use the highest parts of the cabinets to store rarely used kitchen items, like your turkey roasting pan or ice cream maker. Space is at a premium in a small kitchen, so don’t let that extra height go to waste.

Maximize Storage: Every Inch Counts

  • Embrace the Vertical Reach: Don’t let valuable storage space go to waste! Install cabinets that stretch all the way to the ceiling. This creates a dramatic vertical line that draws the eye upwards, making the room feel taller. Plus, those high cabinets become the perfect home for rarely used appliances or seasonal items, freeing up precious counter space below.
  • Outsmart the Ordinary Cabinet: Cabinets can be so much more than just plain wooden boxes. Consider built-in features like lazy Susan turntables and pull-out shelves. These ingenious solutions maximize the usability of every inch within the cabinet, making it easier to reach those tucked-away items in the back. The best part? Many of these features can be retrofitted into your existing cabinets, offering a cost-effective way to boost functionality without a complete kitchen overhaul.

Mirrors

Mirrors have long been used by interior designers to enlarge small spaces because of the way they bounce light around the room. Cabinet doors with mirrored glass work wonders in a small kitchen. If mirrors don’t quite suit your taste, shiny stainless steel or glossy glass tiles can fulfill a similar function.

Here are a couple of ways to incorporate mirrors into your small kitchen design:

  • Mirrored Cabinet Doors: This is a classic and highly effective technique. By replacing traditional cabinet doors with mirrored panels, you create a stunning and functional focal point. The mirrored surface reflects light throughout the space, making the room feel larger and brighter. This is a great option for kitchens with upper cabinets, as it expands the feeling of ceiling height and openness.

  • Beyond the Cabinets: Don’t limit yourself to just the cabinets! While mirrored cabinet doors are a great choice, there are other creative ways to introduce reflective surfaces. Consider a strategically placed mirrored backsplash behind your sink or cooktop. This will not only add a touch of glamour but also reflect light across the countertop, making the workspace feel more open. You could even explore the possibility of a mirrored accent wall, though this is a bolder design statement and might work best in kitchens with a bit more breathing room.

Light Colours

Dark colours and tones have an unfortunate side effect of making spaces feel smaller, like the walls are closing in. Light colours have the opposite effect and make walls feel farther than they truly are. For this reason, opt for light wood cabinets, white or light countertops, and light neutral tones in the backsplash or paint.

Light Colors: Beyond Paint and Cabinets

The impact of light colors extends beyond just walls and cabinets. Here are some additional ways to incorporate light hues into your small kitchen:

  • Appliance Harmony: If your appliances are due for an upgrade, consider opting for lighter-colored models. Stainless steel is always a classic choice, but you might also find refrigerators and dishwashers available in white or other light tones. This creates a cohesive look that reinforces the feeling of openness.
  • Light and Breezy Fabrics: When choosing curtains or blinds, opt for light and airy fabrics in soft colors. Sheer curtains allow natural light to filter through, further enhancing the feeling of brightness. Avoid heavy drapes or dark fabrics, as these can visually shrink the space.

Storage Space

Cabinets these days can be a lot more functional than two slabs of wood. Custom cabinetry with features like lazy Susans and pull-out shelves will save space and maximize efficiency. Even better, these features can be built into your existing cabinets without the expense of overhauling the whole kitchen.

Beyond Cabinets: Creative Storage Solutions

  • Rolling Carts: A rolling cart can be a lifesaver in a small kitchen. It provides extra storage space for appliances, cookbooks, or pantry items, and the wheels allow you to easily move it around as needed.

  • Under-Sink Gems: Don’t let the space under your sink go to waste! Install pull-out drawers or under-sink organizers to maximize storage for cleaning supplies, dish towels, or even a small trash can.

Smaller Appliances

If your old appliances are due for an update, think about going with the slightly smaller alternatives. You can get attractive energy efficient appliances that make more sense for the space without sacrificing any style at all. If you don’t use your kitchen much, do you really need a double-wide refrigerator or restaurant-calibre range?

Right-Size Your Appliances:

  • Rethink the Refrigerator: Do you really need a double-door behemoth if you’re a single person or a couple? Consider a compact refrigerator with a smaller footprint. Many offer innovative features like adjustable shelves and efficient storage solutions, allowing you to maximize every inch of space.

  • Range Right-Sizing: A professional-grade range might be a dream for some, but for a small kitchen, it might be more of an obstruction. Explore compact ranges that offer all the functionality you need – multiple burners, an oven, and even a broiler – in a smaller package.

  • Microwave Magic: Microwaves are a staple in many kitchens, but a bulky countertop model can eat up valuable space. Consider a space-saving option like a built-in microwave or a microwave with a smaller footprint.

Hanging Pots & Pans

If there is available wall space (or ceiling space, if you have an island), consider going with a hanging pot/pan rack. This frees up valuable cupboard space in a small kitchen. Of course, you’ll only want to display your pots and pans if they’re in good condition, so maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

Small kitchens require creative storage solutions, and hanging pot and pan racks are a fantastic way to free up valuable cabinet space while adding a touch of personality to your kitchen.

Benefits of Hanging Racks:

  • Space Savers: Hanging your pots and pans frees up precious cabinet space for other essentials like dishes, small appliances, or pantry items. This is particularly beneficial in a small kitchen where every inch counts.

  • Easy Access: Having your pots and pans readily accessible on a rack saves you time and frustration when you’re in the midst of cooking. No more rummaging through cluttered cabinets searching for the right pan!

  • Stylish Statement: A well-organized pot and pan rack can be a beautiful focal point in your kitchen. Choose a rack that complements your décor and display only your most attractive and well-maintained cookware. This creates a visually appealing and personalized touch.

Choosing the Right Rack:

  • Location, Location, Location: Consider the available space in your kitchen. Wall-mounted racks are a popular choice, but if you have an island, a ceiling-mounted rack can be a great option.

  • Matching Your Style: Pot and pan racks come in a variety of styles – modern, rustic, industrial – so choose one that complements your overall kitchen décor. Consider the material as well – chrome, stainless steel, or wrought iron.

  • Size Matters: Make sure the rack is large enough to accommodate all the pots and pans you plan to display. You don’t want it to look overcrowded, so be realistic about how much cookware you’ll be hanging.

Before You Hang:

  • Upgrade Time? This is a great opportunity to assess your cookware. If some of your pots and pans are dented, scratched, or have worn-out handles, consider replacing them before putting them on display. A well-curated selection of attractive cookware will enhance the visual appeal of your hanging rack.

Maintaining Your Rack:

  • Keep it Clean: Just like any other surface in your kitchen, your pot and pan rack needs to be cleaned regularly. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease.

  • Space it Out: Don’t overcrowd your rack. Leave some space between each pot and pan to allow for easy access and prevent them from scratching each other.

Remember: Don’t be afraid to express your personal style! A small kitchen doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a little creativity and these design tips, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and reflects your unique taste.

Happy Cooking!

Contact RenosGroup.ca today for more information about how an Ottawa kitchen renovation can make your small kitchen work.  To get in touch 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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