Expert Tips

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

Understanding the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

In the fall of 2012, the province of Ontario introduced the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, a refund designed to help seniors convert their homes to accommodate mobility limitations. Here’s everything you need to know about the credit:

What is the tax credit?


The tax credit is a permanent refundable income tax credit. Qualifying taxpayers can claim up to $10,000 of eligible home improvements on their income tax return per year, and will receive 15% of the eligible expenses in a refund. Eligible home improvements costing $10,000 would return $1,500, while mobility renovations costing $5,000 would return $750. This is a yearly tax credit, meaning you can receive a refund of up to $1,500 for every year that eligible renovations are conducted going forward.

What is the purpose of the tax credit?


The purpose of the tax credit is to help seniors and their families make their homes safer, more accessible, and more accommodating toward mobility limitations. These renovations will allow seniors to live at home for longer instead of moving into a care facility.

Who is eligible?


Seniors who are residents of Ontario and 65 years or older by the end of the year are eligible to receive the tax refund. Family members who live with seniors 65 years or older also qualify for the tax refund. Income level has no effect on eligibility.

What are eligible expenses?


Eligible expenses generally include renovations completed for the purpose of improving safety and accessibility. These projects can include walk-in bathtubs, wheel-in showers, grab bars, handrails, non-slip flooring, widened doorways, lowered counters, wheelchair ramps and lifts, and motion-activated lighting. Speak with your mobility renovation contractor in advance to make sure planned work is eligible.

What are ineligible expenses?


Renovations that improve the value of the home without directly improving safety and accessibility are not eligible for the tax credit. Examples of this work include plumbing and electrical, roof repairs, window replacements, and updates to the HVAC system. Assistive devices ranging from wheelchairs and walker to fire extinguishers and home safety monitoring do not qualify. Finally, services like landscaping, housekeeping, and home care also are not eligible. Talk with your mobility renovation contractor before any work begins to clarify if the work is eligible for the tax credit or not.

Take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit today. Call RenosGroup.ca for a free in-home consultation today to start the process of making your home safe and mobility friendly.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Caring for Granite Countertop

Caring for Your Granite Countertops

If you’ve invested in gorgeous natural granite countertops as the centerpiece of your kitchen renovation, you deserve to have your investment stand the test of time. Follow these steps from our kitchen renovation company to keep your granite looking beautiful as the years pass:

Seal of Approval


Part of caring for your granite countertops is reseal your countertop on a regular basis. If you only use your kitchen sparingly, reseal about once every two years. If you use your counters daily, reseal once per year. And if you practically run a bakery/catering service out of your kitchen, reseal every six months.

Be Gentle


Harsh products, abrasive scrubbing sponges, and acidic cleaners can weaken the seal on your countertops. Don’t use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, citrus cleansers, or Windex. As the seal begins to breakdown, liquid can start to seep into the stone and cause unsightly stains. So keep a vigilant cleaning schedule, but don’t use harsh products and cleaners.

Act Quickly


If you notice a spill on your granite countertops, wipe it up quickly. Fast action is your best protection. Even with a strong seal, granite is still a porous stone, so don’t give liquids a chance to seep through.

Disinfecting


Granite countertops are not likely to play host to bacteria, but you should still be safe and sanitize your countertops daily. All you really need to use is hot water and dish soap with a soft microfibre cloth. You can also spray a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol, let it sit, and then wipe it off. It only takes a few minutes, but it could save your granite countertops.

Cleaning Your Granite Countertops

  • Start by wetting a
  • dishcloth with warm water and dish soap.
  • Wipe down your countertops with the dish soap, making sure to sop up all liquids and wipe up any crumbs.
  • Use a soft cloth or towel to dry your granite countertops. This will prevent any streaking, making sure your countertops look stunning from any angle.
  • Disinfect your countertops with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth.

It’s that simple! If you put in the effort to keep your countertops clean on a daily basis and make sure to reseal the granite as needed, they’ll stay in mint condition for years and years. Let your granite countertops be the centerpiece of your kitchen renovation well into the future thanks to proper care and maintenance.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427. 

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

Surveys indicate that the vast majority of seniors wish to remain in their homes. This desire may be hampered by space restrictions, accessibility issues, and safety concerns in many homes. Fortunately, mobility renovations are a great way to allow seniors to maintain their independence and safety while remaining in their beloved homes. Even better, Ontario seniors are eligible to receive up to $1,500 through the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. Here are some of the fantastic ways mobility renovations can help seniors:

Bathroom

Your bathroom is an integral part of your daily hygiene routine. However, traditional bathroom features can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to use. Slippery floors can put your safety at risk. Mobility renovators can install non-slip flooring and walk-in bathtubs, or shower stalls to protect your safety. Bath seats and benches improve safety; while grab bars in the shower and by the toilet can also help. Hands-free faucets make everything easier for people with mobility limitations.

Kitchen

Being able to safely make meals is an important part of happy and independent living for seniors. Mobility renovators can improve the accessibility of your kitchen so you can continue to enjoy cooking as the years pass. Existing countertops and cupboards can be lowered to make access easier. As with the bathroom, hands-free taps can be installed. There are also many customizations that can be made to improve accessibility for seniors, like installing touch latches on drawers and cupboards.

Staircases

Staircases can be quite difficult for seniors with mobility limitations. Mobility renovators can mount safety handrails, improve lighting, or install a mechanical stair lift. It is also possible to widen the stairway and lay down reflective non-slip tape to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs.

Exterior

Especially in our tough Canadian winters, it can be very difficult for seniors to travel to and from the car to the house. Mobility renovators can make this process less strenuous by installing an exterior wheelchair or walker ramp to facilitate entrance into the house. Doorways can also be widened to make it easier to get inside the house in a wheelchair. Finally, outdoor light fixtures can be improved and locks can be changed to make them easier to use.

Home mobility renovations can help seniors live many happy and independent years in their homes without having to move to senior care facilities.  If you need some help please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

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.

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

When your loved one has mobility limitations, you want to do everything possible to make their home life safe, comfortable, and accessible. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners should make sure the following areas are covered:

Maneuverability


Especially if your loved one needs a walker or wheelchair, it is important that they have enough room to navigate safely and comfortably around the house. You may consider enlisting the help of mobility renovation experts to widen doorways and made it easier to move from room to room. Swinging doors can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to open, so you may consider installing pocket doors.

Sinks & Counters


High countertops and sinks may be difficult for your loved one to use if they are in a wheelchair. Consider renovating to install lower sinks and countertops so they are easily accessible at wheelchair height. Your loved one can move around independently and not have to struggle with unreachable countertops and sinks.

Safe Flooring


Slippery flooring is a concern for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with mobility issues. Make sure to install slip-resistant flooring with non-slip coating to prevent your loved one from falling on slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom.

Bathroom Accessibility


Bathrooms can be especially troublesome for people with mobility limitations. When they need mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners place bathroom concerns at the top of the list. Fortunately, the experts can install strategically placed handrails, wide walk-in shower stalls, bathtub seats, handheld showering devices, and lowered fixtures. All of these adjustments make it easy for your loved one to use the bathroom privately, safely, and comfortably.

Lighting


For individuals who suffer from declining vision, it can be difficult to navigate around the house with normal lighting. Mobility renovation experts can install brighter lighting to increase visibility, reduce safety risks, and improve quality of life.

Staircases


For your loved one with mobility limitations, it can difficult or even impossible to enter houses with stairs or go up to a second story. Mobility renovation experts can construct ramps, place reflective non-slip tape on staircases, and install handrails to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs safely.

When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners now have all the information they need to design their home and make it safe, comfortable, and accessible to their loved ones.  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

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

Working with small spaces

Working with Small Spaces

Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces:

Remove Barriers


Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces.

Optimize Every Centimeter


Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet.

Look Up


Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room.

Add More Light


Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens.

Camouflage


Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well.

Glass


Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room.

Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Simple Kitchen Renovations

3 Simple Kitchen Renovations

If your kitchen looks a little uninspired there are a few ways you can invest in an affordable kitchen renovation. Instead of undergoing a complete remodel you can make partial renovations that will help to update your kitchen. Here are three budget friendly ideas to give your tired space a little makeover:

Cabinets and Backsplash


Your cabinets can be updated in a number of ways. You can opt to refinish them with a new stain or a fresh coat of paint. This can be a little labour intensive but well worth the effort. You can also look into refacing your cabinets. Cabinet refacing uses the base of the cabinets and replaces the doors. This is an easy process with little disruption. It is also affordable and makes a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. A backsplash update is also an affordable option. With so many choices of tile you can really get creative. However even a fresh new backsplash of simple white subway tile can do wonders to make your kitchen look new.

Tile and Appliances


Nothing dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Replacing your appliances with new, energy efficient appliances will make your kitchen look state of the art. It will also help reduce your energy bills. You can opt for sleek stainless steel for a modern look or look for options such as built-ins for island cook tops, wall ovens and fridges. Tiling is another excellent way to create a decorative update for your kitchen. You can create an interesting mosaic design behind your stove, update your backsplash or look at new flooring options. Tile is affordable and can be used to create a number of styles including modern, traditional or rustic.

Countertops and Hardware


Countertops cover quite a large surface area in your kitchen, even in smaller spaces. That means new countertops can make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. There are many options for countertops including natural stone and marble, butcher block and man-made options including recycled glass. A simple finishing touch that can really update your cabinets is replacing your hardware. Look for large and impressive handles in white metal for a modern look or rustic finishes such as brass or black cast iron knobs for a traditional or country kitchen.

Partial kitchen renovations are the budget friendly option for easy kitchen makeovers.  Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next renovation project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

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

4-tips-for-mobility-renovations

4 Mobility Renovations Tips

If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips:

Open up the Space


When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways.

Use Safe Materials


For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces.

Consider Their Perspective


For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach.

Hire the Professionals


Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors.

A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety.  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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Office Address:
251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
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