Home Additions

Guide to Planning a Second Storey Addition

A Quick Guide to Planning a Second Storey Addition

If you feel like your home is tight for space, or maybe you have a new addition to the family that’s on the way, adding on a second storey to your home can be a great way to remain in the place you’ve grown to love, while avoiding that gruelling moving process. But there are a variety of factors involved during this process. The first is determining of course, whether it is, in fact, possible to add on an additional storey.  So before you get your plans in motion, here is a quick guide to planning a second storey addition to your home.

Determine What’s Permitted


Before getting started, the first step is to consult the City of Ottawa to assess your property and determine if you can build that addition. Depending on legalities and proximity to neighbouring structures, there may be roadblocks involved. You need to determine whether you will be looking to build upward or outward, and which one is possible.

Consider the Cost


Although adding an addition on to your home can end up saving you a lot of time and aggravation from moving, it can also have the potential of being more costly than you anticipated. For example, if your home doesn’t have the proper, solid foundation that can support an addition to the home, you could end up having to dig deeper into your wallet to have your foundation reinforced.

Consider Additional Costs


Beyond the actual construction of a new addition, you must also take into account the other additional costs that will come along with it. This includes added furnishings for the space, flooring, fixtures, along with added energy usage. You may also need to update the mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical to account for the extra space. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved before moving ahead.

Know the Layout


It’s no good if you begin this type of project with no specific purpose in mind. If you’re just adding a second storey for the sake of expanding, then you should take some time to really play out what the purpose of that extension will be. If it’s going to be a room for the baby, an exercise space, or even a games room with some entertainment features, knowing what the space will be used for initially is important for creating the proper layout.

Deciding to add on a second storey to your home is a big decision, but when given the proper amount of thought and preparation, it can be a great investment and addition to your home. But before you jump into the process, it’s important to consider these factors first to ensure that it’s the best decision for you.

RenosGroup.ca can help you plan and execute your home addition project from start to finish. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to schedule your free in-home consultation.

Remodelling for the long term.

Remodelling for the Long Term

If you’ve endured home renovations in the past, chances are that you know very well just how gruelling and expensive they can be. What starts as a fun weekend DIY projects turns into months of living in a dusty construction zone. When you start to consider doing some renos on your new home, you want to make sure that you hire a professional general contractor and ensure whatever you’re investing in will give you the most amount of ROI in the future. Before you starting remodelling your home, here are some key factors to consider to get the best return on your investment that will serve you well for the long term.

Neutral or Calming Walls


When you’re in the midst of deciding what colour to throw on your walls, a good idea is to avoid anything harsh or bold. If you want to get the best long-term benefit out of that paint, your best bet is to go for neutral or calming colours. That way, if you decide that you no longer like the designs and accenting features in your home, you won’t be limited by the colour on your walls, or have to repaint them.

Adding Windows


If you’re feeling unsure about knocking down a few walls in order to enhance the natural light in your home, take comfort in knowing that this renovation will serve you and the value of your home well in the future. Adding more natural light to a home is always a smart idea. If you were on the fence about this one – let there be light!

Be Bold Through Accessories


Of course, we still need to incorporate some fun, flair, and colour into the interior design and one of the best ways for doing this through accessories. Accessories such as your cushions, artwork, or even curtains, are all great ways to help add in some vibrant colour without requiring any significant expense or alteration down the road. So if you happen to grow tired of a particular colour that’s dotted throughout your home, you can easily switch it up.

Make Functionality a Priority


No matter what you do, always have functionality as a priority in your design. For example, when it comes to your kitchen, make sure that the location of your appliances, countertops and cupboards all make sense to the flow of the space. That way, even if you have to change any aesthetics in the future, the main bulk layout (and expense) won’t have to be altered.

It’s always important to consider what makes the most sense for the long-term when remodelling your home. So before you begin those blueprints, consider these tips to help you make the right decisions that will benefit you and your home the most in the future.

Looking for home design ideas that will look just as good in a year or ten? RenosGroup.ca is Ottawa’s choice for expert kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovation projects with a focus on timeless finishes and design choices.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a playroom the kids will love.

Designing a Playroom the Kids Will Love

Let’s be honest, designing a play area for your child is almost as much of a thrill for you as it is for them. It’s just about the only household project that’s fun and exciting to create because you get to be a little wild and crazy with the design. You can splash on some bold colours or funky wallpaper on the walls that would never be “approved” anywhere else.  And the best part of all is that you get to see the smile on your child’s face when all is said and done. As a parent, it truly is one of the best household projects to undertake.  So when you begin to think about creating a special space for your kids, here are some important factors to consider when designing a playroom the kids will love.

The Design and Layout


Before you go crazy with the Disney characters or bright pink carpeting, take a moment to first consider how quickly your children will grow and inevitably change their tastes and preferences. So when it comes to the layout, you should always take this into careful consideration when choosing design features that are more permanent (or ones you at least don’t want to have to change often), such as carpeting or wallpaper.

They may look great now, but give it a few years and you (and your child) might be regretting it.

Type of Flooring


As mentioned, flooring is one of those choices that must be given some serious thought before throwing down the first selection you like. Take the time to really consider safety, aesthetics and of course, whether it will make sense in the near future. Because after a few months when your child has grown, you want that flooring to still hold well to wear and tear, while not looking completely out-dated.

Some great options for you to consider that can provide you with each of these elements include cork, laminate, hardwood, and soft yet durable carpeting.

Optimal Storage


Of course, every playroom needs to have an appropriate amount of storage to tidy away all of those toys and crafts. Incorporating this into the design is a must in order to keep it clean and tidy.

Whether it’s some toy boxes, cubed shelves and drawers – be sure that there is always some area that can house all of those toys.

When it comes down to designing a playroom that the kids will love, it’s all about creating a space that is safe, fun and functional. And by considering a few of these key design elements, you can make a space that will serve both you and your kids well into the future.

Ready to start your basement renovation? Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 common reasons to plan a home addition

4 Common Reasons to Plan a Home Addition

Planning a home addition to your house can be a significant project to undertake, but it can also be the best solution that can provide you with the room and comfort that you need so that you can avoid another big move. That’s one of the main reasons why more and more people are opting for home additions, too.  If you’re considering adding space to your house but feel unsure whether it’s the right decision for you, here are four common reasons to plan a home addition

Provides you with more space


Of course, it goes without saying how a new addition will provide you with some much-needed space. But just think about how much it can benefit you both now and in the future. Whether you are (or will be) planning to have children down the road, this could be the perfect way of incorporating more room into your house now and avoiding a massive move in the future.

Stay in the neighbourhood


It’s easy to get attached to the neighbourhood that you’re living in. So rather than having to move, building more space into your current living space will allow you to stay put and enjoy the place that you’ve grown to love.

Treat yourself to some personal space


Sometimes, it’s okay to be a little selfish. And sometimes that means having a space to call our own. If your house doesn’t have enough room to provide you with a space to relax and enjoy, then maybe it’s time to think about yourself. Creating a new suite, or even a den – whatever you desire, can be incorporated with a new addition to your home. So you can stay put, avoid an aggravating move, and have a space to call your own.

Increase the value of your home


If you do happen to decide to move from your home in the future, you can bet that the new addition that you create will only add value to it. No matter what you decide to turn that space into, having that extra room with treat you well when it comes to your return on investment if you do decide to move in the future.

So if you’re on the fence about committing to a new addition, take some time to really think about how it will benefit you in the long run. Aside from the obvious extra room, you can avoid a potential move in the future; you can create your own personal space, all the while adding more value to your home.

Read more about our Ottawa home additions services or book a free in-home consultation!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

Is it the right time to build a home addition? On the one hand, you need extra space for your family. On the other hand, a home addition is a significant financial undertaking that is not without mess, noise, and stress. A home addition is the ideal solution for many families, but you want to be sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into when you sign on the dotted line and hire an Ottawa home addition contractor for this kind of work. Hopefully we can help point you in the right direction as you weigh this important decision for the future of your home and family.  Here are some signs a home addition might be right for your family

Why do you feel you need more space in the first place?

If you are looking to tackle a home addition for no other reason than you’re bored with your home as it sits currently, the odds are pretty good that you can get away with waiting a little while for this kind of project until you know that it is something you absolutely have to change.

Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

On the other hand, if you are looking to add an addition because your family has simply outgrown the space that you are in currently – and it’s really starting to make everyone uncomfortable – you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to consider taking advantage of everything that a new addition has to offer. Whether you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’re finally in a financial position to build that dream kitchen you’ve always wanted, or you want to dramatically boost the value of your home, home additions are appealing options for many reasons.

How much value will this addition bring to your bank account?

One of the most significant additions you can make to your home is a new space to expand your kitchen. It also happens to be one of the highest return on investment construction projects you can choose to undertake as well. Bathroom additions are also great from a purely investment standpoint.

At the same time, you may be looking to add a couple of extra bedrooms to your home for a variety of different reasons that have almost nothing whatsoever to do with your bank account – and that’s all right as well. Just don’t expect to see your property value grow quite as significantly as with high-demand renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

Are there any kinds of restrictions that might stop you from tackling the work?

Every city has its own particular rules, regulations, laws, and zoning restrictions that you have to be aware of when you decide to undertake this kind of construction project. In the city of Ottawa, for example, a home addition cannot interfere with the minimum yard setbacks or exceed the maximum building height for your zone and dwelling type.

Your home addition contractor can provide an estimate and draw up plans that comply with existing bylaws to ensure your home is not only beautiful but also fully up to code.

You deserve a stunning home addition built by the professionals.  To learn more signs a home addition might be right for your family don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

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

Choose a Reputable Contractor

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

Use Your Contractor Right From the Get Go

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

List Your Priorities

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

Create a Budget

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

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

4 Signs You Need a Home Addition

4 Signs You Need a Home Addition

If your home is not quite right, it can be hard to decide what to do. Do you move? Do you slap a coat of paint on it like putting lipstick on a pig? Do you try a slight remodel while trying to keep the budget in check? Or do you plan a home addition? These 4 signs you need a home addition may help

You’ve Run Out of Space


Is every morning a fight for the bathroom? Do you feel like sardines in a can trying to prep dinner? Do you have three kids stuffed into one bedroom, with an extra in a crib in the master? A home addition can solve all these problems. Whether your home addition includes a new master suite, new bedrooms for the kids, an extra bathroom, a bonus family room (or all of the above!) a home addition

You Love the Location, but Not the Home


You love your neighbours, you love the local park, and you love the nearby bakery that makes the world’s best lemon tarts. But the home is a bit of a disaster. So what do you do? If you don’t want to go through the uncertainty of hunting for a new house, the tension of negotiation, the panic of packing, the stress of moving…home additions can give your current home a new lease on life. You get all the benefits of a new house, while getting to stay in the place you have come to call home.

You Want to Add to the Resale Value of Your Home


If you’ve got the long-term picture in mind, then with every renovation and home improvement project you should keep the resale value in mind. How much of a priority it is depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, but a home addition can certainly add dramatically to the value of your home.

You’re Stuck in a Time Warp


If your home décor looks like it comes straight off the set of Bewitched or even Family Ties, it’s a clear sign that your home needs an update. Even though retro is back in style, cheap Formica counters, wood panelling, and peeling wallpaper are definitely not all the rage. While there are many options ranging from a quick facelift to a total home addition, updating your house’s style can be an opportunity to solve other issues at the same time.

If these or any other signs apply, give RenosGroup.ca a call and we’ll guide you through the entire renovation project until your home is perfect.  To learn more signs you need a home addition, please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, or you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

What is the Best Exterior Material for Your Home Addition

What Is The Best Exterior Material For Your Home Addition?

A home offers countless opportunities to customize, improve, and enhance your property. From small do-it-yourself projects to larger additions and renovations, choosing the right materials can help to keep the overall costs of your project down while improving the value of your home. This is especially true when working on the exterior of your home where nature and the elements are constantly acting against you. With that in mind, let’s take a moment to quickly review the best exterior material for your home addition.

Dependent On Needs

Simply put, there is no ideal exterior material for home additions. The material that will work the best will depend on the unique situation surrounding your home addition, your budget, and your personal taste. The following considerations will help you to narrow down your selection.

Consider Housing Requirements

What housing requirements exist for the property? Are there any ordinances or zoning laws in Ottawa that prohibit certain building materials? While a frequent problem with properties that are considered, a growing number of neighbourhood ordinances are limiting the materials that homeowners can use on their home. Along with these housing requirements, you may want to consider the climate. Every material has strengths and weaknesses associated with their use, and certain climates will wear down your exterior more quickly.

Consider The Current Aesthetic

Material use can add to or take away from the visual aesthetic of your home when examined alongside other parts of your home. For that reason, most people use whatever material was used for the walls of the home on the home addition. If the particular home addition exterior is not easily viewable, then you may find it easier to use more appropriate/less expensive materials that would ordinarily clash.

Factor In the Cost Of Material

Different materials will cost you depending on the local availability. For example, vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, stone, and metal all shift in prices depending on what your local availability is like. If cost is a factor, then vinyl will typically be one of the best options available as it is nearly ubiquitous and low in price.

Any Other Considerations?

Consider hiring a home renovation contractor to help you choose the right material. Utilizing experience born from countless previous jobs, a contractor like RenosGroup.ca will quickly point you in the right direction after considering your needs and wants. Together, you will be able to find the least expensive source for the material and even aid in the installation.  Feel free to contact us or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get started now.

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

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