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Bathroom Design 101: Popular Bathroom Renovations

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/09/">September 20, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog

Looking for some ideas to transform your old bathroom into a luxurious spa-like setting? With as much use as it gets, the bathroom always deserves a remodel to keep it updated and looking great – especially since it impacts the value of the home significantly. To create a modern masterpiece in your home, we’ve compiled some of the most popular bathroom renovations this year to inspire your new design. Here they are:

Smart Technology

It was only a matter of time before smart tech invaded the bathroom. And now it finally has! Modern homeowners can make their bathroom sleek, chic and more convenient than ever with innovative designs like high tech toilets with seat warmers, automatic lid openers, adjustable air dryers, and built-in deodorizers. This year, we’re also seeing more smart showers, automatic sinks, Bluetooth built-in speakers, and even voice-activated features for lights, mirrors, and temperature. With smart technology included in your bathroom reno, every experience can be relaxing and convenient. The future is here!

Brass, Copper & Gold Fixtures

Brass, copper, and gold might make you think of the flashy 90s, but with a modern twist, they’re one of the hottest growing trends in popular bathroom renovations this year. Each of these features display warm and rich tones that create an undeniably elegant and modern look. Whether satin, matte or spun – shades of brass, copper, and gold for faucets, sinks, or even the toilet can add timeless character and a splash of luxury to your bathroom design.

New Age Industrial Theme

Combinations of rich wooden textures, concrete, and iron make the industrial style classy and sleek with just enough rustic edge to it. The industrial theme combines notes of the classic vintage era with modern clean lines and a rich yet neutral palate. To achieve this look in your reno, consider combining metal fixtures with a large basin sink, a wooden vanity, and accent colours like brass or gold. Despite the name, the industrial style is all about creating a cozy and timeless design that’s inviting.

Funky Tiles

Manufacturers today are capable of creating the most versatile designs, even when it comes to bathroom tiles. This gives homeowners so many choices to find the perfect look for their individual space. Patterned tiles, subway tiles, wooden plank walls, exotic colours – the options are endless. Add some bold colours with your backsplash or shower walls to create a truly personalized and unique look.

Wood Vanities

We can’t get enough of the inviting warmth that wood exudes in any space. That’s why it’s still one of the most consistent trends among interior designers. And today, with the advancement of manufacturing processes, there are plenty of varieties that can enhance the design of the bathroom and hold up perfectly to moisture and humidity. Floating wood vanities are a particular favourite since they open up more floor space and emphasize a clean, minimalistic look.

Large Bath Tubs

To really relax and melt away the stress after a long day of work, a bathtub is a must. But having to squeeze into a shallow tub that’s uncomfortable can defeat the entire purpose of it. That’s why more homeowners are including a large tub in their bathroom renovations. More space means more relaxation when soaking in the bubbles. Whether it’s jacuzzi style or a classic deep soaker style, homeowners deserve some R&R in comfort!

Open Showers

Homeowners also are forgoing the cramped and contained shower for an open concept instead. With only a single, shallow step to enter and partitioning glass or tiles to contain it, open showers can eliminate that confined feeling. They can also be an ideal way to maximize space for those who are limited. Plus, it’s ideal for seniors since they won’t have to worry about stepping up into the shower.

Heated Floors

Living in a temperate climate can make morning showers painful when you have to stroll across a cold icy floor. But with heated floors, you can keep your feet nice and toasty. Underfloor heating is versatile and a worthy investment if you live in a particularly cold climate. It can be installed with concrete, tile, vinyl, wood and more. Aside from keeping your bathroom warm, this can also buffer out sound and even reduce allergy symptoms without the need for dusty forced air.

I hope this guide inspires you! Popular Bathroom Renovations can help you find the perfect update for your bathroom, no matter your budget or style.

Planning a bathroom renovation in your home? Allow us to help at the Renos Group. Get professional, high-quality and friendly service for all your reno needs. We’ve been helping homeowners transform their homes for years, and we can help you too. From professional design advice to product selection to the completion of your project, we can assist with every step of your renovation process. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to discuss your needs and get an upfront quote.

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8 Kitchen Must-Haves

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/09/">September 13, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

We spend the majority of our time at home in the kitchen, but it’s often the space we neglect the most because renovating a kitchen can be a major undertaking. However, if you neglect it for too long, the kitchen can eventually start to deteriorate and even devalue your home. If this sounds like your kitchen, maybe it’s time to consider how you can upgrade it now. Below we’ve compiled a list of 8 kitchen must-haves to help you plan for your next kitchen remodel.

Free-standing Island

Topping the list of kitchen must-haves is an island. Ask any homeowner what they’d love to have more of in a kitchen and they’ll likely say more space. And the best way to get it is to install a free-standing kitchen island. It creates the perfect prep-area and an extra seating station. You can even have a sink installed if you want to add a separate hand washing station or simply turn your old sink into more counter space. There’s so much you can do with an island, which is why they’re one of the most popular renovation requests by homeowners.

Granite Countertop

There’s nothing more beautiful than a granite countertop in your kitchen. And beyond its attractive look, granite is also incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant – every parent’s dream. There’s also a wide variety of shades to choose from that will blend perfectly with your kitchen cabinets and fixtures.

A Hutch

If you have beautiful fine china and other personal heirlooms that you’d love to show off, then a built-in kitchen hutch could be an ideal addition. Traditionally, these fixtures were used in dining rooms but today, more and more homeowners are seeing the benefits of adding the hutch right in the kitchen. Not only can it provide more storage space than a cabinet, but it can also show off your best dinnerware. You can even add lighting inside to place everything on display and add a little extra touch of ambiance at night.

Bookshelf

Do you have a number of cookbooks collecting dust in your den or stored in a box? You can finally put them to good use and give your kitchen design a little extra boost in the process with a built-in bookshelf. A floating shelf can fit nicely below a cupboard space if you’re short on space. And if you plan to renovate your kitchen, you can easily add a narrow and vertical cookbook shelf that’s built into the cabinetry.

Modern Cabinet Hardware

If your current kitchen cabinets are dated before the 90s, it’s time to give your kitchen cupboards a fresh new look. But how do you know how to choose the right style and brand? You can mix and match hardware in a variety of ways to work with your theme or even contrast it to make a statement. Not sure where to start? Some trends that are popular right now include beautiful brass rivets on top of dark cabinetry, black knobs on white cabinetry, and gold drawer pulls on everything. Changing up a small detail like your hardware can make a seriously big difference in the look of your kitchen.

Energy Star Appliances

If you’re tired of spending your hard-earned money on expensive energy bills, now’s the time to make the switch from inefficient appliances to Energy Star® certified ones instead. The Energy Star logo is the standard for energy-saving products. And you’ll find a whole range of Energy Star kitchen items now offered at affordable prices, including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, coffee brewers, steam cookers, fryers, and light fixtures. Not only are these appliances more attractive looking and innovative than your old ones, but they can also save you hundreds of dollars a month and increase the value of your home.

Double Basin Sink

A double sink basin is an absolute necessity. With a double bowl, you can use one side for food prep and the other for stashing dirty dishes as you go. Two is better than one when it comes to cleaning. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much time you can save when you have two basins instead of just one.

Hanging Light Pendants

If you have an open concept kitchen, then you might consider installing a trio of pendants over the island. Hanging pendants are one of the most popular reno trends today. They can add better lighting to the area and add a unique décor piece to space.

Are you ready to renovate your old kitchen into a stunning remodel that you’ve always dreamed of? Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to discuss all the possible design options for your kitchen remodel.

5 Trending Colour Palettes in Interior Design

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/08/">August 16, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Are your walls beginning to look outdated or just dull? Add some new hues to refresh and update your space with these 5 trending colour palettes in interior design that are guaranteed to make you fall in love again with your home.

Shimmering Sunset Palette

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute announces a colour of the year. For 2019, they picked Living Coral, for its “vibrant, yet mellow” look that “embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment,” according to the official website. You can find this colour among other pinks, purples, oranges and yellows in the Shimmering Sunset palette. Choosing any one of the bold, energizing colours that are featured in this particular palette can help to liven up an otherwise dull room and to add a little pop of colour to an accent wall.

Colour Trends 2019

Benjamin Moore’s pick of the year was the Metropolitan AF-690, for its adaptive gray hue that offers cool undertones and a calm yet sophisticated charm. The colour is supported by the Colour Trends 2019 palette that’s composed of 15 balanced hues. This includes, Hunter Green, Black Pepper, Hale Navy, and Cloud White, to name a few. It’s a palette that’s timeless and gender-neutral and can work on all walls or rooms.

Wanderer

A palette that pays homage to mid-western flare. The Wanderer colour palette by Sherwin Williams features warm colours like leather browns and caramels, as well as their pick of the year – The Cavern Clay SW 7701 – a cozy shade of terracotta. Harmonious and earthy, these colours can suit a variety of home styles and tastes. You can use them on the exterior to provide a neutral yet unique look, or inside a rustic home alongside stone and wood accents.

Dulux 2019 Trends Colour Palette

Dulux carefully curates a décor trends palette each year. This year’s palette features rich, deep hues like Black Forest, and lighter cool neutrals like Spiced Squash to create a perfect mix of modern and old-school combinations. It’s a well-balanced palette of 15 hues that can be used as feature colours or paired with an accent wall to hang back as a neutral.

Earth Tones

The Behr colour of the year is an inviting blueish-grey tone called Blueprint S470-5 that is one of four standout colours in their Earth Tones palette. Offering warmer tones in taupe and browns, this finely curated palette can be used on walls, exterior surfaces, as well as furniture and decor. They also work incredibly well together to add a splash of colour to anything.

Are you planning a home reno this season? Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 We can provide you with an upfront quote and assist with creating your vision from design to installation. Our crew is knowledgeable, experienced and fully certified to deliver quality craftsmanship and service. For any of your kitchen, bathroom or home reno need, contact the Renosgroup!

5 Small Ways to Prepare Your Home for the New School Year

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/08/">August 9, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Back to school time can be a little hectic and stressful for everyone involved. These tips are ways to prepare your home for the new school year and get everyone back on a regular schedule with minimal aggravation.

Create A Study Space

First things first, you’ll need to find a place in the home to create a space for them to work and study. Often their bedroom is the perfect spot, so you may have to do a little re-organizing to fit a desk and chair. If their bedroom is too small to create a work station, consider setting one up in the den, finished basement, or another quiet area of the home that doesn’t have a TV or other distractions readily available.

Make The Space Fully Functional

Your goal is to get your kids to work from an established space instead of from their lap or in front of the TV. To keep them focused and to spark their creativity, space will need to be comfortable and functional. You can also help to boost their productivity by putting up a pinboard or calendar to help them keep track of their deadlines, trips and after-school activities.

Establish Limits

Even when you create a study area for your kids, your home can quickly turn into their dumping ground if you let them. To avoid having papers, binders, backpacks, and books left scattered in every room of the house once school starts, you should establish simple limits to where your kids can work and study. Creating specific areas for their shoes and sports equipment will also help to keep your home under control.

Build Some Storage Space

Another way to ensure your home and their study space stay tidy and organized is to build some shelves or drawers for them to store their books and supplies neatly. If you’re tight on space, consider adding shelving in the closet area, drawers underneath the desk, an ottoman that could double as a storage trunk or a wall rack behind the door for your kids to utilize.

Get A Routine Going

It’s important to establish a routine early that will teach your kids how to keep themselves organized and tidy. A great way to do this is to create a checklist for them to follow every morning and before they go to bed. This could include things like putting shoes away, tidying up desk area, putting backpack by the front door and so on. Then give them an incentive for getting their checklist done like extra time for their video games or on social media sites.

At the RenosGroup.ca, we can help you build out the perfect study space. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today!

How To Increase Your Home’s Value in 3 Steps

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/07/">July 19, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

Your home will be one of the largest investments in your lifetime. There are many things you can do for your home to increase its value. Here are some of the suggested ways to do so.

Increase The Footage

The size of your home will increase the value of your home. If you have a larger home, you will be able to appeal to more buyers. There are ways to make your home feel larger than it is. Adding large windows and vertical blinds or shutters let the sunlight enter a space making the room feel more spacious. Ensuring that everything in your home as a spot is crucial, if it doesn’t it is time to get rid of it. Clutter can make an area feel extremely small but by adding a shelving unit or home extension this will avoid cluster and will ensure organization. By simply adding footage to your home, buyers will notice and will increase the property value. Buyers tend to look at homes that have more bedrooms than their family requires therefore, converting an attic or basement into a bedroom can help in the future. By knocking down a wall, adding an island in the kitchen and sanding the floors this creates an open floor plan, a look that homeowners and potential buyers love.

Fresh Coat Of Paint!

Applying a fresh coat of paint will go a long way. This is a very cost-effective method to enhance the value of your home and gives an updated look to future buyers. Even if you are an amateur painter, you will be able to practice your skills by painting your home. You can buy a gallon of paint, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes for around $100. Neutral colours are the best paint selections as it appeals to many people making your house more attractive.

Update The Bathroom and Kitchen Space

New homebuyers don’t want to spend their time re-modelling their bathrooms and kitchen space. Many have noticed that making renovations to these spaces are the most impactful as they are high-traffic and highly used rooms. Homebuyers spend more time looking for the updates made in these rooms in comparison to anywhere else in the house. The kitchen’s will give you the biggest return in investment and will increase the value of your home. Replacing old appliances with matching ones, replacing outdated cabinets and by adding a backsplash will add value to your home. For the bathroom, simple renovations like changing the vanity, toilet and fixtures is a great way to enhance the look of your space.

Curb Appeal

You want your home to be as beautiful on the outside as it is in on the inside. Landscaping is a great way to enhance your curb appeal and will make people turn their heads when they see your home. For homeowners, this is one of the most affordable ways to increase the value of your home. By adding perennial foliage, planting native trees and young shrubs will cut costs and is very low maintenance.

Are you looking to increase the value of your home? By doing these steps, you will surely increase the value of your home. At RenoGroup there is no project that is too large for us to handle. Our process is to plan out the perfect design, plan out the groundwork for the entire project, execute the renovation and deliver the result. We make sure that the homeowner is satisfied with the outcome of the renovation, contact us, or call us today at (613)727-9427 to discuss the next steps to your worthy investment!

5 Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A New Home

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/07/">July 5, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

Purchasing a new home is extremely exciting but can also be a lengthy process. As your home is one of the biggest lifetime investments, it is important to make sure you are checking off crucial factors when searching for a new house. Here are the 5 things to keep in mind when buying a new home.

List Your Priorities

When buying a new home, it is crucial to know what you want but also to be open-minded about possible changes that can be done to the space. Deciding on the type of house you want, whether you want a condo or home is the first step. Jotting down the pros and cons of each space is the next step as this will help you make the process less lengthy. As your living arrangement is a long-term commitment, make the adjustments accordingly to your lifestyle and needs. Make a list of your priorities and make sure there are enough bedrooms for those living in the home.

Location and Renovations Are Crucial

Home buyers need to factor in that the home can be renovated but the location in which you’ve bought the home cannot. Choosing a good location will help you in the long run for higher property value and return on investment. If you are parents or are planning on raising a family, it is important to be in a good school district. Local amenities also have a direct impact on homebuyer home decision making. Having grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment close by will raise the property value.

Make Sure The Renovations Are Up To Date

Before you purchase a home, you will want to make sure that all the renovations to the space were done with a permit, meaning that the renovations performed were reviewed by an inspector and were done properly. Ask the previous owners or the real estate agent for all the proper paperwork and conduct a house inspection. Not getting a permit for renovations could cause future complications and can be costly for the homeowners.

Buy A House You Can Afford

Be realistic about how much you can afford based on your current income and debts. It is best to purchase a house that is less than what you can afford, giving you extra wiggle room for renovations and unforeseeable changes. Saving up for a down payment and getting your finances in order will make it easier to get a mortgage at the lowest rates, and you will be able to qualify for more loans. As soon as you are thinking of buying a house, start saving up, pay your bills on time and monitor your credit score.

Take Your Time

Don’t feel pressured in deciding on buying a new house. Since this is a large investment, it is better to take your time to find the house of your dreams than to rush into things. Shop around for houses, mortgages and home insurance to ensure that all your home buying aspects are in order.

If you’ve recently bought a home or are thinking of buying a home, let the experts at RenosGroup transform your house into a home. We have 25 years of combined experience, and we work closely with the clients to ensure that we satisfy their renovation needs and provide high-quality work for every project. Contact us for a quote on your project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Ready to Renovate? The Time is Now!

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/06/">June 14, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Renovations

Timing is everything when it comes to renovating your home. And now is one of the best times to tackle any of those nagging home improvements you’ve been avoiding. The summer season is ideal since you won’t have to endure any wet or cold weather. And best of all, you won’t have to be cooped up inside during the process. Whether you’re gearing up for a home addition, kitchen reno or bathroom upgrade, if you’re ready to renovate, here’s why there’s no better time than now.

You Have More Spare Time

The summer months are usually when work, school and life in general, tend to slow down a bit. Getting off work a little earlier, having long weekends, and even vacation time away from home can make it more convenient for getting those renovations done. It can also be less disruptive to your daily schedule if you need to be around the home when the contractors are there.

You’ll Have Everything Ready For Winter Entertaining

Conversely, once the fall and winter seasons arrive, family get-togethers and holiday entertaining kick into full gear. Having your kitchen or bathroom upgraded and ready to take on those family dinner parties means you won’t have to stress about accommodating everyone or feeling embarrassed about the condition of your home.

You Can Embrace Your Backyard

Any home reno can be messy, dusty and aggravating to live through, especially for an extended time. Planning a summer renovation lets you enjoy and take advantage of your patio and backyard as an extended living space. This means you can avoid living right in the mix of all the dust and debris while your reno project is underway. This can come in very handy during a kitchen renovation since you can also use your barbeque to prepare meals instead of relying on take-out all the time.

Warm Weather Makes It Easier For Everyone

Of course, the most obvious and beneficial reason why a summer renovation is ideal is thanks to the pleasant weather. Avoiding icy cold temperatures, snow and ice make it easier for everyone involved. This can also equate to fewer weather delays, which will keep your contractors on time, on budget and on schedule.

Enjoy A Fresh New Look

The summertime is also a great time to reassess your home in the sunlight and see what really needs attention after those gruelling winter months. The brighter, longer days, colourful blossoms and pleasant summer vibes offer inspiration and energy to tackle those areas that have been swept aside for too long. This is why homeowners often love to complete upgrades around the home during this season. They get to refresh and liven it up during the glorious summer months while still being able to enjoy the pleasant weather. Renovations tend to become less of a chore as a result and more of an exciting project when you combine warm weather and maybe a refreshing cold beverage or two at the end of the day.

Though there’s always debate surrounding the best time of year to take on renovations, for certain areas, like the bathroom or kitchen, the summer is always ideal. The weather, extra time and slower pace, and the convenience of being able to cook outside all make it much more enjoyable and easier to cope with. If you’re ready for a remodel in your home this summer, now is the best time to book in your contractors. At RenosGroup, we are kitchen and bathroom specialists serving homeowners with the best quality workmanship throughout Ottawa. Contact us, or give us a call today at (613)727-9427 or get in touch to learn how to get started.

7 Design Trends in Outdoor Furniture

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/06/">June 7, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Home Renovation Blog

The sunny summer days are here, but we all know they don’t last long. That’s why Canadians are always eager to soak up as much of the pleasant weather as possible by taking full advantage of the backyard. Whether it’s family barbeques, pool parties or just lounging in the sun, we’ve rounded up the top design trends in outdoor furniture 2019 so you can fully embrace the sunshine as you please.

Wicker Sofas

Rustic style, wooden sofas are a popular staple for patio season this year. Wicker, teak or even faux teak have that sultry beachy look that just screams summertime lounging. This style is perfect for an extended sunroom or just stretching out on the porch with friends and family since these chunky sofas can accommodate more people. Add on your favourite cushions and throw for a splash of colour.

Retro Mish Mash

You read that right! Retro styles are always a popular design trend, and now, you can mix and combine different pieces and materials to create a colourful and funky outdoor space. Think 80s and 90s style furniture with unique shapes, bold colours like orange and blue, and big fluffy pillows to tie it all together.

Lights, Lights & More Lights

Any cozy, comfy, and inviting outdoor setting is often created by the strategic use of lighting. No matter what furniture you decide to include in your outdoor space, to devise an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere, the lighting you choose really counts. Whether it’s string lights, garden lights, lanterns or even candles, consider how you can incorporate more light into your space to design the perfect outdoor nook that you can enjoy well into those warm summer nights.

Simple & Lightweight

Minimalism has been sweeping throughout the interior design world this year, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But beyond the interior of the home, this decluttered lifestyle is naturally being infused throughout the exterior as well. Simple, lightweight patio pieces are increasingly popular as a result, with small basic tables, chairs and cushions to set the stage. This is especially useful for those with limited space since you can conveniently move everything around and store furniture away whenever you need to.

Hammocks & Hanging Chairs

If you have neighbouring trees that permit or an alfresco dining area, you can embrace this boho-style trend in outdoor furniture this year. You can find an array of sumptuous hanging wicker chairs, outdoor fabrics, and cozy hammocks that are durable, hardy and perfect for lounging in the sunshine with your favourite beverage, book – or both.

Multi-Functional, Modular Furniture

With the desire to easily accommodate guests, friends and family, more homeowners are flocking to modular style furniture that can be used for multiple purposes. Couches can be moved apart and rearranged if needed, coffee tables can provide stools for extra seating, and bench seating can offer extra storage to tuck away the cushions. This versatile style is one of the hottest growing trends this year for both exterior and interior living.

Geometric Shapes & Patterns

Though retro and rustic are still among the favourites, the ultra-modern style is always a popular hit, combining a variety of geometric shapes and patterns. Vibrant colours, over-sized asymmetrical shapes and chic, contemporary pieces create unique, eye-catching statement pieces that are definite show-stoppers for 2019.
Could your home use some TLC before your first summer barbeque? Trust the experts to make it happen at the RenosGroup.ca. We’re your kitchen and bathroom renovation specialists, serving the Ottawa area for years. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn how we can get your home reno projects done and dusted so you can relax and enjoy the summer.

How Does Natural Sunlight in Our Homes Impact Us?

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/05/">May 17, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Wondering if it’s worth it to perform a few renos to increase the natural light in your home? Sunlight is a powerful thing that benefits our health and the interior of the home. It can help to improve our mood, sleep and make us feel happier with that dose of vitamin D. If you’re like most people, you likely spend almost 90% of your time indoors, which means you end up getting less exposure to fresh air and sun rays. Today, there’s a plethora of growing research that shows just how negatively this can impact our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s always a worthy project to invest in when it comes to inviting more sunshine inside your home. Read on to learn more about how natural sunlight in our homes impact us.

Save Energy And Money

First off – more sunlight inside means a brighter, bigger looking home. And aside from it helping to create the illusion of more space, when done strategically, it can also help to heat and illuminate the space inside. This can equate to significant savings on your monthly energy bills since you won’t have to waste as much electricity.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress

Did you know that immersing yourself in 30 minutes of sunlight can help to soothe and calm your body and mind? It’s true! Studies have shown a significant link to this correlation and how natural light helps us cope better with stress and anxiety. So if you’re feeling pent up, think of how you can invite more of those sun rays in your home.

Stay Focused

If you work from a home office or dark cubicle, make sure to take frequent breaks to bask in some rays. Even looking out the window for a couple of minutes can help boost your sense of alertness, focus and productivity.

Improve Sleep

Having trouble sleeping? Increased exposure to sunshine daily can help to regulate our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns so you can feel rested and ready to take on your day.

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D

We all know that vitamin D is important for our body, but most of us don’t realize just how necessary it is. Vitamin D is essential for our health as it helps to regulate the vitality of our bones, immune system, skin, brain, cardiovascular system – and it’s involved in maintenance and function of over 200 genes throughout our body. By letting in more natural light into your home, you can ensure you’re getting that daily dose without having to worry.

Keep Your Plants Alive

Are you struggling to keep your plants alive? More light means a better environment for your plants to grow and flourish in. And since plants help to filter and detoxify the air, this will help keep your air quality at home fresher and healthier, which is especially beneficial if you suffer from allergies.

Reduce Blood Pressure

When you’re soaking in those glorious rays, your body is also undergoing chemical reactions that alter molecules like nitric oxide which lowers blood pressure. This in turn, also helps to lower the risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Reduce Mold And Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew spores thrive in dark, damp and humid environments. And it doesn’t take much for spores to surface. That’s why having a bright and airy home is important for reducing the likelihood of mold from growing in your home. These toxic spores can compromise your home and your health. More sunlight will help keep your home dry and mildew-free.

Prevent SAD

There are many people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which spurs up bouts of depression during the transition of seasons. Though there’s still much to learn about this condition, what researchers have found is the correlation between SAD and a decrease of serotonin and melatonin which contributes to an interruption in sleep patterns. This happens from our decreased exposure to natural light. So you see just how powerful and important it is to get in some sunlight every single day – especially during the fall and winter seasons.

Improve Mood

Ever heard of our “feel-good hormones”? Well, exposure to sunlight generates these hormones and sends them rushing through our bodies. These boost energy levels while making us feel happier. It also generates serotonin production in our brain, which helps regulate mood.

If you’re ready to take on a home renovation project to increase the amount of natural sunlight in your home, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Get reliable, expert service that you can depend on.

9 Tips and Tricks to Prepare Your Home for Summer

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/05/">May 10, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

It’s easy to underestimate the amount of work it takes to get your home looking refreshed, clean and presentable after the messy winter weather. That’s why we always recommend getting a head start as early as possible so you can get it done to embrace and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Learn some of our top tips and tricks to prepare your home for the summer season.

Go Deep With Your Spring Cleaning

With so much to tackle after the winter, it can be overwhelming when you realize how much maintenance and work your home really needs. The problem is when there’s so much to do, many of us tend to skim over the surface and avoid those deeper levels of grime that could really use some attention. To save you from having to deal with those chores during the sunny weather, break up your to-do list into baby steps so you can focus on cleaning one area at a time thoroughly so you won’t have to keep sweeping and mopping as much once the summer sun shines in.

Revive Your Garden Now

This time of year is also ideal to start prepping your garden beds. And since outdoor spaces play such an integral role for lounging and entertaining during the summer, you want to make sure it’s ready to show off well ahead of your first barbeque. Carve out one weekend to rake, mow, trim, plant and get your landscape summer ready. Then add some extra touches to transform your garden into a cozy and inviting space. You can do this with simple additions like installing pot lights in the deck or placing a fire pit in the backyard.

Be Prepared for Guests

The warmer weather gets people out and about and more eager to pop in for a visit, which is why you should always be prepared for guests. Entertaining is what this season is all about, so stock up some of the essentials you’ll need, and keep your interior and exterior tidy so you’re not scrambling when there’s an unexpected knock at the door.

Perform Preventative Maintenance

The combination of snow, ice and frigid cold temperatures over the course of the winter can wreak havoc on certain areas of the home. That’s why preventative maintenance is always important to do after each winter. We recommend having your air conditioner, HVAC unit, eaves troughs, lawn equipment and even your grill looked at. If there’s any damage to these areas, like your A/C, fixing it now can prevent a lot of sweaty aggravation once the weather heats up.

Take Advantage of Summer Discounts

If you need your carpets cleaned, windows washed or gutters cleared out, hire a company during the summer. Since this is their slower season, many companies usually offer discounted rates. So whatever you need to be done, book it during the summer!

Think Ahead to Prevent Water Damage

After the big winter thaw and added moisture from spring, water damage is one of the biggest issues homeowners face during this time of year. Plus, the hot and humid summers can conjure up some massive storms which can cause flooding. To avoid any water damage, think ahead by having any vulnerable areas inspected and repaired. This includes the roof, windows, gutters, sump pumps, foundation and any noticeable cracks. Tackling these areas now can prevent water damage and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Repair Interlock

Though interlock stones may be durable, they can still end up chipped and loose after the winter. Ignoring any issues can make your walkways unsafe, especially during the winter season when the ground is covered in snow and ice. To keep the exterior of your home safe and looking sharp, get any damaged patio stones replaced.

Update Your Bathroom or Kitchen

Seeing your kitchen or bathroom in the summer sunlight can make you realize how badly they need updating — if this sounds like you, be sure to book in your reno early so you can get these staple areas of the home done, dusted and looking summer ready for hosting family and friends.

Book Your Home Addition

Whether you’re planning to rent out an income suite or just add on more space for your growing family, now’s the time also to organize, plan and book your contractors well in advance. Having to face these renos once the warm weather tapers off is never an enjoyable experience.

Plan ahead of time with these tips and tricks to prepare your home for summer. And when you need repairs, renovations or maintenance done around the home, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 Our team at Renosgroup can tackle all of your household projects!

Home Renovation Blog