Name: RenosGroup
Price range: $$$

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/12/">December 29, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Renovations

When people think of renovations, they often visualize projects and upgrades being completed during the warm and sunny months. But contrary to popular belief, winter is also a great time to get your reno work done, and provides many benefits over the spring and summer months. If you’ve been pondering when to start your next reno project, check out these reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter time.

More Availability

The busiest seasons for home renovations are spring and summer. This is primarily because people don’t generally associate snowy winter weather with being an appropriate time to get work done to their home. But getting your reno done in the winter has many advantages, like allowing more flexibility when it comes to availability. Come winter when there are less projects on the go, contractors can easily schedule the reno based on your timeframe as opposed to the much busier spring and summer months.

Winter renovations provide a smoother, more efficient approach than the logistical challenges frequently seen during peak seasons. Without a backlog of work, contractors can give every renovation project their full focus, guaranteeing on-time completion and painstaking attention to detail. Homeowners can exhale with ease, knowing that their renovation project will go forward without any problems, free from the scheduling conflicts and delays that frequently occur during busy times of the year.

Additionally, homeowners may see cost reductions during the winter months due to the decline in demand for remodeling services. In order to draw in business during the off-season, contractors might be more willing to provide competitive prices or unique incentives. Winter improvements might become even more affordable if manufacturers and suppliers offer beneficial conditions or discounts on materials.

Essentially, even if spring and summer are the most popular seasons for house remodeling, it would be a mistake to ignore the benefits of winter accessibility. By embracing winter renovations, homeowners can enjoy more flexibility, more efficient scheduling, and possible cost savings, all of which contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable renovation process. Thus, as the winter chill descends and the snowflakes start to fall, think about taking advantage of this opportunity to make your house the haven you’ve always imagined.

Better Room For Negotiation

Many reno companies often raise their prices during the spring to take advantage of the rush in business. And since winter usually means less of a line up with demand, you can take advantage of the better deals offered throughout the slow season. Plus, the majority of owners experience better room for negotiation on not only the rates but also the materials, resulting in ample cost savings.

While spring might scream “renovation rush,” winter whispers “bargain bonanza.” Reno companies often inflate prices during peak seasons, but winter’s slack demand means better deals are up for grabs. Negotiate not just rates, but also materials, and unlock ample cost savings for your dream project. It’s a win-win: contractors get work, you get a beautiful, budget-friendly home!

Faster Permit Approvals

During the spring time, the city permit offices get jammed with inspection and permit requests, naturally slowing down the process. Conveniently, the opposite holds true in the winter time. If you submit for permits during this time of year, you will experience much shorter wait times to get your project approved, and in turn, faster completion times as well.

The relaxed pace of winter also means permit officials have more time and availability to dedicate to your application. This translates to thorough reviews and prompt responses, potentially leading to smoother approvals and fewer delays.

Certain projects, like interior renovations, might even face fewer weather-related restrictions during winter, further streamlining the permit process. Discuss your project details with your contractor to explore winter-friendly options that can expedite approvals.

With shorter wait times, focused attention, and potential weather benefits, you can secure the green light for your project faster, bringing your dream renovation closer to reality. Remember, early planning and clear communication with your contractor are key to ensuring a smooth permit process in any season.

Avoid The Mess

As most Canadians take their vacation time in winter, scheduling your home renovation to coincide with your holiday time can be the perfect way to avoid living in a chaotic reno environment. With some careful planning you can head out for your travels before the work starts and come back to your completed project.

Enjoy It When It Matters

Why wait to benefit from your new renovation? Having your reno completed in the winter means that you can enjoy it come spring time, when it matters.

If you want to avoid living in a construction zone, paying top reno prices, or waiting for permits, you should get your reno done in the winter. To get started with your project, contact us at the RenosGroup. We can assist you with your plan and provide all the expertise you need to get the work done. If you like to learn more reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Turn Your Foyer Into a Winter Wonderland

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/12/">December 22, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

Decorating during the holiday season is the best way to beat the chilly weather and add some colour and warmth into your home. And since your foyer is what greets you and your guests first, it’s worth some time and efforts in making it look magical and inviting. Here are some ways to turn your foyer into a winter wonderland so you can be greeted by the warmth of the holiday season each and every time.

Add Fresh Garland On The Railings

Garland is always a holiday classic and it’s one of the best elements to add into your foyer so that you and your guests can enjoy being greeted with the fresh, outdoor pine scent when you walk inside. You can also intertwine some lights along the garland to make it really set the tone of the holidays.

Stick To Neutral Tones

Turning your foyer into a winter wonderland is easy to do with a display of neutral tones and white, mixed with the magical touch of sparling lights and ornaments. This combination essentially mimics the glistening snow that makes winter such a beautiful and magical time of the year. So consider ways to pair off-whites, beige, and that snowy winter palette through ornaments, candles, cushions and more.

Create A Centerpiece

If you have a table in your foyer, why not create a centerpiece for it? This can be a combination of floral arrangements, such as a mixture of greenery, birch branches, bows, boughs and more. Alternatively, you can create a cake plate of Christmas bulbs stacked up to form a triangular concept of a tree. Whether you prefer classic and traditional or modern and sleek, get creative with your foyer table centerpiece to add height and a focal point to your display.

Add Touches Of Festive Bronze

Bronze is another stunning element that really adds shimmer and light that can instantly turn your foyer into a winter wonderland. You can add shimmering bronze bows to your front door wreath, combine it with touches of that rich forest green, or sprinkle some dashes of it throughout your urns and table centerpiece to draw in the eye of your guests as they enter your home.

Nothing says winter wonderland like the combination of neutral tones and shimmering dashes of light. So if your foyer is looking bland and boring, create some winter magic by adding some of these simple décor features into your home this season. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How You Can Create More Space for Holiday Gatherings

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/12/">December 13, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Home Additions, Home Renovation Blog

Are you playing host this holiday season and wondering how on earth you’re going to fit everyone into your home? Don’t panic! All you need is a little smart planning and maneuvering to create all the space you need. And remember, hosting a great holiday party all comes down to the festive spirit that you and your close family and friends get to share together. So check out these tips on how to create more space for holiday gatherings so you can ditch the stress and start getting pumped for your holiday party.

Tuck Away Non-Essential Items

When hosting a group of people in your home, it helps to remove any non-essential items into a bedroom or spare room to save up some needed space. Items like your TV stand, side tables and clunky furniture can be tucked away into another room that’s out of sight for your guests to move around and socialize.

Push Furniture Against Walls

By simply pushing your couch and chairs up against the wall, you can create more space in the center of the room. That newly acquired area can then be better utilized by placing tables in the middle for the food and for people to more easily move about.

Use The Biggest Area For Dinner

If your gathering will include a dinner setting, you’ll need ample space for the chairs and table. And when your dining room isn’t large enough to seat all your family members or friends, try using an area with the largest space in your home instead. A living room or finished basement area can provide the perfect space that you need. If the space still feels tight, try adding another table in a smaller room within view and use that for the kids to eat dinner on.

Take Advantage Of The Basement

Your finished basement can also be an excellent area for guests to mingle and use if you are hosting a holiday part. Simply add some snacks in the area, set up a mini bar and don’t forget to decorate and add some holiday lighting to brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting.

Create Separate Spaces

Creating separate spaces for different activities will help break up the crowd. For instance, use a basement or sunroom space for the kids to play during your party. You can set up some games and activities to keep the children occupied as opposed to having them running around the dinner table and conversation area. Also, consider setting up a few conversational spaces by pushing groups of chairs together in some of the larger rooms. This also forces your guests to spread out rather than crowd around in one area.

When you’re limited on space in your home, talk to us at the RenosGroup. We can help you plan for a new renovation or tackle your unfinished basement so you can finally create the space you need for holiday gatherings in the future, without having to stress about how you’re going to fit everyone in. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Ways Having Your Ideal Kitchen Will Save You Holiday Headaches

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/12/">December 8, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

Is your kitchen space more of an irritant than a benefit when it comes to preparing your holiday feasts? During the holidays, all of the commotion in preparing dinner and get-together really puts your kitchen to the ultimate test. So if you feel like it’s just not as functional or conducive to your hosting lifestyle as you’d like it to be, here are some ways having your ideal kitchen will save you holiday headaches and make your culinary life at home so much easier.

More Counter Space

When you’re trying to prepare a dinner for all your family members, you need all the space you can get to prepare the food. Having a small counterspace just won’t cut it when you need a spot to organize the items, and separate areas to chop, blend, and create. Having large counter spaces, as well as an island, will help you stay organized and make your life a whole lot easier during the holidays.

Extra Storage Space

Having extra storage space really comes in handy during those family get togethers. The last thing you want is to have to go hunting for all of your serving dishes, special appliances, and extra dinnerware that is often packed away. With a new and improved kitchen design, you can enjoy plenty of efficient shelving with enough practical space to house all of your necessary items to keep on hand and close by.

Cook More Items At Once

Imagine the convenience of having a new sleek double oven that allows you to bake not only a turkey, but also the potatoes and other dishes at the same time. You could easily cook large meals in half the time by upgrading your stove during your kitchen reno too.

Accommodate Your Needs

Imagine having extra space in your fridge and freezer to store all your holiday ingredients and leftovers? With a new and improved kitchen, you can include customized units that can fit a larger fridge with extra freezer space to accommodate all of your cooking essentials.

More Room To Move

Making a big holiday meal often involves more than just one cook in the kitchen, as family and friends mingle and lend a hand. Instead of tripping over each other and risking spilling or breaking your fancy china, a simple redesign of your floor play and layout can shift minor areas of your design to open up more room to move around in.

So when it’s time to upgrade to your ideal kitchen that can help save you from all your holiday headaches, talk to us at the RenosGroup. We specialize in kitchen renovations and can help you plan the perfect space for all your kitchen needs. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/11/">November 30, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Contractor, Custom, Design, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens, Remodel, Renovations

Knowing that your kitchen needs an upgrade can often be a lot easier to determine than knowing exactly how to upgrade and design it. And sifting through endless kitchen design magazines can easily become overwhelming. So to help make it easier and clearer for you to decide, we’ve profiled 5 popular kitchen styles to give you some great inspiration without overwhelming you during the process.

Farmhouse Kitchen Style

Homeowners can’t get enough of the quaint, cozy home-grown vibes of the farmhouse kitchen style – and neither can we! Warm, rich, distressed wood, big basin-style sinks, exposed brick, vintage appliances, open shelving and a big kitchen table for family dinners make this a classic design that will always remain timeless.

Chic, Clean & Modern Kitchen Style

If clean lines, minimalistic décor and chic appliances speak to you, then the modern kitchen style is the way to go. This is an increasingly popular design preference as more efficient appliances, and cabinetry enter the marketplace. Think of frameless cabinets, simple and sleek hardware, a blend of natural materials and strong lines framing the layout.

Contemporary Kitchen Style

Similar to the modern style, contemporary designs offer more room for playful elements and finishes. This style can blend the sleek, sharp modern form with dashes of warmth from more traditional designs such as a mixture of materials like wood or stone, and colour in the cabinetry or countertops.

Industrial Kitchen Style

Another popular kitchen style is the industrial look. Unfinished concrete flooring, sharp lines, mixed with rustic elements like dark wooden cabinetry, metallic shelving, and exposed lighting features, make this a style a unique yet warm design.

Spanish Kitchen Style

Colourful tiling along the countertop or walls, arched windows, and warm-wooden cabinets make the Spanish revival kitchen style inviting and extremely popular. If you’re looking to add more colour and character to your kitchen, this is for you!

It can be challenging to take on a kitchen upgrade when you’re unsure of what you really want. And with all of the options available today, it can be more stress-inducing than helpful. But it’s important to nail down your preference of kitchen style before you begin with the reno. Whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial or something more Mediterranean – figure out which of these popular kitchen styles speaks to you and then contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We have handymen that can take care of it all for you.

Building a Home Studio in Your Basement

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/11/">November 27, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Basements, Custom, Design, Fun Renos, Home Renovation Blog, Ottawa, Renovations

Looking to create your own home studio in your basement? Whether it’s for work or play, if you have some free space in your basement you can easily build the type of space you’ve been dreaming of. But knowing how to plan properly and prepare is essential to getting it done right. Soundproofing and utilizing the amount of room that you can play with efficiently to house your equipment, are just a few factors to consider. Before you jump into your renovation, check out our 3 key steps for setting up a home studio in your basement.

Space Requirements

Most home studios require two spaces – one for the sound booth where you capture the music and one area for the audio mixing room where the music mixing and producing resides. The size of the sound booth will depend on how many instruments you want to record from, and it will be different if you plan to house a small band versus just you on the guitar and mic. The mixing room will also need to fit your equipment, which can change depending on whether you want a small or large-scale studio operation. Creating a thorough floor plan before you start the renovation will save you time and money in the long run.

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment

Building the home studio in your basement will already ensure some soundproofing from the surrounding foundation and ground outside. However, you want to create additional soundproofing between the downstairs and upstairs. Plus, you want to keep outside noises away that could distort the sound. You can easily install some acoustic foam, sound diffusers, bass traps and reflection filters to keep the noise in and to ensure you can keep distracting ambient noises out.

Purchasing the Equipment

Once you have the sound booth and mixing studio built, you’ll want to add the necessary equipment. To get you started you need a computer, digital audio workstation to mix and edit the music, audio interface to provide all the connections to your music, a quality set of microphones, headphones, studio monitors, a cable to connect the mic and audio interface, along with cables to connect the interface to the monitors. And of course, any of the instruments you would like to use in your studio should also be purchased if not already done so.

Building your own home studio in your basement can provide hours of fun and can help you take your sound to the next level. But if you don’t plan and build it out right you might end up ignoring it more than using it. So let us help! At the RenosGroup, we can help you plan and create your build so that you can easily transform your basement into a studio that gets you pumped to use it every time. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

4 Decor Ideas for Your Backyard Coach House

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/11/">November 20, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Coach House, Contractor, Custom, Expert Tips, Home Additions, Home Renovation Blog, Ottawa

Need some ideas for your backyard coach house? Modern coach house designs have come a long way since housing horse and carriages back in the day. Today, they’re often converted into quaint and characterful domestic dwellings that can be tailored to whatever style or need you prefer. Whether you have aging parents to care for, an older child looking for some independence, or if you simply need some extra quiet space to get work done, here are some décor ideas for you to consider for your backyard coach house.

Home for Aging Parents

When your parents reach a certain age, it’s nice to be able to have them close to home so that you can look after them and help take care of them when needed. A backyard coach house offers the perfect space for them to live, being close to home without invading your space while allowing them to maintain their independence as well.

When designing for this purpose, consider features such as wide doorways or easy, accessible ramps. Also, enhanced safety features like a walk-in shower with handrails and lots of great lighting along the exterior and interior are important.

Apartment for Your Eldest Child

If you have a college-age child that’s eager for some independence, why not convert your backyard coach house into a loft where they can test out their wings before they really spread them? Make it modern and fresh with a great entertainment system, surround sound, and of course, a workspace where they can get all their assignments done.

Home Office Space

If you have a work-from-home career, you can create the perfect work zone that’s away from the distractions so you can get down to business. For this, you’ll need lots of built-in storage, large expansive windows to give you plenty of natural light, and product-inspiring colours for the walls like blue, yellow, or orange.

Rental Unit

If you’re eager to make some additional income, you can create a cozy rental property with rustic wooden floors, fresh, bright kitchen cabinetry, and even a few sunroofs to brighten it up if you find that you coach house is overshadowed and dark during the daytime.

Having a backyard coach house is a great additional space that can come in handy when you need it the most. So if you’ve been neglecting yours, let these ideas get you inspired to create an additional space the serves your needs well.

At RenosGroup.ca, we can help make your vision a reality. With our knowledge and expertise, you can trust us to take care of any home reno project. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Prevent Mold & Mildew Growth Following a Bathroom Renovation

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/11/">November 14, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog, Page Bathrooms, Renovations

Bathrooms are a common place for mold and mildew to thrive in. With all of the constant moisture and hot steam being produced from the shower, it can begin to grow along the ceiling, walls or shower area, causing potential harm to the structure of the bathroom and to your health. That’s why it’s necessary to take some preventative measures after you’ve renovated to avoid dealing with any harmful spores. Follow these tips on how to prevent mold and mildew growth, following a bathroom renovation.

Good Ventilation is a Must

Since the bathroom is the dampest room in your home, it’s where mold and mildew are most likely to develop, which can end up damaging your grout, wood and other items. It can also lead to allergies and respiratory problems. So one of the most important things to include in your bathroom renovation is a good ventilation system that can remove the moisture and steam fast. You should also encourage your family members to crack open a window after each shower.

Avoid Using Textiles

Although most bathroom designs don’t include textiles like carpeting, you may want to avoid using them also for the shower curtain, wallpaper and anything similar that mold spores can latch onto and grow on. With the moisture and heat, certain fabrics and materials are not suitable to include in the décor, so make sure you’re careful about what you place in there.

Don’t Cheap Out of the Fixtures

When it comes to the fixtures and plumbing, it can be easy to go with the cheapest options. But keep in mind that sometimes spending a little more now can save you from spending a lot more later. Upgrading your plumbing and fixtures can help you steer clear of dealing with cracks and leaks, which will add more moisture and potential mold growth into your bathroom.

Use Mold & Mildew-Resistant Materials

Being preventative is always a smart move to avoid costly and hazardous situations in the future. You can use materials that are resistant to mold and mildew, such as paint, flooring and other specific treatments that can be applied to surfaces.

If you’ve just realized how susceptible your bathroom is to these spores, you can prevent mold and mildew growth after a bathroom renovation by implementing some of these important steps. Or you can contact us, or call at (613)727-9427 to take care of your reno for you so that you don’t have to worry!

Designing Your Dream Master Closet

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/10/">October 30, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Bedrooms, Home Renovation Blog

Ready to finally make your dream master closet a reality? It’s easier than you think! All you need is a plan, some inspiring ideas, and the RenosGroup to help you transform your current closet space. Check out these ideas for designing your dream master closet to get you started.

Built-In Shelves

If most of your items other than your clothing end up on the floor in or around your closet, then this is clear indication that you need more (or convenient) areas to store your items. Built-in shelves are a must when revamping and creating your dream master closet. You need to have a spot for everything, such as segmented areas for shoes, to keep it neat and easy to access. Custom shelving units can have a variety of shelves for ties, scarves, hats and anything else to keep it organized.

Go Big On Lighting

No matter the size of your closet, having adequate lighting is important to see what you need and to make the process of deciding what to wear that much easier. If you’re lucky enough to have a large size – or even a walk-in closet, always go big on the lighting features to ensure you have a well-lit wardrobe. Adding enough pot lights above your clothing racks, adding more pot lights underneath certain units of the customized shelves, and even installing a large stylish lighting feature in the center of your closet will take your design to the next level.

His And Hers

When designing your dream master closet, you can also create both His and Hers sections so that you can keep each of your dedicated sections organized without encroaching on space. This should be taken into consideration in regards to the customized units. For men, think about accessories like ties and belts that will require specified storage, and for women, having different shoe racks for heels, flats, boots, and even areas for jewelry can be included.

Tailor Made

We know that you’ve been dreaming of having a master closet that you can feel excited and proud to show off, so why not make it tailor made? Get fancy and creative by adding in some personalized, finishing touches, like an elegant leather bench or even one or two comfy seats to rest on when you need to think about that perfect cocktail outfit. You can also throw down a cozy rug and add some splashes of colour to the walls that you enjoy.

When it’s time to finally tackle the closet and take on the exciting challenge of designing your dream master closet, the RenosGroup is here to help! Our expert contractors can install customized shelving, lighting and anything you need to achieve your dream design. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Hottest Colour Trends

https://renosgroup.ca/2017/10/">October 23, 2017
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

If you’re tired of staring at the same old colour on the walls in your home, adding in some fresh, modern hues and shades can help spruce it up. It’s so convenient when you get to switch up your design and décor, even just a tad, to rejuvenate the look of any room. And this year, designers are falling for some serious shades and strong, bold, exotic hues that are 2017’s hottest colour trends so far.

To give you a palette of inspiration when you’re ready to freshen up your home, read on to find out what colours are dominating the interior design world.

Moody Shades And Wallpaper Designs

The bedroom is where we like to cozy up and feel relaxed. And this year, we’re seeing a trend of shades and even wallpaper designs that embody moodier tones, combined with dark wood stains and splashes of colour to set the tone just right. Combinations of navy blue, dark plum, and grays are perfect for getting that cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

“Millennial Pink”

Millennial pink, also known as Windsor pink, is another dominant favourite this year. This combination of peach-salmon offers the perfect blend of colour that in essence, acts as a neutral tone. With both youthful and elegant properties, it can go just about anywhere and for any age group, despite the “Millennial” label.

Autumn Maple

This October, get in on the colour that perfectly embodies everything we love about the fall time. This burnt orange is fresh, spicy, exotic and goes perfectly with darker toned wood and lighter blonde accents.

Black Chiffon

In a similar vein with the moodier tones, Black Chiffon, which looks like a black charcoal mix, is dominating feature walls with many black on black tone layering happening. Dark leather chairs, all black built-in wall units, slate table tops, black vases and flickers of gold accents create a sexy, masculine design that make it impressive for any statement wall.

Deep Emerald

There’s something undeniably mystical about the bluegrass green that’s wrapped up in deep Emerald. It’s an historical colour that embodies sophistication, elegance and that perfect traditional country home vibe that is sure to reignite your love for any room in your home.

The colour palette is proving to be an exciting one among the hottest trends. So why not give your home décor a facelift by getting creative with colour and finding ways to splash in some of these moody and exotic hues into your space this year. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Home Renovation Blog