Home Renovation Blog

Homeowners always have a lot of questions when it comes to home renovations. What are the latest trends? How do I find the right contractor? How much will it cost?

RenosGroup’s home renovation blog is the go-to source for all your renovation needs. We provide tips, tricks, and advice from the experts to help you make your renovation project a success. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, restore your bathroom, or add an addition to your home, the RenosGroup blog has the information you need to get the job done right. We’ll help you save time and money while ensuring that your renovation project is a beautiful and stress-free experience. Let us help you turn your house into the home of your dreams.  Don’t hesitate to contact us (613)727-9427 should you have any questions

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

Understanding the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

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

What is the tax credit?


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

What is the purpose of the tax credit?


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

Who is eligible?


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

What are eligible expenses?


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

What are ineligible expenses?


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

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

Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Creating the Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Are you a big movie buff, but hate having to deal with lineups for tickets, inflated concession prices, and someone kicking the back of your seat all movie long? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for a basement home theatre. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect basement home theatre:

Special Installation


As you’ve probably guessed, a home theatre is not quite as simple as plunking down a TV next to a La-Z-Boy chair and calling it a day. Unless you want wires hanging everywhere, a DIY approach simply won’t cut it if you want a proper home theatre. A professional renovation company can tuck away all the wires and connections out of sight, install built-in components like speakers and the display screen, connect dimmable lighting, create sound insulation, and route HVAC to regulate temperature. All of these upgraded features combine to make the perfect basement home theatre, and cutting corners won’t do.

Choosing a Location


The basement is usually the best place to install a home theatre because it is large, open, and relatively isolated from the rest of the house. This “blank canvas” lets professional renovation companies work their magic without having to tear apart the rest of the house. Remember that windows carry sound, so your best location is an area with one or no windows. Take space that would otherwise be wasted and turn it into a movie lover’s paradise.

Creating a Layout


Once you have selected the right location, next you must determine the layout of your home theatre. A professional renovation company can help choose a layout that accounts for lighting, sound systems, cable hookups, and other components. A layout will help you visualize the best seating locations and mounting points for your A/V equipment.

Selecting Equipment


A layout is one thing, but equipment is what will really set your home theatre apart. Create an equipment budget and work from there. Identify which aspects are most important and which can be scrapped for more economical choices. For example, a PlayStation 4 can act as a video game console, Blu-Ray player, media streamer, and music player.

Design Time


With all of the equipment selected and a layout design in place, next you must choose your finishes. Do you prefer elegant hardwood flooring or cozy carpet? Rustic wood paneling or warm and earthy paint tones? Built-in cabinetry or sleek smooth walls? You can choose a design aesthetic that blends with the rest of the home or stands out all on its own. If premium leather reclining seats are important to you, then don’t be afraid to invest the money.

Trust a professional renovation company to create the perfect home theatre. Lights, camera, action!  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Caring for Granite Countertop

Caring for Your Granite Countertops

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

Seal of Approval


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

Be Gentle


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

Act Quickly


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

Disinfecting


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

Cleaning Your Granite Countertops

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

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

Avoid Too Good to Be True Contractors

Why You Should Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Contractors

Deciding to undergo a home renovation is an exciting proposition, but it comes with a lot of stress. Between a large financial outlay and the hassle of having your home turned into a work zone, often the only thing keeping homeowners happy is the thought that a beautifully completed renovation is around the corner. When you enlist the services of a contractor who promises a lot but delivers very little, it can be crushing. Here are some vital reasons to avoid a “too good to be true” contractor:

Rushed Job


When you hire a contractor whose rates and timeline seem too good to be true, there’s probably a reason. If they offer an unrealistic timeline, it doesn’t mean you’ll get an amazing bathroom in a short period of time. Instead, it means you’ll get a rushed job without attention to detail. This might mean sloppy finishes, but it might also mean extremely important behind-the-scenes aspects (like thorough waterproofing behind shower tiles) are ignored. This could lead to costly complications down the road. When you work with a professional bathroom renovator, we set realistic timelines that ensure your project is done right the first time.

Inexperience


If you find a contractor who is offering cut-rates, it may be because they don’t have the experience and skills to justify professional pricing. The old adage that “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to bathroom renovations. If you choose a contractor whose prices can’t be beaten, it might be for a good reason.

Ballooning Costs


If a “too good to be true” contractor makes an appealing estimate over the phone without even seeing your bathroom in person, expect to see ballooning costs. How can they possibly know how much your renovation will cost without seeing it in person? Instead, choose a professional bathroom renovator that offers free in-home consultations. This way, you’ll be given a more reliable cost estimate and won’t get a big surprise when your bathroom is half-finished, and the money’s gone.

Higher Risk


Can you really trust a jack-of-all-trades to perform specialized work like electrical or plumbing? The consequences with these aspects run far beyond paint drips and crooked mirrors. A shoddy contractor might mess with your electrical or make a plumbing flaw that leads to leaks, water damage, and mould. Instead, trust a professional bathroom renovator who has a team of specialized workers to do the job safely.

Avoid “too good to be true” contractors, trust the services of a professional bathroom renovator like RenosGroup. We have a proven track record of making homeowners happy with successfully completed and stunningly executed projects.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Caring for Granite Countertop

Planning a Stunning, Affordable Kitchen Remodel

If you have been putting off your dream kitchen remodel because you think you can’t afford it, think again. You can easily plan a stunning yet affordable kitchen remodel with these handy tips from the pros:

Paint

It is not always necessary to make major changes to change the look of a room and that includes the kitchen. Paint can make a positive change to the look of your kitchen by cleaning and refreshing your walls and adding an affordable splash of colour for your backsplash.

Lighting

Adding new touches to your kitchen such as lighting can help to modernize a space instantly. Lighting in a kitchen can also make it easier to work. Pendant lighting hung over an island adds sparkle and interesting design detail, while a chandelier above a table can add elegance and sophistication.

Cabinet Refacing

The most affordable cabinet refacing is a lick of paint. However you can also have completely new cabinet doors and trim without the costly removal and installation associated with a complete gutting. Refacing allows you to choose new cabinet doors and drawers and use the existing bases and wall mounts.

Original Fixtures and Appliances

You can also save a lot of money by maintaining as many of the original fixtures and appliances as possible. If they do not look too bad and the electrical and plumbing is in good shape this will save thousands of dollars as well as fuss and mess. As long as appliances are running and energy efficient you can save up and replace them when your budget allows. Sinks just need a good polish to shine again.

Flooring

If your flooring is not in bad shape you can keep it in place as well. There are also many laminate tile and wood flooring products that are available at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood, ceramic or stone.

Counters

Of course we all want the glamour and sparkle of granite, but this is a huge expense during a kitchen remodel. Instead opt for a modern laminate that will give you a new stone look without the hefty price tag. You can always save up and replace them at a later date.

Your kitchen remodel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Using these affordable tips will allow you to have a stunning kitchen you will enjoy for years to come without the high price tag.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Mobility Makeovers

5 Signs your Home Might Need a Mobility Makeover

Whether you have someone in your home with mobility issues or are trying to live in your home well into your retirement, there are a number of signs that indicate you might need a mobility makeover. A mobility renovation can assist in handling mobility issues including:

Poor Lighting


From a safety standpoint, poor lighting is not a good idea in any home. If your home has dark halls and staircases, it can be very easy for someone to trip and fall. Having new lighting installed such as pot lights will greatly improve visibility in key areas of the home to help avoid accidents. Having light switches that are easy to reach for those with mobility issues is also very important.

Narrow Doorways


People in wheelchairs or who use walkers need a wider berth to manoeuvre comfortably. By adding wider doorways throughout the home, people with mobility issues will be able to get from room to room without issues.

Stairs


Stairs both inside and outside the home prove to be a major barrier for those with mobility issues. Having ramps to enter your home as well as specialty lifts will allow those with mobility issues to remain more independent and have full access both inside and outside the home.

Counters


The level of counters in the kitchen can also prove a problem for those in a wheelchair. Not only can high counters be inconvenient, they can be quite dangerous when knives and hot pots and pans are involved. Adjusting counters or adding a special spot where people can sit and do prep work such as chopping will make it easier for them to remain independent.

Bathroom Safety


Safety in the bathroom is always a concern for anyone with mobility issues. Having handle bars, proper toilet seats and room to move around in a wheelchair or with a walker is a must if you want to make mobility possible. Adjustments must also be made to tubs and shower stalls to make them level for easier access. Even for those without mobility issues, the bathroom has plenty of slippery surfaces making it dangerous for slips and falls. Having safe surfaces that provide more traction will help avoid injury.

If your home has any of these issues then you should consider having a consultation for a mobility renovation. You will learn what changes can be made to make your home both safer and more comfortable as well as to help people maintain their independence.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

More and more people are choosing to continue living in their own homes during their retirement years. They love remaining independent, as well as enjoying more financial freedom in a rent and mortgage-free home. If you are looking forward to enjoying your retirement years in the comfort of your own home, you can start preparing your home for retirement years

Bathroom Comfort

The bathroom can become difficult to navigate as you get older. You can make a number of simple adjustments to help make your bathroom feel safer. First, you can look for flooring that is not as slick and that provides more traction to help avoid slips and falls. Your shower or tub area can also be made safer by making it a walk in without any lips or steps when getting in and out. You can also add bars to make it easier to get in and out of the tub as well as for sitting on the toilet. These are very affordable changes that will make you feel more secure in your home.

Tiresome Stairs

Many seniors will find going up and down stairs becomes more challenging as they get older. There are a number of changes that can be made to make your stairs safer. First, it is important to ensure they are not too slippery. Hardwood treads, for example, can be made a little less dangerous with properly installed carpeting. However, poorly installed carpeting can be just as dangerous as it can lead to tripping and falling. Make sure any stair solutions are installed by a professional contractor to avoid these problems. A chair lift is always a great update. On shorter steps leading to landings, you can add ramps.

Poor Lighting

It might not seem very important, but when it comes to safe and comfortable living, excellent lighting is a must. You will be very pleased if you have the proper task lighting in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You will also feel safer in poorly lit halls or areas such as the basement. Good lighting will also update your home and give it a more modern look. Adding safety lighting outside is also a good idea so you do not have difficulty unlocking your door at night.

It just takes a few simple home renovations to update your home for senior living. You will be safer, more comfortable and able to live independently for years to come.  Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

Risks of DIY Bathroom Renovations

5 Risks of DIY Bathroom Renovations

It is always tempting to test your DIY skills in order to save money for your home renovations. However when it comes to bathroom renovations, there is far more at risk than you might think. Here are five risks of DIY bathroom renovations you will want to avoid:

Improper Installation

It is easy to think you are using the right technique for installation of materials like tiling and plumbing for pipes and faucets. However, the scary thing about a lot of installation during a bathroom renovation is that it is hidden behind walls and underneath floors. That means you won’t know you have done something wrong until you suddenly have a serious leak. You can also have a slow leak you will never discover which can lead to dangerous mould and mildew that can affect your health.

Safe Electrical

Most people can handle basic electrical such as replacing a light fixture. However if you are attempting more complicated installation such as a light in your shower stall or even thermal heated flooring, you are putting yourself and family at serious risk of shock. Water and electricity don’t mix and it just takes one faulty wire to cause serious damage to your home or your family members.

Unprofessional Finish

You might think applying tile is an easy job, but it is very easy to muck it up. You can easily make things look uneven, use improper cutting methods and even miss spots of grout that will not only look awful but also cause issues with water damage.

Expense

Many homeowners are all about the most expensive materials and the latest looks. However although you think you are saving money doing DIY bathroom renovations you are not getting a discount on materials like a professional contractor. This means you are paying highly marked up pricing for items such as tiling, faucets, and lighting fixtures.

Material Use

It is also a common mistake to think that any tile or finish can be used in a bathroom renovation. Unfortunately not all tile, flooring and even countertops are designed for bathroom use. You may love the look of a certain tile, but if it becomes very slippery, it’s not the right choice for a bathroom.

When it comes to a bathroom renovation, it is really in your best interests to look for help from a professional contractor. They will save you time, money and also the pain of expensive mistakes that can lead to the need for do-overs!  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

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

Bathroom

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

Kitchen

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

Staircases

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

Exterior

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

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

Risks of a DIY Basement Renovation

Risks of a DIY Basement Renovation

When you’re planning a basement renovation, it can be tempting to save money by doing it yourself. DIY projects can be quite risky, and you may find it much more advisable to trust the experience and workmanship of a qualified renovations company. Here are some of the big risks of a DIY basement renovations:

Going Over-Budget

When you plan a DIY basement renovation, it can be easy to underestimate your budget. This may be caused by hopeful thinking – if you only budget a certain amount, this must be what it costs. It may also be caused by a lack of knowledge. For example, you might budget for the cost of new tiles in a basement bathroom, but not for the backer board, mortar, and grout. Furthermore, your inexperience can lead to higher material costs if you botch installation. Renovation companies have the knowledge to properly estimate the cost of materials and keep the project on budget by doing it right the first time.

Spiraling Timeline

When you start a DIY basement renovation, it can be easy to misjudge and imagine that the project will be complete in a matter of weekends. Even with the best of intentions, setbacks or poor estimations of work time can stall your project. DIY basement renovations can end up taking months, if they even get completed at all. Renovation companies follow a strict process and make sure that the timeline for completion is met as closely as possible. You want a dream renovation, not a permanent work site in your basement.

Cutting Corners

When you’re trying a DIY project, it can be tempting to skip steps to save time and get closer to the finished project. However, it is very important to follow the proper process. Skipping vital steps like sanding floors or cleaning walls before painting can end up turning into big, ugly problems down the road.

Measure Twice…

Sloppy work leads to sloppy results and can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run if you have to restock on supplies and materials. Errors of millimetres can actually derail your entire basement renovation. Contractors are attentive and diligent and will make sure everything is properly measured.

Unskilled Labour

There are amazing resources out there which make DIY projects seem like a breeze. However, watching a few videos or reading DIY manuals is not the same as having practical experience and high-quality workmanship. Don’t try to be a jack-of-all-trades. Renovation companies have the required skills to complete your basement renovation right.

Avoid the risks of a DIY basement renovation by trusting renovation companies to do the job right.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today for more details!

Contact us

Office Address:
251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
Office Hours: 
Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

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