Home Renovation Blog

Planning a home renovation can be an exciting time.  After all, who doesn’t love the idea of coming home to a brand-new kitchen or bathroom? But before you start tearing down walls and selecting fixtures, there are a few things you need to do to set yourself up for success. Here are 15 things to do before starting any home renovation.

1. Set a Budget

One of the first things you need to do before starting any home renovation is to set a budget.

This will help you determine what projects you can realistically afford to take on and also help keep costs under control during the renovation process. When setting your budget, be sure to account for both the cost of materials and labor.

2. Choose the Right Contractor

If you’re planning on doing any major renovations, chances are you’re going to need some help from a professional contractor.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial to ensuring that your renovation goes smoothly. Be sure to get multiple bids from different contractors and ask each one for references from previous clients.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, be sure to have a detailed contract in place that outlines the scope of work and sets expectations for both parties.

3. Get Your Permits

Depending on the nature and scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain one or more permits from your local municipality before work can begin.

Failure to do so could result in costly fines or even stop your renovation in its tracks. If you’re unsure whether or not you need a permit, your contractor should be able to advise you.

4. Prepare Your Home

Once you’ve chosen your contractor and obtained all the necessary permits, it’s time to start preparing your home for the renovation process.

This typically includes moves such as clearing out closets and removing carpeting or other flooring. It’s also important to make sure that any furniture or valuables that will remain in the house during the renovation are properly protected from dust and debris.

5. Pick Out Materials

One of the most exciting parts of any home renovation is picking out materials such as flooring, fixtures, cabinets, etc.

But before you head out to your local home improvement store, it’s important to do your research and select materials that fit both your budget and style preferences. Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, be sure to get samples so that you can see how they look in person before making any final decisions.

6. Know Your End Goal

Before starting your renovation project, you need to have a clear end goal.

For example, are you renovating to raise the resale value of your home, or do you plan on staying put for many years to come?

Are your renovations for comfort above all else, or do you want to add more functionality? (i.e., adding more space to your kitchen or reimagining your basement into a guest bedroom suite).

It’s imperative to know precisely what you want before you get started.

Also, take the condition of your neighborhood into account, as that will help you determine which renovations are appropriate and which would be overdoing it for the area.

7. Ask for References

If you’re selecting a contractor to handle your home renovations, don’t be shy about asking them for references.

A reliable contractor will have no issue with providing references as well as a copy of their liability insurance. If they refuse your request, that’s a sign that they aren’t trustworthy. Besides asking for references, you should also look up customer reviews for their business on third-party websites.

The last thing you want is to wind up with a general contractor that does shoddy work or doesn’t have insurance, so make sure you do your research.

8. Pack Up Your Things

It’s best to declutter the renovation space to ensure your renovations go off without a hitch. Make a pass through the area and pack up anything that’s in the way.

For instance, if you’re renovating your kitchen, pack up all your cooking utensils, silverware, spatulas, as well as any appliances that may be in the way. Also, check for any wires sticking out that may serve as trip hazards and tuck them out of the way.

Your contractors will definitely appreciate being able to work in a clean, decluttered space. That also reduces the risk of trips and falls, so packing up is a must.

9. Audit Your Personal Belongings

For insurance purposes, it’s wise to audit your personal belongings before the renovation process begins.

It serves as a way to protect yourself should anything get broken or misplaced during renovations. Beyond that, it’s always good to have a list of your valued items on hand should anything happen, whether it’s related to your renovations or not.

Creating a list of all your belongings will also make the renovation space easier to clear out.

When taking inventory, decide if there’s anything that you want to get rid of to add more space. Doing so will make the renovation space nice and tidy while helping you get rid of unwanted junk, so it’s a win-win.

10. Consider Your Pets

When undergoing renovations, it’s crucial not to forget about your pets. If they’re going to stay home while the work is getting done, consider their needs.

Dogs and cats may find the experience stressful, or they may want to bother the new visitors to your home.

That’s why it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member pet-sit for you while the renovations are underway. You can also designate an area of the home where you’ll keep your pets, such as a bedroom or the basement. To ensure they aren’t stressed, have one of your family members stay in the room with them.

11. Designate a Home Base

Home renovations can sometimes be chaotic due to the loss of a key room (and function) in your home.

For example, kitchen renovations will make it difficult to prepare meals while the work is getting done.

To remedy this, designate a space in your home that will be renovation-free, and set up a ‘home base’ there. If your kitchen is out of commission, then you can equip your living room or bedroom with a hot plate, kettle, and microwave to compensate.

Ultimately, it’s good to have a designated spot where you and your family can unwind and relax while the renovations are in progress.

12. Schedule a Cleanup

This tip is if you plan on handling the renovations yourself, as most professional renovators will clean up before leaving your home.

The last thing you want is to leave your home in a state of disarray, as that can potentially be dangerous. For instance, leaving power tools lying around is a trip hazard, so don’t forget to put them away when you’re done for the day.

Not only that, but wood shavings and debris can make it difficult for your family to breathe, so it’s worth firing up the vacuum to get them out of the way.

If your renovations are going to make quite a mess, it can be worth hiring cleaners to come and tidy up once you’re done.

13. Plan for Outages

Certain types of renovations will involve shutting off the water and power to specific areas of your home.

That means you may be without running water or electricity for a period of time during your renovations. As such, you should prepare for these in order to maintain your daily routines without any encumbrances.

If you’re going to be without water, plan ahead and fill up some containers for drinking, bathing, and flushing the toilet. You can also fill up your bathtub to have a reservoir of water to use during the renovations.

For no electricity, stock up on candles and flashlights so you’ll be able to see when it gets dark. You can also use a backup generator to power one area of your home while work gets done elsewhere.

14. Check the Weather

While it may seem unnecessary, checking the weather forecast for your renovation days is a crucial step.

Even if you’re going to renovate during the spring or summer, you can’t expect perfect weather for your renovation days. That’s why you need to check both the long-term and short-term forecasts before booking your renovations.

Also, if your renovations will require losing electricity, it’s best to avoid doing that on days that are excessively hot or cold, as you’ll be without AC/heating.

15. Consult the Calendar

If you don’t plan your renovations in advance with a calendar, all sorts of complications may arise.

For example, the last thing you want is to be in the middle of monitoring renovations only to realize that you have to leave for an urgent work conference halfway around the world.

There are also holidays and vacations to consider, so always consult your calendar before booking renovations.

Planning a home renovation can be an exciting time but there are definitely some things you need to do beforehand to set yourself up for success. From setting a budget and choosing the right contractor, to getting permits and picking out materials, following these 5 tips will help ensure that your next home renovation goes off without a hitch!  Why wait, contact us today (613)727-9427

If you’re thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you can do to increase its value and make it more appealing to buyers. By making some strategic home improvements, you can recoup your investment and even turn a profit.

Here are seven home improvements that will help you sell your home for top dollar.

1. Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s value.

A well-designed kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes will appeal to buyers and help you fetch a higher price.

Even if you don’t have the budget for a complete gut renovation, making smaller changes like painting the cabinets, installing new countertops, or upgrading the lighting can make a big difference.

Beyond the visual appeal, kitchens with convenient layouts will catch the eye of buyers, especially if they enjoy preparing their own meals.

Add-ons like islands, cabinets, and open shelves provide more options for storage space, which is great for buyers with lots of cooking utensils and appliances. The positioning also matters here, as you’ll want to ensure you have everything you need to cook a meal right in front of you.

If you have to make six 180s just to put together a grilled cheese sandwich, opting for a more practical layout will generate more interest from home buyers – not to mention it will make your life easier before you sell.

It is possible to go a bit overboard with upgrading your kitchen, which may end up having the opposite effect than you intended.

If you go with a mega-sized refrigerator and top-tier garbage disposal, the cost may rise higher than most buyers are willing to pay (of course, this is entirely up to you, as if you do find a buyer, you’ll end up selling your home for more).

Your best bet to get the most bang for your buck is to renovate your kitchen with high-end appliances, cheery lighting, and an optimized design to make preparing meals a breeze.

2. Bathroom Remodel

Like the kitchen, bathrooms are another important selling point for potential buyers. A bathroom remodel can be relatively simple and inexpensive, but it will make a big impact on buyers.

If your bathroom is outdated or in need of repairs, consider renovating it before putting your home on the market.

Above all else, bathrooms should feel clean and pleasant.

Sometimes, a refresh is all a bathroom needs.

What’s that?

A bathroom refresh is where you make several essential touch-ups to reinvigorate your bathroom. This includes things like a fresh coat of paint, a new vanity or mirror, and replacing busted towel racks.

Other times, a more extensive renovation is necessary to make your bathrooms attractive to the market.

The lighting in your bathroom can make a huge difference to some buyers, especially those that enjoy unwinding by soaking in a dimly lit tub. Adding a light dimmer is always a good idea, as is experimenting with different lighting combinations.

If your bathrooms are tinier than a broom closet, adding more space with an addition or by moving around your sink and tub will help boost their appeal. While a tiny bathroom in connecting areas is fine, it’s better to have larger bathrooms in major areas, especially the master bedroom.

Home buyers won’t like to see older-style toilets, so you should update them if they’re ancient.

That’s because older toilets waste much more water, leading to a larger bill. Modern toilets are more efficient and save water, so it’s always wise to retrofit your bathrooms.

 3. Finished basement

A finished basement is a great way to add extra living space to your home without having to build an addition.

If your basement is currently unfinished, consider finishing it with drywall, flooring, and lighting fixtures. You could also add a bathroom or wet bar to make it even more appealing to buyers.

An unfinished basement is wasted potential, as it’s part of your home’s square footage that you aren’t using. After all, you have to pay 100% of your mortgage, so why not use 100% of the space you have available?

The best part is you can essentially add a brand-new room to your home without having to construct an addition.

Would-be homeowners want to see your basement put to good use, and you have so many options.

You could transform your basement into a kid’s playroom, a guest suite, a movie theater, or even a second living room. New homeowners love guest rooms, and having one will instantly make your home more valuable.

There’s another benefit to transforming your basement into an extra bedroom besides increasing your property value – as it can generate passive income for you. By renting out your basement bedroom on platforms like Airbnb, your spare bedroom can make money for you before it’s time to pack up and sell your house.

That’s not to mention that basements also make excellent wine cellars, man caves, and libraries.

Not only will finishing your basement make your property value skyrocket, but it will also provide you with a great new space to enjoy in the time before you sell.

If your basement is really exciting and attention-grabbing, you may start an all-out bidding war – which is 100x better than home buyers deciding without taking a second thought to skip on your property due to an unfinished basement.

 4. Deck or Patio

If your home doesn’t have an outdoor living space, now is the time to create one.

Adding a deck or patio is a great way to add extra square footage to your home and make it more enjoyable for entertaining guests. And since many buyers place a premium on homes with outdoor living spaces, you’re likely to see a return on your investment when you sell.

There are many ways to create an exciting outdoor space with your new patio or deck – and they don’t all involve going into debt.

For instance, creative outdoor LED lighting, a digital projector screen, and some comfortable seating will turn your deck into the hottest spot in the neighborhood, and none of those things are too expensive.

Another way to make your deck or patio stand out is to pick a color theme for the furniture and accents. For instance, teal pillows, umbrellas, and tables will provide a lot more visual flair and ambiance than plain metal furniture.

 5. Landscaping

First impressions matter, so make sure your curb appeal is up to par before putting your home on the market.

Trimming shrubs, planting flowers, and mowing the lawn are all simple yet effective ways to improve your home’s appearance and boost its value at the same time.

 6. New Windows

Old or drafty windows can be a major turnoff for potential buyers, so replacing them is worth the investment if you’re looking to sell soon.

Not only will new windows improve your home’s appearance, but they’ll also provide energy savings that will appeal to cost-conscious buyers.

 7 . Paint Job

A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to freshen up your home before selling it.

When selecting paint colors, opt for neutral shades that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Avoiding bold or unusual colors will help ensure that your home appeals to as many people as possible.

8. Deep Cleaning

If there’s one thing 82% of realtors can agree on, it’s that you should get a professional deep cleaning done on your home before listing it.

In fact, decluttering and deep cleaning your home can boost its value by 3 – 5%, so it’s a crucial step not to ignore.

A good scrubbing will communicate to home buyers that you took care of the property and kept it clean. It will also make your home more visually stunning, and if you properly declutter and arrange the furniture – it will make the entire house look much larger than before.

Cleaning your house just might be the catalyst that pushes a prospect to make an offer, so it’s worth hiring professionals to really make your home sparkle.

You’ll especially need to spring for deep cleaning if you’ve lived in your home for many years. It’s only natural for carpets and drapes to fade over time, as well as accumulate pet smells and other foul odors that you may not even notice.

A good steam cleaning and shampoo will get rid of those odors for good, along with accumulated pet hair, dirt, and dust that’s built up over the course of years.

If the carpet is too far gone (i.e., torn shag, matting, and lack of padding), then we recommend pulling it out and replacing it.

While that may be a hefty investment (you can expect to pay between $400 and $6,000 depending on the type of flooring material), your house will sell for a lot more if it has fresh, clean carpet.

Investing in some strategic home improvements before selling your home can be a great way to boost its value and improve its chances of selling quickly. By focusing on projects that will appeal to buyers, you can make sure you see a return on your investment when it’s time to sell.  Don’t wait, contact us today (613)727-9427.

Did your home incur significant water damage in Ottawa? If so, it’s crucial to act fast – as wet surfaces and materials start to form mold and other severe issues after only 24 hours.

As such, you’ll want to assess your damages and begin repairs as soon as possible.

If the damage is severe and beyond your scope, don’t hesitate to call our highly trained and experienced team at 613-727-9427, and we’ll hop on your repairs immediately.

If the damage is minimal, you may want to know if you can handle the repairs yourself.

In that case, you’ve come to the right place – as we’ve prepared an extensive guide to repair water damage in Ottawa.

Even if you haven’t experienced water damage in your home, it’s still beneficial to know how to deal with it properly should it occur.

There’s quite a bit to know about water damage, and making the wrong move could spell disaster. Conversely, making the right decisions early on will go a long way toward restoring your home to its original state at a reasonable cost.

Read on to learn the best practices involved with proper water damage repair. Along the way, we’ll cover:

• The three different types of water damage

• Mold inspection tips

• How to dry everything out

• What to throw away and what’s safe to keep

• Restoring and replacing drywall and siding

• Painting and caulking

• Knowing when to hire professionals

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about repairing water damage in Ottawa.

Is it Clean, Gray, or Black Water? The Three Types of Water Damage

First things first, you need to determine which type of water has contaminated your home.

If that sentence makes you scratch your head, you should know that not all water damage is the same. In particular, there are three types of water damage, each with varying degrees of severity.

We didn’t just make this up, either. These are official rankings from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They are:

• Clean water

• Gray water

• Black water

Each has unique requirements for how you approach repairs, so let’s take a closer look at them.

Dealing with Clean Water Damage

The first and most accessible type of water damage to repair is from clean water – which is the least severe of the three, according to the IICRC.

While it may seem nonsensical to refer to water flooding your home as ‘clean,’ it’s more about it being free of raw sewage and toxins, which will wreak even more havoc on your home and belongings.

Clean water comes from:

• Busted pipes

• Sinks

• Bathtubs

• Water supply lines

• Rain

As you can see, these are all ‘clean’ sources of water that don’t contain excessive toxins or raw sewage. As such, this type of water is the easiest to dry up and repair without causing too much lasting damage.

If you have clean water damage in Ottawa, you should be able to repair it by yourself relatively quickly.

Of course, it will also depend on how much clean water damage your home has incurred. Repairs should be straightforward and pain-free if there’s only an inch or two of water on the ground.

Dealing with Gray Water Damage 

Next on the IICRC severity scale is gray water – which is water that is slightly dirty or soiled – but not excessively.

Gray water has more contaminants than clean water but still lacks raw sewage and severe contaminants.

Gray water comes from:

• Toilets

• Washing machines

• Sump pump backups

• Dishwashers

The waste and chemicals in gray water may or may not be directly harmful to humans, but it’s crucial to thoroughly disinfect your home to ensure the contaminants don’t cause problems down the line.

You may also need to wear safety gear while repairing gray water damage to protect yourself from hazardous toxins (especially if the gray water came from a sump pump backup).

At this point, you can still opt to handle the repairs yourself, but we recommend that you leave it to professionals like our team at RenosGroup. That’s because we’re well versed in cleaning/removing contaminated materials from bathrooms, kitchens, and basements to ensure that we restore your home to its original glory.

Dealing with Black Water Damage 

Black water is the most severe on the IICRC scale, and for a good reason. Black water contains raw sewage and hazardous toxins that are extremely dangerous.

You should by NO MEANS attempt to repair black water damage in Ottawa by yourself.

That’s because black water can cause severe health complications if you aren’t wearing the proper safety gear/taking the necessary precautions.

The last thing you want is to have to contend with a life-threatening illness while your home is flooded, which is why you should ALWAYS call us at RenosGroup to repair black water damage.

How do you know if your home is contaminated with black water?

Here’s where black water comes from:

• Sewers

• Rising flood waters

• Seawater

• River water

If your home gets flooded by a sewer overflow or rising river waters, you need to contact professionals for cleanup as soon as possible. Black water contains bacteria, human waste, and other serious contaminants – so your home will need to undergo extensive disinfecting before returning to normal.

Your Repair Guide for Water Damage in Ottawa

Now that you know about the three types of water damage, it’s time to learn how to repair damage from clean water and gray water.

If you suspect the gray water has bacteria or contaminants in it, you should contact professionals for repairs. Yet, if it’s simply some water from a busted toilet, you should be able to handle it by yourself.

Like anything else, there’s a right and wrong way to go about repairing water damage, which is why we’ve prepared this guide containing a step-by-step process for getting rid of water damage in Ottawa.

Step #1: Inspect for Serious Issues

Your first step should be to assess the damage as thoroughly as possible. In particular, you need to keep your eyes open for severe issues like mold and mildew.

What’s the difference?

In a nutshell, mildew forms on surfaces, and mold grows inside walls and dark places. So if you see a gray, white, or light brown growth around your home, it’s likely mildew. If there’s a growth inside your pipes or walls, it’s mold.

Remember, mold and mildew can begin forming within 24 hours of incurring water damage. You need to assess the damage as soon as possible to stop them in their tracks.

What do you do if you find mold or mildew?

Both are toxic and can be pretty dangerous to humans. If you notice severe mold/mildew in your home, your best bet is usually to call us to dispose of it safely and securely. You should also vacate the house and shut down the airflow (to avoid further contamination).

For minor occurrences of mold/mildew, cut out the material it’s growing on, bag it, and dispose of it immediately.

Step #2: Dry Everything Out 

Once you’ve completed a full assessment of the damage, it’s time to dry up all the moisture lingering in your home so you can return to normal.

If you’re dealing with a small leak, you should be able to dry everything out by using heavy-duty fans. Not only will they expedite the drying process, but they’ll circulate the air in the affected area, which can help prevent foul odors.

Your goal here should be to suck up every ounce of moisture left in the affected area.

If your flooding is more on the severe side, you’ll need to rent a high-capacity dehumidifier to dry your carpet, wood, ceiling, and belongings.

If you don’t feel like bothering with all that hassle, you can hire professionals like us to dry out your home. We have access to premium quality fans and dehumidifiers we can use to ensure we dry out every inch of your home.

Step #3: Dispose of all Porous Materials 

Next, you’ll need to remove anything porous that got wet during the flooding.

What are porous materials?

They contain tiny holes (like pores in your skin) that absorb moisture, dirt, and bacteria. Wet porous material can grow dangerous mold or mildew if left unchecked.

This may be a difficult step, as you likely won’t want to part ways with your carpet or specific pieces of furniture.

Yet, it’s a necessary step, as water often permanently damages porous materials. For example, when wooden furniture gets wet (which is porous), it can permanently warp the wood – ruining it forever.

That’s why it’s best to cut out wet porous materials and replace them. That includes carpet, fabric, insulation, wood furniture, and concrete. If you aren’t sure if something is porous or not, a quick Google search will let you know. It’s crucial to be vigilant here, as the last thing you want is to hold onto something porous that will grow harmful mold down the line.

Step #4: Disinfect Everything You Keep 

Even the nonporous things you keep will need to go through disinfection to ensure they’re safe for your home.

Water damage in Ottawa will affect everything it touches, which is why you must leave no stone unturned when repairing it.

Why is disinfecting a necessary step?

It is because you never know when a few mold spores are left lingering on the floor or in a piece of furniture. All it takes is a few spores to start forming harmful mold that will be expensive to remove.

That’s why you’ll want to disinfect everything with bleach (or a homemade solution) to completely wipe out all the bacteria, dirt, and mold spores.

For clean water damage, lightly spraying the floor with a disinfecting agent and wiping it dry is all you’ll need to do. For gray water damage in Ottawa, you’ll need to go to more drastic measures when disinfecting the area. If you have black water damage, you should call us instead to avoid exposing yourself to harmful contaminants.

Step #5: Repair Ceiling Panels First 

If your ceiling got wet from the water damage, it should be the first spot that you repair. That’s because ceilings are the most susceptible to sustaining structural damage due to gravity.

Start by removing all ceiling panels that were affected by the leak. It would help if you also did some work to ascertain whether the leak originated from the roof or not.

Important note: The leak from your roof may originate in a spot that’s far away from the actual water stain – so be thorough in your search.

You should also check your beams and rafters to see if they got wet or incurred any damage from the leak.

For any ceiling panel that got wet, throw it out and replace it with a new one. If your beams and rafters show signs of damage, you should contact us to repair them professionally.

Step #6: Replace All Warped/Rotting Wood 

There’s no saving warped or rotted wood – so you’ll need to get rid of it all. Warped wood is not only ruined forever but can also form harmful mold inside, which can be detrimental to your health.

Do your best to pry each wood panel apart so you can clean underneath it before replacing it.

That’s because some excess moisture below the wood may cause problems down the line if you don’t clean it up now.

If the wood in question plays an essential structural role in your home, you must be extra careful when pulling it out and replacing it. Your home’s structure relies on a precise balance of support, and you may disrupt that when ripping out structural wood. If you don’t want to be on the hook for expensive structural damage, leave the work to professionals like us.

Step #7: Install New Flooring 

Water is particularly harsh on floors, as it can cause carpets to grow harmful mold and bacteria, and the moisture will swell and warp wooden floorboards.

As such, the chances are high that you’ll need to replace your floors – or at least check underneath them to ensure the underlayment and padding don’t have any water damage (both can absorb moisture which will cause issues).

The bright side is that this allows you to install waterproof flooring, which will protect you from water damage in the future.

Popular waterproof flooring options include:

• Ceramic tile

• Porcelain tile

• Vinyl planks

• Sheet vinyl

• Certain types of engineered wood

• Polished concrete

These are all adequate flooring options that are highly water-resistant, which will protect you should another leak/flood occur. To further protect your floors from water damage in Ottawa, you could opt for a protective sealant coating to waterproof the surface.

Step #8: Replace Drywall and Siding

If any walls were affected by the water damage, you’ll need to either repair or replace the drywall.

How do you know when a sheet of drywall is too far gone?

The rule of thumb is that if more than 3/8ths of an inch has swelled or sagged due to moisture – you should replace the entire sheet. Make sure to cut out the entire affected area and dry it out before installing fresh drywall.

You can generally salvage the sheet if less than 3/8ths is affected.

It would be best to inspect your external siding for water damage. If any water seeps behind your siding, it can cause permanent damage to the sensitive materials inside.

If your siding has water damage, you’ll want to remove it as soon as possible to prevent rot from setting in underneath. Besides siding, moisture can also penetrate any faux stone surface, so it’s crucial to be as thorough as possible when inspecting the outside of your home for water damage in Ottawa.

Step #9: Apply Fresh Paint and Caulk 

The final step is to either touch up or apply a fresh coat of paint to all the affected areas. That includes floors, walls, ceilings, and external siding.

If the damage was minimal, you could get away with touching things up. If it was more extensive, you’re better off with a fresh coat.

Once the painting is done, caulk all the materials (toilets, tile, etc.) to seal them and protect them from future water damage.

Final Thoughts: Repairing Water Damage in Ottawa

Nobody wants to contend with water damage, but you never know when it will rear its ugly head. Luckily, this guide has your back should a leak or flood occur in your home.

Remember to identify which type of water damage you have as the first step because if you’re dealing with black water – you need to call us at RenosGroup instead of attempting to repair the damage yourself.

Our trained team of professionals has the know-how and top-tier equipment to make quick work of your water damage, no matter how severe it is. If you need water damage repair services or are renovating your home in Ottawa, don’t wait to reach out to us for a free in-home consultation at 613-727-9427.

Whenever we consult with a client about kitchen remodeling in Ottawa, cabinetry is almost always the first subject that pops up, and it’s easy to see why.

Your cabinets are often the central focal point of your kitchen, as they’re what catches the eye first. That means the cabinetry you choose will make or break your kitchen depending on their quality, color, finish, and style.

The same is true for bathrooms, as well as basements that have guest rooms and kitchenettes.

Yet, there’s quite a bit to know when selecting cabinetry for your home. Hundreds of designs, styles, materials, and finishes exist.

You’ll also need to consider your budget and the overall feel you want your kitchen, basement, or bathroom to have.

Considering this, we’ve compiled this extensive purchasing guide for kitchen cabinets. That way, you’ll know exactly what to ask for when consulting with a kitchen contractor in Ottawa – including a realistic price range, so you don’t exceed your budget.

Stick around to learn everything you need to know about buying cabinets for your basement, bathroom, or kitchen remodeling in Ottawa.

The Different Types of Cabinets

First, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types of cabinetry to determine your needs.

Regarding kitchens, the design typically consists of base cabinets, wall cabinets, and pantry cabinets.

The most popular bathroom options are Vanities, shaker-style, and louvered cabinets.

Basements tend to feature wall cabinets and ample storage cabinets – but they can also feature base cabinets and pantries if they have a kitchenette.

To discover what will work best for your renovation project, let’s take a more detailed look at each cabinet type.

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets serve two purposes; to provide storage space and to serve as a foundation for your kitchen’s countertop or sink.

For countertops featuring materials like granite or marble, base cabinetry needs extra reinforcement to provide proper support.

Kitchen sinks are also heavy and require a strong foundation, which is where base cabinets come into play. They hold up your sinks and countertops so you can work at standing height and provide convenient storage space for appliances, cleaning supplies, and more.

In particular, there are two types of base cabinets:

• Sink base cabinets. These cabinets are specifically designed to support a kitchen sink – which is why they have an open back and a false drawer in front (it’s to work around your plumbing without drawing attention to it). They also provide storage space, and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

• Corner cabinets. These are the cabinets that occupy the corners of your counter space. Several types of corner cabinets help you get the most out of your kitchen. Blind cabinets feature half a standard cabinet, with the other half being the corner of the adjacent cabinet. Lazy susan cabinets have rotating bases so you can easily access items in the back.

On average, base cabinets are around 24-inches deep with a few different options for width. Without a countertop, they average 34 inches in height. With a countertop, it jumps up to 35 to 36 inches.

Wall Cabinets

As the name implies, wall cabinets mount to the walls in your kitchen. Since they’re up high, these cabinets matter the most for visual appeal. They’re the focal point of the entire room, so it’s imperative to select the right style and material for them.

They come in various heights and widths, as some wall cabinets are shorter and hover over appliances like microwaves and refrigerators. Others are taller and typically reach up to 40″ inches in height.

Most wall cabinets feature adjustable shelves, with the height determining the number of shelves you can have.

Depending on the width of the cabinets, they can be a single door, double door, or even triple door if there’s enough room.

Like base cabinets, there are also corner wall cabinets – the most popular type being angled corner cabinets.

They’re typically 12-inches deep and 12 to 42-inches wide.

There are many ways that we can add visual flair to your wall cabinets through our Ottawa kitchen remodeling, such as:

• LED lighting arrangements

• Artistic glass inserts

• Decorative framing and door designs

It’s also possible to raise or lower wall cabinets for accessibility reasons.

Pantry Cabinets for Ottawa Kitchen Remodeling

Pantries start at the floor and are usually quite tall. Typical heights range from 84-inches to 96-inches, with widths ranging from 12 to 36-inches.

Besides serving as a pantry, these tall cabinets also work as a way to house wall ovens and refrigeration units.

Yet, the most common use is as a pantry, and they usually have two doors and up to three adjustable shelves. A pantry is necessary for any Ottawa kitchen remodel, as you want plenty of room to store all your non-perishable (and perishable) food items.

Without one, you likely won’t have enough storage space for all your food, which leads to unsightly clutter (such as cereal boxes stacked on top of the fridge).

It’s common for pantries to have top and bottom sections. The top has three adjustable shelves, and the bottom is either open or has more storage options like pull out shelves.

Shaker-Style Cabinets

In our experience with Ottawa kitchen remodeling, shaker-style cabinets are among the most popular for both kitchens and bathrooms.

They provide a timeless appeal that never goes out of style and work great for achieving the farmhouse kitchen look.

A shaker-style cabinet features five components:

• Two stiles

• Two rails

• A recessed panel in the middle

Shakers mix well with glass inserts, and it’s easy to spruce them up with millwork to add some visual flair.

Glass-Front Cabinets

Do you want to add ritz and sophistication to your kitchen cabinetry?

If so, there’s no better way than by adding glass-front cabinets. They’re popular for wall cabinets, base cabinets, and cabinets under kitchen islands.

While you probably don’t want to use glass-front cabinets for every cabinet, it looks stylish to mix and match.

In particular, glass-front cabinets work well if you want to display something, such as prized bottles of liquor or wine or expensive china.

Glass cabinets are also more effective at keeping your valuables safe from grime, dust, grease, and dirt. Another perk is that they will reflect the ambient light in the room, brightening everything up. That means you won’t have to turn on as many lights in your kitchen, which will help save money on your energy bill.

To add a little extra pizazz, you can add window films that can turn the glass into different colors or add stunning etched patterns.

White Cabinets

White cabinets are the preferred choice for homeowners after the all-white farmhouse kitchen look. White cabinets are timeless, as white transcends all trends.

Why is that?

It’s because white as a color works great as a backdrop for other hues, themes, and styles.

As such, white cabinets are a safe option if you want to have the freedom and flexibility to renovate again in the near future. If you decide to try out a new color scheme for your kitchen, you can keep the white cabinets the same, and they’ll look fine.

Kitchen Remodeling in Ottawa: Cabinetry Guide

Cabinet Materials

Equally as important as the type of cabinet you choose is its material. Cheaper cabinets use poor materials, such as flimsy, low-grade particle boards that won’t last very long.

Besides poor materials, you should keep an eye out for:

• Staples

• Notched butt joints

• Corner gussets and braces made of plastic

• Thin panels

• Cheap glue, screws, and nails

These are all tell-tale signs that the cabinet is of poor quality. You get what you pay for when it comes to cabinets, so it’s crucial to include enough in your budget for high-quality cabinets with durable materials.

Which materials work best for cabinets?

There are quite a few, so let’s take a look at each one.

Moisture-Resistant, High-Grade Particle Board

While particle board has a bad reputation, and primarily for a good reason, it’s not entirely useless. Like other materials, there are grades of particle board, and higher grades are more durable and resilient.

Besides being high-grade, the particle board also needs to be moisture-resistant.

Why’s that?

It’s because of how particle board reacts to getting wet. When exposed to moisture, standard particle board will expand and fall apart. That means if your particle board cabinets get wet, they’re essentially done for. Moisture-resistant particle board doesn’t have this problem, so it’s what you want.

Yet, even high-grade particle board still has a lot of issues when used in cabinets, such as:

• It doesn’t take fasteners well

• It doesn’t respond well to glue

• It’s hard to perform joinery techniques

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid particle board if you have the budget.

Plywood

Plywood is one of the most commonly requested materials in our experience with kitchen remodeling in Ottawa.

That’s because it’s affordable yet doesn’t struggle with the same issues as particle board.

It’s a stable building material that’s perfect for cabinets because of how well it responds to glue, fasteners, and joinery techniques. Plywood is constructed by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer.

You’ll want to ensure that the plywood you use is finished on both sides. Typically, plywood is only finished on one side, which makes it vulnerable to absorbing moisture on the unfinished side. As long as both sides are finished, you won’t have problems with your cabinets absorbing moisture.

Medium-Density Fibreboard/Combi Core

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a manufactured wood product constructed from broken down hardwood and softwood fibers.

It’s stronger than particle board and plywood, and it’s the most stable option out of any material.

Yet, MDF has the same moisture issues that plywood and particle board both have. It will easily absorb moisture and begin to warp if it’s unprotected.

The good news is that there’s waterproof MDF on the market. In fact, modern forms of MDF are so waterproof that you can soak them in water for DAYS with no warping effects.

Combi Core is another resilient option that features layers of wood veneers and two thin layers of MDF.

Both materials are excellent for cabinets; just ensure you get the moisture-resistant versions.

High-Density Fibreboard

If durability is a critical factor for your cabinets, it’s worth springing for high-density fibreboard (HDF).

It’s the king of durable cabinet materials and stronger than MDF by a considerable margin. It also contains a lot of resin, which makes it even more durable.

If you expect your cabinets to see quite a bit of wear and tear, HDF is your best bet if you want your cabinets to have a long lifespan.

What’s the Difference Between Framed and Frameless Cabinets?

When browsing Ottawa kitchen remodeling websites for cabinetry, you may have noticed the option for framed or frameless cabinets.

What’s the difference?

It refers to how they’re constructed, how they look, and the design options available.

• Framed cabinets have an overlay or ‘frame’ attached to the front side of the cabinet. Typically, the frames lay up to 2-inches over the top of the counter box. The frame adds strength and stability to the construction and provides a decorative look.

• Frameless cabinets do not have a frame but, instead, have a sleek and seamless look. They often have drawer slides to make them easier to open. Frameless cabinets are also called European cabinets because they originated and became popular in Europe.  Frameless cabinets are the most popular option for kitchen remodeling in Ottawa.

It’s up to your personal preference whether you choose framed or frameless cabinets for your home – as it’s entirely subjective. Both construction methods are entirely equal, so one isn’t objectively better than the other.

Instead, you’ll have to determine whether you want a frame or not entirely based on the way it looks with your existing theme.

If you’re a fan of the minimalist style, you’ll probably enjoy frameless cabinets. Conversely, if you’re after the all-white farmhouse feel, you’ll want to use framed shaker-style cabinets.

Selecting a Door Design

You’ll have several options available for your cabinet door designs:

• Raised panel doors. These cabinets feature a raised panel in the center, hence the name. They work for both traditional and modern kitchens, so we get a lot of requests for them as kitchen contractors in Ottawa.

• Cathedral doors. Similar to a raised or recessed panel door, a cathedral or arch door has a rounded arch at the top of the middle panel.

• Shaker doors. Shaker-style cabinets feature flat panels surrounded by a frame of rails and stiles.

• Beaded panel doors (Beadboard). These doors have inset panels that mimic planks separated by ridges.

• Slab doors. This cabinet door style is entirely flat and has no raised or recessed features. It works best if you’re after a modern feel and are using frameless cabinets.

• Louvered doors. In the past these were popular for bathrooms, louvered cabinet doors have vertical frames with horizontal slats running between them.

As with framed and frameless cabinets, this choice is purely visual and subjective. There’s no advantage or disadvantage to any construction technique, so you can make a decision based entirely on personal taste.

Colors and Finishes

Whenever we do free in-home consultations for clients on kitchen remodeling in Ottawa, we’re always sure to mention the colors and finishes that we have available.

That’s because these two details are easy to forget when you’re in a hurry to remodel your kitchen. Yet, they’re two more ways that you can further customize and personalize your cabinets to reflect the exact look that you want.

As far as colors, you have the entire rainbow at your disposal, so it can seem a bit daunting with all the options.

Here are some professional tips on how to select a color for your cabinets:

• Consider the overall color scheme of your kitchen.

• If your kitchen is too dark and you want to add more light, using the color white will naturally reflect more ambient light.

• Don’t forget to factor in your personal preferences. If a color is a little loud or clashes with your overall theme, you can still use it if you like it – as the choice is ultimately yours.

You also need to consider which cabinet finish you want for your Ottawa kitchen remodel.

Finish Types

Unfinished cabinets don’t feature any painting, varnishing, or staining. The material gets left in its natural state, which provides the casual, rustic look that some homeowners enjoy. That’s especially true for unfinished wooden cabinets.

If you want your cabinets to appear polished and refined, you should opt to have them stained. Spray-on stains provide a uniform finish, while hand-applied stains have more of a varied color effect. Both are available for our kitchen remodels in Ottawa.

Painted cabinets will provide the most options for colors. Yet, a painted cabinet with a matte finish will require more maintenance than a stained one. That is, unless you go with a semi-gloss or satin paint finish, as they’re easier to keep clean.

Final Thoughts: Purchasing Cabinets for Kitchen Remodeling in Ottawa

If you’re remodeling your kitchen in Ottawa, you should have a better idea of what your cabinetry needs are now.

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, basement, or bathrooms, cabinets play a central role in the room’s color scheme, style, and layout. That’s not to mention the practical value they add via the storage space they provide.

If you need a basement, kitchen, or bathroom contractor in Ottawa, don’t wait to reach out to us at RenosGroup.

Unlike other contractors in the area, we offer totally free in-home consultations for all our new clients. Our #1 goal is to provide you with the most accurate estimates and plans for your remodel so it turns out exactly the way you want. To schedule a consultation today, complete our online form or you can give us a call at (613) 727-9427.