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

5-upgrades-that-can-sell-your-home

5 Upgrades that Can Sell Your Home

If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market for months, here are five upgrades that can sell your home:

Fresh Paint

You have probably been living with the same paint colours in your home for years. Nothing brings a home back to life more quickly than a fresh coat of paint. You can take years off your home with this simple change. Use neutral colours to help potential buyers picture the home with their belongings so they can see themselves living there comfortably. Don’t forget about doors and trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can quickly make your old trim look yellowed and worn. Although paint is affordable it will bring the value of your home up substantially. Use professional painters to avoid unsightly drips for a clean and finished look to each room.

Install Hardwood

When it comes to the home renovations Ottawa buyers are seeking, hardwood floors top the list. Many homes feature hardwood throughout with the exception of the basement and stairs. If your home is older chances are it still has quite a bit of carpet and old linoleum. To compete with others homes in your area replace those outdated materials with beautiful, natural hardwood.

Reface Your Kitchen

Kitchens sell houses. An outdated kitchen with old cabinets and countertops shouts 80’s to potential buyers. When kitchen renovations seem too expensive you can reface your kitchen by adding new cabinet doors, handle hardware and inexpensive countertops. You can even do the work yourself with a fresh coat of paint or a new darker, modern stain on your cabinets. These are the affordable home renovations Ottawa buyers will love. They offer an instant update even though they are simply cosmetic.

Finished Basement

A finished basement offers much needed living space and privacy. Homeowners love finding unexpected treasures such as a guest bedroom and ensuite in a private basement area. This offers a place for guests to stay without interfering with the home owner’s privacy.

Upgraded Bath

A mobile friendly bathroom upgrade is very appealing to the growing sandwich generation. These buyers are seeking a new home to accommodate their own families and elderly parents. This type of upgrade makes it possible to care for elderly parents easily.

Selling a home can be very competitive. These five home renovation ideas will make your home top the list of potential buyers.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Water and a slippery surface make for very dangerous conditions. Your bathroom can be quite hazardous especially for the young, elderly and disabled. If you would like to make your bathroom a safer place for your family, RenosGroup can provide a number of minor renovations that will help you avoid accidents.

Hand Rails/Grips

It can be extremely difficult at times getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, especially if the floor is slick and if there is nothing to hold on to. Hand rails and grips can be placed on the bathroom walls to allow for easy access in and out of the tub. In certain cases it is also a good idea to add them beside the toilet to make it easier for people to sit and stand. Rails are textured to allow for a sturdy grip without the fear of your hands slipping.

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Hand rails offer numerous benefits beyond mobility assistance.

  • Increased Confidence: The assurance of support fosters a sense of confidence and independence, especially for individuals with balance issues.
  • Reduced Risk of Falls: Rails reduce the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer environment for everyone using the bathroom.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that loved ones have the necessary support promotes peace of mind for both users and caregivers.

Invest in safety; invest in well-being.

Handrails and grips are not just safety features; they are investments in well-being and independence. Incorporating them into your bathroom, creates a space that fosters confidence, dignity, and peace of mind for all users.

Acrylic Bathtubs/Showers

Traditional bathrooms involve intricate tile work which can be very expensive and slippery. Thankfully, acrylic baths and shower walls are an affordable and safer option. These acrylic instillations can be completed in as little in one day, which greatly cuts down on man hours, and labour costs. You can also add special safety features such as bars and handrails and non-slip tub or shower floors.

Acrylic to the Rescue:

Thankfully, acrylic bathtubs and shower walls offer a compelling alternative. They are:

  • Affordable: Compared to the cost of materials and installation for tile, acrylic offers a much more budget-friendly option.
  • Safer: The inherent non-slip properties of acrylic minimize the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer bathroom environment.
  • Quick Installation: Unlike tile, which can take days to install, acrylic tubs and showers can be completed in as little as one day, reducing disruption and labor costs.
  • Customization Options: Don’t think that “affordable” means sacrificing style. Acrylic comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match your bathroom’s design.

Enhanced Safety Features:

While acrylic itself is safer than tile, you can further enhance safety by incorporating additional features:

  • Grab Bars and Handrails: Strategically placed bars and rails provide added support for entering, exiting, and maneuvering within the shower or bathtub.
  • Non-Slip Tub/Shower Floors: Invest in textured or etched tub or shower floors for even greater slip resistance.

Non-slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring in the bathroom instantly adds a huge safety factor that can take many worries off of your mind. Although you may think a bath mat or towel on the floor might do the trick, this is just one other thing people can slip on. Non-slip flooring in the bathroom makes gives your wet feet something easy to grip that can save you and your family from slips and falls.

Non-slip bathroom flooring is not just a safety upgrade; it’s an investment in the well-being of everyone using your bathroom. By prioritizing safety, you create a space that fosters confidence, independence, and peace of mind. So, step confidently into a safer future with the right non-slip flooring solution.

Additional Tips:

  • Place bath mats strategically near shower and bathtub exits, but ensure they have a non-slip backing.
  • Regularly clean and maintain your chosen flooring material to maximize its slip resistance.
  • Consult with a flooring professional to discuss your specific needs and the best options for your bathroom.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and safe bathroom environment for all.

Lots of Open Space

If mobility is an issue RenosGroup can offer suggestions on how you can open up your bathroom allowing for easier wheelchair access. Extra space also works well for those with walkers.

When mobility is a concern, making the most of your bathroom space becomes crucial. At RenosGroup, we understand the importance of accessibility and can offer various solutions to transform your bathroom into a safe and comfortable haven.

Open Up the Doorway:

  • Widen the entrance: Aim for a minimum doorway width of 36 inches (91 cm) to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers comfortably.
  • Consider alternative doors: Sliding doors or pocket doors eliminate swinging door clearance issues and maximize usable space.

Clear the Clutter:

  • Minimize unnecessary furniture and fixtures: Evaluate whether every item serves a purpose and remove anything that creates obstacles.
  • Utilize wall-mounted storage: Opt for shelves, cabinets, and towel racks mounted on walls to keep the floor clear for easy maneuvering.
  • Choose transparent shower doors: This helps visually expand the space and creates a feeling of openness.

Heat Lamp

Heat lamps are also a great idea as they can help you dry off more quickly. This means there will be less chance of water dripping when you get out of the tub or shower. It will also make it easier to towel dry and keep you warmer on chilly days.

Beyond Drying Off:

While drying off quickly is certainly a benefit, heat lamps offer more than just practicality:

  • Warmth on Demand: Especially on colder days, the gentle warmth of a heat lamp instantly makes your bathroom more inviting and comfortable.
  • Relaxation and Soothing: The radiant heat can contribute to a more relaxing and spa-like experience, easing muscle tension and promoting circulation.
  • Reduced Risk of Slips and Falls: By minimizing the time spent wet on slippery surfaces, heat lamps potentially contribute to a safer bathroom environment.

Choosing the Right Heat Lamp:

  • Size and wattage: Select a heat lamp appropriate for your bathroom size and desired level of warmth.
  • Safety features: Opt for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
  • Style and placement: Choose a design that complements your bathroom’s aesthetics and position it strategically for optimal coverage.

These simple renovations will make your bathroom a safer place for the entire family.  Why not 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.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

It might seem a bit early to be speaking of holidays, but if you have big entertaining plans it is always better to be prepared before your guests come for a visit. Here are some renovation ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays:

Guest Bedroom

A guest bedroom could be better utilized as an actual bedroom rather than storage for unused clothes, unwanted electronics and unread books. You can easily turn the space into a welcoming sanctuary providing your guests with a quiet private space where they can go to relax, unwind, and sleep. Although guest bedrooms are often smaller spaces there are many ways you can make the space feel more comfortable such as painting it a warm colour, add soft lighting, and furnishing it with bedside tables, a desk, a small dresser and a comfortable bed for sleeping.

Finished Basement

Large family gatherings often include gaggles of children. Having a finished basement is a must when hosting guests and children, as they will have somewhere to play, and give their parents a bit of a break. You can look at additions such as comfy carpeting where kids can get down and play, a built in entertainment unit with a nice television and gaming equipment and if you do not have a guest room, consider adding built in banquettes that can be used as comfy beds to accommodate overnight guests. For the adults you can consider adding a wet bar and even a home theater where everyone can gather to hold a marathon of holiday movies and specials.

Mobility Friendly Bathroom

Family gatherings often include elderly people who may have difficulty using the bathroom. Additions to your main bathroom to make it mobility friendly can include bars near the toilet to make it easier to sit and stand, bars in the shower for overnight guests and if you have family members in a wheel chair you can even consider widening the doorway and including a sink that they will be able to reach easily.

Updated Kitchen

They say that every good party winds up in the kitchen and updating your kitchen will not only look better, but allow you to add some details conducive to entertaining such as an island with seating and a bar,

Having your home renovations and upgrades completed before the holidays will make your home the ultimate place for family gatherings.  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 the Cold Weather

Preparing Your Home for the Cold Weather

Ottawa residents are no strangers to harsh winters and getting your home winter ready is a must if you want to feel comfortable once that snow begins to fall. Tips for preparing your home for the cold weather:

 

Check the Windows

 

Your windows are not only designed to allow for natural light to enter your home, they also play a key role in keeping your home’s temperature comfortable. Windows can allow cold air to enter the home and warm air to leak, which means they are one of the first features of your home to check in the fall. Look for any noticeable issues such as separation from the walls, broken panes, loose or wobbly seals, etc. Use a caulking gun to seal up any obvious issues and if you feel an exceptional “breeze” consider speaking to the contractors Ottawa home owners hire to replace your old windows. Energy Star windows will keep you toasty warm and lower your energy bills to boot.

 

Create Extra Storage

 

Winter months can make a home feel very cramped, and with the addition of more layers of clothing, boots, hockey gear you’ll need somewhere to store it all, as well as your summer stuff. Fall is the perfect time of year to look for ways to introduce new storage space and organize your closets so your home stays neat. Consider adding closet organizers to your current closets or find a spot in your home such as the basement or entry to add new closets to accommodate your winter sprawl.

 

Clear Entry Ways

 

When the snow starts to fall you want to make sure you have easy access to entrances. Check the condition of your stairs and ramps for any signs of crumbling concrete and rotting wood as this can make entries very dangerous once the winter weather is in full swing. The contractors Ottawa home owners hire can make sure any issues with your entries are taken care of so you do not take the risk of anyone slipping and falling on your property.

 

Drafts

 

Your basement and attic are also vulnerable areas that should be checked for drafts. A contractor can ensure your home is properly insulated and also check the integrity of your basement to look for any issues.

These tips will keep your home cozy for that long, cold Ottawa winter ahead.  Why wait?  Fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Designing the Ultimate Bathroom

Designing the Ultimate Bathroom

Bathroom designs vary from person to person whether the focus is mobility, design, or luxury. No matter what aspect you try to focus on, designing the ultimate bathroom includes the following considerations:

Space

Not all homeowners are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, however it isn’t always about size, but the way you utilize it. Even the smallest bathroom can be improve immensely with the right design. The floor plan will dictate how space is used and contribute to the overall functionality of the bathroom. When looking at your space consider all of the things you want to incorporate from your wish list and work with your contractor to make it happen.

Budget

Everyone will be working with a different budget for the bathroom renovations Ottawa contractors will provide. You have to look at the maximum amount you can afford and then make sure part of that money is set aside for your contingency plan. Bathroom renovations can often lead to unexpected costs and by including a contingency budget you will be certain to have more than enough to handle whatever happens. You can then use any leftover money for higher end finishes such as lighting and faucets.

Dream Idea

Even for the most functional bathroom reno you will have a dream idea in mind. Whether you collect photos from magazines, print off some ideas you have found online or have a design style such as boutique hotel or sleek and modern, incorporating your dream ideas into the design will make sure your bathroom renovation is a success.
Design details to consider include flooring, tub and tiles, but it is also very important to consider the dream aspects of function as well such as storage, lighting for applying makeup and shaving, heated floors, double sinks and solutions to improve aspects of your current bathroom that you hate.

Finding a Contractor

Your bathroom renovation requires knowledge in many areas from plumbing to electrical and tile laying to understanding how to prevent leaks. That means you do not want to trust your bathroom renovations to just anyone. Do your research and ask around for a referral. If you do not find a referral look for a contractor who has knowledge in bathroom renovations with a website that explains their services. You also want to find a contractor with plenty of testimonials and photos of the work they have done in the past.

These elements work together to create the ultimate bathroom renovations Ottawa loves.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

Homes can often feel cold, unlived in and unwelcoming, thankfully there are several things you can do to make your home feel more comfortable. By creating a warm and inviting living space, your guests will feel more welcome when visiting, and are more likely to drop by for another visit. Here are some home renovations you should consider when creating a warm & inviting living space:

A Splash of Colour

Using warm colours such as beige, yellow, orange and pink will create a cozy and comfortable space. There are many ways to use colour to create interest such as using a darker colour on an accent wall. You can also install a chair rail and use a darker colour on the bottom and a complementary tone above. Wainscoting and bead board in white also work well with warm colours. Neutral warms are ideal to create a relaxing environment whereas the use of bolder warms can add drama or even a touch of playful fun.

Add Character

Newer homes tend to lack character. The cookie cutter approach to newer homes does not provide the workmanship and thought put into the design of older homes. Built-ins, wainscoting and crown moulding add substance to a home and the addition of substantial base boards, chair rails and other millwork create a sense of history and architectural detail. Hallways are an excellent and affordable place to add wainscoting for a more formal look and bead board works well to add charm. Built ins are great for entertainment centres in living rooms and basements and formal dining rooms are also ideal for built ins used to display fine china as well as the addition of a buffet for storage. Crown moulding should be added throughout your home to provide a finished look filled with character.

Fixtures and Finishes

The home renovations Ottawa home owners appreciate include the addition of higher end fixtures such as updated lighting and fireplaces. Ottawa contractors can give you an idea of what will work best, and will work with you to find something within your budget.

If you’re looking for an even more cozy feel try adding a gas fireplace to your living room, great room or basement. A bedroom with a fireplace also provides the ultimate retreat at the end of a long day.

The home renovations Ottawa home owners choose are designed to make your home warm and inviting.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Top Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

The Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

If you are about to embark on the home renovations Ottawa residents dream of, then you’ll want to be certain you understand the do’s and don’ts to avoid disappointment. Take a look at these suggestions for the top do’s and don’ts of home renovations:

Do:


Create a Decorating Idea: Going into even the simplest renovations Ottawa home owners undergo requires a good decorating plan to ensure the changes made reflect your sense of style.

Measure: It all boils down to the old adage, measure twice cut once. You don’t want to ruin your entire plans by being off by an inch on your kitchen counter measurements. This is frustrating and worse, costly.

Interview Contractors: You want to be certain you hire someone with the right skill set for your specific job therefore interviewing contractors is important in order to hire someone who can handle the renovations required.

Have Contingency Funds: Even the best contractor in the world cannot foresee every potential problem that might arise during a renovation. Therefore it is important to not only have a budget but a contingency fund to handle any surprises that might arise.

Organize: Make plans to work around the renovations so your family is still able to live as comfortable as possible until the work is complete.

Don’t:


Have Exposed Floors: When renovating it is imperative that you don’t leave your finished floors exposed, as many things throughout the process can damage them. Workers boots, heavy products and materials, and dust are just a few of the things that can cause a problem. Consider laying down old blankets or tarps to ensure your floors are thoroughly protected.

Throw Out Receipts: Keep each and every receipt for everything you buy and every service you hire in case of conflicts or a change of heart.

Buy Your Own Materials: Your contractor will get far better deals than you on materials. If you see something you like let them know and they will get it for you.

Skip the Prep Work: Great renovations Ottawa home owners love start with great beginnings. Skipping the prep works just means you are starting with a poorly planned execution which can only lead to trouble down the road.

Ignore the Accents: Factor in everything from light switch plates to lighting, back splashes to door knobs and everything in between. You don’t want to run out of money because you forgot about all of the finishing touches you will need from crown moulding to paint.

Using these top do’s and don’ts of home renovations will help keep your renovations under control.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Bad Renovation

The After Effects of a Bad Renovation

From DIY disasters to hiring a contractor without the required experience a bad renovation can leave your home in unlivable conditions with dangers you might not even know exist until a tragedy occurs. An inexperienced or really inexpensive contractor can leave you with a bad renovation that could not just be unappealing to the eye, but also do serious damage to your home putting your family in danger. Some of the after effects of a bad renovation can include:

Unplanned Costs


Going over budget is actually one of the best of the worst things that can happen. However, this will affect you financially and put a real dent in your savings, hike up your credit cards, deplete your line of credit and worst of all could have a negative effect on your credit rating which can stay with you for years. Even worse is having your Ottawa renovations performed so poorly you have to hire a second company to come in to fix everything at your expense. This is one of the most popular techniques used by shady contractors, get in the door with low pricing, then hit them with every additional they can think of.

Inconvenience


Hiring a contractor without the right experience can turn your Ottawa renovations into a never ending nightmare with you living in turmoil as your contractor stumbles through the job for months, imagine living without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for months on end and the stress it will place on your family. When you hire an inexperienced contractor they might have every intention of completing your project and may even do a good job but disorganization, lack of funds to hire the right people for the job and overall inexperience in time management can mean months of inconvenience. In even worse scenarios the job might be completed on time but performed so poorly you have to have the job redone leading to more inconveniences not to mention the cost.

Disagreements


An inexperienced contractor is more likely to run into disagreements with the way things happened which can lead to the wrong work being done, the wrong quote being provided and often the wrong decisions being made. Any of these scenarios can lead to disaster leaving you in the lurch with a job you are not happy with and a bill you do not want to pay.

Taking the time to do your research and being careful to recognize that the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice will help you avoid a renovation nightmare.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

creating-an-industrial-style-basement

Creating an Industrial Design Basement

If you are going for a different look for the basement remodeling in your home you should consider doing an edgier industrial look. The basement remodeling Ottawa home owners undergo doesn’t always have to follow the same design scheme. Instead look to the lofts of New York City for inspiration and go industrial. Here are some tips to help you create an industrial design basement.

Open Ceiling

One of the first things a basement remodel focuses on is covering up those “unsightly” beams and ducts in the ceiling. However, in a space that is already frightfully low leaving the floor beams and ducts exposed can really open up the room. Consider painting out all of those unfinished features in white or grey and leaving the metal ducts raw to create an airier, industrial feel.

Jack Posts

Jack posts are usually painted an unattractive brownish red and stick out like a sore thumb. However in an industrial space you can avoid the cost of covering these posts and opt to paint them out instead in white or black. Depending on their location you can even consider building a “table” or “bar” around the post for people to lean on or place a drink during a game of pool or darts.

Cement

A very popular feature in an industrial style loft is the cement floor. If you’re looking to completely remodel the basement ask your Ottawa contractors whether a cement floor is right for you. You may also consider lying down some floor heating and covering it with a warm polished cement for the industrial look. You can also cover walls in cement to intensify the effect.

Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal can be used in a number of ways for your basement remodeling including a textured and interesting ceiling, as a wall covering and ideally as the front for your basement bar. Corrugated metal has a modern edge that looks fantastic.

Exposed Brick

Many older homes have brick that can be exposed for a more historical industrial feel. Again you will have to discuss the effects of using the actual brick of the foundation or other areas and how it will work in a basement that can tend to be damp and cold.

These are just a few affordable ways to give your basement remodel an industrial edge.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

finding-a-trusted-contractor

Finding a Trusted Contractor

When you are preparing to make improvements to your home you are investing a lot of money to see your dream become a reality. This means you want to be 100 percent certain you hire a trusted contractor who will complete the project and avoid any disasters requiring a call to Mike Holmes. There are a number of ways to find contractors Ottawa trusts to lessen your worries including:

Read Reviews

If you want to find a contractor who has performed their services without any problems one of the easiest places to start is to read reviews. The internet is the perfect resource to provide you with all the information you require when it comes to outstanding service. You will find positive and negative comments on reviews from many different websites and a good place to start is often the contractor’s own website. They will offer before and after pictures as well as reviews and testimonials from their happy clients. You can then do further research by entering their company name and the word “reviews” and see what pops up.

Word of Mouth

Most stellar contractors build their reputation on their own hard work. This is where word of mouth comes into play. Ask around and find out if anyone has used any contractors Ottawa home owners had recommended to them or that they themselves would recommend you try. This will help you find a few names to contact as well as to do further research. Nothing is more convincing than hearing first hand from someone you know and trust that a contractor has performed a project well and you can even ask if you can stop by their home to see the work for yourself.

Trusted Resources

You can also look at the contractor’s website and see if they are recommended by the Better Business Bureau or are members of any associations. You can look for credentials for training and also research their name on search engines and see if there are any reviews. If you have the actual owner’s name you can check that out as well in case they have worked under different business names in the past that might reveal some shady practices. The more research you do the more information you’ll discover, whether it be raving reviews, or negative reviews explaining in detail the problem and situation.

If you are thorough enough you are certain to find contractors Ottawa homeowners can trust.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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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