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7-ways-to-improve-your-kitchen-renovations

7 Creative Ways to Improve Your Kitchen with Renovations

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/04/">April 16, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Custom, Design, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens, Remodel

Ottawa home owners seek kitchen renovations for many purposes, from sheer aesthetics to a need for more space or storage. Here are seven creative ways to improve your kitchen with renovations:

1. Add an Island

When you are in desperate need of a more functional kitchen an island can resolve a number of issues. You can gain plenty of much needed work space, add a place to sit and chat with a few bar stools and can even add appliances such as a cook top, dishwasher or sink. An island is truly one of the best ways to add storage and make a disjointed kitchen more functional.

2. Update your Counters

Updating kitchen counters are perfect simple upgrade renovation that home owners love. Granite is ever popular but there are a number of stunning, less expensive, man-made materials you can choose as well.

New counter tops are a simple and affordable way to improve the look of your kitchen while providing maintenance free work surfaces that will last.

3. Cabinet Re-facing

Not everyone knows that you don’t need to replace all of your counters for a new kitchen look, instead you can always choose cabinet re-facing. Cabinet re-facing is a great way to give your kitchen the face lift it needs without the expensive price tag or the large mess.

4. Reconfiguration

Some kitchens can prove to be terribly dysfunctional and poorly planned. Having a bad kitchen layout can make it impossible to cook without bumping into someone or something. A good kitchen layout can not only make your kitchen more stylish and functional but can also increase the value of your home. Although simple upgrades can be nice some kitchens require an entire overhaul.

5. Backsplash and Flooring

If you are generally happy with your kitchen’s layout and cabinets but feel it needs a little more flare, a new back splash in hand with new flooring can help tie-in your surfaces well together. With good counter tops as a jumping off point you can create a more finished look that will make you smile while you are cooking.

6. Finishing Touches

Even the newest of kitchens can sometimes appear unfinished if you haven’t paid attention to the finite details. Adding recessed cabinet lighting, perfectly matched handles, stunning chandeliers, shiny new sinks, and of course new appliances completes a kitchen with beautiful finishing touches.

7. The Whole Nine Yards

Everyone wants their dream home, and by starting with renovating your kitchen you’re taking one more step closer to your dream. Kitchen renovations give you a complete new look from top to bottom custom designed for your taste and budget.

Seven kitchen renovations Ottawa homeowners can opt for from simple to complicated. To reach out, schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

7 Things to Look for When Hiring a Contractor

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/04/">April 9, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Basements, Bathrooms, Contractor, Design, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

When you’re ready to plan those long awaited renovations, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That means when hiring contractors you want to be certain you are looking for all the right qualifications and qualities. Here are a few things to look for when hiring a contractor in Ottawa:

Testimonials or References:

The internet can really help you narrow down your list. One of the things you can do is search “contractors Ottawa” to narrow down your options by looking for websites that feature positive reviews.

Testimonials speak volumes about how well a contractor works and the level of service they provide. You can also ask them for references.

Before and After:

You can also look for before and after shots on a contractors website. Seeing results is always an excellent incentive to go with someone who takes pride in their work and is happy to show it.

Experience:

Even with photos and testimonials it is nice to know your contractor has plenty of experience. Experience not only means knowledge, it also often means they have had years to forge strong relationships with vendors and they can get quality materials at excellent prices.

Estimates:

You want someone who will come out and assess your space to give you an estimate for your project. Never go into a project blind. You might find out the hard way just how expensive something can get without a budget and estimate in place.

Work Ethic:

If you are in contact with a contractor and you have difficulty getting them to return your calls, this does not bode well. You want someone with a strong work ethic who will make themselves available. This will speak to their dependability as well.

Customer Service:

Customer service is extremely important quality to look for when hiring a contractor. You want to work with someone who takes the time to explain everything to you and who will let you know what is happening. You want to be involved in the process and be consulted when key decisions have to be made. Ask them to explain their approach and the process they use on projects so you are comfortable with the way things will work.

Timeline:

Last but not least, make sure they can provide you with an estimated date of completion as well as a timeline.
Looking for these qualities will help you find a contractor who is trustworthy, knowledgeable and experienced. Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

5 Basement Remodeling Trends

https://renosgroup.ca/2014/03/">March 27, 2014
By Keith Melanson
In Basements, Custom, Design, Home Renovation Blog, Remodel

Basement remodeling in Ottawa is rising in popularity for a number of reasons. Basement renovations are a far more affordable way to add much needed living space as they do not involve costs associated with additions. They also offer an excellent cost value ratio at 77 percent*. This is up 10.7 percent compared to 2012 and is expected to continue to rise in the coming future. With this in mind here are five basement remodeling trends:

Modern Basement Living Spaces

Instead of a opting for a perfectly polished look homeowners are now opting to go with a loft look for refinished basement family rooms. Traditionally associated with above ground rooms and spaces in renovated industrial buildings you can get the basement loft look by leaving exposed your support beams exposed and by adding polished cement floors.

If you live in an older home discover what lies beneath the floors and ceiling to add charm and character. You’ll want to work with a contractor who can tell you what will and will not work to keep things warm and cozy.

Spa Bathroom

With more and more people desperate for “me” time, the basement spa bathroom is becoming ever more appealing. You can create a truly luxurious bathroom with high end finishes, light fixtures and tubs, as well as massive shower “rooms” complete with multiple shower heads, lights and music. Some people are even adding a private sauna or a steam feature in their showers.

The Dream Laundry Room

Perhaps an influence from the stunning designs of laundry appliances, the dream laundry room is a new and exciting project for basement remodeling more and more Ottawa home owners are embracing. From exceptional washer and dryer sets to high end finishes such as slate floors and granite counter tops, laundry rooms are becoming a selling feature of the modern home.

Master Suite

Why confine yourself to a small mediocre master bedroom and a shared bathroom when you can create a stunning master suite in the basement. Ample walk in closet space, dressing rooms and of course an exclusively custom designed en suite turns a master suite basement remodel something many Ottawa home owners desire.

Home Theater

Last but not least the home theater is the ultimate basement remodeling project Ottawa homeowners love. With complete state of the art equipment, peek a boo screens, wireless surround sound speakers and theater seating families will love this remodel.

With basement renovations in Ottawa becoming more popular these five remodel ideas are sure to give you some inspiration for your basement remodel. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

* https://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-remodeling

Reason not to use drywall behind shower or bathtub walls

Why You Shouldn’t Install Drywall Behind Shower Walls

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/10/">October 19, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog

A common problem we tend to run into a lot at RenosGroup is drywall in wet areas. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t install drywall behind shower walls.

While installing shower surrounds and bathtub walls over drywall is technically possible, it’s a recipe for disaster. That’s because drywall is not a material that’s intended to get wet.

In fact, drywall actively absorbs moisture – which causes it to lose its structural integrity. That’s terrible news for the framework of your home, as the compromised drywall can let moisture seep in and wreak havoc.

Read on to learn more about what drywall does to shower walls, as well as alternative materials that work far better behind shower surrounds.

Drywall and Moisture: A Dangerous Mix

To understand why drywall absorbs moisture, you need to learn a bit more about the material. Drywall consists of sheets of gypsum plaster held together by fiberglass. It’s used to finish interiors by placing a solid structure over the insulation and plank walls.

Drywall is a porous material by nature, which means that it contains tiny holes capable of absorbing moisture and housing bacteria/mold.

That’s why drywall is exclusively installed in areas that aren’t meant to ever get wet, such as your living room or bedroom walls.

Whenever a flood occurs in a home that has drywall, the drywall will absorb the standing water – which then becomes a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria and mold. If left unchecked, the mold can cause severe structural damage to your home, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs.

The same thing happens whenever you attempt to install a shower or a bathtub surround over drywall.

The drywall will absorb the moisture, become compromised, grow mold, and even spread the moisture elsewhere inside your framework. It’s basically like a mini-flood occurring in your home, which you don’t want.

That’s not all either, as it gets worse.

Beyond absorbing any standing water it comes into contact with, drywall will also absorb any moisture in the air.

That means whenever you take a hot shower or bath, the humidity released will seep into your drywall and compromise its integrity.

A Visual Demonstration of What Can Happen

The following are a series of photos we took on a real job. The homeowner had drywall installed behind a shower surround, and look what happened.

Why You Shouldn’t Install Drywall Behind Shower Walls

Drywall Behind Shower Walls – Draper Ave

The moisture ultimately compromised the drywall, causing it to rot and form dangerous mold. It then spread to the rest of the wall, causing structural damage to the home.

We took photos to convey the dangers of using standard drywall behind the shower and bathtub. Trust us, the last thing you want to have to deal with is massive structural damage to your home, as the repair costs are excessively steep.

Alternative Materials for Your Bathroom Walls

Now that you know why drywall is such a no-no for your bathroom, what materials should you use instead?

There are quite a few options, including a modified version of traditional drywall called ‘green board.’

Green / Blue Drywall

Green/blue board, is a drywall that’s been covered with coloured paper (to distinguish it from regular drywall) coated with a protective wax for moisture

Denshield

Denshield is an excellent alternative when traditional drywall doesn’t cut it. Denshield has a water-proof front with a moisture protect back and sides. Similar to green/blue board it has a drywall interior.

If you can select a material to use behind a shower or tub surround, Denshield is an excellent choice. With it in place, you can run the shower all you want without worrying about mold forming inside your walls.

Concrete Backing Board

A cement or concrete backing board is another option for your tiled areas. Typically, builders use concrete backing whenever they need to form a base for ceramic tile.

A concrete backing board is an excellent option if your shower or bathtub surround features ceramic tiles. Grout and mortar also easily adhere to concrete backing boards, making them an ideal material to use.

Waterproofing Membranes

Membranes are now one of the more popular options today. They even come in handy if the space you’re converting into a bathroom wasn’t one before, like a closet. Since the builders didn’t intend the walls in a closet to get wet, they likely used regular drywall. In this scenario, you would add a Schluter moisture-blocking membrane to avoid installing brand-new materials.

What’s that?

A moisture-blocking membrane is a thin felt back water-proofing material strip that prevents moisture from entering the drywall.

If done correctly the membranes are the best option and have become the most popular form of ensuring your wet areas are sealed and mold free.
A downside is that these membranes tend to run on the pricey side.

Trust RenosGroup With Your Bathroom Remodel

Understanding why drywall isn’t a suitable material for bathroom walls is essential knowledge for all homeowners, so please share this article on your social media accounts to help get the word out.

You never know; you may save someone thousands of dollars in repairs by showing them this article.

If you want to remodel your bathroom walls in Ottawa, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at RenosGroup. Our licensed team of professionals will install beautiful shower and bathtub surrounds for you, and we always use appropriate materials that won’t damage your home.

To schedule renovations, you can either fill out our online form or call us at (613) 727-9427.

Air Conditioning Tips

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/07/">July 5, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

Happy Friday everyone! This weekend looks like its going to be very hot with a lot of humidity…I hope you have an air conditioner. Although, we focus on kitchen and bathroom renovations, I could not let these air conditioning tips go unread. Probably the easiest and most important tip is to make sure you change the filter…but please read-on and use these air conditioning tips and save your money!!

Air-Conditioning Tips: 9 Things You Need to Know

Keeping your AC in shape will help you stay cool and save dough

1. Dirty filters kill your AC’s efficiency, so install a new one every month during the cooling season for central and window units (or clean them if you’ve got the washable type). Look for the filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, which ranges from 1 to 12 for home AC units; the higher the number, the better filtration it provides (and the more energy needed to pull air through it, so balance air-quality concerns with energy costs).

2. Ducts can lose up to 30 percent of airflow through leaks, and window AC units are notoriously tough to seal properly. Find leaks using the old “smoke trick”: For window units, light a stick of incense and hold it where the unit and the window frame meet; for central AC, hold the stick near duct connections. If the smoke blows around, you’ve got leakage. For ductwork, use foil tape to seal small gaps and duct mastic for larger ones; for window AC units, stuff foam between the device and the window frame, taping as needed.

3. There’s no need to blast the AC at full tilt while you’re at work. For central units, install a programmable thermostat that lets you set higher temps when you’re gone and cooler temps when you’re home. Newer window units have built-in timers and adjustable thermostats, or you can buy a timer at any home store for $10 to $20; just make sure it matches your device’s voltage. Unless you’re going on vacation, don’t shut off the system; otherwise, the air compressor will need to work harder to cool your house later.

4. Ducts in hot attics or crawl spaces should be wrapped to keep the air within them cool. You can use spray foam, batt insulation, or rigid-foam insulation. Seal batt and rigid insulation with foil tape (not duct tape). For tight spaces, wraps like Reflectix offer some degree of insulation.

5. A central AC system’s air compressor and condenser are usually located outside the house, close to your foundation. It works best when there’s about 24 inches of clear space in all directions, so get rid of nearby shrubs, tall grass, leaves, and hanging branches.

6. Extend the life of your AC system by keeping blinds or shades down during the day; you can also install awnings to shield south-facing windows from intense sun. Consider running the AC in conjunction with floor or ceiling fans to circulate cooled air more effectively.

7. The dealer who installed your central AC (or one you find locally) should put you on a yearly cleaning schedule that goes beyond just cleaning the filters. Schedule this checkup before the cooling season starts (or do it now if you didn’t do it earlier this year), and make sure it includes the following tasks: cleaning and inspecting coils; cleaning or replacing filters; adjusting and replacing fan belts; lubricating motors and bearings; cleaning and checking blowers and fans; inspecting controls and safeties; checking refrigerant and pressures; and verifying operating temperatures.

8. Shutting too many interior doors causes central AC systems to go out of balance, meaning there’s less airflow in the entire house. If you want some privacy, keep doors slightly ajar instead.

9. Federal laws require AC units to be a lot more efficient than they were just 10 years ago. For central AC, look for the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio, or SEER; for window units, the measure is simply called the energy-efficiency ratio, or EER. The standards mandate a SEER of 13 and an EER of 8, but devices with higher numbers will cost less to operate.

Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 , for your next home renovation project. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

Remote Control Cabinet Lock – Kitchen Renovation Idea

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/03/">March 12, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

A definite consideration for your next kitchen renovation………A perfect solution for those who have a real hard time controlling those pesky late night snack urges ! Omega Cabinetry now offers a remote control cabinet lock for its cabinetry to protect personal documents, valuables, alcohol and cleaning supplies. A single keypad operates up to 12 locking devices. The locking device is shown on the company’s Cayhill cabinetry in maple with Magnolia finish.

Update: Omego no longer seems to offer this product, please call them for more info. Here is a link to their previous offering….

To learn more about remote control cabinet locks, or anything about kitchens don’t hesitate to get in touch, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

How to Remodel a Bath for Accessibility

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/03/">March 4, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Mobility

An architect explains how he plans to remodel a bathroom for accessibity

by Duncan McPherson

Remodeling an existing house presents many design challenges. Modern living requires different functions and spaces than a house built 50, 20, or even 10 years ago. Designing homes and remodels that consider long-term livability has become a greater priority in residential design as we embrace an aging baby-boomer population.

Whether you’re looking to age in place in your current home, to accommodate aging family members, or simply to consider resale value and appeal to a broad market, issues of wheelchair access and accessible design are critical. Even if you don’t require accessible spaces today, you can design spaces that are functional, comfortable, and flexible enough to accommodate any accessibility needs that arise in the future.

Recently, I was charged with redesigning the existing full bath in the Fine Homebuilding Project House to create a more accessible master suite. This 1950s ranch has a floor plan common to many homes of a similar style and vintage. By looking at the problems with the existing bath and the solutions in the new bath, you’ll easily be able to recognize the flaws and opportunities in your own projects.

Identify problems with the existing bathroom

The existing bathroom has several problems. A narrow doorway leads to a claustrophobic space only 3-1⁄2 ft. wide at its widest point. All the services—the toilet, the tub, and the sink—would be extremely difficult to access if the user had limited mobility or were confined to a wheelchair. Adding grab bars to improve the functionality of this bath would be a hit-or-miss proposition because the blocking is missing from the appropriate locations. Also, despite the need for it, the bathroom doesn’t contain any storage for toiletries or towels.

A A bathtub is difficult and dangerous to navigate into and out of if mobility is limited.

B A narrow doorway inhibits easy access into and out of the bathroom, especially if a thick threshold is in place.

C A narrow floor plan prevents wheelchair-bound users from being able to turn around.

D A toilet in a narrow nook without grab bars is difficult to access from a seated position.

E A linen closet is outside the bathroom, but storage should be integrated into the bath space.

F The hallway is too narrow to navigate easily in a wheelchair and is unnecessary in the new master-suite plan.

Create an accessible plan with integrated solutions

The first step in designing flexible spaces is determining which design elements need to be included initially and which can be installed later if they are needed. For example, building a bathroom with access to a 5-ft. clear turnaround area that improves wheelchair maneuverability should be incorporated initially, because it would be difficult and expensive to make accommodations for such a space later. Below are the elements that make this new bathroom accessible while still maintaining a comfortable, style-appropriate aesthetic.

A Doorways have a minimum 32-in. clear width to accommodate wheelchairs.

B Swinging doors with levers, not knobs, are used instead of pocket doors because they’re less challenging to open from a seated position.

C Hallways and passageways are 48 in. wide to improve access.

D A 5-ft. clear turnaround circle integrated into the floor plan of the bath is best. If this isn’t possible, create a turnaround circle just outside the bathroom, as shown at right.

E A removable shower screen/partition provides better access to the shower if necessary in the future.

F Blocking for a future fold-down seat is integrated into the shower wall adjacent to the shower controls. Typical seat height is 18 in. above the floor.

Design an elevation that can adapt to change

The psychological influence a home can have on its residents is profound. Having a fully accessible bathroom before it is needed can be a looming reminder of aging and the loss of mobility. Well-designed spaces can create more positive responses, however. Like all properly designed accessible spaces, this bathroom is meant to be adaptable to change. For example, a vanity that is in tune with the modern style of the bath is built so that its middle cabinet can be removed, allowing easier wheelchair access to the sink. Until that need is necessary, the vanity reads as a contemporary cabinet fit for any home.

A Vanity provides plentiful storage that can be used from both seated and standing positions.

B Vanity is built so that the middle cabinet is removable to allow for knee space below the sink.

C Shower valves, light switches, and thermostat controls should be from 38 in. to 48 in. above the floor.

D There is less than a 1⁄2-in. transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor to enable roll-in access.

E Blocking is integrated into the walls so that grab bars can be installed around the toilet and shower in the future. Typical grab-bar height is from 33 in. to 36 in.

F A linen cabinet integrates additional storage opportunities in the bath where none had existed previously.

G Two light fixtures mounted at eye level provide adequate illumination at the vanity.

Drawings: Duncan McPherson

From Fine Homebuilding228 , pp. 90-94 May 17, 2012

To learn more about how to remodel a bath for accessibility, don’t hesitate to get in touch, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Storage Place in your Bathroom

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/03/">March 2, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

What a fantastic renovation product for those who can’t find any storage place in your bathroom …….which we ALL know is NOT unusual. This product can even be used in a kitchen pantry for even more storage capability.

ODL Inc. has invented On Hand In-Door Storage and Communication system. The system boasts storage on one side and decoration and communication opportunities on the opposite side. Built into an interior door, the storage side has adjustable shelving and are reversible. It offers a glass marker board on the other side which has a removable white deco board that can be personalized and used as a marker board using dry-erase markers.

As you can see this can be used in many areas in the house where you need more storage………

To learn more about ideas for storage place in your bathroom, don’t hesitate to get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Dance in the Shower

https://renosgroup.ca/2013/02/">February 22, 2013
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog

New Product Alert !!! A music lover’s delight….. You can now add the sounds of your favorite songs on your smartphone to help you dance in the shower as an item checked off for your next bathroom renovation. Kohler has come out with a shower head that has a waterproof speaker that magnetically sticks into the head. It’s a small Bluetooth connected speaker that streams music from your smartphone. This was tested by many at a Builder Trade show, the comments were positive ” sound quality is impressive”, “Set up and playing music from iPhone 5 within 10 seconds”. It comes in a standard 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute) or a water saving 2.0 GPM

A great innovation from Kohler.

Don’t forget to add this to your checklist of wants for your next bathroom renovation project 🙂

To dance in the shower…..get in touch to schedule renovations. You can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Renovations That Maintaining Seniors Independence

Renovations That Maintain Seniors Independence

https://renosgroup.ca/2012/09/">September 27, 2012
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Mobility, Mobility Page, Seniors

As our health and lives change, so do our housing needs. Across Canada, the overwhelming majority of seniors prefer doing renovations in order to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of tips on how to renovate a home to keep pace with changing needs, so seniors can stay safe, independent — and in their own home — longer, including: Repair holes or uneven joints in walkways that could cause tripping. Replace steep slopes with steps or a low-slope ramp. Add a ramp to bypass existing steps. Install light fixtures or floodlights with easily accessible switches to illuminate entrances, steps and walkways. Repair all unsafe stair handrails. Install handrails on both sides of the stairways. Replace worn or loose coverings and mark the edges of stairs with a permanent stripe in a contrasting colour. If you are planning a renovation on the stairs in your current home, or building a new home that has stairs, make sure that the back vertical portion of the step (the rise) is not too high and that the horizontal part of the step (the tread) has adequate depth. If you live in a two-storey home, consider creating a bedroom, a full bathroom, and having the clothes washer and dryer on the ground floor. Reduce the height of, or eliminate, high door thresholds at room entrances. Use a contrasting colour or texture on the edge of the floor wherever there is a change in the floor level. Adjust sinks, counters and cupboards to a more convenient height. Create a knee-space underneath sinks to allow you to work from a seated position (making sure to insulate any exposed hot-water pipes first). Install grab bars within easy reach of the bathroom sink and toilet and in the bathtub. Install non-slip flooring in the bathroom and in the bathtub. Install single-lever faucets to more easily control water flow and temperature. Add or lower rods or shelves in closets, and add off-floor shelves near entrances for shoes and boots. Repair windows and sliding doors so that they can open and close easily. Consider installing easy-to-grasp door handles, easy-to-operate door locks, as well as security grilles at windows that are vulnerable to forced entry. Lastly, if you have an aging parent, relative or friend, you may want to consider adding a garden suite on the same lot as your home. Garden suites are small, prefabricated, portable and self-contained homes that enable seniors to live close to their relatives or friends, while maintaining their independence and privacy — and giving family members or friends greater peace of mind. For more information or free copies of the CMHC Self-Assessment Guide Maintaining Seniors’ Independence Through Home Adaptations, the fact sheet Preventing Falls on Stairs fact sheets on universal design ideas that can make your home safer and easier to live in, or for general information on CMHC’s renovation programs, including those for garden suites, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit CMHC’s Web site at www.cmhc.ca. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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