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Considering a Coach House? Be Sure to Keep These 9 Things in Mind

https://renosgroup.ca/2020/02/">February 21, 2020
By Keith Melanson
In Coach House, Home Renovation Blog

Originally used for storing the horse and carriage in years ago, today, coach houses are serving a new purpose. Since there’s clearly no need for horse-drawn carriages anymore, these small structures are being repurposed as secondary dwellings to suit homeowner’s needs – as a rental unit, as a retirement space for aging parents, for adult children to live in once they return from college, and more. The options are endless as to what you can do with it. If you’re considering a coach house, transforming your garage or shed into something more useful this year, make sure to keep these 9 things in mind before getting started.

Helps Create Affordable Options for Renters

This small, freestanding structure that’s located on the same lot as the primary home is not only a great way to for homeowners to earn more income each month as a rental suite, but it’s also beneficial for renters since it helps to diversify the market, offering more affordable housing solutions. It’s an ideal way to create more rentals in established neighbourhoods and diversify the market.

Must Remain as An Accessory

Before you get started with your coach house reno project, there are a few key factors to be aware of to make sure you’re abiding by the requirements and don’t land in any legal hot water. In order to be deemed as legal, the coach house must remain as an accessory to a primary residence on the lot where it’s located. It must also be completely separate from the main house.

You’ll Need a Permit

Of course, like with any structure on your property, you’ll need to obtain a permit before beginning. Be sure to apply for it ahead of time so you can have everything ironed out and ready to go with your contractor.

Only One Per Property

According to the City of Ottawa, residences are only permitted to have one coach house per property. So, if you have an apartment unit or secondary dwelling in addition to the coach house, you will likely face some legal issues if you plan to continue.

They Must Integrate with the Neighbourhood

If you’re set on making your coach house the talk of the town with a big and bold design, you may need to go back to the drawing board. Based on government bylaws, coach houses must adhere to the same style and look of the surrounding urban neighbourhood. So consider your streetscape before you start playing with the design.

Tree Conservation Is Important

Tree conservation is taken very seriously throughout the city – as it should be. If you have any trees that are in the way of your build, you could face penalties or a fine if you jump the gun and chop them down. Instead, you’ll need to talk with a local official prior to cutting anything down.

Size Matters

Size really matters when it comes to these secondary dwellings. If you’re planning to extend the square footage of the coach house, you’ll have to stay within the designated requirements. According to the Ontario Building Codes regulations, coach houses must be shorter than the primary home and they cannot exceed 40% of the yard size that they’re in. On urban lots, the maximum size is an 80m² footprint and 95m² on rural lots. They can also be as small as 23m². For the height restrictions, urban locations are permitted 3.6 m tall and 3.2 for rural areas.

Adding a Second Story

Wondering whether it’s legal to add on a second story to your coach house to serve as a loft-style apartment? The answer is yes. Whether it’s an urban or rural setting, homeowners can create an additional level after applying and requesting it. However, they must also abide by all of the regulations outlined to be given the green light.

They Are Relatively New in Ottawa

Keep in mind that coach houses became officially legal dwellings only a few years ago. So, they’re still a relatively new concept for homeowners and renters alike. Also, the restrictions and regulations are always subject to change, so it’s important to keep up-to-date regularly to ensure that you’re staying on track with all of the legal requirements. There’s nothing worse than having everything planned, ready to go and then a legal blunder prevents you from continuing with your dream build. So, take the time to do your research and due diligence beforehand. When you’re ready to start considering a coach house project, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 at Renosgroup.ca. We can discuss your needs, offer our expert advice on how to create what you’re envisioning, and we can help you sort through all of the regulations and zoning bylaws to make it as simplified and stress-free as possible.

5 Predicted Home Renovation Trends for 2020

6 Predicted Home Renovation Trends

https://renosgroup.ca/2020/02/">February 14, 2020
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog, Renovations

This year’s top home renovation trends focus on utilizing space more efficiently, adding more sustainable elements to designs, and creating enhanced accessibility for all. Here we’ll look at the top renovation projects that homeowners are planning to undertake this year to help give you some inspiring design ideas when planning your next reno.

Sustainable Kitchens

This year, sustainable and eco-friendly elements are taking center stage throughout kitchen reno designs. But this latest green trend isn’t just focused on implementing natural cabinetry and countertops. It will also trickle down into other elements including natural or bio-based paint, and even the type of flooring used. Think recycled glass and quartz countertops, terracotta tiling, reclaimed timber, bamboo cabinets, and cork flooring to swap out. Eco lighting and energy-efficient LEDs will also take precedence throughout the home as well as swapping out older appliances for Energy Star® ones instead.

Secondary Living Spaces

Basement renos used to be primarily focused on adding more storage space or an extra room for the kids to play and hang out. But now as property prices reach unprecedented levels, current homeowners are striving to find ways to maximize living space instead of moving into larger and more expensive homes. First time home buyers with high mortgage payments are also getting more creative with their unfinished basement to try to increase their property value and bring in some additional income. By tearing down walls and creating an open concept floor plan, you can form a sizable rental space even in a rather small basement. Those with larger basement areas can get even more functionality by splitting the area into separate rooms – a full guest suite that includes a bedroom and bathroom, and another space for entertaining or storage. Even those looking to move are seeing the benefit of adding a guest room or secondary living space in the basement to significantly increase the value of their home.

Minimalistic Bathrooms

When it comes to the bathroom, bright, minimalistic, and natural designs are among the most predicted home renovation trends this year. Natural wood features, granite counters, rimless edging along the sink and oversized faucets are some elements to consider. Minimalistic designs are all about removing the excess and focusing on the core elements that you need and love. Just remember that less is more.

Extended Kitchen Spaces

Beyond updating your materials and fixtures, few people think about adding more space in the kitchen. In fact, it’s a rather easy operation if you have extra dining or living room space that’s connected and rarely used. Extending the kitchen area to include unique features like a spice kitchen for cooking aromatic meals in, or an extended pantry and wet bar can give you more functionality, especially if you love to cook and entertain. Another popular kitchen addition idea for this year includes a flex room for the kids to play in while you cook so you can keep an eye on them.

Accessibility Spaces

As more and more boomers reach their golden years, the trend for aging in place is on the rise. Home renovations that transform rooms into safer, more accessible spaces are becoming increasingly popular. By making these sorts of adjustments now, seniors can stay in their homes for much longer while remaining comfortable and safe. The most common transitions include widening doorways for wheelchair access, adding master suites to ground floor spaces, adding ramps to entranceways, lowering cabinets and countertops, removing bathtub walls and leveling out showers, and adding stairlifts along the stairwell.

Sunrooms

Often referred to as a modern-day porch, sunrooms help make the long winter months a little more bearable. Thanks to advanced technology and materials, sunrooms offer a unique way to enjoy the scenic outdoors right from the comfort of your home. With an airtight build, homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee or just relish in the sunshine at any time of the year. There are many different styles to choose from, and contractors today can work with your existing structure and design to create a customized solution that integrates perfectly with your interior.

Are you ready to transform and renovate your home this year? Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 at Renosgroup.ca. We are a family-owned and operated renovation team specializing in residential renovations, mobility renovations, and much more. Whatever you’re envisioning, we’ll work with you to make it happen. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or to get a quote.

New Year, New Kitchen? 8 Reasons to Get Started on Your Renovations Now

https://renosgroup.ca/2020/01/">January 24, 2020
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Ready to freshen up your home interior with a new kitchen this new year? Whether you’ve just purchased a fixer-upper, need more space, or want to modernize your space, investing in your kitchen is always a worthy project to take on. Aside from being the most used room in the home, it also boasts the best return on investment if you plan to sell in the future. Here are some good reasons to get started on your renovations now.

Boost the Value of Your Home

Ask any realtor and they’ll tell you just how important the kitchen is when it comes to the value of your home. It’s what buyers look at and asses the most when considering a purchase. If you are planning to place your home on the market, getting started on your renovations now can get your property ready to view in time for the summer rush. Even if you’re not considering a move in the near future, updating your kitchen now is one of the best ways to invest in your home since you’ll use it every single day.

Easier to Schedule Contractors

Winter tends to be a slow season for contractors which makes it an excellent time to take advantage of for your home projects. Without so many other homeowners to compete with, you can easily schedule the contractors when you need them. With less work slated, they’ll have more time to focus on planning and designing your dream kitchen.

Better Prices

Winter is also a better time to take advantage of reduced rates for your reno projects. Special discounts and offers are more common during this time of year. But they tend to hike back up once the spring arrives. Use the winter months to source better prices and discounts on inventory for windows, lumber, appliances, cabinets, and other materials that you might need.

Approval for Permits is Faster

If you’re planning a more elaborate design, you may need a permit, depending on the layout and where you live. Lucky for you, winter is less busy for government agencies, which means you’ll be able to obtain your permit much faster than waiting until the spring and summer months.

The Mess Can Be Contained

Many homeowners tend to leave their home renovations until the spring and summer to avoid living in a dusty construction mess for an extended period of time. But clean-up methods have come a long way. Contractors can contain dust, fumes, and debris more easily using negative pressure fans, plastic zip doors, and sealing off areas thoroughly. So if you’re concerned about the cleanup, don’t be.

Plan It with Vacation Time

If you’re planning to go on vacation this winter, it might be the perfect time to schedule in your renovation so you can be a way for at least the brunt of the construction process. This can let the contractors focus on their work without having your days disrupted since you can enjoy lounging on the beach while the work is being done.

Free Up Your Spring and Summer Months

Why leave your renovations to the warmer spring and summer months when you can enjoy them instead? Having to skip out on cottage weekends or vacation time to oversee a renovation project is never a fun way to spend your time during the sunnier seasons. While you’re cooped up inside, use the winter days to get your renos out of the way so you won’t have to waste any time on them when it’s finally nice outside.

Assess Your Kitchen’s Needs

Whether you were hosting holiday parties, cooking Christmas dinner or baking up a storm, the holidays are when we tend to congregate around the kitchen the most. And as we head into the New Year, it’s an ideal time to think about all of the features in your kitchen that were problematic or irritating. Maybe it was a lack of storage space, a cramped layout, or wonky outdated appliances. Whatever it includes, you’ll have time to sit down, contemplate what areas need improvement and how to design your new and improved kitchen to function better for you and your family.

When you’re ready to get started on your new dream kitchen design, our expert team at Renosgroup.ca can help bring your vision to life. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 with us today to learn more about our services and to get a quote.

4 Unique Types of Home Additions

https://renosgroup.ca/2020/01/">January 17, 2020
By Keith Melanson
In Home Additions, Home Renovation Blog

Need some more space at home? Moving isn’t the only option to consider. Rather than having to endure the grueling moving process, you can create the space you need with a home addition. This is often a faster, easier, and less expensive option than having to pack up and relocate your entire life to somewhere else. Whether it’s a sunroom, home office, rental unit or something else you’ve been dreaming of, we’ve compiled a few of our top unique types of home additions that could be possible for your home. So, you can stay put and create a functional space that works for you and your lifestyle needs.

All Seasons Sunroom

Our prolonged winter season here in Canada means that many of us are cooped up inside for several months of the year. Instead of longing for the summer weather to return, why not enjoy the outdoors all year from the comfort of your home? With such a long period of time spent inside, more homeowners are opting for a home addition that they can use throughout the entire year, no matter what the weather is like outside. With a heated, comfortable panoramic view of the outdoors, you can enjoy sipping your morning coffee while embracing the beautiful outdoor scenery around you. It’s an ideal addition for those in Northern climates that don’t get a whole lot of sunshine or time to enjoy the warmer months. Though sunrooms have gotten a bit of a bad rep in past for being drafty and cold, today’s designs are much more energy-efficient and better insulated to ensure the temperature is just right. It’s the best way to appreciate the outdoors even in the winter.

Room Over Garage

Another popular home addition we’re seeing more often is installing a room over the garage. As more homeowners look for ways to utilize their property to the fullest, that extra space above the garage is gaining more attention. Since most already include the basics like wiring, they generally don’t need much more than some additional insulation, drywall, new flooring, paint, and furniture. Use it as a home office so you can have quiet space to concentrate. Rent it out for additional income every month. Keep it for your in-laws when they come to visit. House your aging parent so you can take care of them or create it for your eldest child when they come back from college. The options are endless.

Kitchen Extension

Did your kitchen feel too cramped and crowded when you were hosting Christmas this past year? Or does it just feel like it’s lacking on space to accommodate your needs? If so, a kitchen addition might be a good option to consider. By extending an exterior wall or incorporating an adjacent room into the design, you can create the additional square footage to function as you need. This is often referred to as a ‘bump out’ which is a milder version of addition. It extends the interior that you already have, including the floor, walls, and roof. You can create space for more storage and cupboards, a breakfast nook, expand the dining area or you could even take down a few walls for an open concept layout. This can also bring in more natural light for darker interiors. No matter what you decide to do, remember that the kitchen is the most valuable area of the home. So, it’s a worthy project that will yield a good return on your investment. In other words, you can’t go wrong when it comes to improving this area of the home.

Family Room Addition

Do you have a new baby on the way or just need more space for your growing family? When this happens, many of us jump to the conclusion that we need to move and relocate our entire life. But there’s another option that can help you eliminate that entire hassle and expensive process. Having a family room addition installed can save you so much time, aggravation, and even money. If you love your home and neighbourhood and dread the thought of having to move, it’s a practical solution to give some serious thought to. You can never go wrong with additional space, even once the kids eventually move out on their own. Forget about the hassle of moving! Create the space you need instead with the help of our expert team at the Renosgroup. We’ve been helping homeowners design their dream interiors for years, and we can help you too. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Check out our Home Addition Projects below:

7 Ways to Optimize that Unused Space in Your Home

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/12/">December 20, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Whether you need to accommodate your growing family or want to maximize storage in your unit, there are many ways to optimize that unused space in your home. Even if you have smaller square footage, there are still plenty of ways to be strategic with bare walls and other neglected nooks. To make the most of your home, here are our top tips to optimize space.

Bedrooms tend to have less space than we often need to house all of our clothing. With so many seasonal clothes to store away during different months, those bulky sweaters, coats, and shoes can become a serious pain when you don’t have another inch in your closet to stuff them in. That’s where under bed storage can help. You can find beds these days that have actual storage units built within them. But if that’s not practical, you can also utilize plastic containers that are designed to fit under the bed. Store away your seasonal wear and roll out the containers whenever it’s time to swap them out for the items in your closet or dresser. This is an ideal example of using handy space that often gets overlooked.

Multi-Functional Furniture

From the coffee table to that vintage trunk at the end of your bed, to the footstools in your living room – there are plenty of ways to create more space for storage with multi-functional furniture throughout your home. These days, with units and homes being more limited on square footage, furniture that doubles as storage is incredibly popular and easy to find. Consider what you need for your home and how you can double down by using them to tuck away books, winter wear or other items that you don’t often need on display.

Mudroom Bench

A mudroom bench is elegant, eye-catching and incredibly helpful for keeping outdoor wear out of sight. When the messy wet weather is coming down outside, it’s a welcomed addition for placing your gear away. Complete with a top shelf, hooks and a hallowed-out bench, you can place hats and scarves in baskets up top, hang your jackets as needed, and place infrequently used gear within the bench. It’s a convenient feature to have and it’s also a great way to help protect your home from the mess and puddles.

Shelving Units

Shelving units come in all sizes and styles to suit any room in your home. To store any finicky items that often don’t have a particular spot to tuck away, add baskets to your unit to keep things together and organized while making your home look tidy and clutter-free. These are always an attractive addition to the living room, den or even the basement.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves can be placed pretty much anywhere, which is why they are so handy for homes that are limited on storage space. If you have a blank wall, utilize it by adding some floating shelves. Don’t forget to consider using the space towards the ceiling too. Those high points on the wall are often neglected, but they can become a convenient place to store away stuff that doesn’t get used on a daily basis. If you have a studio, home office or even a den for the kids, consider how you could take advantage of the space that’s a bit higher than your point of vision. Neutral coloured baskets on top of your higher shelves can be a good way to make it look more discreet.

Under the Stairs

Basements have a lot of potential room – it’s just a matter of finding it. One of the best spots to optimize is right under the stairs. A built-in storage unit can offer a good amount of space for just about anything – toys, books, old files or photos and everything in between. Units can be customized to fit your exact space so you can make use out of every square inch.

Hanging Units Inside Cupboards

Bathrooms can be particularly tight on space. But you can find extra room on the interior of your vanity cupboards. Inserts can be installed on the inside of each door to neatly store your flatiron, hairdryer and other bathroom staples in.

Whether it’s creating extra storage space, updating the kitchen or modernizing your bathroom to maximize on floor space, give the RenosGroup.ca a call when you need home projects done. Our team of experts can tackle just about anything you need with quality craftsmanship that you can count on. As a family-owned business that’s been serving Ottawa residents for years, we’re the home reno team you can depend on for quality work offered at the most affordable rates. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more or to get a quote.

6 Renovations That Will Brighten Up Your Home

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/12/">December 13, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

Winter is upon us, which means most of our time will be spent hibernating inside trying to pass the time until Old Man Winter loosens his grip. Until then, take this opportunity to start thinking about home renovation projects that can help brighten your home and your winter blues. If your interior is feeling dark and outdated, here are our top renovation projects that will brighten up your home to create a lighter and more enjoyable interior.

Maximizing Natural Light with Glass

Glass is the best material for brightening interiors. So take advantage of it! Consider reconfiguring your windows to maximize natural light. This is also a great way to lower monthly energy bills since newer windows are manufactured with superior insulating properties, making your home more energy-efficient. Skylights can also be a good addition to certain areas where windows aren’t practical in your home. These can be installed almost anywhere, including the bathroom, bedroom, and even the kitchen, depending on your layout. If you’re looking to create a partition in your space without blocking any natural light, French doors are an excellent option for creating a barrier without stifling the sunshine.

Include Reflective Materials

Aside from glass, other materials can help to reflect light and bounce it throughout your home. A good example is wood flooring. Darker stains can absorb light, but lighter hues with a glossy finish can amplify the light from your ceiling and windows, brightening darker spaces. Placing mirrors on the wall across from any windows is also very effective for dispersing light in dark interiors.

Modern Kitchen Reno

The kitchen is the “heart of the home”, which means it’s a big piece of the interior design puzzle. It’s also the most used room in the home, and often where guests and family congregate to chat and mingle. If dark and outdated cupboards, counters or flooring best describe your kitchen, make it a priority for your to-do reno list. Incorporating brighter and reflective materials, such as granite or marble for the counters, white subway tiles for the backsplash, and light wooden flooring and cupboards can transform your entire home into a modern, minimalistic, and beautiful looking space. An updated kitchen will also increase your home’s value significantly if you ever plan on selling in the future.

Knock Down Some Walls

There’s a reason why open concept floor plans are included in most modern layouts today. With more confined interiors being limited on space, open concepts remove any unnecessary partition walls to invite in more light. This is one of the quickest and most effective ways of brightening up space and bringing life back into your home almost instantly. You can use other features to act as semi-partitions if you wish to break up your layout a little. Bookshelves are a great example of this. Removing a wall can dramatically improve the overall function and flow of your home. It also makes it much more enjoyable when you can still be included in the conversations from the living room when you’re hosting and preparing dinner.

Bathroom Update

As the second most used room in a home, you can’t neglect the bathroom. Whether it’s the master suite or a guest suite, bathrooms usually need a redo every few years since they endure quite a bit of wear and tear. Consider updating old amenities and faucets and stick with a lighter palette for the walls. If your bathroom is smaller in size, a glass-enclosed shower and a floating vanity can be a welcomed addition for opening up space. To add some depth, modern wallpaper patterns are incredibly popular today for creating some unique texture without looking too 1980s.

Replace Exterior Doors

Old exterior doors can not only hinder the sunlight from entering inside, but they can also detract from your curb appeal since they get noticed first. They can also impact your energy bills if they’re cracked and worn. Modern exterior doors today are energy-efficient, incredibly durable, and come in a variety of attractive designs to compliment your exterior while maximizing your exposure to light. Take a look at your front or back door to see if this might be what you need.

When you’re ready to breathe some light and fresh air into your home, contact us at the Renos Group. We’re a family-owned renovation company serving the Ottawa area for years. We can tackle just about any home reno project you need, from the kitchen to bathroom and everything in between. Get in touch, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 with us today to discuss your ideas and to get a quote!

10 Reasons to do Your Home Renovations in the Winter

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/11/">November 22, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

It may seem unconventional, but there are reasons to do your home renovations in the winter season rather as opposed to the busier months. Learn how to save money and reduce stress by having your home renovations done in the wintertime.

Faster Permit Process

There are only so many officials working on processing permits for any given area. If you apply for a building permit in the spring and summer, you can expect a delay. Even if you put in a permit in the fall, you might still have to wait for the remaining permits to be processed that are backed up from the warmer months. If you want your permit to go through quickly so that you can start remodeling right away, applying in the winter is your best option.

Less Competition

The busiest time for renovation professionals, designers, and manufacturers are during the warmer months. If you can wait till winter, there will be more available professionals to choose from. This will give you more options and better-negotiating power. And with fewer projects to work, on, the contractors will also have more time to focus on your home and may even get the project completed earlier than planned.

Off-Season Discounts

Many contractors also offer off-season discounts to offset their slower earning months. If you can wait till winter, you’re more likely to find a discount. You might even be able to save more by shopping around the holidays. Construction materials, furniture, and appliances tend to go on sale this time of year.

Foundation Work Is Easier

If you’re looking to start an addition, the colder months are often better for excavating. The frozen ground and dry air are much easier to work with then muddy and humid soil.

Paint Sets Better

Have you ever tried to paint a wall inside your home on a hot or humid day? Hot temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly, developing bumps, blisters, and cracks. With too much water vapor in humid days, the paint can compromise the adhesion of the paint to the surface, resulting in peeling and bubbling paint. The winter is the ideal time of year to paint your home indoors. With a controlled indoor temperature and humidity level, the paint can dry evenly and set properly.

Fumes Are Not A Concern

Many people worry that a winter renovation isn’t safe for their family, however, this is a myth. Contractors have new products and technology that can control and contain the fumes and clean up the projects without ever having to open a window. There’s also been a lot of progress with VOCs. Most indoor, water-based paints are now low-VOC or no-VOC. So if you plan to renovate in the winter, you won’t have to worry about inhaling harmful fumes or dust particles.

It’s A Good Time to Install Hardwood

Regardless of what you might have been told, you should have no issues installing your hardwood flooring in the winter. Moisture is often the biggest cause of wood flooring problems. Installing hardwood in humid conditions can make the floors swell which can cause gaps when the humidity drops. In the winter, the air is drier, and the humidity is more controlled which makes for a better installation.

It’s Easier to Vacate

With the kids home in the summertime, it’s more difficult to vacate the home for renovations. But in the wintertime, you can time your remodel project around your holidays. That way everything can be done while you’re away on vacation.

Your Home Will Be Ready for the Holidays

If you start an early winter project, you might be able to have it all finished for the holidays. With social gatherings and family Christmas dinner around the corner, an updated home can wow your guests and make them feel more at home.

Renovations Are Done Before Spring

Even if you can’t get it done before the holidays, wouldn’t it be nice to have your new addition already completed before spring? That way you don’t have to worry about turning your home into a construction zone during the nicest months of the year. The work is already finished, and you can enjoy the warmer months as you wish.

Avoid the rush hour traffic of renovating by pushing it out to the wintertime. You’ll save more money, get your project done faster, and can enjoy having all the work done before the warmer months kick in. If you’re ready to get started, set up an appointment today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to talk to one of our renovation experts about your next project. Our team at the RenosGroup can take care of all your renovation and design needs from design to inception.

6 Reasons to Get Behind the Minimalistic Design Trend

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/11/">November 15, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

From the interior design world to graphic design – minimalism is taking over in a big way, and for good reason. Focusing on space and simplicity, it can be seen just about everywhere. Today, it’s becoming more deeply embedded in our modern lifestyle as it teaches us how to curb excess clutter while learning to use and appreciate more of what we have. This concept promotes simple living in our everyday lives, encouraging us to choose and purchase only what we need and use on a regular basis while lessening our waste and footprint on the environment. To learn more about this modern way of living, here are a few key reasons to get behind the minimalistic design trend, and how to adapt it into your everyday life.

Tell Me More About This Minimalistic Lifestyle

As mentioned, minimalism is all about promoting a simpler way of living. It aims to encourage people to think more about their decisions on a regular basis. This doesn’t mean throwing away everything you own and having a boring, muted interior. It’s about learning to create more space, both physically and mentally, so we can appreciate what we do have. Designing a minimalistic home can offer many different benefits that can actually help to improve your own quality of life. Specifically, when it comes to designing your home interior, it’s all about incorporating pieces of furniture that are quality made and will last. Here’s how this can benefit you:

Keeps Your Home Organized

Staying organized is a common struggle for many of us – especially as we try to juggle what feels like a never-ending list of tasks during our busy days. But with less ‘stuff’ crowding your environment, it becomes so much easier to place items away in their proper places, which makes organization a practical and easy concept to achieve. Simply put, with less junk and clutter in the way, you can store items where they should be and locate them without having to tear the house apart or stressing out during the process.

More Breathing Room

Aside from cluttered homes looking untidy and unwelcoming, they’re also not good for our wellbeing. Studies have shown a correlation between living in clutter and negative impacts on our mental health. Whether it’s piles of clothing stuffed in the closets, junk in the drawers, or too much furniture and items consuming the floor space, a cluttered home environment can have a big influence on how we feel in a daily basis. It increases feelings of anxiety and depression, reduces our energy levels and our ability to focus, and can promote chronic stress. Many of us are guilty of having items around the home that are never touched or used, but we often cling to for their sentimental value or comfort. Letting go of the excess which doesn’t serve you any good or useful purpose can create a healthier home environment overall. Dejunking creates more space in your home, improves airflow, eliminates negative energy, and gives you more room to breathe and relax at home.

Easy to Keep Clean

Did we mention how much easier it is to keep your home clean? It’s true! This is one of our favourite reasons for adopting a minimalistic lifestyle and design. With ample storage for what you need, and less junk strewn across tabletops, cleaning becomes quick and easy. You won’t have to dedicate your entire weekend to catch up on house chores from the busy week. And since you’ll only have what you love and need, you won’t have to fuss about stuffing items in drawers, only to have to deal with that “hidden” mess at a later time.

Finding Things is so Much Easier

When you need to find the keys, important documents, or the strainer for spaghetti night, you can pinpoint where they are in a pinch. This makes dinner prep time and even busy mornings so much easier when you know exactly where to find what you’re looking for.

Less Impact on the Environment

Minimalism and environmentalism go hand in hand. In fact, it’s one of the main driving forces for this way of living. And today, homeowners are more eager than ever to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, and that includes their home design. A minimalistic home is less wasteful as it encourages us to think twice about our actions as consumers. It also helps us spend less and save more.

When you’re ready to adopt a minimalistic design in your home, contact us or give the Renos Group a call at (613)727-9427 From the kitchen to bathroom to everything in between – our experts can help you design and transform your home with quality workmanship that you can count on.

6 Things to Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Bathroom

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/10/">October 18, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Bathrooms, Home Renovation Blog

Getting ready to update your bathroom this year? Undertaking a reno like this can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, even though it’s generally the smallest room in the house. Bathrooms equate to a good portion of your home value, and it’s where homebuyers pay the most attention (aside from the kitchen) when house hunting. So it’s an important process to wade through carefully. Whether you’re redoing your master suite or a smaller guest powder room, functionality should always be the focal part of your design. And of course, adding in a few chic and modern touches like granite counters or a lavish soaker tub can add a touch of luxury to your home. As a reminder, with any major renovation, you should also expect your home to look and feel a little chaotic while the work is being completed, but just remember that it’ll be well worth it! To help you prepare for your upcoming project, here are a few good things to keep in mind when renovating your bathroom.

Be Stern with Your Budget

Be warned: bathroom renos can add up quickly if you’re not careful. A basic facelift can easily turn into a full-blown remodel once you start shopping around for different features. Not sure how much is appropriate? As a general rule of thumb, if you’re tackling a smaller guest bathroom that’s in need of some serious TLC, we recommend limiting your budget to approximately 5% of your home value. If you’re focusing on the main master suite, then increase that to 10%. Whatever you decide on for an amount, be clear about your budget and stick with it.

Prioritize Your Needs

Before beginning the reno, prioritize what your bathroom really needs. Whether it’s new tiling, a new bath, or a new shower enclosure, know which features are most important to focus on and in need of replacing. This way, when you’re debating between something you want and need, you’ll be able to sacrifice that ‘want’ over what’s really needed to improve the bathroom. And remember, you don’t have to reinvent the entire layout. Whatever areas are fine, leave them be and put your attention into the features that are malfunctioning or truly outdated and desperately need replacing. This can also make it easier to stay within your budget.

Consider Alternative Materials like Porcelain

If you’re debating between certain materials to implement into your floors, counters or shower enclosure, porcelain can give you a much better bang for your buck while still looking equally as luxurious as other pricier items, like natural stone. Today, you can find a multitude of varieties that look just like real stone. Porcelain is also a durable and virtually indestructible material, so it will last for years and still look as good. Just another reason why it’s smart to consider all of your options when it comes to the materials you decide on.

What Luxury Touches Do You Enjoy?

The bathroom is meant to exude a little luxury, so consider what you dream of most for creating an ultimate relaxation space in your home. Maybe it’s a stand-alone tub or having a sleek and modern glass shower with multiple showerheads or a large vanity with dual sinks. Whatever it is, make room for one or two of those special extras that you’ve really been dreaming of, budget permitting, of course.

What’s Your Theme?

It’s helpful to have a general design theme before diving into a reno. It makes the entire process go much easier when you know what particular look you’re aiming for. This could mean a rustic country style, industrial, ultra-contemporary, or something more traditional and elegant. Find a style that you enjoy or continue whatever look you have throughout the home to make your final layout look stunning and cohesive. Otherwise, it may look out of place in comparison to the rest of your home.

Be Prepared for the Reno Process

The bathroom is obviously a pretty important room in the home. And if there’s only one to share among multiple people in the family, then you’ll have to be prepared to go without it for at least a few hours or even an entire day. So make sure to plan accordingly. Schedule the reno when the kids are away, ask relatives if you can stay with them until it’s complete or ask a close neighbour if you can use their facilities for the day – whatever works. Having a plan can make the coping process much easier and less chaotic for both you and the workers.

When you’re looking for honest, hardworking, and reliable contractors to tackle your bathroom renovation – or any other home projects, give us a call at the Renosgroup. We’ve been serving residents throughout Ottawa for years and can help transform your home, hassle-free. Contact us today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a quote!

6 Fall-Inspired Decor Changes for Your Home

https://renosgroup.ca/2019/10/">October 11, 2019
By Keith Melanson
In Home Renovation Blog

As the summer season starts to slowly dwindle down, at least we can look forward to the cozy and colourful autumn season that’s just around the corner. Fall is also an ideal time to jump into any needed renovations or redecorating to spruce up your home and incorporate some fresh seasonal flair into your space. Whether you’re looking to change up your living room, bedroom or an entire home, here are some of our top fall-inspired decor changes for your home to consider this season.

Spruce Up the Front Porch

If you love the array of colours that comes with the fall time, focus on giving your porch some attention to clean it up and add décor to make it look fall fresh. Pumpkin lined steps, big urns filled with autumn foliage, potted mums, wheat wreaths or updated cushions for your porch furniture are a few simple ways to give your entranceway a makeover while adding an extra inviting and cozy touch to your home. If the porch is looking a little worn, sanding, repainting or making any repairs can make all the difference in keeping your home looking clean and well-maintained, especially before the holiday get-togethers start. Put your best foot forward when greeting family, friends, and guests during the season with a fresh and update entranceway.

Fall Table Dressings

Your coffee table or dining room table is the perfect blank canvases to really get into the fall season décor. You can create a focal table feature by combining colourful gourds, leaves, miniature pumpkins, pinecones, and even some painted branches to make an eye-catching display. Or you could use a runner along the length of the table and neatly place your items along with some candles placed in the center. This is guaranteed to put you into the autumn spirit and add some earthy splashes of colour to your home. All you have to do is invite your family or friends over so you can show it off!

Switch Up Your Textiles

Once the summer heat starts to fade, it’s time to get out all your cozy sweaters and swap out your summer textiles. When the seasons change, switch up the fabrics in your living room, on your favourite reading chair, and bedroom. Having thick and warm throws around the house, on the couch and bed with a fall pallet can make your home look and feel inviting instantly. And of course, they’ll keep you warm and snug during those chilly autumn nights.

Light It Up

Since the evenings start to get darker earlier on during this time of year, there’s no better time to add some unique lighting features into your home. You could update your light sconces, add a lamp or two to any darker corners or even string some lights around your reading nook to many it cozier. You could even get creative and place small string lights inside some mason jars and place them around your tabletops for some extra sparkle. Lighting features can really set to the tone and ambiance of a space. If your place is feeling a bit cold, bare, and uninviting, consider how you can incorporate new lighting to add more warmth to your home this season.

Freshen Up Furniture

If some pieces of furniture are looking a bit worn and outdated, browse through fall flea markets before they shut down for the winter. There are always unique treasures and refurbished pieces that are offered at amazing prices. And if you’re limited on your budget, don’t swap out everything. Just focus on whatever is most pressing. You can even create a DIY project and refurbish some old pieces of furniture yourself!

Remodel Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a very high traffic area which means it can get worn down pretty quickly. If your kitchen has been screaming for an upgrade, the fall time is one of the best seasons to do it. Without the intense heat and humidity, or frigid cold from winter just yet, fall is perfect for taking on any major projects like a kitchen renovation. It’s always a popular time for homeowners to tackle reno projects, especially before the holiday season officially kicks off. Plus, with the kids back at school, it’ll be easier to manage. So, consider what areas of your kitchen are in need of updating before the Christmas season arrives.

No matter the project, our team at the Renosgroup is here to help. We’re a family-owned business offering renovation services for kitchens, bathrooms, and everything in between. For more fall inspired decor changes for your home don’t hesitate to get in contact today, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Home Renovation Blog