Ottawa

5 Ideas for an Amazing Basement Office

5 Ideas for an Amazing Basement Office

There are all kinds of different projects you can tackle when you start to look into ways to transform your basement. Some of them will immediately interest you whereas others may not be all that appealing. On top of that, basement transformation projects can cost a pretty penny without proper planning and organization.

Of all the basement transformation projects out there, from home theatres to income suites, one of the most popular and wise investments is to turn your basement from a dark and dingy space into a fantastic office.

To help you with this kind of project, we’ve put together five ideas that you’ll want to contemplate integrating into your Ottawa basement renovation project.

Build a Basement Office/Bedroom Space


If you want to make the most of the real estate that you have in your home, it’s always a good idea to create “multipurpose spaces” – and that means creating a basement office that has room for friends or family to sleep over. If you create a guest room only, chances are that space will go unused most of the time.

Create a True Business Office Feel


A lot of basement offices feel exactly like that – like an office that has been pigeonholed into the basement – and that isn’t always the most conducive environment for productive work. Think instead about constructing a business office that looks EXACTLY like your dream corner office in that Manhattan high-rise and you’ll find yourself getting a lot more quality work done than you ever would have in a more traditional space. No one says a basement office has to feel like a basement office.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting


It’s been proven time and time again that the lighting you have in a space directly impacts your productivity and your mood. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to be getting that much natural light working below ground in a basement!

Use quality lighting fixtures, dimmable lights, and other lighting options that give you complete and total control over the light in your space and you’ll be able to dial it to the ideal setting during your working hours.

Climate Control is Critical


Basements are usually quite a bit cooler than the upstairs space during the summer so you can usually save big time on your air-conditioning bills. They should have climate control technology built right into them so that you hit the perfect temperature and humidity level without any difficulty at all.

Think About Adding a Mini Fridge


Don’t be shy about throwing a mini fridge into your basement office. Even though you’re only down a single floor from your kitchen, you want to be able to have drinks quick at hand so that you don’t have to slow down your productivity or break your flow by trudging upstairs. Nothing beats grabbing a quick drink to fire you up when you’re running a little low on energy!

Are you interested in a basement renovation? RenosGroup.ca is here to help with expert results. Get a free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

3 Signs a Home Addition Might Be Right for Your Family

Is it the right time to build a home addition? On the one hand, you need extra space for your family. On the other hand, a home addition is a significant financial undertaking that is not without mess, noise, and stress. A home addition is the ideal solution for many families, but you want to be sure that you know exactly what you’re getting into when you sign on the dotted line and hire an Ottawa home addition contractor for this kind of work. Hopefully we can help point you in the right direction as you weigh this important decision for the future of your home and family.  Here are some signs a home addition might be right for your family

Why do you feel you need more space in the first place?


If you are looking to tackle a home addition for no other reason than you’re bored with your home as it sits currently, the odds are pretty good that you can get away with waiting a little while for this kind of project until you know that it is something you absolutely have to change.

On the other hand, if you are looking to add an addition because your family has simply outgrown the space that you are in currently – and it’s really starting to make everyone uncomfortable – you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to consider taking advantage of everything that a new addition has to offer. Whether you’ve got a new baby on the way, you’re finally in a financial position to build that dream kitchen you’ve always wanted, or you want to dramatically boost the value of your home, home additions are appealing options for many reasons.

How much value will this addition bring to your bank account?


One of the most significant additions you can make to your home is a new space to expand your kitchen. It also happens to be one of the highest return on investment construction projects you can choose to undertake as well. Bathroom additions are also great from a purely investment standpoint.

At the same time, you may be looking to add a couple of extra bedrooms to your home for a variety of different reasons that have almost nothing whatsoever to do with your bank account – and that’s all right as well. Just don’t expect to see your property value grow quite as significantly as with high-demand renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades.

Are there any kinds of restrictions that might stop you from tackling the work?


Every city has its own particular rules, regulations, laws, and zoning restrictions that you have to be aware of when you decide to undertake this kind of construction project. In the city of Ottawa, for example, a home addition cannot interfere with the minimum yard setbacks or exceed the maximum building height for your zone and dwelling type.

Your home addition contractor can provide an estimate and draw up plans that comply with existing bylaws to ensure your home is not only beautiful but also fully up to code.

You deserve a stunning home addition built by the professionals.  To learn more signs a home addition might be right for your family don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is Open Concept Living Right For You?

Is Open Concept Living Right For You?

The past few decadhttps://renosgroup.ca/blog/project-completed-first/es have seen a number of exciting interior design trends. Along with larger kitchens and renovated bathrooms, many people have turned to the open concept living space. Designed to knock down walls and create a sense of space where there previously was separation, the open concept living approach has its own set of pros and cons. Is open concept living right for you? Let’s take a moment to find out.

What is an Open Concept Living Space?

Open concept living is based on the philosophy of open space. It tears down unnecessary walls, creating unbroken sight lines from one side of the home to another. It is most commonly done with the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Open concept living is popular because it makes spaces appear bigger. They are fantastic when you have smaller apartments or townhouses. They aid in opening up a small space and making it feel airier. It can also be great for parties. The open design allows people in all major rooms to talk to one another.

Open concept living is great when you need to watch kids, or otherwise see other parts of the house with ease. It is a great thing to do if you want a space to appear larger and more open.

The downside to open concept living is that it means a lack of privacy. Sound attenuation can be a problem, as well. It is until you live in an open concept design that you begin to appreciate separation when you’re trying to watch the big game and all you hear is the sound of the faucet running.

There is also the issue of decoration that many people struggle with. You may need to take some time and find the right furniture and layout to make the space feel both open and comfortable.

Is Open Concept Living Right For You?

First, consider the space you have available. Are the walls load baring or can they be knocked down? If the wall is load bearing, you absolutely must bring in a contractor to install a load-bearing beam – the integrity of your home is at risk if not.

Consider what removing a wall would do in terms of the overall aesthetic. If you feel up to having fun with the space and things feel too tight as it is, then you will want an open concept living space. If not, then consider leaving things the way they are and save yourself the money. If nothing else, try to experience such a space for yourself to see whether or not you like it.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a Vintage Kitchen That Wows

Designing a Vintage Kitchen That Wows

A blank canvas provides space for endless ideas to come to life. As modern kitchen layouts demand more and more space, the interior opportunities of a kitchen become (like the canvas) limitless. Simply put, it has never been easier to specialize the look and appearance of your kitchen to meet your aesthetic needs. A popular transformation is to turn modern looking kitchens into vintage kitchens. Below we review some of the areas you should focus on when designing a vintage kitchen to make it stand out and absolutely wow any person who walks in.

Replace What You Can, Make Vintage What You Cannot

A modern kitchen is filled with necessary devices that many cannot live without. When making your kitchen look vintage, you will need to identify what you can replace and what you cannot. You would be surprised at just how many vintage alternatives there are to common household appliances. For the things you cannot replace, you can find ways to make them look vintage. Focus on colours, as the matching aesthetic will be necessary to create a uniform appearance. And on that note…

Pick Your Colour!

Many vintage kitchens were designed around a single primary colour that stands out and shocks. Yellow and blue as well as turquoise and red are common colour pairings for backgrounds. For those things in the foreground, consider pastel yellow, mint, and pale pinks. Be aware that you will have several competing colours. While some of them you can choose, others will have to be incorporated from things like appliances or counters that cannot be replaced.

Never Forget the Cabinets

A central part of making your kitchen look vintage will be the cabinets. Check out scanned copies of early in home magazines. They will have photos of kitchen and be a great source of information for the kind of aesthetic you are looking for. Kept relatively simple, painted, and neat, the vintage cabinet look is surprisingly easy to recreate.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If you are experienced with do it yourself operations, then you no doubt know the first thing you should do. If not, then consider hiring a kitchen renovations contractor in Ottawa to review the process and lend their experience. Along with being able to save you a lot of hassle later in the process, you may be surprised at what they can offer in terms of insight.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

The First Steps in Planning a Redesign

The First Steps in Planning a Redesign

Watching home renovation shows on HGTV and other channels can be deceiving. In just 20 minutes (plus commercials!) entire properties are redesigned and overhaul and turned into beautiful homes. Unfortunately, the reality isn’t quite so easy. Planning a major redesign takes time, expertise and attention to detail at every step of the process. However, with the help of a qualified contractor who takes the time to understand your needs and do things the right way, the process will feel almost as easy as it looks on TV.

Here’s how to avoid as many headaches as possible so that you can really hit the ground running!

Understand Your Surroundings

Before you even think about different design aesthetics, cabinet colour, hardware selection etc., you need to look at the actual physical space that you are going to be transforming. People make the mistake of getting fixated on granite versus quartz, without remembering that the actual layout is a far bigger priority.

Not only are you going to want to pay very close attention to the actual layout of the space and its “flow,” but you are also going to want to make sure that you pull as many aesthetic cues from your space as possible. This is the only approach that will have you creating “native” spaces in your home, or spaces that have a unique design aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the rest of your property.

While you do have carte blanche with a complete redesign, unlimited possibilities require unlimited budget. Work with your existing space to save money and time where you can. For example, with a kitchen renovation it makes sense to keep the sink and dishwasher in roughly the same place. If you flip the sink to an opposite wall, it will require expensive changes to the plumbing routing.

Outline Your Expectations

Once you have completely tackled understanding your space and the overall scope of your project you are going to want to then begin to outline your expectations, your inspiration, and the details that you absolutely MUST include in your new redesign.

You are going to want to be sure that you do absolutely everything in your power to “create” this new redesigned space in your mind long before you even think about tackling the actual physical project of making it a reality. This is a critical step that too terribly many people skip over or ignore altogether, and that’s just the fastest way to crash and burn when it comes time to redesign. Nothing derails a renovation project like deciding midway through you’d like to add an island in the kitchen.

Get Clear Regarding Your Logistics

Obviously, you’re also going to want to think about details like your budget, your time constraints, and your overall schedule when you are getting ready to initiate this kind of project.

You’ll want to know just about exactly how much this redesign is going to cost, exactly how long it is going to take, and exactly what you are going to be up to expect along the way. These details can quite literally make or break your overall experience, so make sure that you knock each of these three key areas out of the park!

With more than 25 years of combined industry experience, RenosGroup has helped many homeowners plan successful redesign projects. How can we help you?  Contact us, give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

5 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

Next to bathroom renovation projects, kitchen renovation and kitchen addition projects are the top priority for homeowners in Canada. According to Houzz’s Canadian Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners choose to renovate the kitchen because can no longer stand the old kitchen, recently purchased the home and want to make it their own, the old kitchen broke down, or they recently found inspiration to make changes. By far the most popular motivation was wanting to do it all along, but finally having the means to renovate.

What are the most convincing reasons for undertaking a kitchen renovation project? We have collected five of the very best reasons below:

Dramatically Boost the Value of Your Home

The biggest remodel projects you can tackle to dramatically improve the overall value of your home are going to be the kitchen and in the bathroom, two of the most “valuable spaces” in any property and two of the most important spaces new home buyers are going to focus on.

Knock your kitchen remodel project out of the park and you will be able to sell your home above asking price in record time! Just remember, if you are planning to resell in the future you may want to avoid overly customized features, like neon green cabinets or your family name lovingly etched into the backsplash.

Increase Your Ability to Entertain on a Grander Scale

Probably the second most referenced reason to completely remodel a kitchen (only behind the first reason that we mentioned above), when you improve your kitchen with a remodel project you will be able to more effortlessly entertain on a much grander scale with a lot less effort. Hosting family dinners, Christmas gatherings, and Super Bowl parties will be a joy, not a headache.

Substantially Boost the Overall Enjoyment of Your Home

There is just something a little bit depressing about having an old and outdated kitchen that makes you want to spend a lot less time at home and a lot more time out at a restaurant or ordering in pizza. Improve the overall impact of your kitchen on your lifestyle by dramatically improving its aesthetics and functionality with a remodel project.

Improve Your Ability to Cook All Your Favourite Foods

Nobody likes to cook in a kitchen that is cramped, difficult to maneuver around in, and generally unappealing. Renovate your kitchen and you will be able to spend a lot more time in it – and not only that, but you’ll actually begin to look forward to spending a lot more time in your kitchen as well! If you have any special interests in the kitchen, you can design the new layout around your preferences. For example, you may want to include a special prep area if you love to bake, or add additional cabinetry if you have a lot of accessories to store.

When you cook more frequently at home you aren’t just going to be able to enjoy healthier and more diverse food options, but you’re also going to be able to save a lot of extra money compared to those that spend all of their time eating out at restaurants.

To learn more about planning a kitchen renovation for your Ottawa home or to schedule a free in-home consultation, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Frequently Asked Questions About Coach Houses

Frequently Asked Questions About Coach Houses

The small house movement has taken the country and the world by storm. Creating smaller living accommodations where everything is compressed into a functional space is a popular hobby for some and an ideal living space for others. Whether you are new to the idea or interested in learning more, it helps to see these houses in practice. Going by many names, small homes are sometimes called coach houses. Let’s take a moment to review frequently asked questions about coach houses in Ottawa to give you a better understanding of their purpose and function.

What Are Coach Houses?


As mentioned above, a coach house can be considered a small or tiny house. It is built on a property and is no way connected to the primary house. It typically has the full range of amenities, including bathroom, kitchen, and bed. More often than not, the coach house consists of one or two rooms, often serving dual purposes. Coach houses are often converted sheds and garages, or they can be constructed from scratch.

What Is The Difference Between A Coach House And A Garden Suite?


Good question. Granny suites, also known as granny flats, are typically considered any non-permanent structure. Consider a trailer home, or temporary shed. It is important to know that a garden suite does not have a fixed foundation while a coach house does. Simply put, the coach house is designed to be a permanent addition to your property.

Are Coach Houses Livable?


Of course! Coach houses are designed to be livable and self-contained. They are an excellent way to add an additional rent option as individuals can live on your property and in the coach house without accessing your home directly. In effect, it provides you either a landlord and tenant opportunity or additional housing in case family or friends come over.

Where Can Coach Houses Be Built?


That is a good question. When a coach house is built on a property already containing a home, then you will have to look into the local zoning laws for your city. There may be issues of privacy or other considerations that you will have to comply with prior to building your coach house. Some proposed bylaws that will apply Ottawa coach houses:

  • Must be smaller and lower than the main home
  • Maximum of 592 sq ft, 50% of yard
  • Must be 1.2 metres from property line to have windows facing the adjacent property
  • Design guidelines may come into play down the road

Do Coach Houses Affect Property Taxes?


Where coach homes have been built, they have tended to affect the property value. The property value typically goes up, as the coach home is considered its own freestanding property. If you build one, expect to be paying more in taxes as a result. MPAC evaluations go hand-in-hand with building permit applications.

It’s time to make your dream of backyard living a reality. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca today, or call us at (613)727-9427 to talk more about frequently asked questions about coach houses

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

4 Priorities when Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home can be one of the most exciting projects you ever invest in – but it can also be one of the scariest. Don’t let stress overwhelm your excitement. If you’re interested in building a custom home, consider these important priorities before you take that next step.

Choose a Reputable Contractor

Nothing is more important than being able to trust the hands that will be constructing your dream home. A custom home is so much more than a bathroom remodel or a weekend renovation project, so it demands a lot of research and investigation. Do your homework and time your time when choosing a home builder. Search online, talk to family and friends, and consult with other pros in the industry to get their expert opinion. You want to ensure that whoever will be conducting the show has the proper set of skills, knowledge, and trade partners to do the job right. Investing time and research for selecting a reputable contractor will give you piece of mind and help avoid any potentially detrimental mistakes in the long run. Meet with several builders in person. Ask for references and examples of past work. Do you get a good vibe from the builder? Remember, building a custom home is going to be a long process that takes cooperation and communication, so you want to gel with the builder in addition to trusting their qualifications.

Use Your Contractor Right From the Get Go

Once you’ve hired someone you feel confident with, use their knowledge and experience right from the beginning. Involve them in the major decisions, such as selection of location and property. They have invaluable information that can help guide you in selecting a property that can save you time and money. Discuss design plans with them before you make final decisions so that they can determine what may or may not be realistic before you get your heart set on an idea.

List Your Priorities

Mapping out a list of what your needs and priorities will be throughout the design will help your contractor – and ultimately, you – make tough decisions when necessary, and allow you to adjust and develop your budget accordingly. Since you are investing a significant sum of money in customizing your home, be sure to consider not only your present needs, but also future needs. Think about the prospect of having children, or even when you’re elderly and can’t climb those stairs like you used to. Flexibility is important!

Create a Budget

After you’ve made a list of what the priorities will be throughout the design, the next step is creating a detailed budget for the project. The sky is the limit in terms of possibilities, but keep in mind that exotic, elaborate designs come with a matching price tag. Fortunately, at RenosGroup.ca we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, we leverage the best possible quotes from our trade partners and suppliers. Consult with your contractor during this process and always leave some extra wiggle room for those unexpected expenses.

If you’re planning to build a custom home in the Ottawa area, consider these priorities before you get started. Do your research and find the right contractor so that you can avoid any headaches, and feel confident about investing in your future.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Grant’s Marble

Partner Profile: Grant’s Marble

As a leading home renovation company in Ottawa, we are proud to partner with the best manufacturers and supplies of quality materials for your home, kitchen, and bathroom. From custom-built cabinetry to tiles to assisted living modifications to window shutters, we seek out partners who embody the values of quality, dependability, and impeccable design. Many of our suppliers are based right here in Ottawa or the surrounding area. Today, we are excited to profile Grant’s Marble, a manufacturer of engineered marble and granite products.

What is Engineered Stone?

Engineered stone (also known as cultured stone or synthetic stone) is a blend of cast polymers – typically fiberglass, limestone, and resin – combined with pigment to create natural-looking colours and patterns. Cultured marble looks indistinguishable from its natural counterpart, but it also has many advantages. For one, because it is engineered you can request any colour or pattern of your choosing, rather than being limited by nature. Engineered marble is cast in moulds, allowing you to create custom shapes, lengths, and widths for shower surrounds and countertops that would not be possible with slab marble. Finally, engineered marble is the far more economical choice for homeowners who want luxury design at an affordable price point.

What are the Advantages of Engineered Marble?

Engineered marble is maintenance-free and a breeze to clean. Unlike plastic shower bases and walls, the material never cracks. As a bonus, it’s much easier and quicker to install than tile. With roll-in or low threshold options available, it’s a great choice for accessible/mobility friendly bathrooms, and recessed shower niches were also recently added to the product line.

We spoke with Paul Grant, owner of Grant’s Marble, who explained the compelling advantages. “Our synthetic marble products make great bathroom choices. Our shower bases are solid when you stand on them, and when combined with our one-piece wall panels it is said they will outlast the customer! If they are looking for a shower that will never leak, easy to clean, and last – this is it. Oh, did I mention that both have a lifetime warranty? And with 52 colours to choose from, you can always find the perfect colour. We also make custom shower bases to fit different sizes and drain locations. Custom bases offer a low profile threshold that is only 2 1/4” high and is most desirable.”

Marble & Granite for Your Renovation Project

Grant’s Marble is based in Elginburg, ON, a small village just north of Kingston, about a two-hour drive from Ottawa. Grant’s Marble specializes in synthetic marble and granite products for bathrooms, including shower bases, wall panels, seamless vanity tops, and tub decking/skirting. They also make engineered marble accessories, like shower seats and caddies that integrate flawlessly with the rest of the shower. All of their shower bases and wall panels are covered by a robust lifetime warranty.

Grant’s Marble has a very active Facebook page, and we’d like to share some of their creations to give you a visual idea of what is possible with cultured marble.

Custom Shower

Custom shower with marble panels with grey swirl and ceramic tiles

Glass Shower

Glass shower with marble shower base, wall panels, and custom caddy

Marble Tub

Marble tub decking and skirting

Granite Vanity

Engineered granite vanity top

Manufacture Marble

The manufacturing process: a marble wall panel in the factory

If cultured marble from Grant’s Marble sounds like the right fit for your bathroom renovation project, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca! Quality installation, quality materials, and quality customer service is what we’re all about. To see some of our other great partners, check out our Online Product Showroom.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Remodeling the Laundry Room

Remodeling the Laundry Room

Let’s be honest, we don’t think about the laundry room much. For many homeowners, if it’s not a stacked washer/dryer crammed into a linen closet, it’s a dark, dingy room with bare floors, exposed walls, and zero charm. If you’re planning a home renovation project, why not incorporate a laundry room upgrade, too?

Location, Location, Location


First things first, a laundry room doesn’t by default need to be in the basement. Ask yourself what location makes the most sense for your family. Does it make sense to have it upstairs so you can throw in dirty clothes right away and not have to haul loads of laundry up and down the stairs? On the main floor so you can sort and fold while keeping a watchful eye on the kids (bonus: a main floor laundry room can double as a mudroom)? Or do you want a custom-designed laundry room in the basement with all the storage you could ever need?

Creative Laundry Room Ideas


Who says a laundry room has be a dark, lifeless space? Consider incorporating some of the following ideas:

  • Window to the world. If you have a main floor laundry, why not place it near a window? Bring life to the space with plants and tasteful décor.
  • Let there be light. Task lighting
  • Utility sink. Every laundry room needs a sink, but it can also be a mucky sink where kids can wash hands after playing outside, you can clean your gardening tools, or you can rinse sports gear before heading inside.
  • Hanging rod. This is a cheap and useful addition to any laundry room. Use it air-dry delicates and hang shirts so they don’t get wrinkled after drying.
  • Cupboards can be used to hide away detergents, bleach and other washing accessories that need to be hidden away from the kids.
  • Cabinets help keep the look of your laundry room clean by tucking away hampers, the ironing board, and much more.

Material Choice


When it comes to flooring, water resistance is the key. The last thing you want in the unfortunate case of a washing machine leak is to ruin the floor. Stone, slate, or ceramic tiles are great choices, while vinyl is a budget-friendly alternative. For countertops, consider concrete or stainless steel. Cupboard/cabinet material is entirely up to your style choice.

These are just a few options. You can design and remodel your laundry room as you like. Just let your creative instincts guide you, or talk to the Ottawa renovation pros at RenosGroup to learn more.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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