Ottawa

How to Pay for Your Home Renovation

How to Pay for Your Home Renovation

Why do you want to plan a home renovation? To add more space to your home? Add resale value to your home? Make it more functional? More energy efficient? Or does the space simply need a style makeover? Whatever the reason, it is likely obvious and close to your heart. Financing your renovation project, on the hand, may be a fuzzier topic.

Before you get into the nitty gritty of designing a layout or choosing the right paint colour, you need to determine where the money will come from. If you’ve been saving specifically for this occasion and have a lump sum sitting in the bank, then you’re golden. If not, do you plan to take a loan? Secure a home equity line of credit? Let’s explore a few of the different financing options on how to pay for your home renovation:

Savings


If you are planning a small renovation project like turning a spare bedroom into the nursery or adding a powder room to the main floor, you can likely pay for it out of pocket if you have sufficient savings. However unless you have been a very diligent saver, larger renovation projects like overhauling the kitchen or planning a home addition will require alternate funding.

Credit Card


A credit card is fine for paying for materials, especially if you are doing a smaller renovation or DIY weekend project – just make sure you pay it off quickly. However due to the high interest rates on credit cards, you’re better off finding alternate funding options if the project is large.

Personal Loan


As with a mortgage, you can apply for a personal loan. In addition to the principal, you will have to pay interest. On the upside, personal loans have a lower interest rate than credit cards. Unlike a personal line of credit, you will have to reapply for a new loan once you pay it off.

Personal Line of Credit


The huge benefit of a personal line of credit is that you can access funds to the credit’s limit on an ongoing basis. This is ideal for ongoing renovations rather than one project with a determined end date. A personal line of credit has much lower interest rates than credit cards.

Home Equity Loans


Home equity loans borrow money against the value of your home. They have even better interest rates than personal lines of credit. Beware that home equity loans do require set-up costs, such as legal fees and appraisal fees. You can usually borrow up to 80% of your home’s value.

Mortgage Refinancing


Mortgage refinancing allows you to spread the cost of renovations over a period of years by bundling it with your mortgage repayment (at the same interest rate as your mortgage, far better than credit card/personal loan interest rates). You can borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home. As with home equity loans, legal and appraisal fees do apply.

Additional Funding


You can qualify for government funding to incentivize positive renovations, like making your home more energy-efficient or mobility-friendly. For example, the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit encourages seniors and their families to make homes safer and more accessible. You can claim up to $10,000 in eligible expenses and receive up to 15% back as a tax credit. The HHRTC is proposed to end on January 1, 2017.

Once you’ve secured funding, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca to get your estimate for a bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation, mobility renovation, basement renovation, home addition, or coach house remodel/construction.  To learn more about how to pay for your home renovation, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home for Sale? 

Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home for Sale? 

You have had your house for some time now and made a great life for yourselves in it. But now that it’s time to move, how much will you get back on your investment? It should come as no surprise that the better the condition of your home, the more modern the design, and the more energy-efficient, the better your chances of getting the full value of the property.  So – Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home for Sale?

The simple answer is yes, you should choose renovation projects that make sense for your budget, that will be noticed by potential buyers, and that will improve the resale value of your home. Save the big ambitious projects for your next home, and try to stick to renovation ideas and décor choices that have universal appeal.

Red Flag for Buyers

When potential buyers walk into the house, they are looking for red flags. A red flag may be a huge substantive issue, like a massive visible foundation crack or water spots upstairs that may hint to a roof leak. In this case, potential buyers are right to turn away. However red flags can also be small things that drop the desirability of your home when compared with competing properties. These red flags will vary from buyer to buyer, but yes, it could be things like your structurally sound but aesthetically hideous 80s kitchen, or your ratty old living room carpet keeping you from getting an offer.

Every time a potential buyer spots a red flag, they are mentally reducing how much they would be willing to pay for your home – if they’re even interested in making an offer at all.

Renovation for Resale

If you are planning to sell your home, there are many valid reasons to do a renovation project beforehand. Whether it’s small DIY fixes like upgrading cabinet hardware or a massive overhaul project, remodelling will make your house more attractive to buyers and improve the resale value of your home.

Inspiration from the House Hunt

Since you are likely looking for a new home at the same time, why not take inspiration from other homes that you see online or during showings? What features make your jaw drop, and what do you not even notice? Let’s say you always appreciate a clean, well-organized entryway. Well, this would be an easy improvement project that you can do in a weekend. On the other hand, what if homeowners spent thousands installing new cabinetry when a simple reface would have made you happy?

Potential buyers will always look at floors, countertops, paint colour, appliances (even if appliances aren’t included in the home). Other features are tricky. Potential buyers will point out hideous light fixtures, and beautiful light fixtures – but they won’t even notice regular, run of the mill light fixtures. So there’s an area you can save money. Likewise, they will notice grotesque stained carpet, and admire beautiful glossy hardwood floors, but if you have regular clean carpet you’re fine.

BONUS TIP: While a DIY approach is appropriate for some small projects like upgrading to LED light bulbs, be careful about any project where sloppy work will show. For example it is easy and affordable to install new shower tiles, but if the tiles are crooked and grout is uneven, potential buyers will not be impressed and all your efforts will go to waste. Work with a qualified contractor in Ottawa and get professional results.  To learn more about whether you should renovate before listing your home, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Turn the Basement into a Game Room

Turn the Basement into a Game Room

Is your basement a dark, musty, unfinished space? No longer. For many homeowners in Ottawa, the basement is so much more than a gloomy storage room, musty laundry room, or unused space. Have you thought about turning your basement into a game room? A fully customized space the whole family can enjoy?

First Things First – Is Your Basement Waterproof?

Before we start talking about selecting the right ping pong table and what brands of craft beer you want to store in the basement wet bar, there are a few structural concerns to address. An unfinished basement seems like more work, but it’s actually a better blank canvas for evaluating any potential issues like water damage, mould growth, pest infestations, and so on. If any of these issues are present they absolutely must be addressed right away. Waterproof your basement now, and you won’t have to pay money replacing wet belongings and knocking down drywall to fix it. The last thing you want to do is invest in a swanky renovation that’s not built on a solid foundation.

Next – Evaluate the Space

Every basement is different. Hopefully you have a bright basement with lots of open space and big windows, but that’s not always going to be the case. How is your ceiling height? You don’t want to have to dig down just to fit a game room, but it is an option. What is the placement like for the furnace room, water hookups, ductwork, electrical panel etc.? These elements will be difficult and/or expensive to move, so you’ll want to plan any layout around these important parts of the basement.

Next – Design Time

You can come to your contractor with designs in hand, or you can work together to design the perfect layout for the same. If you hope to have games tables in the room, layout is extremely important. For example, a pool table requires at least enough clearance to use a standard cue (58”) comfortably in all directions. If you plan to have other tables in the area, plus seating, plus a bar etc., layout becomes imperative.

Finally – Games Time

Bring the whole family and figure out what kind of games you would like to see. Pool table, table tennis, foosball, or air hockey? The latest video game consoles like a PS4, WiiU, or Xbox One, built into a customized media centre? Board games like Monopoly and Risk?

A remodeled basement will increase the value of your house and will pay off in big bucks when you resell. It is a win-win. The space is big and cozy and with the right games for your family, it will soon become your sanctuary. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca for your free in-home consultation to get the process started.  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Challenges You Can Expect With Your Remodel

5 Challenges You Can Expect With Your Remodel

If you have ever remodeled your house before, you know it can be a stressful but ultimately rewarding process. After all, there is nothing quite like owning the house of your dreams – no matter what it looked like in the beginning. But to get to that you need to go through financial stress, tough choices, unforeseen delays, and more. If you want to get through it all while maintaining you sanity, then keep calm and replace all ill-thoughts with the anticipation of the result.If you understand the challenges homeowners typically encounter and realize that it is totally normal – and completely worth it – the renovation process gets a little bit easier.  Here are 5 challenges you can expect with your remodel

Noise


Home renovations require drilling, hammering, scraping, chiseling, whirring, sawing…it gets noisy. If you don’t think you can handle the noise, ask family or friends if you can stay with them during the renovation process. Even though your home is your sanctuary, it doesn’t feel like it during the renovation process. Just keep faith that it will be over soon and peace and quiet will soon be restored.

Mess and Annoyance


It happens. You might want to kick all the workers out and just sit in silence in your living room for five minutes. It can be annoying and stressful to have people walking through your home, giant work boot footprints on your floors, dust in the air, and so on. Though we take care to protect your belongings, treat your property with respect, and clean up after ourselves, ultimately this is a construction site – it’s going to be messy. Try not to get hung up on what it looks like in progress, because we promise the final result will be clean, organized, and simply breathtaking.

Surprises


Accidents happen, there are delays from suppliers, your countertop is delivered with a crack down the middle, and you discover a mould problem in the upstairs bathroom.  It can be stressful especially with so much on the line, but take a step back and trust that everything will turn out right in the end. You may not believe it now, but you’ll laugh at the setbacks and surprises one day.

Too Many Decisions


Under your roof you are the boss and with ownership comes a hundred questions. You will be making decisions you never made before along with the kind of faucets you need, how high shower head must be and many, many other decisions. How do I choose between Winter Linen and Aged Lavenderblush paint? Be prepared and know what you want because at the end of the day, it’s your call. But still do any research if required and ask your contractor for recommendations.

Showing it Off


When it’s all over, you have to show it off! Which should be fun, but planning a party when you just want to relax in your new space can be a bit of a headache. This can be a challenge, but once the party is on and you get to see the astonished looks on the faces of your family, friends, and neighbours, you’ll know the renovation was worth it.

There are many other things that you will come by but whatever it may be, it will be short-lived so take comfort in that. Happy renovations from your friends at RenosGroup.ca!  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Planning the Perfect Basement Apartment

Planning the Perfect Basement Apartment in Ottawa

There are so many possibilities for your basement. Should you turn it into a guest room for when the in-laws visit? A kids’ playroom to keep them out of your hair? A home gym to finally shed off those unwanted pounds? Or a man cave to get away from it all? These are all attractive options, but have you given thought to turning your basement into an income suite?

Adding a basement apartment to your home in Ottawa will provide supplemental income which can go toward the mortgage, help pay for your retirement or your children’s tuition, or even finance a few winter vacations to hot tropical destinations. When planning the perfect basement apartment in Ottawa that will attract the right tenants, there are many things you need to know:

Understanding Building Codes in Ottawa


You can’t throw a bed in the basement and call it a basement apartment (also known as an income suite or secondary dwelling). For the city to approve the space as a habitable dwelling, it must have a separate entrance, the unit must be fireproofed, and so on. If you try to turn your basement into a separate apartment, you may miss things and be denied a permit. In working with a contractor, you can ensure that the apartment is entirely up to code and get a tenant in more quickly and bring in rental income right away.

Enough Natural Light


Ask anyone about the downsides of living in a basement apartment, and most people will point to the lack of light as a big concern. The City of Ottawa recognizes this concern for safety reasons (big windows = safe egress), but as a landlord you need to recognize the psychological benefits of light. In planning your basement apartment design, do everything you can to maximize the amount of natural light.

Enough Sound Insulation


The next biggest complaint people have about living in basement apartments in Ottawa is the sound of people walking (stomping?) overhead. This is a two-way street – you don’t want to hear your upstairs neighbour, and you don’t want your upstairs neighbour hearing your conversations through the air duct, either. Sufficient sound insulation between units isn’t only convenient – it’s required by building codes.

Enough Function


Most basements have limited square footage, and there is only so much you can with the space as you need to account for posts, electrical panels, the furnace room, perhaps a laundry room etc. If you’re starting from scratch, do everything you can to design a space with maximum function. A two-bedroom apartment will typically rent for more than a one bedroom, but not if the bedrooms are closet-sized, so don’t force it.

Planning the perfect basement apartment? Contact us, or give us a call (613)727-9427 to get the process started!

4 Signs You Need a Home Addition

4 Signs You Need a Home Addition

If your home is not quite right, it can be hard to decide what to do. Do you move? Do you slap a coat of paint on it like putting lipstick on a pig? Do you try a slight remodel while trying to keep the budget in check? Or do you plan a home addition? These 4 signs you need a home addition may help

You’ve Run Out of Space


Is every morning a fight for the bathroom? Do you feel like sardines in a can trying to prep dinner? Do you have three kids stuffed into one bedroom, with an extra in a crib in the master? A home addition can solve all these problems. Whether your home addition includes a new master suite, new bedrooms for the kids, an extra bathroom, a bonus family room (or all of the above!) a home addition

You Love the Location, but Not the Home


You love your neighbours, you love the local park, and you love the nearby bakery that makes the world’s best lemon tarts. But the home is a bit of a disaster. So what do you do? If you don’t want to go through the uncertainty of hunting for a new house, the tension of negotiation, the panic of packing, the stress of moving…home additions can give your current home a new lease on life. You get all the benefits of a new house, while getting to stay in the place you have come to call home.

You Want to Add to the Resale Value of Your Home


If you’ve got the long-term picture in mind, then with every renovation and home improvement project you should keep the resale value in mind. How much of a priority it is depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, but a home addition can certainly add dramatically to the value of your home.

You’re Stuck in a Time Warp


If your home décor looks like it comes straight off the set of Bewitched or even Family Ties, it’s a clear sign that your home needs an update. Even though retro is back in style, cheap Formica counters, wood panelling, and peeling wallpaper are definitely not all the rage. While there are many options ranging from a quick facelift to a total home addition, updating your house’s style can be an opportunity to solve other issues at the same time.

If these or any other signs apply, give RenosGroup.ca a call and we’ll guide you through the entire renovation project until your home is perfect.  To learn more signs you need a home addition, please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, or you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

Steel Door vs. Fibreglass Door Replacement

Steel Door vs. Fibreglass Door Replacement

Your front door is the focal point of the entranceway to your home. A door that is in poor condition or lets in cold air during the winter can really take away from all the hard work you put into making your front yard and entrance look clean and inviting. For homeowners in Ottawa, fiberglass entrance doors are becoming popular because of their durability and their aesthetics. In older homes, steel entry doors were commonly used because they are sturdy and affordable. If you are thinking about replacing your entry door, here are the pros and cons of steel doors vs fiberglass doors:

Pros of Fibreglass Doors


Fibreglass doors are lightweight compared to their steel counterparts, making them easier to install. These doors are highly resistant to dents and warping. They are also energy efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills. They offer a sleek wooden look that is very desirable.

Cons of Fibreglass Doors


If your fiberglass door is constantly exposed to direct sunlight, delamination can occur. Delamination is the failing of the bonding between the insulation and the door skin. If your door frame is not the standard door size, you will need to have a manufacturing professional mold the fiberglass to fit your door frame’s shape, which will cost you extra money.

Pros of Steel Doors


Steel doors are a less expensive option than fibreglass. They are, of course, made of steel so they are very solid and secure. Steel doors are also energy efficient and will help you save money on your energy bills. Experts routinely report that upgrading to a steel door often has the best ROI (return on investment) of any home improvement project.

Cons of Steel Doors


Unfortunately, steel doors can face frequent scratching that can lead to rust, and paint chipping which will require routine maintenance from the homeowner. About once a year, you can lubricate the hinges with a small spray of grease or silicone. Steel doors conduct the temperature of the outside air, so the door will be hot to the touch during the hot summer months, and cold in the winter. While this may seem concerning, steel doors actually provide excellent insulation for the home.

When trying to decide between picking a fiberglass door or a steel door as your replacement, the first thing you should consider is your personal preference. Both doors offer similar pros, but there are big difference in their cons and how they look. Give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss the steel door vs fiberglass door debate. We’re here to help with all of your home renovation and home addition needs in Ottawa!  Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

New Year’s Resolutions For The Home

New Year’s Resolutions For The Home

Every year brings the opportunity for change. In sticking with the holiday tradition of setting a New Year’s resolution, let’s review some of the things people consider doing every year but somehow never seem to get around to actually doing. In addition to some small changes, we will also review an inspection you should definitely get this year as well as a more expensive present that will give back for years to come. With that out of the way, let’s begin!  Here are some new years resolutions for your home:

Soften The Water

If your home has hard water, isn’t it time you soften it to reduce residue and buildup? Filtered water is fantastic for the shower, as it damages your hair less and provides a cleaner overall experience. In addition, getting a filter for your sink can improve the taste and remove any odour that may come from the water you are drinking. A simple, inexpensive, and incredibly beneficial change, consider this the next time you are making a New Year’s resolution for the home.

Roof Inspection

Do you know that the majority of homeowners are unaware that their roof requires minor fixes? Starting off as a small problem and growing into something that can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage, having your roof inspected by a professional can provide you the peace of mind that only comes when things like a leaky roof are not a problem. In addition, sealing up roof leaks can cut your energy expenses dramatically by reducing heat loss in the winter and A/C loss in the summer.

Paint That Room The Colour You Always Wanted

While some may love painting, the majority of individuals out there find it a chore. If you have been wanting to paint that room for a while now, make a New Year’s Resolution to finally do it, or resolve to bring in the pros to renovate the room. You will replace the thought of having to change what you see with a happy thought every time you see the new colour. It takes about a day of work to paint a room, but the refreshed look and feeling of accomplishment will endure for years.

Consider Solar Panels

A final consideration, solar panels for your property can help to reduce the amount of electricity you use and bottom out your utility bills during the sunnier months. While the initial cost may be relatively high, there are ranges of subsidies in place that help to reduce the cost to a more manageable amount. The province of Ontario also has great programs to incentivize the installation of solar panels and you can even sell some of the energy you produce, so it’s worth investigating.

Looking for more inspiration? The renovation pros at RenosGroup are here to help! Schedule a free in-home consultation and we can work together new year’s resolutions for your home.  Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

When to Redecorate, Renovate, or Build an Addition

When to Redecorate, Renovate, or Build an Addition

So you’ve outgrown the style or size of your home! Maybe there’s a new addition to the family who will need their own room, or maybe you haven’t had the chance to redecorate since the kids moved out. Any type of change in your life normally requires some sort of transformation in your home. We’ve come up with some guidelines for when to redecorate, renovate or home addition.

Try to Redecorate

Before doing anything too drastic, try redecorating your space. To make sure that you’re taking full advantage of the space that you have, take the time to analyze the amount of furniture in the room. Start off your redecoration by removing any furniture in the room that is unused. Get rid of that extra recliner in the corner, or that clunky side table that stores nothing important.

Give it away to a secondhand store or to someone who could benefit from it. It is simply taking up space in your home! Next, throw out the extra knick-knacks that you have lying around and find storage for the important things. Adding shelves to your walls is a great way to save space and display your books and decorations.

Renovate

Still not satisfied with your space after redecorating? You can also consider home renovation. You can completely change your living and dining areas by removing a wall and creating an open concept space. You can also give the illusion of more space without having to tear down any walls by changing a regular window to a bay window. Another great way to use the space in your home to its full potential is to finally get around to completing that basement renovation. Adding bedrooms and bathroom to your basement is the perfect way to add space without having to build an addition.  If the kids have moved out, consider changing a room from a bedroom to a useful office or guestroom.

Addition

So you’ve done it all, and you’re still not satisfied with your space. Maybe it’s time to consider an addition to your home. If your budget allows for it, an addition will provide you with the space that you and your family need for your ever-growing needs.

Remember that if you’re looking to make changes to your home, there are always options for any budget. By considering all of your options, you will find the most suitable way to make the best of your space and money. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a free estimate!

5 Signs You’ve Run Into DIY Trouble

Home Renovations: 5 Signs You’ve Run Into DIY Trouble

There is a proud history in Canada of do-it-yourself, or DIY home renovations. Saving a lot of money by not hiring a professional and picking up a number of useful skills in the process, DIY projects can vary in size and scope. While some may be as small as retiling a surface, others may include gutting, insulating, and converting a space like an attic into a fully useful room. Regardless, getting the job will require having the right skills and mindset, along with the right equipment. With that in mind, let’s take a moment to look at five signs that you’ve run into DIY trouble. When these things happen, it may be time to call the professional.

Costs


With a DIY project, costs are supposed to be relatively low. Instead of paying a professional, you are taking your own time to work on your house. If the actual costs begin far exceeding the expected cost you worked out at the beginning, then you may be in trouble. As some mistakes can set you back even further, it may be time to hire a knowledgeable home renovation contractor.

Time


While you may be able to tackle a DIY problem yourself, it will take you more time than it would a professional. Assigning a dollar amount to every hour you spend, how much time is really being saved by doing it yourself? In addition, any obstacles or problems might significantly increase the time the project takes.

Unforeseen Problems


While you most certainly didn’t plan to flood your home, sometimes DIY projects can cause damage to other parts of the house, costing you money. A professional home renovation contractor, on the other hand, will be able to identify these things before they become full-blown problems.

Uncertainty


Certain DIY jobs around the house are incredibly complicated, requiring a firm understanding of home renovations in order to do right. If you have arrived at this point and further research isn’t helping, then you may have DIY trouble.

No Joy


An interest and excitement in DIY projects help make them possible. If you are at the point when doing work to a particular part of your house brings you no joy or excitement, then you are more liable to make mistakes. Instead of spending your time on something you do not want to do, why not hire a professional? Along with guaranteeing the quality of the work it will afford you the opportunity to take some time for yourself.

We admire the DIY spirit, but if you want safe, durable, and quality results, you have to trust the professionals. RenosGroup.ca is here for all of your home renovation, home addition, and mobility renovation needs in Ottawa and the surrounding area.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
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