Ottawa

Planning a Home Addition

5 Questions to Ask When Planning a Home Addition

If your home isn’t quite doing it anymore, a home addition is a great solution to address your needs without having to go through the stress of relocating. As you begin planning a home addition, make sure you consider the answers to the following five questions:

How Would You Design a Home from Scratch?


When we buy existing homes, we have to make a lot of compromises. Sure, you can easily repaint the walls and switch out cabinet hardware, but other changes require a lot more time and money. Close your eyes and picture what you would want the home to look like if you were starting anew. Some of these changes can be made through a home renovation, like upgrading the countertops or rearranging the upstairs space to create an ensuite bathroom. In other instances, a home addition is the best option to get the home of your dreams.

How Much Value Will an Addition Add?


Adding value to your home shouldn’t be the only factor, but it’s something you need to think about when it’s time to move on. Additions with needed spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms usually have high return-on-investment. It will be difficult to recoup the costs of some other additions, like adding a sunroom or upgrading the home well beyond the standards of the neighbourhood. By all means choose an addition that speaks to your heart, but don’t ignore the ROI altogether.

Is There a Renovation Alternative?


Before you break ground, consider whether it is possible to achieve your goals within the existing space in your home. Ottawa contractors like RenosGroup are very creative and can transform spaces in ways that you couldn’t imagine. A home addition may indeed be the correct choice, but make sure you explore whether a less costly and less time-intensive remodel is feasible.

How Will it Blend with the Existing Home?


One of the trickiest parts of planning a home addition is making it fit in with the rest of the home. On the exterior, you’ll want the rooflines, windows, and siding to match. If you can’t get them to match, at least choose a complementary option that enhances the original home. On the interior, there should be a natural flow in the space.

What Will You Spend?


No two home additions are alike, and neither are the costs of the projects. We offer free in-home consultations and free estimates, so you can get a realistic and honest view of what the project is expected to cost. There’s a big difference between a mid-scale kitchen remodel and the creation of an entire two-storey addition, but we’ll help you plan and design a project that makes sense for your goals and your budget.

Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions, it’s time to get started. RenosGroup.ca can plan and build a home addition that makes sense for you and your family. Stop living in cramped space and embrace the opportunity that a home addition brings.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

Have you recently had hardwood floors installed as part of an Ottawa home renovation? Do you want to keep your original hardwood floors in good condition? Follow these tips on how to care for hardwood floors:

The trick with hardwood floors is to practice simple and quick daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance. This will spare you the hassle and expense of more intensive (and expensive!) restoration down the road. You should dust daily to sweep up dust, hair, dirt, pet dander, food remnants, and other nasties. If left unattended, these particles can scratch your floor. Use a soft material like microfibre to attract dust and prevent scratching. If something gets spilled on the floors, wipe it up immediately.

Vacuum your floors about once per week. Use an attachment with a brush or felt head  designed specifically for use on hardwood floors, as beater bars or the regular vacuum can scratch the finish on your floors.

Polishing


Polish your floors with a water-based polish every season. These will restore the shine to your floor, and also fill in micro-scratches before they turn into more noticeable blights on your floor. Make sure you wipe your floors dry with a soft cloth, as standing water can damage wood floors.

Preventing Marks


Sometimes the biggest thing you can do to protect your hardwood floors is to adjust your behaviour. No one should ever walk with hardwood shoes on the floor. If you have high-trafficked areas, consider placing area rugs to reduce wear on your floors. Keep pet nails trimmed so they don’t scratch the finish with their claws. Place protective pads underneath your furniture and tables so they don’t scratch the floors if moved. Maintain a comfortable humidity level in the home.

How to Remove Marks


Even with attentive care, sometimes you can’t avoid getting marks on your floor – pet stains, water marks, heel scuffs, you name it. Most of these marks can be removed with floor wax, but it’s important to read the label beforehand and test on a small area first.

What to Avoid


Never used any products on your floor unless they are specifically for hardwood floors. Vinegar can dull the finish, soap and wax leave residues, and the heat and water from steam cleaners can do damage. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.

Hardwood floors may be the crown jewel of your Ottawa home renovation, so treat them with care and they’ll look incredible for many years.  Contact us through our  online form, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to request your free in-home

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

Understanding the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

In the fall of 2012, the province of Ontario introduced the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit, a refund designed to help seniors convert their homes to accommodate mobility limitations. Here’s everything you need to know about the credit:

What is the tax credit?


The tax credit is a permanent refundable income tax credit. Qualifying taxpayers can claim up to $10,000 of eligible home improvements on their income tax return per year, and will receive 15% of the eligible expenses in a refund. Eligible home improvements costing $10,000 would return $1,500, while mobility renovations costing $5,000 would return $750. This is a yearly tax credit, meaning you can receive a refund of up to $1,500 for every year that eligible renovations are conducted going forward.

What is the purpose of the tax credit?


The purpose of the tax credit is to help seniors and their families make their homes safer, more accessible, and more accommodating toward mobility limitations. These renovations will allow seniors to live at home for longer instead of moving into a care facility.

Who is eligible?


Seniors who are residents of Ontario and 65 years or older by the end of the year are eligible to receive the tax refund. Family members who live with seniors 65 years or older also qualify for the tax refund. Income level has no effect on eligibility.

What are eligible expenses?


Eligible expenses generally include renovations completed for the purpose of improving safety and accessibility. These projects can include walk-in bathtubs, wheel-in showers, grab bars, handrails, non-slip flooring, widened doorways, lowered counters, wheelchair ramps and lifts, and motion-activated lighting. Speak with your mobility renovation contractor in advance to make sure planned work is eligible.

What are ineligible expenses?


Renovations that improve the value of the home without directly improving safety and accessibility are not eligible for the tax credit. Examples of this work include plumbing and electrical, roof repairs, window replacements, and updates to the HVAC system. Assistive devices ranging from wheelchairs and walker to fire extinguishers and home safety monitoring do not qualify. Finally, services like landscaping, housekeeping, and home care also are not eligible. Talk with your mobility renovation contractor before any work begins to clarify if the work is eligible for the tax credit or not.

Take advantage of the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit today. Call RenosGroup.ca for a free in-home consultation today to start the process of making your home safe and mobility friendly.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Creating the Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Are you a big movie buff, but hate having to deal with lineups for tickets, inflated concession prices, and someone kicking the back of your seat all movie long? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for a basement home theatre. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect basement home theatre:

Special Installation


As you’ve probably guessed, a home theatre is not quite as simple as plunking down a TV next to a La-Z-Boy chair and calling it a day. Unless you want wires hanging everywhere, a DIY approach simply won’t cut it if you want a proper home theatre. A professional renovation company can tuck away all the wires and connections out of sight, install built-in components like speakers and the display screen, connect dimmable lighting, create sound insulation, and route HVAC to regulate temperature. All of these upgraded features combine to make the perfect basement home theatre, and cutting corners won’t do.

Choosing a Location


The basement is usually the best place to install a home theatre because it is large, open, and relatively isolated from the rest of the house. This “blank canvas” lets professional renovation companies work their magic without having to tear apart the rest of the house. Remember that windows carry sound, so your best location is an area with one or no windows. Take space that would otherwise be wasted and turn it into a movie lover’s paradise.

Creating a Layout


Once you have selected the right location, next you must determine the layout of your home theatre. A professional renovation company can help choose a layout that accounts for lighting, sound systems, cable hookups, and other components. A layout will help you visualize the best seating locations and mounting points for your A/V equipment.

Selecting Equipment


A layout is one thing, but equipment is what will really set your home theatre apart. Create an equipment budget and work from there. Identify which aspects are most important and which can be scrapped for more economical choices. For example, a PlayStation 4 can act as a video game console, Blu-Ray player, media streamer, and music player.

Design Time


With all of the equipment selected and a layout design in place, next you must choose your finishes. Do you prefer elegant hardwood flooring or cozy carpet? Rustic wood paneling or warm and earthy paint tones? Built-in cabinetry or sleek smooth walls? You can choose a design aesthetic that blends with the rest of the home or stands out all on its own. If premium leather reclining seats are important to you, then don’t be afraid to invest the money.

Trust a professional renovation company to create the perfect home theatre. Lights, camera, action!  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Avoid Too Good to Be True Contractors

Why You Should Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Contractors

Deciding to undergo a home renovation is an exciting proposition, but it comes with a lot of stress. Between a large financial outlay and the hassle of having your home turned into a work zone, often the only thing keeping homeowners happy is the thought that a beautifully completed renovation is around the corner. When you enlist the services of a contractor who promises a lot but delivers very little, it can be crushing. Here are some vital reasons to avoid a “too good to be true” contractor:

Rushed Job


When you hire a contractor whose rates and timeline seem too good to be true, there’s probably a reason. If they offer an unrealistic timeline, it doesn’t mean you’ll get an amazing bathroom in a short period of time. Instead, it means you’ll get a rushed job without attention to detail. This might mean sloppy finishes, but it might also mean extremely important behind-the-scenes aspects (like thorough waterproofing behind shower tiles) are ignored. This could lead to costly complications down the road. When you work with a professional bathroom renovator, we set realistic timelines that ensure your project is done right the first time.

Inexperience


If you find a contractor who is offering cut-rates, it may be because they don’t have the experience and skills to justify professional pricing. The old adage that “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to bathroom renovations. If you choose a contractor whose prices can’t be beaten, it might be for a good reason.

Ballooning Costs


If a “too good to be true” contractor makes an appealing estimate over the phone without even seeing your bathroom in person, expect to see ballooning costs. How can they possibly know how much your renovation will cost without seeing it in person? Instead, choose a professional bathroom renovator that offers free in-home consultations. This way, you’ll be given a more reliable cost estimate and won’t get a big surprise when your bathroom is half-finished, and the money’s gone.

Higher Risk


Can you really trust a jack-of-all-trades to perform specialized work like electrical or plumbing? The consequences with these aspects run far beyond paint drips and crooked mirrors. A shoddy contractor might mess with your electrical or make a plumbing flaw that leads to leaks, water damage, and mould. Instead, trust a professional bathroom renovator who has a team of specialized workers to do the job safely.

Avoid “too good to be true” contractors, trust the services of a professional bathroom renovator like RenosGroup. We have a proven track record of making homeowners happy with successfully completed and stunningly executed projects.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Mobility Makeovers

5 Signs your Home Might Need a Mobility Makeover

Whether you have someone in your home with mobility issues or are trying to live in your home well into your retirement, there are a number of signs that indicate you might need a mobility makeover. A mobility renovation can assist in handling mobility issues including:

Poor Lighting


From a safety standpoint, poor lighting is not a good idea in any home. If your home has dark halls and staircases, it can be very easy for someone to trip and fall. Having new lighting installed such as pot lights will greatly improve visibility in key areas of the home to help avoid accidents. Having light switches that are easy to reach for those with mobility issues is also very important.

Narrow Doorways


People in wheelchairs or who use walkers need a wider berth to manoeuvre comfortably. By adding wider doorways throughout the home, people with mobility issues will be able to get from room to room without issues.

Stairs


Stairs both inside and outside the home prove to be a major barrier for those with mobility issues. Having ramps to enter your home as well as specialty lifts will allow those with mobility issues to remain more independent and have full access both inside and outside the home.

Counters


The level of counters in the kitchen can also prove a problem for those in a wheelchair. Not only can high counters be inconvenient, they can be quite dangerous when knives and hot pots and pans are involved. Adjusting counters or adding a special spot where people can sit and do prep work such as chopping will make it easier for them to remain independent.

Bathroom Safety


Safety in the bathroom is always a concern for anyone with mobility issues. Having handle bars, proper toilet seats and room to move around in a wheelchair or with a walker is a must if you want to make mobility possible. Adjustments must also be made to tubs and shower stalls to make them level for easier access. Even for those without mobility issues, the bathroom has plenty of slippery surfaces making it dangerous for slips and falls. Having safe surfaces that provide more traction will help avoid injury.

If your home has any of these issues then you should consider having a consultation for a mobility renovation. You will learn what changes can be made to make your home both safer and more comfortable as well as to help people maintain their independence.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

Preparing your Home for Retirement Years

More and more people are choosing to continue living in their own homes during their retirement years. They love remaining independent, as well as enjoying more financial freedom in a rent and mortgage-free home. If you are looking forward to enjoying your retirement years in the comfort of your own home, you can start preparing your home for retirement years

Bathroom Comfort

The bathroom can become difficult to navigate as you get older. You can make a number of simple adjustments to help make your bathroom feel safer. First, you can look for flooring that is not as slick and that provides more traction to help avoid slips and falls. Your shower or tub area can also be made safer by making it a walk in without any lips or steps when getting in and out. You can also add bars to make it easier to get in and out of the tub as well as for sitting on the toilet. These are very affordable changes that will make you feel more secure in your home.

Tiresome Stairs

Many seniors will find going up and down stairs becomes more challenging as they get older. There are a number of changes that can be made to make your stairs safer. First, it is important to ensure they are not too slippery. Hardwood treads, for example, can be made a little less dangerous with properly installed carpeting. However, poorly installed carpeting can be just as dangerous as it can lead to tripping and falling. Make sure any stair solutions are installed by a professional contractor to avoid these problems. A chair lift is always a great update. On shorter steps leading to landings, you can add ramps.

Poor Lighting

It might not seem very important, but when it comes to safe and comfortable living, excellent lighting is a must. You will be very pleased if you have the proper task lighting in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You will also feel safer in poorly lit halls or areas such as the basement. Good lighting will also update your home and give it a more modern look. Adding safety lighting outside is also a good idea so you do not have difficulty unlocking your door at night.

It just takes a few simple home renovations to update your home for senior living. You will be safer, more comfortable and able to live independently for years to come.  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.

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

How Mobility Renovations Can Help Seniors

Surveys indicate that the vast majority of seniors wish to remain in their homes. This desire may be hampered by space restrictions, accessibility issues, and safety concerns in many homes. Fortunately, mobility renovations are a great way to allow seniors to maintain their independence and safety while remaining in their beloved homes. Even better, Ontario seniors are eligible to receive up to $1,500 through the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. Here are some of the fantastic ways mobility renovations can help seniors:

Bathroom

Your bathroom is an integral part of your daily hygiene routine. However, traditional bathroom features can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to use. Slippery floors can put your safety at risk. Mobility renovators can install non-slip flooring and walk-in bathtubs, or shower stalls to protect your safety. Bath seats and benches improve safety; while grab bars in the shower and by the toilet can also help. Hands-free faucets make everything easier for people with mobility limitations.

Kitchen

Being able to safely make meals is an important part of happy and independent living for seniors. Mobility renovators can improve the accessibility of your kitchen so you can continue to enjoy cooking as the years pass. Existing countertops and cupboards can be lowered to make access easier. As with the bathroom, hands-free taps can be installed. There are also many customizations that can be made to improve accessibility for seniors, like installing touch latches on drawers and cupboards.

Staircases

Staircases can be quite difficult for seniors with mobility limitations. Mobility renovators can mount safety handrails, improve lighting, or install a mechanical stair lift. It is also possible to widen the stairway and lay down reflective non-slip tape to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs.

Exterior

Especially in our tough Canadian winters, it can be very difficult for seniors to travel to and from the car to the house. Mobility renovators can make this process less strenuous by installing an exterior wheelchair or walker ramp to facilitate entrance into the house. Doorways can also be widened to make it easier to get inside the house in a wheelchair. Finally, outdoor light fixtures can be improved and locks can be changed to make them easier to use.

Home mobility renovations can help seniors live many happy and independent years in their homes without having to move to senior care facilities.  If you need some help please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Plan Mobility Renovation

How to Plan Mobility Renovations

How to Plan Mobility Renovations? Some home designs can be quite unfriendly for your loved ones with mobility limitations. Staircases, high countertops, slippery bathroom floors and poor lighting can hamper the independence of your loved ones. Thankfully, many of these issues can be solved through mobility renovations.

Mobility renovations can significantly enhance accessibility and independence, empowering you or your loved ones to navigate daily routines with ease and safety. Whether you’re anticipating future needs or tackling current limitations, meticulous planning is crucial for a successful outcome.

Follow these steps to plan, design, and execute successful mobility renovations:

Determine the Needs of Your Loved One

Everyone has different challenges and needs that can be aided or solved thanks to mobility renovations. Perhaps your loved one is a senior who simply needs their kitchen to be a bit more accessible. Maybe your loved one uses a wheelchair and needs doorways and staircases to be altered. Once you have taken stock of your loved one’s mobility needs, it becomes easier to determine what changes should be made to make their home safer and more accessible.

Remember:

  • Involve your loved one in every step of the process. Their input and preferences are crucial.
  • Prioritize safety and functionality. Aim for solutions that promote independence and minimize risk of falls or injury.
  • Start small and scale up as needed. You don’t have to renovate everything at once. Begin with the most pressing needs and expand as necessary.

By carefully assessing your loved one’s needs and planning renovations accordingly, you can create a home that fosters independence, dignity, and safety for everyone. This investment in their well-being will bring immense value and peace of mind to both of you.

Consider Future Needs

Our needs can change as we age, sometimes quite dramatically. If you’re planning mobility renovations, an important consideration is to consider future needs in addition to current ones. Your loved one may currently be able to walk, but may need a wheelchair in two or three years’ time. While current space may be adequate, a wheelchair may require wider doorways and more ample turning space. If your loved one plans to remain in the home for a considerable period going forward, it is advisable to account for potential changes in mobility.

Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

1. Progressive Conditions: If your loved one has a progressive condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s, anticipate gradual changes in mobility. Opt for modular or adaptable solutions. For example, choose doorways with removable side panels to widen them later, or install countertops with adjustable heights.

2. Multi-functionality: Think beyond “accessibility features” and embrace flexible design. For instance, a wider doorway wouldn’t just benefit wheelchair users, but also make carrying furniture or bulky items easier for everyone.

3. Universal Design Principles: Incorporate elements that cater to a wide range of abilities, not just your loved one’s current needs. These include lever door handles, accessible sinks, and step-free entry points. This inclusive design benefits everyone and adds long-term value to your home.

4. Future Medical Equipment: Consider potential needs for specialized equipment like hospital beds, hoists, or oxygen tanks. Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate them, and leave space for maneuvering within the room.

5. Age-friendly Lighting: As vision can deteriorate with age, install brighter lighting with dimmer switches to adjust for changing needs.

6. Technology Integration: Smart home features like voice-controlled lighting, thermostats, and appliances can significantly improve independence and ease of living as mobility declines.

Remember: Flexibility is key. By planning for potential changes, you create a resilient and adaptable home that supports your loved one’s comfort and independence, now and in the future. This not only fosters well-being but also increases the home’s overall value and marketability.

Schedule an In-Home Consultation

Do not use a mobility renovation company that gives you an estimate over the phone or by email without having met you or having seen your home in person. An in-home consultation is very important to accurately assess the mobility and accessibility limitations of your home and to give you a proper quote. Alleviate the stress of your loved ones and make sure everything is done right the first time by scheduling an in-home consultation.

  • Unique Homes: Generic estimates miss your home’s nuances. Professionals need to see the space to assess challenges, measure accurately, and consider layouts.
  • Tailored Solutions: Without seeing your home, companies can’t personalize solutions for your loved one’s needs and preferences. In-home consultations lead to customized recommendations for optimal functionality and comfort.
  • Accurate Costs: Phone estimates can be inaccurate, leading to budget overruns or inadequate solutions. In-home consultations ensure the quote reflects the project’s complexity, avoiding surprises.
  • Build Trust: Meeting professionals face-to-face allows you to ask questions, gauge expertise, and build trust. This is crucial for informed decisions and peace of mind throughout the process.
  • Uncover Hidden Issues: In-person assessments can reveal unforeseen structural, electrical, or plumbing issues missed by phone estimates. Early detection saves time and money down the line.

In-home consultations are an investment in peace of mind. They ensure accurate quotes, tailored solutions, and the confidence that your loved one’s needs are met effectively. Don’t settle for generic quotes – schedule an in-home consultation for a successful mobility renovation from the start!

Ask Others

You likely know many people who have had their houses improved thanks to mobility renovations. If you don’t, you can ask around on the internet, through friends, or through local connections. They can advise you about the benefits of mobility renovations and perhaps even offer advice on some things you had not considered – like opting for a stove with front controls instead of knobs at the back that are harder to reach.

  • Seek diverse perspectives: Don’t limit yourself to one source. Gather information from a variety of individuals and professionals to gain well-rounded insights.
  • Ask specific questions: Tailor your questions to your specific needs and concerns. This will help you get targeted and relevant advice.
  • Be mindful of online advice: While online resources can be valuable, remember to verify information with qualified professionals before making any decisions.

By leveraging the wisdom of others, you can gain valuable inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of what to expect. This collaborative approach will ultimately lead to a more successful and personalized mobility renovation for your loved one.

If you follow these steps, you can help plan mobility renovations that help your loved one maintain their independence and safety in their own home.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Creating Amazing Kids Play Area in Basement

Creating an Amazing Kids Play Area in the Basement

If you have kids, you’ve probably noticed that their toys and art projects start to take over all of your living space. If it has gotten to the point where you can hardly move without stepping on a Lego piece, it may be time to find a solution. A fun and inviting kids play area in the basement is the perfect way to keep toys out of your living room…and dining room, and office, and kitchen, and…When your kids have a contained area to let their imaginations run wild, with plenty of activity stations to keep them busy, you’re much more likely to have an organized upstairs living space. Here are some tips for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement:

Floor Space


Sometimes kids don’t even need fancy layouts or state-of-the-art designs. Ottawa basement contractors can lay down soft carpet or interlocking foam tiles in your basement. Your kids will have a blast building a giant fairy tale village or putting together a massive train track set.

Art & Creativity


A kids area in the basement is the perfect place to set up arts and crafts stations. Start by painting one wall with chalkboard paint, which your kids can draw on and just as easily erase. Another wall can be magnetic or made of bulletin board material for pinning up drawings and paintings. Set up an easel station in one corner and a reading nook in another.

Entertainment Centre


If your kids like to watch movies and television, then you can set up a pint-sized movie room for their viewing pleasure. Kids will have a grand old time watching Frozen on a mounted projector while they sit in comfy mini beanbag chairs. Mount an iPhone dock in easy reaching distance for the kids so they can put on a playlist and dance their little hearts out in their newly renovated basement.

Storage


When the kids are zonked out from playing, it comes time to keep things organized. Ottawa basement contractors can design and construct beautiful custom built-in storage with a place for every single toy, book, and arts & craft item. You can include every storage component imaginable, from cubbies and bookcases to shelving and media consoles to keep your brand new kids play area organized and clean.

With these essential elements, you’ll have everything you need for creating an amazing kids play area in the basement.  If you need help for this project please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Contact us

Office Address:
251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
Office Hours: 
Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Follow us

Facebook-f Twitter Map-marker-alt Pinterest Linkedin-in Instagram Houzz

Recent Posts

RenosGroup Blogs

 

OUR REVIEWS

Homestars Google Reviews

© 2024 RenosGroup.ca – Ottawa Bathroom, Kitchen and Basement Renovations

Scroll to top