Ottawa

Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

The Mobility-Friendly Renovation Checklist

Unfortunately, very few homes are designed with concern for mobility limitations. Steep staircases, tight spaces that limit maneuverability, and designs that cause safety issues abound in most homes. If you want to make your home friendly to loved ones with mobility limitations, make sure to follow this mobility-friendly renovation checklist:

Schedule an In-Home Consultation

An in-home consultation is absolutely necessary to observe the mobility limitations of your loved one and assess the state of your home. Do not trust any estimate or promise that is made without having met you in person or without having seen your home. An in-home consultation with mobility renos experts can assure your renovation is done right the first time.

Ask Around

You may know people who have also had their homes renovated to accommodate mobility limitations. Ask around and see what features they love, what features they wish they had, and what they might have done differently. You can learn a lot from speaking with people who have been down the same path.

Plan for the Present and Future

You want your mobility renovation to suit your current needs, but you also want it to accommodate future changes. If you plan on living in your home for another decade, consider what your mobility needs will be at that time. It is better to do a full renovation now than to have to redo everything in five or ten years to accommodate new mobility issues. For example, it may be wise to increase the width of doorways even if your loved one does not require a wheelchair at the present time.

Bathroom Safety

One of the primary concerns for mobility limitations is being able to use the bathroom safely with dignity and privacy. For this reason, the bathroom is one of the key areas for mobility renos. Whether you wish to install lower sinks that can accommodate a wheelchair, build a wider toilet area, or construct a walk-in shower, these accommodations can vastly improve quality of life. Slip-resistant flooring is also important.

Ease of Access

It is important that your loved ones have the space to comfortable move around in the home. The house should be organized so that items are accessible and bending, reaching, or other difficult movements are not required. Some of this will not require renovation, but simply reorganizing the house from the perspective of someone with mobility issues. In the instance that renovation is required (such as doorway widening), mobility renovation experts can do the job right.

Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and accessible home with the help of mobility renos experts in Ottawa.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

Designing a Home with Mobility Limitations

When your loved one has mobility limitations, you want to do everything possible to make their home life safe, comfortable, and accessible. When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners should make sure the following areas are covered:

Maneuverability


Especially if your loved one needs a walker or wheelchair, it is important that they have enough room to navigate safely and comfortably around the house. You may consider enlisting the help of mobility renovation experts to widen doorways and made it easier to move from room to room. Swinging doors can be difficult for people in wheelchairs or walkers to open, so you may consider installing pocket doors.

Sinks & Counters


High countertops and sinks may be difficult for your loved one to use if they are in a wheelchair. Consider renovating to install lower sinks and countertops so they are easily accessible at wheelchair height. Your loved one can move around independently and not have to struggle with unreachable countertops and sinks.

Safe Flooring


Slippery flooring is a concern for everyone, but especially dangerous for people with mobility issues. Make sure to install slip-resistant flooring with non-slip coating to prevent your loved one from falling on slippery surfaces, especially in the bathroom.

Bathroom Accessibility


Bathrooms can be especially troublesome for people with mobility limitations. When they need mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners place bathroom concerns at the top of the list. Fortunately, the experts can install strategically placed handrails, wide walk-in shower stalls, bathtub seats, handheld showering devices, and lowered fixtures. All of these adjustments make it easy for your loved one to use the bathroom privately, safely, and comfortably.

Lighting


For individuals who suffer from declining vision, it can be difficult to navigate around the house with normal lighting. Mobility renovation experts can install brighter lighting to increase visibility, reduce safety risks, and improve quality of life.

Staircases


For your loved one with mobility limitations, it can difficult or even impossible to enter houses with stairs or go up to a second story. Mobility renovation experts can construct ramps, place reflective non-slip tape on staircases, and install handrails to make it easier to walk up and down the stairs safely.

When it comes to mobility renovations, Ottawa homeowners now have all the information they need to design their home and make it safe, comfortable, and accessible to their loved ones.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable kitchen design ideas will help you update your kitchen on a budget:

Delightful Lighting


Shed a little light on your drab kitchen with new lighting fixtures. Pendant lighting is ideal over islands to add personality and a sense of modern design. You can also install task lighting beneath your cupboards to give your kitchen a modern edge. Breakfast nooks receive an instant touch of elegance with the sparkle of a chandelier hung low above your table.  Living room lighting ideas

Add an Island


Many kitchen renovations in Ottawa include an island. If your kitchen space allows consider adding an affordable island that is a little unconventional. Look for interesting finds at flea markets and garage sales for items such as old tables, dressers and even side buffets that can be repurposed. You can add extra height to tables getting creative with items such as newel posts or garden fencing poles and add a lick of paint to complete the look.

Eye Popping Wallpaper


The trend for large geometric patterns on walls is the perfect and affordable update for your kitchen. You can use wallpaper on just about any wall including a dull and uninspired backsplash. It can be added in small areas such as across your bulk head, on a focal wall behind your dining area or throughout the kitchen for a real wow factor. You can even consider adding wallpaper insets on your kitchen cabinet doors.

Paint


Many kitchen renovations dream of always include new custom cabinets. Give your kitchen a face lift with a paint job on your boring, dated cabinets. It just takes a good sanding, primer and a few coats of paint for a total transformation to your kitchen. Cream or black add sophistication, white is filled with country or contemporary charm and grey can add a modern edge. You can add a focal point with a bright colour such as red or lime green for upper cabinets or go with one colour for a unified look.

New Fixtures


Oversized door pulls in modern metals make lots of impact for a small price. A new faucet can add sparkle and help bring a new look to an old sink. Painted cabinets without pulls have an edgy look.

As you can see kitchen renovations are within your reach with these affordable updates.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for your next kitchen project

kid-friendly-basement

Designing a Kid Friendly Basement

If you are about to embark on the basement finishing Ottawa homeowners often undergo, families should always make their basements kid friendly. Here are some tips that will help you create a perfect space for kids:

Workspace for Homework

Teachers always advise that kids have a designated area for homework. This space should be free of interruption and have all the tools a child will need. When designing your basement, Ottawa contractors can help you come up with the perfect work area for your studious little ones. You want to have a large desk or counter surface that will be able to accommodate projects that might need a bristle board as well as a computer and space to open text books. In smaller spaces a built in counter is ideal with drawers below and shelves above. In larger basements you can use a nice large desk where kids can spread out their work. You also want to have good lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of storage space for supplies.

Indoor Playground

There are many fun additions you can add to your basement finishing Ottawa kids will love. An indoor playground will offer a safe, year round area that will help keep your kids active. Consider adding a climbing wall with a comfy, foam floor where kids can take fun tumbles. You can also look at installing a basketball hoop, slide and even a tire swing. Consider your kids’ interests and look at ideas such as a little stage where they can put on shows, indoor jungle gyms and fun crawl spaces where kids can hide. The space under the stairs can make a cozy reading space with book shelves, lots of pillows and an overhead pot light.

Carpet

Carpeting is a must for kid friendly spaces. It will allow kids to crawl around, laze, read and avoid injury. Install wall to wall carpeting in the area designated for play. You can then add a more sophisticated flooring like hardwood in the “adult” area. Foam tile works well for kids as well.

Chalkboard Wall

Kids love to draw and play games like school. Paint an entire wall using chalkboard paint so kids can get creative and also not be tempted to paint or colour on areas they shouldn’t.

These tips will help you create a perfect kid friendly basement the whole family will love.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

renovating-an-older-home

Renovating an Older Home

If you are considering renovating your older home there are many ways an Ottawa general contractor can help you make updates without taking away the original character and charm.

Focus on Architecture

The architecture of an older home tends to feature far more charm and character than homes that have been mass produced in sub-divisions. Even retro homes that are mid-century modern will have some interesting features you might want to leave untouched. Some common features you might want to repair and refinish as opposed to completely tear out and replace would include:

• Original crown moulding
• Stair cases, including retro 70’s “Brady Bunch” stairs
• Original doors and framing
• Original hardwood or even parquet floors
• Mantles and fireplace detailing
• Special window features such as stained glass and transoms

Items to Salvage

When you are renovating older homes there are also a number of items you might want to discuss salvaging with your Ottawa general contractor. For example if you want to redo your kitchen many older homes might have interesting vintage or even historical details such as sinks and lighting. Even if you do not want to use these items yourself you might be able to sell these items for a fair penny to those who are looking for original pieces for their own renovations. Other items worth salvaging can include:

• Doors
• Trim (might be hard to remove without damage)
• Claw foot tubs
• Window panes and storm windows
• Old light switch plates
• Old heating grates
• Old door knobs and cupboard pulls
• Old kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Old flooring

Items to Update

Your Ottawa general contractor can also assist in updating areas of your home without the need to completely tear out or replace certain features. For example, an old staircase can be reinvented with the addition of modern glass balustrades. Another update can be as simple as painting out dark wood features from baseboards to wainscoting. An old front door might have a certain element of charm while adding to the authenticity of your exterior architecture. Sanding and painting might be a better option than just tearing it out and replacing it. Hardwood and parquet floors can be sanded and given a modern edge with a darker stain. You can even change unneeded closets into interesting alcoves.

Your Ottawa general contractor can help maintain the integrity of your older home while offering a sense of contemporary aesthetics you desire.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Working with small spaces

Working with Small Spaces

Living in a small home doesn’t have to feel cramped with these easy tricks for working with small spaces:

Remove Barriers


Opt for furniture with open legs to give a feeling of airiness. Avoid items such as sofas with skirts and instead go for exposed legs. For rooms such as the kitchen get rid of heavy, overbearing upper cabinets and choose islands that look more like furniture. Use open shelves instead of cabinets to open up spaces.

Optimize Every Centimeter


Look at your home and look for hidden opportunities where you can take advantage of even the smallest space. Look at bay windows to insert a desk or add extra seating with a window seat complete with storage. Consider knocking out the wall beneath a stair well to add storage or even to place a desk as a small office. Look at foyers where hooks can be added for storing coats if you do not have space for a closet.

Look Up


Ottawa contractors can often explore the ceiling and floor to see if you can add height. Height adds a feeling of spaciousness and can also give way to areas for further storage such as bulk head upper cabinets. This works as long as you have extra ceiling height but can look crowded in standard room heights. You can also consider exposing your attic area for cathedral ceilings or creating an additional small loft style room.

Add More Light


Natural light is the small home’s best friend. Look for ways to bring in more natural light with light weight curtains as well as using mirrors to reflect light back into darker rooms. Mirrors also help to add the illusion of more space. Light installed along the perimeter of the ceiling brightens and lightens.

Camouflage


Ottawa contractors can add built-ins that blend into the walls to keep a space feeling open and hide clutter. You can also camouflage walls with vertical lines using beadboard or wallpaper (or a paint effect) that will add height to rooms that feel crowded. A large geometric wallpaper on a small wall at the end of the hall can often provide a sense of space as well.

Glass


Choose accent pieces with glass surfaces to keep things light. Glass tables such as coffee, dining and accent will open up a room.

Your home will suddenly open up with these easy tips designed for spacious living.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Simple Kitchen Renovations

3 Simple Kitchen Renovations

If your kitchen looks a little uninspired there are a few ways you can invest in an affordable kitchen renovation. Instead of undergoing a complete remodel you can make partial renovations that will help to update your kitchen. Here are three budget friendly ideas to give your tired space a little makeover:

Cabinets and Backsplash


Your cabinets can be updated in a number of ways. You can opt to refinish them with a new stain or a fresh coat of paint. This can be a little labour intensive but well worth the effort. You can also look into refacing your cabinets. Cabinet refacing uses the base of the cabinets and replaces the doors. This is an easy process with little disruption. It is also affordable and makes a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. A backsplash update is also an affordable option. With so many choices of tile you can really get creative. However even a fresh new backsplash of simple white subway tile can do wonders to make your kitchen look new.

Tile and Appliances


Nothing dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Replacing your appliances with new, energy efficient appliances will make your kitchen look state of the art. It will also help reduce your energy bills. You can opt for sleek stainless steel for a modern look or look for options such as built-ins for island cook tops, wall ovens and fridges. Tiling is another excellent way to create a decorative update for your kitchen. You can create an interesting mosaic design behind your stove, update your backsplash or look at new flooring options. Tile is affordable and can be used to create a number of styles including modern, traditional or rustic.

Countertops and Hardware


Countertops cover quite a large surface area in your kitchen, even in smaller spaces. That means new countertops can make a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. There are many options for countertops including natural stone and marble, butcher block and man-made options including recycled glass. A simple finishing touch that can really update your cabinets is replacing your hardware. Look for large and impressive handles in white metal for a modern look or rustic finishes such as brass or black cast iron knobs for a traditional or country kitchen.

Partial kitchen renovations are the budget friendly option for easy kitchen makeovers.  Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next renovation project, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

Which Project Should Be Renovated First

Whether you have bought a diamond in the rough, or have just decided it is time to remodel your home it can be difficult deciding which project should be renovated first. Here are some considerations to help you decide where to begin.

Need


First consider your needs. Is there any one space that is interfering with your comfort or everyday needs? Perhaps a bathroom is leaky and causing further damage to your home. Maybe your kitchen is a complete disaster making preparing meals a nightmare. You might even have serious issues such as poor insulation or a leaky roof. Look at how each issue is affecting the condition of your home and your comfort and prioritize based on the severity of each room.

Quick Fixes


While you get started on major changes you can also look at some quick fixes. For example you might need new appliances in the kitchen and laundry room. This is an easy fix that can be addressed right away. Other easy fixes might be basic cosmetic changes such as a fresh coat of paint.

Budget


Realistically you will only be able to do the changes that you can afford. Once you prioritize the changes that are needed consider making a budget plan that allows you to take on projects one at a time. Balance need and want in order to make the right decisions. Here is a good way to prioritize:

• Must Haves: Look at all of your must haves. These are issues that will affect the safety of your home such as mould removal or a major leak in your roof or foundation. You might also have an oven or fridge that doesn’t work. Consider the cost and see which of these must haves are affordable.
• Timing: Look at each project and come up with a plan that you can map out on a schedule. Speak to a contractor and see if there would be any savings by electing to do certain things at special times of year. Also see if there are discounts for doing more work at once.

Once you have a scope of the work required speak to your bank and see what credit is available. They might make the decisions and planning easier if you have access to a line of credit that will allow you to make all of the changes you need.  If you are still having trouble deciding which project you should renovate first, give us a call, at (613) 727-9427, we can answer all your questions…….To get in touch you can also fill out an online form

5-fun-basement remodels

5 Fun Basement Remodels

The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo do not have to be the same old family room, extra bedroom or spa bathroom. Here are five fun basement remodels to consider for your renovations:

Playroom

Kids toys can make a real mess on your main floor. The basement renovations Ottawa homeowners undergo allow you to get creative. Design a kid friendly space with plenty of storage for all of their toys, shelves for books, movies and video games and even create a work space dedicated to home work. Playrooms can also be combined with a family area for watching movies, gaming and other family activities. Consider your children’s interests and decorate based on their needs. For example if they love crafts create a large built in work space with specialty storage shelves with everything they need within reach.

Gym

If you are a workout fanatic create a designated area for a gym. Install a wall of mirrors to check out your technique, mats for yoga and of course a spot for all of your equipment such as weights, tread mills or stationary bikes. A bathroom complete with steam shower or sauna are perfect luxury features to complete your home gym.

Shared Space

Divvy up the space and create a shared area for kids and parents. A nice area with floor space and toy storage is perfect for the kids to enjoy play time. You can then create a beautiful living area with comfortable couches, a home entertainment centre and even a built in wet bar for the adults.

Office

An office is a must for today’s families. If you work from home often create a closed off area with a door for privacy. You can also create a work space for the family computer ideal for homework and paying the bills. The basement renovations Ottawa contractors offer can include a built in office space with storage, desk space and all the necessary electrical outlets for your computer set up.

Laundry Room

Although doing the laundry isn’t fun, doing the laundry in a remodeled basement can be a pleasure. Install new high efficiency appliances, a gorgeous tile floor, sink and granite work surfaces to make doing the laundry less of a chore.
The basement remodel is the perfect opportunity to have some fun and mix things up a little.

These ideas can provide inspiration for the basement renovations Ottawa homeowners might consider.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

how-diy-projects-can-go-wrong

How DIY Projects Can Go Horribly Wrong

Many homeowners feel their budget cannot withstand professional renovations. However when you opt to take on DIY projects it can quickly go horribly wrong. Here are just a few of the issues you might encounter when you take on your next DIY project:

Cost


It might seem that the DIY route will save money, however there are some things people do not consider when it comes to cost. First, your contractor will get major discounts when purchasing materials. Contractors buy some basic materials in bulk to save money. They also get discounts on finishing materials such as flooring, tile and even crown moulding. These savings are passed on to you. As professionals they will also complete the job quickly. Your DIY project could go on for weeks or months.

Design Differences


When working on DIY projects you can run into some design differences with your partner. It is harder to resolve design differences between the two of you than it would be if you had an impartial third party to offer advice. Conflict is a common occurrence during renovations and these conflicts can be even worse for DIY projects. A contractor can be the voice of reason to help you make the right choices you will both love.

Minor and Major Mistakes


It just takes one episode of “DIY Disasters” to see how easy it is to make mistakes. Minor mistakes are not only inconvenient, they also end up costing money. As a DIYer it is easy to miscalculate measurements and use the wrong products and technique. All of these potential errors can end up costing you way more than having it done right the first time. Mistakes can be problematic when it comes time to sell your home. Crooked baseboards, uneven floors and poor paint jobs are the types of imperfections that can make many home buyers pass on putting in an offer. Major mistakes can prove disastrous to your home. You can have a slow leak from poorly installed tile or plumbing that can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. You can also ruin expensive materials such as hardwood floors if you install them incorrectly.

Your DIY project can go horribly wrong with each mistake costing you money in wasted materials and more of your valuable time. Working with a contractor will save you time, money and help keep the peace at home.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form 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

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