Ottawa

4-tips-for-mobility-renovations

4 Mobility Renovations Tips

If you or a loved one has a change in their mobility you will have to make some changes to your home. Making your living space safe and accessible for people with mobility differences is easy with these four mobility renovation tips:

Open up the Space


When you are living with someone in a wheelchair or who requires a walker to get around you will need wider spaces to accommodate their needs. This is especially important for most doorways and hallways.

Use Safe Materials


For those with mobility differences you’ll also want to make sure that they are safe from falls. The best way to reduce the risk of slips and falls is to look at specialty non-slip products. Special flooring options can assist those with mobility differences by adding traction. However you can also consider the installation of non-slip grips and handle bars in the bathroom to assist with the added danger of wet surfaces.

Consider Their Perspective


For those in a wheelchair everything in the home becomes a little out of perspective. Consider some of their everyday tasks and look at how they will tackle them in the current home set up. Common challenges can occur with areas such as bathroom and kitchen counters where the work surface is too high. Other difficulties can include storage areas such as clothing closets, linen closets and kitchen pantries. You can lower hanging bars in closets, consider rearranging the food to lower shelves in the kitchen and look at other options that will keep everything at arm’s reach.

Hire the Professionals


Although you can make some changes that will make things a little easier, in the long run you will need some permanent changes. It is important to hire the professionals who specialize in mobility. They can assess your home and make recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs. Whether someone is in a wheelchair or uses a scooter or walker there are many safety, accessibility and space issues that they can consider in their upgrades. They can also consider access from the exterior of the home and make suggestions for the installation of ramps and automatic doors.

A change in mobility can be very difficult whether it is for yourself or a loved one. Mobility experts can make the necessary changes for your comfort and safety.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Living through Renovations

Living through Renovations

Even the simplest renovations can cause extreme chaos in your home, but if you plan ahead and mentally prepare you should be well equipped for the transition. Here are several tips to help you survive living through renovations:

 

Where to Live

 

It is important to look at the renovation plans and consider if it is realistic to remain in your home during the work. For example if you have a basement renovation it might not be quite as disruptive as a kitchen or main floor overhaul. Speak to your contractor to find out what is involved and for major renovations decide if it makes better sense to make other living arrangements. Keep in mind other arrangements could prove just as stressful. Weigh all of your options and maybe decide to take a well-planned vacation when the majority of the dirty work is underway.

 

Reorganize your Living Space

 

Look at where the renovations will take place and consider how it will affect your day to day life. Remember to plan where you will prepare food and do the dishes if your kitchen is being renovated. If you only have one bathroom and are determined to stay home during the renovations you will hopefully have a very close neighbour to share their shower or a nearby gym where you can take care of your daily showering needs.

 

Avoid Dust

 

This is one of the biggest challenges. Your best friends during renovations are tape and sheets of plastic. Use these to seal off the area that is undergoing the renovation to keep dust contained.

 

Hire Smart

 

The more experience your contractor has the less troublesome your renovations will be. A good contractor will keep things as comfortable and livable as possible as well as complete the job on schedule to make life easier.

 

Shop Early

 

You will need a number of fixtures and finishes during the renovations. Anticipate what you will need by speaking to your contractor. He can list the amount of light fixtures, faucets, switch plates and other finishes you will need so you can shop ahead to avoid delays.

 

Plan for Trouble

 

They say a pessimist is never disappointed. Renovations are complicated so be prepared for challenges in order to avoid stress when trouble arises.

Being better prepared for your renovations will make it easier on everyone and help the overall project run more smoothly.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

eco-friendly-kitchens

Creating an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

Many people think that the kitchen renos Ottawa homeowners undergo are far too expensive for their own budgets. However if you take an eco-friendly approach to your kitchen renovation you will find it can become quite affordable. Here is the perfect way to create an affordable eco-friendly kitchen for your home:

Repurposing Countertops

Take a look at your counterops. They may be in perfect condition and do not need replacement. Many people discard their old countertops which is a major addition to the local landfill. If your countertops are in good condition they can be reused. With the addition of newer features throughout the kitchen you can take focus away from the counters.

Energy Star Appliances

You would be surprised at how much energy your old fridge can use up every day. A new Energy Star fridge will be an investment up front but will then save you money in the long run. It is also the eco-friendly choice as it will reduce your energy consumption. The addition of Energy Star appliances is also a perfect way to update the look of the kitchen renos Ottawa contractors’ offer, even with minimal work to the rest of the space.

Natural Light

Consider adding a window to your kitchen to bring in natural light to reduce your use of electricity. Install a window over the sink where you are doing much task work as well as a major stretch of counter space where you will be doing food prep. Windows with soft curtains will bring in much needed light. In some kitchens you can even consider adding a skylight.

Recycled Cabinets

Get creative with kitchen renos Ottawa contractors offer by seeking out recycled cabinets. You can also search local flea markets and garage sales for interesting shelving, side boards and other furniture pieces that can be repurposed to create upper and lower cabinets as well as islands. Think outside the box and consider items in your home as well. You can also use your existing cabinets and reface them with a new coat of paint or a different colour stain. If you do replace your cabinets ask your contractor to save them and donate them to a salvage company to reduce waste.

The kitchen renovations Ottawa contractors’ offer can be more affordable when you look at eco-friendly options. Repurposing and less waste saves money and the planet.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

3-ways-to-make-your-entrance-mobility-friendly

3 Ways to Make Your Entrance Mobility Friendly

If you or someone in your home has mobility challenges it is important to make your home as comfortable and mobility friendly as possible. For many homeowners the entryway can pose the biggest challenge for those with mobility issues. From steps leading up to the front door, to cramped, closed spaces in the foyer, there are a number of challenges your front entry can pose. Here are three ways to make your entrance mobility friendly:

Clear the Entryway

Maneuvering in small, cramped spaces is very difficult for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Take a look at your entryway and hall and look for anything that can be removed. This includes pieces of furniture, awkward mats and of course excess amounts of boots and shoes. When you remove clutter from the entryway you will open up the space so people will be able to move around more easily. Even someone who walks with a cane can be in danger of trips and falls with too much clutter. If space is very tight the professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer can knock down the front closet or walls to create extra space.

mobility friendly entrance

Add Hand Rails

When you are well and able to get around unassisted you might not even think about holding onto hand rails. However, for someone walking with a cane or with balance issues a hand rail is a life saver. Hand rails should be placed wherever there are stairs, steps or changes in levels. This will allow people to grasp onto something to help them safely enter your home. Hand rails should be placed both outside leading towards the door and inside to assist with coming and going.

 

Add a Ramp

Ramps can make getting into a building so much easier for people in wheelchairs, using walkers and scooters. Ramps are affordable renovations Ottawa home owners can install for easier access to your front door.

The professional renovations Ottawa contractors offer will help transform your entry making it mobility friendly. Arrange for a consultation for more suggestions on how your home can be made more comfortable for those with mobility challenges.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

creating-the-perfect-basement-office-space

Creating a Basement Office Space

As the work environment is changing it is becoming more common for people to work from home. However, if you do work from home and don’t have a dedicated work space it can interfere with your ability to work efficiently. If you’re looking to create a quiet work space consider building it in the basement. Here are several tips to help you create the perfect basement office space:

No Distractions

It is important to be free of distractions when working from home. Look for a quiet corner in your basement where you can add several walls and a door. Ottawa contractors can help you with this process as they can find the ideal spot as well as help minimize costs and maximize space for the perfect, quiet home office. As well, it is also a good idea to fund a source of natural light so you don’t feel cut off from the rest of the world.

Add Carpet


When working a long day it is important that you are as comfortable as possible. Ottawa contractors can make this happen by properly insulating your walls and by adding new carpet. This will keep you warm and cozy as well as help absorb sounds such as the television or music that may be playing elsewhere in the home.

Paint


Not all work spaces need to be drab and dreary. Paint the room a calm, neutral colour to ensure a relaxing, stress-free work environment. The neutral colours will help balance out the other non-work related stress, clearing up your mind for the work day.

Consider hanging pictures on the walls and adding other finishing touches such as an area rug. Guest seating can complete the look of your home office while providing a place for clients to sit during meetings.

Custom Desk


When finishing your basement Ottawa contractors can design and install a customized desk that will suit all of your work needs. The desk can be made with plenty of storage and surface space as required. This option tends to be far more affordable then trying to buy and accommodate new office furniture that may not even function the way you need it to. You can sit down with Ottawa contractors and design something that will work well with you, rather than against you. Your contractor will consider all of your equipment and create the perfect layout for improved productivity.

A basement office can provide the perfect work space when working from home. You will have much needed privacy free of distraction with a custom designed work area made to suit your needs.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

5-upgrades-that-can-sell-your-home

5 Upgrades that Can Sell Your Home

If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market for months, here are five upgrades that can sell your home:

Fresh Paint

You have probably been living with the same paint colours in your home for years. Nothing brings a home back to life more quickly than a fresh coat of paint. You can take years off your home with this simple change. Use neutral colours to help potential buyers picture the home with their belongings so they can see themselves living there comfortably. Don’t forget about doors and trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can quickly make your old trim look yellowed and worn. Although paint is affordable it will bring the value of your home up substantially. Use professional painters to avoid unsightly drips for a clean and finished look to each room.

Install Hardwood

When it comes to the home renovations Ottawa buyers are seeking, hardwood floors top the list. Many homes feature hardwood throughout with the exception of the basement and stairs. If your home is older chances are it still has quite a bit of carpet and old linoleum. To compete with others homes in your area replace those outdated materials with beautiful, natural hardwood.

Reface Your Kitchen

Kitchens sell houses. An outdated kitchen with old cabinets and countertops shouts 80’s to potential buyers. When kitchen renovations seem too expensive you can reface your kitchen by adding new cabinet doors, handle hardware and inexpensive countertops. You can even do the work yourself with a fresh coat of paint or a new darker, modern stain on your cabinets. These are the affordable home renovations Ottawa buyers will love. They offer an instant update even though they are simply cosmetic.

Finished Basement

A finished basement offers much needed living space and privacy. Homeowners love finding unexpected treasures such as a guest bedroom and ensuite in a private basement area. This offers a place for guests to stay without interfering with the home owner’s privacy.

Upgraded Bath

A mobile friendly bathroom upgrade is very appealing to the growing sandwich generation. These buyers are seeking a new home to accommodate their own families and elderly parents. This type of upgrade makes it possible to care for elderly parents easily.

Selling a home can be very competitive. These five home renovation ideas will make your home top the list of potential buyers.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

It might seem a bit early to be speaking of holidays, but if you have big entertaining plans it is always better to be prepared before your guests come for a visit. Here are some renovation ideas on getting your home ready for the holidays:

Guest Bedroom

A guest bedroom could be better utilized as an actual bedroom rather than storage for unused clothes, unwanted electronics and unread books. You can easily turn the space into a welcoming sanctuary providing your guests with a quiet private space where they can go to relax, unwind, and sleep. Although guest bedrooms are often smaller spaces there are many ways you can make the space feel more comfortable such as painting it a warm colour, add soft lighting, and furnishing it with bedside tables, a desk, a small dresser and a comfortable bed for sleeping.

Finished Basement

Large family gatherings often include gaggles of children. Having a finished basement is a must when hosting guests and children, as they will have somewhere to play, and give their parents a bit of a break. You can look at additions such as comfy carpeting where kids can get down and play, a built in entertainment unit with a nice television and gaming equipment and if you do not have a guest room, consider adding built in banquettes that can be used as comfy beds to accommodate overnight guests. For the adults you can consider adding a wet bar and even a home theater where everyone can gather to hold a marathon of holiday movies and specials.

Mobility Friendly Bathroom

Family gatherings often include elderly people who may have difficulty using the bathroom. Additions to your main bathroom to make it mobility friendly can include bars near the toilet to make it easier to sit and stand, bars in the shower for overnight guests and if you have family members in a wheel chair you can even consider widening the doorway and including a sink that they will be able to reach easily.

Updated Kitchen

They say that every good party winds up in the kitchen and updating your kitchen will not only look better, but allow you to add some details conducive to entertaining such as an island with seating and a bar,

Having your home renovations and upgrades completed before the holidays will make your home the ultimate place for family gatherings.  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 the Cold Weather

Preparing Your Home for the Cold Weather

Ottawa residents are no strangers to harsh winters and getting your home winter ready is a must if you want to feel comfortable once that snow begins to fall. Tips for preparing your home for the cold weather:

 

Check the Windows

 

Your windows are not only designed to allow for natural light to enter your home, they also play a key role in keeping your home’s temperature comfortable. Windows can allow cold air to enter the home and warm air to leak, which means they are one of the first features of your home to check in the fall. Look for any noticeable issues such as separation from the walls, broken panes, loose or wobbly seals, etc. Use a caulking gun to seal up any obvious issues and if you feel an exceptional “breeze” consider speaking to the contractors Ottawa home owners hire to replace your old windows. Energy Star windows will keep you toasty warm and lower your energy bills to boot.

 

Create Extra Storage

 

Winter months can make a home feel very cramped, and with the addition of more layers of clothing, boots, hockey gear you’ll need somewhere to store it all, as well as your summer stuff. Fall is the perfect time of year to look for ways to introduce new storage space and organize your closets so your home stays neat. Consider adding closet organizers to your current closets or find a spot in your home such as the basement or entry to add new closets to accommodate your winter sprawl.

 

Clear Entry Ways

 

When the snow starts to fall you want to make sure you have easy access to entrances. Check the condition of your stairs and ramps for any signs of crumbling concrete and rotting wood as this can make entries very dangerous once the winter weather is in full swing. The contractors Ottawa home owners hire can make sure any issues with your entries are taken care of so you do not take the risk of anyone slipping and falling on your property.

 

Drafts

 

Your basement and attic are also vulnerable areas that should be checked for drafts. A contractor can ensure your home is properly insulated and also check the integrity of your basement to look for any issues.

These tips will keep your home cozy for that long, cold Ottawa winter ahead.  Why wait?  Fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

Creating a Warm & Inviting Living Space

Homes can often feel cold, unlived in and unwelcoming, thankfully there are several things you can do to make your home feel more comfortable. By creating a warm and inviting living space, your guests will feel more welcome when visiting, and are more likely to drop by for another visit. Here are some home renovations you should consider when creating a warm & inviting living space:

A Splash of Colour

Using warm colours such as beige, yellow, orange and pink will create a cozy and comfortable space. There are many ways to use colour to create interest such as using a darker colour on an accent wall. You can also install a chair rail and use a darker colour on the bottom and a complementary tone above. Wainscoting and bead board in white also work well with warm colours. Neutral warms are ideal to create a relaxing environment whereas the use of bolder warms can add drama or even a touch of playful fun.

Add Character

Newer homes tend to lack character. The cookie cutter approach to newer homes does not provide the workmanship and thought put into the design of older homes. Built-ins, wainscoting and crown moulding add substance to a home and the addition of substantial base boards, chair rails and other millwork create a sense of history and architectural detail. Hallways are an excellent and affordable place to add wainscoting for a more formal look and bead board works well to add charm. Built ins are great for entertainment centres in living rooms and basements and formal dining rooms are also ideal for built ins used to display fine china as well as the addition of a buffet for storage. Crown moulding should be added throughout your home to provide a finished look filled with character.

Fixtures and Finishes

The home renovations Ottawa home owners appreciate include the addition of higher end fixtures such as updated lighting and fireplaces. Ottawa contractors can give you an idea of what will work best, and will work with you to find something within your budget.

If you’re looking for an even more cozy feel try adding a gas fireplace to your living room, great room or basement. A bedroom with a fireplace also provides the ultimate retreat at the end of a long day.

The home renovations Ottawa home owners choose are designed to make your home warm and inviting.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Top Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

The Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

If you are about to embark on the home renovations Ottawa residents dream of, then you’ll want to be certain you understand the do’s and don’ts to avoid disappointment. Take a look at these suggestions for the top do’s and don’ts of home renovations:

Do:


Create a Decorating Idea: Going into even the simplest renovations Ottawa home owners undergo requires a good decorating plan to ensure the changes made reflect your sense of style.

Measure: It all boils down to the old adage, measure twice cut once. You don’t want to ruin your entire plans by being off by an inch on your kitchen counter measurements. This is frustrating and worse, costly.

Interview Contractors: You want to be certain you hire someone with the right skill set for your specific job therefore interviewing contractors is important in order to hire someone who can handle the renovations required.

Have Contingency Funds: Even the best contractor in the world cannot foresee every potential problem that might arise during a renovation. Therefore it is important to not only have a budget but a contingency fund to handle any surprises that might arise.

Organize: Make plans to work around the renovations so your family is still able to live as comfortable as possible until the work is complete.

Don’t:


Have Exposed Floors: When renovating it is imperative that you don’t leave your finished floors exposed, as many things throughout the process can damage them. Workers boots, heavy products and materials, and dust are just a few of the things that can cause a problem. Consider laying down old blankets or tarps to ensure your floors are thoroughly protected.

Throw Out Receipts: Keep each and every receipt for everything you buy and every service you hire in case of conflicts or a change of heart.

Buy Your Own Materials: Your contractor will get far better deals than you on materials. If you see something you like let them know and they will get it for you.

Skip the Prep Work: Great renovations Ottawa home owners love start with great beginnings. Skipping the prep works just means you are starting with a poorly planned execution which can only lead to trouble down the road.

Ignore the Accents: Factor in everything from light switch plates to lighting, back splashes to door knobs and everything in between. You don’t want to run out of money because you forgot about all of the finishing touches you will need from crown moulding to paint.

Using these top do’s and don’ts of home renovations will help keep your renovations under control.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

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