Ottawa

Bad Renovation

The After Effects of a Bad Renovation

From DIY disasters to hiring a contractor without the required experience a bad renovation can leave your home in unlivable conditions with dangers you might not even know exist until a tragedy occurs. An inexperienced or really inexpensive contractor can leave you with a bad renovation that could not just be unappealing to the eye, but also do serious damage to your home putting your family in danger. Some of the after effects of a bad renovation can include:

Unplanned Costs


Going over budget is actually one of the best of the worst things that can happen. However, this will affect you financially and put a real dent in your savings, hike up your credit cards, deplete your line of credit and worst of all could have a negative effect on your credit rating which can stay with you for years. Even worse is having your Ottawa renovations performed so poorly you have to hire a second company to come in to fix everything at your expense. This is one of the most popular techniques used by shady contractors, get in the door with low pricing, then hit them with every additional they can think of.

Inconvenience


Hiring a contractor without the right experience can turn your Ottawa renovations into a never ending nightmare with you living in turmoil as your contractor stumbles through the job for months, imagine living without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for months on end and the stress it will place on your family. When you hire an inexperienced contractor they might have every intention of completing your project and may even do a good job but disorganization, lack of funds to hire the right people for the job and overall inexperience in time management can mean months of inconvenience. In even worse scenarios the job might be completed on time but performed so poorly you have to have the job redone leading to more inconveniences not to mention the cost.

Disagreements


An inexperienced contractor is more likely to run into disagreements with the way things happened which can lead to the wrong work being done, the wrong quote being provided and often the wrong decisions being made. Any of these scenarios can lead to disaster leaving you in the lurch with a job you are not happy with and a bill you do not want to pay.

Taking the time to do your research and being careful to recognize that the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice will help you avoid a renovation nightmare.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

finding-a-trusted-contractor

Finding a Trusted Contractor

When you are preparing to make improvements to your home you are investing a lot of money to see your dream become a reality. This means you want to be 100 percent certain you hire a trusted contractor who will complete the project and avoid any disasters requiring a call to Mike Holmes. There are a number of ways to find contractors Ottawa trusts to lessen your worries including:

Read Reviews

If you want to find a contractor who has performed their services without any problems one of the easiest places to start is to read reviews. The internet is the perfect resource to provide you with all the information you require when it comes to outstanding service. You will find positive and negative comments on reviews from many different websites and a good place to start is often the contractor’s own website. They will offer before and after pictures as well as reviews and testimonials from their happy clients. You can then do further research by entering their company name and the word “reviews” and see what pops up.

Word of Mouth

Most stellar contractors build their reputation on their own hard work. This is where word of mouth comes into play. Ask around and find out if anyone has used any contractors Ottawa home owners had recommended to them or that they themselves would recommend you try. This will help you find a few names to contact as well as to do further research. Nothing is more convincing than hearing first hand from someone you know and trust that a contractor has performed a project well and you can even ask if you can stop by their home to see the work for yourself.

Trusted Resources

You can also look at the contractor’s website and see if they are recommended by the Better Business Bureau or are members of any associations. You can look for credentials for training and also research their name on search engines and see if there are any reviews. If you have the actual owner’s name you can check that out as well in case they have worked under different business names in the past that might reveal some shady practices. The more research you do the more information you’ll discover, whether it be raving reviews, or negative reviews explaining in detail the problem and situation.

If you are thorough enough you are certain to find contractors Ottawa homeowners can trust.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Bathtub vs a Tub Liner

New Bathtub vs Tub Liner

We highly recommend that when homeowners are going through a bathroom renovation that they replace their bath with a new bathtub vs a bath liner. This is for several reasons:

Access to the Tub Drain, Overflow & P-trap

Many bathtubs and drains are made from cast iron or other metals that can rust, rot and overtime the metal drains can become very brittle. This can cause the bathtub drain to break from trying to loosen it before installing a new tub liner. This same issue may occur when trying to tighten the new drain. The tub drain can snap without the installer having any idea of what has happened, and may cause either major or sometimes minor leaks that will not start showing up for at least a week or more.

Access to the Tile Backer Board

Many times we find the drywall where the tub walls meet the bathtub to be mouldy. When installing a new bathtub we completely remove this area giving us a good view of any mold or any other issues that may be a problem. When installing a new liner this does not happen, so there is always a chance there may be mold growing.

Full Access to the Subfloor

Over time the subfloor can weaken from moisture and regular use. It’s also the possible that the floor beneath your tub is not up to today’s standard building code if you live in an older home. By removing the existing tub we can check this for you and reinforce the floor if required.

Tub Liners will Soon be Obsolete

The majority of new homes or recently renovated homes feature some form of plastic (usually acrylic) bathtubs. Tub liners can only be installed over steel or cast iron bathtubs, this makes installing a liner on top of a plastic bathtub impossible.

Resale Value

Real estate and homeowners agree that a tub liner is not as appealing as a bathtub, and it does not add value to the home. In part, this is because potential homeowners are worried about water getting in between the bathtub and the tub liner, this is known in the industry as “soakers”. However, a new modern bathtub with custom acrylic walls will add the wow factor many homeowners are looking for.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

3-tips-for-your-basement-renovation

3 Tips for Your Basement Remodel

An unfinished basement isn’t fun for anyone as it is usually left as a disorganized mess providing nothing but a dumping ground for old toys and holiday decorations. Instead of letting it go to waste here are three tips to follow when undergoing a basement remodel Ottawa homeowners love:

Keep it Warm


Basements tend to feel cold and unwelcoming when they are not properly finished. When going through a basement remodel stick to warm colours on the wall and select welcoming carpet or engineered hardwood to create a cozy space your family and friends will want to use. You have to consider your basement as additional living space and design it to create an inviting area perfect for a home theatre, office, guest room or a play zone for the kids. Choose plush comfortable seating with plenty of throw pillows to make the room perfect for snuggling up and watching movies.

Make It Fun


Whether you’re interested in creating a kid friendly zone or a man cave, it is important that your basement is fun, entertaining and functional. The basement remodeling Ottawa homeowners undergo usually takes some thought, as they choose what is best for them. Play areas, offices, man caves, and sports zones are just a few ideas of how you can turn your basement into a fun, functional living space. Other ideas you can incorporate into your basement include an arts and crafts table, a wet bar, pool table, air hockey or even ping pong depending on the size of your basement, budget and the design theme.

Stay Modern


Basements tend to date themselves quite easily, so try to stay modern by keeping up with the current basement design trends. Look at the latest lighting, flooring and design details available such as fireplaces in order to create intimate, cozy spaces that you will all love. You can also consider adding some high end features such as a full bathroom complete with heated floors, a built in sound system for your home theatre and a full bar complete with sink and wine fridge. As well look at modern storage systems that will allow you to make the most of your space.

These three tips will make your Ottawa basement remodel quick and easy. Once your basement is finished you will have storage space that is organized and presentable as well as a living space you can use for the whole family to enjoy.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

What Should You Leave to the Pros

4 Reasons Why You Should Choose RenosGroup.ca

When Ottawa homeowners are in need of renovations, remodels or touch-ups to their homes they take time to find the Ottawa contractors they can trust. If you are looking for a professional, dependable contractor in Ottawa you need look no further than RenosGroup.ca. We are the Ottawa contractors that homeowners have been trusting for years to provide stunning upgrades and designs to create your dream home. Here are a few reasons you should choose RenosGroup.ca as your Ottawa home contractors:

We Do It All


Bathrooms, kitchen, basements, mobility, etc. That means you don’t have to hire one team to do your bathroom, another to finish your basement and yet another to install a ramp. You can speak to one contractor who will provide you with all of the services you need handling all of the best trades in the area to complete your job on time and on budget for complete peace of mind.

Polite


We’re extremely kind and courteous and pride ourselves on dealing with our customers in the same way we would expect to be treated. Each member of our team is trained to provide a specific service and understands the importance of customer satisfaction. You will see that we care about your project, your home, your safety and your family and we take the time to make sure you understand the process, have everything you need and feel comfortable having us working in your home.

We Create Your Dream Home


We make your design dreams a reality taking the time to listen to your needs and showing you what we can do to create the home you have always wanted. We understand design and will work with you to develop a plan that you will approve and then we will work diligently to complete each step perfectly down to the most finite details. We are not happy until you are happy.

Local


We’re a local business and take pride in our work having built our business on our reputation. We know that word of mouth is the best way to advertise our services and as locals we know that our work will speak volumes and therefore our work better be good!

If you are looking for Ottawa contractors you can trust call RenosGroup.ca or visit our website to learn how we can make your dreams become a reality.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Ways to Make your Kitchen Look Like New

4 Ways to Make your Kitchen Look Like New

Not everyone has the budget to undergo the complete kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners require to complete their dream home. However, these four simple changes can help make your kitchen look like new:

New Back Splashes

It might seem like an under whelming prospect but back splashes can add a major impact to a dull and outdated kitchen. You can make a minimum investment for maximum impact by choosing even the simplest back splash such as white subway tiles.

However, if you’re interested in making a bigger statement with a major change try mixing designs with matching colours and materials to create a stunning back splash unique to your home. There are so many choices it might be difficult to decide, however once you do decide between glass mosaics to stunning granite or marble you can take your kitchen out of the 80’s with the simple and very affordable addition of a fabulous updated back splash.

New Countertops

Even the most tired kitchen cabinets can suddenly appear brand new with the addition of upgraded countertops. Whether you opt for the stunning sparkle of granite or marble, or go for recycled glass products or even some of the excellent man-made materials, new countertops make an impact and design statement that is not easily ignored. When it comes to the kitchen renovations Ottawa home owners desire most, kitchen counters top the list and will upscale even the most tired kitchen.

Refaced Cabinets

You don’t have to go to the expense of tearing out kitchen cabinets that are in perfect condition but just look a little outdated. Re-facing your cabinets is an affordable and simple way to have a brand new kitchen with very little effort. With multiple design options available, re-facing will make it look like you have undergone a complete kitchen renovation in Ottawa.

Updated Small Appliances

Buying new major appliances can easily break the bank. However, replacing your small appliances won’t. Plan to replace small appliances one at a time starting with your microwave and then doing a new appliance each month. Look for items such as a new range hood, toaster, coffee maker and blender in modern designs using stainless steel or fun colours that will add punch to your kitchen.

These four simple updates will take little investment to make your kitchen look like new.  We’ve got an expert team of specialists, free in-home consultations, and transparent contracts. 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-renovations

6 Ways to Make your Renovations Eco-Friendly

Just because you are working with a professional renovations team in Ottawa doesn’t mean you can’t find eco-friendly ways to improve your home. Here are six ways you can make your renovations eco-friendly:

Reuse


You know the term “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle“; well it now includes “Rethink”. When adding professional renovations to your home consider ways you can reduce the amount of garbage you are sending to the landfill by rethinking what you have to tear out and what you can reuse.

A kitchen is a perfect example. If your cabinets are sound you can reface them for the same effect without the need to completely tear everything out. You can also do the same for bathroom vanities. Look at items such as old doors and consider if they can be made into something like a headboard or even a table. Rethinking the way you look at items in your home can really reduce garbage as well as allow you to reuse items that will save you money.

Sustainability


This is the new buzz word of the home decor world. Look for sustainable materials such as bamboo and cork floors, and recycled glass for countertops or back splash and bathroom tiles to cut down on the depletion of our natural resources.

Local


Working with a local professional renovations team from the Ottawa area, as well as local suppliers will not only help your local economy but also lessen transportation demands. This in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels involved in the delivery of your goods as well as the staff traveling to and from your job site. This then reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduce


You can reduce your energy and water consumption by choosing eco-friendly fixtures and HVAC equipment as well as Energy Star Appliances, windows and doors. Look for low flow toilets and shower heads for the bathroom and energy efficient appliances for the kitchen and laundry room. Not only is this good for the environment, but it will also save you a lot of money on heating/air conditioning and energy.

Low VOC


Ask your professional renovations team to use low VOC paints and finishes to keep your home environment free of toxins. Use natural materials in carpeting such as wool.

Think Small


Consider the finite details and make sure your professional renovations team is using eco-friendly light bulbs, sealing up leaky doors and windows with caulking and saving materials wherever possible.

These six considerations will keep your renovations eco-friendly and help save the planet.  To reach out, 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

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