Remodel

brighten-up-its-summer

Brighten Up — It’s Summer!

Looking for some ways to brighten up your home this summer? This season is always such a welcoming time of year for reassessing your home and pinpointing areas that could use a refresh and reno. Consider some of these design tactics and ideas when sprucing up your home this summer.

Use Soft Palettes


Brightening the home during the summer means it’s time to lighten your palette. So refreshing your wall paint is always a good idea. When switching up your décor, we recommend sticking with a soft palette of colours that won’t absorb light and create dark spaces in the home. Off-whites, light greys, beige, cream, and other soft hues are great choices to consider.

Update Your Kitchen


The kitchen is the heart of the home. And, it’s where most of the family and friends end up congregating during those lovely summertime parties. So if your kitchen has been looking a little desolate and outdated, make this the year that you finally give it that facelift it needs. Just imagine new quartz countertops, chic lighting features, and contemporary cupboards that will modernize your home in no time.

Take Advantage of Natural Light


Does your home tend to look overshadowed and dark, even during the bright summer days? Updating your windows can help you maximize on natural light while updating the facade of your home. Incorporating new lighting features like pot lights can also help keep it looking bright and welcoming.

Add Some Natural Elements


Bringing in elements of the outdoors can make your home look refreshing and cozy. Installing hardwood flooring in the living room, or wooden cabinets in the kitchen are simple examples of ways to add in those warm natural tones and textures.

Spruce Up Your Basement


If you’re ready to transform your old basement into a family room, playroom, or even a games room, there’s no better time than now. Adding a fresh coat of paint, furniture, and installing soft carpeting can create a comfortable and inviting basement that you and the family can finally take advantage of.

When you’re ready to brighten up your home for the summer, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. Our handy, experienced team can tackle any of your home reno projects, including kitchen, bathroom, basement renovations and more. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help make you achieve your dream design.

6 Things You Can do With a Spare Bedroom

6 Things You Can do With a Spare Bedroom

If you’ve just had your eldest child move out to attend college, (or if you’ve simply upgraded to a larger home), chances are you’re going to be looking at the spare bedroom wondering what to do with it. With so much free space, the options are endless. All you have to do is use your imagination! To help get your creative juices flowing, here are six things you can do with a spare bedroom.

Studio


If you have a musician, dancer, fitness trainer or photographer in the house, why not turn your spare bedroom into a studio for their use? You can even design it out to function for a bunch of activities. A professional reno company can show you how you can get the most out of your studio space to appease everyone in your home.

Massive Walk-in Closet


When your kids are all grown up and you already have a guest-room, why not turn the spare bedroom into a massive walk-in closet? Imagine having an entire room customized to contain and organize all of your gear.

Games Room


Who says you can’t have a ping-pong table in your bedroom? When you have extra space, you can fill it with whatever you want, and that includes ping pong, billiards, air hockey, or a foosball table.

Kids Playroom


A playroom for the kids is another excellent idea for the spare bedroom. The kids can enjoy their own play space while giving you the extra benefit of keeping the toys and the noise somewhat contained.

Library


If you or your partner has a love for books, why not create your own at-home library room? You can enjoy floor to ceiling shelving, comfy seating, and plenty of natural lighting all without having to leave the comforts of your home.

Zen Room


Imagine having a space where you can go to relax, unwind or practise some yoga. Having your own place to retreat can make a world of difference in helping you combat your everyday stress. A Zen room is the perfect way to easily transform an empty spare bedroom into your very own relaxation room.

If any of these ideas sound like the perfect solution to your empty bedroom, we can help you create it! At RenosGroup, our team can help turn any dull space into a functional and stylish one. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn how you can get started.

Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes

Avoiding Major Bathroom Remodelling Mistakes

Bathrooms seem like they should be a pretty easy renovation project. How hard can it be to update a 6”x6” room? The project seems so simple, it’s tempting to hire the cheapest guy in the phone book or even try your hand at a weekend DIY project.  These assumptions are all wrong. When you factor in important components like plumbing and lighting, not to mention the intricate work of laying tiles, even a small powder room can be a very complicated task. Fortunately, with a plan in place and the help of the pros at RenosGroup.ca, you will be avoiding major bathroom remodelling mistakes

Mistake: Not having a clear plan in place

You can’t make up a renovation as you go along! Demolish the old room one day, maybe pick up some fixtures once you’ve saved up enough funds, install the shower surround when you have the time…that’s no way to go about a bathroom renovation. You also can’t buy a supply of ceramic floor tiles only to decide partway through that you prefer the look of slate.

Solution: Make a detailed plan in advance – and stick to it

You can dream about your ideal bathroom design and materials for years, and sketch out as many layouts as you wish. But once you settle on it, stick with it. A detailed plan that includes everything from the tools and materials you need (and their cost) to a projected timeline will ensure that your bathroom remodel process goes smoothly.

Mistake: Failing to Budget

Close your eyes and picture your dream bathroom. Stunning marble flooring, a luxurious soaker tub, an eye-catching natural wood accent wall, maybe even a high-tech automated shower system. Now calculate how much this costs? If your budget calls for a “beer” bathroom and you’ve got “champagne” tastes, you need to re-evaluate.

Solution: Budget Honestly

Calculate the estimated cost of your budget, including materials, tools, and labour. When in down, overshoot on costs. Don’t forget to add wiggle room for things like broken tiles or the supplier delivering the wrong sized counter top. You’ll enjoy relief when you come in under budget, whereas coming over budget can range from minor stress to major financial disaster.

Mistake: Going it Alone

It doesn’t matter how many hours of HGTV you watch – you are not a professional bathroom renovator. If you’re lucky, maybe you just do a sloppy job with the paint and reverse the hot/cold taps by accident. If you’re unlucky, maybe you burst a pipe or heaven forbid electrocute yourself. It’s not worth it.

Solution: Choose RenosGroup.ca

Don’t cut corners with your bathroom remodel project. From the earliest stages of imagining the layout to estimating costs through to completion, RenosGroup.ca will handle the project with professionalism and care.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Types of Renos Which Do Always Increase Your Home’s Value

Types of Renos Which Do Always Increase Your Home’s Value

No two renos are equal when it comes to increasing your home’s value. And in our last article, we showed you how some of the most popular renos don’t really make the grade when it comes to adding more value to your home. So now it’s time to dive into the second part to tell you the types of renos, which will always increase your home’s value.

Here are the top five improvements that we believe make a real difference in the purchase price.

Kitchen


The kitchen is often the place a family will spend the most time in. It’s considered to be the heart of the home where people cook together, eat together, and congregate throughout the day. It’s also the room that has a variety of renovation opportunities that can greatly increase the value of your home. Improvements like adding more functional space, an island, energy efficient appliances, more counter space, and bigger cabinets, all can be done to transform your kitchen into a space that buyers will pay more for.

Bathroom


The bathroom is also a room that gets a fairly decent return on investment. And a simple reno can provide lots of added worth without requiring extensive costs. Updating your dated bathroom with some fresh paint, a new floor, a functional vanity and modern fixtures can go a long way.

Flooring


A shiny modern floor can really catch a buyer’s attention. So if your current flooring is made up of cracked tiling or dingy carpeting, it might be time to replace it with new materials. A picky buyer who puts design and aesthetics near the top of their list will be willing to pay more for a home that has beautiful flooring. To get the most bang for your buck, try using trendy materials like wood tiles, stone, and cork that looks much more expensive than they are to purchase.

Finished Basement or Attic


Adding more space to your home is one of the best ways to improve your home’s value. By finishing your basement or renovating your attic into an extra living space, you can change your home from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom and bring an even larger return on investment, especially if it can be used as a rental suite.

Windows And Doors


Improving your home’s curb appeal and adding energy efficient features can attract more buyers too. Replacing your windows and doors is one of the best ways to achieve both factors. Buyers like to know they will be saving on their energy bills right from the get-go and won’t have to replace any dated materials in the near future.
When you’re ready to make a new home transformation, we can help you design it and build it.

At Renosgroup.ca, we are your one-stop shop for complete home renovations. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today and let us tell you more about how you can improve your home value with a reno project this year.

Types of Renos Which Don’t Always Increase Your Home’s Value

Types of Renos Which Don’t Always Increase Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking about renovating your home this year, you should first ask yourself why. If your answer is to increase the purchase price, then you should first understand that not every renovation will add value to your home. That’s why it is wise to talk to a professional first to make sure you’re making the right decision for your goals. But until then, here’s a little information to help you get a better idea of the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value.

Swimming Pools

Many potential buyers see a swimming pool as a danger to their children and also an expensive item to maintain. Inground swimming pools are also very expensive to put in and fill, which is a cost that you may never recoup when you go to sell your house.

High-End Remodels

Before you decide to do a pricey remodel to make your house the biggest and nicest on the block, you need to consider the average sale price in your neighbourhood first. For instance, if the largest house on your block sold for only $150,000, you probably won’t be getting much more than that when you sell, especially if the others homes in the area are much smaller. If the only reason you’re adding a large second story or new addition is to improve your sale value, you should maybe think again.

Expensive Carpeting

Beautiful carpeting can transform the look of your home, but it doesn’t always increase the value. Not everyone likes carpeting. Some people prefer natural hardwood or tiles. It is also a very personal design choice, and the colour and style you choose may not suit other people’s preferences. And considering that carpet is expensive to buy and install, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recoup the cost by the time you go to sell your home.

Types of Renos Which Don’t Always Increase Your Home’s Value | RenosGroup.ca

Gardens And Landscaping

Another type of reno that doesn’t often increase your home’s value is landscaping. Not everyone will enjoy the same selection of plants and design choices that you do, and they may even end up seeing a garden as an actual drawback or burden to upkeep.

Bold Design Choices

Trying to be trendy isn’t always be easy to pull off. Bright wall colours, abstract patterns, and custom designs can turn off potential buyers that don’t share your tastes. Instead, keep wall colours and patterns as neutral as possible if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Backyard Features

A brand new backyard deck may add to the aesthetics, but it might not be exactly what the buyer had in mind. So don’t go overboard with backyard features. If things need repairing, you should definitely spend the money to fix any cracks or deteriorated items, but don’t spend thousands of dollars on something that may not appeal to the next homeowner.

Don’t make the mistake of spending thousands of dollars on a renovation hoping it will add more value to your home without talking to an expert first. A bit of extra time researching and seeking the advice from the experts can end up saving you a lot of time, money and aggravation.  If you want to learn more about the types of renos which don’t always increase your home’s value contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

Knowing that your kitchen needs an upgrade can often be a lot easier to determine than knowing exactly how to upgrade and design it. And sifting through endless kitchen design magazines can easily become overwhelming. So to help make it easier and clearer for you to decide, we’ve profiled 5 popular kitchen styles to give you some great inspiration without overwhelming you during the process.

Farmhouse Kitchen Style

Homeowners can’t get enough of the quaint, cozy home-grown vibes of the farmhouse kitchen style – and neither can we! Warm, rich, distressed wood, big basin-style sinks, exposed brick, vintage appliances, open shelving and a big kitchen table for family dinners make this a classic design that will always remain timeless.

Chic, Clean & Modern Kitchen Style

If clean lines, minimalistic décor and chic appliances speak to you, then the modern kitchen style is the way to go. This is an increasingly popular design preference as more efficient appliances, and cabinetry enter the marketplace. Think of frameless cabinets, simple and sleek hardware, a blend of natural materials and strong lines framing the layout.

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

Contemporary Kitchen Style

Similar to the modern style, contemporary designs offer more room for playful elements and finishes. This style can blend the sleek, sharp modern form with dashes of warmth from more traditional designs such as a mixture of materials like wood or stone, and colour in the cabinetry or countertops.

Industrial Kitchen Style

Another popular kitchen style is the industrial look. Unfinished concrete flooring, sharp lines, mixed with rustic elements like dark wooden cabinetry, metallic shelving, and exposed lighting features, make this a style a unique yet warm design.

Spanish Kitchen Style

Colourful tiling along the countertop or walls, arched windows, and warm-wooden cabinets make the Spanish revival kitchen style inviting and extremely popular.  If you’re looking to add more colour and character to your kitchen, this is for you!

It can be challenging to take on a kitchen upgrade when you’re unsure of what you really want. And with all of the options available today, it can be more stress-inducing than helpful. But it’s important to nail down your preference of kitchen style before you begin with the reno. Whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial or something more Mediterranean – figure out which of these popular kitchen styles speaks to you and then contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427.  We have handymen that can take care of it all for you.

5 Essential Elements of a Chef's Kitchen Renovation

5 Essential Elements of a Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Just because you don’t have your own restaurant, doesn’t mean you can’t feel proud about being the master chef at home. If the kitchen is where you find joy, then why not bring some more love into this space by creating your own chef’s kitchen right at home? You may never get the chance to show off your culinary delights in a five-start Michelin, but really, who cares when you get to be the head chef for your family and friends? If cooking is where your heart lies, then making the effort and investment to create a chef’s kitchen is well worth it.

When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen, make sure to add these 5 essential elements of you chef’s kitchen renovation project.

Ample Amount Of Room


If you ever peak back behind the scenes at a restaurant, often you can see chefs fluttering around the kitchen in an almost orchestrated rhythm. So the first necessary element for a proper kitchen is to have ample amount of room for both you and anyone involved to move around in. Having an open floor layout is essential. If you have partition walls separating your kitchen from your guests in a neighbouring room, think about how you can eliminate them in your design and add in an island instead to place your culinary skills on display as you interact with your loved ones.

Gas Cook Range


For any chef – whether at home or in a restaurant, the stove is often where most of the magic happens. So, naturally, you need it to excel in performance with this appliance. When taking on your chef’s kitchen renovation, don’t skip out of the appliances that matter. Having a gas cook range that operates with a high British thermal unit (that’s above the average 7,000 Btu) provides larger, hotter flames, with a grill to go alongside it.

Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Large Sink And Extendable Faucet


With the amount of pots and pans getting used up on a regular basis, having at least two large basin sinks is extremely helpful. You can add these features to the island, or simply add them into your current layout. Just be sure to add in an extendable faucet that can allow you to reach the hose into areas easily.

Sufficient Storage To Organize Your Equipment


For a chef, the knives, spatulas, spoons, flambé torch and all of the other gadgets and gizmos that get used on a regular basis are your essential tools. And keeping them organized and stored away properly and conveniently is essential. Keeping the kitchen organized with a flow that makes sense to you is all about adding in those necessary pull-out drawers, Lazy Susan’s and other organizers to keep your tools stored away properly. Keep this in mind during the renovation to incorporate enough cabinetry and units to make your kitchen work for your culinary rhythm.

Finishing Touches


If the kitchen is where you truly feel at home, then make it truly your own by adding in those finishing touches that you love. Install elegant pot lights along the ceiling, place your favourite copper pots on display, add in that luxurious granite countertop you’ve been dreaming of working on.  Make it yours!

Get creative and use these other key elements to help make your dream chef’s kitchen renovation into a reality that you can enjoy everyday at home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Downsides of a DIY Remodel

5 Downsides of a DIY Remodel

Thinking of taking on a DIY remodel? Well, you might want to think again before jumping into that. As great as those Youtube videos may seem, the reality is that DIY projects can be much more of a hassle and simply not worth the amount of time and aggravation it can end up requiring. When it comes to home projects like a bathroom upgrade or remodelling the interior, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals.

Following DIY instructions to take on something that you may not be equipped for – such as plumbing, demolishing, or rebuilding – can be dangerous and can end up costing you much more in the long run if something goes wrong.

So if you’re teetering on that DIY debate, consider the 5 downsides of a DIY remodel first.

Calculating The Real Cost

With the amount of DIY videos that are fluttering around online, it’s hard not to get caught up in that DIY fever. And one of the main motivating reasons why many homeowners take on these home projects is to save some of their hard earned money. But the reality is that it’s often not as much of a frugal path as they were hoping for.

There are many projects that can cost much more in reality, and the fact is that many experienced, reputable contractors have connections to suppliers that offer discounts to keep costs lower. Plus, when you begin to factor in the amount of time you’ll have to spend in between your full-time job, the question should always be, is it really, really worth it?

Take the time to analyze these factors and determine if the time, effort, and supplies really outweigh the benefits of hiring a professional contractor who can get the job done for you.

Downsides of a DIY Remodel

Safety First

Safety should always be an important priority to consider. Do you have the necessary skills to take on this DIY remodel project? Can you safely take care of the plumbing or electrical wiring for those necessary features? It’s important to recognize when something is out of your repertoire of skills and when certain tasks should only be dealt with by a trained and license professional.

Can You Handle The Mess?

Professional, experienced contractors not only have the skills to take on necessary projects safely, but they also know how to manoeuvre themselves, labourers, and supplies in such a way that won’t leave a massive mess for you to deal with. Containing any mess is often a part of the job. So if you can’t handle the idea of living with a mess to deal with after struggling through your DIY, then it’s worth your time to opt out of taking it upon yourself to do.

Staying Within Your Budget

Staying within your budget can also become extremely challenging when you’re unsure of where and what the best strategy is for obtaining the necessary supplies. A contractor can recommend materials and supplies that can achieve your vision, while maintaining your set budget.

Finding The Time

Ask yourself if you really have the time to spare? Remember, any project usually takes more time than initially thought – especially when you take it upon yourself to do. If you barely have the time to spare for yourself, then finding time for your DIY remodel can lead to a lot of stress and aggravation.

As tempting as a DIY project may seem, in the end, many homeowners realize that it really isn’t worth the time, aggravation and energy it requires. Save yourself the headache and call the professionals at RenosGroup.  If you want to learn more about the downsides of a DIY remodel don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

6 Bathroom Design Trends That Have People Talking

6 Bathroom Design Trends That Have People Talking

Considering how often the bathroom gets used each day, you want it to look good. And having old and out-dated fixtures can be uninspiring and down right depressing to look at. If you’re sick of your dated bathroom and ready to make some changes, take note of these six bathroom design trends that have people talking!

French Door Shower

We all love the look of French doors – they’re delicate, sleek and classy – so why not incorporate them into your shower design? The combination of those windowed frames and glass really heighten the chicness in any setting. It creates a great statement piece while still serving the same purpose by keeping water contained. So you can say good-bye to that old shower curtain and hello to doors you can stare at all day!

Round Vanity Mirrors

Adding a round vanity to your bathroom and ditching the old rectangular look is a quick and inexpensive way to change up the décor and boost the appeal of your bathroom space.

Bathroom Renovation Ottawa - Pellan Cres

Vessel Sink

In case you haven’t noticed, vessel sinks are one of the main bathroom design features that homeowners can’t get enough of today. It’s eye-catching and modern with a distinct touch of old-world charm. It’s the perfect addition that provides that modern and slightly vintage flare.

In-Shower Plants

Ever think about hanging a plant of two in the shower? Aside from it being a convenient place to water, hanging plants adds a natural punch of colour, while also purifying the air and encouraging those blissful relaxation vibes when you’re soaking in the tub.

Playful Tile

More homeowners are getting creative with their bathroom tiles. Today you’ll find everything from black and white retro tile decking the floors, to playful, colourful designs like vintage blue countertops. This is a popular way to add some flare and colour to your bathroom design that’s different, bold and beautiful.

Rustic Vintage Vanities

The interior design world just can’t get enough of rustic vintage wood. And now, you can find it creeping into bathroom designs as well. We can’t get enough of this look – slightly refurbished rustic vanities that show that stressed wood, with classic drawer handles to finish them off perfectly. Together with a vessel sink and vintage faucets, you’ll be finding a lot more reasons to hang out in your bathroom.

If you’re tired of staring at your dated bathroom design several times a day, then it’s time for an upgrade. Use these stunning bathroom design trends to help get you inspired, and when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to help make your vision a reality.

Hottest Basement Trends

Hottest Basement Trends

Basement renos and remodelling have grown in popularity over the past few years as homeowners become more inclined to make use of that entire square footage. Whether it’s an entertainment hub for the family, a place for the kids to hang out, or your own special spot to have the friends over for cocktails, here are some of 2017’s hottest basement renovation trends that are leading the way this year.

Open Concept


Think the open concept has passed? Think again! When it comes to basement floor plans, the open concept is a keeper. Tearing down those dividing walls and taking advantage of the expansive space is not only beneficial from a design standpoint, but also for promoting air flow and allowing as much natural light to filter in from the windows.

An Integral Part of the Home


In the past, the basement was often a forgotten space. It was commonly used for storage, setting up an extra spot for extended family to stay during the holidays, or an unfinished den where your teenage kids would retreat to with their friends in tow. Well, not anymore.

Now, we’re seeing an increasing trend where homeowners are honing in on that once forgotten space. It’s now being transformed into an integral part of the home and an extension of the upstairs living space. So naturally, you will find just as much attention to detail, design, and décor throughout the basement layout as you would in the main living room.

Home Theatre & Media Room


Some homeowners are even taking full advantage of the basement space by cranking up the luxury factor and adding in elements they can really indulge in like an enclosed home theatre and a media room. This is where the serious media enthusiast can get pampered.

The Basement Bar & Sports Center


Imagine having your own personal sports bar, right in your own home! If you’re bored with the idea of creating another bedroom or zone for the kids, why not make it your own space to kick back and relax with your friends while you take in all the sports action? You can create the ultimate sports lounge with a customized bar, paired with some exceptionally comfy seating, a widescreen to blow your mind, and even a few entertainment pieces like a pool table.

If you can dream it, you can create it – and that goes for your basement. If you’re bored with the idea of wasting it on storage or another bedroom that you simply don’t need, claim that space and transform it into something you truly want. When you’re ready, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427  RenosGroup.ca to help keep up to date with the hottest basement trends

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Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
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