Renovations

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

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.

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.

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Water and a slippery surface make for very dangerous conditions. Your bathroom can be quite hazardous especially for the young, elderly and disabled. If you would like to make your bathroom a safer place for your family, RenosGroup can provide a number of minor renovations that will help you avoid accidents.

Hand Rails/Grips

It can be extremely difficult at times getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, especially if the floor is slick and if there is nothing to hold on to. Hand rails and grips can be placed on the bathroom walls to allow for easy access in and out of the tub. In certain cases it is also a good idea to add them beside the toilet to make it easier for people to sit and stand. Rails are textured to allow for a sturdy grip without the fear of your hands slipping.

Making the Bathroom a Safe Place

Hand rails offer numerous benefits beyond mobility assistance.

  • Increased Confidence: The assurance of support fosters a sense of confidence and independence, especially for individuals with balance issues.
  • Reduced Risk of Falls: Rails reduce the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer environment for everyone using the bathroom.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that loved ones have the necessary support promotes peace of mind for both users and caregivers.

Invest in safety; invest in well-being.

Handrails and grips are not just safety features; they are investments in well-being and independence. Incorporating them into your bathroom, creates a space that fosters confidence, dignity, and peace of mind for all users.

Acrylic Bathtubs/Showers

Traditional bathrooms involve intricate tile work which can be very expensive and slippery. Thankfully, acrylic baths and shower walls are an affordable and safer option. These acrylic instillations can be completed in as little in one day, which greatly cuts down on man hours, and labour costs. You can also add special safety features such as bars and handrails and non-slip tub or shower floors.

Acrylic to the Rescue:

Thankfully, acrylic bathtubs and shower walls offer a compelling alternative. They are:

  • Affordable: Compared to the cost of materials and installation for tile, acrylic offers a much more budget-friendly option.
  • Safer: The inherent non-slip properties of acrylic minimize the risk of slips and falls, creating a safer bathroom environment.
  • Quick Installation: Unlike tile, which can take days to install, acrylic tubs and showers can be completed in as little as one day, reducing disruption and labor costs.
  • Customization Options: Don’t think that “affordable” means sacrificing style. Acrylic comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match your bathroom’s design.

Enhanced Safety Features:

While acrylic itself is safer than tile, you can further enhance safety by incorporating additional features:

  • Grab Bars and Handrails: Strategically placed bars and rails provide added support for entering, exiting, and maneuvering within the shower or bathtub.
  • Non-Slip Tub/Shower Floors: Invest in textured or etched tub or shower floors for even greater slip resistance.

Non-slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring in the bathroom instantly adds a huge safety factor that can take many worries off of your mind. Although you may think a bath mat or towel on the floor might do the trick, this is just one other thing people can slip on. Non-slip flooring in the bathroom makes gives your wet feet something easy to grip that can save you and your family from slips and falls.

Non-slip bathroom flooring is not just a safety upgrade; it’s an investment in the well-being of everyone using your bathroom. By prioritizing safety, you create a space that fosters confidence, independence, and peace of mind. So, step confidently into a safer future with the right non-slip flooring solution.

Additional Tips:

  • Place bath mats strategically near shower and bathtub exits, but ensure they have a non-slip backing.
  • Regularly clean and maintain your chosen flooring material to maximize its slip resistance.
  • Consult with a flooring professional to discuss your specific needs and the best options for your bathroom.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and safe bathroom environment for all.

Lots of Open Space

If mobility is an issue RenosGroup can offer suggestions on how you can open up your bathroom allowing for easier wheelchair access. Extra space also works well for those with walkers.

When mobility is a concern, making the most of your bathroom space becomes crucial. At RenosGroup, we understand the importance of accessibility and can offer various solutions to transform your bathroom into a safe and comfortable haven.

Open Up the Doorway:

  • Widen the entrance: Aim for a minimum doorway width of 36 inches (91 cm) to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers comfortably.
  • Consider alternative doors: Sliding doors or pocket doors eliminate swinging door clearance issues and maximize usable space.

Clear the Clutter:

  • Minimize unnecessary furniture and fixtures: Evaluate whether every item serves a purpose and remove anything that creates obstacles.
  • Utilize wall-mounted storage: Opt for shelves, cabinets, and towel racks mounted on walls to keep the floor clear for easy maneuvering.
  • Choose transparent shower doors: This helps visually expand the space and creates a feeling of openness.

Heat Lamp

Heat lamps are also a great idea as they can help you dry off more quickly. This means there will be less chance of water dripping when you get out of the tub or shower. It will also make it easier to towel dry and keep you warmer on chilly days.

Beyond Drying Off:

While drying off quickly is certainly a benefit, heat lamps offer more than just practicality:

  • Warmth on Demand: Especially on colder days, the gentle warmth of a heat lamp instantly makes your bathroom more inviting and comfortable.
  • Relaxation and Soothing: The radiant heat can contribute to a more relaxing and spa-like experience, easing muscle tension and promoting circulation.
  • Reduced Risk of Slips and Falls: By minimizing the time spent wet on slippery surfaces, heat lamps potentially contribute to a safer bathroom environment.

Choosing the Right Heat Lamp:

  • Size and wattage: Select a heat lamp appropriate for your bathroom size and desired level of warmth.
  • Safety features: Opt for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
  • Style and placement: Choose a design that complements your bathroom’s aesthetics and position it strategically for optimal coverage.

These simple renovations will make your bathroom a safer place for the entire family.  Why not give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

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.

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.

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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