Renovations

4 Biggest Interior Design Trends Today

Ready to switch up your décor this summer? Wondering what the biggest interior design trends are today? We’ve scoured the market to bring you the hottest styles, colours, and decor features so you can update your home with a fresh, modern look this season. Here’s the low down on what’s turning heads in the design world this year.

Wide Wooden Planks


Wood is a classic material that is always warm, rich, and inviting in any space. But this year, one particular trend has been gaining popularity — wide 5-inch (or so) wooden planks. This expansive style of wooden flooring stretches back to the 19th century, providing a rustic, old-world charm in homes today. If you’re looking to change up your flooring, consider this trend to compliment your industrial or old vintage style beautifully.

Bold and Beautiful Colours


In recent years, neutral tones were all the rage when it came to the most prominent interior design trends. And, although they’re still a favourable choice among designers, bright and bold colours are making a comeback. This year, you can push past your neutral boundaries and choose an exciting colour to liven up your space. Some specific trending colours include bright reds, strong blues, mellow yellows, and vibrant greens. So go big and go bold by adding a colourful feature wall or adding splashes through your finishing touches to bring more colour into your home.

Metal and Dark Finishes


Copper, bronze, rose gold, black nickel — metals and dark finishes are how homeowners and designers are choosing to accessorize today. Whether it’s brass handles on the kitchen cabinets or gold faucets in the bathroom, these metallic touches create an undeniably luxurious look, especially when they’re paired with darker finishes.

Vintage Accents


Vintage accents continue to be one of the biggest interior design trends today, whether it’s oriental rugs, oversized farmhouse-style kitchen sinks, antique furniture, or touches of Victorian-style accessories. We recommend doing a little research to pinpoint the specific era that you love and then search for hidden gems through garage sales, down at a local antique store, or even by refurbishing that old dresser that you dislike. Vintage accents add depth and personality to a home, so take the time to find those special touches that you love.

If you’re eager to remodel your home this summer, consider how some of these popular trends will look in your home. When you’re ready to get started with your interior design makeover, give us a call! Our handy team at RenosGroup.ca can customize the look of your home with experienced and reliable service. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Renovations: Function or Style First?

When it comes to your home renovations, you may be asking yourself whether function or style should go first. The answer is both! Personalizing the style of your design while focusing on the function that you need from it, will help you make far better decisions during your remodelling process. Take a look at these ideas that can help you bring modern style and function into your home.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is one of — if not the — focal areas of the home. It’s where the culinary magic happens and, it’s often where most people congregate. So function and style are both essential aspects when redesigning this space. If you’re remodelling your kitchen, take some time to consider factors like the countertop space, the flow of the layout, the location of pots and pans, the size of the sink and whether it all serves your needs well. Combine this with personalized design touches that you enjoy, like brass fixtures or dark wood cabinetry, and you can have the best of both worlds.

The Bathroom

Similar to the kitchen, the bathroom is a room that’s frequently used in the home for a specific purpose. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and transform it into your own little spa-like oasis. The function is already a central element here no matter what, so it really comes down to how you choose to style certain areas of the bathroom. You can really customize your design by focusing on areas like the shower, tub, faucets, floor and vanity.

The Basement

If you have an unfinished basement, now’s the time to finally take that leap and remodel it into a space that you or the kids can use. But first, take some time to really consider what you need. Since the basement is somewhat removed from the main floor of the house, it lets you get creative with its style and function. Whether you’ve been dreaming of having your personal at-home gym, or a playroom for the kids, or even a games room and bar to entertain family or friends, don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with this space.

Home renovations should always incorporate both function and style in order to provide a successful end result. So when you’re ready to tackle that basement, or update your kitchen, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. We are a family owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience behind our name. Our handy team can help you figure out your dream design and offer suggestions to maximize functionality. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to get started!

Our Top 5 Favourite Bathroom Reno Trends

If you’re ready to give your bathroom a facelift and are wondering what the hottest bathroom reno trends are right now, we’ve got you covered! From luxurious materials to modern twists on classic features, you can easily show off a little personality and flair in your new and improved bathroom. To help get you inspired, here are our top 5 favourite bathroom reno trends this year.

Efficiency And Small-Scale Luxury


For many homeowners, home designs today often involve tighter living spaces, and that includes the bathroom. As much as you’d love to have that soaker tub that’s featured in your favourite interior design magazine, it’s just not possible. But, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on luxury for the sake of size. With this growing small-scale layout, one of our favourite bathroom reno trends is focused on efficient design and smart storage, even for those tighter spaces. Efficient use of space is crucial to make your bathroom feel comfortable instead of cramped. Using smaller, yet aesthetically appealing elements like a smaller toilet, sink bowls, walk-in showers and floating shelves can allow you to achieve this.

Unique Tiles


Today, you can find so many stunning tile designs that can really make any space in your home stand out. Whether it’s glass tiles, bold colours or even textured tiling that can mimic wood, the options are endless. So take advantage and make your bathroom reno personalized and unique by getting creative with the tiling to create those bold accents.

Brass & Gold


Brass and gold coloured fixtures are making a strong comeback this year also.  Forget about the tacky trends of the 80s and 90s. Today, you can find warmer tones that look chic, classic and luxurious. Different finishes range from satin, matte, spun gold and more to add some unique flair to your faucets.

High-Tech Bathrooms


Of course, with the rapid tech-based evolution that’s occurring these days, we can’t forget about the bathroom. The growing trend of high-tech bathrooms includes toilets with features like seat warmers, adjustable air dryer, deodorizer, automatic lids openers and more. You can also find heated flooring and even smart showers that can automatically remember and adjust the temperature to your liking. The future is here, and it can be a part of your new bathroom design!

Floating Vanities


Functionality and design must go hand in hand with any update, and that’s why floating vanities have been growing in popularity this year. Whether you have a large bathroom or small, they can free up more floor space and customized for height, while adding a stylish and impressive focal feature into your design.

And there you have our top favourite bathroom reno trends for this year! With so many impressive and exciting elements to play with, you can create the perfect design you’ve been dreaming of. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427.  We can take care of it all for you!

The Most Common Reno Jobs

Ever wonder what the most common reno jobs are these days? It may surprise you to learn what the top requests are from homeowners.  To find out what renovation projects we do most for our customers, check out our top seven common renos list.

Bathroom Reno


Probably the most commonly reno job is a bathroom upgrade. And it’s not really surprising as many older homes are still sporting 80s styled pastels and tacky patterned tiling. With all the upgraded materials and spa-like fixtures available today, you can finally say goodbye to your green coloured tub and hello to a design that showcases your personal style at a price you can afford.

Kitchen Remodel


The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its no wonder why it’s on the list of the most common reno jobs. Adding an island, beautiful countertops, stainless steel appliances, and more cabinet space can go a long way when it comes to style and functionality. But today’s trends focus more on space organization and innovative decorative elements than ever before. Think sleek black stainless steel that hides fingerprints, scratchproof Dekton in place of granite, and stylish adhesive backsplashes that can be changed out in a flash.

Window And Doors


Many homeowners are now focused on finding ways to add more energy efficiency to their homes in order to cut down on their energy costs. Taking on a reno project to incorporate brand new windows and doors is one of the best ways to improve efficiency as well as adding more aesthetics to your home.

Addition


Expanding the home and adding another floor or section, is another one of the most common reno jobs today. For families who are expanding, a new addition can save them the pain of finding a new home and moving. It’s also a great way to get a better price on your home when you’re ready to sell.

Finished Basements


A finished basement is another excellent way to add more space to your home. And the best part is that there are endless opportunities for how you can utilize the extra room. Common conversions include creating an income-producing rental unit, a space for a playroom, entertainment area, office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom for an aging parent or the returning college student.

Flooring


That old plush carpet you have not only starts to look drab over time but can also contain a lot of dirt and mold deep within the fibres. It’s wise to get your carpet flooring replaced every five years or so. Beautiful looking flooring is also a great selling feature. Changing old tile or carpet to hardwood has also become a very popular request. Wood flooring comes in a variety of finishes and laminates, and also provides improved durability and improved aesthetics in any room.

Exterior Siding


Whether it’s time to replace old or damaged aluminum siding or to switch up the materials to a more modern style of stucco or cedar, exterior siding remains a prevalent reno project among homeowners.

And there you have some of the most common reno jobs that we tackle for homeowners today. When you’re ready to take your home to the next level with a transformative reno, we are your go-to renovation company in Ottawa. We handle a wide range of projects from the kitchen, bathroom, basement, exterior and additions. No matter what your vision, we can help you design your dream home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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

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

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

Reasons Why You Should Get Your Reno Done in the Winter

When people think of renovations, they often visualize projects and upgrades being completed during the warm and sunny months. But contrary to popular belief, winter is also a great time to get your reno work done, and provides many benefits over the spring and summer months. If you’ve been pondering when to start your next reno project, check out these reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter time.

More Availability

The busiest seasons for home renovations are spring and summer. This is primarily because people don’t generally associate snowy winter weather with being an appropriate time to get work done to their home. But getting your reno done in the winter has many advantages, like allowing more flexibility when it comes to availability. Come winter when there are less projects on the go, contractors can easily schedule the reno based on your timeframe as opposed to the much busier spring and summer months.

Winter renovations provide a smoother, more efficient approach than the logistical challenges frequently seen during peak seasons. Without a backlog of work, contractors can give every renovation project their full focus, guaranteeing on-time completion and painstaking attention to detail. Homeowners can exhale with ease, knowing that their renovation project will go forward without any problems, free from the scheduling conflicts and delays that frequently occur during busy times of the year.

Additionally, homeowners may see cost reductions during the winter months due to the decline in demand for remodeling services. In order to draw in business during the off-season, contractors might be more willing to provide competitive prices or unique incentives. Winter improvements might become even more affordable if manufacturers and suppliers offer beneficial conditions or discounts on materials.

Essentially, even if spring and summer are the most popular seasons for house remodeling, it would be a mistake to ignore the benefits of winter accessibility. By embracing winter renovations, homeowners can enjoy more flexibility, more efficient scheduling, and possible cost savings, all of which contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable renovation process. Thus, as the winter chill descends and the snowflakes start to fall, think about taking advantage of this opportunity to make your house the haven you’ve always imagined.

Home Renovation Costs

Better Room For Negotiation

Many reno companies often raise their prices during the spring to take advantage of the rush in business. And since winter usually means less of a line up with demand, you can take advantage of the better deals offered throughout the slow season. Plus, the majority of owners experience better room for negotiation on not only the rates but also the materials, resulting in ample cost savings.

While spring might scream “renovation rush,” winter whispers “bargain bonanza.” Reno companies often inflate prices during peak seasons, but winter’s slack demand means better deals are up for grabs. Negotiate not just rates, but also materials, and unlock ample cost savings for your dream project. It’s a win-win: contractors get work, you get a beautiful, budget-friendly home!

Faster Permit Approvals

During the spring time, the city permit offices get jammed with inspection and permit requests, naturally slowing down the process. Conveniently, the opposite holds true in the winter time. If you submit for permits during this time of year, you will experience much shorter wait times to get your project approved, and in turn, faster completion times as well.

The relaxed pace of winter also means permit officials have more time and availability to dedicate to your application. This translates to thorough reviews and prompt responses, potentially leading to smoother approvals and fewer delays.

Certain projects, like interior renovations, might even face fewer weather-related restrictions during winter, further streamlining the permit process. Discuss your project details with your contractor to explore winter-friendly options that can expedite approvals.

With shorter wait times, focused attention, and potential weather benefits, you can secure the green light for your project faster, bringing your dream renovation closer to reality. Remember, early planning and clear communication with your contractor are key to ensuring a smooth permit process in any season.

Avoid The Mess

As most Canadians take their vacation time in winter, scheduling your home renovation to coincide with your holiday time can be the perfect way to avoid living in a chaotic reno environment. With some careful planning you can head out for your travels before the work starts and come back to your completed project.

Enjoy It When It Matters

Why wait to benefit from your new renovation? Having your reno completed in the winter means that you can enjoy it come spring time, when it matters.

If you want to avoid living in a construction zone, paying top reno prices, or waiting for permits, you should get your reno done in the winter. To get started with your project, contact us at the RenosGroup. We can assist you with your plan and provide all the expertise you need to get the work done.  If you like to learn more reasons why you should get your reno done in the winter, don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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.

Building a Home Studio in Your Basement

Looking to create your own home studio in your basement? Whether it’s for work or play, if you have some free space in your basement you can easily build the type of space you’ve been dreaming of. But knowing how to plan properly and prepare is essential to getting it done right. Soundproofing and utilizing the amount of room that you can play with efficiently to house your equipment, are just a few factors to consider. Before you jump into your renovation, check out our 3 key steps for setting up a home studio in your basement.

Space Requirements

Most home studios require two spaces – one for the sound booth where you capture the music and one area for the audio mixing room where the music mixing and producing resides. The size of the sound booth will depend on how many instruments you want to record from, and it will be different if you plan to house a small band versus just you on the guitar and mic. The mixing room will also need to fit your equipment, which can change depending on whether you want a small or large-scale studio operation. Creating a thorough floor plan before you start the renovation will save you time and money in the long run.

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment

Building the home studio in your basement will already ensure some soundproofing from the surrounding foundation and ground outside. However, you want to create additional soundproofing between the downstairs and upstairs. Plus, you want to keep outside noises away that could distort the sound. You can easily install some acoustic foam, sound diffusers, bass traps and reflection filters to keep the noise in and to ensure you can keep distracting ambient noises out.

Home Studio in Your Basement

Purchasing the Equipment

Once you have the sound booth and mixing studio built, you’ll want to add the necessary equipment. To get you started you need a computer, digital audio workstation to mix and edit the music, audio interface to provide all the connections to your music, a quality set of microphones, headphones, studio monitors, a cable to connect the mic and audio interface, along with cables to connect the interface to the monitors. And of course, any of the instruments you would like to use in your studio should also be purchased if not already done so.

Building your own home studio in your basement can provide hours of fun and can help you take your sound to the next level. But if you don’t plan and build it out right you might end up ignoring it more than using it. So let us help! At the RenosGroup, we can help you plan and create your build so that you can easily transform your basement into a studio that gets you pumped to use it every time.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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