Basement Renovation Services in Ottawa

The Pros and Cons of DIY Home Renovations

Home renovation projects offer an exhilarating opportunity to enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of your space. They enable you to add value to your property while creating a more comfortable and functional living environment. Homeowners can create personalized havens that reflect their style, meet their specific needs, and transform their houses through renovations. They can update features, expand living areas, and incorporate modern amenities to shape a space that truly represents them. Choosing between hiring a professional contractor or doing a DIY home renovation can be challenging. Factors to consider include potential cost savings, creative control, and personal satisfaction from completing the work yourself. This article will delve into the pros and cons of taking on a DIY home renovation, exploring the financial implications, the freedom to execute your vision, and the gratification that comes with accomplishing the project independently. By examining these aspects, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, abilities, and resources. When choosing between DIY home renovation and hiring a professional contractor, assess the advantages and risks. DIY projects save costs and provide a sense of accomplishment, but mistakes can occur without experience or knowledge in specific renovation areas. These mistakes can lead to additional expenses and time-consuming efforts to rectify them. Furthermore, DIY renovations often demand a significant investment of time and effort, as you’ll need to handle all aspects of the project yourself, from planning and sourcing materials to executing the actual work. This can be particularly demanding for individuals with busy schedules or limited availability. Improper precautions in DIY renovations can lead to safety hazards, especially with electrical, plumbing, or structural modifications. By considering skills, resources, and comfort levels, homeowners can make an informed decision about choosing DIY renovations.

Pros of DIY Home Renovations

DIY home renovations can offer a range of benefits for homeowners who are willing to invest the time and effort into doing the work themselves. Here are some potential pros of DIY home renovations: Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of DIY home renovations is that they offer the potential for cost savings. By doing the work yourself, you can avoid paying labor costs and other expenses associated with hiring a professional contractor. Flexibility and Control: With a DIY renovation, you can work on the project on your own schedule. This can be particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule or if you need to work around other obligations, such as work or family. Sense of accomplishment: Completing a DIY renovation project can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you did the work yourself. Learning and Skill Development: Taking on a DIY home renovation project can be an opportunity to learn new skills and develop new talents. You’ll gain experience with tools and techniques that can be helpful in future projects.

Cons of DIY Home Renovations

While there are many benefits to tackling home renovation projects on your own, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some potential cons of DIY home renovations: Safety Risks: Home renovation projects can pose a risk of danger, particularly for individuals lacking experience with the tools and techniques involved. Without proper training and safety equipment, you could be at risk of injury. Time Commitment: DIY home renovations can be time-consuming, especially for larger specialized projects. This can be particularly challenging if you have a busy schedule or other commitments. Skill level: DIY renovations require a certain level of skill and knowledge. Inexperienced work can lead to damage or the need for professional repairs. Quality and Accuracy: Lacking specific renovation skills increases the risk of making mistakes that can affect the final result’s quality. This could cost you more money in the long run to fix any errors. Lack of Expertise: Lack of renovation experience may overlook hazards and building code requirements, impacting your project. Costly mistakes, delays, and safety hazards can result from this. Lack of Expertise: Lack of renovation experience may overlook hazards or building code requirements that can affect your project. This can result in costly mistakes, delays, or safety hazards. Quality Control: Without professional expertise, ensuring quality in your renovation project can be challenging. This can impact the value of your home and potentially lead to costly repairs down the line. DIY home renovations save costs, offer control, satisfaction, and learning opportunities, but require time, expertise, pose risks, and involve quality control. Homeowners should evaluate their skills, resources, and risks before choosing DIY or hiring a professional contractor.

5 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor

Projects for home improvement can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t consider yourself a DIY enthusiast. For renovations beyond your skill set, hire a group of experts supervised by a seasoned general contractor, even if you’re comfortable with power tools.

What Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor oversees remodeling or renovation projects in residential or commercial structures, including obtaining permits, managing supplies, and hiring subcontractors. For large jobs, it’s best to hire a general contractor to handle everything.

Reasons to Hire a General Contractor

Here are five reasons hiring a general contractor to oversee your remodeling job makes sense if you want to leave it to the experts.

1. Save Money and Time

Home remodeling tasks can be money and time-consuming. Depending on the size of the project, as a frugal homeowner, you can compare quotes from multiple experts and opt for less expensive supplies and enhancements.

But when it comes to the availability of that labor and those resources, you won’t have as much wiggle room. To ensure that tasks are carried out as close to the estimated completion date as possible, a general contractor has responsibility for project scheduling.

Experienced general contractors schedule work and deliveries around busy subcontractors who may have multiple jobs to manage. A seasoned general contractor keeps a slush fund on hand to ensure timely payment of all subcontractors, even when managing multiple jobs at once. This guarantees that nobody will threaten to quit their employment due to a lack of pay and that your project will go as planned.

2. Leave the Project Management to the Pros

In addition to any home renovation projects you have started, you probably also have other work and family obligations. It is always preferable to delegate project management responsibilities to a specialist, especially if you are working on a challenging, multi-stage project.

An expert in juggling multiple responsibilities, such as scheduling material deliveries and hiring subcontractors, is a general contractor. Covering a large portion of your home with drop cloths makes it easier for you to carry out your daily activities.

You will, of course, be kept up to date on everything. However, the general contractor will serve as your primary point of contact, saving you from having to coordinate with several workers and suppliers and ensuring that you are always aware of the state of the project.

3. Take Advantage of Established Working Partnerships

A general contractor with several years of expertise will probably have solid working relationships with a variety of suppliers and subcontractors. For you, the homeowner, that’s excellent news.

A general contractor’s repeated positive interactions with subcontractors and suppliers imply their reliability and trustworthiness.

Your bottom line can gain from these solid relationships. General contractors can often negotiate lower prices for labor and supplies, particularly if they plan to use more in the future. Working with a fair and enjoyable general contractor can also aid in completing your project on time.

4. Enjoy Peace of Mind

A general contractor bears the majority of the risk and accountability that come with home renovation projects. The general contractor and their hires possess a license and insurance for your assurance and confidence. Ensure protection for employees and property by obtaining worker’s compensation and liability insurance for everyone and everything on your property. Accidents on the job site can cause harm and damage.

This guarantees that the projects will obtain the essential permissions and pass a future house inspection. A skilled professional ensures safe and cost-effective work completion.

5. Have it Done Once, Have it Done Right

Successfully completing DIY home repair tasks brings a sense of accomplishment, but leaving them unfinished or unsuccessful can be disappointing.

Choose a qualified crew of home remodelers to ensure proper task completion. Contractors complete tasks better and faster than inexperienced DIYers due to their experience with similar tasks.

Fixing DIY mistakes after realizing the need for professional help can cost more than hiring them from the beginning.

When it comes to home renovation tasks, time is money. A general contractor can help you both save money. A general contractor’s experience in managing similar projects can benefit homeowners, along with financial monitoring.

Basement Restoration: Maximize Your Home’s Potential

Are you looking to make the most of your home’s space and increase its value? If so, it’s time to consider basement restoration. Your basement is often an underutilized space, but with a little love and attention, it can become a valuable addition to your home. Here are some benefits of basement restoration:

Additional Living Space

A restored basement can provide additional living space for your family, whether it’s a home office, guest room, or entertainment space. With a little creativity, you can transform your basement into a functional and comfortable area that meets your family’s needs. If you’re struggling for space in your home, restoring your basement can be a game-changer. It can provide a quiet retreat for a home office, giving you the privacy and space to focus on work without distractions. Alternatively, it can be transformed into a guest room, providing a comfortable and inviting space for visitors to stay. Furthermore, a restored basement can be a perfect solution for growing families. As children get older, they may want more space to hang out with their friends or practice their hobbies. A renovated basement can provide them with a dedicated space that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home. In short, the possibilities for your basement restoration project are endless. With a little creativity and vision, you can transform your basement into a functional and comfortable space that meets your family’s unique needs. From additional living space to a dedicated entertainment area or a children’s playroom, the benefits of basement restoration are clear.

Increased Home Value

When it comes to selling your home, every bit of added value counts. A finished basement can be a huge selling point for potential buyers, as it adds additional living space and increases the overall square footage of your home. A renovated basement that’s tastefully decorated and designed can also create a positive impression and make your home more attractive to buyers. Not only does a finished basement add value to your home, but it can also help it stand out in a competitive real estate market. If other homes in your area don’t have finished basements, yours can be a unique selling feature that sets it apart from the competition. It’s important to note that not all basement renovation projects are created equal. In order to add value to your home, it’s important to invest in quality materials and finishes that will appeal to potential buyers. Additionally, it’s important to obtain any necessary permits and follow building codes to ensure that your renovation is safe and up to standard.

Energy Efficiency

Basement restoration can also help to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By insulating your basement walls and installing energy-efficient windows and doors, you can reduce energy consumption and save on your utility bills.In addition to providing additional living space and adding value to your home, basement restoration can also have a positive impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Basements are often overlooked when it comes to home insulation, which can lead to heat loss and higher energy bills. However, by insulating your basement walls and installing energy-efficient windows and doors, you can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Preventing Moisture and Mold

A restored basement can also help prevent moisture and mold issues that can arise in a damp, unfinished basement. Create a safe and dry environment for your family by sealing cracks, installing a sump pump, and improving ventilation. Moisture and mold issues are common problems in unfinished basements. They can not only damage your property but also pose health risks to you and your family. However, a restored basement can help prevent these issues from occurring by creating a dry and healthy environment. One way to prevent moisture and mold is by sealing any cracks in the basement walls or floor. This helps to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Install a sump pump to remove excess water and minimize moisture issues in your basement. Improving ventilation is another important factor in preventing moisture and mold. Adequate ventilation can help to circulate air and prevent moisture from building up. This can be achieved through the installation of windows, vents, or a dehumidifier. By addressing these issues during the restoration process, you can create a safe and healthy living space for your family. Protect your home and belongings while improving air quality to create a safe and comfortable living environment.

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a renovated basement is its flexibility in terms of its use. Transform your basement into a versatile and functional space that meets your family’s needs with some creativity and planning. For example, if you’re an exercise enthusiast, you can create a dedicated workout area with gym equipment, mirrors, and soundproofing. Create a playroom for young children with soft flooring, wall decals, and ample toy storage. A home theater is another popular use for a restored basement. Create a cinema-like experience at home with comfortable seating, quality sound, and proper lighting. This can be a great option for family movie nights or entertaining friends. The possibilities for a restored basement are endless. Design a living space that suits your family’s needs and style by thinking creatively. In conclusion, basement restoration is a smart investment that can offer many benefits for homeowners. Maximize your basement space to boost home value, increase energy efficiency, and create a comfortable living area for your family. So why wait? It’s time to start maximizing your home’s potential today.

10 Top Bathroom Trends For 2023

The clean lines, low-maintenance materials, and generous use of natural colors will all be trends in bathroom design for 2023. Bathroom design trends for 2023 pay special attention to detail to produce a room that is brimming with personality.

We are noticing curves, organic materials, and gentle hues. While some themes harken back to the 1950s, others are blatantly futuristic, like glass bathtubs and electronic mirrors. Let’s jump right in and examine the bathroom trends for this year.

At the same time, aesthetic trends are influenced by more general home design trends. A lot of designs are being affected by the desire for personalization, which inspires homeowners to develop cozy spaces with distinctive bathing rituals.

1. Glass Bathtub

The transparent or frosted finish of this newcomer has won us over. A glass bathtub not only gives the space additional depth but also exudes elegance with its crystal and precious stone-like appearance. Additionally, glass sinks exude elegance and are pretty fashionable!

This style of bathtub is stunning. It ought to serve as the design’s cornerstone and serve as an inspiration for the bathroom’s remaining color scheme. Oh, and don’t forget to decorate the space behind the sink or bathtub with some bling and glamour.

2. Color, Right Down To The Faucets

Since colorful sinks have come back with a fury, colored faucets have joined the trend. Various matte colors have replaced traditional silver or gold finishes. In 2023, hot colors like terracotta, moss green, and pink will be popular. White matte faucets, which are still fashionable, give bathrooms a chic feel.

A neutral color that lets these faucets shine gives them their best appearance. Pair white faucets with colored or creatively designed porcelain if you want to go all out. Additionally, colored faucets are a bold choice, so be sure about it before going ahead.

3. Ceramic On The Walls

Ceramics cannot be held back in terms of this year’s bathroom trends. It involves more than just a backsplash or shower flooring. A seamless continuation of the floor is being created as it brazenly creeps up the wall. Even a low fence, might be constructed to hold shampoo bottles, plants, or other items.

Also, remember to balance your design. For instance, if you use small, textured, or patterned ceramic tiles on the wall, it would be preferable to have huge tiles on the floor. The same ceramic, like terrazzo, can also be carried up the walls from the floor.

4. Showers Showing Off Their Curves

There are numerous showers. In favor of a more organic design that blends a trifecta of curves, circles, and arches, this trend throws straight lines to the curb. Additionally, rounded edges are soothing and give you the impression that you are cocooned in happiness.

Avoid the error of employing a handyman to construct your arches or curved walls! Small ceramic tiles work well for decorating curved walls as well because they are considerably simpler to install.

5. Ceramic Tiles In All Shapes And Sizes

The neutral tones used in this year’s bathroom designs have us completely smitten with ceramic tiles in a variety of shapes. How daring can you be? Have you curved or round, scallop or fish scale? If you decide to use a rectangular tile, you can always position it slightly differently to make a pattern or keep things straightforward by arranging it vertically.

6. All-Stone Vanity

Marble vanities are grabbing all of the attention! Take a chance on a stone vanity with intricate veining. Choose a vanity with emerald, mauve, or brown veins if you really want to be in style.

This sink choice will not only stand out as the focal point of the bathroom, but it will also provide a touch of European allure. Combine with other organic components like wicker or wood.

7. Terrazzo, A Fan Favorite

The time-honored favorite terrazzo has recently come back into style, and in 2023 it will be even more so! People prefer it to have a natural appearance or to be bursting with personality to create the mood for the entire bathroom. Keep in mind that terrazzo is created by combining resin or concrete mortar with crushed marble pebbles.

8. Wall-Mounted Lights

In terms of illumination, less is not always better, and more is better! Wall lights are making a strong comeback. Choose a spot where it will serve as a focal point or decorative bathroom element, such as a piece of art, rather than installing it as the room’s primary lighting. Warm-toned metals, such as brushed gold, copper, and brass, are the most popular choices in terms of color and material.

9. Soft Color Palettes

Trends for bathrooms almost typically lean toward neutral colors. We’re talking about a terracotta, white, and beige color scheme. This year’s choices are moss green and pink to give some color to the mix. combine with species of light-colored wood in blonde or honey.

10. Get Into The Groove

Glassware with fluted patterns has become popular in both the kitchen and bathroom. It continues to grow and is now found in bathroom supplies. It shows no signs of slowing down. We see grooves adorning ceramic and even wood vanities.

Make Your Bathroom Design With Renovco Ottawa

Bathroom vanities and cabinets in a range of styles are available from Renovco Ottawa and are ideal for a family bathroom. For the construction of our custom bathroom cabinets, we only use materials of the finest caliber.

Our experts carefully consider your ideas before putting them into action. Are you planning for bathroom renovation? You already know where to look for the top group.

8 Beautiful Basement Décor Trends for 2023

The potential for improvement in an unfinished basement décor is endless. You can use the additional space to create anything you like, from an exquisite rental apartment to a vintage gaming area. It’s time for the fun part: perusing the newest basement trends once you have a general notion of the environment you want to create!

In 2023, basements will embrace distinctive dividers, beautiful embellishments, and nature. Sharp angles, room dividers, and even patterned wallpaper are replacing closed plans and harsh lines. With these 10 basement trends, you can find your own particular style or improve the current look.

1. Ceiling Details

When remodeling a basement, you frequently have to avoid obstacles like ducts, pipes, and electrical lines. These aren’t particularly attractive, and lowering the ceiling to hide them not only wastes valuable design space but also could give the space a cramped feeling.

Consider them an opportunity to add distinctive elements to your basement décor rather than an impediment. Construct soffits around the ducting, and in the area between them, build an inset ceiling. Install a painting, exquisite lighting fixtures, or wood slats in intriguing designs. Even if there isn’t ducting already in place, consider how you may add some personality to the ceiling.

2. Elegant Separation

Rarely do unfinished basements have partition walls. While this works well for open-concept designs, there are times when it could seem like some parts are encroaching on one another.

Without losing the impression of space, a little division—through walls or décor—can assist create separate areas. Non-solid partition walls, wooden panels, vibrant shelving units, or even hung potted plants are a few fantastic basement design ideas.

3. Curves All-Around

Although basement trends have been shifting toward softer shapes, sharp angles still go very well with a sleek and modern style. As in the shape of an egg or the wings of a butterfly, organic curves and arches resemble the slender lines seen in nature. Contrary to typical basement decor, they aid in tension and anxiety relief.

So, embrace arched trim, wavy-walled alcoves, and curved corners for your cabinetry. These small elements provide a more comfortable sensation by allowing the eye to continue traveling down the wall and straight lines rather than stopping abruptly at every corner.

4. Stairway To Heaven

Even though stairs are a requirement for every basement, they don’t always have to be functional. You can remodel the steps and landing using other materials, colors, and even mouldings to better match your basement décor as long as the dimensions comply with Code. Shift the railing to the other side and add a decorative dividing panel in place of the current (knee)wall and banister if you want to create a larger focal point.

Even if you don’t alter the stairs themselves, you can make good use of the area below. By adding storage cabinets, you may keep it straight or even turn it into a little office or kids’ play space.

5. Soothing Blue Palettes

This year’s basement trends include deep blues with a tinge of green in keeping with the natural motif. They should be used with earthy hues like browns, beiges, terracotta, and deep pinks to provide a soothing and calming ambiance. These tones give your room individuality and go well with wooden fittings and simple furnishings.

6. Plywood For A Natural Touch

Any room benefits from the timeless warmth and comfort that wood grain and tones provide. Choose premium plywood laminated with blonde woods like Baltic birch to acquire the look and feel of wood while still complementing your basement’s décor. It works well in areas with high humidity and creates a fantastic accent.

7. Cozy Fireplaces

Nothing rivals the charm of a fireplace, whether you’re putting the finishing touches on a posh Victorian-style library or creating a cuddle nook for regular movie evenings with your significant other(s). You may have one without the smoke or soot now, thanks to more recent technologies!

The greatest option for actual flames is an ethanol fireplace. Pick up a standing or wall-mounted model or insert it into an existing fireplace or firepit. You can also get a tabletop version if curious animals and young children are not a problem. An electric fireplace, on the other hand, is a fantastic substitute if you prefer the option of warmth, the appearance of flames without the fire hazard, or both.

8. Architectural Lighting

No matter the space, proper lighting is essential. It makes it functional, enabling you to look broadly or concentrate on certain tasks, and it even has the power to change the mood. The lighting trends for basements this year will enable you to design a welcoming, cozy place that is entirely appropriate for your requirements.

In order to make the space stand out, some contemporary lighting ideas for basements highlight stunning architectural features like the stairs, recessed sections, and soffits. Put a few bright recessed lights in these places to add some visual flair. For extra refinement, you can also employ fascinating and uncommon fittings.

Call Renovco Ottawa Right Away!

These basement trends are a wonderful place to start if you’re thinking about basement renovation. But keep in mind that it’s more crucial to be content with your basement in the long run, so pick designs that you genuinely like and enjoy.

The best solution is frequently to work with Renovco Ottawa, a qualified renovation and restoration business, despite the temptation to handle the project yourself. Our teams of experts are always available to assist you if you want to create the kitchen of your dreams, renovate a bathroom, complete the basement, or have your house restored after a flood or fire. Please feel free to reach out to us at infoottawa@renovco.com or by phone at 613-727-7070.

bathroom and kitchen contractors in Ottawa

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Bathroom in Your Basement?

If you are thinking of adding a bathroom to your basement but are just not sure how much it will cost or if you can afford the time and money for it, you are in the right place.

What Are the Advantages of Adding a Bathroom to Your Basement?

Adding a bathroom to your existing basement will greatly improve the functionality of your basement. Whether you are using your basement as a space for your guests, or have a fun or children’s play organization, you will have the convenience of having access to the toilet without having to go upstairs.

Adding the bathroom to your existing basement will also boost the value of your home, which also offset construction costs. Having a bathroom in your basement can be a great selling point, as some people prefer not to spend time going through a renovation after buying a home and choosing to buy a furnished home with an existing bathroom in the basement.

How Much Does it Cost to Add a Bathroom to Your Basement?

There are many factors that come into play when budgeting for an extra bathroom. First of all, is the size. Installation pipes are one of the main factors that add to the cost when building a bathroom. That being the case, whether you plan to add a half bath, a quarter or a full bath will affect your construction costs.

By definition, a

Half-bath – consists of a toilet, a sink, a vanity, and a mirror

Three-quarters bath – consists of a toilet, a sink, a vanity, and a long shower

Full bath – consists of a toilet, a sink, a vanity, and a full-size shower or bath

Another factor that comes into play is the location where you are planning to add your new bathroom. Strategic planning can help you save thousands of dollars. For example, adding a bathroom under an existing bathroom can significantly reduce the cost of plumbing and repairs such as framing, drywall, and painting.

How Much Do The Finishes in Your Bathroom Cost?

Specifications are always a major contributing factor to construction budgets. There is a wide range of prices when it comes to choosing finishes in your bathroom.

Bathtubs can cost up to $ 200 for low-end products, and go up to over $ 30,000 for bathtubs with chromotherapy, colored lights, foam ports, and other luxury features.

Toilets start at around $ 100 for base models and can go up to $ 5,000 for models packed with contents containing heated bidet seats, bowless models, remote control, automatic ignition, soft night lights, automatic opening and closing of seats, and many more features.

Sinks range from $ 40 to nearly $ 10,000.

Faucets range from $ 35 for a single base handle, to $ 2,000 for pre-elegant ergonomically mounted wall mounting options.

Shower trim sets which include the shower valve, lever handle, and showerhead can cost up to $ 50 and go up to $ 5000 for more aesthetic finishes with additional features for ease of use.

Based on all the variables that play a role in construction, it is difficult to set an overall price for each construction project. However, the purpose of this blog post is to provide you with a reasonable range to help you determine whether or not adding a bathroom to your basement is the right decision for you. That being so, on average, from our experience, the cost of adding a bathroom can range from $ 10,000 to $ 15,000 including work, material, and project management.

It takes approximately 2 weeks to complete an addition to the bathroom, from the start date of the project. This timeline does not include the time required to obtain a building permit from the municipality. All remodeling projects require permission and of course, we recommend that you work with a general contractor who will go through the permitting process. This will be especially important when it comes time to sell your home.

Once we have reviewed the cost and duration of work associated with building a new bathroom in your existing basement, we hope to have given you the knowledge you need to determine if adding a bathroom is the right decision for you. If you still have questions or want to discuss anything in more detail, our team is always happy to help you.

Contact Us

Our team of expert designers and project managers is available for all your renovation and construction requirements. If you are looking for a basement renovation contractor in Ottawa to discuss basement renovation or remodeling, you can contact us at any time for a free consultation. We offer design and construction expertise, taking your project from concept through design, development, construction, delivery, and customer care after construction.

Basement Renovation Checklist

If you have long dreamed of having a finished basement, one that you can use as an amusement room, entertainment area or as an extra bedroom, now may be the perfect time to start planning remodelling and renovation. If you are not sure where to start with your project, this checklist can help you. This will guide you through every step of the way, understanding how to pay for the project to give your finishing touches to your finished basement.

Financing Figuration

First, you will want to understand how much you can afford to spend on your project and how you will cover the costs.

Set a budget

There is a wide range when it comes to the cost of remodelling a basement. How much your project will cost counts on the size of your basement and how much you want to make. How much work you do yourself vs what you hire someone else to do also affects the overall cost.

Depending on the purpose of the project, the average cost to complete a basement can range from $ 6,500 to $ 18,500. Remodelling the basement to make it livable and usable can cost an extra $ 10,000 to $ 30,000.

You can use the value of your home as a guide when deciding how much to spend on renovating your basement. Usually, the cost of finishing a basement should not be more than 20% of the value of your home. How long you plan to stay home also affects how much you spend. If you plan to move for a few years, it makes more sense to limit the cost of your project, as you will not have much time to enjoy it and may not reimburse the cost when you sell the house.

How to pay for the renovation

You have several options to cover the costs of your basement project, depending on your current financial situation.

1. Pay in cash

If you have certain savings for large home improvement projects, it may make sense to pay for basement renovation with cash. Using your savings is a good option if the cost of the project will not completely dry out your account and if you do not want to take on extra debt.

2. Use a Personal Loan

Another choice is to apply for a personal loan and use it to cover the cost of renovating your basement. The terms of many personal loans often include fixed payments spread over up to five years.

3. Tap on the equity of your home

Depending on how long you have lived in your home and how much of the mortgage you have paid, you may have created a significant amount of your own capital. Equity is the value of your home less the amount left in the mortgage. If your home is worth $ 250,000 and you have a $ 100,000 mortgage left, you have $ 150,000 worth of equity.

You may be able to borrow against that capital to pay for your basement project. You can get a home equity loan, which is similar to a personal loan once you get the amount into a lump sum and repay it in a few years.

Another way to access your home equity is to apply for HELOC (home equity line of credit). A HELOC is like a credit card for renovating home projects. You can borrow against your equity, repay what you borrowed and then borrow more if needed.

While you may get a lower rate on a home equity loan or HELOC compared to a personal loan, your home is loan collateral, which means you can lose your home if you borrow too much.

Schedule inspections

Once you understand how much you spend and how much you will pay for your project, the next step is to look closely at the basement to see what is going on down there and what it may need.

1. Test for moisture

Moisture can enter the basement in several ways. It can:

Penetrate from the saturated soil around the house.
Come from the humid air outside.
Come out of the humid air inside the house.
Get into the air leaks.

Damp basements are common, and some estimate that up to 60% of basements have moisture problems.

To keep moisture and water from causing problems in a finished basement, it is important to test for moisture before doing anything. A home inspector can check your basement for signs of moisture problems, such as marks on the walls and skin paint. They can make recommendations for closing the basement or otherwise lowering the humidity level.

2. Check the Foundation

Your home inspector should also look closely at the foundation. They will let you know if they find any cracks or issues that are a concern and can recommend steps to take to fix the problem.

3. Schedule a Radon Test

Radon gas occurs naturally and is colourless and odourless. It often travels from the ground home through cracks in the foundation and can be found at high levels in homes across the US Since radon can cause cancer, ensuring that it does not have high levels in your basement is important before starting a renovation project.

Plan and Hire a Contractor

Once your basement has passed the inspection or you have taken the steps to fix any issues detected by the inspection, the next step is to start planning.

You can finish and renovate your own basement, but you may find that hiring a professional renovation contractor makes the process go more smoothly. When you work with a professional, it is very likely that your project will end quickly and be less stressful for you. A licensed contractor will understand the rules in your area, work with you to get the right permits and help you hire others to handle specialized projects, such as electrical work and plumbing.

9 Tips to Read Before Home Renovation

The thrill of a home renovation can be quickly reduced by unforeseen circumstances, stretched budgets and other unexpected issues. The good news is that most of the time these problems can be alleviated, if not completely avoided, by paying attention to the warning signals. Read on as we go through the essential home renovation tips that should be considered before you start your repair.

1. Make a realistic budget

While it goes without saying that every project needs a budget to keep costs under control, it is not always an easy task to find the balance between your dream models and the amount you have set for a project. This is why it is essential to get a real understanding of pricing, both in terms of materials and workmanship, in order to assess expectations accordingly.

Unfortunately, TV shows for home improvement and renovation can sometimes be misleading in terms of costs, which can vary greatly depending on location and time. Therefore, be sure to look at a contractor on your budget and confirm that it is realistic.

2. Set on a Sensible Scope of Work

Once you have set a realistic budget, you will need to explain exactly what work can be done and when. You may also need to ask yourself some tough questions about what you really need versus what you just want. This will help you identify the true purpose of the project and set important rules. It can also help in scheduling and determining what work happens when.

3. Determine Splurge-Worthy Items Upfront

Learning which items to spend your money on goes hand in hand with creating a realistic budget and defining a reasonable scope of work. The sooner you can make this determination, the more likely you are to stay on track with costs. Think about which items you will use most often, as these are products that may be worth a higher price. If you have a tight budget, you may want to save on cosmetic finishes, as these items can be easily changed over time.

4. Create a Clear Vision in Mind

From the tiles that will be glued to the walls to the equipment that will be installed, anyone who has completed a home renovation before knows that it is better to get everything before you start work. This is because you will have to make many decisions once the renovation starts, and the more you have done before, the better – and more educated – you will be. Online tools like Pinterest, showroom visits and/or sample material can help, and don’t be afraid to start buying items to get the ball rolling

5. Understand What’s Already Around

Existing conditions in a home can radically change the budget and purpose of a renovation, as sometimes something seemingly simple like adding an extra addition to a room can result in rebuilding an entire home. If you know, for example, that you occasionally blow a fuse when you turn on the hairdryer and the dryer works at the same time, this should be a hint you may need to update your electrical system.

6. Know Who You’re Hiring

If you decide to hire a renovation general contractor or individual subcontractors for this job, it is important to find the right team to complete the renovation of your home. While word-of-mouth recommendations from friends may be enough for some, you might also consider doing a full check on your contractor – asking for their license, insurance certificate, lien history, bond number and certification – to assure you we are dealing with a professional who is in good financial condition. Equally important is finding a contractor you agree with, who understands your vision, so it may be helpful to have a preliminary interview or discussion before formally engaging the services.

7. Don’t Make Assumptions Based On Television

While we are fans of home improvement shows just as often, many series can make certain projects, such as laying a study wall or installing new bathroom vanity, look extremely simple – and they can be for a professional or advanced DIY-er.

However, if you are considering a home renovation, think practically about what you can and cannot do; painting the walls of a small bathroom may be entirely feasible by itself, but painting the entire walls of a 4,000-square-foot home is likely to be less so. While you may think you will save a lot of money doing the work yourself, if it is something unknown, it may cost even more to have a professional unlock and then complete the project properly.

8. Prepare to Live in Discomfort During the Renovation Time

Living through a home renovation can be a trial experience – an experience that is often filled with dust, and many take-out. Even the most meticulous contractors cannot keep dust and dirt from flying everywhere, so know that your home will not be as clean as you normally keep it and try not to let it bother you. “If you think it will be a lot for you to handle, it is not unusual to rent a place to stay, you can also go on vacation or live with friends or family for a few weeks until the house is a little more “livable “.

9. Remember to Stay Positive

There has not been a home renovation yet that has been gentle, with no single noises, so be prepared for days when things just aren’t going right. Naturally, you want everything to go perfectly according to plan, but with so many products and people involved, it is unusual that everything will turn out exactly as you imagined, which can be disappointing and sometimes even costly.

However, at the same time, keep things in perspective: simply because something is not delivered on time or because you are a little behind schedule is not the end of the world and it is better to try and have the “how can we fix this?” mentality rather than “whose fault is this?” Most importantly, keep an eye on the prize and remember that the renovation will not go on forever, although it may sometimes seem so in the process.

How to Increase Your Property Sale Value

It is a buyer market. With so many properties on the market, buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to making a purchase decision. Most buyers are looking for a property that is ready to move-in, where they can ensure that no additional costs will be incurred, over and above the purchase price, property transfer tax and legal fees.

If you are preparing to market your condo or home, there are some things you can do to not only differentiate your property from the competition but also increase the value of your home.

It is true that renovations can be costly and time-consuming, but they do not have to be. With the help of the right renovation contractor, you can transform your home upgrade in a very short period of time and on a budget, to make money from your renovation.

At Renovco Ottawa, we have worked with many condo and homeowners over the years to successfully earn our customers money for their renovations and reduce the number of days in the market for their properties. Here, we will delve into some renovations that will give you the best hit if you are thinking of selling in the near future.

1. Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most dominant rooms in the house. It could be the making or breaking of space when a buyer is looking at your property. Walking into a newly renovated kitchen, furnished with the latest style that can be found in an air conditioner or new home, can be a great selling point.

An excellent kitchen renovation does not have to break the bank. When renovating to sell, it is helpful to work with your contractor to gain insights into the latest trends in the real estate market and to review cost-effective, trendy and functional specifications. An experienced general contractor will be able to prepare a beautiful, builder-specific package for your kitchen, which can be completed in less than 2 weeks. This will include the destruction, disposal and recycling of your existing kitchen cabinets, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures. Construction and installation of custom kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and fixtures and new lighting. Your contractor will also be able to provide knowledge of which specifications are most likely to attract buyers depending on trends in your local market at the time of renovation. As an example, here in Ottawa, we usually recommend using 3 cm quartz stone countertops. Quartz countertops in Ottawa are the most desirable choice for buyers in our domestic market. Using a thickness of 3cm instead of 2cm will give your kitchen a more luxurious feel, with a marginal cost increase. Also, choosing a light or dark colour tone, in contrast to cabinets is likely to attract more buyers’ attention.

When renovating to sell, keeping costs low is essential. With this in mind, it would be important to try and avoid any remodelling in the kitchen. Remodelling would involve adding or removing walls, changing the location of equipment or devices, which would require additional electrical or mechanical work and opening up existing walls.

2. The Bathroom

As you may have already known, the bathroom is another important room in the house on which potential buyers base their decisions. When it comes to renovating to sell, a bathroom renovation is almost a dispute. Including removing and disposing of all existing finishes and supplying and installing new flooring, bathtub or shower base, wall tiles, vanity, countertop, mirror, toilet, sink, faucet and accessories of the bathroom including toilet paper holder, towel bar and a towel ring. Matching the vanity of the bathroom and countertop with the kitchen helps to connect the whole house together creating a perfect aesthetic.

Quite similar to the kitchen scenario discussed above, remodelling a bathroom can significantly increase work-related costs and reduce the return on investment. Therefore, when renovating to sell, we recommend that our client adheres to the layout of their existing bathroom. It means the location of the toilet and sinks remain unchanged. It is also more cost-effective to replace a bathtub with a newer bathtub and a shower base with a shower base. Changing from a bathtub to a shower or vice versa can increase the costs associated with waterproofing, etc. However, it is cheaper to change a shower in a bathtub than to change a bathtub in a shower. Bathtubs take up more space than the shower base and reduce the space for waterproofing and tiles which are more expensive than the cost of supplying a bathtub or shower base.

3. The Works

What do we mean by “works”? Flooring, decoration and paint. All three items are fast and cost-effective but can make a difference when it comes to making a home look new and ready for a new owner. We usually recommend using a laminate product in most cases, as laminate offers excellent aesthetics at a budget-friendly price point, is easy to maintain and happens to be the choice for most people. We also recommend installing new bases, shutters and window sills. House clothes are consumed over time and removing them carefully and touching them can be more costly than replacing them while failing to achieve the brand new look and feel. Finally, there is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to enhance the look and feel of a room. Painting is fast and cost-effective. Compensation should be made for a professional and fast paint job.

Generally, doing “work” takes about 1 week, but saves a lot of time when it comes to the number of days in the market for a property.

7 Renovation Trends in 2021

Last year we saw a great shift in the day-to-day operations of the world. Offices shut down, daily commutes ended, and we tried to do it all—from schooling to working out to therapy to vacations—in our homes. According to research, 36.2 million Americans (22% of the workforce) will be working casually by 2025, which is an 87% increase from the number of remote workers prior to the pandemic. It’s no doubt that how we’re thinking about renovation projects has likely changed from previous years. So we reached out to those in the world of home improvement, decorating, and landscape design for the scoop on what they think the big trends will be for 2021 reno projects.

Giving rooms a new life

“Entertainment and recreational room design help requests have, as of recently, started to replace family room makeovers, which were the top trend for the past 8-9 months,” says Devin Shaffer, head interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design. The pandemic continues to learn us new trends to use in maximum the space that we consume time in. Because of this, many homeowners have maximized the design opportunities for the most commonly used rooms in their homes and are now seeking expert advice on what rooms or spaces in their home can take on a new life. Basement renovation projects are a great way to build a recreational room, and they have been in high demand over the last quarter of the year. We predict this to trend more and more over the next year.

The most entertaining requests Devin is seeing: in-home theatres, full home bars, indoor bowling lanes, indoor golf simulators, and climbing walls. “It’s been really interesting to see designers and clients get artistic with guest bedrooms–to–at-home arcade rooms, out-of-the-box alternatives to basements with garage–to–home–gym conversions and the latest is a home library–to–Lego-collection showroom.”

Making room for multigenerational households

A trend I have seen appearing in important markets that have even been selected by large area builders is the development of purpose-built multigenerational homes with basically two individual homes under one roof. This is not just down to changing dynamics between families but also because of the capability for homeowners to monetize the extra area er even Airbnb-style for rentals.

We’ve already had our eyes opened to the power of ADUs and backyard casitas but be ready for an ever-growing landscape of standard solutions that, Christian adds, “will come ready to assemble, allowing for renovators to offer a complete turnkey solution for customers where they can literally pick a tiny home from a catalogue and have it constructed on-site in record time. This also eliminates the need for large-scale ongoing construction disrupting an often already chaotic home environment where space and privacy are already in short supply.”

Incorporating green solutions

Either it’s the addition of larger systems like solar power or rainwater gathering to existing homes or simpler incentives for property owners to begin insulation and HVAC upgrades, this new initiative will bring the advantage of work for both the commercial and residential renovation industries,” says Christian. At Repair Pricer we have already seen an improved prevalence of these types of additions and upgrades, and with potential new tax incentives for green renovation, we would expect that trend to continue well into 2021 and beyond.

Extending the indoors into the outdoors

Building a comfy outdoor living space that is an extension of your indoors will continue to be popular with 2021 home renovations, and not just in the warmer climates. Designing so that there is a natural flow between the indoors and outdoors with appearances like large sliding or folding glass doors permit for the option to let the outside in and vice versa. Drop-down screens on the porch to help with mosquitos, outdoor heating lamps, outdoor fireplaces that create warmth, and cozy couches will extend your relaxation into the cooler months.

Creating bathroom oases

How often have you escaped to your bathroom this year with the sole goal of quiet alone time? The experts at Houzz have the same idea, saying that with the right appearance, a bathroom renovation can help decrease stress. According to a 2020 Houzz Bathroom Trends Research, two in five homeowners (41%) who renovated a master bathroom say they rely on their new space for rest and relaxation. It’s time to begin saving up for renovations as big as soaking tubs and steam showers, to smaller upgrades like aromatherapy showerheads and bathtub fillers that can hold a cup of tea or glass of wine.

Getting bigger with tiles

Since we’re consuming all our time at home, making visual upgrades is a big part of the home renovations trends. Big-format tile can help visually extend a small space, according to the professionals on Houzz, so their use is in progress. Another benefit of the trend: Fewer grout lines means less cleaning and less visual clutter. “We’re seeing big tiles used in a mixture of classic patterns, such as stacked, herringbone and brick,” says Houzz senior editor Mitchell Parker. He suggests if you’re considering large rectangle tiles for an area like the bathroom floor, go with a matte finish, which provides some slip resistance.