Bathroom renovation in Ottawa

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.

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.

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.

How do bathroom renovation work?

Every renovation starts with deciding either your design or your budget. One of the two will set the tone for kickstarting the design process for your modernization.

Renovation Case: Prioritizing Design – I

If you are prioritizing design, and you have an initial concept in mind, you may choose to engage an interior designer. An interior designer will help fill in the blanks, finalize the details, create your renovation plans, and 3D mockups until you are 100% satisfied with the design. Once this has been completed, your renovation contractor will be able to generate a budget based on the interior design plans for your renovation. In this case, you will get your dream bathroom and the project budget will be determined once you know you’re getting exactly what you want.

Priority design – II

If your main priority is design, but you do not yet know what you want, it is best to meet for an initial consultation with your renovation contractor. Your renovation contractor will be able to provide some design inspiration and project portfolio images to help give you some initial ideas. Your contractor can also guide you through different styles to help you come up with ideas. There are a variety of style choices when it comes to the bathroom. You can go with a traditional, modern, contemporary style, farmhouse, rustic or transient. This will depend on your personal taste and other spaces in your home.

Once a style and concept are defined, your contractor will work to provide you with a list of choices for each element in your bathroom. Once you have selected your desired specifications for your vanity, countertops, mirrors, bathtub/shower, sink, faucet, toilet, tiles, etc., your contractor will be able to provide you with a budget for your project.

Renovation Case: Priority budgeting

If your project budget is your top priority, it is best to discuss this with your contractor in advance. A major bathroom renovation for a 5 ‘x 10’ bathroom in Ottawa costs about $ 10,000. This includes complete removal and replacement of the entire bathroom. Costs increase if the bathroom is larger, the orientation needs to be changed or if higher specifications are chosen. Knowing your target budget and desired bathroom style, your renovation company will provide you with a selection of items that can be used for your renovation while staying within your desired budget. Renewing on a budget does not mean that the final product will not look very good. A good contractor has the resources and contacts to be able to provide an excellent toilet to meet any reasonable budget

No matter which of the above may be your issue, at Renovco, we believe in doing what it takes to deliver great projects efficiently, cost-effectively, and cost-effectively. Whether a complex design or a tight budget is your top priority we guarantee your new bathroom will exceed your expectations. If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom or looking for a renovation company in Ottawa to help you with your next renovation, do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. You can also book an online consultation on our contact page.

5 Ideas How To Make Your Bathroom More Accessible

Accessible bathroom remodelling is not limited to disabled or elderly adults locked in a wheelchair. Homeowners renovating their bathrooms need to reevaluate design considerations to better suit their needs as they age in their home. Common aspects of a bathroom like wet shower tiles and a low toilet can pose a threat to the elderly. However, installing suitable showers or bathtubs can turn a space into an accessible bathroom.

Choosing on-site ageing models can maximize investor return to homeowners and bypass the inevitable need to install an accessible shower. Before moving on to a bathroom renovation job, consider these five ideas that will make your bathroom more accessible.

The Renovco Ottawa team assesses the specific needs of each client and designs the bathroom with this in mind. An on-site certified ageing specialist (CAPS) assists in reviewing and selecting achievable parts. Our team will ensure that your new bathroom is aesthetically pleasing and functional, no matter who uses it.

Remodelling a bathroom with universal access as the advantage presents both design challenges and opportunities. Involve an on-site certified ageing specialist to obtain a careful inventory early in the planning process for all the skills, preferences and tastes of the target users. While the universal design better accommodates users in wheelchairs, it can make a more comfortable bathroom for all users without sacrificing style.

1. Generous Dimensions and Smart Fixture Placement

The first consideration when building a wheelchair bathroom is the dimensions of the bathroom door. An accessible room for wheelchairs should have a door with a minimum width of 32 inches. It requires a 5-meter turning radius for a wheelchair. It is also important to consider the placement of appliances (toilet, shower, bathtub, sink) inside the bathroom to make it maneuverable for an individual in a wheelchair. The toilet should be placed between two support rods 36 inches apart to make it easier to lower and raise. Toilet seats 17 inches off the floor are the ideal height for someone in a wheelchair.

2. Curbless Shower Stalls and Suitable Shower Benches

When designing an accessible shower, it is important to make sure that design defects are not barriers that restrict use or require help from a person with a disability. Those shower stalls should be at least 3 feet deep and 5 feet wide. The shower should have no braking or, if unavoidable, a rubber edging that a wheelchair can rotate. Moreover, a bench in the shower is a simple way to make your bathroom more accessible. A bench provides a secure surface for personal adjustment and can allow individuals to relax if they feel disoriented or lightheaded during a shower.

3. Hand-held Shower Head and Stability Grab Bar

A shower head held with a sliding bar increases the possibility of entry and allows to maintain autonomy during the shower. The inclusion of a thermostat-controlled and pressure-balanced valve prevents individuals from accidentally burning themselves. A grab bar to aid stability when entering and exiting the shower is an easy installation that makes a bath more accessible. If you want to avoid a sterile, institutional look, you can choose a coloured grab bar that matches the other accents in the bathroom.

4. Add Clearance Beneath the Sink

An accessible sink for wheelchairs requires at least 27 inches of clearance under the sink in order for the individual to be rolled up. If there is no clearance under the sink, then the individual feet will crash into the appliance and he or she will not be able to access the faucet. The top of the sink needs to be 32 to 34 inches off the floor. It is also important to remember to hang the bathroom mirror as low as an individual in a wheelchair to see for themselves. A bathroom remodel is the perfect option to place faucets on the side of the sink to make them easier to reach for a seated individual.

5. Slip-resistant Tile Floor

Choosing a floor with a structure in the bathroom can help prevent dangerous trips, slips and falls – especially when the floor is wet. Grip-friendly mosaic tiles are not only aesthetically pleasing but provide numerous design options that are compatible with any style. If you choose smaller tiles or larger tiles with lots of grout in the middle, a small structure can provide enough friction to prevent a dangerous slip.

Growing Old in Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

People need to make conscious decisions about retirement years, especially when deciding whether to stay in their own homes or transfer to a retirement home. More and more people are choosing to grow old in the comfort of their own home rather than deal with the hassle of moving. It’s more cost-effective for a client to rebuild their ageing home than to move to an accessible facility.

Remodelling of the Accessible Bathroom

The designers of Renovco Ottawa want to address any potential concerns that may arise for an accessible bathroom. We will analyze your space and budget and present a variety of options for your bathroom renovating project, such as:

Wide doorways, clearance of pathways, shower openings to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers
In-law suite bathrooms that keep your elder guests safer when they’re staying with you
Safe changes in floor level
Reach and height standards in accessible-living bathrooms
Grab bars and built-in or fold-down seating
Wall-hung lavatories
Barrier-free showers with no sill or obstruction
Faucets that are easy on/ easy off
Walk-in tubs
Slip-resistant flooring
Easy maintenance surfaces
Low open shelving vs high, deep cabinets

If you need an accessible bathroom or anticipate needing it in the future, contact us today. Call 613-727-7070 and a specialist will ensure that your new bathroom will contain all the special features that make it more accessible.

6 Ways to Renovate Your Bathroom On A Low Budget

We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home, and seeing the same walls as we work from home is getting old now. As you travel from the living room to the basement to the bathroom, you may wonder, what can you do to spice things up. Add some new furniture, buy a widescreen TV, or new accessories, the possibilities are endless. With all this time just found in our hands, where does your, well, bathroom start? The National Association of Realtors says that “Master bathrooms are important when reselling your home”. So if you are looking for a place to start remodelling, start with your bathroom. ”

Remodelling may seem overwhelming, but don’t let it stop you from creating the room of your dreams. We understand that during these hard times, money is tight. So we would love to help. If you are looking for ways to renovate your bathroom, you have come to the right place. As you continue reading, you will discover 6 ways to renovate your bathroom on a budget.

Free bathroom ideas

1. Paint

When it comes to remodelling on a budget, the best thing to do first is to give some colour to the old, soft walls of the bathroom. Bathroom walls can become gross, stained and raw from the years. If this is the case with your bathroom, it’s time to refresh your bathroom walls with some new paint. Remember though, clean your walls thoroughly before applying your primer and paint. Invest in high-quality paint that can withstand the humidity and moisture of a bathroom. When painting, make sure you walk slowly through those corners and use the painter’s tape when needed.

2. Update your bathroom fixtures

Look at the small details. Faucets, handles, switches or light fixtures can be updated with new ones. Updating your bathroom fixtures can give your space a new look at home. For budget-friendly bathroom appliances, see Home Depot.

3. Buy used, not new

If you have a very tight budget, then buying from the Kijiji market or Facebook may be the way for you. You will save a lot of money on bath sinks, bathtubs and more by looking at your local classifications. Go to other sites like craigslist or eBay to evaluate some quality purchases. The disadvantage, you get what you pay for and sometimes quality may not be what you expect. Be careful when buying anything used, look for photos or an appointment while zooming in to see the product. When buying used, the possibilities are unimaginable, you have to become creative. If you are in the market for some unique furniture, try websites like Etsy. They have unique products that will make your bathroom look like it came from Ottawa Living.

4. Go green

When renovating your bathroom, remember to renovate keeping in mind the environment. From low energy lighting to low-flow showers and toilets. Going green saves the planet and money. Low flow items tend to cost about the same as traditional showerheads and matches. So do not worry about spending way too much. Do not stop at fixtures, you can restore or recycle almost anything. As we said above, Etsy is a great place to get unique items with a budget or inspiration for your next DIY project. Instead of buying new shelves or cabinets, try replacing old furniture and wood. Take a tour of your local salvage yard or estate sale and find items you can use for your bathroom. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

5. Tiling

Giving a fresh look to the bathroom can seem daunting if you do not know where to start. When in doubt, get out. Re-tiling your bathroom can be economical and easy depending on the material you use. Try to stay away from tiles that may need other tools like a tile cutter, or specific types of a thin layer of mortar. Ceramic tile is great for budget renovators, it is versatile and great on the wallet.

6. Refinish your tile and bathtub

Repeating the finesse or closing of your plate can go a long way. This simple trick can make a dirty bathroom look bright and new. Give your caulking a good scrub. If you decide to review the entire bathroom with a new flush, make sure you clean it often. You do not want dirt and grime to accumulate and become part of your bathroom decor. Smoking and grout are free and can be a cheap way to renovate your bathroom on a budget.

Don’t wait, ask for help.

Remodelling a bathroom is like a walk in the park for us. If you need help choosing the right products for your next apartment, contact us here. Renovating your bathroom does not have to break the bank. Get creative and explore all of your interior design options.

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.

10 Mistakes to Avoid for Bathroom Renovation

A newly renovated bathroom can end up being one of your favourite rooms throughout your home. Many people can gain a lot of comfort for themselves, not to mention adding value to their homes with the ideal bathroom renovations. It is important to try and avoid the common pitfalls or mistakes that many other people have fallen prey to in the past. At Craft Contracting, we always make sure to put the needs of our clients first in every job we get. That is why we have prepared a short list of mistakes that should be avoided by anyone who is interested in a new bathroom renovation in Ottawa. By keeping these tips in mind, homeowners can save a lot of grief in the future as well as expenses.

Avoid 10 mistakes for your new bathroom

1. Buying on date trends

If you’ve ever walked into a bathroom and been struck by some of the confusing design choices, keep in mind that the room might have once been seen as trendy. Unfortunately, the reality about most trends in bathroom designs and renovations is that they will not always be the right trend. When coming up with the model for your new bathroom, try to avoid getting involved with current trends. For your personal satisfaction, as well as the value of reselling your home, it is better to renovate your bathroom considering the most elegant and classic features and equipment.

2. Lack of storage

Bathrooms are limited sometimes in terms of the space they can offer. When renovating your bathroom, you need to consider the type of storage you have had. While you do not need to keep all the storage you had, it is best to plan to keep some bathroom storage. This includes adequate cabinet space, drawer and vanity storage, and even towel racks and useful places to store shower items.

3. Inaccurate building materials

A qualified and experienced contractor should be able to provide appropriate guidance on which materials are suitable for a bathroom and which are not. For example, due to regular exposure to water and humid air, items such as softwoods and fabric-based materials should never be used in the bathroom. In fact, if you come across a contractor who either offers these materials or does not show that they are a bad idea for a bathroom, this may be a good indication that a particular contractor is not the one for you.

4. Exceeding expenses

A good rule of thumb for any bathroom renovation project is to keep your costs below 1.5% of the total value of your property. Doing so will stop you from making any unnecessarily expensive choices when planning your renovation. While it may be tempting to brag about some custom accessories or fancy mirrors, you need to ask yourself if they are really worth spending.

5. Ventilation is Key

Even the best bathroom renovation can start to look worse over time without proper ventilation to keep everything dry. With a regular accumulation of moisture, you will immediately notice issues like mould on painted walls and cracks in paint and dry tiles. These issues will only get worse as time goes on if you do not have proper ventilation installed, such as a ceiling fan or steam extractor.

6. Inadequate waterproofing

Plumbing and waterproofing are the main factors when it comes to any bathroom renovation. This is very important to address the first time, as it can be difficult to notice an issue before a major injury has been done. It is therefore vital that you use a skilled and certified plumber and/or tile to treat bath areas where water is involved.

7. Inadequate drainage

Regarding waterproofing, it is about drainage. If a problem occurs with your shower, sink or toilet drain, repair costs can increase rapidly as the damage spreads to other areas of your home. Your drains, as well as any surface lying around your drains, must be properly connected and sloping so that the water goes where it needs to and nowhere else.

8. Inadequate lighting

Lighting in your bathroom is very important. Not only does it make things easier to see and do in the bathroom, but it is also important to your safety. While many people can enjoy some form of ambient lighting in their bathroom to relax in the bathtub, task lighting should be a priority in any bathroom renovation. Make sure you have adequate lighting above the sink and in the shower.

9. Inadequate Electrical Connections and Receptacles

Due to the proximity of water in a bathroom, it is important that you have a qualified electrician who performs installations or at least inspections of your bathroom electrical system. There are specific codes to be followed and electrical appliances to be used in a bathroom. Things like GFCI outlets and wall switches maintain a proper distance from water faucets and connections should be standard in any bathroom renovation.

10. Removing the bathtub

Many people have removed a bathtub from their homes altogether. While this may mean more space in the bathroom, it is not a good idea to get all the bathtubs out of your home. Recent statistics show that homes without bathtubs in any bathroom can negatively affect the resale value. There should be at least one bathtub in the house, though you will not earn any resale value by adding extra bathtubs if you already have one.

For more tips or helpful advice about your next bathroom renovation, contact us today for the friendly team of experts Renovco Ottawa.

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.