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Home Design for 2022

As the pandemic and its impact on our everyday lives continue to play an outsized role in home renovations, we get to see an even more profound rethinking about the importance of considering the design of our home quarters. The pandemic has changed many things for many of us, especially how we think and use our homes in our daily lives. With that in mind, we explore the various home design trends in 2022 that you could consider as you enlist the help of home renovators and their services.

Dedicated Activity Spaces

The search for art studios has been increasing. Luckily, creating one on your own does not have to be an expensive renovation project. If you already have a spare room, it might just be a matter of buying the right accessories that are dedicated to your preferred activity or hobby.

Home Design for 2022[Infographic]

However, the creation of an art studio dedicated to your chosen activity depends on your goals. You might even require the assistance of a professional renovator for Stouffville Renovations.

Grandmillenial

This trend is a twist on the prominent grandma chic style that has been rising throughout the pandemic. The trend arose at a time when people craved a sense of comfort and nostalgia for their homes amid uncertain times. The key for this kind of trend is adding layers to create a space and area that can welcome relaxation and ease anxiety.

Multizone kitchen

The traditional three-zone work triangle in a kitchen creates an efficient and convenient connection between the refrigerator, sink, and range. However, many homeowners want their kitchens to emphasize other related tasks and allow for other cooks. The rising trend of a multizone kitchen or a work trapezoid includes dedicated baking, prepping and chopping areas and separate stations for snacks, drinks, or homework.

Structured Simplicity

This trend features a stripped-back style to create a calm, comfortable, and chill space for relaxation. Structured simplicity is all about making one’s home a safe and inviting space to rest and regenerate. If your home is your haven, this trend is for you, as a private sanctuary that you do not treat as a showpiece.

With this trend, furniture feels comfortable and inviting, such as soft and comfortable sofas and hearty tables where people can gather around. Structured simplicity offers a low-maintenance look that includes weathered woods, faded tones, time-worn finishes, and warm neutrals like oatmeal and beige colors.

Light Wood Cabinets

Many people seem to yearn and gravitate towards interiors that exude lightness and comfort in a year that felt heavy and difficult. Light wood mixed with other neutrals such as whites and grays can be an excellent way to create an airy palette that exudes a dash of warmth and comfort, especially effective in a kitchen design.

Nature-inspired Designs

Another emerging home design trend is the openness to nature and the role of greenery in a home. This trend includes the search for artificial plants and trees, indoor pots and planters. There has also been a significant uptick in the search for the color green in kitchen cabinets, floor tiles, and even accent chairs.

The Renovators of Canada has been providing quality renovations throughout the Southern Ontario area for over 15 years. Visit our website at www.trocanada.com for renovation and home remodeling needs.

References:

https://www.idealhome.co.uk/living-room/living-room-ideas/home-decor-trends-design-trends-233635
https://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/expert-advice/2021-home-design-trend-costs/
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/36-home-design-trends-ready-for-takeoff-in-2021-stsetivw-vs~142229851

How Do You Style a Small Bathroom? [Infographic]

Bathroom renovations can also be challenging, especially if you are dealing with a small space. With a lack of square footage, a limited amount of natural light, and a small number of fixtures to squeeze into, homeowners can go for a look that will make the whole space seem bigger when decorating a small bathroom.

When small bathroom Vaughan renovations are done right, this limited space can seem brighter and more spacious, and you will not need to spend so much money. These small bathroom ideas can go beyond making the most out of the available space. Here are some ideas on how to turn your small bathroom into a less cramped space.

How Do You Style a Small Bathroom? [Infographic]

Stick to a Tight Palette

For a small bathroom renovation like Waterloo Renovations, you can opt to keep your color palette light and bright to give your bathroom a warm and serene feeling. You can also choose to double down on dark colors and hues like black to give depth and create an illusion of a larger space for your bathroom. You can go for a high gloss when choosing a very dark color that can impart a night sky effect and bounce the little light you have around your small space.

Mix different materials

As you decorate your small bathroom for Whitby Renovations, do not hesitate to integrate several modern elements like white marble and rustic wood foundations. You can give your small bathroom an eclectic look that can be ideal for a quaint and modest-sized bathroom that is lightened up by materials like white marble.

Only Keep Products You Love

Installing a narrow shelf over the sink helps you keep and store only the small essentials like skincare and beauty products. You must also make sure that you choose items with pretty packaging so that there would be no need to hide them out of sight.

Use Your Toilet as a Surface

You can also use your toilet as an extra surface for propping up bathroom accessories. To keep it from being cluttered, you can also allow vibrantly hued walls to stay clear in the spotlight of your small bathroom.

Opt for a Glass Shower Door

If you are starting to decorate a small bathroom from scratch, you can also choose and consider scrapping a shower curtain entirely. You can opt to install glass shower doors in a small bathroom to help open up space.

Consider Patterned Floor Tiles

Patterned floor tiles such as a herringbone wood floor can give the illusion of a larger and warmer bath. With tall mirrored cabinets and a glass shower door, it can amplify light from interior fixtures and brighten up a space for windowless and small bathrooms.

Install Good Lighting

While the apparent highlight of a bathroom can be the fun use of tile and color, small bathroom designs should also maximize functionality through vital details like installing good light fixtures that can add contrast and flood the room with light.

Use a Big Mirror

Colossal and huge wall mirrors can surely help create an illusion of spaciousness. When paired with a consistent color scheme, oversized wall mirrors can help open up the limited space of a small bathroom and give an airy vibe.

If you’re planning any bathroom renovations then feel free to visit TROCanada Renovations or contact us.

References:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/bathrooms/tips/g1441/small-bathrooms-ideas/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/small-bathroom-ideas-for-a-brighter-breezier-space

Home Renovations Loan: Things You Must Know

Home renovations can be an excellent investment as they can help improve your quality of life. They also increase your home’s resale value and net worth in the long run. However, home renovations can get expensive, where the price can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.

The home renovations budget needs to be considered, and there are times that the expenses for home renovation and improvement do not fit the budget. Home renovation loans can help you borrow the cash you need for a price, while you can also determine how much is the home renovations tax credit is available.

There are types of home improvement loans, as borrowing money or getting government grants for home renovations can have several financing methods that you can take out as a loan.

Personal Loan

Personal loans are the most common type of home improvement loans. From traditional to online lenders, it is easy to check that their terms are favourable to you. A personal loan is one type of unsecured debt not tied to any collateral.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a type of secured loan wherein you have your house as collateral for the loan. It means that a lender can legally take your home away from you if you default on your loan. A Home Equity Loan can give you money all at once for a fixed interest rate loan.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a mix of a Home Equity Loan and a credit line wherein borrowers have access to a limited amount of funds on an as-needed basis. It means that you are not paying to borrow money that is not yet needed, which is suitable for a long-term home improvement project.

Besides the types of home renovation loans, there is also a list of things you must know about applying for a home renovation loan:

Deciding the loan amount

A homeowner needs to calculate the loan amount they need for their home improvement project. It is also essential to make a list of the things required for your home renovations to determine the total budget. The next step is determining how much of your savings can fund the renovation. And how much is required to take as a loan.

Eligibility Criteria

Once the loan amount is decided, the eligibility criteria are the primary factor to consider when applying for a home renovation loan. Lenders have various parameters for the eligibility criteria, aside from the essential criteria that include age, income, and residence. Homeowners should inquire with lending organizations to understand the eligibility requirements and determine whether they fit the requirements. Additionally, an online personal loan eligibility calculator can also help a homeowner understand the loan amount they eligible for.

Choosing the best home renovation loan for you

For mid-range sized home improvement projects that could cost $15,000 to $50,000, a homeowner can consider unsecured or home improvement loans that are easy to apply for with no collateral requirements. However, interest rates can cost more than Home Equity Loans or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

Exploring different loan rates

Before settling on a particular loan rate, it is helpful for homeowners to do some research to compare the interest rates of available lenders. Regardless of the type of loan a homeowner chooses, it is also essential to know that the final interest rate can depend on many factors, including credit history and repayment capacity.

Repayment tenure and EMI of the loan

It is also crucial to note the repayment tenure and carefully plan out how to pay the home renovation loan. It is recommended to use an online personal EMI calculator to understand monthly instalments, interest rates, and tenure.

Home Renovations Loan: Things You Must Know[Infographic]

Make Your Custom Homes and Renovations Ideas a Reality

Are you looking forward to turning your dream home into a reality? Having custom-built homes with the help of a reliable and trusted home renovation contractor can be an option that you can consider. Planning home renovations can be a tricky improvement project to do alone, so all the help you can get counts when making your dream lifestyle custom homes into a reality. Having home renovation ideas can also help you out as a homeowner in planning your ideal custom-built home, such as custom homes in Toronto.

What are custom-built homes?

A custom-built home is a house that a hired architect explicitly designed for your preferences. A custom home is built based on your specifications rather than a predesigned plan without a homeowner’s involvement in the process. With the help of home renovation companies, the entire process of planning and building your dream home will be focused on your visions, your wants, and your available budget. The homeowner is more hands-on in the decisions when it comes to the process of building their custom home.

Renovation Ideas for your custom-built home

If you’re looking for some renovation ideas for your custom-built home, having a home renovation guide can help you out in your planning process. Every detail should fit well to your preferences and taste, all while being both fun and functional.

Here are some renovation ideas that you can consider for your custom-built home.

Green options

Sustainable and environmentally-friendly options are becoming more present in households nowadays as part of the fight against the environmental problems that we currently face. The responsibility of living sustainably as possible lies in us, and here some ways that your home can contribute to becoming eco-friendly.

Solar Energy

Having a renewable energy source for your home can help reduce electricity bills. It is the best option to consider for the long term if you live in a climate with few rainy days.

Eco-friendly Light Fixtures

You can also consider having light fixtures made from recycled and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or iron.

Green Appliances

Opting for appliances that have reduced energy consumption also help you save water and electricity.

Maximizing Floor Space

There are also some tips that you can apply to make the most out of your home space. These tips on maximizing the home space you have can help you eliminate junk drawers or closets in any room of your home.

Secret Doors

Adding a secret door in your household can help you eliminate wasted space, and it can even give you more privacy.

Collapsible or Sliding Furniture

If you do not have a lot of home space, you can opt for collapsible furniture that transforms into something else. This furniture option can be a handy addition to a guest room or home office.

Built-in storage

There are also available furniture options with built-in storage, such as couches, benches, and tables. This hidden storage can help you save more space and lessen clutter in your home.

Fun and functional additions for your home

Having simple additions that are fun and functional at the same time can change the entire vibe of your home. While it is essential to prioritize your home’s function, you can also opt to add fun touches that make your home a relaxing space.

Reading nook

If you’re an avid reader, you can add a reading nook with cushions, pillows, lamps, and natural light sources to make your reading experience at home more relaxing and cozy.

Sunroom

You can freely bask in the sunlight without worrying about bugs and the heat of the outdoors with a sunroom that can be a breakfast room or a garden room.

Skylight

A skylight that can offer free lighting also helps free up your home space, making it more light and open.

Make Your Custom Homes and Renovations Ideas a Reality (infographic)

6 Simple Ways to Customize Your Basement

November 21, 2019
By The Renovators of Canada
In advice, Ask a Professional, basement, Blog, family, gym, home interior, home office, interior, interior design, paint, planning, remodelling, renovation, Rental suite, Tips

Renovating the basement in your Toronto home is like many other home remodeling projects: overwhelming, yet exciting. When it comes to this area of your home, the opportunities are endless. There are many ways you can customize and design this space so it meets your family’s needs, increases your home’s value, adds cosmetic appeal, and so much more. However, before you jump into this long project, there are several things you should consider to ensure it is done correctly and you are happy with the final result.

What is your home currently missing?

Before your basement remodel, consider what your home is missing. This could be features like a place for your kids to hang out with friends, an area for guests to stay, a designated work or study area, etc. As you focus on your basement remodel, keep this list in mind.

How can I make this space comfortable?

The basement can be one area of the home that is rarely used. There are several reasons for this, but often, it is because this space is dark, crowded, poorly designed, etc. As you consider various customization options, projects, and layouts for your basement, consider how you can make this space more comfortable and welcoming. When your project is complete, you want to ensure this area of your home is well used.

What dirty work is involved?

A basement renovation in your Stouffville home is more than simply putting up walls and laying a new floor. There are many hidden details that must be taken care of including electrical and plumbing work to waterproofing. You may also need certain permits and have regular inspections completed as well. You should have a team of professionals handling all these small details to ensure everything is well cared for and you can create your dream living space.

Once you have asked yourself the above questions, it is time to get to work. No matter if you want to create the ultimate gathering and entertaining area for your family and friends, desire a few extra bedrooms, or even a home office, here are several simple things you can do to customize your basement and create a beautiful, cozy, and functional living area.

1. Built-In Storage Options

Basements can be excellent storage areas. This is the area of your home where you can place the belongings that you don’t need every day but you want to protect and access when necessary. A basement remodel in your Markham home is the perfect opportunity to create custom storage options.

Built-in shelves are popular options for any room in your basement. If you have a large living room, consider long, floating shelves for pictures and décor items. Cover one wall in your basement with built-in shelves and turn it into a small library. You can also create a room in your basement and line the space with built-in shelving, making it perfect for food storage, emergency preparedness items, holiday décor, tools, and other miscellaneous items.

One unique storage option you may also consider is a built-in wine cellar. Customize this area of your home with unique wine bottle storage options such as shelves, drawers, glass holders, etc. To truly make this room shine, consider installing an air ventilation system and provide the proper insulation for all of your wine connoisseur needs.

2. Downstairs Laundry Room

Regardless if you have a laundry room on your main floor, an additional laundry room downstairs is an excellent way to provide convenience, particularly for those downstairs bedrooms. Your basement laundry room doesn’t have to be large or extravagant, but it is a great way to customize your space. Add a small sink and lots of cupboards and shelving in the room. You may also consider a small supply closet, which is perfect for all your cleaning supplies and extra linens.

3. Children’s Room

If you are looking to build an additional room for your child or you want a place for grandchildren or guests to stay, turn a room in your basement into the ultimate children’s space. Be creative with the different features in this room to give it a unique look and feel. For example, consider built-in bunk beds. This is a great way to open up the room and it offers plenty of floor space for your children to play.

If you have a teenager who wants his or her own space, you may also consider a built-in desk. A small alcove with a desk and bench seat is a great way to give teens their own space to study.

4. Forget the Walls

A basement is a part of the home that can cater to multiple interests and be used for many purposes. Often, basements can seem small and cramped. However, with a little creativity and design help, you can still enjoy many of these rooms but with a more open floor plan.

One option is to create one large, open space for a family room, eating area, and media center. You may consider using sliding glass walls or barn doors to act as a barrier in the basement but still provide a very open and bright atmosphere.

Another simple way to break up the different areas of your basement, while still maintaining an open floor plan, is to use unique flooring in each section of your basement. For example, you can install carpet in your family room, hardwood in your eating areas, and rubber mats in your home gym area.

5. Don’t Forget the Stairs

As your guests walk down into your newly-renovated basement, the first thing they will notice is your stairs. Take the time to truly customize this feature and give it a personal touch. For example, create a unique mural or pattern on the wall, install light-up steps, and more. You may also consider unique and fun railings or built-in shelving along the stairway. If possible, you may want to build your stairs with unique materials such as tile, metal, wood, etc. Have fun with this area of your home and make it a unique and creative focal point.

6. Brighten up The Space

There is no reason the basement in your home needs to be dark and dreary. When these areas of your home have very little light, it creates an unwelcoming and bleak space. As you work to customize the basement in your Vaughan home, pay attention to the lighting in the room. Choose unique and elegant light fixtures. Consider pendant lighting above seating areas and accent lighting throughout the entire space. You may also consider smart light fixtures that allow you to dim the lights, turn them off, or flip them on when upstairs or away from the home.

Additionally, strive to add natural light. If possible, install large windows or design a walkout basement. For smaller windows, add a creative touch with windows that feature unique designs and accents within the glass panes.

If you choose to work with professionals, like The Renovators of Canada, you will have a basement that you love. These home renovation experts will work with you to apply all of your great ideas and customize a space that not only increases your home’s value but is functional, spacious, and gorgeous. Call The Renovators of Canada today to schedule your consultation.

Small Bathroom? 8 Ways to Make it Look Larger

September 15, 2019
By The Renovators of Canada
In advice, Ask a Professional, bathroom renovation, Blog, cabinets, home interior, interior design, light, lighting, paint, plan, planning, renovation, square footage

A large spacious bathroom is a dream of many homeowners. It is not only appealing and welcoming, but the extra space provides for ample storage and convenience. Unfortunately, not every home offers this bright, open room. Several homes in the Toronto area feature much smaller, cramped living spaces.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have the bathroom of your dreams. Even if you are limited with your indoor living space, by completing the right projects during your bathroom remodel in your Toronto home, you can easily make this room appear large and trendy.

Here are eight things you can do during your bathroom remodel in Markham that will make your space appear large and beautiful.

1. Make it Bright

The bathroom is often one room in your home that is dark and offers very little natural light. This makes the room uninviting and dreary. It also makes the room appear cramped and confined. One way to make this space appear more open is to increase its natural light. If possible, install more windows around the room. This will not only make the room appear large and open but it will make it more welcoming as well.

If you are wary that the windows will decrease your privacy, consider glass panels that are frosted and offer very little transparency. Remember that you don’t need to see clearly out the window, you just want to let in the natural light. If you don’t want to install windows, you could always consider skylights as well.

2. Choose Paint Colours Wisely

Windows aren’t the only way to brighten a room. You also want to choose paint colours that brighten up the space as well. Dark and bold colours can make a room feel overwhelming, particularly if the space is already small. As you choose your paint colours, you want to consider neutral and light colours. Options such as light greys, blues, and greens are ideal for a bathroom. You may also consider white or cream hues to give this area a clean and pristine look.

Not only should you paint the walls a certain colour, but paint the ceiling the light colour as well. This gives your bathroom a more continuous and complete feel. You may install crown molding or trim around the top of the wall if you want to add some texture and contrast to the room.

Keep in mind that if you want to include bright and bold colours, you can. Incorporate your reds, dark blues, purples, blacks, etc., using your rugs and towels. This way you can still enjoy pops of colours but without affecting the overall feeling and the perception of the space.

3. Ditch the Shower Curtain

A shower curtain is a great way to hide a mess in the bathroom. It also is a simple way to add pops of colour to the room. However, it can make your bathroom appear small and closed off. Consider ditching the shower curtain and install a glass shower door instead. The glass door helps keep the room bright and it lets you see into the shower area. This gives the illusion that the bathroom has more space.

If you are sad that you are losing certain colours or designs by throwing out the shower curtain, bring back the unique patterns in your shower tiles.

4. Hang a Large Mirror

No matter what room in your Toronto home appears small, you can make it appear large by hanging a big mirror on the wall. This item brightens the room and the reflection of the space in the mirror can make the entire room appear large. However, as you choose a mirror for the area, you want to choose wisely. By choosing a mirror that is too large, it can overtake a certain wall and affect the perception of the room. However, if you hang a mirror that is too small, it will not provide the desired effect.

In your bathroom, if you want to add a little class and style, hang a mirror with a large, decorative frame. This is a simple way to bring in a little décor into your bathroom and it gives a cohesive and classic look throughout the space.

5. Consider a Pedestal Sink

If space is an issue, you may consider replacing certain storage items, such as a large vanity, for something a little smaller and more quaint. A pedestal sink is an excellent option for a smaller bathroom. It provides a more classic look to the area and it still provides the basic functions that you need. It also doesn’t take up the space like a vanity.

If you do not wish to give up your vanity during your bathroom remodel in Hamilton, choose a smaller option. A floating vanity is an item that sits just above the floor. It opens up the floor, which can make the room seem a little wider.

6. Install Open Shelves

Open cabinetry is a popular interior design trend in kitchens all around the Toronto area. However, this design is not limited to just the kitchen area. You can install open cabinets throughout your bathroom to still give you the open design that you desire as well as increase your home storage. For example, you can place your extra towels on the shelves as well as a few home décor items to beautify the space. Just make sure you don’t overload these cabinets as too much can clutter the area and make it appear small and messy.

7. Use Hooks

Towel racks are common in bathrooms but they aren’t necessary, particularly in smaller bathrooms. These items take up an entire wall and you are limited in the number of towels you can hang up. Rather, consider installing small hooks on your wall. You can install these hooks at various heights, which will provide more dimension to the room. Plus, you can install multiple hooks, which allows you to hang more towels at once. If your bathroom is extremely small, install your hooks on the back of the door or out of sight. You don’t want to hang up too much in these rooms as the clutter will make the room appear crowded and small.

8. Choose Your Light Fixtures Wisely

light_fixtures

Your light fixtures can be drab and boring or they can become a statement piece in your bathroom. Light fixtures that are too large or flashy can affect the size and look of the room. They can overpower all of the other features and become an eyesore. This means you need to choose your light fixtures wisely. While you want an item that matches the rest of your room’s décor, don’t choose anything too large and glitzy. Consider items like a small pendant light, recessed lights, and classy vanity light fixtures.

No matter the size of your bathroom, you can create a space that is functional, beautiful, and open. Contact The Renovators of Canada today for your consultation and to see how they can transform your bathroom. Whether space, layout, or looks need to be improved in this room, they have the ideas, knowledge, and experience to create a bathroom that you love.

6 Tips to Help You Stay Within a Budget During a Home Renovation

You deserve the home of your dreams and a home renovation is an excellent way to achieve it. The process is exciting and it is fun to see your creative ideas and your living spaces come together. However, a home renovation in Hamilton, particularly if you are not prepared, can be costly. You want to be prepared financially for the large upcoming expenses.

The cost of your home renovation will vary greatly and will depend upon several factors including the room you are working on, the extent of the work being completed, and even the contractor hired to do the job. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $20,000 for a kitchen remodel and $18,000 to complete basement. A bathroom remodel is less expensive, but you can still plan to spend anywhere from $6,000 to $14,000.

To help you prepare financially for your upcoming home remodel and to keep you within your fixed budget, here are a few tips you should implement.

1. Do Your Research

One of the first things you should do during the home remodeling process is some research. Take the time to determine just how much your specific project will cost, as well as make a list of all the tasks you want to complete during your large project. For example, you may be able to save some money by completing multiple rooms at once or by keeping certain appliances in your kitchen. Do your research and determine exactly what you want completed and the average cost of these projects.

2. Get Multiple Bids

There are likely multiple contractors in your area that can complete the various work around your home for you. However, you don’t want to choose just any contractor on a long list of professionals, especially if you are hoping to save a little money. Rather, you should acquire bids on your project from multiple contractors. Many experts recommend that you receive bids from at least three different contractors before hiring one. This will help you determine the difference in prices from one contractor to the next and it gives you time to research and learn more about each professional.

While the price is critical when hiring a contractor, it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. The right contractor will ensure that the home renovation process for your Toronto home is smooth and that you receive high-quality and beautiful results. As you look for a contractor, a few things you should consider include:

Talk to Past Clients: If many previous clients had a miserable experience, you may as well. Talk to past clients to determine how reliable, honest, and knowledgeable the contractor is to work with prior to hiring him.

Licensing: You want to ensure that the contractor you are considering has all the necessary licenses and insurance to complete the project. Also, make sure to ask the contractor if they will acquire all necessary permits or if you will need to do this critical task.

Experience: Look for a contractor who is experienced. They will not only have the proper training and experience to ensure you receive excellent work, but they will have ideas and knowledge to help you avoid rookie mistakes and to help you save a little money.

3. Give Yourself a Little Wiggle Room

It is always better to have more money for a home remodel in Toronto than not enough. To ensure this happens, you should set money aside in your budget for unexpected expenses and problems that may arise. These can be anything from replacing items that you originally didn’t think needed to be replaced, finding hidden issues beneath walls, ceilings, or floors, and even discovering certain areas that need updates to meet the current building codes. Many of these situations can cost you several hundred or even thousands of dollars so it is important you are prepared. Ideally, you want to set aside at least 20% of the contractor’s bid to cover these expenses.

4. Determine Your Needs Vs. Wants

During a home remodeling project, there are many things that you will need. For example, if renovating your basement, you may need to knock down walls and have some plumbing work completed to create another bathroom.

Then, there are also aspects of the project that you want. These could include things such as high-end kitchen appliances, luxury flooring options, etc. if you want to stay within budget, you need to determine what are absolute needs and what are the features that you could pass up. For example, rather than install true hardwood flooring, consider laminate flooring which looks like the real thing but without the high cost.

5. Be Flexible With your Design

During a remodel, particularly a kitchen or bathroom remodel, the layout of the room will make a drastic difference. It will help you create a space that is functional and open. However, if you want to save some money on your home remodel, you need to think carefully about the design. If you want to move a toilet, kitchen sink, or other large features, this could cost you an additional $500 or more. As you work with your contractor, determine ways that you can create a beautiful design and functional layout with the current location of these appliances. If you really want to move these items to new locations, make sure you prepare for those added expenses in your budget from the very beginning.

6. Shop Wisely

During your renovation, it is important that you get the look and the features that you want. However, you don’t need to spend a majority of your budget on certain appliances or supplies. By spending time doing a little shopping, you may find that there are many items that still boast all the features and specifications you desire and will not cost you a substantial amount of money. For example, a refrigerator with smart technology is nice to have but it could cost you several hundred dollars more than a standard fridge.

Additionally, if your remodel is being completed near a large holiday or another large event, you may want to wait until these occasions to do your shopping as you may find big sales that can also save you money. You may also find clearance sales or year-end sales that can help you save hundreds of dollars on appliances, home décor, and home improvement items.

No matter what your budget may be, one of the most important things you can do during a home renovation project is to communicate to your contractor about your budget. They need to know what your needs are and where you are willing to sacrifice.

When you work with professional and trained contractors, such as The Renovators of Canada, you will not only receive an end result that you love, but they will work closely with you to ensure you stay within budget. They can help you navigate those unexpected expenses without costing you a fortune and will create a smooth remodeling process with very little stress.

Give The Renovators of Canada a call today to schedule your consultation and to see how they can transform your home.

Tips for Handling the Stress and Inconvenience of a Home Renovation

As a homeowner, you deserve the house of your dreams. You deserve a property that you are proud to come home to each night and show off to all of your friends and family members. However, to achieve this, it is going to take some money, energy, and most importantly, time.

While the time to complete all home renovations in Toronto will vary, you can expect at least two to three weeks for professionals to finish a bathroom renovation and eight to 12 weeks to complete a full kitchen renovation. If you are interested in a full house renovation, you could be waiting four to eight months to see the final result.

During these large projects, various parts of your home will be inaccessible. There will be excessive dust and a mess that you should prepare for and having contractors in and out of your home can be stressful and a little overwhelming. Additionally, there are many decisions you must make to ensure your renovation looks incredible and includes all the features you desire. Unfortunately, making these big decisions can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed.

To help you handle both the stress and inconvenience of these large projects, here are several tips you’ll want to implement.

1. Have a Plan

A home renovation in Oakville shouldn’t be something you decide on impulse. This is a major decision that will not only affect your life for several months but it will cost you as well. By having a plan, you can begin conducting research early in the remodeling process to help you determine the features and tasks that you want to be completed. It will also help you build up your budget and know what it will cost you to complete all desired tasks. Plus, if you make a plan with your spouse, you will both be on the same page and fewer fights will occur regarding the project and each of your expectations.

Additionally, when you have a plan, you can be in more control of the timeline of the project. You can look ahead on your calendar and determine if the renovations will affect any upcoming events. For example, if the renovation process will continue into the holiday season and all of your family members are planning on coming home, you may wish to delay until after this upcoming season.

You will also want to work closely with an experienced and highly-recommended home contractor to ensure all deadlines are met and the project is completed as planned. Some of the best companies, like The Renovators of Canada, will offer free planning sessions to help relieve some of this stress and frustration.

2. Hire Wisely

If you wish to reduce the amount of stress and frustration that could stem from a home renovation in Hamilton, you must hire your contractor wisely. He or she will give you peace of mind that the project is in the best of hands and that if issues arise, a team of experts will take care of it with ease. Additionally, the best contractors will have many creative and unique ideas to help you truly transform your living spaces.

When hiring a contractor, there are many things you will want to consider. You must work with contractors who have ample experience and are licensed, insured, and certified. You will also want to read various reviews and talk to past customers to learn about their experience with the contractor. If many past customers felt a lot of stress during the home remodel, you most likely will as well.

3. Take Time to Look Over the Contract

When you hire a contractor, particularly for a major remodel, you want a detailed contract. This one document will help relieve much of the stress, worry, and confusion that can occur during a remodel. However, you don’t want to sign any document that is placed in front of you. You should always take the time to all the fine print and ensure all the small details are in writing.

As you read your written agreement for the home remodel, a few things you should look for include:

A detailed description of all the work that will be completed.
An outline of the materials used and how they are supplied. This will make sure you are not receiving low-quality products without your knowledge.
A list of all necessary permits and who is responsible to acquire each one.
The payment schedule – how often the contractor will be paid, the type of payment he will receive, etc.
A timeline of the project as well as start and end dates.
If changes are necessary, how they will be made and finalized.

While verbal agreements may sound simple and you may trust your contractor, a written agreement can save you many headaches and much frustration at a later date.

4. Get Away for a While

If you are considering a full home renovation, in Markham, or the surrounding area, it may be in your best interest to find temporary housing for the duration of the project. You may find a rental on a month-to-month basis or stay with local family members. This will help you get away from the inconvenience and commotion. It will also help you feel more comfortable when you are at home.

If leaving your home for an extended time is not possible, you should consider finding alternative solutions. For example, during a kitchen renovation, you may consider creating a temporary kitchen on your patio. Use paper plates and plastic utensils and use your grill to cook the majority of your foods. Be creative as you determine alternative living situations for the duration of your home remodel.

If you have a furry friend at home, regardless if you leave the home or not, you may want to find temporary housing for them. The commotion of a remodel, as well as the changes in the home, can cause significant stress to your animals.

5. Be in Constant Communication with the Contractor

If you want to relieve a significant amount of stress and worry regarding your home remodel, it is important that you know what’s going on. You should be in constant communication with your contractor to ensure everything is going according to plan. You want to make sure the project is following the planned timeline as well as is staying within budget. You also want to be aware of any obstacles or issues the contractor may have found or are working through. As a homeowner, you should be aware of every little detail going on and communication is the only way this will happen.

Additionally, it is your job as a homeowner to talk to the contractor and let them know what you expect and want from the very beginning of the project. Contractors cannot read minds and it is important you work closely with them to ensure they understand your vision for the project.

It is no secret that a home renovation project, whether it is a bathroom, kitchen, basement, or even the entire home, can be overwhelming and stressful. But, when you work with professional, trained, and high-quality contractors like The Renovators of Canada, you will receive a smooth home remodeling process. They will work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the end result that you desperately desire. Give The Renovators of Canada a call today to schedule your consultation.

Home Additions and How They Add Space and Value to Your Home

No matter if you have been living in your home for many years or it is a recent purchase, you want to create an atmosphere that you love and you are proud to call home. There are many ways that you can spruce up and create a gorgeous living environment, and there are also many upgrades you can make that will improve the functionality, look, and design of your property.

But, if you want to make a significant difference, increase the space in your home, and see a drastic increase in your home’s value, a home addition should be at the top of your list. Let’s take a closer look at home additions, their benefits, and several examples of these large renovations.

Why Choose a Home Addition?

It can be a challenge to determine if a home addition is the right project for your property. Before you proceed with the decision, you want to think about it carefully. There are several questions you can ask to help you make a decision that you don’t regret. These include:

Is a Home Addition the Best Option or Should I Purchase a New Home?
Many homeowners are faced with the dilemma of adding onto their home or to simply put their house on the market and purchase a new property. While both have their advantages, you will want to weigh several key factors before making your choice such as your budget, time, and future plans.

When you choose to complete a home addition, you have the ability to create a space as you want it.

Do You Have a Budget?

The amount of money you spend on a home addition will vary greatly by the size of the project, the contractors that you hire, and more. You can expect to pay on average $200 per square foot on the home addition but you should work closely with a licensed contractor to stick within your budget and to determine the best places to cut costs if needed.

Will a Home Addition Address My Concerns?

Do you have a growing family and need more space? Or do you want to increase your home’s value? Will a home addition address your concerns or are there other options that will require less time and money? The more research and thought you put into the project, the more satisfied you will be with the final results.

The Benefits of a Home Addition

As you determine if a home addition in your Toronto house is the best option, you must consider the benefits of this project. Let’s discuss a few.
Helps You Create Your Dream Home
As you work with a licensed contractor to renovate your Markham home, you can let your creative juices flow. You can work with these professionals to create a beautiful, trendy, and stylish living space that not only increases your home’s square footage but also improves the aesthetic appeal of the living space.

Many of the best contractors have galleries of past projects that you can browse through to gather ideas and implement small details into your project to create a truly customized and functional area.
Gives You More Room
For many individuals, they consider a home addition because of the increased square footage in the home. Whether you are adding a new room, bathroom, or even a garage, you have more space for your entire family and lifestyle needs.
Increases Your Home Value
One of the greatest benefits of a home addition is how this one project will greatly increase the value of your home. The type of room and the amount of square footage you add will affect your home’s value.

For example, adding a new bathroom to your home will give you the biggest return on your investment — an average of 86%. On average, you can expect that for every 1,000 square feet you add, you can increase your home’s value by up to 30%.

However, keep in mind that there are several factors that will impact the return you receive and your increase in value. A few of these include:

The quality of the home addition. If it is done by professionals, you will receive more than if it is a DIY project.
The room must be functional to be beneficial.
The flow from the original home to your addition is smooth.
You use high-quality materials to complete the addition.

It is best to work with a licensed contractor to complete this project and ensure you have the expertise and the knowledge to complete a beautiful, functional, and usable space.

Home Addition Ideas for Your House

As mentioned previously, one of the advantages to completing a home addition is you have the ability to create a home that you love — that you are proud to call your own. There are also many ways you can transform your indoor living space and ensure you have the space and features that you love. A few home addition ideas for your house include:

A New Bathroom

If you are considering selling your home in the future or your family is growing, a bathroom addition may be ideal. The cost of full bathroom additions will vary depending on the size of your project and the many features and appliances you plan to include. If you want to cut costs, you may consider building a half bathroom with just a sink and toilet. This is also a much faster and more simple project but you still reap many benefits.

Or, if you do not want to complete a full bathroom addition in your home, you can expand a current one to add more space and make the room more functional. Consider implementing more storage space and features such as a walk-in shower or a large vanity.

A Laundry Room
Many homes may have a laundry room in their garage or basement. By building a laundry room on the main floor of your house, you not only increase your home’s value but you make this dreaded chore much more enjoyable. Having a laundry room on the main floor is also a major selling perk if you plan to sell your home in the future. Consider incorporating a mudroom into this area of your home as well for even more appeal.
A Sunroom
A sunroom is an excellent way to bring the outdoors inside. You can add large windows, skylights, and doors to create a bright and beautiful area. Brainstorm ideas with your contractor about how to include various features into this space to turn this room into a beautiful indoor living area.
A Family Room
You may feel like the most visited areas of your home are tight and difficult for your entire family to sit in and enjoy. By adding a large family room, your home not only looks bigger, but it is more comfortable, aesthetically appealing, and livable.
Expand the Kitchen
A large, open kitchen is all the rage and if you are considering selling your home in the future, it will greatly attract potential buyers. Rather than add a new room onto your home, just expand your current one. Add more square footage to allow for more counter space, sitting areas, and more.

If you are considering a home addition in your Canada house, contact a licensed contractor such as The Renovators of Canada.They can help you create the indoor living space that you desperately desire. Whether you are looking to add a new living room or even expand your kitchen, they can help you every step of the way. Plus, you can browse their gallery of past projects to help you generate creative and unique ideas to truly transform and turn your home into your dream living space.

How to Increase the Value of Your Home

If you have plans in the future to sell your home, you will do all you can to make the most money from the deal. You not only want to impress all potential buyers who step foot on your property but you also want to keep the house in tip-top condition so basic repairs and upgrades don’t discourage potential buyers and they lower their offers.

And while there are dozens of projects you can complete around your home, a handful of them will actually increase your home’s value and help you receive more money on the sale of your property. Let’s talk about several things you can do to increase the value of your home.

1. Focus on the Curb Appeal

When selling your home, you want to make an instant impression the minute buyers pull up to your property. You want them to fall in love right away and be anxious to see what the interior of the home has to offer. You do this by improving the curb appeal of the property.

There are many ways that you can improve the home’s curb appeal. Little things like keeping the grass short, planting fresh flowers, and even trimming the trees and bushes will all make a difference in the look of your home. Additionally, take the time for small exterior details such as paint the trim, sweep the balcony, remove all clutter such as yard toys and bikes from the side of the home, etc.

If you truly want to make a difference to the exterior of your home, enhance the front entryway. Sweep the porch, lay down a new welcome mat, and place a planter of fresh flowers near the door. If the door is old and worn down, you may consider replacing or painting it.

In fact, a study by Zillow found that by painting or choosing a black front door, you can improve your home’s value up to $6,271.

2. Transform Your Kitchen Area

No matter if you have plans to sell your home in the near future or you just love to cook and have family around, you want an open, bright, and functional kitchen area. Kitchens that are cramped, have little counter space, and are outdated are going to detract and turn away potential buyers. Plus, if there are a substantial number of upgrades needed in this space, you may receive even less than you desire for your home.

A kitchen remodel in your Toronto home is one of the best things you can do to increase the value of your home. However, it can also be very costly if you are not prepared. A luxury remodel could cost you over $100,000 while a more basic upgrade could cost a few thousand dollars. However, you can work closely with a professional contractor to transform your kitchen area and stay within budget.

One of the benefits of completing a kitchen remodel is you can create the space that you want — the space you want to spend time in each day. Consider replacing items such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, the layout, lighting, and even paint colors. Work with your contractor to create a customized and gorgeous space for your family to gather in each day.

3. Finish a Basement

If you have an unfinished basement in your home, finishing this area should be a priority. Unfinished, this turns into unusable living space, but when completed, it adds significant, usable square footage to a home. Additionally, there are many uses for this area of the home. A few ideas that you can implement include:

Home office
Large living room
Theater room
Guest room
Apartment for family members or to rent out for additional income
Laundry room

4. Add More Square Footage

One way to immediately increase your home’s value is to complete a home addition. You may consider adding a living room, a laundry room, or even just expanding a bathroom or the kitchen area. The project you choose to complete will affect the cost and even the time required to complete it, but it can produce large results. By adding more square footage, you increase the amount of usable space in the home, the property feels and looks larger, and it can improve the home’s traffic flow as well.

Similar to other projects, what you choose to do with this added space and how you complete the project will affect how much your home’s value will increase. For example, adding another bathroom to the home with have a big return on your investment — an average of 86%. Consider why you want to add more square footage to your home and make sure your plans fall within your budget.

5. Update Bathroom Features

The bathroom is one area of the home where potential buyers will pay particular attention. This is because this is a room that is visited multiple times of the day by household members and guests alike. If the bathrooms have features that are outdated such as pink toilets and tubs, it can quickly turn away potential buyers and hurt your chance of a great sale.

While a bathroom remodel in your Markham home may be advisable, simply updating some areas of this room may be more plausible. For example, replacing old and faded vinyl flooring, updating the vanity, and refurbishing the tub and shower area may be what you need to give this room a lift. Even small details such as upgrading light fixtures, swapping out hardware such as faucets and showerheads are all going to make a difference as well.

If your bathroom is small, dark, and has little counter space, it may be worth your time to consider a full bathroom remodel with a contractor. Expanding this area, updating its design, and bringing in more storage options are just a few of the ways that you will totally transform this area and drastically increase your home’s value.

6. Paint!

One of the most simple and effective ways to increase your home’s value is to grab a paintbrush and begin painting. A fresh coat of paint can actually increase your home’s value by several thousands of dollars — if you choose the right colors. Plus, painting is a project that can be done in a weekend, and a few gallons of paint and several painting supplies can be acquired for less than $100.

If you are considering painting your home, a few projects you may consider that will increase your home’s value include:

Kitchen cabinets: By painting two-toned cabinets in your kitchen area, you can see a price increase of up to $1,500.

Bedroom walls: By choosing neutral and light colors for the bedroom, such as a light blue, you can see an increase of almost $1,800.

Living rooms: For living rooms, you also want to choose very neutral and light colors. A living room that is painted a light beige or taupe tone can increase your home’s value up to $1,800.

Unfortunately, just like there are many paint colors that can increase your home’s value, there are also many that can lower it and hurt your sale. These include:

Brown color on both the interior and exterior of the home. According to Zillow, brown or stucco home exteriors can reduce your home’s sale price by up to $1,900.
Red kitchen and dining rooms can also have a negative effect. While you can certainly use red in these areas, you want to make sure that these bold colors are more as an accent color, not the main color in the room.
White rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, and even bathrooms can make you feel calm and peaceful, and that the area is clean, but they can decrease a home’s sale price by more than $4,000.

If you are ready to transform your home and increase your home’s value, contact The Renovators of Canada today. They can help you determine the best projects to create a living space that you can’t wait to come home to every night and potential buyers will immediately love.

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