diy

Why Should Choose the Renovators of Canada for Home Renovations

Whether you are looking to remodel your kitchen, basement, or even the bathroom in your Toronto home, choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not only will this decision affect the final outcome of the project, but it will provide you with a smooth and enjoyable experience.

And while the quality of work that the contractor in Canada completes is of utmost importance, it isn’t the only thing that should be taken into consideration. There are many factors that must be evaluated.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Contractor

Not all contractors are the same and it is important that you don’t rush into hiring any company or professional without a full evaluation. Here are just a few things you should consider as you make your choice.

Basic Background Information: You want to ensure that the contractor you choose meets all necessary requirements to legally perform the work. For example, does the company have a current license? What does their insurance coverage look like? These aspects are all important to help you ensure the project is done well and if any problem occurs, that the proper documentation and coverage is available.

Recommendations: If you have a contractor in mind, ask if they can provide references from former clients. You want to speak with past clients to not only determine the company’s quality of work but to also learn how easy they were to work with. You want to work with experts who are friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. Ask about how well the company worked within a budget, followed a schedule, and more. It is also a smart idea to determine if the company has any legal actions against them.

Offers Ideas and Listens to Your Own: This is your home and your project. What you want to do and the ideas you have should be expressed and implemented by the contractor. Good contractors will help you incorporate your ideas and create the space that you envision. But, they also have their own ideas and tips for enhancing the space. Some of the best contractors, like The Renovators of Canada, have a gallery of past projects they have completed so you can easily gather ideas and piece together a stunning space.  

What Type of Customer Service Training Is Important?

In addition to the items listed above, customer service must be a priority and for The Renovators of Canada, it is. They understand that customer service is what creates loyal customers and it encourages the recommendations and referrals to help their business succeed. But even more important, they understand that this is your home — one of the biggest investments you will ever make. A home renovation can be a frustrating and inconvenient process and they want to make the process as smooth and enjoyable for you as possible. Here are a few areas where this home remodel company is striving to ensure you experience incredible customer service.

  1. They Are the Experts

When you are tackling a big project such as a basement remodel or a kitchen renovation, you will likely have dozens of questions and concerns. You want to work with a company that will not only provide you with a detailed explanation but will also ensure that you understand and feel good about their explanation. Additionally, you shouldn’t have to wait a long time for a response either. Rather than wait for days for these questions and concerns to be answered, they should be answered in a fast and timely manner.

  1. Very Friendly and Upbeat

A home remodel is a very exciting project but it can also be very challenging and frustrating. A good contractor, such as The Renovators of Canada, recognize that. No matter how you are feeling, they should be friendly and warm. You should feel comfortable coming to them with questions or concerns and you should walk away from any employee from the company in good spirits.

  1. Listen to What You Say

Whether you are concerned about a change in plans, the price, or just don’t love the current design ideas, an employee from the best companies should be there to listen to your concerns. They should not shrug you off but work with you to address your concerns. And if you are in need of more ideas or how to customize your current plan before the heavy work begins, speak up and let them know.

  1. Fully Trained

Strong customer service begins with fully trained employees. Workers who don’t know what they are doing or don’t fully understand their responsibilities cannot provide proper assistance to their clients. You want to ensure that all employees — no matter their job position or their role in the company — are fully trained. When the staff knows what they are doing, it not only reflects in their overall product but also with each client’s experience.

Safety Training: What You Should Know

When training employees, it shouldn’t simply be time spent focusing on a new policy or how to complete a certain document. Much attention should be placed on the safety of the workers, the home, and any other individual in proximity. Safety training should be mandatory and ongoing. It should not be a one-time training. While many contractors, such as The Renovators of Canada, make safety training a priority, here are a few things you should know and watch out for.

It Encompasses a Variety of Situations

This safety training should focus on a variety of situations from those that are very small and minor to major incidents. The better trained the employees are for certain situations, the more confident clients can feel trusting these workers in their home and with such major projects in their home.

It Is Ongoing

As mentioned previously, safety training should not be a one-time event. As safety policies and procedures change, new training should be made available to employees. Plus, employees should review the content they learn on a regular basis to help them stay up-to-date and ready for whatever the day may throw at them. Additionally, it is important that all employees receive thorough training when first hired to ensure they are trained and aware of any specific policies and procedures to prevent putting themselves or anyone else in danger.

Why the Renovators of Canada Are Your Best Choice

As you narrow down your options of contractors who can help you complete that bedroom renovation or the bathroom remodel in your Toronto home, The Renovators of Canada should be at the top of your list. Not only do they have all the basic needs such as licensing and insurance to ensure a legal project, but they are willing to listen to your needs and offer many ideas to add a custom look to your home. Plus, their extensive training helps you feel confident in their work and in the safety of your home and the workers in it.

Choosing contractors can feel overwhelming — sometimes just as overwhelming as the project itself — but with the right team to work with, you will have a beautiful home that you love and a hassle-free and incredible renovation process.

Contact The Renovators of Canada today to book a free planning session and experience an incredible home remodel.

7 Ways to Breathe New Life into Your Old Bathroom

Bathroom renovations are one of the best investments you can make in your Toronto home. The bathrooms, along with the kitchen, are the areas in your home that will increase your property value the most and attract potential buyers – if you plan to sell your home in the future. For example, according to a 2004 study in the United States, sellers received 184% of the cost of the bathroom remodel.

However, many individuals don’t even know where to start and are scared to remodel a bathroom for fear of the upfront cost. But you can create a beautiful and stunning bathroom without spending a fortune and completely gutting the space. Here are seven ways you can create a stunning, functional, and updated bathroom.

1. Update Light Fixtures

Updating the light fixtures in the bathroom is a simple upgrade that can make a large difference in a space. Consider installing light fixtures that make a great accent piece or that become a focal point in the room. If your bathroom is fairly dark or there is little natural light, consider installing additional lighting to brighten up the room. Additionally, consider installing an energy-efficient light fixture to save a little money on your utility bills each month.

2. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can change the entire feel of the bathroom. It can make a room that is bright or boring, into a space that is modern and beautiful. Plus, you can paint a bathroom in a day and it doesn’t cost a significant amount of money. There are many great paint color options for a bathroom, but if your bathroom is small, stay away from dark colors because it can create a room that appears dim and overwhelming. Ideally, you want very light and warm colors such as light yellows, grays, and blues.

3. Refinish the Tub and Shower

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars to replace an old tub or shower, you can refinish it. This not only gives your tub and shower a new look, but it can also fix some of the damage to your tub such as cracks or chips. Some individuals may choose to perform this handiwork on their own but if it is not done well, it can be counterproductive and create a very unattractive look and even more damage to the tub. Plus, if you have your tub or shower refinished well, the repairs will usually last for more than a decade before work is needed again.

https://pixabay.com/en/bathtub-tub-bathroom-bath-white-2485957/

4. Install New Flooring

Installing new flooring in your bathroom can be one of the bigger projects in this space and can be an inconvenience for a day or two. However, it can be one of the best things you do for this area. There are many flooring options available for a bathroom but you must consider flooring that can handle a lot of moisture, is waterproof, durable, and stain-resistant. A few great options to consider include:

  • Tile
  • Vinyl
  • Laminate
  • Stone

You want to stay away from carpet and hardwood in the bathroom area as neither material can handle water well.

5. Update Various Bathroom Fixtures

If you want a budget-friendly way to update your bathroom, and one that can be done in a short amount of time, update the bathroom fixtures. This can be as simple as purchasing and installing new handles for your vanity, installing a new sink faucet, and updating your towel racks. These little details can easily enhance the look of a space and give it a more modern feel. When something as small as a towel rack is old and broken, it makes the entire bathroom look poorly cared for and larger repairs stand out.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-a-stainless-steel-faucet-615326/

6. Update the Countertops

If your budget allows and you are in need of an entirely new vanity, consider ripping out the current vanity and replacing it with a new one that boasts lots of storage. However, if a new vanity is not needed, consider replacing the countertops. By installing granite or even laminate countertops, you can create a luxury bathroom for very little. Granite countertops don’t cost as much as they did several years ago and are extremely durable and easy to care for. Additionally, if you install new fixtures as well, you can create an entirely new look without a complete bathroom remodel in Mississauga.

7. Update Your Mirror

The bathroom mirror is more than just an item you use to do your hair or put on makeup each day. In fact, with the right mirror, you can make your bathroom appear larger, brighter, and more modern. Ideally, find a large mirror and place it right above the bathroom sink. Additionally, to really create a unique look, frame the bathroom mirror. This creates a more homey and relaxing feel to a space and it can become a great accent or focal piece in the room. Also, consider more dramatic mirror options such as items that are oval or star-shaped. Although, if you already have a lot of décor and style pieces in the bathroom, a large, bold mirror may make the bathroom a little too overwhelming.

Bonus: Update the Toilet

If the toilet is old or even if it is an odd, outdated color, you may consider installing a new toilet. These products themselves aren’t very expensive, although, you may need to hire a plumber to make sure it is installed correctly. If you purchase a low-flush toilet, you can save a significant amount of water, helping you save money each month on your monthly utility and water bills.

There are many options when it comes to remodeling your bathroom in Vaughan or surrounding areas. To ensure your bathroom renovation is done well, hire a contracting company such as The Renovators of Canada. Experts can help you determine the best updates for your bathroom and help you create a space that you love and that will increase your property value. Contact T-ROC today for a free planning session and to start building a bathroom that you’ve always wanted.

7 Ways to Breathe New Life into Your Old Bathroom[Infographic]

Finding A Renovation Contractor you can Trust

You’ve decided to renovate your home.  It may be a small bathroom renovation or a full home addition.  As a renovation contractor I have always been amazed how little time customers spend vetting our company.  Our customers will often take the time on large jobs, like home additions, but will take very little time when renovating their washroom.  I’ve heard so many renovation horror stories and its always the same issues;

  • We paid him cash and he’s disappeared.
  • The job was a mess, they ruined my floors, damaged my personal property, never removed the construction garbage.
  • My 2 week bathroom renovation turned into 4 months
  • The quality of work was poor and needs to be redone
  • Water damage due to not using quality trades – especially plumbers

Even recently I spoke to a homeowner who was renovating their whole main floor including their kitchen – the initial budget was $200,000 and to my disbelief they were paying the contractor cash.  Surprise, surprise, when everything fell apart.  Really, $200,000 in cash!

Here are some tips to help you find a contractor;

The simple things to check – Does the contractor have a business number, HST number, WSIB, and General Liability insurance.  Ask for documentation – this should be easily accessible for a reputable renovation contractor.

Check to see if they are part of any industry associations – contractors who have pride in their work and their business are involved in their industry.  They are constantly learning and improving.

There are so many on line rating services that it is worth the time to read up on your contractor.  The public domain can provide great insight as to the company’s strengths and weaknesses.  However, a company that only has 10 out of 10 ratings can be suspicious.  Look for companies that respond to their reviews – good or bad.

Once you have narrowed down the list of contractors to 2 or 3 that you think would be good to deal with, invite them to your home to provide an estimate.  This initial meeting can offer a lot of insight in how your renovation will be managed.  Did the renovation contractor arrive on time, did he remove his shoes, how detailed is his quote, how did he speak to you, did he show you and your family respect?

When deciding to embark on a home renovation, whether big or small, take the time to protect your investment.  It is your home, plus your own well-being that you are dealing with.  Renovations can be very stressful. They can completely disrupt your life while they are going on.  Spending time upfront is a huge advantage.

Top 5 Reasons to Renovate

We all have different reasons as to why we would renovate our homes.  The important thing to realize is why you are doing it, and that your decision is right for you.  Here are 5 of the main reasons why our customers renovate their homes;

  1. They simply want something better – as we go through our lives our tastes and attitudes change.  The kitchen or bathroom that was perfect when you were just starting out lacks some of the new renovation options that are available today.  Wanting some of the comforts to make our lives a little bit easier or more enjoyable becomes important to us.  Some of the many new features are heated floors, heated towel bars, rain head showers with a hand held option, stone or hard surface counter tops, built in appliances, soft close doors and drawers – the list goes on and on.  When you are ready to renovate your home there is no shame in wanting to induldge in the finer things that life can offer.
  2. Family is changing – Over time our families can grow and as a result we need more usable space.  Finishing the basement so that the kids have a place to hang out with their friends or creating a space for your relatives to live.  An extra bathroom or bedroom is great for guests and gives them some privacy while visiting.
  3. Selling your home – our homes are often are biggest investment in our lives and keeping it up to date and current will drive a bigger sale price when you are ready to sell.  Buyers will often want discounts when your home is out of date or when it is in need of repair.  Companies make profits on “flipping houses”, don’t let your house become someone else’s flip.  Key areas to update – kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and paint.
  4. Income Suite – looking to make a little extra money every month and help pay down that mortgage?  Check your local by-laws about the possibility of creating a basement income suite.  Our customers have often been able to get financing to finish the renovation. Once the suite is rented they have been able to pay for the financing as well as put some money towards their mortgage every month.
  5. The house is showing its age and needs some TLC – houses need maintenance, they won’t last forever if we don’t look after them.  Over time many of your homes features will deteriorate.  Some of the more common areas are;
    1. windows and doors – replacing your windows can improve your homes look as well as reduce your energy costs.
    2. Gutters and downspouts – its so important to keep the water away from your foundation.  Next time it rains check to ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and that the water is flowing well.  Extend the downspouts to at least 4′ away from your foundation.
    3. caulking – caulking only last a few years.  You should be removing the existing caulking from your tubs and showers and re-caulking them every 3-5 years.  This will keep the water from penetrating the wall surfaces and causing rot and mold.
    4. tile and grout – over the years tiles can crack and grout can become dislodged from in between the tiles.  Its important to inspect your washroom and replace any broken tiles and re-grout any areas where the grout is missing.
    5. exterior vent covers – most exterior vent covers are vinyl (plastic) and dry out over time.  When they dry out they crack and fall apart.  This can allow birds to make nests inside the vent pipes or allow water to penetrate your exterior building envelope.  If they are in disrepair take the time to change them.

What ever the reason you are renovating for, be sure to take the time to plan, and create a budget that works for you. Doing your research is the most important step of any renovation project.

 

 

Killing off Mildew: The Foot Soldiers of Mold Infestation

You might already feel that mold (mould) is starting to infest your house. To start your witch hunt for mold, you better start with looking for mildew first. Mildew is a surface type mold that is visible and often black in colour.

Mildew Can Be Mistaken as Dirt

They can be confused for stubborn dirt due to their colour. To know if a black stain on your wall, gutter, or wall you see is mildew or dirt, put a few drops of bleach on it. If the stain gets whiter or starts to form bubbles, there is a high chance that it is mildew (although regular dirt might react like this way to bleach as well).

Mold Infestation Indicator

Thankfully, mildew does little damage to the surface they inhabit. However, they are good indicators that mold infestation is imminent. By the way, to remove mildew, you can use a scraper (or a screwdriver if the mildew infestation is rather small) and scrape the patches off the surface.

Finishing Mildew with Bleach Solution

Once the patches are gone, completely eliminate the mildew by using a bleach solution. Mix one half cup of bleach with four cups of water. Add some detergent until the solution gets a bit foamy.

Get your handy-dandy scrubber, dab a cup of the solution onto the mildew, and scrub the remaining mildew off the surface. By the way, if you are weak to allergens, you need to wear gloves and mask to protect you against any floating mold on the air.

Aftermath

Once you’re done, look for the root cause of mildew. If the mildew you found was in the bathroom, you better check for any leaks or if the room’s exhaust fan is working well. In case that your bathroom doesn’t have one, then make sure that the window is kept open to ensure proper ventilation.

If the rising humidity in your house is the culprit, make sure that you air conditioning is working well. In case that there’s nothing wrong with your AC and mold has been a recurring problem in your house, you might want to spend a few dollars on getting a dehumidifier.

Renovation Advice From Professionals

Significantly Safe

When performing home improvements, you must always ask yourself if it is an improvement that you can perform on your own. If it is a renovation that is more complex, hiring a professional is usually the safer way to go. This article will help you know your potential, and when you should call a professional to perform your home improvement.

Electrical Execution

When making electrical changes to your home, it is always best to hire a professional.There are many negative consequences that can result from you performing the electrical changes inappropriately. Hiring a professional will eliminate the negative possibilities such as; over-heated electrical wires, overworked circuit breakers, and many more. To ensure that all electrical standards are met; you will need to have in-depth knowledge of the electrical changes you are performing. Even though performing these alterations without a professional will save you money in the short-run, in the long-run you will need to spend endless amounts of money to fix the mistakes you made previously. It is best to spend more money at the beginning of a renovation and to perform these changes safely, rather than spending more money in the future.

Wild Walls

If you are planning to expand your kitchen, or simply create a more open-concept layout, you must understand which walls are load-bearing walls. Load-bearing walls are the walls that are supporting your home, and ensuring that your home does not cave in. Therefore, a renovation that is as simplistic as knocking down one wall, may lead to your entire home collapsing! I recommend at least obtaining information or advice on which wall you can knock down in your home. It may seem like a small change, but a small modification can lead to a large disaster. Unfortunately many of us do not know which walls are safe to eliminate, and therefore hiring a professional to perform this improvement is highly recommended. A professional will have greater knowledge of the structure of your home. You may be thinking, “Well how can they know more about my home, it’s my home!” It may be difficult to believe, but you do not know many things about your home. The professional will be able to identify a cosmetic wall versus a support wall, therefore notifying you of which wall you are able to eradicate.

Lesson Learned

This article discussed a few renovations that are safer when performed by a professional. There are still many other

types of renovations that you should ask a professional to accomplish.The goal of this blog is to expose you to the dangers of performing renovations without a professional. The lesson to take from this article is that, when you are unsure of a renovation or how it should be performed, contact a professional. The professional will be able to provide you with advice and tips for the specific renovation you are planning to execute. Stay safe, and may all your future renovations conclude in success and happiness!

By: Jake Fortinsky

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail (info@trocanada.com) with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Painting Your Interior Walls Successfully

When working on the walls of your home you must decide between two options for your walls. You can choose wallpaper or if you are willing to take on a slightly more difficult job, you can paint your walls. Using wallpaper

Shake Things up in the Kitchen!

Lifestyle Change Needed!

Renovating your kitchen will add ease to your lifestyle and value to your home. These next points will help you make the correct decisions for your kitchen renovation! So get excited and get inspired!

Quality is the Answer

Always choose top-quality drawers and hinges, otherwise your cabinet doors may not close properly and they will wear quite quickly. For the interior of all cabinets, you should always use wood veneer. A wood veneer interior is significantly more durable than melamine, laminate or particleboard.

Storage Galore!

Always maximize your storage. Extend your cabinets up to your ceiling, to increase the amount of storage in your kitchen. Although, if your ceilings are higher than eight feet, you should leave approximately 15 inches of space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling. Leaving this amount of space ensures that you will be able to reach the top shelf of all your cabinets. So for anyone who couldn’t reach the top shelf, where the cookies were hidden, now you will be able to!

Paint, Splash, & Have Fun!

I recommend brush-painted cabinets, because they tend to last longer and give your kitchen a more unique personality. It also gives you the opportunity to show your personality through your kitchen cabinets. Let your personality shine through your kitchen!

Life on an Island…

Make an effort to choose an island that has an open and airy look. This does not mean keeping the island to smaller dimensions, but simply understanding that a kitchen can become quite busy. Understanding this concept, means that you should consider how many people tend to be in your kitchen at the same time. Based on your estimate, you can determine whether you should be installing a smaller or larger island. If you have many family members. then it is best to create extra space in the kitchen; by either choosing a smaller island, or throwing out half your family!

Written By: Jake Fortinsky

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail (info@trocanada.com) with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

DIY: Planning on Creating a Plan

Measure Twice, Cut Once

DIY projects have become incredibly popular in recent years. Although there are many home buyers attempting to save money by performing DIY projects, they are often failing to successfully accomplish these projects. It is crucial that every DIY’er has a set plan before they begin their DIY project. As I was once told, “measure twice, cut once”. This refers to the idea that you should never perform your project until you are positive that you are fully prepared. Measure twice; review all your steps more than once, and then when you feel you are prepared to begin your DIY project, begin!

Building a Plan

Many DIY’ers create a plan for their DIY project, except the problem is that their plan is incohesive and unclear. All DIY’ers should build a plan that clearly identifies the goals that need to be accomplished for the project to be done exquisitely. A plan should “paint a picture” in your mind of exactly what you will need and how your room will look once it is completed.

The Vision…

Many times DIY’ers perform their renovations with their friends or family. It is important that everyone involved in the project have the same vision. Again, having a clear and concise plan will not allow for much interpretation and will therefore lead to everyone having the same vision. This ensures that all members know exactly what needs to be done to accomplish each and every goal.

You Snooze, You Lose

If you are the type of person that can lose focus after completing one goal, or losing interest once you are halfway done a project, a great way to keep you focused is to create multiple plans. You can create a thorough plan for each goal, and then once you complete a goal, you can move onto your next plan. This will eliminate the chances of you becoming uninterested in your project when you have not completely accomplished it. Since you will be working with a brand new plan for each goal, you will feel like every new plan is a brand new project, and you will not lose interest.

The Art of Excitement

Since DIY projects can be tough, and can sometimes take months or even years to complete, keeping them fun and exciting is always a great way to make them a more enjoyable experience. People perform DIY projects mainly for two reasons; budget, and the experience of accomplishing something on their own. Making a DIY project a great experience will also lead to it feeling like a fun activity, rather than a chore.

Make your DIY project clear, concise, and fun. Enjoy your next DIY project, and if you want to tell us about your project, please feel free to comment below. Need more tips on DIY projects?! We will be posting more blogs with tips for DIY projects!

Written By: Jake Fortinsky

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail (info@trocanada.com) with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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