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6 Simple Ways to Customize Your Basement

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

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. 

 

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 High-Impact Changes to Transform Your Bathroom

Whether you are interested in transforming your master, main, or guest bathroom in your Markham home, this isn’t a time to feel intimidated. Once complete, a bathroom remodel can create a more functional and appealing space. While you can certainly gut this area and start all over, it isn’t always necessary. There are several changes that can make a big impact and drastically improve the look of your room. Let’s discuss seven high-impact changes that can go the distance.

1. Open Up More Space

The bathroom can be a very small and closed-off space. You will be spending time in this room every single day, so you want to design an area that feels large and functional. If your budget allows, renovate the bathroom so the space in this room is used wisely. For example, do you really need a tub and a shower? Is your vanity too large or do you have an unnecessary wall blocking off natural sunlight? By working closely with a contractor, you can remodel the bathroom in your home to create a more well-designed room. While knocking down walls and removing items can be time-consuming and labor-intensive renovations, they will be most effective when transforming this space.

2. Get Rid of the Shower Curtain

Upgrading your shower is an excellent investment, not only when creating a more functional space, but also if you plan to sell your home in the future. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in the United States, most adults over the age of 45 prefer a shower to a bathtub and most prefer a barrier-free shower. This is a shower that allows you to walk right in without climbing over anything.

A barrier-free shower is not only the preferred option, but it also makes the bathroom appear larger and more open. While a traditional shower curtain is useful for adding color to the area, it makes the room look small and closed off. By getting rid of the curtain and using a glass shower door or even creating a deep shower that doesn’t require any type of door, your bathroom appears more bright and uncluttered. If you do have a shower and bathtub combination, you can still install a glass shower door to help open the entire room.

3. Choose a Freestanding Tub

The bathtub can be a statement piece in the room. However, many homeowners just choose the cheapest option, but this is rarely the most aesthetically-appealing. An alcove bathtub, for example, is one of the most common and popular bathtub options. This is a bathtub with three finished sides and it attaches directly to the wall. While this is a budget-friendly option, it is very basic and you will want to choose your tiles and backsplash carefully to make it stand out.

If space allows, choose a freestanding tub. This tub has four finished sides and sits in the room on its own. These options are very deep and design-friendly. They come with very classic plumbing options and when placed correctly in the room, they become a focal point. If you want some design-friendly ideas for bathtubs in your home, talk to your professional contractor for ideas.   

4. Add Built-In Shelves

If you have a smaller bathroom and are limited in space, built-in shelves are an excellent option. These not only create more storage for your bathroom necessities, but it is a great way to add some décor and color to the room. For example, if you have a long vanity and dual sinks, you can install built-in shelves in the middle of the mirror. This helps break-up the dual sinks and you can place colored towels, a lush plant, or candles to accessorize the bathroom without cluttering up the room.

5. Update the Fixtures

Not all upgrades to your bathroom have to be large and costly. Even small updates can impact the look of your area. For example, get rid of that old brass faucet and install a waterfall faucet instead. If you have space and you want a new towel rack, don’t settle for a low-quality option. Choose one that matches the other features in your room and adds some design and contrast. Additionally, you may choose to store your towels in your built-in shelves or even use hooks to save on wall space.

A few fixtures that are simple to update and can make a big difference in your bathroom include:

  •      Sink faucet
  •      Showerhead
  •      Lightswitch plates
  •      Light fixture
  •      Vanity hardware
  •      Towel racks

6. Focus on the Tile and Backsplash

Whether you want to install tile on the bathroom floor, around the sink, or above the bathtub and shower, this one decision is going to instantly transform your bathroom. There are many types of materials to choose from such as porcelain, ceramic, and stone. These each have many benefits and varying price points so you must determine your budget, your willingness to maintain and clean the material, and other relevant considerations.

As you choose the tile and backsplash in your home, consider the final look. Choose tiles that will complement the colors well with your paint and vanity. If you do not have much natural light in the space, it is also best to choose bright tiles. If you have difficulty choosing the right type of tiles for your home, work with your bathroom remodeling contractor in Toronto. They can help you choose the right type of materials and colors that will work best for your lifestyle and the look of your room.

7. Choose the Right Vanity

Not all vanities are right for your space. While you want to choose a bathroom vanity that not only fits your style and needs, it also must fit the space of the room well. For example, if you have little space and the room is not used often, a pedestal sink may be ideal to make the room look more open and create a very classic, simple look. Additionally, you can choose a corner vanity to help create a more functional area with a little counter space. However, if you have a much larger bathroom, such as a master, you may want a vanity with underneath storage options.

Choosing a vanity can be difficult as there are many options and factors to consider. Custom vanity options may be ideal to help you get exactly what you want in terms of your style and space.

If you are interested in transforming your bathroom into an area that is functional, storage-friendly, and eye-catching, keep these renovation ideas in mind. They can instantly change the look of the space, as well as the overall feel of a room that’s vital to your home.

If you are ready to tackle this project and create a functional and gorgeous bathroom in your home, give The Renovators of Canada a call. They can help you design and transform your bathroom into a masterpiece, along with any other areas of your home from the kitchen to the basement. Give them a call today for more information and to schedule a consultation.

The 9 Hottest Trends in Kitchen Renovations

Whether you are completing a full kitchen renovation or just making several upgrades to improve the space, sorting through all the many trends and designs ideas can feel overwhelming. You want to create a room that is functional, beautiful, and practical. Plus, you want to ensure that it contains all the features and characteristics that you need and will last for years to come. To help you create a kitchen that is stylish, trendy, and gorgeous, here are 9 of the hottest trends in kitchen renovations.

1. Two-Toned Kitchens

For the past several years, all-white kitchens have been all the rage. Many homeowners have chosen white subway tiles, white cabinets, white countertops, etc., But, this design trend is slowly starting to fade. Many individuals are now turning to two-toned kitchens.

This trend is a simple way to add a significant amount of color to the area. You will see this trend primarily on cabinets but also backsplashes and paint colors as well. It is a great way to brighten up the room and if you aren’t brave enough to design a bright and bold kitchen, this is a great starting space. Two-toned kitchens can include any color such as greens, purples, and blues. And if you want to a more subtle look, tans, taupes, and grays are extremely popular.

2. Open Cabinets

More homes are choosing open cabinets rather than the traditional storage option. Open shelving not only adds a lot of contrast and texture to the space, but it is also a convenience. This allows homeowners to place their most-used items within arm’s reach and prevents it from sitting directly on the counters, cluttering up the room. However, with this trend, you must be cautious to not put too much on these shelves as it creates a cluttered and messy look.

3. Wood Flooring

Hardwood floors have been a trend for many years and it shows no sign of leaving. This type of flooring provides a very classic look and goes well with a variety of home décor styles such as farmhouse and minimalist.

There are many benefits to hardwood flooring including its durability. This type of flooring can easily handle the wear that comes from daily foot traffic. And, it is extremely low maintenance and requires very little effort to keep it looking great for years to come. Plus, it handles spills and messes well and is easy to clean.

You can also enjoy much versatility with this flooring option as you can choose a variety of wood types such as oak, maple, and walnut. If you want a more cost-friendly option, you can find flooring options such as laminate and vinyl that look like wood.

4. Unique Light Fixtures

A well-lit kitchen area is essential. Not only is ample lighting important for your meal prep and cooking, but also for creating a space that you want to gather and spend time in. If you don’t have much light in the kitchen, this should become a priority during kitchen remodeling in Oakville. Consider installing additional lighting options such as under-cabinet lights, lighting in the pantry, etc.

For your main light source, choose statement fixtures. These are light fixtures that can become a focal piece. For example, consider an elegant chandelier or install unique pendant lights over an island or kitchen sink. You may also consider zone lighting, which is recessed lighting split up into areas throughout your kitchen. This allows you to brighten up certain areas of the room where you are working such as over the sink, large counter space, the stove, etc.

5. Dark Color Schemes

Choosing light and neutral colors has been recommended if you plan on selling your home in the future. But, today, many homeowners are branching out and including very bold and dark colors throughout the kitchen area. Black is becoming increasingly popular as cabinet colors, seating options, paint colors, and countertops. Other bold colors that are becoming popular include reds, blues, purples, and greens.

Keep in mind that if you choose to include a bold and dark color into your kitchen’s color scheme, you want to choose colors that accent it well and don’t create an overwhelming space. For example, if you desire a black kitchen, don’t go all black. Rather, choose a black island with white cabinetry lining the walls.

6. Smart Kitchens

During a kitchen remodel, you can’t forget about your appliances. Not only will new appliances enhance the look of the room, but they will save a considerable amount of energy each month on your utility bills.For example, when you purchase a new energy-efficient refrigerator, you will use approximately15% less energy than non-certified products.

But, saving energy isn’t the only reason to consider new appliances, many of these newer products boast smart capabilities, that add convenience, functionality, and safety to your home. Smart fridges feature built-in computers where you can view recipes or check the daily weather. You can also purchase products with built-in cameras that allow you to look inside your fridge while walking down the aisles at the grocery store.

A few smart appliances you should consider include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Coffee makers
  • Ovens
  • Ranges

7. Quartz Countertops

While granite countertops have been a top choice for homeowners, quartz is quickly stepping in. This material is not only durable, but it boasts a long lifespan, which makes it an appealing option for many individuals who plan to live in their home for years to come. Additionally, quartz is anti-microbial and extremely simple to maintain — even more so than granite — which makes it an ideal substance for this room.

8. Simplicity in Every Aspect

Many homeowners are turning away from cluttered, full kitchens to a very simple, tidy look. As these individuals are completing home renovations in Waterloo, they are focusing more on the layout of the kitchen and ensuring it all flows and that you aren’t covering too much ground for all your dinner prep, cooking, and cleanup.

Additional ways that individuals are creating more simplicity in the kitchen is by removing top cabinets and focusing more on open shelving or expansive storage options. Additionally, those with smaller kitchen areas should consider a simpler look and layout as it helps the room appear inviting, large, and open.

9. Ceiling Treatments

Ceiling treatments are making big statements in kitchen areas and rightly so. This element adds an entirely new focal point to any home and when done correctly, can help an area appear larger. Additionally, there are a wide variety of ways to create stunning ceiling treatments so they are unique and stand out from other houses on your street. During your home renovations in Richmond Hill, talk to your contractor about how to add this creative design element to your home.

If you are ready to create a stunning kitchen area in your Canadian home, contact the experts at The Renovators of Canada to begin. They can help you tackle this large project and create a space that you, your family, and all your guests will love each time they walk into the home. Give us a call today for more information.

7 Signs That Your Bathroom is Due for a Renovation

When it comes to renovating your house, sometimes it seems like it is a never-ending project and there is always so much to be done.  In times like these, it becomes crucial to prioritize what is most important or most in need of completion and tackle that project as your main concern. Here are seven signs that your bathroom needs to be the first one:

1.     It is Leaking

There is a lot of water in the bathroom. It comes from the sink, it comes from the toilet, it comes from the tub or shower, and it comes from the air due to vapor and steam. If you have a pipe underneath your bathroom sink that is constantly leaking, if there is always water sitting around the edges of the toilet bowl, or if the faucet in your tub is permanently dripping, there is a good chance your bathroom might need a renovation. While you can always opt to simply have the plumbing fixed or focus on investigating where the water might be coming from, the process may be extensive and a complete renovation and overhaul may be a better use of your time and resources.

2.     Your Floor is Damaged

Just like you may have observed leaking from your faucet, toilet or tub, as indicated above, there are more areas of destruction that water can cause that may be indicative of the need to renovate. One of the most common of these is damage to your floors. When water leaks it is not always visible and may start its leaking underneath your floor boards.  This is common when the issues causing the leakage are in the pipes that are under the floor or in the wall. As a result, the first sign of a problem may be damage to your floors, as water gets underneath and causes the floors to start lifting or becoming stained and discoloured.  If this is the cause of damage, it is often an extensive process for repair, whereby you will have to rip up floors or rip out your walls, and as such, it presents a good time to undertake a renovation.

3.     There is Visible Mold

Just like water can cause damage to your floors, leak under your cupboards, and drip annoyingly out of your faucet, it can also be the root of bigger problem: mold. Mold thrives in warm, moist environments, making the bathroom its ideal living space. You may see it appear first along the edges of your shower or bath, or as dark spots on the ceiling.  Once it shows up, it will only get worse, and may already be looming behind the walls or ceiling where you can’t see it. With mold in the house, you and your family are at risk for an increased number of health concerns, so it is important to attend to the situation as soon as possible.

4.     Your Paint is Peeling

While you may not see mold, another indicator of damage coming from steam within the bathroom – and a good reason to renovate – is paint peeling off the walls. The constant water presence in the air can break down the paint and cause it to start peeling.  This is especially relevant if your bathroom was built and painted a few years ago, before paint was of a higher quality like it is now, whereby it can sustain more water and steam exposure.

5.     It is Outdated

Perhaps a less obvious sign, and subjective to an individual’s taste, an outdated bathroom is a great reason to tackle a renovation. If you have only a bathtub and no shower, you still have wallpaper covering all of the walls, or the faucets and plumbing are hard to operate and dripping, it’s a good indication that your bathroom is outdated.  While an outdated bathroom is something you may have gotten used to, understanding its nuances and unique characteristics, if you have future plans to sell your home, a bathroom renovation is a necessity. This is particularly true if it is the only bathroom in the home or if it is missing a shower and relying on a bathtub alone.

6.     You Can’t See Very Well

When you first built your bathroom, the lighting selection you made was likely based on typical recommendations from your contractor and was quite standard for most homes.  In the last several years however, lighting options have dramatically increased and there is a much broader range of availability on the market.  You can select different lights for different areas of the bathroom, like having lights in front of the mirror that are optimized for seeing in the mirror, while the lights over the shower are optimized for functioning in steam and water.  Furthermore, you can have added features such as heat lights or lights which can be dimmed and brightened as necessary. Bathroom lighting makes a huge difference to the overall bathroom atmosphere and ambience, and is not something to be neglected when it comes to a renovation project.

7.     It Lacks Storage

If you built your bathroom and your home before you had kids or when you had a smaller family, you may have felt at the time that the storage was adequate. Now however, with more people and more stuff, the small closet in the bathroom just isn’t going to cut it.  There are many ways to add increased storage to your bathroom, or to more efficiently use the space in your bathroom, and this is something that is worthy of doing during a renovation.  In addition, you will also be able to make other changes at the same time, such as improve the lighting, paint the walls, or add additional hooks, which can allow you more space for towels and bathroom supplies.

Do you have some of these signs in your house and are thinking it is time to tackle your bathroom for a renovation? If so, it’s a great time to take on the project, but certainly isn’t something you should do alone. Instead, reach out to TRO Canada. Our expert team is more than equipped to help you successfully renovate your bathroom and we’ll make sure to have everything done in a timely and efficient manner. Call us up today to find out more!

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.

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