square footage

6 Reasons to Add On to Your Home

 You may love your home and all that it has to offer but there is always room for improvement. By adding on to your home, you can improve your life in many ways. No matter if you are simply considering adding on a single room to your house or an entire floor, here are six reasons you should consider adding on to your home. 

 1. Adapt to Your Family’s Growing Needs

 Many individuals add on to their homes to meet the needs of their growing families. It isn’t uncommon for families to dread leaving their current home or neighbourhood to move to a larger home. Their current house may offer many of the features they desire in a home, they simply need more space.

 Your family’s needs may have changed from when you first purchased the home. For example, you may have more children, you may need a home office, etc. Luckily, no matter what type of room or feature you build, when you add on, you increase the square footage of your house. This will give you more space to gather, more room for additional family members, more privacy, etc. 

 2. Can Increase Your Home’s Value

While there are many projects around your Markham home that can increase your home’s value, a home addition is near the top of that list. Adding on to your home can greatly increase the value of your home and depending on the type of room that you add on, it can have a high ROI. 

 Here is a look at several room additions and the average ROI you can expect to receive. 

 Garage: You can receive up to a full 100% ROI, if you decide to build a garage, particularly if you build a detached garage and create a small apartment above the space to bring additional income to your household. 

 Sunroom: A sunroom will not bring you as much of a return as other spaces offer. However, you can still expect to see up to 50% ROI on this project. 

 Additional Bedroom: This addition offers an ROI of around 50%. Keep in mind that if you build a bedroom on your main floor, it will take away precious yard space. 

 Additional Bathroom: Several bathrooms throughout your house is a large selling perk and can increase your home’s sale price. By adding a single, basic bathroom with little features to your home, you can expect an ROI of approximately 60%. 

 Second-Story Additions: Adding on a second story of your home may sound expensive and an inconvenience, but it can transform your home and your living space. Additionally, you may find that it is less expensive than other home renovations as you can receive up to 65% ROI on this remodel. 

 3. A Home Addition Can Make Your Home More Sellable

 In addition to increasing the value of your home, a house addition can also make your Kitchener property more sellable. Potential buyers are looking for a home that is move-in ready. They want a place that meets their family’s needs and provides adequate space. When you add on to your home, this makes it more appealing to many families and checks off more boxes on their “must-have” list. 

 Several additions that can make your home more sellable and appealing to potential buyers include: 

 Laundry room

  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom
  • Larger kitchen
  • Garage
  • Storage space such as a large pantry
  • Dining room
  • Master bedroom suite 
  • Home office

 4. To Create a Work Area

 Today, millions of individuals work from home. In fact, the number of individuals who work from home has increased by 140% since 2005. This means that more families are looking for a home office or a dedicated workspace. They want a home office where they can focus exclusively on work and be away from the mainstream areas like the kitchen. However, you may not be looking solely for a home office, but a place to perform hands-on-work such as a large garage or a shop.    

 No matter what type of workspace you plan to add to your home, keep the design of this space in mind. For example, if you are building a home office, you may consider a room with lots of windows. Studies show that offices with ample natural light improve productivity. One study found that individuals noticed an 84% decrease in symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and eyestrain in a well-lit office.

5. You Hope to Grow Old in the Home

If you love your current home and you can’t imagine living elsewhere, you should think about how the home will cater to your aging needs. You want to make sure that the home provides an adequate living space for you to move safely and without any assistance. 

 For example, if your current home has your master bedroom and bathroom upstairs, this may be too difficult to access if you are faced with mobility issues or certain health conditions. You may consider adding to your home and moving your master bedroom on your main floor. 

 Other ideas to consider to help you age in place include: 

 Adding a main-floor bathroom. If the current bathroom on your main floor is small, changes may need to be made. You need a space with a large walk-in, seated shower. You may also need additional space to make the bathroom accessible with a wheelchair. 

 Create wider walkways. Are the hallways throughout your home narrow? What about your door frames? You may need to make some home renovations to your Toronto home to make it easier to move throughout your property with a wheelchair or a walker. 

 Create larger gathering areas. Could your current living room be expanded to make it easier to move through it or to allow for additional furniture such as a reclining chair? Do you have a small set of stairs that takes you from your kitchen area to your family room? These are all features that will need to be carefully looked at as you age in place. 

 Build a main floor laundry room. In many homes, you may find the laundry room in the basement or upstairs near the bedrooms. You may want a main floor laundry room to make it easier to complete this basic chore. 

 6. Your Children Need a Place to Play

 If you have young children, you may find that your living room is covered in toys. This will not only take away the beauty of your indoor space, but it will also make your room look small and cluttered. Creating a playroom gives your children a designated place to go. It helps to contain the mess. Not to mention, the living room and bedrooms will look nicer without toys sprawled all over the floor. 

 This room is also beneficial because it can grow with your children. While they are young, you can use it as a playroom and as they become teenagers, you can transform it into a place where they can go to hang out with their friends. You can place a ping pong table in the corner, hang a TV on the wall, etc. Once all of your children have moved away, you can then turn this space into a guest room or a craft/hobby room. The possibilities are endless. 

 If you are considering adding on to your home, work with professionals like The Renovators of Canada. These home renovation experts will work closely with you to help you create a home that you are proud to call your own. It will have the space, features, and qualities that you desire in your dream home. 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. 

 

What is the New Laneway Suites Bylaw and How is it Affecting the Toronto and East York District?

The GTA is one of the fastest growing areas in North America. Individuals are flocking to the Toronto area for many reasons, including immigration. While this is excellent for the region’s economy, it puts a strain on housing development. The city is actively searching for ways to welcome and accommodate this new demand.

According to a 2018 Fraser Institute study, Toronto has room to grow and its overall popular density — which is 4,457 individuals per square kilometer — is significantly lower than cities such as New York City and Vancouver. Changes must be in place to help accommodate the growth and increase the housing supply in the Toronto and East York District. One of these changes is the new Laneway Suites Bylaw.

What is the New Laneway Suites Bylaw?

In June of 2018, the city of Toronto passed a bylaw permitting the building and use of laneway suites. According to the bylaw, a laneway suite is defined as:

“A self-contained living accommodation for a person or persons living together as a separate single housekeeping unit, in which both food preparation and sanitary facilities are provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the suite and is in an ancillary building abutting a lane.”

This laneway suite will receive all of its services and resources such as gas, electricity, water, etc., from the front street, not the laneway. It can be used for the family to live in or as a short-term rental.

Why is this Bylaw Important?

One of the greatest benefits of permitting laneway suites throughout Toronto and the East York District is because it provides a significant increase to the housing development. It allows individuals to live and enjoy spaces throughout the city that were not being utilized to their full potential and that are essentially wasted space.

Additionally, it helps beautify these regions. What were once laneways filled with garbage, graffiti, and more will now turn into living areas. Old garages and sheds are transformed into gorgeous living spaces individuals can be proud to call home and visit each night.

It also helps open up and expand various neighborhoods. More individuals can live in neighborhoods close to schools, their jobs, and specific amenities than ever before. It is creating valuable living opportunities for residents in Toronto and the East York District that were once not available.

Furthermore, for owners of these laneways suites, this is an additional source of income if they plan to rent the properties. For those who have sick or aging family members such as in-laws or parents who need a place to live, it provides close proximity, yet gives both households their own space and privacy.

What are the Permitted Uses of Laneway Suites?

If individuals are interested in building a laneway suite on their property, there are specific regulations they must follow. These include:

  • An ancillary building — which is a type of shed, garage, or any other type of enclosure on the property — can be used to create a living space or a laneway suite.
  • The laneway suite may contain both a kitchen and a bathroom area.
  • Residents can occupy a laneway suite, and it can be deemed the principal residence.
  • The laneway suite can also be used as a short-term rental if it is occupied as the renters’ principal residence.
  • Only one ancillary building that contains a laneway suite is allowed on a property owner’s lot.

However, not every lot will meet the requirements for a laneway suite. There are specific requirements for the lot and the landscaping on the property that must be met. A few of these requirements include:

  • The lot must have a rear lot line and a side lot line abutting a lane for at least 3.5 metres.
  • If the lot’s frontage is 6.0 metres or less, 60% of the area between the rear main wall and the front main wall of the ancillary building must be for soft landscaping. For a lot frontage greater than 6.0 metres, this percentage increases to 85%.

What Are the Drawbacks to Laneway Suites?

While laneway suites certainly offer a plethora of benefits, there are drawbacks and concerns that many residents and homeowners have expressed. A few common concerns include:

Privacy: This is one of the biggest concerns as many homeowners are worried that their privacy will be hindered as these dwellings will be able to overlook neighboring yards, into windows of other homes, and more.

Parking: Parking is another concern for many individuals. With the addition of residents living in the laneways, there is a concern for where homeowners and renters will park. Parking will be limited and access must be available for homeowners and emergency personnel. However, the parking issue was addressed in the bylaw itself. It states that “no parking space is required for a laneway suite.” Although, it also states that a laneway suite “must have two bicycle parking spaces within the laneway suite or within any required yard setback.”

Receiving Services and Resources: A laneway suite does not receive its utilities from the lane, rather it comes from the main front street. This means that during the construction stage of the laneway suite, all servicing must be thoroughly examined and determined. Additionally, those living in laneway suites may feel inconvenienced as city employees such as waste collection will not drive down the laneway to collect garbage, but it must all be brought to the main front street.

What If I’m Interested in Building a Laneway Suite?

If you are interested in building a laneway suite, it is important to work with a contractor who understands the specific building regulations, codes, and requirements to legally build the property. These requirements are listed in the bylaw itself but a few include:

  • There can be no less than 5.0 metres between a residential building and the ancillary building if the ancillary building is smaller than 4.0 metres.
  • There can be no less than 7.4 metres from a residential building and the ancillary building if the ancillary building is taller than 4 metres.
  • The maximum length for an ancillary building with a laneway suit is 10.0 metres.
  • The maximum width of an ancillary building with a laneway suite is 8.0 metres and is measured perpendicular to the lot centerline.
  • An ancillary building that contains a laneway suite can have a maximum of two stories.

In addition to the building regulations, there are also several guidelines for structures placed on the exterior of the dwelling. For example, satellite dishes and weather vanes all have specific regulations that must be adhered to if placed on the exterior of the dwelling. You can find more information about these structures and regulations in the bylaw itself. There are also specifications on the roof, equipment such as vents, pipes, etc., , as well as awnings or canopies.

If you are in the market to create the perfect home for your in-laws or family members, or you want to supplement your income with rental property, a laneway suite may be worth your consideration. Do your research and determine if you live within the boundaries that permit this type of dwelling.

Also, speak with builders about the process, time, and money to create this type of structure. With the right team, you can easily create a beautiful dwelling that will provide the space and the living accommodations that many families need. However, you need to carefully ensure that the lot and the ancillary building meets all guidelines and requirements before proceeding.

If you are ready to transform your home with a beautiful addition, a bathroom renovation or even a kitchen remodel, contact a team member at The Renovators of Canada today. They will work closely with you to ensure that your dream living space becomes a beautiful reality.

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.

Getting the Most Out of Your Basement

The Dream is Within Reach

Basement renovations have become incredibly popular for many reasons, but the main reason has been to take advantage of the extra square footage that you have sitting below your main floor. Basements are being renovated with more sophistication. Whether it is a new home office, gym, bedroom, family room, or even sometimes a kitchen!  The basement has given many families the square footage they need to turn their home into a dream home! With more complex basement renovations, means more opportunities for poorly renovated basements. To eliminate the possibilities of a poor renovation, asking a professional to work with you on your renovation plan is significantly important. A professional can help guide you in the right direction. A professional can also take care of all the stress that is attached to performing a renovation. Most likely you have a budget for this basement renovation, and having a professional show you your options in that price range is important as well. Beginning a renovation that is clearly out of your price range can lead to you spending much more dough than you had originally planned to spend. Hiring professional costs money, but this initial investment will allow you to stick to your budget and to renovate your basement perfectly.

Lighting Changes Everything!

I am only going to discuss one significantly important factor to consider when performing a basement renovation. Many people looking to renovate their basements forget to add quality recessed lighting. This means installing lights into the ceiling of your basement. The reason I am emphasizing this aspect of the basement, is due to the fact that most basements have little natural light. Windows tend to be quite small in basements, therefore giving off a dark and sometimes dingy feel. Adding excellent lighting in your basement will give your basement the brightness it needs to be a welcoming space for your family and friends. Recess lighting also saves a lot of space that would otherwise be wasted on lamp space. Saving on space for lamps will give you the ability to truly take advantage of the extra square footage you are accumulating through your basement renovation.

O Canada

Our next blog will include more tips on basement renovations. Living in Canada may give us a tough winter, but having the extra square footage is excellent for us Canadians. We should all use our basements wisely, and this is why we will be creating another blog on basement renovation! We want to help you create your dream home! Remember, if you are going to dream, you might as well dream big!

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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