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How Much Do Home Renovations Really Cost?

Home renovation is not a cheap venture. The cost is one primary concern of homeowners, whether they decide to do it themselves or enlist the help of home renovation contractors. Surprise costs, delays, and other things that may pop up during home remodeling may shock new homeowners who are not yet fully aware of how much these improvements might cost them.

There’s also the harsh possibility that remodeling plans and expectations won’t be the same in reality. According to the 2019 CIBC Home Renovations Poll, 49% of Canadians have home renovation plans in 2019 with an average budget of over $10,211. Additionally, 39% of them went over budget. Now comes the question of how much the budget should be for home renovations?

Factors that Influence Home Renovation Costs

Several factors affect home renovations’ cost, making it higher or lower than the expected amount of a homeowner’s budget.

  • Size of the house

Renovating a larger home space entails a homeowner spending more money on the home improvement project.

  • Age and condition of a house

Home renovations for an old house may reveal more expensive costs, such as replacing old knob-and-tube wiring, old lead pipes and removing the buildup of asbestos in the house over time.

  • Home renovation contractor

The choice of renovation contractor can greatly affect the total cost of their home improvement project. While hiring an established and trusted renovation contractor requires more money, a home renovation loan can help in shouldering the costs so the job can be done more easily.

  • Parts and materials

While the quality of materials used for the home renovation can affect the overall costs, budgeting should not come at the expense of compromising the home renovation project itself.

The Estimated Cost of Home Renovations

  • Kitchen Renovation Cost: $25,000 to $50,000

Findings from Trulia’s “Remodeling on the Rise” survey stated that kitchen remodeling is the most popular among homeowners. Depending on the renovation scale, kitchen remodeling can cost you around $25,000 to $50,000. Kitchen renovations do not come cheap, as the Appraisal Institute of Canada recommended that a homeowner allocate 10% to 15% of the expenses for the renovation’s overall value.

  • Bathroom Renovation Cost: $9,000 to $15,000

Renovating a home’s bathroom is always a good investment that can impact the value of your home in the long run. Trulia’s survey also stated that a bathroom renovation is the second most popular home remodeling project among homeowners.

The cost of bathroom renovations, with an estimated cost of around $9,000 to $15,000, mostly depends on several factors such as the updates to the bathtub, shower system, toilet, vanity, sinks, faucets, tiles, flooring, and light fixtures. A bathroom update can also involve plumbing, electrical work, or even knocking down walls for a change in the bathroom layout.

  • Bedroom Renovation Cost: $5,000 to $10,000

The price for a bedroom renovation depends mostly on the scale and the overall look you aim to have for your home. With improvements such as replacing carpet for hardwood, painting the walls, or simply updating the look of your bedroom space, this could cost you an estimate of over $5,000 to $10,000.

  • Basement Renovation Cost: Over $10,000

Renovating your home basement can be a big job, and they can get really expensive, amounting to an estimated cost of around $10,000 or higher. Giving your basement a makeover can involve installing drywall, insulation, flooring, lighting, and even making storage and moisture-proofing your basement space.

Even though a basement renovation can be expensive, it also helps increase the overall value of your home in the long run.

  • Painting Cost: $2,000

            A fresh coat of paint for the walls of your home can do wonders, as it offers an easy and generally inexpensive way of brightening up your home space. The overall cost of painting your home is dependent on the size of the space, brand and quality of the paint, and labor expenses.

  • Flooring Cost: $3,000

            Several factors like the type of flooring, home size, and installation quality can lower or raise the flooring cost in your home renovation project. Removing old flooring and addressing issues of this removal can also add to the renovation expenses.

How Much Do Home Renovations Really Cost? (infographic)

7 Home Improvement Projects to Never DIY

As a homeowner, you have no shortage of responsibility. Many maintenance tasks must be completed to keep your home functional and in excellent condition. To help you save some costs, you may consider completing many of these home improvement projects on your own. While there are some benefits to tackling these projects by yourself, sometimes being your own handyman isn’t the wisest decision. There are many home improvement projects that you should never complete on your own. To name a few… 

1. Plumbing

It should be a general rule in your home to never touch the pipes and DIY plumbing projects. The plumbing on your property is a complex system. One small mistake could cause extensive damage and hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in repairs. If you are completing major home improvement projects in your home such as remodeling your current bathroom or adding a new bathroom, always hire a professional. If there are smaller tasks you need to accomplish like unclogging a toilet or replacing a faucet, these are tasks that you can likely DIY. 

However, if you have any concerns or questions regarding the task, no matter how large or small, call a plumber. You will save time and energy and you will reduce the risk of damage. 

2. Improving Your Kitchen Layout

It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to desire major changes to their kitchen. Their current kitchen may have a disorganized and poorly-designed layout or feel small and cramped. If you want to make some changes to the kitchen design, always hire a professional contractor in Toronto. 

When you remodel a kitchen, you can potentially run into many issues. You must also complete a myriad of tasks from electrical work, painting, woodworking, cabinetry, etc. If you are not a professional in all of these areas, doing a poor job can affect the look of the room or you may experience even more problems. Some projects may also require specific permits that you may not know about or you do not properly acquire. Hiring a contractor can reduce the stress and physical exertion from this project and you will likely be more satisfied with the final result. 

3. Installing New Flooring

New flooring throughout your home can make a major difference to the overall look and feel of your space. It can turn an outdated room into a comfortable, updated living area. Plus, by installing timeless flooring options, such as hardwood, you can make the home more appealing to potential buyers and increase your home’s value if you wish to sell the property in the future. 

There are several flooring options available ranging from carpet, stone, linoleum, hardwood, more. By giving this home improvement project to the pros, you have an expert on your side to help you choose the right type of flooring for the specific space. Plus, you may be one of the unlucky few who find many problems such as mold, mildew, or warped wood, lurking underneath your current flooring. A professional will know how to handle the situation, help you find the best treatment option, and ensure the situation is handled quickly and properly. 

4. Installing and Sealing Grout

Grout is a porous substance. It absorbs bacteria, grime, dirt, and other elements. When these items are absorbed, it gives the grout a dirty, grimy appearance. To prevent this from happening, the grout must be installed correctly and properly sealed. If not, the lifespan of the grout is decreased, it is more susceptible to damage, and the grout’s damage can affect your tiles. Plus, if the sealant is not installed properly, it can cause bubbles or gaps where moisture can seep into the grout, causing mold and mildew. 

There are many grout DIY kits available and tutorials online that you may wish to follow to seal the grout around your home. However, while these can provide you some guidance, even the smallest mistake can cause significant problems in the long term. You should always hire a professional to tackle any grout-related project, regardless of where it is in your home. Many of these experts can also help you recolour and sanitize these areas as well. 

5. Remodeling Your Basement

Remodeling the basement in your Markham home is a large project. Even if you are in no rush to complete the task, it should never be something you try to DIY. There may be many aspects to this project from plumbing and electrical work to sheetrock and flooring. If you also want to create a basement that is unique and has customised spaces, a professional is best to assist. Not only will this individual have many unique and appealing ideas for you to implement in your basement, they can also tackle any issues that you may experience and ensure that all projects are completed well. 

6. Installing New Windows 

There are many benefits to installing new windows throughout your home. New glass panes will not only improve the look in both the interior and on the exterior of the home, but they will increase your home’s energy efficiency as well. New windows can also improve the temperature control in your home, providing for a more comfortable and relaxing space. 

While installing windows in your home may seem like a very simple task, it is not. At the beginning of the process, you will want a professional to consult with. You will want to make sure you have the best products for your home. A professional can also spot any issues you may have with the project and help you throughout the process. 

Additionally, when you install windows, they must be installed correctly. The right supplies and installation techniques will make all the difference during this critical project. When windows are installed incorrectly, your home’s energy-efficiency may suffer, it can affect the cosmetic appearance of your home, and you increase the risk of small gaps that let air, bugs, dirt, and other elements in and out of the home. 

7. Electrical Work

Similar to plumbing, electrical work is a complex system. However, when it comes to this aspect of the home, one small mistake can not only damage your entire system but it can cause severe injury. Additionally, when the work is not completed well or there are errors made, you greatly increase your risk of a fire in your home. When completing any type of major electrical project, it is not only important for the safety of yourself but for your home as well. 

There are many electrical projects you may wish to complete such as creating additional electrical sockets in a room, installing more lighting, etc. If working on these projects with minimal know-how, you may mess with the system and cause extensive problems that will not only take more time to solve but can cost you more in the long run as well. 

Keep in mind that every electrical project will not require the help of an electrician. For example, some tasks such as replacing outdated light switches or electrical cover plates are simple to accomplish. Installing many new light fixtures are also very simple and by following the detailed instructions provided, can be accomplished quickly and easily. 

Luckily, finding a professional to complete the work for you and who will deliver high-quality no matter the project is easy when you work with The Renovators of Canada. These home renovation experts in Toronto will work closely with you to help you complete a project that you love. They have the ideas and the expertise to create a dream space and to ensure all of your projects are completed quickly and have the result that you desire. Call The Renovators of Canada today to schedule your consultation. 

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.

Home Design Trends for 2020

When in doubt, neutrals are almost always the best way to go. There’s nothing simple about neutrals. White is not simply white. Rather, white comes in a multitude of different shades. For example, white paint can be ivory, or it can have blue, peach or brown undertones. 

There are two key categories you can choose from when selecting your palette. Cool tones like grey and slate are one option. The second, which will become increasingly popular in 2020, are warm tones like soft browns and creams. Neutrals don’t have to be boring, in fact, when used correctly they can create a truly eye-catching space. 

When you’re working on decorating or revamping a space in your home it can be hard to know where to begin. If you’re looking to dive into a decorating project, it’s best to start by finding a little bit of design inspiration. If you’re searching for inspiration for your next design projects, you might find it in some of the major home design trends we predict for 2020.  

Neutrals

There are many different ways to use neutrals in your home. One that will be popular in 2020 is the all-neutral space. That is to say that everything in the room from the walls, to the furniture, to the accents, will be neutral. The trick to nailing this style is using different shades of neutrals to create contrast. But, to maintain the cohesiveness of the room, make sure all of the shades are complimentary. To do this, select shades that have either all cool undertones or all warm undertones. 

Neutrals can also be used to tone down other bolder features of the room. For example, you might want to paint one wall in your space in a bright color like a robin’s egg blue. With that accent wall as your focus, you can select furniture, carpets and paint colors for the remaining walls that are neutral. This way, the accent wall remains the main focus and the decor in the room doesn’t feel overdone. 

Finally, neutral walls are another great way to incorporate this trend into the design of your room. This is especially useful if you’re not sure how you want to move forward with the rest of the decor. Neutral walls can work with many different styles and colors which will give you time and flexibility to play around with different furniture, rugs, and color palettes for the rest of the room. 

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is a newly popular trend on the scene. This design trend involves incorporating elements of the natural world into the interior of the building. The goal is to help occupants of the space maintain a connection to nature in order to improve health and productivity

Although the trend has just become popular it actually dates back to the 1980s. The biologist who coined the term, Edward O. Wilson, hypothesized that humans were suffering as a result of urbanization. He believed we have an innate desire to be connected to natural settings and that incorporating these natural elements into the spaces where we live and work would make us happier, healthier, and more productive. In recent years, this trend has seen a massive rise in popularity. 

If you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your space, there are a few different ways you can go about it. 

The first is through direct experience of nature. This lets the occupants of a space have direct contact with natural elements. Of course, one of the most popular ways to do this is by incorporating plants into your space. A mixture of floor and hanging plants give a room an entirely different feel. A fireplace is another way to bring in natural elements of wood and fire into your living space. Finally, water features can be soothing and relaxing as well. You can even take this feature one step further and incorporate an aquarium into your space with fish and other aquatic animals. 

The second way you can incorporate biophilic design into your space is through the indirect experience of nature. In this case, occupants of a space can have contact with images or representations of nature. These are also believed to have a positive impact on the health, happiness, and productivity of the occupants. There are many examples of how to accomplish this including images of nature, incorporating natural colors, and incorporating natural materials like wood and stone.  

With all of the associated mental health benefits, incorporating these natural materials into your design is often worth the extra cost

Bold Wallpaper and Backsplash

Bold wallpaper and backsplashes are other popular trends we expect to see in full force in 2020. This bold and fun style might seem like it is in direct opposition to some of the more subdued trends. However, often the two work very well together. In order to incorporate this bold trend into your room the right way, consider keeping the rest of your design more subdued. For example, decorating your room primarily with simple and clean neutrals and then adding a pop of color through a bright wallpaper or patterned backsplash is a great idea. This allows the bold trend to remain a key focus point in the room without being overpowering or gaudy. 

Mixed Metals

Mixed metals are a great feature to incorporate into any room in your home to give it an industrial and modern feel. From the bathroom to the kitchen, mixed metals work pretty much anywhere. Historically, it’s been seen as a faux pas to mix metals like silver, gold, brass, and iron. However, this interior design rule is now outdated. There are many beautiful ways to mix these metals within a space to create a modern feel. 

If you are going to incorporate this trend into your space, it’s useful to keep a few key rules in mind. Firstly, it’s important to choose a dominant metal. This is the metal that you’ll use in the space more often than not. This way, there is an overall cohesiveness to the room rather than a hodgepodge of different metals. From there, select one or two accent metals that you’ll use to create contrast and points of interest in subtle ways throughout the space.  

Secondly, keep in mind that you really can’t go wrong with the combinations you choose. Most metals mix well together even cold tone metals like silver and warm tone metals like gold and brass. So, have fun with creating these combinations and don’t worry too much about selecting the correct groupings. 

Thirdly, it’s important to consider texture. Once you’ve selected the various metals you would like to use, you’ll need to consider which textures you want to incorporate. Metals can be matte, glossy or even hammered. 

Finally, when in doubt, go with iron. Iron is the neutral of the metal world and works well with many different types of metal and pretty much any color palette you select for your paint, furniture, and accents. By keeping these key considerations in mind, you’ll surely create a modern space that will serve you well for years to come. 

Back in Black

Black is back and it’s being incorporated into interior design in all sorts of new and interesting ways. Black features can transform the look and feel of a room dramatically. While many designers have traditionally shied away from this color, black is actually not that difficult to incorporate into your home. 

This color gives a space an instant sense of sophistication and elegance. Black can be used for walls, appliances, countertops, furniture, and accents. Think about ways to incorporate black into your room that are unexpected. For example, a black sink can create a beautiful contrast to a lighter countertop and kitchen cabinetry. 

You can also think about incorporating black in the same way as we discussed incorporating a bold wallpaper or bright backsplash. That is, make it a statement. 

Again, when using this technique, it can be most effective to use neutrals for the rest of the room. A black statement wall mixed with furniture and accents in neutral tones can make for an elegant, powerful, and eye-catching space. 

If you’re not ready to incorporate black into your space in a bold way, consider adding subtle touches of the color in other ways. For example, you might consider painting your doors or window trims black. This can be especially beautiful and impactful against white walls. The contrast creates an interesting but clean visual effect. 

Finally, you can use black to break up an otherwise bright and white interior. Scandinavian-inspired decor is very popular right now. Don’t believe us? Just check your Pinterest. This design style is simple and monochrome and usually features light colors like whites and bright neutrals. If you like this style but are looking to make it your own consider adding black accent pieces into the space. For example, a chair, a rug, a blanket or a plant pot. This can help you embrace the Scandinavian-inspired design trend while giving it your own unique touch. 

If you’re planning a home renovation it can be difficult to know where to start. We hope these 2020 design trends helped get your creative juices flowing! If you can already picture your dream home, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Let us help you create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional. Contact us today so we can help turn your dreams into a reality.

How to Declutter Your Home Before The Holidays

The space inside your Toronto home or condo is a precious commodity. It’s common for people to look for more space in their homes because they usually find themselves in a cluttered place. There are many options available when it comes to freeing up more space – all it takes is an imaginative mind, creativity, and self storage strategy. The concepts of organization and storage may be best described as using the same skills as in a game of Tetris. But, applied to the real world.

There are many crafty storage tricks and clever self storage devices available to create a more spacious feel in your home. The fascinating part of looking for storage solutions is the awesome and unexpected places it can be found. The following tips will help you create a more spacious, inviting home before your holiday guests arrive!

Utilizing your Closet’s Storage

Closet space is infamously known as a great place to find or create additional storage that offers possibilities to take care of that uncluttered feel in your home. It doesn’t matter if a closet is small, in a garage or in the middle of a kitchen. Closet space design has essentially become an art form unto itself. The options are almost endless with integrated functionalities such as drop-down shelves, pull-out boxes and organizers. There are plenty of resourceful ideas to create additional storage space in your closet. All you have to do is look!

Creating Functional Space from Dead Space

There are countless ways to discover storage space by identifying and using a home’s dead space — the hard-to-use space that is long forgotten. For instance, you can always make space between furniture or find it unexpected placed such as under your bed. The storage marketplace offers many thin shelving options that best utilize this long-overlooked storage space. Survey your home for these openings of space that you can use to put your stuff in. Surely, you will find some. 

Using Existing Space for Many Purposes

Do you have a guest room? It is great to have a spare room for visiting guests. Yet, when the guests are not there, it is empty. Why not utilize this space and convert it into a storage room? Doubling up the use/function of the room essentially allows you to get the most out of it. Use them wisely! 

Finding a facility to store your things

If you find that there are too many things in your home that are still cluttering your space, consider storing them at a center. There are many options available, one of them is renting out a unit at a Toronto self storage facility. This will allow you to free up more room in your home to make it look more appealing for visitors and even potential buyers. People want to see a more spacious home, so that they can move around more. And if you happen to be selling your home, this is a perfect way to allow them to picture their own lives in your home and how they will go about their day. Remember, impressions are priceless. 

The Take-Away

With time, effort, research and creativity; storage solutions can easily solve your spacing needs. Let’s face it, more room needs to be made in your home for many reasons from selling your home to accompondating more people. Your property simply looks better when you have more space. There are always options available, which one are you going to decide on? At the end of the day, having a clean, nice and neat home matters the most to everybody.

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.   

How to Set a Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation

Creating a kitchen of your dreams may seem impossible. The kitchen is the gathering place of the home and where your family spends a significant amount of time throughout the day. You deserve this space to be beautiful, functional, and perfect. However, a kitchen renovation can be daunting and quite expensive. In Canada, the average kitchen remodel costs approximately $25,000 and if you are considering a luxury kitchen for your home, you could spend up to $50,000 when the final project is complete. 

Creating a budget for the kitchen renovation in your Toronto home can be challenging but it’s necessary. This will help you prepare financially for this change and it will help to reduce some of the included stress. Plus, when spending such a significant amount of money on a kitchen renovation, you won’t strain other aspects of your lifestyle just to pay for this one project. 

Managing your budget and expenses is quite easy if you prepare ahead of time. Here are seven tips to help you set a budget for a kitchen renovation and to stay within it. 

 1. Determine What Projects To Complete

One of the first things you must do is determine exactly what type of work you want complete during your kitchen renovation in Oakville. Sit down and establish a list of both your wants and needs. However, don’t make this a vague list of projects like “update the flooring,” “replace cabinets,” etc. Do some research to truly know what is available and the type of materials you want to use. 

By providing a more detailed list, you will be able to more accurately set your budget. For example, let’s take a look at the floors. If your kitchen flooring needs to be replaced, the type of material you choose can drastically impact your budget. Here are a few flooring options you may consider and their price:

 Vinyl Sheet – $1 to $5 per square foot

Vinyl Tiles – $1 to $4 per square foot

Hardwood Floors – Up to $15 per square foot

Stone Tiles – Up to $20 per square foot 

Additionally, the labor and installation for each type of material will also range in cost as some materials, such as stone tiles, are a lot more challenging and time-consuming to install than vinyl. 

 2. Determine Your Priorities 

Once you have a list of all the tasks you want to complete during your kitchen remodel, separate your list into three or four priority tasks that must be done. The rest of the projects you want to complete can be left out if necessary but would be nice when transforming your living space. Unexpected costs can occur in any type of renovation and to stick within your budget, you need to focus on the tasks that mean the most to you and are of the highest priority. 

 3. Consider Your Future

The future for your family and the home should also impact your kitchen renovation and budget. If you have no plans to move from the home in the near future, you want to consider your needs now and in the future. Will you have space for your family to grow? Will it have all the meal prep and kitchen features that you desire? If this is your long-term residence, you should create a kitchen area that best suits you and your family.

If you don’t expect to live in the home forever and you have plans to move within the next several years, you don’t want to put too much money into the remodeling project. You don’t want to spend more than you will receive when you sell the home. This means you should only focus on those tasks that must be done to create a space that impresses potential buyers and will increase your home’s value. 

 4. Have Some Wiggle Room in Your Budget

 As you look through your finances and determine your budget, you want to be prepared. Ideally, you should set aside 15% to 20% of your budget for unexpected costs that will arise during the kitchen remodel. You never know what could be hiding behind the walls of your home or under the floors. You could find that there are plumbing issues, wiring problems, etc. You may also find challenges such as mold or water damage in this room as well. If you don’t have money set aside to cover the majority of these expenses, you will go over your budget very quickly. 

 5. Determine How You Will Pay for the Project

 Knowing how you will pay for your home remodel in Markham will also make a difference in your budget. If you can afford to pay in cash, this is ideal. You will have the money upfront and you will not have to worry about receiving financing from the bank and working through the application process. However, saving up to complete your kitchen remodel can take several years and will require much self-discipline to ensure you have money needed to complete the project and to do it well.  

 Receiving a loan through a lender is a common way to pay for the remodel. This option allows you to receive the money at a much faster rate than when paying in cash. However, if you choose to take out a loan, there are additional expenses you must prepare to pay. For example, you must add a little extra money into your budget to cover the interest that accumulates on the loan. You will also have processing fees and other lender fees that will add up and eat at your budget if you are not prepared for them. 

 6. Decide What You Will Do During the Remodel

 It is no secret that a kitchen remodel can be inconvenient and stressful for a family. This essential area of your home is out of commission for several weeks. The type of work you wish to complete will greatly affect how long your kitchen remodel will take but you can expect a minimum of six weeks or longer. For kitchen renovations that require extensive work on the plumbing, electricity, etc., it can take several months to complete. 

 During this time, how do you plan to care for your family? Will you remain in the home and live around the mess? Will you live with family members for a few weeks? Stay in a hotel? If you choose to remain at home, how will you eat? Will you go out for the majority of your meals? The increased eating out and additionally housing accommodations of your family can add up quickly. These are additional expenses that you will not want to leave out of your budget or it can put you several hundred or even thousands of dollars behind. 

 7. Talk to a Contractor

Once you have determined the type of work you wish to complete and you know how much you can spend, request bids from several contractors. Talk to these professionals and let them know exactly what you want, the type of materials you desire, etc. Make sure they understand your list of priorities and what you want to accomplish. By gathering bids from multiple contractors, you can not only find a company that will offer you an excellent price, but you will also find a contractor who you trust and who you will enjoy working with for several months. 

To help you transform your kitchen area and create the space you’ve only dreamed of, contact The Renovators of Canada today for a full consultation. You will see how they can work with you to create a gorgeous, functional, and well-designed kitchen space for your entire family. No matter what projects you wish to complete in this area of your home, they have plenty of ideas to truly customize the space and make it your own. 

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. 

 

6 Reasons Why You Should Use a Designer for Your Next Renovation

Renovations can take a painfully long time to complete. If you haven’t thought of it already, hiring an interior designer just might be the best decision for you. As a homeowner, you invest enough money as it is into your house. When planning a huge renovation, you should hire a designer that understands your design aesthetic and will keep you within budget. This way, they can help you create a room that’s pleasing and within your price range.

Most homeowners have at least a small idea of what they want to be completed in a certain room during the renovation process. It’s great if you have a concept, but with an interior designer, it’s not necessary to plan every detail, that’s their speciality. You may not have the time to come up with the decor in a room, or you may simply not be good at making these types of decisions. Despite the negative connotations surrounding interior designers, like being overly expensive to hire, they can actually end up saving you a lot of time and money during remodelling.

  1. Save Money

This may sound odd because you’re hiring an extra person to complete a renovation, but it’s really not. Hiring an interior designer can actually help you to avoid mistakes that may have ended up being costly. Interior designers are trained professionals that may have completed hundreds if not thousands of renovation jobs. So not only can they help you save money, but if you’re planning on selling your home anytime soon, this will greatly increase the value. It will boost buyer appeal tremendously and help your home stand out from the rest of the market.

If you’re a little iffy on hiring one, it’s always good to search reviews online to see what a large demographic of people have been saying. On the other hand, asking around your neighbourhood, you may be able to find a more trusted and respected designer that has worked with someone you know. By doing this research you can ensure you’ve found the best decorator.

  1. Budgeting and Planning

Usually, when you hire an interior designer you have a consultation beforehand to discuss your plans (or lack thereof) and the budget you need to stay within for the project. During the discussion, the interior designer will mention what they were thinking, how they plan to accomplish this task, and the length of time it should take to complete.

This step in the process will probably save you the most time overall. Designers know where to head for the best resources they can use for your home. Their experience will save you from having to dig through an endless amount of information on brands, prices, and other products for your home. A decorator will most likely already have this information available. If they don’t, they will spend their own time conducting research so that you don’t have to. 

Black Calculator Near Ballpoint Pen on White Printed Paper

  1. Wide Availability of Resources

As previously mentioned, interior designers have knowledge of the best resources possible for your home. These resources are sometimes not available for the general public. Many designers may have connections to resources and other general merchandise that wouldn’t be available to you otherwise. For example, a designer may have a friend that sells marble countertops to hotels, so they are able to offer them to you at a discounted price. By bringing these resources together, your home will be remodelled for a cheaper price and look more professional then if you were to do it yourself.

A designer may also have home improvement industry contracts. These can include contractors, plumbers, and electricians they use on a regular basis for their projects. This will save you the headache of trying to find reliable home improvement workers yourself, and you may save a bit of money if they offer a discounted price. 

  1. Adds Property Value

If you know that you’re not planning on staying in your home forever, hiring an interior designer will improve the look of your home so you can sell it for a higher price. Designers have a good sense of what type of design aesthetic matches the vibe of your home. If they can furnish and decorate your house correctly, this may lead to an increase in showings, which will lead to more offers.

A lot of the time, homes sit on the market for months waiting for someone to purchase it. This can be bad for you as you may have already found a new house you want to move into. The longer your house sits on the market before it is sold, the more money you’re losing. When an interior decorator redesigns your home, they essentially create a faster turn-around time for you to sell your house. Everyone loves the look of homes that have been remodelled by interior designers, so you can also ask for more money for this reason. 

  1. Make Your Home Stand Out

The right interior designers can help make your home stand out in the best way possible. With all their resources and professional intuition, they can give your home the “wow” factor that it has been missing. Most designers, especially up-and-coming ones, are trained to think in new ways and create a different design that’s popular with the market today. This helps them stand out and your home will also do the same. They can usually see their vision come to life whereas you as a homeowner may not be able to see your home’s full potential on your own.

Interior design is an art form itself. One of the main things most designers try to accomplish is to create a way that maximizes the space of your home in the best way. The designer will help your home tell your own visual story that you may have thought wasn’t a possibility. 

White and Brown Concrete Building

  1. Professional Advice

Interior designers have years of professional experience on how to create perfect homes, solve problems, and please customers. A decorator’s trained eye can immediately spot something that may be wrong with a space. Whether that be the floorplan not working, the furniture in the room, or the colours on the wall, they can tell what works and what doesn’t. Their professional advice is second-to-none and should be listened to as they often know what’s best for your home.

Most homeowners try to complete the design process themselves only to get frustrated with the final result. It’s true that unless you have a well-trained eye you may not be able to spot what design flaws could be making their way into your home. If this is the case, hiring an interior designer will take off an enormous amount of pressure and stress. They are professionals that have experience with the proper resources, home improvement contacts, and more to design the perfect home for you. They can help you create your budget according to how much you can really afford and easily work around that, and also help you find cool pieces and use their contacts to get discounted prices off of certain products. 

Call The Renovators of Canada (T-ROC) to schedule your consultation with one of their designers and to see how they can completely transform your home. T-ROC has Baeumler approved contractors that are fully licensed and insured. Their home renovation professionals will work with you to make your dream home come to life. 

T-ROC Now Has 21 Renovation Locations

The Renovators of Canada (T-ROC) are known for providing the best quality renovations to southern Ontario residents. Over the past 15 years, T-ROC has proven time and time again that they are the go-to renovations company that specializes in basements, bathrooms, home additions, and kitchens. The Renovators of Canada’s 21 locations across Ontario offer residential and commercial renovations with big plans to one day operate nationwide.

T-ROC is a Baeumler approved contractor, meaning they are a fully licensed and insured company in order to bring your renovation visions to life. This includes WSIB, and memberships with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Better Business Bureau, TrustedPros and more. 

Ranging from Toronto to London and everywhere in between, The Renovators of Canada know how much community can affect business. This is why they are proud supporters of Habitat for Humanity, and continuously sponsor other local clubs and sports teams. 

Your dream home is within reach with the home renovation experts at T-ROC. Their skilled team of home renovation experts works with you on any renovation idea you may have. The Renovators of Canada include a free planning session to set the stage for what your plans are, as well as any ideas your home renovation professional has in mind.

How T-ROC Does It

The Renovators of Canada has been a leader in home renovation for over a decade. How they’ve managed to stay at the top for this long is because they provide exceptional service and get the job done right so you don’t have to do it again later. 

The unique quality that makes T-ROC stand out from its competitors is the 10 year home renovation warranty protection. This warranty on all the craftsmanship that they do will allow you to rest easier knowing that the space you’ve had renovated was in good hands. Property owners in Missasauga deciding whether or not to pursue The Renovators of Canada will see this as a guarantee for excellent renovations for any personal or commercial space.

The T-ROC Solution is another promise to you that their contract system that ensures you are in control of your budget. Their specialized client software is there to provide you with daily updates on the renovation, pictures of the progress, and has access to your job schedule in order to best plan around your calendar. The Renovators of Canada take pride in their communication skills that are needed through the renovation process.

Their Home Renovation Services

Basements in Markam:

The basement of any home can be a forgotten-about project that has so much room for potential. The Renovators of Canada want to change that. Their Markam, Ontario location specializes in basement renovations as Markam continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in Canada. T-ROC’s home renovation experts will be open about budgeting and pricing options available so you can finally have the basement that you’ve been dreaming of. 

The possibilities are endless with T-ROC. They’ve completed a number of basements over their 20 years of expert service. From home theatres to fully functioning apartments, playrooms to home offices, The Renovators of Canada know how to design a room around your needs. Their in-home consultation will give your renovation professional an opportunity to go over your wants and needs. They will improve your living space, increase the value of your home, and provide you with another source of income if you choose to rent out the area. 

For any future plans of selling your home, a finished basement is a financial investment. You will easily be able to make your money back by having a livable basement area. This gives buyers looking to buy a home an opportunity to rent out the basement or at the very least, not have to renovate it themselves. 

Bathrooms in Brampton:

Upgrading a bathroom tends to be one of the first steps before a complete home renovation. With The Renovators of Canada, bathroom renovations for your Brampton home can be done easier than ever before. T-ROC can help you overcome any difficulties during the planning process. With so many styles and layouts to choose from, their experts can help you narrow down your search.

Going into a remodel with pictures of bathrooms that you like can determine what design style you prefer. Figuring out the fixtures, tiles, and finishes is half of the battle. By knowing these design elements, your home renovation expert can estimate the total cost and create a budget that works for you.

Although bathrooms are usually smaller rooms in your home, upgrading them can be a challenge. It takes a lot of patience to envision your finished bathroom. Working with The Renovators of Canada, you’ll get an understanding of how much money you’re going to spend, the process of the renovation and the timeline to completion. 

Home Additions in Hamilton:

Home additions are a huge renovation task to take on. Having a home renovation expert from The Renovators of Canada complete your home addition will save you from any additional stress when upgrading your Hamilton home. The reason most people need a home addition is for much-needed, additional living space. To do this takes a ton of planning to ensure everything is correctly finished properly the first time. T-ROC will help with all the planning, design aspects, budgeting, and project management that is heavily involved.

Like any of T-ROC’s renovations, they will keep daily logs and upload photos on the construction process. From adding a small room to an entire second floor, their detailed home addition process will allow you to know if the renovation is going as planned.

An architect is very important when doing a home addition. The Renovators of Canada’s personal architect will work together with you to ensure your needs are met and the home addition blends well with your home’s current style.

Kitchens in Kitchener:

The kitchen is the most important room in your home. At your Kitchener home, you spend most of your time there with friends and family. It’s only natural you’d want to best upgrades imaginable for a brand new kitchen. Most people renovating their kitchens tend to gravitate towards an open concept. This is the most common renovation that The Renovators of Canada accomplish. By doing this, it opens up the surrounding area to appear as though it’s larger than usual.

With how much technology has changed, today’s kitchen renovations must accommodate our new lifestyles. New electrical and plumbing systems are more efficient than they used to be, appliances have become more technology-driven and lighting has improved greatly.

Kitchen renovations are pricy to complete, but the finished product is always beautiful. Natural stone countertops, islands, and stainless-steel appliances are more accessible than ever. They have decreased in price, are more practical and are timeless finishes that will never go out of style. Your kitchen now more than ever has transformed into its own living space. A complete renovation from the experts at T-ROC will be all you need to make your fantasy a reality.

When you choose The Renovators of Canada, you’re choosing quality craftsmanship for every room in your home. With their 21 locations from all across southern Ontario, they can assist you directly with any home renovation job.  Their renovation experts will work directly with you on planning, budgeting, and your needs for any project. Call T-ROC today to schedule a consultation with one of their home renovation professionals to upgrade any room in your home.

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