Making a Big Impact with Small DIY Projects This Winter

As the winter weather moves us indoors, it’s important to focus on simple ways to boost the look of your interior space. The changing of the seasons provides the perfect opportunity to get away from the cold and spice things up inside. This winter, why not try a simple DIY project? With our Christmas bills still hanging around, a DIY project will not only save you some money but will also add some interior flair to your home.

Adding an Accent Window. It’s no surprise that adding a bold accent can really boost a room. Adding a new focal point brings a pop of colour to a room, livening it instantly. If the idea of painting a whole wall seems a bit daunting, try painting an accent window. If you can balance it with the other windows in your space, painting the window trim a bold colour will achieve everything an accent wall does without the hassle of a big paint job.

Image via Apartment Therapy

Creative Lighting Cover-up. To bring a new dimension and life to any room, try drawing eyes up to the ceiling with a statement lighting fixture. A simple switch of fixtures can make all the difference in livening a room. But wait! If a whole new fixture isn’t in the budget this season, the same thing can be accomplished by adding a DIY drum shade to your pre-existing fixture. Using embroidery hoops, fabric and ribbon, you can make an incredibly simple drum shade for any fixture in your home. The shade will cover the old fixture and give the illusion of a fancy, modern addition to your room, for under $50.

Image via Ebay

Make a “Brand New” Headboard. To refresh your bedroom this winter, try updating your headboard. Though it may seem like a big task, a DIY headboard is an inexpensive way to bring new colours and textures into your bedroom. To keep things simple, reupholster or paint the headboard with an updated fabric or colour. For the more daring DIYers, create a unique headboard out of repurposed wood, painted window shutters or even shelving units!

Image via Homedit

Give Cabinets a Facelift. We can’t forget the kitchen! Change things up with updated, polished cabinets. You don’t need an entirely new set of cabinetry to make a big impact in the kitchen. By simply repainting or staining your pre-loved cabinet doors, you can brighten the entire room while also giving it a more polished, modern look. Switching out the hardware on your cupboards and drawers can also do wonders in making a kitchen feel more modern. Bold, uniform hardware paired with the updated cabinets is sure to make a huge impact with minimal effort.

Image via Nina Hendrick

Don’t miss the all-new Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show, January 21-24, 2016, for the latest trends for 2016 and over 150 renovation experts from the Ottawa region to help you accomplish them. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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New Year, New Room: Interior Design Trends for 2016

The New Year offers the perfect opportunity to update your living space with the latest trends. We’ve outlined 5 of 2016’s top interior design trends to help you bring your home into 2016!

Bring the Outside In. Maybe the simplest home trend of 2016 to incorporate into your home is the concept of bringing the outside, inside. Be prepared to see a definite increase in plant life being brought into inside living spaces this year. Small plants, succulents and flowers are coming in full force, with a twist. This year, trade in the classic pots and vases for more eclectic, creative displays. The inside plant life trend is being taken just a few steps further by displaying the plants in everything from antique bird cages to rustic crates and everything in-between.

Mixed Materials. In 2016, mixing design materials will make a huge statement in any room. Don’t be afraid to pair different metals with wood, marble or even ceramic elements! This design trend is breaking all the rules of mixing and matching materials – and we love every bit of it. Instead of limiting yourself to all gold accents or all wood touches, get creative! For example, gold and silver mirrors can be perfectly balanced out by rustic, wooden bowls or frames. By ignoring the interior design laws of mixing materials, you’re on the fast track to the most modern living space around.

Image via Lush Home

Ethnic Fabrics and Textures. Get ready; this year will see a huge rise in the use of ethnic fabrics and textures. Design influences from across the world have come together to bring us the inclusion of an array of different patterns and textures into this year’s hottest designs. Aztec patterns, woven wood furniture and colourful, bright carpets are only the beginning of this new design trend. These new patterns and textures are sure to bring vibrancy and life into any room!

Image via Lush Home

Warm Colours. Say hello to warm-toned colours again! 2016 is ushering in a new slough of colours to pick from when redesigning any room in your home. From light pinks to burnt oranges, 2016 will feature every warm, cozy colour you could ask for. We suggest using these warm-toned colours in the “social rooms” of your home, such as living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens, as the warmer colours evoke a comforting, welcoming feeling.

Image via SB Digs

Don’t miss the all-new Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show, January 21-24, 2016, for the latest trends for 2016 and over 150 renovation experts from the Ottawa region to help you accomplish them. Haven't got your tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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John Gordon’s Top Tips for a Successful Contractor-Customer Relationship

It is easy to become overwhelmed when trying to choose a remodelling expert or contractor for your next home renovations project. Many homeowners have the same worries and reservations. First, it is hard to find an expert you trust and know can do a great job on your particular project. Second, many homeowners don’t know their rights in terms of what they should be asking for as they move along in the process.

John Gordon, Owner of Your Reno Guys, takes the guesswork out of starting your next renovations project, providing you with his top tips for a successful renovations relationship.

• Research potential renovation companies by using websites that rate and review contractors in your area such as the Home Stars Website and ask for recommendations from family and friends
• Meet with two to three contractors in person before choosing one for your type of renovation
• Ask about permit requirements in your area
• Inquire about qualifications and insurance of the people who will be doing your work
• Make sure the contractor has liability insurance in case of accidents or damage in your home
• Ask for a written estimate and accurate breakdown of what is included
• Obtain and call references and ask as many detailed questions as possible
• Once the written estimate is agreed upon, request a written contract
• Be sure to communicate about the progress of your renovation frequently
• Keep a record of the payments along the way
• Provide any final feedback you may have upon completion of the project
• Always be in control of the money; never release more money than the services or materials received

John Gordon will be sharing his tips and advice at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show, taking place January 21-24, 2016 at the EY Centre. Don’t miss his presentation “Building Permits: When Do You Need One?,” Friday, January 22 6-7 PM, and Sunday, January 24, 3-4 PM. John Gordon will also be available at the Your Reno Guys booth at the show to answer all of your questions. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show! 

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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Top 5 Tips for Building Consciously from Casey Grey, “The Conscious Builder”

Homeowners generally think of living “consciously” in terms of reducing their energy use with LED bulbs, or getting their family in the habit of recycling and composting. However, there are many more ways you can make environmentally conscious decisions in your home, especially if you’re starting a remodel.

Casey Grey is the owner of Cornelis Grey Construction: The Conscious Builder, which focuses on building homes “consciously,” and to a higher standard, using environmentally friendly and health conscious products. Casey shares his top 5 tips for building consciously in your next remodel.

Buy Quality Windows

The fact is, windows are the weakest point of your home. They have little thermal resistance and are often positioned in places that affect the performance and comfort of your home. When purchasing windows, be very wary of what manufacturers tell you. I’m not saying that they are lying to you but they may not be telling you the complete truth. For example, window performance is based on the complete window assembly. This means that the glass, spacers and frames all need to work together. Great glass and spacers with a poor window frames only addresses part of the issue. No matter what, I would always suggest triple glazed windows at the very minimum. Make sure to do your research or find a contractor who can help you with these decisions.

Insulation From The Exterior

If you have the opportunity to add insulation to the exterior of your home, DO IT! This will eliminate Thermal Bridges which will make your home much more comfortable and will help it perform much better. Understanding the difference between Effective R-Value and Nominal R-Value will help you with this concept. For example, a 2”x6” wood framed wall with studs every 16” and an R-22 batt will give you an effective R-Value of R-17. That same wall with an addition R-10 (2” of foam) on the exterior will give you an effective R-Value of R-27! Here it is in point form:

Wall 1 (Typical 2" x 6" wall)

• Nominal R-Value = R-22
• Effective R-Value = R-17

Wall 2 (Additional 2" of foam on the exterior)

• Nominal R-Value = R-32
• Effective R-Value = R27

Eliminate As Many Holes As Possible

The tighter your home is, the better it will perform and the more comfortable it will be. If anybody tells you your home needs to breathe, chances are they don’t understand the basics of building science. Yes, your assembly may need to have the ability to dry out or have vapour travel through it BUT you do not want air to travel through your wall. When air leaks into your home, not only does it make it less comfortable and less energy efficient, it also opens up the potential for major structural damage and adds to poor indoor air quality.

Think of this for a second. When you turn on your bathroom fan or your huge kitchen exhaust fan, where do you think the air is coming from? Air is being blown out of the house so it needs to be coming in somewhere, right? Well that air is going to come in wherever it can which usually ends up being through plugs, switches and other exhaust openings, such as those that are required for gas appliances. This means you have all the chemicals from your walls and potentially Carbon Monoxide coming into your home. The solution is to eliminate as many holes as possible and mechanically ventilate your home with an HRV or ERV. Any contractor or HVAC contractor who understands building science should be able to help you with this.

Think of Where Your Products And Materials Come From

When building consciously, we also want to think of where all the products and materials we purchase come from. Ultimately we want to purchase quality products but we also want to make sure we’re lowering the carbon footprint of our build. For example, if you’re thinking of a stone counter top, where is that stone coming from? Is it being cut out of the ground on the other side of the world, being packaged and shipped here and then cut and polished just for your kitchen? We live at a time when we have more options than we know of. You can get counters made from paper or recycled content now! They may even be made closer to your home than you think. You can do an easy online search or ask your contractor or designer for some other options.

Think of The Air You Breathe

You may have heard of off-gassing or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) before. If you haven’t, I suggest you take a look. Unfortunately most homes have terrible indoor air quality and one of the reasons is because of off-gassing. There are many products out there that have many different chemicals in them and they often continue to off-gas for years to come. The most common ones you hear of are paints, stains, laminates and spray foam insulation. Be wary of other types of insulation and even your furniture as well. For example, fibreglass insulation and certain fabrics are sprayed with fire retardants that are full of hormone disrupting chemicals. Make sure to talk to your contractor about the materials that are being used in your home. Healthier materials may cost more but the health of you and your family is invaluable.

Casey Grey will be sharing his tips and advice at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show, taking place January 21-24, 2016 at the EY Centre. Don’t miss his presentation “Conscious Strategies For Remodelling Your Home” at the show, Thursday, January 21, 6-7 PM and Saturday, January 23, 10:30-11:30 AM. Casey Grey will also be available at the Cornelius Grey Construction booth at the show to answer all of your questions. 

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we'd love to see you there!

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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Herb Lagois’ Guide to a Successful Remodel

Many homeowners find the thought of taking on a home remodelling project daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you do your homework, and find the right contractor for the job, a remodel can be a fun and exciting project. Herb Lagois, the President and Lead Designer at Lagois Design Build Renovate, provides his top tips for homeowners to keep in mind when taking on a remodelling project.

1. Excellent designs are the foundation. Make sure your design addresses your needs and solves the function or flow issues in your home. A beautiful design is nice, but maximizing functionality of your home for your current and future needs is paramount. A great design build firm will spend time understanding your family’s unique needs and their design should bring your vision for the space alive.

2. Plan for success. Selecting your materials, finishes, fixtures, and appliances for your remodeling project is great fun, but for some it can be daunting. Look for inspiring photos on Houzz or Pinterest and share them with your remodeler. If you don’t know where to start, allow your designer to guide you. Making all your decisions before construction starts will keep your project on time and on budget.

3. Work with a RenoMark Renovator. Why? Because these firms have been vetted and follow a strict code of conduct. RenoMark Renovators are licensed, offer warranties, and are members of their local homebuilder association. Always interview the firms you are considering, ask them about their process and check their references.

4. Get the contract in writing. Make sure that the project scope is explained in detail and outlines the price, payment and construction schedule. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request more detail where needed.

5. Enjoy the process. Your dream is about to come alive before your eyes! Allow yourself time to make the proper decisions and celebrate the milestones along the way – framing, drywall, appliances installed! Take the time to envision yourself in the new space and how it will feel when it’s finished. It will be done before you know it!

Herb Lagois will be sharing his tips and advice at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show, taking place January 21-24, 2016 at the EY Centre. Don’t miss his presentation “Hiring the Right Contractor for the Job” Saturday, January 23, 12-1 PM, and Sunday, January 24, 1:30-2:30 PM. Herb Lagois will also be available at the Lagois Design Build Renovate booth at the show to answer all of your questions.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook, and treat a friend or family member to the show. We'd love to see you there!

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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Ottawa Home + Remodelling Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Synergy 3 Construction

We're excited to have Synergy 3 Construction joining us at the all new Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show. With over 35 years of experience in residential and commercial construction projects, including kitchen renovations, basement renovation, bathroom renovation, new additions, custom decks, and more, their skilled team is ready to help with your next home improvement project.

Synergy 3 Construction is committed to personalized and quality customer service, and they see the end product as a statement of their worth as a creative, dynamic, and trusted local business. Nothing is more important to them than their customers' complete satisfaction.

Learn more about this company when you visit them in Booth #1307 at the Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show. But first, get to know them a little better in our brief interview below.

Please describe your services.

"Design - Build renovation services in the Ottawa area. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements and Home Additions. Our qualified and licensed team of Carpenters and tradesmen will take your renovation dreams and turn them into reality!"

What are your best home or garden tips for the season?

"Use LED lights everywhere - save your hard earned money!"

Will you have any show specials? What are your featured services?

"Show Special - Buy one, get one free - LED potlights in a renovation. Spring Special - Free upgrade to Triple Glazed windows for your home renovation/addition."

What are your home or garden pet peeves?

"Disorganization is the worst!"

What is the strangest client request you've ever received?

"The strangest request we have ever received was when we were asked to install 'Hello Kitty' backsplash tiles in the kitchen."

What is your favourite part about the Ottawa Home + Remodelling Show?

"We love interacting with potential clients, hearing their stories and offering our advise and expertise even if they aren't ready to pull the trigger on that renovation just yet."

Is there anything else you think folks should know about your company?

"We provide free in-home consultations with free quotes."

The Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show takes over the EY Centre January 21-24, 2016. With hundreds of home improvement experts, design professionals, and gardening gurus ready to help you refresh your space, it's a must-attend event for Ottawa homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Save $3 when you buy online! Get your tickets today.

EY CENTRE
JANUARY 21-24, 2016.

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Get Up & Upcycle at the Ottawa Fall Home Show

"Upcycling" is very quickly becoming the most talked about trend in the renovation and design world. Upcycling is repurposing a tired or discarded item that you would otherwise throw out, into something beautiful and functional. You can upcycling almost anything, big or small, old or broken, whatever you can think of!

For this year's Ottawa Fall Home Show, we've teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to bring you the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge! Local celebrities, design experts, media personalities, and DIY bloggers will be put to the test.

Armed with a small budget, some paint from Rust-Oleum, and all the creativity they can muster, the participants will be sourcing and repurposing a previously-owned item. Entries will be displayed at the show where visitors will have the chance to bid on the items with all the proceeds being donated to Habitat for Humanity.

So how can you become a part of the upcycle trend? With almost anything! We've put together some ideas to help you get started.

Calling All Old Denim

We all have that pair of jeans that are a torn, worn mess, but no matter what, we can't seem to get rid of them. Now you don't have to! You can repurpose denim into almost anything; decorations, pillow cases, totes, and even blankets!

Image via Brit + Co

Too Many Pillowcases?

Find yourself with too many empty pillowcases hanging around the linen closet? Pillowcases make great DIY materials because they are made up of so many patterns, textures, and sizes! This leaves you with a realm of possibilities to try! Why not sew them together and stuff it to make a sleeping mat? Or use them to make garment bags and painting smocks for kids? Try adding a pocket and handle to a case for the perfect kid's traveling pillow!

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

Mason Jars for Everyone

Mason jars are perhaps the most universal DIY item there is. Don't throw them away once they're empty, put them to good use! Bringing a rustic feel to any project, mason jars are super easy to repurpose into almost anything. We love them as storage, candles, and vases.

Image via The DIY Playbook

Holey Knit Sweaters No More

You know that old, yet super soft sweater that's been shoved at the back of your closet for a year because of the giant hole in it? There's a million and one ways to reuse it and rekindle the cable knit love affair! With just a needle, thread, and a bit of finesse, you can fashion all sorts of cozy knit accessories. Turn your old sweaters into Christmas stockings, slippers, boot socks, mittens, a hat, and the cutest baby clothes you've ever seen - you can do almost anything with it!

Image via Saartje Knits

Visit the Ottawa Fall Home Show to get more upcycling tips and DIY project ideas. The home and garden event of the season takes over the EY Centre September 24-27, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Don't forget to share this awesome deal with a friend!

EY CENTRE
SEPTEMBER 24 - 27, 2015.

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RE/MAX Knows! Perfect Gifts for New Home Buyers

 

Have you moved recently?  Know anyone who has?  If so, RE/MAX, sponsor of both our Toronto & Ottawa spring home shows has given us their list of perfect holiday gifts for new home buyers and recent movers.  

   

As experts in all things real estate, it's no wonder RE/MAX had a perfect list full of perfect holiday gift for friends and family.  The emphasis here, keep it simple, useful, and interesting folks!   

 10 Gift Ideas for New Home Buyers 

1. Toolbox 

• If it’s a first home, a toolbox can be really handy!  While some may come with the tools already inside, you may need to fill it up with wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, nails, pliers, a tape measure, and whatever else you think would be essential.   

2. Gift Certificates 

• Obviously a great gift for anyone, new homeowners or recent movers will really appreciate your contribution to their next trip to the hardware store, furniture store, even grocery store!

3. Coffee Table Books 

• A great way to help make a new house a home, a coffee table book that reflects the homeowners interests will introduce a new conversation piece into the living room without dramatically impacting the decor of the new place. 

4. Wine Glasses

• No surprise here, these delicate gems often break during a big move.  A nice set of wine glasses for recent movers is a great way to help these homeowners get ready for housewarming parties, holiday events, and casual dinners.  Added idea, give this gift with a nice bottle of wine to test 'em out.  

5. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Fire Extinguisher  

Extinguishers via Fire Design

• Many homes do not come with working alarms or extinguishers, and if they do, they are often older models.  Give your friends more modern alarms and extinguishers to keep things safe and up-to-date. 

6. Candles

 

• Scented or not, candles add an elegant shimmer to any room.  Perfect for new homeowners, who may have thrown away older items before the move, fresh candles, maybe even candle holders, are always sure to delight! 

7. Online Shopping

  

  

• For some more personalized or creative gift ideas, take a peak on some awesome e-commerce sites like the ones above for things like prints, custom photographs, personalized pillows, books, drapery, linens, etc.!  With these websites you can do a lot of your holiday shopping from home. 

8. Plants

• Plants, or nicely cut flowers, are a great way to liven up a new home.  This is one detail that may go forgotten in a new homeowner's rush to unpack and settle in.  Help out and bring over a nice plant! 

9. Spa/Bathroom Basket 

• Along with towels, new homeowners may appreciate some fresh soaps, scrubs, oils and other essentials to treat themselves when relaxing in their new digs. 

10. Kitchen Essentials   

• Cutting boards, bottle openers, pepper mills, quality cooking oils, etc., these are items that can sit pretty on the counter top of any new home.  Delightful treats that will never go to waste, many of these kitchen essentials are often needed after a big move. 

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Did we miss anything? 

Click the button below to tweet what you would add to this gift list! 

Tweet to @REMAXca

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Choose & WIN with RE/MAX and our Toronto & Ottawa Home Shows!

A Message From REM/AX:

Whether you're buying, selling or renovating – or just exploring your options - we have a full menu of helpful advice. All you need to do is Ask a RE/MAX Agent. Whether you need guidance through the home buying process or want to maximize your sales price and minimize your on-market time, look no further than RE/MAX. Visit us at the home show for a taste of our hospitality and the chance to enter one of the RE/MAX Choose & Win Contests. This year RE/MAX is offering you choice between winning Your Down Payment or a Landscpae Makeover so you become Curbalicous.

Buying a home is the largest financial decision most people will make. RE/MAX wants to make buying your next home easier with the "Win Your Down Payment" contest!

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