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Budget Bathroom Ideas

Bathroom with wooden cabinets and white porcelain sink

The media is flooded with inspirational and reasonably priced bathroom environments, ranging from interior design shows to celebrity bathroom remodels seen on Instagram. However, even budget bathrooms can be just as amazing as more expensive ones.

The majority of small bathroom ideas are still doable, regardless of your budget. You may still pay homage to the hottest interior design trends without hiring a contractor thanks to lookalike surfaces and creative DIY workarounds.

Keep reading to find details on how to achieve bathroom bliss on a budget, as well as general bathroom decor ideas for redoing your bathroom without spending too much money.

Get Rid Of Grime In Between Your Wall Tiles

You might not have to retile your bathroom. Tile grouting techniques can get your small bathroom look nicer without redoing everything. All that’s left are toothbrushes, lotion, and elbow grease.

When it comes to cleaning up the grout you will immediately brighten up your bathroom wall for just a few bucks. 1 tablespoon of mild dish detergent, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup baking soda make a cleaning paste that can destroy grime buildup between tiles.

Place the paste around every corner and leave it for about 15 minutes. After leaving this for a while, wash it off using clean water. The combination of baking soda and peroxide is amazingly effective for cleaning grout.

Consider Small Design Details and Bathroom Furniture

When you want to improve the appearance of your toilet, it’s important to focus on the details. Simple mirrors can work wonders. Just adding one to the back of your toilet can completely change the appearance of a bathroom renovation.

Darker colours work extremely well against light porcelain. To maintain the contrast, keep an eye on extra accessories for sinks. Even with compact sinks, it’s important to have decorative and attractive items strategically placed. It just enhances the overall feeling.

Exchange Dated Country For A Chic Western Theme

Try to stick to darker shades of beige browns for a rustic bathroom suit. Mixing them up will keep the décor and add personality. Curtains for showers are perfectly matched by wood-covered sink tops.

Certain mirror frames can offer a cool, weathered appearance and take rustic charm to an entirely different level. Minimalist decor can go a long way, as the fewer items that take up a small space, the more effective each item can be.

Use Online Marketplaces For Materials and Go DIY

There is nothing more rewarding than doing something yourself. It can become messy and take longer than it might take professionals but there’s plenty of guidance available for those who are up to the task.

Not to mention, it offers obvious savings in labor. The more things you get done yourself, the less you will have to leave to a costly professional. Just make sure that you thoroughly read any guides or information you find online so that it gets done properly.

Light Colors and Open Storage Make The Room Bigger

If you need your small bathroom floor space to appear bigger, you can find many ways to achieve that effect. Alternatively, lighten it by adding bright colors, bathroom wallpaper, and bold illumination. Darker sinks are perfectly paired with white cabinets.

Both are compatible with warm bathroom walls. You can open the storage space up further by using open storage instead of closed cabinets or a vanity unit. This also allows the room to feel large and spacious. Plus, it keeps everything easily accessible to make it functional and attractive to visitors.

Fake Tiling With Adhesive Wall and Floor Solutions

No matter their level of expertise, DIYers can find installing tile to be scary. Choosing the ideal bathroom wall tile takes effort, money, tools, and time. If you’re on the fence about tiling traditionally, you may be curious about peel-and-stick tile.

Compared to traditional tiling, peel-and-stick tile installation may be completed quickly, affordably, and with a lot less mess. You only need a utility knife, ruler, and level in terms of equipment. You’ll also need some time, preferably not more than a day, but at least a few hours.

Hang A Printed Shower Curtain

The bathroom is often overlooked for color, pattern, and print. It is very much a place where you can easily embrace bold designs. A tasteful shower screen can make all the difference in the world while staying cost-effective. Adding upscale bathroom drapes with matching designs can also be an inexpensive way to make a bold style statement.

Don’t Forget The Bathroom Door!

When it comes to highlighting a home’s beauty and worth, bathroom doors are an often overlooked budget bathroom idea. There are tons of things you can do with different doors to open up your small room design and complement the decor of your home.

For example, you can replace a regular old wooden door with a sliding door. You can also use doors with frosted glass windows to add character while maintaining a level of privacy.

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How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

New Complete Kitchen Cabinet Design

When a kitchen gets overused and shows signs of wear, it’s only a matter of time before you begin considering a renovation. Perhaps you’re making minor revamps to your existing kitchen or pursuing a complete renovation project, either way, a kitchen renovation is a fantastic way to start to rework the mood of your home. In doing so, you might question how much it costs to remodel your kitchen. As with any home renovation project, there’s a significant variation regarding kitchen remodel costs.

Average Cost Of Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen’s size and the extent of the renovation are the main factors for a professionally overhauled kitchen. If you’re aiming to change the layout of the kitchen, then expect to spend more and for the project to demand more time.

A kitchen renovation costs about $20,000 – $80,000 or $100 – $300 per square foot for your average kitchen size of approximately 250 to 300 square feet. An average kitchen renovation covers new cabinetry, sink, countertop, and flooring.

Factors Affecting Kitchen Renovation Costs

When you want to renovate your kitchen, make plans for the following factors that might raise or lower the total cost of your entire project:

  • Labour costs (kitchen designer, architect, plumber, electrician, and carpenter are some service professionals you can expect to help you throughout the whole kitchen project)
  • Scope of the job
  • Kitchen makeover design
  • Materials cost
  • Size of the kitchen

Budgeting On Your Kitchen Renovation

You’ll need to set a budget when you want to remodel your kitchen. Although that eventually revolves around your typical economic status and what you’re seeking, it’s also a clever approach to think of whether your investment will deliver a satisfactory return if and when you choose to put your home up for sale someday.

You can expect to pay around the following amounts based on the extent of your renovation:

  • Minor Remodel – Refacing cabinets, painting ceilings and walls, replacing plumbing fixtures, and laying a new tile backsplash are some basic projects costing between $13,000 and $20,000. 
  • Mid-range Remodel – A mid-range remodel costs about $31,000. This scope of remodeling typically upgrades what is existing and doesn’t need layout modifications. 
  • Major Remodel – A kitchen renovation with a higher than $45,000 cost may involve installing hardwood floors and high-end appliances, relocating windows and doors and upgrading the sink.

You should also set aside 15% – 20% of your total budget for any unforeseen problems.

The final cost of your renovation will be smaller when you only revamp a particular kitchen layout design. For example, relocating a sink or a window to another spot in the kitchen can add $1,500 – $4,500 per object transfer to the project because of the demand for drywall, dust removal, and new plumbing and electrical work.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Cost Breakdown

Project Element Cost (on average) Percent Of Budget
Cabinetry $6,500 – 8,000 29%
Installation & Labor $4,200 – 5,100 17%
Appliances $3,400 – 4,200 14%
Countertops & Backsplashes $2,400 – 3,000 10%
Flooring $1,600 – 2,100 7%
Lighting $1,050 – 1,500 5%
Painting & Drywall $1,150 – 1,500 5%
Plumbing $750 – 1, 200 4%
Design $730 – 1,200 4%

Kitchen Cabinets

Many homeowners want new cabinets, and the average cabinetry cost is about $6,500. Prices differ depending on the design and materials. Refacing ranges from $4,200 to $9,000. Modern semi-custom cabinets could range from $200 – 600 per linear foot. And, for elegant custom cabinetry that suits your taste, prepare to spend between $360 – $1,200 per linear foot.

Countertop And Backsplash

The cost to remodel a kitchen countertop depends primarily on your chosen type of material. If you want to save money, laminate is the least overpriced for as low as $14 per sq. ft. Natural stone and quartz countertops show a classy finish at a mid-range price starting at $50 per sq. ft. Marble countertops are expensive, costing $150 or more per sq. ft.

A new backsplash takes time and research and should be fire-resistant and easy to clean and sanitize. The average kitchen upgrade costs of having a backsplash installed are between $900 and $2,500.

Kitchen Flooring

It is crucial to consider many different materials for flooring because the cost of raw materials varies widely.

Linoleum and vinyl are the most affordable options, which cost about $1,000-$1,500. But if you want hardwood or tile floors installed in your new kitchen, be ready to spend around $4,500 – $7,500.

Kitchen Lighting

Upgrading your kitchen lighting is a straightforward but practical way to perfect any kitchen renovation. An easy DIY replacement of that old kitchen sink light to a farmhouse pendant light may only cost you approximately $50. The national average for installing elegant, stylish recessed lighting is $150 per fixture.

What Is The Most Expensive Element Of A Kitchen Reno?

The most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation project are often the cabinets, countertops, and appliances, comprising nearly 50 percent of the total project cost.

Most of the time, installation costs, flooring, and painting & drywall are the other primary cost elements of the project.

Top-Requested Features

  • Kitchen island or breakfast bar seating area
  • Coffee bar
  • Specialized storage, walk-in pantry, butler pantry, etc.
  • Lazy Susans and blind corner cabinets
  • Built-in refrigerator or a commercial-style range
  • Dual ovens
  • Drawer dishwashers
  • Enclosed trash and recycling space
  • Recessed ceiling fixtures and pendant lights

Honest Renovations Is your Reliable General Contractor

With proper planning, kitchen renovations can be achieved within your means. It’s also vital to hire a contractor you can trust. Honest Renovations has the experience and proficiency in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Call us now at 289-260-2462 and get started on your kitchen renovation!

 

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Basement Renovation Ideas

basement renovation

If you have an unfinished basement or just need to update an old, tired one, there are several advantages to fixing your basement space up.

Developing a finished basement increases the amount of living space in your home, effectively giving you a larger house. If you sell your home, having a finished basement increases the value greatly, for an excellent return on your remodelling investment. It’s also a good opportunity to increase energy efficiency and insulate this large area.

If you’re looking for inspiration on what to do with this extra space that’s often underused, here are some popular basement remodel ideas, to help you make the most of your entire home.

Open Up a Dark or Small Basement Space With a Basement Remodel

Basements can feel dingy and cramped, especially if you only have a small space to begin with.

A fresh coat of paint and new flooring will help, but to give the sense of a larger area, avoid paints or floors in a dark colour. Instead, opt for bright white walls, and a lighter floor. If you have a concrete floor, consider moving away from the industrial look, to a softer, warmer laminate or vinyl plank with a good underlayment.

Good lighting is essential to make the area feel more like a living space. Adding high-quality, bright fixtures brightens everything up and looks less utilitarian. Also, for a truly finished basement, don’t forget to finish the small windows properly to make them brighter.

Sliding barn doors are cost-effective and useful for separating rooms. They’re convenient if you do ever need to open up for a bigger basement area, and, because they don’t open outwards, they’re ideal for smaller areas.

An open ceiling with painted ductwork is relatively cheap but looks more finished and gives a feeling of space. A drop-down ceiling helps with insulation and soundproofing and gives the look of a more finished basement.

Recessed shelves, floating shelves, and storage cabinets keep the basement tidy as it gets used more.

Basement Remodelling Ideas

Before jumping into a renovation, consider how you would like to use your space. Is there a type of room that you would like to have, but didn’t think you had the space for? Would you like to have a larger, open-concept area for the family to congregate, or a secluded, quiet book nook or craft room? Beyond the obvious man cave, there are many types of recreational spaces that you may be interested in. Alternatively, you may simply need another all-purpose room to increase functional space.

Here are some finished basement ideas that are popular with many homeowners.

basement gym

Home Gym

A gym is perfect to take advantage of a basement area of any size. Be sure the floors are suitable for the weight loads and activities. Wood or laminate floors are good for yoga, with carpeting or rubber mats to protect the ground from equipment and for reclined exercises.

Room for Family

You may need another bedroom for a child, or want an extra guest bedroom for when friends and family come to stay.

Bathroom

White walls and shower tile, with glass shower doors, open up an enclosed area, for a bright and polished look. A light floor completes it.

Home Theatre

Embrace the dark and take advantage of it with a home theatre and media room. A raised floor with extra seating, dark walls, and recessed, dimmable lighting give the perfect setting for family movie night.

basement playroom

Playroom

An area for the kids to play in is one of the more common finished basement ideas. It doesn’t need to be just toys scattered across an empty room. Lots of storage solutions to keep it tidy, bright colours, and soft flooring will make it a fun and attractive spot. You can get creative by adding features like a climbing wall.

Basement Laundry Room

Many people just have their washer and dryer on bare cement in a concrete corner. Create a proper basement laundry room, to make the space more functional. Doing laundry will be easier and more pleasant. Tile or laminate floors look better but are still easy for cleaning and handle wet spills well. Cabinets and cupboards for storage keep the area tidy.

Home Bar

A wet bar and wine cellar are fun for adults. A cellar is especially good if your basement is cool and dry, although you may want cozy furniture if you plan on spending time in your basement bar to enjoy the drinks. A built-in counter, bar stools, and artistic wine storage make it an attractive feature. Add a mini-fridge, and you’re set to entertain guests.

Office

If you work from home, a basement office can be an excellent location to work from, as it is more isolated from the bustle and noise of the rest of the house.

Apartment

To generate some extra income, if you have a separate entrance and don’t need the extra space, a basement apartment is a valuable addition. By adding a kitchenette, new appliances, a featured living area, and barn doors to separate the sleeping area, you can transform this area into a full apartment.

basement space

Ready to Create Your Dream Basement Space?

For your basement remodel needs, trust Honest Renovations. We have creative basement renovation services that can help you turn your finished basement ideas into realities. Our experienced contractors are experts who work with you at every stage, from design to demolition and construction, and can meet all of your project needs. 

All of our work is to code and we pride ourselves on results that are energy efficient. We are also highly experienced at conversions into legal apartments. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. 

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Ideas For Small Bathrooms: Best Designs for Small Bathrooms

If you’ve got a small bathroom, you may be struggling with cramped space. It may seem like it is too small to be really usable, and you may wonder what you can do to make it more functional and feel less closed in.

Quick Tips to Improve a Tiny Bathroom

Here are some small bathroom ideas you can do quickly and easily to open up small bathrooms.

An obvious first step is to organize and reduce the clutter that can make the small space feel overwhelming. You won’t feel so much like you are in very tight quarters if the amount of stuff is minimalized.

Repainting with light, neutral colours quickly makes your small bathroom feel like a larger space. You don’t need to forgo personality; you can have a couple of items in interesting materials, with bold colours or patterns to make the entire bathroom incredibly chic and provide visual interest. However, dark walls make small spaces feel heavy and closed in. White subway tile is perfect for backsplashes and other areas to keep the area light.

You can still have a gallery wall for interest, but try putting up several unique mirrors. This lets you decorate the entire wall space, without feeling cluttered, and gives the illusion of a larger room.

Small Bathroom Remodel

You may find that if your small bathroom isn’t set up efficiently, a full small bathroom remodel can help you get a room you love. It’s a good idea to plan well before getting started. Drawing up a few design plans with accurate measurements of all elements is critical. It is usually good to consult with someone who is an expert in interior design.

Effective Small Bathroom Design

Don’t be afraid to move the entire room around, including fixtures.

A corner sink tucks away neatly to make the most of your small bathroom space, and a wall-mounted faucet allows more free surface area. Take time to find the right tub; look for a non-standard, smaller freestanding tub to conserve space.

Customized work allows you to get the best fit. Smaller cabinets and vanities can balance the need for room and storage perfectly if they are designed to maximize organization. You can also add built-in storage, for a small item like a medicine cabinet, in between wall studs.

You may also want to remove any swinging doors, replacing them with rolling pocket doors or sliding barn doors; full-length mirrors on these brighten up a small room even more.

Increase Floor space

A floating vanity creates more air space than a traditional one sitting on the floor, and usually doesn’t decrease usable storage. Many people don’t use the bottom shelves or drawers of a vanity much, and some typical vanities are just cupboards with one layer to use, resulting in lots of wasted space. A floating model, with multiple-sized drawers and a good design, can give you extra storage space, with increased space and a lighter, airier feeling. Toilet paper and hygiene items can be kept attractively in large baskets and tucked away.

Light-coloured floor tile gives a sensation of space, compared to a dark wood floor.

Increase Natural Light

A few floating shelves achieve the same results as floating vanities. If you opt for a glass shelf model, it especially keeps the open feeling of the room and doesn’t create dark spots. A floating shelf holds your extra toiletries without cluttering.

Replace a shower with solid plastic or metal sides and a shower curtain or opaque shower doors. With a shower stall with a glass shower door and clear sides, you won’t feel like you are in a cave when you shower.

If you have little to no natural light, installing a skylight may be a good option. Otherwise, capitalizing on light fixtures is key; choose ones that will really brighten all corners of the room.

Powder Room / Half-Bathroom

A half-bathroom is often considered as an unimportant one, but you use them daily, and want to make a good impression when guests are visiting. A cramped powder room feels depressing – not how you want to feel when starting your day! So how do you primp up your small powder room to make the room feel spacious?

A minimalist bathroom is your go-to design for as much extra space as possible. Keeping to essentials only, with a couple of key decorative accents, will make the most of the room.

Try a pedestal sink, as these don’t cut into a room. Clear out all extra items, and just have key, attractive toiletries out. Instead of a towel bar, look for small hooks or racks that rotate out to conserve space.

Don’t be afraid to use the toilet tank for more surface space for items.

Need Help With a Remodel?

Honest Renovations understands that the humble bathroom is actually one of the most important in your home.

Whether you need small upgrades or a complete small-bathroom remodel, we are experienced in all parts of the job and make the renovations hassle-free. We are industry experts and will assist you through the whole process, from design to renovation and finishing touches.

We can advise on the best small bathroom ideas for your individual situation, working with you to bring your visions to life. 

 

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How Much Do Home Additions Cost?

Many people resort to home additions to add rooms because they feel cramped in their homes and need extra living space. Their wish for a larger space can come true with a home addition project managed by a general contractor. Home additions come in various sizes and types, and there is an overwhelming number of home addition costs to calculate roughly.

If you’re thinking of creating an expansion to your home, you’ll need to read this home addition cost breakdown.

Average Home Addition Cost

Construction costs will depend on your existing home structure and what you’d like to build. Some additions won’t even need another room, like converting a garage.

The average cost for home addition or adding a room is $46,000, with most homeowners spending between $21,000 and $74,000.

How Much Do Home Additions Cost Per Square Foot?

Home additions cost between $85 and $400 per square foot, with most spending $80 to $200 per square foot on the first floor and $100 to $300 per square foot on the second floor. The project cost will vary greatly depending on material prices, labor costs, and location.

Factors That Influence The Cost Of A Home Extension Project

It isn’t easy to pinpoint exact costs when it comes to a home addition project, for many factors will affect the total project cost.

First off, the level of intricacy of the construction project will have a significant influence on the final cost and can raise or lessen the total expense. Include other costs, like applying a new foundation, insulation, and site preparation. The building materials you’ll utilize and the existing materials will also add to the overall costs.

In addition, your home addition cost could increase based on the building permits you acquire and conforming to specific local building codes. Water drainage, septic systems, and electrical wiring are just some features that might be monitored. A qualified local builder will be able to advise you regarding the prerequisites in your area.

Common Types Of Room Addition

Many homeowners want to add an extra room to their homes. And this can be executed on the ground floor or the second story. Room addition costs are primarily based on the type of room being constructed.

Take into account that unexpected costs will arise suddenly. Allocate an extra 10%-20% in case you come across circumstances demanding additional costs.

Living Room / Family Room

The typical range for a living room is $20,000 to $45,000, with the higher-end usually consisting of custom built-in cabinets or expensive flooring. Expanded living rooms provide more space for families and friends to gather.

Bathroom

A new bathroom addition costs around $35,000. Bathrooms are pricier as they need plumbing work and bathroom fixtures like toilets and showers. Some homeowners decide to splurge on a jacuzzi tub, influencing the overall price.

Master Bedroom

Adding a new master bedroom suite can cost between $59,000 and $100,000 and up. Considering it often has an attached bathroom and walk-in closet, master bedroom addition costs can quickly surge.

Attic

Most homeowners spend from $40,000 to $80,000 to convert an attic into a cozy room. This reconstruction requires owners to have sufficient ventilation and insulation for livable permanent use. Not to mention the installation costs for a staircase in this room.

In-Law Suite Addition Costs

In-law suites are often around 600 to 750 square feet, costing between $78,000 and $135,000, with an average cost of $90,000. The In-law suite includes one bedroom and bathroom, a small living room, a kitchenette, a laundry room, and maybe some storage.

Second story

Adding a second floor to your home is like constructing a whole house from square one. The cost can range from $300 to $500 per square foot since it requires removing and replacing the existing roof. The total expense can quickly jump into six figures depending on how many rooms are being constructed.

Garage

For a simple garage addition, expect to pay around $10,800. Usually, the larger the square footage, the less it will cost. An attached garage is more affordable; however, if you need to build a detached garage, expect to pay roughly $13,200 – $24,200.

Get Reliable Cost Estimates From Honest Renovations

Rather than making guesswork at the approximate total cost of the home addition you intend to build, call Honest Renovations.

A great way to save money is to hire a professional contractor. Honest Renovations has the expertise and professional connections to reduce your costs. We start the process by scheduling a thorough phone discussion. We’ll examine the specifics of your current home and what type of addition you’re considering. We will also check out your property to assess the extra space and landscape we will be transforming.

We will provide an approximate quote for your specific home addition projects. Call us now or fill in the form, and you will receive estimates from trusted experts.

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The Best Flooring For Basement Bedroom

Fully-furnished basement bedroom with quirky decor and hardwood flooring

Most unfinished basements have a concrete slab as a floor. While it is solid, flat and durable, the concrete surface can be unhospitable. It is not aesthetically pleasing, nor is it warm and welcoming. In fact, your family may dread going down to the basement because of the chill of the concrete basement floor.

A finished basement floor will make any basement space warm and inviting; your family will be excited to use the downstairs bedroom once you have installed a finished surface.
There are many basement flooring materials to choose from when it comes to finishing your basement. We will discuss different flooring for basements to help you decide what is best for your home.

7 Basement Flooring Options

There are a wide variety of basement flooring options available. Each type of flooring presents its own pros and cons. We will discuss each type of basement flooring below to help you decide which is best for your basement.

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a durable, affordable flooring material. It is much cheaper than ceramic tile and solid hardwood, but it can be designed to look and feel like either. Additionally, laminate floors are easy to install because the planks have interlocking joints. Almost any do-it-yourselfer can learn how to install laminate floors in their basement.

Laminate promises durability; it is a resilient flooring that is less likely to scratch than other types of flooring. However, it is prone to water damage. Laminate flooring can mould, warp, and twist in wet or moist conditions.

2. Hardwood Flooring

While hardwood is a classic choice for your floors, it is not recommended for basements. Hardwood is easily prone to water damage, and it can even warp and twist in moist environments. Basements tend to be wet and moist areas, so your hardwood floors will likely not hold up.

Never fear, there are many other flooring options for your basement renovation!

3. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is making a comeback as an affordable, durable type of flooring for basements. Except, people are ditching sheet vinyl and using vinyl planks instead.

A luxury vinyl plank is more expensive than sheet vinyl, but it will make all the difference when it comes to making a stunning space; it is a beautiful option that looks like real wood. Vinyl plank flooring also is installed like wood thanks to its interlocking joint system.

Vinyl planks are connected using an interlocking joint system; each vinyl plank slides and locks into place next to an already placed plank, making installation relatively easy. Just like real wood, vinyl should be installed over cork flooring for added cushioning.

Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, meaning you do not have to worry about your floors being ruined if you are unfortunate enough to have your basement flood.

4. Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy is a 2-part coating that can be applied over your concrete floor—it is not a floating floor option.

Expoxy helps make your floors smoother, thicker, and easier to clean. It is ideal for people who have a wet basement or want to use the main living space as a home gym. We recommend another type of flooring for a basement bedroom.

5. Tile Flooring

Tiles come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. You could opt for the traditional square tile or choose a modern hexagon option. Rather than using one colour tile for your entire floor, you could create a pattern with several colours mixed in. The options are truly endless when it comes to tile!

While a tile floor is a beautiful addition to your home, it can be expensive. Ceramic tile can be costly, ranging anywhere from $0.50 to $25 per square foot. If you are concerned about the cost of your basement floors, ceramic tile may not be the best option. Choose vinyl tile or interlocking rubber tiles for a more affordable option. Vinyl tile costs approximately $1 to $5 per square foot.

6. Carpet

Basements can be cold places. Heat rises, and having a tile or wood floor can make your downstairs family room feel colder. Wall-to-wall carpeting is a good idea if you would like to make your basement feel warm and welcoming.

A basement carpet will feel softer and warmer underfoot than vinyl or porcelain tile. It will also muffle sound, making the space quieter; this is perfect for homeowners looking to have a guest bedroom in their basement. Guests will have a warm, quiet and cozy space to call their own.

7. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered wood is a type of floor that has been specially engineered by bonding a layer of solid wood to plywood or compost board. Every plank has a factory-applied finish to prevent scratches and give your floor a clean, glossy appearance.

Although some manufacturers say that an engineered hardwood floor can be installed directly over concrete, our experts do not recommend it. It should be installed over a radiant heating sub floor for added warmth and a moisture barrier.

Engineered wood flooring is, without a doubt, one of the best basement flooring options out there.

Fix Your Concrete Floor

Do you have cracked, uneven, or stained concrete floors? These issues will need to be fixed before adding floating floors. Concrete flooring needs to be smoothed and levelled. Cracks in the concrete will also need to be repaired. This work is essential to creating a solid base for your new floor.

Get A Stunning Finished Basement

A basement floor is only one part of your basement renovation. Make your basement a warm, inviting space with the help of our skilled contractors at Honest Renovations. We can help you decide on a basement flooring option and install it to ensure you have a finished basement you will love!

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Benefits Of Secondary Suites

Second suite with full kitchen in upscale Hamilton home

Secondary suites are gaining in popularity, especially in these times where the real estate market has completely blown up. For those who have been pondering about adding a secondary suite to their home, we’re here to tell you to stop second-guessing your decision. In this article, we’ll go over what a secondary suite is, the benefits of secondary suites, and how to add one to your property.

What Are Secondary Suites?

A secondary suite is an additional living space to the primary residence that has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, electricity, water, etc. Essentially, it’s like a legal apartment on your property. They’re also referred to as an “accessory” with the most popular types being located:

  • Above a detached garage
  • In the basement
  • On the main floor of a single-family home
  • Attached to the single-family home
  • In a guest house
  • In a laneway house

Secondary suites gained popularity in Canada in the 19th century, specifically during The Great Depression (also referred to as the Dirty Thirties) and following WWII. It was a way to deal with the housing shortage which is still happening to this day.

Why Add A Secondary Suite?

 

There are many reasons that homeowners and real estate investors look into secondary suites, including:

Assisting With The Housing Shortage

As mentioned above, the housing crisis in Canada is adding up. Big cities are seeing a shortage of homes for families, especially because of the increasing costs of supplies which, in turn, affects housing affordability.

Additional Income

If you’re looking for some extra fixed income per month, you can rent out your secondary suite to a tenant/tenants. While this responsibility comes with being a landlord, becoming a real estate investor has its many perks, one of those being that you can deduct those expenses from your taxes each year. Receiving regular rental income will allow you to pay off your mortgage faster, car payments, student debt, etc.

Increase Property Value

Resale value for properties with secondary suites is also significantly higher. Many other real estate investors, whether beginner or experienced, will be interested in rental income or being able to provide a place to live for their in-laws.

More Affordable For Renters

Secondary suites are known as being more affordable for renters, especially if it’s a basement suite. This can be a great opportunity for you to target tenants of lower-income families, single tenants, students, or renters looking for their first apartment.

Enhances The Community

By adding a secondary suite, you can strengthen your community by allowing young families to send their children to school, allow seniors to live near their children and grandchildren, improve diversity, and also add much-needed housing options.

Safe Option For Ageing Parents

An in-law suite is very common for families with traditions of living on the same property, or for homeowners with ageing parents who are looking to downsize and be closer to their family. In-law suites can also improve security, provide extra support during times where you may need a last-minute babysitter, and even provide a sense of comfort.

 

Contact A Professional Renovation Company

If you’re a homeowner considering undergoing construction to add a secondary suite to your existing property, don’t try to tackle the project yourself. That can be costly and you may run into trouble when it comes to understanding the laws in your specific city, especially because you may require a zoning change. Luckily, in Ontario, there are multiple programs to assist homeowners with improving or building secondary suites, but they will vary per province and city.

You don’t need the added stress. Contact our renovation experts at Honest Renovations in Hamilton today. You can feel rest assured knowing that the development of your secondary suite is well taken care of by our team of experienced, trustworthy, and honest professionals. If you still have questions about whether or not it’s the best option for you, we’d be more than happy to answer any of your questions and going over the many benefits that secondary suites hold for you and your family.

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How to Repair Screw Holes in Drywall

Female home contractor drilling screw holes in drywall

Whether you have moved into a new home or are renovating your current house, you may notice that there are holes in the drywall. A drywall hole can be caused by hanging a picture, shelf or another wall hanging using nails or screws and wall anchors. Drywall screws can also cause holes that should be covered. Even a small hole can be an eyesore and make your wall vulnerable to cracks, dents or further damage. Honest Renovations can guide you through all of the steps you need to follow to patch drywall holes quickly and easily.

What You Will Need:

  • Putty knife or 4-inch drywall knife
  • Screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Paper towels
  • Joint compound / Drywall patching compound
  • Sandpaper
  • Wall paint

Filling Holes Caused By Drywall Screws

a man with a screwdriver in his hand fastens drywall to the wall

1: Inspect The Area

The first step in a drywall patch is to assess the area and plan your next steps. Small holes caused by a nail, push-pin or screw are relatively easy to repair. Large screw holes in drywall left by drywall screws take longer to fix but will look just like new after everything is done.

2: Cut Any Loose Face Paper

If you notice that there is a fraying happening around the screw holes, that is the face paper of your drywall that has frayed or ripped. No new compound can be spread over this area because the paper will rip further and settle into the compound. This will cause your wall to look uneven, even after you have taken the time to fix it.

Carefully trim the paper’s edges with a utility knife. If there are tears from inside the wall, use a screwdriver or nail to push them back into the holes in the wall. This will work for any difficult-to-cut pieces. If you are filling a small nail hole and don’t see any tearing, skip to the next step.

3: Fill The Drywall Knife With Joint Compound

Next, dip the edge of the putty knife into the joint compound (also called mud). The compound will be thick and look almost like putty. There should be a small amount of mud on the edge of the knife; it’ll be just enough to patch the hole but not enough to leave a thick layer on the wall’s surface. If you fear that you have too much on your knife, get a paper towel or cloth and use it to wipe away any extras.

repairman works with plasterboard, plastering dry-stone wall, home improvement

4: Apply 1-2 Coats and Let It Dry

After you have prepared your knife, it is time to fill the hole! Using the putty knife, hold it at an angle to the wall and with the compound side facing the wall. Press the front edge of the knife to the wall and slowly drag it across the hole. You will smooth the patching compound across the hole and patch it. Make sure not to get the mud on any nearby wood or other larger areas because it can crack and dry.

After, check that the spackle has filled the hole, then do a second pass with the knife at a different angle. Continue to do this until the hole is filled, then let the first coat dry for at least one hour before going back to apply a second coat. It is important to note that 2-inch or larger holes in drywall will typically need at least one layer of compound to patch it correctly. Remember to let each layer dry thoroughly, then continue to fill it with mud.

5: Sand

After the mud is dry, use a piece of sandpaper to sand the wall. Sanding will help fix any uneven spots on the wall’s surface and ensure that it is smooth. We recommend that you use a 220 grit piece of sandpaper because it will finely sand down the mud.

6: Paint

After sanding the area, dust it off and apply a coat of paint. If you didn’t just install drywall and were fixing a preexisting wall, make sure that your new coat of paint will match the old one.

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Stoney Creek Basement all wrapped up

At Honest Renovations we take pride in our work, we enjoy working in a clean and safe environment for everyone. We have recently posted pictures of a recently completed basement. It was done in a timely fashion and the homeowners could not have been happier. They were informed with how we were going to handle the project and were handed a work schedule to know exactly where we were with the project.

Here is what to expect if giving us a call for a quote

  • we arrive in a timely manner, if things are beyond our control we will inform you immediately
  • breakdown of the process/materials are discussed
  • we listen to your ideas and ensure they coincide with code
  • a work schedule of when things are likely to be completed is handed to you
  • a payment schedule is given once a contract has been signed

As you can see , from start to finish we try to be as communicative as possible, to keep your mind at ease and make the renovation process a breeze.

After completion of any job we ensure that the job site and areas around it have been cleaned, construction dust that has gone past the barrier has been cleaned. We love watching the smiles on the homeowners face after the job has been completed. Here is the review of the Stoney Creek basement.

If you have any questions about a job coming up feel free to give us a call at 289 260 2462!

Stay tuned for future blogs!

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