Tego Design Centre is the premier kitchen and bath design company and cabinet supplier in Ottawa and the surrounding area. We work tirelessly to build and maintain strong relationships with our clients, offering tailored services and expert consultation on all things kitchens and bathrooms, from concept and design all the way through to implementation. Not sure where to start? That's okay – we're here to help.
Kitchen Cabinets
Countertops
Your kitchen cabinets are more than just storage. You can change the look and feel of your kitchen with nothing more than new cabinetry. There are so many options when you're choosing countertops. We're here to help you decide on colours and materials.
Hardware
The right fixtures and cabinet hardware can make a big impact on the appearance of your room.
Tile & Stone
Ottawa RENOVATES
is produced in conjunction with the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Renovators’ Council.
Published by 2446769 Ontario Inc.
Publisher: Paul Scissons
Editor: Francie Healy
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Welcome to Ottawa Renovates! This issue has some particularly inspiring renovations with the Parade of Homes Reno Tour, featured on pages 12-17. We hope you enjoy them, and better still that you see them in person in Ottawa on Oct. 6 from 10 am to 4 pm. You'll also be able to see the homes online afterwards at renotour.ca. Happy Fall 2024!
Unmatched Beauty. Built for a Lifetime.
As industry specialists, Urban Quarry brings the best Quartz, Natural Stone and Ultra Compact surfaces, expertly fabricated and installed, to trade partners and an established network of kitchen and bath dealers We're here to assist throughout the full process and are committed to excellence in all that we do
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Design by: Darien Wilson
Message from the Chair
With the arrival of fall, many of us start thinking about ways to make our homes more comfortable and inviting for the months ahead.
Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or embark on a major renovation, now is an ideal time to start planning. I’m excited to share some updates and opportunities that can help make your renovation experience both enjoyable and successful.
One of the highlights of this season is the upcoming RenoTour. This event offers an experience like no other, where you can meet several of Ottawa’s best renovators and see firsthand the outstanding work of our Renovators’ Council members. The renewed RenoTour provides the perfect opportunity to gather inspiration, spark ideas, and give you confidence in the possibilities for your own projects.
Your go-to resource
Beyond RenoTour, the RenoMark® program, recently updated to better serve homeowners, continues to be your go-to resource for finding trustworthy and skilled renovators and renovation information. RenoMark members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, ensuring you receive professional service and high-quality results. The new verification system adds extra assurance, ensuring members consistently meet these high standards. This peace of mind is invaluable as you move forward with your renovation project, knowing you’re in capable hands.
With the recent decline in interest rates, financing your renovation continues to become more affordable. Lower rates mean you can invest more into your home improvements, achieving the quality and style you desire while staying within your budget. It’s a great time to take advantage of these favourable conditions and start planning your project.
Remember, your home is more than just a place to live – it’s the backdrop for your daily life, a space where memories are made, and a reflection of how you live and grow. The Renovators’ Council at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association is committed to supporting you throughout your renovation journey, connecting you with trusted professionals and providing the resources you need. Together, we can transform your space into a home that feels perfectly your own.
Wishing you a season of inspiration, thoughtful planning, and the exciting possibilities of a beautifully renovated home.
Lindsay Haley is Chair of the GOHBA Renovators' Council and the Director of Construction at Amsted Design Build..
Lindsay Haley
The gold standard in renovation
By Sarah Caron
Many homeowners in the Ottawa area enjoying superb, high-end renovations are familiar with the RenoMark® symbol. They see it on renovators’ websites and signage and know it means exceptional quality.
Renovators and trade contractors also understand what that symbol means.
RenoMark elevates their credibility. It signifies a commitment to their professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement where, in the dynamic world of home renovation, trust and quality are paramount.
RenoMark was developed in Toronto by the Building Industry and Land Development
Association – Greater Toronto Area (BILD GTA). The program was launched in 2001.
The program was designed to identify professional renovators and give homeowners knowledge and confidence about how to find and what to expect from a professional contractor. It would cost homeowners nothing. The renovators would abide by a renovationspecific code of conduct that was strict, demanding and unyielding.
Ottawa renovators introduced the brandnew concept to their Ottawa colleagues and worked hard to promote it. In time it became well respected by high-end renovators in the area.
Continued next page
Photo by Gordon King, courtesy of Crossford Construction Ltd.
Gold Standard, continued from page 7
In 2017, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and BILD in the Greater Toronto Area began a partnership to grow RenoMark into a comprehensive, national program. Membership in RenoMark swelled to include more than 1,200 companies from Newfoundland to British Columbia. The RenoMark website (renomark.ca), and the launch of a number of social media channels further supported the growing awareness of the program.
New ownership
This year, on Feb. 7, 2024, the CHBA Board of Directors
Continued on page 10
Photo courtesy of Gladwin Design Build Renovate
Continued from page 8
approved a joint motion brought forward by the Canadian Renovators’ Council (CRC) and the Executive Officers’ Council (EOC) for BILDGTA to transfer ownership of the RenoMark trademark and website to CHBA to facilitate the full administration of the RenoMark program to home builders’ associations and members across the country, and further grow the brand.
Online verification system
With the transfer of the ownership of the RenoMark program now complete, CHBA has launched the much-anticipated RenoMark online verification system.
This online tool will streamline the program’s administration through full integration with the national membership database, automated reminders, annual renewals and random audit capabilities.
It is a crucial step not only for renovators. It also enhances the credibility of the program
with homeowners. It provides peace of mind when they know that RenoMark membership has been validated by a reputable, national industry association.
An extra layer of protection
The written contract and minimum two-year warranty required by the program provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that any issues arising from a renovation will be promptly addressed by the RenoMark member. It is through this rigorous code of conduct, commitment to quality, and emphasis on clear communication that establishes RenoMark as the gold standard in home renovation.
To be verified, RenoMark members must attest to the RenoMark Code of Conduct and provide a copy of their contract, warranty and liability insurance. They must agree to the terms and conditions to use the RenoMark symbol. This rigorous process demonstrates
Continued next page
their commitment to upholding industry standards and ethical business practices.
Renovators are also encouraged to submit client testimonials and before-and-after project images to feature on the RenoMark website and social media channels so everyone can see them.
The verification serves as a stamp of approval from a trusted authority, alleviating homeowners’ concerns and instilling confidence and peace of mind in their choice of renovator.
A class of their own Official verification is a powerful differentiator that sets RenoMark members apart from cash operators.
Aligning with the RenoMark brand provides renovators with additional access to valuable resources, training programs and networking opportunities within the industry. This not only helps members stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices. It also assures
homeowners of the quality of RenoMark renovators and the level of trust they can feel about their integrity.
When it’s time to hire a contractor or renovator, it comes down to one important question: Can this company be held accountable?
The RenoMark program answers “yes”. Sarah Caron is the Director of Renovation Services for the Canadian Home Builders' Association, leading the RenoMark® program, the Adaptive Home Renovation Course, and Canadian Renovators Council.
Ottawa Renovates
Reimagined spaces to inspire you
By Anita Murray
It’s not often you can tour a renovated home in person — unless it’s the RenoTour Parade of Homes, that is.
Now in its 10th year, this annual showcase of fabulous, remodeled spaces is your opportunity to see the work and workmanship of top Ottawa renovators, ask questions on site and research companies for your own project.
There are a whopping nine homes you can visit, representing the work of renovators and designers who are all part of RenoMark, a national program that identifies
professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner.
Presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), you’ll see projects ranging from kitchens and main-floor renovations to whole-home transformations and a coach house. Participating companies are Amsted Design-Build, ARTium Design Build, GoodStory, Lagois Design-BuildRenovate, MBHE Inc., Ottawa General Contractors, RND Construction, Spectrum Kitchen & Bath Design, and The Conscious Builder. The one-day tour is offered
free of charge. For details, scan the QR code or pick up a brochure at the GOHBA booth at the Ottawa Fall Home Show Sept. 26-29 at the EY Centre.
Want to revisit the homes after the tour? Many of them will be available for 3D virtual walk-throughs after the event at RenoTour.ca.
See the following pages for highlights of the tour.
Anita Murray is the co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s only comprehensive source of unbiased information on the local housing industry. The veteran journalist and former Homes Editor for the Ottawa Citizen has covered the Ottawa housing industry since 2011.
Accessibly beautiful
Glabar Park, Ottawa West
amsted.ca
ain-floor remodel: This is a visually striking renovation that is thoughtfully designed for entertaining while respecting the home’s original features and keeping accessibility needs in mind. The kitchen, dining room, living room, sunroom, powder and laundry room were reimagined, with the fireplace relocated to open the kitchen and take advantage of the connection between the sunroom and dining/living space. This project is a prime example of how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated without compromising on design or beauty. Before
Golden Opportunity
artiumdesignbuild.com Carp
Main-floor renovation: This early 2000s home has been well maintained, but with retirement and an empty nest, the homeowners finally had the chance to design and build a kitchen, dining, living room and ensuite renovation of their dreams. Standout details include a huge kitchen with an expansive island and generous custom cabinetry that provides beautiful focal points with a ton of storage. This renovation is a must see!
Living in place gracefully
Whitehaven, Ottawa West
lagois.com
Main-floor and basement
remodel: To accommodate a family member who needed a fully accessible space, we created a flex area that included a cosy living room with kitchenette, barrier-free bathroom and bedroom with built-in cabinetry.
In the main kitchen, we removed a peninsula and added a large island with seating and ample storage. Two closets and an outside door were removed to allow for more storage. The flow of the kitchen is improved and the homeowners now have a great space to gather.
Stylish, on trend &
efficient
Hammond
mbhe.ca
Secondary dwelling: Taking innovation to the next level, this coach house checks a lot of boxes when it comes to the growing trends of multigenerational living, aging in place, housing affordability, income generation, a net zero home and meeting accessibility needs.
It is the Ottawa area’s first net zero coach house. This stylish unit comes with two bedrooms, 900+ square feet, 12-foot ceilings and more. It is a must-see.
Full-sized living in a smaller footprint
Orléans
ottawageneralcontractors.com
Experience the comforts and functionality of a full-sized home in a thoughtfully designed compact space. This coach home features a spacious bedroom for a king-sized bed and furniture, closets, a grand living room with a vaulted ceiling for seating eight, a dining room with seating for six, and a fully equipped kitchen with an island and pantry. Strategically placed oversized windows maintain privacy while allowing natural light to flow through open spaces. The Comfrey Coach Home offers a serene, self-contained living experience with everything you need for modern living in a smaller footprint.
Net zero beauty
Alta Vista
rndconstruction.ca
Whole-home
renovation:
This reimagined 1950s bungalow is more than just a modern home; it’s a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living.
With its modern exterior finishes and landscaping, high-end interior details and commitment to energy efficiency, this net zero home sets a new standard for contemporary design and environmental responsibility.
It’s a perfect example of how old can meet new to create something truly extraordinary.
Creative in the kitchen
Centretown
spectrumkitchens.ca
This addition & renovation: A dated and tiny kitchen in an old home needed some serious attention and a lot more room. Enter this addition and renovated space spearheaded by Holland Homes & Renovations. We were brought in for the new, expanded kitchen, where the centrepiece is an island with a cherrywood butcher-block top with a lowered section in quartz perfect for baking (especially rolling dough!). The new kitchen also features appliance storage, a food pantry, lots of drawers and tons of countertop space for multiple chefs.
Whole-home renovation: This Ottawa home has been thoroughly renewed, inside and out. From an exterior retrofit that included a new insulation strategy and wall assembly, to interior redesigns requiring re-engineering and wall framing, this home has had a full transformation. Not only is it beautiful with all the new details and finishes, it’s also far more efficient. The owners will enjoy upgrades in every space of their home, from the new kitchen to the revamped basement.
The system that does the trick
By Francie Healy
Whena couple in Lanark decided to use a radon tester to check their recentlypurchased home for radon gas, they were astonished – and concerned – about the levels.
The reading told them their home was showing 25,000 becquerels per cubic metre. Becquerels are a unit of measurement for radioactivity, often written as Bqm3.
Health Canada says that people exposed to radon levels in excess of 200 Bqm3 over long periods of time have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Their exposure was astronomically above safe levels and could have meant an increased lifetime risk of illness.
Radon is an invisible, odourless, naturallyoccurring gas found in soil. It seeps into homes through cracks in floors, walls and
Radon is found in most existing homes.
foundations. It’s found in most homes in varying degrees. When it can’t escape through air leaks or open windows, it can be dangerous, even fatal.
The radon expert well known in Ottawa and surrounding areas is Rob Mahoney of Radon Works, so the couple called him right away.
Four days later, their radon levels were down to 20 Bqm3 from 25,000 Bqm3. Naturally, they were amazed, happy, and relieved.
It’s the kind of story Rob hears all the time.
“It’s not usually that high,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what the levels are, though. The same system does the trick no matter what.”
He explains that most of the time radon levels will be higher in winter, because radon gas is pressure driven. Things like exhaust fans and the heat running create a negative pressure in the basement that draws the gas in from the ground. Climate plays a role, too, because barometric pressure also elevates radon levels.
Rob tells clients that radon systems are not always necessary, because some homes are built to be so well sealed that a radon system isn’t needed. Drafty old farmhouses don’t require a radon system either because the gas has so many places where it can escape. But for modern existing homes, radon levels can get in and get trapped.
Rob began his career with Health Canada, specializing in HVAC systems in labs and operating rooms and developing Radon Mitigation Standards. He is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program, and the first in the industry to guarantee levels below 100 Bqm3.
Ottawa Renovates has been a source of information about radon with our series of stories, and we hear from people who have taken action because of them. Please see the stories at www.ottawarenovates.com.
Joys of a home bar
By Mallory Ivall
A bar placed just off the kitchen
Designer with ARTium Design Build Inc. &
No longer just dedicated cabinetry for housing drinks and entertaining guests, today’s home bars or beverage stations serve a variety of purposes and reflect your unique needs and tastes.
By day, a home bar can operate as a coffee or tea bar, display area or storage space. By night it can quickly become the MVP as an area to set out food or drinks.
An all-in-one family friendly basement bar is one that offers something for everyone. It can be centrally located for ease of use and act as a focal point throughout the space. The configuration of cabinetry can create versatility so it’s a refreshment station for those using the basement gym, an entertainment space for family and friend gatherings in the media area, and as a kitchenette or coffee bar for overnight visitors using a basement guestroom. It can contain a sink, beverage fridge, layered lighting and combination of open and closed storage. You can strategically place a kitchen bar
Just Basements
just off the kitchen, seamlessly connecting your kitchen and family room, for example, while remaining visible from your dining and living areas. In this case, the bar’s cabinetry will be a continuation of the kitchen’s finishes, creating a cohesive look throughout the space. The ideal kitchen bar design can have a
blend of glass cabinets with integrated lighting and closed cabinets, striking a balance between functional storage and stylish display. Its countertop can be an extended place to aid in entertaining, whether you’re serving a buffet or beverages.
A “sidekick” dining area side bar is ideal if space is tight, because it can add storage and counterspace. It can be placed across from your main kitchen space or directly next to an eat-in area so it acts as a sidekick to your dining table.
A well-designed bar for small spaces can maximize an underutilized area – behind a wall, for example. By sinking the fridge into the wall cavity and employing custom shallow cabinets, such a design can optimize functionality while maintaining an open circulation space.
A home bar can feature a blend of open and closed storage solutions. Wine bottle cubbies and a small open shelf can provide easy access and a touch of elegance. Closed cabinets can offer ample storage for other essentials. Specialty door mechanisms, such as awning-style hinges on the cabinet above the shelf, can ensure smooth access while enhancing the bar’s sleek appearance.
Even with limited space, creative design solutions can bring your dream bar to life, complementing your lifestyle and the spaces in your home.
A bar for small spaces
AsGREEN Renovation
by Roy Nandram
Net zero: the future of sustainable living in Canada
energy-efficient homes become increasingly popular in Canada, homeowners are turning to Qualified Net Zero Builders and Renovators to achieve their Net Zero dream homes.
About 1/3 of greenhouse gases come from the buildings we use right now. 70 per cent will still be standing in 2050. We can’t reduce climate change just by building new net-zero homes. We need solutions that make the homes we live in right now net-zero to preserve a livable climate. Deep Energy Retrofits are the solution.
The Government of Canada is actively trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting sustainable jobs and clean industrial growth, as part of its climate action plan. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is key, aiming to cut emissions by 40%.
Central to this plan is the promotion of Net Zero Homes, which generate as much clean energy as they consume. These homes are more energy-efficient than typical new constructions. Net Zero homes ensure consistent temperatures preventing drafts, resulting in superior energy performance and comfort. Net Zero Ready homes share these features but lack renewable energy systems like solar panels. They are designed for easy future integration of such systems, allowing homeowners to upgrade when ready.
Net Zero homes rely on heat pumps, which provide an energy-efficient method for heating and cooling by transferring heat between locations. This significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional systems. The air source heat pump is the most costeffective and efficient choice. While most heat pumps are designed for milder climates, manufacturers like Mitsubishi offer cold climate models that are ideal for Canadian winters. Any home, regardless of its age, can become energy efficient.
While modern standards focus on new homes, older homes can also be renovated for better energy performance. Enhancing existing homes' efficiency is vital for Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Renovating your home can increase its durability, ensuring it withstands wear and tear for years to come. Investing in energy-efficient renovations can save you money in the long run by lowering utility bills and reducing maintenance costs.
Health and safety considerations for any renovations include addressing potential hazardous substances such as asbestos, vermiculite insulation, and radon. To ensure the best results, consider hiring a professional company qualified by Net Zero Renovation through the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA). A home visitation by an Energy evaluator will need to be scheduled to assess your needs and create a customized renovation plan.
Since 2015, the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program has certified more than 2,000 homes across Canada, including 52 in Ottawa. From 1990 to 2013 energy efficiency improved by 24.2 percent and saved $37.6 billion in energy, avoiding 85.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the NRC.
To achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Canada must enhance its use of wind, solar, and energy storage technologies. Doubling electricity production through decarbonization is essential, leveraging Canada’s untapped potential for low-cost wind and solar energy.
We are a design build firm. We specialize in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms exclusively.
We offer turn-key service to our clients, high level budget pricing and interior design service.
As a member of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association and a member of RenoMark®, we offer a 2 year warranty on our labour. We are WSIB insured, and carry a minimum of $2 Million liability insurance. All of our work is performed by licensed trades.
The RenoMark® Directory
Your search for a professional renovator starts here. *List provided by GOHBA and subject to change
Booking for Spring 2025 Ottawa Renovates GOOD IDEAS should be shared. Don't miss out. paulscissons@gmail.com 613-818-0106
RAISING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
We are a small tightly-knit group focused on fine finishes and the intricacies that tie everything together. From a whole house renovation to a powder room facelift, we are happy to do it all.
The Last Word
by Herb Lagois
Little things DO make a difference
It’s just a fact of life: many of us will encounter disabilities, either permanent or temporary, at some juncture in our lives.
This really hit home with me recently because of a loved one having surgery.
I learned it’s little things that can make a big difference: things like automatic door openers that stay open long enough for you to get through at your own pace; things like an absence of awkward floor transitions or “slippery” area rugs that are trip hazards; things like stairways with rock solid railings, doors that are actually large enough for a walker or wheelchair; higher toilets, non-slip shower floors, showers that have grab bars.
Designing for the future
I have always felt it’s prudent to think about future consequences when designing your home renovations, but my recent experience confirmed it.
How often have you been in the thick of things and completely missed the larger picture? That was me. It didn’t dawn on me that our wonderful Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) was right there for times like this for in-home meal services, home care, and connections to other services such as respite care. Kelly Dumas, CEO of ROSSS, suggested respite care at Manotick Place. I wish I had known about Manotick Place a few weeks earlier, because in our situation expert care would have helped.
Your design professional must include accessibility as a design factor. How we live in place with a holistic view to the future is as important as space planning and aesthetics.
There are many flex design options such as being able to live on your main floor in case there is ever a time where recovery is needed or you have mobility-challenged parents visiting – for example, a room that could become a temporary bedroom and a washroom on the same level. Some people plan for eventual live-in care or multigenerational living within their home or property, and holistic design can allow for this.
Stairs can be designed with less rise and a bit wider to accommodate handrails on two sides. If you don’t have things right now like higher toilets, grab bars, lifts or additional handrails, you can have the backing in place for them for the future. You might also consider space for an elevator someday.
These are all conversations you might consider before you need to make changes and not when it might be too late.
It’s the little things, at any stage of life, that keep you safe and comfortable.
Herb Lagois is the founder of Lagois Design-Build-Renovate.
