Get the most out of your home exterior with these 5 renovation tips

Posted on May 21, 2019May 21, 2019 by TSGiM

With the warm weather arriving, it is that time of year to spend as much time as you can in the sun. In order to take full advantage of your home and make the most out of the summer months, it may be time to invest some money into renovating the outside of your home. Whether it be investing in new features or simply updating out-of-date aspects of your home, these 5 exterior renovation tips will help you get the most out of your home.

Deck/Patio
A deck or patio are exterior renovations that will have a significant return on investment. Decks and patios provide outdoor sitting spaces that can act as another room of your home during the warmer months. Outdoor living spaces personalize your property and create a welcoming space to guests throughout the summer. Additionally, a deck or a patio is a feature that will add value to your home if you decide to put it on the market.

Garage/Shed
Not only will a garage or shed offer a functional use, it will also make your property feel more spacious and enhance the look of your home. A new garage or shed will offer additional storage space and leave you with more room in the interior of your home. Although a garage is an exterior renovation that requires more of an investment, it will contribute to the overall value of your home.

Landscaping
Landscaping is an exterior home renovation that is worth the investment. Proper landscaping can transform the look of your property and make it easier to maintain your property. If you are planning on spending time outside your home this summer, landscaping is an exterior renovation that will help create an outdoor space that will never go unnoticed.

Fence
Adding a new or updated fence to your list of exterior house renovations is a way to change the look of your home’s exterior while offering you and your family privacy. A fence will create a private space on your property to enjoy throughout the warmer months, allow your pets or children to roam free, and offer a sense of security.

Doors/Windows
Although more practical in nature, updating your doors and windows are exterior home renovations that can make a big difference. Outdated doors and windows can negatively affect the curb appeal of your home. Whether it be investing in new doors and windows that your house currently has or completely changing the style, the exterior of your house will have a whole new look and feel. New doors and windows will also allow for better energy efficiency throughout the entire year when it comes to heating and cooling your home.

To learn more about exterior house renovations, visit https://www.royalhomeimprovements.ca/exterior-renovation/.

What To Consider When Creating An Open Concept Renovation

Posted on June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 by TSGiM

Many homeowners are familiar with the term “open concept,” and just like the term implies, these modern floor plans are wide open to ideas when it comes to completing open concept renovations.

The general idea is to maintain functional spaces (such as a kitchen and a living room area), but with better sightlines through the home – and that can mean removing walls and other obstructions. One important thing to consider when creating open concept home plans is whether the walls you want to remove are load-bearing. This will require the expertise of a general contractor that’s familiar with interior walls – as removing the wrong ones could be catastrophic. You may also have to reroute electrical lines or ventilation as well in the process.

Open concept home plans can include a kitchen remodel that blends the closed-off space where you cook with the dining room and living space. This may seem a little daunting at first, but you can still maintain a unique feel for the kitchen by adding flooring that is unique to what’s around it (don’t be afraid of adding something bold, like a checkered floor that’s water resistant). You can also use elegant or modern lighting to create a certain feel in the kitchen – and this is also your chance to add a kitchen island for additional countertop area if space was too limited in the closed kitchen beforehand.

Once you’ve opened up your entire main floor, you’ll probably also want to repaint the whole area for continuity. If your home was mostly whites or neutral colours, you might be in luck, as all you have to do is add some pops of colour as accents to prevent the space from looking too bland. However, a professional contractor and designer can help creatively separate rooms within your open concept renovations by using multiple colours from one space to the next that complement each other. You can also create colour themes for each room with similarly patterned furniture and accents.

Open concept home plans show no signs of going out of style any time soon, so if you’re considering some interior renovations or a kitchen remodel on its own, consider incorporating these open modern floor plans into the big picture. You’ll create a more traffic-friendly area in your home, and you’ll be able to see what’s happening with your kids in the living room while you prepare dinner in your newly renovated kitchen!

Just remember – when creating an open concept, it often means less is more. Removing clutter and opening up unnecessary walls can completely change the feel of your home, let more light in, and make it more inviting!

Latest Trends in Exterior Home Renovations and Design

Posted on December 23, 2016December 23, 2016 by TSGiM

A home’s exterior is the first impression it makes when people see it from the street.

A nice exterior will increase the property’s value and will generally make you feel good about the place. It is a statement about who you are and what you are like. Let’s admit it, we love it when guests are impressed with how great our homes look when we host a party or a family get-together.

There are many things you can do to refresh, upgrade and improve your home’s exterior, and your Toronto exterior renovations experts at Royal Home improvement are here to give you a few trendy ideas.

Screened Porches

If your front or back yard has a separate space such as a patio, gazebo or porch, you can emphasize it by adding an elegant screen draping to it. Let it get overgrown with Ivy and you will have a perfect, weather-protected retreat with an unexpected natural Wow factor for visitors. This type of semi-enclosure can make the place super enjoyable in the summer and winter, protecting you from rain and heat, while at the same time allowing you to enjoy the added privacy it grants.

Handcrafted Decor

Another trend in exterior renovations in Toronto is stucco wall finishes and other hand made marvels of artisanal design. Reclaimed wood furniture, custom accents, stone masonry, mosaic floors, and fine statuary are also gaining in popularity. Those elements, when used wisely, can make the difference between an OK exterior and a truly elegant appearance.

Designer Roof Trim

Soffits and fascia’s, when approached with some artistic flair, can also add a lot to a home’s exterior. They contain the potential to emphasize and embellish your home’s exterior magnificently. Designer soffits and fascia’s can be made to blend or stand out, depending on the look you aim to achieve with your home’s facade.

Soft Colors with Strong Accents

The use of color in exterior renovations in Toronto has evolved a lot in recent years and had reached a point of balance, where bold, glaring exteriors are left behind in favour of softer, natural tones with cleverly placed highlights of vivid blue on gray or raspberry on soft brown or green, to name a few examples.

If you wish to know more about the newest trends and materials used in Toronto exterior renovations, as well as information regarding prices and discounts – call us now and we’ll be delighted to assist you.

Getting Your Home Winter Ready

Posted on August 2, 2014October 20, 2014 by TSGiM

Unless you live in a tropical region, winter can be cold and cruel. It can also cause a lot of money and discomfort if you’re home isn’t ready for the cold weather. Here are some simple preventative measures that can keep you warm and financially happy through the winter season.

Furnace Inspection

If you have a gas furnace, make sure the filter is replaced before cold weather sets in. You should also inspect the heating element for any signs of leaks that could result in carbon monoxide being released into your home. Make sure the pilot is lit. If you don’t want to light your pilot, contact your utility provider to light it for you.

Roof Inspection

Visually inspect your roof for any sagging areas and missing shingles or tiles. Look around the base of the chimney for any abnormalities in the flashing. Inside the home, look for any water spots on the ceiling or walls. If you have any doubts about your roof’s integrity, contact a professional to inspect it.

Gutters

The gutters should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove any leaves, twigs and debris before using the water hose to force water through the downspouts. Any buildup of water on the roof could lead to catastrophic water damage over the course of a winter. For safety, throw the refuge into a wheelbarrow or other receptacle instead of trying to hold on to a trash bag while you’re on a ladder.

Insulate and Seal Doors and Windows

If you don’t have double-paned windows, take down the screens and install the storm windows. Thick plastic or even blankets can be used if you don’t have storm windows. Check the window panes to see if they need new sealant. Use adhesive backed foam to seal the door jamb. Put door sweeps on the bottom of any exterior door to prevent cold air from penetrating into the house.

Clean the Chimney

Inspect the chimney for any debris that might have accumulated since it was last used. If you have any doubts about the cleanliness of your chimney, contact a professional chimney sweep. To keep out cold air, close the damper over the fireplace when not in use.

Category: Exterior Renovations