Author: TSGiM

For many homeowners, their basement is a forgotten and non-functional space only used for extra sleeping, storage, or a games table of some sort. However, just because your basement may look like an undesirable space to spend time in now, it can be one of the best bonuses to your home.

Basements are usually very large spaces with the ability to be just as cozy and functional as any other space in your home. With the right design and contractors you can turn your basement into a space for your friends and family to enjoy no matter what the occasion.

Whether you’re looking to create a man cave, diva den, functional laundry room, home office, family room, live in suit or a playroom for the little ones; Royal Home Improvements has the knowledge and experience needed to transform any basement into a beautiful space that you actually like to spend time in.

With so many options, it can be tough to know where to start when looking into renovating your basement. To keep your basement renovation on track follow this checklist created by the Royal Home Improvement team:

 1.    Decide what you want the function of your basement to be:

Before you get your basement renovation really started, it’s important to determine what the function of the space will be. Will it be a playroom, guest room, family room, or will your basement serve many different functions?  Whatever you’re looking for your basement to be, make the decision before going any further into the project!

 2.    Look at the rest of your home:

When renovating any space, it’s important to ensure that it flows with the feel of the rest of the house. Before you go any further into the renovation grab some samples of the colours, flooring, textiles, and other design pieces that are already in the house to go off of. This will ensure that your basement really compliments the rest of the house.

 3.    Hire trusted professionals:

For some renovations, you can get away with simply adding new furniture or updating the paint. However, most basement renovations are not that simple. Basements can be problematic spaces to do, especially in older homes. This being said, working with an experienced contractor can help avoid unnecessary problems along the way and ensure that you are happy with the final result.

 4.    Keep the communication lines open:

When working collaboratively with a contractor, it’s important that you communicate what you’re looking for. At Royal Home Improvements our team is passionate about making the ideas that our clients have a reality. Whether its design, colours, flooring options, lighting, or the nitty-gritty logistics – it’s important that everyone is on the same page by communicating.

When renovating your basement there are many different skills required and the Royal Home Improvement team can bring them all together for you underneath one roof.  We will supply you with a project manager to organize all the trades and materials and also be there to answer your questions and run inspections throughout the duration of the project. Our basement renovation services include:

• Layouts
• Underpinning
• Basement entrances
• Waterproofing
• Insulation
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Drywall
• Flooring
• Painting
• Sound proofing
• Staircases
• Media rooms
• Home offices
• Man caves
• Home gyms
• Custom cabinetry
• Structural

If you’re considering renovating your basement, then give us a call. One of our representatives will be more than happy to come out and offer suggestions as well as provide you with a free estimate.

Outdoor furniture has come a long way from the typical plastic tables, chairs, and paper plates for entertaining. If you have invested in a backyard renovation and want to show it off with the right furniture and accessories, you may be wondering which materials are the most durable and complimentary of your revamped outdoor space.

With the right outdoor furniture and accessories, you can have pieces that not only show off a great backyard renovation but also that last through the heat and rain. There are tons of great and innovative backyard furniture options on the market but you may be wondering which ones are best for your outdoor space.

At Royal Home Improvements we know how important having the right furniture and accessories is for any room in your home. If you’re looking to top off your backyard renovation or wanting to add a touch of something new, keep these specific materials in mind:

Synthetic Fibres

Ever think about all the abuse from the elements that outdoor pillows, seat cushions and umbrellas suffer? Between the sun, the rain and everything in between, fabrics made for outdoor use are designed to withstand the elements, keeping your newly designed patio fresh for all the parties to come. Synthetic fibres used in these fabrics are designed to bead water, resist stains and maintain their colour. You can also lengthen the life span of such materials by covering them when not in use and avoiding prolonged exposure.

Acrylics and Melamine

Outdoor drinkware and dinnerware made of acrylic and melamine provide much of the same great style as their glass counterparts without the breakability. A nice set of acrylic drinkware and melamine dinnerware will keep your outdoor soiree safe and fun throughout the evening.

Synthetic Rattan and Wicker

Wicker may be the traditional material for outdoor furniture, but new generation synthetic wickers and rattans is not your grandmother’s porch furniture. All-weather chairs, tables and more are woven of synthetic rattan or wicker over durable, rust-resistant frames, making them durable and easy to clean. This approach offers the flexibility to incorporate a woven look into furniture of all styles from traditional to modern and global to whimsical without sacrificing durability and longevity.

If you’re thinking about completing an exterior renovation project, our team would love to work with you! From landscaping, to roofing, to revamping patios, and beyond, we have the tools needed to make your outdoor space idyllic. In addition, our interior designers can help you pick the right style elements for your backyard space and make it a place for everyone to enjoy!

Please contact use at contact us at www.royalhomeimprovements.ca or (416) 236-4400 for a free quote or more information.

From swing sets and sandboxes to barbecues and badminton nets, your family’s backyard is the place to be when the warm weather hits.

With the kids almost out on summer break, you’ll be likely spending more time outside in the backyard together. Whether it’s your kids that are inspiring your backyard renovation or it just needs a little TLC, it’s important that you make it a functional and safe place for everyone to enjoy.

The exterior of your home is one of the most important parts.  It is the only thing people see as they walk by, it is what protects you and your family and it can also be used as functional space in the summer months.

Whether your looking for a bit more curb appeal, a little more square footage in the sun or have some necessary repairs to your façade or structure that must be attended to there is ways to do so while still having a very functional space.

If you’re thinking of renovating your backyard this summer to make it a fun place for you and the family to enjoy the summer months, you can make your backyard functional and safe all while catching the eyes of those walking by.

1.    Install a beautiful fence:

Installing a fence around either water features or roads is a great way to add a distinct element to your backyard renovation all well keeping your kids safe from water or road dangers. Especially around water, children are naturally curious and will be drawn to a pool or pond, so installing a fence can help you breathe an extra sigh of relief. There are various types of different fencing options for your backyard that will allow you to keep the space safe for all activities without making you feel as though you’re closed in.

2.    Think about sun exposure:

If you’re spending a lot of time in the summer outdoors you want to be sure that you’re putting swing sets, playgrounds, patios in the spots where the sun doesn’t spend the majority of the time. Or, consider having a few trees, or even some shrubs planted to provide additional shade for your little ones, especially if your yard gets sun throughout the day.

3.    Stay mobile:

Invest in a large umbrella that you can move as the sun shifts throughout the day. If your children like to bounce from spot to spot – as most do – this allows you to move the shade with them no matter where they play. This equals more time spent in the backyard!

 4.    Have a great patio constructed:

Your backyard shouldn’t only be for during the day! By having a patio built in your backyard with a barbeque, fire pit, furniture you can enjoy your outdoor space even at night. Whether it’s a meal, marshmallow party, on a relaxing night spent on the lounge furniture, your patio can be a space to use any time of day!

If you’re thinking about completing an exterior renovation project this spring or summer, our team would love to work with you! From landscaping, to roofing, to revamping patios, and beyond, we have the tools needed to make your outdoor space functional, beautiful, and a space where you want to enjoy all of your time!

Springtime is the prime time for homeowners to start planning their renovation projects. Before you get started, it’s important that you complete your due diligence to ensure that your renovation goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Everyone has heard a construction horror story, either through a friend, family member, or on a home improvement program. Whether it’s about contractor work not performed to code or to customer specifications, or about projects taking longer than expected, or a story about costs going way over budget, home renovations can be a stressful endeavour.

A survey conducted by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that 40 percent of households (in 10 regions of the country) have renovated their home — and that three-quarters of those households used a contractor to do all, or some of the work? With such a large number of Canadians hiring contractors to complete their renovations, it’s important you as a consumer know how to find the right one.

At Royal Home Improvements, we understand that a renovation can be a large investment of your time and money. Spending thousands of dollars on your home is a big decision and hiring a contractor who respects and understands this is the key to building a plan for a successful renovation.

Although stories of “renovations gone bad” are frequent, there are a ton of great, creditable, and trustworthy contractors out there who are excited to work with you. To ensure that you hire the right contractor follows these easy steps:

Connect with previous customers: 

Ask your friends for referrals of contractors that they’ve used, especially on similar projects. It’s also smart to request additional referrals from possible candidates. This way you can complete your own background check to see if the contractor is reputable.

Look for consistency and permanence: 

The ideal service provider has a physical business office and address and has been in business for a number of years under the same name. You want to go with a contractor who has a positive history and experience with your type of renovation specifically.

Do a legal check:

Before hiring a contractor, you should ensure that your province licenses them and that they have insurance, so they are covered if they are injured during the project. This will ensure that if anything goes wrong throughout the renovation that you won’t be burdened with legal fees.

Book your free consultation:

Most reliable and trustworthy contractors will offer a no-pressure, no-obligation, and free consultation. Booking this appointment will allow you to determine if the contractor is going to be able to do what you need them to.

Hiring the right contractor is the key to a successful renovation that is on time and on budget. At Royal Home Improvements, we have been completing renovations of all kinds for over 40 years. We have earned a reputation with our clients for quality workmanship and dependability. As a client, you want more than just the cost of a project – you want to know that your contractor runs a respectable, high quality, and trustworthy business.

Contact the Royal Home Improvement team here.

 

Kitchen renovations tend to be the most popular and extensive home improvement projects homeowners want to complete. At Royal Home Improvements, we have completed countless amounts of beautiful, timeless, custom kitchen renovations. In doing so, we have noticed the increase of importance for homeowners to have a stunning and functional kitchen island.

Gone are the days when the kitchen was just for cooking. Now, kitchens are the place where people entertain, serve meals, and congregate. A kitchen island is the ideal way to host all the activities that go on in the surrounding space – and they can look spectacular while doing it!

If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen, you’re probably thinking of the best way to incorporate a kitchen island. If so, here are our tips to designing the perfect kitchen island for your home:

1.     Determine the island’s function:

Before anything, you need to determine what the purpose your kitchen island will serve. Most kitchen islands will be multi-purpose however it’s important to pinpoint where you want the emphasis to be. Is it cooking, eating, entertaining, or even working? From here you can work with your contractor to determine how to design the counter space, storage, appliance placement, seating arrangements, or lighting into the island to ensure it will function as you need it to.

2.     Think about what appliances the island will home:

Many appliances can be found in/on the kitchen island such as sinks, bar fridges, ovens, stove tops, coffee stations, or microwaves. The important thing to think about is which ones do you want your kitchen island to house? This will be done in partnership with your kitchen’s complete design plan however; it’s important to make a list of the appliances you want to have or need to have installed in the island and work with your contractor to see how to achieve this in the best way.

3.     Plan out your storage needs:

The amount of storage you need in your kitchen island will likely depend on its main purpose and the appliances that it holds. Storage space can be incorporated into the island in many creative ways with shelving, cabinetry, drawers etc. Regardless of how little or much storage you need, it’s important that there is enough room for the basics such as utensils, cooking accessories, cutting boards, or bowls. In addition, think about what will be easy and convenient to store in the space and build work with your contractor to accommodate these needs.

4.     Keep your kitchen layout in mind:

There’s a lot that goes on in your kitchen and your kitchen island should be a feature in the space that helps keep everything organized and functioning. In order to do this your island should be cohesively designed with the rest of the kitchen area. Think about the cooking, entertaining, working, and eating space you will have once the renovation is complete and if it will function to meet your needs and rework as necessary. You also want to ensure the kitchen layout is intuitively well setup to avoid a trip to physio after preparing a great meal for the family.

To ensure that your kitchen renovation goes smoothly it’s always a smart idea to work with a reliable contractor who can meet your needs, listen to your ideas, and deliver great results. The Royal Home Improvement Team has been doing just that for over 40 years.

Contact our team and see our project gallery at www.royalhomeimprovements.ca.

At Royal Home Improvements, we love the spring and summer time! It’s the time to get outdoors, make our homes look their absolute best, and complete some seriously great home improvement projects. With the warmer weather now officially here and summer right around the corner, many homeowners want to make their exterior space beautiful and functional.

Our team has been completing interior and exterior home renovations for over 40 years. In this time we have had the opportunity to complete some truly breathtaking spaces with our clients.

If you’re thinking about completing an exterior renovation project this spring or summer, our team would love to work with you! From landscaping, to roofing, to revamping patios, and beyond, we have the tools needed to make your outdoor space functional, beautiful, and a space where you want to enjoy all of your time!

To give you an idea of the types of projects we have successfully completed for our clients, here are a couple of our favourite exterior renovation projects:

1. Beautiful lounge space created in a Mississauga backyard complete with exterior fireplace, creative accessories, exquisite landscaping, and professional stone, and patio work.

2. Who wouldn’t want to spend their time in this backyard? Our team and client were able to successfully create a true oasis outside their home’s door. This was a complete redesign project however the exterior was completed with fresh landscaping, stone facing, and the help of our amazing design team!

3. This home is a perfect example of a complete exterior renovation. This project was completed with landscaping, roofing, interlock, stone facing, new windows, and lighting. What a beautiful exterior!

4. For this client, we were able to complete their exterior renovation by building a new pool shed, redoing the stone facing, and redesigning their gardens and landscaping. The end result? A magnificent backyard to enjoy with friends and family!

5. This home’s exterior was completely revamped with a new driveway, stone facing, and a bit of landscaping!

At Royal Home Improvements, making your home beautiful is our passion. We will work with you to help design and create a space that is on time and on budget. If you’re thinking about transforming your home’s exterior into a beautiful space please contact us at www.royalhomeimprovements.ca or (416) 236-4400.

With the warmer months upon us, exterior renovations are a top-of-mind for homeowners.

No matter how big or small your exterior renovation is, with a bit of creativity and the help of the professionals at Royal Home Improvements, there’s no need to travel to the great outdoors when it can be found as close as your own backyard.

The outdoor space of your home can be your retreat during the warmer months, which makes it one of the most important focuses of your home. Not only can your outdoor space be your retreat but it’s also the only thing people see as they walk by, it’s where you can host your summer barbeques, and it can be a truly functional space for you and your friends and family to enjoy.

Whether your looking for a bit more curb appeal, a little more square footage in the sun or have some necessary repairs to your façade or structure that must be attended to, right now is the time to complete your exterior renovation.

All it takes is a little creativity. Do you want an urban but homey feel, or a zen, clean look? It is the same items that make for great rooms inside – the proper structuring, cozy furniture, romantic lighting and creative accessories – that can bring so much character to your outdoor space. Here are some tips to create beautiful rooms beyond your back door:

Living & Lounging:

Bringing the comforts of the indoors to the outdoors is the trend for exterior renovations this year. You can do this with either a complete exterior renovation or by adding a few new pieces to your existing space. For those who are wanting to bring the indoors to the outdoors and enjoy some serious lounge time in their outdoor space, here are our ideas:

1. Have wooden benches directly into fences to add seating space.
2. Have a fire pit built or installed where people can sit around and enjoy its ambiance.
3. Have a water fountain added to the space.
4. Work with one of our designers to pick the perfect outdoor lounge furniture that you can relax and enjoy some down time in.
5. Have exterior lighting installed so you can enjoy your space even at night.

Make Room For Outdoor Dining:

There’s nothing better on a summer night than going outside to enjoy your meal. Making room in your outdoor space where you can dine with friends a family is a great way truly enjoy the outdoors and your home. To do this we recommend updating your patio so that there is a clean and level place where you can put outdoor dining furniture. If you want to go beyond this, having your gardens landscaped, adding lighting, or adding an outdoor bar/cooking areas are the perfect ways to have the makings of a great dinner out.

Create Your Retreat

Your backyard has the ability to be your retreat. Creating a retreat right in your backyard is simple: add a gazebo and decorate with a variety of hanging baskets, outfit your sanctuary with drapery panels and wile away the hours in the breeze, or define the space with a few sculptural evergreens.

Regardless of preference for a lounge, dining room, or private sanctuary, the effort you make this season is going to be an instant, stress-free home addition. Royal Home Improvements has been successfully completing exterior renovations for over 40 years. We offer almost every service imaginable when it comes to the outside of your home, from patios and decks to roofs and everything in between.

See our work at www.royalhomeimprovements.ca!

When it comes to bathroom renovations, it’s important that you get it done right the first time. Without a skilled contractor, bathrooms can be tricky spaces to renovate with lots of room for things to go wrong. Between light fixtures, plumbing, installing new showers, tubs, sinks, or electrical, it’s important that you’re working with someone you trust.

This being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning the renovation and thinking about the pieces you’d like to incorporate into the design.

Whether you’re designing your bathroom renovation yourself or with one of our amazing interior designers, here are a few bathroom style tips to keep in mind:

1.     Sit in the bathtub before buying it: When it comes to choosing your bathtub, choose a size that is right for you. Usually, a 60-inch tub suits most people but to make sure sit in it before you purchase it. You want to make sure that you won’t float when the tub is full, the angled back is comfortable, and there is neck support.

2.     Choose long-lasting flooring: When choosing your flooring for your bathroom you want to ensure that it is water resistant/tolerant. Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are great flooring choices that are water-resistant and long-lasting. They also come in very stylish designs to compliment the rest of the space.

3.     Choose stylish fixtures: When deciding what kinds of fixtures to use, choose ones that will make your bathroom stand out. For example, choosing a bigger stylish mirror can make the space beautiful and appear larger or, choosing elegant lighting can make the room more attractive and brighter. Perhaps a fresh look on the walls in paint, wall paper or design

4.      Buy a good toilet: Splurging on a fancy toilet isn’t necessary however; there are many quality and affordable choices available without having to cheap out. Consider buying a toilet that has a dual flush, slow close lids, or high boys (taller options).

 5.     Create a designated shower area: Creating a designated shower area can bring luxury into your bathroom without taking up extra space. Installing an open-concept shower is less confining and can take up less space that a traditional shower stall. With the right drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead, and no curtain/door, you can create a stunning shower area. However, if you do have lots of space to work with you can also create a luxurious shower area with a dressing room, extra fixtures (i.e., shower heads), or seating.

Whether you’re looking to renovate, remodel or freshen up your bathroom we have the right team to handle your project from concept to completion. We bring together the necessary expertise in every aspect of bathroom renovations and have our project managers oversee the complete project to ensure things are done right, the first time.

Contact our team today at (416) 236-4400 or visit our website here.

Gone are the days when kitchens were only used for cooking. Now with the open-concept design gaining more and more popularity in the home, the kitchen is a place for family and friends to congregate on a daily basis. This being said, it’s important that your plans reflect what this space will be used for when creating your dream kitchen.

Not only is the kitchen one of the most used rooms in a home but it is also one of the most costly, timely, and complex spaces to get right. However, there are a few simple things you can do during the preparation and design development stage that will help you make the kitchen renovation process a smooth and successful one:

Decide what the purpose of your kitchen is:

Before you start designing your space, you need to determine what the purpose of your kitchen will be. Do you want the focus of your kitchen to be cooking, entertaining, multi-functioning, hosting big family dinners, or a bit of all the above? Whatever the focus and goal is for your kitchen renovation, it’s important to have it figure out before the design process begins. This way you’ll have a clear goal in mind as to how the kitchen should be designed to function.

Think about the feel you’d like to achieve:

You want your kitchen to not only compliment your lifestyle but the rest of your house too. Have a look at the rest of your house and see how you can integrate the feel of each room to have a nice flow from room to room in your home. For example, designing a country-style kitchen when the rest of your house has a modern style won’t compliment your space.

Research pricing before hand :

Most people who are thinking about starting a kitchen renovation experience sticker shock when they realize how much everything will cost. It’s important that you research how much the things you’d like to do will roughly cost so you can know what is doable for your design. This will avoid you being disappointed when the design process begins, as you’ll already have a rough estimate to what can fit in your budget.

Be aware of time constraints:

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating their kitchen is making last-minute decisions on accessories and components that they would like to add. Things such as cabinet, countertops, appliances, or flooring usually take about 6 to 8 weeks to arrive (especially in custom designs). To avoid having your renovation possibly triple in completion time do your best to ensure that the design is finalized and incorporates everything you’d like it to before it begins!

If you’re looking to transform your kitchen, then give us a call. One of our representatives will be more than happy to come out and offer suggestions as well as provide you with a free estimate.