Exterior Renovations with Higher Returns

Exterior Renovations with Higher Returns

In our previous blog, we have provided a complete guide for the exterior renovations with a list of items that should be considered in advance. Here we have highlighted the importance of outdoor remodelling and how much value it will add to the home. Whether you want to sell or stay in the house for a long time, it’s vital to think about which upgrades will add to the total value.

Windows:

Frequently ignored, yet quite efficient in enhancing curb appeal. High-quality windows with large, gorgeous panes of glass may help an older house sell. Older homes have their beauty, but they don’t always offer the same amount of openness as newer homes. More natural light enters the home, as does better security and energy efficiency. 

New Siding:

Instead of a fresh coat of paint, it could be a smart idea to replace your home’s siding entirely. This is an excellent opportunity to combine routine maintenance with an outside remodelling project. Over time, sidings get filthy, scraped, mouldy, and lose their protective coats. Due to the threat of termites/ants, compromised house sidings are extremely necessary to repair and renovate. If water is allowed to seep beneath the surface, mould will grow. New siding must be done flawlessly, so do your homework before hiring a contractor. 

Deck & Porch:

A beautiful outdoor porch or deck adds a lot to curb appeal. It inspires individuals to hold outdoor gatherings and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to bond with your friends and family. Consider using it in your next outdoor project if your yard or deck requires a makeover or foundation repairs. Adding or extending patio/deck area is a simple process yet requires planning and assistance, depending on the size of your home.

Outdoor Kitchen & Patios:

One of the popular renovations among buyers for homeowners is outdoor kitchens and patio spaces. Make sure to choose long-lasting materials to ensure that any new installations endure the local weather condition. 

Exterior Painting:

A fresh coat of paint may make a significant difference in the appearance of your home. Just make sure the colour schemes you choose are in harmony with the style of your home and the rest of the area.

All these distinctive features can help your property stand out from the crowd. Leave this to a professional contractor unless you have prior landscaping knowledge. If you want a professional, clean, and safe completion, hiring a contractor is a fantastic choice.

We at Maserat Developments provide exterior renovation services, you can book your consultation today to get a proper and accurate estimate from our senior project manager.  

Our Design services are included in all renovation projects, so if you are not sure what material, finishes or colour to use; don’t worry we are here to help you every step of the way. 

The Home Exterior Renovation Guide

The Home Exterior Renovation Guide

A home exterior renovation is among the most essential aspects of the house, and you only get one chance to create a good first impression, especially when it comes to real estate investment. Because a home’s appearance offers potential buyers, tenants, and others a decent sense of what’s inside, it’s critical to do whatever it takes to guarantee your curb appeal is on spot.

You should also have a clear idea of why you want to improve the facade. There are several reasons why you should remodel. There are exterior remodelling options for any budget, whether you are a homeowner or an investor. Continue reading to find out which upgrades can create a strong first impression.

  • Out-of-date appearance: Your home may be older and have an out-of-date design. You’d want to give it a more contemporary look. This may include the installation of new windows or doors. New gutters, trim, and even shutters are tiny but valuable items. 
  • Marketability: Nothing beats exterior improvements when it comes to selling a home. Remodelling the exterior of your property may substantially increase its marketability. Making your property more appealing may result in a better sale price.
  • Maintenance or repair: You may have a leaking roof or your siding may have been ripped by the wind. You could just wish to renovate the exterior before any damage occurs. In any case, you must act quickly before things worsened. 
  • Eco-friendliness: If your home’s exterior is losing or gaining heat, you’ll probably want to renovate to save money on energy. Energy-efficient materials save money by using fewer resources, which is beneficial to the environment. This remodelling strategy may also have tax benefits.

The key to a successful exterior house makeover is to think about the following measures ahead of time.

Planning

There’s an old saying that goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” When you prepare your renovation steps it’s easier to succeed. Before you begin any physical improvements, you must have that vision of where you want to finish.

Budget

The budget will be the most important component of a home makeover for many investors and homeowners. Research alternative materials and labour prices as you choose house exterior styles to have an idea of how much they will cost. The key to creating a good renovation budget is to be as specific as possible. Begin by determining your spending limitations and your capacity to manage that financial burden. Do this before beginning designs, selecting materials, and, most importantly, contacting contractors.

Take Your Time!

The length of time it takes to accomplish exterior house improvements varies considerably depending on the tasks you want to complete. While some aesthetic changes may be completed over a weekend, some upgrades might take time to complete properly. The most essential thing to remember when creating a timeline is not to hurry during the renovation. After all, your purpose is to improve the general condition of the house, not to create bigger problems in the future.

Hire a Reliable Contractor

When it comes to exterior house improvements, choosing a competent contractor may define the success of your plan. Your house is most likely the most important investment you will ever make, so protect yourself by working with an experienced expert who has the skills and resources to turn your space into something you will enjoy. It’s a good idea to consult with a contractor as early as possible in the process. This will allow you to understand the scope of the work, budget, and schedule, as well as what to expect throughout construction.

We at Maserat Developments provide exterior renovation services, you can book your consultation today to get a proper and accurate estimate from our senior project manager.  

Our Design services are included in all renovation projects, so if you are not sure what material, finishes or colour to use; don’t worry we are assist to help you every step of the way. 

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), a bathroom renovation will increase the value of your home by 75%-100% of what you’ve spent. When upgrading your bathroom, you should consider different aspects of the project. We have created a handy checklist for your project to ensure the best outcome for your upcoming bathroom Renovaiton project.

Tile & Flooring

Flooring in bathroom reno has one of the most important impacts on users. Different colours, shapes, sizes, and materials can provide a different experience to the users. What you should consider when choosing flooring finishes is the budget and maintenance as they will affect the result. Here are some options for the bathroom’s flooring:

  • Linoleum is a great choice because it’s waterproof and spill-resistant though it requires professional installation as it expands and contracts.
  • Marble is another finish that gives a high-end and elegant look to your bathroom but it can crack and requires maintenance regularly.
  • Ceramics are the best choice when it comes to durability and cleaning, they also come in various colours and forms.
  • Porcelain, a sub-type of ceramics, is a tough yet expensive option.

Materials not only should match your budget and design but also should be able to resist moisture with minimum care.

Walk-in Shower or Bathtub

Deciding between them or installing them depends on many factors. If you have toddlers and young children around, a better choice would be the use of a bathtub, however, elders might opt shower stand. Also, if you are planning a renovation to sell your home, you’d better choose a high-end tub or shower to attract more prospective buyers.

Unless you would be the user, you should look more into something within your budget and preferences.

Toilet

Several factors are involved when changing a toilet such as the location, size of the washroom, plumbing system, style of home, the users, way of sanitation and most importantly budget.

Different types of toilets are wall-mounted, one-piece and two-piece. Also the toilet comes in different height depending on your preference. We mostly suggest Comfortable Height, as they are easier to use more wide range of individual specially seniors.

Sink Fixtures

Choosing a bathroom sink could be challenging with different finishes, styles and shapes available. So probably you need to research thoroughly to find the right sink. Once you decided, make sure you have the right measurements, the sink should be in easy reach of water connections so it fits. Each sink has a different type of installation such as drop-in, wall-mounted, pedestal, under mount, vessel, vanity sink.

Cabinetry & Bathroom Accessories

Having cabinets has become necessary as it changes the overall look and increases the functionality of the space. Size, material, and type are the elements that should be considered when choosing cabinets.

Installing different types of cabinets, mirrored or medicine or corner, depends mainly on types of bathroom. Additionally, hinges and handles should be practical and match the style of the whole bathroom design to present a unified look. Small details like towel racks, faucets, matching lighting fixtures, and cabinet hardware could impact the resale value of your home.

Plumbing and Electrical

In bathroom renovation generally bear in mind if you shouldn’t change or relocate, don’t, otherwise you need to hire professionals as any plumbing and electricals changes should be based on building code and regulations therefore permits are needed. This type of work requires to be done by an electrical contractor or a licensed plumber.

Schedule

To finish off your bathroom, try to schedule your timeline once you have decided on the materials, finishes and fixtures. Make sure to predict the challenges arising during the remodelling process and set deadlines to speed up the process.

Hire a Contractor

If doing all of the above would be a headache for you, you can always ask for help from a professional contractor. They are experienced and know how to recognize and deal with any upcoming challenges during the project.

We at Maserat Developments provide bathroom renovation services for older homes in Toronto, you can book your consultation today to get a proper and accurate estimate from our senior project manager. 

Our Design services are included in all renovation projects, so if you are not sure what material, finishes or colour to use; don’t worry we are here to help you every step of the way. 

Do I require a permit for the renovation?

Do I require a permit for the renovation?

Depending on the scale of your project and what structural impact the renovation will have on the building, you may need permits. Our specialized project managers will discuss your project in detail and would advise you if you do need permits.

To obtain a building permit, a homeowner must submit an application to the district office where the home is located requesting necessary permits. Depending on the type and the size of the renovation there will be fees required to pay before processing the building permit. Once the prerequisites have been met, The Toronto building staff will review your plans in order to make sure they comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, as well as other applicable regulations.

How to monitor the Building Permit Application online?

The building application process can be monitored online from the city’s website. Building permits are valid for the duration of the ongoing construction. However, if the work hasn’t started yet or has stopped, the permit is valid for up to six months and a building inspector can provide an extension to your permit.

Apart from the building permit — which is formal permission from your municipality to begin construction, demolition, addition, or renovation — there are other special types of permits you might need: 

heating permits, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) permits, plumbing permits, demolition permits, sign permits, or sign variance permits.

When do you need to apply for Building Permits?

In Ontario, you need a permit for the following renovations:

  • Constructing accessory buildings with an area of more than 10 square metres, or an addition to an existing building
  • Constructing attached or detached garages
  • Structural alterations
  • Excavating, repairing or underpinning a foundation
  • Heating ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical work
  • Constructing one or more new separate dwelling units within a building
  • Finishing previously unfinished spaces within a building
  • Adding new entrances or windows, changing the size of entrances or windows, or closing entrances or windows
  • Constructing chimneys or fireplaces
  • Installing swimming pool enclosures, constructing detached decks more than 60.96 centimetres above ground, or building any deck attached to a building
  • Demolishing or relocating all or part of a building

On the other hand, you won’t need a permit for these renovations:

  • Replacing stucco, siding, or shingles with the same material
  • Replacing doors or windows without altering the opening,
  • Constructing fences (except pool enclosure fences)
  • Patching, painting and decorating
  • Installing cabinets or shelves

If you need help to apply for a building permit, we work with professional engineers who can help to get the necessary documents together for the application.