Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
Why are my kitchen cabinets peeling?
Kitchen cabinet peeling is typically caused by moisture damage, poor-quality finishes, or age-related deterioration of t...
Is it hard to install a toilet yourself?
Installing a toilet yourself is moderately challenging but definitely doable for most homeowners with basic DIY skills....
Do I need a permit for new flooring installation?
In most cases, no - standard flooring installation in Ottawa does not require a building permit. However, there are impo...
How do I waterproof a shower properly?
Proper shower waterproofing requires a multi-layer approach with vapor barriers, waterproof membranes, and careful atten...
Why is water seeping through my basement walls?
Water seeping through basement walls is typically caused by hydrostatic pressure from groundwater pushing against your f...
Should I choose upper cabinets or open shelving?
The choice between upper cabinets and open shelving depends on your storage needs, maintenance preferences, and kitchen...
Why is my drywall cracking near the corners?
Drywall cracks near corners are typically caused by structural settling, temperature changes, or improper installation t...
How long does it take to install a new kitchen?
A typical kitchen renovation in Ottawa takes 2-4 weeks for installation once materials arrive, but the complete project...
Should I choose soft close cabinet hinges?
Soft close hinges are absolutely worth the investment for most homeowners - they eliminate slamming, reduce wear on cabi...
Acrylic vs porcelain bathtub which is better?
For most Ottawa homeowners, porcelain (actually porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron) bathtubs offer better long-term v...
When is the best time to start a basement renovation in Ottawa?
The best time to start a basement renovation in Ottawa is late spring through early fall (May through October), with the...
What do I do if my sump pump stops working during a storm?
If your sump pump fails during a storm, you need to act quickly to prevent basement flooding. First, check if it's a sim...
What should I do if I smell gas during a renovation?
If you smell gas during a renovation, immediately stop all work, evacuate the area, and do not use any electrical switch...
How do I hide ductwork in a finished basement?
Hiding ductwork in a finished basement requires careful planning to maintain both aesthetics and HVAC functionality. The...
Should I choose an open concept or keep walls in my renovation?
The choice between open concept and keeping walls depends on your lifestyle, home's structure, and specific needs - both...
What is the best kitchen faucet style?
The best kitchen faucet style depends on your cooking habits, sink configuration, and design preferences, but pull-down...
Should I choose a wall-hung or floor-mounted toilet?
Both wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets have distinct advantages, but for most Ottawa homeowners, a floor-mounted toile...
What should I do if my toilet is overflowing?
Stop the water flow immediately and don't panic - this is a manageable emergency that you can handle with quick action....
What layout works best for a secondary suite in a basement?
The most effective basement secondary suite layout maximizes the available ceiling height while creating distinct living...
How long does basement waterproofing take?
Basement waterproofing typically takes 3-7 days for most Ottawa homes, depending on the method used and the extent of wa...
Can I install a pot filler in my kitchen?
Yes, you can absolutely install a pot filler in your kitchen, but it requires both plumbing and electrical work that mus...
How much does it cost to move plumbing in a bathroom?
Moving plumbing in a bathroom typically costs $1,500-$4,500 in Ottawa, depending on the distance moved and complexity of...
How often should I clean my bathroom exhaust fan?
You should clean your bathroom exhaust fan every 3-6 months to maintain proper ventilation and prevent moisture problems...
Gas vs electric range which should I choose?
For most Ottawa homeowners, electric ranges offer better value, reliability, and convenience, though gas provides superi...
What depth should kitchen counters be?
Standard kitchen counters should be 25 inches deep (63.5 cm), which is the industry standard that works well for most ho...
What is the best paint finish for bathrooms?
For Ottawa bathrooms, semi-gloss or satin paint finishes are your best choices, with semi-gloss being ideal for high-moi...
Can I remove bathroom tile myself?
Yes, you can remove bathroom tile yourself - it's one of the more DIY-friendly demolition tasks. However, the difficulty...
What should I consider when installing a new garage door?
Installing a new garage door involves several important considerations including proper sizing, insulation needs, safety...
What is the typical delay for backordered materials?
Material backorders in Ottawa currently range from 2-8 weeks for most renovation items, though some specialty products c...
How do I maintain quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops are incredibly low-maintenance and durable, requiring only basic daily cleaning with soap and water t...
What bathroom tasks should never be DIY?
Several bathroom renovation tasks are either legally restricted or extremely dangerous for DIY work in Ontario, and shou...
Can I frame basement walls myself?
Yes, you can frame basement walls yourself if you have basic carpentry skills and the right tools, but there are importa...
Why does my kitchen sink drain smell bad?
A smelly kitchen sink drain is typically caused by food debris, grease buildup, or a dry P-trap, and can usually be reso...
What is the best way to heat a finished basement?
The best way to heat a finished basement in Ottawa is typically extending your existing forced-air system with additiona...
How much does it cost to add a kitchen island?
Adding a kitchen island in Ottawa typically costs between $3,000-$15,000+, depending on size, materials, and electrical...
What is the timeline for a secondary suite build?
A secondary suite build in Ottawa typically takes 4-6 months from start to finish, including permit approval time. This...
How do I maintain vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the lowest-maintenance flooring options available, requiring only regular cleaning and ba...
What are the best practices for drywall and painting during a home renovation?
Proper drywall installation and painting technique can make or break your renovation's final appearance. The key is taki...
What is the best flooring for kitchens?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and porcelain tile are the top kitchen flooring choices for Ottawa homes, offering the best com...
Should I hire an architect or designer for my renovation?
Whether you need an architect or designer depends on your project scope and complexity. For most residential renovations...
Do renovation contractors offer financing for renovations?
Yes, many renovation contractors in Ottawa do offer financing options, though the availability and terms vary significan...
What are some things to think about before renovating my bathroom?
Planning a bathroom renovation requires careful consideration of layout, budget, and functionality to ensure you get the...
Can you change my kitchen layout?
Yes, kitchen layouts can absolutely be changed, but the extent depends on your home's structure, plumbing, electrical, a...
How do I create a realistic renovation budget?
Creating a realistic renovation budget requires understanding both your project scope and Ottawa's current market rates,...
Do contractors clean up after each work day?
Most professional contractors do clean up after each work day, though the level of cleanup varies significantly between...
Do I need permits for kitchen renovation in Ottawa?
Yes, you'll likely need permits for most kitchen renovations in Ottawa, especially if you're moving plumbing, electrical...
How do I find a reputable contractor in Ottawa?
Finding a reputable contractor in Ottawa requires thorough research and verification of credentials, insurance, and past...
What affects renovation costs the most?
The biggest cost driver in Ottawa renovations is the scope of structural and mechanical work required - things like movi...
What is the best bathroom ventilation option for Ottawa homes?
The best bathroom ventilation for Ottawa homes is a properly sized exhaust fan (minimum 50 CFM for most bathrooms) that...
What is the process for finalizing a renovation project?
The renovation finalization process involves several critical steps including final inspections, permit closure, warrant...
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