December 2022 – Mad City Basement -Remodeling & Finishing

Blogs

2022 Project Highlights – Advance Design Studio

As we near the end of 2022, we want to look back at a few project highlights from this year. Our team worked hard to produce many unique projects this year, from kitchens and baths to basements and outdoor living spaces. While every project we are fortunate enough to complete is special to us, we feel these projects really celebrate the creativity and passion that our designers and carpenters show daily.

1st Floor Remodel in Geneva

Tearing Down Walls in Geneva

Earlier this year, we helped Jessie and Tony achieve a seamless, open-concept kitchen and dining room with desk workstations. With the dividing wall removed, the dining room is now a versatile, practical space for hosting large family gatherings or simply working from home. We also love the coffee bar with open wood shelving in the transition between the kitchen and dining room. Read more about this project here.

2022 project highlights - Tower Lakes bathroom

Tower Lakes Master Bathroom

A Tranquil Home Spa in Tower Lakes

Chad and Karen’s master bath remodel is packed with glamorous details and spa-like features. From the steam shower and freestanding tub to the heated floors and tranquil material mix, this bathroom is dressed to de-stress. We love how Karen styled her space to complement the gold and silver accents throughout. See more of this project here.

St. Charles Kitchen Remodel

Blue Accents in St. Charles & Crystal Lake

Strong blue accents have continued to be a favorite for our clients in 2022, especially in kitchen remodels. We love this waterfall moment in St. Charles accented with blue Medallion cabinetry and gold hardware.

2022 project highlights - Crystal Lake kitchen

Crystal Lake Kitchen Remodel

X-panel cabinet details are another trend we’ve seen this year, and the pastel blue hue of this Crystal Lake kitchen island creates a stunning design moment.

2022 project highlights - Woodstock seasons addition

Woodstock Seasons Addition & Remodel

Seasons Addition & Master Suite in Woodstock

We are all for multi-seasonal spaces and this seasons room doubles as a master suite for our Woodstock clients. The new space blends seamlessly with the rest of their home, we love how the completed exterior looks!

2022 project highlights - Barrington Speakeasy

Barrington Basement Speakeasy Entrance

2022 project highlights - Barrington basement speakeasy

Barrington Basement Speakeasy Interior

A Secret Speakeasy in Barrington

We absolutely love when our clients come to us with an out-of-the-box idea or specialty space vision. Our Barrington clients came to us with the idea of a secret speakeasy space in their basement, and our team had so much fun redesigning and constructing their basement to include an old-world lounge with a secret entrance disguised as a bookcase.

Dundee 1st Floor Remodel

Cozy Cottage 1st Floor in Dundee

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dundee, this rustic remodel features deep brown hues and green accent cabinetry in the kitchen. We enjoyed partnering with All-American Reclaim to add reclaimed wood details leading into both the kitchen and entryway. See more of this project here.

Barrington Hills Home Theater

2022 project highlights - Barrington Hills theater lobby

Barrington Hills Home Theater Lobby

Classic Home Theater in Barrington Hills

Inspired by the classic cinema experience Christine and Eric loved while growing up going in Barrington, this home theater is truly one of a kind. The marquee entrance, stocked snack bar, and theater room take movie nights to a whole new level.

We are excited to see what projects our team will complete in 2023. From kitchens and baths to additions and basements, we are excited to be partnering with you this coming year. Thank you for supporting our team and entrusting us with your home remodeling projects.

2022 has had its challenges for sure, but we were able to complete many fun, unique projects that showcased our team’s creativity and skill. Here’s to an even more creative and innovative year in 2023! And if you want to stay up to date with what our team is up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. If you have a project on your 2023 to-do list, let’s get started! We would love to help get your project started- we hope to see your project in our 2023 highlights reel!

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Disclaimer: all images are owned and copyright by their respective owners and website (advancedesignstudio.com) and “https://madcitybasement.com/blog” is for news, information, product news and reviews.

By madbase December 30, 2022 0

Blogs

Work with 4 O.A.K. Construction for value-adding results — RenovationFind Blog

When doing home or basement renovations, hiring an experienced, qualified contractor can be one of your most important decisions. The right contractor will ensure your project goes smoothly and has long-lasting results. Companies like 4 O.A.K. Construction bring that reassurance and quality to every home renovation project.

4 O.A.K. Construction in Edmonton share how they provide those reliable results:

Not just a house but a home

The team behind 4 O.A.K. Construction understands that your house is more than just walls. It is a home. Your comfort, a place where you make memories, an expression of you. 4 O.A.K. construction strives to complete all projects respectfully, not only to the physical space but the client and the needs of their lifestyle.

Consideration and transparency are brought to all renovations. A home renovation should suit your goals and needs, adding value to your life and property. Recommendations and support are tailored to meet those needs,

Any project, any size

4 O.A.K. Construction can handle a significant home renovation, a minor upgrade, exterior transformation or interior updates. The 4 O.A.K. team can transform a small, outdated kitchen into the true heart of your home. If you have an incomplete basement, their team can finish it and renovate it to add new bedrooms, a gym or cozy home theatre space. Likewise, creating storage spaces or updating an outdated bathroom can have a big impact that will breathe new life into your home.

Experience that counts

4 O.A.K. Construction has 20 years of construction experience behind them that they bring to every project. That experience also relates to a long history of quality work and happy clients. Their team works with a trusted group of trade partners to provide high-quality results at fair prices. That ensures that your quality upgrade will last for years, whether renovating your whole home or transforming a single room.

Open and honest

Open and honest communication is vital when working with a home renovation contractor. With 4 O.A.K., that communication approach is at the base of all client relationships. There is always open communication from the first meeting to the end of a project. That doesn’t just mean progress updates but also guidance about design options, materials to use, and what upgrades are a great investment.

In addition, it ensures that your project is completed on time and within budget. Their top priority is a happy client that is thrilled with the final result. Whatever your concerns, 4 O.A.K. Construction can help guide you in the right direction.

Basement Renovations in Edmonton

4 O.A.K. Construction has built itself on a reputation of reliability, honesty and integrity. They consistently deliver a top-quality final product. From home renovations to basement transformations and more. When you work with 4 O.A.K. Construction, you work with a reliable, trustworthy contractor that will add value to your home.

Contact 4 O.A.K. Construction today!

RenovationFind Certified symbolizes integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, and maintenance. It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.

More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest-growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, services, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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Disclaimer: all images are owned and copyright by their respective owners and website (blog.renovationfind.com) and “https://madcitybasement.com/blog” is for news, information, product news and reviews.

By madbase December 26, 2022 0

Blogs

Why Renovate Your Basement Ceiling

The basement is a large room with plenty of potential living space for your family. Yet, the unfinished walls and ceiling make this part of the home less comfortable and inviting. With a little extra investment in the basement ceiling, you can make the downstairs more functional and attractive. In fact, there are multiple benefits to renovating the basement ceiling.

Create a Brighter, Sharper Looking Room

By hiring a remodeling team to renovate your basement ceiling, you’ll be able to give the room a sharper, more polished look. The ceiling can be covered with drywall or tiles in a light color which also reflects more light to brighten up the basement.

Define Different Areas of the Basement

Attractive finishes and trim can be used to define different areas of the basement from a living area to mini kitchen to dining area. A trayed ceiling offers an elegant touch that dresses up the basement, while simple painted ceilings can separate each section of the basement with different colors.

Stop Dust and Cobwebs from Building Up

If you feel like the basement ceiling is where a lot of dust and debris builds up only to fall on anyone who spends time downstairs, you can enclose it. Add a sturdy drywall or tiled ceiling to provide protection, while also finishing the space.

Increased Soundproofing in the Basement

Have the remodeling company install insulation or soundproofing while updating the ceiling to increase privacy in the basement. At Matrix Basement Systems, we use Arctic Suspended Ceiling by Rockfon which not only looks great but also offers increased sound absorption.

Options for Finishing Your Basement Ceiling

There are a surprising number of options for the basement ceiling from traditional drywall to stylish trim and beams. Let’s take a quick look at some of the styles available to homeowners:

Conventional Ceiling

A contemporary ceiling found in many homes and basements is simple plastered drywall painted white. It offers simplicity of design that serves as a backdrop to designer accents, such as light fixtures or window trim.

Suspended Ceiling

The suspended tile ceiling is a more affordable remodeling option that offers the best of both finished basement and a quicker installation. Today’s fiberboard and stone wool ceiling tiles are available in a wider range of shapes and styles than the old rectangular tiles with smatterings of black spots.

Industrial/Urban

Many homeowners also prefer to take advantage of the exposed beams and ductwork to give their basements a more industrial look. Some opt to paint the basement beams and underside of the floorboards black or white to give it a finishing touch.

Rustic Beamed Ceiling

It’s also possible to keep the beams exposed and add drywall and plaster between them for a rustic ceiling. Some homeowners also opt to add false wood beams over plaster to create a rustic effect.

Tray Ceiling

A rectangular inset ceiling with framed sides can add a touch of elegance to dining rooms and living areas. This style may work better in basements with higher ceilings.

Coffered Ceiling

A more ornate but similarly elegant effect is possible with a coffered ceiling. Made with decorative beams these ceilings create squared patterns you can run across the entire ceiling or just use in some areas of the basement.

If you are thinking about remodeling your basement or want to update the basement ceiling, give Matrix Basement Systems a call. We’ll set up a free consultation with one of our remodeling experts right away. You can also fill out our online form to ask about a complimentary quote for any of our basement remodeling services today.

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Disclaimer: all images are owned and copyright by their respective owners and website (www.mymatrixbasement.com) and “https://madcitybasement.com/blog” is for news, information, product news and reviews.

By madbase December 24, 2022 0

Blogs

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Renovate a House?

It can be challenging to decide whether to buy or renovate a house in Ontario, with the cost of buying a new house sitting above $450,000.

With the way the current price of buying a house is steadily increasing, renovation may be a better idea. With home renovation, you can make changes that’ll leave your house looking incredible, thereby increasing its value.

This article contains tips and information that’ll help you decide if it’s better to buy a new house or renovate it. We’ll also explore whether it’s advisable to buy a house in Ontario due to the current market conditions.

Let’s get right into it!

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Renovate a House in Ontario?

The major determinant for deciding whether to buy or renovate a house is the cost factor. See below for how much it costs to buy a house or to renovate one in Ontario.

Cost of Buying a House in Ontario

In Canada, the cost of buying a house in British Columbia (B.C) and Ontario is higher than the national average. So, with the average cost of buying a home in Canada at $531,000, you may be paying a little higher to buy a house in Ontario.

House Renovation Cost in Ontario

Sometimes, renovating your house may be all you need to discard the thought of buying a new one. Renovating your house puts it back in good shape and makes it more appealing.

Home renovation may either be cosmetic or structural. Cosmetic renovation involves rearranging/ redesigning, flooring, repainting and discarding unnecessary items to give your house a finer look.

A structural renovation has to do with making physical alterations to the structure of your house. For instance, loft conversion, redesigning the entire floor plan, and roof changing are all structural renovations.

A recent study shows that homeowners in Ontario may spend about $13,600 on average for home renovations. In addition, returning your house to a good state involves the purchase of materials and labour charges. Therefore, there may be some hidden charges or miscellaneous expenses.

Cost Comparison

When you consider the cost of both home improvement options, it’s cheaper to renovate your house. The margin between the cost of renovation and buying a new house is wide.

Renovation vs. Buying a New House: Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to buy or renovate a new house can be very confusing. But if you calmly consider the factors below, you can make a better decision.

Location

When contemplating if you’re to renovate or buy a new house, consider the building’s location. Houses in strategic or advantageous locations have added advantages.

If, for instance, your house is close to the city centre or your place of work, renovation may be a better idea. Unless you have something important taking you out of that area, there’s no need to buy a new house. Instead, you can renovate the house to your taste by adding some contemporary and fancy designs.

Budget

An important question you can ask yourself when deciding if you’re to buy or renovate a house is your budget. Your budget is the real deciding factor.

You may want to buy a new house and furnish it with the best furniture. But if you don’t have enough money, you may not actualize it.

So when trying to decide whether to renovate or buy a new house, compare prices. If you stay in a city with expensive homes (like Ontario), renovation is more budget-friendly.

Structural Changes

Sometimes, renovation can be quite costly due to the structural changes you intend to make. For instance, renovating your house will cost less if you’re not changing the floor plan.

Depending on the volume or intensity of renovation and the cost, you may feel like it’s better to buy a new house. But, recent updates in home improvement and renovation technology mean contractors can add more value to your home without overhauling the floor plan. This will save you thousands of dollars and makes home renovation the ideal option.

Property Worth

Renovating your house is good, but you need to know if it’ll add to the value of your property. Some renovations add value to the house, while others may be an unwise investment. So, before renovating your house, you may want to seek the advice of home renovators in Ontario to know if it’s worth it.

The best home renovation contractors in Ontario can suggest additions that’ll increase the value of your home. They have the expertise to blend value, functionality and personal preferences. In this case, you can consider home renovations an investment that’ll come good in the future.

Your Plans

If you don’t have plans to stay in a house for an extended time frame, there’s no need to renovate it. For instance, if you’re single, chances are, you’ll move to a bigger house when you get married. Also, the number of kids you plan to have may require an even bigger house.

But, if you feel your current house is okay and suits your plans, then renovation is your best bet. Even if you’re staying alone, consider renovating the house with a contemporary design or touch. It’ll make you appreciate the house better.

Mortgage

You need to compare the mortgage of your current property and the new house you wish to buy. Depending on market positions, you may get the same mortgage plan or lower.

Before you decide whether to buy or renovate a house, seek the counsel of a real estate professional. Realtors will give you options and help you decide on the best deal.

Related Article: Is it Worth Renovating a House?

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

The Canadian residential housing market is going through a period of change due to the introduction of foreign index taxes. With Ontario having one of the most expensive housing markets, now may not be the best time to buy a house.

Another reason you may not want to buy a house in Canada is that it’s an illiquid investment. Many Canadian homeowners take pride in how much equity they have in their homes. Making the final mortgage plan may be incredible, but home equity isn’t a substantial asset.

Recent news also shows the housing market in Canada is unstable. Buying a house now may not be a good idea until the market is stable again.

Why Renovating Your House is a Better Option

Unless you have strong reasons, renovating your house is a better idea than buying a new one. Here’s why:

Enhance the Value of your Property

Home renovators in Ontario can help you renovate your house and make it look more aesthetic and valuable as well. One way you can boost the value of your home when renovating is to upgrade the fixtures in the kitchen, improve the basement’s functionality and upgrade the bathroom.

Reduce Energy Costs

You can seize the opportunity when renovating your house to cut down your electricity bills. You can reduce energy bills by changing the light bulbs and upgrading your appliances.

You can liaise with the home renovator to consider wall insulation in the basement for temperature control. These minute changes can result in lower energy tariffs, causing you to save more in the long run.

Adds More Space

When renovating your house, you can increase the space by working on the basement or adding a new room. You can rent out a recently renovated basement for more income after enlarging the space.

Home renovation contractors in Ontario can help you with the best ways to add space to your house. You can also suggest rooms that need expansion and hear what the contractor has to say.

Change the Existing Pattern or Structure of your House

Home renovation helps you upgrade the pattern of your house if you feel it isn’t modern enough. You can make structural changes to the building by breaking down and rebuilding some parts to give your house a new look.

Talk to the home renovator to help you with other not-so-expensive modern structural upgrades you can add to your house. For example, changing the structure or roofing of your home to a more recent design can increase its value.

Make your House Look Stylish

During home renovation, you can seize the opportunity to make your house look stylish. You can improve the aesthetics of your home by designing it with modern household appliances and fittings.

Renovation is a chance to rebrand your house. And, there are many contemporary bathrooms and kitchen designs you can install in your house to give it a modern look.

Designing your house may not be the primary job of home renovators, but they can give you one or two helpful tips. When you think about the different designs you can give to your house, it’ll help you decide if you’re to move or stay in your home.

Same Place, New Feel

Renovating your house helps you retain the same space you’re already fond of, but with a new and better twist. In addition, renovation helps you to stay in touch with special memories in the house.

Most people don’t like relocating because of the fear of acclimatizing to the new space. But retaining your house will help you keep that personal touch with your space in better conditions.

Costs Lesser than Buying a New House

Houses tend to need renovation after a long while. Whenever a house starts losing integrity, the debate of whether to buy a new house or renovate it comes up. With money being one of the most important factors, renovation is a cheaper option.

When renovating, you can install whatever designs, furniture, and fitting you wish to see in a new house. Renovating your house offers you almost the same features as buying a new one, only that it’s the same space.

Final Take

The debate of whether to buy or renovate a house can be very tough at times. But renovating your house is a great way to save money. Home renovation is the cost-effective option to make your home look great while maintaining the same space.

But you need to hire home renovators in Ontario to give you the best renovation designs and packages available. Here at Basement Finishing Company, we can give you the best value for money.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can upgrade your current house to the home of your dreams — at the best value!

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Disclaimer: all images are owned and copyright by their respective owners and website (basementfinishingcompany.com) and “https://madcitybasement.com/blog” is for news, information, product news and reviews.

By madbase December 22, 2022 0

Blogs

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By madbase December 18, 2022 0

Blogs

Best Ways to Heat a Basement

There are so many factors to consider when renovating your basement, but you might not be thinking about how to heat a basement. With its below-grad position, the basement is usually several degrees colder than the rest of the house, so it’s important to consider how you’ll maintain a comfortable temperature for you and your family so you can enjoy this extra bit of livable space.

If your basement is currently unfinished, there are many options to heat your basement. With access to existing ductwork and other systems, it’s a fairly straightforward process. But if your basement is already finished and cooler than you want, there are some less invasive strategies you can use to have your space warm and toasty. For this blog, the basement renovation experts at Harmony Basements have put together a list of the top heating methods to keep your basement warm all winter long.

Extend Ductwork Into Basement

The best option for many homeowners is to extend existing ductwork so it can use your existing system to heat the basement. An HVAC professional can help you map out where the new ducts should go so you will get the most efficient and comfortable heating experience possible. Harmony Basement contractors also know how to keep the ductwork out of the way so it won’t affect the flow of traffic in the basement.

If you are extending your ductwork, you might also need to invest in a new furnace. This is because your old furnace was installed without taking into account the extra heat that would be needed to keep your basement in a climate-controlled state. HVAC professionals like the ones at Harmony Basements can help you determine the right model of furnace that can achieve your desired results without driving up the cost of your energy bills. You can even put your basement on a separate thermostat to ensure you only heat the parts of your home that you’re currently using.

Hardwire Baseboard Heaters

If you’re not interested in tapping into your existing HVAC system or your home doesn’t have HVAC for heating, a good alternative is to go with electric baseboard heaters that are hardwired into your home’s electrical panel. You can install as many units as you like and each one has its thermostat providing customized temperature controls for each area of the basement.

You’ll need to consult an electrician to determine if your home’s existing electrical panel can accommodate the electricity necessary to power these heaters. The other downside of electric baseboard heaters is that they can take up some space, they are not the nicest things to look at, and if you live in Ontario you’ll be paying a lot of money on your hydro bill each month for this item.

Finished basement by Harmony Basements in Maple ON

Wood Pellet Stove

A wood pellet stove is a charming addition to any basement and a great source of heat. It burns specially manufactured wood pellets and the hot air created by the burning is blown throughout the basement by a fire. The whole unit is powered by a typical 110V outlet which makes it a great choice for so many homeowners.

The trickiest part of installing a wood pellet stove is ensuring that you have proper ventilation for it. The stove produces carbon monoxide and you need a professional to ensure that this is properly vented to the outside to prevent harming anyone in the home. Classic and traditional-looking, wood pellet stoves don’t always fit in with every homeowner’s design and aesthetic. But in the right situations, they can create a refined and cozy vibe to your basement.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are the simplest basement heater option. Many people use space heaters in offices, university residences or apartment buildings if they need additional heat. They plug into a regular outlet and a fan starts blowing heat throughout the room. There are no electricians or HVAC installers required for this type of heater.

Even though they’re the cheapest and easiest heat source to use in a basement, space heaters are also the least efficient. There are other, more efficiently designed heaters such as micathermic heaters that look like a TV hung on a wall. There are also portable radiators that remain warm for several hours after running and continue to give off heat.

Luxury Basement Finishing Project Vaughan

Combine Heat Sources

If your current HVAC system isn’t powerful enough to heat your basement, the experts recommend closing registers on the upper floors of the home so all heat is directed into your basement. It might just do the trick. Even if it feels like there’s just a little bit of heat coming through the vents, don’t be discouraged. After enough time the furnace will be able to make your basement less chilly. You could also consider parking your HVAC system with electric baseboard heaters. Working in tandem, the two heat sources should be able to keep the environment of your basement at a comfortable temperature.

In setting yourself up for your success, you could also ensure that all of your basement’s insulation is done properly, energy-efficient windows are added and the right kind of insulated subfloor is installed. All of these factors can go a long way to ensuring that your home’s HVAC system — and other heating devices — can keep your basement warm in an efficient manner.

Contact Us

Did you enjoy those basement heating ideas? The best way to heat a basement depends on a lot of factors and that’s what the basement renovation contacting team at Harmony Basements are here for. No matter what type of home you have, we can work with all types of situations and budgets to come up with the base basement heating situation possible.

All of our professional technicians are fully licensed and insured to work in your basement. You don’t want to risk an important project like this on someone with barely any experience. Heating is a complex element of home renovation and should only be in the entrusted hands of a certified pro. Call Harmony Basements today to book your free consultation.