Author Archives: admin

Dec

2018

Anik and Tyler’s bedroom-turned-bathroom.

We are turning a bedroom that backs onto the master bathroom into their dream ensuite.

Day 1: The renovation is humming along. We’ve built them an extra closet for the bedroom and installed a pocket door frame.

Day 5: Yes you can convert a bedroom into a bathroom! Electricians from Legallez Electric and plumbers from Penta Plumbing came this week to create the infrastructure. It helps that there’s a water supply to an adjacent bathroom.

Thank you Anik and Tyler! We always, always appreciate snacks

We had a debate about the spelling of a bathroom adjoining a bedroom. Is it ensuite, en-suite or en suit? My word nerd wife got an official ruling on Twitter from James McCarten, editor of Canada’s most venerable journalism guides, the Canadian Press Stylebook and Caps and Spelling.

Day 7: Drywall is up and we’ve started mudding. This is the view from the bedroom into the bathroom.

Day 8: How a shower is born when you turn a bedroom into a bathroom.

Day 9: How a shower is born when you turn a bedroom into a bathroom.

Day 13: Recessed shower shelf in herringbone!
A recessed shower shelf adds a full day of labour.

Day 14: Now THIS is a vanity! It’s December 19 and we’re waiting for a few ordered pieces to arrive (e.g. doors), so will be back when those arrive.

Nov

2018

Kelly and Steph’s Kanata kitchen

A new kitchen for Kelly and Steph in Kanata.

Renovation day 3: A new 20-foot beam that is 16” tall and 5.25” thick allows the kitchen to be way more open now.

Kitchen day 10: Ceiling is painted “Mascarpone” and the walls are “Jojoba”. Sophie White 12 x 24 tiles installed in the 280 sq ft. space.

Day 16: Well HELLO! Cabinets all installed. The counter company came and measured. Counters will installed in a week, then we’ll be back to tile the backsplash.

The counter installers did their bit. We’re back and the backsplash is under way with Florita mosaic tiles.

Kitchen renovation day 18: Kelly and Steph’s kitchen is done!

Jun

2018

Amber and Nate’s bathroom #2

We’re renovating two bathrooms at Amber and Nate’s. This is the second.

Leonia Silver 12 x 24 tiles for the master bathroom floor.

The recessed shower shelf in Amber and Nate’s first bathroom was a hit. So, we’re doing it again in the master bathroom.

Here’s why so many people chose the Ikea Godmorgon vanity. Smart plumbing down the back of the vanity so you get full drawers, top and bottom.

May

2018

Amber and Nate’s bathroom #1

We’re renovating two bathrooms at Amber and Nate’s house.

Day 5: The plumbing and electrical are done. After a short drywall sanding shoulder workout we’ll be painting today.

Day 6: bathroom shower tile going in. There will be a three-foot-long recessed shelf. This is “Enigma” tile from Home Depot, 6 x 36 Brushed Oak Ash.

Day 8: recessed shower shelf in herringbone tile.

Thanks Amber and Nate! We’re always happy to help.

Thanks Amber and Nate! Very thoughtful of you.

Apr

2018

Angela and Brian’s Stittsville Kitchen

Angela and Brian’s kitchen is due for an update. We’re taking down a wall, removing much of the flooring throughout the main level and updating all kitchen components. Angela and Brian worked with designer Nicole Duguay of Solace Interiors to make design choices.

Day 1: Kitchen before.

Angela and Brian’s family and friends have been impacted by cancer. Demo starts tomorrow with Fresh Reno for a new kitchen. This wall is coming down. The names and initials on the wall represent those friends and family. Brian absolutely smashed through the wall. (video to come)

End of day one. Demolition complete.

Did you start your Wednesday with a two-hour, non-stop shoulder workout? Sanding drywall today. Come on by for a workout!

Day 7: Caselgrande tile from Eurotile going down in the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom.

CTV was looking to speak to a renovator…

I’m more comfortable behind the tools than in front of the camera, but thanks to Annie Bergeron Oliver for making it easy to chat with her.

You can see the TV story that aired here.

Day 13: Cupboards going in.

Day 16: Cabinets and handles are all done. Temporary counter installed. Next, the counter installer will come measure. Counters will be delivered and installed in approximately two weeks. Then we’ll be back to do the backsplash tile.

Counters are installed.

We’re laying in Ascot Brickwall backsplash tile.

Wider shot of the Ascot Brickwall backsplash tile.

I accidentally touched a live 110 wire with a screwdriver yesterday and zapped myself.
Today Brian, the client, put up safety posters.
We are both massive Star Wars fans.

I accidentally touched a live 110 wire with a screwdriver yesterday and zapped myself. Today Brian, the client, put up safety posters. We are both massive Star Wars fans.

Finished kitchen!

Nov

2017

Ann and Bryan’s Manotick basement

Ann and Bryan’s basement is becoming a rec room and home office.

Day 6 of Ann and Bryan’s basement renovation. The electrical is done (by Legallez Electric) and passed Electrical Safety Authority inspection. We’re wrapping up the framing with this wall. It’s framed for a fireplace, TV above, and custom shelving on either side.

Day 7 in Manotick: Drywall all installed. First coat of mudding in process.

Renovation day 10: The basement has taken a big leap forward. The drywall is done and painted. Plus, the floor is down. We even mopped!

Manotick basement renovation day 12: accent walls with Timber Ledge Stone.
(And look: we vacuum!)

Day 12: Let there be light! Now THAT shows off the stone wall.

Day 15: Ann and Bryan’s basement is done!

Done! A closer look at the fireplace (with spot above for a TV) and surrounding shelves.

Jul

2017

Pamela and Toby’s Nepean Kitchen

Day 1: Kitchen before

Day 1: Pre-demolition artwork.

Day 7: The plumbing, electrical and flooring (Wicanders Cork comfort flooring in Fashionable Cement) is done. Today we’re installing the cabinets.

Pamela and Toby heard about us from their friends, Sue and Benoit, whose basement we renovated last year. Today Sue came by with cookies. Former clients bringing cookies to the current client’s house. We love how this is working!

Day 11: Cabinets are done. It will be a few weeks before the counters arrive and are installed. Then we’ll be back to tile the backsplash.

A few weeks later….

Pamela and Toby’s quartz counter has been put in by the installers. We were back to tile the backsplash and the kitchen is done!

Day 14: The kitchen is done!

May

2017

Sarah and Rob’s Basement Renovation

We first met Rob and Sarah while renovating their bathroom in 2015. They asked us back to renovate their basement.

Rob and Sarah’s basement day 1: File this under shocking things we see. That I-beam is holding up the house. Not the best spot to cut an opening for a door.

Day 5: Framing almost finished. Dricore done. Electrical done (Salter Electrical). Plumbers are coming on Monday (Penta Plumbing) and spray foam insulation crew (O’Reilly Brothers) is coming on Tuesday.

Day 10: Turning that awkward support post into an area for symmetrical built-in shelves.

Oh YUM. Thanks Rob and Sarah!

Day 19: tiled the bathroom shower with 12″ x 24″ Pasha Collection tiles from Home Depot.

Day 20: Drop ceiling the clients purchased from Costco.

Day 22: hidden electrical panel and shoe storage.

Day 23: The basement is finished!

May

2017

Kelley and Phil’s Kanata Bathroom Renovation

Day 1: Bathroom before demolition:

Day 6: The plumbing is done, tub is installed, and the tiles are going up today. Traffic Master “mushroom” tile from Home Depot.

Picking up: Picking up the bathroom Ikea Godmorgon vanity, sink and faucets.
HELLO ICE CREAM!

Day 11: Bathroom is done!

Best toothbrush holder EVER.

Finished shower. Shower head and controllers from Hudson Reed.

Yesssss THIS Star Wars shower curtain.

So thoughtful! A thank you card and Tim Hortons gift certificate.

May

2017

Roy and Robert’s Kitchen

Day 1: Old kitchen during demolition.

Day 5: Electrical is done and painting is nearly done. Today we put down Mohawk Antique Sable vinyl floor from Lowes.

Day 6: Ikea cupboards going in.

Day 8. This is quickly coming together! And check out how they’re using that under-the-stairs space as a pantry. We’ve put on a temporary counter until the permanent counter arrives in several weeks.

The quartz counter arrived! We went back to tile the backplash and connect the appliances. The kitchen is done!

The kitchen is done!