A Few Kitchen Makeover Tips for Every DIY Enthusiast

Have you ever noticed how friends and family members always end up in the kitchen? The rest of your home could be a gem, but somehow the kitchen is a people magnate at any gathering. That’s why you want to get your kitchen makeover  right. Here are five easy ways to ensure a brilliant kitchen renovation that will be the envy of your neighbours!

Guide 1: Start with your needs

How will your family use the kitchen? Do you eat at all hours of the day? Do you have young children? Do you prefer a casual or more formal dining environment? If you are more casual about eating, benches or island bars may be the ticket. If you have young children, you may want to create a less formal look and use textured colours to hide stains and marks. Maybe you need to expand the size to create a bigger seating area and more space for kitchen supplies? Beyond simply “updating your kitchen”, you need to be specific about your needs and how you want to use your new kitchen. 

Guide 2: Do some research

Take a look at samples of different kitchen renovation styles to see what appeals to you. Visit kitchen renovation showrooms. Look at magazines. Get inspired. OakWood has an extensive online gallery to whet your appetite and jumpstart the concept design stage of your kitchen renovation. Pay attention to materials and finishes because this will affect cost. Key elements include cabinets, countertops, and flooring.

Guide 3: Kitchen Layout and design

Now that you know what you like it’s time to bring these ideas and elements together in a design. This is a creative process that blends many elements with the goal of creating something unique. Our concept design process always includes brainstorming on different options and “what if” scenarios. We take your ideas and add to them based on your needs and preferences. We can also create 3D kitchen concept designs to help our customers visualize their end solution before we start to build. 

Guide 4: Get a detailed plan

Once you have a concept design, you need a roadmap for making this a reality. A good plan links the design and what you want, to your budget. If you make a change to any design element, it will affect your plan. That is why any plan that’s worth its salt includes a detailed proposal, right down to the number of electrical outlets. 

Guide 5: Hire a “design-and-build” renovator

Unless you are a talented handyman, you’ll be hiring a renovator to do the work for you. Make sure they are a qualified “Design and Build” renovator. That’s because over 50% of kitchen design projects that start with a designer or architect never get built. The design drives the plan and budget. A design and build renovator will ensure these two phases are completely integrated and that nothing falls between the cracks from your concept to final construction. (See our free report on how to choose a qualified renovator).

Architecture 3D Concept Design Service

OakWood customers see their renovation before construction starts!

To ensure seamless integration between production and design OakWood has made a significant investment in a unique 3Dconcept design service. Driven by powerful Design software, OakWood can create 3D models of a project before any work is started.

The large investment in the OakWood Design Division has proven to be well worth while because it drives a very cost efficient yet highly engaging design phase from the customer’s perspective.  

“Our concept design service is part of a brainstorming phase that expertly blends ideas from our design team and the customer,” says Patricia Liptak, General Manager, OakWood. “We use it [Concept Design] to help customers quickly visualize their options while establishing an accurate scope of work document and budget based on final decisions.”  

The Concept Design process is led by an experienced Architectural Technologist, and helped by Interior Designers, who ensures nothing is lost between the design, the final plan, and the final build.  OakWood’s in-house Design Team will expertly blend the ideas and vision that a customer has for their Renovation with a design that works for the space being renovated. The process generally starts with drawing up the existing home or space and then showing the customer the concept renovation design in vivid 3D. These renderings can also be viewed by the customer on their home computer so that they can “wear” the idea before committing to a final solution.

The customer eventually receives a striking rendering that enables them to easily visualize their finished renovation project. This service is an important part of OakWood’s process for confirming exactly what the client wants in a final design while ensuring a high quality renovation that is completed on-time and on-budget.

Oakwood has the best green contractors

In addition to technology trends, OakWood has also been quick to adopt green practices as a way of doing business. And it actively supports the Canada Green Building Council mission to lead and generate the transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings, homes, and communities throughout Canada.

“Green building or sustainable building practices are a fast changing part of our industry,” comments Liptak. “New technologies and products are constantly being developed. “A good Renovator today will not only incorporate green practices into their way of doing business but also provide you with expert advice on how to design and build your renovation in a way that reduces the impact on the environment.”  

Proactive eco-wise practices adopted by OakWood include the use of sustainable materials and methods that use fewer resources to build, less energy to operate, and have a reduced impact on the environment whenever possible, and when economically feasible. OakWood offers a range of green material selection options in most product categories. Dual flush toilets are offered as one of five standard toilet options that are included in OakWood’s price. LED light fixtures are offered for a modest upgrade, and many other green options. “We also support suppliers and design professionals who share our philosophy and our commitment to the planet and that use sustainable and renewable resources,” says Liptak.

Like many “green contractors”, OakWood is constantly growing and learning in its commitment to environmentally sensitive building practices. “The good news is that green products are constantly being developed and improved, becoming more durable, affordable, and widely available,” comments Liptak. 

Tips for DIY Home Renovations

Focused on customer excellence

In addition to providing significant efficiencies,  sophisticated systems and technologies enable OakWood to provide far more attentive customer service. “No matter what we do during the project, we are always focused on ensuring an unparalleled customer experience from beginning to end,” says Liptak.

Debbie Oaks, an OakWood customer, confirms the highly attentive and professional approach: “I found everyone right from the initial designers to the last person out the door to be extremely professional, hardworking, friendly and very respectful of my home. The weekly meetings to discuss the work schedule, as well as any concerns I had were very helpful and kept me abreast of everything.”

Throughout the renovation process, OakWood ensures that customers see up-to-date scheduling information that is part of an overall Oakwood plan. This detailed plan usually includes all architectural requirements, design elements, construction and schedules, City permits and inspections.

Renovations Planning is the ‘heart and soul’ of OakWood

OakWood believes that planning and project management are two keys to renovation success. “Planning is the heart and soul of what we do” confirms Liptak. “The lack of a comprehensive plan is the number one reason renovation timelines and budgets get blown.” By carefully inserting construction focused, state-of-the art technology into their unique Design + Build process, OakWood has created an incredibly efficient planning and project management machine. “We have spent decades developing a unique and comprehensive Design + Build planning process that covers every facet of a renovation from start-up to final inspection, says Liptak.

26% year-over-year growth from Renovations in Ottawa

The technology investment to support these processes and systems has clearly paid dividends. OakWood has achieved remarkable 26% year-over-year growth for the past four years and powered through a grim economy with no loss of momentum. More importantly, technology enables process efficiencies that translate into real benefits for customers. “What impressed me over and over again was the ability of the OakWood Team to deal with each and every issue that came up in record time,” comments Bethany Johnston on their renovation experience.

Over 50 years of history in the home renovations and construction industry

While technology is certainly an important part of the OakWood story, the real foundation for the company’s success is history. OakWood has enjoyed three generations of Liptak family at the helm. The Liptak family has a long history in the construction industry, dating back to 1956 when John Liptak Sr. used his specialized skills to jumpstart a renovation business that continues to this day under the leadership of his son, John Liptak Jr. “I started working in the industry as an apprentice in the early 1970s and became the youngest licensed carpenter in Ontario at 18 years of age in 1978,” says Liptak. “I like to think that being a licensed carpenter first and then a business owner combined with over 32 years of onsite business experience has given our company a decided edge in the marketplace,” he adds.

Experience drives technology investments

Ultimately it is a half-century of experience in the construction industry that enables OakWood to carefully apply technology to continuously improve the business.  In many cases, technology is deployed strategically to support or improve time honoured best practices that harken back to a bygone craftsman era. Not surprisingly, the real driver for technology adoption and continuous process improvement actually comes from the youngest member of the family: Patricia Liptak. 

“My daughter Patricia joined our business in a full-time capacity as General Manager a few years ago after finishing a degree in Law and Business,” says Liptak. “Patricia has really helped to formalize and improve the systems and processes that we have been refining over the last 50 years,” he admits. “I am a really practical guy who learned this business from the ground up. Patricia learned it professionally and that has helped us incredibly. She is the next generation that is coming. Watch out!” he says.

Basement Renovation Tips

“Scary! It looks like a dungeon!” scream your teen’s friend during a party in your house. Then you realize that you need basement renovation. More households have discovered that remodeling a basement can add value and comfort to their home as well. Why not transform your basement into the most popular room in your house? For sure, basement renovation ideas will give you excitement in adding a cool living space. But before you entertain the idea of remodeling your basement; be acquainted with few things that you have to consider to ensure your basement is liveable and safe. It is also important to lay-out a detailed plan, create a budget and figure out how your basement will look like when it’s done. Here are insightful ideas to help with your basement renovation.

How can I deal with moisture in my basement?

Since most of the basement is typically underground, too much moisture may get under your home’s foundation. This can be caused by lack of rain gutters, improper ground grading around the base of your house, and faulty basement plumbing. The following can help you control minor moisture problem:

a.       Apply a water sealer on your concrete floor and walls to prevent moisture from seeping into the basement.

b.      Underneath the basement floor, lay a moisture barrier.

c.       Conduct an inspection of your walls for cracks and fill them.

d.      Choose waterproof and mildew resistant paints designed for the use in basements.

What if I need adequate lighting in basement? 

Naturally, basement lacks lighting since its situated underground. In order to bring remedy, you should consider multiple sources of lighting around the basement. Install fluorescent and recessed lightings to brighten up the room for these can do wonders specially when spread around the basement area. You can also use softer and warmer wall paints to create an illusion of a much brighter and warmer space. If you have budget for natural light, you can also build window wells at the ground level to allow natural light into the basement. 

How to go about basement ceiling? 

Since basements are not originally designed as living spaces, the typical basement may have exposed ducts and pipes. You have two options in dealing with this problem. First, you can install suspended tile ceiling since you occasionally need to access to the ducts and pipes hanging from your basement ceiling. Aside from easy access, this type of ceiling is cost-effective. Second, you can have a drywall ceiling. Compared to suspended ceiling, this type does not lower ceiling and is usually preferred for aesthetics. The issue with drywall ceiling is that you’ll have poor access to important mechanical ducts and pipes in the ceiling. 

How will my basement look like? 

The way your basement look like must be part of your plan. A wide variety of interior designs are available. You can have a traditional family basement which is divided into two zones- the family lounge and a crafts and sewing area. In this type, a photo gallery of botanical prints can create amazing scenery in the lounge area. On the other hand, you can also blend masculine textures with feminine touches creating the basement fitting for the whole family. 

Nowadays, more families are renovating their basement to create a space that everyone can enjoy and within the budget. It’s time to expand and be more artistic in your basement renovation!

Attic Conversion Advice and Tips

Do you still remember your childhood days when you are so fond of climbing up the pitch of your roof? Then, you ask your parents if you can stay in your old home’s attic. Our childhood memories remind us of how mysterious and intriguing the attic is. Today, the attic may still keep some of its allure. More than that, you can use your attic’s space to create new room for your youngsters and add desperately needed living space. Before going into the attic conversion, you must understand the basics that you need to know. Scan through the following atticrenovation ideas from architectural considerations to cost –benefit trade off. 

Is my attic space suitable for renovation? 

It is important to first take a close look at the structural aspects of your attic to determine if renovation is possible. Knowing the architectural structure is a must before going into detailed planning. For headroom height, most local building codes require at least ten feet directly under the ridge line. It must also be at least seven and one half feet over at least 50% of the attic floor space. Regarding your roof, you’re lucky enough if it is supported by cross braces rather than “X” or “W” shaped framing since this create a lot of open area.

Another important consideration is the attic floor. Take note that the attic floor is also part of the ceiling structure of the rooms below. Therefore, you have to make sure that it can handle the weight of using the attic as living space. Otherwise, you will end up with sagging or cracked ceilings or worse a portion of the ceiling may collapse. Now you think this is getting so technical, don’t you? Don’t worry. You can consult renovation experts to help you assess and start with your renovation.

Lighten up your attic

You’re lucky enough if your attic already have some windows. Otherwise, you have to consider including dormers which enable windows to be installed into the attic allowing natural light. Moreover, you can do some wiring to provide lightings and also to add character to your attic. Another great alternative is installing skylights into the roof. 

Heating and cooling system 

In summer, your attic can be very hot and very cold in the winter. Therefore, it is imperative to insulate your attic area well. However, attic living spaces can still be uncomfortably warm or cold even with insulation installed. What shall be done? Experts suggest that a localized heating/ cooling system shall be installed. 

How about a bathroom in the attic? 

Don’t you think owning a bathroom in your attic is an exciting idea? Installing bathrooms in the attic can be tricky because this should be in line with the existing vent and drain stacks. This truth will limit your choice of situating your bathroom in the attic. Additional support structure may be required under the tub area to support the additional weight of your bathroom structures. In addition, a snake plumbing supply lines should be installed up to the attic. 

You can now imagine how fantastic to renovate your attic is. Now, you have the power to turn your childhood dream of staying in an attic into reality. Use your creativity to convert your once dusty and neglected attic areas into the most popular living space in your house.

Home Renovations - Tips Before You Begin

Most of the experts suggests to go rather classical than trendy when home renovation is concerned. The most active reason behind this is the higher resell price for the home, since many trends wear off with time. Then again, there are some trends that blend traditions in them so well that they remain equally stylish and trendy as well as with great resell value. Let’s have a peek on that without delaying much.

Stay Economic


The world economy is a bit down and low these days, think twice before going for any major or big scale renovations. Just keep it simple and stay in budget, that’ll do the trick.

Your Kitchen and Bathroom Needs to be Redone


Kitchen and bathroom are two the most used and important parts of a house, that’s why while going for a renovation, remodel those. If your wallet is a bit more tight then rather do the ‘must do’ ones than the ‘want to do’ ones.

‘DIY’ Can Be Very Comforting


Try to do the changes that are ‘DIY’ or ‘Do It Yourself’ ones than going to a home architect unless that’s absolutely necessary. This can save you a fortune if the changes you are willing to make are limited to change of paints or appliances but if the renovation is larger scale one then DIY can backfire.

Decks are on and Strong


People want to employ a lot of time at home enjoying the gentle touch of breeze sipping a yummy cup of hot and creamy coffee on the deck these days. An expert namely George Christiansen says, "It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently. Many pools are also being built in the neighborhood."

Choose light and Lively Shades


The favorite color tones are light yellow and some kiss of bronze to illuminate the environment of the home. Yet, never hesitate to pick something more traditional if your choice permits, just try to pick milder colors than the vibrant ones since when it comes down to the paints, quiet and calm speak the best

Gorgeously Great in Green


People are all in take their homes much closer to nature. Bark sidings, wooden or bamboo floors along with grass thatched rooftops are really popular these days. Along with these recyclable products, energy saving appliances and lights are very much popular in modern home renovation ideas.

Tech-Mate Household


Our life is seriously based on technology these days and that’s why it becomes a lot easier if we make our dwellings technologically friendly. An electronic closet can keep the electronic products and gadgets safe and secured while a conduit can make the cables spread and kept them secured nice and easy. Many renovation ideas even suggest and keep points for speakers to give the home a better surround sound system.

Industrial finish is On


Stainless steel beam and other industrial stuff like that are very much in season these days. Many people work from home so it can be proved functional.

Do it yourself or go to the home architect, no matter whatever you do just don’t forget to keep a plan for the future. If you want to stay years in the house, you should do the design in a more flexible way so that your home can add up some more things which you might need once you become older, like adding up extra shower steps or more lights can be done without any trouble.