A multi-award-winning renovator, Lagois Design-Build-Renovate is offering a main-floor update that reconnects the home to its backyard for its stop in the 2025 RenoTour Parade of Homes.
The project, which is a finalist in this fall’s Ottawa Housing Design Awards, is all about making that indoor-outdoor connection, updating the kitchen, adding a screened-in porch and bringing light to the dining room.
The RenoTour Parade of Homes is presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and RenoMark (a national program that identifies professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner).
This home is one of seven that can be seen in person on Oct. 19. There is no charge, although donations, both food and money, are being accepted for the Ottawa Food Bank.
Get the tour map at renotourparadeofhomes.ca or pick up a brochure at the GOHBA booth at the Ottawa Fall Home Show (EY Centre, Oct. 2-5).
If you can’t make the in-person tour, 3D virtual walk-throughs will be available afterwards on the tour website.
Here’s more info on Lagois Design-Build-Renovate and its project from president Jacob Kirst (edited for clarity).
Q: What made you decide to join the tour this year?
A: At Lagois, everything starts with people, their stories, their goals and how they want to live. RenoTour is a powerful way to connect with homeowners who are asking those same questions. It’s not just about showcasing beautiful work, it’s about inviting others to imagine what’s possible when a renovation is led by vision, trust and collaboration and it’s a wonderful opportunity for homeowners to meet industry professionals and find the right fit for them.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: It represents what so many families hope for: to stay in the home they love but evolve it to support a new chapter. This was about more than improving a layout; it was about restoring clarity, comfort and joy to a home with deep meaning. It’s a clear example of how we help our clients not just renovate but redefine how they live.
Q: What can you tell us about this project?
A: This was a kitchen transformation designed to improve flow, bring in more natural light (through adding windows to an existing dark dining room), and create a warm, welcoming extension of the home through a covered rear porch (indoor/outdoor integration). Working closely with the homeowners, we brought forward a space that reflects their story and the vision they had for their home.
Q: What kinds of things should visitors watch for when they tour the project?
A: They should notice how seamlessly the new porch integrates with the home, feeling as though it has always been part of the original design. The red porch door mirrors the red front door, creating a balanced connection between front and back.
In the kitchen, the familiar layout has been enhanced with improved flow, well-defined work zones and smarter storage solutions, demonstrating how thoughtful refinements can elevate function without a full redesign. Everything new respects the character and vintage of the home, ensuring a cohesive and timeless result.
Q: What do you expect to have on hand for visitors?
A: Our team will be there to walk visitors through the story behind the renovation, not just what was done, but why. We’ll have before-and-after visuals, layout drawings and material samples on hand. Most importantly, we’ll be available to listen, answer questions and help people think about their own possibilities.
The virtual tour will feature before-and-after views, along with pop-up insights on materials, layout changes and the design thinking behind key decisions. It’s an easy way to explore how purposeful design can transform the way a home lives.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: For over 40 years, Lagois Design-Build-Renovate has helped families across Ottawa create homes that support their lives, today and into the future. We’re a full-service firm offering architectural design, renovations and custom homes, with a client-first approach rooted in integrity, advocacy and collaboration. We don’t just build spaces; we perfect the art of living.
Q: What’s the value of this tour for those who will visit the homes?
A: Every home has a story — and this tour lets people step inside one of those stories. Whether you’re dreaming, planning or simply curious, RenoTour gives you the chance to experience how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can elevate daily living. It’s about more than inspiration; it’s about seeing what’s possible when your home reflects who you are.
