Nine homes, six hours, one fabulous tour: If you’re considering a renovation, there’s no better way to check out potential renovators than stepping inside one of their projects to see, feel and experience their work — enter the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes.
This house tour of renovation projects and more boasts everything from a kitchen makeover to a home rebuild. You’ll find two coach homes, aging-in-place/accessibility projects, a multi-unit infill and more from several of Ottawa’s top renovators. All participants are part of RenoMark, which is a national program that identifies professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner.
“Experiencing a renovation firsthand allows you to truly immerse yourself in the space and envision what could work for your own home,” says Jason Burggraaf, executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, which is organizing the tour. “I encourage everyone who’s considering a renovation project to check out what’s possible when you use a professional renovator.”
Now in its 10th year, the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes will showcase nine homes in person on Oct. 6. Afterwards, most can be toured virtually via immersive 3D walk-throughs at RenoTour.ca.
Participating companies are:
- Amsted Design-Build — accessible main-floor makeover in Ottawa West
- ARTium Design Build — main-floor renovation in Carp
- GoodStory — multi-unit infill in Old Ottawa East
- Lagois Design-Build-Renovate — basement & accessible main-floor remodel in Ottawa West
- MBHE — coach house (secondary dwelling) in Hammond
- Ottawa General Contractors — coach house in Orléans
- RND Construction — whole-home renovation in Alta Vista
- Spectrum Kitchen & Bath Design — kitchen addition and renovation in Centretown
- The Conscious Builder — whole-home renovation in Overbrook
“You won’t find a better chance to get a feel for local builders and their work, and even chat with other homeowners in your community about their projects,” says Casey Grey, founder of The Conscious Builder. “It’s a great way to get out and around Ottawa and get some insight —literally! — into what is possible.”
There is no charge to take part. Brochures with details on the tour stops can be found online (or scan/tap the QR code below). You can also pick up a map in person at the GOHBA booth at the Ottawa Fall Home Show (EY Centre, Sept. 26-29). Homes will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and representatives from the participating companies will be on hand to answer questions and share details of their projects.
“It’s like Pinterest come to life!” says Stephanie Haw, Amsted’s marketing and human resources director. “It’s a chance to get a sense for several high-quality renovators in the area … (and) if you simply have a love for interior design and architecture, this is a great way to spend a Sunday feeling inspired.”
Here’s a peek at the stops on the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes:
Amsted Design-Build: accessible main-floor makeover
This project is thoughtfully designed for entertaining while respecting the home’s original features and keeping accessibility needs in mind. The kitchen, dining room, living room, sunroom, powder room and laundry room were reimagined, with the fireplace relocated to open the kitchen and take advantage of the connection between the sunroom and dining/living space.
This project is a prime example of how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated without compromising on design, Haw says.
ARTium Design Build: main-floor renovation
This early 2000s home has been well maintained, but with retirement and an empty nest, the homeowners finally had the chance to design and build a kitchen, dining, living room and ensuite renovation of their dreams.
Standout details include a huge kitchen with an expansive island and generous custom cabinetry that provides beautiful focal points with a ton of storage.
The project is a finalist in this fall’s Ottawa Housing Design Awards.
GoodStory: multi-unit infill
Designed by architect Rosaline Hill and with input from designer Nathan Kyle — both multi-award winners — this four-unit infill project is intended for a multi-generational family, with grandparents living in one of the top units when in town and the children/grandchildren in the other one. Each unit has a basement apartment that can be rented out.
“This kind of ownership helps in terms of affordability for a couple looking to purchase, as the income in the basement helps them qualify for something they might not have been able to purchase otherwise,” says GoodStory’s Jenniffer Alvarenga.
While some may not like the idea of three or four units on an urban lot, Alvarenga says her team wanted to “help others see how intensification can also be beautiful and take into account the neighbourhood fabric.”
Lagois Design-Build-Renovate: basement & accessible main-floor remodel
To accommodate a family member who needed a fully accessible space, Lagois created a flex area that included a cosy living room with kitchenette (above), barrier-free bathroom, and bedroom with built-in cabinetry.
This project also included creating better flow and storage in a more open kitchen, as well as renovating the basement to replace the main-floor family room that was taken over for the accessible space.
The project is a finalist in this fall’s Ottawa Housing Design Awards.
MBHE: coach house / secondary dwelling
Taking innovation to the next level, this coach house checks a lot of boxes when it comes to the growing trends of multi-generational living, aging in place, housing affordability, income generation, a net zero home and meeting accessibility needs.
It is the Ottawa area’s first net zero coach house, says MBHE, with solar panels offsetting not only all the energy needs of the coach home but also 95 per cent of the main home’s needs. This stylish unit comes with two bedrooms, 900+ square feet, 12-foot ceilings and more.
Ottawa General Contractors: coach house / secondary dwelling
This stop on the tour is also a coach house, but this time in a suburban backyard. Although a secondary unit, this home has all the comforts and functionality of a full-sized home in a thoughtfully designed compact space.
Seating for eight in the living room and six in the dining room, a fully equipped kitchen with island, oversized windows, a vaulted ceiling and a bedroom with room for a king-sized bed and furniture — this coach house offers a serene and self-contained living experience with everything you need for modern living in a smaller footprint.
RND Construction: whole-home renovation
This reimagined 1950s bungalow is more than just a modern home; it’s a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living — a cornerstone of RND Construction’s approach to renovations and custom homes.
With its modern exterior finishes and landscaping (to come), high-end interior details and commitment to energy efficiency, this net zero ready home sets a new standard for contemporary design and environmental responsibility, says company founder Roy Nandram, who is a multi-award-winner. “It’s a perfect example of how old can meet new to create something truly extraordinary.”
Spectrum: addition and kitchen renovation
A dated and tiny kitchen in a century home needed some serious attention and a lot more room. Enter this addition and renovated space spearheaded by Holland Homes.
Spectrum was brought in for the new, expanded kitchen, where the centrepiece is an island that seats six, with a lowered section perfect for baking (especially rolling dough!). The new kitchen also features appliance storage, a food pantry, lots of drawers and tons of countertop space for multiple chefs.
The Conscious Builder: whole-home renovation
This Ottawa home has been thoroughly renewed, inside and out. From an exterior retrofit that included a new insulation strategy and wall assembly, to interior redesigns requiring re-engineering and wall framing, this home has had a full transformation.
Not only is it beautiful with all the new details and finishes, it’s also far more efficient, says company founder Casey Grey. “This home is a great example of what a lot of our current housing stock needs.”
The owners now get to enjoy upgrades in every space of their home, from the new kitchen to the revamped basement.