Posts by Lou
Project Spotlight: Kitchen Reno Creates More Space
This Etobicoke kitchen was in dire need of an update. The existing kitchen had previously been renovated in the 1980s and featured blue laminate cabinets, white tile floor and dated appliances – all elements that made the kitchen feel small, dark and dated. Additionally, the refrigerator was peculiarly placed in the middle of the room,…
+ Read MoreInspire Homes Nominated for Business Excellence Award
For most people, getting a call from their banker is bad news – there’s a problem with your account, or they’re trying to sell you something. So it was a pleasant surprise when I got a call from my bank manager a few weeks ago, telling me she’s nominating Inspire Homes for the Caledon Business…
+ Read MoreNew Car Options Are Like Custom Homes and Renos
A few days ago, I went to a car dealership. I’m not looking for a new car, but I was interested to see what the new 2013 models looked liked. One of the vehicles on the showroom floor was an entry level luxury sedan that started with a base price of $39,500. With various options…
+ Read MoreWhat Can You Renovate for $35,000?
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), along with RenoMark, is holding a contest to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Toronto Star’s ‘New In Homes’ section. For 35 weeks, BILD will be accepting entries, and will then award a $35,000 prize to one lucky winner. The money must be used for a new…
+ Read More5 Reasons For Change Orders
On home renovation and house addition projects we work on, we start the project with a clearly defined scope of work, and on larger projects, a set of architectural drawings. As the work on the project progresses, there may become a need or a desire to deviate from the original plans and scope of work. …
+ Read MoreThe King of Rock and Roll … and Plumbing
John Cigan is no ordinary plumber. You will know right away if the owner of Carl & Son Plumbing and Heating is on the job installing plumbing for one of Inspire Home’s renovated kitchens – because you’ll be able to hear him before you see him. This plumbing and heating specialist has made a “second…
+ Read MoreBuilding a Legal Basement Apartment
Homes with basement apartments are popular with many homeowners due to the income potential. However, creating a legal basement apartment isn’t as simple as finishing a basement for personal use. And just because a home already has a basement apartment, it doesn’t mean it is a legal basement apartment. By definition, a legal basement apartment…
+ Read MoreProject Spotlight: Adding A Bedroom
A while back, we were approached by a homeowner in Etobicoke to build an addition to their home. The existing house was a one-and-a-half storey home. A previous addition at the back had added a family room, so there was ample living space. But the home had only two bedrooms, and the homeowners were looking…
+ Read MoreKeeping Your Renovation Project On Budget
For every renovation or construction project that is completed on budget, there is another that goes over budget. Budgeting is not difficult, it is probably one of the easier aspects of a construction project. As we look at our past projects, there are key elements that determine whether a project will be completed on budget,…
+ Read MoreCustom Home Construction Cost
Updated: January 2021 Again this week we got asked the question: “What is the cost of building a custom home?” Usually, the homeowner is looking for a per square foot price. And as always, we didn’t have a short answer to the question. Before we start discussing the cost of building a custom home, let’s…
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