Multi-award-winning renovator and custom builder Lagois Design-Build-Renovate has hit a milestone with its project in the 2023 Reno Tour — the company’s first Net Zero Ready renovation.
After moving into this house in the ’80s, it was time for the now-empty nesters to modernize it and create a home they could enjoy as long as possible. They wanted it to be spacious, efficient and comfortable, adapting to their needs as they age, with a good flow and lots of natural light.
That meant opening up walls, removing dropped sections of flooring for smoother transitions, wider doors, a revamped kitchen and ensuite and elevating the home to achieve a Net Zero Ready Reno label.
The Reno Tour 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. 1. The tour is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or at either of Habitat’s ReStore locations: 768 Belfast Rd. at Ottawa Train Yards or 3 Iber Rd. in Stittsville.
If you can’t make the in-person tour, 3D virtual walk-throughs of the homes (plus an eighth bonus home) will be available afterwards at RenoTour.ca.
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: Lagois has participated in the Reno Tour since it commenced. We believe it is the best way for homeowners to view our work firsthand, meet the team and ask questions to be more informed prior to undertaking a renovation.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: This is the first Net Zero Ready renovation for us, and in a society that is very conscious of energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, we felt it is important to show people that they can transform a home they already love into a well-built, beautiful home while improving energy efficiency.
Q: Tell us about this project.
A: A geologist by trade, one of the homeowners has always been very conscientious about the environment, so they wanted to explore the options open to them for a Net Zero Ready home. That includes new windows, doors and exterior insulation, with a new building envelop to aid in energy efficiency.
This is also their forever home and they would like to age in place within this home. With floors not all one level, they were leveled to make a cohesive transition from room to room, doorways were widened and the ensuite was enhanced with a curb-less shower.
Q: What kinds of things should visitors watch out for when they tour the project?
A: Barrier-free living, curb-less shower (aging-in-place accessibility), wider interior doors and natural light.
Q: For the in-person tour, what do you expect to have on hand for visitors?
A: The Lagois team will be present. It is a great opportunity for folks to see what is possible; we take pride in our work. It is a great opportunity for homeowners considering a renovation to be able to understand products, materials and design considerations. We encourage folks to ask questions of our team so they can make informed decisions and considerations for their renovation goals.
Q: For the virtual tour, will you be adding any extra details?
A: Yes, we will have some material listings and supplier info. There will be some before pictures as well.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: Lagois Design-Build-Renovate has been helping owners in the Ottawa and surrounding area for 40 years to transform their home into a space that aligns with their family’s lifestyle and goals.
Our commitment is that each project will be built to the highest standards, with continuous attention to detail, and outstanding client service from start to finish.
Q: What’s the value of this tour for those who will visit the homes?
A: It is a great opportunity for homeowners who are considering renovating their space to see what is possible, meet the team they may be working with to help them accomplish their goals, while having the ability to ask questions about the process, products, systems and design considerations.
