Multi-award-winning renovator, custom builder and sustainability advocate RND Construction offers up an unusual project in the 2023 Reno Tour — the new home of its founder.
While Reno Tour typically showcases renovation projects of Ottawa-area companies, this custom home was an ideal choice for RND. It’s also a rare opportunity to see what a renovator builds for himself.
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 RND Construction and its project from president Roy Nandram (edited for clarity).
Q: What made you decide to join the tour this year?
A: As dedicated participants in both GOHBA and our local community, we derive immense satisfaction from engaging in the tour, extending our assistance to Habitat for Humanity, and making new acquaintances. Since its inception in 2015, we have consistently taken pride in our involvement in the tour, and this year continues that unbroken tradition.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: Even though our project is not a renovation, we are presenting a home design that bears striking resemblances to our renovation projects. This home is innovative and boasts distinctive elements, including an elevator, a secondary unit in the basement, space utilization beneath the garage, and Net Zero certification.
As people explore this home, they will notice the exceptional renovation finishes we can offer in the bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, staircases and outdoor living areas.
Q: Tell us about this project.
A: This house was built on a unique lot, bordering three streets. Designing the house to adhere to bylaw requirements posed a challenging task. This house has some special elements such as solar panels integrated into the exterior wall, a secondary dwelling unit in the basement with a separate entrance, and a space under the garage that was finished as living space.
Q: What kinds of things should visitors watch out for when they tour the project?
A: Visitors should watch for multiple green features, the complex mechanical system, the elevator for aging in place, the secondary dwelling unit in the basement, and how the space under the garage was utilized.
Q: For the in-person tour, what do you expect to have on hand for visitors?
A: The homeowner, who also happens to be the owner of the house’s builder, RND Construction, will be in attendance. We will have information about Net Zero homes, suppliers will have brochures and we will be serving refreshments.
Q: For the virtual tour, will you be adding any extra details?
A: We will have pop-ups with more information on materials used and details on features of the home.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: With a history spanning more than three decades, our expertise lies in constructing and renovating homes that prioritize energy efficiency, airtightness and overall well-being. Throughout this process, our unwavering goal is to ensure that the result is nothing short of breathtaking. This principle is encapsulated in our motto: Sustainability with Style.
Q: What’s the value of this tour for those who will visit the homes?
A: They gain valuable insights into various aspects of home design, construction and innovation. They can witness firsthand the application of different architectural styles, materials and construction techniques. Additionally, they can learn about energy-efficient and sustainable features that contribute to a healthier living environment.
Engaging with homeowners, builders and experts on the tour allows visitors to ask questions, gather ideas and gather inspiration for their own homes. Overall, the tour provides a unique and educational experience that can broaden visitors’ understanding of home construction, design trends and the importance of sustainability.
