Lagois Design-Build-Renovate has a whole-home renovation — inside and out — to showcase on the 2021 Reno Tour.
This home was completely made over, creating a dramatic before-and-after effect. Changes included:
- A non-functioning rear addition was replaced, allowing for an expanded kitchen and sitting area
- An angled front entry was added that, along with new exterior cladding, seriously ups the curb appeal
- The existing fireplace was transitioned into a focal point.
The Reno Tour is presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and showcases renovation projects by members of RenoMark (a program where participating companies are pre-screened and must meet strict guidelines).
The virtual tour offers interactive 3D walk-throughs that let you explore each project at your own pace and includes descriptions of each of the projects, many augmented with details such as before-and-after photos, intro videos and other multimedia labels.
Here’s more info on Lagois Design-Build-Renovate and its project (edited for clarity).
Q: What made you decide to join the tour this year?
A: We have been a part of the Reno Tour since 2016. We have always taken pride in showing others the work we have completed for our clients. There was always a great turnout, and it is a great way to meet potential new clients and for them to meet us as well. COVID-19 definitely put a twist into plans for 2020, but the virtual tour was a great solution.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: It is one of our projects with the most dramatic transformation. Our relationship with the homeowner is wonderful — he was engaged from design to fruition.
Q: Tell us a bit about this project.
A: There was an old, non-functional addition at the back of the house, beyond the point of rehabilitation, that was demolished. A new rear addition allowed for kitchen expansion and a sitting area that truly integrated indoor/outdoor living.
To make the front entry more inviting, the (porch) addition is angled, adding not only curb appeal but allowing for a formal spacious entry for guests, family and pets. The main floor is an open-concept design that suits the homeowner’s lifestyle and the existing fireplace was transitioned into a focal point.
The kitchen features Miele appliances, a coffee station, ice drawer, speed ovens surrounded by stunning blue cabinetry in the island and a range hood offset with white wall cabinets.
A new mudroom features ample storage and floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry. Completing the mudroom is a dog door, a well-used feature! The garage is insulated and finished, complete with a stunning epoxy floor.
The main bathroom was given an upgrade with new fixtures and a gorgeous vertical tile tub surround.
Part of the design goal was to increase energy performance and update the exterior of the home. Wrapping the home in a “blanket” of insulation and increasing attic insulation has significantly improved comfort as well as energy performance.
The exterior stone and cement fibre board combination make this home a pleasure to come home to. The before-and-after transformation is simply stunning.
This project was executed during COVID, which was a challenge, especially the uncertainty at the early stages. Initially, we shut down all our construction projects, then, when we felt it was safe to start up again, we needed to maintain a safe work environment, limit workers and secure materials, all of which contributed to the challenges.
A practical challenge was managing water runoff from the rear yard, being quite elevated. This was overcome with retaining walls (integrated into the overall landscape design) and grading so that water naturally flows away from the rear and around to the front of the home.
Our process is such that we don’t encourage change orders (things that need to be altered during construction that are not part of the original contract), however, our homeowner holds the record for the number of change orders for one project. Although all the new ideas — such as renovating two remaining bedrooms, master bedroom, custom dining light, remote reverse osmosis, mechanical upgrades, finishing garage, lowering garage floor — were great and were done, it challenged our team to stay on schedule.
Q: What should visitors watch out for when they tour the project?
A: The initial feel walking into the home, which is warm, inviting and open, yet not cavernous. One’s eye is immediately drawn to the stunning custom kitchen complemented with Miele appliances. With further glances, one captures the custom light above the dining room table and the fireplace and surround.
Finishes such as the tile selections for the front entrance and bathroom are exquisite. As well, large windows integrate the indoors and outdoors, offering an abundance of natural light. Indoor living is physically extended to the outdoors under a covered porch.
Definitely something to watch for would be the custom cabinetry. The feel of the space when you walk into it is open and welcoming.
Q: Will you be adding any extra details, such as pop-up info on materials used or being able to see before shots from the same angle?
A: We will be adding pop-up info for materials used, along with some before pictures. The layout has changed drastically so there will be different angles for before-and-after pictures. It will definitely give you an idea of what the space previously looked like.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: Lagois has been around since 1984. We have matured over the last 37 years and have experienced many changes. Now we have a peace-of-mind proven process that commits to being on time and on budget, backed up with a five-year warranty — a process that truly helps our homeowners love where they live.
At Lagois, our clients are not a number. Our service is personalized, where you can trust you will be heard.
