Useful Websites for Home Renovation
Updated on
There are many resources online that can assist you in your home renovation process. Check out our favorite websites!
|
Renovation Research
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – For Consumers
An indispensable resource for your home needs whether purchasing or renovating. It contains advice on improving energy efficiency, financing your renovation, and hiring your contractor.
|
| |
| Canadian Home Builders Association
Provides information on factors to consider when designing the kitchen. Fantastic worksheets to prepare you for the renovation ( see: “Resource Centre” in the Index ). |
| |
| Plumbing Mart
Detailed kitchen checklist as well as construction and contractor tips along the way. See especially the link “planning to renovate your kitchen”. |
| |
| Rona
Has an excellent planning guide to help you with your kitchen renovation as well as an article on standard measurements for cabinets and appliances. |
| |
| The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on how to obtain energy efficiency grants, how to improve the energy efficiency of your house, and Energy Star appliances. |
| |
| |
| |
| This Old House
Great articles on kitchen design and function.
Green Products
| Urban Tree Salvage
A local “eco-flooring” company that offers hard maple and soft maple floors from old Toronto city trees. |
| |
| The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Lists all the qualified Energy Star appliances in Canada. |
| |
| Greenfloors.com
A US-based site, with great information on renewable flooring products ( most products like cork, bamboo and linoleum available in Toronto, but just not in one specialized store ). |
| |
| Silkroadflooring.com
Sells bamboo flooring. |
Our favorite websites for planning:
| |
| |
| Canadian Home Builders Association
Tips on hiring a renovator. |
| |
| City of Toronto
City of Toronto website, when and how to apply for building permits. |
| |
| Holmes on Homes
Mike Holmes’ tips on hiring contractors and when to get building permits. |
| |
| Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – For Consumers
Information on hiring a contractor. |
| |
| Ontario Association of Architects
Information ( including duties and fee structures ) on hiring an architect in Ontario. |
| |
Fixtures
| About.com, Interior Decorating
Factors to consider when looking at kitchen cabinets. |
| |
| BobVilla.com
The basics on the three different kinds of cabinets. |
| |
| Kitchens.com
A great overview of the different kinds of countertops available. Note, this is an American site. |
| |
| FranklinReport.com
A great website for hiring professionals in home renovation, but it is specific to cities in the US. However, it gives a good overview of the different types of stone and tile, millwork and cabinetry, available and information on what to look for in a good installer. |
| |
| Kitchens.com
A great overview of many different types
of flooring and what to consider in choosing it. |
| |
| Lowes.com
US-based website, buying guide for faucets. |
| |
| Consumer Reports
If you are a subscriber to consumer reports it’s a great way to narrow down the choice of appliances. Whether or not you are a subscriber, there are good articles on how to choose a new appliance. |
| |
| HomePortfolio.com
Look in the kitchen section for information on sinks, faucets, cabinets, appliances and countertops. |
Construction
| HomeTime.com
Great overview on demolition and framing of a new kitchen. |
| |
| The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Lists the different types of insulation and how and when they’re used. |
Services
Our favourite websites:
| The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on the different types of heating systems. Includes how a renovation affects heating system. |
| |
| The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on different types of cooling systems. Includes how a renovation affects the air conditioning system. |
| |
| HomePortfolio.com
Information on different types of lighting, and new products on the market. US-based site. |
| |
| |
| |
-->| How your House Works by HomeTips.com
A good diagram of the pipes ( and what they’re for ) under the kitchen sink. |
Finishes
Our favourite websites:
| Benjamin Moore
All about types of paint and colour. |
| |
| Kitchens.com
Different types of mouldings and trim. |
| |
| Kitchens.com
Different available wall coverings from tile to pressed tin. |
|