Toronto Fridge Panels

Fridge panels by Toronto Custom Concepts add an elegant and stylish impact to your kitchen renovation project.   When properly planned out they provide gorgeous continuity of your cabinetry through-out both your kitchen and appliances.

Toronto Dishwasher Panels

Fridge panels not only complement your surrounding kitchen cabinetry but they are also less problematic with the appearance of minor knicks and scratches versus traditional stainless steel fridges that are considered tarnished if they get a tiny scratch which usually stands out like a sore thumb and also have a high repair cost to fix.  These appliance panels work with a variety of different appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, wine fridges to name a few.

Toronto Fridge Panels

Toronto Custom Concepts has a wide variety of fridge panels to choose from.   So if your preference is to have a kitchen style that is more traditional, contemporary, modern or rustic, we can showcase a wide range of product styles, colours and finishes to choose from to work with the compatible appliances in which you are thinking about purchasing.

Let us know if you want to see our work showcasing our designs and installations of fridge panels in the greater Toronto area!

Toronto Man Cave Basement

This basement renovation by TorontoCC was focused on building out a man cave games room area. This project included the rec room with flat screen TV, signed sports memorabilia and pool table.

Toronto Man Cave

So we built out the man cave basement with a design layout that would accommodate a large open area for a pool/snooker table.   A couple of important elements need to be considered when it comes to building out a pool table area.   One is the size of the table...pool tables vary in size and some snooker tables are very large.   For this particular client they selected a 4 x 8 table which is a standard size.   Now one must also consider a 4 foot open area surrounding the pool table on all sides to account for the necessary room for shooting with the pool cue.   Smaller cues are available for tight areas, but pool pros prefer the full sized cues.   Next, one must consider ample seating around a pool table as the majority of the players are watching one player shoot.    Often higher barstool are great for watching pool....especially the ones with built-in cue and drink holders :)

Basement Windows Renovation

This Toronto basement renovation with two windows was completed recently in an upscale home in last month by TCC.    When designing your basement layout, it is important to visualize how you want your windows to look once your basement has been renovated.  We suggest you consider the following items:  minimal drywall joins due to any overhead beams, drop down ceilings, corners...you should also plan for clearance of window trim as well...we have seen some awful basement designs where the windows were obviously neglected in the design phase by the clients/contractors... proper basement planning is the key to a successful basement renovation project...ask us for our basement design checklist!

Basement Renovation Windows

Toronto General Contractors

When researching a GTA general contractor you must ensure that the contractors you are evaluating provide you will the following information:

1) Licensed Contractors (we are registered here http://www.oakville.ca/townhall/licensed-contractors.html)
2) Business Liability Insurance (a minimum of $1.5 Million)
3) Dozens of examples of finished related jobs (that they have completed)
4) References (clients who are willing to validate the companies quality of work)
5) Online testimonials (with this new world of social, internet etc...consumers can be better informed before making a decision.  This is increasingly more important as it seems there are more fly-by-night contractors now than ever before)
6)WSIB Insurance

Good luck on selecting your general contractor for your next job!

Toronto Closet Reviews

When reviewing any Toronto closet vendors installers, please keep in mind a few tips...

1. Do your homework.  Look online and review background checks on your potential closet vendors
2. Ask about timeframes...Some Toronto vendors are unable to commit to timetables and schedules
3. Ensure companies are licensed and insured in and around the greater Toronto area.
4. Ask your vendors to work with your to produce an electronic rendering of what your space will look like...With technology so cheap, there is no reason why a vendor shouldnt be doing this for you
5.  References, references, references....look online, check out websites, and directories.  If you potential feedback doesnt have credible feedback and references there has to be a reason to why not

Good luck!

Laundry Room Organization

First step to laundry room organization is to figure out the future placement of your washer and dryer units (side by side, stacked, recessed etc) while working within your available laundry room real estate .....and then assessing the associated plumbing needs such as faucets,sinks, drains...throw in some electrical work and dryer ventilation and you have more that a just a quick Saturday afternoon project.

Here is a job that we did some custom cabinets under the sink that also offers tonnes of new countertop space and plus hideaway storage for dirty laundry while building in the machines to flow with the organizational layout of the laundry room.

October is NKBA Kitchen & Bath Month

 

In the spirit of October being NKBA Kitchen and Bath month, we figure we would point you to a useful information source for tips to consider for your next kitchen or bath remodel project.

 

This list provides do's and don'ts if you are planning on undertaking one of these projects in the future.

 

Here is the link:

http://www.nkba.org/Learn/Homeowners/Tips/Remodeling/ManageKitchenOrBathRemodel.aspx 

 

Enjoy!

Toronto Bookcases

When considering a bookcase, there are always a few things you should consider before engaging a contractor to custom build your bookcase.  Lets start off with the following:

1) Booksize - determine the size of your largest book and the average of your existing books collection.  Believe it or not but we have seen some customers with a fully installed custom bookcase and yet some books are sitting on the floor beside the bookcase, as the books are unable to fit or they are awkwardly positioned sitting sideways on a shelf

2) Book Weight - it doesnt appear to seem like a big thing, but the weight of dozens of thick books jammed together, it can have a warping effect on thinner shelves that have wide distances between vertical gables

3) Book Accessibility - for those folks who want higher shelving, make sure you do a high reach test.  If you can't reach the top shelf easily, maybe consider incorporating a sliding rail ladder into your design.  They often come in 3, 5, and 7 step combinations and have a wide range of price points.  They are not only functional, but they also add an element of class to your custom bookcase.

Take care

Cabinet Wood Types

When considering what type of wood to select for your cabinets, here is a list of common wood types that you should think about:

Pine - a softer wood that it usually considered for a more rustic/cottage look and feel due to the knots within the wood.  Prone to dent easier than other woods due to its soft density. Typically on the lower cost than other woods as well.

Oak - a much harder and denser wood with open grains running through out it.  Typically much more durable and seen in a variety of different colours and shades.

Maple - another hardwood with less grain variation than Oak. 

Hickory - also another option to be considered when looking for a more rustic appearance.

Mahogony - provides more of a richer deep wood appearance, typically highlighted in accents of brownish/redish colour tones. 

Poplar - a common, more plentiful wood commonly used in cabinets.  A more cost effective wood used for many wood construction projects.

Wall Unit Designs

When designing a wall unit, there are different considerations that one must take into account before ordering one.

Let's start with dimensions...when measuring out your future wall unit, one must not only take into account the physical size of the wall unit cabinets, but also the additional real estate consumed by any decorative accents that sit on top and around the actual wall unit, such as crown moulding, as it can add a few additional inches to all sides of the structure.   Don't forget to also consider the size of additional furniture moulding, wood trim, decorative accents as well that you plan to add to your dimension drawings.

Next, remember to account for utilities and accessibility.  For example, if you would like a wall unit with potlights/accent lighting, you then need to ensure that you budget for the incremental costs of having your contractor/electrican prepare the area for your electric needs beforehand.  You also need to consider your power outlet needs and accessibility to these locations as well.

Now, depending on your TV, stereo and electronics needs, you will also need to consider how to implement hidden cabling for your TV, electronics, cable box, satellite box, speakers, Bluray/DVD players.

Permenant shelving vs adjustable shelving is also somethere to consider as your needs may change over time, and the flexibility of adjustable shelves allows you to modify as necessary so that you can ensure you enjoy your custom wall unit for a very long time!

Custom Basements - Things To Considers Before Starting a Renovation

When deciding how to design your custom basement, many folks forget to take into account many considerations before having work started on their basements.  Ask yourself, "What should I consider when designing a basement..."

First, determine what is the basement going to be used for...perhaps:
-Secondary family room
-Playroom for the kids
-Additional bedrooms
-Kitchenette
-TV theatre room
-Entertaining wetbar / games room
-Custom bathroom / spa
Or a combination of any/all of these....the possibilities are ENDLESS :)

Now, once you figure your list of what you need/want, next is getting into the layout.  This process is very important to ensure you get the most out of your basement renovation project.  You need to walk around with a tape measure to get accurate dimensions of your potential rooms.  In an unfinished basement, use masking tape on the floor to envision walls, furniture, objects, and walkways (ie:  remember putting in a 4x8 pool table also requires a few feet of clearance around the entire table).  Typically, sketch out your layout with furniture on graph paper to get a better accurate idea of spacing.

Next, once you figure out the layout, you should list/sketch out all of your accessories (lamps, mini-fridge, tv, stereos, computers etc...).  This will help you map out and determine your electrical, heating/venting and lighting needs.  Don't forget to consider where your windows are for bringing in nature light as well into your custom basement design.

Check out our custom basement ideas or our picture gallery to get you started...

Good luck!

Move or Invest In Your Home

You've contemplated a move, looked over homes on the market, and then re-looked at your current home, and think, maybe it was best to stay put and invest in a home renovation. Before you start,  there are some key considerations you should really sit down and think over before deciding what to renovate in your home. One of the key considerations is resolving functionality issues that need fixing in your current space - do you want to move because your current space doesn't work for you any longer or is it too small? Will a renovation address and resolve the issues? Does your neighbourhood warrant the level of renovation you're planning on investing in? How much should you invest in your home?

Next and probably one of the most important steps is to hire a professional designer or architect. If your renovation is substantial and requires structural changes, hiring a professional or specialist is critical in ensuring you're doing a proper job. Renovation mistakes can be costly, and hiring a designer or architect to properly plan for the entire project from start to finish will save you loads. Carefully research designers and architects you are considering to hire, interview them to ensure your personalities connect well and they hear your wishes and concerns. 

 Next you're ready to hire a contractor. Make sure you check references. Check previous jobs and at least one current project site. Select 2 to 3 contractors that you approve of to be ready for plans to bid on. Once you've nailed down plans for the renovation job, you can ask each to provide their costing.

Now you're ready for the actual design process. Maintain files, samples, and notes for each room you are working on. Insert magazine clippings with specific notes on what you like and dislike. Create your wish lists of likes and dislikes for each room, no matter how small or big the point may be.

Make sure all permits are on hand on site.  Do your homework yourself when it comes to permits, even if the contractor says he will take care of things. Always check with your local building department.

You are now ready for the actual work.  Always ensure you have adequate funds for the renovation and a reserve fund for unforeseen issues or changes in the scope of the project. The larger the project, the more reserve you will need. It does not mean you have to spend it – but you most likely won’t be able to get more once you start the work. 

  

Patience is key when it comes to any reno, no matter how big or small. Just keep the end in mind and before you know it, you will be enjoying the benefits!