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RW Contracting · Ottawa

Tips and Tricks by Riley

Practical answers for planning renovations, exterior repairs and outdoor projects. Read about the choices that affect scope before requesting an estimate.

Basements

Illustrative unfinished basement renovationBasementsBefore You Finish a Basement in OttawaA comfortable basement begins with moisture, layout and access decisions before framing starts.

Bathrooms

Illustrative bathroom renovation in progressBathroomsHow to Plan a Bathroom RenovationA useful bathroom plan settles the layout and waterproofing details before finishes are ordered.Illustrative custom shower waterproofing in progressBathroomsPlanning a Custom Tiled ShowerA shower bench, niche and glass panel should be designed with the waterproofing system from the start.Illustrative porcelain tile installation in progressBathroomsWhy Tile Preparation MattersA flat, stable surface and careful layout help tile look good and perform well.

Water protection

RW Contracting window well installationWater protectionWhy Basement Window Wells Fill With WaterA window well needs suitable height, grading and a way to manage the water that enters it.Illustrative battery backup sump pump systemWater protectionDoes Your Sump Pump Need Battery Backup?A backup can help when power fails or the primary pump stops, but it needs a compatible setup and maintenance.Illustrative installed basement sump pumpWater protectionSump Pump vs. Backwater Valve: What Is the Difference?These address different sources of basement water, and a home may need one, both or neither.

Interlock

RW Contracting backyard interlock patioInterlockWhat Makes an Interlock Patio Last?The stone is the visible layer; grade, base and edge details determine how the patio performs.RW Contracting poolside interlockInterlockLift and Relay or Replace Interlock?Settled pavers can often be reused if the stones and layout are still suitable.Illustrative interlock walkway and front stepInterlockPlanning an Interlock Walkway and StepsA walkway should feel comfortable from the driveway to the door and shed water sensibly.

Decks

Illustrative residential deck repair in progressDecksShould You Repair or Rebuild a Deck?The condition of the structure under the boards matters more than the appearance of the surface.

Fences

RW Contracting fence posts set and braced during a recent Ottawa jobFencesWhen Does a Leaning Fence Need New Posts?A leaning panel often points to a failed post or footing rather than a problem with the boards alone.

Exterior

Illustrative residential eavestrough and roof edgeExteriorWhere Should Eavestrough Water Go?Gutters only help when their outlets carry runoff to an appropriate place.Illustrative downspout extension directing water away from a homeExteriorHow to Check a Downspout DischargeAn outlet close to the foundation can undo otherwise useful gutter work.Illustrative replacement of damaged exterior sidingExteriorWhen Should Damaged Siding Be Repaired?A loose or cracked panel may expose the wall behind it to weather.Illustrative exterior window caulking in progressExteriorHow to Spot Failed Exterior CaulkingGaps around openings deserve inspection, but a bead of sealant is not a universal water repair.Illustrative exterior wall vent replacementExteriorWhen to Replace an Exterior Vent CoverA broken or stuck cover can leave an opening exposed or restrict airflow.

Interior finishing

Illustrative new plank flooring and interior finishesInterior finishingWhat to Check Before Installing New FlooringThe condition of the subfloor and moisture history should guide the material choice.Illustrative freshly taped drywallInterior finishingWhat Is Included in Drywall Finishing?Board installation, taping, mudding, sanding and paint preparation are separate steps.Illustrative room prepared for interior paintingInterior finishingWhat Goes Into a Good Interior Paint Job?Surface preparation and a defined scope matter as much as the colour.Illustrative interior door and trim installationInterior finishingWhat to Measure Before Replacing Interior DoorsThe slab size alone may not tell you whether a replacement will fit and match.

Landscaping

RW Contracting fresh lawn projectLandscapingHow to Help New Sod EstablishA new lawn needs prepared soil and attentive watering after the rolls are laid.Illustrative yard grading beside a houseLandscapingCan Yard Grading Help Basement Water?Surface grading can redirect runoff, but a wet basement needs its water source identified.Illustrative garden bed beside an interlock patioLandscapingPlanning a Garden Bed Beside a PatioBed shape, edging and finished height affect both the planting and the pavers beside it.

Kitchens

Illustrative kitchen renovation in progressKitchensWhat Happens During a Kitchen Renovation?The order of decisions matters when cabinets, services and finishes share a tight space.

Renovations

Illustrative interior wall framing in a basementRenovationsCan You Move an Interior Wall?A wall relocation starts with structure and services, then the new room layout.

Outdoor living

Illustrative deck opening after hot tub removalOutdoor livingWhat Is Involved in Hot Tub Removal?Access, electrical isolation and the area left behind determine the scope.