Modern living space with a long floating oak media console beneath a wall-mounted television

Journal

Renovation advice for Ottawa homeowners

Costs, permits, layouts and lessons from four decades of building in this city.

White mudroom with cubbies and a wooden bench

Company · 3 min read

Helping Bring a Little More Joy to Ottawa This Holiday Season

A celebration of community, compassion, and the people who make this city feel like home. Here's how Magnolia Construction took part in this year's Help Santa Toy Parade.

Read article

Finished side entrance addition with dark siding and a yellow door

Company · 3 min read

What's Happening at Magnolia?

At Magnolia Design & Build, we're always finding new ways to grow — through better renovation techniques, community involvement, and staying connected to Ottawa.

Modern living room with floating oak media console mid-renovation

Planning · 5 min read

What You Need to Know About Remodelling Your Home in the Winter

Winter renovations in Ottawa come with real challenges — snow, ice, cold and supply delays. Here's what to plan for before you break ground in the colder months.

Rustic floor-to-ceiling wooden wine cellar

Basements · 6 min read

Turning Your Basement Into an In-Law Suite in Ottawa

As parents and in-laws age, a basement in-law suite can be a better option than a retirement home. Here's how to plan one safely, privately and accessibly in Ottawa.

A grey wet bar with gold handles, a white countertop and a mirrored splashback

Kitchens · 6 min read

Design Ideas for a Modern Kitchen

Warm tones, texture, family-friendly islands and clever storage are defining modern kitchens right now — here's how to bring them into your Ottawa home.

Basement media console styled for a modern family room

Basements · 6 min read

Basement Renovation Trends in Ottawa

Basements have shed their dungeon reputation. Here are the design trends shaping Ottawa basement renovations right now, from earthy home offices to open-concept living.

Grey wet bar with gold handles in a renovated home

Planning · 5 min read

Is Your Home Renovation Eligible for Canada's Greener Homes Grant Initiative?

Thinking about energy-efficient upgrades to your Ottawa home? Here's how the Canada Greener Homes Grant works and which renovations it covers.

A modern living space with a long floating oak media console and a white concrete top

Kitchens · 5 min read

How to Design a Kitchen Layout

Whether your kitchen is small and tight or big and open, a smart layout is what actually makes it functional. Here's how to plan one that works.

White mudroom with built-in cubbies and a wooden bench, an example of a functional home addition interior

Additions · 6 min read

Where to Start When Planning a Home Addition in Ottawa

Additions are among the most expensive home projects you can take on, which makes early planning essential. Here's exactly where to start.

Mudroom with olive green millwork, wooden bench and slate floor mid-renovation

Planning · 5 min read

5 Tips for Preparing for an Ottawa Home Renovation

Every year, thousands of Ottawa homeowners prepare to renovate and refresh their homes. A little planning before the crew arrives makes the whole process smoother.

Dark wood double vanity with glass vessel sinks in a renovated Ottawa bathroom

Bathrooms · 6 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathroom in Ottawa?

Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home improvement projects in Canada. Here's a full breakdown of permit, material and labour costs in Ottawa, plus what you can expect back at resale.

White shaker cabinetry with black handles and grey patterned floor

Planning · 6 min read

3 Home Renovations That Increase the Value of Your Home

Spending money on your home all at once can feel intimidating. Here are the three renovations that consistently deliver the best return for Ottawa homeowners.

Home addition at framing stage with OSB sheathing and scaffolding against a brick house in Ottawa

Additions · 6 min read

Ottawa's Rules for Building Home Additions

Before you break ground on an Ottawa home addition, you need to know the zoning rules, permits and inspections that govern the project. Here's what to expect at every stage.

Walk-in shower with white subway tile and black-framed glass door in a renovated Ottawa bathroom

Bathrooms · 6 min read

Bathroom Renovation Trends You'll Be Seeing This Year

Bathroom renovations have become one of the most popular projects among Ottawa homeowners. Here are the trends shaping how people are designing their bathrooms right now.

Grey basement wet bar with gold handles and mirrored splashback

Basements · 7 min read

Planning a Basement Renovation With Functional Storage

A finished basement is only half the job — smart, built-in storage is what makes it truly functional. Here's how to plan a basement renovation that works as hard as it looks good.

White mudroom with cubbies and a wooden bench during a home renovation

Planning · 5 min read

Should You Move or Renovate Your Ottawa Home?

After years in the same house, most Ottawa homeowners eventually ask the same question: is it time to move, or is it time to renovate? Here's how to think it through.

White shaker vanity cabinetry with black handles and grey patterned floor in a renovated Ottawa bathroom

Bathrooms · 7 min read

Planning a Bathroom Renovation in Ottawa

The bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in your house, but planning a bathroom renovation well can be the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one.

Finished side-entrance home addition in Ottawa with dark vertical siding and a yellow glass door

Additions · 7 min read

What You Need to Know About a Home Addition Project in Ottawa

The house you once loved can start to feel cramped over time. Before deciding between moving and building out, here's what an Ottawa home addition actually involves.

Basements · 6 min read

The Benefits of a Finished Basement

Finished basements aren't just extra square footage — they add resale value, cut energy costs and give Ottawa families room to grow. Here's why it's worth the investment.

White-tiled Ottawa bathroom with blue-grey patterned floor, navy vanity and glass tub enclosure

Bathrooms · 5 min read

Simple Bathroom Renovation Ideas for Ottawa Homes

A cluttered, over-designed bathroom rarely feels relaxing. Here are the simplest, highest-impact ideas Ottawa homeowners are using to renovate a calm, timeless bathroom.

Basements · 7 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement in Ottawa?

A clear breakdown of what it actually costs to finish a basement in Ottawa, from home inspections and permits to flooring, plumbing and high-end finishes.

Kitchens · 6 min read

Ottawa's Best Kitchen Layout Ideas

The kitchen has become every Ottawa home's headquarters. Here's how to lay it out so it stays functional, hygienic and beautiful for years to come.

Ready to create a home that lasts?

Tell us about your renovation and schedule an initial consultation with our Ottawa team.

Book a Consultation Call the Studio

We typically respond within one business day.