Millennial renovation expert offers space-challenged Ontarians a more 'mindful' alternative to trading-up

"A basement reno that maximizes your current home's density and utility can help reduce overall carbon footprint and mortgage debt," says 31 year old design/build entrepreneur.

TORONTO, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - For Ontario families seeking more useable space without the environmental impact or mortgage implications of 'trading-up' to a larger home, a quality basement renovation may be just the thing, says Guy Solomon, the founder of Penguin Basements, a full-service basement renovation company that specializes in optimizing unused basement space for personal use or income generation.

Attuned to the environmental and conscious consumption concerns of his generation, Solomon, 31, has developed a 'mindful' approach to renovating that informs everything from Penguin's building materials to project methodology. Designed to battle waste and inefficiency at every turn, the company's innovations include:

The Second Suite Solution.  Penguin is an expert in and advocate for transforming unused basement space into income-generating suites. In addition to the financial benefits for the homeowner, second suites, like laneway housing, serve the valuable functions of optimizing spaces that already exist, increasing urban density and decreasing urban sprawl.

A commitment to best-in-class materials. On the vanguard of construction trends and innovations, Penguin mandates the use of mold-free, well-insulated and fire-rated materials and state of the art fixtures from brands like American Standard and Moen. "Our solutions require minimal service and repair and are meant to be long-term and sustainable. It doesn't make environmental or economic sense to redo your finishes every 5, 10 or even 20 years," Solomon says.

Process efficiencies that minimize the company's (and the client's) carbon footprint. Penguin takes homeowners from the pre-build, permit acquisition and materials selection phases right through to the end of construction with as few as five meetings versus the 18-24 required by typical contractors. Pre-engineering value into every aspect of its operation, Penguin offers a one-stop design centre and an online customer portal that keeps customers updated on every aspect of their build in real time. In addition to optimising the efforts of its labour force and reducing transportation costs, the company's efficiencies save the typical client between 125 and 150 hours of time over the course of the project.

"Improving the density of your current home so you don't need to a bigger property is always the greener choice, especially when it is done right the first time. In an overheated real estate market where universal appreciation has widened the affordability gap between trade ups, it's a solution that will help you sleep better too," concludes Solomon.

Visit Guy Solomon and Penguin Basements at The Green Living Show on April 7-9 at The Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Booth #1425.

Penguin Basements is Canada's leading basement renovation contractor and creator of The Second Suite Solution, a wealth-building strategy designed to help homeowners unlock the value beneath their feet and turn their basement into income.    www.basementscanada.com  @penguinbasement

SOURCE Penguin Basements

MEDIA CONTACT: Susanne Weinberg, Dig PR & Marketing Inc., [email protected] , 416-953-2628