GOHBA's Reno Tour is going virtual, offering the chance to tour nine stunning home renos
A kitchen island flanked by a structure of connected hexagons, some of which contain slide-out boxes with fresh herbs watered effortlessly through a watering system, is an instantly-memorable addition in the airy Ottawa home. The renovation is just one of nine projects by seven renovators currently featured on the 3D virtual RenoMark Reno Tour presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA).
“For the first time since the Reno Tour started six years ago, we’re offering an immersive online experience,” says Jason Burggraaf, GOHBA’s executive director. “This is an opportunity for homeowners who are looking for inspiration for projects they may be considering doing. That’s why we feature a variety of projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to additions or even whole houses.”
Created by Point 3D Commercial Imaging, the 3D virtual tour places viewers in the middle of each project while complementing the experience with meta tags containing renovator-provided descriptions of the changes. It’s a way for renovators — all of whom are members of GOHBA’s RenoMark program, which holds them accountable to the association’s code of ethics and a renovation-specific code of conduct — to answer anticipated questions or offer interesting details.
“Renovators are excited to give people an in-depth look at what happens during a renovation and to have an expanded audience as well,” Burggraaf says. “It’s usually a full day’s work to visit all the stops on the tour, but the new online experience provides a great opportunity for people to interact with and revisit the renovations at their leisure.”
A fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (Habitat GO), the tour is accessible free of charge but a $10 donation is suggested. All donations go directly to the non-profit housing organization that sees homeowners build their own homes alongside volunteers and access an affordable mortgage. It’s a cause, says Burggraaf, that’s deeply important to GOHBA.
“It’s a natural relationship because it supports people having stability through housing,” he says. “For a lot of homes built by Habitat GO, the land is arranged through GOHBA members. Some of our members also volunteer on-site.”
Reno Tour viewers will also be able to learn about Habitat GO’s ReStore — home and building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials, furniture and home appliances. The digital event includes 3D tours of Ottawa’s two ReStore locations.
For more information and to join this year’s 3D virtual RenoMark Reno Tour, visit
Renovators are excited to give people an in-depth look at what happens during a renovation.