The MAKE IT RIGHT® reign
homeanddecor.ca
JULY - AUG 2015VOLUME 13, ISSUE 4, FREE
EDMONTON EDITION
PLUS IN THIS ISSUE
TOP 5 CURB APPEAL UPDATES
3 NON- NEGOTIABLES ABOUT LIGHTING
MIKEHOLMES JR.
TALKING TRENDS WITH
TOMMY SMYTHE
CHECK OUT THE HOME & RENOVATION SHOW SEPTEMBER 18-20 AT THE EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE
HIRE APROFESSIONALRENOVATOR.Choosing a recognized professional renovator is the best decision you can make when renovating your home! Being an informed and knowledgeable consumer is essential and since 2007 RenoMark has raised the bar by identifying renovation contractors in the Edmonton Area who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct.
Renovate with confidence – hire a CHBA-Edmonton Region RenoMark renovator for your next renovation and embrace the renovation process with a sense of security and peace of mind.
For more information on CHBA-ER, RenoMark or to access a complete list of CHBA-ER & RenoMark members visit www.renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion
GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
RENOVATION BY: RENCON INDUSTRIES INC.
Ph. (780) 479-6032www.homestyleconstruction.ca
Ph. (780) 986-2160www.renconindustries.ca
Ph. (780) 481-7671www.aquarianrenovations.com
Ph. (780) 466-1952www.apollosunrooms.com
Ph. (780) 414-0686www.ackard.com
Ph. (780) 483-2666www.fullhouserenovations.com
Ph. (780) 465-8071www.revolvingrooms.ca
Ph. (780) 433-3166www.diamondcontractingab.ca
Ph. (780) 435-6304www.serenitycontracting.ca
Ph. (780) 660-1026www.fortresshomes.ca
Ph. (780) 434-0923www.innovationplus.ca
Ph. (780) 244-0504www.acutaboveliving.com
HIRE APROFESSIONALRENOVATOR.Choosing a recognized professional renovator is the best decision you can make when renovating your home! Being an informed and knowledgeable consumer is essential and since 2007 RenoMark has raised the bar by identifying renovation contractors in the Edmonton Area who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct.
Renovate with confidence – hire a CHBA-Edmonton Region RenoMark renovator for your next renovation and embrace the renovation process with a sense of security and peace of mind.
For more information on CHBA-ER, RenoMark or to access a complete list of CHBA-ER & RenoMark members visit www.renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion
GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
RENOVATION BY: RENCON INDUSTRIES INC.
Ph. (780) 479-6032www.homestyleconstruction.ca
Ph. (780) 986-2160www.renconindustries.ca
Ph. (780) 481-7671www.aquarianrenovations.com
Ph. (780) 466-1952www.apollosunrooms.com
Ph. (780) 414-0686www.ackard.com
Ph. (780) 483-2666www.fullhouserenovations.com
Ph. (780) 465-8071www.revolvingrooms.ca
Ph. (780) 433-3166www.diamondcontractingab.ca
Ph. (780) 435-6304www.serenitycontracting.ca
Ph. (780) 660-1026www.fortresshomes.ca
Ph. (780) 434-0923www.innovationplus.ca
Ph. (780) 244-0504www.acutaboveliving.com
In every issue 6 Editor’s Notebook
HD&R features
10 Expert Advice Talking Trends with Tommy Smythe by Salina Yara Halabi
12 Feature Taking Beautiful to a Whole New Level by Marie Soprovich
15 In The News CHBA Awards of Excellence Winners by Salina Yara Halabi
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 04
JULY - AUG 2015contentsCover Story
8
Mike Holmes Jr. The Make It Right®
Reign
pg
17 21 24
by Salina Yara Halabi
16 The Scoop Natural and neutral are in!
17 Outdoor Living Special Section
18 Water features… The choices are endless
20 Recipe21 The Scoop
Make your next celebration a garden themed one!
22 Expert Advice Top 5 curb appeal updates
24 Style Inspiration 3 non-negotiables about lighting
28 Renovator Profile Rencon Industries Inc. by Salina Yara Halabi
30 RenoMark Professional Renovation Contractors Improve Air Quality and Understand the Importance of YOUR Safety
32 Trending The gift
34 Expert Advice by Shell Busey
36 Decoding The Code by Michael Nyikes
WE’RE LISTENING!Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!
Published by
SUMMER IS HERE, AND IN FULL FORCE! It’s time to rev up your home’s exterior and interior with the help of this issue of Home Décor & Renovations. Inside you will fi nd great ideas and designer advice that will get you and your home in summer mode in no time!
On the cover is Mike Holmes Jr., son of no other than renowned industry expert Mike Holmes. He started working on the set of Holmes on Homes® when he was just 14-years-old, and has been making his own mark on the construction scene ever since. Mike Jr. will be appearing at the upcoming Home & Renovation Show in September, along with design authority Tommy Smythe, so be sure to stop by for inspiration and expert advice.
Our feature Outdoor Living section will inspire you to “take it outside”. From water features, to garden themed entertaining we’ll have you enjoying the outdoors in style. Also check out “Top 5 Curb Appeal Updates” for great ways to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior.
All this, along with informative articles, delicious recipes, and incredible designer advice make for a great summer read. Now sit back, relax and unwind in your outdoor oasis.
Happy renovating!
Want more news on the home, decor and reno front? Check out our site: homeanddecor.ca
EDITOR, YP [email protected]
Follow us on twitter:twitter.com/YPNextHome
Like us on FacebookFacebook.com/HomeDecorandReno
NANCY CHEMAIT
Summer Vibes
Editor’s Notebook
JULY - AUG 2015VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
President, YP NextHome
Jacqueline Hill
Editor-In-Chief / Director of Content
Susan Legge
Director of Sales, National
Moe Lalani
National Sales Manager, Home Decor and Renovations,
Sales Manager, Condo Guide and GTA New Homes
Conni Robinson
Art Director
Megan Pike
Editor/Account Executive
Nancy Chemait 780.619.3241
Account Executives
Shelley Balla 587.784.4044
Jennifer Mizier 780.217.6778
Production Manager
Bala Gnanapandithan
Graphic Designer
Viosa Barileva
Production Co-Ordinator
Dennis Ng
Contributors
Shell BuseySara DuckElisa KrovblitMichael Nyikes Salina Yara HalabiMarie Soprovich
home decor & renovationsPO Box 458Station MainEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 2K1
Home Decor & Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Decor & Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Edmonton and Greater Edmonton area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor & Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.
The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Decor & Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Decor & Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.
The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.
6 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Products and ideas for the homes of today and tomorrowThe Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Edmonton Region is proud to present the 32nd annual Home and Renovation Show!
Show Hours: Friday 2pm – 9pmSaturday 10am – 6pmSunday 10am – 5pm
Presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region, this three-day event brings together the best and brightest products, services and industry leaders in home construction and renovation. This is your opportunity for connecting with the building industry “face to face”.
Local industry experts will take the stage throughout the 3 days, to share their knowledge on various topics related to your home and renovation projects.
Admission: Adults $12 Seniors/Students $10 Children 12 & under FREE
SEPT. 18 – 20, 2015Edmonton Expo Centre Halls G & H Edmonton, AB
Mike Holmes Jr. Friday 7pm
Saturday 1pm
Tommy Smythe Saturday 3pm Sunday noon
Special Guests speaking on the Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Stage
homeandrenoshow.ca
Stage Sponsor: Support Sponsors:Main Event Sponsor:
Cover Story
The Make It Right®Reign
MikeJr.HOLMES
The pressure of living up to the expectations of a renowned and highly acclaimed industry leader may seem like a daunting task. Not so for Mike Holmes Jr. His father, Mike Holmes, has established himself as a home renovations expert and celebrated reno-disaster savior, and Mike Jr. is keeping true to the Holmes reputation. With his Red Seal of carpentry at hand, 10 years of site experience, and trademark Holmes values, it’s evident that the Holmes dynasty has a strong future ahead. We caught up with Mike Jr. to get his thoughts on the reno-world and sneak in a preview before his Edmonton stop at the Home and Renovation Show.
By Salina Yara Halabi
8 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
1WHAT IS THE GREATEST INDUSTRY LESSON YOUR
FATHER HAS TAUGHT YOU? Respect. Respect for
your trade—for all of our trades—and the people
behind them. But you can’t ask for respect. You
have to earn it, and the way most people learn is by
knowing what’s involved to do the job properly; how
much time and commitment it takes to learn a skill,
a trade, and to really get good at it. For me it took
seeing it for myself and doing the work myself to
really know what it means to respect the trades.
2WAS THERE ANYTIME YOU FELT THAT YOU WERE
GOING TO PURSUE A DIFFERENT CAREER PATH
OR HAS WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY ALWAYS BEEN
A DREAM OF YOURS? When I was young I wanted
to be a fi refi ghter—my dad practically bribed me to
get into contracting. But what made me want to
be a fi refi ghter is the same thing I get from being a
contractor—helping people, and using all the tools
I’ve got to do that. Now, this is what I want to do.
I’m lucky to have a huge set of tools to help people,
and it would be wrong not to use them the best way
I know how.
3WHAT DEFINING QUALITY DO YOU FEEL YOU
BRING TO THE MAKE IT RIGHT TEAM? Everyone
on the team has a strong set of skills, but for myself I
have to say that I have strong leadership skills—been
on site for over 10 years. I also stay positive because
having a good attitude on the job site spreads like wild
fi re, and a negative attitude can kill everyone’s drive
and motivation.
4HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A DISASTER RENOVATION
PROJECT THAT YOU THOUGHT WAS
UNSALVAGEABLE? WHERE DO YOU THINK THE
HOMEOWNERS WENT WRONG IN THE PROCESS?
I’ve seen plenty! It’s not always clear where the
homeowners went wrong—sometimes they didn’t.
But what often happens is that when people start
seeing signs that something’s not right, they wait too
long to stop it. They usually let it drag on until it’s a
complete nightmare. There’s a process to getting
the job done right, and it usually involves a detailed
payment schedule—the contractor does part of the
work; it passes inspection and then they get paid.
And you repeat that until the project is done, so if
something’s not right it gets dealt with then and there.
5 WHAT ARE THREE KEY CHARACTERISTICS ANY
HOMEOWNER SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A CONTRACTOR
BEFORE BEGINNING A RENOVATION? No. 1: Insurance,
with liability coverage. No. 2: A long list of references, at
least 20. And check them out! Go see the work and talk
to the homeowners yourself. No. 3: Do not start any reno
until the contractor gives you a proposal that includes
every single detail of the job. Review it, make sure you
understand everything about it, and that it has a quote
with a payment schedule.
6WHERE DO YOU THINK THE BIGGEST OVERSIGHT
HAPPENS WITH HOMEOWNERS WHEN BEGINNING
A RENOVATION PROJECT? When homeowners don’t
really know what they want and haven’t done enough
research, and then once the work starts they’re not
happy. Or they don’t understand why you’re doing
something a certain way, or why we’re using a premium
product on something that no one will see. If they did
their homework and learned what’s involved in doing the
job right it’s a lot easier, so then we can concentrate on
getting the details right for them instead of explaining
why we need to get an electrical permit, or use a
moisture resistant underlayment.
7DO YOU HAVE A DREAM PROJECT THAT
YOU HOPE TO WORK ON? My dream project is to
design and build my own home. I would love to one
day live in the mountains away from the city, possibly in
Canada, or maybe even somewhere in Europe. I dream
of a house with a wrap-around porch; a separate work
shop from the house; a big garage, a gym; balconies o�
of every bedroom; a master bedroom with an ensuite
bathroom, and many acres to roam free.
Be sure to catch Mike Holmes Jr. at the Home and Renovation Show September 18-20 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. You can also see him in action on the hit HGTV show, Holmes Makes It Right.
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 9
Expert Advice
By Salina Yara Halabi
When it comes to home décor trends, Tommy Symthe is the dream consultant.
WHEN IT COMES TO HOME DÉCOR TRENDS, TOMMY SYMTHE is
the dream consultant. His illustrious sense of style and distinctive
approach to design makes Tommy a true guru in the creation of
unique yet harmonious spaces. We chatted with Tommy before
his upcoming appearance at the Edmonton Home and Renovation
Show to get his take on the hottest home trends of the moment.
KITCHEN
Lately we’ve been noticing a trend toward ‘furniture’ in the kitchen.
Built in cabinetry isn’t altogether gone by any means but designers
have been adding tables, antique shelving, consoles, butcher blocks
and various creative alternatives to the all-built in look. This is a
look that’s extremely well suited to the casual, ‘assembled’ look of
recent years. Think Brooklyn hipster.
GREAT ROOM
Family rooms are getting formal! Crystal chandeliers, fi ne antiques
and blue chip artwork have been creeping into our most comfy,
casual rooms. I attribute this to the collective realization that we
spend all of our time in the family room. If we’re there a lot, why
not enjoy a few of our ‘better’ pieces? It’s nice to spend time with
our splurge items instead of relegating them to a seldom used
space reserved for visitors and special occasion. Besides, at
my house an evening in with Netfl ix IS a special occasion.
Fire up the chandelier!
MASTER BEDROOM
The principal bedroom is getting a tech-saavy makeover these
days. More and more we’re discussing prewiring the main
bedroom for fl at screens, surround sound, layered lighting and
even in-wall speakers. It’s the information age and we don’t want
to miss a thing - even ‘where the magic happens’!
ENSUITE BATH
In the ensuite we’re getting down to brass TAPS!
The warm golden hued metal of the moment has
made the trip from the living room and kitchen
to the principal bath. The chrome and nickel age
has given way to a softer more easy-on-the-eye
metallic tone. Proceed with caution though - the
bright, shiny version can look..well, ‘brassy’. Instead
opt for a brushed or matte version or an authentic
‘unlacquered’ fi nish for a more on-trend result.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor living is all about the mix. We seem to be
over the look of garden ‘sets’ or suites of furniture.
Opting instead for a more modern and sophisticated
mix of new items and antique or vintage modern
fi nds. We’ve been doing it inside for years…why not
apply the same model to our outdoor living room?
There’s magic in the mix - and if you’re patient and
tenacious, you can uncover a bargain or two at the
local fl ea or antiques market.
Talking Trends
withTOMMY
SMYTHE
Want more advice from Tommy? He’ll be at the Edmonton Home and Renovation Show, September 18-20. You can also see catch him on Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Cottage and Sarah 101 on HGTV.
10 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1312 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Feature
by Marie Soprovich Owner Aquarian Renovations
" The results truly are spectacular and what was a nice home has become a modern beauty and a new treasure for the Millers."
Homeowners Cindy and Murray Miller had a beautiful home. It was
built in the early two thousand’s and the house was still in show home
condition. It had arched coves and free standing walls with pony wall
dividers that broke up the otherwise open space. With a variety of angles in
the vaulted ceiling the potential for something different was real and waiting
to be discovered. The floor plan, stylish to the day was still functional and
the home attractive by most people’s standards. These homeowners wanted
more. They decided it was time to renovate their space to reflect a new look
in their changing world.
Cindy and Murray were very clear on what they were looking for. “Open
spaces, a fresh look, and a place to hide appliances and create a very clean
look in the kitchen and throughout the whole house.” Cindy recalls. When
looking at the results of their reno and hearing what their friends think, Cindy
beams, "Our friends love it too. Everyone has been very positive about the
changes!" The results truly are spectacular and what was a nice home has
become a modern beauty and a new treasure for the Millers.
Every renovation starts somewhere. The motivating factors and the
identification of what prompts a major renovation is always an interesting story
to unravel. For the Miller family, their initial incident was, "the need to redo the
ensuite shower and, “as Cindy shared, “it snowballed from there!”
BEFORE
TAKING BEAUTIFUL
Whole New Level to a
As the renovation snowball grew their only other
consideration was deciding to renovate or build
something totally new. In weighing these factors,
Cindy and Murray considered the pros and cons
of both a renovation and a new build. Like many
homeowners in this situation, it required thoughtful
consideration of what they had. "We liked the
larger lot with the large garage so it was difficult to
find anything in the new homes section that could
compare. We also really liked our area; it is quite
private and our back yard will always be a place
of privacy. We just couldn’t find all these things in
anything that was a new build in our price range.”
Cindy and Murray went on to say, “We had another
company give us some ideas about what we could
do with our kitchen but it was in the same footprint
and didn't seem worth spending the amount of
money to just have different cupboards and flooring.
And then we found Aquarian..."
The open space between their living room and
kitchen area one of the things Cindy loves best. “We
struggled with finding a design that encompassed
these decorative walls and then Tyler suggested
removing them completely. It was a brilliant idea and
I am not sure why we didn’t think of it before. We
just love the final look.” Cindy proudly describes the
results. “It is amazing how long we looked at this
and just couldn’t visualize how to create the look we
wanted but when it was suggested and drawn out we
knew it would be just perfect and we loved it!” Cindy
also talked about how much she loves the clean
look of having appliances and countertop
items to a minimum. “Our coffee station
is in the former pantry which is more like
a multipurpose room now. To have all
these things tucked away is fantastic. We
even moved our phone charging stations
into the pantry. It keeps our counters
clutter-free and I really like that. We love
the storage in the dry bar and the island
is wide open with not even the cooktop
on it. Even with the tower in the ensuite
I just love being able to hide everything. I
have always liked the clean look and our
place looks clutter free and I feel good
about that.”
“Other things we really like” Cindy
points out, “include the staircase which
was redone at the suggestion of Marsha,
one of the Aquarian designers.” Also
recommended and followed through on
was the staining of the hand rail to match
the beautiful hand scraped hardwood
flooring creating a natural flow to color
and texture. “I also love the heated floor
in the ensuite,” added Cindy. “All the little
things like the lighting in the bathroom
and the dry bar that has a different back
splash which creates a defined space
without being too obvious. Something
else that adds to the uniqueness of our
renovation is that we went out on a
limb by using 12 x 24 wavy gloss tile for
our kitchen back splash. It was a great
suggestion and I am extremely pleased
with the look. It all adds up to an
amazing transformation of our house and
we just love it.”
When asked how they survived the
renovation process, Cindy was very
honest about her experience and said,
“It was more difficult than we thought it
would be and to survive we moved out
and into our uncle’s condo and also did
BEFORE
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1312 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Feature
by Marie Soprovich Owner Aquarian Renovations
" The results truly are spectacular and what was a nice home has become a modern beauty and a new treasure for the Millers."
Homeowners Cindy and Murray Miller had a beautiful home. It was
built in the early two thousand’s and the house was still in show home
condition. It had arched coves and free standing walls with pony wall
dividers that broke up the otherwise open space. With a variety of angles in
the vaulted ceiling the potential for something different was real and waiting
to be discovered. The floor plan, stylish to the day was still functional and
the home attractive by most people’s standards. These homeowners wanted
more. They decided it was time to renovate their space to reflect a new look
in their changing world.
Cindy and Murray were very clear on what they were looking for. “Open
spaces, a fresh look, and a place to hide appliances and create a very clean
look in the kitchen and throughout the whole house.” Cindy recalls. When
looking at the results of their reno and hearing what their friends think, Cindy
beams, "Our friends love it too. Everyone has been very positive about the
changes!" The results truly are spectacular and what was a nice home has
become a modern beauty and a new treasure for the Millers.
Every renovation starts somewhere. The motivating factors and the
identification of what prompts a major renovation is always an interesting story
to unravel. For the Miller family, their initial incident was, "the need to redo the
ensuite shower and, “as Cindy shared, “it snowballed from there!”
BEFORE
TAKING BEAUTIFUL
Whole New Level to a
As the renovation snowball grew their only other
consideration was deciding to renovate or build
something totally new. In weighing these factors,
Cindy and Murray considered the pros and cons
of both a renovation and a new build. Like many
homeowners in this situation, it required thoughtful
consideration of what they had. "We liked the
larger lot with the large garage so it was difficult to
find anything in the new homes section that could
compare. We also really liked our area; it is quite
private and our back yard will always be a place
of privacy. We just couldn’t find all these things in
anything that was a new build in our price range.”
Cindy and Murray went on to say, “We had another
company give us some ideas about what we could
do with our kitchen but it was in the same footprint
and didn't seem worth spending the amount of
money to just have different cupboards and flooring.
And then we found Aquarian..."
The open space between their living room and
kitchen area one of the things Cindy loves best. “We
struggled with finding a design that encompassed
these decorative walls and then Tyler suggested
removing them completely. It was a brilliant idea and
I am not sure why we didn’t think of it before. We
just love the final look.” Cindy proudly describes the
results. “It is amazing how long we looked at this
and just couldn’t visualize how to create the look we
wanted but when it was suggested and drawn out we
knew it would be just perfect and we loved it!” Cindy
also talked about how much she loves the clean
look of having appliances and countertop
items to a minimum. “Our coffee station
is in the former pantry which is more like
a multipurpose room now. To have all
these things tucked away is fantastic. We
even moved our phone charging stations
into the pantry. It keeps our counters
clutter-free and I really like that. We love
the storage in the dry bar and the island
is wide open with not even the cooktop
on it. Even with the tower in the ensuite
I just love being able to hide everything. I
have always liked the clean look and our
place looks clutter free and I feel good
about that.”
“Other things we really like” Cindy
points out, “include the staircase which
was redone at the suggestion of Marsha,
one of the Aquarian designers.” Also
recommended and followed through on
was the staining of the hand rail to match
the beautiful hand scraped hardwood
flooring creating a natural flow to color
and texture. “I also love the heated floor
in the ensuite,” added Cindy. “All the little
things like the lighting in the bathroom
and the dry bar that has a different back
splash which creates a defined space
without being too obvious. Something
else that adds to the uniqueness of our
renovation is that we went out on a
limb by using 12 x 24 wavy gloss tile for
our kitchen back splash. It was a great
suggestion and I am extremely pleased
with the look. It all adds up to an
amazing transformation of our house and
we just love it.”
When asked how they survived the
renovation process, Cindy was very
honest about her experience and said,
“It was more difficult than we thought it
would be and to survive we moved out
and into our uncle’s condo and also did
BEFORE
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1514 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Marie Soprovich Owner of Aquarian Renovations; Writer, Visionary, Leader. Visit www.aquarianrenovations.com or call 780.481.7671
BEFORE
some travelling to the States! We really appreciated having
the schedule available to us on Builder Trend and as each
phase of the job started we knew about it and could follow
the progress. Things were on schedule until the end when
the tile was installed and dye lot on tile was not what the
homeowners expected… but that too was handled and
Cristal Tile and Aquarian made it right. We love the clean
white look.”
When thinking about the process Cindy shared, “We were
impressed with how quickly texts or emails were answered
and how problems were dealt with and fixed. Throughout the
whole process we felt everyone wanted us to be happy.
From the very first walk-through we were told it would be
hard at times during the Reno when things were torn apart…
and it was! I often thought about that comment and it helped
me realize that what we were feeling was normal and it would
get better.”
Taking this home to a whole new level has brought a
beautiful, elegant, clean and fresh, new look to space the
Miller’s call home. From the clean and stately hardwood
floors, to the refreshed stair case, past the open spacious living
and kitchen area to the modern fireplace and entertainment
centre to the tucked away coffee bar in the multi-purpose
pantry. This is a modern day classic on a huge lot with the
privacy of a greenbelt that will keep this space gracious and
elegant for a very long time to come. Welcome home!
BEFORE
⊲ Removed decorative walls to create spacious open floor plan
⊲ Created Butler’s Kitchen in former pantry area
⊲ Designed kitchen for clean lines with appliances hidden
⊲ Remodeled the fireplace complete with hidden compartments for all wiring and cables
⊲ Designed a new bright and clean look in ensuite while working within constrains of existing plumbing stacks and budget
⊲ Impeccable selection of product and ensuring that final look was just right!
⊲ Updated flooring, stairs, wall finishing and lighting with spectacular results
WHAT WE CHANGED
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1514 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
CELEBRATING EDMONTON’S FINESTin the housing industry
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25 THE EDMONTON REGION
HOUSING INDUSTRY STEPPED OUT IN STYLE TO
CELEBRATE THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS
ASSOCIATION – EDMONTON REGION 2015 AWARDS
OF EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING. The annual gala took
place at the Shaw Conference Centre and honoured
Edmonton’s best in home building, renovating,
community development,sales and marketing.
This year’s soiree was another sold out evening that
featured a Bollywood theme. The almost 1,900 guests
were treated to an ethnically inspired evening filled
with beautiful live entertainment, an exquisite Indian
infused dinner, and an exciting award ceremony that
recognized some of the greatest work in Edmonton’s
competitive housing industry.
The evening was filled with celebrations for a year
that had showcased outstanding housing and projects
in the city. There were many winners throughout the
night, including five renovation awards. Home Style
Construction Ltd. took home two awards, Best Exterior
Renovation and Best Renovation Under $200,000.
Ackard Contractors Ltd. were the proud winners of
Best Renovation $200,000-$500,000, and Alair Homes
took the prize of Best Renovation Over $500,000.
The biggest renovation award of the night went to
Aquarian Renovations, the CHBA – Edmonton 2015
Renovator of the Year. The 2015 awards solidified the
exceptional level of quality, innovation, and creativity
that is presented in Edmonton’s housing and renovation
industry – arguably one of the best in the country!
WWW.CHBAEDMONTON.CA
35TH ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
IN HOUSING GALA WINNERS!
By SALINA YARA HALABI
Best Exterior Renovation
HOME STYLE CONSTRUCTION LTD. STRATHCONA
Best Renovation under $200,000
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In The News
16 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Lucia Rectangular Co� ee Table. $1,495
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Make your next celebration a
GARDEN THEMED ONE!
OUTDOORLIVING
JULY - AUG 2015
WATER FEATURES...THE CHOICES ARE ENDLESS
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1918 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Water features…The choices are endless
INCORPORATING A WATER FEATURE INTO YOUR HOME’S
LANDSCAPING DESIGN is a welcome addition to a
property’s overall appeal. The soothing sights and sounds
of running water are calming and can also mask unwanted
noise such as nearby tra� c or neighbors. Water features of
all kinds attract birds and other wildlife that are enjoyable
to observe.
By adding plants, decorative rock or a custom koi pond
to the water feature, you can create the illusion that you
are o� somewhere in “nature” while sitting in the comfort
of your own backyard.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Decide on the type of water feature. Ponds set into the
ground, waterfalls, streams, large bubbler rocks – the
choices are endless. You also have to choose the style of
the feature, which ranges from completely natural looking,
made with native materials, to highly formal. When you see
a design you like, take a picture or clip it out and build a fi le
for future reference. What suits one gardener’s tastes may
be unappealing or impractical for others. However, one
thing is for certain – all water features will add beauty and
movement to your landscape. Consider why you want to
have a water feature and what’s most important to you. Is
it simply to enjoy the beautiful sights and calming sounds?
Does the prospect of growing plants in water intrigue
you? Is a set of bubbler rocks on the frontyard your ideal?
Having a clear picture in your head (and on paper) of what
you hope to achieve will go a long way toward making
sure it becomes a reality. Calling a qualifi ed landscaping
professional for some advice is a great place to start.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Study your space carefully and consult with your
landscaping professional to determine the best place
to situate your water feature. If possible, pick a location
which can be viewed not only from your yard, but from
the inside of your house, too, such as near the kitchen
window or deck. After all, if you’re going to the trouble
of adding a water feature, you might as well have
multiple opportunities to enjoy it. A qualifi ed landscaping
professional should have a photo album or a website, so
you can easily view other projects and water features that
have designed and constructed.
OUTDOOR LIVING
By taking some of this advice into consideration,
the process of achieving the “yard of your dreams”
will be easier. A quality outdoor living space will not
only make you the envy of the neighborhood and be
a welcome sanctuary for your family, children and
pets for years to come, it will also increase the value
of your home. It is important to hire a landscaping
contractor who has extensive experience in the
industry, and is a full service landscaping company.
Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting Ltd. is locally
owned and specializes in residential, estate and
acreage landscape construction. From patios to
water features, driveways, retaining walls, lighting,
walkways, fences, irrigation, garden beds, boulders,
barbecue, fi re pits and the new synthetics grasses,
we can help make your landscaping beautiful.
Planning your landscaping is an exciting time
and we are here to help. Our team of friendly
knowledgeable and hardworking sta� can make
your landscaping dream a reality. Call us now for a
consultation at 780.983.8233 or view our portfolio at
shaneslandscaping.com
By Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting Ltd.
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 1918 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
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Edmonton Renovations Home Improvement & Design reaches more qualified readers than any other home improvement publication. Our readers are looking for project ideas and connections to professionals that specialize in home improvement, design and construction. Within our colourful, informative format, we can highlight your business, product or service in the best possible way: with creative advertising and/or informative articles and profiles. It’s the best way to get your business the valuable exposure it needs!
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 2120 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Lima Zima Scallop Ceviche
Salt Spiced Snacking Mini Cucumbers
LIMA ZIMA SCALLOP CEVICHE WITH ZIMA TOMATO PICKLE AND CORN NUTS
4 cup water
¼ cup kosher salt
16 Zima tomatoes
2/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 tsp kosher salt
½ cup Freshly shucked corn kernels
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
¼ tsp fi nely chopped habanero pepper
2 limes, juiced
8 to 10 scallops
1 tbsp roughly cracked corn nuts
In a large bowl, stir water and kosher salt together to dissolve.
Submerge scallops in the salt water mixture and add a few ice cubes.
Ensure that the scallops are completely submerged in the water, Set
aside for 12 minutes
In a medium-sized skillet, bring water to a boil, making sure it’s
deep enough to cover corn kernels. Add kernels to the simmering
water and blanch for three minutes. Drain and discard water and
immediately submerge in ice water to stop cooking.
In a shallow dish with a lip, slice Zima tomatoes about ¼-inch
thick and arrange in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle red onion on top
of tomatoes. Evenly sprinkle kosher salt on top of tomatoes and
onions. Set aside for 10 minutes. Pour lime juice evenly over tomato
mixture and then sprinkle habanero over top. Add corn kernels and
gently stir mixture to combine. Set aside for fi ve minutes.
Meanwhile, drain and discard salt water from scallops and pat
dry with paper towel. With a sharp knife, slice each scallop into four
thin slices across the grain. Divide the scallops evenly between four
service plates with lips and arrange in a single payer of each dish.
Evenly distribute the cured onion and tomato mixture on top of each
plate of scallops. Sprinkle on chopped cilantro on top and refrigerate
for exactly 20 minutes. Remove plates from refrigerator and sprinkle
cracked corn nuts on top of the dishes. Serve immediately.
SALT SPICED SNACKING MINI CUCUMBERS
2 tbsp Trinidadian hot sauce
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp fi nely chopped ginger
1 tsp black sesame seeds
4 mini cucumbers
½ lime
Mix hot sauce, sea salt ginger and sesame seeds together. Slice
mini cucumbers lengthwise into batons. Cut lime in half and then
into four equally-sized pieces. Serve dipping sauce in a small shallow
dish alongside cucumber batons and lime pieces. Enjoy with fresh-
squeezed lime juice drizzled over cucumber before dipping and
snacking.
RECIPES
OUTDOOR LIVING
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 2120 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
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MAKE YOUR NEXT
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THEMED ONE!
OUTDOOR LIVING
22 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
EVERY SINGLE HOMEOWNER SHARES one
thing in common: Whether planning to
sell your home today, tomorrow or even
in fi ve years, we all want to get top dollar
for our largest investments. For years,
there has been a lot of focus on raising
your home’s value by improving the
interior, but what about outside of your
home? With more studies coming out
every day about the value of curb appeal
and fi rst impression, renovating the
outdoors is paying some huge returns!
Here are the top fi ve ways to make the
best fi rst impression.1» STAGE THE FRONT YARD! Get a bench or
some seating into the front yard of your
home. Even if it’s under a tree or on the
side of your fl owerbed, having seating in
the front yard is so important to creating
an inviting fi rst impression. Buyers
describe benches and chairs in the front
as being “welcoming.”
TOP 5 curb appeal updates By Carson Arthur
OUTDOOR LIVING
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 23
2» CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE. Buyers will
pre-judge the quality of the inside of your home
based on what they see outside. It doesn’t matter if
you hired a fantastic cleaning crew to overhaul the
bathroom and the kitchen, if there are stains and
mildew around the front door, buyers will notice. Get
out the vinegar and wash the outside windows and
for the tough imbedded mold stains try something
stronger like scrub-free Concrobium Mold Stain
Eraser; it’s perfect for removing the toughest stains
without harmful chemicals and it’s bleach-free!
3» ADD A NEW FRONT DOOR. The front door is the
first tangible item that buyers actually touch when
coming into your home. A solid front door signals
that the home is well built and cared for. This
may seem like a big investment, but according to
the research, a new front door is the only home
renovation that has an ROI of more than 100 per
cent. This means that if you spend two thousand
on a new front door, you will get more than the full
amount back.
4» MULCH THE FRONT FLOWERBEDS. Even if you
only have a few green shrubs growing under the
front window, adding a few bags of rich brown
mulch makes the gardens look like they are full of
promise. Just beware of using red. Red mulch never
compliments the home and it always draws the
eye, causing a buyer to focus on the empty spaces
instead of your great home.
5» ADD STONE VENEERS. Stone veneers on the
foundation of a home have one of the highest ROI’s
of all home renovations. Buyers love the look of stone,
but more importantly, stone is perceived as being
solid and long lasting. According to Rinox.ca, homes
with stone on the front are described as being stylish,
classic and more durable.
The front yard definitely deserves some of your
renovation dollars. Not only is the curb appeal so
important at setting the right first impression, it’s also
the last thing buyers see when leaving your home.
“ Get a bench or some seating into the front yard of your home. Even if it’s under a tree or on the side of your flowerbed, having seating in the front yard is so important to creating an inviting first impression.”
Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV’s Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TV, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
Style Inspiration
Pop quiz: what’s the single quickest way to make
your space pop without taking on an extensive
renovation? You might think it’s paint … or
accessories … or a bold piece of artwork.
You’d be wrong.
All those things contribute to a beautiful home, and
there’s a lot of satisfaction to be found in implementing
them thoughtfully. But each of those things is more
complicated than a quick trip to the hardware store, and
sometimes, that’s all we have time for.
The next time you have no more than an afternoon
in which to improve your space, head straight to the
lighting aisle, and keep these three simple things in mind:
Non-Negotiables
ABOUT LIGHTING3
By Tracy Fortin
24
Tracy is co-owner of Edmonton’s only award winning husband and wife run design firm Flawless Interiors, specializing in top to bottom renovations. Her passion for design and people makes every project creative and enjoyable.Flawless Interiors Inc. 780 903-0634 | www.flawlessinteriors.ca
1THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF LIGHTING…
All the different lighting options become
a lot less overwhelming once we know that
they’re not all created equal. There are three
categories: general, task, and accent.
General lighting is your overhead stuff:
ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, and track
lighting. They’re what you turn on by default
when you walk into a room.
Task lighting is what you turn on when you
need to do something specific: a lamp to
read by, for example, or your under-cabinet
lighting for dinner prep.
Accent lighting adds drama and intrigue
to a space: these are the lights aimed at your
artwork, or maybe at some architectural
detail of the home.
2 ...AND YOU NEED ALL THREE.
Your room probably has at least one of
the three lighting types in it already, so focus
on adding the other two for a quick upgrade.
A bold lamp can bring new life to a dark
corner, and a little accent lighting can really
highlight a built-in bookcase.
If you’re in the market for new overhead
lighting, consider something that bounces
light around the room and off of the other
lighting fixtures around it. One of our
favourite ways to upgrade overhead lighting
at Flawless is with the Boxie Ceiling Light
by Tech.
When you layer all three lighting types, the effect is
warm, sparkly, and nearly magical. It’s one of the surest
ways to propel your space from “house” to “home”.
3 BULBS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
Once you’ve chosen which category of lighting to
add to your space, spend some time looking carefully
for just the right bulb. The variety can seem endless, so
start by considering how you want the room to feel,
and go from there.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are best suited to LED
bulbs while compact fluorescent bulbs better serve
living rooms and kitchens. Some retailers even offer
retro-style bulbs that add a warm, Edison-type
character of their own to a room. But be careful with
these, as they don’t always give off a ton of light.
Beyond that, consider colours, brightness, and price
to arrive at the right bulb for you. Pro tip: soft pink
bulbs in a powder room will make your guests’ skin
look flawless!
Lighting really is an easy thing to implement
throughout your home once you’ve mastered
the categories and functions, and its effect is as
immediate as flicking a switch. You won’t even get
paint on your hands!
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 25
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MAY - JUNE 2015VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3
HOME DECOR & RENOVATIONSPO Box 458Station MainEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 2K1
PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOMEJacqueline Hill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENTSusan Legge
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, HOME DÉCOR & RENOVATIONSConni Robinson
ART DIRECTORMegan Pike
EDITOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVENancy Chemait 780.619.3241
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Shelley Balla 587.784.4044Jennifer Mizier 780.217.6778
PRODUCTION MANAGERBala Gnanapandithan
PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Dennis Ng, Greg Van Sluytman
GRAPHIC DESIGNERViosa Barileva
CONTRIBUTORSHellen ButtigiegShell BuseySara DuckElisa KrovblitMichael Nyikes Jamie Banfield Salina Yara HalabiYanic SimardMarie Soprovich
Home Decor & Renovations magazine is published six times a year.Home Decor & Renovations magazine is distributed throughoutEdmonton and Greater Edmonton area. This publication has beendesigned for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor &Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however,the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes,design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiseror their representative.
The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is theproperty of Home Decor & Renovations magazine and not that of theadvertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction inHome Decor & Renovations magazine only and does not have the rightto reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publicationwithout the consent of the publisher.
The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and areintended for the sole use of the public.
WE’RE LISTENING!Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!
Spring is here, and now is the perfect time to update, renew and refresh your living spaces. This issue is filled with inspiring and informative articles that will help you prepare your home for the warmer months ahead – both inside and out!
BBQ’s and bonfires will have you spending more time in the backyard, and we have the top outdoor trends for 2015. Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy patio, we give you the rundown on today’s hottest tools, accessories and outdoor décor ideas. See our special Outdoor Living section for all the details.
Maybe this spring has you dreaming of redesigning your inside spaces. In this issue’s cover story, design authority Yanic Simard gives us a “Lesson in Design” where he shares his expertise and advice on how to achieve your dream design. Key principles to keep in mind when working with a designer are to be upfront, do your research, keep calm and, maybe the most important, choose someone who you can trust – it will help make your dream a reality.
Home Décor & Renovations Magazine is proud to announce 2015 CHBA-ER Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the Renovation Category. See page 25 to read about the renovators that have been recognized as the best in the industry. The winners will be announced Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre. Congratulations to all the finalists!
Hope you enjoy the read and Happy Spring!
NANCY CHEMAITEDITOR [email protected]
EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK
Spring into action
Published by
Member of CHBA Renomark
Construction your way from start to finish.
www.renconindustries.cawww.renconindustries.ca
112, 6202 - 29 Avenue, Beaumont, AB T4X 0H5ph: 780-986-2160
fax: 780-980-2161
RENCON INDUSTRIES Inc.
By Salina Yara Halabi
Rencon Industries Inc:
Construction Your Way – From Start to Finish
RENCON INDUSTRIES HAS BEEN
PROVIDING FULL RENOVATION
SERVICES for both residential and
commercial clientele in Edmonton and
the surrounding area for over 10 years.
From kitchen updates and completing
unfi nished basements, to complete
home re-modelling, owner Dan Adamski
and his team of skilled professionals are
ready to guide you through the entire
renovation process. Known for their
exceptional work on home additions, Rencon Industries has
the knowledge and experience to provide additional space in a
home - eliminating the need to relocate! Professional service
and top quality results are evident in all of their projects, and
is what has lead to Rencon Industries’ strong reputation and
repeat customers.
Rencon Industries understands how huge of a commitment
renovations are for a customer; therefore, choosing the
right contractor for the job should be done with the utmost
discretion. To help with the process, Adamski suggests the
following key steps that will ensure a successful project:
Business Profi le
28 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
1) OBTAIN A FEW COMPARABLE ESTIMATES BEFORE YOU DIVE
INTO YOUR RENOVATION.
Adamski explains that comparing three estimates from
similar quality renovators is acceptable practice. The
estimates should o� er detailed breakdown of what is
included in the renovation price, such as an allowance
for fi nishings and appliances. Sometimes the lowest
price isn’t always the best choice, so be sure that your
expectations are in line with what is refl ected in the
estimate.
2) ONCE A CONTRACTOR IS CHOSEN, TAKE THE TIME TO PLAN
AND REVIEW THE CONTRACT.
A major contract that lists all the renovation steps,
timelines, and products that will be provided to the
customer is essential for a smooth reno process. Don’t
be afraid to spend extra time in this phase of the
project. A clear and properly planned out project, which
includes design details, will provide peace of mind
during the renovation.
3) ASK FOR INSURANCE AND WCB DOCUMENTATION.
Confi rming the chosen contractor has the proper
insurance documentation is a must. This will provide
the customer with confi dence in the renovator’s
professionalism. Choosing a RenoMark contractor is
another way to ensure that all the minimum insurance
and warranty standards are in place. A RenoMark
contractor will also o� er standards in business practices;
such as requirements in the communication process
with the customer, as well as educational development
requirements and access to e� ective resources that aid
in City permit processes.
4) DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR ENTIRE RENOVATION UPFRONT.
Adamski cannot stress this point enough. It is important
that a reasonable payment schedule is set up with the
contractor that includes an adequate deposit to get
the project started, and progress stipulations that keep
expectations intact. Communication is vital throughout
a renovation and a well planned out payment schedule
is an important component to maintaining a successful
project.
With their extensive experience and exceptional
attention to detail, Rencon Industries is a leader in
the renovation market. As a member of CHBA-ER
RenoMark Association, Rencon Industries is committed
to providing services that are at the top of industry
standards, ultimately o� ering customers piece of mind
and confi dence in their home or commercial renovation
decision.
For more information or to learn more about all the services at Rencon Industries Inc. visit www.renconindustries.ca, or call 780.986.2160.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR FOR THE JOB SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE UTMOST DISCRETION.
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 29
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3130 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
WE HAVE ALL HEARD OF BUILDINGS THAT
ARE CONSIDERED SICK BUILDINGS WHERE
PEOPLE CHRONICALLY DON’T FEEL WELL
IN THEM, homeowners or their children
may constantly have colds, feel run down
or develop- allergies and other breathing
problems which are often followed up
with constant trips to the doctor. Air
quality is an extremely important element
in anyone’s home and when a homeowner
is thinking of a renovation, whether they
are planning on doing it themselves or
contracting it to a reputable renovator it
is an ideal time to take stock of just how
healthy their home is.
One of the first things that a
homeowner and renovator should look
for when renovating are signs of moisture.
Because molds and mildew are living
entities they need water to grow. Water
can get into a dwelling from all kinds of
places and where the water issue shows
up may not even be the source so some
investigation may need to follow. Steamy
showers and cooking can cause excessive
moisture problems just as easily as a
leaky window. Moisture in a house can
be detected in many ways from the use
of sophisticated meter readings to using
your basic sense of smell, sight and touch.
Of these three, smell is usually the best
indicator of air quality and the presence
of moisture and culprits such as molds &
mildews that come along with moisture.
When renovating using filtered air
scrubbers to create negative pressure in
work area is useful as this will minimize
dust travelling throughout the house.
Carefully polying off the work area will also
minimize dust transfers and closing any
vents is just smart planning. Changing the
furnace filter often and having the duct work and the furnace cleaned professionally after
the renovation is another way to improve air quality.
Other elements that contribute to air quality issues including but are not limited
to, pets, old carpeting, smoking, poor ventilation, inefficient furnaces and fireplaces,
clutter, household chemicals and dust When replacing flooring or other porous building
materials during a reno, considering using products that have less off gas in particular if a
family member has sensitivities to allergies. Reducing or totally replacing all household
carpets with other products such as lino, laminate, hardwood or ceramics is another
excellent way to reduce dust accumulations and improve air quality.
A professional renovator is an excellent resource for you as you plan and execute
your renovation. If you are looking for credible resources consider checking out many
Photos courtesy of Aquarian Renovations
BEFORE
Tips And Tricks
Professional Renovation Contractors Improve Air Quality and Understand the Importance of YOUR Safety
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3130 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
resources that are on the RenoMark and CHBA websites. Your good health and the
longevity of your home as a safe haven is very important. You want a place where your
family is healthy and safe as well as enjoying the comfort of a beautiful, clean and fresh
new space are all worth renovating for. Consider the many reasons why it is in your best
interest to contact a professional renovator when you are planning your next renovation.
RenoMark is an organization that brings all this information to the homeowner! The
renovators who belong to this organization are all members of The Canadian Home
Builder’s Association. These Renovation companies have a proven track record and are
committed to a renovation-specific code of ethics. Providing essentials such as written
contracts, warranties and all the insurance necessary, they also understand the value of
customer service and continually educate themselves regarding current trends, materials
and regulations. RenoMark Renovators understand homeownership and just how hard
people have worked for their homes. Credentials that capture a professional renovator
include:
» A proven track record in the industry with past project lists, references, testimonials
from previous clients and contacts.
» Well established business practices, project management and client communication.
» Clearly defines the responsibilities of the renovator and the homeowner regarding
insurance, finance and scope of work.
RENOMARK EDMONTON – WWW.RENOMARK.CAThe program identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to CHBA – Edmonton Region’s code of ethics, as well as a renovation-specific code of conduct, they provide warranties, understand the value of customer service, and continually educate themselves regarding current trends, materials and regulations.
*�Resources�included:�Canadian�
Homebuilders�Association�“The�Get�it�in�
Writing�Handbook”�and�RenoMark�Website
» Professional memberships and
affiliations such as Canadian Home
Builders – Edmonton Region, RenoMark,
Chamber of Commerce, and the Better
Business Bureau.
» Experience, training, education,
craftsmanship and skills, upgrading and
special expertise.
» Minimum 2 year warranty.
Dealing with a professional renovator
is a good move and is the greatest
protection you can take against a poorly
finished or an incomplete job. Your
renovation will be a well thought-out
process from the beginning to the end and
you, the homeowner, can feel confident
that the job will be done well and the
experience will be as pleasant and as
stress-free as possible. Take the peace-
of-mind advantage and enjoy the results
of your choices for many years to come!
Check out the RenoMark website today
and find a renovator that fits your goals,
dreams and expectations.
http://www.renomark.ca/
edmontonregion/home
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3332 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
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For any occasion
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Collection. 100 per cent of net proceeds of
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JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3332 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Dillon’s Rose Gin, 375mL $24.85
Small Garden Tools,Set of 6 - $10 leevalley.com
Time for Tea, Set of 4 Teacups & Saucers $35 chapters.indigo.ca
Barbecue Lighter $1.50Cuisinart Wood Chip Box $12, Jack Daniel’s Smoking Wood Chips $9. canadiantire.ca
For the griller
For tea time
For cocktail hour
For the gardener
Spring Has ArrivedNOW THAT THE WEATHER SEEMS TO BE TURNING AROUND and the rainy days are giving way to a few sunny days you may be experiencing a couple of concerns around your home. Every year there are some typical spring related questions.
ONE: Why do ants always seem to show up in my home at this time of year?Firstly, I will say that you probably live in a home that is slab on grade ( a concrete main fl oor entering directly from grade level outside) or possibly your garden and/or fl ower beds are up too close to the underside of your exterior siding. In the majority of cases these two items are the cause.
In the spring, snow melt and excess rain fi ll the ground with surface water. The water will eventually fi nd it’s way to the water table running underground on the hard pan on which the footings of your foundation are placed. In some areas this can be the determining factor as to whether a home can have a basement, crawlspace or be built slab on grade.
When the ground water gets to the point where it is no longer being taken away by the perimeter drainage system (weeping tiles around your home that lead to the city storm
sewer) it will drive the ants hibernating in colonies under the concrete slab up into your home because they do not like wet feet.
What to do: Make certain that your perimeter drainage is clear and running away to the storm system. This is done by a professional drainage company with the proper equipment. Ideally your drainage system should be maintained every three to fi ve years once the home is around 10 years of age.
To get rid of the live ants I would suggest using a spray ant killer known as a residual spray.
Every year there are some typical springrelated questions.
Tips and Tricks
34 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
AROUND
related questions.
at this time of year?
Spring Has ArrivedNOW THAT THE WEATHER SEEMS TO BE TURNING
and the rainy days are giving way to a few sunny days you may be experiencing a couple of concerns around your home. Every year there are some typical spring
ONE: Why do ants always seem to show up in my home
Firstly, I will say that you probably live in a home that is slab on grade ( a concrete main fl oor entering directly from grade level outside) or possibly your garden and/or fl ower beds are up too close to the underside of your exterior siding. In the majority of cases these two items are the cause.
In the spring, snow melt and excess rain fi ll the ground with surface water. The water will eventually fi nd it’s way to the water table running underground on the hard pan on which the footings of your foundation are placed. In some areas this can be the determining factor as to whether a home can have a basement, crawlspace or be built slab on grade.
When the ground water gets to the point where it is no longer being taken away by the perimeter drainage system (weeping tiles around your home that lead to the city storm
sewer) it will drive the ants hibernating in colonies under the concrete slab up into your home because they do not like wet feet.
What to do: Make certain that your perimeter drainage is clear and running away to the storm system. This is done by a professional drainage company with the proper equipment. Ideally your drainage system should be maintained every three to fi ve years once the home is around 10 years of age.
To get rid of the live ants I would suggest using a spray ant killer known as a residual spray.
EVERY YEAR THERE ARE SOME TYPICAL
SPRINGRELATED QUESTIONS.
SHELL BUSEY
TWO: The second most common question is why do I have a lot of moss on my duroid, cedar or tile roof, and what should I do about it? Being in this business for over 50 years I can honestly say that up until 10 to 15 years ago, home owners did not seem to worry about moss on roofs but rather considered it a natural thing that happens – and what will be will be. I still agree with this philosophy because what caused it 50 years ago is the same as what causes it today.
My advice on roof moss is that if you are not overly concerned about what it looks like then leave it alone. Mother nature put it there because we send impurities up into the atmosphere and mother nature brings the residual back down in rain spreading the spore contaminates on areas like roofs, patios and under the shelter of trees. This growth always occurs on north exposures or under the shade of a tree canopy where the spores thrive as algae and eventually moss. You will not fi nd it on sunny west and south exposures.
If it is your desire to remove the moss please ensure that you have a qualifi ed, certifi ed roof maintenance company perform the work.
For more home-improvement
information or to send Shell an email,
go to www.AskShell.com and become
a member of Shell’s HouseSmart club.
AROUND
related questions.
at this time of year?
Spring Has ArrivedNOW THAT THE WEATHER SEEMS TO BE TURNING
and the rainy days are giving way to a few sunny days you may be experiencing a couple of concerns around your home. Every year there are some typical spring
ONE: Why do ants always seem to show up in my home
Firstly, I will say that you probably live in a home that is slab on grade ( a concrete main fl oor entering directly from grade level outside) or possibly your garden and/or fl ower beds are up too close to the underside of your exterior siding. In the majority of cases these two items are the cause.
In the spring, snow melt and excess rain fi ll the ground with surface water. The water will eventually fi nd it’s way to the water table running underground on the hard pan on which the footings of your foundation are placed. In some areas this can be the determining factor as to whether a home can have a basement, crawlspace or be built slab on grade.
When the ground water gets to the point where it is no longer being taken away by the perimeter drainage system (weeping tiles around your home that lead to the city storm
sewer) it will drive the ants hibernating in colonies under the concrete slab up into your home because they do not like wet feet.
What to do: Make certain that your perimeter drainage is clear and running away to the storm system. This is done by a professional drainage company with the proper equipment. Ideally your drainage system should be maintained every three to fi ve years once the home is around 10 years of age.
To get rid of the live ants I would suggest using a spray ant killer known as a residual spray.
EVERY YEAR THERE ARE SOME TYPICAL
SPRINGRELATED QUESTIONS.
SHELL BUSEY
TWO: The second most common question is why do I have a lot of moss on my duroid, cedar or tile roof, and what should I do about it? Being in this business for over 50 years I can honestly say that up until 10 to 15 years ago, home owners did not seem to worry about moss on roofs but rather considered it a natural thing that happens – and what will be will be. I still agree with this philosophy because what caused it 50 years ago is the same as what causes it today.
My advice on roof moss is that if you are not overly concerned about what it looks like then leave it alone. Mother nature put it there because we send impurities up into the atmosphere and mother nature brings the residual back down in rain spreading the spore contaminates on areas like roofs, patios and under the shelter of trees. This growth always occurs on north exposures or under the shade of a tree canopy where the spores thrive as algae and eventually moss. You will not fi nd it on sunny west and south exposures.
If it is your desire to remove the moss please ensure that you have a qualifi ed, certifi ed roof maintenance company perform the work.
For more home-improvement
information or to send Shell an email,
go to www.AskShell.com and become
a member of Shell’s HouseSmart club.
Log ontoAskShell.com and follow the prompts.
If you are not already a member now is the time to do so as it is free until further notice.
» Ask your home improvements questions for a personal email response from Shell
» New product reports
» New building code information
» What’s new for (DIY) Do It Yourself
» Show updates
» Find out when Shell will be in your area
» View Shell’s informational and helpful Videos
Shell Busey’s House Smart Club
It’s just that easy!
™
Benefits:
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 35
SHELL BUSEY
TWO: The second most common question is why do I have a lot of moss on my duroid, cedar or tile roof, and what should I do about it? Being in this business for over 50 years I can honestly say that up until 10 to 15 years ago, home owners did not seem to worry about moss on roofs but rather considered it a natural thing that happens – and what will be will be. I still agree with this philosophy because what caused it 50 years ago is the same as what causes it today.
My advice on roof moss is that if you are not overly concerned about what it looks like then leave it alone. Mother nature put it there because we send impurities up into the atmosphere and mother nature brings the residual back down in rain spreading the spore contaminates on areas like roofs, patios and under the shelter of trees. This growth always occurs on north exposures or under the shade of a tree canopy where the spores thrive as algae and eventually moss. You will not fi nd it on sunny west and south exposures.
If it is your desire to remove the moss please ensure that you have a qualifi ed, certifi ed roof maintenance company perform the work.
For more home-improvement information
or to send Shell an email, go to www.
AskShell.com and become a member of
Shell’s HouseSmart club.
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3736 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
Tips and Tricks
Michael Nyikes is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at [email protected]
By Michael Nyikes
Q As a follow up to my last article regarding the recent release of the 2014 Alberta Building Code, I’ve since received quite a few questions about
what aspects of a house will be affected by the new energy efficiency requirements in Section 9.36.
A Improving energy efficiency standards for building construction codes supports Alberta’s Climate Change Strategy, which looks to energy efficiency
and conservation as one of the three main approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing demand on Alberta’s energy resources.
With that in mind, Alberta has recently adopted the 2011
edition of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings
(coming-into-force date of May 1, 2016), as well as energy
efficiency requirements for hous-ing and small buildings under
section 9.36 of the 2014 Alberta Building Code (coming-into-
force date of November 1, 2016). The reason for the long range
“coming-into-force” dates is so the construction indus-try has
enough time to make necessary changes on their construction
drawings and in the field.
The upcoming energy code requirements will deal with:
» Building Envelopes (the separation between the interior and
the exterior environments of a building, comprising of its
exterior walls, roof, foundation and slab-on-ground).
» Lighting (includes interior and exterior lighting components
and systems connected to the buildings electrical service).
» HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning covers items
such as ducting and piping, controls, ven-tilation and related
equipment).
» Service Water Heating (the systems used for the supply of
water for purposes other than space heat-ing).
It’s important to note that energy codes are essentially
construction codes (like the Alberta Building Code), except they
have energy efficiency as the focus. Whether a large commercial
building or a single family house, there will still be several
approaches to select from to suit the needs of budget, location
and the owners desires. The approaches can be described as:
» Performance-based - The expected energy performance
characteristics for the building are met using a design
prepared by a qualified professional, such as an architect.
This approach offers the greatest possible design flexibility
while still meeting energy efficiency goals.
» Performance-based using Simple Trade-Off - The
expected energy performance characteristics for
the various building elements are met, however it
is possible to “trade-off” increased performance in
one element for reduced performance in another.
For example: increasing wall insulation to allow
for less efficient windows. This can be done by
the builder without needing to engage a qualified
profes-sional.
» Prescriptive-based - The expected energy
performance characteristics for the various building
ele-ments are met by following the prescribed
approach set out in the Code. For example, by
following the prescribed level of thermal insulation
and amount of windows for the region where the
building is to be constructed.
From a dollars and cents perspective, most
agree that the added upfront construction costs in
complying with the new Energy Codes will easily be
offset in the monthly mortgage charge on a standard
25 year mortgage, because of the amount of money
saved on the monthly heating bill through reduced
energy consumption. Some of the factors that can
affect upfront construction costs could include:
» The existing level of energy efficiency some
homebuilders are already using in the construction
of their homes (example: whether it is a BuiltGreen
home or not).
» The size and configuration often home (example:
square footage, number of stories, lot orientation).
» The location in the province (example: homes in
the south can be constructed slightly differently
from those in the north to achieve the same level
of energy performance).
» The material costs during construction and once
the home is occupied.
Decoding THE CODE
JUL - AUG 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 3736 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUL - AUG 2015
PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY
AWNINGS
Canfab Products Ltd 12819-144 ST 780.451.4341 www.canfabproducts.ca
DECORATIVE PAINTING
Unfauxgettable Interiors 780.999.5609 [email protected] www.unfauxgettable.ca
FLOORING
Payless Wholesale Flooring & Lighting 18415-104 Ave 780.487.2700 www.paylessfloors.ca
HOME RENOVATIONS
A Cut Above Living 780.244.0504 acutaboveliving.com
Ackard Contractors Ltd. 780.414.0686 www.ackard.com
Aquarian Renovations 780.481.7671 www.aquarianrenovations.com
Appollo Sunrooms 780.466.1952 www.apollosunrooms.com
Coogee Construction Ltd. 780.454.1513 www.coogeeconstruction.ca
Diamond Contracting 780.433.3166 www.diamondcontractingab.ca
Fortress Homes & Renovations 780.660.1026 www.fortresshomes.ca
Full House Renovations 780.483.2666 www.fullhouserenovations.com
Homestyle Construction Ltd. 780-479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca
Innovation Plus Developments Ltd 780 434-0923 www.innovationplus.ca
Rencon Industries Inc. 780.986.2160 www.renconindustries.ca
Renovations of Excellence 780.441.1243 www.wedorenos.com [email protected]
Revolving Rooms Interior Design Inc. 780.465.8071 www.revolvingrooms.ca
Serenity Contracting & Design Inc. 780.435.6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca
KITCHENS
Kitchen Craft Cabinetry 2866 Calgary Trail, NW 780.465.6531 www.kitchencraft.com
Towne and Countree Kitchens 17212 107 Ave. 780.489.3331 www.towneandcountree.com
LIGHTING
Design 21 FX Lighting Ltd. 780.421.1940 www.design21.ca
INTERIOR DESIGN
Flawless Interiors 780.903.0634 www.flawlessinteriors.ca
Kohon Designs #143 - 10309 107th St. Phone 780.428.6230 www.kohon.ca
Mojo Design Inc. #1, 10340-134 St. 780.455.5229 Mojodesigninc.com
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Outdoor Rooms Without Walls Inc. 16508-100th Ave. 780.809.0993 www.orww.ca
STONE PANELS
Prima Stone 4328-97 St. 780.932.7289 www.primastone.ca
TILE
Tile’s Trend #7 445 Parsons Road Ph: 780.485.2277 [email protected] www.tilestrend.com
WINDOWS
Durabuilt Windows & Doors West 10920-178 St. 780.455.0440 South 8605 Argyll Rd 780.463.4466
Duxton Windows & Doors 6764 99 Street (by appt only) 780.887.5163 www.duxtonwindows.com
TILE’S TREND
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#7 445 Parsons RoadEdmonton, AB.T6X 06WPhone: 780-485-2277
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After hours call 780-237-2757
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TIPSANDTRICKS
Time to Renew your Mortgage?
Need to Renovate? by JULIAN IZQUIERDO
THEN IT’S TIME TO “RENEWVATE.” Whether it’s a new kitchen, finishing the basement, or replacing windows and siding, renovations can be too costly for most families. Additional financing may be the best option to secure a budget to work with. Renovating a home can improve the value of the property and the quality of your life.
With the interest rates for mortgages being at an historic low, the time could not be better to leverage the equity in your home to pay for those much needed improvements or even buy a second investment property. Home equity is the current market value of your home, minus any outstanding debts registered against your property, like your mortgage balance.
Did you know that you can borrow up to 80% of the value of your existing home and stretch out the payments over another 25 years? Now that may not sound practical as I am sure most people want to be mortgage free sooner rather than later, but let’s say your house is worth $350,000 in today’s market. Your balance after making your payments for the last 10 years is $180,000, so you could be eligible to borrow an additional $100,000, bringing your new mortgage to 80% of the value which is $280,000.
The truth is when your mortgage is up for renewal you can take advantage of the current low interest rates to increase your mortgage to the amount required to complete the renovations. Your new monthly payment could increase slightly or even stay the same, but now you have the money to get started!
First get a couple of quotes from trusted industry professionals to help you assess the costs of the renovations. Next talk to your local mortgage advisor, that’s me, to find out how much you can
qualify for at renewal and what potential pre-payment costs are involved if renewing too early. Refinancing and transferring your existing mortgage can have many additional costs to consider such as penalties and appraisal fees. Make sure to review and understand those costs with a mortgage specialist before moving forward. It’s always best to plan ahead and make changes on or close to the renewal date.
WHAT EXAMPLES OF RENOVATIONS ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME?» Improving the kitchen» Adding or remodeling a bathroom» Creating a master bedroom with an ensuite
or wal-in closet» Energy efficient windows
WHAT EXAMPLES OF RENOVATIONS ARE VALUE NEUTRAL?» Adding a swimming pool, sauna or hot tub» Installing a central vacuum system» Reducing the number of bedrooms» Installing paving stones in the driveway
There are lots of things to consider before you renovate your home, such as municipal zoning bylaws and fire regulations. Also find out more about government grants, subsidies and tax credits for certain renovations.
To learn more about how to add value to your home or how to use your existing home to pay for its own renovations join me on Monday, June 1st at the Westin Hotel at 6:00pm as we host HGTV’s Scott McGillivray, real estate expert, contractor and host of the show Income Property. Space is limited, contact me directly to reserve your spot on the guest list as Scott shares his wealth of knowledge on how you can maximize the equity in your home.
Happy Renewvating.
6764 99 St. Edmonton, AB (By appointment only) | 780.887.5163 | duxtonwindows.com
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