Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - Jul/Aug 2015

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

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


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


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.


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


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


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

HOME STYLE CONSTRUCTION LTD. BACK WOODS

Best Renovation $200,000 to $500,000

ACKARD CONTRACTORS LAKESHORE ESTATES

Best Renovation over $500,000 ALAIR HOMES

SUNHILL ESTATES

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS

In The News


Lucia Rectangular Co� ee Table. $1,495

elte.com

Lucia Rectangular Moroccan Wool Rug from $199.

homesense.ca

Ektorp Tullsta Armchair, Natural, Blekinge White. $149.

ikea.ca

catch up on decor & reno news, inspiration, style and more

by Elisa Krovblit

News Etc.

the look of reclaimed wood

HD&RHD&Rloves

the

SCOOP

NATURAL and

NEUTRALare in!

SCOOP

theLOOK!

Martens Double-door Cabinet in Aged Elm

$2395 - $2795

restorationhardware.com

TOP 5 CURB APPEAL UPDATES

Make your next celebration a

GARDEN THEMED ONE!

OUTDOORLIVING

JULY - AUG 2015

WATER FEATURES...THE CHOICES ARE ENDLESS


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.


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3131

Next issue ad deadline AUG. 14, 2015

Distribution starts SEPT. 4, 2015

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!


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


THE

SCOOPby SARA DUCK

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THEMED ONE!

OUTDOOR LIVING


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


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!


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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.


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


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.



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


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


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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


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.






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.






EVERY YEAR THERE ARE SOME TYPICAL

SPRINGRELATED QUESTIONS.

SHELL BUSEY




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:


SHELL BUSEY




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.


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


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

SUPPLYING LEADING-EDGE, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY PRODUCTS

#7 445 Parsons RoadEdmonton, AB.T6X 06WPhone: 780-485-2277

Email:[email protected]

MON- FRI: 9:30AM - 6:00PMSAT: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

After hours call 780-237-2757

FLOOR TILES, GLASS TILESMOSAICS, WALL TILES

FOR ALL YOUR TILE & STONE NEEDS

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RENOVATING?DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

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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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Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - Jul/Aug 2015

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Transcript of Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - Jul/Aug 2015