HOSS T HE HO ME RE NO VAT I ON R E S OU R C E
THE LOW DOWN ON BASEMENT RENOS
HITTING THE WALL
WITH LAURA STEIN
TOOLBOX
TAKE OVER
JA N/FEB 2014
TRUE GRIT HOW BRYAN BAEUMLER BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME
WITH STEPHEN FANUKA
THEY’LL ACTUALLY USE
www.hossmagazine.com
1 $5.99 JAN/FEB 2014
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HOLIDAY GIFTS
PUT SOME “ INTO YOUR HOME SPA
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22 YOUR OWN HOME SPA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A trip to the spa…the scents, the sounds, the colours, the ultimate in peace and relaxation! With the power of colour you can change your bathroom from an ordinary room into a spa-like retreat.
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BRYAN’S STORY
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Bryan Baeumler’s nononsense attitude and personable demeanour translated well on the screen, turning him into a household name.
FEATURES
CONSTRUCTION
A Solid Foundation 16 Cover Story: Bryan Baeumler 26 Holiday Gift Guide 43 Behind the Glass 94 What’s on the Floor? 95 Find The Right Contractor For your Flooring Project 97
Preparing Your Basement for Winter Architecture is in the Details Can Glass be Self-Cleaning? Design a Functional Mud Room and Laundry Area Concrete Matters
From Tragedy to Triumph
DESIGN & DÉCOR
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SPOTLIGHT Don’t Fence Me In Building for Good The Urban Cottage Combat Winter With the Right Tools Baeumler Quality Construction
20 62 64 88 100
Creating a Media Room
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IN EVERY ISSUE Toolbox Takeover with Stephen Fanuka 19 DIY Deconstructed 52 Tool Time 54
RENO Saving The Planet One Bulb at a Time ‘Bang for your Buck’ Renovations Rock Solid Finishes The Safe House Creating the Perfect Garage
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38 42 58 60 82
Tricks From a Designer’s Toolbox Colour Your Own Home Spa Make Every Day a Holiday From Marketplace to Your Place
35 66 68 69 78
8 22 32 36
LANDSCAPE Environmentally Responsible Landscaping Winterizing Your Outdoors Doing it Right: Water Features
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CELEBRITY COLUMNS Ramsin Khachi: Basement Renovations Danielle Bryk: Home Reno and Mom Paul Lafrance: The Purpose of Design Jonathan and Drew Scott: Get it Done Right Janette Ewan: Interesting Person, Place & Thing Frank Turco: A Stress-Free Kitchen Reno Ty Pennington: A Place For Everything
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HOME RENO AND MOM Danielle Bryk is going to give it to you straight about kids and home décor. It’s not always pretty, but it can be fun, and, thanks to a growing number of design trends, you can have your cake and eat it...on the couch, with a toddler bouncing beside you.
CHECK OUT ALL THE GOOD STUFF
HOSS PUBLISHER & FOUNDER: Craig Charity ACTING EDITOR: Janine Druery EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Laura Greenspan
ART DIRECTOR: Carmine Napolitano DESIGNER: Gary Charity DIGITAL PUBLISHING & ONLINE MANAGER: Trina Stewart MULTIMEDIA MANAGER: Tom Marasovic
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I enjoy the smooth feel of wood, the smell of fresh paint, and the weight of a hammer in my hand just prior to a new renovation project. In that moment, it’s all about possibilities. I think it was during such a moment that the idea for HOSS magazine was born. It’s with that same feeling of anticipation and enthusiasm that I write my first editor’s note for HOSS’ inaugural issue. I’m a chronic home renovator. And I like reading all about the latest and greatest tools, technology and industry developments. Yet, I always found a void in
SALES EXECUTIVE: Deborah Taylor ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: Susan Bovaird MAGAZINE INTERN: Christina Hackett
the marketplace. I wanted to see a true “renovation
CONTRIBUTORS: Danielle Nicholas Bryk James Campbell Jean-Marc Daigle Lisa Evans Janette Ewen Stephen Fanuka Ralph Fox Sharon Grech Cindy Grenke Claudia Cassol Hall Raffy Haniyan Clinton Howell Louise Johnsen Ramsin Khachi Paul LaFrance Lindsay Lipton Ashley Lloyd Magdalena M. Andrea MacKey Jennifer Marchese Anthony Niro Ty Pennington Jimmy Robinson Samantha Sannella Drew Scott Jonathan Scott Laura Stein Frank Turco Jennifer Utley Stephen Weir
warrior to the serious contractor – with the tools and
For all advertising, editorial or other business inquiries please contact: Craig Charity by email at craig@ csquaredmedia.com HOSS magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of contributors, sources quoted and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Contents of HOSS magazine are copyright 2014, all rights are reserved and may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without written permission of the publisher. HOSS magazine is published 6 times a year. HOSS magazine is published by C-Squared Media.
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lifestyle” magazine, one that covered all aspects of construction, renovation, design, landscape and décor. For that reason, I set my sights on developing HOSS: to provide readers – from the weekend information they needed for their projects. Six times per year HOSS will provide you with resources, step-by-step help – and inspiration. And it will deliver all of those things in an informative, visually inspiring and industry savvy manner, tapping the brainpower of the most knowledgeable people in the business. I’m excited to have experts like Bryan Baeumler (who appears on our first cover), Drew and Jonathan Scott, Ty Pennington, Janette Ewen, Ramsin Khachi, Danielle Bryk and Frank Turco as regular columnists and contributors. They comprise a knowledge base that will bring you all of the tricks of the trade. But why the name HOSS? Perhaps you remember the show Bonanza, which ran from the late 1950s to the early 1970s? Dan Blocker played Eric “Hoss” Cartwright – a large man with a kind and gentle soul. The name found its way into the lexicon and is now used as a term of endearment. In the Southern U.S., it’s a term for friendship, a nickname for partner. And, at the end of the day, isn’t that what most home renovation and décor projects are all about: partnership, creativity, collaboration? I hope you enjoy our first issue, and I welcome your feedback at www.hossmagazine.com. Happy reading. And happy renovating! — Craig Charity, Publisher & Founder
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BASEMENT RENOVATIONS When looking to increase square footage in your home, the answer lies right under your feet.
BY RAMSIN KHACHI
A
Khachi Design Group Ltd. www.khachi.com
lthough basement renovations come with
may have to consult a professional to dig and
a unique set of challenges, most can be
waterproof the foundation and to repair or install
overcome with good planning. Here are
a proper weeping tile system.
some tips and techniques to help you transform your basement into a functional and beautiful
Planning is the start to any successful renovation
living space.
project. First, identify the rooms you require and then clarify the function of each of those
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Water is a basement’s worst enemy. Don’t even
rooms. Identifying the function of a room allows
consider starting a project unless you have a dry
you to design and plan the appropriate features
basement. Most water problems in a basement
to address the needs of that room. A media
can be resolved by directing surface water
room, for example, will require a square or
away from the house. Do this by correcting the
rectangular shape with a clear wall at one end
grade around your house and by redirecting
to accommodate a television or projector screen.
downspouts away from the foundation. If you
It will need adequate width to accommodate
have a more persistent water problem, you
seating for appropriate viewing of the screen and
HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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PLANNING IS THE START TO ANY SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION PROJECT. FIRST, IDENTIFY THE ROOMS YOU REQUIRE AND THEN CLARIFY THE FUNCTION OF EACH OF THOSE ROOMS.
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“ also areas for proper placement of audio and video equipment. When planning your layout, consider noise and isolation requirements for rooms. You don’t want a media room at the stair opening to the upstairs. Also take into account the need for natural light or no light. If a washroom is needed, don’t just default to a three-piece without clearly weighing your options. If you don’t need a shower in the basement, don’t put one in. I can’t tell you how many basement showers I’ve built that never see a drop of water. Basement space is at a premium and unnecessary features eat up that space quickly. Once your floor plan is in place, consider how it relates to the obstacles in the basement such as posts, beams and ducting. You now have to relate the ceiling plan to your floor plan and see how you can make the two complement each other. Don’t just box every obstacle in with framing and drywall. Try to incorporate the obstacles into your design to make them disappear. Columns can easily fall into partition walls and cabinetry, duct runs can be relocated to create coffered ceilings, and plumbing pipes can easily be rearranged. Preparing a proper plan and obtaining a building permit will ensure you address all of the mechanics of a basement properly. Correctly placed supply air and return air vents will ensure a healthy environment and professional plumbing will serve you well for years. The electrical layout should also be prepared on a plan to accommodate your needs for proper placement of plugs, switches and lighting, because proper lighting design in a basement is vital. It can transform the basement atmosphere from ordinary to remarkable. Use different light sources on multiple switch controls and dimmers to provide you with unlimited choices for settings. Always complete a furniture layout prior to construction to ensure a proper fit and a useable room. A furniture plan will provide you with vital information for your utility placements as well as traffic flow in your new space. Use moveable partitions, pocket doors and open shelving units to divide small areas without compromising space. Make sure you pay special attention to requirements in specialty rooms. For example, when planning a gym, ensure adequate ventilation and ceiling height as well as the electrical requirements of your equipment. Initial research, planning and design will ensure your basement renovation goes smoothly and presents you with a space that will add value to your lifestyle and your home.
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DESIGN & DÉCOR
Tricks From a Designer’s Toolbox
From Texture to Colour to Pattern, Wallpaper’s Got it All! Remember those harvest gold and avocado green florals that seemed permanently fused to the wall in your grandmother’s kitchen? Most of us have memories of some kind of tacky, dated or otherwise hideous wallpaper that caused us to recoil in horror.
BY LAURA STEIN
Well, cringe in no more. After years of flat, boring, painted walls, designers are infusing rooms with pattern, texture and colour. After a long and arduous ascent, wallpaper is back at the pinnacle of interior design. It’s modernized, glamourized, and more ecofriendly than ever before.
Wallpaper is one of the best ways to add personality to a room. Unlike paint, which usually acts as a backdrop for furnishings, wallpaper is a feature, adding dimension and depth to a design. It creates beautiful focal points, can be used as art, provides a sense of warmth, and sets the tone for a room. Wallpapers, or wall coverings, are available in countless materials and styles, and have become an important element in shaping the latest design trends. There’s no doubt about it, wallpaper is back and it’s here to stay!
Laura Stein Interiors www.laurasteininteriors.com
WHO KNEW?
The size of a pattern from top to bottom is called the vertical repeat. The larger the vertical repeat, the more wastage there is in hanging wallpaper. Before ordering wallpaper, ask your supplier or installer to calculate how many rolls you will need in order to accommodate both the size of your room and the repeat. What to do with the wasted paper? Line the drawers of furniture in the same room to add a custom touch!
ROMO WALLPAPER, COLLECTION: FOUGERE, PATTERN: PORTICO, COLOUR: ZINNIA, CODE: W356-06
colour palettes are emerging in new and innovative ways on wall coverings. Patterns may be bold and dramatic or subtle and elegant, but most are simplified and stylized with a clearly modern twist. Glittery greys and shimmery golds are everywhere. Even Swarovski crystals, tiny mirrors and glass beads are finding their way onto our walls. This isn’t your grandmother’s wallpaper!
on the environment, has become another major trend. Down-to-earth, nature-inspired patterns and organic materials abound. New technologies and the call for natural products have given rise to a score of luxurious new wall covering materials that can be hung just like paper. Patent leather, hand painted silk and grasscloth, linen woven with metallic thread, and paper-backed exotic wood veneers are just a few. Many wallpaper manufacturers also tout ecofriendly products, using sustainable or recycled
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Influences like art deco graphics, disco-era glam, ethnic or tribal patterns, and 1980s
The “return to nature,” influenced by our focus
ROMO WALLPAPER, COLLECTION: SHIMA, PATTERN: RIVO, COLOUR: SHALE
NEW AND NOW
materials, water-based inks, and responsible manufacturing and distribution practices.
ROMO WALLPAPER, PATTERN: ORVEITO
CELEBRITY COLUMN ROMO WALLPAPER, COLLECTION: GRANDIS, PATTERN: LAURITO , COLOUR: SHADOW, CODE: W321/03
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AM I STUCK? Okay, you say, wallpaper may be the perfect addition to my room, but what happens when I want to take it down? Wallpaper is now easier to remove than ever before. Modern adhesives are waterbased and dry clear, meaning less scraping and less mess. Today’s adhesives are also mildew resistant, helping to protect walls from unwanted mold and mildew build-up beneath the wallpaper. CLARKE & CLARKE WALLPAPER, PATTERN: PEELING PLANKS, COLOUR: MINERAL
With new advances in paper and adhesives, an array of organic materials, and an endless sea of sumptuous patterns, wallpaper has become a truly an amazing design tool. It adds life to our walls, puts energy into our rooms, and infuses a little glamour and a whole lot of personality!
WINFIELD THYBONY WALLPAPER, PATTERN: ARABESQUE LIGHT WOOD, WSP6339.WT
Laura Stein is Principal and CEO of Laura Stein Interiors (www.laurasteininteriors.com), a Toronto-based firm specializing in custom interior decorating and design for residential clients. One of Toronto’s most prominent decorating professionals, Stein is dedicated to creating exceptional, distinctive, and uniquely personal interiors for her clients. Her focus is on fresh, lifestylebased design infused with comfort and understated luxury. —H
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TOOLBOX
TAKEOVER WITH STEPHEN FANUKA
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I prefer an electric jig saw to cope over the standard hand coping saw
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Stephen Fanuka has built himself an unsurpassed reputation among the leading decorators, architects and elite clientele in Manhattan as the go-to guy for high quality general contracting and luxury interior renovations. He was driven by a passion for his family’s business and has grown it from a small fatherson custom cabinet shop into the prestigious firm it is today, Fanuka, Inc. Follow him on twitter @stephenfanuka and facebook page “contractor to the stars”. stephenfanuka.com & fanuka. com for more portfolio items. And check out his book “Whats a home owner to do”. Photo Credit: DIY Network
IN EVERY ISSUE
Q&A
Q - MY FAVORITE TOOL THAT I USE THE MOST IS…..
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A - My imagination. Without that….I’m just building the same as everyone else.
Q - THE TOOL EVERY CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR HOUSE IS… A - Everybody should have a set of screwdrivers. Both Phillips, fat head and rathcheting sets. You’ll get a lot done and save a lot of money DIY’ing.
Q - I WISH THERE WAS A TOOL FOR... A - There’s a tool for everything. If it doesn’t exist...You invent it. My dad always told me one tool can do it all if you need to get it done. Bottom line is you get it done or go home poor.
Q - THE TOOL I USE FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN IT’S PRIMARY PURPOSE IS… A - I prefer an electric jig saw to cope over the standard hand coping saw.
Q - THE NUMBER ONE TOOL THAT CONTRACTORS SHOULD HAVE IS… A - A ruler….Both 6’ wood folding ruler for cabinets and a 30’ retractable tape measure for everything else.
Q - THE TOOL I HAVE TO REPLACE THE MOST OFTEN IS… A - My pneumatic nail guns. I can only service them so much before they need to be replaced. What can I say? I like to nail things together, I also sharpen all my blades & primary bits on a weekly basis.
Q - I THINK THE MOST UNDER USED TOOL IS… A - The clamp. You haven’t really created anything until it’s round… square is nice and practical, but round is special.
Q - THE TOOL THAT I SEE USED MOST BEING USED INCORRECTLY IS… A - Anything with a blade... Too many times people don’t take into consideration safety… eye protection, ear protection, respirators. People should remove all jewellery from fingers and wrists prior to using a tool with a blade. It only takes a fraction for a blade to catch you and do some damage. Safety first! Then have fun.
Q - THE TOOL YOU HAVE TO BE THE MOST CAREFUL WHEN USING IS… A - Table saw... depending on the solid wood you are working on, some species tend to bow and shoot back at you like a bullet. I’ve seen people who aren’t careful literally get stabbed by the piece of wood they were working on.
Q - THE TOOL I AM MOST LIKE IS______BECAUSE______... A - I’m a hammer… you can beat the hell out of me, but ill always get it done and be there for you tomorrow to do it again.—H
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HOME RENO “ AND MOM
I’m going to give it to you straight about kids and home decor. It’s not always pretty but it can be fun and, thanks to a growing number of design trends, you can have your cake
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and eat it...on the couch, with a toddler bouncing beside you. BY DANIELLE NICHOLAS BRYK
By most standards, I have a pretty big family-three
kids, two dogs, one husband, and much of the time, a film crew in the house. Needless to say, we’re hard on a house. We’ve had many different houses and I’ve used just about every surface, flooring and tile you can imagine and here’s my low down on some of the most common materials and their “familyfriendly” rating. Ratings are based on my very accurate “how quickly this will drive you insane” test (general resistance to wear and tear) as well as a ranking of environmental friendliness. Ratings go from 1 - Don’t do it, you’ll pull your hair out to 9 - Almost indestructible
HARDWOOD: 8 | (or as good as it’s to get before going into industrial tile) Here’s the thing about floors, they are meant to be trod upon. If you have kids and/or dogs, they will get scratched. Some hardwoods resist scratching better than others. Sheen can play a part too. I had my time of high-gloss, ebonised floors. They looked stunning, as long as we all wore surgical booties around the house. Lower sheens or oiled finishes are much more forgiving. In terms of colour, a mid-tone will show less than very dark or very light. I find that the old-school way of finishing floors on-site provides better resistance to scratching than most of the lower-quality pre-finished floors and are more timeless. Luckily, there are amazing new options for pre-finished floors that give that finished-on-site look, with high-quality finishes.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD: 8 | Engineered floors get the same rating as hardwood for resistance to wear and tear. The quality of engineered flooring today is fantastic. Many have layers of solid hardwood that can be sanded multiple
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CELEBRITY COLUMN times and they have the bonus of resisting expansion
especially in my own houses, is white walls. This
sectional has survived bulldog puppies, teenagers,
and contraction. Look for brands that use low VOC
allows me to create that gallery vibe that I love so
eight year-old girl slumber parties and has passed the
glues and finishes.
much and also allows me to make the often small
insanity test. I still wouldn’t go bright white, because
spaces have a sense of openness and flow. I will
even though you can technically clean it, you won’t
LAMINATE: 9 | Virtually indestructible, but look
admit that every few weeks I see a build-up of who
want to have to every day. Ditto for the white slip-
for options that have low VOC’s or let it off-gas for a
knows what on the high-traffic areas like door jambs
cover just because you CAN take it off and bleach
few weeks before installation it’s a great option for
and stairwells. As I take a couple of minutes to wipe
it, doesn’t mean you’re going to want to on a weekly
basements and areas that will double as hockey rinks.
this down, I remind myself that the alternative is to
(almost daily at our house) basis.
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have a colour where I don’t see the dirt and grime.
CONCRETE COUNTERS: 6 | Despite the connotation that concrete is industrial and
Frankly, I’d rather know it’s there.
So what gets a perfect 10 rating? Nothing.It doesn’t exist, and the quicker you accept this, the quicker
indestructible, know that it is very porous, but over
STAINLESS STEEL COUNTERS: 8 | There is
time, it develops a patina that concrete lovers
a reason restaurants use this material in their kitchens.
appreciate.
I’m a huge fan of seeing this making it’s way into more
you’ll enjoy truly living in your home.—H
and more residential settings. I’ve used stainless in
CARRARA MARBLE: This is my one exception
some of the most elegant homes I’ve designed, as
to the rule — yes, it is porous, yes it stains, but oh,
a counter on either side of the range (there’s great
is it beautiful. When it comes to marble, there are
freedom in not worrying about your spaghetti sauce
two kinds of people: the kind who know it requires
splattering) and as integrated sink counters. Yes, there
some maintenance and may stain, but believe that the
is the issue of fingerprints, but like so many materials,
patina it develops over time is part of the character,
over time the finish develops so that this isn’t an issue.
and those who know themselves well enough to know that it would drive them crazy and who aren’t
WHITE GROUT ON THE FLOOR: 1 | This
interested in the maintenance. Maybe there’s three
will make you insane. Don’t be seduced by the beauty
types of people. There’s also the type who know this
of white octagonal tiles unless you plan to grout them
about themselves but who do it anyway because it’s
with a dark grey. There’s only so many days you can
just that beautiful. If this is you, limit the use of it to
devote to scrubbing the grout lines with a toothbrush
areas that aren’t so high-traffic (walls instead of floors,
and bleach. Sealing the grout is nothing but a cruel
the island counter as opposed to the counter on either
promise to keep it from staining. Here’s how it goes
side of the range). So many restaurants, hotels and
down. Child walks into bathroom barefoot to wash his
retail stores use carrara on their surfaces and they
or her hands. Child drips a bit of water on the ground
always look fantastic. I can attest that over time, and
while drying hands. Child walks over the drips, and
with some sealing (look for the environmentally safe,
the ever-present mud (not even visible to the naked
no VOC impregnators) this stone becomes even, more
eye) mixes with water to become instant mud puddle.
beautiful. A honed finish, instead of a polished is
It took me two homes and two terribly chic, but way
even more durable.
too high-maintenance, bathrooms with this floor to learn my lesson. If you love this look, try reversing it,
ENGINEERED QUARTZ: 9 | Made of over
the
90 percent natural quartz and mixed with a resin, this
black hex looks really cool.
surface retains the beauty of natural stone but is also scratch and stain resistant and is non-porous. Some
WALLPAPER: This is a tricky sell for
brands qualify for LEED certification.
families with young children. Since it’s not a necessity (you need a counter, you
CARPET--ugh. Enough said? There are so many
need a floor) it definitely falls under
reasons why I give carpets a failing grade. Firstly,
the category of art or whimsy. Just like
the off-gassing due to the chemical make up of most
any piece of art, you wouldn’t put it where sticky
carpets is worrisome. Even though there are healthier
fingers have easy access .
options (carpets made from natural materials like wool and sisal), these materials are pricey and, let me tell
MICROFIBER: 8.5 | It really is true. Red wine,
you, they don’t stand a chance against a juice box
chocolate cake, crayons, you name it, it can be
spill, a puppy accident or a Barbie lipstick smear.
cleaned off. I was a non-believer, because every time someone told me something was easy to keep clean,
WHITE WALLS: 7 | A mainstay of my design,
my family proved them wrong. Our grey microfiber HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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LANDSCAPE
Environmentally Responsible Landscaping: How “Green” Is Your Backyard? BY JEAN-MARC DAIGLE
The dual concepts of ecological sustainability and environmental
The sustainability movement has resulted in significant,
responsibility have finally emerged from the shadows of a fringe
decidedly positive, changes in the construction industry. In
– even radical – “long hair” activist movement to gain wide
recent years, innovative “green” building technologies have
and popular acceptance across all spectrums of society. It seems
hit the mainstream, contributing to energy efficiency, water
we have finally, hopefully and perhaps rudely, awakened to the
and resource conservation, and low-impact development.
harsh realities of global warming, habitat destruction, species
It’s now decidedly cool to build “green” homes with all the
extinctions, air and water pollution and a host of other pressing
sustainable bells and whistles.
environmental issues. The horrifying decline of world-wide bee populations and the potential impact on food production is latest
As a landscape architect with a deep-seated concern
issue to land front and centre in the news.
for the environment, I am heartened and encouraged by these developments. However, I am also keenly aware of
There is arguably now a popular consensus that environmental
a profound irony and myth that I believe permeates the
responsibility begins at home, and that we as individuals all
landscape industry.
need to do our part in reducing our individual and collective “ecological footprint.” Clearly, no single magic bullet to make it
Simply stated, landscaping is often perceived to be, by
all right. Rather, change will happen through an accumulation of
rights, inherently “green.” Landscaping, after all, revolves
positive individual and collective actions, both large and small.
around the use of plants and other materials to enrich and
This is why we choose to recycle, drive hybrid cars (or ride our
beautify our homes and communities. We collectively pour
bikes), purchase electricity from alternative energy suppliers, or
tremendous amounts of time, money and resources into the
purchase organic food.
construction and maintenance of our landscapes to conform to widely accepted aesthetic and horticultural standards.
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LANDSCAPE
Unfortunately, landscapes have historically be
You can plan a water-efficient, drought-tolerant
“living walls”, and “bioengineered” retaining walls.
anything but sustainable. Viewed from a “green”
landscape or garden, also known as a xeriscape,
Ecological landscaping also extends to the use of
lens, they can be particularly wasteful in terms of
to reduce water and resource consumption. You can
sustainably harvested lumber, as well as composite
water, energy and resource consumption, have
cut back-on your lawn maintenance by installing a
lumber composed of recycled plastics to construct
entailed the often indiscriminate use of harmful
drought tolerant fescue lawn, as a low maintenance
decks, fences and other landscape structures. It
chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers, and contribute
alternative to the ubiquitous Kentucky bluegrass
even promotes the use of local stone over materials
to the spread of invasive exotic plant species Yes,
lawn, which is decidedly more water and resource
imported from India and China, which have a huge
our landscapes and gardens may be literally green,
intensive. You can hire lawn and garden care
ecological footprint.
but not necessarily environmentally responsible.
professionals who offer Integrated Pest Management and organic maintenance services. You can adopt
At its core, ecological landscaping forces us to
This brings me to ecological landscaping. There is
ecological restoration and management practices
rethink our long-held ideals of landscape beauty. The
hope, fuelled by the recent emergence of a wide
to create, enhance and/or restore natural habitats
reality is that it no longer makes sense to maintain
array of innovative, green landscape technologies
such as ravine woodlands, wetlands, and shorelines,
formal, highly manicured, weed-free landscapes,
that will increasingly influence how we design our
rather than converting your entire property to lawn
without any concern for the environment or excessive
landscapes and gardens.
and manicured gardens. You can even strategically
resource consumption. It’s high time we rethink our
plant trees and shrubs to moderate microclimates and
landscapes. Relax a little, worry less about con-
conserve energy in the home.
trolling nature, and focus more on creating gardens
So, what does this mean for you? First and foremost, you can begin by planting locally adapted native trees, shrubs and perennials, as alternatives to more commonly used horticultural exotic species, some of which can be invasive (for instance, Norway Maple). Native plants tend to be better suited to local soils, climates and rainfall without the need for supplemental water and fertilizers. They can also help support native songbirds and beneficial insects, including bees, and ultimately, they contribute to the protection of our natural heritage.
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and landscapes that express natural process with Ecological landscaping is much more than a plants-
a small ecological footprint. Adopt an ecological
based concept. I am particularly keen on natural
landscape aesthetic, one defined by environmental
swimming pools, a chemical-free and environmental-
responsibility, and which ultimately manifests natural
ly-friendly alternative to chlorinated pools. Ecological
beauty. The planet, and your grandchildren, will
landscaping also includes low impact development
thank you for it.
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practices, with a focus on water conservation. Examples of increasingly popular rainwater infiltration
Jean-Marc Daigle is a landscape architect, builder,
technologies include green roofs, bioswales, rain
author, and president of Genus Loci Ecological
gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, and perme-
Landscapes Inc. a landscape design-build company
able pavements. It can also feature solar powered
based in King City, ON. Jean-Marc can be reached
landscape lighting, wind driven pond pumps,
at: jeanmarc@genus-loci.ca. HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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FEATURE
BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION BY LISA EVANS
A structure’s foundation is critical for safety and stability and is likely the most important part of the construction process. While concrete sonotubes have been the standard in residential construction practices for many years, helical pile are quickly becoming the favoured material for backyard decks, additions and foundation repairs. 16
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THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER IN THE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION WORLD
Originally designed for use in heavy commercial work, the helical pile is a giant metal screw that is drilled into the soil using hydraulic machinery. “This is a game-changer in the residential construction world,” says Roger Lauzon a Halton-area dealer with the Techno Metal Post network. So much so that Paul LaFrance, host of HGTV’s Decked Out Decks, Deck Wars and Disaster Decks has been working exclusively with helical piles. “He hasn’t dug one hole for concrete,” says Lauzon. Helical piles are cleaner, eliminating the need for digging, and are becoming popular among home renovators for their huge time-saving capabilities. While building a foundation with concrete sonotubes can take one to two days to dig and install, helical piles can be installed
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in mere hours. “We get there at eight o’clock and within a couple hours the contractor is building,” says Lauzon. Using a proprietary machine that’s small enough to fit through a backyard gate (29”), helical piles are ideal for residential applications including second floor decks and additions. Fitting into tight spaces isn’t the only benefit. Techno Metal Posts can be installed on terrain concrete sonotubes, simply cannot. “We’re working on a project in Richmond Hill where we’re building a boardwalk right on the lake,” says Lauzon. Cottages built on rocks or decks built in close proximity to trees are made easy by helical piles. While permits may not be issued to install
FEATURE
concrete sonotubes because of the risk to tree life, helical piles can bypass this issue. “Because we’re not disturbing the soil and we’re not going to tear out the roots, they’ll give the contractor the permit to install,” says Lauzon. While installing concrete sonotubes on a lot with poor soil can be an expensive endeavour for homeowners requiring a great deal of excavation and massive spread footings, helical piles eliminate this extra effort, drilling over 100 feet deep to reach the good soil or bedrock. Although some may argue that helical piles are more expensive per unit,
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Lauzon says a quick bit of math will quickly reveal savings. Since helical piles are guaranteed not to heave or settle and have a greater load bearing capacity than concrete sonotubes, homeowners can reduce the number of piers used in projects. “While a typical deck design will have concrete sonotubes installed every four to six feet, helical piers can be installed every eight to 12 feet,” says Lauzon. With all of these benefits, it appears the writing is on the wall for concrete sonotubes. —H
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CELEBRITY SECTION COLUMN
CATEGORY
THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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CELEBRITY SECTION COLUMN
CATEGORY
Our Showroom. Your Show. Imagine the perfect Kitchen and Bath Boutique...
Distinct styling themes developed exclusively by Watermarks, assist designers and clients to readily identify products that best fit their vision and style preferences. Combine that with highly dedicated consultants that partner with you and deliver an unsurpassed level of technical support and service excellence — it’s no wonder that Watermarks has become the premiere kitchen and bath showroom!
Classic, Nostalgic It’s a big world but you continually find inspiration in its variety. You are innovative and experimental yet whimsical and creative. Constantly exploring your global sensibilities incline you towards the provocative leaving the conservative choice to others.
Where the past meets the present. An heirloom passed down through generations, tradition that endures, and the sense of timeless belonging that you value. These are the touchstones of your lifestyle and help define your art of living well.
Experience the Watermarks Difference
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CELEBRITY COLUMN
DON’T FENCE ME IN! A spotlight highlighting Joe Pozeg, President of New Trend Corporation by Trina Stewart
Great business success stories often come into fruition with money to invest and a keen entrepreneurial mind. For Joe Pozeg, a tool and die maker and President of New Trend Corp., it was a labour of love after the passing of his brother that makes his success a story that would touch even the most rigid entrepreneur.
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In 2006, he shared his business idea of maintenance-free steel ornamental inserts for fencing with his family around a campfire. Everyone agreed that his concept was a viable one as steel decorative fencing wasn’t something one saw in the area.
“After my brother passed away in 2003, I created a six-foot coat of arms made of steel for my mother to place in her garden,” Pozeg explains. “It was a way of relieving our grief and commemorating my brother and our family.”
After doing his market research at local hardware stores and numerous conversations with business owners, he realized that no one out there was doing anything different in the fencing industry. He quickly embraced this opportunity by creating his ornamental leaf “Fencerts” on a part-time basis.
Years passed and growing concerns of a cough he started to develop changed his thought process. He was concerned for his health and felt that working at a local tool and die maker in Cambridge, Ontario was a contributor to his ailments.
The ultimate test of his creation was at a home show in London, Ontario in March of 2007 where the response was so overwhelming that a buyer for St. Jacobs-based Home Hardware approached Pozeg about displaying his fencing at 10 of its stores in Ontario on a trial basis.
The downturn of the automotive industry was also a concern for many labourers in the area and it was then when Pozeg’s wheels started turning about creating a business that suited his skill set.
After that, Pozeg and his father worked day and night creating and delivering his fencerts to suppliers. It was during this time that the company he had worked for closed down for good. Pozeg was very thankful for his hindsight.
HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
JOE POZEG
New Trend Corp. twitter: @JoeTrend
CELEBRITY COLUMN
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Everyone agreed that his concept was a viable one as steel decorative fencing wasn’t something one saw in the area. Since-then, New Trend Fencing has established a full time residence in an establishment on Lancaster in Kitchener, Ontario where they supply ornamental fencing, “Fencerts”, insertable fencing systems, bamboo fencing, chain link fencing, and ornate accessories for wood decks and wood fences to over six major hardware chains across Canada. Pozeg’s positive outlook on his business, his humourous personality, and trustworthiness are all contributors to the success of his business. He is a networker who has created valuable relationships and takes no opportunity for granted. Recently, New Trend fencerts can be seen on the HGTV show Decked Out with Paul Lafrance and participated in our REVIVE
magazine Remodel in Scugog, Ontario. When asked what he doesn’t do anymore regarding his business: “I do everything. In the beginning, I always delivered my product to suppliers and I still do today when time allows,” says Pozeg. “You can find out so much about what works and what doesn’t about your products when you’re “just” the delivery guy.” Not only does New Trend Corp. keep up with “new trends” in fencing innovations, but they are online and connected on Facebook.com/ newtrendfencing and on Twitter where you can speak to Joe directly at @JoeTrend. Also check out our site newtrendfencing.com. —H HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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DESIGN & DÉCOR
COLOUR YOUR OWN HOME SPA BY SHARON GRECH | COLOUR & STYLE EXPERT FOR BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS
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DESIGN & DÉCOR
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A trip to the spa…the scents, the sounds the colours, the ultimate in peace and relaxation! With the power of colour you can turn your bathroom from an ordinary room into a spa-like retreat.
HERE ARE THREE COLOUR STORIES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO GET PAINTING: A cool palette of watery blues and greens is always a popular choice for creating a calm and serene setting. Benjamin Moore’s tranquility is one of my favourite colours inspired by the beach glass that I love collecting with my kids in the summer. Perfect for the bathroom, it coordinates well with classic finishes like carrara marble, stainless steel and both stained and white painted woodwork. If you want a room that wakes up the senses and is more stimulating and lively, think about using the warmer end of the spectrum—yellows, oranges and pinks— take a look at boudoir and flawless for some pale, warm and flattering options. These hues pair well with natural woods and creamy whites. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the neutrals – there is nothing like a warm grey to add sophistication to your dream bathroom! Pashmina is my favourite warm grey, in fact I used it recently in my own renovated powder room. I paired it with stone mosaic floor tiles that feel so good under foot, modern lacquered cabinets in charcoal and a few drawers in natural oak to add some warmth. I love the luxurious look and feel of a matte paint finish, even in the bath, so always use Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa for a matte finish that is still durable and resistant to the humid conditions of the home spa. Wickham grey is another popular grey and just happens to be one of Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Trend colours, so give it a try if you are craving a pale, cooler grey for your bath. Whether it’s just a fresh coat of existing colours or a whole new palette, paint can play an integral role in creating the vision you have for a beautiful bathroom makeover!
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LANDSCAPE
WINTERIZE YOUR OUTDOORS HOW TO ENSURE YOUR FOUNTAINS, PONDS AND PLANTERS SURVIVE THE WINTER WEATHER BY JENNIFER MARCHESE of MARQUIS GARDENS
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ou have invested time and money in your
prevent it from soaking up moisture and freezing, which
This can be done safely avoiding winter damage with
outdoor pond, fountain and planters to have
could cause crumbling on the bottom of the piece.
the following tips:
them look and run beautifully throughout the
summer season, but as the cool weather sets in, many of us are looking to escape to the warmth of indoors. Before you do, there are a few key tips to protect and maintain the beauty of these pieces over the winter
WINTER PROTECTION: Remove all pumps, plugs and small components from the fountain and store indoors. All water must be drained from the fountain. Ensure water does not accumulate in the basin or any
months and have them last for years to come!
bowl and freeze as this may cause cracking. Campania
PONDS: Ponds can transform any backyard into an
free of water, as they are one-way breathable (allow
oasis. The running water, fish and plants attract all sorts of attention. Now that the winter season is approaching, we must perform a few simple tasks to maintain the
covers may be used once the fountain is cleaned and trapped moisture out, but rain and dust cannot enter) and come in a neutral tone that blends into any landscape. If the piece permits, it may be stored indoors.
beauty and health of our ponds. FOUNTAINS: Fountains are a sight to behold in the summer months. Come winter, most people fear cracking or cover with them with large blue tarps that stand out like a sore thumb. We have a few suggestions that will have your fountain keep its splendour all year round!
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DRAINAGE: The key to winter success for concrete planters is drainage. Planters should be raised off of the ground or patio using small lifts or decorative risers to help with drainage and to avoid frost damage. We recommend using a 他 or larger gravel in the bottom of the planter. Fill it approximately 2/3 full with the gravel. Next, place a piece of filter cloth on the gravel to prevent soil from draining through. Finally, place a planted arrangement on top or fill the remaining space with soil and decorate accordingly. You can keep this same soil/gravel setup all season long. Ensure there are drainage holes in all outdoor planters
PLANTERS: Create year-long interest with planters! Your planters that were once blossoming and vibrant in the summer are now beginning to look spent as the cold weather sets in. If you are like us, you want your planters to be used year-round and are looking forward to decorating the planters for the winter season.
SALT/CHEMICALS: Salt is great for keeping pathways clear of ice, however, it is not great when it comes in contact with concrete planters. Keep all salt and harsh chemicals away from concrete planters as they will cause damage.
WINTER FROST: Before winter or first frost, fountains
Remember: trapped water in any planter, once frozen,
should be raised off of the ground surface with risers to
will expand and may cause damage.
HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
LANDSCAPE
POND WINTERIZING: DO’S AND DON’TS DO: Cover your pond with
DON’T: Allow debris to
protective pond netting before
build up and decompose at
the autumn leaves begin to fall
the bottom of the pond. This
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creates more work in the
DO: Change to a fall/winter
spring and can create a build-
food for pond fish and koi
up of harmful gases that are
once the water temperature
unsafe for fish
has reached 55°F (12°C)
DON’T: Feed fish at all once DO: Cut back all perennial
the temperature has reached
marginal plants and hardy
an average of 45°F (7°C), as
lilies. Dispose of any floating
the fish can no longer digest
tropical plants
food at this temperature
DO: Bring indoors and clean
DON’T: Leave tropical plants
all pumps and filters before the
in the pond-bring indoors and
water begins to freeze
treat as house plants
DO: Keep submersible pumps
DON’T: Pump out pond
in a container of water to keep
water or empty pond if it is
the seals moist throughout the
below grade level. This is
winter months
unnecessary and can lead to parts of the pond collapsing in
DO: Run an aerator to keep oxygen levels up in the cooler
DON’T: Keep air stones
months. Move air stones to half
near the fish at the bottom
the depth of the pond or 2’
of the pond or run a heavy
from the bottom for the winter
flow pump as this will transfer cooler air and water to where
DO: Use a stainless steel
the fish are
de-icer (300 watt low-energy consumption), to create a small
DON’T: Add antifreeze to
opening in the ice to allow for
pumps over winter as this may
proper gas exchange in the
cause damage
winter.
DON’T: Create a hole by breaking the ice, as this will cause stress to the fish
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
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BRYAN BAEUMLER IS AT IT AGAIN BY LISA EVANS
Lisa Evans speaks with HGTV reno darling Bryan Baeumler on making the change from the corporate world to construction, on balancing work and family, and being a celebrity.
When I speak to Bryan Baeumler, he’s just come off the roof of his new home, building and filming House of Bryan 3: In the Sticks (premiering on HGTV in the Fall, 2014). “Didn’t you just build your dream home?”, I ask. Baeumler’s answer is matter-of-fact: “I’m a builder. I build.” But Baeumler wasn’t always on the path to build.
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FEATURE The Oakville native studied political science and business at the University of Western Ontario
It’s that honest charm that has persuaded
before starting an airline cargo company,
homeowners to hand over their keys, money
discovering soon after that the corporate life
and trust to Baeumler in Leave it to Bryan – a
wasn’t for him. “I was a guy that couldn’t
show where Baeumler chooses which area of
wait for the end of the day to get home,”
the house is most deserving of renovations,
he says. Trading in his tie for a tool belt felt
leaving homeowners in the dark and out of the
natural. “It’s something that I grew up with,” he
decision-making process. While some may
says. (Baeumler’s dad built airplane parts and
find the lack of control difficult to manage,
taught him to be handy). His experience in the
Baeumler says having someone with experience
corporate world created an aversion to the desk,
call all the shots takes the weight off many
one that remains even today. “I avoid my office
people’s shoulders. “Even if there’s some initial
like the plague,” he confesses, clearly preferring
minor disappointment [with the choice of room
to hold a hammer than a pencil.
that gets the reno], we haven’t had anybody unhappy at the end,” he says.
This down-to-earth construction maven never Although Baeumler agrees with critics of reality
quite a ‘sit at the back of the room and avoid
TV shows who say transforming a room from
HIS NO-NONSENSE ATTITUDE AND PERSONABLE DEMEANOUR TRANSLATED WELL ON THE SCREEN, TURNING BAEUMLER INTO A HOUSEHOLD NAME. attention, type of personality,” he says. His
ugly to beautiful in 20 minutes is an unrealistic
accidental foray into television began when he
portrayal of renovations, he says he’s still the
offered the services of his construction company
same guy on the show as he is off. “I’ve never
(Baeumler Quality Construction) to Disaster DIY –
felt any pressure to do anything differently than I
a show about home renovation mistakes. “I had
would do without the cameras,” he says.
no idea they were looking for a host,” he says. Baeumler accepted the job, but not without a little
One of viewers’ favourite reality TV moments
apprehension. “My first few days of filming were
happened near the completion of House of
just one giant panic attack,” he says.
Bryan 2, when Baeumler’s wife of nine years, Sarah, announced on camera that they were
But his no-nonsense attitude and personable
expecting their fourth child. “It was just after my
demeanour translated well on the screen, turning
birthday and my construction crew and camera
Baeumler into a household name. Despite having
crew were congregating in the family room and
throngs of admirers who seek his advice, the
Sarah was there and I thought ‘oh, here we go,
humble Baeumler still doesn’t think of himself as
there’s going to be a cake and candles and
a celebrity. “I’ll be sitting in traffic and someone
the happy birthday,’ so I walked in and I was
says ‘Bryan, hey’ and I think ‘What?’ then ‘Oh, of
joking when Sarah said ‘I have something for
course’,“ he laughs. Even his oldest son, Quintyn,
your birthday’ and I said ‘oh God, I thought you
jumped on the Baeumler fan train, dressing up
were going to tell me you were pregnant’ and of
as his celebrity dad for Halloween donning
course, I open this box and it’s little booties and
Baeumler’s signature plaid shirt, a tool belt, and
an outfit and she really was telling me she was
a cut-out of Baeumler’s face as a mask. “I tried to
pregnant,” he recalls, laughing.
talk him out of it,” sighs Baeumler.
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aspired to become a celebrity. “I’m actually
FEATURE
LEAVE IT TO BRYAN, MONDAYS AT 10 PM ON HGTV
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE QUEENAN
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WE’RE LIVING IN THE FOREST WITH THE COYOTES AND DEER AND WILD TURKEYS.
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FEATURE Juggling life as a dad of four (Quintyn, 9, Charlotte, 6, Lincoln, 3 and Josephine, 1), a husband, a TV persona and the owner of Baeumler Quality Construction can be challenge, but Baeumler says it’s simply an exercise in resource allocation. “I always laugh when I hear people say they give 150 per cent. I’m a firm believe that people only have 100 per cent to give. You can’t be 100 per cent dad and 100 percent breadwinner,” he says. Family is important to the Baeumlers. Both Bryan and Sarah are involved in children’s charities and, in September 2012, they launched the Baeumler Family Foundation, a charitable organization that provides renovations to families in financial need. “[Sarah and I] feel very lucky that we’ve got four happy and healthy kids and we have the means to take care of them [but] we know there are families out there who don’t have the resources to provide their kids with what they need,” says Baeumler. He recalls one memorable case in which a young girl battling cancer was in a wheelchair after having her legs removed. “They had no bathroom she could get into [with the wheelchair] so we went in and opened up all the doors,” says Baeumler. In other cases, the Foundation has helped clean up a mold-infested home for a family who was living in a trailer because they couldn’t afford the renovations required to create a healthy home. “I think every child should wake up in a house that’s safe and comfortable and have the opportunity to go to school and spend their day without thinking ”Am I sick because of my house or am I stuck in my room and need to be picked up and carried to the bathroom?” says Baeumler. At the moment, Baeumler is focused on his family home in the escarpment. “We’re living in the forest with the coyotes and deer and wild turkeys,” he says. While viewers watched sparks fly as Bryan and Sarah built their first home and cottage, House of Bryan 3 will likely be no different. “[We’re] kind of like two UFC fighters who have met in the ring a few times before. We know each other’s tricks but there’s always a few new ones to watch out for.”
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CELEBRITY SECTION COLUMN
CATEGORY
No other garage door opener opens your world like a LiftMaster. What garage door opener alerts you when it opens or closes with MyQ® technology? Gives you the ability to control it from anywhere? Safeguards your home with advanced security features, and powers up so you can access your home, even when the power is down? Only a professionally installed LiftMaster.
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THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE Visit LiftMaster.com to find © 2013 LiftMaster
a dealer near you.
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DESIGN & DÉCOR
MAKE EVERY DAY A HOLIDAY BRIGHT, MODERN AND FUN DÉCOR TO TAKE YOU IN AND OUT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY CINDY GRENKE
WARM UP In Swedish folk art tradition, the cross is a strong symbol for hope. Pia Wallén’s use of this iconic design has made her blankets world famous and they have become a modern classic. Oversized stitching hugs the edges of the blanket, which is made of the finest organic cotton. Cross Blanket, $270 at Mjölk, 2959 Dundas St. W., Toronto
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THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
DESIGN & DÉCOR
PARTY PLATES
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WINTERSCAPE
Grill, bake and display onto these cheerful
Dressed in illustrated shades of white and grey this
geometric five-point appetizer plates. The bands
winter, inspired cushion offers comfort rather then
of red, green and blue offer a pop of colour and
cold. Create your customized cushions in any shape,
are ready to celebrate with you, family and friends.
colour or design and cozy up to your guests. You
Colorblock Pentagon Appetizer Plate Collection,
can also print your own designs. Winter Cushion by
$2.95 and $17.95 at CB2, 651 Queen Street.
Cing Art + Design, $59 at cing.ca
W., Toronto
ORNAMONSTERS
REFLECT AND SHINE GOLDEN KEEPSAKES
Plush Monsters are ready to take over your holiday
Mirrored, hand-blown glass vessels add luxury and
As leaders of the pack, this porcelain Lion, Fox and
décor. Fall in love with these fun original characters
light to any room. These one-of-a-kind
Bear trio is no stranger to the responsibilities befitting
that come in loads of forms and colours. Plus, they
Tsunami Glass pieces come in an array of colours
royalty in the animal kingdom. Fill and safely hide
are worry-free if they fall from the tree. Ornamon-
like clear silver, ruby, amethyst and citron. Toro Aqua
any of your treasured keepsakes underneath their
sters, $15 at Monster Factory, 471 Richmond St.
Mirror by Tsunami Glassworks, $220 – $820 at
golden crowns. Crowned Heads Container by Imm
W. #102 Toronto
Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto
Living, $76 each at Purehome.com
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CELEBRITY SECTION COLUMN
CATEGORY
THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
CONSTRUCTION
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PREPARING YOUR BASEMENT FOR WINTER THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE A LEAKY BASEMENT. It’s that time of year again. Autumn is here
serious issues such as cracks in the foundation,
and it’s time to start preparing homes for what
damaged perimeter drain tile, a high water table
Mother Nature has in store for the winter months.
or the presence of an underground stream, it’s
Whether your home is new or old, statistics
time to call in a professional! Money spent now
show that 98 per cent of houses will experience
may prevent a major issue that could lead to a
some sort of leakage during their lifetime. Most
very expensive fix down the road.
basement leaks are evident from the onset and can be easily corrected by knowing what to look
TIPS FOR PREVENTION
for and taking simple, preventative measures.
In many cases basement leakage is not structural
Water leakage can wreak havoc on your abode
and can be controlled relatively inexpensively.
and it is important to investigate any signs of
These suggestions will not solve all water
dampness or mold as soon as you notice it.
problems but will help minimize the amount of surface water coming in contact with the
There are several factors that can cause a leaky basement. Poor surface drainage is one of the major causes, especially if there is underground
foundation wall.
•
water from a high water table, an underground
protected.
irrigated garden. Poor or improperly installed or any open area in the basements protection
to make sure you have the proper insulation and thermal barriers to keep your basement
stream or the area around your house has an insulation, the lack of an adequate thermal barrier
Schedule a consultation with an expert in
•
system can also lead to leaks and condensation.
Check to see that the ground slopes away properly from your house: ideally it should be a rate of one inch per foot, for at least the first six feet.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR In addition to water puddles accumulating on the basement floor, there are often other clues that a homeowner may notice: wet stains on the walls, rusty nails in baseboards, rotted wood near floor level, rusted metal bottoms
•
Seal any gaps between where the driveway
•
Ensure that your gutters and downspout
and sidewalk meet the foundation walls.
systems are connected properly and free
of household appliances, mold and mildew,
from clogs and debris. They should be
lifting flooring or tiles, peeling paint, and a high
redirected to discharge above grade at least
humidity level. The presence of efflorescence,
six feet away from the house.
a white mineral deposit inside the foundation walls, is also an indicator of moisture penetration. One of these indicators alone does not always
•
Have a humidity detector in your basement to monitor humidity levels in the home.
show the severity of the problem and additional
Relative humidity should be at least below
investigation should be done.
60%, with 45-55% humidity level as the recommended maximum. Humidity below
There are many products on the market touting
40% makes it almost impossible for mold to
their ability to solve leaky basement issues, but for
survive.
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Thank you to Andrea MacKey from WiseCracks Inc. Since 1991, Wisecracks Inc. has served the residential, industrial, commercial and municipal markets in Canada using their unique Wise Seal® Flexible polymer resins technology to repair thousands of leaky basements. HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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SECTION CATEGORY scapes table H CELEBRITY COLUMN
from T O
Y O U R
P L A C E
By AMANDA LEcKY
STROLLING THROUGH A MAZE OF MARKET STALLS BRIMMING WITH ExOTIc WARES is one of the great pleasures of travel. And it’s easy to bring that feeling home this summer—and all year long—by treating your tabletop to an infusion of color, pattern, and texture. Just mix and match a collection of artisan-inspired dinnerware, linens, and accessories to recreate the inspiration and relaxation of a visit to your favorite far-flung destination.
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THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
GO BACK TO YOUR FINGERPAINTING DAYS AND MIX UNEXPECTED COLORS AND PATTERNS FOR A FUN, ECLECTIC FEEL.
SECTION CATEGORY CELEBRITY COLUMN
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GET THE LOOK: Potter’s Workshop Tableware, $8-$12, West Elm; westelm.com. Tiled and Dotted Bowls, $8-$10, Atom Art Bowls, $8-$10, Chipper and Sprite Serving Set, $36, Chipper and Sprite Cheese Serving Set, $32, Small Patterned Dessert Plates, $10, Anthropologie; anthropologie.com. Ombre napkins in Orange, $20 for four, Sur La Table; surlatable.com.
LOOK FOR LINENS WITH RICH NATURAL TEXTURE. INSIDER SECRET: THEY GET SOFTER AND SOFTER WITH EVERY USE.
FRESH FRUIT, FROM TART-SWEET KUMQUATS TO RIPE RASPBERRIES ARE A DELICIOUSLY BRIGHT ADDITION TO YOUR TABLETOP DESIGN.
WhitneYtM
Jewel CollectiontM © Cambria 2013
We hope you enjoyed this excerpt from Cambria Style, the magazine. Go to cambriastyle.com/subscribe and enter quartz code Quartz 77 for your complimentary subscription.
THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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RENO
SAVING THE PLANET - ONE BULB AT A TIME BY ASHLEY LLOYD
BENEFITS OF QUALITY LED LIGHTING Making the conscious choice to switch from
much wider range of colours, beams patterns and
incandescent light bulbs to light-emitting diode (LED)
intensities than incandescents. Warm white and
light bulbs as an energy-saving alternative is an easy
soft white LEDs will produce a yellow hue close to
way to save money and help save the environment.
incandescents, while bulbs labeled as bright white
By using LED lighting inside and outside of your
will produce a whiter light closer to a natural outdoor
home, you will gain more light and use up to 90 per
light. These lighting options also have different
cent less energy, ultimately reducing CO2 emissions
impacts on a room. True white or natural white works
and saving our planet.
well for kitchens and bathrooms, and warm white
Safe and effective, LEDs do not contain mercury or cadmium and pose no threat to your health or the environment, unlike older bulbs that require proper disposal when broken or expired. LED bulbs do not have parts made of glass or other fragile materials which makes them more durable and recyclable so they do not end up in landfills, helping reduce your carbon footprint. They also don’t produce heat like incandescent or halogen bulbs and, depending on the application, they can provide between 30,000 to 100,000 hours of usable light, which means you won’t need to change the bulbs for years. Not only are LED bulbs ideal for the environment, but they are also ideal for home décor, providing a
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is most often used for bedrooms, hall ways, dining rooms and living rooms. Lighting can also be chosen to match the type of architectural design. Modern architecture is complemented by true white lighting. LED lighting emits a purer form of light than incandescent bulbs, allowing the colours on your walls and furniture to remain true so you won’t select the perfect colour for paint or fabric and then discover that it looks different when the lights are on. Changing the bulbs in your existing lamps is a step in the right direction, but LED design and installation experts like Canadian-owned and operated Regal Lighting Design can create and install full LED
1. Brightness is equal to or greater than incandescent or fluorescent 2. The shade of white light is clear and consistent over time 3. Efficiency is as good as or better than fluorescent lighting 4. Light comes on to full brightness instantly when turned on 5. Light does not flicker when dimmed 6. The fixture does not use power when it is turned off 7. LED lighting does not give off heat and does not project IR or UV 8. Lasts up to 50 times longer than incandescent lighting 9. LED lights are durable and do not break like incandescent light bulbs 10. LED lighting produces no hum or buzzing noise
RENO
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LED LIGHTING SYSTEMS PROVIDE A CLEANER, SAFER AND SMARTER TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR HOME.
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light systems for residential interiors, exteriors and
Despite the higher initial investment, over time LED
landscapes that are tailor-made to easily fit your
lighting systems deliver long-term value that reduces
lifestyle and vision and will not only brighten up your
your electrical costs and efficiently lowers energy
space, but also provide safety for your family.
consumption. LED bulbs last up to 50 times longer than traditional bulbs so over time they save you on
“LED Lighting systems provide a cleaner, safer
cost and as much as 90 per cent in energy. “We
and smarter technology for your home,” says Tom
have to start looking at lighting as an investment and
Herstad, Regal Lighting Designs. “Proper interior
not an expense” says Herstad. This is the paradigm
lighting can significantly improve your living space,
shift in thinking that needs to occur”
while exterior lighting can provide your family and home with active protection from intruders, unlike motion sensors or cameras which do not actively prevent unwanted guests from coming near your
“On average 20 per cent of household energy cost is spent on lighting. With an LED lighting system, these costs are lowered by as much as 10 times,”
home.”
Herstad says. “Consider the benefits of paying less
An LED system in your home means a solid system
options. You can also gain the full benefit of exterior
with no worrying or hassle. Working with a design and installation expert will provide the highest industry standards to ensure superior quality with the comfort of product warranty and service support so you no longer have to climb on stools and ladders to change lights or touch hot fixtures.
while gaining a wider range of beautiful lighting lighting all night without worrying about added expense. With LEDs your energy costs will drop and your lighting options will expand.” With responsible usage and proper installation, LED lighting can drastically transform the look of your home as well as take a responsible step towards lower energy production and environmental protection.
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LANDSCAPE
DOING IT RIGHT…
WATER FEATURES BY ANTHONY NIRO Nature’s Choice Landscape Construction Ltd.
Though bold and beautiful, water features require a certain level of expertise in their construction.
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hether you are planning a new landscape project or want to add to an existing one, creating a water feature to suite your needs can bring you the peace and tranquility you’ve been looking for. From sheer descents and natural cascades to foam jets and fountains, water features will always add elegance to your landscape, provided that you are “doing it right.” Having a water feature to show off is always a bonus; however, having a water feature in the right location can sometimes prove to be tricky. Consider the following factors when planning for a water feature: visibility (will I gain the benefit of seeing my feature from more than one vantage point?), proximity (is the distance close enough for me to enjoy and far enough for me to appreciate?) wind, (wind will affect spill outs as well as water loss due to splash and evaporation.) Knowing where to locate your feature is an important first step in planning your project. As with any project, it is important to take the recommended steps to ensure your feature will continue to offer beauty, elegance and tranquility to your lifestyle for years to come. Though bold and beautiful, water features require a certain level of expertise in their construction. Neglecting to add the proper filtration systems can be the difference between long-term enjoyment and long-term frustration. Always consider hiring a professional who can manage your project; if you are the “do it yourself kind” be sure to talk to a water specialist to guide you along the way. Dressing up a feature is the only way to achieve true elegance and character. The first suggestion is to always include underwater lighting. Low voltage LED lights offer an energy-efficient way to light up your pond. While underwater lights definitely set the mood, it’s also recommended that you add a splash of colour. It is amazing how a subtle hint of blue or black pond dye changes the look and feel of a feature. Not to worry, these pond tints are fish and plant friendly. If it is water you are after, know that whatever the style, size or shape, it is important to plan out your project. Only then will the gentle sounds of falling water ease you from your demanding lifestyle into peacefulness and serenity. —H
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LANDSCAPE
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RENOVATIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME A Look At The Renovations That Will Give You The Most ‘Bang For Your Buck’. BY JIMMY ROBINSON ROSSANDROBINSON.COM
So you’ve decided to sell your home and you would like to do some renovations prior to listing. You need to ask yourself: Is your planned renovation going to appeal to the majority of homebuyers in your market? Is it a specific renovation that might only appeal to a select few? Is the planned renovation an over-improvement to your home (i.e., a $70,000 kitchen to a $200,000 home)? At the end of the day, you should be able to recoup your renovation costs with an increase in the asking price. Any renovation that increases your living area, such as finishing a basement, adding a bedroom, or adding a deck is very popular with buyers and therefore increases the marketability of your home. Moving on to the interior of your home. The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of your home and the room potential buyers consider most important. New cabinets and countertops (granite) are very popular improvements that clients often ask about. Bathrooms are the next room that the majority of buyers are concerned about. Renovating and freshening up your bathroom can go a long way toward the marketing of your house. Anything that increases your home energy-efficiency such as new windows, a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner, and low-flow toilets are all recommended as reduced utility costs will appeal to new homeowners. There are often government programs to help with the costs of making your home more energy-efficient, many of which can be found by visiting the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation at www.cmhc-schl. gc.ca. To help determine if your planned renovation will increase your home’s listing price before moving forward, contact your Realtor prior to undertaking your renovation project to request a Comparative Market Evaluation on your home. —H
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Renovating and freshening up your bathroom can go a long way toward the marketing of your house.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013 Whether you want to give your favourite handyperson that oh-so-perfect tool (or maybe keep it for yourself), equip a diehard DIY-er with the latest gadget, or add some seasonal warmth to your home, you’ll love our carefully constructed guide to everything HOSS for the holiday season… BY JANINE DRUERY
THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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FEATURE
FOR THE TOOL ENTHUSIAST
ONE SMART SCREWDRIVER Right to tighten screws, left to loosen screws. Dewalt’s new 8V MAX Gyroscopic Screwdriver is operated by gyroscopic sensors that discern your wrist motions. It’s a super cool, compact tool for professionals who need precise speed control for electrical work, woodworking, maintenance and repairs. (Dewalt, $99)
SUCK IT UP IN STYLE YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU Yes, you can be tough and attractive. The Mastercraft Oil Tan Leather pouch is crafted of high quality oil tanned leather with riveted stress points, giving you strong and durable tool storage. With 10 pockets and two rustproof chrome-plated holders for your screwdrivers, pliers, hammers and screws, you can take it all with you. (Mastercraft from Canadian Tire, $50)
Be the master or mistress of your domain with the 20V MAX Platinum lithium vacuum from Black & Decker. This baby weighs only 2.7 lbs., but has serious power! It features lithium technology, giving it strong suction and long battery life. And thanks to its SmartCharge system, battery charging is digitally managed. (Black & Decker, $89, $99 or $149, depending on model)
GET A GRIP A WHOLE NEW LEVEL Being off kilter isn’t where it’s at. If you set tile, hang pictures or construct shelves, the Self Level Laser should be your new BFF. The level features a horizontal, vertical, or cross hair laser line for you to align as needed – and it automatically levels laser lines to an accuracy of 10 mm per 10. (Mastercraft from Canadian Tire, $73)
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Slash, rip and tear your way through tough materials like seatbelts, linoleum and leather. It’s a piece of cake with the Leatherman Charge ALX with its aggressive cutting hook on the back of the serrated blade. This tool also has an ergonomic grip, outside-accessible blades and is made from premium materials like 154CM and 6061-T6 anodized aluminum. (Leatherman, $150)
GO CIRCULAR Know someone who would love a new saw? The Bosch 15A Circular Saw features 5600 rpm, a 7-1/4-inch blade, a 5/8-inch arbor and a zero to 56° bevel capacity with stops at 22.5 and 45°. It even comes with a 24-tooth carbide blade and carrying bag. Now that’s good gifting! (Bosch, $150; Photo: Canadian Tire)
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FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE
A CANADIAN KIND OF WARMTH
DREAMING OF SUNSHINE It may be sub-zero outside, but these Radius Ergonomic Hand Tools are a little gift of sunshine! The five garden tools are easy to grip and ergonomically designed so your strongest arm muscles do all the work – perfect for those with arthritic hands or lesser hand strength. (Lee Valley Tools, $54.50)
TAKE A LOAD OFF Keep the dirt off your knees (and your tools close by) with the Gardener’s Tool Seat. This tool bag/folding chair is made of lightweight steel and water-resistant nylon, and supports up to 250 lbs. And it’s got 21 (count ‘em, 21) pockets for different sized tools. (UncommonGoods.com, $33)
WHY GO INSIDE?
LET IT SNOW!
Why stay indoors when the Paramount Table Top Patio Heater is perfect for outdoor entertaining? It provides automatic ambience while producing up to 10,500 BTUs of heat to keep you and your guests cozy. The CSAapproved unit also features an auto shut-off tilt valve and -tip-over protection system. (Paramount, $160; Photo: Best Buy Canada)
If you’ve got more of the white stuff than you can handle, reach for the Yardworks 8A 12-in Electrical Snow Shovel. The eight-amp, 14 lb. shovel clears snow quickly, without the need for lifting, and can remove up to 10 cm of snow in one pass. Your lower back will thank you! (Yardworks, $100; Photo: Canadian Tire)
Lovers of the great outdoors don’t mind the frosty winter temperatures – and these blankets make it even easier to handle. Hudson’s Bay teamed up with the Pendleton Woolen Mills for a series of virgin wool blankies that are inspired by the Canadian regions (such as Banff Park and Laurentian Park). They look great indoors, too! (Hudson’s Bay, $295)
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE Stare Jack Frost straight in the eye (and maybe even snicker a little). You’ll stay cozy while working outdoors in a heated jacket from Dewalt. The 20V MAX/12V MAX jackets, available in three styles, are powered by lithium ion batteries and provide hours of warmth. They even have water- and wind-resistant outer shells and LED controllers. (Dewalt, $199-$249)
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FEATURE
FINDS FOR YOUR HOME
A RECIPE FOR COLOUR “Color Recipes for Painted Furniture and More” by Annie Sloan is a must read for the DIY-er on your holiday list. Sloan, the author of 23 books on painting techniques, presents 40 inspiring step-by-step projects that outline the easy way to upcycle and revive tired furniture. (CICO Books, $29; Photo: Photography by Christopher Drake)
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MAKE A STATEMENT A PERFECT THROW The Marley Throw from Crate & Barrel is a great accessory for your favourite chair or the foot of your bed. It comes in luscious colours (yellow shown here) and has soft puffs stitched into a textured weave. The best part? It’s machine-washable – and you don’t have to break the bank to get one. (Crate & Barrel, $39)
PERFECT PILLOWS
NESTING FOR WINTER
All the colours of the season come into view in these beautiful pillows. The Upcycle Shaggy Pillow features strips of recycled cotton shag in a confetti field of 3D texture, colour and pattern. And the Adorn Pillow, designed by Barbara Costas, has a 100 per cent cotton cover with embroidery for an elegant and exotic look. (CB2 Upcycle Shaggy Pillow, $60; Crate & Barrel Adorn Pillow, $40)
A gift that will save you some green! The Nest Learning Thermostat can save you 20 per cent on your heating bills. It creates a personalized schedule for your home by remembering when you adjust the temperature, and will turn the heat down when you’re not home. You can even program it via your smartphone, tablet or laptop. (Nest, $249; Photo: Best Buy Canada)
HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
The big, bold black and white look is still in – in fact it’s never really out. This Zebra Picture (118 x 78 cm) created by Richard Lewisohn is a perfect complement to these snuggly GURLI throws (120 x 180 cm). Mix and match items like these for a look that’s loaded with dramatic contrasts. (IKEA, Zebra Picture - $60 and GURLI throw - $15)
BOTTOMS UP! The PB Found Oversized Wine Bottles beg the question: Can you have too much of a good thing? Obtained from a collector who selected them from restaurants throughout Central Europe, these vintage glass bottles once stored wine or sunflower oil. The only decision you’ll need to make now is: drink or decorate? (Pottery Barn, $130-$261)
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FOR THE GADGET GURU
CALL OF THE WILD
NOT JUST ANY PEN
MAKE IT VISUAL
The hardest working gift around, this MultiUse Contractor Tool by artist Jac Zagoory, features level and plumb bubbles, drywall and angle gauges, a ruler and a magnetic strip. It also includes a Fisher Space Pen, which was designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space. It writes upside down, underwater and on wood, aluminum or galvanized steel! (UncommonGoods.com, $23)
Turn your iPhone, iTouch or iPad into the ultimate social media tool. Perfect for a presentation or personal enjoyment, the iPico PJ205 Handheld Projector displays largerthan-life images on almost any surface up to 50 feet away. And with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, that’s some good watching! (General Imaging, $100; Photo: Hudson’s Bay)
FAST AND FIERCE Like the fish it was named for, the Leatherman Piranha is quick and aggressive. The multipurpose pocket tool, made of 100 per cent stainless steel, will help you quickly tighten screws, loosen bolts, pry things open – and even pop the top off of your favourite beverage. (Leatherman, $35)
SWISS ARMY KNIFE, CANADIAN-STYLE There are lots of knives out there, but there is only one Canadian-style Swiss army knife. Check out the Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife from the HBC Signature series, which comes complete with a large blade, a small blade, a can opener, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, scissors, a wood saw and more. (Hudson’s Bay, $75)
These extraordinary Driftwood Charging Docks blend modern electronic design with the organic minimalism of nature. The docks, for iPhones and iPods, are handcrafted from natural driftwood washed up on the shores of Maine. That’s where woodworker Lee Goodwin and his team scoop them up and craft them to fit the contours of your device. (UncommonGoods.com, $79-$96; No two docks the same)
WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK Do you enjoy music while you work? The Acoustic Research 2-Watt Portable is a mini Bluetooth speaker that delivers great sound and can connect to any Bluetooth device. You can place it up to 30 feet away from the source and its rechargeable lithium polymer battery will give you three to seven hours of sweet melodies. Little can. Big sound! (Acoustic Research, $35; Photo: Lowe’s) HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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COOL STOCKING STUFFERS
GO AHEAD, GET DIRTY This kit is designed to fix whatever ails you. The Working Man’s Hygiene Kit is an allnatural set that contains salves, scrubs and balms designed to meet the needs of the working man (or woman). It has the goods to sooth sore feet, care for cracked knuckles, fix sore lips and keep you in good working order. (UncommonGoods.com, $55)
BE SAFE, IN STYLE! You have to be safe when working, but no one said you couldn’t also be stylish! The Retro Safety Glasses are ANSI-certified protective eyewear for the wood shop or workbench. These horn-rimmed geek-chic specs are made of tough plastic and have tough polycarbonate lenses, removable perforated side cups and adjustable steel temples. (Restoration Hardware, $29)
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FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TRADESPERSON It may be a product of 19th-century British ingenuity, but the Fold-Away Harp Toolkit is a great gift for today’s tradesperson. The pocket-sized tool features a leather carrying case with eight stainless steel instruments that fold out and lock in place to ensure a strong and sturdy response to any job. (Restoration Hardware, $45)
STICKY, WITHOUT THE MESS
Invented by a Hollywood gaffer to keep equipment in place and movie sets pristine, Joe’s Sticky Stuff is pressure-sensitive adhesive tape that sticks like glue. A great stocking stuffer for any DIY type, it can be used to hang artwork, secure tiles and prevent rugs from slipping – and it won’t damage surfaces. (Joe’s Sticky Stuff, $20, Photo: Restoration Hardware)
KEEP YOUR HANDS TOASTY
HEALING HANDS
This chrome-plated, pocket-sized “furnace” is an ingenious way to keep your hands warm during the winter. This product has been a favourite since the 1950s – and for a good reason. A single fill delivers eight to 12 hours of cozy comfort on even the chilliest days. (Restoration Hardware, $20 for a set of two)
Cracked, chapped and dry hands? It’s Badger Balm to the rescue. Available scented or non-scented, this healing salve is made from all-natural ingredients like virgin olive oil and beeswax. The scented version contains Aloe Vera, castor oil, wintergreen and oil of sweet birch. Ahhh! (W.S. Badger Company; Photo: Lee Valley Tools)
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THE PURPOSE OF DESIGN BY PAUL LAFRANCE
I think most people would agree that there is a bit of a cultural stereotype that comes with the term “artist” or “designer.” The words generally conjure up the image of an individual whose nose is continually elevated in the air. A scarf of some sort is always involved, even in the dead of summer; very important things are constantly being discussed (over lattes of course), that 99 per cent of the population couldn’t possibly understand; and, sometimes, there is a small dog – for no apparent reason. This, of course, is all true. Okay, the part about the dog is true; and maybe the scarf. While this may be a dramatic stereotype, I think what does give people a negative vibe when it comes to artistic designers is the sense that what is being done is art, just for the sake of art!
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>
CELEBRITY COLUMN This impression, if true, would make the
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world of design seem irrelevant to the majority of people who don’t want to waste their hard earned money on something intangible. But is it true? In some cases, I think it is. A painting by Picasso will sell for oodles of money, and all for an image of a guy with two eyes on the same side of his face. While I can appreciate the revolutionary artistic genius of the man, I don’t see that painting hanging in my house improving the life of my family in any way, particularly since buying it would mean they wouldn’t be eating for quite some time. In the same light, there is a particular museum which had an addition put on it recently that is a wonderfully artistic structure, but the vast majority of people looking at it resemble dogs tilting their heads to the side with a look of confusion. So, where is artistic design relevant? What is its purpose? Design, to me, is only relevant when its true purpose is implemented: to invoke a positive personal emotional response in the person or people whom the design is for. If this does not take place, design is not relevant. The Backyard Revolution is growing by the day, and there is a lot more to it than cool decks, but these concepts all tie in seamlessly with artistic design. I’ll explain by asking a few questions. How do you know a good song when you hear one? How can you even say that one song is good and another is bad? Did you go to Julliard to study musical composition? No! The most common answer to that question is, “I like the way a good song makes me feel.” There it is: a positive personal emotional response. Is art being used to create those good feelings? Yes. Is it relevant art? Well, I’ll let you decide. As for me, I’m off to buy a scarf. What about buying a house? What made you buy the house you live in over all the others you saw? Did you study architecture? Again… no! The common answer is, “I liked the way it felt when I walked in.” The purpose of design when it comes to transforming the backyard is to create an outdoor living space that makes you feel good just to be there.
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IN EVERY ISSUE This is a fun way to create more storage and/or dis-
DIY DECONSTRUCTED:
play your favourite items without taking up valuable
HANGING DISPLAY PLATES
space on any counter or table. Plus, it is a great way to make use of boring plastic plates and give them a new character. I’ve chosen to use three different sized plates and, with the help of some wire, stack them for a ceiling-hung storage/display.
WHAT YOU NEED: • Three plastic plates in different sizes (plane or bowls) • Hammer • Masking tape • Drill and a Drill Bit 1/8” size • Wire 1/16” thickness, cut into Three pieces (Three feet each, nine feet total) • Wire stopper (Ferrule) 1/16” size (you need nine single ones and Three double) • Pliers • Tape measure or Ruler • Pen
STEP ONE Measure and mark where to drill your plates, I have lined the holes up in a triangle form and offset them 1” from the edge of the plate. With Masking tape ( so that the drill won’t slide and scratch the plate) and a pen mark where to drill. Then drill each plate separate and make sure they will all line up. For the one that might not own a drill or the one less patience there is the possibility to skip this step and put a big smile on and ask someone at your local hardware store if they can do the drilling for you.
BY LOUISE JOHNSEN IN LOS ANGELES,CA
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IN EVERY ISSUE
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STEP THREE With the help of a Pliers and a hammer you will fix the Wire Stopper (Ferrule). Hold the Wire Stopper in place with the pliers and use
STEP TWO
the hammer to fix it. Remember at this step that you will have to fix the first row under the biggest plate first than thread the wires through
Measure and mark each wire with masking
the biggest plate and then fix the next set of
tape. This is to know where to place those
Wire Stopper (Ferrule) and the thread the wire
Wire Stoppers(Ferrules). I have chosen to
through the middle plate and repeat this again
have the place staggered in 1/2” for the first
for the smallest plate. When fixing the Wire
set of Wire stopper than 8” until the next set
Stopper it is crucial that you have a solid area
between the biggest plate and middle plate
underneath or the Wire Stopper wont fix, I did
than 6” between the middle plate and the
this outside on concrete ground. For the last
smallest plate. The distance from the smallest
step create loops for each wire going through
plate to the loop that you will create using the
one double Wire stopper and hammer them
double Wire stopper you will figure out while
to fix them. This needs to be done so that it all
aligning the wires in the last step.
will align so do not rush this step.
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IN EVERY ISSUE
TOOL TIME
RIDGID 45 LITRE/12 US GALLON RIDGID WET/DRY VAC This tool’s five peak HP motor provides powerful suction for everyday cleanups. It includes two extension wands, a utility nozzle, and a car and wet nozzle. The 12-gallon drum is ideal for the clean-up of large spills. Four swivel casters provide easy 360° mobility. ($109; Sold in-store only; Available at Home Depot)
MILWAUKEE TAPE MEASURE The new Milwaukee Tape Measure is designed to maximize durability and increase functionality, delivering 10x longer life than the competition. For added functionality, the tape measure includes a blue print scale for 1/4” and 1/8” drawings to help the user accurately calculate material needs for projects, as well as a wire form belt clip for storage convenience. ($19.97; www.milwaukeetool.com; Available at Home Depot)
MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL SAWZALL RECIPROCATING SAW Milwaukee Tool continues to deliver industry-leading cordless innovation with the introduction of the first cordless reciprocating saw to deliver true corded performance without the cord. Delivering up to two times more run time, 30 per cent faster cutting and five times longer tool life, the M18 Fuel Sawzall reciprocating saw is the most powerful 18V cordless reciprocating saw on the market. ($379; Available at Milwaukee dealers and www.milwaukeetool.com)
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HUSQVARNA 460 RANCHER The 460 RancheR is an all around robust saw, ideal for demanding cutting jobs where more power is required for a longer guide bar. Equipped with an X-Torq engine with high torque over a wide rpm range, the saw’s body is ergonomically designed and includes an array of features. ($609; Find your local dealer at husqvarna.ca)
FIBERGLASS THREE-WAY MULTI LADDER
Featherlite has expanded its popular 2700 series to include a fiberglass version. The ladder sets up as an 8’ Trestle Step, a 13’ extension and an offset ladder for stairway use. Non-conductive fiberglass rails. The product meets or exceeds CSA Type 1A, 250 lb. capacity. ($259; Available at Canadian Tire and Home Hardware)
BOSTITCH 15 AMP 7-1/4 IN CIRCULAR SAW KIT This 9.5 lb. circular saw features a powerful 15 amp motor that delivers 5600 RPM for fast cutting and tough applications. The saw is outfitted with a cast magnesium shoe to enhance its lightweight design. The kit includes the circular saw, a 7-1/4 inch carbide tipped blade, a rip fence, a blade wrench and a kit box. ($89.99; Available at www.bostitch.com)
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THE HOTTEST TOOLS OF THE TRADE
ROCKWELL JAWHORSE
MILWAUKEE M12 HEATED HOODIES AND JACKETS Available in grey, red, khaki and high visibility, the Milwaukee hoodies and women’s jacket are new for this winter. The M12 Heated Hoodies actively warm the body and stimulate blood circulation with three sewn-in carbon fibre heating zones on the chest and upper back to warm the user’s core in even the coldest jobsite conditions. ($150-$270; www.milwaukeetool.com)
ROCKWELL BLADERUNNER The Rockwell BladeRunner blends performance characteristics of a jigsaw and benchtop scroll saw. This variable-speed saw with five-amp motor, uses standard T-shanked blades to cut a variety of materials. Perform cross-cuts, angled and rip cuts all day. Includes a T-slot and a miter gauge/rip fence combination. ($199.99; www.rockwelltools.com)
STILETTO 15” STAINLESS FLATBAR This 15”, 28 oz., solid stainless steel prybar with super strong arch design is incredibly tough, and has a patented 180-degree nail puller in the “arch.” It’s a great tool for heavy prying and stripping, and for fast and easy staple removal. ($50; Available at Stiletto dealers, www.stiletto.com and Atlas Machinery, www.atlas-machinery.com)
The Rockwell JawHorse is like having a second set of hands. This 600 lb. capacity heavy-duty workbench weighs only 43 lbs., yet features a trademarked hands-free footpedal technology that compress its jaws with up to 2,200 lbs. of gripping force. ($199.99; www.rockwelltools.com)
TUFX WHEELBARROW PX120F-X3
RYOBI 18V ONE+ NAILER
The TufX offers users great balance for heavy loads up to 550 lbs. It includes a one -Piece steel welded frame and is double XX reinforced with a great zinc finish for better protection. It also has a precision shaft for easy rolling and flat-proof wheels. ($169.99, www.tufx-fort.com Available at Canadian rental stores and Home Hardware)
The RYOBI 18V ONE+ System is the next generation in cordless convenience. This 18 gauge brad nailer features AirStrike Technology, which eliminates the need for noisy compressors, bulky hoses or expensive gas cartridges. It will give you faster setup and easier maneuvering on the job site. ($199; Available at Home Depot) HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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GET IT DONE RIGHT BY DREW AND JONATHAN SCOTT, W Network’s Property Brothers
IN TODAY’S ECONOMY, PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO THEIR HOME. Renovations are a great way to increase the equity in your home, however it is important to be honest with yourself and know your limitations. If you’re planning to do a renovation, one of the most common mistakes people make is to try to do everything on their own. There are definitely some aspects that can safely be DIY however you’re not doing any favours or saving any money if you dabble in areas you’re not supposed to. The best thing to do is to educate yourself and work with a team of professionals who will ensure that the job gets done right. Two of the most important roles you’ll hire to help with your purchase and renovation is the Realtor and the contractor. Here are some tips to help you find the right ones: 1. FINDING THE RIGHT REALTOR 1. Know upfront what your Realtor’s commission will be and what services they offer for that fee. Understand that commissions are negotiable but if an agent is offering great service, then you should be willing to pay the appropriate commission. 2. When searching for a Realtor, or any professional, interview three or four in order to find the right fit. Note that just because an agent has been in the industry for 20 years, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re better for you than a newly licensed agent. A new agent may have all the industry knowledge
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CELEBRITY COLUMN and market stats fresh in their mind, as well as the
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drive to help you find the perfect property for your situation. 3. Ensure that selling real estate is the agent’s full time job. Agents who are just in it part time may not have your best interests in mind nor the experience to do the job right. 4. Drive through your desired neighbourhood and see which agents’ signs show up the most. This can be a strong indicator of the agents who are the most experienced and knowledgeable in your neighborhood. 2. FINDING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR 1. Start your search for a contractor with a reputable organization like the Better Business Bureau to ensure that they are in good standing. Verify that they are licensed as well as bonded reference your findings with the contractor’s ads in yellow pages or their website – if they have taken the time to invest in professional marketing, it’s likely they take the same professional pride in their work. 2. Interview a minimum of three different contractors and get detailed quotes from them.
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This is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so working with the right professionals will help ensure that your purchase doesn’t turn into a money pit.
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or belong to a major trade organization. Cross-
Quotes are free but don’t just go with the cheapest option, because usually that won’t be the best. 3. Most renovation projects will require a permit – if you’re unsure, just contact the city and ask. Any reputable contractor will always get the required permits for improvements. 4. Get everything in writing, even if you know the contractor personally. This should include everything from schedule, pricing, design, materials costs, and warranty. Discussing everything upfront will save a lot of frustration or any miscommunication later. Remember that these professionals are there to work for you! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if you find that they are not easy to communicate with in the beginning, that’s a strong indicator to how they will be during the purchase or renovation. Securing the right professionals from the get-go can make any real estate endeavour a positive experience. We’re here to take the stress off of your shoulders!
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Catch new episodes of Buying & Selling with the Property Brothers on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on W Network (beginning January 7th)
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ROCK SOLID: INNOVATIVE STONE FINISHES BY LISA EVANS
Despite the constant flux of design trends, the beauty and uniqueness of natural stone have continued to make it a top design choice for kitchens and bathrooms. But innovative stone products are now allowing homeowners to use stone beyond floors and countertops. Michael Stachowiak, a stone mason from London, Ontario has been working with stone for over 25 years. His company, Eco Creations, helps homeowners incorporate some of the world’s most unique stones – travertine, marble, onyx and compressed slate - into their designs. Here, he provides his tips on incorporating innovative stone finishes into home décor. Designer stone panels come in five by eight foot slabs of travertine, marble and onyx and completely eliminate the need for grout. “Homeowners and new home builders’ biggest issue [with tiling] is grout. People don’t want to have to worry about grout discolouring or having to replace it [after a few years],” says Stachowiak. Eco Creations’ designer stone panels are 100 percent non-porous and come with a 25-year warranty. The 5 mm stone is laminated to an aluminum polymer backing making it 10 times stronger and 1/3 to 1/6 the weight of traditional stone products of similar size, allowing for easy installation and reducing transportation costs, giving the stone a smaller carbon footprint. The stone panels can be used as flooring, feature walls, shower walls and fireplace surrounds. Each type of stone has its own unique characteristics that compliment every décor style: ADD CHARACTER WITH TRAVERTINE Travertine is a type of limestone often found at the mouth of a hot spring or limestone cave and is formed by the process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate. This stone has a lot of character as a result of the small perforations that occurred
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choice for feature walls, fireplace surrounds and shower walls. GET A LUXURIOUS, MODERN FINISH WITH MARBLE Marble is characterized by coloured veins that create interesting patterns in the stone. These designs are caused by minerals that, when heated during the rock’s transformation into marble, melt down to form the attractive vein patterns. Marble’s shiny, smooth and cool surface make it a popular choice for backsplashes and showers. LIGHT UP YOUR STONE WALL than marble and adds a unique design element to kitchen backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, feature walls and bar tables. Eco Creations has partnered with Regal Lighting Design to provide LED panels used to backlight the translucent stone, creating the look of a glowing rock. “With the LED panel, you get an even light so the whole sheet is illuminated,”
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EACH TYPE OF STONE HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS THAT COMPLIMENT EVERY DÉCOR STYLE .
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A translucent stone, onyx has more sheen
says Stachowiak. Backlit onyx can be used as a kitchen backsplash, eliminating the need for under-cabinet lighting or can stand alone as a piece of artwork on a feature wall. WALLPAPER WITH STONE You may think adding stone to the walls of your home is an enormous task involving hours of labour to move heavy rock into the home, but a new product called eco stone makes adding the character of natural stone anywhere inside or outside the home as easily as putting up wallpaper. Developed in Germany, and sold in Canada exclusively by Eco Creations, layers of compressed slate are bonded to a polyester and fibreglass backing creating a strong, yet flexible, piece of stone 1.5 mm thick. Weighting approximately 0.5 lbs. per square inch, eco stone allows for easy do-it-yourself installation that can be applied directly to concrete, ceramic, cabinetry and many other surfaces.
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THE SAFE HOUSE
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From small towns, to posh suburbs, to big cities, no home is safe. Even in neighborhoods where people know and watch out for each other, criminals will always find a way to break into a home, day or night. Burlington, Ontario residents Amanda and Tony Simpson had their house broken into while on vacation with their two children. During their time away they received a devastating phone call from the neighbour looking after their home. “I’ll never forget that call,” says Amanda. “Our neighbour called us in Florida to say our home had been broken into and was ransacked – prize possessions like our TV, stereo system and even jewellery were all gone. Words just can’t describe how we felt that someone had entered our home and stolen from us.” Husband Tony adds: “We canceled the rest of our trip and returned home immediately. We were so
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BY CLINTON HOWELL
With home invasions rising at an alarming rate, one expert looks at the latest in home security. It doesn’t matter where you live – home invasions and break-ins are a sad reality.
hurt to learn that someone would do this to our family. They broke into our home and they took our belongings. We still feel violated.” Scarier still is the threat of an armed home invasion. Kevin Pearce, who lives in Oakville, Ontario, recalls the night four thugs broke into his home while he was sleeping. Entering through a kitchen window, two of them were armed with knives and the other two were holding crowbars. They escaped with money and jewelry, leaving Kevin scuffed and shaken. “I thought I was going to die that night’, He told me. If these victims of home break-ins and home invasions could go back in time, they would undoubtedly do one thing: install a home security system.
ALWAYS SECURELY LOCK WINDOWS AND DOORS
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homeowners can be pro-active in protecting their properties and families. HERE ARE SOME KEY TIPS THAT CAN HELP: • Keep gates to backyards locked • Utilize exterior lighting • Always securely lock windows and doors • Create a code word or phrase with your family which can act as signal so they know to call 911 • Have a neighbour keep an eye on your home when traveling • Install a home security/surveillance system which you can monitor through your smart phone or security company. My company, along with others across Canada, continues to see an increase in the installation of integrated home security systems as well as burglary, fire and safety alarms as people realize it is a wise investment. All across Canada there are droves of reputable companies who will look after your home security needs. There are many options when it comes to acquiring a home security and surveillance system. Do some research and speak to a professional who can assist you in identifying what you need. The technology currently available is rather amazing and can be customized to your comfort level. Options range from simple alarm systems to contact sensors, motion sensors to infrared camera surveillance and motion lighting. Some of the most popular systems we install include the Watchnet NVR (Network Video Recorder) and Watchnet DVR (Digital Video Recorder) surveillance systems, which offer full remote access with an iPhone, iPad, or Android apps. For a basic system, I highly recommend the Watchnet, Arecont and Vivotek IP camera systems which provide great quality and pricing. For burglary prevention, the DSC Power Series is a great tool in keeping the criminals away. Just about every system out there can be integrated with motion and contact sensors and motion activated lights. Everything you need to give you that 24/7 peace of mind is not only available, it is easy to use and monitor.
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SPOTLIGHT
BUILDING FOR GOOD THE EXTRAORDINARY
MISSION OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BY JENNIFER UTLEY
Why is it getting more and more difficult for hardworking Canadians to get on the property ladder? Growing land costs make it challenging for many families to afford the dream of home ownership. It is estimated that there are currently over 1.3 million Canadians currently in need of safe, affordable and decent shelter. That’s where the extraordinary mission of Habitat for Humanity comes in. Millard and Linda Fuller of Americus, Georgia started the organization in 1976 with the lofty goal of creating partnership housing. It worked brilliantly, creating a self-sustaining cycle of seemingly neverending goodness. A Habitat home is a “hand up” in that no down payment is required, mortgages are interest-free, and payments are geared to income. As a partner family pays off their mortgage, the funds are used by their local Habitat affiliate to build more homes for more low-income families in the community. That means that an investment in Habitat doesn’t help one, but many families to improve their shelter conditions.” According to Antonietta Mirabelli, VP of Marketing and Communications at Habitat for Humanity Canada headquarters in Toronto, “Partner families are involved in the building of their home from start to finish, volunteering 500 hours of “sweat equity” towards its construction. Once their home is complete, families pay back its fair market value through monthly mortgage payments.” In 1985, the movement spread to Canada with the first Canadian build in Winkler, Manitoba. Today, “that need has only grown,” says CEO of the Winnipeg affiliate, Sandy Hopkins. “There are thousands of families in Manitoba who have inadequate housing.” Hopkins also notes that the diversity of the people that come to Habitat is immense: “People from all around the globe and people who have spent their entire lives in
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SPOTLIGHT Winnipeg; people from all faiths and people who are not religious; people who are well educated and people with much less education.”
Star raised her three biological kids with her husband, and decided to adopt two more children with special needs in her later years. Her 15-year-old son, Keelan, suffers from a myriad of complications, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which means he’s in a wheelchair and the odds of living past teenage years are not good. As a single parent with medical payments, she had no ability to save up for a down payment, but she was able to put in 500 hours of sweat equity as part of down payment. After physically carrying Keelan for years from one rental unit to another, the Habitat home built for the family a year ago has saved more than just Star’s back. Keelan calls it his ‘forever house.’ The modular home was built with a ramped front door, wider halls, a wheel-in shower, and even a ceiling lift (which as a renter she wasn’t allowed to install) onto his custom built bed. The kids now know they can finish high school with their friends and Star no longer stresses about the lease expiring or the rent going up.
“What is common among our partner families is the following: they are all trying to improve the quality of life for their children; they are hard-working and they are not able to secure a conventional mortgage.” A recent CMHC survey of Habitat for Humanity families showed affordable homeownership has a remarkable impact on not only improved economic well-being, but also improved social and health effects. seventy pe rcent of homebuyers surveyed reported improved health, including reduced colds, flu, allergies, asthma symptoms and stress; 65 percent reported their children’s confidence including an increase in their extracurricular activities; and more than 58 per cent are better off financially now than before they moved into their Habitat home. “Cramped quarters, unhealthy environments, unsafe neighbourhoods – low-income Canadian families often face challenges in obtaining housing that meets their needs,” says Kevin Marshman, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “The families who partner with Habitat are able to remove themselves from these difficult situations, build equity for their futures and begin living healthier, happier and more productive lives.” How do those fortunate people find out about Habitat for Humanity? Generally through word of mouth, as it happened for Javier Flores, a welder originally from Mexico City. He immigrated to Kelowna nearly seven years ago with his wife. They have two daughters, now five and three years old and were renting a basement suite in the scruffy downtown area when they heard about Habitat through a friend. They didn’t think they would be eligible, but went to the information session anyway, and after applying were so happy to move into a brand-new Habitat house in West Kelowna, near the Mission Hill winery. Asked if he would ever return to Mexico City, Flores says “Ah, no, this is our home now, we live in a nice place and are really happy. Our kids go to nice schools and there is so much less pollution, people, cars, than Mexico. We miss our family, but our life is here now.” Before breaking ground on each new home, Habitat selects a partner family based on the level of need, the ability to repay a Habitat mortgage and the willingness to partner with Habitat. Star Mengedes is a recipient of a specially built Habitat bungalow to accommodate her two adopted kids with special needs.
BEFORE BREAKING GROUND ON EACH NEW HOME, HABITAT SELECTS A PARTNER FAMILY BASED ON THE LEVEL OF NEED, THE ABILITY TO REPAY A HABITAT MORTGAGE AND THE WILLINGNESS TO PARTNER WITH HABITAT.
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Star now works and volunteers at the Habitat’s RESTORE in Kelowna. “I only see the need growing, we had a family with four kids come in, they couldn’t get help from social services because their income was $100 over the limit, but the cost of living and land means it’s getting harder for people to save up for that mortgage.” And what about those design elements? Guthrie in Kelowna says, “we make it simple, sturdy, built to code and as ‘green’ as possible, for example, solar water heating.” Winnipeg’s affiliate echoes the sentiment. “We build the most environmentally friendly homes in Manitoba, containing many features that reduce energy and water consumption.” Global celebrities such as Bono, former president Jimmy Carter, Michael Buble and Justin Timberlake are supporters of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts, helping to raise funds and awareness for their mission. But the real celebrities are the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who donate their time so others can achieve a better life. Since the inception of Habitat for Humanity in Canada in 1985, it has grown to over 69 affiliates in 10 provinces and two territories and successfully housed 2,200 families with the help of over 63,000 volunteers every year. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty in Canada through building and promoting homeownership. If you are interested in sharing your skills, learning new ones, or you just want the opportunity to “build for good” go to www.habitat.ca
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SPOTLIGHT
THE URBAN COTTAGE YOU CAN STILL HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
Traditionally, the Canadian dream has been to own a big house in the city and a small cottage in the countryside, giving families the best of both worlds. As real estate prices in major Canadian cities continue to rise, this dream is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. One possible solution to this problem: we flip things around! Many urban-loving Canadians are choosing to live primarily in the country and are using their downtown condos for weekend getaways. It has become more common for families to buy a large home one or two hours from the city while renting or owning a small apartment, or “Urban Cottage”, in the heart of the city. This can be a very attractive lifestyle solution for families who want to experience the best of both city and country life, and it’s becoming increasingly popular among Canadians. While relatively new to Canada, owning a downtown apartment for part-time use (commonly referred to as a pied-à-terre) has been part of a longstanding tradition in major cities such as Paris, London, and New York. In these cities, sky-high property values have meant that having a small footprint in the city and a larger home in the country has been common for a much longer time, and as cities like Toronto and Vancouver continue to grow and mature, we can expect to see continued growth of the concept of Urban Cottages in Canada.
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As a seasoned real estate broker working in downtown Toronto, I have watched this trend take off with the increasing competitiveness of the Toronto market. Let’s take my client Sophie for example, a single mom currently renting a two bedroom apartment in the Beaches, a familyfriendly Toronto neighborhood. While her rent is only $1,250 per month, the average detached home sells for $1.3 million dollars, making home ownership on a single salary next to impossible. But she’s not ready to give up on home ownership or the lifestyle afforded by downtown living just yet. She has her eye on Prince Edward County, a community in Southern Ontario, just two hours from Toronto. Sophie’s dream is to buy a home of her own in the country while continuing to rent in the city. Described as “Toronto’s Hamptons,” Prince Edward County is becoming increasingly attractive to urbanites due to its growing art and foodie culture, which will soon be bolstered by the opening of The Drake Devonshire Inn. The best part is that the average cost of detached homes in Prince Edward County sits well within Sophie’s reach at $250,000. I have done the math, and Sophie’s goal to purchase a house outside of the city for $250,000 is entirely viable. If she puts $50,000 down and has a mortgage of $200,000, her monthly mortgage and taxes would be around $1,000/
month. So for around $2500 each month to cover her country BY RALPH FOX property and city rent, she can create her ideal living situation. I am also working with the Chengs who have a very different story. They are a family of four seeking their own Urban Cottage in the Annex, an established and centrally located neighbourhood in Toronto. Both parents work downtown in the financial core, but their family home and their children’s schools are both in Markham, a suburb just north of Toronto. A two-bedroom condominium close to public transit, museums and shopping gives their children access to culture and events on weekends and holidays. Best of all it will allow flexibility on nights when one parent has to work late, or when traffic is completely bogged down by weather. With rapidly increasing property values and taxes in Canada’s urban centres, many Canadians are looking to other alternatives to achieve home ownership with a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, with the development of technologies that allow people to work remotely, the Urban Cottage has become a much more feasible option. Even in this ever-changing real estate climate, it is still possible for the average Canadian to enjoy the urban and country lifestyle they have always imagined. —H
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Refining the Outdoors
• Ponds • Water Features • Lighting • Pottery • Fountains • Statuary •
2851 Hwy 7 Concord | 905.760.9611
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ARCHITECTURE IS IN THE DETAILS BY SAMANTHA SANNELLA www.samanthasannella.com
Architectural elements work together to create an over-
to the façade of your home. If a porch is out of your
ROOFING AND EAVES TROUGHS
all style for your home. These details are an important
budget range, considering adding a large overhang
Choosing the roofing material is important. Even the
part of new construction or renovation.
above your front door. This is especially great when
most value-conscious shingle manufacturers offer a vari-
trying to unlock the door with a handful of packages in
ety of patterns and textures. Couple this decision with
the rain or snow!
the addition of unique eavestroughs such as rounded
Window styles, eavestroughs, porches, roof cladding and lighting can work together to make your home
copper and this will really make a bold statement. (I’ve
unique. For example, if you are a fan of Craftsman
WINDOW STYLE AND TRIM
always wanted to add a cupola with a weathervane
Architecture, research and collaboration with your
Consider a bay or bow window on the front or back of
to my home).
architect is required to make sure that you choose the
your home if you have a large façade in need of more
appropriate details. This style emphasizes low-pitched
oomph! If replacing the windows or painting the trim,
LIGHTING
roofs, broad eves, natural materials and quality
consider a colour that has presence such as a dark
Adding landscape lights and lights under the eaves or
woodworking. The Craftsman style is kin to one of
charcoal gray which looks great with any exterior ma-
on the porch not only deters burglars, but also makes
Canada’s most prevalent styles: the bungalow. Built in
terial. Too often, homeowners default to the standard
your home sparkle at night. Consider LEDs and choose
the post WWII boom, bungalows are part of the aging
beige for the window trim and the façade of the home
a fixture that works with your architectural style. —H
housing stock and can be seen dotted across our cities
becomes too neutral.
and towns. No matter what your style preference, consider items from the list below to create your home’s
EMPHASIZE THE DOOR
overall architectural personality.
Choose a unique door and interesting hardware that
www.lightinguniverse.com.
reflects your personality. Paint your door a bright
Home with Fabulous Porch – Photo Courtesy of Arina Habich |
ADD A PORCH OR AN OVERHANG
colour or scour the salvage stores for an antique door
Copper Eaves Troughs – Courtesy of Canadian Cupolas,
Adding a large front porch is a wonderful way to in-
at a bargain price.
www.canadiancupolas.com | Entry Door Hardware – Courtesy of
crease your outdoor living space and add visual texture
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DECKS SUNROOMS ADDITIONS CARPORTS PERGOLAS COTTAGES
DO IT LIKE THE PROS DO WORLD LEADER IN HELICAL PILE FOUNDATIONS NO DIGGING - NO CONCRETE - READY TO USE
Featuring PAUL LAFRANCE, HGTV
techno T E C H N O M E TA L P O S T. C A
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CONSTRUCTION
CAN GLASS REALLY BE SELF-CLEANING?
Today, there are many glass coatings being sold with descriptive names such as “self-cleaning” and “easy to clean”. These coatings are most often applied by the glass manufacturer and designed to be on the external surface of your windows. David Mitten, the executive directors of SAWDAC’s Window Wise program explains: “Self-cleaning glass does not make your window clean. What it does is two-fold. First, it make the glass in your window less dirty than it would be if you weren’t cleaning it regularly. Second, it makes the glass easier to clean.” The characteristics of the high-tech coatings that facilitate self-cleaning are called “hydrophilic” and “solar activated”, Mitten points out. Hydrophilic glass has had a coating added to it that makes the surface smoother and less sticky. Dirt doesn’t adhere well to the hydrophilic glass and rain water tends to spread out evenly. Solar-activated glass has had a coating applied to it that stores light energy from the sun in its electrons. This excessive energy forces the electrons to a less stable outer orbit. When rain water hits the energy is released returning the electrons to their original, stable orbit. In this process, extra oxygen molecules are created which act as an emulsifier on dirt particles, causing them to fall away or be washed away from the surface of the glass. The term “self-cleaning glass” does not mean that your windows, if left un-clean by human hands, will be as clean as if they were, says Mitten. It means that, on their own, they will simply be less dirty. If you never wash your windows and would like them to be naturally cleaner, this glass is for you. Also, it is possible to damage these coatings, he says. “Do not clean glass with a hydrophilic coating or a solar activated coating with anything metallic or hard enough to scratch the glass.
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FROM THE OUTDOORS TO THE INSIDE…
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How To Design A Functional Mud Room And Laundry Area By David Arduini Albert David Design inc albertdaviddesign.com
The time has come to face Mother Nature. The cooler weather is before us and
WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME The next aspect you should consider is
with that comes heavier outerwear—jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots, not
what material to place on the floor. With a range of products to choose from, you
to mention the thought of kids running inside the house with a handful of arts and
want to ensure that it is durable and especially easy to clean. Honed porce-
crafts they’ve created from their day at school.
lain, slate ot even stone flooring are an excellent solutions and can withstand
Many homeowners are faced with a dilemma of how to design a functional space
the heavy traffic that will flow through this area—both during the wet and dry
that will allow their family to enter the home and remove their heavy layers of
seasons. One of the questions I get asked quite often as a designer is, “How
clothing, while still having a separate area where daily duties of laundry and
can I achieve the look of hardwood, without using actual hardwood?” Well, the
washing are conducted. With these two spaces combined into one in most homes,
answer is simple — use porcelain that looks like hardwood. It’s actually quite
it can be tough to maintain a sense of order and tidiness when 150 square feet is
spectacular to see the collections of porcelain tiles, in various sizes that mimic
all you’re left to work with.
the look and feel of hardwood flooring, without actually being wood. The colour selections and distinction of the grains are what truly make this product stand
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Take a walk through your space and determine what
out without compromising durability. You may also want to consider a clean
pros and cons you have based on your floor plan. An open area is ideal. It
wall tile—either three-quarters or half way up the wall, or if you’re feeling a little
allows for function, efficiency and an organized workflow. Don’t always consider
brave, take the tile right up the entire wall. Imagine this: your little one just walks
the use of walls as a form of separation between various spaces—this is not
in from a day spent in the yard, boots all full of mud, and hands dirty from the
always the most effective formula. In fact, walls tend to close in a space and
soil. He suddenly grasps hold of the wall for balance and, before you know it,
make it tougher to work with. Most laundry/mud rooms are situated just off to the
you’ve got a large soil stain right on the wall. Now what better way to wipe it
side of your home, typically with an entrance right from the garage. In order to
clean and it’s gone within seconds? As a design professional, it’s crucial for me to
maximize the effectiveness of this space. You want to make a clear distinction of
consider all aspects of a household—how the family functions, their lifestyle and
the storage area. Storage is one of the most important elements in a mud room—
what their daily routines consist of. This allows me to determine the best solution
whether it be vertical, horizontal, floating or with the use of bins—you want to
to fit their needs.
ensure that every inch of space is accounted for and nothing is left to wilts on the floor. Closed storage solutions are always my number one source when designing
FROM MESS TO FRESH Going back to the functionality of your mud/laundry
a space such as this, simply because it hides your belongings and helps to keep
room brings us to the area defined by cleanliness, fresh laundry and the smell
the room looking neat and tidy. Open shelving is great to house your shoes and
of dryer sheets caressing the air. This area within the overall space should be fit
bags, perhaps at a height that is accessible to children. Many custom solutions
for a washing machine and dryer as well as ample counter surface for folding
can be designed based on your needs and storage requirements, which give you
and organizing laundry. In a space that allows for it, your washing machine and
the opportunity to incorporate all elements and a more distinctive look and feel.
dryer are best side-by-side. Given that most new machines are front loading, a great design tip is to build in a granite or marble work surface that stretches the width of both machines allowing you to remove your laundry and fold it within arms’ reach.
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BUYERS GUIDE: PURCHASING A WASHER AND DRYER
Modern day washers and dryers have become not only a staple appliance, but an element that seems to fit into the overall décor and style in your home. Although many traditional units have always got the job done, it may have been at the cost of using less efficient units and more water, thus leading to monthly hydro bills. Today, there are a few components to consider when shopping for a new washer and dryer for your home: EFFICIENCY Most new washing machines, like this Whirlpool front-loading washer (below), are labeled as being Energy-Star Qualified units. This is a product that uses less water, will save you money and in turn help the environment. When washing, you may want to consider using cold water, as this will help to lower costs as well. Consider purchasing a unit that is highly energy efficient—it will save you on those monthly bills.
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FEATURES
PRICE
Washers tend to feature a wide variety of cycles
Today’s market price for a well-known brand of a
that make the unit extremely user friendly. Additional
washers and dryers will typically run you between
features that make the Whirlpool Steam front-loading
$1000 to $1600 depending on the size, features
washer unique is their Active-Spray Technology, which
and sometimes the colour and style. Often times, top-
evenly disperses the detergent to completely cover
loading and front-loading machines will also set the
the fabric. The Quiet Spin 360 Technology controls
stage for a price difference, given that front-loading
vibrations and lessens the amount of noise emitted
machines tend to be more efficient for water usage.
from the machine during its usage. Another great feature is the Steam-Enhanced Cycles, which infuses
STYLE
steam into a cycle that helps to eliminate stains in
The laundry room isn’t complete without that pop of
fabrics.
colour, the sleekness of the appliances and, of course, the LED displays that make using these Whirlpool
Dryers such as the Whirlpool Steam Electric Dryer
units a breeze. Most washers and dryers can be
feature a Wrinkle Shield Plus Option, which tumbles
purchased in a variety of colour choices, along with
the dryer every five minutes following a cycle to help
a stand that increases the height of both units. Front-
prevent wrinkles from forming into dry fabrics. This unit
loading machines tend to be most popular today,
also delivers a Static Reduce option that combines a
since they allow the configuration of the laundry room
misty spray with tumbling action after a load is dry.
to accommodate a folding service as well as ample
Lastly, if space is of the essence, the unit also offers
counter space if the units are built in and, covered
the flexibility of setting the dryers door to open to the
with a counter surface.
left or right.
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CELEBRITY COLUMN I’m thrilled to be joining HOSS as a contributor! Each issue I will be introducing you to interesting person, place and thing… all design and décor related of course. I hope you enjoy this month’s selection as I interview designer, fabricator and artist Jef Hancock WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Jef Hancock. I design and make things. Much of my time is spent turning concepts and ideas into real, tangible objects. I also race cars and motorcycles. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? Somebody has to! Plus, I’m wired in such a way that I have to create to be happy. I’m driven by challenges, and I’m a solution-based person. I approach most design projects with an analytical, methodical, and usually utilitarian intent. All the while I feel that style, quality, and good looks should be integrated into everything. This mixture of traits ends up being fairly lucrative in the marketplace, so I keep making things to survive, and to stay happy. Much like my work, I race cars and motorcycles to push myself on a personal level. Every time I put on a race helmet and suit, it’s a celebration of the machine and my relationship with it -- what we can do together.
INTERESTING PERSON, PLACE AND THING WITH JANETTE EWEN 72
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HOW DO YOU WORK? Whatever it is, I think about it a lot! I stare at ceilings, I stare at walls. In my mind I see the details coming together. I procrastinate. I research. When the deadline is uncomfortably close, I put my head down and execute. Any snags that weren’t anticipated get a creative solution, preferably enhancing the piece’s style and/or functionality. Often, I don’t know exactly how a project will come together, and I like to intentionally leave room for ‘problems’ to become ‘features’. I feel this is a good balance between engineered and organic design. On one day I might be building a race car or motorcycle, and the next day I might work on a wall paper pattern or try to re-invent the chopstick. It isn’t boring! WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND? I’m one of those kids that always took his toys apart. Probably the same day I got ‘em. In the 80’s I tested out of high school early at age 16, and worked retail to pay for community college and other adventures. In the early 90’s I attended School of Communication Arts in Minneapolis for computer art and animation. From that schooling, I gained much knowledge of advanced 3D graphics and animation, and honed my computer graphic design skills, but shortly after graduation I landed
CELEBRITY COLUMN back in California as an art director in the skate and snowboard industry, working primarily in the 2D print world again. I moved on to creative direct and art direct for 2D and 3D computer graphic related companies until 1997, when I started a web design & consultation company in San Francisco. In 2001, I began pursuing apprentice work in the metal and wood fabrication trades. I was turning a life-long DIY hobby into my next career. Since then, I have been attempting to learn every way of making anything. I spend most of my time learning new materials and fabrication practices.
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DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY. Any day I wear a helmet is a pretty good day. No matter how bad a day gets, a simple motorcycle ride usually fixes me up. Sometimes just a good country breakfast followed by a healthy dose of creative work, followed by a hike or bike ride around sunset makes for a perfect day. WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK? Apartment-Therapy featured one of my custom furniture pieces. That was pretty cool because they are picky! Back in the day, I played a significant role in bringing interactive 3D graphics to the Internet, and had some of my work presented at the Guggenheim in New York. Really though, there are so many instances where a client and myself have shared a great vision, and in the end they got a design that surpassed their expectations, and I got the satisfaction of making it. They are all somewhat memorable. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT? Right now, my dream project is to build a vintage rally car for the East African Safari Rally. That also includes driving it over the eight treacherous days of bumpy, muddy and dusty safari rally stages! Art directing a feature film is on my list, and I would also like to try a little structural architecture at some point, primarily to build my own home.
JEF HANCOCK
WHAT WORK DO YOU MOST ENJOYING DOING? All of it. I like diversity. My work is life. I go to work when I wake up in the morning and I quit when I go to bed at night. I will say that I prefer hand-work over computer-work, but I do get satisfaction from things like learning new video editing software, or working the next deal. Welding, grinding, hammering, and at the end of the day looking back upon what I I’ve made. That is very rewarding.
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CELEBRITY COLUMN WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU HAVE AND WHY? I’m going to go with flying because its cooler than anything. When I’m racing, I’m really just flying really close to the ground. I imagine the sensation of real flight to be something like surfing and sex combined, but faster. I would also like to have some Go-Go-Gadget powers, like a laser welder on one hand, tractor beam magnet on the other, and leg-extensions with roller skates and such. FAVOURITE OR MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLACE? That’s tough, I love to travel and see new places. I’m a big fan of the Pacific North West. I was born in Oregon, and that region of the continent all the way up through Vancouver really does it for me. I lived in Detroit from 2005-2010 and that was a very inspirational place. Visually stimulating, and it’s like the Wild West again, where anything goes, especially for artists and musicians. I also have a very special spot I like to stay in the Eastern Sierras, near Half Dome and Yellowstone and all that. Its a 20-acre spot a good friend of mine owns. I can recharge better and faster there than anywhere I’ve been in this world so far. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? I would like to be earning income in my sleep, and racing more. I would like for Parker Barrow, the design company my business partner and I recently started to be placed solidly and revered in the marketplace. I’ve found that there is only so far I can reach while making everything myself, doing everything myself. I want to work more with others, and design products that can sell while I’m sleeping or making other things. I want to build a race team that is profitable. I would like to be tan most of the year. I want to be surfing and fishing exotic locations in between jobs. I
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would like to again face that semiawkward moment when I need to re-visualize my future because I’ve already achieved everything I’ve set out to do. INTERESTING PLACE… One of my favourite countries to visit is Mexico, from the design hotels of Mexico City to the exciting, adventure packed Yucatan province, Mexico is one of my top destinations for inspiration and relaxation. I recently had the pleasure of returning to San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. With some of the most picturesque coastlines I have ever seen this area never fails to make me smile. While in Cabo I holed up at the glamorously laid backed One and Only Palmilla. (www.palmilla. oneandonlyresorts.com) A fave destination for Hollywood celebs, including Jennifer Aniston, Eva Longoria and Bethenny Frankel, the One and Only Palmilla features include private butlers working overtime to make sure any requests are met, amazing restaurants including the most elegantly decorated “Agua” and one of the best spas I have ever been to. THING… Cozy up this fall with elegant wall mounted fireplace. I don’t love winter but I do love a gorgeous fireplace. The Dimplex’s Tate model is one of my new favourites, stylish and sleek this model uses a patented ultrasonic technology called Opti-myst to create a flame effect complete with smoke. The design uses water to produce a mist that rises up through the logs, which creates the illusion of flames and smoke when the light reflects against the water molecules. The appearance is so authentic that it is mistaken for a true wood-burning fire. The Tate design offers a simple matte black option with the contemporary rock media bed and measures 27 ½” high by 35 ½” wide. (www.dimplex.com)
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Photo credit for headshots of Janette and Jef Magdalena M. www.magdalena-m.com
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CELEBRITY COLUMN
MY DO’S AND DON’TS FOR A STRESS-FREE AND REWARDING DREAM KITCHEN RENOVATION ESTABLISH A BUDGET: You definitely need to start
what your dream
PAY ATTENTION TO THE ACCESSORIES:
with a dollar figure in mind. Whatever number you
kitchen will look like.
Cabinet hardware can make or break your door style,
come up with, make sure to add five to ten percent for
so make sure you pick a style that suits your lifestyle
those extras that come up (and inevitably will) or those
MAKE SURE IT
“must haves” that you just can’t live without.
MEETS YOUR LIFESTYLE: Eensure
and is comfortable. Lighting is also key accessory BY FRANK TURCO Turcof Designs www.turcofdesigns.ca
between functional, task and embellishment lighting.
DON’T BE CHEAP: Next to the purchase of your
that the kitchen meets
home, the kitchen is the next biggest purchase you
your lifestyle today
HIGHLIGHT IT: I am huge fan of the big trend in
will make and also the one that will make the most
but also takes consideration for the space 10+ years
open storage. Whether it’s using a finished cabinet
impressions. So if you really love a door style, cabinet
from now, for example, if you started a family today.
without a door or a floating shelf on a wall, it’s the
feature or countertop, try to make it work. If you think
perfect way to highlight your fave dishes, bowls or
the average lifespan of a kitchen is 20-25 years,
ASK FOR REFERENCES If you working with
collectibles. It also helps open up the space if your
amortize the item or feature you really want over that
a contractor and one that is new to you, ask for
kitchen is small in size.
timeframe and you will see that it really doesn’t cost
references. Getting to know your contractor is key to
you much at all
a stress free and successful kitchen project. Make sure
USE EVERY AVAILABLE INCH: I strongly
they are also great at project management – you don’t
recommend taking your cabinets to the ceiling height
DO YOUR HOMEWORK: The Internet was
want your dream kitchen project to be as long as a
and taking advantage of the extra storage or display
created for a reason, so surf it for the latest styles and
pregnancy term
space. Convert your empty toekick space into usable/
innovations, designs, appliances. Home renovation
functional space. Incorporate a toekick drawer – these
and décor magazines are also a great resource for
WORK WITH A DESIGNER – all kitchen
drawers are great for storing large, flat items like
providing lifestyle shots for inspiration and, editorials on
showrooms and many home improvement centres
baking sheets and platters you don’t use everyday.
the design and features of materials and appliances.
offer trained kitchen designers who can assist you in
A toekick drawer is also a great place to hide a step
getting everything you want from your space. Book
stool. So if you are height challenged or have young
SKETCH IT: Use the many free design services online
an appointment with them and see the value they can
children, this drawer is a great addition to the space.
to sketch out a kitchen design that works for you. Play
bring to your project
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with configurations, size and space to really visualize
Thomasville Cabinetry. Sold exclusively at The Home Depot
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so ensure your kitchen incorporates a good balance
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The Patented Insertable Fencing System
Supplying you with top quality fencing, for all your needs. Fencerts, bamboo, chainlink and hardware.
www.newtrendfencing.com
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NEW TREND CORPORATION
FENCERTS
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CONSTRUCTION
CONCRETE MATTERS BY RAFFY HANIMYAN
Elite Designed Concrete Inc. www.eliteconcrete.ca
Stamped concrete, also known as imprinted concrete or pattern impressed concrete, has been available as a hardscape product now for several decades.
With so many contractors offering the service, it
supply concrete to contractors typically adjust their
may be somewhat overwhelming to the average
mixes to account for the differences in temperatures,
homeowner to figure out where to begin when the
but it’s best to confirm this with the contractor you
thought of stamped concrete is first realized as a
eventually choose to do the installation. Unlike
viable option.
interlocking pavers and natural stone, stamped concrete is made on-site under constantly varying
Typically, once it’s been determined where this
conditions. These conditions include temperature,
hardscaping is going to be installed, for example a
humidity, wind, sunlight or the lack thereof.
backyard patio, the next step would be to come up with a desired size. In the case of the patio, what
Choosing a contractor that you trust is probably the
is it going to be primarily used for? Will it create a
most important decision any homeowner will have
flat yet decorative surface for a patio set, barbecue,
to make when planning an outdoor project. What
lounge area, hot tub or fire pit? It could easily be
should one look for when making this decision? Well
a combination of these accessories and furniture.
the years in business of a contractor plays a roll but
How is the patio going to look in proportion to the
it’s certainly not everything. Of immediate importance
remainder of the yard? Should there be vertical
is checking whether the contractor has the required
features too, like planters and garden walls that could
liability insurance coverage as well as a valid WSIB
also be made of stamped or decorative concrete?
account in good standing. Without these two assets,
CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR THAT YOU TRUST IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION ANY HOMEOWNER WILL HAVE TO MAKE WHEN PLANNING THEIR OUTDOOR PROJECT.
it shows that the contractor doesn’t care about your home or his own employees to ensure their protection in the unlikely event of an accident. No trade should be stepping foot on your property to do any work without liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Next, a contractor should be able to present a list of projects or references on demand. This will not only
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Decorative concrete is typically installed in the spring,
provide you with an expectation of quality from the
once the ground has thawed right up to the consistent
contractor but also an opportunity to speak to their
and consecutive below 0°C daytime temperatures
past clients. There are also various online contractor
and snow of the late fall. Ready mix companies that
rating and review websites available these days that
CONSTRUCTION act as invaluable tools in the homeowner’s quest
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to find the right contractor(s). Ultimately, the homeowner needs to choose a contractor that he/she feels comfortable with, one that will keep the lines of communication open throughout the project, and afterwards, should there be warranty items to address. Once chosen, the contractor will sit with the homeowner to go over various aspects of their project. These include the overall design or layout of the installation. Also discussed will be colours, textures, patterns and step features. There may be times where the contractor and homeowner may require the assistance of a landscape designer to help come up with a more detailed vision of the project. Once the particulars of the project are determined, the installation can begin. First the area where the new stamped concrete will be installed needs to be excavated to make room for gravel and concrete. Once excavated, the shape of the project is framed by formwork, typically installed by a carpenter. Gravel is then placed, graded and compacted, and steel (either welded wire mesh or rebar) is placed atop the gravel, to be later lifted up into the concrete as it is placed. Concrete is then placed, leveled, coloured and finished smooth. Once the concrete is firm enough under finger pressure, yet soft enough to take on an impression on the surface, a powder is broadcast to cover the wet concrete. This powder is called a release agent and it keeps the decorative stamps from sticking to the wet concrete. Next, specialized stamps or mats are used to make the impressions of the homeowner’s desired pattern. The new concrete will then have control joints saw cut into it once it is ready to accept a spinning diamond blade without causing chips, typically one to two days after concrete placement. Steps, planters and garden walls are faced afterwards. After a few more days, the concrete is washed and buffed with a floor buffing machine to clean off excess release agent, concrete dust as well as any other surface debris.
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CONSTRUCTION Once dry for a day or two, depending on temperatures, the new concrete is then ready for sealer applications. Depending on the size of the project, a typical stamped concrete project will take between two to three weeks to be completed, pending weather of course. Rushing the process is unadvisable as it could reduce the long-term durability of the product. A properly installed stamped concrete project will last several decades, with very little maintenance; the maintenance being (a wash and a reseal every three to five years).sealer applications.
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CONSTRUCTION
SOME MYTHS ABOUT STAMPED CONCRETE
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I heard stamped concrete is slippery in the winter or when wet. Unfortunately, in its earlier days, this was the case. The culprit was not the concrete itself but the high gloss sealers a lot of contractors would use. Luckily, nowadays semi gloss sealers are readily available as are sealer additives that virtually eliminate any concerns. Don’t the colours fade? Typically, dyed or integrally coloured concrete does fade over time. Colour hardeners that are broadcast atop the surface and worked into the concrete have exponentially greater colour sustainability as well as having the bonus of significantly strengthening the surface of the concrete, a crucial benefit for harsh climates. Isn’t stamped concrete much more expensive than interlocking pavers? Stamped concrete is typically the same cost as a highquality and properly installed interlocking project, without the future hassles of dealing with the pitfalls of interlocking pavers like weeds and grass growing in the joints and uneven settlement. It’s often said that the best interlocking paver installation is one which is placed on concrete!
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CREATING THE PERFECT GARAGE BY JAMES CAMPBELL
You should enjoy being in your garage, so make it look its best.
Most people dream of having a perfectly organized
When you are renovating or building your garage,
work space in their garage where their tools are
make sure to install electrical wiring to meet your
orderly and they can easily tackle their DIY projects.
power demands. If you plan on using machines
Renovations can get put on hold because there’s
such as an air compressor or arc welder or adding
not a designated place to work and, for many, their
a car lift, you will need multiple 110-volt receptacles
tools are scattered throughout closets and the kitchen
near the floor and at bench height.
table serves as a workbench. Create a space for all
ed Video
of your improvement projects by turning a section of your garage into a construction-friendly, wonderfully
PICKING AND INSTALLING THE PROPER
organized haven for your tools and home makeover
DOORS
projects.
Choosing garage doors can be overwhelming. You can consider custom-built wooden doors designed
You should enjoy being in your garage so make
to create a synergy with your home’s style or steel
it look its best. Simple and effective, a fresh coat
doors that are double-walled and insulated. “The
of paint is one of the easiest ways to make your
garage door is the entrance to the cave and one
garage more desirable.
of the most potentially vulnerable parts for security,” says Chad Dommasch, of Canadian Door Doctor.
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property. Garage Door Innovators provide two-post and four-post options to increase your usable space. “The standard lift can rise up to 72 inches in height and the other lift we sell lifts up to 84 inches” says Steve Wilkins of Garage Door Innovators. The Pro-Park 8s auto lift is one of the best values in the industry and is the perfect lift for low ceiling
IF YOU ARE CREATING THE ULTIMATE GARAGE, WHY NOT PICK THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SYSTEM POSSIBLE? Depending on the circumstances, choosing the right
storage space or headroom in order to install a car
overhead door system can be simple or a bit more
lift. This system is also packed with features that
complicated. There are many types of hardware
provide peace-of-mind by connecting directly with
designs for accommodating different scenarios
smart phones or internet-enabled devices that allow
depending on your needs.
for it to be operated at anytime from anywhere in the world.
“The typical garage door system can be designed with low headroom, standard lift, hi-lift, inclined, or
“Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you
vertical lift tracks, each one having its own benefits
might have left the garage door open?” says Ben
and potential down sides to it,” says Dommasch.
Poiteven, LiftMaster, Territory Sales Manager. “Then,
“There are alternate styles of garage doors,
you quickly circle back to find it closed? Gone are
including roll up doors, bi folding doors, ‘up and
the days of stressing the small stuff, wondering if you
over’ doors and designs for accommodating a car
put the door down or fretting over the kids forgetting
lift. Each one of these door styles has its place and
their keys.”
times for use.” The LiftMaster 8500 Wall-Mount Residential Opener GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
has battery backup, which is important if a storm
There are a number of choices of garage door
causes a power outage. When the power is out, this
openers on the market, but if you are creating
unit will automatically power on to open and close
the ultimate garage, why not pick the most
the garage door for up to 40 times within a 24-hour
technologically advanced system possible?
period to give you access to your garage and home.
The new LiftMaster 8500 Wall-Mount Residential
LIFTS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE
Opener mounts to the side of the interior wall of the
Lifts provide the perfect solution for increasing
garage – offering an alternative to an overhead,
parking or maximizing storage space without having
ceiling mount unit – and opening up additional
to make any permanent changes to your shop or
applications. This lift plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet and comes with light weight aluminum approach ramps. The Pro-Park 8PL auto lift is the perfect solution for the homeowner with larger vehicles. This lift also plugs into the standard 110 volt outlet and comes with light weight aluminum approach ramps. Garage Door Innovators provide a complete car lift package including a site check and garage door modification. FLOORING A garage can be well organized, free from clutter and well maintained but if the floor is left untreated, the bare concrete with stains and dust will still define the space as dirty. There are many products and solutions for finishing the garage floor. Although big box retailers offer inexpensive water based epoxy kits, many homeowners lack the experience and tools required to properly prepare the concrete to allow the coating to adhere; the water based epoxies are not designed to last. Concrete coating is one project best left to the professionals. “Garage Living uses Rhino Floortex Coating which is a Polyaspartic product with attributes that solve many of the issues with standard epoxies,” says Aaron Cash of Garage Living. “The process involves diamond grinding the entire floor, edges and any HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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vertical surfaces like foundation walls and steps. We
welded steel cabinetry that is built to fit different
dimly lit garage. Portable work lights are essential
repair any cracks, pits or other imperfections with
size spaces. Custom cabinetry is fabricated to exact
for working under a car or for finding small parts or
rapid curing polyaspartic filler and then regrind any
measurements and the combination of components is
hardware that you have dropped.
areas repaired so that the surface is perfectly smooth
unlimited.”
before coating. We then apply the coating and
A sound system and access to television can
100% vinyl chip flake in the customer’s choice of
Custom cabinetry can include double wall cabinets
make the garage the perfect space. Bell recently
colour blends to give the floor a decorative element
and doors, European soft-close hinges, ball bearing
introduced wireless TV that can go anywhere,
and texture to ensure slip resistance. For the final
anti-slam drawer slides, stainless steel or butcher
making your garage the perfect spot to catch up on
step, a thick clear coat is applied with a squeegee
block work tops, valance light bars, sink cut outs and
the latest sports while you are doing auto repairs or
and back rolled to eliminate lines.”
upper cabinets designed for a TV.
finishing a project.
For specific applications or situations where
SOUND AND LIGHTING
“If you have the ability to wire from the speakers into
the coating cannot be applied due to extensive
You need to see what you’re doing when working
the house you can go with traditional equipment,”
damage, PVC and polypropelyne floor tiles can be
with power tools. High-intensity lights, such as
says Ryan Peddle of custom audio video specialist,
used. These tiles are designed for garage spaces
halogens or LEDs, are perfect for brightening up your
Liptons Audio Video Unlimited. “Most times in a
and can be laid in patterns or with different colours
space.
garage I use all weather outdoor speakers that are
to create a theme in the garage.
not affected by the cold. If you want it to look “To create the perfect garage you need three
really clean, in-ceiling or in-wall speakers make a
STORE BOUGHT OR CUSTOM DESIGNED
separate switches for accent lighting, functional
really nice finished look as they can be painted to
CABINETRY
lighting and task lighting,” says Tom Herstad of
match the decor. I have a program on my tablet that
Home improvement retailers sell melamine and steel
Regal Lighting Designs. “Inadequate lighting can hurt
lets me control the music in the garage.”
cabinetry that is ready to assemble in limited sizes
the quality of your work and lead to time-consuming
and colours. Welded steel cabinetry is the best
or costly mistakes.”
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CREATING AND ORGANIZING WORK ZONES IN YOUR GARAGE
route for the garage. Powder-coated steel will not rust, bow or sag with the temperature changes and
Luckily, it’s not too difficult or costly to upgrade your
Now that you have incorporated all the essential
moisture typically found in a garage.
lighting. Ceiling-mounted LED light fixtures, track
elements to create the perfect garage, organizing
lighting and bendable gooseneck fixtures can help
your belongings in a logical and easily accessible
“With a custom system, a homeowner can choose
you adjust the light to exactly where you need it.
way that maximizes your space is the key to making
their own colours to work within a theme or specific
Hanging shop lights that drop down from above
your dream garage a reality.
style that they wants for their space,” says Aaron
your workbench to provide illumination where you
Cash: Garage Living. “We offer seven lines of
need it most will increase visibility in an otherwise
HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
RENO Start by taking an inventory of the contents of your
outdoor Christmas decorations, lights, window
like impact-rated safety glasses, safety goggles,
garage and separating these contents into items
screens and storm doors.
leather and/or mechanics gloves, face shields and
that will be kept, items that are to be thrown away
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a first-aid kit should be kept within reach.
and items that are to be donated. From the items
Capitalize on your custom cabinetry by storing paint
you want to keep, separate them into categories
cans, spray bottles, mulch, buckets, automotive
If you often find yourself hunting for free power
for sports equipment, tools, seasonal items (tires,
supplies, flower pots, and boxes and bags. It’s
outlets, a four-foot, 10-outlet power strip is a great
decorations, car carriers, etc.), garbage and
helpful to arrange everything by category, putting
addition at a workbench for corded tools and
recycling bins and bicycles. Dedicate specific space
“like” items together and placing smaller items in
cordless-tool battery chargers. Don’t forget to keep
within the garage for each category.
drawers or in boxes and bins that sit on the shelves.
longer extension cords on hand as well.
Remember to label drawers, bins and boxes. There is more wall space than floor space in a
Every household needs an area to store recycling,
garage, so make sure to utilize that space. The
The more tools you own, the more important
garbage and green bins. Make sure they are easily
ceiling is great for additional storage space;
organization becomes. An open area work station
accessible on garbage day.
well-placed hooks can hold bicycles, ladders and
is ideal for hanging up a pegboard or hooks for
luggage out of the way. A storage shelf installed
organizing tools so they don’t clutter your work
Your garage doesn’t have to be an oil-soaked and
from the ceiling is great for items that are used
surface, or incorporate a tool chest or cabinet that
run-down warehouse. By following these tips, you
infrequently or seasonally, such as camping gear,
will work for all your needs. Important safety items
can create the perfect garage.
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CELEBRITY SECTION COLUMN
CATEGORY
STOVES, TOOLSETS, SCREENS, MANTELS & MORE!
The Beach
Scarborough
dd d n nRoRn R o t ot gsgnstgs KiKninKi Queen Queen StStSt Queen
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65 Rylander Blvd (416) 283-2783 Mon-Fri 10-7 Sat 10-4 RRyRy SShhSehe N NN ylalanla epppp nddnede paparar dd errBr B rdddAA nnRRRd sstto oton Bllvvlv Avveve KKinning ddd e Ki ggs 444000111 We Are We Are We Are Here Here Here
Whitby
10 Sunray Street, Unit 18 (905) 668-3366 Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-4
N N
Port Port UnionRd Rd Union
www.classicfireplace.ca
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St SunraySt St Sunray Sunray
Rd nnRRdd kson TTThhhiicicckkssoo
NN N
WoodbineAve Ave Woodbine Woodbine Ave
1828 Queen St. E. (416) 698-3473 Tues-Fri 11-7 Sat-Sun 11-4
DDrrr ssD meeerrsr m u u m s s u n n s CCCooon
1 44400011
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SPOTLIGHT THE SUSPENSION ALSO MAINTAINS THE 10-INCH GROUND CLEARANCE WHEN TRAILERING WITH THE BRUTUS’ CLASSLEADING 2,000-POUND TOWING CAPACITY AND THE PALLET-SIZED REAR CARGO BOX CAN HOLD 1,250 POUNDS.
COMBAT WINTER WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS BY JAMES CAMPBELL
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SPOTLIGHT
As the days get shorter, Canadians are beginning to add layers to keep warm and plan for winter snow removal. There are many options out there from shovels to snow blowers and snow throwers that will fit any budget.
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THE ULTIMATE IN SNOW REMOVAL For those kind-hearted people who take on the heavy responsibility of removing snow for the entire neighbourhood or those with a large area to tend to, the Polaris Brutus HDPTO is the ultimate in snow removal. At the top if its class, the Polaris Brutus HDPTO is equipped with a 24-horsepower diesel engine with hydrostatic transmission and a treadle pedal that allows travel forward or reverse without shifting gears. It provides six inches of suspension travel and comes with On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive and hydraulic power steering. The multi-link coil over De Deion rear suspension is a first for a sideby-side utility vehicle and supports a 1,250-pound cargo capacity with minimized suspension sag when fully loaded. The suspension also maintains the 10-inch ground clearance when trailering with the Brutus’ class-leading 2,000-pound towing capacity and the pallet-sized rear cargo box can hold 1,250 pounds. The Pro-Tach attachment system is standard on the Polaris Brutus HDPTO, allowing you to change from one attachment to the next quickly and easily. The attachments include a hydraulically-powered snow blade that clears safe pathways and a PTO-powered snow blower that is ideal for snow removal jobs that demand more than a snow blade. The two-stage blower design eats up snow while an impeller blows it up and out of the chute. The hydraulic chute rotator allows operator to easily adjust snow direction from inside the cab., To protect yourself from the elements, the Polaris Brutus HDPTO sets the standard in comfort and convenience with a fully enclosed cab with heating, defrost and air conditioning. Polaris Brutus HDPTO ($27,299) Snow Blade ($2,149.99) Snow Blower ($4,749.99)
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SPOTLIGHT
SHOVELS If you have a small area to clear of snow and ice, a snow shovel and some salt might be all that you need. The innovative people at Garant, a Quebecbased leading manufacturer of garden and manual snow tools for over 100 years, have created the perfect shovels to make snow removal easy. “Shovels come in all sizes and shapes just like our consumers,” says Isabel Dorval, Garant’s Marketing Director.
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The G4TM Shovel from Garant has all the benefits of a sleigh shovel, but does so much more: it shovels, pushes, scrapes and cleans! The results of testing and validation by an ergonomist, extensive research and focus groups have led to the development of the G4TM “4 in 1” snow shovel that is extremely strong and designed for comfort and efficiency. MSRP $37.00
PEOPLE WITH LONGER DRIVEWAYS WILL WANT TO GET A SNOW THROWER OR SNOW BLOWER TO GET THE JOB DONE QUICKLY. B
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For heavy snow removal, Garant provides ergonomically designed solutions for getting the
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job done. The Garant 26” Yukon Sleigh Shovel minimizes effort and allows for quick and efficient snow removal by scooping with no need to lift snow, thus eliminating back strain. ($43.99-$52.99)
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The 30” Yukon Poly Pusher with Versagrip Handle allows multiple hand working positions for the best shoveling posture to avoid back pain. It is ideal for cleaning driveways and stairs comfortably and safely. ($34.99)
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SNOW THROWERS People with longer driveways will want to get a snow thrower or snow blower to get the job done quickly. Tackle the snow with this compact and highperforming Single Stage Husqvarna ST121E snow thrower that is ideal for clearing driveways and paths. The electric starter, 4-ply rubber paddles and LED headlight will help you handle early mornings, late nights and anything else winter throws at you with ease. ($749.99)
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SPOTLIGHT
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BE SAFE WITH WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR CAR
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The Safe to Go Roadside Winter Kit has everything you need in case of an emergency. It includes:
It is a great idea to have a winter survival pack in
24-Hour Roadside Assistance; Collapsible snow
your trunk to help you if you get stuck in a snow
shovel; Booster cable 8 gauge 10 ft.; one Tow
storm. Walmart has a great selection of Winter
strap 4000 lbs., capacity 8 ft.; Fabric blanket; Knit
Essentials at reasonable prices.
hat; Pair of winter gloves; Warning triangle with window hanging hooks; 19 Pc First Aid Kit; Signal
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Oskar Kool Extendable Snow Shovel is compact and
flashlight; AA Batteries; Tire pressure gauge; two
durable and is perfect to keep in your car. It even
Emergency candles; one Box of matches; two Hand
extends to 37-inches, making it easy to use in the
warmers; Emergency thermal blanket; Whistle with
deepest snowfall. ($12.58)
lanyard; Help sign and a deluxe carry bag to keep everything together. ($39.96)
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The Oskar Extendable Fold-Up Snow Brush features everything you need to easily remove snow, ice and water from your vehicle. Drivers have the option of a double brush or extra wide brush for effective
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Winter’s harsh temperatures can take a toll on your engine. Easily store the Auto-Life Booster Cables in case you end up with a sudden dead battery. ($11.97)
snow removal, a detachable ice scraper and even a rubber squeegee for the windows. ($26.23)
If you plan on taking a winter road trip, consider an emergency battery booster like the 500 Amp Jump
Windex Auto Windshield Wash is a phosphate
Starter for your car. You can’t guarantee someone
free, non-smear formula with superior cold weather
will be nearby to give you a boost when in need.
performance down to -49°C. It effectively removes
This unit’s 7 ampere hour battery has enough power
dirt, salt, ice and road grime for a streak-free shine
to handle most jobs with its compact and lightweight
and better visibility. ($2 for 3.78L)
design. Sure-grip, 200 amp jaw clamps for top and side post batteries allow for quick and solid
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ANTISKID Sand & Salt is a winter car essential when
connections, while an 8 gauge, 18-inch cable stays
trapped on an icy surface. The salt content in this
flexible in cold temperatures. ($77.97)
mixture melts snow, while the sand acts as an anti-skid agent. As a bonus, this mix contains 3% salt and 97%
With the right tools and accessories, you can
sand so it is environmentally friendly. ($2.96 for 10kg)
embrace, and even enjoy, winter.
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BEHIND THE GLASS BY ASHLEY LLOYD
UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE SHOWER ENCLOSURES
options for sleeker designs, multiple showerheads, body sprays, steam generators, therapeutic lights and even customized shower doors. First you’ll need to decide on the shape of the base of the shower. Stalls are often shaped as a square, rectangular, corner or curved. In addition to the shape and size, you’ll need to determine the number of sides that will be enclosed by the glass sides
It is no surprise that one of the most expensive and
and door. A single threshold is designed to fit in an
complicated home renovations is the bathroom.
alcove with walls on three sides; a double threshold
With a wide array of faucets, counters and bathtub
tucks into a corner, with glass on the other two sides;
designs, where do you even start? For many
and a triple-threshold base has a wall on one side
people, the bathtub or shower is the main focus of
only, with glass sides and a door on the other three
the bathroom, making it a great place to begin your
sides.
building, expanding the design around it. While there are many kits available to enclose a Relaxing in the bathtub is still a luxury, but in our
shower stall yourself, working with an expert like
busy lives finding time to do so seems impossible.
Doors and More, who specialize in custom frameless
A growing trend in bathroom design is eliminating
shower doors and nothing else, have the tools
the traditional bathtub and shower combination and
and experience to properly enclose your shower
incorporating an enclosed shower stall separate from
to ensure you are creating the sensual shower
the tub, giving your bathroom a new, modern look.
experience you set out to build.
Fully enclosed shower stalls have many benefits. The enclosure ensures you will be surrounded by warm,
“Consumers must do their shopping homework when
comforting steam rather than having cold air drafting
starting a shower renovation,” says Frank Gartner,
up from the other side of a shower curtain. You
owner of Doors and More. “Standard sliding shower
will also save energy; the enclosure allows for the
door kits just don’t make the grade. Nobody, and
shower stall to warm up quicker so you will be more
we mean nobody, has a straight wall or level base
comfortable with lower water temperatures and even
in their home. Installing shower doors from a “kit”
able to turn off the water while you lather.
into your imperfect bathroom is a recipe for disaster.”
The enclosure helps the bathroom steam less so you
Doors and More was the first to introduce the unique
can use the mirror right after a shower and there
and a esthetically pleasing frameless shower doors
is less need for an exhaust fan. Not to mention, a
and have since improved the expectations in shower
dryer bathroom is less prone to mold problems and
renovations. The frameless shower door does not
wet towels will hang dry quicker.
use any channels or frames in its assembly with the rail system at the top locking in the fixed piece.
As you grow older, an enclosed shower can help
Doors and More also offer state of the art glass
make showering easier. The stall has a low base
manufacturing to ensure consistent quality in their
that is easier and more comfortable to climb over
doors.
and often you can incorporate a bench into the stall design for someone to sit on and enjoy a spa-like
Updating your bathroom is one of the best ways to
shower. Enclosed showers are often much larger and
boost your home’s resale value, (and make it more
easier to maneuver in as well.
practical and livable for you), but it’s important to keep potential buyers in mind when planning your
By choosing an enclosed, stand-alone shower, you
renovation. An enclosed shower is a selling point,
have the option to create a larger shower with more
but many people – especially families – will still want the option of a tub in at least one bathroom.
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LOOK-ALIKE TILES: GET THE WOOD LOOK WITHOUT THE HASSLE By Lisa Evans
In a culture obsessed with look-alikes (remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton’s doubles sent the world into a frenzy when they showed up at St. Mary’s Hospital, days before the birth of Prince George), it should come as no surprise that the biggest trend in ceramic flooring is look-alike wood tiles. Wood-grain ceramic tiles have been gaining momentum over the past couple of years, but manufacturers are now offering more styles than ever. From the rustic old barn look to elegant mahogany, ceramic tiles look so much like real wood, the naked eye can’t tell the difference. Bert Green of Centura Tile says ceramic tile’s ability to keep up with the ebb and flow of design trends means consumers can get the most modern looks in hardwood flooring without the pitfalls.
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FEATURE
Find The Right Contractor For Your Flooring Project?While selecting from hundreds of tile designs can be overwhelming, that decision may seem easy compared to choosing an installer. Joe Catalano, co-owner of J&D Artistic Design, has been working in the industry for 35 years. Here,
indication of how they will perform on the job. Can I contact your past clients? Asking for referrals is the best way to gauge how a contractor performs on the job, but Catalano says beware of installers who only present one referral name. “If
because they’re being paid by the square foot,” says Catalano. Employees, on the other hand, are usually paid by the hour and have a more vested interest in getting the job done right.
I open up a book for the last 15 jobs I’ve done
How much do you charge? “Price should be
should ask when interviewing potential contractors.
and say you can call any of them, [it instills more
the last question you ask,” says Catalano, preferring
confidence] than if I just give you Mrs. Smith,” he
customers focus on the quality of workmanship than
How many years of experience do you
says. When you contact the homeowner for the
the bottom line. He recommends getting three quotes,
have? Be specific about the type of experience
referral, ask about the contractor’s workmanship,
tossing the highest and lowest one and going with
your potential contractor has. They may have 10
whether they showed up on time, if they were clean
the middle company. The lowest quote will likely
years of experience with hardwood flooring but zero
and if they delivered everything they promised. It’s
have the least experience or is using the cheapest
with ceramic tile. One way to gauge experience is
also a good idea to ask to see the space so you
materials. The highest quote likely doesn’t care if
to judge their presentation. Do they answer questions
can determine whether their work is up to your
they get the job or not and may come with an air of
with confidence or are they hesitant? Do they come
standard of quality.
arrogance. “The ones in the middle are most precise
he poses four important questions every homeowner
to your home prepared with everything they need to
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is to get the job done as quickly as possible
and easiest to get along with,” says Catalano.
give you a proper quote or are they disorganized?
Do you have employees or do you hire
Presentation during your initial meeting is a good
subcontractors? “Subcontractors’ main concern
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If you haven’t considered these wood look-alikes, here’s why you should: SIZE: The trend towards wide planks make ceramic tile a great flooring option as tiles are more readily available in dimensions that wood is typically not. “We have tile which goes up to one metre by three metres,” says Green. LOCATION: If you’ve ever dreamed of having hardwood beside your bathtub, this is your chance! Ceramic tile can be used in areas of the home that hardwood cannot. Wood can expand or crack in wet environments, making it less than ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Water-resistant ceramic tile is ideal for these locations allowing homeowners to get the look of wood throughout the entire home without worrying about water damage. DURABILITY: Pet owners know the frustrations of watching claws slide across expensive hardwood floors. Tile is much more durable and resistant to dreaded scratches, nicks and cracks, making it a great alternative for families with young children and furry pals. MAINTENANCE: Forget expensive sprays and polishes, look-alike wood ceramics are easy to clean with a wet cloth and are resistant to stains. COLOUR: While harsh UV rays will cause wood to fade and discolour, ceramic tile maintains its look forever, meaning you can re-arrange furniture without the shock of discovering a completely different colour underneath. NOISE: Parents know the frustrations of creaky hardwood floors that wake sleeping infants. “Real wood will expand and contract several times a day causing squeaks and gaps between boards,” says Green. Ceramic tile avoids this issue. Although tiles provide less noise insulation, cork under-tile insulators are available for noise absorption. COST: High-end woods such as ebony or mahogany can dig a large hole in your renovation budget. With ceramic tile, you can get the look of these premium woods for much less.
For information on your tile needs visit: Centura Tiles (centura.ca) and J&D Artistic Design (jdcountertop.com)
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FROM TRAGEDY TO
TRIUMPH REBUILDING LIFE AFTER DISASTER
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It’s a homeowner’s nightmare: a severe fire that ravages your house and leaves you without a roof over your head. On September 29th, a gas leak sparked a blazed that devastated one family’s beloved country home. Flames destroyed most of the bungalow, consumed a 5,000 sq.-ft. deck, and left the basement with incomprehensible water and smoke damage. But, like the Phoenix, this house is rising from the ashes. Companies have pitched in. Celebrity home renovators have offered help. And a remarkable team has formed with one mission: to rebuild the house – and bring the family home. Follow this remarkable story in our “House by HOSS” section as this estate is rebuilt from the ground up. And visit www.hossmagazine.com for updates and video footage on the project’s evolution. —H
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SPOTLIGHT
BAEUMLER QUALITY CONSTRUCTION BY STEPHEN WEIR & CLAUDIA CASSOL HALL
WHAT BRYAN AND STUART ARE UP TO Bryan Baeumler barely has a minute to spare these days; between filming for his new seasons of House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan, running Baeumler Quality Construction, and spending time with his wife Sarah and four kids he admits he can sometimes be spread a little thin. Over the last few years he has kept his eyes open for someone with similar drive and quality workmanship. He found these qualities in his new partner Stuart Riley. The two met several years ago collaborating on projects in the Burlington and Oakville areas. Stuart arrived in Canada from the U.K. after obtaining classical carpentry and cabinet making training. Bryan and Stuart saw in each other a standard of quality that was exceptional in the industry. It was an easy decision to make; the two have now partnered in order to direct and manage Baeumler Quality Construction. Baeumler Quality Construction specializes in high-end renovations, additions, and custom home building. Bryan and Stuart have the expertise and experience to manage a project from design to completion with a focus on detail and fine finishes.
BAEUMLER’S HANDIWORK When Greg and Claudia moved to Oakville TWO years ago, privacy and a quiet street were their biggest priorities. This last year, they have lost a little of that privacy due to the number of heads being turned by the Baeumler Construction team’s handiwork. About a year ago, the couple was dining in a local restaurant and found themselves sitting inches away from Bryan and his wife, Sarah. They asked for Bryan’s card, explaining that they had several renovations in mind for their newly purchased home. As he handed it over, he exclaimed “It’s gonna cost ya!” He wasn’t wrong. As they planned and incorporated so many elements of their dream home into the build, the scope of the work grew and grew until finally the budget was a vague and wistful memory. Through their collaboration with the Baeumler Construction team, they were able to incorporate key elements that are essential in the luxury home market. The Halls added a walkout deck overlooking the pool to their ground level master suite, a true oasis on a summer morning. They also added a beautiful stone fireplace in the great room and a coffered ceiling in the living room. Wood paneling was also added throughout the home.
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SPOTLIGHT On the exterior, the home also got a facelift,
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transforming its stucco finish to stone, and adding many architectural details to give it a stronger curb appeal. Other extras included an outdoor shower, the addition of granite countertops to the laundry/ mudroom, as well as a partial landscape rebuild. The process was extensive. The original estimate was for a 4-month completion and came in 3 weeks late, despite 15 additions to the original scope of work. Although Greg and Claudia were away for the majority of the renovations, the decisions on site were left to Stu thus the Halls were spared much of the frustration associated with renovation work. “Stuart Riley is a great guy, and nice to work with… the quality of the work is amazing, and my biggest compliment would be that when I walk through the space, it feels like the new elements were always here; were meant to be here from the beginning.” If you are interested in a new build or a renovation please contact Stuart Riley at info@baeumler.ca or visit www.baeumler.ca/construction/.
THE FUTURE “I get calls and emails coming in every day; people looking for renovation work, or hoping to get a reference for a contractor or trade that they can trust. We can only take on so much work through Baeumler Quality Construction as we don’t want to overextend,” says Bryan. This is the reason that Bryan and Stuart came up with the idea for the Baeumler Approved Network (www.baeumlerapproved.com); a group of contractors, trades and home service providers from across Canada that have been vetted for quality service, exceptional standards, and compliance with regulations. “We want to help homeowners connect with these quality companies and put their minds at ease, knowing that they are dealing with someone they can trust.” If Bryan could personally work on every quote that came in, he likely would. It is his passion to help homeowners solve their issues and make the right decisions when it comes to renovations and prioritizing their home improvements. Some may be lucky enough to secure Baeumler Quality Construction or a Baeumler Approved contractor for their home project, but for now, many of us will have to settle for the advice and entertainment we get from the time we spend with Bryan on HGTV.
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A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING Simple, Stylish Ways To Stow Your Stuff By Ty Pennington
Location, location, location: That’s the secret to successful storage. When too much stuff and too little space is the problem, these clever clutter cutters are the solution, helping you store-all with style throughout the house. There are closed-storage options for those who want to tuck things away and openstorage ideas that hide things in notso-plain sight. Everything is easy and nothing costs a lot when you make practical use of things you can buy on the cheap or recycle throwaway items into creative catchalls. Hang simple shelves, dress up inexpensive bins, boxes and baskets, and repurpose cans and crates. Then make smart use of walls, floors, nooks and crannies to add space, color and decorating polish, all at the same time.
ECO-CHIC:
BRIGHT IDEAS:
Pencil-Cups. Cover washed-out soup cans and tea
Store low-priority items up high in labeled boxes, file
tins with colour copies of your favourite photos or
papers in easy-to-grab binders and display everyday
art paper, cut to fit and hot-glued in place. Fill
essentials in cups and baskets—all purchased or
with pens, scissors and other necessities kept
painted in shades of energizing orange.
Green up your desk with recycled Cans-Turned-
conveniently close at hand.
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Hardworking wall shelves combine function with flair.
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BUCKET BRIGADE: Gardening gear is easy to transport
in a Portable Pail and waits neatly on a shelf until it’s ready to be put to use. Start with a alvanized metal bucket that totes potting soil, then hoses down quickly. Drill holes around the edge and weave rope through to hold gloves and tools.
GET THE MESSAGE: SEW TIDY:
Repurposed
A By-the-Door Noteboard keeps a busy family on
crates turn a tabletop into a sewing or Wrapping
track. Staple fabric to a piece
Station. Slide rolls of ribbon and twine onto wooden
of custom-cut Homasote and designate personal
dowels that stack double-decker in holes drilled
spaces with ribbon and letters. Thumbtack on napkin
inside a packing crate. Stash notions in glass jars
pockets to corral odds and ends, and position a
and patterns in hatboxes
bench to catch grab-and-go items.
marked with stick-on labels.
TY PENNINGTON | TV Personality, Home Expert Ty has been recognized as a leader in the field of volunteerism for his work on Extreme Makeover and Ty’s Great British Adventure. He also serves as ambassador for the Sears American Dream campaign. Pennington first won national attention as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series “Trading Spaces.” He currently lives in both New York and Los Angeles. HOSS | THE HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE
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UNDERCOVER ACCESSORIES:
HANG IN THERE:
shelf into a modern end table.
space-challenged, but
Organize office or craft supplies in
any wall offers triple
stationery boxes, mugs and upright
the storage when you
files, and cloak with a slipcover
think vertical. Tier woven
to carve out a now-you-see-it-now-
Nesting Baskets by
youdon’t niche; drop the top and your
looping twine through the
workspace becomes living space.
corners; knot the top and
A Simple Slipcover turns a utilitarian
Bathrooms are notoriously
suspend from a hook to keep toiletries and towels within ready reach.
BARGAIN BINS:
Ignored space under seating is a perfect parking spot for Stow-It-Low Bins. Use a glue/sealer, such as Mod Podge, to affix decor-friendly fabric to low-cost plastic bins, then drill holes to attach rope pulls and wheels. Load up the bins with seasonal items, like towels or throws, which can be rolled out and in as needed.
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Entertaining The Thought Of A Media Room?
How to create the best viewing style for your home BY LINDSAY LIPTON
Today’s buzzword in home design when referring to the leisure area, has morphed from the rec room to the family room to the oft-referred to media room. Many people are refer to a home’s media room as the multipurpose room that has the big flat panel TV, the surround sound/music system and great comfortable seating. This is the place to hang with friends, watch the big game, gather the kids for movie night and generally chill out. The media room can be much more flexible than the dedicated theatre room, where people gather to sit in the dark and recreate the movie theatre experience. It can be a social room where friends and family come together to have fun and create memories.
With today’s ultra-bright projectors, improved screen materials, large giant-sized flat panel TVs and digital surround sound formats, many movie-lovers can get that theatre experience from a multi-use media room. This modern media room or family room is the ideal solution for a large majority of homeowners and families.
SETTING UP YOUR SPACE To create the right ambiance for your room, seating is generally arranged in rows, facing forward to duplicate the movie theatre. That way everyone fully experiences the impact of the sound and picture and gives you the experience that the director, actors, camera people and technicians intended on delivering.
Take a page from the movie theatre book and go with reserved level lighting. This will enhance and For true movie buffs who want an authentic movie theatre preserve the picture quality as all theatres look best in a experience, a dedicated home theatre is best.
THE HOME THEATRE
MODERN MEDIA ROOMS MUSTHAVES THERE ARE SEVERAL MUST-HAVES TO EVERY GREAT MEDIA ROOM: 1. GREAT SEATING This is a must – not only for movie-viewing but to accommodate all activities in the room from chatting and entertaining to, of course, watching the movie. Today’s media rooms provide cushy sofas, room recliners and cozy loveseats.
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2. LARGE SCREEN The big screen should be large enough so everyone involved can sit back and see from anywhere in the room. What is the perfect screen size? Start with your screen size and use the diagonal measurement. A distance of two to three times that measurement back from the screen makes for great viewing. It will be large enough to provide that needed “wow factor.”
darkened room. Windows should be kept to a minimum and properly shaded. For the ultimate convenience, automated light dimmers are ideal.
MOVIE MAGIC MONEY You can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a media room. But for most of us, that’s not an option, which is why it’s important to budget accordingly. More than half the experience at the theatre is from the incredible surround sound system, however many people ignore this and concentrate primarily on the projector and screen. It’s better to take your budget and split it up equally. Devote one-third of it for each the projector/ screen, sound system and room setup. When it all comes together, it will equal a magnificent media room. —H
3. GREAT ACOUSTICS Drapery, rugs and carpeting, as well as soft cushy overstuffed furniture pieces, will all help to tame reflections from the surround sound system. This makes for a much improved experience. Also to note: There are many options on how and where to place all of the audio and video gear that runs the system. Equipment racks and storage units can be placed anywhere in the room, and often even outside the room. Modern wireless and wi-fi remote controls make it all easy.
4. CUTTING-EDGE VIEWING SOURCES The modern media room is way more than just a TV. Watch streamed movies, music and more from a variety of sources, many of which are Internet-based. Media servers with in-home libraries of movies, coupled with Cloud-based sources, give us unlimited availability of content.
The New York City Waterfalls by Olafur Eliasson, Brooklyn Bridge
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Leading Edge.
Edge from Watermark Designs Striking a balance between innovation, untapped technology and daring design is what it takes to stand out in an industry that typically waits for a sure thing. Watermark Designs never rests on its laurels yet pays tribute every day by pushing the limits of faucet engineering in ways never attempted. Inspired by the structural steel monoliths and industrial waterfronts of Brooklyn, the towering waterfall spout complements the lever controls below yet no visible hardware is revealed. How so? Powerful rare earth magnets attach each handle firmly to its base without question. Confident, refined with a touch of attitude. We call it the Edge. Watermark Designs’ full line of products are available through select dealers nationwide. For more information about the Edge faucet options and other collections, please visit: www.watermark-designs.com.
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WHERE ENGINEERING Meets Artistry
Tyler Florence, Culinary Artist — and — Lisa Switkin, NYC High Line Designer Landscape Architect Watch them talk form and function on Trex.com
Technology and beauty. Together they’ve made Trex the world’s #1 deck brand. The only deck with a gorgeous tropical finish above, powerful steel framing below, and endless combinations of railing and lighting. The deck that never HOSS | THEstaining, HOME RENOVATION RESOURCE demands scrubbing or power washing – just admiration. 108
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