The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, April 20, 2016 “The Fraser Valley is blessed with fairly temperamental weather: summer feels just hot enough, and in winter, our backyards and rooftops aren’t devastated by baseball-sized snowballs. But if you have a humdrum patio or a neglected deck, you are missing out on the joys of using your outdoor space year round that the weather allows for. Maximizing the use of open air spaces that are functional and enjoyable is a great way to expand the experience of your home. That’s exactly what Best Builders recently accomplished when they transformed an uninviting backyard space in Delta.”
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“Homeowners are now able to equally enjoy the four distinct seasons that BC has to offer without worrying about the weather forecast.” By Nicolle Hodges
“The patio door was worn out, the exterior siding was damaged, and the pressure treated wood decking was rotting and had seen better days,” says project manager Matt Corbet. “The patio area wasn’t somewhere that our clients wanted to sit and relax, and that was our end goal – to create a destination that begged to be enjoyed. To do that, we had to remove the old decking, the siding, and the old sliding door, and then find a way to update and modernize the look of the brick fireplace.” The budget originally discussed was for $40K but due to minor changes during construction and the additional excavation costs to properly install the new footings, the budget rose to approximately $70K. In order to renovate the area from drab to fabulous, the team at Best Builders began by meeting the customer on site to
determine their needs vs. their wish list, and then put together a design for them based on their budget. After finding out that the client’s family valued the ability to cook, dine, and socialize in the space, they put together a concept drawing showing the posBefore: sibilities and options available to them. Once they had a good idea of a final image, the team drew up the design showing the clients what it would look like specifically when tied in to their home. After that, the project was good to go. “Our client was inspired by Douglas Fir timber beams and wanted them to be the focal point of the new covered porch. With the cedar soffit and underside of the ceiling, the combination makes for a warm and comfortable feeling when sitting underneath. The inspiration behind this outdoor area was a west-coast retreat, very Whistler-esque,” says Corbet. “We used unexposed, oversized rough sawn timbers to compose the post and beam construction. We dug down a bit, and built up the surrounding area in Allen blocks to create a sunken patio look. We used paving stones instead of wood or synthetic decking not only to promote the longevity but to keep with the outdoor west-coast feel. We chose to show- fer without worrying about the weather case the timber connectors as the black forecast. “They now have a serene retreat where powder-coated fasteners and connectors really draw attention to the color and they can relax after work, or the ability to gather together with friends and relatives beauty of the timbers.” According to Corbet, the most com- to enjoy a meal, but most importantly anmon trends for outdoor living spaces are other gathering space for their family to functionality. For instance, these home enjoy the beauty of the west-coast all year owners are now able to equally enjoy the long,” says Corbet. four distinct seasons that BC has to ofIn general, people don’t want to have
After:
to worry about a crazy amount of upkeep throughout the year, so Corbet says utilizing products such as cedar, which naturally contains oils that repel water naturally and allows the product to last over time. “If budget allows there are usually requests for a fireplace or infrared ceiling mounted heaters to keep our clients warm once the sun goes down and to
keep the patio welcoming into the fall and winter,” he says. “Increasingly, there is a desire for exterior televisions and entertainment areas combined with an outdoor cooking space so that sports fans can make their meals, and enjoy the game in the yard as well as their homes. Finally, no matter the bells and whistles that people choose, everyone wants a large enough space to share and enjoy with friends and extended family.” Corbet’s final piece of advice for people considering an outdoor living space is to figure out what exactly you are looking for using a reputable builder. “Get your vision written and drawn on paper, and then have it priced out and build your budget,” he says. “You need to ensure that your dream will fit realistically within your financial needs and schedule. Once this gets determined, then you can get to work.” For over 15 years, the Best Builder team has offered clients a complete professional homebuilding package, thanks to their extensive knowledge and experience in design, contract procedures, project management, and trade skills. Best Builders employs skilled in-house carpenters and experienced administrative support to ensure project deadlines and budget goals are respected. This year, amongst their eight GVHBA Ovation finalists, this project is nominated for “Best Outdoor Living Space”, with the awards announced on April 23rd. For the past several years, Best Builders has been nominated for the “Custom Builder of the Year” award with the Vancouver and BC Home builders associations.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2016 The Chilliwack Progress
Exterior lighting improves the safety and appearance of a home When drafting a to-do list for home improvements that can increase home value and appeal, several renovations may be atop homeowners’ lists. While kitchen or bathroom remodels may be popular renovations, homeowners also should consider outdoor lighting schemes that can make homes safer and more alluring. Outdoor lighting serves various purposes. Such lighting can draw attention to more impressive parts of a property. In addition, exterior lighting can improve security and deter criminals. To get started, first examine the exteriors of your homes and make note of existing lighting and where improvements can be made. If you’re not sure where to begin, speak with an electrician or a landscape designer, each of whom can offer suggestions on lighting and which options are the best fit for your particular property. Next, you’ll want to consider efficiency and function. Plan for energy-saving LED bulbs or
fluorescent lights. Timers and other automatic controls can prevent waste by turning lights on only when they are needed. Solar lights can be used as accent lights, further saving energy. When addressing aesthetics, think about the appeal of an accented landscape. Include lights to frame the front door and call attention to certain elements, such as decorative trees or water features. Use lights to light up deck stairways or to accent planters. Speak with a lighting professional about how to position lights to cover the most territory in the most attractive way possible. Safety is an important consideration when improving a home. Lighting can help illuminate potential hazards or draw attention to borders or property boundaries. Navigating in the dark can be treacherous, so put lights along pathways and near pools or spas. Be sure that lights will clearly mark other walkways around your home, such as those leading from doors to the yard or from the
garage to where trash and recycling is kept. If a design element such as a bridge over a water feature or a particular ornamental tree or shrub is difficult to navigate in the dark, use lights to improve visibility. Added security is another reason to install more exterior lighting. Dark
homes are attractive to burglars. Eliminate dark corners by lighting up areas where thieves may be able to gain access to your home. This includes areas near doorways and ground-level windows. Install motion-sensor lights in such areas so you are not wasting energy.
Lighting may not only deter human intruders, but also it can scare away animals. A raccoon, skunk or opossum may think twice about hanging around your home when your property is bathed in a spotlight.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RENOVATION IDEAS outdoor living spaces. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to create budgetfriendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.
Homeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and deckedout outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their
Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio materials. And those who can do their own labour when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-cost composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to
be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labour involved. The cost of patio blocks depends on the material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labourintensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less. Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray
paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patio's entire look. Defining edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. This is easily achieved with mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.
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Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.
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A little spray paint or some new cushions can refresh older patio furniture and give the outdoor space a completely new look.
The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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How to treat driveway stains A driveway is one of the first things guests see when visiting a home. Taking up a good portion of the front acreage of the home, a driveway can add visual appeal to the property. But when driveways are stained, cracked or pitted, they become eyesores that can rob a home of its curb appeal. Concrete driveways are notorious for absorbing stains. Anything from automotive fluids to fallen leaves can affect the appearance of a concrete driveway. And while cleaning the driveway can take a little effort, the end result is well worth the effort. Asphalt driveways may not show stains as visibly as concrete driveways, but that does not mean they cannot benefit from some TLC. The following cleaning methods can give a tired or dirty driveway a good-as-new look.
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NON-CHEMICAL CLEANSERS Cleaning driveway stains may only require a few items you already have around the house. Sometimes stains can be minimized simply by absorbing spills or residual oils and fluids. Sawdust, cat litter and baking soda are ideal, absorbent materials. Sprinkle these substances on oily stains in the driveway and allow them to sit for a few days before sweeping away the residue. After a few days, the oily stain will most likely be minimized. Laundry detergent and dish soap also can break through some greasy stains. Try making a solution of water and the detergent of choice. Use a stiff-bristle broom to work the cleanser into the stained driveway, then rinse away the suds with a hose. Repeat until the stains have lifted.
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remove ground-in stains from driveways. The power of the streaming water and a combination of mild cleanser may be able to remove a number of stains, including those from leaves, mould, spills, dirt, fungus, and bird droppings. Proceed with caution when using pressure washers, as they can be powerful tools. If the nozzle is set incorrectly, it is quite easy to pit out portions of the driveway or create a streaky look. Widen the spray and pass over each area several times to remove ground-in stains. Pressure washers may come equipped with various attachments to make the process easier and eliminate stripping. Beginners may want to consider an attachment to make the job less arduous. A rotary turbo nozzle will focus the water in a fine stream but constantly rotate that stream to cover a wider area. A water broom will clean a wider area in one pass and some have castors that keep the nozzles the same height over the driveway surface. According to the Pressure Washing Industry Resource Centre, pressure washing a driveway will go a lot faster and be-
Auto supply and paint stores typically sell driveway cleaners. Always read the manufacturers' instructions and guidelines prior to purchase to determine if the product will work to remove your driveway stains. Some products may be too harsh to use on asphalt, which is more malleable and porous than concrete and paver driveways. Only use products that are recommended for your particular driveway surface. If you don't, you may cause even more damage. Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is used in swimming pools and for different applications around the house. It is a strong solvent that can clean some of the more stubborn driveway stains. Always exercise caution when using chemical cleansers. Wear eye protection, gloves and be sure to mix properly, as many chemicals are flammable.
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PREVENTING STAINS Allowing fluids or other substances to sit on a driveway may contribute to soaked-in stains. Being proactive can mean less scouring later on. Routinely examine the driveway for automotive fluids and take your car in for a tuneup to remedy any leaks. Rinse away leaves and other debris before they affect your driveway's appearance. Keep cat litter on hand to soak up minor spills and stains before they grow into larger problems.
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Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects Salvaged doors, fences, shutters, beams, and so much more can be put to new use. Repurposing salvaged wood continues to be a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, such efforts can quickly pay off. Search out businesses that are devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier. Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be interested to learn that such wood can serve various functions aside from benefitting the planet.
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Match old-growth wood. It can be challenging to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re looking to maintain historical value and authenticity. Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this concern, ensuring that
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Salvaged wood has character. It’s difficult to mimic the natural age marks and character that older wood may have. Instead of being raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably grew in natural environments, making the wood both durable and strong. The colour and grain of salvaged wood may also be unique.
Look at objects in a new way. Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place to hang artwork and other wall items.
Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere. Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, dumpsters in front of older homes being renovated, or older, unused barns. You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates. While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and finishing but it will be worth it in the end.
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Is it time to add a half-bathroom? The addition of a half-bathroom is a project that often makes practical and financial sense. When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others. The addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among homeowners, and it won't necessarily break the bank. If converting existing floor space into a half-bathroom, such a renovation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, making the addition of a powder room one of the few home improvement projects where the value added to the home exceeds the cost of the renovation. Before deciding to add a halfbathroom, it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of the project.
POSITIVES: Convenience - A half-bathroom is often added on the home's main floor or in the basement or attic. This makes it more convenient for guests to use the restroom during a dinner party or when coming over to watch the big game in a basement home-theatre area. Problem-free - Half-bathrooms are smaller because they don't have a shower or bathtub. That means common bathroom problems like mould and mildew are not as big a concern as they are for full bathrooms. More choices - Because mould and mildew aren't likely to present a problem in a half-bathroom, homeowners have more options at their disposal when choosing floors and countertops.
NEGATIVES: Space - As their name implies, half-bathrooms are much smaller than full bathrooms. As a result, they tend to feel cramped. Value - Though an inexpensive half-bathroom addition might recoup its value and then some at resale, the project won't add as much resale value to a home as a full bathroom addition might.
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Loss of storage - If storage around the house is sparse, homeowners might be better off keeping the area designated for the half-bathroom as a storage closet instead of a bathroom. The addition of a half-bathroom often makes practical and financial sense. But before making any addition, homeowners should weight the pros and cons to make the best decision possible.
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