Special Features - Contractors Directory 2017

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CONTRACTORS DIRECTORY 2017 ROOFING ELECTRIC PAINTING PLUMBING LANDSCAPING

DECKING HEATING FLOORING RENOVATIONS & MUCH MORE

CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

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A. RIPPINGALE’S CONTRACTING Ltd. Commercial & Residential • General Contracting

250-203-4249

www.arippingalecontracting.com

• Specializing in Custom Timber Frame Construction • Foundations to Finishing • Local References Available • Locally Owned and Operated Since 1987 Email: rippingaleandrew@gmail.com

Complete tree / hedge care Stump grinding Bucket trucks, chip trucks & chippers Danger tree / rigging specialists Residential / municipal / commercial ISA certified arborists Insured / licensed / WCB Free quotes Locally owned & operated

ABOVE & BEYOND TREE SERVICE

Chad 250-897-5254 or 250-703-0371 www.aboveandbeyondtreeservice.ca

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DIRECTORY

YOUR HOME SOLUTION 09 CONTRACTORS 10 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

• A RIPPINGALE'S CONTRACTING LTD. • ABOVE & BEYOND TREE SERVICE • ED ROSSE PLUMBING & HEATING

• FLASHPOINT CLIMATE SOLUTIONS INC. • DEAN'S CARPENTRY & HANDYMAN SERVICE • MILLSTREAM SURPLUS • NORTH ISLAND INSULTECH • JOHNSON LOCKSMITHS - SECURITY SOLUTIONS LTD. • MR. ELECTRIC • RENO'S HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS • WINDSOR PLYWOOD • TAMARACK PROJECTS LTD. • PACIFIC SHORE HOLDINGS LTD. • RED WILLIAMS WELL DRILLING LTD. • JB RADIATORS • NORTH ISLE APPRAISALS LTD.

11 12 13 14 15 16

• FLOORING CANADA • CAMPBELL RIVER MOVERS • VANESSA HIRD - ROYAL LEPAGE ADVANCE REALTY • JOHN CHRISTIANSEN PAINTING & DECORATING • DIRT BUSTER STEAM CLEANING • CR GRANITE WORKS INC. • NORTH ISLAND TRACTOR • C.J.'S PAINTING & RENO'S • NORTH ISLAND CHROME • CAMCOUR VINYL DECK & RAIL • SERVICE PRO PLUMBING & HEATING • K&L SPOONER CONSTRUCTION LTD. • DJ'S LAWN & YARD MAINTENANCE • CARLSON'S PLUMBING & HOME RENOVATIONS • HOULE ELECTRIC LTD.

ED ROSSE PLUMBING & HEATING cial mmer o C & al n denti ◗ Resi onstructio s C air ◗ New e and Rep c i ng ◗ Serv ations Heati r v a l o o n ◗ Re g & S ter Tanks Fittin a s a G ◗ Hot W & s r e ion ◗ Boil spect n I o e ting ◗ Vid ro Jet ◗ Hyd in Cleaning ins ◗ Dra imeter Dra ating r He ◗ Per Wate ◗ Hot C ◗ HVA ation ◗ Irrig

250-287-7556 ED ROSSE PLUMBING & HEATING

LICENSED • INSURED BONDED • CERTIFIED

Serving Campbell River & Area Since 1981 1324 Spruce Street, Campbell River email: info@edrosseplumbing.com website: www.edrosseplumbing.com

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HOW BUILDING PERMITS PROTECT HOME OWNERS

Y

ou are thinking of making a major renovation to your home.

What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business?

The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It's important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor.

Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways.

PERMITS ENSURE SAFE WORKMANSHIP Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run.

Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done.

PERMITS REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF COSTLY MISTAKES As inspectors go through their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation.

Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

PERMITS PROTECT AGAINST FINES Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines.

Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy.

Permits are an important part of the home improvement process.

Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

DEAN’S CARPENTRY & Handyman Service

Qualified finishing carpenter & handyman.

20 years experience.

No job too small. Insured & licensed.

Boilers ~ Radiant ~ In Floor Heat Pumps ~ Controls ~ Refrigeration Gas Fitting ~ A/C ~ Ventilation Commercial ~ Residential

CARPENTRY, TILING, PAINTING, FLOORING, DOORS, WINDOWS, MAINTENANCE and more… www.crhandyman.com

250-202-6701

Campbell River Handyman Service

MILLSTREAM REFRIGERATION & SURPLUS

We source and carry affordable new and used restaurant equipment, government surplus office equipment and more.

310B - 1100 Homewood Road • 250-923-8870 mlstream@rogers.com Find us on Facebook • Tues-Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm ~ Serving Campbell River Since 1992 ~

5

CONDENSATION AND OTHER HOME MOISTURE ISSUES

F

inding the right moisture balance in a home can be challenging. Too little moisture and a home can be plagued by static electricity and interior spaces that can feel dry and uncomfortable. But too much moisture in a home may make it susceptible to mold, mildew and insect infestations. Moisture also can rot wood and cause unsightly stains on walls and ceilings.

Maintaining humidity in the optimal indoor range helps to keep the home safe, reduce energy consumption and keep a home's occupants healthy. Damp conditions can lead to the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria and may exacerbate people's asthma and allergies. Humidity levels in the range of 35% and 50% are preferred for comfort, experts say. But if you desire an environment that doesn’t include microbes and that won’t damage wood, the humidity levels will need to be kept between 45% and 50%. Humidity should be even lower in the winter to prevent condensation on windows and other surfaces. Lower relative humidity also reduces the out-gassing of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Measure humidity with a hygrometer to get an accurate assessment. If the humidity levels fall above or below the desired range, action should be taken. Homeowners dealing with excessive moisture can try these remedies.

• VENTILATE AREAS OF THE HOME. Ventilation can be the first step to reducing indoor humidity. Target the areas that create the most moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Turn on venting fans to remove moist air from the bathroom during showers and baths. Exhaust hoods can control humidity from cooking in the kitchen. When possible, open windows on dry days to help air out damp spaces.

• RELY ON FANS. Use fans to circulate the air and prevent moist air from pooling in certain locations. Fans also will help increase ventilation.

• KEEP GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS CLEAN. Prevent water from pooling around the foundation of a home and infiltrating the basement or crawlspace. Direct gutter water further away from the house if possible, and keep gutters free of obstructions.

• SERVICE HVAC SYSTEMS REGULARLY. Routine inspections of heating and cooling systems can identify any problems, such as clogged air-conditioning drain lines or faulty operation, that can contribute to moisture problems.

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• BEEF UP INSULATION. Insulate cold water pipes and look into insulated toilet tanks that will help eliminate condensation issues.

Sealing out moisture in a basement or crawlspace also can help.

Vapor barriers can eliminate a great deal of moisture coming into the home.

• ADDRESS ANY PLUMBING LEAKS. Make sure you trace possible leaks to their sources and have them repaired. Constantly dripping water can add to humidity levels and create other problems.

• USE A DEHUMIDIFIER. If all other efforts have been tried, a dehumidifier unit can help remove excess moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are particularly helpful in basements where moisture can collect.

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6

IS IT TIME TO UPDATE YOUR HOME'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM?

T

he invisible systems in a home often are taken for granted. When such systems are working as expected, daily life moves along smoothly. However, when a system goes awry, it can negatively impact routines and may create a dangerous home environment. This is especially true when something goes wrong with a home's electrical system.

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, might be living in properties that have outdated electrical systems. Having old wiring and/or insufficient amperage in a house can endanger residents. It also may damage appliances and make it difficult to sell a property in the future.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly when to overhaul an electrical system. Unless circuits routinely trip or lights often dim, homeowners may put off the work. But degrading wires or overextended circuitry can pose a fire risk, so it is best to address electrical systems promptly.

Home inspections may uncover electrical problems. Some homeowners may discover

potential trouble while making renovations that require opening up walls or tearing them down, exposing the wires. Still other homeowners learn about electrical systems when they're adding new, large appliances or other gadgets that consume more power than existing items. These devices may continually cause power outages in the house, such as tripping the circuit breaker or popping a fuse.

When it comes time to update the electrical system, it is always best to work with licensed and bonded electricians who have the expertise to work with electrical wiring without getting injured. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job since it requires specialized training.

Electricians likely will recommend upgrading the electrical panel to bring more power from the utility poles into the home.

This can include replacing the existing meter and circuit breaker box to allow it to handle more power or replacing items that are obsolete or dangerous.

Many older homes are only capable of handling a minimum number of amps, utilizing just a few circuits. But nowadays,

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when homeowners have far more electronics in their homes than they once did, increased demand on electricity can overload a circuit (all of the outlets linked on one wire). Tripping a circuit breaker is a safety measure to prevent the wire from becoming overheated and causing a fire. However, in some old systems, the circuit breaker will not trip, and this can be problematic.

Rewiring a home is another step. Wire insulation can deteriorate over time, and new wires may be needed. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it's a small price to pay for safety. When rewiring an electrician also may suggest new outlets. Many home building codes now require outlets with ground fault interruptors, or GFIs, in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms exposed to moisture. Some older homes may not even have three-pronged outlets, so this will necessitate an update as well.

Electrical systems are the heart of a home, delivering power where it is needed. It is essential to keep such systems up-to-date so they can handle the power demands of everyday life.

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8

COMMON MISTAKES MADE ON HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS

H

ome improvement projects can turn a house into a home.

Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, studies found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

FAILING TO UNDERSTAND THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT Some homeowners don't realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls.

So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

NOT ESTABLISHING A BUDGET Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can't afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right.

Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line.

MAKING TRENDY OR OVER PERSONAL IMPROVEMENTS Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

FORGETTING TO PROPERLY VET ALL WORKERS It is important to vet your contractor, but don't forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake.

Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

EXPECTING EVERYTHING TO GO AS PLANNED Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

OVERESTIMATING DIY ABILITIES Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves.

Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional contractor may save you money.

See us for all your radiator needs.

250.287.7003 1501 Willow Street, Campbell River

North Isle Appraisals Ltd Denise Smith, AACI P.App. Since 1958

redwoodcentre@shaw.ca Campbell River 250.285.2224

cel 250.228.5553

Serving Campbell River, all points north, and many smaller island locations

1-250-914-4913 northisleappraisals@gmail.com Unit 1, 1330 Dogwood Street Campbell River, BC V9W 3A6 GST#73979 1697

9

A FEW DON'TS OF PLUMBING

When it comes to plumbing, sometimes the don’ts are just as important as the do’s.

Here are some things you should never do: DON'T ......Put coffee grounds in your sink drains.

DON'T ......Drain any fats or cooking oils down the sink: These products will build up in your drains and cause blockages.

DON'T ......Use drain cleaners containing lye.

DON'T ......Poke any wire or rod into your sink drain.

DON'T ......Have a shelf above your china sinks with heavy objects that could fall into the sink. This will crack a china sink or chip the cast iron type.

DON'T ......Use your toilet tank lid for a shelf. Small items could fall into the toilet. Items such as a box of Kleenex is OK. Also, you need to be able to remove it quickly in case of overflow.

DON'T ......Have a knick-knack shelf above your toilet.

DON'T ......Hang wire type odor tablet in toilet bowl.

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DON'T ......Pour hot water into toilet; temperature change will crack the bowl.

DON'T ......Put any type cleaning device into your toilet tank.

Clean inside the tank by hand.

DON'T ......Throw disposable diapers in toilet.

DON'T ......Throw sanitary napkins into the toilet.

DON'T ......Forget at least twice a year to put a garden hose on the boiler drain at the bottom of your hot water tank and run until the water clears up. Spray this valve with a little oil also. I use WD-40.

DON'T ......Let your water valves rust shut. Put some oil on the stem and open and close them a few times. If it leaks at the stem use a crescent wrench and tighten bonnet nut at the handle. Spray a little oil on the whole valve.

Keeps from rusting.

➾ 8,000 sq ft showroom - one of the largest on Vancouver Island. ➾ Friendly, knowledgeable sales professionals. ➾ In-house interior designer for expert design advice. ➾ Solutions to fit any budget. ➾ Free estimates & in home consultations.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm/Saturday 10am-3pm 904 Ironwood Street, Campbell River • 250-287-3279 • 1-800-455-7055

10 SUSTAINABLE FLOORING OPTIONS ABOUND

K

itchen and bathroom remodeling projects tend to make great investments, earning homeowners significant returns when they sell their homes down the road. But flooring upgrades are another home renovation project that can attract attention and help sellers when they put their homes on the market.

Home flooring options abound, and it is easy to get excited and overwhelmed about flooring renovation projects. When choosing new flooring materials, homeowners should keep in mind the latest

consumer trends, as those trends might help them recoup more of their flooring investment down the road.

One popular flooring trend is the use of sustainable materials. In addition to the more widely known benefits of choosing sustainable flooring, such as protecting natural resources and reducing a home's carbon footprint, sustainable flooring can help reduce indoor air pollution. Various studies have shown that indoor air pollutant levels may be higher indoors than outdoors. A major contributor to indoor air pollution are the volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, being off-gassed by carpeting and other flooring in a home.

Flooring manufacturers and designers are embracing the green design and remodeling movement.

Today there are many beautiful and sustainable eco-flooring options. Here are some of the more popular materials.

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• BAMBOO: Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is not a wood, but a grass. It is a fast-growing grass, and that makes it a smart choice in many design applications. Also, unlike wood, which will absorb moisture and can warp, bamboo repels water and can be used for flooring in areas where one wouldn't think to put wood, such as in bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. Bamboo is naturally very light in color, but can be stained in many different hues to give homeowners more options.

• GREEN CARPETING: Consumers can now find a wide range of sustainable carpets and rugs that are available at competitive prices. Wool carpets made with undyed or vegetabledyed yarns and minimal glues are some options. Some carpets are even made from recycled content, such as rubber and plastics.

Water-based, low-VOC adhesives paired with recycled cotton padding can reduce the toxicity and impact of carpeting even further.

• CORK: Growing in popularity, cork is a material harvested from the bark of cork trees found in the forests of the Mediterranean.

The bark grows

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• RECLAIMED WOOD: Rather than purchasing brand new hardwood planks for flooring, homeowners can opt for reclaimed wood reused from other building applications. After some sanding, staining and finishing, reclaimed wood provides homeowners with the opportunity to choose traditional hardwood flooring without any concerns about deforestation.

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• RUBBER: Rubber flooring may call to mind fitness gyms and playground safety substrate, but it's also slowly finding its way into homes. Made from recycled tires, rubber flooring is flexible underfoot and can be long-lasting and colorful.

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back every three years, so it is a handy renewable resource. Cork boasts fire-retardant properties and may naturally repel insects.

It can usually be stained to suit various color schemes.

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vanessarealty1@gmail.com vanessahird.realtor

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11

CREATE DRAMA WITH BOLD PAINT COLORS

P

ainting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space and depending on a homeowner's goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background.

Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can be challenging.

Homeowners looking to update may want to look at some of the more impactful colors popular for the 2017 season. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow, and Greenery are some of the more eyecatching selections. Once colors are selected, consider these guidelines for using bolder colors in room designs.

• DECIDE HOW BIG AN IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE. Are you looking for color overload or just a small focal point of vivid color? Select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display. Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress up otherwise mundane areas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim.

• TRY BOLD IN A SMALL SPACE. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can be toned down by different accents, such as neutral colored fixtures and towels.

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• Interior & exterior panting • Drywall patching & repair • Residential & Commercial

• GO BOLD IN THE KITCHEN. Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a bright shade. Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your favorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues.

• STICK TO BOLDNESS ON INTERCHANGEABLE ITEMS. Those who like to experiment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use decorative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier. For example, replace area rugs, throw pillows and draperies. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes.

• ESTABLISH BALANCE. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold colors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room.

Painting is a fun way to experiment with color. Many homeowners are not hesitant to use bold shades of color when they learn the right techniques.

And because paint is an inexpensive option for making over a room, homeowners who find they do not like a particular color can easily paint over it with a new color.

12 THE BENEFITS OF HIRING PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS

D

IY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had.

But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.

EXPERIENCE A trial and error approach can work with various projects and problems.

But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly. Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won't have to go through trial and error and are therefore more likely than DIYers to complete a project on time and on budget.

INSPIRATION One oft-overlooked benefit of working with professional contractors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own. Homeowners without specific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can

draw on years of experience to create designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.

COST Conventional wisdom suggests it's less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that's not necessarily true of home improvement projects.

Labour costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labour costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.

RESALE VALUE Many homeowners renovate their homes with eyes on improving the resale value of those homes. But if homeowners want to showcase a newly remodeled kitchen when selling their homes, they should be prepared for prospective buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing potential problems down the road, some buyers might be put off by homes that were remodeled by DIYers and not professional contractors.

Renovating a home on your own can be a rewarding project for homeowners. But it's important that homeowners recognize the many benefits of working with professional contractors before making any final decisions with regard to who will tackle their next project.

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KUBOTA L39TLB-1 Vancouver Island Owned & Operated • www.islandtractors.com

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

KUBOTA SSV65 KUBOTA KC120HC-4

KUBOTA RTV X1120D

250-287-9213

100% Vancouver Island Owned & Operated

www.Islandtractors.com

1377 Marwalk Cres., Campbell River

www.NorthIslandChrome.ca

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CAMCOUR

VINYL DECK & RAIL

DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! Serving Campbell River and North Island for 25 years.

Roof Grade Vinyl Decking Innovative Engineered Railing Systems Complete Deck Renovations ~ All Products Warrantied ~

CAMCOUR VINYL DECK & RAIL – est 1992 250-923-1388 / 250-287-0577 www.camcour.ca Email al_yablonski@hotmail.com

14 LANDSCAPING NEEDS VARY BY SEASON

J

udging a home by its appearance is often par for the home-buying course.

In fact, research shows that 49 percent of buying decisions are made from the street.

An appealing home exterior suggests the homeowner takes pride in his or her home and wants to make every effort to maintain that home. Curb appeal involves various components a home's exterior, but beautiful landscaping can make a home stand out. The following steps can help anyone maintain curb appeal no matter the season.

SPRING Spring is a season of renewal when plants and trees will begin to look fresh and green once more. Spring maintenance includes applying fertilizer to lawns, replenishing mulch in planting beds, creating more pronounced edges around the lawn and garden beds, and testing soil. Some homeowners like to apply a weed-prevention product in the spring as well. Spring is a good time to plant annuals that will add a pop of color to the landscape. For those concerned about permanent planting, container gardening allows homeowners to move around planters in a configuration that works best for them.

AUTUMN Autumn is often a forgotten season when it comes to maintaining a landscape. However, fall is a key time to keep landscapes in order. Fall is the ideal time to tend to a lawn that just endured summer heat. Seeding and fertilizing can ensure a stronger lawn come next spring. Perennials should be pruned and cut back. Raking leaves will help keep the property looking presentable.

"49% OF BUYING DECISIONS ARE MADE FROM THE STREET"

SUMMER Summer landscaping is all about maintaining what was established in the spring. Regular mowing, weeding and trimming can keep a landscape manicured. Other than drought, weeds are perhaps the biggest lawn and garden nuisance to a landscape in the summertime.

Black medic, carpetweed, knotweed, mallow and prostate spurge are some of the weeds that will crop up during the summer. Seeds begin to germinate as soil warms up. Apply a eco-friendly herbicide when the weed is actively growing will help prevent weeds from suffocating lawns.

WINTER One of the ways to maintain an attractive landscape throughout winter is to install plants that can survive the colder temperatures.

Winterberry is a cousin of holly, but loses its leaves in the fall. The bright red berries can be a stark contrast to the white of winter snowfall.

Camellia is an evergreen that blooms from fall to early spring and looks like pink roses. Heather is a popular plant in the United Kingdom, but is growing in popularity on this side of the Atlantic as well. The Home Depot says this plant blooms all year and offers beautiful flowers in summer and fall. In winter, the thick foliage makes for an appealing contrast to the more delicate blooms of other winter plants.

K&L Spooner Construction Ltd.

Prompt, dependable service you can count on.

Residential & Commercial Gas & Plumbing

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K&L Construction Ltd. Linda Spooner & Lee Salter

250.204.6192 email: admin@klspooner.com

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Call 250-830-3735

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