Special Features - Homes etc 2020

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

INSIDE 2020 GUIDE REAL ESTATE RESOURCE THIS ISSUE KITCHENS pg. 4

BUYING STRATA 101 pg. 6

BUYING & SELLING HOMES etc.

HOT TIPS pg. 7

TRENDS 2020 pg. 13

A

MARCH 2020

• • • • • • •

AMC Insurance Banchan Korean Bistro Cellcare Communications Inc. Dairy Queen DLUX Treasures for Home Inc. ERA Hair Salon F45 Training G&F Financial Group Great Clips Hakam’s Your Independent Grocer Infinite Serenity Holistic Spa Mad Italian Pizza Mattu’s Coffee & Tea Misha Candy Store MLA Canada Monviso Grill Mudo Academy of Martial Arts

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Music Schools International Noma Sushi Restaurant Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Willoughby Peak Valley Active Health Prime Farm Market Pollyco Group RBC Royal Bank Sassy Nail Salon & Spa Seraphim Health and Wellness Shergill Notary Public Shoppers Drug Mart & Beauty BOUTIQUE® Smiletown Dentistry Stasis Rehabilitation strEATS Willoughby Kitchen Taylor Law Group

www.willoughbytowncentre.ca

Corner of 208 Street & 80 Avenue

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

TD Canada Trust Bank The Bone and Biscuit Co. Tiny Hoppers Daycare Town Centre Liquor Store Village Donair & Kebab West Bay Forest Products Ltd. Wildflowers Style & Co. Willoughby Doctors of Optometry Willoughby Town Centre Dental Woking Dragon Chinese Bistro Yorkson Creek Veterinary Hospital Yorkson Family Dental YourOh! Oh! D Delili

80 AVENUE Specialty Retail Shopping, Offices, and More Coming Soon!

Willoughby Elementary

208 ST.

• • • • • • • • • •

RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE 951 SQ.FT.TO 1,386 SQ.FT. (PARCEL 2); FREESTANDING 3,358 SQ.FT. RESTAURANT BUILDING & ADDITIONAL RETAIL PREMISES IN FUTURE PARCEL 3.

CONTACT CRAIG HAZIZA OR ALASTAIR FERGUSSON FOR RETAIL LEASING INFORMATION 604.683.3111 Z2

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

ADVERTISER INDEX ■ CLAYTON LINDBERG Remax ...................................... 5 ■ DARRYL PLECAS ......................................................... 15 ■ DESIGN LIGHTING ..................................................... 17 ■ DIAMOND BAR EQUIPMENT ................................... 12 ■ DONNA VANBEEK ...................................................... 10 ■ GREYFRIARS REALTY ............................................16 ■ HORN TEAM ...........................................................19

REALTORS®

■ LOWER MAINLAND LIVING....................................... 3 ■ MacCALLUM LAW GROUP......................................23

HERE TO HELP YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

■ MACDONALD REALTY .............................................. 70 ■ MAGELLAN LAW CORP ...........................................2 ■ MCLEARY’S ...............................................................5 ■ MERIT KITCHEN ........................................................ 21 ■ MOLLY MAID ............................................................... 10 ■ NEW WEST GYPSUM RECYCLING ........................... 19 ■ NU FLOORS .................................................................. 17 ■ NU TRENDS ................................................................. 12 ■ RANCHO DEVELOPMENT ........................................... 2 ■ ROB’S FURNITURE ..................................................... 10 ■ SAVE-ON-FOODS ........................................................ 12 ■ VALLEY DIRECT............................................................ 8

http://lowermainlandliving.com/

HOMES etc.

Published by the Langley advance Times Black Press Media Group 102-20258 Fraser Hwy, langley, BC V3A4E6 604-994-1035 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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2020

KITCHENS

Bright white colours and plenty of gadgets Ryan Uytdewilligen Black Press Media

When was the last time the kitchen got a makeover?

Are the cabinets still a darker shade of brown than a cup of coffee?

Don’t sweat it too much! What’s hot in the world of counter-top textures and flooring pattern schemes change so rapidly — it’s virtually impossible to stay on top of every trend.

Jodie Hall, Team Design Leader at Langley’s Merit Kitchens Design Centre, said there’s good explanation why there’s such an ever-growing hunger for renovations.

“Kitchens are the hub of the home. They smell good. It gets everyone involved. Therefore kitchens have to be prettier. Functional, yet, beautiful places,” she explained.

Merit Kitchens has designed local cabinetry for 47 years while Hall has been working in interior design Z4

for close to 25. With all that time developing a sense of what’s popular, Hall said the biggest change in modern trends has to do with flow.

“Everyone wants an open concept now. There were walls around kitchens 20 years ago, but since then, they’ve been taken down to open up the space.”

The undertaking of someone’s wall reduction — and most people’s entire kitchen reno — typically begins with the acquirement of a new refrigerator.

“Fridges don’t fit,” Hall said. “They don’t make them short anymore. They are taller and not as deep. People always come in to get a new fridge, but when they get it home and there’s a cabinet overhead — it doesn’t work.

Then they have to go the whole way.”

This means moving the entire layout upwards to the top of the ceiling.

“No more dust collectors,” Hall noted. “Shelves are going all the way to the ceiling now so people can have more space.”

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

YOUR LOCAL

Merit Kitchens says what’s in and what’s out for Langley kitchen trends

REALTOR

FOR OVER

With more space comes the freedom of more opportunity.

Modern kitchens are now built for ease as utensil pullouts keep every spoon and spatula right at the ready.

And as if she wasn’t lazy enough already, the typical Lazy Susan corner cabinet is being replaced by the “Super Susan” this year — an addition that goes the extra mile by swiveling out completely on extendable racks.

Then comes the colour. Hall listed white as the most common shade, while a darker blue with an accompanying wood trim trails distantly behind.

“I haven’t sold a dark kitchen in a long, long time. And people are looking for something more than white, but it’s been at the top for five years now because they’re afraid to make that jump to something different.”

Technology has also completely altered the possibilities of how people prepare their meals. Eliminating the need for recipe books or device in a person’s hand, stove tops now come equipped with a screen and wifi at the ready.

Refrigerators can be monitored by cameras so a shopper can double check if they’re in need of milk from the grocery store.

The door even closes on it’s own if left open and unattended for more than a few seconds.

“It depends on how old you are,” Hall said about people’s tech acceptance. “My Dad still looks for stove tops with coil. Older people are definitely more afraid of the change, but soon everything is going to be glass-top.”

James Bond gadget or “Super Susan” aside, what it comes down to in the end for never-ending kitchen trends, is the price.

“With the average kitchen remodel starting at 12 to 13 grand,” Hall said, “it’s an investment. It can be overwhelming, but what people always want is good value.”

Likely, what’s hot in people’s kitchen will switch by the end of the year with new tech plans already cooking.

It can be stressful to change, but if people are up to that challenge, the oppurtunity for a new and improved home hubs are certainly ample.

What’s cooking meal-wise, of course, is completely up to the owner.

REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

HOMES

14 YEARS!

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BUYING strata 101

Strata properties are a popular housing choice in BC for the convenience, security, added amenities and good value.

Over 1.5 million people live in strata housing, which can include; condos, townhouses, patio homes, duplexes, and even single-family homes in bare-land strata corporations (“strata subdivisions”).

These are created by the Strata Titles Act and are regulated by that act. These ownership options have been legally subdivided, so that different people can own different units within the strata. They are typically connected by walls or in a development usually fenced with a communal entrance/exit. There are parts of the property which are specifically owned by an individual owner, and parts which are shared by all the owners; the latter is called “common property”, and can include the hallways, stairs, recreation areas and so on. Normally, everything inside of your walls is owned and maintained by you. Everything outside is maintained by the strata and funded by the way of monthly strata fees.

In a strata plan, everything is either part of a strata lot or part of the common property.

Who runs the Strata?

The strata is managed, and the activities of the people are regulated by four main things; Strata corporation, Strata council, Management company, and By-laws and regulations.

Strata corporation The strata corporation has the responsibility for the overall management of the strata and is owned by all the owners of the strata units.

Strata council Each year, the owners elect members to the Strata Council, which then manages the affairs of the strata corporation. They meet on a regular basis and handle the daily activities of the strata corporation.

Management company If there are just a handful of units, the owners may manage the building themselves to save money. If there are more units, however, the strata corporation will often hire a management company or a caretaker to assist the strata council in running the strata.

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By-laws and regulations The by-laws and regulations are the specific rules laid down by the strata corporation regarding the management of the strata and its occupants.

Some common by-laws or regulations may include: • Pets and size of pets • Rentals or number/percentage of allowable • Smoking or smoking specific areas • Age restrictions • Conditions of use of sundecks or patios Strata fees There are two funds that every strata corporation in BC must maintain: an operating fund and a contingency reserve fund (CRF). The operating fund is used by the strata corporation to pay the common expenses that maintain the building or occur more than once over the course of a year. This includes building insurance, property manager’s fees, landscaping, garbage collection, water, maintaining common property, upkeep of amenities, cleaning, repairs, etc. The CRF is the fund typically used to pay for expenses that occur less than once a year, or more unusual expenses. This might include a lobby upgrade, new roof, new gutters, and other capital expenses. A high strata fee is not always a bad thing. A low strata fee is not always a good thing. Dig deeper.

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

Before buying a strata property • Work with a REALTOR® to obtain both the minutes of the Strata Council (if applicable) and minutes from the annual general meetings for at least the past two years along with the strata by-laws, Form B, financial statements, any engineering reports (Depreciation Report) that may be underway or previously conducted and other relevant information that your REALTOR® recommends.

• Allow sufficient time to consult with an accredited professional who will inspect the property before any decision to buy is finalized.

• Ask to see a Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) from the seller of the unit.

• Investigate the warranty program (if applicable) and the limits and responsibilities of the homeowner.

• Consult with the municipality and other professionals regarding building location and performance.

• If possible, investigate the background of the developers and / or builders of the building.

• Consult with a lawyer who is versed in Strata and strata related issues.

When reviewing Strata Council minutes, look for: • Any past problems and special expenditures or reports.

• A written maintenance program or plan.

• Healthy contingency funds.

• Upcoming large expenditures.

• A well-maintained and managed building.

• Parking and storage unit are common vs. Ltd. Common.

You may not have exclusive use of parking or storage spaces/ locations. Sometimes the parking or storage is a leased situation so it should be addressed up front and does not always carry forward from seller to buyer.

REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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your first

HOME

Today’s sky-high real estate market can make buying a first home seem like a distant dream. Don’t be discouraged.

It might take a bit more planning, but you can do it. Good financial strategy and some real estate research can help you get into your first home sooner than you’d think.

Your first priority is to get your financial basics in order.

Reach out to your bank or a financial planner to help you

make a plan. A financial expert will be able to find a strategy that best suits your goals. You will also need to plan for your down payment. Many first-time buyers find this intimidating, but good old-fashioned saving is a great start.

Make sure your monthly budget allows you to put some money into savings, and work with your financial planner to help your savings grow as quickly as possible.

Government programs are also available to help first-time buyers. You may be able to use savings from an RRSP or other resources — check with your bank for the programs and requirements in your region.

Reaching out to family can also be a win-win, but approach these arrangements with caution. Ensure any loan terms are realistic and clearly set out, and treat these arrangements with the same respect you would give a business agreement.

Once you have your finances in order, look for locations that will get you the best bang for your buck. Skip the highpriced, trendy spots where you’ll pay a premium without necessarily getting a better home. The best deals are often hiding under tacky décor: if you can look past the cosmetic hang-ups and make sure the house is structurally in good shape, you may have a great opportunity in the making.

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

BUYING AND SELLING

TOP TIPS 1. Is the Assessment Value a good way to price a home?

The short answer is NO. Assessed value is based on a snapshot of the marketplace from the previous July.

BC Assessment takes into account proximity sales, aerial and street-front imagery, lot size, and any known improvements like registered building improvement permits. Many home improvements go unknown and unaccounted for in an assessment. Doing home improvements without proper permitting may be a way to avoid assessment increases but remember that a failure to have proper permitting is considered a Material Latent Defect and can affect the home’s value when it comes to sell. All material latent defects must be disclosed prior to accepting an offer.

2. Have you and your agent reviewed the property file?

Prior to listing or buying any property you and your Realtor should review the property file. Local Municipal City Halls and Regional District offices maintain property files. These files may include original house plans, occupancy and other permitting, Site Surveys, correspondence with home-owners records, and more.

File review is one of the best ways to dig into the history of the home and identify any potential pitfalls and opportunities.

3. Is this a stigmatized property? Certain events may cause a property to be described as a ‘‘stigmatized property’’, or a ‘‘psychologically impacted property’’.

These terms are sometimes applied to a property that has had some circumstance occur in or near it, but which does not specifically affect the appearance or function of the property itself. Examples of these might include: a former resident was suspected of being in organized crime; a death occurred in the property; the property was robbed or vandalized; or that the property is haunted. The significance of these or any other occurrence can be affected by a person’s beliefs, values REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

and perceptions, ethnic and religious background, gender, age, and more. Have this discussion with your Realtor at the outset of your search or listing of properties. In British Columbia, it is important for consumers to know that while sellers and their agents are required by law to disclose material latent defects affecting a property, they are not required by law to disclose the existence of possible stigmas that might be of concern to specific buyers. If you’re buying and have specific concerns have your Realtor ask specific questions and do an online search of the property.

The seller and their agent are responsible to answer truthfully or respond with a “we decline to answer that question”, which in itself is an answer.

4. Have you read the Zoning Bylaws carefully? Countless buyers and homeowners run amuck because of a failure to review and truly understand the zoning bylaws as they pertain to their property. The Zoning Bylaw is the

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ROOFING SOLUTIONS

Roofing materials transform the look and functionality of a home. The right roof can improve the appearance of a home and provide protection against the elements.

FLAT ROOFS For those people having a minimalistic approach to life.

These roofs will give that effect.

LIGHT COLORS Soft green, warm blues, and even neutral color roofs are

being seen in 2019. We will definitely see this trend in 2020 also!

METAL ROOFS Each year, we’ve seen a quick rise in Metal roofing and it’s a trend we’ll be seeing more in 2020.

ASPHALT SHINGLES These have been the roofing material choice for decades now. It is here to stay in 2020!

BUYING AND SELLING continued from page 9

key tool used in implementing and regulating land use in each Municipality. The Zoning establishes what the land may be used for, where buildings can be built, and at what densities. Bylaws can be found on all Municipal websites for review. Buyers should consider; Do all the current outbuildings meet the setback requirements?

Are there any geographic conditions such as Riparian areas that may affect setbacks or the current residence?

Does the zoning allow for my future plans?

5. Are you prepared for the Buyer and Realtor showing?

A Realtor may investigate the electrical panel, hot water tank, crawl space and attics, outbuildings, REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

undercounter plumbing, additional accommodation and more. Make sure to have these areas clear for inspection. They will want to review the PDS (Property Disclosure Statement), title, survey, property features, zoning, and more. Have your agent prepare all of these documents in advance so a buyer can make an easier and informed decision about purchasing your home.

And remember the sense of smell is very powerful and is attached to a person’s memories. Strong odors are one of the #1 causes for potential buyers to walk away.

The smell of fresh baked cookies really does go a long way.

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Store Hours: 7am - 11pm Every Day REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

TRENDS FOR 2020

PLANTS, PLANTS, PLANTS

Bringing nature into your home

FLORAL WALLPAPER

Large scale, bold colour and even metallics.

COLOUR PALETTE

THROW PILLOWS

Natural. Go for a mix of greys teamed with washed teals, mossy greens and cool blues.

Select a few throw pillows, with texture and colour that will make a house a home.

THE RETURN OF COLOUR

From light chalky blue to deep navy, mossy green, to even plum, give your kitchen a pop of colour.

Can’t commit to bold cabinet colours, try an accent wall.

REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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GEOMETRIC CHANDELIERS

Trendy geometric shapes give chandeliers a casual appeal, for just about anywhere, in your home, even in the kitchen.

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

FINDING A

REALTOR Real estate agents help buyers and sellers through the often complicated process of navigating the real estate market. Individuals not only want to find an agent with expertise, but also one with whom they have a strong rapport. By asking agents certain questions up front, prospective home buyers and sellers can find the right real estate agent for their needs and save time and money in the process. The following tips can help buyers and sellers find the right agent.

• Find out how long the agent has been in the business, including how many homes he or she turns over on average. Think about using an agent who is a full-time real estate professional, rather than one who only dabbles part-time.

• Consider which geographic areas the agent

handles. It’s best to find an agent who is familiar with a particular town, city or even subdivision.

• Assess the agent’s personality and ability to remain calm under pressure. He or she can then extend that placid demeanor on to buyers or sellers who may be feeling stressed by the prospect of home ownership.

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Decor ideas to give homes a fresh look this spring Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and that spirit of renewal can take hold inside a home.

The following are a handful of decor ideas that may inspire homeowners to give their homes an entirely new look this spring.

• Wallpaper: Wallpaper fell out of favor years ago, but new styles that aren’t so heavily patterned can make for wonderful additions to any room. Largescale prints can give a room a whole new feel without giving homeowners or their guests the impression that they have stepped back in time. A simple, mural-style floral wallpaper on the walls surrounding a table in a breakfast nook can bring nature inside.

• Pastel colors: Nothing embodies the spring quite like pastel colors. If colorful, bright flowers dot the garden in the backyard, homeowners can bring those uplifting pastels inside by painting an accent wall or

even adding some brightly colored accent furniture to rooms that could use a lift.

• Declutter: Clutter is often conquered during spring cleaning sessions, but homeowners who want to create more free-flowing interior spaces can downsize their furniture and/or look for multipurpose features that make it hard for clutter to take over a room. Create more open space in entertaining areas by mounting the television and getting rid of a bulky entertainment center. Create even more space by replacing rarely used end tables with a storage ottoman.

• Accent features: Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression.

Replace dated accents like vases and table lamps with newer items that reflect the latest styles and trends.

Such adjustments won’t break the bank, and they can give rooms a whole new feel.

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STAGING Certain rules should be followed when staging a home.

Furniture, decor and other amenities in the home should not detract from the house itself. Instead, such items should complement the architecture and feel of the space.

Here are some additional staging suggestions.

• Remove personal effects. Homeowners are urged to replace personal photographs with neutral artwork and remove other decorative items that reflect their personalities. The goal is to help buyers see themselves in the home, and that can be difficult if existing residents’ personal effects are everywhere.

• Put away nonessential items. Staging helps homeowners create dream spaces. Coffeemakers, backpacks hanging on the wall and dishes in the drainboard may be part of daily Z18

living, but they can make it hard for buyers to see a home’s potential. Store such items before holding an open house.

• Maximize lighting. Whenever possible, take down or open window treatments to display architectural moldings and let in as much natural light as possible.

• Opt for neutral colors and furnishings. Use neutral taupe and gray paint to keep homes prime for buyers.

Homeowners who have more eclectic or colorful tastes can put their items in storage and rent neutral furnishings until the home sells.

Staging can improve the chances that a house sells quickly. Staging helps potential buyers see themselves in the space without distractions from the previous owners’ decorating or belongings.

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

welcome home 2020 NAVY BLUE The 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year is Classic Blue, the perfect contrast for interiors in both traditional and modern home style.

RATTAN AND WICKER Whether in chairs, tables or lighting it the perfect layer to balance modern and traditional style..

ABSTRACT AND BOLD Bold patterns and colours lend a more playful approach to decor, use it on cushions, duvet colours, rugs and wallpaper.

STATEMENT CHAIRS Chairs with beautiful curves or a colour that fits your current colour scheme will up date your room with small changes.

COLOURS AND TEXTURE Trendy colours like gray, pastel blue, sage and powdering pink make up the colour trend for 2020. Don’t forget texture with throw pillows and rugs.

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REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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Top 5

Hottest home building trends

These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics - they're about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family's lifestyle.

Whether you're shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration.

Sustainable design: This one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it's all about making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes any impact on the environment.

To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative - install solar panels on your roof, choose building materials that don't require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new.

Disaster resiliency: Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes.

Switching to disaster-resilient materials is an important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energy-efficient materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of more traditional materials like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours.

Outdoor living: Many of us are now choosing to Z20

forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own backyards. This trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months.

You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining. Consider adding a fireplace or firepit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you're brave.

Home automation: This is another longstanding trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and convenient. From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space.

You can start small with voice assistant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices.

Customization: You don't have to settle for what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that's as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out.

You can even go as far as building a custom home that's suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build.

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Awarded “Best Showroom in BC”

by NKBA

Are you planning a new kitchen build or renovation?

Whether you are working with a contractor or coordinating the project yourself, the planning stage should be a positive experience.

Here are some tips to help you understand the initial design process: 1. Get ready to meet with your Design Consultant – Collect pictures and design ideas you love. A picture is worth a thousand words!

2. In-home consultation – Your designer will take measurements, look through your picture collection, and listen to your ideas for needs vs. wants.

3. Meet your designer at their showroom – After your in-home visit your designer will be ready to bring your kitchen ideas to life, including a preliminary budget.

4. Working closely with your designer – Be sure to answer all of your designer’s follow up questions. Sometimes the smallest item can create big delays.

5. Design approval meeting – Once your designer has captured all of the items discussed, they will request a final sign-off meeting to review your 3D layout, design elements, cabinet styles, budget and project schedule.

To request a design consultation or to set up a showroom tour please contact us at 604-670-5795 MKDC Langley Showroom Address 150 – 19888 Langley Bypass Langley, BC V3A 4Y1

For more design information and ideas visit us online at www.meritdesignlangley.com

604.532.7197 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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Improve soil quality for a better lawn

can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil. According to organic fertilizer company Organo-Lawn, thatch often occurs if the production of dead organic material in the lawn exceeds the ability of the microorganisms in the soil to break down that organic matter. A half-inch of thatch is normal.

If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed.

The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake.

Aerate A lawn aerator will create holes in the soil. This can improve drainage and encourage worms and helpful microorganisms that require oxygen to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn.

A lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal. Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort and money to make them beautiful.

According to the landscaping tool company TroyBilt, soil fertility is the foundation of healthy lawns.

In fact, the quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.

Remove thatch Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Too much thatch Z22

Test and amend soil A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and sand. Silt is a granular material of a size between sand and clay that originates from quartz and feldspar. It is the most fertile of the three types of soil components. Sand does not retain water, but it helps to create spaces in the soil that permit air to circulate.

Clay particles are small and bind together tightly, but clay is naturally nutrient-rich. The home improvement site BobVila.com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much clay.

If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, top-dressing the lawn can help. This involves adding a thin layer of soil over the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf. Ideally, it should be done in early fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four more mowings before severe heat or cold sets in.

Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn. It takes a little work, but improving soil can create vibrant, healthy, green grass.

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museandmerchant Be inspired to define your own distinct style. At Muse &

Merchant, our passion is all about exploring the four corners of the world, and bringing back to our customers beautiful furniture and accessories that will enhance their lives and make dream homes become a reality. Our emphasis will always be on style rather than trend – trends pass, style is forever. #museandmerchant #sale #home #Langley #LangleyHomesMagazine #uniquefurniture #interiors #decor #beinspired #design

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3443

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.9458

KELOWNA 1912 Spall Rd 250.860.7603

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.8900

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.474.3433

MUSEANDMERCHANT.COM | FOLLOW US @MUSEANDMERCHANT

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