Build Winter 13 Newsletter

Winter 2013 Volume 3, Issue 3

Winter Tip Consider changing your interior trim packages by upgrading your homes casings, baseboards, and interior doors or adding crown mouldings, wainscotting and the like. With some thoughtfully chosen mouldings, appropriate proportions, and complimentary colours you can thoroughly change the look and feel of a room.

Build's Classic Bathroom Beauties

Vintage Stratford home transformed

The classic beauty of a traditional white tiled bathroom can work in almost any home and it needn't be boring.

A vibrant paint colour adds drama to white.

The tile and fixture options available are abundant and will allow you to design a space with interesting form and texture. The elements of traditional design, such as subway and hexagon tile, wainscot in tile or board, and pedestal sinks are lovely on their own but can also work well with Asian influences. A vessel sink or a Japanese soaking tub can tie in for an elegant east meets west look.

The elegant new charcoal siding and stunning yellow entry door. Spring will bring a new front porch to complete the look.

The addition was motivation to change the white siding.

A rather dramatic transformation of a vintage Stratford home is complete with additional space on the ground floor, consisting of a vaulted living area with fireplace, abundant windows for natural light, and an adjacent bathroom.

A large covered rear porch overlooks the owners' gardens for summer relaxing. The existing house was insulated, windows and doors replaced, and new siding installed. Hang onto the good, compliment it, and work with clients who have a vision and good taste. Win win.

Classic fittings and fixtures add vintage flare to a new bath.

We have renovated a number of bathrooms in heritage homes that retain the period look of their surroundings without sacrificing style.

The real beauty of these spaces is their timelessness which will be an asset to any home for years to come.

A vaulted ceiling and windows create a bright, open space.

Custom vanity with reclaimed wood counter.

We stand behind our work at Build We spent a good portion of our busy season this past year in the correction of the work done improperly by others in the building trades.

One repair involved a project completed more than 10 years ago and the original contractor was long out of the picture. The lack of several key details in the exterior building envelope lead to water ingress, and over time rot set into the framing of the structure.

“As we peeled away the cladding

and discovered more and more damage, the disbelief and frustration that someone else's lack of proper practises could cause this much damage was

”

troubling for all involved.

The second was a fairly new roof, so poorly done the client suffered water pouring into the living spaces of the home during rain events. Damaged

Build Team Curt Downham is a Licensed General Carpenter with over 20 years experience in the industry. Since his addition to our team a year ago, we have found him to be a hard-working person with a wealth of knowledge in many aspects of construction.

drywall, hardwood flooring, carpets and the growth of mould were the results. The previous contractor attempted a repair that was a band-aid at best – and a cover up at worst. The final insult was the client being put off and ignored to the point that we were brought in.

The ability to problem solve and fix a bad situation is rewarding, but at the same time as professional builders it is difficult to not become vexed at the poor work of others in our industry, work that should have been done better, and at the very least repaired by those that were lacking the first time around.

Renovations, additions and home improvements are expensive propositions. Materials and the logistical costs of the work we do rise steadily from year to year. At a very minimum it seems prudent to employ those who are knowledgeable, skilled and perhaps most importantly – stand behind their work. RoR y

Interior mold and water damage set in rapidly.

Installing proper flashings and sealing around window.

Fireplace facelift A client asked us to help design and construct a new facade for their living room fireplace.

The addition of an appropriately proportioned and well-designed mantelpiece makes a signficant change in the appearance and adds a warm ambience to the room.

The Build ProCeSS Phase Two - Permits and Construction

Build Design Rory has been putting his certified architectural design status to good use working on a number of home addition and renovation projects for this upcoming spring. Our kitchen and bath designer, Catherine, a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, is assisting him with interior design solutions using the NKBA standards and suggestions to create efficient and beautiful design solutions that our clients will enjoy. We believe that thoughtful design, steadfast workmanship and fine craftsmanship are the hallmarks that define Build and our clients agree.

Build, for all of your home design and renovation needs.

Rory McDonnell 519 275 3250 rory@build4u.ca www.build4u.ca

A room taking shape is just the beginning.

At Build, we encourage our clients to become involved in every phase of the building process.

This series will assist in educating you about what to expect at each phase.

Permits: We procure the building permit from municipality and with permit in hand, we can commit to resources and firm up construction schedules and materials procurement.

Construction: As potential issues are discovered upon demolition we will clearly explain what we have found and provide you

Succinct scheduling is imperative with sub trades.

with the solutions needed to keep your project on track. We clean up as we go along to help minimize demolition and construction debris.

The foundation is poured and backfilled, then framing will begin.

Subcontracted Construction: Heating and ventilation, plumbing and electrical work, trades will typically follow in the order listed.

Next issue: Phase Three – Finishing.

Visit our website, www.build4u.ca, for complete information on The Build Process.