Ottawa Renovates Fall 2023

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Bathrooms, kitchens or complete renovations, we do it all. You will love our problem-solving skills and our ability to transform your home.

Specializing in bathrooms and kitchens

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Design by: Crea-Nova

Message from the Chair

Did you know Ottawa has more than 1500 renovators? Yet one thing we hear time and again when people are embarking on a renovation project is how they find the companies that are trustworthy and reliable. And how will they know they’ve found them?

This is where the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s RenoMark® program comes in.

What is RenoMark®?

RenoMark® identifies renovators who voluntarily adhere to a Code of Conduct that ensures superior service and a professional experience for their clients. And their online database makes it easy to find members with the Renovators Mark of Excellence.

What are Mark of Excellence advantages?

The RenoMark® Code of Conduct is a fantastic tool. It sets the bar for renovation companies and gives homeowners a list for comparison. A quick Google search will give you a thousand different company names, but check that, through RenoMark®, they:

• are members of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association

• provide a detailed, written contract (including scope of work)

• offer a minimum 2 year warranty on workmanship

• carry a minimum $2 million in liability insurance

• only work with subcontracts who have WSIB and employers’ liability coverage

• return phone calls within 2 business days.

What’s new?

In the coming weeks, RenoMark® is set to launch its new verification system. This will provide further peace of mind for consumers, knowing that the program is verifying adherence to the Code of Conduct by its members.

My colleagues and I know RenoMark® empowers you to confidently research, interview and select a reliable, trustworthy renovator among a pool of qualified candidates. This raises the standard for our industry, so we hope you watch for renovators who carry the RenoMark® logo. We’re proud to be a part of it.

Ottawa RENOVATES

is produced in conjunction with the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Renovators’ Council.

Published by 2446769 Ontario Inc.

Publisher: Paul Scissons

Editor: Francie Healy

healy.francie@gmail.com

Design: Francie Healy

Sales: Paul Scissons

613-818-0106

paulscissons@gmail.com

Printing: Dollco Print Solutions

ottawarenovates.com

Fall 2023

Front cover photo is courtesy of The Fireplace Center and Patio Shop and Amantii Electric Fireplaces

Amantii Model shown: "TruView Slim with Large Nuggets."

Lindsay Haley is Chair of the GOHBA Renovators' Council and the Director of Construction at Amsted Design Build..

Lindsay Haley

GOHBA Renovators' Council

The house in a swamp

By Herb Lagois

It was a tough lesson for a couple of homeowners. I’ll never forget it.

It was September and we were building them a home, but they were managing the project themselves. We had been hired just to do the framing and siding.

They were excited about it. They had purchased their lot from the property owners next door, and in the process became fast friends. The friendship was so immediate and comfortable that the homeowners actually lived with their new friends while the house was being built.

The four friends decided to locate the house on the property together. They found the perfect place, on top of a small rise, surrounded by trees, with lots of drainage.

No sooner had we started framing than it started raining. It kept on raining.

Then at last, as we were nearing completion, the weather started to get better. I recall being on the roof. Everyone was so delighted to see the sunshine.

I looked down to see the homeowners walking up the driveway.

It should have been such a happy moment. But when I looked closer, I realized the woman was crying. Tears were streaming down her face.

I climbed down from the roof and met them at the front of the house. I asked the woman what was wrong.

“We have to move,” I thought I heard her say.

“Oh,” I said, now thoroughly confused. “Where are you going?”

“Not US,” she answered. “We have to move THE HOUSE!”

The house was 80 feet long.

Still in tears, the woman just walked away.

I asked her husband what was going on.

He told me they had received a phone call from their surveyor.

The surveyor said there was good news and bad news. The good news was that the survey was done.

But the bad news? The house was five feet on their neighbour’s property.

They assumed they’d just purchase the five feet from their friends and they’d be back in business. No big deal.

But there was a catch.

Greed kicked in.

And that meant it was going to be really, REALLY expensive.

It was cheaper to excavate a new hole (which was in a swamp), pour a new foundation (did I mention the house was huge?), cut the trees to move the new house over, then demolish the first foundation.

And by now it was starting to snow.

I never did find out what happened to the friendship, but I could guess.

Hiring a RenoMark® contractor for the whole project would have been better -- much better

Herb Lagois is the founder of Lagois Design-BuildRenovate and an Ottawa Renovates columnist.

The art of ART

Your custom home/renovation is nearing completion. Now for the ultimate finishing touch: artwork.

Meet Linda Price-Bennett.

Linda is an accomplished interior designer, ACCA accredited professional art consultant, art collector and critic with more than 30 years experience. She purchases from her extensive list of galleries and contacts in Canada, USA, and Europe. Linda offers a number of services you should consider for bringing the beautiful world of art to your home:

Assessment. What art is right for you? Linda can assess your tastes, goals, budget, styles and media interests and suggest art that will merge perfectly with your home’s style, space, and surroundings.

Sourcing. Finding suitable art is difficult and time consuming. Some art pieces are also financial investments. Using her vast repertoire of artists and galleries, she will review and recommend art pieces by personally evaluating artists and their works to suit your home, tastes, and budget. She will assemble a portfolio of proposed works, with their associated financial and artistic value, help you decide, then purchase on your behalf.

Delivery. Art is delicate, and the price of damage can be high. Linda can eliminate this risk by arranging art insurance, along with specialized shipping and delivery to ensure worry-free order fulfillment.

Installation. Art needs to be installed at appropriate locations and mounted properly. Lighting is absolutely critical. Room surroundings such as furniture, windows, floors should be taken into account. Linda will determine the best locations and methods to locate, illuminate, and display your artwork for maximum aesthetic and decorative effect, then deliver a written plan. She will then select and supervise art installation specialists to ensure adherence to the plan. Done right, art can dramatically enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your living space.

Viali Art Competition

You can trust us from the largest home renovation to the smallest detail. Whether it be for a kitchen or full main floor, single or multiple bathrooms, a basement or anything in between, we have the expert designers, installers, and quality products to transform your spaces.

Our family owned and operated company has been serving the Ottawa area since 1987 and offers a 3-year warranty on our full turn-key services. Our by-appointment policy ensures you get the attention you deserve. Beautiful and functional spaces, with a fully satisfied customer, are our top priority!

The Missing Link: Custom

Cabinets for all rooms

hat’s the most challenging item in any kitchen or bathroom or entry way

Cabinets!

Kaner Contracting has in-house manufacturing for custom cabinets. We are Cabinet Makers who put your needs first.

Not all cabinets need to be replaced. Refacing and refinishing, new hardware or a new counter top could be the answer. We help you decide.

Kaner is there from start to finish. We provide a full suite of solutions for custom kitchen cabinets and residential fixtures:

• Cabinet removal and disposal

• Cabinet refacing

• Custom doors

• Custom drawers, boxes and fronts

• Hinge replacement

• Custom millwork

• Frameless construction

• Cabinet installation

Whether it’s a small, one-of-a-kind project or a massive multi-floor reno, we have the management skills, qualified staff and manufacturing capacity you need.

Need a custom kitchen, bathroom, mud room, storage, laundry?

We’re a full service RenoMark® renovator and certified Net Zero builder of custom homes.

613-857-0727

info@kanercontracting.com

kanercontracting.ca

Photo by

Imaging

In-person

Reno Tour is back with a bang

Sunday October 1, 11 am to 4 pm

By Anita Murray

Followingthree years of virtual-only tours due to the pandemic, the popular Reno Tour returns this year as an in-person event.

Now in its ninth year, this fantastic tour of Ottawa renovation projects is a must-see if you plan to renovate, with no better way to research several of Ottawa’s top renovators, inspect their work up close and ask them questions on site.

Presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and RenoMark®, a national program that identifies professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner, there are seven homes to visit featuring the work of Amsted Design-Build, ARTium, GoodStory, Lagois Design-Build-Renovate,

Laurysen Kitchens, RND Construction and Spectrum

Kitchen & Bath Design. Projects range from kitchen updates to wholehome renovations and sustainable building.

Proceeds from donations go to Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa.

When you visit Reno Tour, please donate $10 or more to this great national non-profit organization devoted to creating a safe and decent place to live for everyone.

The tour is Sunday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For tickets ($10 each), scan the QR code above or visit bit.ly/RenoTour2023 or purchase at either ReStore location (768 Belfast Rd. or 3 Iber Rd.).

Can’t make the in-person

event or want to revisit the projects? Each home (plus a bonus project by Spectrum) will be available for 3D virtual walk-throughs after the event at RenoTour.ca.

Continued on page 14

Anita Murray is the co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s only comprehensive source of unbiased information on the local housing industry. The veteran journalist and former Homes Editor for the Ottawa Citizen has covered the Ottawa housing industry since 2011.

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Ottawa Creating a forever home

amsted.ca

An exceptionally executed project reimagined this house to be the owner’s forever home with beauty and functionality that will allow her to age in place. It was reimagined within the original footprint, gaining space on the main floor for an expanded kitchen, new office and improved deck layout.

Upstairs, the hallway was widened, walk-in closets were created for each bedroom and a second home office was added, while the basement gained a new laundry room, two bathrooms and a kitchenette for a potential in-home caretaker.

Main floor transformation

Stittsville

artiumdesignbuild.com

This project is a superb example of how focusing on key elements can completely transform a home. The footprint for this project was relatively unchanged, but the removal of a half-wall and the thorough updating of the kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry, front entrance, den and powder room makes this feel like a new home. Timeless fixtures and finishes and careful attention to lighting created a stunning and unified main floor that will be appreciated for years to come.

Delayed gratification

Ottawa

lagois.com

After moving into this house in the ’80s, it was time for the now-empty nesters to modernize it and create a home they could enjoy as long as possible. They wanted it to be spacious, efficient and comfortable, adapting to their needs as they age, with a good flow and lots of natural light. That meant opening up walls, removing dropped sections of flooring for smoother transitions, wider doors, a revamped kitchen and ensuite and elevating the home to achieve a Net Zero Ready Reno label.

Fan-tastic finish

Ottawa

laurysenkitchens.com

The key to this home was to completely reimagine and customize it for a couple who truly wanted the space to reflect their personality.

The home was gutted and renovated from top to bottom with a new contemporary kitchen boasting a vaulted ceiling and impeccable details such as motorized doors/ drawers and radiant floor heating. The basement, meanwhile, is the ultimate man cave, designed to accommodate a 13-foot circular couch and house an extensive collection of sports memorabilia.

Other rooms renovated include the principal suite, laundry room, powder room, dining room, front study and garage entrance, along with the bedroom loft and main bath upstairs.

After (render) Before

A renovator’s own home

Ottawa

rndconstruction.ca

Whatdo renovators build for themselves?

This unique offering on the tour takes you inside the new home of RND Construction’s founder and showcases unusual features such as solar panels integrated into the exterior wall, a secondary dwelling unit in the basement with separate entrance, space under the garage finished as living space and an elevator for aging in place.

It also includes many elements that are typical of an RND renovation, such as a meticulous mechanical room, sustainable building practices (the home is certified Net Zero) and exceptional finishes.

Quartz reflection

Virtual Only (Oct. 1 on renotour.ca)

spectrumkitchens.ca

Pewter & Gold

This main-floor transformation of a 1960s home saw walls removed, entryways widened and a new flow to the home, with significant attention given to the revamped kitchen with its two — yes, two! — islands as well as adding built-ins for storage and organization throughout.

Thisrenovation transforms a small, dark kitchen, removing a wall to create a large cooking and eating area that emphasizes function and storage and connects to the dining room.

A palette of pewter and gold (champagne bronze) creates a timeless yet updated look.

Kanata

Reno Tour 2023 Sponsors

Great events don’t happen all by themselves. Behind the scenes of Reno Tour are the people who cheer it on, hold it up, help it in many ways.

Reno Tour's sponsors support the efforts of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, RenoMark®, and all the superb RenoMark® renovators and designers in the Ottawa region.

Corporate sponsors are Ottawa General Contractors and Urban Quarry. Media sponsors are Ottawa Renovates, All Things Home.ca, and Point 3D.

We are all glad to be part of such an ambitious event and fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, and to promote the herculean skills of our Ottawa renovation industry in conjunction with RenoMark®.

Ottawa Renovates

Radon watch part 2

Some day is TODAY

By Paul Scissons

At first I kept putting it off.

Like most homeowners in Ontario, I was becoming more and more aware of radon, an invisible, odourless, naturally occurring gas found in soil that can seep into your home and put you at risk for cancer. I knew some day I’d have to look into it.

I had found a radon tester and tested three locations in our home. The results were above the recommended level, but I wasn’t sure what to do. A year went by.

And then I read some disturbing stories about radon – in this very magazine, in fact -- Fall 2022: “An Invisible Killer”, about a young woman’s terrible experience with radon and how it impacted her whole family; and “What do we need to know about radon?” with radon expert Rob Mahoney from Radon Works).

I turned to Rob Mahoney, who advised me to do some caulking to see if I could reduce the radon that was seeping in. A short-term

retest afterwards showed it didn’t, at least not enough.

That was last spring. I knew I couldn’t put it off anymore, so through the summer I took Rob’s advice again. He directed me to Radon Canada online to register and purchase a long-term test kit. It was a simple process. The test kit arrived in the mail a week later; the instructions were simple to follow; the cost was around $50; and in 15 minutes I was set up to do a long-term radon test over a period of three months.

When the long-term test was complete, I packed up the unit and sent it to the Radon Canada certified lab. Soon afterwards I

Official label showing a certified installation

Hi.

My name is Paul, and I have radon.

received notification that it had been received and the results would be available within 30 days.

Good, I thought. Nothing to do now but wait for a month.

But a month came and went. Nothing. I checked the website. It said, “Due to a shortage of labour, your results are pending, but rest assured we are working on it.”

Right.

After awhile I checked again. Still nothing.

Finally, after a few more weeks, I called and left a voice message. I also sent an email. But that didn’t seem to work, either.

Meanwhile, I called Rob at Radon Works to tell him I was hoping for my results shortly and that they would probably be above the acceptable level. He said he would assess the installation of the test unit for me and provide a written quote. I would submit his quote with the test results to Tarion. Tarion is the new home warranty program that protects newhome buyers by making sure they receive their statutory warranty coverage. My home was nearing the six-year mark of my sevenyear warranty.

My test results were finally posted by Radon Canada, and they showed 525 Becguerels per cubic metre (Bqm) average over the 90 days – yikes! Health Canada says that people exposed to radon levels in excess of 200 Bqm over long periods of time have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Rob sent me his formal quote and I went to the Tarion website. It took a few hours to sort out passwords and validate some information, but that was mainly because I hadn’t been on my account for a few years.

Tarion was helpful in assisting me to make my claim, upload my test results and quote. I also called my builder to let them know what was happening. They responded quickly because they are immediately informed by Tarion of any claims.

As part of Tarion, new-home owners are entitled to a certified remediation installer.

My builder was planning on using his own people, but they weren’t certified. I insisted that they had to be, and that the job must only be done by a CARST (Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists)-qualified company. I specifically asked for Radon Works (because, for one thing, they have installed more than 4700 remediation systems), and introduced the builder to Radon Works.

Rob Mahoney arrived on a Tuesday at the end of August. He made a few trips from the van to the basement and took some measurements; we discussed where things were to be located in the mechanical room, and he was off to work.

Rob drilled a 1-inch hole through the floor

A low-volume "Energy Star" fan uses only 28 watts and 120 volts. It plugs into any outlet. No electrician is required.

Continued from previous page

where the 4-inch pipe would be installed. Then in a location about 30 feet from the first hole, he drilled a small 3/8-inch hole. Using an electronic digital manometer, he performed a test to determine the base measurement, then went back to the first hole, where he attached a vacuum hose, flipped on the vacuum and returned to measure the flow of air from the second test hole. The measurement was -31.4 Pascals which meant the aggregate under the slab was correct and porous enough to allow for an excellent draw of air to depressurize properly.

He inspected my caulking job and confirmed I had done a good job. He said it was a good

The core from drilling through slab was more than four inches thick.

Rob Mahoney removed 1.5 gallons of aggregate for proper air flow.

situation and the system would easily take care of my radon problem. Great news!

From that point on, Rob went to work. He drilled a 4-inch hole through the slab (which was full thickness and slightly over code) and removed about 1.5 gallons of aggregate to form a void for the 4-inch pipe. He notched the bottom of the pipe to ensure good air draw and to prevent any moisture pick up.

Once the pipe was through the floor, he cut a hole through the wall at a predetermined location and assembled the fan and pipe to make the connections. He glued everything, wired a plug, and turned the system on. Using his electronic digital manometer again, he tested the draw of air in the test hole. The measurement was -52.9 Pascals – more than enough. Success!

Next he installed a manometer so I could be sure the system was operating, then completed the inspection and labelling.

He showed me the outside pipe location (complete with squirrel guard), which he had thoughtfully placed away from the sitting area of our deck so we didn’t have to listen to a fan.

And that was that. He packed up his tools, we shook hands, and he rode off into the sunset.

The adventure is over. It has been interesting and educational, and I’m glad to know that my home is safe and sound for my family.

A huge “thank you” to Rob Mahoney of Radon Works for his support, patience and professionalism in working with me through this project. Thank you to my builder, too, for stepping up and honouring the Tarion warranty claim. And to my long-suffering wife, Cecilia, for putting up with a mad professor for the last year.

Note: I’m planning on doing a Radon test in the middle of the winter to check how efficiently the system works.

Radon and you

Find out more from the experts

These are some of the professionals who will inform and guide you.

Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) is an authoritative voice on radon information in Canada. They provide resources about radon and opportunities to learn more about radon research.

Visit carst.ca.

RadonWorks is a radon remediation company also dedicated to promoting testing and awareness. A Radon Works installation varies from home to home, but they guarantee that they significantly reduce a home’s radon gas levels.

Visit radonworks.com or see ad, page 17.

Tarion (formerly known as the Ontario New Home Warranty Program) protects new home buyers by making sure they receive the statutory warranty coverage to which they are entitled.

Visit tarion.com.

Take Action on Radon is a national initiative funded by Health Canada that provides resources on radon for homeowners, health professionals, contractors and others. Visit takeactiononradon.ca

Health Canada is responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health. It offers substantial information about radon, including technical information and action guides.

Visit canada.ca/health-canada.

Colour me happy... and my

By Francie Healy

“Whydo two colours, put next to each other, sing?” Picasso asked.

There’s a kind of magic about colour. Some say it's non-verbal communication. Some say it's spiritual. Some say it’s music in another form, or poetry without words.

Whether it has special symbolism or whether it’s simply a trick of science, colour is what we love in our clothes, our vehicles, and, especially, our homes.

Psychology suggests colour can influence our mental or physical state or the moods of others.

Colour can change with the light, the time of day, the season. A colour on the south side of a house will look different in a room with shade. It will change with the angle of the sun in the morning, then at noon, then in the softness of late afternoon or early evening; and then at twilight, when it creates a different cast again.

Colour changes according to incandescent, halogen or fluorescent lighting. It changes when the light source is from a skylight, from a dormer, or through stained glass. It changes in the light from computer screens. It’s a tricky little thing, colour – always evading you just when you think you have it nailed down.

This is why designers sometimes suggest, when you’re selecting colours for your renovation, that you place a colour on a wall and watch it for a few days so you’ll know how it will look in “real time”.

Besides its aesthetics and how it makes us feel, colour can perhaps also reveal our own personalities.

Blue

Blue, they say, is not only the colour of introverts but of people who are artistic, intuitive and spiritual. If you're a Blue, you probably enjoy peace, harmony, and calmness. Maybe you’ll have cool blues in a bathroom to create the feeling of water and serenity.

Red

Extroverted “reds”, on the other hand, tend to be energetic, ambitious, active, passionate, and competitive. You might use red in a dining room, for instance, to encourage lively debate and discussion.

Orange

Orange, with its great warmth, is the colour of people who love people, who like to socialize, have adventures, make people feel at home –perhaps throw great dinner parties. If you're an Orange, perhaps you'll add orange to a room where people gather because of its welcoming energy.

Yellow

And yellow? Oh, that’s the chipper one, the one expressing happiness, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love. Yellow is joy and whimsy. Yellows like lots of natural light, especially in kitchens, to let the sunshine in.

too

Green

People who like green tend to be down to earth. Green is life, nature, growth, and hope. Green's homes are often solid, comfortable, and quiet. Greens sometimes like this colour in their bedrooms for restful sleep.

Purple

Purple people are also artistic and creative, like their Blue cousins. Some can be downright visionary. Purples tend to like beautiful open spaces with contemporary art on the walls.

Pink

Pink is kind, loving, sensitive, romantic and nurturing, but strong. People who use pink boldly in finishes and furnishings throughout their homes are confident and courageous. They know who they are.

When it’s time to change or add to the way you live, whether it’s house or office, cottage or condo, let your colours sing about you

The HEART of the matter

Philip Coe says his company, Revision Built, is something of a unicorn.

“We’re different from most in our approach,” he explains. “We focus on homeowners’ pain points.”

Revision Built designs and builds whole home renovations, additions, and new construction.

Philip's clients tell him about some of the experiences they or someone they know have had. They say a project took too long, or the budget was blown because of designer or builder omissions. Sometimes an endless stream of trades kept returning to their home to fix deficiencies after the homeowner moved back in. Communication was a problem and too often the result was not what they had expected.

Philip’s rapport with clients and trade partners is comfortable and upbeat. He’s adamant that clients and trades are at the

heart of his business. He believes managing people and expectations effectively is the key to success.

“We respect our trade professionals and vendors, and they must respect us in return," he says. He adds he expects friction sometimes. "But once you resolve the issues, you have a stronger relationship that lasts. You’re building a foundation for the future. It’s the Golden Rule.”

The team begins each new relationship by getting to know the homeowners and understanding their situation, expectations and budget.

“Once we have established what our clients want and expect, we get to work on planning and design," Philip explains. "We like to design our projects 100 per cent before we start production. Our clients know what their new home will look like thanks to the talents of our in-house designers, Aidean and Sofia,

who create working drawings and beautiful renders the client will see weeks before the demolition crew gets started.”

Revision Built uses Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to manage communication, specs and selections, scheduling and financials, and more..

“And then,” says Philip, “we do the job we say we’re going to do.”

Another thing that sets Revision Built apart is the policy of only taking on what they can manage. Their strategy is to take on what they can and do it well so the client gets what they want in the end.

“We treat each project like a mission to deliver a great product for our client,” says Philip, “and to give them a good experience at the same time.”

revisionbuilt.com

Sonya, left, a Revision Built client, and Philip Coe, owner, pause during a break in the demoliton phase of an ongoing Revision Built project.

Philip has travelled the solid road of experience and superb mentorship from the start, learning trades from seasoned veterans – the Italians and Portuguese who came over during the housing boom of the 60s and 70s. “Those guys taught me how to work,” he says.

613-867-3098

Photos both pages: Sandi's Dream, one of two projects by Revision Built named as Finalist in the 2023 GOHBA Housing Design Awards in two categories, Renovation ($150,000-250,000) and Custom Kitchen – Contemporary ($100,000+).

by Roy Nandram

Breathe in your home... safely

Are you conscious of pollutants in your home? They’re crucial to consider if you’re embarking on home renovation or construction projects. When you’re choosing materials, talk to your contractor about how they will impact air quality.

Canadians typically spend about 90 per cent of their time indoors, where pollutants and allergens in enclosed spaces and buildings can have adverse effects on their health and overall well-being.

Before beginning your renovation or construction project, and throughout its duration, these should be consistently monitored to ensure a healthy indoor environment:

Radon: Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. It’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without specialized testing. Health Canada states that exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air can result in an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are organic chemicals that can vaporize and enter the air from a variety of indoor sources such as paints, cleaning products, glues, adhesives, and synthetic materials used in furniture and carpets. That “new car” smell is a sign that materials are off-gassing into the surrounding air. Long-term exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and respiratory issues. In recent years, off-gassing of materials has become widely understood and most materials now have a no-VOC or lowVOC equivalent. For example, paints are a major source of VOCs but with growing awareness, virtually all paint manufacturers now offer no-VOC or low-VOC paint lines. There are also thirdparty verifications for VOC levels in most products. Try looking for GREENGUARD or EcoLogo certifications on products you purchase.

Mold & Mildew: Mold and mildew can grow in damp and poorly ventilated areas, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, especially for those with sensitivities. The best practice to reduce the chances of mold growth is to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant found in building materials, furniture, and household products such as particleboard, plywood, carpets, and some paints. It can cause respiratory and skin irritation and is classified as a human carcinogen.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is a colorless and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. Breathing in carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and, in high concentrations, death.

Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate matter consists of tiny particles suspended in the air, originating from various sources such as cooking, tobacco smoke, candles, dust, and outdoor pollution entering through ventilation systems. PM can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma and allergies.

Pollen and Allergens: Pollen from outdoor sources can enter buildings through open windows and doors, and indoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and insect droppings can trigger allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.

Dust: Microscopic dust mites, the breakdown of fibers from household fabrics and furniture, and human and animal dander (skin flakes) are the main contributors to indoor dust. Since

we spend about one-third of our lives asleep, concentrate on dust-fighting efforts in bedrooms by reducing clutter, having an uncarpeted floor, minimal furniture, keeping only current season’s clothes in the closet, using paint on walls that can be cleaned with water, and using HEPA air filters.

Asbestos: Although its use has decreased significantly, asbestos can still be found in older buildings. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose a severe health risk, particularly when inhaled.

Improving indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living or working environment. Here are some effective ways to achieve this:

Proper ventilation: Ventilation is the key to improving indoor air quality. Open windows and doors when weather conditions permit to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute indoor air pollutants. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and odors. Installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) will reduce

Continued next page

Open windows and doors when you can to allow fresh air to dilute indoor pollutants.

(Continued from previous page)

energy consumption when compared to a conventional exhaust fan. Running your furnace fan and HRV/ERV 24/7 will increase the amount of fresh air entering your home and improve your home’s indoor air quality. Also, the constant movement of air will provide a more uniform temperature in your home. Installing a new air filter in your HVAC equipment will help flush out contaminants in the air.

Air purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Air purifiers can be particularly helpful for people with respiratory conditions or allergies. Keep a clean space: Regularly clean your home or workspace to reduce dust, pet dander, and other allergens. Vacuum carpets and upholstery with HEPA filters, mop hard floors, and dust surfaces using microfibre cloths to trap particles effectively.

What you can do to enhance your home's air quality

• Keep a clean space. Regularly clean to reduce dust and other allergens.

• Control humidity. Keep levels between 30% to 50%.

• Eliminate tobacco smoke: Don't smoke indoors.

• Choose low-VOC products.

• Properly store chemicals.

• Monitor radon levels. You can only do this through testing.

• Keep plants. Examples are spider and snake plants and peace lilies.

Enhancing indoor air quality is crucial for your health, comfort, and well-being as well as for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. By taking measures to reduce indoor pollutants and improve ventilation, you can create healthier and more pleasant indoor environments for everyone.

BUILDING PERMIT DRAWING EXPERTS

Planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation? An exterior renovation? A custom home?

Let our team transform your vision into a design and get your project off on the right foot.

We will produce 2D drawings and 3D renderings that meet Ontario Building Code standards…everything you need to move forward.

But not only drawings. Our project management team will look after all stages of your project through to final inspections.

Call for a FREE consultation.

Roy Nandram is President of RND Construction Ltd.

Accessibility is a part of life

By John Groe

Whenyou’re a healthy young or middleaged adult without any physical limitations, you might not think much about accessibility.

But in truth, accessibility is a vital part of everyone’s life. At some point it will be important for the people in your world, and possibly for you, to be able to get around without bodily limitations. People age. People have surgery. People suffer sports injuries. It happens. It’s part of life.

According to Statistics Canada, about 22 per cent of Canadians aged 15 or over – about 6.2 million people – have one or more disabilities. That number is expected to rise substantially in the next five to 10 years.

There are so many ways to make your home accessible, from grab bars to wider doorways that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers; to stairlifts, touchless door openers, vertical platform lifts, thoughtfully-placed railings, and more.

Some solutions are expensive; some can be supplemented with government grants. Some are low-cost – for example, removing storm or screen doors, using swing-away hinges, adding grab bars, removing carpet where possible.

Accessible Daily Living (ADL) is a company that is dedicated to transforming homes and, ultimately, lives.

Emilia recently hired ADL to make her home safer and easier for her husband.

“It has changed not only my husband’s quality of living,” she said, “but our entire family’s life as well.”

ADL works closely with clients to create a customized solution that fits their needs and budget.

It provides industry-leading assessments that accurately determine the factors that limit your accessibility, and provide safe, costeffective solutions.

It also works with occupational therapists,

john@myadl.ca

1-884-ADL-CORP (235-2677)

personal injury lawyers, social workers, adjusters, case managers, funding agencies, product providers, architects and engineers. ADL makes it happen. It just takes a phone call to start the process.

John Groe is CEO and Accessibility Consultant at Accessible Daily Living. For more information, visit www.myadl.ca.

Understanding a First Home Savings Account

What is the First Home Savings Account?

In April 2022, the Federal government introduced the “First Home Savings Account”, or FHSA. This new type of registered savings account officially launched in 2023 and will allow Canadians to save up to $40,000 towards their first home. The FHSA combines some of the features of the RRSP and TFSA, and can house different types of investments like cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETF’s. Contributions made to the FHSA are tax-deductible, growth within the account is tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used towards the purchase of your first home.

Why is the FHSA being offered?

The FHSA is aimed at easing the path of first-time home buyers and should help more Canadians get into the housing market. This account could help prospective home buyers save up a down payment on their first home in light of Canada’s exceedingly high real

estate prices and competitive market. The average home price in Canada is $736,000, Canadians could tax-shelter roughly 5% for their down payment.

Who is the First Home Savings Account for?

The FHSA is for Canadian residents between 18 and 71 years old who are considered to be a first-time home buyer. You will be considered a first-time home buyer if you have not owned a home in the previous four calendar years. Alternatively, the FHSA could also be beneficial for older folks under the age of 71 who are renting but plan to buy a house when they retire. Withdrawals from the FHSA don’t count as income, so retirement benefits such as OAS and GIS wouldn’t be affected.

How does the FHSA work?

Account holders can contribute up to $8,000 a year to the FHSA, up to a lifetime maximum of $40,000. The contributions are tax deductible just like the RRSP. You can carry forward your unused annual contribution amount to the following year, referred to as your FHSA

carryforward. . If the funds are not spent on a home within 15 years, the account must be closed but the money can be transferred to an RRSP or RRIF regardless of available room. Funds could also be withdrawn for a purpose other than to purchase a home, but that withdrawal would be fully taxable as income.

Tax Benefit of the FHSA

From a tax perspective, the FHSA is useful since you get a tax break on contributions and withdrawals. Contributions to the FHSA are tax-deductible, which means you can reduce your taxable income by the equivalent of your FHSA contribution. This is similar to how RRSPs work. FHSA withdrawals for a home purchase, including investment gains, are tax-free. This is similar to the TFSA. You can transfer funds from your RRSP to your FHSA to benefit from the tax-free withdrawal and no need for repayment like the first time Home Buyers Plan. You wouldn’t however receive the income deduction since you already received it when you made the initial RRSP contribution. Alternatively, you can transfer unused FHSA to your RRSP without having to worry about contribution limits.

What about the Home Buyers’ Plan?

There is already a program in place for first-time homebuyers, called the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). This allows first time buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from their RRSP tax-free and gives them 15 years to pay it back interest free. This is a good option for those that already have savings in their RRSP, and that can afford the annual payments of 1/15th of the withdrawal amount. With the FHSA, there are no repayments required, which may

make it the more desirable vehicle if you are just starting to save and your goal is home ownership within the next 15 years. For those aggressive savers looking to maximize their down payment, you can take advantage of both the HBP and FHSA. Between the two accounts you could save up to $75,000 for a downpayment on your first home.

Bottom Line

The FHSA is a great tool for Canadians to utilize who are considering the purchase of their first home. We believe it is a great investment vehicle to be utilized for those who have first time home ownership goals in the coming years. As always, it’s important to evaluate your individual circumstances to determine if it’s right for you.

Adcor Construction & Sons

Shane Adsett 613-422-2128

info@adcorconstruction.com www.adcorconstruction.com

Amsted Design-Build

Steve Barkhouse

613-836-7434 info@amsted.ca www.amsted.ca

Artium Design Build Inc.

Norm Lecuyer 613-836-0306 info@artiumdesignbuild.com www.artiumdesignbuild.com

Astro Design Centre

Brigette Aguilar 613-749-1902

marketing@astrodesigncentre.com www.astrodesigncentre.com

The RenoMark® Directory

Belfor Property Restoration

Shane Nichol 613-226-3112

shane.nichol@ca.belfor.com www.belfor.com

Benckhuysen Homes & Renovations

Eric Benckhuysen 613-826-0920

benckhuysen@sympatico.ca www.benckhuysenconstruction.ca

BuildAble

Sean MacGinnis 613-402-5613 sean@buildable.ca www.buildable.ca

Cada Construction Inc.

Clark Cada 613-729-1073 clark@cadacon.ca www.cadacon.ca

Carleton Kitchen & Bath (CKC Group Ltd)

Brent Young 613-253-0080 info@renoenvy.ca www.renoenvy.ca

Carolyn Munro Design

Carolyn Munro 613-831-9984

carolyn@cmdesignbuild.com www.cmdesignbuild.com

Comfort Insulation

Linda Robinson 613-226-9912

lrobinson@comfortinsulation.com www.comfortinsulation.com

Copperstone Kitchens

Mark Wardrop 613-288-1449

mark@copperstonekitchens.ca www.copperstonekitchens.ca

Crossford Construction Ltd

Lindsay Nicol 613-729-5004

lindsay@crossford.ca www.crossford.ca

Denys Builds Designs

Paul Denys

613-236-6516

paul@denys.ca www.denys.ca

Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Inc.

Megan Van Rijt 613-596-5155 x235

mvanrijt@deslaurier.ca

www.deslaurier.ca

DG Renovations

Denis Groulx (613) 698-0618

info@dg-renovations.com

www.dg-renovations.com

Elfarro Design-Build

Kal Elfarro (613) 894-6554

kal@elfarro.com www.elfarro.com

Engel Construction Inc.

Rex Engel 613-729-6730

engelconstruction@rogers.com

Fine Spaces Construction Inc.

Brian Drury

613-978-3463

info@finespaces.ca www.finespaces.ca

Fireplace Center & Patio Shop

Andy Cotnam (613) 728-7037

andycotnam@fireplacecenter.com www.fireplacecenter.com

Gemstone Developments Ltd.

Josh Zaret (613) 248-8999

josh@gemstonecorp.com www.gemstonecorporation.com

Sponsored by Ottawa Renovates

Gladwin Building Services Inc.

David Gladwin 613-592-8822

info@gladwinbuildingservices.com www.gladwinbuildingservices.com

Haslett Construction Inc.

Robert Haslett 613-729-3110

rob@haslettconstruction.com www.haslettconstruction.com

HD&P

Jacques Hamel

613-232-9081

jacques@hdandp.ca www.hdandp.ca

Holland Homes & Renovations Inc.

Robert Breau 613-725-7366

breau@hollandrenos.ca www.hollandrenos.ca

Just Basements

Norm Lecuyer 613-836-0306

info@justbasementsottawa.ca www.justbasementsottawa.ca

Kaner Contracting Inc.

Kane Wachter 613-857-0727

kane@kanercontracting.com www.kanercontracting.ca

Lagois Design–Build–Renovate

Jacob Kirst 613-489-2345

info@lagois.com www.lagois.com

Laurysen Kitchens Ltd

Corey Laurysen

613-836-5353

hwallin@laurysenkitchens.com www.laurysenkitchens.com

Level UP

Consult-Design-Build

Trent Doherty

613-561-6199

trent@LevelUpmyhome.ca www.levelUPmyhome.ca

Logs End Flooring

Rob Black

613-831-9333

rob@logsend.com www.logsend.com

Magnolia Construction Design-Build

Joey Peloso

613-617-5157

info@magnoliaconstruction.ca

www.magnoliaconstruction.ca

Manotick Windows & Doors

Robert Milne

613-692-0623

bob@manotickwindows.com

www.manotickwindows.com

MBHE Inc.

Matthieu Bazinet (613) 295-1803

matthieu.bazinet@mbhe.ca

Millenium Roofing Inc.

Earl & Kristina Brazeau

613-692-6886

ebrazeau2824@rogers.com

www.milleniumroofingottawa.com

Morgan Quality Homes

Jacob Morgan

613-797-3413

jacob@morganqualityhomes.com

www.morganqualityhomes.com

613-489-2345 LAGOIS.COM

MR Kitchens Ltd

Guy Bianchi 613-443-3399

guy.bianchi@mrkitchens.ca www.mrkitchens.ca

Mr. Foundation Inc.

Paul Bertrand

613-746-7300

paul.bertrand@mrfoundation.com www.mrfoundation.com

M William Construction

Manuel Jacques 613-277-0028

info@mwilliamconstruction.ca www.mwilliamconstruction.com

Murdock Construction

Thomas Murdock 613-262-3024

thomas@murdockconstruction.ca www.murdockconstruct.com

The RenoMark® Directory

Your search for a professional renovator starts here.

Oak Ridge Construction Ltd

Mike Dion 613-274-2625

oakridgeconstruction@gmail.com www.oakridgeconstruction.ca

OakWood Patricia Liptak-Satov 613-236-8001 info@oakwood.ca www.oakwood.ca

Ottawa General Contractors

Moe Abbas 613-225-9991

info@ottawageneralcontractors.com www.ottawageneralcontractors.com

Penguin Basements Guy Solomon 613-800-6100 guys@basementscanada.com www.basementscanada.com

Prospect Builders Ltd

Jeff Palmer 613-838-2440

jpalmer@prospectbuilders.ca www.prospectbuilders.ca

Pure Reno Inc. Peppi LaRiccia 613-851-0907 info@purereno.com www.purereno.com

Remarkable Construction Ltd Mark Ostapyk 613-808-9138 remarkableconstruction@gmail.com www.remarkableconstruction.ca

Reno Plus Kamyar Rezazadeh 614-263-8856

kami@masterpaintersplus.ca www.renoottawa.ca

Reval Construction Inc.

Andrei Katchmar 614-422-7272

Andrei@Reval.ca www.reval.ca

Revelstoke Custom Homes & Renovations

Claudio Falsetto 613-234-5571

service@myrevelstokehome.com www.myrevelstokehome.com

Revision Built

Philip J. Coe 613-867-3098

phil@revisionbuilt.com www.revisionbuilt.com

RND Construction Ltd

Roy Nandram 613-523-8598

roy@rndconstruction.ca rndconstruction.ca

Sanchez Homes Inc

Alberto Sanchez 613-851-5872

alberto@sanchezhomes.ca www.sanchezhomes.ca

Sandy Hill Construction Ltd

Nathan Gurnham

613-832-1717

office@sandyhill.ca www.sandyhill.ca

Singhko Design

Build Remodel

Gary Singh

613-225-2777

info@singhko.com

www.singhko.com

SkilBilt Construction Inc.

Benjamin Borg 613-218-0840

Info@skilbilt.ca www.skilbilt.ca

Spectrum Kitchen & Bath Design

Sandra McLaurin

613-521-6966

info@spectrumkitchens.ca www.spectrumkitchens.ca

Sunshine Build and Design

Greg Simpson 613-663-9603

info@ssbd.ca www.ssbd.ca

Sunter Homes Inc.

Adrian Sunter 613-913-9697

info@sunterhomes.com www.sunterhomes.com

Team Harding

David Walton

613-831-2257

dwalton@teamhardingcomfort.com www.teamhardingcomfort.com

Tego Bathroom Design & Renovation Centre

John Manzo 613-521-3318

jmanzo@tego.ca www.tego.ca

The Conscious Builder

Casey Grey 613-693-0914

info@theconsciousbuilder.com www.theconsciousbuilder.com

The Door Company

Jim Flinn 613-821-2130

jflinn@thedoorcompany.ca www.thedoorcompany.ca

The Lake Partnership Inc.

Etleva Sakajeva 613-842-5623

esakajeva@tlpi.ca www.tlpi.ca

The Raywal Limited Partnership

Trevor Bellamy 905-889-6243

tbellamy@raywal.com www.raywal.com

Urbacity Design Build Ltd.

Fred Gariepy 613-899-6985 fred@ucbd.ca www.urbacitydb.ca

Urban Quarry Inc.

Bob Gould 613-738-1567 bob@urbanquarry.ca www.urbanquarry.ca

Vala Home Improvements

Richard Larocque 613-852-7177

richard@valahome.com

www.valahome.com

Waidt Developments Ltd.

Dave Turner

613-738-4736

waidt@sympatico.ca

www.waidt.ca

Westend Bath and Kitchen

Adam Mallett

613-226-7701

info@westendbk.ca

www.westendbk.ca

The Last Word

by Herb Lagois

On the fence? Don't rush!

There are many reasons to renovate. But what about those situations when you should wait or not do it at all?

Over the years I’ve encountered couples who purchased a home, have not lived in it, yet want to undertake – often – substantial renovations. This situation has always raised a caution flag: As a designer, am I actually able to solve problems they are not aware of? Are they going to be happy after they move in?

To help folks define family needs and problems, more often than not I find myself advising them to move in for a while before actually renovating.

I ask them how they would feel if they spent a lot of money renovating, moved in and then were frustrated that spaces didn’t work. I’m thinking of furniture placement, traffic flows, and an awkward kitchen layout, for example.

Naturally an experienced designer can help with functional layout provided they have life experience and, by asking the right questions, truly understand your needs. If you are a homeowner considering a change, you should really take time to make a list of things that bother you, things that don’t work and things you do like. (This applies to any type of renovation.) These are the things you should share with a designer right from the beginning.

Are you on the fence deciding whether to move or to renovate? Maybe a repair is better than taking on a complex renovation. Or you can consult a real estate agent to help you figure out where to invest in your home (if anywhere). A good real estate agent can also provide you with values for selling and buying elsewhere. Just keep in mind associated costs like closing and moving costs, however. For many, these are deciding factors for staying in place and renovating. Before you renovate, if that’s what you decide, another good strategy is to consult a RenoMark® renovator who will provide you with an idea of what you might need to invest as well as the implications of renovating – for example, an undersized electrical panel, hazardous material, present building code requirements and more.

Tip: be open about this first step being a discovery phase. You will want to avoid unnecessary time and expense until you know it makes sense to renovate.

It might seem like a good idea to buy another property. But from what homeowners tell me, it’s hard to find something that fits their needs. Of course, there are many other factors to consider, too: stage of life, careers, family, neighbours, schools.

Don’t rush for the sake of rushing. First be as informed as you can possibly be.

Herb Lagois is the founder of Lagois Design-Build-Renovate.