ABODE 2019 Fall Edition

FALL 2019

The CHBA NS 2019

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR Monk Renovations Page 28

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

28

CHBA NS 2019 Renovator of the year This issue of

ABODE Feature Articles: 6

10

Fireside living at home Why fireplaces are an ever-burning flame in homeowners’ minds

Practical dreams

Kitchen expert says functionality the new style for modern kitchens

16

Make your home more energy efficient

How to lower your energy bills, reduce your home’s carbon footprint

24

Double-duty guest rooms

How to maximize your guest space so it won’t sit vacant until company comes

28

CHBA NS 2019 Renovator of the year

A profile on Monk Renovations

10

Also Inside: 5

20

34

Welcome message Cosy up by the fire

Home Wish List Product showcase

NSAR update

Home ownership for millennials

35

Before & Afters

Examples of local projects

8

37 NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

3

Thousands of stories.

Hundreds of journalists.

One place to ďŹ nd them.

The new home of the news, opinions and stories shaping your community and Canada’s East Coast.

Join us at

com 4

ABODE | FALL 2019

WELCOME

Cosy up by the fire Karen invites you into her renovated retreat Karen Slaunwhite,

“I always tell people to follow their heart when it comes to their home.”

BA, BPR, M. Ed Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

M

y favourite space in our home is our great room. It’s a large, bright space that combines our kitchen, dining room and family room. We entertain a lot, so it’s the perfect spot for our big gatherings of family and friends.

Even though it feels like our great room was always a part of our home, that’s not the case. When we first bought this house, there were walls everywhere and the rooms felt very closed-off. My husband and I designed the great room ourselves, choosing to remove walls in order to open up the space. The open-concept layout means I’m able to be a part of the fun, even when I’m in the kitchen finishing up the food for everyone to enjoy.

We decorated the room in shades of grey and cream and the great room’s focal point is the beautiful wood-burning fireplace, topped with a mantel made from a 100-yearold beam salvaged from an old schoolhouse.

My husband did a beautiful job on the mouldings and trim work, which really give the space a polished, “finished” look.

During the summer months, I love to give our neutral palette bright infusions of

orange, green and gold. But now that we’re heading into the colder months, I’ll be tucking away my summer decor and pulling out the fall/winter pieces.

When I’m finished with the decor for the season, I launder any pillowcases and throws and pack everything in a storage tote — labelled, of course, so we can easily find it again when we need it. Then it will be all clean and ready to set out the following season.

Do you change up your home decor with the seasons? I know some people are drawn to cooler colours and other people like warmer colours, so be true to your own personal style — regardless of the trends.

I’m not a matchy-matchy person and I don’t follow a particular style just because a designer on TV is doing something.

I’ll have a vision in my mind of what I want a space to look like and then I’ll hunt around and find things that speak to me — whether it’s lighting or throws or pillows or a piece of art.

I always tell people to follow their heart when it comes to their home.

Our great room is such a warm, bright and welcoming space. When it’s dark outside and we have the blinds down and a fire roaring, it’s cosy to snuggle up on our

leather furniture and spend time together.

If you’re looking to renovate a room in your home — like maybe taking down walls to create a great room — be sure to look for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia logo when you’re researching potential contractors or renovators. It’s a sign you can move forward with confidence, knowing they’re one of our members and we’ve made it easy for you by rounding them all up online: www.chbans.ca/directory.

Our members are talented, qualified professionals you can trust. If you have a potential project in mind, give one of them a call and ask about getting an estimate.

— Karen

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia is the voice of the residential construction industry in Nova Scotia.

ABODE, Fall 2019 Edition is the official publication for CHBA NS New Home Month and the Fall building and renovating season in Nova Scotia. 26,000 copies are distributed to paid subscribers of The Chronicle Herald, with Business Voice magazine to members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, on racks at home improvement stores throughout the region and at CHBA NS events.

CHBA NS and SaltWire publications include: • • • •

Published independently for the

The Real Home Show Guide (March) ABODE – Spring (April) Parade of New Homes (May/June) ABODE – Fall (October)

Please contact the CHBA NS directly on how you can be involved in association activities.

CHBA NS: Chief Executive Officer: Karen Slaunwhite Executive Assistant: Crystal Ingram

Published by

SaltWire Network: Director, Product Management: Lindsey Bunin Editor: Heather Laura Clarke Senior Designer: Peter Ross Writers: Heather Laura Clarke, Sara Ericsson Advertising Sales: Jason Brachvogel Advertising Coordination: Meghan O’Neil Stock Photography: 123RF

124-B Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, N.S., B3S 1A2 902-450-5554 or 1-800-668-2001 info@chbans.ca www.nshomebuilders.ca For more information on participating in any of the four ABODE series publications, contact jason.brachvogel@saltwire.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the CHBA NS and SaltWire.

The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertising and bear no responsibility for advertisers’ messages.

For more information on this or any other SaltWire Network custom publications, contact Lindsey Bunin, Director, Product Management, at lindsey.bunin@saltwire.com.

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

5

FIREPLACE ADVICE

“There’s something about sitting around a fireplace that’s just so nice and cosy.”

– Heath Pierson, owner, Blue Ridge Builders

6

ABODE | FALL 2019

Fireside living at home Why fireplaces are an ever-burning flame in homeowners’ minds

BY SARA ERICSSON

I

s there anything more comfortable than curling up in front of a fire? Probably not, according to Blue Ridge Builders owner Heath Pierson, who says fireplaces are currently trending in a big way.

The styles are as varied as the homes they come in — tile, marble, metal-framed and the always classic stone that Pierson says has always endured as the most popular style.

He says the room feature may have come in and out of style, but what has always endured is that feeling a person gets when sitting beside one with a hot beverage of some kind and good company to pair with it.

“There’s something about sitting around a fireplace that’s just so nice and cosy,” says Pierson.

Easy installs Pierson says a fireplace is almost always a square or rectangular unit placed near the centre of an accent wall and acts as a warm focal point for a room.

With the materials used to decorate the space surrounding the fireplace too many count, Pierson says stone always seems to come out as the most popular style. His company specializes in the install of a new fusion stone material, which he says is a manufactured product that screws on to look like real stone.

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

7

Since it is mechanically fastened and uses no mortar during the install, Pierson says it goes on without wreaking havoc on the walls around it and without creating a massive mess inside the home. And thanks to the easy install, it’s also a simple way of giving an existing fireplace “a glow up.”

Traditional open fire places have been replaced by the more energy-efficient and cost-saving fireplace inserts, which experts say fireplace inserts conserve energy more efficiently than open ones thanks to their air-tight design that generates more heat as the fire burns at a slower rate.

These newer models are much more efficient and still provide the toasty heat of an old-fashioned fireplace. Fireplace inserts are available in many different styles, colours and sizes.

Propane most popular Another real bonus to these new units is simply how pretty they are.

Though many still choose to place their fireplace in the middle of that accent wall, many other options exist on positioning, design and aesthetic.

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ABODE | FALL 2019

What people choose for the inside of their fireplaces also has variety. Inserts can feature wood, pellet, coal, natural gas or propane fuel as their fire sources and most often feature a log fixture where it burns.

Most fireplaces owners are choosing propane thanks to it being mess-free and cost-effective.

And fireplaces can also instead feature more modern materials like crystal rocks, LED lighting and even different-coloured flames inside inserts — room for creativity with these inserts abounds.

Mantel styles are also changing, from the classic and solid wooden framing to floating mantels. This can also be an easy way to update an existing unit, as the existing mantel can be removed and a floating one installed in its place, accompanied by an exposed wood beam or stonework around it.

All in all and whatever the design, Pierson says a fireplace is a fixture that can improve any room.

“A fireplace adds ambiance and warmth to a room and is always a great feature for a space.” ■

Bonus tip: A mantel is typically placed about 12” above the fireplace.

It’s the perfect spot for a mirror, framed art or photos, an oversized clock, plants or candles and it’s fun to change your mantel decor seasonally.

FIREPLACE ADVICE

ur Enter O tination

s

e D g n i r i Insp

DECKS • STONEWORK • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Deck Ideas?

Call The Blue Ridge Team!

Heath Pierson - 902.209.9418 heath@blueridgebuilders.ca

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE! APPROVED PARTNER

Blue Ridge Builders Inc. www.blueridgebuilders.ca FULLY INSURED • SAFETY CERTIFIED • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 16 Hub Center Dr • Upper Onslow 902.843.4030 • www.warmthbydesign.ca NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

9

KITCHEN TRENDS

Practical dreams Kitchen experts say functionality is the new style for modern kitchens

BY SARA ERICSSON

10

ABODE | FALL 2019

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

11

KITCHEN TRENDS

“It’s becoming a more practical space. People are living in their kitchens rather than it just being a showpiece — they want a useful design so the space has purpose.”

– Ashley Girard, operations manager, AyA Kitchens Atlantic

A

shley Girard says deep corners in kitchens are a thing of the past for most current homeowners looking to revamp or redo their kitchen spaces.

Girard is the operations manager at AyA Kitchens Atlantic, a made-to-order cabinetry production facility. She says kitchens are moving away from large floor plans toward a smaller and more efficiently designed space where everything has a place and every space is useful.

“It’s becoming a more practical space.

People are living in their kitchens rather than it just being a showpiece — they want a useful design so the space has purpose,” she says.

THE NEW TRENDS Girard says kitchen trends are showing a new mix of modern and traditional styles and that new kitchen are being modeled as toned-down versions of past classics as shaker-style doors remain but are made in milder tones like greys and browns.

She says the look is one that is less about detail and more about minimalism — crown moldings and decorate legs have been replaced by galley-style kitchens with sleek cabinets that waste zero space.

“People are veering away from corners in their kitchens, because they are a hassle to deal with. Many are now going for a straight kitchen without ‘L’ or ‘U’ shapes,” she says.

Gone too are the appliance garages — cabinet-covered appliances like fridges and dishwashers — that can no longer contain appliances that continue to grow in size.

Pantries, too, are seeing big changes and are often found off the kitchen rather than within it.

Returning trends are cabinets made of or resembling oak and cherry wood as warm-toned browns make their way back into kitchens, along with waterfall countertops and a renewed focus on backsplashes that are often subway tile, faux brick or other geometric patterns.

“Those are coming back in a big way in the Maritimes,” says Girard.

Continued on page 14 ⊲

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ABODE | FALL 2019

GETTING ORGANIZED

Where to start Ashley Girard, operations manager at AyA Kitchens Atlantic, says anyone looking to redo their kitchen should begin by pinpointing a general vision of a look they are going for, or a general idea of what they’d like the space to achieve.

She says building a budget and related timeline of what will get redone and when it can be afforded will help decide the scale of renovation to pursue.

The biggest piece of advice Girard gives her clients is to hire a contractor and never take on such a project alone.

“Never, ever tackle a big project like a kitchen renovation on your own. With electrical and plumbing often included in the renovation, a contractor makes your life a whole lot easier,” she says.

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

13

KITCHEN TRENDS

COST-FRIENDLY ALSO POPULAR And even as people are paying for new kitchens, they’re pinching pennies by looking at cost-effective solutions that still provide the modern, practical finish of their dreams.

Girard says flooring has tended more towards vinyl options that mimic any traditional flooring from hardwood to tile that are often found to offer a softer surface for feet, a cost-effective solution and a quick install all in one.

She says man-made laminate countertops have continued proving popular as alternatives to the more expensive granite and quartz, but that new ones including porcelain and acrylic offer more solid colours and a seamless finish rolled into one.

And some people will incorporate new designs around existing cabinetry or features in their kitchen to save money, Girard warns that kitchens more than 30 years old should almost always be gutted.

“Starting fresh gives you new options.

You can improve on what is already there, or start fresh from a clean slate — sometimes starting from scratch really is the way to go,” says Girard. ■

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ABODE | FALL 2019

AyA Kitchens Atlantic AyA Kitchens Atlantic is part of the Wacky’s Floor Design Centre’s newly renovated one-stop-shop showroom called the Atrium located at 60 Highfield Park Drive in Dartmouth.

The Atrium is where customers can browse product options for kitchens, lighting, flooring, the outdoors and other options.

It also houses a custom mill workshop where custom work for commercial projects is completed.

The Roy building in Halifax is one of the centre’s examples of how options from its various departments can be combined in one project, whether a kitchen or otherwise.

“If someone comes in for lighting, they’ll tour around and will often start the process for another project they are considering,” says Ashley Girard, operations manager at AyA Kitchens Atlantic. That’s what our one-stop-shop is for — we all co-ordinate and offer a really unique experience through that.”

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Membership.

Why does it matter?

Would you allow a non-registered, uninsured financial “expert” complete control of your life savings or retirement investments?

Then why would you allow just anyone to work on your home?

Your home shelters and protects you and your family. It is quite possibly one of the largest single investments you will ever make. Don’t let just anyone in the front door.

Choose to work with professionals.

Home Building & Renovating Professionals: Become a member today. Contact us for a complete list of member benefits and exclusive training programs.

Those who make the commitment to abide by specific codes and undergo the appropriate certification and training.

*LY[PÄ LK 9LZPKLU[PHS )\PSKLY

(902) 450-5455 • Toll Free 1-800-668-2001 • info@chbans.ca • www.chbans.ca NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

15

Making your home more energy efficient How to lower your energy bills, reduce your home’s carbon footprint

BY HEATHER LAURA CLARKE

I

magine paying for power at night when the rates are lower, but still enjoying a toasty-warm house during the day. That’s exactly what Steffes has been helping Nova Scotia homeowners do for more than two decades.

Al Takle, national sales manager with Steffes, says their electric thermal storage systems provide a clean, consistent source of heat while saving energy and reducing energy costs. The system takes advantage of off-peak electricity, which is charged at a lower rate since it is consumed during times

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ABODE | FALL 2019

when demand on the electrical grid is low.

“Our mission is to help homeowners save money by using their electricity at the right times, but still providing them with comfort 24 hours a day,” explains Takle.

The system works by storing vast amounts of heat for long periods of time, which provides homeowners with on-peak performance for an off-peak price.

“It heats up a ceramic brick that’s really well insulated. Then we extract that heat, as needed, using a thermostat and fans to provide the comfort that people want,” says

Takle. “We also have a hot water system can replace an oil boiler by heating up the brick mass and transferring the heat to the water.”

Steffes has an in-room heater about the size of a suitcase that Takle describes as “very similar to a cast-iron radiator.”

It’s a warm box that provides radiant heat throughout the room and keeps folks comfortable on a chilly day.

Steffes also sells whole-home forced air systems designed to be used with heat pumps that can save homeowners an additional 40 per cent on their energy costs.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

“Whether you rent, own your home, or are looking to build a new home, Efficiency Nova Scotia can help you find ways to reduce your energy use and lower your energy bills.”

For your garage door, work with real experts!

– Janet Tobin,

communications lead, Efficiency Nova Scotia

If you’re interested in making your home more energy efficient but aren’t sure which type of equipment you should choose, start by reaching out to Efficiency Nova Scotia.

As Canada’s first energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia works with more than 200 local partners to save Nova Scotians energy and money.

Janet Tobin, communications lead with Efficiency Nova Scotia, says more than 400,000 Nova Scotians have participated in their efficiency programming to date — reducing the province’s electrical load by

Standard+ Vog, 9’ x 7’, Charcoal, window layout Left-side Harmony

101-420 Higney Ave, Dartmouth, NS B3B 0L4 (902) 455-5469 www.ohdns.ca NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

17

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

11 per cent while saving Nova Scotians $180 million on their energy bills in 2018 alone.

“We really do have a program for every Nova Scotian. Whether you rent, own your home, or are looking to build a new home, Efficiency Nova Scotia can help you find ways to reduce your energy use and lower your energy bills,” says Tobin. “Our programs and rebates are really broad, ranging from things like helping retire old appliances like refrigerators and deep freezes — and installing free energy-efficient products like light bulbs and power bars — to rebates for insulation and heating systems upgrades and full solar PV installations.”

Homeowners are encouraged to contact Efficiency Nova Scotia to ask about rebates on heat pumps, hot water heaters and other equipment designed to make their home more comfortable and save them money. In 2018, Efficiency Nova Scotia launched a program called SolarHomes in order to make solar projects more affordable for homeowners.

“The interest in this program has been phenomenal,” says Tobin. “We’ve had over 1,000 applications in the first year.”

Through SolarHomes homeowners can apply for rebates up to 35 per cent of eligible

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ABODE | FALL 2019

system costs (excluding HST) or $8,500 (whichever is less) on the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic system on their home.

If you’re planning to build a new home, Tobin says Efficiency Nova Scotia’s New Home Construction Program and the High Performance Home Plan Pilot assist in designing and building energy-efficient homes. Under the New Home Construction Program, participants are eligible for rebates up to $9,000.

Whether you own your home or rent it, Tobin says all Nova Scotians have free access to Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Resident Direct Install program. A qualified installer will come and install energy-saving products at no cost. The service is offered to all homes, apartments and condos in Nova Scotia. How’s that for a free boost to kick-start your home’s energy efficient upgrade? ■

Ready to make your home more efficient? ● Visit efficiencyns.ca or call 1-877-999-6035 to learn more about Efficiency Nova Scotia’s programming ● Visit steffes.com to learn more about Steffes’ electric thermal storage system or to find a local dealer ● Visit nspower.ca to learn more about residential energy solutions like heat pumps, water heaters, electric vehicles, battery storage and solar options

Feel the Warmth.

See the Savings!

Learn how a Steffes Electric Thermal Storage heater can get you on Nova Scotia Power’s Time-of-Day rates and save money on your heating bill!

REBATE OFFERING

$20/KW for any new Room Unit heater purchased and installed between September 1st, 2019 and January 15th, 2020

$250

for any new Comfort Plus or Comfort Plus Hydronic home furnaces purchased and installed between September 1st, 2019 and January 15th, 2020

More info at

Terms and condition subject to change by Steffes.

Registration and proof of purchase must be submitted online by 1/15/2020 to receive the rebate. Please see steffes.com/novascotia for more details.

CO P M HA IN S G E SO 7 O N

!

Steffes.com/NovaScotia

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

HOME WishList

Homeowners are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest products. Here are some new products from local retailers, installers and manufacturers right here in Nova Scotia …

DEWALT TSTAK™ 3 PC. MODULAR MOBILE TOWER Our TSTAK™ 3-piece storage system includes: long handle with organizer top, clear lid organizer and a mobile storage unit. The TSTAK platform provides optimal storage and organization solutions for the jobsite and home. They can also be stacked to each other and to other TSTAK modules for secure and easy transport. Available at Canadian Tire stores now. www.dewalt.ca

DEWALT Atomic Collection featuring Drill/Driver and Circular Saw New to the DEWALT 20V MAX* System, which now features over 200 products, the ATOMIC™ Compact Series combines performance and durability in a compact format.

It is optimized for tight spaces, overhead work and for long periods of use. For general contractors, remodellers, electricians, mechanical and HVAC tradespeople, plumbers, cabinetry and furniture builders, these tools serve users in a wide variety of applications. The line will include the following tools: 20V MAX* Compact Drill/Driver, Compact Impact Driver, Compact Hammer Drill/Driver, Compact Circular Saw, Compact Oscillating Multi-Tool and in December, the Compact Reciprocating Saw. Available at Home Depot stores across the Maritimes. www.dewalt.ca

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ABODE | FALL 2019

DEWALT 12V Xtreme Line DEWALT announces the XTREME Subcompact Series™ tools, a line of five compact and performance-packed brushless 12V MAX* tools. The new line offers powerful, ergonomic solutions for a variety of applications including electrical, drywall, remodelling, automotive, metalworking, woodworking and masonry applications. The Series includes the brushless 12V MAX* Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, Screwdriver, 3/8-inch Impact Wrench and Hammerdrill. In addition to the efficiency and performance offered by brushless technology in the XTREME Subcompact Series™ tools, the 12V MAX* lithium ion battery included with each tool kit now features a Fuel Gauge charge indicator.

With a quick button press, three LEDs display remaining battery charge. Available at DEWALT Independent Retailers and Lowe’s / RONA now. www.dewalt.ca

CRAFTSMAN VersaStack System CRAFTSMAN® VERSASYSTEM™ system continues to expand, providing a wide range of storage solutions to help users stay organized. For organization on-the-go, VERSASTACK™ provides portable stacking tool boxes and organizers. The VERSASTACK™ System Tower (CMST60403) is the core of this line of storage solutions and can be built upon to expand tool storage capacity. The System Tower offers 3 essential products including a bottom rolling unit for large tools and items, a middle suitcase for power tools and hand tools and an organizer with removable cups for small parts on top. All three units connect to each other through side latches for secure maneuverability. Available exclusively at RONA and Lowes stores across the Maritimes.

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Are you looking for a sophisticated storage piece for your home?

Look no further than this new multi-functional piece from Bernhardt’s Decorage collection, made from solid ash and quartered white oak veneers, with inset stainless steel detailing and base. Behind the doors are two drawers, adjustable shelves, ventilation holes and grommets for the option of storing electronics. The right drawer has a silverware insert. Soft closing hinges, adjustable glides and anti-tip kit reinforce the quality of this piece. The contemporary feel is enriched with the wire-brushed finish, clean lines and jewelry-like ring pulls. This piece is part of the Decorage collection with dining room, bedroom and living room furniture available through Tower Interiors. www.towerinteriors.ca • 902-455-1544

SONOpan – NoiseStop Technology Panels Noise from your neighbours, your kids or even traffic can disrupt the peace and comfort of your home. Whether you live in a condo, townhouse or detached home, SONOpan soundproofing panels with NoiseStop™ Technology are the ideal solution for preventing unwanted noise from travelling through walls and ceilings. Noise reduction can be easily addressed with new construction but increasingly often, it’s the reason behind many home renovations. SONOpan absorbs a wide range of frequencies and significantly reduces the transmission of sound and vibrations. Each lightweight panel is 4 by 8 feet (1.22 m by 2.44 m) and ¾-inch (19mm) thick. Constructed of 100 per cent recycled wood fibre, Sonopan is made with no formaldehydes or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Learn more at SONOpan.com or contact Acadia Drywall in Nova Scotia for installation information. www.acadiadrywall.com

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ABODE | FALL 2019

COURCELETTE Seven Light Foyer Pendant Light up your foyer with this midcentury fixture in Venetian brass with clear grass by DVI Canada.

This stunning seven-light foyer provides multidirectional lighting that’s stylish and sleek. Available at Wacky’s Flooring & Lighting Design Centre. www.wackysflooring.com

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brushless Axial Blower V20* Cordless Axial Blower features a powerful brushless motor and is equipped with a 4.0Ah battery allowing you to take on the tasks at hand.

The V20* battery platform is compatible with CRAFTSMAN® V20* Outdoor Equipment and Power Tools. You’ll find the complete line of outdoor tools and equipment essentials for a job to make you proud.

Available at Lowes and Rona across the Maritimes. www.craftsman.com

Black + Decker 20 inch SAWBLADE Electric Hedge Trimmer This 20-inch Electric Hedge Trimmer is great for routine trimming of large hedges and shrubs Plus, its SAWBLADE™ at the end of the blade lets you cut large branches up to 1.5 in. thick. With its lightweight design and full wrap-around handle it’s designed for greater comfort and control.

Available at Rona and Home Depot. www.blackanddecker.ca

IRWIN Vice Grip Pliers IRWIN relaunches their line of Next Generation Vice Grip Pliers featuring their “All purpose” pliers These pliers feature curved jaws which provide a better fit around round stock. Use as nonslip pipe wrench, pliers, adjustable wrench, emergency handle, as added leverage to screwdrivers, or as an all-purpose clamp.

Features a built-in wire cutter for added functionality. Available where IRWIN products are sold. www.irwintools.com

Stanley Next Generation Fat Max 16 Foot Tape Measure STANLEY adds their new 16FT Stanley FATMAX tape measure to its current lineup of Next Generation tapes that include the 25FT, 26FT (Metric) and 35FT tape versions, which launched last year. This new tape features the following: A new design with 13-feet of blade stand out and the longest-lasting blade coating ever applied to a FATMAX tape measure, an impact-resistant ABS plastic case tough enough to withstand a 50-foot drop onto packed soil and is ergonomically-designed case to simulate a baseball-style grip for a great fit, grip and comfort in a user’s hand. Available now where STANLEY products are sold. www.stanleytools.ca

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

23

GUEST ROOM SOLUTIONS

Double-duty guest rooms How to maximize your guest space so it won’t sit vacant until company comes

BY HEATHER LAURA CLARKE

F

ull-time guest rooms are handy if you regularly host overnight guests. You can always have the bed made up with fresh linens, store clean guest towels in a mostly-empty dresser and keep a pretty basket of travel-sized toiletries on the nightstand. It’s kind of like running your own B&B, except only for people you like!

But if you don’t have many overnight guests, a dedicated guest room can sometimes feel like a huge waste of space.

There’s an entire chunk of your home that mostly sits unoccupied and maybe you’d prefer to use the room for something — anything — else.

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ABODE | FALL 2019

Ready to reclaim part of your home while still providing a welcoming nook for your guests to sleep? Here are five ways you can combine a guest room with functional living space that you can enjoy year-round ...

GUEST ROOM / FAMILY ROOM This is a popular configuration because family rooms or dens are typically secondary living spaces — ideally hidden behind a door — which means you’re not plunking Grandma and Grandpa in a room that’s located directly off the foyer or the kitchen.

You’ll want to invest in a couch that

doubles as a guest bed, but forget about those squeaky Hide-a-Beds from the ’90s that left spring-shaped dents in your back.

Sofa bed technology has come a long way and the newer ones are designed to feel as comfortable as sleeping on a real bed.

IKEA’s HOLMSUND looks like a sectional sofa, but one section pulls out to convert the whole thing into a beautiful upholstered bed that’s as long as a queen-sized mattress (and nearly as wide).

BONUS TIP: An end table instantly seems more like a nightstand when you add a tray with a clock, bottled water, a phone charger and maybe a vase of fresh flowers.

Photos Costco.ca

Costco sells a Bestar Evolution queen-sized wall bed that folds up to look like a storage armoire.

GUEST ROOM / HOME OFFICE

GUEST ROOM / PLAYROOM

For those of you who work at home, which would you rather have? A dedicated guest room that sits empty most of the year, while you work on the couch? Or a home office that you occasionally have to vacate for guests? (I know which one I’d choose. In fact, that’s what I did for years.)

Focus on creating a truly comfortable, functional home office since that’s where you’ll be spending a good chunk of your time. But with a few strategic furniture purchases, you can have a home office that easily doubles as a guest room.

If you’re short on space, consider installing a wall bed that only pops down when you need it. Costco sells a Bestar Evolution queen-sized wall bed that folds up to look like a crisp white storage armoire. There’s even a tall bookcase secured to one side for functional storage even when the bed’s in use.

Once you’ve pulled down the bed and put on fresh linens, there’s nothing more to do than tidy up your office before your guests arrive. Your guests don’t need to see stacks of receipts and invoices, so the room will look much better if you stash all of your work-y clutter in decorative boxes or baskets with lids.

BONUS TIP: Your guests will surely want your home’s WiFi password, so why not print it out in a cool font and slip it into a frame?

True, playrooms are full of toys, but sometimes a playroom is the easiest room to “lend” to a guest for a few nights. You can load up a couple of baskets with your children’s favourite toys and keep the room off-limits until your company has gone back home.

Once all of the toys are picked up off the floor, a playroom can make a great guest room. All it needs is a sofa that can convert into a bed, so why not buy one that’s easy — and safe — to convert so the kids can enjoy it, too?

You don’t have to worry about springs and hinges hurting chubby little fingers if you opt for a sofa that relies on nothing more than cleverly-folded cushions to create a bed. For around $600 on Wayfair, you can get a loveseat-sized sleeper couch where the cushion unfolds right onto the floor to make a bed that’s wider than a twinsized mattress and longer than a double.

It creates a comfy, squishy play surface that you don’t have to worry about anyone falling off — since it’s right on the floor — and it just might be the perfect spot to snuggle up with a stack of books. You might even get them to fall asleep there and score a nap yourself.

BONUS TIP: Need a spot to store the bed’s sheets, pillows and blankets in between guests? Use an upholstered storage ottoman that’s nice and soft in case little ones bonk their heads on it. (Bonus points if you never let them see that it opens up, or else you might end up with toys and cracker crumbs mixed in with the clean bedding.)

The Watonga Loveseat Bed Sleeper from Wayfair folds onto the floor, making it a fun (and safe) addition to a playroom.

Photo Wayfair.ca

“Once all of the toys are picked up off the floor, a playroom can make a great guest room. All it needs is a sofa that can convert into a bed, so why not buy one that’s easy — and safe — to convert so the kids can enjoy it, too?”

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

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GUEST ROOM SOLUTIONS

1. IKEA’s KALLAX unit can turn make a

storage room feel more like an attractive

guest space.

PHOTO: IKEA Canada

2.

A futon-style bed — like IKEA’s NYHAMN model — transforms with a simple click, making it handy for home offices that need occasional sleeping space.

PHOTO: IKEA Canada

3.

No closet? No problem. A valet stand includes a hanging bar so guests to hang up a few outfits and usually has a mirror and a small drawer for stashing jewellery and accessories.

PHOTO: bedbathandbeyond.com

3.

1.

2.

GUEST ROOM / HOBBY ROOM Sure, you could have a queen-sized guest bed taking up 90 per cent of your spare room ... or you could use most of the space to do something you love, like play music, make crafts, lift weights, run on the treadmill or paint rocks (it’s a big trend right now — really).

Instead of a prim-and-proper guest room that barely gets used, create a hobby room filled with your favourite things. Since you’ll want the majority of the room to be usable space for your hobbies, the guest bed should be as small as possible. Enter: the futon!

The Futon Store on Young Street in Halifax sells futons made from Canadian pine and hardwood. They’re compact, so they won’t take up too much space in the room, but they unfold to provide a guest bed when you need one.

If the room doesn’t have a closet — or the closet is already stuffed with sewing supplies or crates of records — consider buying a small valet stand that you can put out when company calls. These handy stands include a hanging bar so guests to hang up a few outfits and often include a mirror and a small drawer for stashing jewellery and accessories.

BONUS TIP: Don’t want to add nightstands? Hang a small ledge or shelf near the futon that your guests can use for their phone or a glass of water.

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GUEST ROOM / STORAGE ROOM

“Paint the walls a nice colour, add curtains and a few decorative touches on the walls and you’ve got yourself a perfectly nice room that’s ready for a futon, wall bed or sofa bed. Be sure to add an electric fan and a couple of extra blankets, just in case your guests find the space too warm or too chilly.”

“Storage, but make it fashion.” It’s true — even a storage room can be turned into a comfortable space for guests.

Now, we’re not talking about the cement-floored room in the basement that also houses your washer and dryer. But if you have an extra bedroom that serves as a dumping grounds for the whole house, or a finished room in your basement that’s full of piles of junk, those are contenders for a storage room/guest room.

The key is to create storage space that’s well organized and attractive. What if you ran two IKEA KALLAX units along one wall, giving you 32 cubes in which to store bins or baskets? Or what if you installed floor-to-ceiling shelving and splurged on decorative boxes to store your stuff, rather than falling-apart brown boxes or grubby plastic storage totes?

Paint the walls a nice colour, add curtains and a few decorative touches on the walls and you’ve got yourself a perfectly nice room that’s ready for a futon, wall bed or sofa bed. Be sure to add an electric fan and a couple of extra blankets, just in case your guests find the space too warm or too chilly.

BONUS TIP: Want to shield your guests from waking up to the sight of a giant treadmill or artificial Christmas tree? Use a nice folding screen to block some of the uglier stuff in the storage room and it will make the space feel more like a haven than a hovel. ■

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RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

CHBA NS 2019

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Monk Renovations celebrated for honesty, professionalism Dan Monk reflects on 10 years in business, his stellar team and their renovator of the year award

BY HEATHER LAURA CLARKE

W

henever Dan Monk writes the thank-you card that accompanies the “MONK gift bag” he sends to his clients when their beautiful renovation is complete, he always scrawls the same phrase: “Thank you for putting your trust in us.”

“Trust is everything. That’s why our tagline is “Trusted. Professional.” Our clients know they can count on us for honesty and professionalism,” says Monk, the owner of Monk Renovations in Bedford. “Honesty and professionalism are how we build relationships with our clients.”

“Honesty and professionalism are how we build relationships with our clients.”

– Dan Monk, owner,

Monk Renovations

It was his clients’ overwhelmingly positive response to that trust and professionalism that had his whole team celebrating at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) annual Kohltech Peak Awards in November. Monk says they’d been up against “quite a few amazing renovators,” so it felt fantastic when Monk Renovations was announced as the winner of the prestigious Renovator of the Year award.

“It was an amazing honour to win a category filled with so many excellent renovation companies. It’s humbling because we know how good our colleagues are,” NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

29

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

says Monk. “These are people I trust and would refer clients to if we couldn’t take on a job and I’d know they would provide them with the same level of quality and professionalism that we would.”

Monk Renovations is celebrating its 10th year in business and Monk says it feels good to have grown from a single-person venture — “just me and the tools!” — to an award-winning renovation firm with 14 fulltime employees.

“We haven’t grown quickly — we’ve grown steadily,” says Monk. “We’re at the point, 10 years in, where people know our name, we’re getting a lot of repeat clients and word-of-mouth advertising has been extreme.”

While some renovation companies open themselves up to commercial and industrial renovations, Monk firmly believes in focusing on what they do very well: residential renovations.

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“Renovator of the year is a very, very prestigious award.

It means Monk Renovations is at the top of the class.”

– Janet Hodgson,

project co-ordinator, Monk Renovations

“We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We want to stick to what we know and love and that’s renovating people’s homes,” says Monk. “We just want to focus on additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basements and whole-home renovations.”

In some cases, unfortunately, Monk says his team isn’t the first one to work with a homeowner on a renovation — and the homeowner has been stung by a shoddy worker who wasted their time, their money or both.

“There’s usually a horror story about a contractor they’ve hired before. We hear them all the time and it’s terrible that so many people have to go through that kind of experience,” says Monk. “We always reassure the homeowner that we’re not that kind of contractor. We’re the real deal — the professionals.”

Monk says it can be difficult that the renovation industry “really has no barrier to

MONK RENOVATIONS

“You get what you pay for” Cheap renovations could spell disaster If you could save a few thousand bucks on your next home renovation, it might sound like a good idea. But what happens if you shell out the money and wind up with a leaks, poor quality materials and installations and a contractor who’s stopped answering your calls?

Monk Renovations’ project co-ordinator, Janet Hodgson, says it’s critically important for anyone looking to renovate their home to “do their homework” before committing to a renovator.

“Read their reviews, talk to homeowners who have used them and ask questions about similar projects they’ve done,” says Hodgson. entry,” meaning anyone who owns a truck and a hammer could present themselves as a home renovator, even if they have no experience whatsoever.

“Homeowners are basically wading into a quagmire, trying to find a reputable renovation company. Someone might have a pretty website or a flashy truck and put up a good story, but are they legit?” says Monk.

“It’s like a muscle car with a four-cylinder engine. It looks good, but just doesn’t perform like it should — it’s all flash with no power behind it. Be sure to check under the hood before you buy.”

Monk Renovations’ website includes glowing testimonials from homeowners who praise the company’s “professional and reliable” service and Monk says the overall message always comes back to trust, quality communication and reliability.

“They all write the same thing: that we showed up when we promised we would

show up, that we stayed in constant communication, that we gave them exactly what they wanted, that the quality was excellent and that we left the place clean,” says Monk.

“Our reputation is everything to us.”

Monk says having a truly honest relationship with homeowners means that he and his team tell the truth “even when it’s something they won’t want to hear” — like that they’ve discovered water damage, deteriorated plumbing or weather-related delays.

“Even when it’s bad news, our clients know they’re getting the honest truth from us,” says Monk. “Honesty and trust are key to our business, especially because we know a lot of so-called renovators out there don’t have it.”

When a homeowner is reviewing estimates and choosing which renovator to hire, Monk says he doesn’t believe in undercutting his competition just to score the job.

She cautions homeowners not to automatically choose the lowest bid, either, as a low-ball quote could be a red flag.

“You get what you pay for. If someone is quoting a much lower price than everyone else, there’s a reason for that,” says Hodgson. “Maybe they won’t show up when they say they will, or maybe the workmanship or materials won’t be what they should be.

It’s a big risk.”

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

31

RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR

The Monk Renovations team comprised of (back row, from left) Quinn, Wannes, Cory, Ahmad, Tony (front row, from left) Rob, Matt, Dana, Dan, Rick, Darrell and Janet has won the Renovator of the Year award in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

In fact, he says price “is rarely the deciding factor” for his clients.

“Our clients know what they’re getting and they’re willing to pay for the quality, trust and professionalism we’re going to provide,” says Monk. “From our guys on-site to our sub-trades and our suppliers, everybody’s a pro.”

One of those “pros” is Rob McLean, estimator and project manager with Monk Renovations. He’s often the one who sits down with potential clients in their home to discuss what they’d like to see renovated and walks them through their options for each particular job. Then he goes back to the office, prepares a full scope of what will be involved — including price estimates for materials and labour — and presents it to the homeowner.

Once the homeowner agrees to the plan and officially signs on with Monk Renovations, McLean gets them set up with what’s called a “selection list.”

“This is a list that outlines all of the materials we need the homeowner to choose for the project, so they can make their selections prior to our team starting the work,” says McLean. “We recommend, trusted suppliers where they can shop and provide a contact person for each one.”

Instead of a massive checklist of everything involved in the project, McLean says these are just short lists that ask the homeowner to make aesthetic choices when it comes to things like tile, vanities, fixtures and countertops. Homeowners have flexibility of selection and the price allowance provides a guide to help them stay on budget.

Best of all, the homeowner isn’t required to purchase any of these items — or even ask an employee to put them on hold.

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“They can just snap a picture with their phone and send it to us and we’ll go pick up the item for them,” says McLean. “We just want them to be able to show us exactly what they want.”

At the point in the process, Monk Renovations’ project co-ordinator, Janet Hodgson, steps in to help them make their selections and co-ordinate the next steps.

“It’s all about setting expectations with the client and then following through with

“It’s very simple. We show up when we say we’re going to show up and we do what we say we’re going to do.”

– Janet Hodgson,

project co-ordinator, Monk Renovations

what you say you’re going to do,” says Hodgson. “We know how important it is to keep the communication flowing — always letting our clients know what’s happening and what’s up next.”

Hodgson says the Monk Renovations team “believes in getting what you pay for,” and calls their work “top-notch” — adding that Dan is “knowledgeable, patient and everything a good leader should be.”

“It’s very simple. We show up when we say we’re going to show up and we do what we say we’re going to do,” says Hodgson.

“We make sure everyone on our team is

courteous and respectful to our clients. After all, we’re going into their home — not a commercial construction site.”

Monk Renovations has won the Renovator of the Year award in 2016, 2018 and 2019 and won Most Outstanding Kitchen Renovation in 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as Most Outstanding Addition Renovation in 2018. McLean credits their strong rapport with each homeowner.

“We really believe in building strong relationships with our clients. They become friendships and that’s my favourite part of the job,” says McLean. “We have great discussions with them, we work well together and we love seeing their dreams come to life through our renovations.”

Monk was is a civil engineer and worked in the heavy civil construction field for 15 years before he went into business for himself and founded Monk Renovations and he says his engineering education and professional background gives the company additional credibility. He’s also a Red Seal carpenter and he believes Monk Renovations is the only renovation company in Nova Scotia led by an engineer and a Red Seal carpenter.

Today, Monk is the Vice President of CHBA’s Board of Directors and Chair of Renovators Council. He’s also on Construction Safety Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors and believes in the importance of being actively involved in the construction industry.

CHBA CEO Karen Slaunwhite says Monk Renovations is “very deserving” of the CHBA NS 2019 Renovator of the Year award.

“Monk Renovations is known for their outstanding and reputable work, in addition to having satisfied clients,” says Slaunwhite.

MONK RENOVATIONS

“They achieved this by providing a quality product and professional services — and their focus on maintaining client trust.”

Looking ahead, Monk’s 10-year plan includes continuing to grow their team and its reputation, expand their expertise and build more relationships with industry professionals. He says he’s always mindful to grow the business slowly and not take on more than they can handle while maintaining their excellent record.

“You have to control your growth. If you let yourself get too busy, too fast, your level of control gets lowered and the quality of your work decreases,” says Monk.

“Maintaining our high level of quality and professionalism while we grow is extraordinarily important because that’s our whole brand.”

Even though Monk Renovations started out being a one-man (one Dan) show, Monk says he’s proud of his growing team of people he can trust and rely on, from suppliers and sub-trades to his crew of carpenters, project managers, estimators and project co-ordinators.

“These are the people who talk with our clients every single day. They’re the touchstone and we get such great feedback about them. It makes me really proud,” says Monk. “We don’t work in a vacuum and we’re very grateful for all of the people who make what we do possible.” ■

Before you ask for a home renovation quote, do this!

This tip will make your next renovation much easier Before jumping into a home renovation, it’s smart to bring in a potential contractor so they can view the space and give you a proper estimate. Just be sure you’re not skipping a critical step before you pick up the phone and arrange an appointment.

Rob McLean, estimator and project manager with Monk Renovations, says sometimes they’ll meet with a potential client who hasn’t the slightest idea what they want to do with their space — they just know they want something to be different.

Congratulations!

“Sometimes people know they want their room to change, but they haven’t thought about what they’d like to see,” says McLean.

He says the biggest piece of advice he’d give a homeowner considering a renovation is to “think about what you want” before sitting down with a renovator to discuss a quote.

“We always suggest they go on Pinterest or Houzz — or websites like ours — and get an idea of what’s out there and what they like,” says McLean. “They don’t need to have a total plan, but it helps to have a jumping-off point.”

Congratulations Dan and Team!

We are proud to be able to work with you and your Clients!

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Congratulations to Monk Renovations CONTACT US 202 Brownlow Avenue Unit 555 Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada B3B 1T5 SEND US AN EMAIL! PHONE: (902) 444-3671 FAX: (902) 468-2979

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(902) 562-6030 NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

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NSAR

The dream of homeownership is strong among millennials CONTRIBUTED BY NSAR

N

icole and Matt have two small children. Matt is a welder and Nicole works in a salon. Two years ago, while Nicole was pregnant with their second child, they decided it was time to start looking for a home.

They searched REALTOR.ca for their perfect starter home in Nova Scotia. They needed a few bedrooms, some space for the kids to play in the yard and, ideally, a garage for Matt’s welding side jobs. They called a REALTOR®, spoke with a mortgage broker and made a decision.

Home ownership was not affordable for them at that time. They moved into Nicole’s parents’ house. Not how you expected that story to end, is it?

Unfortunately, this is the reality that many millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) face in Canada today. In research released in October of 2018, conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), housing ranked as the top priority for Canadian millennials.

In fact, 86 per cent of Canadian millennials who are not homeowners want to own a home someday — and 68 per cent of those are passionate about it.

So what’s stopping them? In the survey, millennials stated that saving enough for a down payment, the cost of carrying a home with monthly mortgage payments and mortgage interest rates were the top three factors that impacted their ability to enter the housing market. Saving a down payment was listed by 47 per cent of millennials as the top issue that affects their ability to buy a home.

Researchers also asked millennials what impact recent housing policy changes had on their decisions to enter the housing market. The results were shocking, with more than 60 per cent feeling that interest rate increases and government decisions that make it more difficult for people to get a mortgage have had a negative impact on housing affordability.

There is a clear desire from Canadian millennials to achieve the dream of homeownership. Most millennials want to own a home and will be looking to our elected leaders for progressive policies to make

those homes affordable.

Recently, proposals from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR), in conjunction with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), have been implemented by the federal government to improve affordability. In March of 2019, the Home Buyers Plan (HBP) was increased to allow first-time buyers to borrow up to $35,000 from their RRSP towards a down payment.

But more can be done to provide meaningful assistance and allow more Canadians to enter the housing market. In the 2019 election, millennial voters will make up the largest portion of the electorate — at 37 per cent. With such a large portion of voters identifying as millennials, housing affordability is expected to become a prominent election issue.

That idea sits well with Nicole and Matt, who are still living in her parents’ basement apartment — looking forward to purchasing their first home sometime very soon. ■

NSAR is the professional association for more than 1,500 REALTORS® in Nova Scotia. Visit www.trustedguide.ca or REALTOR.ca to find your REALTOR®.

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before AFTER AND

Sit back and flip through spectacular transformations of local homes throughout Nova Scotia. These jaw-dropping makeovers are submitted by registered CHBA NS home builders, renovators, suppliers and other industry professionals.

The ’90s may be back, but their bathrooms still need updating This Hammonds Plains home was built in the ’90s so while the bathroom was still functional, the homeowners disliked the dated corner Jacuzzi and neo-angle shower. It was time to update the space with an additional 42” vanity, a custom 42 x 60” shower with pebble stone floor and rainfall showerhead and a free-standing vessel tub. New LED lighting (including scones with dimmers) and in-floor heating for toasty warmth completed this simple, elegant bathroom.

Monk Renovations www.monkreno.com

NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

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before & AFTER

Decades-old kitchen gets a modern makeover The goal was to make the dark kitchen more stylish and functional while incorporating as much storage space as possible, without changing the size and shape of the room. The result was an entire new kitchen including cabinets to the ceiling, an abundance of storage features such as Lemans II systems in the corner cabinets, a large pantry with roll-out shelving, a recycle centre, built in spice rack, cutlery tray and built in bread drawer.

New kitchen and under cabinet lighting including lights in the upper cabinets helped to brighten the space. A large island was designed to create an informal eating space and allow the kitchen area to seamlessly integrate into the family room.

Picket Fence Homes www.picketfencehomes.ca

Stunning switch-up for a bath with tricky angles When this homeowner was faced with angled roofing and plumbing that proved to be a bit of a challenge, it was time to get creative. Since they wanted to make sure they still had a bathtub but it needed to be more accessible, the solution was to remove everything, install a new tub but cleverly reverse the plumbing so it would be on the taller wall. A folding shower seat as well as a Shower Shield to keep water from spraying out onto the floor and this bathroom was ready for its closeup.

Beautiful Baths www.beautiful-baths.ca

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before & AFTER

Concrete curbing quickly improves curb appeal This homeowner was sick of grass growing in their flowerbeds and wanted their front lawn to have a more polished feel. By putting a proper border around a flowerbed or other landscaping feature, everything feels tidier and more intentional. Concrete curbing is attractive, quick to install, extremely lowmaintenance and it looks like authentic stone, brick and wood. Reach out today for a free estimate.

Maritime Curbing Limited www.maritimecurbing.com

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Really improved the overall look of our property for years to come! :)” – Cherie Dufour-Sooley

FREE ESTIMATES NEW HOMES | RENOVATIONS

37

To feature your project, visit www.nshomebuilders.ca, call 902.450.5554 or email nshba@nshba.ns.ca.

Out of the darkness and into the light This home chef wanted a kitchen designed to meet the family’s needs for functionality, storage and efficiency.

The barely-used formal dining room was replaced with tons of pantry storage. The new design includes a large peninsula for the new gas range and breakfast bar. The small appliances are neatly tucked out of sight in the built-in appliance “garages,” and deep drawers and tray dividers make it much easier to access pots, casserole dishes, bowls and trays. From the softcoloured cabinets and custom quartz countertop to the gleaming backsplash tile and custom lighting, this kitchen is now the perfect family gathering space.

All-Craft Renovations www.allcraft.ca

Innovative kitchen revamp This kitchen needed to be brightened up and enlarged, so the solution was to open it up to the dining room and add an island with seating. The original dark cabinets were replaced with modern shaker-style cabinets in a beautiful light grey and extending them up to the ceiling makes the whole space feel taller.

The brand-new patio door allows plenty of natural light to flow into the kitchen and the light positively gleams off the new quartz countertops. The kitchen also includes a pantry, broom closet, wine rack, spice rack, recycling centre, pull-out storage, deep drawers, LED lighting, a glass tile backsplash and porcelain floor tiles.

Tower Interiors Ltd. www.towerinteriors.ca

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