The REAL Home Show Guide 2019

OFFICIAL GUIDE

2019

CUNARD CENTRE HALIFAX MARCH 1-3

@therealhomeshow

961 MARGINAL ROAD

@nshomebuilders

Nova Scotia’s Premium Open House – Walk in with a Vision. Walk out with a Plan. www.chbans.ca • #RealHomeShow2019

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THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

Welcome Home to the Show!

Come be inspired!

Let us help you turn your visions into plans at The Real Home Show!

Always renovating, always learning

WEEKEND OF MARCH 1 – 3 Friday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

We love the excitement of updating our home

The Cunard Centre, Halifax 961 Marginal Road, next to Pier 21

What’s Inside …

WHAT TO SEE …

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Lighting..............4 Flooring & Trim ...........................................6 Windows & Doors ....................................... 7 Outdoor Spaces ........................................ 10

HOMEOWNER FYI …

New Home Energy Efficiency .............. 12 Homeowner Safety ................................. 24 Making Your Home Market Ready ....... 14 Innovative Products ................................. 15

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

Published for

y husband and I loved our life in Purcell’s Cove and we never planned on moving. But plans have a funny way of changing when you least expect and that’s how we found ourselves in a different home ... just down the road.

Five years ago, we bought a ranch-style home with the plan of renovating it and selling it. But my husband, Kevin, did such an amazing job that I wound up falling in love with it. Now, we live there instead!

Kevin’s hobby is renovating and we’ve done a lot of projects together over the last 28 years. We basically started from square one and changed everything about this sweet little ranch home — leaving only the original hardwoods.

We opened up the living room, dining room and kitchen to make a great room. We built a gorgeous stacked-stone fireplace with wooden beams salvaged from a century-old schoolhouse.

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

The REAL Home Show Guide, the official publication of The REAL Home Show, is distributed to 120,000 readers through paid subscriptions of The Chronicle Herald, total market coverage flyer packages and onsite at the event.

Chief Executive Officer: Karen Slaunwhite Executive Assistant: Crystal Ingram 124-B Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, N.S., B3S 1A2 902-450-5554 or 1-800-668-2001 info@chbans.ca www.nshomebuilders.ca A special edition of

Manager, Partner Solutions: Lindsey Bunin Senior Graphic Designer: Peter Ross Writer: Heather Laura Clarke Advertising Sales: Jason Brachvogel

We redesigned the master bathroom to include a walk-in tiled shower with sliding glass doors and we gutted the kitchen — adding granite countertops and tuxedo cabinets — creamy off-white on the top, dark on the bottom.

Because it’s all one floor, except for the basement, it’s very accessible and we can easily age in place there. Kevin even created a mudroom between the house and the garage, and it’s been the perfect space for our washer and dryer — and the kennels for our four beloved dogs.

Last summer, we completely redesigned the outdoor space to include an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue, an outdoor bar, a fire pit, a lounge area and a pizza oven. We love to entertain and it’s become the perfect gathering spot for our family and friends.

When the weather’s beautiful, we start off the afternoon having drinks on the patio while we listen to music and chat. (There’s even a blender for making frozen drinks!) After a few hours, we’ll start grilling on the barbecue and putting together our own pizzas for the outdoor pizza oven.

Whether we’re renovating a whole home or updating a single feature of one room, I’ve always enjoyed staying on top of home design trends while making our home as cosy and comfortable as possible.

I’m new to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia and I’m excited to be a part of this vibrant industry. I’ve learned a lot over the years doing projects alongside my husband and now I’m getting the opportunity to learn a lot more.

I encourage everyone to come out to the Real Home Show and meet some of the talented professionals who are waiting to help you fall in love with your home all over again.

— Karen

For more information on participating in any of the four Abode series publications, contact jason.brachvogel@saltwire.com.

Published by

For more information on this or any other SaltWire Network custom publications, contact Lindsey Bunin, Manager, Partner Solutions, at lbunin@herald.ca. www.chbans.ca • #RealHomeShow2019

2019 • THE REAL HOME SHOW

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Pretty pantries, spa showers, industrial lighting What’s trending for 2019 in kitchens, bathrooms and lighting? rom custom pantries and brightly coloured islands to walk-in showers and intricate tile patterns, local home experts are preparing to showcase some of their best designs and products for kitchens and bathrooms at the Real Home Show. “A really large kitchen island with lots of seating is actually replacing a kitchen table in a lot of kitchens,� says Jessesar Mitchell with Gerald Mitchell Contracting in Fall River.

Mitchell says their homeowners are also loving the functionality of a custom butler’s pantry complete with electrical outlets for small appliances like toasters, coffee makers and microwaves. “Having the space in the pantry for these items emphasizes the clean lines of the kitchen, because the counters are clear of clutter,� explains Mitchell.

Stephanie Palmer with Picket Fence Homes agrees that storage solutions are a must for any kitchen, no matter the size. Palmer says their homeowners are loving deep pot drawers, pantries with pull-outs, built-in cutlery trays, tip-out trash and recycling bins and

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corner cabinets that pull out for easier access.

These days, Palmer says most homeowners are opting for bright, open kitchens with primarily white cabinets. However, many like to infuse a bit of colour with a bold blue island or backsplash. “White is always going to be traditional and classic, but a pop of colour helps make a space more fun,� says Palmer.

Morgan BrookďŹ eld, marketing director at Wacky’s Flooring & Lighting Design Centre, says they’re also noticing cabinet colours are becoming “really funky,â€? with more homeowners opting for deep greens and dark greys — especially on their kitchen islands.

When it comes to backsplashes, BrookďŹ eld says subway tile is “deďŹ nitely still a classic,â€? but marble herringbone tile is quickly becoming a new favourite.

Wacky’s is the exclusive Atlantic Canadian retailer for Fisher & Paykel appliances and BrookďŹ eld says customers are loving the modern design of these high-end appliances. “They really differentiate any kitchen with compact technologies and design. One that

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really stands out is the DishDrawer dishwasher and CoolDrawer — products only Fisher & Paykel can offer,” says Brookfield.

Dave Marcus, president and CEO of AyA Kitchens, says they’ll be at the Real Home Show with a painted shaker kitchen that combines cool white Oyster cabinets with a Midnight Blue accent on the island — complete with natural wood accents.

“Natural wood as an accent has become more popular lately — in countertops as well as shelving and accent doors and other accessories,” says Marcus.

They’ve recently introduced a beautiful new shade called Wintergreen that also complements natural wood nicely. Marcus says other kitchen trends for 2019 include slab doors made from textured European laminates, ultra-matte finished that mimic suede, and luxurious touches inside drawers and cabinets.

Matthew Hollohan, sales designer with Mother Hubbard’s Kitchens, says they’ll be displaying their exclusive line of 3-D laminate cabinet doors.

“They’re seamless, clean and tailored perfectly to each client. Furthermore, this product is much more durable as it withstands everyday use impeccably, so your investment goes that much further,” says Hollohan.

“Another bathroom trend we’re noticing lately is upgrading to darker or coloured plumbing fixtures, instead of the standard stainless steel,” adds Palmer. “Homeowners are choosing matte black faucets, or bright polished brass, with matching hardware on

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the cabinets. It’s really striking.”

When it comes to bathrooms, Mitchell says many of their homeowners are choosing to create luxurious spaces with custom glasswalled showers with rain shower heads and body sprayers.

“The bathroom shower has really become a statement piece for the master bedroom ensuite area,” says Mitchell. “Sometimes the homeowner will want a really impressive tile that contrasts with the rest of the bathroom, or they might want a really clean finish to make the bathroom feel like a spa.”

now. We’re seeing a lot of fixtures with a wood component — either painted black wood or rustic stained wood — and clear Edison-style bulbs,” says Mitchell.

Palmer says most of Picket Fence’s homeowners are choosing either sleek, modern lights or industrial-looking lights made from black metals and wood. She adds that practically everyone loves pot lights because they provide a simple, clean look while brightening up a space.

Mark Sadofsky, lighting manager with Wacky’s Flooring & Lighting Design Centre, says the most popular lighting right now is a style he calls “transindustrial.”

“It’s taking industrial lighting and putting a more contemporary, finished flair on it using combinations of modern finishes — like black and chrome or black and gold,” explains Sadofsky. “Incorporating different types of light bulbs can influence the look, making it more contemporary or more traditional.” Q

If you’re dreaming of a custom tiled shower but it just isn’t in the budget, Palmer says some of the new modular units are a fraction of the price, “but still give you that nice walk-in effect.”

Moving onto lighting, Mitchell says there are an unbelievable amount of options on the market this year. Instead of choosing fixtures from Gerald Mitchell Contracting’s standard supplier, she says most homeowners love being able to browse local stores or shop online for exactly what they want.

Photos contributed “The industrial look is very popular right

Online buyer, beware!

While it can be fun to shop for light fixtures online, be sure to check with your builder or renovator before ordering one. Lighting codes can vary from country to country, and you need to make sure you’re buying a light that meets code here.

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The floors beneath your feet Maurice Meagher, the owner of Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax, says flooring needs to be functional first and foremost. CREDIT: Case Design/Remodeling

From luxury vinyl tile and patterned carpeting to waterresistant laminate and the hottest shade of hardwood, the Real Home Show has you covered acky’s Flooring & Lighting Design Centre is rolling out all the stops for the Real Home Show this year, including just about every type of flooring you’d ever want to stand on.

“We’ve expanded our booth to show off more of our newer flooring styles, from vinyl plank and hardwood to carpet, tile, stone and even designer sheet goods,” says manager Jay Clarke.

He says resilience is the name of the flooring game at the moment, with many homeowners gravitating toward wide-plank engineered hardwood and durable vinyl floors.

Clarke says people with pets tend to like the new water-resistant laminate flooring because they don’t need to worry about pet accidents and the material holds up well to a pet’s nails trotting across it daily.

While ultra-dark wood flooring was a hit in years past, many homeowners complained it showed every speck of dust and felt im-

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possible to keep clean. Clarke says it’s being replaced by a shade and style that holds up better to daily wear-and-tear.

“There’s a growing trend towards lighter tones, and the rustic or hand-scraped look is still popular when it comes to engineered hardwood,” says Clarke.

Maurice Meagher, the owner of Case Design/Remodeling in Halifax, says many homeowners also like the look of smoky grey hardwood flooring, which has a more modern feel than deep wood tones.

He says many of Case’s customers are choosing hardwood, large-format tile and luxury vinyl flooring — which is designed to look like natural stone or hardwood, but it’s a fraction of the price of the real thing. Luxury vinyl flooring uses a “photogravure” technique to create 3-D finishes that have the grain of natural wood or the texture of real stone.

“The biggest thing with flooring is that while the look matters, of course, it really needs

If I’m interesting in new flooring, should I measure my space before coming to the Real Home Show?

Q:

It definitely helps if you bring the measurements, because our exhibitors will be able to give you a clearer idea of how much the different options will cost. But measuring your space beforehand isn’t necessary, since many retailers will offer a free in-home consultation to do the measuring for you.

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to function well in the space,” says Meagher.

“Most homeowners want something that’s easy to maintain, easy to clean, holds up to a lot of foot traffic and isn’t going to fade.”

But not every homeowner is opting for hard-surface flooring, especially when it comes to the areas of their home designed for sleeping and lounging.

“A lot of families are still putting carpeting in bedrooms for warmth and comfort,” says Clarke. “It’s also going in rec rooms, dens and media rooms.”

Meagher says reclaimed wood is trending for 2019 and more homeowners are interest-

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DID YOU KNOW? ed in making an environmentally-conscious decision, so they’re asking about flooring types that are sustainably made and won’t have any off-gassing.

“We’re also seeing more interest in in-floor heating, whether it’s in a bathroom, a common living space or a basement,” says Meagher.

“People are looking for that more and more.

They want that feeling of comfort underfoot.” Q

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THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

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What’s trending in windows, doors?

Homeowners opting for colour, high performance, unique technology ew doors and windows can significantly boost your home’s comfort and its energy efficiency, which makes them a hot topic every year at the Real Home Show.

Bob Wood, president of Revolution Windows and Doors in Dartmouth, says 2019 window trends include narrow sight-lines and bigger expanses of glass, but it’s important for these sleeker designs to still be able to stand up against driving winds, rain and snow.

“Our weather patterns are getting more hectic all the time with climate change, so performance is key,” says Wood, who will be displaying different styles of windows made

by Pella, Laflamme and Sierra Pacific.

But the biggest trend by far, he says, is the shift to coloured windows instead of plain white.

“There’s a huge demand for colour, both on the inside and the outside,” says Wood. “Black is the biggest colour, but people also want reds, greens, browns and tans. It looks pretty sharp.”

Colourful windows may be a fairly new trend, but Wood says homeowners have been loving colourful doors for years now. He says the most popular colours at the moment are red, blue, black and a stylish shade of grey called Windswept Smoke.

Jennifer Jamieson, branch manager with

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PolyTech Products in Dartmouth, says their European-style tilt-and-turn windows always attract a lot of attention at the Real Home Show because they’re so unique.

“They tilt in at the top for ventilation and also turn open at the side like a door,” says Jamieson. “With the tilt, you get a really nice exchange of air and it’s still secure at the bottom. You can leave it open when you’re out

and even the rain can’t get inside.”

Because the window can also open inwards like a door, it makes a quick and easy escape exit — which is why it’s one of the smallest egress windows you can install to make a basement room into a legal bedroom.

“Converting a window that is currently not compliant can add value to your home,” says Jamieson.

Their garden doors have the same tilt-andturn technology, which means you can let in a cool breeze without compromising your home’s security. Jamieson says you can even opt for garden doors without a post in the middle, allowing you to open them up for a huge open entranceway.

“Doors without a centre post that are just as tight and secure as doors with the post,” says Jamieson. “It allow clients to have a large opening when entertaining.”

Jamieson says it might be time to replace your windows or doors if you’re experiencing drafts, seal failures and temperature swings.

While a set of standard steel doors will experience air leakage over time, PolyTech’s garden doors are extremely weather-tight and can be adjusted so they always remain tight.

“We often have people at the Real Home Show stop by to look and assume our tiltand-turn windows and doors are going to be too expensive, and they’re really surprised by their affordability,” says Jamieson. “We also love when our customers stop by our booth. They wind up chatting with the guests and telling them how much they still love our doors and windows. The best advertising really is word of mouth.” Q

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HOME SHOW @therealhomeshow A Buyers Choice ......................................................................145 ADT Security Services ............................................................. 235 Aerus ....................................................................................... 217 All-Craft ....................................................................................122 Alweather Windows & Doors ...................................................125 AmeriSpec Inspection Services ..............................................225 Archadeck of Nova Scotia ....................................................... 116 Atlantic Vacuflo ....................................................................... 242 Aya Kitchens ........................................................................... 346 Bath Fitter ................................................................................260 Beautiful Baths Renovations ...................................................201 Bell Canada .............................................................................300 Berry’s Furniture ......................................................................350 Bird Stairs ................................................................................ 176 Blinds and Beyond ..................................................................204 Blue Ridge Builders Inc. ..........................................................170 Budget Blinds .......................................................................... 157 C100 ........................................................................................ 324 Cabinetworks ..........................................................................126 Cape Cod Wood Siding ............................................................114 Capstone .................................................................................180 Case Design/ Remodeling ........................................................118 Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia ................ 354 Construction Safety Nova Scotia ............................................226 Cottage Country ...................................................................... 254 Cresco .....................................................................................146 East Coast Countertops ...........................................................231 Efficiency Nova Scotia ............................................................360 Elite Trade Painting ................................................................... 111

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Enviro Water Technologies ......................................................168 Gerald Mitchell Contracting .....................................................156 Ground Force ...........................................................................107 Halifax Solid Waste.................................................................. 243 Halifax Tree Services ..............................................................240 Halifax Water .......................................................................... 304 Han-Cor Construction .............................................................. 110 Harding Medical .....................................................................259 Hello Fresh ............................................................................. 274 Homesol Building Solutions Inc ..............................................265 HRM- Building Standards ....................................................... 330 Hydrostone Painting ................................................................. 119 Kvadro Furniture & Kitchens ...................................................269 Lambie Construction ..............................................................256 Lee Castle................................................................................ 239 LP Building Products ...............................................................261 Lumbermart ............................................................................. 137 Made in the Shade Blinds Halifax ............................................ 151 Maritime Permanent Roofing ................................................. 270 Monk Renovations ................................................................... 174 Mother Hubbard’s Kitchens .................................................... 248 Moulding Warehouse ..............................................................153 Nova Scotia Interior Decorators ............................................. 253 Nova Scotia Power ...................................................................130 O’Regan’s Automotive Group ...................................................165 Overhead Doors of Nova Scotia ............................................. 245 Pat McCarthy Renovations ...................................................... 178 PBM ......................................................................................... 177 Picket Fence Homes ...............................................................200 Waterside

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Polytech Products Ltd .............................................................. 101 Prestige Homes .......................................................................136 Quick Panel Industries............................................................. 267 Ramar Construction .................................................................138 Ready Refrigeration ................................................................ 234 Realm Design ..........................................................................216 Renoworx Contracting..............................................................105 Revolution Windows & Doors .................................................. 227 Rewave ....................................................................................162 Rhynos Ltd ..............................................................................230 Richelieu Hardware ................................................................ 236 SaltWire Network .................................................................... 358 Seeview Blinds and Shutters ................................................... 121 Seven Lakes ............................................................................ 172 Student Works Painting ...........................................................135 The Tool Shed ............................................................................141 Thermo Homes ........................................................................100 Tower Interiors ........................................................................129 Trim Landscaping .................................................................... 249 Truefoam Limited .....................................................................148 Ultimate Bathroom Renovations ............................................255 Vintage Mouldings Manufacturing Ltd. ..................................268 Wacky’s Flooring .................................................................... 338 Whitestone Building & Renovations Ltd. .................................160 WJM Custom Home Renovations / East Coast Kitchen ........... 224 Survey Area ............................................................................354 Contest Booth.........................................................................358

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THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

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2019 • THE REAL HOME SHOW

9

Homeowners embracing the outdoors with beautiful, functional spaces s more of the population moves toward living healthier, more environmentallyconscious lifestyles, Brian Johnston, president of All-Craft Decks & Sunrooms, says they’re also inspired to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun and fresh air.

“There was a time when people built a 10x12 deck and only used it for their barbecue, but today’s homeowners want something they can use much more often,” says Johnston.

“They’re choosing to invest in outdoor spaces they’ll be able to enjoy, whether it’s by adding more privacy, creating an enclosure, or building a dry area sheltered from rain and snow.”

While it’s true that Atlantic Canadians have a shorter outdoor construction season than warmer climates, an outdoor makeover isn’t something that should be thrown together in a rush — even if you’re desperate to have it ready immediately.

“Sometimes homeowners move too quickly.

The reality is that once you’re finished, that’s what you’re living with,” says Johnston. “You want to take your time getting the design just right, because you’re not just building it for one summer — you’re building it to enjoy for the rest of the time you’re in that house.”

A

Luckily, All-Craft Decks & Sunrooms has a full-time designer ready to make the planning stage easy for homeowners. In most cases, Johnston says the design process takes about 10 days from start to finish.

“She has the knowledge and education to meet with our homeowners and walk them through the process,” says Johnston. “She knows how to lay out floor plans and help them select materials, and then the homeowner has a real idea of how the finished space would look.”

If you’re having trouble visualizing how to transform your outdoor space, there will be plenty of inspiration at All-Craft’s booth at the Real Home Show. They’ll have tablets and displays showing the work they’ve done for other homeowners, and Johnston hopes to see a lot of new people drop by to chat about their own homes.

“Our designer will be with us to help answer questions, and within five to 10 minutes she’d be able to give someone a good explanation of what we could do for their space,” says Johnston.

Maurice Meagher, the owner of Archadeck, agrees it’s important to take the time for

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proper planning.

“If you want to hit the ground running with a project once the good weather is here, it’s a good idea to touch base early and get the planning started,” says Meagher.

Archadeck has been creating magical outdoor spaces since 1980 and Meagher says the Real Home Show is always a great opportunity to chat with homeowners. They’ll be showcasing dozens of outdoor project ideas —like

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THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

decks, screened-in porches, sunrooms and patio shade structures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are interested to see how they can make their outdoor spaces more inclusive with decks, patios, ďŹ re pits, built-in bars, lighting, entertaining areas and structures with storage,â&#x20AC;? says Meagher.

He expects people to be especially interested in the newest low-maintenance decking products and sleek railing proďŹ les, since heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seeing a big shift toward modern outdoor spaces with straight, clean lines. Now that cable-style railings are legal for decks here in Nova Scotia, Meagher says homeowners are loving the more contemporary look of pairing metal railings with wood or wood-style decking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of ornate detail. Most homeowners are looking for simpler styles right now,â&#x20AC;? says Meagher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re choosing stone and other natural materials, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wanting something that looks more natural in appearance.â&#x20AC;?

Back at All-Craft, Johnston says many of his homeowners are loving that composite decking gives them â&#x20AC;&#x153;the look of wood without the hassle.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing a lot of interest in man-made products because people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to have to stain and seal and maintain their decks,â&#x20AC;? says Johnston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a higher up-front cost for these materials, but the cost isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that different when you account not having to do all that labour and upkeep.â&#x20AC;?

But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a fairly new option for homeowners who really do want real wood, except

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE: 1. Increase the side of your back deck and add a comfy seating area.

2. Add a stone patio to make better use of your lawn.

3. Install a hot tub â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you can enjoy it practically year-round!

4. Add a ďŹ re pit for gathering around with family and friends.

5. Replace your peeling, worn-out deck with fresh composite decking.

6. Build a screened-in porch so you can enjoy the breeze without the bugs.

maybe not the work involved with staining it.

Heath Pierson, the owner of Blue Ridge Builders in Fall River, says many of his homeowners are loving the new brown pressure-treated deck boards that have only been out for a few years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead of the green pressure-treated boards, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a nice brown colour to start,â&#x20AC;? says Pierson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can still stain them or you can put a clear coat on them and they look nice that way, too.â&#x20AC;?

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7. Add an outdoor kitchen so you can cook al fresco.

Blue Ridge is known for its custom decks and garages and have recently started working on renovations. Pierson says theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to talking with people at the Real Home Show about how they might want to update their outdoor spaces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People want to make their backyard into an oasis where they can relax,â&#x20AC;? says Pierson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want a nice deck, a ďŹ re pit and maybe a hot tub. They want to be able to enjoy the space more.â&#x20AC;? Q

8. Create a shade structure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like a pergola, gazebo, trellis or awning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so you can enjoy the outdoors without getting too much sun.

9. Revamp your front porch so you can comfortably relax there.

10. Brighten your yard with outdoor lighting.

DID YOU KNOW?

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www.chbans.ca â&#x20AC;˘ #RealHomeShow2019

2019 â&#x20AC;˘ THE REAL HOME SHOW

11

New home construction starts with energy efficiency For most of us, our home is the biggest investment we will make in our lifetime hose who are building a new home are often fulfilling a dream — tailoring a house to their specific wants and needs.

While tastes and requirements may vary, everyone who builds a home wants to make it cosy and comfortable.

That’s where Efficiency Nova Scotia can help. Homebuilders can get customized recommendations on their building plans to help improve the energy efficiency of their new home, plus receive up to $7,000 in rebates.

Before a shovel hits the ground, ensure energy efficiency is part of any new home’s blueprint. An energy-efficient home is less expensive to operate, more comfortable to live in and more environmentally friendly.

It also helps improve its resale value.

Incorporating energy efficiency into building plans can have a big impact on the lifelong operating costs of a new home, so it’s important to understand all of the options.

Through the New Home Construction program, a certified Energy Advisor will

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For information on the pilot and New Home Construction program, visit

www.efficiencyns.ca/newhomes

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review your building plan and provide customized recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your design. They’ll also provide an EnerGuide rating that tells you — and future buyers — that your home is comfortable, energy efficient and will help you save on energy bills.

If you want to take your home’s efficiency to the next level, Efficiency Nova Scotia has just launched the High Performance Home Plan (HPHP) Pilot, designed to help homebuilders offset some of the initial consultation costs for high-performance home plans.

HPHP offers a $1,000 incentive paid to eligible participants who complete an Initial Design Evaluation under Efficiency Nova Scotia’s New Home Construction program.

Participants who complete the HPHP pilot are also eligible for rebates of up to $7,000 under the New Home Construction program. To be eligible for the pilot and New Home Construction program, homes must be electrically heated and registered before or within 30 days of receiving building permits. Q

Draft your blueprint for efficiency.

Help your clients enjoy the good things efficiency brings, by partnering with Efficiency Nova Scotia. You’ll be adding value to their new home build, and your business, from planning to project completion.

Learn more about qualifying for rebates, and get started at: efficiencyns.ca/newhomeconstruction or call: 1 855 490 0992

Enjoy the good things efficiency brings.

12

THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

Homeowners: Protect Your Investment!

Homeowner how-to: Safety tips to keep in mind when renovating GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING

Kurhan/123RF

hen it comes to home renovations, there’s a lot of consider. There’s timelines, budget, who to hire but what about safety?

Although all of these components are important, safety is essential, especially if you are living in your home during a renovation.

In order to keep yourself, your family and your contractor safe, you need to ask some important questions. Damon Alcock with Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS) encourages homeowners to consider the following ...

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ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORKSITE

How will the renovation zone be left at the end of each workday?

Will the renovation zone be safe to enter, or will it be off-limits?

ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CONTRACTOR’S TRAINING AND COVERAGE, AND ASK TO SEE PROOF

Does the contractor have WCB coverage?

Do they have the appropriate training to do the job you need completed?

Do they have the proper safety training?

Is the company COR (Certificate of Recognition) certified?

If you’re preparing for a renovation, Alcock says to get everything in writing. This can prevent legal headaches down the road, but it could also be critical to keeping everyone safe.

“Prioritize a discussion with your contractor before any renovation to ensure both parties understand how they can work together to ensure no one gets hurt during the renovation,” says Alcock. “Having both parties agree in writing how the project will progress with respect to working safely and ensuring everyone does their part to ensure the safety of others is extremely important.”

But it’s not just the safety of you and your family that needs to be considered. It’s the renovators — the ones on the front lines of the project — who put themselves into potentially dangerous situations as they take down walls, climb ladders and do electrical work.

“In Nova Scotia last year, there were 92 time lost injuries in the residential construction industry,” says Alcock. “If both the homeowner and the renovator do their part to focus on safety, we can steadily reduce time lost injuries in the industry and make sure everyone goes home safe to their families.” Q

Hire COR Certified Contractors to work in your home.

Visit constructionsafetyns.ca to learn more about COR Certification and Home Building Safety

ARE YOU A CONTRACTOR? Learn how to achieve COR Certification

Call (902)468-6696 or 1-800-971-3888

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SOLAR CITY PROGRAM Become your own power producer today Solar energy options:

Eligible property owners:

• Solar hot air

• Residential • Billed separately from property taxes

• Solar hot water • Solar photovoltaic (electricity)

Financing terms:

For more information: halifax.ca/solarcity

solarcity@halifax.ca

• Places of worship • Co-ops

• Hybrid options also available • Charities

www.chbans.ca • #RealHomeShow2019

2019 • THE REAL HOME SHOW

13

Five ways to make your home market-ready Little things can make a big difference 3. CLEAN THE GROUT This one should be at the top of your to-do list before selling your home. Tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and even mudrooms can get filled with dirt and grime, especially in that narrow grout.

It’s easy to make sure the grout is white and shiny. Cover deep stains with baking soda and water, and then spray a vinegar and water solution on top. Let it sit for a few minutes and then start scrubbing. You will be amazed at how well it works.

BY THE NOVA SCOTIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® ondering if your home is ready to be put on the market? You’ll likely need to spruce a few things up before it’s market ready.

While some fixes may require a professional, there are plenty of tasks you can complete yourself with a few tools and a little motivation.

Call your REALTOR® before spending large amounts of money on hiring professionals to come in and complete expensive jobs, because it might not be necessary. Here are five ways you can boost your home’s appeal before putting it on the market …

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1. FRESH PAINT Make sure you’re organized before you start painting. Cover up your floors and furniture to be certain you won’t get paint on anything important!

Don’t have much time? Why not try sprucing up your bathrooms with a touch of fresh paint? Small bathrooms should be painted a light colour to help them look bigger and brighter, but this rule also goes for larger bathrooms.

14

THE REAL HOME SHOW • 2019

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It’s easy to bring some colour into your bathrooms with decorations, fluffy towels and accessories, where needed.

2. REPLACE KNOBS AND PULLS Making your home look more appealing could be as simple as replacing knobs and pulls on your cabinets and cupboards. This is a simple and cost-efficient way to spruce up kitchens and bathrooms.

Once you have found the perfect knobs and pulls, you might need to drill new holes in the drawers and paint over existing ones. For quick tips on making sure your cabinets and cupboards look flawless, YouTube videos can be very helpful.

4. TOUCH UP CAULKING Caulking can wear, crack and discolour over time — especially in older homes — which could potentially lead to water damage.

But with a few tools and materials, you can have it fixed up yourself in no time.

All you’ll need is a utility/razor blade, a caulk gun, a vacuum, tile silicone caulk, caulk softener and rubbing alcohol. Start by removing the old, worn-out caulk. Clean the tile and surrounding surface. Apply new caulk or silicone. Then finish up by cleaning up the excess caulk and smoothing the lines.

5. DECLUTTER Nobody likes walking into a home that is full of clutter, and you likely have items you won’t want to take to your new home anyway.

Get the family together and tackle one room at a time. It’s a great way to clean up your home, as well as create a donation pile for a local charity.

The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1,500 brokers, salespeople and affiliate members throughout the province. More information on how to select your REALTOR® can be found on www.trustedguide.ca or REALTOR.ca. Q

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Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia

Focused on ‘all things exterior’ Capstone Building Products showcasing roofing, decking, railing, stone options he Real Home Show is always a onestop shopping destination for all things home-related. Carl Logan, a sales representative with Capstone Building Products in Dartmouth, says Capstone is gearing up for an extensive showcase of “all things exterior” for residential and commercial building and renovation projects.

This year at the Real Home Show, Capstone will be displaying roofing options from three different manufacturers: Owens Corning, IKO and GAF. “Homeowners tend to have a lot of questions about roofing, so we want to be there to show them different options and talk about the differences,” says Logan. “The right roofing can really boost a home’s curb appeal.”

Adding stone to a home’s exterior is another powerful way to up its curb appeal, and Logan says it’s easier than most people think. Capstone is going to be showing Real Home Show attendees a Canadian-made DIY masonry product called Fusion Stone.

“It’s a mechanically-fastened stone where all you need to install it is a screw gun,” explains Logan. “You start with a stainless steel starter strip, the stones have grooves cut into them — top and bottom — and are fastened to the wall with stainless steel clips.

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traditional wood deck.

“Composite decking is growing by double digits every year. It’s extremely popular,” says Logan. “It isn’t maintenance-free, but it requires far less maintenance than a wood deck.”

Capstone will be showcasing MoistureShield composite decking and railings, which are designed to stand apart from other composite products, maintenance-heavy wood or plastic-like PVC decks.

Logan says sometimes homeowners ask if composite decking feels hot underfoot during the summer. Some does, but MoistureShield has CoolDeck technology, which reduces heat absorption up to 35 per cent compared to conventional capped composites.

“We’re going to be showing everyone at the Real Home Show how the CoolDeck technology compares to regular composite decking,” says Logan. “It feels very different underfoot.”

Logan says the Capstone team is looking forward to hitting the Real Home Show again this year, adding that it’s always a hub of activity and information for homeowners, commercial building owners and contractors.

“We’ll be ready to talk with them about anything to do with exteriors,” says Logan. “We enjoy getting to show people what we have and answering their questions.” Q

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to get in the way of a beautiful view.

It’s very easy to install.”

“They’re designed for customers whose He says many homeowners are choosing homes have a view of the ocean or the mounto add stone to the bottom three or four feet tains or a lake, and they don’t want bars getof their home’s exterior to add interest and dimension. ting in the way of the Along with scenery,” home extesays Logan. riors, Fusion “They’re Stone can add a stone made from 10mm thick effect to glass that barbecues, slides right fireplaces, feature into the walls, wine posts, and you can use cellars and them all the bars.

Capstone way across or just on will also be a section displaying Century Courtesy IKO with a view.

They’re all Aluminum Capstone Building Products will be displaying roofing samples from IKO — interchangeRailings, a family-owned, Canadian roofing company. able.” which come The Real Home Show will certainly be in four modern styles — Scenic, Picket, Glass buzzing with interest about composite and Pipe — and include a brand-new matte decking options this year, as more and more black finish. Logan says they’re expecting a homeowners decide they’re sick of the annual big reaction to the Scenic railings, which have scraping, staining and sealing required with a large glass panes without top or bottom rails

At Home With Nature

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Phase 6 WETLAND

LOT 68 2.9 acres

Custom Home Packages

SOLD

LOT 67

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

1.3 acres

MEADOW VIEW WAY

by award-winning Kel-Greg Enterprises

LOT 66 1.2 acres

LOT 69 1.7 acres

LOT 70

LOT 71

LOT 72

1.6 acres

1.5 acres

1.4 acres

SOLD

LOT 73 1.3 acres

LOT 74

LOT 65

1.3 acres

1.2 acres

SOLD

PHASE 5

Gravel walking trail

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custom crafted homes & sitework

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FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Lot sizes are Approximate

Contact us for examples and pricing on turn-key new home packages including lot and all site work.

902.883.8389 • www.kelgreg.com www.chbans.ca • #RealHomeShow2019

2019 • THE REAL HOME SHOW

15

Find out which heat pump is right for your home.

Benefits SAVINGS

Ductless Heat Pumps

Ducted Heat Pumps

Save up to 50% 50%off offyour yourheating heatingcosts. costs. pumps are up to 300% 300% effi cient —— Heat pumps efficient that means that means for for every every $1 $1 you you spend, spend, you you get up $3 worth of heat. you get get $3 to worth of heat.

Plus, Plus, you get cooling that cient as cooling that is is twice twiceas aseffi efficient asaa standard A/C unit. standard A/C unit.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE Heat pumps pumps provide heating in the winter, and and cooling cooling and dehumidification dehumidification winter, summer. They They are great also great in the summer. for for shoulder seasons when your primary source of heat is is turned turned off off..

PEACE OF MIND Known better as mini-splits, these units can work seamlessly with many different existing heating systems:

Central (ducted) heat distribute By distributing hotpumps and cold air hot and cold air through ductwork through ductwork or vents into or vents into individual rooms, and can individual rooms, central (ducted) be used with can forced systems: heat pumps be air used with forced air systems:

Installing an efficient, easy-to-use system to heat and cool your home makes your life simpler, and heat pumps are easy to maintain no matter the season.

HEALTH BENEFITS Heat pumps clean indoor air by reducing the amount of dust, pollen, and allergens.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Forced air systems

Electric baseboards Forced air systems

One of our participating contractors can guide you through the process to set up financing for your heat pump directly on your Nova Scotia Power bill (OAC).

HAVE QUESTIONS? Visit our website: myheatpump.ca

Hot water heating

Wood or pellet stoves

Or call us at: 1-800-428-6230 1-800-565-6051 (TTY/Hearing impaired)