Calgary Home Décor and Renovations - SEP/OCT 2012

calgary edition | free

september - october 2012 Volume 10 issue 5

Colour your world

prepare your

lawn&garden this fall plus

OctOber is

renovation month

Renew the functionality of your home.

Refresh your surroundings with new design.

Rejuvenate your lifestyle.

GET INSPIR ED TO R ENOVATE! VISIT ANY OF OUR ALBI LUXURY SHOWHOMES AlbiRenova.com | AlbiHomes.com www.facebook.com/AlbiRenova

403.203.7676

businessprofile

Corefront Custom renovations

Corefront Custom renovations make The impossible happen

by HeatHer ryan

T

urning homeowners’ renovation dreams into a reality and making the impossible happen is what customers can expect from Corefront Custom Renovations.

While a fresh face in Calgary’s renovation marketplace, this family-owned and operated renovation company has already become well-established in the industry offering customers years of experience and high-quality craftsmanship that often exceed expectations.

“We specialized in custom kitchen, bathroom and basement renovations, and for the large part our projects involve full renovations as well as additions,” says Corefront director Joe Cowie. “We’re a boutique style renovator. We don’t offer fixed designs or plans, with us the customer is in the driver’s seat, they tell us what they want, and we love to create the impossible by offering customers options they never thought of.”

He says Corefront is “extremely customer focused. We work closely with the customer and listen to what they want. We meet with them several times during the design stage and to review cost estimates to ensure everyone is on the same page – that’s what sets us apart.

“We have clients who have dreamed about doing a renovation for years, for them it’s a reno of a lifetime and their expectations are high so we strive to make not just the design stage but the whole renovation a phenomenal process for them.”

When it comes to the interior colours and finishings, Corefront has skilled designers to assist with selections, and customers can visit Corefront’s showroom where there is a variety of selections on display to inspire ideas.

Corefront’s website is also helpful posting before and after photos of various projects, including its renovation to a Kingsland home, which earned Corefront a SAM Award this year for Best Renovation (without addition), as well as 360-degree videos,

descriptions and renovation costs so customers can get a feel for what Corefront has created and an idea of what to budget.

“We’re totally upfront with the cost estimates and keep our customers informed so there are no surprises when the work is complete,” Cowie says. “If they want to make a change, we’ll let them know what the real time cost will be and give them options of where they can trim to stay within their budget.”

Corefront assigns an onsite supervisor to each project who oversees the trades to ensure Corefront’s high standards are being met and that work is being done on time and keeps customers involved throughout the entire process.

“A large scale project can last more than a year, so we put a lot of resources into building a relationship with our customers to make sure they’re happy with process so in the end they’ll have a home they’ll fall in love with all over again,” Cowie says.

He says the greatest satisfaction is when customers love the work Corefront has done so much they are proud to showcase their home allowing potential clients an opportunity to walk through, see the craftsmanship and ask questions.

To learn more about Corefront Custom Renovations, visit corefront.ca.

Calgary’s

2011

AWARD WINNING RENOVATION COMPANY

Call for a quote and experience the Corefront difference

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Visit us at corefront.ca to view more before and after renos Get your FREE QUOTE online or call 403.457.2673 for an appointment

contents

volume 10 issue 5

sep - oct 2012

11 cover story

11

energize

your home by heather ryan

features

tips & tricks

23 Do you think we need to paint

18 Quick mushroom &

by Laura Le

30 Painting your yard.

The colour of joy

by jackie swartz

33 Dark, light or possibly bright?

by Mickey FouLDs

41 Feeling overwhelmed?

It might be your house

by aDene Lucas

outdoor feature 38 Preparing your lawn and gardens for winter

by bonny Dann

in every issue 08 Editor’s notebook

33

business profiles 04 Corefront Custom Renovations by heather ryan

cheese toasties

22 Prepare your home properly for the cold weather

26 The general store by eLisa krovbLit

28 I want to build...

Navigating the requirements

by vanessa gash

32 Disciplined delegator or drill sergeant?

by heLLen buttigieg

40 Garages that go the distance 44 Decoding the code

by MichaeL nyikes

50 Romantic ruffles by siLvana Longo

51 A noisy retirement by sheLL busey

45 Trademark Renovations by heather ryan

reno mark 46 Unleash uour home this October by bryan tuckey

6 home dĂŠcor and renovations sep - oct 2012

style file 47 The power of color by yanic siMarD

EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

SEP - OCT 2012 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 05 VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Jacqueline Hill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONIAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge MANAGING EDITOR

Silvana Longo ART DIRECTOR

Julie Yoo MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518 PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Set the stage with colour Colour can set the stage in every room of your home.

Whether it’s brilliant white, ocean blue or crimson red, colour speaks volumes about what your home is all about. Colour can be found on the walls, in accessories or showcased in a major statement piece like a sofa. The most important thing is not to be afraid of adding colour to your home. It can be fun, calming, inspirational and beautiful – it’s what you want it to be!

This issue is devoted to the power of colour.

Our wonderful contributors have brought their best suggestions, inspirations and colour expertise to the table for this special issue.

Everything from setting the mood in your home with colour; bringing seasonal colour into your backyard; choosing complementary paint in your home and whether to go dark, light or super-bright with your colour selections, we’ve got you covered.

There’s plenty more to enjoy in this issue, so take some time to kick back and get inspired with our other features, such as Aden Lucas and Hellen Buttigieg’s decluttering suggestions, reno advice and the latest products, trends and ideas for your home.

If you have a reno or décor story you’d like to share, please connect with us via email or give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers,

SUSAN LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/SusanLegge

Become a fan of Home Décor and Renovations on Facebook

Mohammad Haidarpour GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Yakubovich CONTRIBUTORS

Shell Busey, Hellen Buttigieg, Bonny Dann, Michael Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Elisa Krovblit, Laura Le, Adene Lucas, Michael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Yanic Simard,Jackie Swartz, Bryan Tuckey DISTRIBUTION

Bill White 403.255.3898 x2304 Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Décor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Décor and Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Décor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Décor and Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 2891 Sunridge Way NE Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7 T 403.461.5518 PUBLISHED BY

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

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coverstory

Brown Pearl Granite, photo supplied by Alberta Marble & tile Co. Ltd.

EnErgizE your home

w

hether you’re in a singlefamily home or a condo, every homeowner wants their space to be distinctive and reflect their personality, and one way to do that is through colour.

“Colour is powerful because it really defines the home,” says Lynn Boulding, interior designer and owner of Artisan Kitchens & Renovations. “Using colour on a feature wall will energize a room and define it, or you can choose soft, muted colours to calm a room, but either way colour really

by heather ryan

sets the tone for the home.

“People are often afraid to use dark colours because they think it will make the room look smaller, but that’s not true,” Boulding says, who’s also a fan of painting the ceiling. “If you paint the ceiling the same colours as the walls, the result is cocoon-like and visually calming, the room may actually look bigger.”

Many homeowners are also afraid to choose a paint colour, “so they go with a neutral colour for the whole house and all you get is a bland home that needs sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 11

pictured

Delicatus taupe Granite, photo supplied by Alberta Marble & tile Co. Ltd. 01

open concept is created in 1971 home by removing dining room/kitchen wall, photo supplied

by Artisan Kitchens & renovations 02

01

02

12 home dĂŠcor and renovations sep - oct 2012

want a new

accessorizing,” Boulding says.

When choosing colours find out what mood you want and what inspires you by going through magazines and clipping out photos you like of cars, fashions and art, and look to your wardrobe. “You’ll start to see a pattern emerge and you can use that to help narrow down choices for your home,” she says.

“2012 has been a fun year for colours; we’re seeing different colours being combined that we hadn’t before,” she says. For example, greys have been paired with blues and peach or dusty rose in the past, but this year it’s lime green. And grey – the new neutral – is being used in a brown grey, blue grey and green grey for a warmer look.

The hot colour of the year according to Benjamin Moore is Whythe Blue – a teal-aqua colour, which Boulding coincidentally used in both her bathrooms at home when renovating two years ago, and in the recently renovated Artisan Kitchen’s location. “It’s a soft foamy colour not to be confused with mint colours and when paired with a warm grey in the offices it helps to give a more residential feel.” For the showroom, she chose a warm grey and “goldish” colour that is also popular this year.

“We’re seeing the colour trends move toward more earthy tones that are inspired by nature, so for fall it’s browns, deep reds and elemental greens with inspiration from the golden fields, the fiery sky at sunset and the changing colours of the trees.

“Calgary is really a wonderful place for colour, even on the exterior of the home,” Boulding says.

“We can go bold, strong and dark because of our big, bright sky, the amount of sunshine and the angle of the sun’s rays.”

Whites are also in right now, and where Boulding is seeing softer creamier, more chalky whites being used on cabinets and built-ins, Andy Giacomin, owner of Alberta Marble and Tile, says white is a popular choice for countertops as well.

“We’re seeing a trend toward classic marbles that are white with grey and taupe veins running through them and we’re seeing a lot of stark whites in engineered stone,” Giacomin says. “With granite, it’s black with white veins. So we’re looking at very basic colours.

“People like the white marble because it gives a classic European look, you’ll see it on butcher blocks in European kitchens, while the black granite is very clean and sleek,” he says. “The next colour of choice for countertops would be dark brown.”

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01

02

pictured

Mosaic Glass with 5inch handscraped Maple hardwood, photo supplied by Lakeview Hardwood Floors & tile Ltd 01

02 Photo supplied by stain Glass Design by Barbie 03 Dragon at night, photo supplied by stain Glass Design by Barbie 04

stainless steel, stone & glass mosaic with quartz countertop, photo supplied by Lakeview Hardwood Floors & tile Ltd

In the 1980s and ’90s, the trend for countertops was blues and greens, and moved to yellows and golds, and then brown, before going to white and black in the past few years, he says.

“People are using a lot of rich woods for their cabinets with bold veneers in a dark brown so it works well with a stark white countertop with a black and taupe vein,” Giacomin says. “We’ve also seen people going totally light with white cabinets, a very light coloured floor and white countertops,” and on the flip side “going with Cappuccino coloured cabinets and dark countertops.”

Despite the lack of bold colours, he says the black granite countertops are “very vibrant like the Titanium, which has swirls of white and gold throughout; it’s a gorgeous material.”

In contrast to the kitchens, people are

14 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

03

choosing softer colours for the bathroom vanities with light coloured marble and engineered stone, while tile floors trend toward the stone look and earth tones with Travertine and limestone being popular choices.

For backsplashes, “the trend today is more relaxed contemporary, so we’re seeing people choose more subtle colours,” says Brad Thompson owner/operator of Lakeview Floors.

“A lot of people are going with backsplashes of grey and beige tile that tie the counters and cabinets together.

“If you have white cabinets and a dark countertop, you can do a backsplash in white or grey with an inset of mosaic tiles that would combine the light and dark,” he says.

“People are still going with subtle colours and grey is really popular right now because it works with other colours, and then they add a

04

splash of bright colours with accents such as bowls, vases, artwork, or by painting a feature wall.”

Rather than going with bright, bold colours for a backsplash, Thompson says people are choosing glass mosaic tiles and “creating decorative patterns that really pop. Glass and white subway tiles are timeless so people are using those more.”

Glass mosaic tiles mixed with stone and stainless steel tiles are also a hot trend for backsplashes, he says. “They present a cool, sleek look and you can choose the right colour combination so the stone ties in with the countertop and the stainless steel ties in with your appliances to really create a complete look for the kitchen.”

If you’re looking to add bolder colours in the backsplash that wouldn’t be overwhelming, Thompson suggests a white subway tile with a colourful four-inch mosaic inlay, “that way if you get tired of the colour, you’re just replacing the fourinch inlay.

“It’s certainly easier and more cost effective to pull out and replace a backsplash if you want to change colours in the kitchen than it is to change countertops, cabinets or flooring.”

2020 Pegasus Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8K7 Tel: 403.287.0944 • Fax: 403.287.2379 • www.albertamarble.com sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 15

typical ‘70’s fireplace/ bookcase wall given a stylish facelift by Dave, owner of Artisan Kitchens & renovations, photo supplied by Artisan Kitchens & renovations

The trend for floors continues to be dark hardwood and the hand-scrapped look is becoming more popular, Thompson says. “People like the hand-scrapped look because it presents different textures and different colours in the wood come out as the light changes in the room. And we’re seeing people adding colours with throw rugs, couches and chairs.”

A simple way to add a splash of colour to your home is with stain glass.

Barbie Schaeffer owner of Stain Glass Designs creates fabulous, hand-crafted items from various sized windows to free standing room dividers that are bright and colourful and reflect the personality of the owners since they are all custom-made.

“I created a really unique wall divider for one customer that was a beautiful underwater scene,” she says, and one of her most intricate window designs was a dragon and medieval castle scene.

“Some people want stain glass windows with bold, colourful flowers and butterflies,” she says,“ and the larger windows are great for privacy because they block out the view, yet they let in natural light and the colours shine all over the floors and walls; it really adds much needed colour in the home and a decorative touch.”

Ph: 403.852.2524 I Showroom: 3425 9th St. SE Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Saturday 11-4 Sunday closed brad@lakeviewfloors.ca I www.lakeviewfloors.ca

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QuickTips

Quick MushrooM & cheese ToasTies ServeS: 4 IngredIents

» 1 tbsp vegetable oil » 250g closed cup mushrooms, sliced » Salt and freshly ground black pepper

» 2 wholemeal muffins, split » 4 heaped tsp tomato chutney » 50g mature cheddar cheese, grated

Method

01

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for 4-5 mins or until the mushrooms are golden brown. remove from the heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.

02

Preheat the grill. Place the muffins, cut side up, on the grill rack and toast on both sides. Place cut side up and spread some of the tomato chutney on each muffin. Top with the mushrooms and a sprinkling of cheese.

yo ur

Renovations

03

Cook the muffins under the hot grill for 1-2 mins until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Serve hot.

For more mushroom recipes and nutritional information visit www.mushrooms.ca. www.newscanada.com

18 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

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sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 19

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QuickTipS

prepare your home properly for the cold weather as important to get your house in shape for the cold weather season, before the temperature drops. To make sure your home is properly prepared for the elements, do a few simple checks.

seals or re-caulk around doors, and add an insulating film over windows, such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits.

Don’t forget to install Socket Sealers too, since even electrical sockets can be a source of drafts.

» Protect pipes. Cold weather time is the prime season for freezing or cracking pipes. Protect your exposed pipes with foam insulated pipe covers to prevent damage during the winter.

» Cover up your patio furniture. Make sure grills, patio furniture and air conditioning units are properly sealed up in plastic to protect them from damage during the winter. If possible – put them in the garage.

» Check the furnace. Make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the cold weather sets in, so you won’t have to suffer through days without heat. Have a technician stop by to make sure it’s in good shape, or, at the least, install a new filter to ensure high performance during the cold weather.

» Stock up on cold weather supplies. Pick up plenty of salt for the driveway, buy a few new shovels and put some extra antifreeze in your car so you’re prepared for the cold weather.

We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but it’s just

» Seal out drafts. Keep your heating bill and thermostat down by sealing up drafts around doors and windows. Install foam

Don’t wait until the temperature drops to get your home in shape – act now and you’ll be relaxed and cozy when the first snow falls. More details are available online at www. duckbrand.com. NC

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2010

FEATURE

Do you think we need

to paint

by LAURA LE I GET ASKED THIS QUESTION FREQUENTLY DURING BOTH STAGING AND DECORATING

consultations. Paint is the least expensive way to completely transform a space. The colour on the wall affects the look and feel of everything in the room from flooring to furniture.

Recently I was in a house that had a lovely creamy-beige colour on the walls. The colour on its own was the perfect beige without the pink or green undertones we often see. Unfortunately, the colour was not perfect with the furniture not the carpet. It did,

sep - oct 2012 home dĂŠcor and renovations 23

however, work with the tile on most of the main floor of this particular home. So it looked amazing in the kitchen but if you were in the great room right beside the kitchen it was not. The carpet in this room was more grey than taupe and the furniture was burgundy leather, it was not pretty. This colour palate continued both upstairs and downstairs. The paint looked great in the bathrooms but changed in the carpeted areas.

Wherever there was carpet the walls still looked okay but the carpet, which was a lovely shade of grey/taupe perfect for wear and tear, looked tired and dirty. This particular carpet was only about a year old and had recently been

THE EASY SOLUTION WAS A WARM GRAY WALL COLOUR THAT COMPLEMENTED ALL OF THE FLOORING AND THE FURNITURE INSTEAD OF THE CONTRAST THAT HAD BEEN HAPPENING

24 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

cleaned. It was the wall colour having this effect on the carpet. The walls were too “creamy” and the carpet was too “muddy”. The underlying tone of the two colours was not the same so there was a disconnect that the client could sense but she was not sure exactly what the problem was.

The easy solution was a warm grey wall colour that complemented all of the flooring and the furniture instead of the contrast that had been happening. The carpet no longer looks grubby and every room looks fantastic. It was not necessary to change the flooring and the furniture, which thrilled her husband, and all it cost was the paint.

The environment outside should also be considered

when choosing a wall colour. If your home is surrounded be large, mature trees, especially if they are evergreens, it is never a good idea to choose a colour with any green in it. It is a case of too much of a good thing! The green from outside will always reflect on the walls inside and it will be overwhelming. A great example of this is Point Mackay, a beautiful area in northwest Calgary with an absolutely amazing landscape of huge, leafy trees as well as evergreens. Most of the properties in this area have large windows but they are row houses so there are windows only on two sides. This can make choosing a wall colour tricky because the natural light is limited depending on the time of day. In this case I always choose a warm white wall colour because the green outside is going to reflect off the walls regardless but the colour will be softer or brighter depending from morning to evening.

Grey has been the new neutral for a while now. There are a multitude of warm greys to choose from that are fantastic and will be beautiful in almost any space. White is going to make a big comeback, I think. And, the beige palate will always be popular in Calgary.

Remember how it felt in art class at school and have fun with colour, it can completely transform your home. It is only paint, if you don’t like it you can choose another colour… happy painting!

LAURA LE CREATIVE ENHANCEMENT INC. Laura Le has owned Creative Enhancement for about 7 years. Laura completed courses with Accredited Staging Professionals(ASP), Canadian Staging. Professionals(CSP) and Canadian ReDesign Association (CRDA).

Creative Enhancement has been a member of the BBB since 2005. phone 403.807.8591 email laurale@shaw.ca www.creativeenhancement.ca

sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 25

tipsandtricks

ies ddit ies 01 ouriosit &c

the general store

by ELisa kROVbLit

02 re medi es

ck 03 ta

Stocked full of the necessities as well as some unusual trophies and trinkets, a trip to the general store is always an experience.

04 apothecary

01 Gold pig bookends, set of two $34.95. Visit cb2.ca

02 PEbO vacuum coffee maker, 8 cuP $80. Visit bOdum.cOm

shery berda 05 ha

03 striped point blanket $275 - $475. Visit hbc.cOm

04 Limmaren bottles, three pack $14. Visit ikEa.ca

05 Red globe $39. Visit hOmEsEnsE.ca

06 the body shop signature soap in moringa, olive & pink grapefruit $4. Visit thEbOdyshOP.ca

26 home dĂŠcor and renovations sep - oct 2012

06

sud

s

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tipsandtricks

i want to build...

navigating the requirements by vanessa gash the City of Calgary endeavours to make oBtaining

information as efficient and hassle free as possible. A call to 3-1-1 can connect you with any City department and the City of Calgary website has a multitude of useful information. Whether you are looking for information on City Council, recreation facilities or departments such as Development and Building Approvals, you’ll find it all and much more at www.calgary.ca.

When considering any building project it is a good idea to visit the City website to ensure you are prepared prior to submitting an application. Brochures for development permits and building permits are conveniently available at the click of a mouse. These brochures give general information on a variety of permit types. Explanatory information often includes both written descriptions and pictorial representations of the drawings and information that may be required. Additionally, downloading the appropriate Complete Application Requirement List (CARL) for your project will assist you in understanding the requirements and providing complete information with your application. If after reviewing the brochures and checklists you have specific questions about Alberta Building Code requirements, a residential plans examiner is available to answer them by calling 3-1-1. If your questions are development related, a planning services technician will be happy to answer them and guide you through the process.

Most city departments, including Development and Building Approvals (DBA), have eServices available to provide convenient assistance for their customers. The City of Calgary website is set up with a Google powered search engine that makes it easy and familiar to most users. The easiest way to access these services is to type what you are looking for in the search box that appears when you enter the www.calgary.ca website. The bold keywords noted in this article lead to several topics many applicants find informative and useful. Alternatively, popular links listed across the bottom of the main page will connect you to the commonly accessed areas.

The following are DBA eServices you may wish to review.

To investigate bylaws associated with your property, type LUB into the ‘What are you looking for?’ search box. This will lead you to an interactive version of the 1P2007 Land Use Bylaw (LUB). Are you unsure of your land use designation? Try typing My Property into the City browser. This link will connect you to Property & Assessment’s interactive map which includes property, assessment and community/ward details. Perhaps you are curious about the types of permits you might require for work around your home. If you type eHouse into the City browser you can access this interactive 3D program. It takes just a minute or two to load and connects you to information and brochure links for home renovation projects.

28 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

Online applications are an evolving area of eServices here at the City. Business registration, subdivision applications and building permits for City qualified electrical, gas fitting, HVAC and plumbing trades are amongst the online applications currently accepted. Some applications allow you to track their status by typing VISTA into the City browser. Applicable permit types have a job access code (JAC) for accessing this information printed on your receipt when you submit an application. Although you are presently required to apply for development and building permits in person at the Municipal Building, it is anticipated that many more of these applications will be offered through online services in the future. Stay tuned for future additions in this area.

Once you are ready to make your application there are two fairly recent additions to the city website that may make your trip to the City a little easier. Wait times at the permit counter are now posted online. When applicants arrive at the planning counter they are given a number in one of three queues. Queue A is for comprehensive applications, B is for personal licence/trade permits and E is for basic applications such as decks, garages and basements. Since time is such a valuable commodity, the posting of current wait times allows you, the customer, to determine the most convenient and appropriate time to submit your application.

To access this information simply type counter wait time in the city browser. Additionally, if you know in advance when you’d like to make an application, eAppointments can help you avoid the line ups altogether. This service is currently in the trial phase. It offers a limited number of appointments daily that may be booked with a Planning Services Technician for Development Permit, Building Permit, Business Licence or Certificate of Compliance applications.

If you have questions regarding permits, eServices or other City related business why not check out the many services accessible on the City of Calgary website www.calgary.ca.

Hopefully it will help make your next permit experience seamless and enjoyable.

Proudly serving a great City.

vanessa gash, LEEd aP safety Codes offiCer - residential Building regulations division development and Building approvals

Vanessa Gash is a Residential Plans Examiner with the Building Regulations division at the City of Calgary. She is a graduate in architectural Engineering Technology from College of the north atlantic and spent a number of years with various architectural firms and homebuilders in Calgary.

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FEATURE

Painting your yard the colour of joy by jackie swartz

as we approach the harvest

moon one can’t help notice the shifting palette that fall offers. In some parts of our country we call them leaf peepers, those people that take tours to witness and photograph the full expression of the season. Fall leaves ranging in colours from burnt siennas to the deepest golds. Sunshine freckled leaves interspersed among our beautiful spruce or pines. The local highlight is the exciting spice of larch trees showing off their brightest yellows. Capturing the beauty of these colours can be created in your own garden by planning with a landscape designer and a host of garden magazines.

Landscaping combines principles and elements to ensure functionality as well as producing aesthetically pleasing outdoor rooms. Colour is the most challenging element to work with in a residential landscape. However, when assisted with the help of a professional landscape designer a combination is found that is rewarding. Colour brings the landscape alive and sets the mood as well as stimulating our emotions.

Warm colours such as reds, oranges and yellows express our passion and excitement; whereby the cool colours of greens, blues, and violets express calmness and balance for optimal harmony. Colour is used in the landscape for many different reasons.

1. To enliven our outdoor settings 2.

Accent certain areas that you want to stand out, like a walkway or a front door, 3. Harmonize the exterior landscape with structural colours unifying the overall design of your space, 4. Colour is a wonderful tool to compliment and harmonize a variety of plants found in 30 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

your beds, 5. Eco-friendly colourful gardens also attract butterflies, birds and animals by simply including certain colours in your planting 6. Colour provides variety and interest creating beauty that lasts throughout all seasons.

Let’s start with a basic palette of red, yellow and blue known as our primary colours. When these primary colours are combined, secondary colours are produced.

In other words, mixing two adjacent primary colours on the colour wheel produces orange, green, and purple. Now to complicate things even more, there are tertiary colours. Tertiary colours are achieved by mixing one primary and one secondary colour together. For example mixing red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, bluegreen, and red-violet gives a wider spectrum of colour. For those that love simplicity, a mono-chromatic palette uses any shade, tint, or tone of a single colour. I have seen gardens that just have one colour in them, such as pink or yellow. And for those who love the purity of a white garden in Calgary may I suggest trees that have snow white blooms to celebrate spring time such as a Malus ‘Combination’ apple tree or a Prunus Mayday tree. Also, shrubs such as Rosa ‘Morden Snowbeauty’ rose, Spiraea x arguta ‘Garland spirea’, Potentilla fruticosa ‘Snowflake potentilla’. Finally, let’s include some perennials such as Iris sibirica ‘Snow Queen’, Gypsophila repens ‘Alba’(creeping baby’s breath), or Chrysanthemum x‘Morden Cameo’.

Some colour definitions are: Hue: the purest form of any colour, without adding black, white, or a compliment.

TinT: Colours lightened by adding white Tone: Colours that have gray added to them SHade: Colours that have black added to them Key Colour: Dominant colour in a colour scheme or mixture neuTral Gray: Combination of black and white inTenSiTy or CHroma: the strength of a colour. The intensity of a colour can be reduced by its complementary. For example, the intensity of green can be reduced by adding red, eventually resulting in gray.

Value: The lightness or darkness of a colour E.g. light or dark green aCHromaTiC: A colourless scheme using whites, blacks and grays analoGouS: A combination using two or three colours on the colour wheel. For example; yellow and yellow-green Combining a whole area of cool coloured plants together creates harmony and balance. The same holds true by combining warm colours in one area as well. Cool colours mirror our natural world of water and dew kissed grasses and may include reds with a blue tint such as rose and burgundy. On the other hand warm colours mirror the sun and fire. For example, here is where we experience the golden rusts, deep oranges, peach and any variation of these colours.

Using and combining colour stems from personal taste. A spectrum of colour that speaks to you will be one that you enjoy. Don’t limit the joy of the front yard; and bring some colour to your back yard as well. Often the back yard is where family

Let’s start with a basic paLette of red, yeLLow and bLue known as our primary coLours. members can enjoy and relax amongst the blossoms. Cool-season bedding plants work well in hanging baskets and containers. They also may be placed on a deck or patio. When planting, be aware of the amount and combination of colour chosen for showy results. Too many colours at once can be overwhelming.

Mass planting in groups is important especially if you want to view an area from a distance. Cool colours can make a home look further away and warm colours produce the impression that the home is closer to the street. Pastel coloured plants are bright and great for shady areas. They tend to show up better at night and in low light areas.

Another benefit of pastel colours is that they tend to make a small planting area appear a lot larger. Vibrant, rich colours can make a landscape come alive and also make a large area seem smaller.

By combining complementary colours from the colour wheel, you can make a landscape cheerful. For example; scarlet

red roses or ruby red geraniums against a variety of greens is joyful to view.

My preference as a landscape designer is planting feature perennials.

Sometimes I create a stepping down affect by planting tall perennials in the back.

I am known to repeat a colour from the back and incorporate that same colour as a front border. The purpose of this brings the perennial combination in alignment making the garden look and feel balanced. For example; I used yellow in the background and repeat that same yellow close to the ground. Please review the following example: Back of bed: Liatris spicata ‘Gayfeather’ Liatris (purple), Heliopsis helianthoides False Sunflower (yellow), Monarda didyma ‘Marshall’s Delight’ Bee balm (hot-pink), Middle of bed: Achillea filipendulina ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow (yellow), Salvia x sylvestris Blue Sage (purple), Chrysanthemum ‘Morden Candy’ Mum (pink), Helictotrichon sempervirens Blue oat Grass (blue), Front border of bed:Geranium sanguineum Bloodred Geranium (pink), Euphorbia polychrome Cushion Spurge (yellow) This second example demonstrates a garden using an analogous colour scheme.

BaCK of Bed: Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’ Rose Glow Barberry (rose-pink).

Lychnis chalcedonica Maltese Cross (red), Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower (purple), middle of Bed: Dictamnus albus Gasplant (pink), Erigeron speciosus Fleabane (pink), Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian Sage (soft purple), fronT Border of Bed: Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ Coral Bells (purple foliage), Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Cheddar Pink’ Pinks (Pink), Armeria juniperifolia Spanish Thrift (pink) Once you have created one perennial combination, you can create another one to compliment the first one. Try using a combination of plants that benefit you for each season. For example; when the spring blooms die, then perhaps plant summer blooming flowers as a follow up act. Keep in mind choosing colours that you like and enjoy will enhance time spent working in the garden.

Even in the harshest conditions don your favorite coloured Crocs and have fun producing a colour scheme that speaks of your personality and love of gardening.

After all, your yard is a living canvas created by you and carrying your signature of style. This is the power of colour. jackie swartz Jackie swartz has a bachelor of applied horticulture degree (baht) from olds college and owns and operates yard shaperinc. in calgary, ab. she specializes in the horticultural planning, design, and ongoing life of urban and residential environments. you can contact Jackieoffice@yardshaper.com or call her office at 403.472.5082 sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 31

QuickTipS

Disciplined delegator or drill sergeant? by hellen Buttigieg Whether you live alone or have a full house, there’s no reason you

can’t have organization. The difference is, when it’s just you on your own, it takes discipline, while when living with others everyone has to do their part. You should be able to teach organizational systems and delegate responsibilities so that everyone in the family has a part in keeping the house in order, and you shouldn’t have to be the drill sergeant – repeating the same requests week in and week out. Everyone needs to learn to do their part and work » leave the house with everything you need Clear a shelf in a bookcase near the back entrance and designate the area as a special place to corral items each family member must have to leave the house. For kids, it will serve as home to permission slips, lunch boxes, homework, library books and projects. For adults, it will hold handbags, briefcases, car keys, and dry cleaning. Add a different-coloured plastic dishpan for each family member or use attractive square baskets clearly labeled with each person’s name. When family members come home, they can toss their belongings into their basket until they need them again the next morning.

» the ‘inbox’ Complementing the ‘go-to’ bin, create a family mail centre to manage paper flow. Create inboxes for each family member. These can be anything from wall-mounted pockets to magazine holders on a shelf.

Keep them easily accessible. When paperwork comes into your home, sort it into each family member’s box. Items that need to be signed for school go into a parent’s box.

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» the ‘go-to’ bin Provide a personalized ‘go-to’ bin for each member of the family for things that don’t belong in the room. It keeps items together but out of sight until they’re returned to their proper place.

Reserve a few minutes every day to have each person empty his or her bin by returning the contents to the right place.

Storage solutions for every room and budget

32 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

Hellen Buttigieg is a certified professional organizer, life coach, TV host, owner of We Organize U and author of the best-seller, Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on organizing your home, your office and your life, visit WeOrganizeU.com and sign up for the free newsletter. To contact Hellen or for information on hiring a We Organize U organizing specialist, call 905.829.2219 or email info@WeOrganizeU.com

FEATURE

Dark, light or possibly

bright?

by Mickey fouldS

Standing in front of the array of

paint colour chips in your local paint store can be a pretty overwhelming experience!

There are infinite options as you can literally get whatever colour you want.

When faced with the blank slate of an empty room and starting to furnish and decorate from scratch, it is often simultaneously exciting and overwhelming. Where do you even begin to make choices? Not to mention having to consider current trends and at the same time be true to your own aesthetic.

sep - oct 2012 home dĂŠcor and renovations 33

Dark Rooms When it comes to trends, we are seeing some lovely dark rooms, particularly in bedrooms. Strong, deep greys and browns create tranquil and moody spaces, and work well in the summer time as the room stays darker. Another advantage of dark rooms is that they frame a beautiful view through a window very well, as the walls recede and the bright window becomes the focal point.

A useful application for dark wall colour is behind the TV. Most of us would agree that the TV is not the most attractive piece in a room – a large dark shiny rectangle dominating the room. The higher the contrast with the wall the more dominant it becomes, so if the wall is painted dark it minimises the impact.

Main floor powder rooms are wonderful places to unleash your inner designer!

Have fun with colour and be bold. There are also fabulous wallpapers in dramatic colours and patterns that create the “wow” factor you might be looking for.

Formal dining rooms are mostly used for dinners in the evening, and a rich deep colour becomes cosy and intimate by candlelight. Red has been a traditional favourite but trends have moved beyond that and we are seeing deep shades of every colour.

34 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

A recent visit to europe confirmed the current populArity of limed oAk (restorAtion hArdwAre hAs A very similAr look) or white pAinted/ lAcquered furniture finishes And pAstel fAbrics.

Light Rooms The Scandinavian aesthetic of light rooms and pastel shades will always be popular, as will contemporary all-white spaces.

These colours maximise the reflection of light, and as such have an environmental advantage.

A recent visit to Europe confirmed the current popularity of limed oak (Restoration Hardware has a very similar look) or white painted/lacquered furniture finishes and pastel fabrics. The rooms exuded a sense of easy relaxed comfort, with natural cottons and linens for upholstery (lots of slipcovered chairs) and drapes.

White bed linens are an excellent choice – very classic and always fresh and crisp. Perfect for that “hotel” look. They are also easy to launder and do not fade, which is a potential problem with dark linens.

sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 35

Bright Rooms Last but certainly not least are the bright rooms.

These are essentially the most current trend because colour is back! The colour of the year has been Pantone’s Tangerine Tango – a vibrant orange with a red undertone, happy and joyful. We are also enjoying seeing bright aqua shades and apple greens, which play off the tangerine orange beautifully if combined.

Saturated colour is currently evident in artwork, accessories and soft furnishings. After a few years of neutral monotones, we have an abundance of pattern and designs in fabrics. Multi-coloured trellis and Ikat designs are found in textiles, and more solid shades in hugely popular mid-century designs.

When working with bright colours the challenge is to not compromise on adult sophistication in adult spaces – we are very accustomed to using these colours in children’s rooms. Judicious choice of accessories and their placement is important, as is creating a sense of flow as you move through the home. (It could be worth investing an hour with a designer to execute this well.)

36 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

To get a sense of how dark or light a paint colour is we can refer to their Light Reflective Value, or LRV. All paint sample chips should show this number which is quite simply the percentage of light reflected by a surface painted this particular colour. The lighter the colour, the more light reflects from its surface, therefor the higher the LRV. Most shades of white have an LRV of 80-90. Similarly the dark colours have very low LRVs as they absorb most of the incoming light and do not reflect much at all. They have values that are in the single digits.

So whether you gravitate to dark, light or bright, be assured that you can create a beautiful, appealing and trendy home –and the advice or resources for each of these looks are readily available in the stores and from your designer.

It’s all about having fun and enjoying the process of making your space your very own!

Mickey fouldS msc cid crss metamorphosis design ltd. phone 403.651.3462 email metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca

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outdoorfeature

PreParing your Lawn and gardens

for winter

by Bonny Dann

escaPes inc.

W

e need to start preparing our lawns and gardens for winter long before we, as gardeners, are ready to start thinking about that long, cold season! One of the first things we need to do is stop fertilizing lawns and gardens by mid-August to allow plant material to slow down its growth and to prepare it to go dormant for the winter. Throughout the growing season if we deadhead some of our perennials and Roses it encourages them to repeat bloom, but as we get closer to the end of summer and the start of fall we need to stop this practice and allow them to go to seed, and in the case of Roses, form hips.

Autumn is an excellent time to plant new shrubs, trees and perennials as well as lay sod as the cooler temperatures allow them to get established, to develop a good root system before the freezing temperatures set in. Then as spring starts to warm things up, they gradually become prepared for the heat of summer. So if any areas of your gardens need make overs this is an ideal time to work on those projects you put off all summer! Although those new plantings will need to be watered, to get settled in, do not use any rooting hormone or fertilizer that encourages root development this late in the season. As well, by mid-September you should cut back on watering established trees as the added moisture will slow the onset of dormancy. You do need to start watering again as the trees lose their leaves and make sure you water in that one last final soaking before freeze up, as deciduous trees need their root systems moist when it freezes to get them through the winter and ensure moisture is available in the spring as thawing begins.

Evergreens also need to be watered in very well before freeze up, but unlike deciduous trees Evergreens do not go dormant through the winter and may need watering when the Chinooks arrive and the temperature swings to above freezing, as it does so often in the Calgary area. If it

38 home dĂŠcor and renovations sep - oct 2012

feels like spring in the middle of winter drag out your hose or large watering cans and give the Evergreens a drink! I like to use a deep root watering device to water trees in before winter but you can just lay the hose down on a trickle until the soil is saturated. New trees need to be watered at the root ball, mature trees at the dripline or the end of the canopy.

If you have vegetable gardens be sure to clean up and remove all foliage to prevent disease. In your flower gardens cut back foliage or perennials that create hiding places for pests.

Remove all annual plant

Left to riGHt

fall is a great time to add mulch to your beds. this black bark mulch will help retain moisture and act as an insulator, keeping soil temperatures more stable during chinooks. it is important to clean up around fruit trees such as this evan’s cherry to prevent pests and disease that can overwinter.

material and weeds before they have time to self seed in the fall and you will save yourself lots of weeding time the next year. l do like to leave seed pods that provide interest in the winter and food for the birds in my own garden. It is also important to clean up around fruit trees to discourage pests and diseases that overwinter. fall is a great time to add mulch to your beds.

Mulch helps to keep moisture in and acts as an insulator, keeping the soil temperature more stable which prevents growth during a Chinook. Mulch also helps prevent heaving during the temperature fluctuations. I like to use bark mulch in shrub and perennial beds especially the black bark mulch which looks like nice rich, dark earth when you stand back and admire your landscape! If you do not have bark mulch in your beds you can add shredded leaves in the fall which will break down and can be worked into the soil in the spring. Whole leaves, especially if they are thick, can form a dense mat and prevent necessary moisture from getting into root systems. If you do not have a mulcher simply running your lawn mower over them a few times will shred them. You can also create leaf mould with all those fall leaves you have raked up from your lawn and add it to your gardens next year.

Your lawns, as well as your gardens, have some fall needs. First of all you will need to adjust the setting on your mower for a shorter cut than you used in the hot weather, when cutting too short can damage your lawn. A good clean up of fallen leaves is essential, as leaves left behind can block out the light and suffocate the grass leaving brown patches in your lawn next year. To help ensure your lawn survives the winter make sure it has had sufficient water, aerate in the fall and add a good fall/winter fertilizer, such as 4-4-14, which builds cell wall strength for winter hardiness.

Spending the fall months preparing your lawns and gardens for winter will ensure lush, beautiful lawns and gardens next year!

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tipsandtricks

GaraGes

that go the distance GaraGes do a whole lot more

than protect your family’s vehicles from the elements. According to The Calgary Foundation, Calgary has one of Canada’s highest vehicle ownership rates per capita. As a result, Calgary’s CarShacks, recommends a two-vehicle garage, even if your family has just one vehicle.

Since 1999, CarShacks has built thousands of garages in southern Alberta, where in Calgary a basic double-vehicle garage averages close to a 100 per cent return on the investment at resale. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), a garage will typically offer a 50 to 75 per cent on the investment although it doesn’t specify the size of that garage. CarShacks

40 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

suggests a two-car garage is worth the additional cost because some Calgary homebuyers will see a single-vehicle garage as a teardown.

Calgarians are typically multi-car families and prospective buyers may automatically take the cost of tearing down a single-vehicle garage and building a two-vehicle garage off the asking price. Typically, each vehicle requires 10 feet in width and 20 to 22 feet in depth but if, like so many Calgarians, you love your oversized pickups, you’ll need at least 12 feet in width and 24 feet in depth, as well as a door that’s eight feet tall versus the standard seven feet. The building code requires both a vehicle and a person door, and CarShacks always makes the

person door at least three feet wide, although some builders’ doors are 24 to 30 inches wide.

Homeowners don’t think to ask for the extra-wide door until they’re trying to wrestle a snowblower, wheelbarrow or patio furniture through it, so CarShacks made it a standard feature. When determining the size of your garage, ask yourself how much of your backyard space you are willing to sacrifice to the garage.

While storage is typically the most common secondary need, some homeowners also create an additional finished heated room. A Calgary piano teacher even had a small studio installed in the garage to free up the family living room and give her family more privacy and quiet time. “True living spaces are increasingly common, but still relatively rare," because of restrictive building codes. Make a wish list, then use it to plan your garage based on your family’s needs and the return-on-investment that makes sense for you.

FEATURE

Feeling overwhelmed?

It might be your house by adene lucas

I often get asked the questIon, where Is the best

place to start with a design or renovation project? Clients are never sure on the order; for example, do the walls get painted before the flooring is replaced? Some clients are not sure on what room to start in or what needs to be done.

The very first thing you need to do is purge, clean and organize. Fall is an ideal time to get your home in order and get it the way you like it. If you need to step over shoes and book bags to enter the home, or if your bathroom counter looks like a cosmetic department then I am referring to you.

41

A cluttered house is a cluttered mind and how many times can you ask where your keys are before you get a hook by the door?

I recently finished a home for a busy family of four. While putting the house together by hanging new art, placing new accessories and regrouping their furniture I also had to clean as I went.

Not in the traditional sense, but in the organizational sense. As a professional, I have been in the master bath organizing feminine products that are dispersed in boxes all over the floor. It’s simply aesthetics and creating a system that is easy to follow and keeps mess at a minimum. While I am on a roll with bathrooms, please refrain from having a library beside the toilet. A magazine, if you must, but when the issues date back a few years it’s time to purge. Flip thru the back dated issues and tear out articles or ideas that have some relevance in your life, label them and save them in a binder.

The process of purging can feel very rewarding as you donate, regift or sell items you no longer use or love.

Just think of the extra closet space you will create by losing some of the unworn, out dated or ill-fitting items.

Be ruthless and if you can’t be, then ask a friend to help you sift. Closets are a great place to start because we all own too much and can modestly part with a few things. Go through all the household closets and remove seasonal items. They can be stored in plastic containers or vacuum sealed bags to take up less space. The sealed bags can easily be stowed under a bed until they are needed the next season. Tackle the dresser using the same rules. If it doesn’t fit, if it’s worn out, you forgot you owned it, the item is stained and or ripped - it’s gone. Really think about how many tee shirts, shorts, jeans you wear and donate the rest. A good rule 42 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

of thumb is for every new item you bring into the home, one item should be discarded. Or just stay out of the malls.

Another area that always has too much paraphernalia is the kitchen.

Begin with the drawers and eliminate all the excessive utensils, chances are you routinely use the same dozen. Stow away the extra and in a few months if you are missing your citrus peeler, and then dig it out; conversely, if you don’t miss a utensil donate the ones you have no need for. Before you place all the utensils back in the drawer consider buying a drawer organizer. HomeSense and Ikea sell many expandable versions.

As for the cupboards, store like with like. Coffee beans, coffee mugs, teas and other hot drink items can all be kept together. Put all baking needs together, all bowls stacked. Chipped dishes, stained glasses and mismatched bowls can all be parted with. Consider installing eyehooks inside a cupboard to hang measuring spoons and cups. Use a magnetic strip on the inside cupboard door for knives or other metal utensils.

A magnetic strip is also handy for a bathroom vanity where tweezers and cuticle trimmers easily get misplaced.

Typically a kitchen is the hub of the home and a lot more than just food preparation happens there. It also becomes the dumping ground for a lot of items that have nothing to do with the kitchen, but since there is no system the counters start to pile up with papers.

Unless all your bills are delivered electronically, a mail sorting station with a recycle bin nearby is handy for processing the daily influx of mail, notices, reminders and the like. If space is at a premium, then think vertically and install bracket-less shelves with clearly labeled bins so the entire household can follow the system. Try an accordion file tucked into a cabinet if wall space is not an option. You can file school notices,

household appliance manuals and receipts. Labelling is important and you may want an URGENT file too, for time sensitive documents.

The cabinet under the bathroom sink is typically a waste land full of long lost items precariously stacked. In order to find band aids, one must sift through the entire cupboard. Try a portable caddy that can house all the cleaning products needed. It can be carried from room to room rather than duplicating all the products in each bathroom. A plastic caddy also is useful for shower items or the essentials for getting ready in the morning. Hair products, blow dryer and the works can easily be accessed and quickly put away. Use stackable shelves so that the entire space is used or install roll out drawers so you can easily access everything from front to back.

In terms of organizing, it takes a lot to create systems and not much to maintain them. Once the structures are in place you just follow along. A label maker, clear containers and nice looking bins are your new friends. However, if the task seems daunting then hire a professional organizer who can speed up the process, create systems and get your house ready for a decorator to make it beautiful.

adene lucas www.accentondesigninc.ca | 403.651.7491

A good rule of thumb is for every new item you bring into the home, one item should be discArded. or just stAy out of the mAlls.

sep - oct 2012 home dĂŠcor and renovations 43

tipsandtricks

Decodingthecode

by MichAel Nyikes

Q

Some readers have asked what the Alberta Building Code (ABC) says about the usage of fire-resistant coatings on exterior wood sheathing to provide fire protection between homes that are clad with vinyl siding?

A

The ABC states that where combustible siding (such as vinyl siding) is proposed for use on a home and that home is less than 1.2 metres from the property line (or 2.4 metres where the local fire department response time is more than 10 minutes), combustible siding must be installed over gypsum sheathing or masonry.

A number of the fire-resistant coatings currently in the marketplace are being marketed as an alternative to the required gypsum sheathing. This alternative solution requires approval by the authority having jurisdiction (ie: local municipality) in advance via an application for variance.

Alberta Municipal Affairs has recommended to the safety codes officers across the province that they only consider approving fire-resistant coatings on wood-based sheathing materials (as an alternative solution to using gypsum sheathing) where it can be shown the proposed alternative adequately addresses:

» Fire Resistance – the product must have equivalent fire performance characteristics to 12.7 mm gypsum sheathing (in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials”).

» Quality Control – the manufacturer must be able to demonstrate that the product is manufactured and applied to the wood-based substrate in a consistent and verifiable method.

For further information contact the Safety Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs toll-free at 1.866.421.6929.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial building code affects their projects. Email your questions to me at decodingthecode@ gmail.com. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case I need to follow up with you.

» Flame Spread – the product must have equivalent flame spread performance characteristics to 12.7 mm gypsum sheathing (in accordance with CAN/ULC-S102, “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies”). » Water and UV Resistance – the product must be capable of withstanding expected water and ultraviolet exposures and maintain fire and flame spread performance characteristics over repeated exposures. » Freeze/Thaw Resistance – the product must be capable of withstanding expected temperature variations in Alberta jurisdictions and maintain fire and flame spread performance characteristics over repeated exposures. » Water Vapour Transmission – the product as installed should have no detrimental effects to the building envelopes ability to shed moisture.

44 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

MichAel Nyikes Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at decodingthecode@gmail.com

Trademark renovaTions

businessprofile

trademark renovations mAkes customer sAtisfAction A priority

by HeatHer ryan

A

s a Consumer Choice Award winner for the past two years it’s not surprising that Trademark Renovations makes customer satisfaction its priority.

“Our customer service is something we’re proud of,” says Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations. “Out of all the awards we’ve won, receiving the Consumer Choice Awards for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012), is really important to us because it’s voted on by consumers through an independent auditing firm, and it really sets us apart.

“Our emphasis is on quality, transparency, value and customer service,” he says. “Maintaining the consumer’s best interests and delivering value has been the cornerstone of our company, and at the end of the day we want our customers to be pleased with the result.”

By putting the customer first and being 100 per cent transparent – customers are shown quotes directly from the trades, suppliers and manufacturers so there are no hidden or extra costs – Trademark gets an annual average of 72 per cent of its business through referrals.

“That tells us we’re doing a great job of meeting people’s expectations and beyond,” Foisy says.

In business since 1981, Trademark’s solid reputation and dedication to quality and high standards has resulted in continued success allowing the renovator to focus on large scale projects ranging from $100,000 to more than $1 million, including historical restorations in the Mount Royal area and other major renovations throughout Calgary. It’s also building high-end custom homes and is currently crafting an 8,400-sq. ft.

home in Aspen Estates that features extensive upgrades.

Among Trademark’s successful projects was a full main-floor renovation to a 3,000-sq. ft. bungalow in Pump Hill, which won the Alberta Excellence in Housing - Best Renovation Award in 2008. Renovations to the five-bedroom home included raising the ceiling from eight feet to a 21-ft. vault at the peak, installing Santos Mahogany flooring throughout with Travertine in the bathrooms and the addition of a butler pantry and mudroom.

“The clients were so pleased with the outcome they’ve called us back and we’re now doing a high-end basement development that maintains the continuity of the main floor to the basement and includes a wine room, bar, office, media room, heated floors and a number of custom built-ins throughout,” Foisy says.

Helping to ensure quality and value is built-in are Trademark’s trades people and suppliers, many of whom have worked with the renovator for more than 10 years. This network of trades helps keep costs down and the savings of up to 10 per cent are passed on to the client who in turn pays suppliers and trades directly.

Providing customers with the best price for their renovation project is also of concern to Trademark. “On renovation projects $100,000 and up, we will match and better a recognized competitor’s quote by 10 per cent,” Foisy says. “We are so confident about our pricing that we guarantee customers the lowest price for their renovation project while delivering unsurpassed level of quality, service and transparency.”

To learn more about Trademark Renovations, visit www.trademarkrenovations.com. sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 45

RENOMARK

Unleash your home this October by bRyan tUckey

Renovation Month is back this octobeR,

which means the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is hard at work promoting the use of professional renovators across Canada.

This year’s campaign invites Canadian homeowners to “unleash” their homes by investing in a renovation that increases property value, as well as the quality of life of its residents. You’d be surprised at how a quality renovation can help uncover all the hidden assets within your home, but to do so, it’s essential to do your homework before you renovate.

The first step to a successful renovation is to carefully plan out your project. Establish exactly how much you can spend on your renovation, and make sure to take into consideration any costs that don’t immediately spring to mind.

For example, major renovations such as conversions or additions may require you to seek the services of an architect or engineer. Not only will they help assist your renovator with executing his work exactly the way you want, their plans and drawings are often necessary to receive building permits or approvals.

Keep in mind that some renovations may require you to temporarily move out of your home for safety reasons, which in turn, can add up to more than you budgeted for. Be sure to establish a time frame with your renovator in advance so you’re not coming home to a construction site. While you’re at it, be courteous to your neighbours and inform them of the potential disturbance that your renovation may create for them.

They will appreciate it!

The second step is to find the right renovator for the job. Your home is your castle, so it deserves a pro. I always recommend hiring a contractor affiliated with the national RenoMark program.

All RenoMark renovators have agreed to a Code of Ethics set out by their local home builders’ association, as well as a renovation-specific Code of Conduct recognized by the CHBA. This code includes things like offering a minimum two-year warranty on all work, carrying a minimum $2 million liability insurance and, 46 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

most importantly, providing a detailed, written contract for all jobs. For more information, visit renomark.ca.

Don’t be afraid to ask your renovator about his experience dealing with similar projects. You should ask for references and check to see if he carries all applicable licenses and permits.

Renovation is a people business and good renovators are good listeners and communicators. A professional should be able to look at your plans, budget and time frame and point out whether he will have difficulties meeting any of those expectations.

If everything is in order and you are satisfied with the design, preliminary budget and realistic timetable, you are ready to sign a contract. Remember, a contract is your most valuable tool when it comes to a home renovation, and any professional contractor will agree.

It should include the precise scope of work, price, schedule of payment and a reasonable time of completion. You should also outline any special instructions you may have, such as protecting fragile parts of your home that may be affected by the surrounding construction work.

Once the work is in progress, it’s important to keep up regular communication between you and your renovator. Any unexpected changes should be notified to you immediately, as they may result in additional charges (should more materials be required) or a postponed completion date. Should some changes to the original plan be necessary, make sure they are reflected in your contract.

Your home is likely your biggest asset, so why not unleash it to its fullest potential?

bRyan tUckey Bryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the creators of RenoMark, and can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/renomark_ca), Facebook (facebook.com/renomark), Youtube and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

Stylefile

Thepower ofcolour

The colours you choose can dicTaTe The feel of your home – and your mood by yanic simard photos by Brandon Barre

c

olour is a multi-billion-dollar industry. It is also the most powerful aspect in the design world. It can change the way you’re feeling, stimulate thought, increase your appetite – it’s really quite phenomenal.

You’re drawn to colours that you like when you’re shopping for clothing because you know you’ll feel good when you’re wearing them, and the same thing goes for interiors. Statistics show that most people spend about 90 per cent of their time inside, a large portion of which is in their own home. If you live with colours that make you feel good, it will make for a better quality of life.

47

Deciding which direction to take in terms of colour is where many people tend to panic. My advice is to look through several magazines, tear out the pages that have elements you like, put them all in a folder and, once you have at least 20 different style images, analyze the colours that appear most often. This is a great way to get inspired and decide on colours for your own space.

paint particulars I am very particular about colour selection and when I design a space, I like to keep the walls through any open areas in a consistent hue. My entire

48 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

place is painted in Benjamin Moore’s OC-23, Classic Grey. It’s a very soothing colour that really adapts to the other colours around it – like a chameleon. It’s a nice hue to wake up to in the morning and to fall asleep to at night. The tone of it varies throughout the day with the amount of light; it’s brighter in the day and much richer in the evening.

When you’re choosing your paint colour, remember: it’s just paint. It’s not permanent and can be easily changed if you’re not happy with it.

People always forget that you can get sample cans from the paint store. Pick up a maximum of three different testers that you like, paint sections of each on different walls (or paint large sheets of white Bristol board and stick them up), and live with them for a few days. (If you give yourself more than three options, trust me, you’ll never decide). Then narrow it down to your favourite two, and then finally pick the one.

Get used to It Choosing a colour palette should never be an impulsive decision; you should take

my enTire place is painTed in Benjamin moore’s oc-23, classic Grey. i

time deciding so you know you’ll be comfortable with it. Once you finally do paint the walls, you might still wonder if you selected the right colour. However, keep in mind that you have to give yourself the chance to live with it.

Big changes take time to adapt to. For instance, if you’re going from burgundy to off-white you can’t expect to get used to it within the first few hours.

No-commitment pieces Pillows, accessories and other accent pieces give you the chance to have fun with colour, since they’re ‘non-committal.’ I’ve used hints of blue and green throughout my interior. It’s nice to have your entire residence consistent in terms of colour because then you can move pieces from one room to the next and you’ll never have to worry about making sure it coordinates.

Just remember that choosing colours for your home won’t happen overnight. It’s a process that starts with getting inspired; the rest will fall into place. It should be fun, not painful. And if you find that you really can’t do it on your own, it’s probably time to hire a good designer to do it for you.

yanic Simard yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto interior design Group. specializing in residential and commercial projects, yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/ new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. he has created designs for clients in Toronto, montreal and miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on citytv’s cityline. tidg.ca | facebook.com/ yanic.simard | twitter.com/yanicsimard

sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 49

TIPSANDTRICKS 03

01

02

04

ROMANTIC

by S ILVANA LO NG O

05

Our managing editor rediscovers ruffles this month 07

06

Add instant charm and romance to a room with the textural beauty of ruffles. Carefree and frivolous, ruffles invite softness and welcome whimsy to a space.

01 Missoni Ruffle Dress, Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, £ 2380 02 Agatha Ball, $2,880. Visit quasimodomodern.com 03 Glittering Waves Jewelry Box, $58 04 Catalina Quilt in plum, $248. Visit anthropologie.com for 3 and 4 05 Ruffles Dish Set, $59 for 16-piece set. Visit urbanbarn.com 06 Chiffon Ruffle Ivory 18-inch Square Toss Pillow, $39.99. Visit bedbathandbeyond.com 07 Red Footed Cake Plate, 28 cm $29.99. Visit bowring.com

50 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

TIPSaNdTRICKS

Shell BuSey: ASK A PRO

a noisy retirement

by Shell BuSey

AS I’M SuRe yOu CAN IMAGINe, We hAVe MANy hOMeOWNeRS COMING INTO

our office looking for home improvement advice.

Last week a couple who had just taken a major step in their lives came into our office. They had decided to sell their current home, and move into a nice condominium unit. Many of us are looking to downsize our homes so we have less upkeep, maintenance, and more time leftover to focus on our lifestyles rather than spending our free time maintaining our homes.

This couple had just moved into their retirement condo and had already run into a major issue. While lying in their bed to go to sleep the first night they spent in their

sep - oct 2012 home dĂŠcor and renovations 51

WHEN you aRE SHoppiNg FoR a coNdomiNium, No mattER WHat FlooR it iS oN, makE SuRE you iNcludE a pRoviSioN tHat you WaNt to cHEck tHE SouNd EmiSSioNS iNto tHE SuitE FRom tHE uNitS diREctly abovE aNd bEloW it. tHiS iS tHE bESt Way to ENSuRE tHat youR liFEStylE Will Not bE iNtERRuptEd duE to NoiSE FRom NEigHboRiNg uNitS.

new condo, they were awakened by loud footsteps in the unit above. The homeowner who lives directly above their unit more than likely had no idea their footsteps could be heard in the unit below them, and that it would be loud enough to keep his new neighbors awake at night.

The new owners approached the strata council about their concern, and were told by the strata council NOT to approach the homeowner above them to address their complaint. When speaking with other residents in their building, they found out that the people above them had just installed new hardwood flooring. That being the case, you wouldn’t expect them to put carpet over their brand new hardwood flooring so it would be quieter for the couple living below them. If they were to put down area rugs, that would only help reduce noise in the areas where the area rugs were placed. So what can be done to help this homeowner? Unfortunately their problem is ‘Not’ just that easy to resolve.

Unfortunately this couple did not do their proper homework prior to purchasing a condo. When you are shopping for a condominium, no matter what floor it is on, make sure you include a provision that you want to check the sound emissions into the suite from the units directly above and below it. This is the best way to ensure that your lifestyle will not be interrupted due to noise from neighboring units.

52 home décor and renovations sep - oct 2012

It is important to check for all different types of sound transmission such as: footsteps, television, radio, voices, and so on. This is due to the fact that different sounds transfer in different manners. For example you may not be able to hear someone’s footsteps in the unit above you, however you may be able to hear their radio. To do this, split up the duties between yourself and your partner. One of you should stay in the unit, and the other should go into the unit above and below to create the sounds you would like to check for. Walk around with shoes on, bring a radio to check if that can be heard between the units, and make any other sounds you think may be caused by everyday condominium living to see what can be heard in the suite. This is the ONLY way you will be able to judge the quality of sound control between the condominium units.

If you find yourself in the same position as this couple, there is a sound proof drywall product called ‘QuietRock’ that can help remedy the situation of sound transfer between condominium units. This is a drywall product that can be placed directly over your ceiling. QuietRock is a drywall board that has amazing soundproofing characteristics. In fact if you were to perform a “sound transfer” comparison, one sheet of ½ inch QuietRock provides a soundproofing equivalent to stacking 8 sheets of 5/8” drywall together. Keep in mind there may be a considerable cost to have the QuietRock product supplied and installed by a reputable contractor.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email or to find certified contractor in your area go to www.AskShell.com.

Shell BuSey For more home improvement information, or to sign-up for Shell’s FREE online HouseSmart E-Newsletter visit www.AskShell.com

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Need a job done?

FROM A – Z, ALL YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT NEEDS! INTRODUCING ASK SHELL! You can see and hear Shell in our studio answering emails from homeowners across Canada, every Thursday from 6-7PM PDT. To view the webcast simply visit AskShell.com, the program can be seen right on our home page. If you are not able to watch the programs live, we will have past episodes of the program available for viewing. Thanks for tuning in!

It’s just that easy!

Ask us about... » Certified home energy audits » Grants for energy efficient upgrades » Energy efficient windows & doors by Durabuilt » Heating & Air Conditioning » Roofing installation & repairs » Gutters installation & repairs » Insulation & draft proofing » Basements, crawlspaces & drainage » Flooring

™

» Electrical services » Decks and exterior renovations

Visit our website

AskShell.com or call 1.888.266.8806 sep - oct 2012 home décor and renovations 53

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Make no compromises‌

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OUR BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

*On renovation projects $100,000 and up, we will match and better a recognized competitor’s quote by 10%. At Trademark Renovations, we are constantly reviewing and negotiating preferred pricing arrangements with our supplier & trade partners to get you the best value for your money. We are so confident about our pricing that we guarantee you the lowest price for your overall renovation project while delivering our unsurpassed level of quality, service and transparency.

(403) 277-5600

www.trademarkrenovations.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This Best Price Guarantee applies to projects based on identical scopes of work, specifications, products, levels of finish, service, and quality. Best Price Guarantee applies to overall total project price and not the individual components contained therein. All recognized competitor quotes are subject to verification by Trademark before honoring this offer. Trademark will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by Trademark personnel. Nor will Trademark verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. All original documents from recognized competitor quotes must be presented to Trademark prior to verification, execution of any contract or commencement of work. This Price Guarantee excludes insurance claims, free offers, gifts with purchase, gift cards, gift certificates, rebates, clearance or close-out prices, credit or financing programs, used, damaged, or display merchandise or products. Discount applied before taxes and environmental stewardship fees or other levies, if applicable. This price guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer.

Trademark reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The failure by Trademark to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

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