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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION » PROFESSIONAL RENOVATORS
RENOVATION BY: RENCON INDUSTRIES INC.
DO IT RIGHT… HIRE A PROFESSIONAL RENOVATOR. GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Choosing a recognized professional renovator is the best decision you can make when renovating your home! Being an informed and knowledgeable consumer is essential and since 2007 RenoMark has raised the bar by identifying renovation contractors in the Edmonton Area who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Code of Ethics and a renovationspecific Code of Conduct. Renovate with confidence – hire a CHBA-Edmonton Region RenoMark renovator for your next renovation and embrace the renovation process with a sense of security and peace of mind. For more information on CHBA-ER, RenoMark or to access a complete list of CHBA-ER & RenoMark members visit www.renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion
THIS ISSUE’S PARTICIPATING MEMBERS:
Ph. (780) 986-2160 www.renconindustries.ca
Ph. (780) 454-1513 www.coogeeconstruction.ca
Ph. (780) 481-7671 www.aquarianrenovations.com
Ph. (780) 479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca
Ph. (780) 435-6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca
Ph. (780) 660-1026 www.fortresshomes.ca
Ph. (780) 466-1952 www.apollosunrooms.com
Ph. (780) 414-0686 www.ackard.com
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER CONTRACTORS CALL (780) 425-1020 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RENOMARK.CA/EDMONTONREGION
Jul - aug 2013 home décor and renovations 3
contents
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 4
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10 cover story
10
Celebrate summer in style
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in every issue 08 Editor’s notebook
28
features
outdoor living
14 Beautiful, stately
26 Xeriscaping: What is it? 28 Creating a colourful
historic homes 0G ;/@73 A=>@=D716
20 Home automation The way of the future! 0G A637:/ 6/6<
business profiles 06 Towne and Countree Kitchens: Celebrating 35 years of excellence 0G A/:7</ G/@/ 6/:/07
32 Fortress Homes and Renovations: perfecting the art of renovating 0G A/:7</ G/@/ 6/:/07
and wild garden 0G CA632/ /90/@ A6/<9A
30 Decoding the code 0G ;716/3: <G793A
tips & tricks 18 Why renovate? 22 Lighten up 0G A/@/ 2C19
31 Pack a picnic 0G A/@/ 2C19
36 What’s important to know when choosing an irrigation system? 0G A63:: 0CA3G
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or 35 years Towne and Countree Kitchens has been the premiere destination for anyone looking to create a kitchen space that is tailored to their personal lifestyle and design tastes. Owner and designer Greg Adams has established a company that has become known for its high standards and unparalleled ability to listen to their customers’ needs. At Towne and Countree Kitchens the client is the most important element in each kitchen project, and for that reason Greg has made customer care his team’s main priority. Working closely with the customer is the core foundation at Towne and Countree Kitchens and since 1978 that is exactly what the exceptional staff has been practising. Whether you are looking to inspire your inner chef with a gourmet kitchen or in need of that long awaited update, Towne and Countree Kitchens will provide you with the means to create the kitchen of your dreams! Locally owned and operated, Towne and Countree Kitchens specializes in creating custom designed kitchens that are focused on individual client needs. Customers who are in the market to
6 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
renovate, or are building a new home, are able to tour a design orientated showroom that displays an array of new and interesting kitchen features. Optimally designed spaces are what Towne and Countree Kitchens is all about, and their outstanding staff is ready to help customers with each and every step. Greg states that “creating your dream kitchen should be a pleasant and enjoyable process, not a stressful experience�. Working with the experienced designers at Towne
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and Countree Kitchens is where customers will see and feel the difference of this unique process. It is truly a customized experience, where designers study each kitchen space and work one-on-one with the client to create a final product that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Designers learn how the client hopes to work in their kitchen, they understand their clients’ tastes in style and design, and most importantly offer a plan that allows for the utmost functionality in their kitchen space. Providing an overall successful experience is the ultimate goal at Towne and Countree Kitchens – and it is the reason behind their strong customer base. Hundreds of satisfied clients have created what Greg calls a “Towne and Countree Kitchens sales forceâ€?, explaining that “90% of their customers come in based on referrals.â€? The Towne and Countree Kitchens team work together to ensure each project runs as smooth as possible. Designers work closely with project managers and coordinators to keep track of timelines and regularly communicate project progress with customers. The client is always kept updated and involved throughout the process, allowing staff to build strong relationships with each customer. The only surprises customers can expect to receive are a stress-free process and a kitchen space they can be proud of. The kitchen is without doubt the heart of a home, bringing family and friends together each and every day. Undertaking a kitchen renovation, or designing your first kitchen, is not only a large financial investment but also an intensely personal project that requires an extensive amount of detailed attention. Creating a living space that is as beautiful as it is functional is what the team at Towne and Countree Kitchens provides, and with 35 years of successful projects and most importantly satisfied customers, you can be sure the team will definitely continue to do so in the future. B] ZSO`\ []`S OP]cb B]e\S O\R 1]c\b`SS 9WbQVS\a dWaWb bVSW` aV]e`]][ Ob % Âł % /dS\cS ;]\ROg Âł 4`WROg 'O[ b] #^[ AObc`ROg O[ b] !^[ ]` dWaWb bVSW` eSPaWbS Ob eee b]e\SO\RQ]c\b`SS Q][
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Summer is finally here, and now’s the time to “summerize’ your home’s exterior and interior with the help of this issue of Home DĂŠcor & Renovations! Inside you will find helpful renovator advice and stylish designer tips that will get you and your home in summer mode in no time! Our cover story “Celebrate Summer in Styleâ€? will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into the go-to spot for relaxing or entertaining. From furniture to fabrics, privacy walls and accessories, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating your own private sanctuary. By bringing the indoors out, you can add just the right amount of comfort and sophistication to your outdoor space. In keeping with the outdoor theme, our Outdoor Living section is all about taking it outside. It is full of great tips and advice to help make sure your outdoor living space is ready for summer. From defining and explaining Xeriscaping to creating a colorful and wild garden, these summer reads will help answer some interesting landscaping questions. This issue also marks the first installment of a new series: Beautiful Stately Historic Homes. Inside, we follow an Edmonton couple’s journey as their heritage home undergoes a major renovation. See page 14 for all the details of the twists and turns on the road to their beautifully restored home. After all your hard work, sit back, unwind and revel in the perfect summer retreat you have created! Happy Renovating,
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47</::G B63 E/@; E3/B63@ 7A 63@3 And I bet you can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. I am going to share some easy ideas about how you can rev-up your outdoor space and transform it into an ideal spot for lounging or entertaining. 7<A723 =CB
The main design concept about “summer-izing� your space is to bring the indoors out. Start by choosing items from inside your home that make you feel comfortable, such as a woven rug or a beautiful vase. By doing this, you will add some luxury and relaxation to your outdoor “dream� space. 2/@9 4C@<7BC@3
Save the bright plastic furniture for the beach or cottage dock. Select furniture with rich dark earth tones that you would normally have in your living room. Brown, grey, or wood furniture will ground the space, making the furniture feel substantial and permanent. If you have a wooden kitchen table and chairs hiding away in your home, consider using them as your outdoor dining set. You can protect your furniture from the elements by using a heavy duty cover or tarp. ! 1=BB=< 4/0@71A
Look for fabrics and cushions that are pleasant to sit on, like cottons or linens. They need to be as comfortable as your indoor fabrics, in fact even more so. There is nothing worse than sitting on prickly or sticky fabric when wearing shorts or skirts. Good quality outdoor fabrics are now readily available. They look like indoor fabrics but won’t fade, and will dry quickly after a rain shower.
Look for fabrics and cushions that are pleasant to sit on, like cottons or linens. They need to be as comfortable as your indoor fabrics, in fact even more so. There is nothing worse than sitting on prickly or sticky fabric when wearing shorts or skirts. Jul - aug 2013 home dĂŠcor and renovations 11
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Nothing says luxury like a seamless barefoot transition when walking from inside to outside. It’s always nice to escape to a nice wooden deck. However, take it one step further, by throwing an indoor carpet on the ground. A rug will frame the space and define it as an outdoor room. This Persian wool rug (pictured left) bought at a flea market, is easy to roll up and bring inside at the end of an evening.
be considered as another room in your home – so with a little bit of imagination and by using great items from inside your home, you’ll be sure to enjoy your own outdoor oasis this summer!
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Sometimes the luxury of an outdoor space is about being outside incognito – without the whole neighborhood seeing you. Six square posts that are eight-ft. high, can create the ultimate outdoor room. Use lengths of uncut fabric to make an awning. It is a wonderful way to keep off the mid-day sun, and it creates the illusion of a romantic ceiling waving in the breeze. If you don’t have a fence, create fabric walls as a solution for lack of privacy. I used a waxed marine cotton fabric that can be left outside all season. $ /113AA=@7H3
The saying is true, it really is all in the details. Have fun and accessorize your outdoor space. Make it feel like you are on holiday in the tropics, by adding Yucca or other plants in big pots. They can be left outside all summer, but will need to be brought in by early fall. Swag a lamp at night to create pendant lighting or be even more romantic, use lots of lanterns with candles. Your outdoor space should 12 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
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foundation isn’t as solid as you thought it was? Water leaks in on rainy days; spiders, bugs and mice find their way into the dark places of the musty- smelling and damp basement. But, you love the old house, it has character, history and a sense of belonging in the community. Neighbours, friends and family all love it, and demolishing it would be as sacrilegious as taking down the 100 year old elms that form a canopy over the street. You have ideas about what you want to do to upgrade and modernize the inside, but the character of the home must stay intact. That is what happened to this heritage home in a well-established neighbourhood in Edmonton. Homeowners Tania and David love older homes, having moved from Sydney, Australia and Ontario, respectively. They were pleasantly surprised to find a home this unique, in Edmonton. “The 1923 house was originally owned by a dentist and he built this home for his growing family. We learned the history of the house during the renovation 14 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
034=@3 when the elderly daughters of the original owner showed up at the front door. Right in the middle of the mess!� recalls homeowner Tania. “They had all kinds of stories about how cold the house was and how the drafts came through the walls that were insulated with horse hair and old newspapers! The family huddled around the coal grate in the upstairs sitting room, and indeed, the coal stain from the original furnace was still visible in the basement
laundry. The house had knob and tube wiring and a servants bell button in the dining room.â€? The house was much simpler then; the decorative scrolling on the gables was added later. However, many other features, including the small paned windows, blurred by age; the leaded china cabinets; fireplaces; an original butler’s pantry with cedar cabinetry and flour bins, created an inviting storybook charm and the desire to preserve the “arts and craftsâ€? 1920’s style of the house. Practical considerations forced Tania and David to renovate. The original 1923 bathroom, described in the real estate blurb as “retaining original character theme of the homeâ€? was translated to mean “has not been renovated since 1923." It was small, the pipes were clogged with 80 years of residue, and it was impractical to share for a family of four. An ensuite bathroom and a family room necessitated an addition to the back of the house. It was a simple request. They searched for the right renovation company to help them with their project and selected Aquarian. After discussing the scope of the work, the Aquarian team created drawings and put together a budget. It was a big project that required foundational work for the addition and the refurbishment of electrics, heating and plumbing. “It was the need for an addition that ultimately led the renovation team to discover the precarious situation in the basement.â€? Tania shared, “The foundation would have been fine if we didn’t disturb the soil around the house – after all‌ it had stood there for nearly 100 years. “ It didn’t take long, however, once the basement renovation started, for the crew to recognize just how seriously impaired the old foundation was. All construction was halted as company owner and foundational engineers were called in to assess the durability of the original brick foundation. The news wasn’t good. The foundation was so unstable that house was in danger from the renovation. Some big decisions needed to be made. The alternatives were to demolish and rebuild in the architecture and style of the original design or lift the house, dig a new basement, and pour a new foundation? The conversations went back and forth. Aquarian priced out the difference between the cost of a new house and the cost of a new foundation added to the planned renovations. Cost was in
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Jul - aug 2013 home dĂŠcor and renovations 15
B/<7/ /<2 2/D72 :=D3 B637@ @3<=D/B32 6=;3 /<2 3<8=G B63 4C<1B7=</:7BG =4 / E3:: 1=<AB@C1B32 /<2 ;/7<B/7<32 6=;3 B6/B AB7:: 6=:2A B63 ;3;=@73A 3<3@5G /<2 4=@; =4 B63 >/AB B637@ @3AB=@/B7=< =4 B67A 6=;3 6/A <=B =<:G >@=D7232 5@3/B >3@A=</: A/B7A4/1B7=< 0CB 6/A 3<6/<132 B63 16/@/1B3@ =4 B637@ ;/BC@3 32;=<B=< <37560=C@6==2 favour of a new build‌ but culture, character and the preservation of history were more important to the homeowners. The connection homeowners Tania and David had to the essence of the house, from the rough cut beams at the core to the decorative interior features that were put together a hundred years ago by artisans of the past, under the direction and energy of a very courageous and pioneering Edmonton family, won out over cost, and so the project began again with a whole new level of complications and challenges. This is the joy of renovation! Steel girders were placed under the house and supported by “house of cardsâ€? pillars of pressure treated lumber. After the connection between the house and basement was broken, hydraulic jacks placed under the girders inched up the house. Brave workmen stood under the house, placing more lumber beams on the growing pillars. Once the house was high enough, a bobcat manoeuvred underneath to remove the remaining foundation and to dig out the new 9 foot ceilinged basementa great improvement over the low and gloomy original. The new foundation walls were cribbed and concrete poured. After the concrete was cured, the house was gently set back down on its new foundation. “It was tricky, but it workedâ€? recalls the site supervisor. Not only was the new foundation higher, but the whole house was nudged over two feet to become compliant with new zoning laws. With the house firmly in place, the renovation was back on familiar territory for the Aquarian team. Horsehair insulation and old newspapers were replaced with R20 and walls were dry walled and painted because the original plaster walls did not survive the foundation work. New flooring in the addition was seamlessly integrated to the original oak strips, and roofing and siding were updated but retained turn of the century appeal. The master bedroom on the second floor added a new ensuite with a soaker tub, separate shower and a large vanity as well as a spacious walkin-wardrobe. The interior space was updated completely. The original bathroom was updated with functional plumbing, while retaining the marble mosaic floor. Fixtures and tiling matched the original. The kitchen was renovated with white maple cabinetry to match the original woodwork in the butler’s pantry. It was expanded slightly to fit a functional kitchen island. The dining room was fitted with an art deco style, copper-coloured tin ceiling. However, the key feature was the new family room with a loft ceiling, large fireplace and windows that connect indoor and outdoor living spaces, maximizing natural light on gloomy winter days. Tania 16 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
and David love their renovated home and enjoy the functionality of a wellconstructed and maintained home that still holds the memories, energy and form of the past. Their restoration of this home has not only providedgreat personal satisfaction but has enhanced the character of their mature Edmonton neighbourhood.
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Next issue ad deadline AUGUST 14, 2013
Edmonton Renovations Home Improvement & Design reaches more qualified readers than any other home improvement publication. Our readers are looking for project ideas and connections to professionals that specialize in home improvement, design and construction. Within our colourful, informative format, we can highlight your business, product or service in the best possible way: with creative advertising and/ or informative articles and profiles. It’s the best way to get your business the valuable exposure it needs!
Distribution starts AUGUST 30, 2013
Live Comfortably... No matter what’s out there.
Gienow Windows & Doors has been providing quality windows and doors for more than 65 years. Call today for a free in-home consultation and find out how you too can live comfortably, no matter what’s out there.
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: 9704 - 12 AVENUE S.W., EDMONTON | 780.454.RENO (7366) | GIENOW.COM Jul - aug 2013 home décor and renovations 17
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increasing the convenience and comfort of your home; and many reasons to build additions beyond just creating more space. Many projects will make your home more attractive, safer, easier to maintain as well as more energy-efficient and less costly to operate. Except for the most personal of aesthetic improvements, you may also add to the market value of your home. RE/MAX has done research of homeowners and homebuyers to find out which renovation projects are most likely to result in “payback� when the house is sold. In order,
the following projects add value that may be recovered based on a home valued between $375,000 - $550,000: 1. renovating a kitchen 2. replacing/upgrading the roof 3. replacing windows or doors 4. renovating a bathroom 5. upgrading the flooring 6. adding a fireplace 7. adding a second story EVg @S\]dObS- A recent poll conducted
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by Harris/Decima suggested that more than one-third of Canadian homeowners plan to take on some form of home renovation project this year. Alberta homeowners are the largest group within the country planning to renovate and also the group of homeowners planning to spend the most on their renovations. There is no doubt about it that Canadians love their homes and Albertans lead that charge. The answer to why you renovate, is as simple as loving your home, your neighbourhood and your communities. Renovations are also a great way to think green because you are making something new again and breathing new life into a structure that will provide shelter, comfort, warmth and beauty for many years to come. So whether you are renovating to increase the market value of your home or just for your own pleasure, security or practical purposes you will want to find the right renovator for your job. Connecting with your local RenoMark Renovators is a perfect place to start. BVS @S\]dOb]`a ;O`Y ]T 3fQSZZS\QS
The RenoMarkTM symbol identifies those professional renovation contractors who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders Association’s Code of Ethics as well as a renovation-specific Code of
Conduct, who provide warranties, who understand the value of customer service during and following projects, and who have access to information on current trends, the latest materials and new regulations. The Edmonton region website has links to RenoMark members that can help you with your renovation project. Follow the links and find the right renovator for your project. http://renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion/Home It is worth noting that as with many aspects of home improvement, you get what you pay for – a renovator who may charge more for but has deep experience and a sterling reputation is generally worth the extra cost. Don’t hire on the basis of lowest estimate alone. Article based on information from RenoMark website and Reno Guide
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HOME AUTOMATION THE WAY OF the
future!
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many electronic gadgets in the marketplace today, one can’t help but to feel excited about the latest in this whirlwind of technological advances. Chances are if you’ve 20 home dÊcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
invested in a new television in last 12 months, it would be of the smart series, offering full web content, twitter and complete web-browsing control. And all at your fingertips! These new sleek screens will recognize an expanded range of gestures so people can swipe through on-screen menus in a way that revolutionizes the old remote. To add to a designer’s list of “must haves�, streamlined speaker systems now
attach conveniently below the base of the television to avoid the grueling process of finding the perfect location for those (very) large speakers in your room (yes, that’s right, every woman's dream). Trent Vollrath, co-owner of Certified Automation, provided me with an informative tour of his showroom which is dedicated to the advances in home electronic technology. With the company offering their services for over 21 years, Vollrath shared plenty of his experiences in servicing over 1000 homes per year. "Homeowners are enjoying these new modern conveniences and investing in items that they can enjoy for many years to come." Gone are the days of requiring a completely dark theatre room to watch movies on the big screen. One of the new rages in projections systems is a product called the Black Diamond Screen, which allows you to watch your favorite show and movie in (yes, that’s right), a well-lit room. With screen sizes soaring from 92" to 200", this particular system reflects light 900 percent more than a typical screen, making the viewing area extremely impressive. Using ZeroEdge G2 technology, the screen has no borders and offers an exceptionally clean look. Vollrath’s wealth of knowledge about these massive theatre systems is evident when describing all the wonderful features of each component. Systems can range in price from $3995 through $350,000, and depending on your budget, there is plenty of room to develop the ultimate dream “mancave�. Vollrath also elaborated on the new world of home automation. "The world of automated home gadgets is young and exciting, filled with an abundance of promising new products." These built-in systems give the homeowner complete control over security, lighting and HVAC for your home. The user can adjust such things as lighting,
temperature, automated window covering controls remotely (even lowering shades during the evening when you are not home). To solve the age old problem of having to get out of bed to turn out the lights, you can now use any I-device or Android to turn off all the lights in your home while you lay in bed. It really doesn't get much better than that. Well, actually it does. The control panel can be programmed to automatically turn the lights on in a room upon entering it, and turning off when exiting. For those of us who are music lovers, the built-in sound system allows you to play different music in every room of your home at one time, so all members in the home can enjoy their own era of music. And speaking of music, there is another mobile system available called "Sonos" that allows you to wirelessly manage all your music, controlling everything from your Ipad or Iphone/Android. Whether you roll with Itunes or choose to listen to radio stations across the world, this is the “little toy with big impact�, and certainly a must have. As I left this impressive showroom, I couldn't resist investing in one of those little addictive Sonos systems. Christmas came early to me this year, and I really couldn't be happier. Keep that great technology coming!
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7< A6=@B F3@7A1/>7<5 ;3/<A CA7<5 1@3/B7D3 landscaping to conserve water. The technique uses native plants which are best suited to the area. While this landscaping technique started in high drought areas, it is broadening in its appeal in all geographic areas. E6/B /@3 B63 03<347BA Saving water is the key benefit of this technique. We apply 50 per cent of our residential water to plants and lawns. This technique can reduce this water usage by 50 to 75 per cent.  Minimal maintenance which consists of occasional pruning and weeding.  Save on fertilizers and pesticides which are usually unnecessary because sufficient nutrients are provided by healthy, organic soil.  Reduce pollution because the more of your yard you xeriscape, the less turf areas you have to mow, potentially allowing you to change to a reel mower.  Raise your property value with xeriscaping which can also offset the cost of the installation.  Provide a natural wildlife habitat through the use of native plants. You can start designing your xeriscape yourself, but we suggest you draw out plans before you begin, or hire a professional designer. Plan your property from an aerial view if possible. E67:3 E3 1/<¸B B3:: G=C 3D3@GB67<5 /0=CB F3@7A1/>7<5 7< B67A /@B71:3 63@3 /@3 / 43E ;=@3 0/A71 >@7<17>:3A /<2 AC553AB7=<A(  Study the natural drainage patterns, hills and valleys of your property. You may want to add interest through terraces, rocks, timber and other natural elements.  Think about areas for seating, walkways, outdoor dining and any other activities.  There are more great ideas for xeriscaping from improving your soil to mulching, irrigation, groundcover and maintenance. 26 home dÊcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
1/:: / >@=43AA7=</: Hiring a qualified professional with the proper knowledge is a great place to start. Most homeowners underestimate the work associated with landscaping the yard of new home. Many of the procedures are tedious, lengthy and very labor intensive, often including several pieces of large equipment. Do-it-yourselfers‌ beware. In order to achieve the stylish and functional yard you desire to complement your new home, hiring a qualified landscaping contractor to get the job done is your first step. A quality outdoor living space will not only make you the envy of the neighborhood and be a welcome sanctuary for your family, children and pets for years to come; it will also increase the value of your home. It is important to hire a landscaping contractor who has extensive experience in the industry, and is a full service landscaping company. A good landscaping professional should have a website with a photo library of previous landscaping projects. Browsing through and looking at homes with beautifully landscaped yards will surely get your creative juices flowing. Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting Ltd. specializes in residential, estate and acreage landscape construction. From patios to water features, driveways, retaining walls, lighting, walkways, fences, irrigation, garden beds, boulders, barbecue, fire pits and the new synthetic grasses, we can help make your landscaping beautiful. Planning your landscaping is an exciting time and we are here to help. Our team of friendly knowledgeable and hardworking staff can make your landscaping dream a reality. Call us now for a consultation. Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting Ltd. is locally owned and operated, providing landscaping and snow removal services to Edmonton and surrounding area. Call us for a consultation at 780.983.8233 or visit shaneslandscaping.com
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challenge would be to maintain healthy grass and plants. The most common problem with older yards, which may have been somewhat neglected is dryness. If your lawn and shrubbery are sparse, it will not have enough capacity to hold sufficient water. The easiest and most cost effective way to renovate your dying garden is to create something wild and wonderful by focusing on compactness, quality and quantity. A wild garden will have several plants arranged in complementary groupings. This will have the visual impact of being unfettered and not contrived, but there definitely is some method to this 'madness'.
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areas in an effort to maximize the potential of my front yard. This ambitious plan was easy to plan, on paper. I soon found that the black dirt had become hard after the summer rains, and the simple act of digging a hole was difficult! I was appropriately dressed, with an old pair of jeans, sun hat, sun glasses, gardening clogs and new gardening gloves...but the novelty began to wear out very fast. I persisted, and found myself working tirelessly till the evening. If I can remember correctly, I completed the rest of the work the next weekend! I have learned it is best to go the easy route with gardening. If you are doing it yourself, then keeping it simple is paramount to success! For a mature garden with existent flower beds, the biggest 28 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
CREATING A NATURAL SPACE For a 'wild' look with maximum impact, the following tips may be helpful. You will find that the cost is mainly taken up by the actual plants, not landscaping materials. Your best bet would be to buy your plants with a rough idea as to functionality and location. Consider height, bushiness and sun exposure. Here are the basic steps for creating your garden: 1. Roughly stake out your area(s) for planting. Good spaces to consider would be around some large trees, neglected flower beds, flanking both sides of a pathway to your front door, bare areas near a verandah or shed etc. Think in terms of filling up spaces to create a lush, unfettered look. 2. Loosen and fertilize soil. Dig about 8 inches for bedding plants. Mix 50/50 fertilizer/compost with the soil and rake first. 3. Arrange plants before planting, leaving about 12" between plants. Cluster like plants together in odd numbers. 4. Add decorative mulch to hold moisture and prevent weeds. Experiment with contrasting colored mulch. Pat down lightly and water daily for the first two weeks, then weekly as needed. How many of us have looked at an empty space in our yard, imagining it filled with beautiful flowers and shrubs. A sure way to add privacy, security and beauty to empty outdoor spaces is to utilize plants
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Remember that the building code essentially defines the worst performing home you are legally allowed to build. They are the “minimum� standards allowable and so the extra money spent on building a certified energy efficient home is an excellent investment in both the short and long run because they are built to a higher standard. There are a number of certifying programs for energy efficient home construction such as R2000, ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and others; however I will focus on the two most prominent programs available in Alberta.
LEED Canada for Homes (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Administered by the Canada Green Building Council (www.cagbc.org), LEED is a comprehensive and versatile home rating system. LEED promotes sustainable building practices through material selection, responsible site management, and design. LEED homes generally have reduced ecological footprints, healthier indoor environments, and offer 30 to 70% in energy savings over homes built to typical building code standards. Being a well-recognized certification program, LEED homes can have access to reduced mortgage and home insurance rates, and are often incentified with municipal tax relief and building permit rebates. Although criticized for its high cost and stringent certification process, at times of resale they usually command a dramatically higher price. Built Green Originally developed by the Alberta Home Builder’s Association, Built Green is a rating system administered by Built Green Canada (www.builtgreencanada. ca). Similar to LEED for Homes, it covers a wide range of sustainable building measures, including energy and water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials. In Built Green there are numerous certification thresholds a building can achieve based on how “greenâ€? it is built. Compared to LEED for Homes, Built Green’s requirements to achieve certification are less stringent and the audit process is less rigorous, which enables certification fees to be reduced and less administrative hassle for the builder. LEED and Built Green both revolve around checklists containing various sustainability measures. The main difference being that Built Green’s “action-itemâ€? based checklist has a larger selection of more prescriptive-based measures, whereas LEED’s “credit-basedâ€? checklist is more intent-based in approach, where a builder has a number of options to demonstrate how the intent of a given credit was met. The critical part of building an energy efficient home is to know the builder responsible for the project is certified and experienced. Both the LEED Canada for Homes and the Built Green programs provide current lists of accredited builders, 30 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
but clients must still do their own due diligence in checking the builder’s references, speaking with past clients, and researching the details of the programs themselves. Regardless of which program an individual chooses, they will add value to their home by promoting the use of resource-efficient, environmentally friendly construction practices and products. Comfort, health, durability and tangible savings on utility and operating costs will make a certified energy efficient home a better choice every time. 4cbc`S 2SQ]RW\U bVS 1]RS Q]Zc[\a eWZZ Q]\bW\cS b] O\aeS` `SORS`a¸ _cSabW]\a OP]cb V]e bVS ^`]dW\QWOZ PcWZRW\U Q]RS OTTSQba bVSW` ^`]XSQba 3[OWZ g]c` _cSabW]\a b] [S Ob RSQ]RW\UbVSQ]RS.U[OWZ Q][ 0S ac`S b] W\QZcRS eVWQV QWbg g]c ZWdS W\ Oa eSZZ Oa g]c` ^V]\S \c[PS` W\ QOaS 7 \SSR b] T]ZZ]e c^ eWbV g]c
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hen it comes to home renovations there isn’t much Fortress Homes & Renovations can’t handle. For over six years this local construction company has been professionally serving the residential market in the greater Edmonton area, offering everything from custom home construction to one room renos. Their highly qualified and experienced team expertly manage construction and renovation projects, seeing them from the design stage through completion, ensuring that they are always on schedule and budget. Fortress Homes & Renovations’ strong relationships with highly qualified design and drafting consultants, vendors and subtrades take the guess work out of renovating, ultimately allowing the customer to enjoy a stress-free design and building experience. Offering a complete range of services through all stages of the building process, the professional team at Fortress Homes & Renovations offers clients consultation services with their associated design agencies. Keeping each project on budget is an integral component to the company’s process, and it is something that is focused on throughout the design, drafting and construction phases. Finishing elements are not overlooked, and Fortress Homes
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& Renovations provides the means for services in interior design, window treatments and home furnishings to aid in completing the perfect space. There are no projects too small or large for the Fortress team - from large home additions to providing a facelift to a dated bathroom, customers can feel assured that the renovation process will be as efficient as possible. Fortress Homes & Renovations works closely with all their clients to carefully plan and prepare for an upcoming project. The team listens to what exactly the customer is hoping to achieve with their new space. Using their wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry, Fortress Homes & Renovations will flag any foreseeable issues that could arise in a renovation. Communication with customers is significant, and leads to as few surprises as possible on the road to a successful end product. Fortress Homes & Renovations recently completed a kitchen renovation for a home in Windsor Estates. For this particular project the client had limited space in their kitchen due to a large opening in the floor viewing the basement living room. Additional square footage was requested to allow for a large kitchen island and increased space for movement throughout the area. Increasing the size of the home’s kitchen required the floors to be re engineered and structurally modified to accommodate the over three feet of additional space. The Fortress Homes & Renovations team worked with their client to produce a floor Jul - aug 2013 home dÊcor and renovations 33
plan that suited their personal lifestyle and need for extra space. A custom kitchen, designed by Kitchen Craft, was installed and featured a long counter surface and matching oversized island to serve as an additional work surface and serving area. The design elements in the renovated kitchen included a 14’5� island with range top and downdraft fan, prep sink, and eating bar that would comfortably seat six. Countertops were upgraded to stunning Kayrus Granite which featured a natural silver metallic flake throughout. Beautiful mosaic tile backsplash was installed in the space along with stainless steel appliances - adding some modern flair to the room. A double built-in oven was also included in the kitchen providing a gourmet feel to the space. Flooring for the kitchen was changed to an oversized porcelain tile with a dark marble design that showcased the addition in floor space. The previous railing which bordered the view to the basement was removed to accommodate the expansion, and a new maple handrail was added - providing a touch of elegance to the
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space. Fortress Homes & Renovations was able to work with the client to provide a kitchen where one would love to cook, dine and spend time with family and friends. As a proud member of the Canadian Home Builders Association, Renomark, and the Better Business Bureau, Fortress Homes & Renovations is constantly working to build and maintain a reputation of quality craftsmanship, leading construction practices and ethical business practices. Providing customers with quality work at competitive prices and an exceptional level of service and professionalism is what Fortress Homes & Renovations is all about. The team strives to ensure their clients are not only satisfied with the end result of their renovation or new home construction project but are also comfortable and confident throughout the construction process. Offering a two year warranty on all their work, customers can feel confident that Fortress Homes & Renovations will work with them to help accomplish their goals and make any dream home project a reality. B] ZSO`\ []`S OP]cb 4]`b`Saa 6][Sa @S\]dObW]\a dWaWb bVSW` eSPaWbS Ob eee T]`b`SaaV][Sa QO ]` QOZZ %& $$ $
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lawn for just one hour uses about as much water as... 5 dishwasher loads, 5 loads of laundry AND 25 flushes of the toilet (1,500 litres in total). Most of us are facing increasingly more restrictive regulations for the watering of our lawns and gardens. And, now that many of us are on metered water and pay for what we use, we have an incentive to use this precious resource more responsibly. Observing water restrictions means you have to be home at the right time, you have to be there throughout the watering process to move the hose and sprinklers around and you might have to ask a neighbour to help if you are away on vacation. Many
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homeowners are choosing to have sprinkler systems installed to avoid all the hassles that come with watering your lawn and garden. So you are considering an automatic underground sprinkler system for your home... Good Idea! With increasing demands on our time and ever-present local concerns about water conservation and watering restrictions, automatic underground sprinkler systems have become a working member of an already busy family. Irrigation systems have come a long way since manufacturers started making sprinklers in the 1930s. Manufacturers have been very efficient in responding to a growing need for water conservation as well as practicality. There are several important questions to ask when considering the purchase of a sprinkler system: ? What are the advantages of owning an automatic underground sprinkler system? / Saves time. Saves water. Saves plants. And yes, it is even a good financial investment. Let us look more closely at each of these reasons for installing a sprinkler system. In addition, they can be set to the current local watering restrictions. ? I have an old sprinkler system. Can I upgrade it? / Yes you can. It is possible to add components to an existing irrigation system. Be sure to let your irrigation contractor know of any future additions to the system you may be planning.
? How will the system help me conserve water? / Excessive runoff from over-watering is a common problem experienced when using either a hose or a poorly designed and installed automatic system. Field studies have shown that a properly designed and programmed automatic underground sprinkler system is the most efficient method of watering your garden while using a minimum amount of water. ? Who will operate the sprinkler system while I am away
measured, regularly timed application of water. In the blistering heat of summer, often as few as two days without water can be damaging to plant growth. And, if it does rain, your irrigation system can be equipped with a rain sensor that will tell the system to skip the watering session so it does not water when it is not required. 4]` []`S V][S W[^`]dS[S\b W\T]`[ObW]\ b] aS\R AVSZZ O\ S[OWZ ]` b] eObQV AVSZZ¸a /aY AVSZZ 1]TTSS 0`SOY U] b] eee /aYAVSZZ Q][
on business or vacation?
/ New automatic systems are designed to operate on a set schedule. One of the real benefits of this type of system is that once it is programmed, it will continue to operate on schedule until you tell it to make a change. ? We receive plenty of rainfall each year. Why do we need a sprinkler system?
/ You probably would not need a sprinkler system if it rained 1/2� of water on a regular basis. Unfortunately, nature does not work that way and there are extended periods when no rain falls. For healthy, lush plant growth, it is important that they receive an evenly
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HouseSmart Home Services Referral Network
From A-Z, Your Home Improvement Resource
IT’S JUST THAT EASY!!
Visit AskShell.com for helpful tips to improve your home including: Renovation Trends, New Products, Maintenance and Repairs, Do-It-Yourself Tips and Grants and Rebates for energy upgrades
r Projects Help For You
des ciency Upgra • Energy EfďŹ d Cooling • Heating an Control • Air Quality paces ent & Crawls m se a B et W • Design • Accessible
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For any type of home improvement referral, call us at 1-888-266-8806 or visit us at: www.AskShell.com and please remember; “It’s Just That Easy!â€? Jul - aug 2013 home dĂŠcor and renovations 37
>@=2C1B A3@D713A 27@31B=@G
AREA RUGS The Area Rug Gallery #100, 17834-106 Ave 780-483-1992 www.thearearuggallery.com
AW N I N G S Canfab Products Ltd 12819-144 ST 780-451-4341 www.canfabproducts.ca
Ackard Contractors Ltd. 780-414-0686 www.ackard.com
Appollo Sunrooms 780-466-1952 www.apollosunrooms.com
Coogee Construction Ltd. 780-454-1513 www.coogeeconstruction.ca
CA B I N E T S EnVogue Cabinetry Inc 100, 10445-178 St. 780.809.1431 www.enVogueCabinetry.com
Fortress Homes & Renovations 780-660-1026 www.fortresshomes.ca
Superior Cabinets 11045-190 St. 780-409-3400 www.superiorcabinets.ca
Homestyle Construction Ltd. 780-479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca
FLOORING
Rencon Industries Inc. 780-986-2160 www.renconindustries.ca
Payless Wholesale Flooring & Lighting 18415-104 Ave 780.487-2700 www.paylessfloors.ca
H O M E R E N OVAT I O N S Aquarian Construction 780.481.7671 www.aquarianconstruction.com
Renovations of Excellence 780.482.0200 www.wedorenos.com 38 home dĂŠcor and renovations Jul - aug 2013
Serenity Contracting & Design Inc. 780-435-6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca
SOL AR LIGHTING Lightco Solar 6103 Gateway Blvd. 780-489-0303 www.lightcosolar.com
INTERIOR DESIGN Kohon Designs #143 - 10309 107th St. Phone 780.428.6230 www.kohon.ca
Mojo Design Inc. #1, 10340-134 St. 780-455-5229 Mojodesigninc.com
KITCHENS Towne and Countree Kitchens 17212 107 Ave. 780.489.3331 www.towneandcountree.com
WINDOWS Durabuilt Windows & Doors West 10920-178 St. 780.455.0440 South 8605 Argyll Rd 780.463.4466
Duxton Windows & Doors 6764 99 Street (by appt only) 780-887-5163 www.duxtonwindows.com
L A N D S CA P I N G Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting 789-983-8233 www.shaneslandscaping.com
Gienow Windows & Doors 9704-12 Aveune S.W. 780-454-RENO(7366) www.gienow.com
RENOVATING? DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
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