by Julia Ritzenthaler

The shopping public is a very fickle monster that retailers work hard to carefully understand and serve. What is popular one month will be out of vogue the next month. Popular styles will differ even in different parts of the country. Environmentally sustainable furniture is a fairly new concept to the buying public. Many people believe that it sounds like a good idea but they do not really know what sustainable furniture is. The key is to not take more from the environment then can be replenished naturally. This includes the materials that the furniture is made from to the toxic chemicals that are emitted from the manufacturing plant where the furniture is created.

One of the first rules of eco friendly furniture is to lessen your impact on the environment as much as possible. Reduce, reuse, and recycle is one of the best things to keep in mind. Do what ever you can to keep your pieces of furniture out of your local landfill. For instance, when you finally manage to replace your husband’s beat up arm chair, consider giving it to someone who will continue to love that monstrosity of a chair.

The definition of sustainable furniture includes using materials that have been recycled or re-purposed or are made from a renewable resource. These furnishings will also use materials and manufacturing processes that are safer for the environment. Transportation of goods also adds to the economic impact that furniture will have on the environment. Online retailers are also an interesting environmentally friendly shopping option. You don’t have to drive to get to and from the store and because there is no brick and mortar store, the retailer has a smaller environmental footprint. Plus they have the ability to bring you an amazing selection and ease of comparison shopping.

Eco furniture can also be made from reclaimed materials. These materials may include wood, iron and glass. Buildings that are no longer being used can be stripped of these materials and then re-purposed to make a chair for your living room. Wood that has been reclaimed has become extremely popular because of the unique markings that it will usually have.

No matter what direction you choose to go with your sustainable furniture choices, be sure to consider an environmentally friendly disposal option for your old items. Pass down to a family member or friend who is just starting out on their own, or consider donating to a women’s shelter or somewhere like Goodwill.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueEcoFurniture.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

by Guest

Lennox Industries, a leading provider of customized home heating, cooling and indoor air quality products,  introduced the patent pending SunSource™ Home Energy System – a new solar-powered central heating and cooling system that reduces overall household electricity consumption without the costs associated with traditional solar installations – at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas this week.

The new SunSource Home Energy System not only harnesses solar energy from the sun to reduce the electricity consumed by a residential heat pump or air conditioner, but also is able to use that solar power to operate other devices in the home that consume electricity, such as lighting and appliances, when the heating and cooling system is not running. In addition, if the SunSource system generates more power than is used by the home, that power will be sent back to the utility company, which may entitle the homeowner to a credit on their utility bill.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S. household pays $2,200 a year on utility bills, and the bulk of those energy costs – between 50 and 60 percent – comes from heating and cooling the home.

The SunSource Home Energy System is composed of:

• A solar-ready, high efficiency Lennox air conditioner or heat pump that has been specially enhanced to serve as the platform for this new home energy system.

• A Lennox solar subpanel that provides the connection between utility- interactive solar power system and the HVAC unit.

• One to 15 roof-mounted solar modules that harness clean, sustainable energy from the sun and use it to run the home’s central heating and cooling system as well as other appliances – the more modules, the more homeowners can reduce their utility costs.

• A communications system that allows homeowners to monitor each solar module’s operation and energy production online, as well as other environmental benefits such as the amount of carbon offset.

Energy Savings and Tax Credits Equal Real Cost Savings for Homeowners

As an example, a consumer who lives in a typical 2,000-square-foot home in Corpus Christi, Texas, can reduce the electricity usage associated with heating and cooling his or her home by approximately 12 percent annually by installing a Lennox high-efficiency air conditioner(1) with two solar modules and by 86 percent by installing the air conditioner with 15 modules. In Tulsa, Okla., the homeowner would see around a 25 percent reduction in air conditioner electricity usage with two solar modules, and about a 180 percent reduction (meaning more energy production than air conditioner consumption) with 15 modules. The savings increase even more in sunnier areas of the country.

In addition to the costs savings and incentives offered by many local utility companies for using high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and/or renewable energy sources, the new SunSource system makes homeowners eligible for federal and some state solar tax credits. In fact, these benefits, when combined, can cover up to 94 percent of the cost of the solar modules, including installation(2).

The new Lennox SunSource Home Energy System will be available with several products from the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection, which is the company’s line of premium heating and cooling products, offering the quietest, most efficient operation and a premier level of performance. The Lennox SunSource Home Energy System may be paired with Dave Lennox Signature Collection air conditioners and heat pumps beginning in May 2010.

About Lennox Industries

Lennox Industries is a leading provider of customized home heating, cooling and indoor air quality products that are designed to deliver customized comfort, efficiency and functionality, with the most innovative and reliable features available. Lennox is also the first heating and air conditioning manufacturer to harness solar energy for central heating and cooling – and beyond. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy have selected Lennox as an ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year four out of six years for its outstanding contribution to developing and promoting energy-efficient products. For more information about Lennox home comfort products, visit www.Lennox.com or call 1-800-9-LENNOX.

# # #

(1) Energy savings calculations are based on a Lennox XC21-036 air conditioner, which has a 20 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating).

(2) Depends on local and state incentives in homeowner’s area. Typical incentives range between 30 percent and 94 percent of the cost of the solar modules, including installation.

Start with hiring the right contractor for the job. Make sure your contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. The contractor should obtain all necessary permits but it doesn’t hurt to be aware of such details (like which permits you’ll need).

Many times as renovations begin, it’s revealed that the electrical system needs to be updated. Before any unpleasant surprises arise when the walls come down, hire a licensed electrician to walk through your home and check that everything is up to code. It can be costly to bring a home up to code so it’s better to know and be prepared. Speaking of being prepared for added costs, it’s very important to have realistic budget.

Often, the unexpected does happens so prepare an extra 10-15% on top of your estimated budget (some contractors recommend as much as 25%-30% more). A realistic assessment helps the homeowner from taking on too much – sometimes once the ball gets rolling it’s easy to want more and more, then suddenly that the money’s run out. Stick to the plan and avoid biting off more than you can chew.

Plan it out before you Gut

Choose a long lasting design because trends change quickly from season to season. Having a renovation done in a neutral and classic style will help you enjoy the room for a longer time, as well as help sell it when the time comes. If your home was built in a specific architectural style, the new design should follow suit. Also remember to check out your neighborhood and make sure that your renovation is in the same price range and style of the other homes in the area.

Buy Quality and Think Green

Saving money is typically one of the most important desires of a home renovation. But choosing the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the choice that will be the best for your budget. When you buy cheap materials they may end up costing much more in the end. If you don’t have the money to invest in quality work and materials, it may not be the best time to renovate. Another way to go which may seem more costly at first but can actually be a smart investment is to choose green. Energy efficient components will save on heating and cooling bills. And it’s not just about spending less on new materials by using recycled ones but about being ahead of the market as green construction continues to grow. It may be tempting to buy cheaper windows as high quality ones are quite expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Looks are everything

Getting professional guidance from a designer for your project will help you get the look you want. Details like fixtures and lighting are key to achieving the look you’re after. Make sure that the fixtures you choose are appropriate to scale; narrow sinks and low-profile toilets are more suitable for tiny powder rooms. And lighting will affect how everything looks as well as the ambiance of each room. Remember the triumvirate of lights: general, task and accent. For example, in your new kitchen, a main ceiling fixture and pot lights create general lighting, meanwhile under cabinet lights provide illumination to work with, and the pendent lights over the kitchen island definitely adds the drama. You can never have too many lights.

Lighting can also affect how the paint looks in a room. However, it’s important to pick the right paint in the first place be it colour or shine. Matte types or semi-gloss eggshell finishes work well in bedrooms and living rooms while semi or high gloss types suit high traffic kitchen and bathroom areas (or trim). Very flat paint works best for ceilings. Remember that how a colour looks in the store or on a sample chip might not be exactly how it will appear in the home. And that even will differ depending on the lighting (ex. incandescent, natural, or fluorescent). Before you commit, paint one test wall and view it at different times of the day.

Be better than a scout

DIYer’s ready to get going? Don’t forget to measure everything. Even a half-inch off can make for an unhappy difference. Aim for symmetry. Make sure you have the right tools for measurement and for all other jobs. If you’re not sure, ask your local hardware and home improvement store for advice. Make sure you also have all of the safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, ear protection and work boots. And once you’re all suited up, do all of the prep work. Move or cover up furniture and doorways; protect areas/surfaces with plastic sheets. Finishing floors? Clean up all debris and sink nails of subfloors as you go. Before you paint, mask all edges and wash walls before priming. And remember to store materials safely in a cool, dry place.

Steady, Ready … Go

Feel ready to renovate with a very detailed plan? Great, but remember that It may end up to be even more of  a long haul then initially expected. However, but with the plans and details in place, these help you to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Even when the unexpected arises, good homework and planning will allow you to take everything in stride. Before you know it, you’ll have achieved a gorgeous and successful renovation.

(image from http://www.decorbyjennifer.com)

by Julia Ritzenthaler

When it comes to bathroom vanities, the days of a white box with a sink sitting on top of it are gone. Time has certainly changed the different types of styles, designs and colors that are available when it comes to bathroom vanities. Whether you prefer contemporary lines, vintage antique or sleek oak, there is something for everyone. From single sink vanities to double sink vanities, your styles and choices are endless, so there are a few key elements to keep in mind before you make your purchase decision.

The first thing to consider is the overall size of your bathroom and the space where you want to put the vanity. If your bathroom is small then you may be limited to a smaller size vanity, but if you have some room to work with you will have several more options, including double sink vanity styles. To make sure you will be getting a proper fit, measure the area where you’re going to be putting the vanity accurately.

Next, what is the intended function of your new vanity? Knowing the answer to this question will help you best determine what kind of vanity will best suit your needs. If you find you need a lot of storage space, then a cabinet style would be something to consider. This vanity works well for families with children because of storage potential and durability. How many people typically use the bathroom? If it’s intended for a guest room or a half-bath, then a single sink vanity will do just fine. If the bathroom is shared by 2 or more people then double sink vanities would be the way to go.

Once you have determined your space and function you can turn your attention to the style that will suit not only your needs but also your decor as well. Vanities are available in a variety of different materials including wood, glass, ceramic and stone. Unless you’re planning a major renovation, your new vanity should complement your current bathroom style. Finally, don’t forget about the price! Local home improvement stores will have double sink vanities at affordable prices whereas specialty stores will carry the more high-end vanities in creative styles. Knowing how much you are able to spend will help you narrow down your choices as well.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

By Guest

Up to 100% Off a New High-Efficiency, EnergyStar®- Rated Furnace

You read right. It is now possible to get a brand new energy saving furnace for 50%, 60%, 70% off… even 100% free depending on the location of your home. How?

By combining a series of concurrently available and very lucrative national and local rebates, credits and discounts, certain national heating companies are able to provide new EnergyStar rated furnaces at steep discounts until March 31st, at which time some of the discounts will promptly end.

Why? Governments, utilities and furnace manufacturers are all offering credits and rebates because of the lagging world economy (not to mention the local economy). Their main objective is to improve energy efficiency and help save consumers money. Ultimately, new product purchases also help to stimulate the overall economy.

Smaller or locally-owned heating contractors are less likely to have the ability to offer the various types of discounts due to their size or manufacturer leverage.

The caveat? With virtually free furnaces available that can also greatly decrease monthly energy costs; the savings from this winter’s energy bills alone might offset the new furnace cost. But depending on your area, you may need to purchase an air conditioner at the same time in order to ensure the correct sizing, air flow and proper operation of the entire HVAC system.

So, now the only question left to ask is, “Why not?”

Guest blog post

by Sam, The Service Experts.  For more info on how Service Experts, the largest national heating and air conditioning service company can now provide furnaces at a near net zero cost to some consumers, depending on the location of the home, visit ServiceExperts.ca.

It seems like all of us are scrambling this week to have everything just perfect for the holidays. Last minute gift buying, big holiday meal plans and festive decorating may be just a few of the big items left on your list and so if like me, you can appreciate an extra helping hand. Check out the DIY Network website Diynetwork.com, an excellent resource on all things do it yourself and is packed with features, news, reviews and tips from a wide range of sources and experts to help those that want to do a bit of home improvement, plus of course helpful holiday ideas. Also, check out the somewhat amusing video of the a total tool girl/garage loving guy fantasy sequence promo recently released by DIY.

If you’re in a rut with your holiday decor, the following are some helpful decorating tips from Calgary based interior decorator, Cat Hackman, owner of Room4refinement.

Here are some things to do for holiday decorating:

• Discard or give away any ornaments or decoration you don’t love.

• Pick up an accent color from your home and continue this theme for your holiday decor. For example, if your cushions on your sofa are green, look for green ornaments and decor, then add a splash of sparkle, like silver.

• Arrange your Christmas decorations in groups or themes, creating vignettes. In other words, don’t scatter little ornaments here and there in your home. Look for areas, tables, consoles to turn into special displays.

• When you buy new items, buy at least two or three to have impact. For example, are you buying miniature trees or poinsettias or thick candles for your mantel or table? If so, buy two, rather three or more; a grouping makes a statement.

• Do look for a focal point, perhaps your tree or your mantel, but maybe not both side by side (you can find your focal point by closing your eyes while standing at the door to your room, and the first thing you see should be your focal point).

• Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources such as vents or fireplaces so that it does not dry out so fast, but place your tree where you can admire it the most.

• Hide your tree stand with fabric, maybe burlap, a tree skirt or a big fun bucket or pot.

• Use a timer for your lights to save energy and use white lights to mimic candles.

• Do put candles or ornaments (electric) in your windows toward the street.

• Look for natural decorations: a big bowl of pine cones, sugared fruit, red apples in a large bowl with holly or cedar branches.

• Greenery, greenery, greenery. If you have to cut branches from your tree (to make it fit in the stand), use the branches in arrangements, or lay them on your mantel. Ask the tree vendors for branches to use in arrangements.

• Arrange long branches of greenery in large vases, IKEA or HomeSense has some great big glass vases that can be used as fruit bowls, candle holders or for arrangements.

• Make your guest bedroom inviting with select decorations.

• Don’t forget to add a Christmas touch to your bathrooms, perhaps a bowl of scented pinecones.

• Decorate your front hall and outside your door with fresh greenery, make the entrance into your home the best it can be. Use lights on timers.

• For special nights, or every evening if you like, light a candle (tea light) in a safe enclosed lantern outside your home.

• For a fun piece, place a string of lights in a large bowl (they now come battery powered). You can add greenery or pretty shiny decorative balls to the bowl.

• Do keep apple cider spices simmering on your stove for a lovely scent.

For more on decorating, read the rest of the article “Holiday Decorating” and more interior design articles in Home Renovation Guide’s article library.

Season’s Greetings everyone!

by Guest

Dealing with mold can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be.  Follow the five steps below to eliminate and prevent mold problems, so you and your family can move on to enjoying a healthy home:

Keep it Dry! Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required.  New houses require constant dehumidification, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer: an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.

Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! Nothing helps moisture breed quicker than stale, dead air.  Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts.  Consider ceiling fans in several areas of your home (and keep them on as much as possible).  Air conditioning also helps circulate air in the home.

Seal it Properly. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.

Investigate Monthly. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. It might be a good idea to take a look around these areas once a month.  Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.

Treat it Right Away! If you find mold treat it immediately. However, there are more friendly products than bleach that are available. Treating mold can be something that homeowners can do easily themselves but beware if you have mold that makes up more than a 10ft x 3ft space — you should call in a professional to take a look.

This article has been provided by Concrobium®, makers of an earth friendly method to kill and prevent mold that is approved by Health Canada called Concrobium Mold Control®.

For all your home improvement needs, search North America’s largest online directory Home Renovation Guide. Looking for a home improvement professional? Get a free quote? Submit your project here and have local contractors find you.

by Julia Ritzenthaler

Vessel sinks are quickly becoming one of the hottest bathroom trends on today’s market. In this style, the sink is slightly or dramatically raised from the surface of the countertop and they are available in just about every style, material, and finish imaginable. Small vessels are particularly nice for guest and powder rooms, and larger vessels are great for master and full bathrooms.

Once you have determined the style you are looking for—for instance a square vessel sink is great for a contemporary look—it’s time to decide on the type of vessel sink you want. The type you choose depends on if you plan to add just the sink and hardware to an existing vanity or if you are going to buy a complete piece. Some vanities are designed to accommodate partially raised vessel sinks, while others are more suited to completely raised sinks. You may also choose to purchase a vessel sink vanity which includes the sink, countertop, and cabinet. When planning the installation of your vessel sink, you need to decide where the bathroom the vanity is going to be placed. It’s just a good idea to determine the layout out of the room first. Be sure to closely read the manufacturer’s instruction included with the bathroom vanity or sink first; you are sure to find helpful point in there to make the vessel sink installation a bit easier.

Once the vanity is in place and you’ve read the instructions, give a good once-over to check for any pre-drilled holes for the faucet. If there are none, decide where you’d like the faucet to be in relation to the vessel sink. If you’re confident enough to start marking directly on the vanity, go ahead and indicate where you’d like to drill. If not, draw up a template and use it as a reference for the real thing. Remember the old saying, measure twice, cut once. You may also choose to mount your vessel faucet to the wall instead of the counter.

Use a jigsaw or a hole saw to make the cuts into the top of the vanity. A jigsaw is perfect for this kind of cutting because it gives you the range and flexibility to swivel as you cut. Pre-drilling the screw holes will make it easier to attach the faucet to the vanity. Once the cuts have are complete, carefully arrange the vessel sink and the faucet on the vanity surface to check that everything is lined up correctly. If it’s not exactly right, feel free to tweak and scrape until everything lines up just right.

If your vanity didn’t come with the mounting equipment and hardware for the vessel sink and faucet, you can find what you need at any hardware store. Your vanity might have specific instructions about how to fit a vessel sink and faucet. If so, be sure to stick to every word. Take the instructions to the hardware store with you so that you don’t forget anything. Simply put, attach the mounting ring; place the sink; and bolt the whole thing down. If your vessel sink is a particularly fragile material, such as glass, you might have to place some cushioning between the vanity surface and the sink. Silicone or rubber works well.

Now that it looks like a proper bathroom vanity, it’s time to get it working like one. Once the vessel sink and the faucet have been securely fixed onto the vanity, attach the water supply pipes to the vessel sink drain and the faucet or faucets. Check that all pipes and lines are firmly attached before testing it. Turn the water on and off. If it performs like it’s supposed to, then you are ready to enjoy your new vanity.

If you are unsure of any portion of the project, be sure to look into hiring a professional general contractor or a plumber.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

Featured as Home Renovation Guide’s October Renovation of the month, the stunning Conservatory by Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd has been selected as a finalist for the SAM Awards. Held annually by the Calgary Region of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA), originally the “Sales and Marketing” Awards, the competition expanded over the years to honour all segments of the Calgary housing industry. Celebrating excellence in renovation design, innovative technology and construction techniques, this year’s entrants exemplify local talent as noted by CHBA President Gary Friend, “The competition is fierce and the quality of the entries received from across Canada is truly outstanding. The finalists indeed are making their mark on the home building industry.” Judges are chosen from strict criteria per specific category and there are over 150 volunteers who fill the position. An independent accounting firm, which audits the judging process insures accuracy.

Pioneer’s finalist entry is a cathedral ceiling conservatory that is a breath-taking work of home architecture. Incorporating natural clear cedar, a unique window arrangement, skylights and a fireplace, the structure certainly has award-winning qualities such as innovative construction and stellar design. Founded in 1953 by Ken Adam, Pioneer Craftsman Ltd was steered to residential renovations by son Gary Adam in the seventies. Third generation and current president, Jamie Adam, is naturally proud. “We are thrilled to have been chosen as a finalist again this year. We believe our team is one of the best in the country, from our designers through to our site staff. Receiving recognition of this caliber means a lot to us.”

To view the stunning renovation, visit the feature story on The Home Renovation Guide.

by Robert Wright

There are many hidden taxes built into the cost of your new home and renovation project. You may come up with some, but the others may come as a surprise.

The housing industry is one of the most heavily taxed industries. It is almost as high as the sin taxes. The ranking is generally, alcohol, smokes, gasoline, and housing. In some areas of Ontario it can reach 30% of the cost of a new home. So what makes up this level of taxation?

Of course you have the usual suspects: GST and PST; which make up 5% and approx. 3% to 4%, not much of the total. Where is the rest coming from?

Generally the remainder are more hidden. They include the payroll taxes – EI and CPP - paid by the builder, renovator, and subcontractors for the wages paid to their own employees; which are a relatively small percentage. You also have WSIB premiums paid for the same employees, which can range from 8.8% to 20% of the labour costs depending on the trade.

You also have tax costs imposed by the local level of government. You may know about building permit fees – which here in Ottawa are $12.50/$1000 of construction value. So you are paying taxes on taxes. Also, if you are in a rural area, you will be paying for approval of your well and septic system before your building permit is approved.

In addition, for new homes there are DC’s or development charges. These are fees levied by the city and school boards. These fees are supposed to help pay for the new infrastructure required by the new sub divisions. The reality of these fees is that they disappear into the coffers of the city and boards and end up paying for much more than the new development requirements.

The DC’s are by far the single largest fees charged to the cost of new homes and can be tens of thousands per home for the city and the school boards.

Renovations have almost all of these hidden tax costs. The only one they don’t have is development charges. The result of these hidden taxes and the other required costs carried by the professional and above board renovation contractor, is that up to 40% of the renovation costs are not for the work actually done in your home.

So you didn’t think your home was such a significant tax supporter of the governments, and that’s why the Canadian, provincial, and local home builder associations spend so much time with the politicians?  They are trying to improve the cost of owning and maintaining your home.

About the Author

Rob Wright has grown up around construction and in the mid 1990’s, Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects and is a contributor to the Home Renovation Guide. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and previously served as the Renovation Council Chair. For more information, visit CitadelRenovations.com.

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