Soma sits in an old Riverside building on one of the east end’s busiest — and formerly one of its seediest — corners, in a neighbourhood with virtually no nightlife (besides the hard-to-miss Jilly’s strip club, of course).

The choice of location may seem like a gamble to some, but a recent boom in activity on the Queen East strip, and a desperate need for an upscale neighbourhood lounge, has enabled Soma to pack the house almost every night since its opening.

In fact, the building had not been upgraded since 1902 and had to be completely gutted to create Soma. Previously a martial arts studio, it had no plumbing and even had an asphalt floor, making it a bit of an indoor driveway. However, despite many people’s disbelief and a year of transformation, the owners of Soma built a restaurant and lounge from scratch and have unveiled one of the Toronto’s most stunning new lounges, designed with the building’s history in mind.

An original secret passageway at the side of the room was restored and is now used for service staff, so you never see a parade of dirty dishes or encounter what would have been congestion by the washrooms and kitchen doors. The exposed brick behind the concrete bar is the building’s original, and any bricks removed during construction were saved to use on the exterior of the building.

But as old as its history may be, the new definitely comes out with the rest of the place. A sleek, modern lounge area sits in the front, with comfy black leather couches and ottomans, and tables line the back for either drinkers or diners. Most of Soma’s decor is black, grey and white except for the occasional screaming yellow wall.

WHERE: 703 Queen St. E. Toronto, ON

WHO YOU WILL MEET: East-enders desperate for an upscale place to go without having to cross that bridge into downtown. A big part of their clientele comes from the film industry from nearby lofts and studios.

TIP: Check out Soma’s stunning light fixtures. They were purchased from Italy and installed by a local Leslieviller, and kind of look like exploding silver flowers. Very cool.

Improving the air
doesn’t stop with pollutants.
It’s also important
to consider moisture levels.

You know when your home’s air is too hot or cold. That is because you feel uncomfortable. But the amount of moisture in your home’s air also has an impact on the way you feel, plus it can have a major effect on your health.

Too much
High moisture levels can make your home feel stuffy and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria. Recent studies have shown that mold can cause or worsen asthma, as well as hay fever and other allergies*.

Too little
Dry air makes furniture shrink, warp and crack. Plus, it causes skin irritation and respiratory problems,** not to mention annoying static shocks.

Just right
For optimal comfort and health, studies show that moisture levels should be in the range of 35% to 50%. You can track your home’s humidity with a hygrometer, available at hardware and home improvement stores. Or, you can contact your local Service Experts professional for in-home consultation.

*American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2004

**Exposure to excessively dry air (relative humidity of less than 20%) can cause respiratory irritation. Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Article is courtesy Service Experts Canada - Toronto, Mississauga and Ottawa Heating and Cooling specialists

Propane

As a highly portable fuel, propane provides you with modern convenience no matter where you live, work or travel. Propane can economically go anywhere a portable cylinder can be carried. Or wherever a propane delivery truck can travel to a storage tank.

Propane is a highly concentrated energy source. For example, the typical 20-pound container of liquid propane connected to your backyard barbecue holds the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of useable fuel.

Burning propane for fuel creates lower greenhouse gas emissions (which are attributed to climate change and global warming) than many other energy sources.

Propane is an environmentally friendly fuel. It has an extremely low sulphur content and therefore does not contribute to acid rain. Propane does not contain lead and never has.

When propane is burned, it produces harmless water vapour and carbon dioxide, two things the natural environment uses and produces every day.

Propane Appliances

Propane appliances are more durable than their electric counterparts, requiring fewer repairs.

Propane water heaters heat twice as much water in an hour than electric water heaters.

Propane high efficiency furnaces can provide energy costs savings of up to one third over conventionally-powered units.

Propane powered direct vent space heating units use outside air to support combustion while recirculating inside air to further warm the room.

Propane pool heaters heat greater water volumes in less time than electricity.

For more information on the benefits of propane, call the knowledgeable and neighbourly team at Superior Propane toll-free at 1.87.SUPERIOR (1.877.873.7467).

Children exposed to dangerous air at home. Survey finds homeowners still unaware of indoor air risks

Drummondville (Quebec) - According to a recent survey by the Canadian Lung Association, 90% of homeowners polled were not aware that exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to major health problems. Results from the study proved that the concept of indoor air pollution remains relatively ambiguous to most homeowners.

Gerry Gagnon, Product & Market Manager for Venmar Ventilation, the leader in state-of-the-art air ventilation systems, explains: “Most people feel safe in their homes and simply put, affiliate air toxins with the outdoor environment particularly with concern for acid rain, ozone, smog etc. Overall, little emphasis is placed on the possibility of indoor health related illness, except in regard to the ambient air or toxic exposures in the work place.”

Despite this commonly held belief; there is now growing evidence that indoor air pollution can adversely affect human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that indoor pollution may be 100 times higher than pollution outside.

Today’s well-insulated homes only exacerbate the problem as they often lack the ability to “breathe” freely. Changes in construction methods driven by energy and efficiency issues since the 1970s, combined with traditional construction materials and finishes being used, “seal inside” the allergens, irritants, and toxins, driving the astronomical increases in respiratory disorders being seen today.

Different homes have different problem areas. In most cases, homes have an overly humid basement that breeds molds and other unhealthy micro-organisms. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation more than 50 per cent of all homes show visible signs of high levels of basement humidity.

A recent report by the Commission for Environmental Co-operation found that asthma rates among children in North America are now four times higher than they were 20 years ago.
Experts believe the reason for these staggering increases in respiratory illness have to do with the fact that we spend 90% of our time indoors, surrounded by a vast array of indoor pollutant sources. High amounts of chemicals, moisture, allergens and molds, can contribute to indoor air pollution and are linked to a series of lung problems such as asthma, chemical sensitivities and allergies.

As it stands, it is up to the homeowner to contend with health problems attributed to indoor air pollution. According to Gagnon, the most assured and practical way to clean indoor air is to invest in an air exchanger system that will filter out harmful pollutants and distribute fresh air throughout the home. The latest technology in indoor air management is the Venmar air exchanger which combines the benefits of both HEPA filtration and ventilation. This system evacuates polluted indoor air and replaces it with fresh, filtered, outdoor air by trapping airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander mold and bacteria. Excess humidity during the cold season as well as harmful gaseous pollutants not trapped by the system’s HEPA filter are also drawn outside and eliminated.

More information is available at http://www.venmar.ca/

While homeowners choose to undertake many kinds of home renovations, installation and/or repair of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is usually considered an exceptional measure. Yet the heating and cooling system in any structure is a critical factor in occupant comfort and quality of life. The purchase of a furnace, air conditioner or ventilation system is a major investment and deserves careful consideration. Most provinces require the hiring of a licensed or qualified HVAC tradesperson to perform the work because of the safety concerns and consequences involved. However, homeowners frequently do not distinguish among contractors on anything other than price. Consumers should be aware that the lowest price is not always the best value!

There are some obvious red flags to look for when you are shopping around for a contractor. For example, reputable contractors will not quote prices without seeing the job. Reputable contractors will not request large cash advances prior to the delivery of any equipment or materials. And any reputable contractor will readily provide a full business address as well as a telephone number where they can be reached. Apart from these more obvious tip-offs, there are a number of guidelines that a homeowner should keep in mind in order to get the best value when hiring a heating and air conditioning contractor.

1. Finding Reputable Contractors

You may wish to contact neighbours, friends, relatives and co-workers for opinions on work done recently by an HVAC contractor. You can also use the business directory for your area, or newspaper, radio and television ads to identify contractors. In most cases you will be better off selecting contractors that promote the quality of their service and equipment at a reasonable rate, rather than just low prices. It may be best to select experienced firms. If possible, try to visit their offices.

You will want to determine whether the contractor has appropriately certified personnel on staff (sheet metal, refrigeration and air conditioning or electrician journeymen, gas fitters, etc.), whether 24-hour emergency service is available, and whether the contractor offers maintenance and service agreements after the installation and warranty. The warranty policy should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and labour and should indicate who is responsible for honouring the warranty.

2. Getting Estimates

Arrange for the contractor to come and inspect the job site. Some small jobs may be priced out and an estimate written immediately, but larger jobs may require additional time to price properly and to prepare a heat loss and gain calculation for proper sizing of the equipment.

Make sure that each estimate is written on a proper form that is easily read and understood. When comparing the estimates received, the statements about the work to be performed and the materials used should be of comparable quality, or the estimates should make proper allowances for any differences. Be sure that the estimate includes the proper permits and licenses. The warranty policy should be clearly stated for equipment, materials and labour. If the contractor uses sub-contractors for some of the actual work, these should be listed on the proposal and in the contract.

3. The Contract

The contract is the agreement between the homeowner and the contractor that specifies what work will be performed and gives a firm dollar value on that work. It is a legal, binding document when signed by both parties, so be sure you understand and agree with the contents before signing. Any changes or additions in the work to be done should never be made without those alterations being written into the contract and initialed by both parties. If extra billing is to occur, it must be clearly stated and initialled by both parties.

In addition to the name, address and telephone number of the consumer and the contractor, the contract should clearly state the following items:

* required licenses and permits to be purchased by the contractor
* responsibility for removal of old equipment and materials
* warranties and guarantees on materials and labour
* approximate start and completion dates unless specific dates and times are agreed upon
* price and terms of payment

The contractor should also provide orientation regarding operation and maintenance of the equipment, and should leave an operations and maintenance manual with the consumer.

4. Payment Methods

There is no standard method of payment, so the payment schedule will vary from company to company. In any case, the payment schedule should be easy to understand and clearly stated if interest charges are applicable. A nominal deposit may be requested. Get a receipt for your deposit or have the amount shown on the contract and get the salesman to initial it. All payments should be made directly to the company named in the contract.

5. Insurance

It is important that the contractor and any sub-contractors each have public liability and property damage insurance, and be able to produce a certificate of good standing from the Workers Compensation Board. You may wish to ask who the policy is with and follow up to verify that it is current.

6. References

Reputable contractors will be more than willing to give you the names and addresses of customers they’ve done work for in your area. You may wish to contact the Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of consumer complaints about its members. You should also ask whether the contractor is a member of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC-Canada), the industry association for heating and air conditioning contractors in Canada. HRAC requires its members to carry relevant trade, fuel safety and municipal licenses as well as workers compensation. A companies membership in HRAC tells you that the company is properly licensed and that they are committed to continuous improvement through education and training.

Reprinted with permission from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada. www.hrac.ca

**Courtesy of Sears Home Central - Home Central

Note: For American contractors, please visit the Air Conditioning Contractors of America at www.acca.org.

A healthy home is in your hands. Just use the checklists below.

Source Control
The best way to improve the air in your home is to attack problems at the source. The following checklist will help you do just that.

Tips to help control dust and other biological contaminants
*Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction, and a rotating beater brush to loosen ground-in dirt. Two-ply bags with HEPA filters ensure the dirt stays in the bag.
*Install hard surface coverings on floors, windows and furniture — they help repel dust.
*Avoid pets inside your home. If you wish to keep a pet indoors, make sure it is groomed often and keep it away from carpets, furniture and beds.
*Wash bedding weekly at a hot setting.
*Use hypoallergenic dust covers on your mattress and pillows to deter dust mites and other biological contaminants.

Tips to help control odors, fumes, and gases
*Keep interior doors leading directly into the garage closed. Leave the garage door open at least 5 minutes after a car enters or leaves the garage.
*Extinguish all burning embers in your fireplace before shutting the flue.
*Leave the door open to any room that does not have a return vent.
*Use non-toxic cleaning products. Keep them sealed and store them away from high traffic areas in your home.
*Eliminate tobacco smoke in the home.
*Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Tips to help control the humidity levels in your home
*Check your home for leaks near windows, doors, attic accesses and dryer vents.
*Ensure your ductwork is inspected and cleaned by a professional.
*Reduce static electricity in your home by installing a humidifier.
*Maintain relative humidity in the 35 to 50% range. Over 50% can promote mold and other bacterial growths. Below 35% can cause sore throats, sinus congestion, skin disorders, warps in wooden furniture and floors, separation in wood floors, and gaps in molding.
*If you live in a warmer, humid climate, be certain your air conditioning equipment is sized properly and ensure it’s in good working order for the best dehumidification. (If no air conditioning system is present, a dehumidifier can be a good option to maintain proper humidity in your home.) In colder climates, a humidifier may be used to increase humidity levels as needed.
*Have a precision tune-up performed on your heating and cooling system twice each year for maximum efficiency, comfort and safety.

Ventilation

Today’s modern homes are tightly sealed to keep conditioned air in and save energy. The problem is, without the right amount of fresh air, your home can become a breeding ground for pollutants. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do with the help of a Service Experts professional to improve ventilation in your home.

Here are just some of the many aspects of healthy ventilation you should be aware of when it comes to ensuring that your family can enjoy a healthy home:
*Have your kitchen/bathroom exhaust fans tested to determine if a back draft from another flue (such as your water heater or fireplace) is drawing carbon monoxide into your home.
*Contain your renovations to one room at a time.
*Seal and vent renovated rooms before continuing to the next project.
*Have an existing ventilation system properly maintained with regular service.
*Mechanical ventilation systems such as Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) are balanced systems that bring in and filter the outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air. These systems capture energy and use it to heat or cool the incoming air for greater energy efficiency and comfort.
*Rather than opening windows for ventilation, consider solutions that only allow filtered conditioned outside air to come indoors and help dilute any pollution in your home’s air.

Filtration
Another way to keep your home healthy is to clean the air by filtering out as many pollutants as possible.

A proper filtration system helps clean the air in your home:
*Determine the appropriate air filtration and cleaning equipment for the needs of your family. Service Experts can help educate you regarding various options so that you can choose the option that is best for the health of your home.
*Regardless of the options selected, an important step in good filtration is the constant recirculation of air throughout your home.
*Remove up to 97.5% of all airborne house dust in less than 24 hours, as well as 99.9% of all allergy causing pollen and spores, with an air cleaner.
*UV lights are an excellent problem solver in areas where bacteria or biological contaminants are a concern.
*UV lights can reduce and destroy biocontaminants by bathing them in high intensity UV.
For the complete filtration system, ask your Service Experts professional about the newest filtration and purification system –the photo catalytic purification system–which combines filtration of particles and bacteria as well as reduces odors.

**Courtesy of Service Experts - Expertise You Can Rely On - Guaranteed!

Chris Paulsen

Here are some things to consider when you decide to do spring renovations.

Think about the problems you are trying to solve.
Evaluate the structure and condition of your house.
Work with the strengths of your home.
Keep it simple.

• Don’t just focus on the upfront costs.
• Don’t cut corners to save a few bucks.
• Will your additions blend into your neighborhood?
• Don’t worry about trends!
• A renovation can only be as good as its upfront planning.

These suggestions are courtesy of
By Design General Contracting

nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

Placing a sub floor over a concrete is one way to help you finish off your basement. The sub floor will act as a level base and not be as cold on the feet. When you’re getting ready, prepare the surrounding area properly, ensuring that water will not seep through to the concrete underneath.

Map It Out
Plan your renovation by drawing it out on some graph paper, using each square as per square. Calculate the number and length of 2″ x 3″ strips of wood required for the area of the basement. Then, measure and calculate the length and amount of 2″ x 3″ pieces needed for sleeper, which you will nail on 40 cm (16 inch) centres. Lastly, measure the number of 4′ x 8′ fibre or plywood pieces that you will need to cover the sub floor.

Waterproofing
Place 6mm polyethylene on top of the concrete to act as a barrier and prevent humidity to the ground floor. Be sure to leave about 4 inches of polyethylene along the side of each wall. This will prevent any further humidity damage.

Note: Instead of 6mm polyethylene, you can also use a 15 lb felt paper.

Framing
Build a sub floor frame throughout the basement along the floor. Using 2″ x 3″ strips of wood, place them directly on top of the 6mm polyethylene along each wall of the basement. Now, using a 16-inch centre, place sleepers throughout the frame, making sure that the first sleeper is 16 inches from the wall with the rest being 16 inches apart. Be sure to lay the sleeper in the direction to the smallest area of the room.

Making it Level
Make sure that the sleepers are level. You may have to use shims in order to get the entire floor leveled - this is very important. After they are leveled, anchor them to the concrete floor using a concrete drill or ramset. Allow a distance of 12 inches between each nail. Cut off the excess polyethylene with a utility knife. Using a pencil, mark the placement of each sleeper along the basement walls as a template for when the sheets of plywood.

Laying It All Down
Before laying down the fibre or plywood, ensure that they are 5/8″ thick. Also, apply a strong adhesive to each sleeper throughout the basement prior to laying the sheets down. Make sure that you stagger the plywood sheets from one sheet to the next, creating a stronger floor area. Place the sheets perpendicular to the sleepers, making sure that they are parallel to the shortest wall. Now, using the templated pencil marks, screw in the sheets of plywood to the sleepers and framing. Space out the screws approximately 12 inches while using 1-1/2″ wood screws.

You will be able to find or rent all the tools and materials at your local building supply store.

Chris Paulsen
cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Here are a few quick tips to help have a successful renovation!

1. Hire an experienced contractor. Ask for addresses of homes they have worked on, and take a drive by to see if they fit with what you are looking for. Ask for before and after photos of previous work. Most are happy to show off their portfolio.

2. Know that price is not everything. Just because someone is the most expensive doesn’t mean they are the best for your project. The same for the cheapest. Get detailed quotes which outline the materials they are planning to use. Then you can accurately compare the value.

3. Some contractors may offer warranties, and come back every so often to ensure that things are still perfect. This is a great feature for major renovations, and adds to their credibility.

4. Get dates that are to start and finish, then assume a few added days due to weather or uncontrollable situations which can arise.

5. Build a good relationship with your contractor. The more they know your needs, the better they can meet them.

Renovations don’t have to be stressful. Set out a game plan with the contractor you choose and that will make things much smoother.

nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

If you are looking for simple kitchen makeover ideas, without having to commit to a full kitchen renovation, here is a simple and effective method to reorganize your space.

1. Start by taking everything out of your kitchen. Empty and clean every drawer and surface. This will really help you eliminate the duplicates, and get rid of items cluttering up your drawers.

2. Now that your kitchen is empty, look at the cabinets, lighting and colour. Refer to the Kitchen Renovations article for ideas on improving these with little cost.

3. Arrange your kitchen with you in mind. As the person who spends the most time there, you may want to change things like where your cooking utensils are stored, or how accessible your plates are.

4. If you have a few large mixing bowls, take one and place it in the center of your table. Fill it with lemons and other bright coloured fruit which will last a few weeks, so you are not always replacing them.