Just as The Home Renovation Guide got a major renovation, our sister site, The Home Interior Guide is getting a fabulous makeover - Keep a watch out for it’s re-design, Coming Soon! To celebrate, here’s a sneak peak at the upcoming Makeover of the Month Feature. Enjoy! (For a look at our Featured Renovation, visit The Renovation of the Month on the Home Renovation Guide.)

Revitalizing the Home

The home has untapped potential. It’s amazing what a few freshening touches can do to transform every day living areas. …

Before

After

How much thought do you put into your windows? Though they act to enlarge, lighten and even decorate a space, windows are an area that can be overlooked when considering a renovation. A total window rehabilitation is a clever means to improve the overall aesthetics of a house and gain energy efficiency in the process. As seen here, two Albertan family homes are re-vamped with new Design Series windows by Pella.

We take a look at what installing new windows entails, from delivery to the first time they get opened. Watch and see as a breath of fresh air falls over these homes.

Dated windows (left side), such as these circa 1976 plastic frames can give a tired, worn appearance. The owners recently added a new backyard deck, to which the complement of a replacement patio door is a small, but noticeable change. The result is a window that is not just a window, but a feature piece for the house which displays the beauty of real wood. The windows shown here are part of Pella’s Designer Series that feature a triple pane window. A more solid frame also gives additional security to this entryway, for both ease of use and potential break-ins.

Pella’s emphasis on customer service comes through every step of the way. The installation team calls the customer in the morning before 9am to confirm they are on their way, and oncethey arrive on site, they first come to the door and introduce themselves as the Pella installation crew. Before any product is pulled out of the vehicle, the installation team walks the customer through the job, making sure that both the installation members and the homeowner have the same understanding and expectations of how the job will go. Once this is achieved then the crews will start to set up for the job.

During the installation the Replacement specialist will come out for a site visit to see the progress of the job and make sure the customer is happy with the progress.

A full frame installation requires that the team first pull out the existing window and prepare the opening to install a new window. In order to install a new window, two workers are required: one installer installing from the outside and a second installer on the inside. On the interior of the home, drop cloths are used to protect the furniture and floors.

Once the opening is prepared, the new window is inserted. On the inside (seen here), the window is shimmed until level, plumb and square and then foamed with a insulation foam. The Design Series comes with the option of putting the blinds within the panes of glass, which these homeowners gladly chose. This means 200 times less air-borne allergens, making these ideal for households with allergic people, not to mention lessening dusting responsibilities.

From the outside (albeit a different window), a nailing fin is used to ensure the proper placement of the window. It covers the construction and is used to drive nails through in order to secure the frame. When retrofitting, it is possible to leave the nailing fin in place, but for a full installation like this, it is necessary to take out the old nailing fin and replace it fully.

Once the nailing fin has been properly installed, expander and receptor trim is applied to the exterior, replacing the old brick mould or wood trim. On the interior, new casing is applied to finish the window. As shown here, the window is flush with the stucco exterior, seamlessly blending in with the home while also giving it a modern look.

As it is easy to see with the contrast here, changing the windows on a home can make a significant difference in its appearance. Added benefits that aren’t quite as visual include lower energy bills, added solidity and the assurance of quality.

Once all the product is placed, the installers clean the window, using a dry vacuum to remove all debris from the exterior of the house as well. The the installer walks the customer through the house to demonstrate the operation of each of the windows, patio doors, and fully functioning blinds – in all it’s shiny glory.

(Renovator: Pella, Date Completed: June 2008, Location: Edmonton, AB,  Services Performed: 13 designer series windows and a patio slider, Budget: $28,000)

About the Builder

At Pella, our process is focused around the customer, providing them with an experience that is second to none. Pella was recognized as #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, North America-wide, and won Energy Star’s Window and Door Manufacturer Partner of the Year for both 2007 and 2008. If you are interested in having your windows replaced please visit us at www.westcan.pella.com, www.pella.com or call 403-292-0080 (Calgary) or 780-484-5622 (Edmonton). If you are outside of Alberta, please go to www.pella.com and enter in your postal code to book an appointment and get the location of your nearest Pella office.

By Pearse Walsh

Renovating or building your home should be a positive experience free from stress and worry. But did you know that electrical and gas installations and renovations can pose some of the most serious safety risks in the home?

“Do-it-yourself” might make sense when it comes to some home improvements, but when it comes to doing electrical or gas work, it’s best that you rely on the experts. Simply put, hiring licensed contractors provides peace of mind.

So while you’re thinking about renovations that involve gas and electricity, think about the legal requirements and benefits of hiring a licensed contractor to do the work.

Laws and regulations

Every province and municipality has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. A licensed contractor works with these every day, and knows what work is regulated, and requires permits and inspections.

Doing regulated electrical and gas work without a permit is illegal, and may jeopardize your insurance or the re-sale value of your home, not to mention your family’s safety.

Quality and qualifications

In order to be licensed, a contractor must have the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code. While a license doesn’t guarantee quality, it provides you with some assurance that the contractor has adequate knowledge and experience in his or her field.

Before issuing a license, the provincial licensing agency or board will verify the contractor’s background and be satisfied that the person is qualified to hold such a license.

In British Columbia, for example, all gas and electrical contractors doing regulated work are required, under the Safety Standards Act, to hold a valid license issued by the BC Safety Authority. The license ensures the contractor and the people employed by the contractor are qualified and can perform the work safely. Licenses must be renewed annually and require certain qualifications are met, including a $10,000 surety bond.

Finding a licensed contractor

Check websites, look for contractors listed in your local phone book, and by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations.

No matter how you find a contractor, it’s important to confirm he or she is a licensed contractor. Ask to see the license, or contact your licensing authority.

When you can’t wait for a licensed contractor

Sometimes it’s difficult to find a licensed contractor who can take on the work when you want it done. You may be tempted to do the work yourself, or go with an unlicensed contractor. Don’t! Work done improperly can impact you and your family’s safety, whereas having the work done by a licensed contractor will give you assurance and peace of mind that it is done safely. Good licensed contractors are busy because they are in demand.

Think about the safety of your family and your home. Delaying a renovation project to make sure it is done correctly and to code is worth the wait.

Many people think it’s okay to hire their neighbors or friends, if they are licensed electricians or gas fitters. This is not so. The person they hire must be a licensed contractor. This is important for the homeowner because contractors are bonded. If subsequent safety issues arise and the contractor refuses to fix them, the BC Safety Authority can call in the bond and have the work made safe.

This article was provided by the British Columbia Safety Authority. Pearse Walsh is the leader of Business Development for the British Columbia Safety Authority, which is an independent, self-funded corporation that provides cost-effective and essential safety services to business, industry and the general public. For more information, or to find gas and electrical companies and contractors, visit www.safetyauthority.ca.

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

* The trend again this year seems to be themes of colors with gold but mostly silver. 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.

* Let your kids have their own decorations and little tree (fake) in their room to decorate as they wish.

* 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.

Find the entire article here.

This article was provided by Room4refinement.com. Cat Hackman is a Calgary based interior decorator and owner of “www.Room4refinement.com”:http://www.room4refinement.com. Call 403.705.4791 c. 403.681.4473.

When it comes to a more budget conscious, yet highly effective means to re-vamp a home and entice potential buyers, home-staging is a fantastic option. As we will see with this month’s Makeover, Accent on Design Inc. re-styled several utilitarian rooms and transformed them into inviting and luxurious spaces certain to lure hungry home hunters.

Before

The owners were putting up their one bedroom, downtown condo for sale and wanted to add much needed personality and depth to this large master bedroom.

After

Such a cosmopolitan property is likely to appeal to the young professional.  With that in mind, a low-key sensibility with a touch of masculine edge was created. Updating with new bedroom accents in monochromatic tones and lush fabrics (bedding, pillows, lamps from HomeSense, ottoman from Chintzes, fur from Urban Barn).

Before

Another master bedroom of a similar background - young urban professionals with no kids - needed a serious overhaul.  The room was disorganized and lacking in any style.  The owners gave a budget of $4000, left to the designer’s devices.

After

To add colour through accessories, as painting was not an option, an area rug (not seen) was used to select the colour scheme.  Also crucial to the entire room was the light coloured and soft textured headboard.  It acts to anchor the bedding and unify the warm corals of the room (lamps from HomeSense and reversible bedding is Cushy Life).

Before

This bare bones cabin bathroom - of exterior log walls and a drywall interior - was in the process of surpassing it’s rustic looks.

After

This luxurious bathtub built with materials of a classic and timeless look, elevates, yet co-ordinates with the pastoral structure.

Before

The original white amenity with fake marble of this bathroom was bland and needed some serious reworking as the owner, a single male, wanted to put it up for sale.

After

Bold red paint (Benjamin Moore Sundried Tomato) and rubbed bronzed features completely transforms the room, leaving a strong, masculine, Neo-classic presence. Rich colours and new fixtures (Cartwright Lighting for fixture; faucets and hardware, Home Depot) along with artwork to soften the red, makes memories of the bathroom’s former artificial 80’s guise, disappear.

The next 3 rooms belong to the same house where the owner was looking to update the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.

Before

The kitchen was deemed too dark, which did not allow the colours to come out.

After

To create a streamlined, classic look, the slate was replaced with subway tiles. It’s a simple but effective change that brightens up the area and does brings emphasis to the lovely rich wood of the cabinets.

Before

The column projected over the fireplace was odd and a solution to making the whole column flush would be to make built-in woodwork.

After

A woodworker was brought in who used the existing mantle and wood to make it flush. It is a vast improvement over the piece of drywall in the middle of the fireplace. The covering wood along with installed lights truly put the owner’s travel treasured pieces on display, and it brings added prominence to the fireplace.

Before

The owners wanted this bath to be a powder room but it had a shower. The cabinet over the toilet was also too high and clearly not in line with the mirror, leaving an unbalanced looking gap.

After

To eliminate the look of a shower, a narrower curtain rod was brought in so that it no longer projected into the bathroom area. More dramatically, the cabinet was removed and replaced with a pedestal sink. The original mirror was cut down and a tile-setter was instructed to use the same two-inch subway tile as in the kitchen to frame the mirror – creating an element of glamour.

Before

The owners set a $10,000 budget for this 900 sq ft condo and wanted built-in units on either side of the fireplace and retaining the flooring.

After

Deeper coloured walls (Tempura by C2), original artwork from Masters Gallery, custom made drapery, well-paired area rug (House of Persia) and plush sofa (Country Furniture) all create a plush and welcoming space. The light is capped as this room would not be used as a dining area and swivel chairs are used to avoid crowding of the bistro table (not shown). The owners wanted a stereo and TV in the room, and in the end result figure visibly.

Before

This bedroom of a condo, over looking a golf course belonged to an older couple, who, set a budget of $3000 was set to work with. Other restrictions included: retaining the original carpet and not re-painting.

After

The shift of the cost was put towards more lasting elements such as the furniture. The original leather and wood trim headboard are complemented by neutral colours were selected to match the tone of the walls (bedding, pillows, lamps and artwork from HomeSense). Of note is the cute little chenille chair (Urban Barn) that is perfect for the bedroom, providing both form and function.

Before

This bedroom was a case of just bringing it all together. The homeowner had purchased the bedding but just didn’t know how to make it work.

After

Extra throw pillows (Pier 1), some funky lamps and art (HomeSense) all in coppery rich, fall colours were easy to use accents that really warmed as well as spruced up the room.

Before

Balance is crucial when considering aesthetics. Scale is everything; as evident in this room where the large headboard is flanked awkwardly by scrawny little lamps.

After

The addition of the art piece - whimsically hung horizontally instead of vertically as intended – with it’s great colours is the solid base desperately needed bring together the furniture and headboard. The lamps and pillows (HomeSense) add flare to the backdrop of neutral walls (Calihari by C2).

Accent on Design is the CONSUMERS AWARD CHOICE WINNER for Calgary Interior Decorators that specializes in complete room redesign, colour selection, and Real Estate Staging and shopping tailored to the home. Accent on Design, through the creative rearrangement of existing furniture, art and accessories, transforms the everyday room into a warm and inviting space. For more information, visit www.accentondesigninc.ca.