February 27th, 2009 | Published in home show
It’s the last weekend of the National Home Show in Toronto, a massive display of Home Improvement vendors and more. From fireplaces, to kitchen counter top surfaces, luxury whirlpool spas, and smaller knicknacks, you’ll find it all.
Here’s a look of the Dream House, presented by the Toronto Star, sort of like a funhouse maze for grown-ups.
Don’t forget to watch out for the new Prius.
February 19th, 2009 | Published in DIY, Uncategorized, contractor selection, decor, furniture, green, heating and cooling, home show, kitchen, lighting, organizing, outdoor, painting, remodeling, renovating, repair, tools, walls, windows
What? National Home Show
When? Feb. 20 - March 1, 2009!
Where? The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.
The largest home show in Toronto is coming up next week with a plethora of home improvement and decor products, accessories, ideas, and celebrity guest appearances.
What to Expect at the Show: (info provided by www.NationalHomeShow.com - visit the official show site for more details)
* The Dream Home – Built by Probuilt by Michael Upshall and styled by Janette Ewen.
* Toronto Star Dream Gardens
* tySTYLE presented by Toshiba
* Colin and Justin, hosts of HGTV’s Home Heist (appearance courtesy of Penguin Books)
* Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Green Force
* Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV’s Income Property
* Cheryl Torrenueva, host of HGTV’s Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover
* Corbin Tomaszeski, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover
* Igor Shamraychuk, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover
Show Date & Hours
Friday, February 20th
11 am to 9pm
Saturday, February 21st
10am to 9pm
Sunday, February 22nd
10am to 6pm
Monday, February 23rd to Friday, February 27th
11 am to 9pm
Saturday, February 28th
10am to 9pm
Sunday, March 1st
10am to 6pm
Admission
Adults: $15.00 (at the door)
Adults: $12.00 (online)
Seniors (65+): $11.00
Seniors: $8.00 (online)
Youth 13 – 17 years: $11.00
Youth 13 – 17 years: $8.00 (online)
Children 12 and under: FREE
* Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Buy online and save (use promo code:RENOVATION) !
Show Venue & Location
The Direct Energy Centre,
Exhibition Place,
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto ON
416-263-3000
Website:
February 19th, 2009 | Published in basement, bathroom, bedroom, contractor selection, electrical wiring, finances, flooring, heating and cooling, kitchen, maintanence, outdoor, painting, plumbing, remodeling, renovating, repair, tax credit
Many people have been wondering about the home renovation tax credit and just what exactly it entails. Information is now available on the Canadian government website, including a pamplet with further details.
Below is a break down of the main points of interest:
“…after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, pursuant to agreements entered into after January 27, 2009.”
For work completed and some necessarily obtained goods! This credit is for new renovations and ongoing improvements on the residential structure itself, as well as the land it sits on.
It’s a 15% credit which can be claimed on an amount which is more than $1000 and under $10,000. The maximum credit that you can obtain is $1350.
* houses
* cottages
* condo units
(must be inhabited or used by the owner)
* projects (ie: finishing your basement or re-doing the kitchen)
* “associated expenses” (permits, rentals, labour, etc.)
“Taxpayers can claim the HRTC when filing their 2009 tax return…. Family members will be able to share the credit.”
* new furniture and appliance or tools purchases
* cleaning services
* maintenance services
More information to come:
Canada Revenue Agency’s website
Department of Finance website
Contact:
Service Canada
1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
1-800-926-9105 (TTY)
E-mail: services-distribution@fin.gc.ca
February 13th, 2009 | Published in basement, bathroom, bedroom, contractor selection, finances, remodeling, renovating
Written by: Guest
Home renovation can be a stressful undertaking. It is wise to deliberate carefully about renovations. All disputes over the renovation plan must be settled before the work begins or you are just postponing an inevitable (and probably heated) argument. Everyone in the family should have a voice in this undertaking, as it truly is a family affair.
The following list could have had three, eight or even 20 entries, but if you stick with the basics and exercise self-control, the following five keys can help guide you to, and through, a successful home renovation.
1. Good relationships mean good business – A home renovation will be a lot less stressful if you have a solid, trusting relationship with your contractor. Trust doesn’t arise between people instantly, but there are ways to speed the process, such as “third-party trust,” meaning referrals. If you don’t already know and respect a builder in your area, ask the people you trust about the contractors that they trust. Get referrals, and interview the prospects to get at least somewhat of a “feel” for them. Get referrals, check credentials, trust your instincts – and call references. Nothing builds trust in a contractor like good, positive reports from previous customers.
2. Accurate budgets are crucial – You need to understand how to budget for the job, and what is really involved, financially, in your home renovation. The better understanding you have of your budget, and the more accurate the estimates you include, the less likely your job will exceed your expectations. Although your contractor can supply some good information here, you should maintain authority over the budget yourself and not give anyone – not your spouse, your family as a whole or the contractor – the “keys to your wallet.” Do your homework, and follow the budget.
3. Home renovation is messy – Prior to the start of actual construction, remove all valuables and breakables from the affected areas. Unless the garage is part of the plan, you might consider storing items there. If the whole house is involved, think about renting a storage unit. While this will cause some short-term dislocation and require some sweat from the family’s brows (or more paid help), renovations are inevitably messy and accidents will happen. Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety of your valuables, fine furniture, Persian rugs and other possessions.
4. Stick to the payment plan – One easy way to ruin your relationship with your contractor, and slow down or terminate your renovation project, is to deviate from your payment plan. If you are developing a timetable for the contractor’s work, you should also prepare, and adhere to, a timetable for the payments. You should be proactive in this matter, and never allow communication to deteriorate to the point where the contractor has to ask for money. Plan out every detail and every dollar, and follow the plan.
5. Extras: There’s always something – When developing your renovation budget, leave some room for the unanticipated extras that inevitably come up in the course of a home renovation. In addition, once you start renovating, you may think of other improvements or changes you wish to make. This means building some flexibility into the financing, as well as the project plan and the timetable. Strike a balance between firmness and flexibility so that you don’t go off on a tangent and lose control of the cost or the schedule.
Like most big undertakings, a home renovation can be somewhat scary. Don’t hesitate to speak with friends, relatives, coworkers or neighbors who have been through the same thing. Investigate all concerns - listen carefully, take notes and don’t leave any question unanswered before finalizing your plan and your budget. Don’t be in a hurry, don’t make assumptions and, above all, do not waver in your determination to see the project through to a successful conclusion.
