image from www.BriarRenos.com

Dreaming of a large, luxurious spa bathroom? Or are you an avid DIYer that wants gorgeous results while sticking to a strict budget?

Here are some tips that can save you money if you decide to give the bathroom a makeover.

1. Go Green: Yes it’s the trendiest term this year, but it’s a frame of mind that if taken seriously and sensibly (instead of for militant show - you know who what type I’m talking about) it can also save you money. Try to keep your existing materials - that coat of no-VOC paint and finish may make the cheap but cheery difference you’re after. Visit your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for materials, or donate any left over that you end up with. Water saving toilets and shower heads are the easiest ways to conserve; look for government incentives for when you install them.

2. Keep the layout: One of the biggest costs when it comes to renovations is new plumbing or re-wiring. If you don’t have to move the sink or toilet, you can use that extra money saved for replacing crumbling fixtures.

3. Think flair: You may be surprised by how simply switching hardware like faucets, etc., or installing more lighting can revamp the bathroom. Two sconces on either side of the mirror can brighten the whole room or a dimmer switch can create a calming ambiance. The right lighting can make your face lit up like a movie star.

4. Air quality: Insert joke here, but seriously, the bathroom is clearly the one place in the home that fears moisture the most (second only to the kitchen). Over time, the moisture can cause mold and mildew which will not only eat away at your shiny new fix-ups, but is also dangerous to your health. In order to prevent this, make sure your bathroom has appropriate ventilation and that the exhaust fan gets routinely cleaned.

Thinking more of a professional job? Here are two contests to enter to win an amazing dream makeover. In Canada, enter the Style at Home Dream of a Lifetime sweepstakes to win $25,000 to build a dream kitchen. In the US, the diy Ultimate kitchen and bath giveaway is offering a grand prize of $100,000.

If you’re ready to find a professional, get a free quote here. Or find your renovation inspiration in our article library.

by Tina Gleisner

Keep the Water Out

Today’s houses are built with a variety of materials. Vinyl siding won’t rot when exposed to water but many parts of a house are made from natural materials like wood. Wood becomes a food source for mold growth when the moisture level gets too high.

Our homes are designed to direct water down and away from your home. Roof shingles overlap to keep water flowing down but when they age (crack, curl, etc) water can get under the shingles and the plywood sheathing can rot.

Inspect and Repair Potential Water Leaks

You will save time and money if you periodically inspect your home for potential water damage. Of course you also need to make needed repairs quickly. Here are several different approaches to monitoring the water tightness of your home:

• Use a pair of binoculars to visually inspect your home every year – fall, spring or both. More frequent reviews will help you recognize changes that indicate potential problems. You’re looking for missing/deteriorating roof shingles and gaps/cracks around the chimney or roof vents. On each side of your home, check wood trim right below the roof line for discoloration (water stains or mold), wood siding and trim (windows, corner boards, etc) for cracked/peeling paint or gaps form aging caulk, and focus on window sills which are a common problem.

• Pick one aspect of your home to inspect more thoroughly. Learn which side of your house gets more exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain and moisture) and has more repair needs, and check this side twice as often as the other 3 sides. If you’re on a 6 year paint schedule, consider painting this one side every 3 years.

• Check your roof – shingles, chimney and vent pipes, ventilation (inflow & outflow) plus gutters and wood trim immediately below the roof on all sides.

• Check windows and doors focusing on the bottom where water tends to collect, i.e., window sills and door thresholds and gaps/cracks in caulk used to seal seams around the windows.

• Check siding and associated trim like corner boards.

• Check foundation to make sure water is directed away from your home’s foundation. This is critical with new homes (or remodeling) where dirt is filled back after excavation, and settles over a few years. Shrubs should also be trimmed.

Learn to test for squishy or punky wood. Press gently with your finger and you’ll quickly learn to recognize the difference between solid wood and wood that is soft with hidden damage. You can then use a thin, pointed object (needle, paper clip, etc) to see how deep the damage goes but do it carefully to prevent the wood from disintegrating in front of your eyes!

Hopefully this list has given you ideas for how to break down the work into bite size chunks you can complete every 3 to 4 years.Your goal should be to find and correct problems quickly, which will save you money!

Keep Warm (or Cool) Air Inside

People are more aware of energy costs since gas prices rose above $4.00/gallon in 2007. Europeans have paid higher fuel costs for years, so the US government looked there when setting new energy standards. US manufacturers had to retool to meet the standards by June 1, 2009. Home owners have to the end of 2010, to use the $1,500 residential home energy tax credit (new construction different).

• Window Tax Credit Standards*

Most of the energy improvements in cars, appliances and building codes are driven by government regulations. We’ll try to update you frequently and you’ll want to research future purchases to benefit in new exterior products like siding, windows and doors to internal systems including heating, electrical/lighting and plumbing, i.e. there are new hot water heaters coming.

Inspect and Seal or Insulate: Don’t Lose heat out Your Window

Now lets break down home maintenance “energy saving” projects into bite size chunks, ones that won’t overwhelm you. Our goal is to help every home owner reduce their energy consumption … to save money, to improve the value of their home and to help the environment.

First you want to seal air leaks that allow cold (or warm) air to get into your home. Here are the most common areas for savings, and it’s okay to do one each year:

• Windows and doors should be caulked outside,and insulated between the window and the rough framing, to reduce unwanted air flow. Caulk can deteriorate over time and often, little or no insulation surrounds windows and doors.

• Single pane windows should be replaced with energy efficient, double pane windows. If you can’t afford to do the entire house, pick 2 or 3 rooms where you spend the most time.

• Weatherstripping around doors, typically rubber, will become less effective over time and should be replaced to block small cracks.

• Where the wood framing of the house meets the foundation is prone to air leaks. Ideally you can insulate and seal these areas from the basement.

• Next you want to insulate to reduce warn air from escaping, i.e. you’ve paid to heat the air and want to gain as much benefit as you can.

• With warm air rising, the first place to improve insulation is the floor of your attic, to keep warm air in your living spaces.

• Outside walls are more challenging. The most practical time to add insulation is when you’re replacing the siding. We’ve helped customers with creative solutions like a second wall in upstairs bedrooms as opening up and insulating 2×4 walls won’t achieve today’s standards which assume 2×6 framing.

• Insulate (and seal) systems that carry warm air (ductwork) or water (exposed heating and hot water pipes) and put an insulating blanket on your hot water heater.

About the Author

Tina Gleisner is the founder of the Association of Home Professionals, which helps home owners find the information and resources they need to manage their homes with confidence (www.hometipsandtools.com). She has written hundreds of articles about home maintenance, repairs and remodeling to help customers find the best solutions for their home, lifestyle and budget. Through My Handyman of Southern NH, Tina offers services in home maintenance including wood rot and water damage, energy saving improvements and updates such as trim, tile, painting and creative storage solutions.

by Pat Krushen

As our parents age, we, the baby boomer generation, are confronted with new challenges in being able to assure that their lives will remain as enjoyable as possible. How can we help our parents to make decisions that will be in their best interests? Are we ready for the physical, social, emotional and financial changes that will arise?

It is hard for us to accept our own aging process, and just as difficult for parents to accept that things that were, at one time, no problem at all, now present themselves as obstacles….things like driving a vehicle, doing ones own shopping, remembering daily events, and handling finances become more difficult and, in time, adequate nutrition, poor mobility and personal hygiene become reasons for concern.

While there are many products and solutions available, acceptance of the need for them is often the most difficult obstacle. As children there are some points we need to keep in mind when approaching the need for assistance:

• Begin by talking about their concerns long before the situation arises. They most certainly have thought about the future and have some fears of it.

• Speak to them as an adult speaking to adults - Do not talk down to them or treat them as children – they have their own pride and dignity

• Have reasonable expectations of their abilities to care for themselves

• Let them make as many decisions as possible themselves

• Be compassionate and understanding

• Be knowledgeable about the products and solutions that are available to accommodate their needs

As baby boomers, our own senior years are not far off. Remember that one day your own children will be facing the same issues as you are now. Think of how you would like to be approached – approach your parents in the same way.

About the Author

Pat Krushen is a former teacher and sign language interpreter, hugely aware of lifestyle limitations due to physical abilities. She is currently a web designer and free lance writer, now involved in the walk in bathtub industry.

by Pat Krushen

As the children of aging parents, we need to begin discussions with our parents regarding their future needs, long before those needs arise. We need to be knowledgeable about the products and solutions available so that when the time comes we can offer alternative solutions that will assist them to remain as independent as possible. Talking about these solutions without stating an immediate need for them gives the parent time to think and to asses the situation before the time comes.

Compared with the cost of hospital care once an accident happens or continuing care in a long term facility, the following items can be helpful in keeping a senior in their own home.

· Grab bars

· Medical alert devices and emergency response systems

· Entry ramps

· Railings for landings, staircases, beds

· Telephones with contact numbers programmed in and/or large numbers

· Easy wear clothing and incontinence products

· Raised toilets

· Self raising armchairs

· Walk in bathtubs, bath chairs

· Non-slip treatments for bathtubs, showers

· Reflective switch plates and stairway tapes

· Easy long-handled reachers

· Canes, walkers, scooters and even wheelchairs

· Meals on wheels

Do not hesitate to learn about other alternatives in your area that may become necessary, such as:

· Home Care

· Retirement Communities

· Assisted living facilities

· Long term care facilities

Just as new parents need to learn about appropriate items for new babies, toddles and children, those approaching parent caregiving need to educate themselves on options and solutions that will make life easier for everyone involved.

About the Author

Pat Krushen is a former teacher and sign language interpreter, hugely aware of lifestyle limitations due to physical abilities. She is currently a web designer and free lance writer, now involved in the walk in bathtub industry.

A look at this year’s Fall Home show. Enjoy!

by Rob Wright

Many people may not think that R&D is part of construction. Most people think in terms of hi-tech, or medicine, or other scientific endeavours. However there is a surprising amount of R&D in the construction industry.

In the past, alot of it happened on site in your home. The result is that as things happened to the homes: i.e. they burnt down or collapsed, the standards changed. That is why homes today have some special electrical parts and truss roofs.

Today we don’t like to try things on people’s homes to see if they work. They get tested first and they get tested in the lab, on computers, and in test homes.  These labs mostly are at CMHC, NRC, CSA, ESA, and ULC.

In the labs, materials and assemblies get tested: i.e. does the window leak air and/or water; is the asphalt strong enough for the road? Or does the light fixture catch fire? On the computer, you can test design changes to see the potential difference in energy efficiency or the strength of a component when loaded. In the test houses, you can test side by side under the same conditions. Is the gas furnace more efficient than the electric? How much more humidity causes mould growth?

This work has allowed us to: produce the best housing in the world, question claims about a material’s abilities to perform, ensure various products are safe, and help our industry meet our Kyoto requirements ahead of schedule.

What is causing the construction industry concern is the changes and cut backs occurring at NRC, CMHC, and the other facilities here in Canada.  We will be losing some of our advanced technical knowledge and personnel we do have. We also will not be working some of the future issues for the housing industry.

After we lose this knowledge, the next issue will become what standards from other countries (U.S and others) will become our standards. This would not be a good thing as most other parts of the world do not have the severe climates we do.

About the Author

In the mid 1990’s Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Since that time, Rob has helped many homeowners improve their homes. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and has acted as the Renovation Council Chair. Rob has presented seminars at local home shows on various renovations subjects. He is a featured contractor expert for the Home Renovation Guide’s “Ask the Expert” section. Visit his company website CitadelRenovations.com for more information.

We had a chance to meet the gregarious and gorgeous Colin and Justin (of Colin & Justin’s Home Heist on HGTV) at their booth, promoting charity auction event, “After the Heist Home Tour”, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Tickets were available for a VIP Home tour that included the opening VIP night mingle and nosh with the fab duo, a jaunt across town to visit 15 homes the pair had “heisted”, and a copy of the Home Heist Style Guide. The event also included a live auction for participants to bid on various prizes, including a design consult with the “makeover mavens”.

Although the event has passed, you can still make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society via the website www.aftertheheist.ca.

For more info on C & J, visit http://www.colinandjustin.tv/.

by Vicky Saunderson

Tweets, texts and hurried telephone calls have become the hallmarks of our time-starved lives. Given all the pressure, it’s no wonder that there’s been a return to spending downtime at home, cocooning with friends and family. It’s a sad fact, though, that for many people, one of best ways to do that — home entertaining — is fraught with worry. They’ll fuss over not knowing what to cook, or how to dress the table, or get in a tizzy if they don’t have time to clean the house from tip to top before the first guest arrives.

If that sounds like you, there are a few simple tips you can follow to take the horror out of home entertaining. First of all, take it easy. Pals are coming to see you, not to find out if you swept under the couch this week or whether you can make a killer Banana Flambé. And if they are, maybe it’s time to trade them in for more laid-back buddies.

One of the biggest concerns of wannabe hosts is that they’ll end up spending too much time in the kitchen, sweating over the meal, while guests are left alone to amuse themselves in the living room (possibly by checking for dust bunnies under the couch). The “smart” features that are a part of so many of today’s appliances can help there. For example, Hamilton Beach has a new 20-cup rice cooker with pre-programmed and timed settings for rice, soups and hot cereals. That means you can set it up in the morning, and program it to be ready for whenever you plan to sit down to the table. It’s terrific for a large crowd, and sells for about $70. For more information, go to hamiltonbeach.ca.

If it’s cooking for a crowd that stops you from having the gang over, get some help from a good grocer. Some, such as Longo’s (longos.com), have a range of very good salads, entrees and desserts, or offer full catering options. Longo’s also has a spectacular selection of house brands, including cheeses, dips and compotes, as well as a bakery that offers artisanal bread that’s to die for. Grab a great loaf, flavoured oil for dipping, and some mixed nuts, and your pre-dinner nibbles are taken care of.

Achieving a well-dressed table needn’t be a huge chore, either. The easiest, no-fuss idea I’ve seen this season comes from Home Hardware’s Home at Home magazine. The editors took a simple paint drop cloth, (about $20) and used it on the table. The coarse, heavy cotton looks like a fabulous rustic linen and is very durable (so who cares if Aunt Edna spills the Beaujolais on it!).

You can also add sizzle to a plain white table cloth by running a length of leftover wallpaper or wrapping paper along the table length. I recently used a gorgeous gold and green wallpaper to create a rich backdrop for my gold-rimmed, green floral china. It would work equally well, though, with a bold black and white graphic paper, using white tableware on a shiny red chargers.

The best tip for successful entertaining? Relax, and remember that it’s supposed to be fun. Because in this high-pressure world, what the best hosts offer friends and family is a few hours of undivided attention in a calm, unhurried atmosphere. That’s sweeter than any fancy dessert, and richer than a double-creme Camembert.

Vicky Sanderson is a columnists who reports on home products, gadgets and trends and recently appeared as a guest presenter at the Fall Home Show.

Today is the first day of the Fall Home Show at the Better Living Center. If you’re planning on attending this weekend, it’s still not too late to save $4 off (use promo code: RENOVATION) the regular price of admission if you buy your tickets online.

Here’s a look at this year’s attractions. I’ll be posting pics of the show tomorrow so watch out for that.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009…

THE PLANNING STAGE presented by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse

Need help updating your look? Don’t go at it alone; look no further than the Planning Stage presented by Lowe’s for the latest in kitchen design, DIY, renovation and holiday décor and entertaining. Local experts and celebs will offer insight and advice to help with all your home improvement needs. Don’t miss Bryan Baeumler live on stage Oct. 1st at 6:30 pm

THE MODERN LIVING LOUNGE CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Get the inside dish. Join Ontario’s hottest chefs, Entertaining Experts and Beverage buffs for not-to-be-missed tips and tricks for the Holiday season. Complete with holiday décor presentations and wine and spirit samples and suggestions, this ultra modern lounge will take you from holiday hopeless to the hostess with the mostess!

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK? HGTV WORKSHOP SERIES

If your home’s look is mismatched, out-of-date or just plain hopeless, help is coming! Re-fresh, Re-love and Re-energize your space with the help from local design celebrities and experts at the Fall Home Show’s annual hands-on workshop series. Get up to the minute advice on topics ranging from redecorating in a recession and choosing the right color to buying vintage furniture and laying flooring. Please check back soon for schedules.

Tech Style with ConnectPro by Future Shop designed by HGTV’s Cheryl Torrenueva

Take a departure from shabby chic and step into the 21st century with the ConnectPro by Future Shop Tech Style gallery and showroom, showcasing the ultimate in electronics and automated accessories. This ultra-modern exhibit displays forward-thinking and seamless solutions for every room of the house.

DESTINATION RENOVATION

Don’t go it alone. If you have big renovation plans but are stumped about where to start, look no further than Destination Renovation by BILD. Meet face-to-face with renovators and builders alike for a no-nonsense, one-on-one construction consultation that will save you valuable time and money. Presented by BILD (Building Industry and Land Development).

And much much more! For more details visit www.fallhomeshow.com.

by Guest

“It’s great to feel safe and warm in your own home.”

Anita Poonawala knows what she’s talking about.

In 2008, she and her neighbours were looking forward to home improvements to their townhouse complex in Richmond that would provide them more warmth during the cold months.

The strata council had decided to replace the wood-burning fireplaces in the 48-unit complex with electrical fireplaces and had called in workers to do the installations.

As the work was being done in her townhouse, Anita, who is a Client Services Representative for the BC Safety Authority, felt uneasy with what she saw.

“In my work, I get calls from homeowners wanting to verify if the contractor they’re dealing with is in fact licensed and qualified. So I did a little checking on my own,” said Anita.

“One of the workers was welding while another was at the electrical panel resetting the power as it kept going off. So I asked them if they knew what they were doing. One of them said he did but that their employer did not give them good machines to work with. That made me think that there was something wrong.”

She was also told by the strata council that a permit had not been taken out because it wasn’t necessary.

Anita informed the BCSA and Electrical Safety Officer Carlo Turra went to see the work being done.

He noted that “electrical work [without the proper permits] was being done by an unqualified individual and the work was not in accordance to the Canadian electrical code.”

“For example, each electrical fireplace insert should have its own dedicated circuit. In this case, that wasn’t being done and circuits were being overloaded. This would have caused tripping or worse, a fire,” explained Carlo.

He immediately had the work stopped and, together with Anita, convinced the strata council to hire a licensed contractor.

The council agreed, a licensed contractor was called in, permits were taken out and the work was done safely and according to code. During the course of the project, the contractor also corrected other non-compliance work that had been done and with only a small additional fee.

“A licensed electrical contractor will know what type of work will require an electrical permit and will do the work safely and according to code,” said Carlo.

According to Anita, there’s a lesson here for all homeowners.

“If we hadn’t found out, the work done would have been illegal; it wouldn’t be covered by insurance and it could have started a fire. And it ended up causing delays and costing the homeowners more than anticipated. It’s best to get a qualified and licensed contractor to do this kind of work from the very start.”

She and her neighbours now look forward to keeping warm and safe in the coming months.

Anita quipped, “Finally, eight months later, the fireplaces that were meant for the winter of 2008 can now be used for the winter of 2009!”

When making home improvements, you want to protect the safety of your home and your family. The Homeowners section of the BC Safety Authority website gives you information about electrical and gas permits, how to find licensed electrical and gas contractors, what to look for in a contractor, and more. For more information, visit www.safetyauthority.ca.