My friend Antony and I often joke about the pleasant feeling evoked by a “Canadian Basement.” You know what I mean: dark, wood panelling, old curtains, shag rugs and often a hint of brown-orange-yellow. Step downstairs and it’s 1976.

Yes, some nostalgia is fine, but when your whole house starts reeking of a bygone era, it might be time for an overhaul into the new century.

The fine folks over at One Project Closer, a blog co-written by two married couples from Baltimore County, Maryland, tackled this very subject in a post about sanding away stipple ceilings.

Stipple ceilings were very popular in the late 1970s and 1980s as a simple, cheap way for homebuilders and cutoff jeans–wearing DIYers to finish a drywall or sheetrock ceiling without having to mud or sand the drywall joints. Often confused with popcorn or spray-on ceilings, stipple ceilings are renowned for great acoustic properties (they reduce room echo) but the porous, crater-like texture looks dated, too space-like, too 1970s, too, well, I hate to use this word, groovy.

If your home was built before 1990, chances are it’s still got some outdated designs. While my heart belongs to wood paneling, some people—most people—aren’t keen on the dark, dingy look, so the panels are the first to go, replaced by drywall or painted over.

Next stop, bathrooms with outdated bulky cabinets and enough sinks to please the Solid Gold Dancers. As a general rule, getting rid of a cluttered look with big drawers is Step 1 in any bathroom update.

Of course, ceilings and counters aren’t the only parts of your home that can quickly look dated. Walls, especially wallpaper-covered ones, can look out of style before the glue dries. But then again, recovering walls with paint or paper is also the quickest way to bring something from 1978 to 2008 in a weekend.

So now that your home is completely up-to-date, ever wonder which of its features will look dated in 10 years?

If you are considering renovating your home, buying a home to renovate, or flipping a house, this will give you some incite as to what it really takes to do a total home renovation.

Week Two

The homes interior needed to be completely gutted. After speaking to some of the neighbours, we discovered that there were 10 illegal immigrants renting small sections of a room, so they wound up dividing bedrooms into 2 or 3 very small spaces to rent out more spaces. Along the way there were some surprises; here is what happened.

Knowing that it was a physically challenging job, and that don’t come close to having my husbands strength, we started with the upstairs. This way the thinks that took the most energy I could do right away.

The small room on the upstairs addition previously used as a second kitchen to accommodate more people. We removed the sink, walls, and ceiling. One pleasant surprise was the ceiling under the pressboard. It was actually usable! Updating the windows to create a beautiful solarium looking over the back yard, this can be an office or baby area. The exposed brink will add a unique feeling to a small but great space.

The bedroom attached to this area was sectioned off, creating a walkway to the makeshift kitchen. We took down the way, and we very happy to see that they had not destroyed the hardwood floors that we are refinishing. They did however reinforce that wall into the molding around the door, so all of that has to be replaced.

Once we were able to open the room up a bit, we starting by demolishing the wall connected to the bathroom. Any stress that I had, I put to good use, as this wall was all board and baton plaster so required some serious strength.

One thing to remember when working with board and baton plaster, WEAR A MASK, or you get the black lung! It’s messy and not pleasant to breathe in!

Meanwhile, in the other 2 bedrooms all the T Bar ceilings had to go. It is okay of an office but not a home. Both the master and the larger of the other two rooms had limited closet space, so the master bedroom is getting a new wall-to-wall closet that is both functional and accommodating. The existing closet in the master bedroom now opens into the second bedroom so there is one large usable closet for added storage.

Now on to the fun stuff! The upstairs bathroom, in all its pink glory was completely town out, including the floorboards. This is where we noticed the weak floors that we need to replace. No light duty here, the tiles in the bathroom weighed a ton and was dragged down stairs and out the back into the dumpster.

After day one, the upstairs was finished and we were on to the main floor. In the front entrance, we decided that the hardwood was too damaged to repair, so marble tiles will be laid. Easier to keep clean and an warm welcome home. After removing the hardwood, we found more hard wood! Still too much damage from the 100+ nails per square inch, but it was a nice surprise that will save some money by not having to redo the entire area.

Next, we took out the living room doorway. It closed off the entire space and the fireplace in the living room can now be seen as soon as you walk in. Again, board and Baton plaster.

The dining room was already in good shape. Little needs to be done here so we were off to the Kitchen.

No small task, we tore out the kitchen. Cupboards, counters, and floor all needed to go. There was previous water damage so we took out some walls to ensure that everything was sealed up properly. We have yet to decide how to handle the century hardwood floors we found in the kitchen, originally we had intended on tile, however, the beautiful floors we discovered are priceless, and we hate to cover them up.

A small area of the kitchen converted to add a second bathroom, not a bad idea, however they had no lights so they added (and poorly) glass planes to allow the light in. Both the tub and toilet had to go. Its still a mystery where the sink was suppose to be. After much deliberation, we decided to move the bathroom into the back addition and make it a half bath, leaving much more room in the kitchen.

Day 2 was a long day spent mainly on the living room and kitchen, but will be worth it in the end.

By the end of the week we were tired, and swore, however the feeling of accomplishment was there making it worthwhile, and why the stress scale was only a 7.2.

Come back next week as we start framing and the electrical. Good bye knob and tube wiring.

Not simply a utilitarian space, your bathroom is your private place to relax and unfetter your senses. Appealing to that sensation of the spa and introducing it into our everyday lives, is becoming a reality when building our dream homes or renovating to allow the home bath experience to be one of our creature delights.

Water. The quiet simplicity of water, we love it. We go to places where the changing forms of it inspire us. From the rain shower, to the steam bath, the turbulent waters of the whirlpool and the crashing surf of the sea. Take all of these and transform them into the home spa. Luxuriate in the warmth, tantalize our senses and relieve our stresses. Capturing the feeling and the art of water in motion will achieve all of this.

The variety of inspiring luxurious products designed to compliment each other will astound. Remember the day when having a bidet was representative of a beautiful bath. And should you have a shower separate from the bathtub, well that was everything. Not so today. The options, styles and variety is, while enticing can be very confusing. We will review some of the items and upgrades to introduce into your bath with some explanation as to some of the differences. Let your senses soar. Use your imagination and create the bath of your dreams.

Let’s start with that bidet. Let us start from the early beginnings of the luxurious bath. Think of a bidet as a miniature bath, at a comfortable sitting height, that provides partial bathing and soft sprays to soothe our human conditions. The style compliments the toilet that is installed next to it. Sleek, contemporary to traditional and elegant. Convenient, clean and simple using a bidet for both men and women offer hygienic fresh water sprays that provide comforts beyond tissue.

The toilet, we think of it from its functional point of view and while that is important the style also represents the continuation of the overall look that the room will have. From sleek low style, traditional raised back with decorative bases to a “hat box” fashion that will have them guessing where the toilet really is. Flushing mechanisms are refined to provide low water consumption, with effective waste elimination. You can even add power to the flush with discrete motors that eliminate the need for any visible tank.

No toilet would be complete without the seat. Not just any seat will do. Add a slow closing seat that not only doesn’t slam, it provides additional safety and hygiene not to mention those late night ventures into the dark that often end with splash down and shock. For those who want the ultimate in potty comforts the heated French Curve toilet seat by Kohler is truly a luxury you will wonder how you lived without. With even heating across the surface of the seat that is maintained at a comfortable 25 degrees above normal room temperature, your sit will be most enjoyable.

Experience the whirlpool. No longer just the water jets, but air and water combine to provide variable speed effervescence and the ultimate in relaxation. Tubs come in every configuration you can imagine and work to fit your space. Whether a retrofit into an alcove or a tub centered in the room under the stars visible from the skylight above, every element of escape can be created in the privacy of your home.

Water is a natural way to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Bubblemassage, Aromatherapy, Chromatherapy are all part of a multisensory hydrotherapy treatments that have until now been obtainable only at the most exclusive spas. You can have them all in your home. Creating a space that permits the indulgence of a spa within your walls to use at your leisure and once you have it, there is no further cost.

The whirpool experience is one that creates a sense of well being, for a private escape and a time for true relaxation. With floating remote controls there is no need to change positions to alter the function desired. It is at your finger tips. Extra deep tubs envelop your whole body, caressing you with warmth and effervescing water from back jets and neck jets. Adjusting to every contour of your body to relax and invigorate. Experience gentle massage combined with the colours of calm. Chromatherapy concepts are introduced to seduce your body and mind into relaxation as full spectrum colour gently washes over you. Coloured lights follow a sequence or you can choose a single colour that provides you with the most in leisure.

Showers are no longer just a place to clean our bodies from the daily toils. They can be body massages, rain forests and steam baths. From beautiful tiled walls with clear glass enclosures to open showers that resemble roman baths and benches to enjoy an environment that delights the senses.
Showers cascade waterfalls, gently sprinkle rains and pound with body massage jets like the surf itself. Inspirational, relaxing and truly one of the most powerful moments of pleasure. Custom showers with adjustable jets, rain shower heads, waterfalls and steam baths are all available to create that spa like experience in your own home. Home hydro-massaging systems have integrated heating systems to maintain a constant water temperature while a recirculating pump keeps the water coming until every inch of your body is relaxed.

The basin is yet another area that presents opportunity to create style and function. Vessels that sit on beautiful glass bases. Hand painted works of art set into marble atop spectacularly carved cabinetry, all to create an environment of luxury. Kohler offers “Artists’ Editions” in basins and pedestals. They are a tribute to the time honoured traditions of fine raised enamel on bone china with platinum or gold bands as that of dinnerware. Truly a beautiful choice for any bathroom.

Faucets that range from sleek single levers that rise above vessel bowls to wide spread faucets with exquisite lever handles enhance the bath experience. Polished or brushed finishes compliment the look. For those with more exotic tastes, gold and platinum replace chrome and brass.

To complete the overall bath experience, we must not forget to look at the base of it all. In floor heating systems take away any hint of cold. It warms the room and enhances the touch. No cold feet here. Towel warmers provide the final element of sophistication.

To complete the look, bath accessories from waste baskets, toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are additions that coordinate and give a refined look to any bath.

For the men in our lives, the bathroom holds a place of mystique. It is a reading room, a library and sanctuary in one. While technology is prevalent in our lives, it is not exempt from the bathroom either. Telephones and radios have long been in the bathroom, so today to add the Ipod toilet tissue dispenser complete with docking station is not such an unusual thing to see. Televisions perched on extendable arms allow for nothing to be missed whether news, the stock market or sports.

Create the bath of your dreams. Use your imagination and leave nothing to chance. You will be amazed at the products available to tantalize and inspire. Ahhhh to the Bath.

Catherine Pulcine is Founder & President of CPI Interiors Inc., Ottawa’s leading Residential Interior Design firm. She can be reached at 613-599-5564 x 22 or by email to catherine@cpiinteriors.ca Their web site is www.cpiinteriors.ca

Sooner or later we all need to call a plumber. A plumber is expensive and there’s no way around that. But there are a variety of ways to get the most value for your money. This guide will highlight the most effective ways to save money on plumbing.

Compare Hourly Rates

The first, and often only thing, that consumers zero in on when comparing plumbers is their hourly rate. People figure that they should hire the “reputable firm” with the lowest rate. Sounds simple and direct but it doesn’t always work.

The first concern is with the concept of “reputable.” For most people, if they have heard the name many times over the years, they feel that the firm must have an established reputation. Unfortunately, this is often untrue. In the plumbing field, in particular, several of the most highly promoted companies have the worst track records.

The second problem with the hourly rate is that it is difficult to compare rates because of the many ways plumbers count the hours. Travel time is a factor that should be considered. Plumbers spend a good part of their day driving from job to job. They must be compensated for this time.

The bottom line is that it is very difficult to make objective comparisons between two plumbers’ hourly rates. But there is an even bigger problem with focusing on hourly rates. The issue of quality should be considered.

The best way to select a plumber is on his overall ability to deliver customer satisfaction consistently. Costumer satisfaction takes into account all of these issues and constitutes an accurate indication of value received.

Minimize Need

An entirely different approach to saving money on plumbing is to reduce the need to call them at all. The most common plumbing calls have to do with drains. Many homes have one or two problem drains and several that never need any attention at all.

Grease tends to build up over time. You can counteract this by doing things to reduce the grease buildup. There are several products available designed to reduce grease build up. Experiment with these and you may find you can stay one step ahead of a clogged drain indefinitely. Some people have found success with just pouring boiling sudsy water down the drain periodically to reduce grease buildup.

In most cases, hair can be trapped in some sort of screen or drain cover. Talk to your plumber next time he’s there and ask about suggested ways to prevent the hair from getting in the drain. It’s much easier to gather hair off the screen periodically than it is to deal with a clogged pipe.

Another costly, but preventable, problem is frozen pipes. Make sure that all your pipes are in heated spaces. If any are not, make sure they are well insulated. Each fall, when the weather turns colder, disconnect and drain your garden hoses, turn-off the indoor cut-off valve located near the faucet, and open the outdoor faucet. If there is no cut-off valve, consider installing one. Any water left in pipes exposed to below-zero temperatures will freeze.

Buy Your Own Fixtures

A popular and effective way to save money is to buy your own fixtures. Traditionally, plumbers sell you the toilets, sinks, faucets etc. that they install. Typically they’ll get the items at a discount and charge you full price. In part, this is to make money and in part this is to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, storage etc. In recent years, however, some of the home center stores now charge you prices that are even lower than the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. One result is that plumbers are shopping more and more at the same stores you are. There are many instances where you will do better buying your own fixtures, providing you have the time to invest in shopping around.

While this approach can save you big bucks, there are three caveats to keep in mind. First, many fixtures that appear to be great buys are poorly made or are missing adapters, installing kits or other components that normally come with similar products. Shop carefully.

Second, if you supply the fixture and the plumber installs it and something goes wrong, there is likely to be some confusion as to whose responsibility it is. One way to get around this is to check with the plumber up front about what brands or lines he recommends and then buy those brands.

Checking with the plumber up front also gets you around the third problem. Every product or line of products has its own installation quirks. Choosing a fixture that is familiar to your plumber assures that you will get the full advantage of his expertise and experience. If instead, you choose something he’s never worked with, expect that you’ll be paying for some on-the-job learning mistakes.

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Whether building a new home or renovating an old one, choose your contractor carefully. Start by writing your project down, including a floor-plan sketch. Ask friends, family and neighbours about good and bad contractors. Select several contractors and arrange to meet with them. During the meeting, ask each of them:

* How long have they been in business

* What experience have they with projects such as yours

* Their registration numbers for trade associations, the Better Business Bureau, Workers’ Compensation and private liability insurance

Reputable contractors will gladly answer these questions. Avoid those who balk.

Have the contractor supply at least three references. Ask these former clients about their experiences and, if possible, visit their projects for a first-hand look. Ask your local Better Business Bureau if there have been complaints and how the contractor handled them. Stay away from websites that use a user review ranking system or bidding systems, they can’t guarantee review legitmacy and no contractor can bid on a job without seeing your home.

A major project may require professionally drawn plans. Instead of hiring an expensive architect, pay one prospective contractor to draw them. Then you’ll own the plans outright and can show them to other bidders. Welcome suggestions. An experienced contractor may have good ideas you never thought of.

Each estimate should state prices for labour, materials (including brand and model names where applicable), and all other expenses. It should also describe the warranty. Don’t necessarily choose the lowest bid. Ensure that yours includes:

* The contractor’s name, address and telephone number, along with registration numbers of the firm’s operating license, memberships in trade associations or the Better Business Bureau and Workers’ Compensation. Also include details of private liability insurance coverage. You could be held liable if insurance doesn’t cover an injured worker. If subcontractors are involved, the contract should list similar information for them.

* A detailed listing of the work to be done and all products to be used. The contract could specify either a set price, to which the contractor is committed regardless of unforeseen complications, or a cost price, which allows the contractor to charge extra for such problems.

* An hourly rate for labour. This is most important in a cost-price contract, but is also necessary in a set-price contract, in case you decide to change the plan after work has begun.

* A schedule for payments. Pay only a nominal deposit before work has begun. Then, arrange for payments as work progresses. Avoid scheduling payments for predetermined calendar dates. Instead, pay as each stage is completed.

Never sign a partial or blank contract. Any later changes should be added in writing and signed by both parties. During the project, deal directly with the contractor rather than the tradespeople. Handle problems as they arise and be reasonable. Be considerate of the contractor’s needs, such as parking space for work vehicles.

Kitchens
The kitchen is a room you will tend to spend a lot of time in, especially if you are the main chef in your household. Make sure you are comfortable with your chosen colour scheme, as you will probably spend a significant amount of time surrounded by it. Bright, invigorating colour schemes can boost energy levels when you have a lot of cooking and cleaning to get through.
As kitchen walls tend to be dominated by cabinetry, benches and the floor, treat these elements as the starting point for your colour scheme.

The appearance of colours in the kitchen will depend on the properties and textures of each of the surfaces. Glossy surfaces, such as Melteca cabinetry, will reflect more light and look different than low-sheen painted walls, so it is important to be careful when trying to match colours in different materials. Sometimes it is better to select a tone lighter or darker, rather than trying to create an exact colour match.

Remember no matter what room you are decorating, artificial lighting can be used very successfully to complement your colour scheme and it is worth reviewing your lighting plan prior to painting.

Living Rooms
Today’s living rooms are often open spaces that link through to dining and kitchen areas. Knowing where to start and finish the colour scheme between each part of an open plan space can be very difficult. There are two techniques that you can use:

Paint a feature wall in an area between the two adjoining rooms/spaces to create a natural colour break.

Use a progression of colours, then paint a unifying colour throughout the spaces and accent with the other progressional colours.

Living rooms are the ideal place to create focal points or feature walls. Traditionally fireplaces act as the focal point of most living rooms. If you don’t have a fireplace, select a focal point for your room and decorate around that. The focal point may be a feature wall, lounge suite or something similar.

As living rooms are usually subjected to less wear and tear than family rooms, you can choose light and dark colours if desired.

Bedrooms
When selecting colours for bedrooms, it is important to choose colours that are conducive to sleeping. You are also likely to spend more time looking at the ceiling than you would in other rooms.

As a general rule, you should avoid using very bright colours here and save them for other parts of your home. Most light and pastel shades are ideal for bedrooms. Blue is a popular colour choice for bedrooms because of its soothing qualities. However, if you have trouble getting up in the morning, you may wish to add an invigorating accent to get you out of bed.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are one of the smallest rooms in the house and are generally cluttered with towel rails, basins and showers/baths. While this can make them a decorator’s nightmare, it also means you can afford to be a little more courageous with colour. If your original colour choice doesn’t work, you can always repaint a small bathroom quickly.

Chris Paulsen cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com