Canadians and Americans are different. For every similarity—our love/hate relationship with Celine Dion; our affinity for televised sports, with regional differences, of course — there are differences that clearly make each country separate. And I’m not just talking about Canada’s love for Clamato and the ongoing love affair Americans have with spray cheese. Gross.

But the real difference between America and Canada, at least as far as this blog is concerned, concerns the White House and 24 Sussex Drive. Don’t know what “24 Sussex Drive” is? That’s my point.

This past weekend, the Canadian media reported on the decrepit state of Prime Minister Steve Harper’s abode, pointing out that the 34-room house, built in 1866, is in desperate need of a reno—to the tune of $10 million.

At stake: who will pay for the renos and where will Steve and his family live during the repairs, which include replacing old windows, removing asbestos and installing a sprinkler system. They’re looking at a 12- to 15-month project, and that’s assuming that the subcontractors show up on time.

I simply cannot imagine the White House undergoing such prolonged and publicly debated scrutiny over when and how the “official residence” will be brought up to date; it’s not that the White House has never been renovated—it has, many times—but that Canadian leaders have historically lacked the political will and wallets to authorize big-budget renovations, let alone the cosmetic changes brought in by U.S. presidents and (likely) future leaders.

Of course, all this pales in comparison to the reno headaches suffered by other world leaders. Former Czech president Václav Havel writes in his memoir, To the Castle and Back, about concerns with the Castle’s garden hose, which needs to be lengthened, and the bat inhabiting the vacuum-cleaner closet, all while trying to run a newly democratic country. Talk about gaining perspective.

Sometimes I think Canada suffers from too much democracy; as in, too much debate over how and when things need to get fixed. It’s why there is an excessive number of elections, and a state house in need of the Holmes treatment. In the States, on the other hand, the chain of command means things get done ASAP, which is good when it comes to renos, but not as good when it comes to foreign policy.

No, we’re not the same. But that’s what makes us friends.

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?

By now, you can tell how much we at HRG love watching home renovation shows, be it on TV or online. So when a casting call notice for a couple of home-focused TV shows crossed my in-box today, it was hard to resist putting it up here. And so I didn’t. For all those interested in televising their renovation in all of its glory, for the amusement of family, friends and the general public, look no further than the posting below. Good luck!

Casting for Save Us From Our House on the W Network & The Reno Show on HGTV

For Save Us From Our House:

We’re looking for couples & families of all sorts living in the Greater Toronto Area who are struggling to get along with each other and their space. Families with conflicts arising from, or made worse by aspects of the physical space they share will be considered.

Selected recipients will receive family sessions with our Relationship Counselor, and a full renovation of a problem area in their home by our Contractor and Designer.

Please Note:
-Homeowners need to have a solid reno/design budget of at least $5000
-Your situation must have a strong story involving family relationships strains caused or intensified by the state of your living space
-Renovations are approximately 15 days, 10 days for the renovation and 5 for the design
- We are currently NOT doing Kitchens and bathrooms

For The Reno Show:

Do you cringe every time you walk into a certain space in your home? Do you feel as though you just don’t know what to do with it? Bedrooms, living rooms,
dens. HGTV is interested in transforming your space! AT NO COST
Let our contracting and design team help you. Applicants must be outgoing, exuberant and have a great sense of humour. Must live in the TORONTO area. RIGHT NOW WE ARE DOING MINOR RENOVATIONS ONLY!
Applicants must own their home. We are currently not doing kitchens, bathrooms, yards or any unfinished space like a basement, or any children’s rooms.

Tell us about you and your housemates, whether they be family, spouse, roommate, companion, and why you all want to be a part of the show.

How to Apply

For Save Us From Our House or The Reno Show

Please provide us with:
1)Your contact information (phone, cell and e-mail)
2)Your story, including the names and ages of all your family members, and a description of your home
3)A family photograph, and a few of your home (especially the problem areas)

DEADLINE: FRIDAY APRIL 4th 2008
Rate: For SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE There is a minimum requirement of $5000.
Total renovations provided by design team are valued between $20,000 and $25,000 depending on project size. FOR THE RENO SHOW, THERE IS NO PAYMENT BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE A ROOM MAKEOVER FROM 2 WELL SOUGHT-AFTER DESIGNERS.
Those that we are interested in we will arrange to come to your home for a 30-minute interview. We will also view the room that you want to be renovated.

Please send applications to: Larissa Mair and Lisa Campbell
SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE: saveusfromourhouse@gmail.com
THE RENO SHOW: designpeople07@gmail.com

Re-doing on YouTube

YouTube is known to be full of “interesting” time wasters—a recent entry, Star Wars commentary by a three-year-old comes to mind—and home renovation is well represented. But it isn’t all jokes on this great digital hope when it comes to renos and design ideas. As soon as a tricky problem is conquered, people want to share their know-how with others. This used to mean telling your softball team or work buddies; now it means sharing it with millions through video. Note: soundtracks apparently are not optional.

• A complete house reno on hyper-speed in two parts

• A before and after video, where this house is transformed from bland to . . . not bad. Hey, it’s the spirit of the job, right?

• This film brings you right to the job site before revealing the final finish

• Ah, the classic bathroom reno, Hollywood style

• Small houses deserve loving care too, especially in the wilds of Alaska

Makeover Madness

Of course, for every stellar example, there is its complete opposite.

• A homeowner is visited by a renovating ghost (warning: scary stuff here)

• A spoof of TV reno show Holmes on Homes (warning: funny stuff here)

• Hammer juggling, possibly a German pastime?

How-to Videos

YouTube is also chock-full-’o installation tips; however, for every useful, thoughtful, safe renovation video there are dozens of ill-conceived, dangerous “tips” and “techniques” from amateurs without proper knowledge of safe, efficient building techniques. Here are some helpful videos:

• How to get the most from your stud-finder, narrated by a, uh, stud

• Curious how contractors devise the framing layout for your house? Finally, real answers

• A time-lapse video showing kitchen floor tiling

• Speaking of tiling, here’s how it’s done in Australia

• How to fix the toilet (not exactly glamorous, but undoubtedly useful)

Before attempting anything shown on YouTube, use caution; if you’re unsure of what’s being shown, ask your contractor or hardware retailer for a second opinion. After all, those same people posting how-tos on YouTube? Well, they could also be the ones posting “Handyman.”

Have you noticed that people are obsessed with windows? They want more of them and they want them wider, taller (two storey perhaps?), and shapelier (round tops, elliptical, oblique). The problem arrives when you decide to dress this sea of glass. What to do?

Don’t despair; Firstly, determine your budget. Quality window treatments are not inexpensive but if chosen properly they will serve you well for many years to come. Secondly, decide how much light filtering and privacy you need for each room. Next, determine the style of window coverings that will best suit the design of the room and home. Here are some options to consider.

Great View
Do your windows have a beautiful view? If so, you won’t want to cover this feature. Instead flank the view with side panels only, leaving the window portion untreated, particularly for windows that are north facing. The panels should coordinate in colour and pattern with the other elements in the room.

Light Filtering
If the windows face any direction other than north, consider a shade/blind mounted on the inside of the window that can be positioned to filter the light, or pulled up/down entirely. A layered treatment with sheers for light control and fabric panels on either side is another option.

Alternatively, professionally installed window films can filter UV rays while offering a clear view outside. Couple this with a fabric treatment that dresses the window such as a roman or box pleat valance and side panels.

Security
Some films allow you to look out while passers-by are unable to look in due to the mirroring effect that occurs from the outside, this is a great option for rooms where security is of the utmost importance such as home offices and family rooms.

Undesirable View
If you’re window faces your neighbour’s brick wall/window consider cellular or pleated shades with different opacities that allow the light to come through while obscuring or blocking the view entirely.

Privacy
Bedrooms necessitate the most privacy so do make sure the treatment has complete light control. Use shutters, blinds or shades that specify complete light control for privacy. In addition, have a fabric treatment that flanks the window with perhaps a valance above it.

Finally, if you’re still unclear as to which treatments you should be entertaining for your home contact Margarida Oliveira, designer and owner of Chic Décor, for a consultation.You may reach her at: 905-337-8463, or visit her website at: www.chicdecordesign.com

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.

Finding a good contractor need not be an impossible challenge, here are some great tips to help locate a great contractor, the questions to ask, and other valuable information.

How to Locate a Great Contractor
If you are thinking about renovating your home, you may have a style that prefer. Drive around a few neighbourhoods to see what you like, you may seen several signs for contractors in the area.
The HomeRenovationGuide can provide you with great contractors that service your area, and you can see their portfolios online.
If you know a reliable trades person such as a plumber, or electrician, ask them if they have worked with someone they would recommend.

Questions to Ask
Are they bonded, licensed, insured, and covered by workers’ compensation insurance?
What is the time line of your project. Start dates, completion dates, any pauses between phases if the project is large?
Have them provide you with a quote that is detailed so you can review and inquire about charges that you are not clear on.

Money / Payment
What is the rate? (smaller projects)
What is the total cost (larger projects) and what is included. Some companies bill only for hours and you pay the material costs direct, others will build in the materials cost. Be sure you know what you are getting so you can accurately compare.
What is the payment schedule? Some require a deposit so make sure you are informed before you agree.

Other Tips to Remember
Trust your instincts. Personal fit is important; depending on the size of your project you can be face to face with this person for several months.
A good contractor will ask you as many questions as you ask them. This is a great indication that they care about your project and want to ensure you are happy, so be open and let them know your bottom line and what you must have and what you dislike.

Home improvements can be trying on your and your family. Here are a few simple steps to ease some of the tension.

Getting Started
1. Gather a scrapbook - It should consist of notes, photos, and articles that you have collected that reflect your need and the style you are looking for.
2. Get together with your family and ask them for their input and wish lists.
3. Come up with a budget you can live with.
4. Draw a rough sketch of your floor plan and take measurements (or, if building, get floor plan from architect or builder).
5. If you would like, print and fill out the Kitchen Planning Guide which can be found . http://www.classickitchendesigns.com/Kitchens/planning_guide.htm

Now you will need to find a showroom where they can help bring your needs and wants to life.

The first time you visit a showroom:
1. The well trained associates will be able to answer any questions you may have.
2. Review and/or assist you in establishing a budget.
3. Discuss your scrapbook of ideas - include all the important elements within your budget
4. Discuss your floor plan and go over some design ideas.
5. Discuss your plans for utilizing the room you will be remodeling.
Once you have have decided on your contractor design company:
1. They come to your home and take measurements.
2. Review and make suggestions in your home that will best suite your space and your personal needs

The second time you visit the showroom:
1. Your design team will have created a design, and drafted perspectives, elevations, and a floor plan.
2. When you have decided that everything is perfect, you will provided you with a price. The next meeting is for you to discuss the design and any potential modifications you would like to make.

The Installation Process:
1. If necessary, your design team will make arrangements with your builder, architect, and/or designer to coordinate the installation.
2. If you prefer, they will remove your existing cabinetry and appliances.
3. To ensure a quality installation, your design team will meet the installer at your home to discuss the details of your plan and installation.

For more helpful tips, and to find a Kitchen Renovation expert, call or visit Classic Kitchen Designs at 905.279.6194 or http://www.classickitchendesigns.com. Classic Kitchen Designs has been providing afforable kitchens for homeowners since 1979.

Are you feeling uninspired by your boudoir? Is your bedroom more reminiscent of grandma’s abode than the romantic getaway you envisioned? Then it’s time to turn up the heat by introducing some spicy decor elements into your nest.

Firstly, an evaluation of your furniture and decor are in order. If your furniture and accessories are hand-me-downs, or look as if they are ready to be read their last rites, then it’s time to cast them away to your local charitable organization and go shopping for some newer and more attractive counterparts. When selecting new furniture, ensure these pieces reflect your aesthetic style, are well-built, provide ample storage and suit the scale of your room. Always purchase the best quality that you can afford.

The most notable focal point in any bedroom is, and should be, the bed. So consider painting the wall behind the bed a tint or tone of red as a dramatic counterpoint. Red is the colour of love and energy, and its use in a couple’s bedroom is perfect, provided that it is used judiciously (a little goes a long way). The rest of the walls should be painted in softer hues, such as sandy brown, mushroom grey or butter cream.

Selecting a bed must reflect your style, budget and suit the scale of your room (no king size beds in a small room). For a contemporary look, consider a padded headboard in a luxurious fabric. It will offer you comfort, style and texture. Imperative for any bed is purchasing the best quality mattress and box spring that your budget can allow. Pillow top mattresses are wonderfully comfortable and can make your bedtimes truly ethereal. Of course, buying the best quality linens you can afford is essential. Egyptian cotton sheets in thread counts upwards of 350 are fit for a king and queen and as this is your palatial suite, spoil yourselves and you’ll be thankful you did. Also, buy the best quality feather pillows in either natural feathers or synthetic (if one is sensitive to allergens). Finally, no bed is complete without a beautiful duvet and coordinating shams in the best quality cotton. Incorporate some cushions in silk, and voila! A beautiful bed that will beckon you to stay the night!

Overhead lighting should always be controlled by a dimmer switch. This allows you to set the mood and feel of the room. Task lighting is equally important; these would be the lamps that flank your bed on the night tables. Consider purchasing tri-lights, as they too allow more flexibility with the quantity of light. And lastly, nothing is more romantic than the addition of candle light. The flicker of candle flames cast a glow that is warm and inviting, but make sure that these are contained within glass lanterns. An unexpected fire is not the kind of excitement one desires in any room.

The rest is in the details. The right accessories will transform your space into a truly beautiful and inviting room. Incorporate elements that appeal to all the senses. We’ve already spoken of the addition of candles, and luxurious linens. Next add some wonderful artwork to your walls, a crystal vase for sparkle, and fill it with some beautiful fuchsia roses and tiger lilies for romance and fragrance. Add some mirrored objects for interest and lastly turn on some music and treat yourselves to a box of champagne truffles. Enjoy!

Article Provided By:
Margarida Oliveira from Chic Decor 905 337 8463 http://www.chicdecordesign.com
Posted By:
Nikki Rollins nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

When you are dealing with limited finances, and still want to add a new look to your home, here are some easy home makeover solutions that can be done in an afternoon.

Foyer
If you have a small entranceway, and you want to brighten it up while adding some depth, a carefully selected mirror can do the trick. An inexpensive mirror can be found at a garage sale, and then touched up with some textured spray paint. The textured paint will cover minor flaws better than a smooth surface.

If like the look of natural wood, pick up an unframed square mirror for $12 - 15 at any home accessories store, a few pieces of wood doweling and a glue gun. At the hardware store, ask them to cut the wood to size for you to avoid added work at home.

Living Room
Changing your artwork can add a completely new perception to your home and cost little or nothing. Remember that anything can be art, so put that antique silver serving tray that your grandmother gave you to use. Hang it over you mantel with some well-chosen candleholders to frame it and a few suitable pictures that may explain the serving tray’s history.

If you have an abundance of books, and do not want to get rid of them, make your bookshelf part of your home makeover. Freshen the bookshelf with new paint or perhaps stencil a pattern around the edges to give it some new life. Your books can be placed both vertically and horizontally, and in between, add a few photos, baskets or collectibles. It makes your bookshelf something intriguing, instead of just a cluttered space in the corner of a room.

Bedroom
Headboards seem to be missing from many bedrooms. They are expensive and deemed unnecessary, often getting pushed to the end of the decorating list. A few easy solutions in lieu of the traditional headboard:

• Give the picture you removed from your mantel another purpose. You may have to update the frame to match your bedroom, but it does make an easy headboard. Pick up a few extra matching frames and make a theme for your room.

• If you have low ceilings, head to the fabric store and pick out some inexpensive patterned sheer fabric, a curtain rod, and two-way tape. Hang the curtain rod close the ceiling. Ensure your fabric is long enough to tuck in between the bed and wall. Two-way tape the curtain loop onto the fabric (simple, and no one will see it!) and you have a fresh new look that makes your bedroom larger.

With less than $100 and only one day, your foyer, living room and bedroom now have a great new feel, and your home has the appearance of a total home makeover.

nrollins@homerenovationguide.com