Ever wonder what interior design work garners the laurels? Here’s a look at the fabulous winners of the Canadian Decorator’s Association (CDECA) awards. According to the judges, entrants for 2009 were of an impressively high caliber all around — as evidenced by the tie in one category, an unexpected occurrence for this event. Very contemporary styles with modern clean lines were dominant this year. If you happen to be a fan of home magazines, the overall themes may look familiar to you - updated, yet classic and enduring. However, the judges weren’t merely scoring on looks alone as eco-friendly and sustainability factors of the projects were equally important considerations.

A small warning before you proceed — these before and afters may inspire the urge to update your decor, or even more so, make one desirous of hiring professional talent. Much appreciation to Tobi Brockway, CDECA Director of Marketing, for providing the details and images.

Awards Ceremony (and winners) images by Dana St. Louis Photography.

Category: Renovation

1st Valerie Rowley Schomberg, Ontario (pictured with presenter Tim Craik)

Bedroom Before

Bedroom After

Bedroom Before

Bedroom After

Ensuite Bathroom Before

Ensuite Bathroom After

2nd (Tie) Sharyn Kastelic North York, Ontario

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

2nd (Tie) Camille Savage Vancouver, BC

Dining Room Before

Dining Room after

Category: New Construction

1st Lisa Geisler North Bay, Ontario (with presenter Marianne Fenniger)

The Winning Loft

2nd Christina Mogk Etobicoke, Ontario

Studio Before

Studio After

Category: Interior Decoration < $25,000

1st Victoria McKenney Vancouver, BC (pictured with presenters Laila Radage at left, and Sara Nadeau)

bedroom before

Bedroom After

2nd Elizabeth Metcalfe Caledon, Ontario

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Category: Interior Decoration > $25,000

1st Lisa Geisler, North Bay

hobby room before                                                               hobby room after

2nd Christina Mogk Etobicoke, Ontario

bar before                                                                    bar after

About CDECA

The Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA) is a professional not-for-profit association representing both Student and Accredited decorators and designers, and Affiliate businesses across Canada. Its goal is to foster the growth of the decorating industry in Canada; provide advocacy respecting policy matters; promote a positive image of the industry through proactive activities and events; and offer its members continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge. Visit www.cdeca.com.

We were recently contacted with further information to provide homeowners with facts about the 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Great timing since there have been many interesting questions about what projects, materials, or labour are applicable for this credit.

Image provided by Sico Paints

To view the webpages, visit:   http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Below, is the FAQ page content, which hopefully will answer some of your questions about how you can benefit from this tax credit.

Here is the link of the page: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html

FAQS

1. What is the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC)?

The proposed HRTC is a non-refundable tax credit for work performed or goods acquired in respect of an eligible dwelling.

2. What is meant by eligible dwelling?

An eligible dwelling is a housing unit that is eligible to be an individual’s principal residence or that of one or more of their family members, at any time between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. In general, a housing unit is considered eligible to be an individual’s principal residence where it is owned by the individual and ordinarily inhabited by the individual, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner, or their children. This means that any dwelling that you own and use personally could qualify, including your home or your cottage.

3. What is the eligibility period?

The credit will be based on eligible expenditures for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010. Expenditures incurred pursuant to an agreement that was entered into before January 28, 2009, will not be eligible for the credit.

4. Who will be eligible for the credit?

Eligibility for the HRTC will be family based. A family will generally be considered to consist of an individual or an individual and his or her spouse or common-law partner, including children who will be under 18 years of age, at the end of 2009. A family will be allowed a single credit that may be shared within the family.

If two or more families share the ownership of an eligible dwelling, each family will be eligible for their own separate credit (i.e. each up to $1,350) that will be calculated on their respective eligible expenditures.

5. How will the credit be calculated?

The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

6. What are eligible expenditures?

To be eligible, expenditures incurred in relation to a renovation or alteration to an eligible dwelling (or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling) must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling, and includes the cost of labour and professional services, building materials, fixtures, rentals, and permits.

Eligible expenditures must be supported by acceptable documentation.

7. What does the CRA consider to be acceptable documentation?

Documentation, such as agreements, invoices, and receipts, must clearly identify the type and quantity of goods purchased or services provided, including, but not limited to, the following information:

• information that clearly identifies the vendor/contractor, their business address and, if applicable, the GST/HST registration number;
• a description of the goods and the date when the goods were purchased;
• The date when the goods were delivered (keep your delivery slip as proof) and/or when the work or services were performed;
• A description of the work performed including the address where the work was performed;
• the amount of the invoice; and
• proof of payment.  Receipts or invoices must indicate paid in full or be accompanied by other proof of payment, such as a credit card slip or cancelled cheque.

Please consult our Underground Economy Web page, for tips to protect yourself when hiring a contractor.

To verify whether someone is registered for GST/HST, please consult the GST/HST Registry.

8. If I own both a house and a cottage and incur eligible expenditures for both, are both sets of expenditures eligible for the HRTC?

If you own and use your home and cottage personally, eligible expenditures incurred for both properties will normally qualify for the HRTC. Please note that the maximum amount of eligible expenditures you can claim in respect of the HRTC is $10,000 per family.

9. I am planning to replace my windows in 2009: can I hire my brother-in-law to help me out and still be eligible?

It depends. Expenditures will not be eligible if the related goods or services are provided by a person not dealing at arm’s length with the individual, unless that person is registered for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax under the Excise Tax Act. So, in your case, if your brother-in-law is registered for GST/HST and if all other conditions are met, the expenditure will be eligible for the credit.

10. Will expenditures for the common areas of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations qualify for the credit?

In the case of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations, the individual’s share of the cost of eligible expenditures for common areas will qualify.

11. I rent out my basement. If I renovate the basement for my tenant, will I be allowed to claim the credit?

No. Individuals who earn business or rental income from part of their principal residence will be allowed to claim the credit only for expenditures made for the personal-use areas of the residence.

For expenditures made for common areas or that benefit the housing unit as a whole (such as re-shingling a roof), you must divide the expense between personal use and income-earning use. For further information, please consult the Business and Professional Income Guide or the Rental Income Guide, as applicable.

12. If an eligible expenditure also qualifies for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), will I be allowed to claim both the HRTC and METC?

Yes. Where an eligible expenditure qualifies for the METC the individual will be permitted to claim both the METC and the HRTC for that expenditure.

13. Will the credit be reduced by other government grants or credits that I may receive for the same expenditures?

No. Eligible expenditures will not be reduced by other government tax credits or grants that the individual may be entitled to.

14. Does work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. qualify?

Generally, work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. in respect of an eligible expenditure will qualify. See below for examples of eligible expenditures. If you’re planning on hiring a contractor to do construction, renovation, or repair work on your home, the Get it in Writing! Web site has information that will help you.

15. Could you provide me with some examples of eligible and ineligible expenditures?

Yes, some examples are:

16. What types of expenditures will not qualify?

The following expenditures will not be eligible for the HRTC:

• the cost of routine repairs and maintenance normally performed on an annual or more frequent basis;
• expenditures that are not integral to the dwelling, and other indirect expenditures that retain a value independent of the renovation;
• expenditures for appliances and audio-visual electronics; and
• financing costs.

17. Do I have to submit any supporting documents with my income tax return?

No. However, you must ensure that this information is available, should it be requested by the CRA.

18. How will I claim the HRTC?

A new line will be incorporated in the 2009 personal income tax return to allow you to claim the credit.

19. Where can I get more information about this new tax credit?

Additional information will be posted on the CRA’s Web site as it becomes available. In the meantime, please see the Department of Finance’s Budget 2009 documents for details.

20. The Budget also mentions the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant. What is it and how can I obtain more information?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant is administered by Natural Resources Canada. The grant applies to a host of measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment. Home and property owners could be eligible for federal grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of making energy efficiency improvements to their home or property. Most provinces and territories have complementary programs that offer additional financial assistance based on the results of the ecoENERGY Retrofit evaluation. For information on how you can qualify, please consult the ecoACTION Web site.

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An online pamphlet will soon be available.

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Planning on some home improvements? What project ideas do you have that fits in the $1000-$10,000 range? Does the HRTC give you the incentive to renovate this year?

My coworker Lisa recently introduced me to "KwikDeK" an easy and beautiful solution to ugly
concrete decks. Over the weekend, she helped a friend put it together in only about an hour
(130 sq ft) and her comment was that it was really easy "like clicking Lego" and cost about $400. 

Here's a description about the product:

Do you have a concrete patio, wood deck or garden path that is unsightly due
to cracking and deterioration? Do you wish you could repair or replace
it but this doesn't fit in your budget right now?  KwikDekT is the cosmetic,
cost-effective and EASY way to fix the problem. KwikDekT is made from genuine
exotic woods, backed with a unique plastic grid. Spacing between the wood
slats permit rain to flow through, while the plastic "feet" elevate the wood,
allowing airflow for drying.

and  more info on the company: KwikDek website. 

As a solution to fix up a condo for resale, it was an easy solution, making a big
difference from what the deck was like before:



It was available at The Home Depot, and here are some user comments on how they found the
product: Product Reviews link.

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:

What is the time frame during which the credit can be applied?

“…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.

What exactly can I get back?

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.

What Dwellings are eligible?

* houses

* cottages

* condo units

(must be inhabited or used by the owner)

What Types of expenses can be considered?

* projects (ie: finishing your basement or re-doing the kitchen)

* “associated expenses” (permits, rentals, labour, etc.)

Who is eligible to claim it?

“Taxpayers can claim the HRTC when filing their 2009 tax return…. Family members will be able to share the credit.”

By now, global-warming naysayers are fringe folk who probably also believe the world is flat. We know the benefits of recycling, and energy efficiency has become the buzzword in home building and renovating. Your highly efficient stove and windows may cost more upfront, but the real savings—and your home’s resale value—come through reduced energy bills and increased life spans while also helping make the planet a better place.

But green building isn’t just about the planet—it’s also about the health of the homeowner. Newly renovated homes often have that “new car” smell, which is really a stew of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often found in oil paint, as well as formaldehyde off-gassing from engineered wood, like the medium-density fibreboard (MDF) used to make kitchen cabinets and furniture.

According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, indoor air quality—especially in tight, new homes—can be three to four times more polluted than outdoor air, which may be the reason 20 per cent of North Americans have some form of lung disorder, likely linked to dust and mold in your home. We spend an average of 90 per cent of our time indoors, either at work or at home, so eliminating VOCs is crucial.

Luckily, homeowners today have options not readily available even five years ago. Most paint, for example, is virtually VOC-free, and engineered wood such as MDF is now available without formaldehyde. For flooring, CMHC recommends hard surfaces, such as prefinished hardwood flooring, or ceramic tiles laid down using a low-toxin grout. The reason: hard surfaces are easier to clean, they don’t collect dust as easily as carpet and they are last longer, which means, beyond better air quality, you’re also reducing repair costs and trips to the dump to plonk worn-out carpet.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health website includes a page dedicated to household products and toxins. Click Products and then choose Inside the Home (for bathroom, kitchen, etc.) or Home Maintenance (for grout, insulation, paint, etc.).

Still unsure how indoor air quality relates to you or how you can easily reduce harmful VOCs? Health Canada has a section containing information, resources, and even a few quizzes to help you get your air quality where you want it to be.

Up next in the Part 3 of the Green Your Home series: the appliances available that keep you feeling good about the earth.

The 10th annual Interior Design Show was held a few weeks ago in Toronto, and although the bitter cold has turned everything snow white, the real colour of choice this year is, you guessed it, green.

IDS 08 featured a seminar on the benefits of sustainable design, from your home’s mechanical systems (heating, cooling, ventilation) to design (passive solar) to furniture and fixtures. Sustainability permeated every corner of interior design, as shown by the new products on display at the show.
Luckily, you didn’t have to come to Toronto to find these goods. Here’s a sampling of the new, the cool, the green.

Rad Rads
Belgian manufacturer Jaga has transformed boring—albeit efficient—radiators into objets d’arte. First there’s Angula Plus, which, unlike a traditional rad, fixes around 90-degree corners with a thin width that makes it perfect for small spaces, such as entranceways and bathrooms. But it’s the Heatwave (pictured below), designed by Joris Laarman, that will cause your head to spin.

Unbeatable Underfoot
Forget hardwood flooring and look to its evolution with Plyboo, a laminated bamboo material that can be used for flooring, paneling and plywood. Plyboo has been recognized by the Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED) certification system for its durability, and its composition from 100 per cent bamboo grass means the resources used can be replenished without needing to replant them.

Let it Flow
American Standard’s new FloWise high-efficiency toilet is the Cadillac—the Michael Caine—of toilets. Not only is it stylish and easy to clean (if there’s anywhere for an anti-microbial surface, it’s definitely the toilet)it also uses 20 per cent less water than standard, 1.6-gallon-per-flush toilets, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Rock On
South African designer Ronel Jordaan has taken our fixation with fixing the planet and turned it into rock—well, soft—solid comfort. 100 per cent wool rock-shaped cushions and pebble carpets contain fibres that link when rubbed together, bringing nature inside, while keeping things comfy.

Flooring Hints:

* The most important part of a flooring project is its proper installation. A poor installation can reduce the floor’s life span significantly. Choose a reputable local dealer.

* Take samples of fabrics, wallpaper and paint swatches to the flooring showroom. Take a cabinet drawer for kitchen projects.

* Often customers bring the room sizes to the showroom in order to help the salesperson ballpark the total investment based on different selection options. A room’s dimensions are simple: 1 linear foot equals 1 block.

What’s Your Mental Picture?

Ask yourself the questions below before you visit the flooring showroom. It will help the sales consultant understand your mental picture during your showroom visit. Finding you the right product is the priority. Knowing your mental picture helps the dealer.

* What is the room used for? How much traffic? Children or pets?
* Do kids play on the floor? Is comfort important?
* Is the room the center of activity for family OR is it used for entertainment?
* Is there direct access (soiling) from outside?
* Is there anything I liked/disliked about the existing floor that I am replacing
* What is my color scheme?
* How much natural sunlight does the room get?
* How long do I plan on staying in the house? Is resale important to me?
* Have I ever had a negative experience with a flooring project in the past?
* What needs to happen to avoid that problem again?

*Courtesy of Molyneaux - Carpet and Flooring in Pittsburgh, VA.

You have probably heard of a thousand different techniques for stain removal - everyone has been taught something different by their mothers, but certain elements will always help when you find yourself with a stain on your rug. The following is a brief and simple tutorial that should cover the majority of common household stains. Using carbonated water in place of normal water in our experience has more beneficial effects and will not harm the material.

1) Act immediately.
2) Scrape off any solids or lumps with a table knife or spoon.
3) Do not rub or scrub the stain - this may permanently distort the carpet fibres.
4) Soak up the stain with clean white towels or paper towels by pressing on stain. Keep repeating with a fresh towel surface until there are no more stain transfers to towel.
5) For all water soluble stains such as coffee, wine, soft drinks and food stuffs, use Turco-Persian’s Carpet Stain Remover, or mix 1 tsp of laundry detergent with 8 oz of warm water. Dab solution onto stain and repeat above absorption with towelling. Repeat procedure as long as stain is coming out. Be careful not to oversoak rug.
6) When no more stain is coming onto the towel, get a fresh bath towel, fold it 3-4 times in half and place on stained area. Place a telephone book on top of towel. Leave for 24-36 hours.
7) If any trace of stain remains, wipe gently with a mild solution of white vinegar. (i.e. 1 oz vinegar to 6 oz cold water).

FOR URINE

1) Soak up immediately.
2) Dab on straight solution of white vinegar if stain is still wet to neutralize fresh urine.
3) Repeat folded towel procedure as above.

FOR GUM, GREASE, SHOE POLISH, OILY TYPE STAINS

1) Spot clean with odourless mineral spirits (readily available at hardware stores).
2) Put on towel & wipe the spot.
3) Do not soak rug.

Courtesy of Turco Persian Rug Company Ltd - Unbeatable for over a 100 years.

Ceramic tile requires minimal floor care compared to most other flooring types, but there are a few things you need to do to maintain the beauty of the ceramic tile floor.

Wash Regularly
Wash the floor regularly to remove any dirt or grit. Use a mild, diluted household detergent solution. Regular cleaning will help in the prevention of stains and abrasions. After washing with a mild detergent you should thoroughly rinse the floor with clean, warm water every time.

Vacuum Regularly
Sweep, or vacuum your glazed tile regularly. This will help remove larger particles of dirt that could scratch and damage your tiles.

Wipe Spills Immediately
Liquids spills may be wiped up with an all-purpose household cleaner. This will also help the grout joints from becoming discolored from possible stains.

Avoid Ammonia-based Cleaners
Ammonia-based cleaners may discolor some types of colored grout.

Never Wax a Tile
The glazed ceramic finish should never be waxed.

Grout Sealers
Grout joints should be treated with a silicone grout sealer twice a year to help preserve the grout color and to prevent discoloration from spills.

Chris Paulsen
cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Wood finishing is fun and easy. We’ll take you through the wood finishing process including preparing the wood, choosing the proper applicator, and applying traditional and one-step finishes. Whether you’re planning to build or refinish furniture or bookshelves for your room, make gift items for your family, friends or a local charity, or take up woodworking as a profession, you’ll find woodworking to be a rewarding experience.

It’s a practical skill that you’ll take with you throughout life. After all, even novice woodworkers can save money by building or refinishing their own furniture, or by doing their own renovations, making woodworking a particularly important skill during challenging economic times. And, whether you’re a novice or a regular in the workshop, you can succeed in creating a professional-looking project, which is both beautiful and functional, by taking a common sense approach to woodworking. An important part of this approach is developing fundamental wood finishing skills.

Today, the secret of a fine wood finish is no secret at all. Beautiful results can be obtained easily if you prepare the wood surface to accept a finish, “troubleshoot” before application to minimize problems during the finishing process, and use high-quality wood finishing products. Always read the label directions and cautions.

Choosing the Right Wood

Look around your home. The floor may be oak or maple; the baseboard and window sills may be clear-finished pine, poplar or cherry. Kitchen cabinets could be solid or laminated, from knotty pine, oak, maple or cherry. With so many types of wood available, it’s important to learn how to recognize and evaluate basic types of woods to recognize their strengths and weaknesses.

How do you know what type of wood to use?

Before making your purchase, think about how you intend to use the wood. When choosing the actual piece of wood, check for any twists or warping. Look for splits at the ends of the board and surface defects like knots. Look for machine marks, insect holes, dents, and shipping scars. Will these defects affect how you intend to use the wood? Compare the different types of grain patterns. Try to match grain patterns in boards that will be used next to one another, since differences will become more pronounced once you brush on a coat of stain. Finally, once you’ve made your decision, be sure to measure the wood before you buy it.

*Article courtesy of Minwax - Makes and Keeps Wood Beautiful

Chris Paulsen
cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com