I’ve always been drawn to before-and-after pictures, whether real or fake. There’s something satisfying about seeing the transformation, usually from cluttered to clean, or drab to fab, to borrow a term from all those perky, slightly annoying home design makeover shows. What’s popular today can quickly look dated before the wallpaper even starts to fade.

Far from slick, the most interesting before-and-afters are taken by regular people for their own amusement. (“Hey, remember what this placed looked like when we moved in? Why were we so into ducks?”) So I was glad when I came across a wonderful blog dedicated to all things past and present, which in turn led me to (gulp) the girly magazine CasaSugar, part of an online media company targeting home-loving Carrie Bradshaw types, I was pleasantly surprised by a whole section devoted to my beloved B&A photos.

The site features seven pages of B&A photos and stories, covering everything from a classic aluminum trailer renovation to kitchens, bathrooms and even colour, proving that not all renovations require tearing down and rebuilding; sometimes a simple coat of paint is all that’s required.

On a slightly higher-end note is noted blog Design*Sponge, which features the before-and-after shots from various creative geniuses who reinvent their spaces with things like chalkboards culled from soon-to-be-destroyed schoolhouses and lampshades made from fabric they’ve painted themselves. The only problem? The before pictures often reach a level of put-togetherness that my rooms could only hope to attain.

For those of us still grappling with the before, not able to gaze into the future, there is help online. And check out the Home Renovation Guide’s very own PhotoShare program for a chance to upload your own pictures too.

Like most people, my life is full of manageable stress—bills, work, family—so the last thing I need is another anxiety-inducing worry, especially for something as innocuous as kitchen countertops. Life’s too short, right? Well, yes and no. If you’re lying awake in a cold sweat at 3a.m. you’re taking things too seriously and may need a chill pill.

That said, homeowners do take kitchen renos very seriously, and for good reason; not only do we spend large chunks of time in them while cooking and eating, but kitchens—specifically counters and cabinets—are the first place realtors look to when it comes to resale value.

Unlike other remodelling choices, countertops present myriad choices, from classic hardwood to engineered and natural stone, tile, stainless steel and concrete. Each one comes with its own pros and cons, so here’s an across-the-board lowdown:

Engineered stone: made from granite, quartz or marble mixed with resin and pigments, this type of counter looks natural, comes in many colours and resists dents and scratches. However, unlike natural stone, engineered stone isn’t porous and doesn’t require a sealer, so once it’s installed, you’re ready to go. Cost: $40 to $125 per square foot.

Natural stone: perhaps the most popular “upgrade” these days, granite, marble and slate counters bring nature inside, at a cost. These counters stand up well to heat and daily abuse but unlike engineered stone, they require twice-yearly sealing (in the case of granite) to protect against stains. Because these counters come direct from nature, the surface can appear slightly jagged and varied, which fits in perfectly with the organic, enviro-minded homeowner. Cost: $50 to $200 per square foot.

Tile: nothing says “olde tyme” quite like tiled countertops, perhaps because tiles (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone or mosaic) add a feeling of warmth and antiquity. Because tiles are often painted, colour choice is unlimited, as is texture and pattern. The downside: these puppies chip and break easily and grout requires yearly resealing to protect against mould and remove stains. Cost: $20 to $100 per square foot.

Stainless steel: stainless steel counters exude a professional, don’t mess with me, Gordon Ramsay is a personal friend attitude. The industrial-looking surface stands up well to heat, is easy to clean and requires virtually no maintenance; the fact that it easily scratches is the point here—sort of like “never trust a skinny chef.” Cost: $75 to $150 per square foot.

Hardwood: similar to tiles, hardwood gives off a rustic, Kim Robinson-esque look that harkens back to rustic living. Depending on where you live, hardwood countertops are often made from pieces of maple, yellow birch or white oak. While they stain easily, the surface is easy to repair (a light sanding and regular oiling are all that’s required). Look for products made from certified lumber. Cost: $50 to $200 per square foot.

Plastic laminate: here’s the basic, everyday material most cookie-cutter kitchens come equipped with. Easily damaged, this surface isn’t exactly durable compared with other choices. But wait, it’s not all bad; plastic laminate comes in a bevy of colours, is inexpensive and can be installed very quickly, which is key if you’re looking to sell and want a fast fix-up that still looks good. Cost: $10 to $10 per square foot.

For more about kitchen countertop choices, click here.

Put down the paint brush, sit on the couch and talk to me…

In the 1989 movie When Harry Met Sally, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby play Mary and Jess (the side story to the title characters’ drama), your typical young couple struggling with cohabitation. At issue: a wagon wheel coffee table that Jess can’t live without and Carrie can’t live with. She even goes so far as to call it “this stupid, Roy Rogers, garage-sale coffee table!” Ouch … sounds like somebody needs some design therapy.

Wait a minute, design therapy? I can live with TV reno shows weaning me off wallpaper, and glossy magazines zoning in on what’s trendy. I can even handle the idea of color therapy (how certain colors resonate with our bodies and affect mood, health, emotions, etc.—it’s actually kind of cool). Hey, I like psychedelic music. But design therapy?

I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but it exists. But before anyone (me) writes it off as New Agey renovation excess, perhaps there’s some merit to it. After all, if feng shui has earned a place in home renovations, then maybe design therapy can, too.

We all know how stressful a home renovation can be, especially when there are two head chefs: the couple, the Mary and Jess. Disagreements and blowups can happen over light fixtures, let alone overall design. Design therapists, or “coaches” as they’re known in the biz, help clients work through the decision-making process, negotiate with contractors and architects, set a budget and timeline and mediate conflicts, between the clients themselves and the people they hire.

Former This Old House TV show executive producer-turned-therapist Bruce Irving helped a Boston couple negotiate changes with their architect, something they were struggling with. After all, who were they to argue with years of architectural education? Dealing with experts can be terrifying, and if help is available these days for everything from walking your dog to personal shopping, why not hire a professional to mediate your home’s future?

But design therapists don’t just help with conflicts; they also guide overall design so that it’s in line with your personality, which is especially critical when it comes to wagon wheel tables, beer can collections and (ladies, you’re not exempt here) a drift toward floral and (gasp!) mauve.

Design therapy: it’s only a matter of time before Woody discovers it.

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.”

More people are killed or injured in fires than all the burglaries of homes or businesses combined. Smoke & soot damage will consume every square inch of your home. I had a neighbour who had a fire and clothes packed in suitcases still got damaged with soot. They were far removed from the actual fire. So it is important to add fire protection to your security system.

Most smoke detectors security alarm companies use is different than the ones sold in hardware stores. They measure the quality of the air electronically. They usually can detect a fire as opposed to fumes using this method is much better. When a fire is detected, the fire department is notified even sometimes before you the home owner know you have a fire. The internal siren in the home alerts your family of the fire. Most alarm systems give intermittent short blasts if there is a fire as opposed to a steady sound of the siren. This also lets you know even in a deep sleep that when the siren goes off, you know it’s a fire instead of a break-in.

It is important where you place these devices. Some cities have codes stating you have to have one for each bedroom. Most of the time they are installed in a common hallway outside of the bedrooms.

Another device is called a heat rise or heat sensor. Most of these devices operate sensing the heat of the air surrounding them. There are two kinds. The first device will detect a fire if the heat rises to a certain temperature. The other device will activate if there is a sudden change of temperature from a certain degree to another.

These devices are placed in areas like kitchens, garages, attics, basements near the furnace, utility rooms, and any where you have a heater or flammable materials.

Every family should have a fire drill every so often. Each member of the family should know all exits. Have a place where you meet outside, like at the mail box, so you know everyone has gotten out. Many people have lost their lives going back into a burning home thinking that someone is still in the home when actually they were out but on the other side of the home.

Keep in mind that most insurance companies give discounts if you have a security system installed in your home or business. The more levels of protection could mean a greater discount on your insurance. So an investment in a complete security system could mean a substantial savings over the years plus the “peace of mind” knowing you’re protected.

Get a FREE* ADT Alarm System worth over $850, with a $99* installation fee, and $ 0 activation fee, 24/7 Immediate Emergency Medical, Police and Fire Response, 2 Way Voice Enabled Control Centre and much more. Please visit: http://www.apexdirect.ca/promos/3 to get a FREE, no obligation Life Safety System quote or call us at 1 888 496 9488

Scope: Completely refaced kitchen and dining area. Design by Kitchen Magic in our exclusive maintenance free color, Hard Rock Maple.

Currently, kitchen consumers are attracted to light wood tones without a busy grain. This light and airy kitchen offers a modern look that is definitely on the upswing. When it comes to trendy, yet a smart design, this kitchen will always be in fashion. Utilizing the refacing process, the existing cabinets are covered in a matching veneer using our exclusive double lamination process. The Euro door is a contemporary style with clean lines creating a sophisticated dining experience. Hard Rock Maple is a light wood color which provides a grand feeling in the room while still maintaining the warmth of wood.

The kitchen’s maintenance-free material comes complete with all of the laminate benefits, including durability, beauty and easy clean up.

Refacing Process:
Step 1: Removal of all doors and drawers.
Step 2: Apply matching laminate material to all exposed areas of cabinets.
Step 3: Installation of all new doors and drawers in matching material.

Kitchen Description:
Color: Hard Rock Maple
Style: Euro Plain Door /Frameless

Includes:
45 doors / 21 drawer units
Storage Solutions: Two sets of stacked drawers (4 each) were converted to cabinet doors. Then 2 Rollouts per drawer were added for more accessible items. Roll outs are a smart storage solution.
New Drawer Glides – Blumotion®– A revolutionary shock absorbing drawer glide. Makes even heavily loaded drawers close slowly, quietly and so smoothly.

Unusual Constraints:

Replace cabinet’s radius end panels with boxes that have 45 degree corners.
The customers wanted to replace the dated rounded cabinet corners. This was difficult to do with a refacing project. In refacing, you don’t usually change the shape of the cabinets, you just cover them.

Solution:
Build 2 inch wide boxes for each end unit with angled front corner. These boxes were attached to the side of the end cabinets and the veneer was applied over that extension creating a wider cabinet without dated rounded corners. Now the cabinets have sleek angled corner.

The kitchen won the Remodeling News Magazine Innovation in Construction Award in the Kitchen Facelift category. For More Information visit Kitchen Magic

If you are considering renovating your home, buying a home to renovate, or flipping a house, this will give you some insight 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 two bedrooms, all the T Bar ceilings had to go. They are okay at 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. Goodbye, knob and tube wiring!

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 www.classickitchendesigns.com. Classic Kitchen Designs has been providing afforable kitchens for homeowners since 1979.

Renovating your home can be an exciting and rewarding process. Whether you are making modest changes in one or two rooms, or you are transforming the entire house into a dream of a lifetime, the process can be pleasant and smooth, if you take the time to plan your project carefully.

The Renovation Council of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), suggests that homeowners can ensure a successful renovation if they follow these 10 steps:

1. Do your homework. Advance research is the key to getting what you want. Study magazines and books to get an idea of the look you want. Visit friends, family members and colleagues who have renovated recently. Consider your lifestyle and the needs of your family, both in the short and long term.

2. Find out how much you can afford. Once your have a firm idea of the kind of renovation you would like to undertake, it is time to decide how you are going to pay for it. If you are thinking about using outside funds, discuss your borrowing needs and options with your lender. You will probably find that there are many financing possibilities to consider, from personal loans and lines of credit to home equity loans and homeowner’s mortgages.

3. Look for a professional renovator. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Drive around your neighbourhood to see who is renovating, then talk to the homeowners about their project. Most people are delighted to share their renovation experiences.

4. Get estimates. Obtain two or three different bids; more are usually not required. Make sure that you provide all the renovators with the same detailed information. It is important that they bid on the same job, or you will not be able to compare estimates. This information could be a description of the job including sketches, drawings, photographs and measures.For estimates involving major structural changes such as additions or moving interior walls, renovators may also need a set of plans. An architect could be a great help here. The set of plans includes site and floor plans, elevations and detailed drawings. The plan forms the basis for the estimating process and will also be used to obtain building permits. Be honest and open about your budget. The renovator will be able to make suggestions that will help you stay within your budget or provide alternative ideas to stretch your dollars.

5. Check references. Don’t omit this step just because you are too busy or “they seem like the right person for the job.”

6. Work out a contract. Don’t automatically take the lowest bid, unless you are certain that the renovator has properly understood what you want. Sometimes low bids turn out to be the most expensive in the end. When you accept the renovator’s offer, it’s time to write up a contract. Even the simplest of jobs should be outlined in writing because the contract is the basis of understanding between you and your renovator. Before signing a contract, read it carefully. Are you satisfied with the description of the work to be done? Does the payment schedule include holdbacks? Are the responsibilities of the renovator clearly spelled out? Remember that if something is not in the contract, then it’s your responsibility. Have a lawyer examine the contract before you sign it.

7. Plan how you will live during the renovation. Careful planning can greatly minimize inconvenience of living in the midst of a renovation. Talk to your renovator about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be affected. For instance, will the water be turned off for any length of time? Do you need to set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the home? Can major work be done in stages so as you always have a livable space? Discuss your expectations of the work crew and determine the work environment. The crew needs access to washroom facilities, telephones, water and electricity. Decide which areas of your home are off limits. It is a good idea to let your neighbours know that you are going to be renovating. Show them your plans and explain how long the work will be going on.

8. Establish a good working relationship and mutual trust with your renovator. Renovators and homeowners agree that a good working relationship is a vital ingredient in successful renovation projects. Keep lines of communication open at all times. Expect a brief report on the progress of your job at regular intervals, perhaps every evening. Be available to make decisions when they are needed so work is not held up, perhaps costing you more money. Don’t hesitate to bring your concerns to the attention of the renovator.

9. Try to stick with your first choices. Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum. The details of your project are described in the contract, down to the finishing touches, from the basis of both the price and the schedule of your job. Changes could affect both significantly. Your GVHBA member renovator, however, wants you to be satisfied with the final result, and will likely attempt to accommodate any alteration in plans, as long as you accept a possible delay in completion and/or a change in price.

10. Be prepared to enjoy the results. Research, good planning, a professional work crew and open communication and trust, a recipe for a home renovation that you will enjoy for years to come!

Article compliments of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association, www.gvhba.org

For more information please visit their web site.

posted by Nikki Rollins nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

Soma sits in an old Riverside building on one of the east end’s busiest — and formerly one of its seediest — corners, in a neighbourhood with virtually no nightlife (besides the hard-to-miss Jilly’s strip club, of course).

The choice of location may seem like a gamble to some, but a recent boom in activity on the Queen East strip, and a desperate need for an upscale neighbourhood lounge, has enabled Soma to pack the house almost every night since its opening.

In fact, the building had not been upgraded since 1902 and had to be completely gutted to create Soma. Previously a martial arts studio, it had no plumbing and even had an asphalt floor, making it a bit of an indoor driveway. However, despite many people’s disbelief and a year of transformation, the owners of Soma built a restaurant and lounge from scratch and have unveiled one of the Toronto’s most stunning new lounges, designed with the building’s history in mind.

An original secret passageway at the side of the room was restored and is now used for service staff, so you never see a parade of dirty dishes or encounter what would have been congestion by the washrooms and kitchen doors. The exposed brick behind the concrete bar is the building’s original, and any bricks removed during construction were saved to use on the exterior of the building.

But as old as its history may be, the new definitely comes out with the rest of the place. A sleek, modern lounge area sits in the front, with comfy black leather couches and ottomans, and tables line the back for either drinkers or diners. Most of Soma’s decor is black, grey and white except for the occasional screaming yellow wall.

WHERE: 703 Queen St. E. Toronto, ON

WHO YOU WILL MEET: East-enders desperate for an upscale place to go without having to cross that bridge into downtown. A big part of their clientele comes from the film industry from nearby lofts and studios.

TIP: Check out Soma’s stunning light fixtures. They were purchased from Italy and installed by a local Leslieviller, and kind of look like exploding silver flowers. Very cool.