by Nicola Winters

During a time of financial hardship, homeowners can experience a real struggle in getting the most out of their property. With house prices falling, many families are forced to stay put and sit out the property slump. One piece of advice that investors and interior designers have suggested is utilizing the existing house, rather than hunting for a bigger one and losing money already invested. There has been a significant increase in investment of home extensions to create extra space whilst increasing the value of the property.

The problem with extensions is the sheer cost. Not many homeowners are prepared to shell out such a large amount of cash on something so extreme. A cheaper alternative would be to transform a garden shed into a living space. There are many uses for a garden shed but here are the top ideas:

Office

Many people are now choosing the option to work from home. Although appears ideal, there are many potential distractions when attempting to study or work around the home. With a separate space for work activities, all disruptions are kept out of sight and mind. Simply set up an internet connection and enjoy the benefits of both working from home and working in an office.

Playroom

Those who want to move to a bigger place are, usually, expanding families who are struggling to find the space to accommodate such active and playful members. Toys are frequently seen piled up in the corner of a living room with games consoles taking up the whole entertainment stand. An inexpensive and realistic solution to this is to transform the garden shed into a playroom. Toys, games and books can all be stored there, giving your child a safe place to spend the day.

Workshop

For those who work in the construction or practice a somewhat messy hobby, such as woodwork, an extra space to work is incredibly necessary. Not only will one be able to undergo their work in peace, log all their projects in one place and enjoy complete tranquility whilst getting creative juices flowing but children will also be kept safe from sharp blades and instruments.

There are many other usages for garden sheds, from art workshops, to theatre rooms, to libraries right through to music rooms. Depending on an individual’s interests and needs, garden sheds can provide a substantial amount of extra living space that costs a fraction of the price for an extension.

by MeCC Interiors

Based on a new report from the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), houses are getting smaller, living rooms are disappearing altogether, and dining rooms are seeing a renaissance.

One dominant trend, which is already being observed in some areas, are houses — and rooms — of smaller scale.  This is attributable to many things, including an ageing population that is increasingly ready to downsize,  economic uncertainty, and, to a lessor extent, the desire to minimize our eco-footprints.

To complement these smaller spaces, modular furnishings will become increasingly popular and will, in fact, become a necessity to maximize function and comfort.

The use of outdoor rooms and spaces will also become more important, making up for the lack of interior square footage.

Though homes will be smaller, the majority will feature a home office.  In fact, many will contain multiple office spaces, perhaps as a reflection of increasing incidences of telecommuting and home-based businesses.
By 2020, our homes will be “smarter;” more functions will be controlled by electronic devices, including computers and voice activation.

image provided by CinéConsulte

By Whitney Wyatt

With the uncertain economy and high gas prices, homeowners are doing more ‘staycations’ these days. And that has made enhancing the backyard for entertaining purposes more popular.

From upgrading the patio to putting in an outdoor kitchen, creating outside spaces has become the trend. What is your idyllic outdoor oasis? Many homeowners find outdoor kitchens make their homes more convenient while giving their backyards a nicer look.

Before hiring a professional to help build your summer sanctuary, Mr. Rooter® Plumbing recommends homeowners ask themselves this question: “How do I want the space to be used?”. (Don’t forget to keep children and pets in mind while you think about this.) When this question is answered, it’s time to decide on a budget. Once the budget is set, here comes the fun part – selecting the products.

Think about your home. The kitchen is usually the focal point when it comes to family gatherings – from doing homework to eating meals to playing games. Just like it was important to select items for the inside of your home, it’s important to design your outdoor space to your liking as well.

For homeowners who want an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles, they also need to think about products that will ‘weather’ the weather. Thankfully, there is a good selection of items, as backyard retreats have become increasingly popular.

And the popular sink selection is stainless steel. Picking a stainless steel sink is going to be the best option, because it withstands weather better than other materials. Because it is sturdier than other products, it also doesn’t damage as easily. When it comes to fixtures, heavy duty brass is the top pick. Heavy duty brass does not corrode, and it is rust free.

When it comes to installing these projects, some can be do-it-yourself while others are not. For example, installing the water line for outdoor kitchen sinks, refrigerators and ice-makers can be a DIY project. But hiring a plumber is recommended, because professionals know the best location for installation.

As for installing the drain line for the kitchen sink, homeowners who are not DIY savvy should hire a plumber. The drain needs to connect to a sewer source to dispose of waste water. It is also best for homeowners to hire a professional to install the gas line for outdoor ranges and grills as well as patio heaters and fireplaces. Professionals have the training and experience to ensure proper and safe installation.

Once your outdoor space is created, we hope it captures the feel you want – whether it’s a party atmosphere or a serene space to read a book.

This article was provided by Mr. Rooter.

By: Ashley Munn

It’s summertime and there’s no better way to enjoy the weather than by relaxing in your backyard – next to the pool. Just imagine yourself floating in the cool water with a refreshing beverage in your hand as sweet music emanates from the bushes and dances through your head. The garden looks great and you feel amazing with warm rays of sunshine beating down on your face as the water cools your body.

You enjoy your day, going inside only to fix dinner (or remaining outside at your new outdoor kitchen). As the day fades into night, the lights kick on, not only in the pool but throughout your garden. Glows radiate from the bases of your trees and flowers to project a mood of serenity throughout the backyard. With the temperature dropping as the sun goes down, you turn on the Jacuzzi and slip into it, as you share the beauty of the evening with your friends and family.

Clearly, the picture we just painted in your head is amazing, but what decisions do you need to make in order for this tropical paradise to become a reality in your backyard?

The Pool

If the pool is going to be the centerpiece of your paradise – and it will be – then you’ll need to decide what type of pool you want – essentially how deep you want it?  This can be the most difficult question to answer because if you have small children, the prospect of a deep pool may frighten you.  However, it’s important to remember that your kids will grow up with this pool, and as they get older they will want to dive and do cannonballs, just like you did as a child. A common solution is to have a “deep end” where diving is allowed, with the pool starting shallow and sloping downward. The most common alternative to a pool with a “deep end”  is an “activity pool” where swimmers will be able to stand throughout the pool. Typically, it is shallow at both ends and gets slightly deeper in the middle.

The Ambiance

The key to a great experience in your backyard is turning it into an escape – a paradise. Showing off and enjoying that garden that you (or someone you hired) work so hard to maintain is imperative – even in the evening. You need lights to see at night, so why not let them serve a dual purpose and light up your beautiful garden at the same time? You can use soft, wide lights at the base of your trees, flowers and bushes in order to accentuate their beauty and create a cabana-vibe while you’re relaxing in your Jacuzzi or on your patio.

Lighting the pool can also create an aesthetically-pleasing environment while providing another measure of safety.  Lights can and should be installed in both the pool and the Jacuzzi so that swimmers can be safely observed at all times. The sight of the light passing through the water is a beautiful one at night, and gels can be placed over the lights in order to manipulate the color. Would you love a specific colored light to complement your flowers?  You can do that.

Just as lights can be placed at the base of plants or inside trees, so can speakers. Listening to your favorite songs while lying on a raft in your pool can take you away to your own tropical paradise in seconds. Speakers can be strategically placed throughout your transformed backyard. Treetops, inside lawn ornaments, nestled within bushes, or up against the house. With speakers in the right place, you can feel like your favorite artists are performing poolside while you soak up the sun.

A pool is a long-term investment. If you’re going to have it in your backyard for the next 15 years, it may as well be perfect.  With the perfect pool, you can be off to your own little paradise in no time.

This article was provided by Mr. Electric. For all your lighting, be sure to contract a professional electrician, such as those at Mr. Electric. While your Mr. Electric professional is installing all those lights, ask him to hook up your stereo system too. For more information, visit www.mrelectric.com.

Finally getting a super, top of the line bbq to make the most of prime summer time? Check out Lowe’s BBQ Guide. Get it now – fast & free: Download the PDF.

For more Lowe’s articles, visit Home Renovation Guide’s special Lowe’s How-to’s and Buying Guides section!

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.

—

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.

What? National Home Show
When? Feb. 20 – March 1, 2009!
Where? The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

The largest home show in Toronto is coming up next week with a plethora of home improvement and decor products, accessories, ideas, and celebrity guest appearances.

What to Expect at the Show: (info provided by www.NationalHomeShow.com – visit the official show site for more details)

* The Dream Home – Built by Probuilt by Michael Upshall and styled by Janette Ewen.

* Toronto Star Dream Gardens

* tySTYLE presented by Toshiba

* Colin and Justin, hosts of HGTV’s Home Heist (appearance courtesy of Penguin Books)

* Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Green Force

* Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV’s Income Property

* Cheryl Torrenueva, host of HGTV’s Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover

* Corbin Tomaszeski, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

* Igor Shamraychuk, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

Show Date & Hours

Friday, February 20th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 21st
10am to 9pm

Sunday, February 22nd
10am to 6pm

Monday, February 23rd to Friday, February 27th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 28th
10am to 9pm

Sunday, March 1st
10am to 6pm

Admission

Adults: $15.00 (at the door)
Adults: $12.00 (online)
Seniors (65+): $11.00
Seniors: $8.00 (online)
Youth 13 – 17 years: $11.00
Youth 13 – 17 years: $8.00 (online)
Children 12 and under: FREE

* Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Buy online and save (use promo code:RENOVATION) !

Show Venue & Location

The Direct Energy Centre,
Exhibition Place,
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto ON
416-263-3000

Website:

www.NationalHomeShow.com

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.”

Even though it’s been nearly a decade since I sat in a classroom, the fall season—the quickly approaching fall season, I should add—always makes me yearn for new projects, whether it’s taking a course or ripping apart a kitchen. After summer’s laissez-faire attitude (boat drinks, anyone?), there’s a feeling of “let’s get serious” in the air.

For many of us, this let’s-get-serious mood stems from an anticipation of snow. There are only so many home reno projects you can do once winter hits, and since fall is more moderate than Hades-heated July and August, it’s a great time to do one or two more outdoor projects, especially those tasks that can’t wait till next spring.

While crawling the web, I came across an article featuring HGTV handyman Steve Watson, host of Don’t Sweat It. In the article, Steve outlines the Top 5 things every homeowner needs to do before winter. Luckily, none of these jobs take more than a day to do. Here are his tips:

Leaky Roof: if you’ve got a leak, do not wait for winter before tackling the problem. Find the source of the leak by watching where it comes in during a rainstorm. Then, once the source is located, climb onto the roof and fix the spot; or, better still, hire a pro to do it for you. Because you’ve done the initial sourcing, the fix shouldn’t take long.

Clean the Gutters: unless you want to create an ice dam in winter, now is the perfect time to clean out your gutters so that the icy runoff has somewhere to run into. Of course, if your house is situated near trees that lose leaves come fall, you should save this job till late fall so that you can remove any littered leaves that can clog up your gutters. Also, don’t forget to check the downspouts. Or, as with the leaky roof, just get someone else to clean the gutters.

Check Window Seals: if you’ve opened up your windows in the summer, chances are there’s dirt and debris along the seal, which means the windows won’t properly seal in the winter and you’ll lose efficiency. But by simply cleaning the seals (and replacing any damaged spots) you’ll keep in the heat all winter long.

Winterize Your Pipes: take a peak under your house or in your basement for any pipes that need insulating or that require new insulation. Measure the length and then wrap it with pipe insulation. So simple, and yet such a pain to do in cold weather. Do it now.

Check the Deck: You’ve stored away the patio furniture, now do a quick once-over of the deck. Did you forget to treat it this summer? Do it now by giving the deck a solid clean (using a power-washer if you’ve got one) and then apply a coat of water-sealant. Done and done. You’re officially serious.