by Julia Ritzenthaler

When it comes to bathroom vanities, the days of a white box with a sink sitting on top of it are gone. Time has certainly changed the different types of styles, designs and colors that are available when it comes to bathroom vanities. Whether you prefer contemporary lines, vintage antique or sleek oak, there is something for everyone. From single sink vanities to double sink vanities, your styles and choices are endless, so there are a few key elements to keep in mind before you make your purchase decision.

The first thing to consider is the overall size of your bathroom and the space where you want to put the vanity. If your bathroom is small then you may be limited to a smaller size vanity, but if you have some room to work with you will have several more options, including double sink vanity styles. To make sure you will be getting a proper fit, measure the area where you’re going to be putting the vanity accurately.

Next, what is the intended function of your new vanity? Knowing the answer to this question will help you best determine what kind of vanity will best suit your needs. If you find you need a lot of storage space, then a cabinet style would be something to consider. This vanity works well for families with children because of storage potential and durability. How many people typically use the bathroom? If it’s intended for a guest room or a half-bath, then a single sink vanity will do just fine. If the bathroom is shared by 2 or more people then double sink vanities would be the way to go.

Once you have determined your space and function you can turn your attention to the style that will suit not only your needs but also your decor as well. Vanities are available in a variety of different materials including wood, glass, ceramic and stone. Unless you’re planning a major renovation, your new vanity should complement your current bathroom style. Finally, don’t forget about the price! Local home improvement stores will have double sink vanities at affordable prices whereas specialty stores will carry the more high-end vanities in creative styles. Knowing how much you are able to spend will help you narrow down your choices as well.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

By Guest

Up to 100% Off a New High-Efficiency, EnergyStar®- Rated Furnace

You read right. It is now possible to get a brand new energy saving furnace for 50%, 60%, 70% off… even 100% free depending on the location of your home. How?

By combining a series of concurrently available and very lucrative national and local rebates, credits and discounts, certain national heating companies are able to provide new EnergyStar rated furnaces at steep discounts until March 31st, at which time some of the discounts will promptly end.

Why? Governments, utilities and furnace manufacturers are all offering credits and rebates because of the lagging world economy (not to mention the local economy). Their main objective is to improve energy efficiency and help save consumers money. Ultimately, new product purchases also help to stimulate the overall economy.

Smaller or locally-owned heating contractors are less likely to have the ability to offer the various types of discounts due to their size or manufacturer leverage.

The caveat? With virtually free furnaces available that can also greatly decrease monthly energy costs; the savings from this winter’s energy bills alone might offset the new furnace cost. But depending on your area, you may need to purchase an air conditioner at the same time in order to ensure the correct sizing, air flow and proper operation of the entire HVAC system.

So, now the only question left to ask is, “Why not?”

Guest blog post

by Sam, The Service Experts.  For more info on how Service Experts, the largest national heating and air conditioning service company can now provide furnaces at a near net zero cost to some consumers, depending on the location of the home, visit ServiceExperts.ca.

It seems like all of us are scrambling this week to have everything just perfect for the holidays. Last minute gift buying, big holiday meal plans and festive decorating may be just a few of the big items left on your list and so if like me, you can appreciate an extra helping hand. Check out the DIY Network website Diynetwork.com, an excellent resource on all things do it yourself and is packed with features, news, reviews and tips from a wide range of sources and experts to help those that want to do a bit of home improvement, plus of course helpful holiday ideas. Also, check out the somewhat amusing video of the a total tool girl/garage loving guy fantasy sequence promo recently released by DIY.

If you’re in a rut with your holiday decor, the following are some helpful decorating tips from Calgary based interior decorator, Cat Hackman, owner of Room4refinement.

Here are some things to do for holiday decorating:

• Discard or give away any ornaments or decoration you don’t love.

• Pick up an accent color from your home and continue this theme for your holiday decor. For example, if your cushions on your sofa are green, look for green ornaments and decor, then add a splash of sparkle, like silver.

• Arrange your Christmas decorations in groups or themes, creating vignettes. In other words, don’t scatter little ornaments here and there in your home. Look for areas, tables, consoles to turn into special displays.

• When you buy new items, buy at least two or three to have impact. For example, are you buying miniature trees or poinsettias or thick candles for your mantel or table? If so, buy two, rather three or more; a grouping makes a statement.

• Do look for a focal point, perhaps your tree or your mantel, but maybe not both side by side (you can find your focal point by closing your eyes while standing at the door to your room, and the first thing you see should be your focal point).

• Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources such as vents or fireplaces so that it does not dry out so fast, but place your tree where you can admire it the most.

• Hide your tree stand with fabric, maybe burlap, a tree skirt or a big fun bucket or pot.

• Use a timer for your lights to save energy and use white lights to mimic candles.

• Do put candles or ornaments (electric) in your windows toward the street.

• Look for natural decorations: a big bowl of pine cones, sugared fruit, red apples in a large bowl with holly or cedar branches.

• Greenery, greenery, greenery. If you have to cut branches from your tree (to make it fit in the stand), use the branches in arrangements, or lay them on your mantel. Ask the tree vendors for branches to use in arrangements.

• Arrange long branches of greenery in large vases, IKEA or HomeSense has some great big glass vases that can be used as fruit bowls, candle holders or for arrangements.

• Make your guest bedroom inviting with select decorations.

• Don’t forget to add a Christmas touch to your bathrooms, perhaps a bowl of scented pinecones.

• Decorate your front hall and outside your door with fresh greenery, make the entrance into your home the best it can be. Use lights on timers.

• For special nights, or every evening if you like, light a candle (tea light) in a safe enclosed lantern outside your home.

• For a fun piece, place a string of lights in a large bowl (they now come battery powered). You can add greenery or pretty shiny decorative balls to the bowl.

• Do keep apple cider spices simmering on your stove for a lovely scent.

For more on decorating, read the rest of the article “Holiday Decorating” and more interior design articles in Home Renovation Guide’s article library.

Season’s Greetings everyone!

by Guest

Dealing with mold can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be.  Follow the five steps below to eliminate and prevent mold problems, so you and your family can move on to enjoying a healthy home:

Keep it Dry! Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required.  New houses require constant dehumidification, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer: an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.

Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! Nothing helps moisture breed quicker than stale, dead air.  Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts.  Consider ceiling fans in several areas of your home (and keep them on as much as possible).  Air conditioning also helps circulate air in the home.

Seal it Properly. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.

Investigate Monthly. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. It might be a good idea to take a look around these areas once a month.  Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.

Treat it Right Away! If you find mold treat it immediately. However, there are more friendly products than bleach that are available. Treating mold can be something that homeowners can do easily themselves but beware if you have mold that makes up more than a 10ft x 3ft space — you should call in a professional to take a look.

This article has been provided by Concrobium®, makers of an earth friendly method to kill and prevent mold that is approved by Health Canada called Concrobium Mold Control®.

For all your home improvement needs, search North America’s largest online directory Home Renovation Guide. Looking for a home improvement professional? Get a free quote? Submit your project here and have local contractors find you.

by Julia Ritzenthaler

Vessel sinks are quickly becoming one of the hottest bathroom trends on today’s market. In this style, the sink is slightly or dramatically raised from the surface of the countertop and they are available in just about every style, material, and finish imaginable. Small vessels are particularly nice for guest and powder rooms, and larger vessels are great for master and full bathrooms.

Once you have determined the style you are looking for—for instance a square vessel sink is great for a contemporary look—it’s time to decide on the type of vessel sink you want. The type you choose depends on if you plan to add just the sink and hardware to an existing vanity or if you are going to buy a complete piece. Some vanities are designed to accommodate partially raised vessel sinks, while others are more suited to completely raised sinks. You may also choose to purchase a vessel sink vanity which includes the sink, countertop, and cabinet. When planning the installation of your vessel sink, you need to decide where the bathroom the vanity is going to be placed. It’s just a good idea to determine the layout out of the room first. Be sure to closely read the manufacturer’s instruction included with the bathroom vanity or sink first; you are sure to find helpful point in there to make the vessel sink installation a bit easier.

Once the vanity is in place and you’ve read the instructions, give a good once-over to check for any pre-drilled holes for the faucet. If there are none, decide where you’d like the faucet to be in relation to the vessel sink. If you’re confident enough to start marking directly on the vanity, go ahead and indicate where you’d like to drill. If not, draw up a template and use it as a reference for the real thing. Remember the old saying, measure twice, cut once. You may also choose to mount your vessel faucet to the wall instead of the counter.

Use a jigsaw or a hole saw to make the cuts into the top of the vanity. A jigsaw is perfect for this kind of cutting because it gives you the range and flexibility to swivel as you cut. Pre-drilling the screw holes will make it easier to attach the faucet to the vanity. Once the cuts have are complete, carefully arrange the vessel sink and the faucet on the vanity surface to check that everything is lined up correctly. If it’s not exactly right, feel free to tweak and scrape until everything lines up just right.

If your vanity didn’t come with the mounting equipment and hardware for the vessel sink and faucet, you can find what you need at any hardware store. Your vanity might have specific instructions about how to fit a vessel sink and faucet. If so, be sure to stick to every word. Take the instructions to the hardware store with you so that you don’t forget anything. Simply put, attach the mounting ring; place the sink; and bolt the whole thing down. If your vessel sink is a particularly fragile material, such as glass, you might have to place some cushioning between the vanity surface and the sink. Silicone or rubber works well.

Now that it looks like a proper bathroom vanity, it’s time to get it working like one. Once the vessel sink and the faucet have been securely fixed onto the vanity, attach the water supply pipes to the vessel sink drain and the faucet or faucets. Check that all pipes and lines are firmly attached before testing it. Turn the water on and off. If it performs like it’s supposed to, then you are ready to enjoy your new vanity.

If you are unsure of any portion of the project, be sure to look into hiring a professional general contractor or a plumber.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

Featured as Home Renovation Guide’s October Renovation of the month, the stunning Conservatory by Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd has been selected as a finalist for the SAM Awards. Held annually by the Calgary Region of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA), originally the “Sales and Marketing” Awards, the competition expanded over the years to honour all segments of the Calgary housing industry. Celebrating excellence in renovation design, innovative technology and construction techniques, this year’s entrants exemplify local talent as noted by CHBA President Gary Friend, “The competition is fierce and the quality of the entries received from across Canada is truly outstanding. The finalists indeed are making their mark on the home building industry.” Judges are chosen from strict criteria per specific category and there are over 150 volunteers who fill the position. An independent accounting firm, which audits the judging process insures accuracy.

Pioneer’s finalist entry is a cathedral ceiling conservatory that is a breath-taking work of home architecture. Incorporating natural clear cedar, a unique window arrangement, skylights and a fireplace, the structure certainly has award-winning qualities such as innovative construction and stellar design. Founded in 1953 by Ken Adam, Pioneer Craftsman Ltd was steered to residential renovations by son Gary Adam in the seventies. Third generation and current president, Jamie Adam, is naturally proud. “We are thrilled to have been chosen as a finalist again this year. We believe our team is one of the best in the country, from our designers through to our site staff. Receiving recognition of this caliber means a lot to us.”

To view the stunning renovation, visit the feature story on The Home Renovation Guide.

by Robert Wright

There are many hidden taxes built into the cost of your new home and renovation project. You may come up with some, but the others may come as a surprise.

The housing industry is one of the most heavily taxed industries. It is almost as high as the sin taxes. The ranking is generally, alcohol, smokes, gasoline, and housing. In some areas of Ontario it can reach 30% of the cost of a new home. So what makes up this level of taxation?

Of course you have the usual suspects: GST and PST; which make up 5% and approx. 3% to 4%, not much of the total. Where is the rest coming from?

Generally the remainder are more hidden. They include the payroll taxes – EI and CPP - paid by the builder, renovator, and subcontractors for the wages paid to their own employees; which are a relatively small percentage. You also have WSIB premiums paid for the same employees, which can range from 8.8% to 20% of the labour costs depending on the trade.

You also have tax costs imposed by the local level of government. You may know about building permit fees – which here in Ottawa are $12.50/$1000 of construction value. So you are paying taxes on taxes. Also, if you are in a rural area, you will be paying for approval of your well and septic system before your building permit is approved.

In addition, for new homes there are DC’s or development charges. These are fees levied by the city and school boards. These fees are supposed to help pay for the new infrastructure required by the new sub divisions. The reality of these fees is that they disappear into the coffers of the city and boards and end up paying for much more than the new development requirements.

The DC’s are by far the single largest fees charged to the cost of new homes and can be tens of thousands per home for the city and the school boards.

Renovations have almost all of these hidden tax costs. The only one they don’t have is development charges. The result of these hidden taxes and the other required costs carried by the professional and above board renovation contractor, is that up to 40% of the renovation costs are not for the work actually done in your home.

So you didn’t think your home was such a significant tax supporter of the governments, and that’s why the Canadian, provincial, and local home builder associations spend so much time with the politicians?  They are trying to improve the cost of owning and maintaining your home.

About the Author

Rob Wright has grown up around construction and in the mid 1990’s, Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects and is a contributor to the Home Renovation Guide. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and previously served as the Renovation Council Chair. For more information, visit CitadelRenovations.com.

Looking for a local contractor? Visit the Home Renovation Guide’s Complete Directory or Get a Free Quote.

Time to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet: Eight New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

According to U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. But Bill Cunningham, an energy efficiency expert with Lennox – a leading provider of customized home heating and cooling systems – says homeowners can significantly curb their energy usage and reduce their energy bills in the coming year by making the following quick and easy home-related New Year’s resolutions:

1. Make a Light Switch. Replace your five most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and save $65 each year. These bulbs use less energy and can last up to 10 times longer.

2. Get With the Program. Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat, and take the time to program it (the majority of consumers don’t). When used properly, these thermostats can save as much as $150 per year in energy costs.

3. Go with the (Low) Flow. Replace your existing shower head with a new 2.5-gallon-per-minute (low-flow) shower head. The new water efficient shower head coupled with a 10-minute shower will save five gallons of water over a typical bath and up to $145 each year on electricity used to heat the water.

4. Let the Laundry Chill. To save hot water – and the $24 to $40 in fuel that it takes to heat that water each year – wash your clothes in cold water. Be sure to choose a laundry detergent that is formulated for use in cold temperatures.

5. Make a Dent in the Lint. Clean the lint trap in your clothes dryer before every load of laundry, which will help increase the drying efficiency of the machine and save another $34 each year.

6. Dial it Back. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater from 145 degrees to 120 degrees – the only place you’ll notice the difference is on your utility bill. In fact, this slight reduction in temperature can save the average homeowner between $36 and $61 each year.

7. To Repair or Replace: That is the Question. Consider replacing an older furnace that is 60 percent efficient with one that is 95 percent efficient, and save approximately 57 percent on energy bills and up to a whopping $5,513 over a five-year period.

8. Stop the Standby Energy Use. Unplug digital devices when not in use, as “standby” energy consumption can add up. In fact, you can save about $165 per year just by unplugging a plasma TV.

This article is provided by Lennox. For more tips and advice on maintaining or purchasing a home comfort system, visit Lennox.com or ItPaysToLiveSmart.com. Image from www.lennoxhearthproducts.com

It may seem like you had more time to start that reno project before the Home Renovation Tax Credit deadline. Well, here is a reminder that February 2010 is not that far away and perhaps you have some time this holiday season to spruce up the home.

From the Revenue Canada Website:

Only available for the 2009 tax year.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit (subject to Parliamentary approval) is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009.

Important Notice
Eligible expenses for goods acquired during this period, even if they are installed after January 2010, will still qualify. If an eligible expense involves work performed by a contractor or a third party, and the work is not completed by the end of the eligible period, only the portion that is completed before February 1, 2010 will qualify even if a payment has been made.

The HRTC applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 − $1,000) × 15%].

Not sure what you’d like to have done, but are looking for ideas? Here are some excellent wells of inspiration from our current and past Renovation of the Month stories.

Read From Seventies to Smashing.

Read Classic Meets Modern.

Read Careful and Innovative Detailing.

Read Modernistic Cool.

Visit the Renovation of the Month archive for more inspiring designs and our sister site The Home Interior Guide’s fabulous Makeover galleries.

Want a free quote? Submit your project here and get contacted by local contractors.

by Guest

Being eco friendly and living a more sustainable lifestyle is a hot topic these days. As a result eco friendly furniture is hitting the online shopping market with full force. There is a variety of choice already available; so if you are looking to live greener, read on for how to find the hottest eco friendly styles.

You might be asking yourself; just what is eco friendly furniture exactly? Eco means that the furniture is produced in a way that it has the least negative impact on the environment possible. This includes things like when wood is utilized, it is derived from renewable sources, protected lands are not involved, and any chemicals employed in the process do not contaminate or damage the environment. Eco can also mean that a minimalist approach is used for manufacturing—for instance, delivery and mileage are kept to a minimum and the manufacturer is recycling energy and product wherever possible.

Another form of eco friendly furniture can be defined as furniture that has been made—in part or whole—from recycled materials. Furniture created from recycled items helps keep waste materials out of landfills and minimizes the need to consume precious resources.

Many retailers are now offering various environmentally friendly products. Many furniture retailers are actually now selling more environmentally friendly furniture pieces along with their other products due to customer wants, so don’t hesitate to ask staff if eco friendly furniture pieces are available. For this type of product, shopping online is ideal; you can compare and contrast designs, costs, and level of eco friendly materials faster and in the convenience of your own home; it’s also the perfect place for environmentally sustainable furniture because most online retailers are using less energy due to not having a brick and mortar store, thereby making them greener too! Also be sure to use the internet for finding tips on how to buy and find environmentally friendly products.

When you decide to purchase new furniture, be sure to dispose of your old items in the most eco friendly way possible. You have several options available to you. You can donate the items to places like Goodwill or your local women’s shelter. You can hand it down to a family member that is just getting started with their first apartment. Or you can even sell it at a furniture resale shop. Your items will surely find new life with a new owner because there are several ways of giving furniture a new look; reupholstering, a new coat of paint, a slipcover, a few throws and new pillows. So, please consider recycling before you put your items out at the curb.

Environmentally friendly furniture is stylish and readily available, so get shopping.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueEcoFurniture.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.