Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - Jul/Aug 2016

PLUS IN THIS ISSUE

Yanic Simard on…

CUSTOMCREATING

JULY - AUG 2016VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4, FREE

EDMONTON EDITION

The BUILDING ENVELOPE

story

WOVEN&WICKER

TUSCAN SUN

Fun in the

HIRE APROFESSIONALRENOVATOR.

DO IT RIGHT…

Choosing a recognized professional renovator is the best decision you can make when renovating your home! Being an informed and knowledgeable consumer is essential and since 2007 RenoMark has raised the bar by identifying renovation contractors in the Edmonton Area who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct.

Renovate with confidence – hire a CHBA-Edmonton Region RenoMark renovator for your next renovation and embrace the renovation process with a sense of security and peace of mind.

For more information on CHBA-ER, RenoMark or to access a complete list of CHBA-ER & RenoMark members visit www.renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion

GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION » PROFESSIONAL RENOVATORS

RENOVATION BY: RENCON INDUSTRIES INC.

THIS ISSUE’S PARTICIPATING MEMBERS:

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER CONTRACTORS CALL (780) 425-1020 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RENOMARK.CA/EDMONTONREGION

Ph. (780) 479-6032www.homestyleconstruction.ca

Ph. (780) 986-2160www.renconindustries.ca

Ph. (780) 686-4273www.benjaminmatthew.ca

Ph. (780) 450-1399www.effecthomes.ca

Ph. (780) 660-1026www.fortresshomes.ca

Ph. (780) 414-0686www.ackard.com

Ph. (780) 481-7671www.aquarianrenovations.com

Ph. (780) 435-6304www.serenitycontracting.ca

Ph. (780) 434-0923www.innovationplus.ca

Ph. (780) 244-0504www.acutaboveliving.com

Ph. (780) 465-8071www.revolvingrooms.ca

Ph. (780) 433-3166www.diamondcontractingab.ca

Ph. (780) 454-1513www.coogeeconstruction.ca

15In every issue

6 Editor’s Notebook

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 04

JULY - AUG 2016contentsCover Story

8

Yanic Simard on… Creating Custom

pg

12 16 20

by Elisa Krovblit

business profi les

16 E� ect Homes

HD&R features

12 FeatureThe Building Envelope Storyby Marie Soprovich

14 Decoding The Codeby Michael Nyikes

15 Style Inspiration Fun in the Tuscan sunby Elisa Krovblit

19 The ScoopWoven & Wickerby Elisa Krovblit

20 RenoMarkMature Neighbourhood Overlay and RenoMark Renovators

15

WE’RE LISTENING!Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Published by

SUMMER IS HERE, and it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home’s look both inside and out. Now that all that boring spring cleaning and organizing is complete, the fun starts with getting your home in summer mode for the warmer months ahead.

In our cover story “Creating Custom”, celebrity designer Yanic Simard talks custom pieces for your home as well as some of the current trends in customization. Custom upholstering something simple like the seats of dining chairs, instead of an entire piece of furniture can be a small investment with a big payo� . And when it comes to drapery, Yanic suggests trying a custom drapery treatment – it’s by far the best way to achieve an elegant look. These tips and more can be found in this informative article.

One of our fave designers, Debbie Travis, has been loving the life in Tuscany while she runs a pampering retreat. Recently, Debbie took on an exclusive product line for Sears where she has created the perfect outdoor furniture collection. The line is designed to be durable yet comfortable with a style that will whisk you away to the Italian countryside. See page 15 for all the details.

In our “Woven & Wicker” feature on page 19, we explore this year’s hottest look – wicker! The hot summer sun means taking it outside, and this stylish yet versatile material works with whatever outdoor design you may have going on this season.

Armed with the advice from these pages and a little creativity, your perfect summer home awaits!

Happy Renovating!

Want more news on the home, decor and reno front? Check out our site: ypnexthome.ca

EDITOR, YP [email protected]

Follow us on twitter:twitter.com/YPNextHome

Like us on FacebookFacebook.com/HomeDecorandReno

NANCY CHEMAIT

Summer Fun!

Editor’s Notebook

JULY - AUG 2016VOLUME 14 ISSUE 04

President, YP NextHome

Jacqueline Hill

Editor-In-Chief / Director of Content

Susan Legge

Director of Sales, National

Moe Lalani

Art Director

Megan Pike

Editor/Account Executive

Nancy Chemait 780.619.3241

Production Manager

Helen Pearce

Production Co-Ordinator

Dennis Ng

Contributors

Shell BuseySara DuckElisa KrovblitMichael Nyikes Salina Yara HalabiMarie Soprovich

home decor & renovationsPO Box 458Station MainEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 2K1

Home Decor & Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Decor & Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Edmonton and Greater Edmonton area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor & Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Decor & Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Decor & Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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MAY - JUNE 2015VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3

HOME DECOR & RENOVATIONSPO Box 458Station MainEdmonton, AlbertaT5J 2K1

PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOMEJacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENTSusan Legge

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, HOME DÉCOR & RENOVATIONSConni Robinson

ART DIRECTORMegan Pike

EDITOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVENancy Chemait 780.619.3241

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Shelley Balla 587.784.4044Jennifer Mizier 780.217.6778

PRODUCTION MANAGERBala Gnanapandithan

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Dennis Ng, Greg Van Sluytman

GRAPHIC DESIGNERViosa Barileva

CONTRIBUTORSHellen ButtigiegShell BuseySara DuckElisa KrovblitMichael Nyikes Jamie Banfield Salina Yara HalabiYanic SimardMarie Soprovich

Home Decor & Renovations magazine is published six times a year.Home Decor & Renovations magazine is distributed throughoutEdmonton and Greater Edmonton area. This publication has beendesigned for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor &Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however,the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes,design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiseror their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is theproperty of Home Decor & Renovations magazine and not that of theadvertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction inHome Decor & Renovations magazine only and does not have the rightto reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publicationwithout the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and areintended for the sole use of the public.

WE’RE LISTENING!Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Spring is here, and now is the perfect time to update, renew and refresh your living spaces. This issue is filled with inspiring and informative articles that will help you prepare your home for the warmer months ahead – both inside and out!

BBQ’s and bonfires will have you spending more time in the backyard, and we have the top outdoor trends for 2015. Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy patio, we give you the rundown on today’s hottest tools, accessories and outdoor décor ideas. See our special Outdoor Living section for all the details.

Maybe this spring has you dreaming of redesigning your inside spaces. In this issue’s cover story, design authority Yanic Simard gives us a “Lesson in Design” where he shares his expertise and advice on how to achieve your dream design. Key principles to keep in mind when working with a designer are to be upfront, do your research, keep calm and, maybe the most important, choose someone who you can trust – it will help make your dream a reality.

Home Décor & Renovations Magazine is proud to announce 2015 CHBA-ER Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the Renovation Category. See page 25 to read about the renovators that have been recognized as the best in the industry. The winners will be announced Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre. Congratulations to all the finalists!

Hope you enjoy the read and Happy Spring!

NANCY CHEMAITEDITOR [email protected]

EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

Spring into action

Published by

Q + A

WHEN YOU HIRE A DESIGNER THE SPACE THEY CREATE FOR YOU IS, OF COURSE, CUSTOM. BUT THE ELEMENTS IN THAT ROOM – ARE THEY A CAREFULLY CURATED COLLECTION THAT WILL WORK IN YOUR SPACE OR ARE THEY CUSTOM MADE, JUST FOR YOU?

By Elisa KrovblitPhotos by Brandon Barré

YANIC SIMARD ON…

8 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Home Decor & Renovations caught

up with celebrity designer Yanic

Simard, principal of the award-

winning boutique fi rm TIDG (tidg.ca),

to discuss custom pieces, and he’s

given us some amazing insight into

creating the best custom essentials

for your home.

Home Decor & Reno: Why custom?

Yanic Simard: My idea of comfort is

living in a space that feels right — a

personal retreat where you end up

at the end of the day, and it just feels

good. Going custom is the best way

to achieve that.

HD&R: Custom can be costly. Are

there cost-eff ective ways to get

custom looks?

YS: Upholstery. Custom upholstering

an entire piece of furniture, such as

an armchair or a sofa, can quickly add

up. But focusing on something simple,

like the seats of dining chairs, can be a

small investment with a big payoff .

This approach also gives you the

opportunity to create a lot of looks

that you are unlikely to fi nd in a store,

such as matching your drapery to a

chair back for a statement that says

“custom,” loud and clear. This also

provides an opportunity to use a small

amount of high-end fabric for accents

and apply a plainer and more durable

material to high-impact areas, such as

the seat, for the best of both worlds

(and a balanced budget).

HD&R: Are there areas where you

more strongly recommend going the

custom route?

YS: Drapery. As with upholstery,

custom draperies can require investing

in materials and labour. However, a

custom drapery treatment is by far the

best way to achieve an elegant look,

especially for windows of an unusual

size or walls that do not perfectly suit

a pre-made panel. This is why custom

drapery is generally considered worth

the investment.

In many cases it is possible to

extend a ready-made panel instead

JUL - AUG, 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 9

of starting from scratch. In much less

time than it takes to make a panel from

scratch, a seamstress (or skilled DIYer) can

cut the bottom of a packaged curtain and

attach a panel of a second fabric, creating

a perfect-length, colour-block statement

without the full price tag.

HD&R: Do you recommend customizing

pieces of furniture?

YS: Creating a custom piece of furniture

for a client is many designers’ dream,

but it can sound more like a nightmare

for homeowners. The cost, time,

imagination and decisions required can

make choosing a custom piece seem

overwhelming compared to simply

dropping by a store and walking away

with a new find.

HD&R: Are there any design issues that

are more easily overcome with custom

options, where you tend to prefer

custom?

YS: Mirrors for the bathroom. Custom

inset mirrors solve a lot of issues in

bathroom design. They expand a space

visually, and they also replace a large area

of tile, allowing a seamless, fully tiled look

without requiring as much material to be

purchased. When you use a mirror wall

to wall or floor to ceiling — and skip the

frame cost — you’ll save even more while

getting a perfectly polished look.

It’s a good idea especially in a compact

bathroom, letting you splurge on a

smaller amount of must-have stone and

doubling the look of it.

HD&R: What are some of the current

trends in customization?

YS: There’s a big trend to upcycle, so

if what you have is in good condition,

customizing the finish is becoming a

popular option. Beautiful, colourful

cabinetry can be rare, especially in the

exact hue of your choice. In fact, you’re

more likely to find a dated or drab shade

if you’re living in an older home. If the

existing units are in good condition,

having the fronts sprayed with a new

finish can be very reasonable in price

compared to a full replacement.

The same can be said for salvaged

vanities. Whether your look is eclectic,

traditional, modern or rustic, a salvaged

furniture piece used as a vanity can make

for an excellent twist in any bathroom.

A simple coat of paint (or just a sealant

to keep worn-in character as is), a few

cuts and a basic block vessel sink can

transform nearly any furniture piece into a

bathroom vanity. You can also try adding

a solid slab to create a more traditional

countertop, or take an inexpensive

cabinet frame and replace just the doors

to achieve a unique look while still

providing plenty of closed storage.

HD&R: Are there any customizations that

are particularly influenced by the client?

YS: Art — this is definitely one element

that needs to speak to the client on

another level. In a Miami condo space

I recently designed, I wanted to bring

a sense of South Beach artistic flair

without letting it swallow the budget. I

found high-resolution images created

by a local artist online and had them

printed directly onto acrylic. If you want

to customize art for yourself, ask a local

printer what materials they can print

on, and try something fun, like canvas,

cloth, parchment, plastic or even wood.

The result will be unique art pieces with

a true artistic story, but without the art-

auction price.

And of course, there are also many

good reasons to buy a one-of-a-kind

original piece of art from your local

gallery.

Sometimes just a little change goes a

beautifully long way.

10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Feature

by Marie Soprovich Owner Aquarian Renovations

TRAPPED MOISTURE CAUSES HAVOC…

and a whole lot of rot –

This story all started with wanting to

replace the front door! Home owners

Sonni and Michael designed and built

their dream home over 23 years ago.

It was and still is a beautiful, modern

looking fl at roof home that was always

unique to the block and certainly ahead

of its time in the realms of design. The

interior of their home is a place of joy

and family life. It has been impeccably

upgraded and maintained over the years

with beautiful furniture and exquisite art

gracing the walls. As this family of four

continue to enjoy the fullness of their

home both girls continue their studies

at the U of A and have no intention of

moving anytime soon. In fact, these

accomplished young ladies love their

family home so much that they often joke

with their mom about the plans they have

for the house once it becomes theirs! It

is a bit of a standing joke in the family and

there is tremendous joy in knowing just

how precious this home experience is to

them all. Yes… this loved family home

captures the essence of family, beauty

and longevity. So when the homeowners

went to a door company to make a

simple purchase and install of a new front

door they had no idea what was in store

for them. They were shocked with what

was found. “You need to get a contractor

here right away and get this problem

looked at!” The entire structure of their

home had been compromised by wood

rot and the house integrity was in serious

trouble. Sonni and Michael needed to

act fast to save their house!

This renovation story captures what

happens when moisture is trapped

between layers of stucco, fi ber insulation

and a poly vapour barrier. Originally the

house was fi nished with a traditional

stucco consisting of a regular wire mesh

THE BUILDING ENVELOPE STORY

over the top of tarpaper, with OSB wall

sheeting, batt insulation, wood studs and

a poly vapour barrier between all this and

the drywall on the inside of the house.

About ten years ago, a coating of acrylic

was placed on top of the regular stucco

and it sealed off the “breathability” of

the wall. This non- breathable coating

combined with a roof membrane that

had leaks, allowed water to get trapped

behind the original stucco with no way

for the water to escape. The water

settled in the organic matter and started

to rot. The results were disastrous.

Sonni remembers the day only too

well when the door company delivered

the shocking news that their door frame

was so rotten they couldn’t put the door

in and it wasn’t even safe to continue.

“They just boarded it up, put a tarp over it

and said we needed to fi nd a contractor

who could assess the extent of the rot

and fi x the structure. And we needed

JUL - AUG, 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 13 12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

when it has nowhere to escape or dry

out and we want to tell our story to help

and perhaps even warn others. We are

sure there are other homeowners who

have no idea what is happening within

their walls. The wood was all rotten

and the studs were rotten too. It was

unbelievable! We needed to save our

place and are so grateful for the expertise

and the solutions that Aquarian were able

to deliver.”

When learning about just what was

happening under the exterior stucco,

Sonni shared her thoughts about some

of the technology Aquarian used. “The

infrared camera was invaluable. It

showed the extent of the wood rot. We

could also see the heat loss that was

happening around the windows and

doors and through the soggy walls. We

learned that our veranda and the deck

outside of our master bedroom was

equally in rough shape and It became

evident that ‘while we’re at it’, a new front

covered veranda with a positive slope

drainage system would be in order! It

would also help to keep the moisture

away from the house. The funny thing

was, we had never used the deck outside

our bedroom and maybe that was a good

thing because, given the state of the rot,

we may have fallen through! It was that

bad!”

Sonni went on to say, “I was adamant

that I did not want to have stucco on

the house again and was so excited

when Tyler from Aquarian came up with

a solution that really captured the look

I wanted. The Hardie Panels gave the

wow factor we were looking for. We

love the look and the fact that no water

will ever get trapped behind these walls

now is really exciting! I love the silver

and the glass on our new deck. We even

use it now! The new garage door is

spectacular. Our house looks modern and

new and so good. We feel safe and snug

inside knowing that the problem inside

the walls is … in fact better than ever.

What a relief!”

BEFORE

Marie Soprovich Owner of Aquarian Renovations; Writer, Visionary, Leader. Visit www.aquarianrenovations.com or call 780.481.7671

to do it fast. We had always wondered

about the streaks of rain water on the

exterior walls and there were some places

where the stucco looked like it was a

little loose from the wall but we had no

idea of the extent of this problem.” Sonni

shared, “What started as such a simple

door replacement turned into more than

just a major exterior renovation. We were

in a precarious situation and our precious

home was in serious trouble. We were a

little nervous to say the least. ”

After the initial shock of what might

be found under the rest of the stucco had

settled in their mind, Sonni explained just

how important the concept of trust was

when finding the right contractor. “We

were frightened by what was there and

we wondered how the walls were still

standing. With the use of the infrared

camera, Wayne from Aquarian was able

to show us just how extensive the rot

was. We learned that this rot was the

result of many years of moisture being

trapped between the interior vapour

barrier and the exterior stucco product.

We had no idea it was there. The inside

of the house is where we spent our time

and we have always taken such good care

of our interior space. There was never

an indication of any moisture getting into

the house and if there had been, perhaps

we would have discovered this problem

years ago.” Sonni shared. “But as we

learned, the interior water barrier was

intact and none of the trapped moisture

could get into the house. The problem

was, it couldn’t escape from between

the layers either and so it was like a wet

towel stuck in a plastic bag for years. It

rotted the wood from the inside and

when I saw the guys from Aquarian put

their finger through the rotted wood

it was unbelievable. We learned so

much about the building envelope

during this renovation. We realized

the damage that moisture can cause


Tips and Tricks

Michael Nyikes is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at [email protected]

By Michael Nyikes

Decoding THE CODE

A Building envelope energy e� ciency retrofi ts

can have unintended consequences if

consideration is not given to assessing the

condition of the house for pre-existing problems

and anticipating the possible e� ects of the retrofi t

work on indoor air quality, building envelope

durability, heating appliance per-formance or other

possible performance issues.

Pre-existing problems should be corrected

prior to undertaking an energy e� ciency building

envelope retrofi t so that the problems do not

worsen. Pre-existing problems could include:

• moisture problems (high humidity, water leaks,

dampness, mold, etc.) in the roof, walls, fl oors or

foundation

• indoor air quality problems (stale air, lingering

odours, soil gas, pollutant emissions from

household products, etc.)

• radon or other soil gases

• structural sags, cracks and defl ections

• t he presence of hazardous materials such as

asbestos, lead paint and rodent/bird waste

A highly energy-e� cient building envelope

retrofi t will provide a more airtight house, which

is im-portant for reducing energy consumption.

However, this will also result in less incidental

ventilation, which would otherwise be provided

by a leaky enclosure. This can cause the air in the

retrofi tted house to seem stale, and could also lead to

moisture problems. Odours from previously unnoticed

sources (such as pets or stored items) may become

more apparent and more objectionable. Therefore,

energy-e� cient mechanical ventilation should also

be included in any house energy retrofi t strategy.

This can be accomplished by adding a heat recovery

ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV).

This ven-tilation should improve occupant health and

comfort. Consult a qualifi ed mechanical ventilation

con-tractor and your EnerGuide service provider for

more information.

For more information on retrofi t and renovation

considerations, visit Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation’s website at www.cmhc.ca.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to

answer readers’ questions about how the provin-cial

safety codes a� ect their projects. Email your questions

to me at [email protected]. Be sure to

include which city you live in, as well as your phone

number in case I need to follow up with you.

QI had an interesting email from someone who had a major building envelope energy e� ciency retrofi t done to their home, and has been smelling strange odours in their house ever since.


inspiration

YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE MAY TAKE YOU. Just ask style maven

Debbie Travis. From a brilliant, decades long career in the decor and design

industry, to a life in Tuscany running a pampering retreat – and everything

in between, Debbie Travis has lived it.

Travis has long been loved for her ability to transform a space into a

beautiful, comfortable and useful room. Her columns always answer great

questions and o� er intriguing insights. The shows she’s hosted on HGTV

(hgtv.ca) over the years, Painted House, Facelift, From the Ground Up, All

for One, have had rave reviews and have made her a favourite TV host – in

Canada, and internationally. Her product lines have proven to be great quality

and well designed for modern living.

At the height of it all, Debbie switched gears. A dream of living under the Tuscan sun that

had been sparked 18 years earlier, she explains,

while she was fi lming for Painted House, led

Debbie to Italy. A lovely piece of land with a

dilapidated 13th century villa would become the

next chapter of her life. La Dolce Debbie – a

documentary chronicling the fi ve-year journey of

permit navigation, design considerations, material

selections and retreat development to realize

the dream, was released this spring. A host of a

di� erent sort, now Debbie thought “What if I share

with other women looking for their next chapter.”

It serves many purposes, ranging from a girls’ get-

away to an opportunity for self discovery. Guests

can come for an olive harvest and stay for an

epiphany about alternate paths that life may o� er.

When HDR caught up with Debbie, she was

trying to put into words the scent that fi lled the

villa as she cooked up a huge batch of Sicilian

orange marmalade with fresh, unwaxed, fresh

Sicilian oranges. It was almost as if she were trying

to translate and searching for the words. We were

both speaking English, but she was explaining the

nuances of the Italian romanticism, of slowing

down and savouring the moment; of living in a

reality where the hectic pace was replaced by the

natural rhythm of life; where happiness replaced

expectation and anticipation was replaced with

satisfaction.

With the villa complete, Debbie recently took

on an exclusive product line for Sears (sears.ca).

Who better to create the perfect outdoor furniture

collection than a woman who embraces the rustic

simplicity of Italian countryside, the traditional

elegance of Italy and the wonderful Tuscan sun!

The collection, she explains, is designed to

be durable without compromising on style and

comfort. The collection takes inspiration from

Tuscan entertaining, where people sit, enjoy each

other’s company as the day turns into night and

as dish after dish, drink after drink is served. Big

tables, with chairs to sink into. Comfort is key.

Whether it’s a traditional feel or a

contemporary look, the collection has, she says,

something for everyone. With a small terrace,

pieces fi t together to streamline and save

on space. With a larger yard, bigger sets can

accommodate more people. The tableware and

accessories in this collection bring inspiration from

the Italian countryside to your table and bring a

taste of La Dolce Vita, Debbie-style, to your home.

Visit debbietravis.com for more information, and

tuscangetaway.com to book your own getaway

at Debbie’s Tuscan villa.

FUN IN THE TUSCAN SUN

by ELISA KROVBLIT


Builder Profi le

EFFECT HOME BUILDERS:

A refi ned approach to sustainable renovationsBy Salina Yara Halabi

16 YPNEXTHOME.CA

EFFECT HOME BUILDERS are providing

custom home building and renovation

services in Edmonton with an underlying

dedication to sustainability. Since 2001,

the Effect Home Builders team has been

focused on the bringing an exceptional

level of quality to the industry with a

distinctive approach. Their focus is clear

and determined: enhance client homes to

a level that will lead to a minimal impact

on the environment. Specializing in green

home efficiencies and reaching net zero

standards, the Effect Home Builders

team of skilled professionals are ready to

guide you through an environmentally

responsible home renovation process.

Whether you are approaching an entire

home renovation project or ready to

invest in a home addition, Effect Home

Builders have the knowledge and

experience to provide your family with

the professional service and top quality

results that will lead to the sustainable

home of your dreams.

From the start of each project the

Effect Home Builders team is dedicated

to understanding the distinct needs and

wants of their client. They recognize that

some individuals may be heading into

their renovation project knowing exactly

what they would like, while others may

be starting from scratch with only a vision

of what they have in mind for their dream

home. The Effect team is knowledgeable

and experienced in the various types

of renovations and will spend the time

educating each client on the options and

environmentally friendly technologies

that can enhance their home. They are

fully invested in providing each customer

with customized services that fit each

individual renovation project. Sydney

Bond, member of the Effect team,

explains that “individuals often contact

us with questions about building green.

We are happy to educate people who

are interested in being environmentally

responsible, because ultimately we

want to see more houses built with

sustainability and efficiency in mind.”

Certified by the Mike Holmes’ Holmes

Approved Homes initiative, Effect uses

only “the best techniques, practices and

technologies in each of their custom

homes.” These practices are also

translated into each of their large scale

renovation and home additions, which

has allowed Effect to pursue that same

accreditation with the Holmes group.

With the official Holmes Approved

Renovations certification expected

in the near future, customers will

experience the same series of first-rate

home inspections, including full reviews

approved by Mike Holmes-certified

inspectors. The Holmes Approved

Renovation Program is set to be the first

of its kind in Edmonton, and will offer

customers that extra layer of confidence

in their home investment as it “promises

quality and a better, more durable home

JUL - AUG, 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 17

that’s built right, from the ground up.”

Seamlessly blending the latest in

sustainable technology with outstanding

design, Effect Home Builders create

homes “that are as easy on the eye as

they are on the earth.” Their team is ready

to work closely with you to ensure all

your family’s lifestyle needs are met. No

shortcuts are ever taken at the expense

of quality, and clear communication is

always a priority throughout the process.

Effect Home Builders offer practical

green building solutions, and their

team is continuously on the lookout for

innovative practices that can be translated

into their clients’ homes. Exceptional

construction and energy efficiency are

essential to each project, which deliver an

overall more positive home environment

for both your family and the environment.

Building homes that are energy

efficient is becoming an increasingly

important factor in the home building

industry, and Effect Home Builders

is dedicated to leading the way in

environmentally friendly design. As

both a Built Green and an R2000

certified builder, the team at Effect

Home Builders is confident that their

design and construction teams’ first-rate

qualifications and experience will ensure

each project will have the most suitable

system of green building processes, both

expertly implemented and integrated.

With extensive experience and

unrivalled attention to the details

required to build green, Effect Home

Builders has established itself as leader

in the renovation and home building

industry. Their ability to combine client

lifestyle needs with home sustainability

technologies solidifies their unique place

in the market. As Sydney describes, the

team takes “a deliberate approach to

home building and renovating” which

ensures each Effect Home Builders

project is mindfully planned and expertly

executed.

For more information or to learn

more about the amazing services at Effect

Home Builders visit effecthomes.ca or call

780.450.1399.


The Scoop

Debbie Travis Chelsea four-piece Conversation Set$720, sears.ca

Byholma/Marieberg Armchair, Grey, Laila Natural $119, ikea.ca

Vertical Rattan Deck Box with Shelf$300, canadiantire.ca

Uberhaus Soho Bistro Set – Black – Three Pieces$599, rona.ca

Woven &WICKER

by Elisa Krovblit

Summer sunshine means moving it out-of-doors. This year’s hottest look is wicker. Whether it’s rattan or the modern resin version, this wonderful woven look is as hot as mid-day in July. Don’t be fooled by faded memories of a Miami lanai, today’s wicker is stylish and versatile, and spans from the traditional to the very contemporary!

Resin Wicker Houndstooth Three-Piece Chat Set$600, homesense.ca

Alseda Poof/Ottoman$40, ikea.ca


Photos courtesy of Aquarian Renovations

Tips And Tricks

Mature Neighbourhood Overlay and RenoMark Renovators

HOMEOWNERS, COMMUNITY LEAGUES

AND THE AVERAGE CITIZEN are becoming

more familiar with what the concept of

Mature Neighbourhood Overlay (MNO)

means to them and the community

in which they live. The City has been

reaching out to the stakeholders to ensure

that voices are heard and process is as

effective as possible. The City has involved

Community Leagues, Homeowners, the

Canadian Home Builders Association

Edmonton Region (CHBA ER), and

individuals and businesses who will

be affected by the transformation that

an updated MNO will undoubtedly

bring to our city. Specific information

about the Mature Neighbourhood

Overlay can be found at edmonton.ca/

matureneighbourhoodoverlay . This

website also includes details on ongoing public engagement events.

As we look around our older neighborhoods we can all see the effect of infill, which

is the development of new housing which may include secondary suites, garage suites,

duplexes, semi-detached and detached houses, row housing, apartments and other

residential and mixed- use buildings. While this may seem like a lot of possibilities for

your neighbourhood there are guidelines, rules and procedure that apply. Part of our

civic duty is to be as best informed as we can about what is happening in our city and

there are excellent resources and opportunities for involvement.

So what does the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay have to do with Renovators?

The answer to this question is Plenty. One of the main reasons why renovators are

particularly suited for this kind of construction is because Renovators are already working

in these neighbourhoods and have a solid understanding on the complexities of working

within existing mature neighbourhoods with people who have a vested interest in their

communities, their street, their schools and the life they have created there. Reputable

renovators also have developed their construction companies such that they are

comfortable and sensitive to the needs of the community. They know that people live

there, so starting noisy work too early or hammering too late is disruptive and not a good

idea. Renovators know that getting to know your neighbours is a good idea when it

comes to working in the neighbourhood. Renovators also know that designs that fit into


an existing neighbourhood are important and they work well with clients to ensure that

these needs are met.

The fact that our city is under a transformation is evident. Your part in it is as much

or as little as you might want it to be. Information is available and if you are considering

a major or even a minor renovation or a complete new build, check out the renovators

from CHBA ER who belong to RenoMark and you will find contractors who will work

with you to create what you want to see in your neighbourhood.

RenoMark renovators are members of Canadian Home Builders – Edmonton Region

and are committed to providing homeowners with the information they need to select

the right renovator for their project. At RenoMark the contractors have agreed to the

CHBA-ER code of ethics as well as the renovation- specific code of conduct. They

provide written contracts, warranties and all the insurance necessary. They understand

the value of customer service and continually educate themselves regarding current

trends, materials and regulations. RenoMark Renovators understand homeownership

and just how hard people have worked for their homes. Credentials that capture a

professional renovator include:

» A proven track record in the industry with past project lists, references, testimonials

from previous clients and contacts

» Well-established business practices, project management and client communication

» Awareness provided by renovator as to what is insured by homeowner and what is

the responsibility of the renovator

» Professional & industry business memberships and affiliations such as Canadian

Home Builders – Edmonton Region, RenoMark, Chamber of Commerce, Better

Business Bureau and other organizations

» Business tools: Written contract, insurance, registration with WCB, and other

organizations

» Personal & company attributes: experience, training, education and skills, upgrading

special expertise, awards etc.

» Minimum 2 year warranty

» Other consumer information to help with your renovation

A professional renovator’s customers are in good hands. You will know what is going

on, what to expect and what everyone’s role is. Your renovation or infill will be a well

RENOMARK EDMONTON – WWW.RENOMARK.CAThe program identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to CHBA – Edmonton Region’s code of ethics, as well as a renovation-specific code of conduct, they provide warranties, understand the value of customer service, and continually educate themselves regarding current trends, materials and regulations.

* Resources included: Canadian Homebuilders Association “The Get it in Writing Handbook” and RenoMark Website

thought-out process from the beginning

to the end and you, the homeowner

can feel confident that the job will be

done well and effectively, making your

experience as pleasant and stress-free

as possible. Homeowners will enjoy the

results of their choices for many years to

come and that is something to celebrate.

Are you thinking of building new

housing in an established area? Please see

the Residential Infill Guidelines webpage

to confirm whether the guidelines apply

to your neighbourhood, and if so, for

planning and design direction for your

project.


CONCERTE

City MiniMix Concrete Inc 780.974.7969 [email protected] www.cityminimix.com

FLOORING

Payless Wholesale Flooring & Lighting 18415-104 Ave 780.487.2700 www.paylessfloors.ca

HOME RENOVATIONS

A Cut Above Living 780.244.0504 acutaboveliving.com

Ackard Contractors Ltd. 780.414.0686 www.ackard.com

Aquarian Renovations 780.481.7671 www.aquarianrenovations.com

Appollo Sunrooms 780.466.1952 www.apollosunrooms.com

Benjamin Matthew Contracting Ltd 780-686-4273 www.benjaminmatthew.ca

Coogee Construction Ltd. 780.454.1513 www.coogeeconstruction.ca

Diamond Contracting 780.433.3166 www.diamondcontractingab.ca

Effect Home Builders Ltd. 780 450-1399 www.effecthomes.ca

Fortress Homes & Renovations 780.660.1026 www.fortresshomes.ca

Full House Renovations 780.483.2666 www.fullhouserenovations.com

Homestyle Construction Ltd. 780-479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca

Innovation Plus Developments Ltd 780 434-0923 www.innovationplus.ca

Rencon Industries Inc. 780.986.2160 www.renconindustries.ca

Renovations of Excellence 780.441.1243 www.wedorenos.com [email protected]

Revolving Rooms Interior Design Inc. 780.465.8071 www.revolvingrooms.ca

Serenity Contracting & Design Inc. 780.435.6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca

KITCHENS

Towne and Countree Kitchens 17212 107 Ave. 780.489.3331 www.towneandcountree.com

TILE

Tile’s Trend #7 445 Parsons Road Ph: 780.485.2277 [email protected] www.tilestrend.com

WINDOWS

Durabuilt Windows & Doors West 10920-178 St. 780.455.0440 South 8605 Argyll Rd 780.463.4466

Duxton Windows & Doors 6764 99 Street (by appt only) 780.887.5163 www.duxtonwindows.com

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY

TILE’S TREND

SUPPLYING LEADING-EDGE, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY PRODUCTS

#7 445 Parsons RoadEdmonton, AB.T6X 06WPhone: 780-485-2277

Email:[email protected]

MON- FRI: 9:30AM - 6:00PMSAT: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

After hours call 780-237-2757

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Edmonton’s exciting home improvement & design magazine

Expert design advice for free!

Featuring the newest and hottest design trends for

your home, inside and out

Call Renovations today to be part

of our exciting next issue!

780-619-3241

22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

There is no substitute for experience!

LOU SOUCY 780.441.1243

Visit www.WeDoRenos.comfor details and full virtual tours.

• Guidance and Professional Supervision• Quality Workmanship• Ground Level & Second Storey Additions• Sunrooms• Kitchens• Basement Transformation• Exterior Remodelling

RENOVATING?DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

CALL THE RENOVATION PROFESSIONALS

Basement Transformations Including Potential Rental Suites

afterbefore

Proudly Serving Edmonton and Area since 1977

…And There is No Substitute for Experience!

• BONDED • LICENSED • FULLY INSURED

ARE YOU THINKING OFBUILDING A NEW HOME

IN AN ESTABLISHEDNEIGHBOURHOOD?

WE CAN BUILD THE CUSTOM INFILL

HOME FOR YOU!

Great design lives here.

Choose fiberglass for the ultimate in design flexibility, and the best in performance.

We’ve moved! 9515 49 Ave. Edmonton, AB (By appointment only)

780.887.5163 | duxtonwindows.com

Documents

Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - Jul/Aug 2016