Livingspaces Spring 2007

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6 Find Your Local Professional in our GoldSource section

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9Your House and Home Resource Magazine

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Unique Renovations

E


very home is unique. The shape of a living space

is formed by a complex equation, where the personal mixes

with the public; it becomes a gallery of a private life with

hidden corners. When we entertain, it is a medium of

presentation, a stage from which we work to delight our

guests. But it is also at times a sanctuary, an office and a

playground. With all these parts for homes to play, it is no

wonder the journey to make them complete can seem

never-ending.

More and more homeowners are deciding that the

perfect home probably isn’t out there waiting somewhere,

so they set out to create it. This is when the many roles of a

home become an obstacle, as would-be renovators and

redecorators are forced to prioritize their lives – a new

living room for the family, or a new dining room for the

guests? A playroom for the little one, a home theatre for the

teen and his friends, or a new en suite bathroom for mom

and dad? Since most people are only prepared to take on

one major project – the building of an addition or the com-

plete remodelling of a room – at a time, getting the most out

of your efforts and making everyone happy is no easy task.

In fact, when left to themselves, many homeowners will

never come to a confident decision, instead opting for an

imperfect compromise, or just giving up altogether as their

ambition tapers off. Even though they know the profession-

als will have to be called in eventually, they don’t realize that

today’s home remodelling teams can offer an experienced

helping hand right from day one.

Consulting a design and build professional about your

home goes far beyond a simple ‘this is what I want’ session.

Remodelling teams are experts on the opportunities and

challenges presented by different homes and different fam-

ilies. The best way to start a project is with an in-home con-

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Craftsmen

UniqueRenovations.qxp 3/9/2007 7:33 PM Page 11

sultation at which the designer can take a first look

at the layout and construction of your home and get

a feel for your tastes and lifestyle, giving him a vivid

context in which to consider your wants and needs.

These might be specific goals, like a bigger, more

functional kitchen, or less tangible situations that

need to be addressed – the kids getting older or a

busy entertainment schedule.

But a unique renovation goes beyond layout,

function and décor – there is a less tangible source

of flair and pizzaz in some homes and it comes

from the true artistic nature of good design. The

best remodelling professionals will help find a

renovation that expresses your personality and

brings excitement and character to the house.

Whatever your aspirations, there are some

things you can do to help forge a mutual under-

standing with the designer. The first is to put

together a scrapbook; odds are you’ve been flipping

through magazines and catalogues for inspiration,

and when it comes to the décor and ambience of a

living space, a picture really is worth a thousand

words.

Design scrapbooks need not be limited to

specifics – no remodelling professional expects to

see a photo of your precise vision. Clippings might

be chosen for a single colour, accent or feature they

contain, or because they just inexplicably caught

your eye. Even if your sights are set on your

kitchen, go ahead and throw in that breathtaking liv-

ing or dining room you saw. The purpose of the

scrapbook is not to act as a blueprint for the final

design, but to help the experts know and under-

stand your family and your tastes – the things that will

help define every aspect of a unique and personal

project.

To back up the visual aid, the second thing you can

do to prepare for a design consultation is categorize

your goals. Instead of trying to prioritize or choose

between them, start by simply dividing them into a list

of unavoidable or irresistible needs, and a list of

dreams: ideal, fantastic or seemingly unattainable.

Compromise, though it is an ugly word, is an unavoid-

able part of remodelling. But why make the difficult,

balance-striking decisions by yourself? An experi-

enced designer can offer solutions and alternatives

that might never occur to the rest of us.






As ideas start to come together, there is a third and very

important aspect to consider: budget. Since the cost of

renovations is difficult to predict, with countless price-point

options and hidden expenses, this becomes another area

where professional assistance is indispensable, and home-

owners shouldn’t be afraid to openly discuss monetary

concerns with their design and build team. Hammering

out a detailed budget before the drafting stage is best –

otherwise the design team’s first proposal might approach

or exceed your desired spending limit. This means either

the extra cost of a redesign, or an uncomfortable budget that

leaves little room for the incidental upgrades and additions

that make the later stages of remodelling so much fun.

At the end of the initial planning phase, the design team

will start to present concept sketches and 3D renderings,

depicting your vision through their eyes. This is the time to

evaluate your relationship – are you confident that they

have a true understanding of your dreams, and can build

them and bring them to life? The real pros will be asking

themselves the same question, and will be honest with

the answer. But ninety per cent of the time, between



smen


ommunicative homeowners and experienced designers, that answer is yes: a good

working relationship has been forged, and its time to sign a design and construction

agreement.

Drafting this contract involves working drawings and specifications from your

design team, as well as the selection of some or all of the products that will be used

in construction. Different agreements contain different levels of detail, depending on

your budget, the scale of the project, and the amount of flexibility you want to have

along the way. It’s also where you should agree on a timeline for the project and

discuss any possible delays – especially if you need it done in time for a special day.

Finally, once the contract is signed and the final designs are completed, con-

struction begins. The home becomes a whirlwind of activity, and the imagined

becomes the real right before your eyes. The design firm will manage the contractors

and tradesmen from start to finish, and will come to you for all the decisions that

weren’t made in the initial agreement. Similarly, they are there to hear all of your

concerns, new ideas and desired changes to the plan. At nearly every stage of the

project, there is opportunity to reduce your budget, increase or decrease the scope

of the work, or splurge on some last-minute touches.

Unique homes deserve unique renovations – functional showpieces that excite

the family, welcome the guests and satisfy a healthy streak of decorator’s vanity – and

homeowners deserve to be comfortable and confident throughout the renovation

process, not weighed down with stress and tough choices. From start to finish,

remodelling professionals have what it takes to make even the biggest projects fun

and hassle-free, so you can focus on the true goals: empowering your home in its

many roles, and making your living space match your life.

14


Find Your Local Professional in our GoldSource section


When choosing a remodelling project, the first thought

is often: which room should I tackle? Similarly, when build-

ing an addition, homeowners tend to first consider what its

primary function will be, or which part of the home it will

expand.

But modern trends in renovation are quite literally

breaking down the walls between different rooms. In fact, as

many as 75 per cent of home remodelling projects now

focus on creating a combined family and entertaining space

by uniting the living room and kitchen.

The formal party has taken a back seat in recent years

as more homeowners realize that the true joy of enter-

taining is found in the warmth and personality of a home.

Many find that their kitchens play central roles not only in

their day-to-day lives, but at their parties and family gather-

ings as well. As a result, they are becoming showpieces –

rooms that people want to be proud of, often even more so

than the more traditional décor hot-spots like living and

dining rooms.

The best and most popular way to embrace this is with

a complete overhaul of the kitchen, often including an

addition and the removal of walls or wall-segments between

it and the living room. Central islands become eating,

meeting and working hot-spots, for the kids to do home-

work or the guests to commiserate.

The big living space also becomes an art gallery, as

picture frames and memorabilia in the living room are met

by display cabinetry and designer fixtures in the kitchen.

With the spaces combined, the kitchen no longer has to be

rigorously functional; it rejoins the flow of the home, and

becomes a delightful part of your living space.


The Big Living Space




The New

Kitchen

Space

Today’s kitchens

become a seamless

part of your life by

being a seamless part

of your home.

Photo courtesy of NuWay Kitchens


TheNewKitchenSpace.qxp 3/9/2007 7:34 PM Page 16

W


hen it comes to remodel-

ling, there are few parts of the home as

consistently chosen for a major project

as the kitchen: as one of the most

frequently used and heavily relied upon

rooms in any house, it is a natural choice

for renovation or expansion. But

though it has always been a popular

focus, modern lifestyle trends have

drastically changed its use and the prior-

ities for its design – as a result, many

homeowners are unsure what will really

make a kitchen that is right for them.

Kitchen specialists have been

working overtime to find creative ways

to meet these new demands, and help

homeowners find the perfect solution.



Cabinets:

custom blend mushroom

stain with dark glaze

Hardware by Amerock:

- pulls 4424RBZ

- knobs 4425RBZ


The most profound change to come from this has been

a total re-imagining of the kitchen as a space, not a room –

today’s kitchens become a seamless part of your life by

being a seamless part of your home.

This means defining the kitchen space in new and

unexpected ways, instead of just walling it off. Floor lines,

partial walls and tactically placed furniture can all form soft

barriers while retaining a smooth, visual and functional flow

in and out of other rooms. Modern homeowners are

discovering a tendency to live in the whole house, and this

sort of open layout can make it fully possible to do so.

When creating this big living space, the kitchen portion

is still a major focus of attention. In today’s homes it

is a designer room, with a tremendous amount of care

going into every detail of its layout, construction and

décor. Function is the watchword – sleek and elegant

styling is important and many homeowners are still seeking

a traditional feel, but it is always accompanied by modern

approaches to efficiency and ease of use.

Kitchen layout has evolved as the kitchen has taken

on more roles: it is now a cooking, eating, meeting, enter-

taining and sometimes even working space; it often needs to

play several of these parts at once, accommodate numerous

people or allow for a constant back-and-forth flow through-


Photos courtesy of NuWay Kitchens


out a party. Modern designers are incorporating multiple

islands, wraparound counters, and walkout patio doors

meet the demands that a lively, dynamic home can place on

its kitchen.

Remodelling a kitchen involves a long list of decisions

that will have to be made over the course of several

meetings with a designer at various stages of the project,

from the major initial choices through to final details and

impulsive additions. In all cases, there are certain key

elements that help to fundamentally define the style,

atmosphere, flow and function of the final product.

Flooring

The kitchen has certain unique flooring needs that

distinguish it from the rest of the house. Spills are always

common, so ease of cleaning is a top priority, and a non-slip

surface is absolutely essential for safety purposes. Ceramics,

slates and hardwoods are all popular, style-flexible choices,

with engineered laminates as an attractive alternative that

comes with its own benefits.

Cabinetry

Most homeowners want a lot of storage space, so

cabinetry has become a major fixture of the kitchen. As

such, the choice of wood, finish and hardware all make a

big contribution to the overall shape of the design and


Photos courtesy of NuWay Kitchens


décor. There are many different species of wood to choose

from for cabinet construction, all of which can be finished

with a variety of stains, veneers and textures.

Most high-end cabinets are equipped with soft-close

hinges that dampen the last few inches of motion to prevent

slamming doors, and a popular new feature is to have

everything in the lower cabinets roll out – pot and pan

drawers, shelves, racks and baskets – so you never need to

crouch and rummage around in the middle of cooking or

cleaning. All the hinges, handles and other hardware are

themselves available in dozens of styles and finishes, and

there are also special accents available like glass lattices and

interior lighting.

Countertops

The choice of countertop material has a huge impact

on a kitchen both visually and functionally. There are many

different materials to choose from, with natural choices like

granite remaining popular, as well as options like stainless

steel, tile and engineered stone. Man-made laminates are

becoming increasingly common, even in very high-end

kitchens: their durability and ease of maintenance is

extremely appealing, and the many finishes and textures

available on today’s market can fit into the most fashionable

of décors.

Fixtures

Choosing designer fixtures can be a fun way to add a

personal touch to your kitchen. There are many styles

and finishes available that go well beyond the traditional

products most homeowners are used to. Whether it is

rubbed bronze for a regal presence, brushed steel for a

contemporary flair or an aged rust finish for an antique,

country home look, there is a designer fixture out there to

perfectly match your tastes.

When it comes to kitchen renovations, most home-

owners opt for a complete redesign – even those whose

initial plan only involved a few choice upgrades. A pro-

fessional kitchen designer can help blend the kitchen into

the rest of the home and turn it into the efficient and

stress-free zone that can be so hard to create within a

poorly designed space. Combined with a perfectly tailored

décor, it becomes a beloved central part of the home,

aesthetically and functionally, for the family and their guests

alike – the modern kitchen for the modern lifestyle.


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Canadians are discovering the joy of outdoor living, and the many ways

to transform the garden into a functional extension of the home.

Landscaping projects are more popular than ever.

The cutting-edge work being done by local landscape

architects is making its mark throughout the area, to the

point that many neighbourhoods have become veritable

galleries of garden design.

But all this effort isn’t being spent simply to create

well-manicured showpieces. Following a trend that has

filtered up from the southern United States, Canadians are

discovering the joy of outdoor living, and the many ways to

transform the garden into a functional extension of the

home. For help, homeowners and their architects are

turning to expert suppliers and installers of outdoor

equipment.

Of course, our climate puts its own spin on the

challenges involved: extending the season is of top

importance, since many homeowners are reluctant to invest

in an outdoor space that will only be comfortable for a few

months of the year. Thus, one of the most important areas

of innovation for outdoor living is heating.

The possibilities for outdoor heating extend far beyond

the traditional umbrella-style patio heaters most people are

used to – though somewhat effective under certain

conditions, the slightest wind or a really cold night can

render them useless. In some situations radiant heaters are

still best, but homeowners can also choose from a variety of

more interesting and exciting solutions.

Options here include gas and wood-burning fireplaces,

cottage-style or contemporary fire pits and faux-wood gas fix-

tures that look like campfires. There are even double-sided

fireplaces that can be built into the exterior wall of the house,

providing heat as well as a striking visual feature both inside

and out. When chosen to suit the layout, style and function-

al requirements of a garden, an outdoor fireplace can quick-

ly become a nexus of activity and a much-loved centerpiece.

Outdoor Living ... Inside Comfort

OutdoorLiving.qxp 3/9/2007 7:35 PM Page 21

The many back-yard chefs out there are probably

already thinking about the other key role that fire plays in

outdoor living – and they will not be disappointed. Summer

barbecue parties are something of an unofficial national

tradition in Canada, and building the perfect outdoor

kitchen is a central focus of many local landscaping projects.

Homeowners seeking more than just a barbecue on the

deck will find no shortage of options.

For starters, modern outdoor kitchens go beyond

simple grills: smokers, warming ovens and cooking stoves

are all available for the established or aspiring gourmet. The

devoted entertainer can consider fridges and even beer-taps

as well – a great way to create a relaxed and casual gathering

spot. Whatever the appliances and features, the second

stage of building an outdoor kitchen is bringing the whole

array together in a functional and harmonious kitchen

space, designed to visually compliment the home and

garden.

Typically, this means laying paving stones in a dedicat-

ed spot and building a fixed counter to house all the

equipment, creating a garden room with all the definition

and unity of a normal kitchen. Natural and engineered

stone countertop products come in many colours, finishes

and cuts, and working with an architect or a masonry expert

opens up vast possibilities for a unique and personal

outdoor kitchen. Depending on space and budget, your

design might incorporate islands, bars, tables, wraparound

counters and more.

If an outdoor living space is to get proper use, it has

to be comfortable. In addition to heating, landscape

architects use decks, gazebos and semi-enclosed structures

to create welcoming garden rooms. But it’s the finishing


Photo courtesy of Big Green Egg (Dealer: Wellington Fireplace)

Photo courtesy of Bull Canada

Outdoor gas Fire Pit features:

- Ceramic gas fire logs & lava rocks

- Stucco base

- Custom tile top

- 48"w x 48"d x 17.5"h

- rock or brick base

- granite tile top and hearth surround

with bull nose edge detail

Photo courtesy of Bull Canada

Tahoe - this rustic fashionable

garden grill with its brown and

white components, create a

most attractive visual effect.

The decorative copper surface

gives it an exclusive


touch of furnishing that often makes or breaks a comfort

zone, and the options at this stage are thankfully no longer

limited to boring, uncomfortable aluminium and vinyl patio

furniture.

The traditional frame-and-cushion style is still popular,

and chairs of this type are available in countless designer

styles; there is also high-end, ultra-durable wicker furniture

that holds up to rain and wind. Perhaps the most exciting

new development is specialty fabrics and padding materials

that dry almost instantly by allowing water to pass straight

through them, which have made it possible to put up-

holstered chairs, loveseats and couches outside.

Creating an outdoor living space starts as a landscaping

project, but the task will no doubt grow to include other

specialists as your list of wants and needs matures. A

landscape architect can include the many features – fire-

places, hot tubs, kitchens, flower beds and more – in a

cohesive design. The experts in outdoor appliances,

heaters, furniture and materials will help you find the

perfect products for the project, and will co-ordinate their

installation work with your architect to ensure it is done

easily and on time. The final product is more than a garden

or an accessory to the home: it is an extension of the living

space – an extension of your life.


Photo courtesy of Heat N Glo

Photo courtesy of DCS

Freestanding Patio Heater features:

- Emits and Efficient 40,000 Btu’s of Heat

- Up to 20 ft. Circle of Heat

- Safety Shut-off

- Available for Natural Gas or Liquid Propane fuel types



Photo courtesy of Station Earth

HighTechHomes.qxp 3/9/2007 7:36 PM Page 24


High-Tech Homes

Bring the experience of “going-out” into your home.

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any of the greatest possibilities in modern

design lie in one popular pursuit: bringing the experience of

‘going out’ into the home. Cottages are being replaced by

landscaped ponds and back-yard living spaces, and gyms are

giving way to resistance pools and workout rooms. But perhaps

the most exciting new trend is a field driven by the newest and

most advanced technology: home theatre systems.

The days of clunky stereo receivers and unsightly speakers

are gone. Modern equipment eliminates the need for a stack of

interconnected devices, each with its own remote, plus an

extra-large entertainment unit to house it all. It can also get rid

of those racks of CDs and DVDs, and the chore of keeping

them organized.

Instead, picture a room completely unmarked by wires; a

keypad next to the light switch is the only electronic device you

can see. The bed does not face a television, but instead a work

of art—until the system is engaged. At once the lights dim and

the painting rolls up to reveal a 65” plasma screen bearing a list

of movies and albums. At the touch of another button, music

fills the room from some unseen source.

Or perhaps the screen descends from the ceiling, or

emerges from a compartment beneath the bed. The possibilities

are virtually endless.

The ideal time to install a high-tech, house-wide system is

while building, well before the drywall stage - that way, the

system designer can consult with the architect to ensure

absolutely no visible wires. Since wiring at this phase is cheap

and easy, the entire home can be outfitted for future additions

to prevent any drilling and rewiring later.

For those without this luxury, a theatre design team can

make nearly any modifications to an existing home, though it

will sometimes mean striking a balance between the perfect

system and the cost and hassle of renovations. When it comes

time to consult with a designer, it’s important to consider what

kind of features you want installed, and what your budget is -

complete installations can cost anywhere from ten-thousand to

half-a-million dollars.

For many homeowners, the number one goal is to have

fully distributed audio—the music they want, when they want it,

in any room of the house. Thanks to modern in-wall speakers

and soundproofing techniques, the source can remain invisible,

while the music retains a high-quality sound and doesn’t bleed

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into adjacent rooms. A system like this is controlled from

panels, either keypads or LCD touch screens, in every

room. The interface marries all available media sources -

CDs in a multi-disc changer, MP3s on a hard-drive, satellite

radio feeds and more - into one list.

Programmable presets add even

more possibilities. A touch of a precon-

figured ‘Entertain’ button could dim the

lights to a chosen level and begin a dinner

party music play-list in selected rooms. Or

a ‘Home Alone’ button could load your

favourites and turn the volume up a few

notches.

The other popular goal among home-

owners, especially big movie buffs and

those with children, is to build a truly

awe-inspiring home theatre. In recent

years, modern audio and video equip-

ment has made it possible to give up the

long lines and high prices of the movie

theatre without sacrificing the experience.

Plasma screens are commonly available at

sizes of up to 65”, projector screens can go

even larger, and the widescreen format

means movies can be watched unedited.

An accompanying surround-sound audio

system makes modern home theatres

nearly identical to the real thing. At the

design phase of a house, rooms like this


A high-tech home theatre room with distri-

A system like this is controlled from panels, either



can be totally isolated: suspended within a larger room and

connected by pipes coated in Styrofoam, so you can take

full advantage of the sound.

Of course many homeowners opt for

both: a high-tech home theatre room with

distributed audio throughout the rest of

the house. The system designers will set

everything up to run from the same core,

so the same music can be accessed from

every room, and the same movies are

available on any television in the house.

In fact, the system can also store photo

albums and just about any other media,

and deliver them on-demand at the touch

of a keypad. At the heart of it all it is, in

fact, run by that stack of interconnected

boxes, but they are rack-mounted and

hidden, and once they are set up, there is

little need to access them again.

For the kids, it is also possible to

integrate a system like this with the newest

video game consoles, and playing their

Xbox on a wall-sized projector screen

with surround sound will definitely bring

smiles to their faces. Parents often find

that their theatre quickly becomes the

favourite hangout for their children and

their friends, keeping them nearby but

with plenty to do.

The technology in distributed media

melds beautifully with many other areas

of home design. The best custom systems

are combined with lighting controls,

thermostats and a computer network for a

truly integrated and almost futuristic

home. Door sensors snap into action to

light your route to the living room where

your favourite show is just about to start;

wall jacks and wireless coverage make

homework and web surfing in any room a

breeze. The luxuries of modern techno-

logy have always come with disadvantages,

from awkward and limited controls to the

obstacles of wires and equipment, but the

newest systems available are levelling the

playing field. The command of a vast

media library can be embedded in the

wall, and the authentic movie theatre

experience can be tucked away under the

bed.


buted audio throughout the rest of the house.

keypads or LCD touch screens, in every room.




There are many reasons people consider

bungalows when building or shopping for a new home.

Eliminating the need to trek up and down the stairs

is becoming increasingly appealing to a segment of the

home buying public, especially because of age, medical

conditions, or the need to care for elderly relatives.

Many are simply looking for a long-term home that they can

keep into retirement, and are craving the simple, functional

nature of a one-storey design.

But despite the attraction of bungalows, many home

seekers aren't quite ready for life on a single floor.

In response to this growing demographic, modern home

designers have introduced a new type of living space:

the bungaloft.

Though it may sound like a contradiction in terms,

the two-storey bungalow is a truly unique design. It allows

homeowners to enjoy all the key elements of modern living

Photo courtesy of WrightHaven Homes

Bungalofts.qxp 3/9/2007 7:37 PM Page 28


Bungalofts

Though it may sound like a

contradiction in terms, the

two-storey bungalow is a truly

unique design.

– a kitchen, dining area, family room, guest room, den

and laundry room, along with a master suite – on one

floor, while making use of what would normally be the

attic for all the additional functions of the home. There

are many possibilities for the space: children's bed-

rooms, a home office or theatre, a studio or an exercise

space – all rooms that benefit from being partially

removed from the main flow of the home.

Photo courtesy of WrightHaven Homes


In addition to the functional advantages bungalofts

present exciting design opportunities. Differing rooflines,

angled ceilings, beams and other fixtures of the attic lend

themselves naturally to the quaint, cozy spaces that

bungaloft buyers are usually hoping to create. Beyond even

that, there are possibilities like dormers and designer

windows, walk-out balconies, custom staircases and open-

floor areas that look down on the living room or entryway.

More and more architects and builders are offering the

bungaloft option, either as a new home or a remodelling

project on a traditional bungalow. Even in a mid-sized

home it is entirely possible to build numerous rooms and

make the new loft a gift for the whole family. Converting an

existing space is far less expensive than building an

addition, and it can still be a significant boost to the

value of a house.

Professionals who have latched on to the trend

are constantly working to perfect the art and find new

design solutions for maximum efficiency, so home

seekers can expect the possibilities of the bungaloft to

grow even more vast in the near future.

The term 'loft' traditionally refers to the attic or

upper portion of a building, and has increasingly

become associated with the idea of utilising a pre-

existing but unexploited space. The bungaloft is a

powerful application of this concept, turning the attic

– often neglected in existing houses, and an unavoid-

able structural necessity in all bungalows – into an

efficient and versatile compliment to the home.

Bungalow owners have been known to comment that

they could 'fit a whole new house' in their attics, and

the bungaloft enables them to do just that.


Photos courtesy of WrightHaven Homes



Photos courtesy of WrightHaven Homes



Antique

Ambience

Decorating an older home.

John and Stacey went out house-hunting with a very

specific living space in mind, and they found it – almost.

It was a beautiful building, with an old-fashioned feel that

perfectly suited their tastes, but it lacked many of the more

modern living comforts that were also important to them.

Moreover, it needed to be completely furnished and

decorated with an eye for maintaining and enhancing the

home’s antique ambience.

One thing was clearly in their favour: the

house didn’t need any structural changes. With

the help of a local interior designer, they were

free to put all their creative energy into the

décor.

Their consultations started with some dis-

cussions about choice features and pieces of

Photo courtesy of Sara Ness Interiors

InteriorDesign.qxp 3/9/2007 7:17 PM Page 32

furniture and after one long evening meeting, their scattered

ideas had snowballed into a cohesive plan. The living

and dining rooms were to be major focal points, along with

a convenient and efficient modern kitchen. John and Stacey

were under a bit of stress – it wasn’t long until Christmas,

and they hoped to have their home ready for the holidays

– but as the work got underway, they began to enjoy them-

selves.

“I wish I had done it sooner,” says Stacey, who had

considered doing the work in stages but is glad she didn’t.

“I was almost afraid of the project, but I shouldn’t have

been. I bit the bullet and did it.”

Before long, they were installing the centerpieces that

now define the décor, not the least of which is the old coal-

burning fireplace that warms the living room both literally


Photo courtesy of Sara Ness Interiors


and aesthetically. Next, wood furniture finished in

robust, antique tones came together with stately dark-

leather pieces for a pervasive feel of relaxed,

welcoming opulence.

This is the point at which many homeowners find

the options too hard to navigate and the choices too

hard to make by themselves. Accessorizing an entire

home with today’s unimaginably vast store of products

and possibilities is no easy task without the help of an

interior decorator.

Through a lot of discussion and a lot of catalogue-

surfing, as well as visits to their decorator’s retail store

and showroom, John and Stacey were able to hone in

on the accessories best suited to the old-fashioned

ambience they hoped to create.

The lighting is traditional and decorative with

ornate wall sconces, an eclectic array of lamps, plus a


Photos on these pages courtesy of Sara Ness Interiors


chandelier above the dining room table. Large wood-

framed mirrors in the entryway and living and dining

rooms are offset by smaller, more colourful wall-hang-

ings and the occasional plant or flower. As subtle fin-

ishing touches, a few unique pieces with exceptional

character are peppered throughout the home: a large,

thick-rimmed clock, an old-fashioned, free-standing

globe and a gate-like, wrought metal wall-hanging to

name a few.

After making all their decisions, they spend a day

with the decorator arranging, hanging, placing and

perfecting. By the end, a home they originally found

uninviting had become warm and elegant, evoking

and enhancing the many qualities that made them

choose the house in the first place. Though they still

have one or two decisions to make, John and Stacey

are now living in their dream home with their dream

décor.



Home Space

to

Work Place

In the age of small businesses and busy careers

that don't stay confined to the traditional nine-to-five, more

and more people are discovering that they need a quiet,

comfortable home office. The remodelling and interior

design industries are changing to reflect this need, with

some specialists turning their attention to the paradoxical

challenges of weaving a working space into a living space: a

good home office must be both a coherent part of the home

and a detached, contrasting environment that breeds con-

centration.

There are many situations in which a professionally

designed home office can be practically life-changing.

Operating a small business is certainly near the top of the

list, since even business owners who have office space out-

side the home usually find that it becomes a twenty-four

hour job, with plenty of tasks, worries and loose-ends that

come to mind long after the workday is over. One of the

biggest problems small business owners face is the difficulty

of staying focused in their houses: cramped, unwelcoming

offices are hardly conducive to

work, and the home offers too

many easy diversions when

business becomes unpleasant

and uncomfortable.

Others need a space for

the work they bring home

from their day jobs, or simply

for their personal projects.

In all cases, the reasoning is


Office designers are able to use all

the tools of interior design alongside

modern furniture and technology to create

a perfect working environment.

Photo courtesy of Royal City Design

HomeSpaceToWorkPlace.qxp 3/9/2007 7:38 PM Page 36

the same: rented office space comes with a considerable

monthly price tag, usually $1000 at the very least; besides,

few people want to stay at the office all evening and drive

home at night – it makes for a tiring day, and even becomes

a safety concern in bad weather. People find it much easier

to drum up that overtime energy if they know that, when

they are done, home, family and a warm bed are only a

room away.

So what goes into a good home office? As in all

interior design, the right balance of form and function is

essential. The office will be highly efficient and well

equipped, and it probably won't be the most decorative

room in the home, but the subtleties of its ambience and

visual appeal can go a long way towards making or breaking

that perfect work environment. Office designers are experts

on both fronts, able to use all the tools of interior design

alongside modern furniture and technology to accomplish

the job.

The best teams offer a full turnkey solution, managing

every aspect of the project from the design phase through




to completion. The first thing they need to know is your

needs: privacy and a level of detachment are usually early

considerations, as well as the necessary space for filing

cabinets, storage areas, bookshelves – and sufficient room

to work. The key is to make everything convenient and

accessible, so the many tasks of business don't disrupt your

workflow, and also to ensure that the office can do every-

thing that is required of it. For some, a printer and fax

machine table is an absolute necessity; others need a sec-

ondary desk for a book-keeper or another member of their

team. Not only can an office designer install all the neces-

sary phone jacks and power outlets and take care of other

technical aspects, but they can even co-ordinate such addi-

tional needs as extra parking.

Often, an office project starts with a piece of furniture

that the homeowner has picked out or bought already:

executive desks and comfortable chairs are the favourites.

Office designers can work wonders around a centerpiece

like this by building custom furniture to accompany it, or

even by doing custom millwork to modify the store-bought

piece. Tailoring the furniture to the space is the best way to

maximize your investment and the efficiency of the final

product. The fact is, though it is easy to find one or two

pieces that are exactly what you want, assembling the perfect

set can be nearly impossible. Not only can custom furniture

match or contrast the décor as you desire, it will never waste

space: tables and bookshelves run the entire length of the

wall, with no useless gap at either end; credenzas and filing

cabinets are sized precisely to meet your needs: no larger,

no smaller.

Creating the right office décor is slightly different

from decorating the rest of the home. Usually an office

will have something that sets it apart from other rooms,

like a different choice in colour, flooring or lighting.

Fluorescent fixtures are the usual choice for home

offices, since they are available in numerous styles that

go beyond simple, office-like light strips. Similarly,

there are several styles of fluorescent suspended

ceiling lights – such as raised or embossed panels – that

add a personal flair while maintaining a professional

ambience. When it comes to paint, home offices

need not be confined to the traditional whites and

greys of the ‘business’ décor. Warm, welcoming tones,

along with attractive, high-grade flooring, are a good

way to ensure your office will draw you in, not drive

you out.

Nearly everyone has smiled, at least once, at the

thought of a home office. Whether it is to do their job,

write letters, manage a business, trade stocks, keep

memoirs, do research or something else altogether,

nobody is without a use for a well designed work area.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle they face is finding the

space, though there are options in most homes: an

unfinished room in the basement, an underused guest

bedroom, and of course the more complex but more

flexible option of building an addition. Whatever you

choose, a skilled office design team will employ their

expertise in lighting, décor, furniture, technology and

all other elements of an office to use the space to its

fullest. That way, once the job is done, you can too.





Welcome

Home

Not everyone has time for a

cottage – and that includes a lot of people

who own them. After planning, packing,

buying supplies and spending a whole after-

noon on the 400, the weekend up north

that was supposed to be an escape can feel

more like a chore. For those with unrelent-

ing schedules it can be hard to get away for

more than a night or two, and it often feels

as though you are already planning the trip

back home the moment you arrive. The

simple fact is that cottages aren’t always

such a great place to relax.

As a result, many people are becoming

reluctant to buy property up north, while

others are looking to sell cottages that have seen far less use

than expected. A great deal of that time, attention and

money is being redirected into landscaping projects, as

homeowners discover the potential to create the same

peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere in their own back

yards.

Cottages are beloved for their seclusion and simplicity:

there is something inexplicably energising about being

intertwined with nature. A landscape contractor may not be

able to recreate the dazzling stars or crisp air of a Muskoka

night, but they can design a functional garden that meshes

perfectly with the natural environment around your home,

harnessing, retaining and even augmenting its beauty

instead of ignoring or disrupting it.

In order to do so, they have begun to re-examine

some long-standing traditions in landscape design. Why, for

example, is the deck almost exclusively positioned against

the house, even on an estate-sized property? A powerful

new tactic is to push the deck away from the home,

surround it with gardens, trees and other natural elements,

and perhaps even sacrifice a large patio space in favour of

several small, floating structures.

Deck space can then be incorporated into a multi-

roomed layout, where the landscape is compartmentalized

with hard and soft barriers – flower beds, dwarf trees,

masonry structures and changes in paving material to name

a few – forming a series of connected areas, each with its

own ambience and degree of seclusion ranging from bright

and open to cozy and practically hidden. With such a

design, relaxing on the deck doesn’t just mean turning your

back to the patio door for a few hours, but rather escaping

to a semi-private retreat, surrounded by nature, where you

can feel enclosed and temporarily removed from the house.

An overall natural look is essential to creating this

atmosphere, and a good contractor can pick the right design

elements to achieve it. One of the first and most dominant

features considered is often the flagstones: natural stone is

the preference, with manufactured interlocking products

that simulate the natural look gaining ground as a flexible

and less expensive alternative.

Another common tool in modern landscape con-

struction is wood, chosen for its innate character and

beauty – a century-old barn beam, weathered and worm-

holed, can become any number of magnificently crafted

garden centerpieces. Water features are always popular,

and the current trends lean towards small, subtle install-

ations like waterfalls and bubbling rock structures whose

main contribution to the garden is pleasant white noise.

Homeowners are discovering the

potential to create the same

peaceful and rejuvenating

atmosphere of “cottage life”

in their own back yards.

Photo courtesy of Montana Raven

WelcomeHome.qxp 3/9/2007 7:39 PM Page 39

Landscape contractors, especially when faced with a

property that is mostly flat, will suggest ways to enhance

the natural topography with a variety of aesthetic and

functional structures such as a low stone ‘seat wall’ running

through a chosen part of the garden. Getting the most

out of a feature like this is all about the details of its design:

letting the top coping stone sit forward and hang over the

edge of the wall will keep snow from collecting on the rest

of the masonry; when combined with some subtle lighting,

this becomes not only a twenty-four hour, year-round

display, but one that is perhaps at its most radiant on a cold

winter’s night.

Plant life is often chosen for the same reason: dwarf

trees, perennials, ornamental grass and other elements of

an all-season garden are more popular than ever. Their

positioning, and indeed the layout of the entire garden, will

depend on the surroundings. Those lucky enough to have

property that backs onto a natural setting, like a forest or

conservation area, will want their gardens to become one

with the adjacent land; those who are in close-quarters with

roads or other homes may want a design that offers total

seclusion. In most cases, it is a combination of both:

shaping the landscape to accentuate pleasant views and

favourable surroundings while blocking out or at least

minimizing the impact of anything undesirable.

Ontario boasts some beautiful cottage country –

nobody can deny that. But it also boasts many beautiful

houses and plots of land, many talented landscape con-

tractors and many busy modern families. It’s no wonder the

tendency has arisen to bring rest and relaxation close to

home, instead of leaving it at the far end of a cottage-week-

end marathon. In fact, the trend isn’t limited to landscaping:

from home theatres to home spas, many of today’s most

popular upgrades to a living space focus on replacing going

out with staying in.

Whether you’ve got a busy career, a small business,

kids in school, a baby to care for or all of the above, odds

are you’re not too enthusiastic about setting out on a six

hour drive every time you have a weekend free; add in

conflicting schedules, homework, sports leagues, music

lessons and chores around the house and it’s often not even

possible. With the help of a talented contractor the land-

scape can be a custom-tailored retreat that is easily accessi-

ble to the whole family, which means your new travel plans

will be simple: take a stroll down the garden path.


Photo courtesy of Renaissance Landscape Group


Even the most intricate and authentic natural-style

landscaping projects often include a nice, clean-cut front

yard. After all, in most homes, the front yard serves a very

different purpose: the main garden is a place to relax, play

and entertain, while the front is primarily a display piece.

This means that most homeowners want to give it a

personal touch that distinguishes it from other houses on

the block without spending a large chunk of their time and

resources on it or letting it become flamboyant and

overwrought: simplicity is the key. More and more home-

owners are opting for two or three choice varieties of plant

life to create an elegant, understated motif, sometimes

combined with the same type of stone ‘seat wall’ and

low-key lighting that are popular aesthetic features in the

back yard.

Landscape architects also stress that the driveway

should not break up the view – too often it is a hulking,

brutal slab that cuts through the grass and flowerbeds and

into the garage. Blending it with its surroundings using

walkways, colours and plants can reverse this effect and

bring the whole front yard into harmony.

Most homeowners also want their front garden to be

low-maintenance, so much so that many are installing

putting-green style artificial grass. Modern nylon grass

products come with twenty-year guarantees and are virtually

indistinguishable from the real thing, even under close

inspection. Though some people are relutant to give up

genuine grass, there is always something attractive about

saying goodbye to sprinklers, lawnmowers, fertilizers and

pesticides on the front lawn.


Photo courtesy of Forestell Designed Landscapes

A professional contract is important

for any landscape

The Front Lawn

Photo courtesy of Montana Raven


42

H

Find Your Local Professional in our GoldSource section

DontForgetTheFloor.qxp 3/9/2007 7:32 PM Page 42

People are drawn to hardwood for many reasons.

Its beauty and ambient effect may be foremost, but there are lots of

secondary benefits as well.

Hardwood flooring is more popular than

ever – it is a powerful fashion statement as well as a sound

investment in your home. It seems that nearly every new

construction and major remodelling project involves hard-

wood in some or all parts of the house, and suppliers of

natural and engineered wood are expanding their offerings

every year, opening up diverse new design possibilities.

Whatever the demands of your tastes and lifestyle, there is

a hardwood product that is up to the task.

The flooring you choose will set the aesthetic tone

of every room it is in, so it’s vital that it suits the décor

you hope to create. Natural hardwood can achieve many

different looks through the choice of lumber – Red Oak

and Maple are always popular and abundant in Canada –

and the finishing treatment, anything from simple stains to

hand-scraped, wire brush effects or realistic weathering and

distress.

When it comes to engineered wood there is an even

greater catalogue of designer colours and textures available.

Most manufacturers supply flooring pre-stained in many

warm, carefully crafted tones of brown, red, tan and cream

that can be subtle but stunning or bold but balanced in any

atmosphere. They also make use of cutting-edge research

and the latest scientific advancements to create protective

coatings that are UV and scuff resistant but don’t affect the

appearance of the finish, helping to ensure that fading and

damage won’t diminish the beauty of the floor over time.

The other design element of hardwood flooring is its

layout and construction. Many homeowners are combining

different types and finishes of flooring to build patterns and

borders that accent pieces of furniture and alter the visual

flow of the home. Some opt for complex custom patterns

while others want simple twists like diagonal planks or a

frame around a chosen room. The options here are again

somewhat more diverse with engineered wood, since it can

be cut into much wider planks and laid in more complex

arrangements than natural hardwood, which reacts too

drastically to moisture.


Don’t forget the floor

as decor!

Suppliers of natural and engineered wood are coming up

with new design possibilities every year.

The flooring you choose will set the aesthetic tone

of your room.

There is an ever expanding range of textures, effects

and patterns to choose from.


Making and committing to so many long-term choices

is not easy, which is why many homeowners are employing

the help of flooring experts for a complete hardwood

solution, rather than shopping for store-bought products

and hiring a team of installers. There are many advantages

to working with one group of professionals from start to

finish, not the least of which is that many of these experts

employ interior designers and consultants to visit your

home, listen to your needs and help you with the tough

decisions, or co-ordinate with your own interior designer on

a larger project to ensure the flooring fits the master plan.

When choosing natural hardwood, there are several

technical considerations that also call for the help of an

expert. Natural wood reacts to moisture and temperature,

and if the climate of the house isn’t properly checked and

controlled then there is the possibility of cupping, gapping,

buckling and other damage to the floors.

A professional team will acclimatize the wood to your

home by leaving it there for around 72 hours prior to

installation, thus preventing any immediate shifting as the

wood settles into its new environment. They will also be

able to find the places that hardwood should not be

installed – on a solid concrete basement floor, above a

crawlspace, or anywhere else that allows moisture to come

up from underneath. When building a new home

with the hopes of installing hardwood, the experts

recommend putting a dehumidifier in the basement

the moment it is enclosed: there are always gallons

of water trapped as moisture in a newly built home,

and it will be absorbed by everything – especially

natural lumber.

Even when perfectly acclimatized and installed,

natural hardwood needs good climate control and

will likely still form a few small gaps in the winter as

it dries out, and tighten up again in the summer.

Nonetheless, a little air conditioning and heating to

keep the house at an average temperature is usually enough

to preserve the floors in all seasons and for years to come.

In homes with wood stoves or electric heat, both of which

can create dry conditions, a humidifier is sometimes

needed to prevent creaking or cracking – flooring experts

suggest a constant humidity of around 45-50%.

Although natural wood will always have a unique allure,

the extra care it requires has prompted many homeowners

to choose engineered wood for its superior stability. There

is very little difference in price between natural and

engineered products, and manufactured wood reacts far

less drastically to changes in climate. This, combined with

the extra-durable finishes and coatings, makes it a very

low-maintenance option.

People are drawn to hardwood for many reasons. Its

beauty and ambient effect may be foremost, but there are

lots of secondary benefits as well: real estate agents often see

hardwood flooring as the easiest feature to sell a home by,

which in turn means banks are ready and willing to put

money up for it in a mortgage-funded construction or

renovation. Whatever your motivation, the end result will

be the same: a fashionable and highly personalized canvas

on which to paint the décor of your dreams.



Before hiring a flooring team for a complete

solution, most homeowners still want to have a

look around to see what is available to the

consumer. Unfortunately, without full knowledge

of hardwood flooring, they are left to place their

trust in salespeople and catalogues when com-

paring products and price-points. Whether you

are looking to buy or just on a fact-finding

mission, there are certain indicators you can use

to evaluate the products you see.

As usual, the best indicator is price. This is not

to say that every homeowner needs top-end

designer hardwood for $17 per square foot, but

they should be wary of bargain rates like $3.99. In

general, good quality and worthwhile flooring

starts at around $7, uninstalled.

Higher quality wood generally comes in longer planks

and should have fewer knots, discolorations and other

blemishes, unless it is a line specifically chosen for variation

and character, so it is important to ask questions and keep

a critical eye. Inquire about the finish as well: better floor-

ing, especially engineered wood, will be much more durable

and fade-resistant, and will come with a longer warranty to

prove it.

The problem is, there are still many factors in the

quality of hardwood flooring that are difficult for the

average homeowner to evaluate just by looking at a sample

board. If the product is not milled properly and precisely,

there will be gaps at every cross-seam, and a greater chance

of problems arising because of moisture. This is one of the

reasons why the advice of a trusted flooring expert is often

irreplaceable.


Shopping for Hardwood



Choosing a professional to work on your home

can be a daunting task. The architect, contractor and other

experts behind a major project will shape the changes to a

living space, and many homeowners become hesitant to

make a final decision.

When it comes to landscaping, this is perhaps doubly

true. Modern trends all lean towards getting the most use

out of a garden: discreet lighting for comfort late into the

night, ‘garden rooms’ for privacy and the impression of

added space, and year-round designs that retain their

beauty even in the middle of winter. Since many people

are opting for complete garden overhauls, there is pressure

to hire the best of the best: a landscape architect who can

meet your needs while making you feel comfortable and

confident.

In today’s market, homeowners can shop around and

compare reputations, price points and areas of expertise –

but the job is more demanding than reading labels. The

lucky ones feel the beginnings of an excellent working

relationship at their first or second consultation, others not

until their sixth.

When choosing a landscape architect, be ready to have

an hour-long chat with a handful of different professionals.

Much of the decision will be intuitive, depending on your

impressions and comfort level, but there are also some

points to keep in mind throughout the process and bring up

at your various meetings.

Can they listen to your needs and match your style?

Some landscape architects specialize in a particular

Choosing A

Landscape Architect

Consider the following factors as you shop for and compare landscape professionals.

Photo courtesy of Brydges Landscape Architecture

ChoosingLandscapeArchitect.qxp 4/19/2007 1:08 PM Page 46

style or part of landscaping, such as water

features, lighting, natural stone, outdoor

kitchens – and the list goes on. Still, most

take pride in their ability to fulfill a

client’s desires without imposing their

experiences or personal tastes on them.

In an initial consultation, the suggestions

and options they present will help you

judge if they understand, and are able to

match, your tastes.

Are they landscape experts, in theory

and in practice?

Different professionals in the land-

scaping field offer different degrees of

service: there are architects providing

plans that can be passed on to a land-

scape contractor, as well as design and

build teams that offer a complete service.

Both ends of the scale have drawbacks

and advantages, and finding the right

balance can be tough.

It is very important that architects are

experts in landscaping materials, not

just conceptual design. If they lack the

knowledge of natural stone, concrete,

wood and the other structural elements

of a garden, there is no guarantee that

their plan will be practical or even

possible for a contractor to execute. On

the other hand, design and build teams

can draw up plans with a detailed know-

ledge of the difficulties, expenses and

time periods involved, but they are rarely

as experienced or adept when it comes to

the nuances of garden design.

Somewhere in the middle there are

the true artisans of landscaping, who

have combined their talent for con-

ceiving a beautiful outdoor space with the

knowledge and organizational skills they

need to see a project through to com-

pletion. In consultations with architects,

it is good to probe their technical know-

ledge and dedication to their work,

alongside your questions about style and

vision.

How big is their repertoire of connec-

tions?

If you find an architect who is pre-

pared to manage the other professionals

involved in a landscaping project, your

next question should be: where are those


Photos courtesy of Brydges Landscape Architecture


professionals going to come from? A landscape architect’s

connections in the field can make or break the end result of

the project. The best architects – those who take real pride

in their work – will not only have a list of tested and trusted

contractors, but will be willing and eager to work closely

with them, or at least supervise construction at various

stages, instead of simply handing off their designs.

A large repertoire of contemporaries in different fields

will also open up more possibilities for your garden.

Features like pools and spas, large trees, irrigation systems

and outdoor kitchens all require the involvement of suppli-

ers and specialists; a good architect will save you another

shopping expedition and quickly find the best product at

the best price.

Are they cognisant of budgets?

The simple fact is that everyone has one, and they don’t

want to feel pressured to overextend it. Many landscaping

projects are major investments: potentially as high as 30 to

40 per cent of the cost of the home. You should always

discuss your budget in the early consultation phase, other-

wise you might end up with unfinished

work or an expensive design that you

can’t use. Your landscape architect

should be prepared to help prioritize

your wants and needs to maximize the

money spent, or offer short and long-

term phasing plans that can be modified

over time. When it comes to budget, comfort is the most

important thing, and the best professionals will strive to

retain it.

Will they be helpful, available and communicative from

start to finish?

When it comes to landscaping, the design on paper is

never exact. Even if no unforeseen obstacles crop up during

construction, you will almost certainly be struck with new

inspirations as you watch your garden take shape.

Experienced architects know this and will encourage you to

express yourself at any stage of the project.

Considering these factors will sharpen your intuition as

you shop for landscaping professionals, and asking ques-

tions about some or all of the points will help you gather

relevant information at every consultation. The architects

will want to learn about you as well, in order to decide if the

project is right for them, so it helps to be prepared with your

ideas, your budget, and some visual aids. Combine clip-

pings from magazines and landscape portfolios with photos

you take throughout the day whenever a garden element

catches your attention – even if it’s just a

single colour, feature or finish. At every

meeting, be aware of the architect’s

experience, commitment, level of

involvement, and practical knowledge.

With open lines of communication, the

right relationship will be unmistakeable

when it forms.


Photo courtesy of Brydges Landscape Architecture



Outdoor Lighting

make your garden accessible all night long

Lighting is such a highly customizable, efficient way to enhance so many aspects

of the garden that it should be given as much attention as all other aspects

of a landscaping project.

There may be no more sensible investment for

your home than outdoor lighting. Even beyond the fact that

every home can benefit from the beauty of professional out-

door lighting, there is a long list of advantages that call out to

every proud home and garden owner. In today's home

improvement industry there are professionals that have

dedicated themselves to lighting, offering an impressive

array of customized systems and products that have become

an essential part of landscape design.

Without a doubt, lighting increases the value of your

landscape investment by making your gardens and hard-

scapes accessible all night, whether to use or simply to gaze

upon and enjoy through the living room windows. For many,

a busy work schedule takes up all the daylight hours, and

landscape lighting is the best way to enjoy their garden

throughout the evenings. An hour of unwinding can move

from the TV room to the patio; a late dinner can be cooked

on the barbecue.

Lighting extends not only the hours, but the season as

well. A popular trend in modern landscaping is to have a gar-

den that is radiant all year round; the careful use of grasses,

perennials and dwarf trees to ensure picturesque fall and

winter scenes is infinitely enhanced by garden lights. In fact,

images of snowy nights are often the most impressive part of

a lighting designer's portfolio.

Photo courtesy of Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting

OutdoorLighting.qxp 3/9/2007 7:44 PM Page 49

Another major benefit of landscape lighting is security.

Whether it is their first interest or not, homeowners

inevitably come to enjoy the peace of mind they gain when

they are suddenly able to open the curtains and look out

over their property at night.

Lighting experts can design and install a system that

brings all these advantages to the table, while matching the

variety of your landscape, taste and lifestyle.

The most dominant goal in modern landscape lighting

is simple: the natural look. Just as most landscape projects

today opt for natural stone, wood and water features over

their engineered counterparts, the favourites in lighting

fixtures lean towards simple and natural finishes: elemental

materials like copper and brass that blend and disappear

into the landscape. In fact, the number one philosophy

among lighting professionals is that you should see the

effect, not the source. By using lights with shields and in-

ground well lights, the problems with glare in your eyes are

over. Gone are the days of intrusive plastic fixtures that

invade the garden setting.

In most cases, there is no need to even think about

fixtures when considering a lighting installation – they are the

tools of the experts, used to set the desired scene. It is much

more important to decide what role the lighting will play,

what chores it will perform and what luxuries it will supply –

in short, how it will change your setting.

The Functions of Outdoor Lighting

A professional will devise a practical plan to meet your

goals by dividing the elements of the lighting system into

three main categories of functions. The first, task lighting,

covers the parts that make your garden more functional.

These are the fixtures that light walkways, barbecues, decks,

hot tubs, pools and children's play areas – each task light has

a specific purpose and meets a distinct need. The proper

planning and installation of task lighting makes the land-

scape safer and more convenient.

But many of these lights go far beyond their simple duty

and contribute ambience and character to different parts of

the garden. Others are installed with only this impact in

mind, and perform no particular tasks.

These aesthetic elements fall under the

heading of mood lighting, and are an

integral part of a good installation.

A common trend in landscaping

is the creation of garden 'rooms' by using

barriers like trees, walls, walkways and

the natural topography to break up the

outdoor space, and carefully placed

mood lighting is an excellent way to

achieve and enhance this effect. The

right installation can create separate

atmospheres around the garden, adding

weight to the natural barriers and

increasing the impression of privacy and

detachment.

Curb appeal is heightened

through architectural lighting: fixtures

selected and positioned to highlight the

exterior of the home. These are espe-

cially popular in the front yard, where

they can single-handedly create a warm

and welcoming frontage that will please

the family and their guests alike. For

many people, the primary role of their

garden is to highlight and enhance the

appearance of their home, so architec-

tural lights become the most important

part of their installation.

Of course, many elements of

landscape lighting transcend the borders

between two or all three of the function

categories. A task light on the porch, for

example, might feature a bulb chosen to

create a specific mood, and be posi-

tioned to illuminate the walk-out patio




doors, bay windows or some other feature of the house.

There is also a wide selection of specialty lights that can add

final touches: things like perforated hanging fixtures that cast

a 'starry night' pattern on the flagstones, lighting from behind

waterfalls or within pools and streams, and floating fixtures

that mimic lily pads.

Customized Designs

One might think that controlling a comprehensive

system like this could be complicated, but landscape lighting

professionals offer a range of central control systems, all

customizable to individual needs. At the basic level, there

are simple 'All On / All Off' switches, or systems that divide

the lights into a handful of separate areas. More advanced

controls allow the creation of presets to deal with different

outdoor situations: settings that activate the mood lighting

around various features – hot tubs and barbecue pits, or just

certain flowerbeds, benches and other choice areas – as well

as the necessary task lighting to reach them. A single button,

on a keypad or even a remote control, can prime your out-

door space for any event, whether it is a family barbecue, a

big garden party or a relaxing evening on the patio.

With all the options for landscape lighting solutions, it is

virtually impossible to create the perfect effect without the

help of a professional. Lighting installers have access to a

range of high-end fixtures and, most importantly, bulbs –

products that are not easily found in stores. There are

upwards of 40 types of bulbs to choose from when designing

an installation, each with a different beam, intensity and

colour, and the experts know how to bring these tools

together to set the best scenes possible with optimal effects.

The essential things to prepare for a consultation is a list of

needs and wants, and a firm idea of your budget – complete

installations cost an average of five to ten thousand, but can

easily soar much higher for larger properties or more

intricate designs. A lighting installer can even plan a phased

project with constant room for expansion.

In fact, most homeowners opting for a complete solu-

tion can benefit from this tactic as well. The landscape is not

absolute, and it's often worth paying a little extra up front to

make sure the lighting won't be either. The pros can install

an adaptable system that is geared towards future alteration

and expansion as you add new features to your outdoor

space, or as your schedule, habits and lifestyle change.

Lighting is such a highly customizable, efficient way to

enhance so many aspects of the outdoors that it should be

given as much attention as all other aspects of a landscaping

project. Even on a limited budget, the extra time you can

spend in a well-lit outdoor area makes it a worthwhile invest-

ment, and if necessary it is often worth sacrificing some

other plans to allow for the perfect lighting solution. Many

Canadian homeowners are paying added attention to land-

scaping in recent years, with a distinct focus on maximizing

use and convenience. If you are one of these people who

recognize the benefits of outdoor lighting, then a profes-

sionally designed and installed landscape lighting system is

the perfect step to creating that warm, hassle-free outdoor

space for the whole family.




An Alternative to


Photo courtesy of Tri-City Solar Solutions

WindowFilm.qxp 3/9/2007 7:46 PM Page 52

Window Films are a refreshingly fast and easy way to upgrade your home and

achieve an immediate, noticeable effect.

Installing new windows can be an expensive

and disruptive renovation, and when it only involves

upgrading to better glass, it’s not the most exciting or

creative project either. Many people with old homes or

low-grade builder’s windows could benefit from modern,

energy-efficient replacements, but just aren’t willing or able

to invest the necessary time and money.

Homeowners in this situation can consider the alter-

native of window films: adhesive sheets applied to the

existing windows for better performance. Many people

associate this idea with tinted windows, but today’s sun-

filtration technology can in fact be incorporated into

transparent window films that are designed to be virtually

undetectable. Window film specialists can provide quick,

easy and seamless installation throughout any home.

There are many potential benefits to window films, and

several different products are available to meet the needs of

different households – your choice will dictate the final

effect in your home. Some of the advantages come with

all high-quality films in varying degrees, while others are

built only into specialty products for those with specific

requirements. When shopping around or consulting a

professional, remember the five main functions of window

films, and balance them against your goals.

Protecting your Décor

Colour fading has plagued decorators for all of history,

and unfortunately it’s a fact of science that can never be

avoided – at least not without sacrificing the lively, sun-filled

rooms that are a homeowner’s joy. Luckily, window films

offer a way to slow down the process by filtering out large

portions of the solar heat and ultraviolet light that together

account for about 65% of fading.

Visible light is responsible for about 25%, so a tinted

film will go even further to preserve your décor, but clear

window films are still the choice of many homeowners.

Modern technology allows even virtually invisible films to

block all but one or two per cent of ultraviolet light: the top

culprit when it comes to fading.

Improving Climate Control

In the summer, windows let a lot of extra heat into a

home. Not only do they increase the general toll on air

conditioners – often accounting for as much as 70% of the

total load – but they also create hot spots that are frus-

tratingly difficult to eliminate. High-quality window films

combat this effect by screening out about three quarters of

solar heat, allowing you to enjoy the brightest summer days

instead of closing half the blinds for the sake of comfort.

Most homeowners experience a significant improvement in

the temperature consistency and a drop in air conditioning

bills.

Getting the Most out of your View

A clear day’s sunlight reflecting off the pool or a fresh

blanket of snow is a beautiful sight – or rather it would be,

if you could see it through the glare. Homeowners with lots

of windows know that the sun can be so bright as to even be

painful when it catches their eye throughout the day – yet

another reason they are so often forced to block out the

light rather than enjoy it. Many window films on today’s

market can take the edge off the harshest glare spots, so

you’ll be able to gaze outside without squinting.

Altering the Ambience

Though the improved power of today’s clear window

films has made them the most popular choice, there are

many situations or parts of the home where a tinted film is

still desirable. New products in designer colours have made

tinted window films an element of design, instead of its

Your House and Home Resource Magazine 53

Window Replacement

Photo courtesy of Tri-City Solar Solutions / Bekaert Specialty Films


enemy. Options like bronze, silver and slate grey offer

gentle ways to complement the décor or create a new

mood, while still reaping all the practical benefits of tinted

windows.

Strengthening your Windows, Safeguarding your Home

All high-quality films have the added advantage of

protecting your windows from daily use and the elements,

strengthening them and prevent-

ing scratches and scuffs.

Meanwhile, some are designed

with extra safety in mind: special-

ty products that reinforce the

glass and hold it in place if it

shatters. These safety films

protect your windows from the

unstoppable forces of nature like

wind, hail and young kids, and

eliminate the potential hazard of

flying glass shards in an accident.

Moreover, they are an excellent

deterrent to thieves: even though

they aren’t as resilient as the

high-security films used on

businesses and storefronts, the

additional obstacle they create is

enough to send most would-be

burglars on to their next target.

A window film specialist will help you find a product

that combines these factors to meet the needs of your

home. Installation can be finished in a day, and requires no

more preparation than clearing a path to the windows.

Amidst the many large and complex renovations that weigh

on most homeowners minds – some that seem urgent,

others merely tempting – window films are a refreshingly

fast and easy way to upgrade your home and achieve an

immediate, noticeable effect.


before

Photo courtesy of Tri-City Solar Solutions / Bekaert Specialty Films

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after


Ontario has a case of New Home Fever.

Communities, subdivisions and rural homes are springing

up practically overnight, while builders are expanding and

updating their design portfolios to meet the needs of

modern families and fashions. Rarely have there been more

options for the hopeful shopper, touring showcases and

model homes.

But variety, no matter how great, cannot satisfy every

home-seeker, and choosing your home for years or decades

to come is still as difficult as ever.

This doesn’t mean the perfect living space is out of

reach: some are patient enough to track it down or lucky

enough to stumble across it, others opt to create it in an old

house by redecorating, remodelling and building additions.

For those committed to a new home, house-hunting on a

deadline, bearing specific needs or all of the above, the

same exciting word inevitably comes to mind: custom.

The fun and uniquely rewarding option of a custom

home is no longer exclusive to those with the means to hire

an independent architect and contractor. Many of today’s

designers offer packages that bridge the gap between a fully

custom house and an off-the-shelf builder’s one.

This is accomplished with a large selection of flexible

building plans that can be combined, extended and

modified, in most cases without the need for complete

redesigns or whole new architectural drawings. It gives you


New Home Fever

CUSTOM HOME DESIGNERS

Many of today’s designers offer packages that bridge the gap between

a fully custom house and an off-the-shelf builder’s house.

Photo courtesy of Fabbian Fine Homes

CustomHomeDesigners.qxp 3/13/2007 4:20 PM Page 55

the opportunity to tailor the size, layout and configuration

of the home and choose many of the features, design

elements and materials, all within a prepared framework

that is devised to be as customizable as possible.


Photos courtesy of Fabbian Fine Homes


If you’re in the market for a custom home, odds are

you’ve visited a few model homes, looked through some

magazines and toured various neighbourhoods, and now

you have a pretty good idea of what you want. Nonetheless,

the first step – communicating those mental images to a

home designer – is a challenge. But like so many home

design challenges, it’s also an exciting and engaging activity.

As an understanding emerges and the ideas begin to

flow, specific decisions will have to be made. Certain

features make the top of nearly everyone’s list: large,

luxurious en suites with whirlpools and built-in showers are

a popular added room, and hardwood is chosen as a

dominant or accenting material in the majority of today’s

homes. Builders offering customizable designs are

especially prepared to accommodate these and other

common requests.

The kitchen is a major focus for many, and builders

have made it one of the most highly configurable rooms in

their plans, with hundreds of upgrades to choose from.

Extra windows are also popular for the many improvements

in lighting, ventilation and ambience they supply. Apart

from offering several design options, custom builders will

also ensure the windows meet the airflow and insulating

needs of the home – just as they will help solve all the

functional challenges of other desired features: half-walls,

breakfast bars, custom staircases, arches, columns and glass

doors to name a few.

The designer’s advice is equally irreplaceable when it

comes to the size and layout of the various rooms and the

hallways that connect them. Too many new-home-seekers

compare plans on the sole basis of price and square footage,

without paying close attention to where the space goes and

how well it is distributed through the home – which is

ultimately the more important factor, since some interiors

can feel larger than those with more square footage but infe-

rior design.

Even if you are aware of this consideration, odds are

you don’t have the necessary experience with floor plans to

properly judge and visualize actual rooms based merely on

measurements and two-dimensional renderings – but the

designer does. With information about your lifestyle, the

way in which you use your home and your specific desires

for various rooms and features, they can offer guidance in

choosing or customizing a plan with the best division and

layout of the available space.

Before you embark on the trip to a custom home,

there’s one thing you can do to prepare that will pay off

every step of the way: set up a detailed, comfortable and

above all flexible budget. Simply setting a firm dollar total

for the whole project will only lead to stress and disappoint-

ment as unexpected possibilities and concerns crop up – as

they will from the initial consultation right until the day you

turn the key.

The first step to getting the most out of a custom home

– and enjoying yourself in the process – is a more fluid

budget with specific allocations and buffer zones for

different stages: fundamental things like square footage,

layout, windows and utilities; fixtures and built-in elements

like flooring, lighting, showers, cabinets, counters and

fireplaces; and the finishing touches from paint to furniture

to accessories. Though some specific dreams will, no doubt,

be hardwired into the whole plan, the freedom to change

your mind or leap on an unforeseen opportunity will result

in a more personal home.

Designing or revising such a budget is yet another task

that calls for the designer’s help. With their intimate

knowledge of products, price-points and construction

methods, and your list of finance and lifestyle needs, they

can help ensure you are spending money where you will get

the most use and joy out of it, never wasting it on things you

won’t need or appreciate. With a comfortable financial

foundation, a good custom builder and the right design

choices, your home can be not only perfect, but distinctly

and uniquely your own.


Photo courtesy of Fabbian Fine Homes



There may be nothing more desirable in a

landscape than trees. They are one of the most potent and

adored symbols of nature, and their beauty, character and

longevity have captivated minds the world over for centuries.

Many people embarking on a major landscaping project

look into planting one or more trees as a way of shaping and

defining their gardens. Ontario’s nurseries and tree services

are there to meet the needs of any plan.

In most cases, your landscape architect will be co-

ordinating the installation of large trees, often with a tree

service they already know and trust. But since trees are such

a central part of a landscaping project, as well as a large

portion of the expense, it is also common for the home-

owner to consult directly with an expert from that tree

service and pick their trees by hand.

Making a decision that is right for your property means

entering the world of trees: a fascinating and expansive field

of study that is near-impossible to navigate without the help

of a professional. Even though in the Caledon Mountain

area and other colder parts of Ontario there are fewer

exotic, imported trees that can survive, there is still a wide

selection of species and varieties to explore. Favourites

include the white spruce or pine, the sugar maple, the

Colorado green or blue spruce, and of course the Crimson

King: the red leaf maple.

Part of choosing a tree will always come down to its

aesthetic qualities and your personal taste, but there is

usually a practical side to keep in mind as well. Large trees

can be used as tools to accomplish many different garden

effects: blocking out one part of the view while framing

another, offering privacy from a neighbouring property,

shading a chosen area or creating a natural barrier in a

garden with several ‘rooms’.

Of course, this means there is also the possibility of

mistakes on these fronts. The wrong tree in the wrong place

could grow to disrupt a favourite view, or cast its shade over

a deck, pool or other unwanted spot. The experts have an

intimate knowledge of the many trees available – not only

of their state at the time of planting, but of the way they

will develop, grow and change over the years and decades.

With their help, the trees you select will be sure to become

seamless and elegant parts of the landscape.

There are also various possible obstacles that are unique

to every piece of land and must be investigated by the tree

service before a final decision can be made. Different soil

types can partially limit the choice of species, gas and water

lines must often be relocated or worked around, and the

available means of accessing the property can even make

delivering trees a challenge. For all these reasons, planting

one or more large trees always starts with an on-site con-

sultation involving the tree service, the homeowner and the

landscape architect.

Despite the many factors at play in these projects, every

homeowner finds themselves with dozens of viable ideas for

employing trees in their garden. Those with large estate

properties have an especially long list of options: some

major installations in the area have involved as many as 150

and even 300 trees – planted along the perimeter for total

enclosure and privacy, or clumped to form a veritable

private forest. Such projects often continue for years, with

ongoing grading and construction, the building of retaining

walls and the steady addition of new trees.

But even those with strict space limitations may be

surprised by the many grand and stately trees that could be

meeting their needs. Even a single tree has a drastic effect on

a landscape, and there are many more species of narrow,

disciplined trees than people imagine. Tree services present

such options as an English Oak, an Emerald Cedar, a large

Nature’s

Trees are a wonderful gift, not only to yourself

They are remarkable expressions of style, for they

often drift between these states with the passing

NaturesFinest.qxp 3/9/2007 7:49 PM Page 58

juniper, a pyramidal maple tree like the Armstrong Red, or

something that grows tall and narrow like a Serbian Spruce.

Once trees are planted, they require very little in the way

of maintenance. Weekly watering is important, and many

professional irrigation suppliers offer special drip fixtures,

specifically designed for watering large trees, that can be

incorporated into a garden system. Sometimes a little fertil-

izer will help spur a tree along, and removing the cones from

a freshly transplanted pine or spruce can help by directing

more energy into its growth, but for the most part trees are

wilful and tenacious enough to take care of themselves.

Trees are a wonderful gift, not only to yourself and

your family, but to future generations. Every tree has a

unique presence and character, and each one quickly

becomes a familiar and friendly face in the garden. They are

remarkable expressions of style, for they can seem grand,

playful, mournful or noble – and often drift between these

states with the passing of the day or the changing of the

seasons. Trees can bring the full beauty of nature to bear on

a landscape, and help complete the paradise that everyone

seeks to forge in their garden.

Grading Trees

Every professional tree service has its own scale for

grading the quality of any given tree, but all are based on the

same basic factors. When browsing the trees at a tree service

office or a nursery, it can help to remember the factors that

affect the appearance and health – and thus the grade and

cost – of a tree. The highest quality specimens will always

display the same qualities:

One main leader

Except in the case of clump-style trees, it is generally

desirable for a tree to have one primary trunk from

which the limbs grow.

Good branch structure

The branch structure is evaluated based on both its

visual appeal and the presence of any weak unions

that are likely to break under a load of snow or as a

result of ice damage.

No blemishes on the trunk

The finest trees are free of any dead branches,

scars, mechanical wounds or other visible

imperfections.

Dark leaves

A full, dark leaf colour is not only more attractive,

but indicates health and strength as well.

No girdling roots

Some species are prone to ‘girdling roots’ that

wrap around the main stem of the tree and

restrict the flow of water and nutrients. A spec-

imen that is already forming them at the time

of transplanting has little chance of survival.

It is vital to choose only healthy trees, since a weak

specimen will only remain that way or worsen after

transplanting, looking stressed and sick for years. As trees

begin to decline, they attract the pests and diseases that are

what usually finishes them off. Tree experts have extensive

knowledge of all these factors, and can help minimize the

chance of any problems arising.


Finest

and your family, but to future generations.

can seem grand, playful, mournful or noble and

of the day or the changing of the seasons.

NaturesFinest.qxp 3/9/2007 7:49 PM Page 59

When it comes to investing

in a home, there are certain areas that call for extra care and

attention. Somewhere near the top of that list is the top of

your home: the roof. It is a popular choice for a home

upgrade since, of all the major structural elements of a

house, the roof is the most readily accessible for modifica-

tions or replacement by a skilled professional.

With many homeowners focusing on eliminating

chores and maintenance around the house, steel is con-

stantly gaining popularity as a roofing material. Modern

steel roofing is incredibly resilient, featuring a PVC coating

that resists the elements better than any other material. The

range of finishes – along with matching screws and washers

from the best suppliers – means a steel roof can match any

home; since the colour is in the PVC coating rather than

painted on, it will never fade and need replenishing.

With your roof, as with anything else, you get what you

pay for: steel roofing is more expensive than asphalt and

shingles, but its quality and durability make it a far more

solid investment. There was a time when shingles could last

upwards of twenty years, but that was when asbestos was still

used in their construction, and before recycled core materi-

als were introduced. The pro-rated warranties offered by

most suppliers only cover them for a few years, and the

ever-rising cost of oil means that replacement shingles are

likely to be more expensive, since they are a petroleum

based product.

Steel roofs, on the other hand, are essentially mainte-

nance free and come with warranties that cover them for as

long as fifty years. Their longevity is their number one sell-

ing point, since many homeowners – from young couples

with budding careers to retirees seeking relaxation – simply

don’t want to worry about maintenance issues like budget-

ing for a re-shingling ten years down the road. Steel roofs

offer unparalleled peace of mind.

Unless you are building a new home, odds are you

already have an asphalt and shingle roof over your head.

Another main attraction to steel is that it can be installed right

on top of the existing roof, without the need to strip so much

as a single shingle. The best installers use a ‘cross-strapped’

construction, where layers of perpendicular beams create a

natural ventilation system with no pockets of trapped air.

This method adds structural integrity, levels out uneven

roofs, reduces air conditioning costs and offers excellent

soundproofing – although the belief that steel roofs

are noisy in the

rain is itself

a myth.

There is also a long list of secondary benefits that come

along with a steel roof. They shed snow quickly and easily,

without any intervention, which is an important considera-

tion wherever there is heavy snowfall; blockers can be

installed above doors, paths and driveways to keep them

sheltered. Steel roofs also tend to lighten the load on your

eaves troughs – most homeowners dig out a lot of shingle

pebbles during their annual cleaning. When combined with

mesh guards that block debris while allowing water to pass

through, a steel roof can drastically reduce the difficulty and

the frequency of eavestrough maintenance.

Since steel roofing is a major investment – one that has

a significant impact on the structure and value of your home

– it is worth spending the money on superior quality mate-

rials and installation. Obviously you’ll want to get the best

product within your budget, and when it comes to steel

roofing the best way to do this is by shopping locally.

Many roofers get pre-fabricated steel from suppliers in

the United States, despite the fact that these products have

several drawbacks. For starters, if a warranty claim is ever

necessary, it means dealing with distant offices and long wait

times. Also, many U.S. manufacturers lack the specific

knowledge and expertise that is relevant to our colder cli-

mate: their long steel sheets have been known to pop their

fasteners when they shrink in the winter.

The best Canadian steel roofers manufacture their

product in house, and have altered the methods of con-

struction to meet local challenges, using smaller steel panels

that allow for expansion and contraction. Ontario has an

abundance of steel suppliers, so these roofers shorten the

entire circuit by shopping locally for their own raw materi-

als as well. Any warranty claims or repairs can be dealt with

quickly, and replacement materials are easily obtained.

An investment in your roof quite literally covers your

whole home, and steel is one of the smartest choices, offer-

ing unmatched quality and durability and increasing a

home’s resale value considerably. A high-end Canadian

made steel roof means decades of confidence and peace of

mind, without the need for maintenance or, usually, any

second thoughts at all.

Things Are Looking Up

Make an investment that covers your whole house.


Photo courtesy of Superior Steel Roofing Systems

ThingsAreLookingUp.qxp 3/9/2007 7:56 PM Page 60

The variety of finishes and styles avail-

able means there is a place for stone in

nearly any décor, whether it is put in a

dominant role or saved for accents and

finishing touches.

T

61

here are very few things that stick around

unchanged for centuries, but the art of masonry – just like

the ancient castles and other architectural marvels that bear

its signature – is one of them. Modern masonry pro-

fessionals sometimes sum it up in two words: Stone

Forever. It is beautiful, long-lasting and maintenance-free,

and it remains hugely popular in today’s home and

landscape industry.

Masonry is a natural choice when trying to create that

old-fashioned atmosphere in a home, but the variety of

finishes and styles available means there is a place for stone

in nearly any décor, whether it is put in a dominant role or

Your House and Home Resource Magazine

Stone Forever

Photo courtesy of Beam Masonry


StoneForever.qxp 3/9/2007 7:59 PM Page 61



Sequatchie Flagstone


saved for accents and finishing touches. The sheer number

of visual options has prompted a change in design trends to

include blended decors, where two, three or four different

stone finishes are used in different parts of the home and

garden.

The first decision to make when it comes to masonry is

between natural and artificial stone. This is one area where

the changing of the times has made its mark: in the past, no

manmade product could rival the appeal of natural stone,

but modern engineered stone has achieved impressive new

levels of reality, even with extra thin veneer products.

There are many advantages to engineered stone, not

the least of which is the savings. Despite an abundance of

quarries in Ontario, natural stone remains expensive

because it is a labour-intensive product – in fact, stone

imported from foreign countries is sometimes cheaper than

stone coming from places as close as Owen Sound.

Manmade products beat out both.

Artificial stone also boasts the attraction of being light-

weight, which in turn increases the number of opportunities

for masonry around the home. An attractive veneer –

chosen from one of the fifty plus types of manmade stone

available – can be easily added to a fireplace or ‘feature wall’

without the need for foundation reinforcement or other

structural alterations.

Nonetheless, given a sufficient budget and the time and

energy for a larger project, a lot of homeowners will still

choose genuine stone. The natural variations in shape,

texture and colour that characterize real masonry give it an

appeal that may never be matched by artificial products.

Combinations of the two are a common solution, especial-

ly outdoors: natural stone walls, water features and flag-

stones are an utter delight in the back yard, where they

will be used, appreciated and enjoyed, but high-quality

manmade stone is usually enough to serve the front yard’s

simple and primarily aesthetic purpose.

Many of the different visual effects in masonry, both

natural and artificial, are not achieved through the choice

of material and finish, but rather through the style of con-

struction. Each tile can be textured and edged differently,

either at the manufacturing stage or during installation.

Options range from a clean, chiselled edge to a roughened

look with chunks of stone removed, or a bulging face that

can be trimmed back even further for added depth.

The method of mortaring can be altered to accommo-

date different styles as well. Neat, even, recessed mortar

adds to a formal décor and leaves the focus on the stone,

while messier ‘bag joints’ – where the mortar is smeared up

onto the edges of the stone – become their own attraction

in an old-fashioned design. Natural stone expands the

possibilities to include the uncut, ‘country home’ style of

construction. Here even the placement of individual pieces

becomes a design tool – rotating or moving one large stone

can have a drastic impact on the balance and atmosphere of

a room.

In the garden, flagstones present similar opportunities.

Square-cut natural or engineered stone is available in a

variety of sizes, patterns and colours for a contemporary

look; another popular choice is a mosaic surface, with

broken pieces of all sizes mingling haphazardly but

harmoniously. Often, different construction styles and types

of stone are used in different areas to help create the

‘garden room’ effect so sought after in modern landscaping.

Masonry, with the long list of available styles and

finishes it presents, is a possibility for nearly every home-

owner. Even those with structural or monetary limitations –

or just unique, hard-to-match decors – are sure to find

engineered stone products that meet their requirements,

and will likely be surprised by their beauty. Whether it is in

the garden or the home, stonework comes with a sense of

permanence, strength and quality that is hard to match,

while still being adaptable to any homeowner’s taste.



here are some parts of the home that seem to

slip from the owner’s mind quickly and easily, falling into

disuse or disarray as they miss out on the proper care. One

of the greatest culprits, and the greatest losses, is the garage

- a large and valuable space that often never gets used for

much other than last-resort storage.

It might be because garages tend to be cold, insecure,

boring or just plain ugly. Reclaiming a lost garage starts

with changing how you feel inside it, reducing the chores

and enhancing the comfort so you can be enthusiastic about

putting it to use. Other homeowners already make extensive

use of their garages, as workshops or otherwise, but are still

hindered by the maintenance required and the conditions

inside. There’s an easy first step to meeting these

challenges: replacing the garage door.

A lot of houses still have the builder’s doors, which are

rarely top-of-the-line and, in older homes, tragically out of

date. Whether you push the garage from your mind or

spend time there every day, there are several reasons to

consider buying a new garage door:

1. Give your garage a personal flair

Your garage door does not have to look like every other

one on the street. High-end manufacturers offer over a

dozen pre-finished, baked-on colours. The doors them-

selves come in a wide variety of modern styles, and can be


8 Reasons to Replace Your

Garage Doors

The garage door can represent over a

quarter of the entire front of the house,

and it almost always draws the eye -

either in a good way, or not.

T

Photo courtesy of Automated Door Systems Ltd

GarageDoors.qxp 3/9/2007 8:01 PM Page 64

accented with a choice of windows and other finishing

touches. It’s easy to find something that blends perfectly

with your home, your front lawn and your personality.

2. Lower your heating and cooling bills

Insulation technology is constantly moving forward, and

modern garage doors take control of the latest advance-

ments to reduce heat transfer. Metal is the material of

choice, and a top of the line door includes a thermal barrier

between the outside and inside surfaces, PVC weather strips,

and a rubber seal along each edge. Combined, these features

create a seal that will protect the garage’s contents from

extreme weather conditions and cut heating and cooling

costs. For those who use their garage as a workshop or

recreation room, or who have guest bedrooms or other

living spaces above it, this can mean extensive savings.

3. Reduce maintenance time and cost

Wooden garage doors need a yearly scrape, patch and

paint routine to keep them in good condition. It’s a lot of

work, and without it they quickly become weathered and

unattractive. The best metal doors, with their wide selection

of durable pre-finished colours, are low to no-maintenance

and require only soap and water for cleaning. For an

additional boost, a coat of spray-on car wax in the spring

and fall will keep the door looking its best for years.

4. Increase security

A well insulated metal door weighs in at least 1 3/8”

thick - much harder to kick in or drill through than its

un-insulated counterpart or a wooden door. With so many

vulnerable builders’ doors around, it’s a near-sure deterrent

to thieves. Modern remote door openers are programmed

to use rotating signal codes, so the more measured

approach won’t work either. With a good garage door, you

will never worry about keeping tools, equipment and other

valuables there, and it won’t create an easy entrance to your

home.

5. Get the benefits of local products

Canada is home to its share of high-end garage door

manufacturers. Owning a garage door from a Canadian

manufacturer can cut costs and make repairs or finding

replacement parts much easier in case anything goes wrong.

6. Make some use of the place!

If your garage is just wasted space, a new door can

really kick start you into action. Once the garage becomes a

more pleasant place to look at and work in, it becomes hard

for homeowners to decide which of their many plans for it

they should put into action. For those who have a two or

three-car garage that isn’t full, or who simply don’t keep

their car there, the possibilities are almost endless - a work-

shop, art studio, playroom, heated storage room, home

theatre or music room could fill all that empty space (or

replace all that clutter.)

7. Increase the value of your home

Even with a single car garage, the door can represent

over a quarter of the entire front of the house, and it almost

always draws the eye - either in a good way, or not. Real

estate agents will confirm that it’s easier for them to sell

homes with clean, stylish, maintenance-free doors. From

their point of view, the first thing a potential buyer sees

when they pull into the driveway is very important.

8. Reduce the risk of injury or damage

Most old garage door openers are not equipped with

photoelectric eyes, which have now become mandatory.

These sensors will restrain the door of they detect some-

thing in its path - standing in the way, or moving through the

entrance as it closes. A garage door can do a lot of damage

to a car or seriously hurt a person, and it’s a risk every

homeowner should eliminate.

Perhaps the best reason to invest in a high quality

garage door is to get it done early. Even if you can live

with the limitations of your builder’s door for now, odds are

that won’t be the case forever - and shopping for home

renovations is always best done before the urgency sets in.

A top end insulated metal door with a durable baked-on

finish will last for years without any maintenance beyond the

occasional wipe down, and will make your garage more safe,

secure, comfortable and eye-catching for life.


Photo courtesy of Automated Door Systems Ltd

GarageDoors.qxp 3/9/2007 8:01 PM Page 65


Remote Irrigation Management

Whether you want to beautify your garden, save on your water bill, or just cross one

more job off your list - remotely managed irrigation can do it.

N

Photo courtesy of AWS Irrigation Management

urturing a garden to its full

potential all season long is a full time job,

and most people are not lucky enough to

have time for it. From planting to tending

to fertilizing and more, there’s almost no

end to the chores a beautiful outdoor

space can entail. For those who have busy

schedules, estate properties or both, a

new and ingenious concept in lawn and

garden care has arrived to lift one giant

weight - watering and irrigation - off their

shoulders.

Water management systems have

been around for some time, but their

inefficiency and need for attention leave

something to be desired. Without

constant manual adjustments, they will

continue to irrigate the lawn with the

same amount of water every night. But

soil moisture is not that consistent: it

depends on the amount of water that is

absorbed versus the amount of water that

evaporates, both of which are variable

and depend on a number of factors.

This is why high-end irrigation

systems suppliers are now offering

Remote Irrigation Management services,

letting you turn the task of watering over

to a central computer.

Remotely managed irrigation takes

all the factors that effect soil moisture

into account to ensure maximum

efficiency and ideal soil conditions

throughout the season. The information

is gathered in two stages. First, a rainfall

monitor on your property sends daily

precipitation data to the off-site control

centre. The management service’s

computer combines this information with

up-to-date local weather factors such as

temperature, humidity and wind speed,

all of which have an impact on water

absorption. The calculations also include

pre-programmed data on the unique soil

composition and slope of your land.

RemoteIrrigation.qxp 3/9/2007 8:09 PM Page 66

Once the calculations are complete, instructions are

sent back to the site and all necessary adjustments to the

watering rates are made. If there is a situation that requires

attention, a warning will be raised on the control panel in

your home - but even this is rarely necessary. The manage-

ment system is capable of creating very detailed programs,

customized to run the gamut of conditions that might assail

your garden.

The two primary benefits of Remote Irrigation

Management are the impact on your garden, and the huge

reduction - up to 40 or 50 per cent - in water usage. On large

estate properties this can reduce the need for ground

staff and slash water bills significantly. Sometimes such

properties present special challenges, especially when they

include things like hilly areas, large trees or ponds and

waterfalls. To overcome these obstacles, a supplier can

employ additional measures like extra rainfall monitors and

localized soil-moisture sensors for inconsistent areas.

Communication with the central station is wireless.

Most providers can contact your site by phone or internet,

and many have their own private radio networks stretching

across their primary area of operation, dedicated to

managing the properties of their clients.

Installation of a Remote Irrigation Management system

need not be a hassle. Suppliers can co-ordinate with your

landscape architect during a new project, or they can

skilfully install a system in your existing garden, leaving it

clean and virtually seamless. The best in the business come

armed with skilled engineers, advanced equipment and the

ability to bury wires and pipes directly without digging

trenches, or burrow under a driveway without ripping it up.

Since the central computer is in daily contact with your

site, it can manage the maintenance and repair of the system

alongside the irrigation levels. If any part of the install-

ation shuts down or behaves strangely, it is immediately

deactivated, an alarm is raised at the management centre,

and a repair team is dispatched to your home. Remote

Irrigation Management tends to expedite service calls on

large properties, where repairmen would traditionally have

to trudge back and forth from the indoor control panel to

test the different outdoor components. Now, with the help

of a cell phone, they can instruct technicians at the central

site to activate and deactivate the various sprinklers, pumps

and sensors as they make the rounds.

The majority of the time, Remote Irrigation

Management is a set-it-and-forget-it solution for your

garden. Many homeowners are astounded at the difference

it makes to the beauty and vigour of their garden, or

delighted when they get their first water bill after installation.

Most are just grateful to scratch the job off their list of

chores. Any one of these notions might attract you the most,

but with remotely managed irrigation, every homeowner

will reap the benefits of all three and soon come to wonder

how they ever tended their properties before.




RemoteIrrigation.qxp 3/9/2007 8:09 PM Page 67


Custom Stair Design -

People take a lot of pride in their entryways. A guest’s first sight

upon coming through the door is a matter of top concern for decorators, and

they choose from a variety of centrepieces – a piece of antique furniture, a

plant, a grandfather clock – to draw the eye. But there is one centrepiece at

the front of many homes that will be there whether you like it or not: a flight

of stairs.

Though they are functional necessities, staircases can be designer delights

as well. Today’s custom stair builders offer a long list of options for the reno-

vator and the new home builder alike. A custom staircase adds a powerful

stroke of character to a home, and the array of choices available at every stage

of the design means the final product will speak loudly – or softly – of the

homeowner’s personality and taste.

For those building a new staircase, either in a new home or an addition,

there are many possibilities for shape, style and construction. The choices are

more limited when remodelling an existing staircase, since they almost always

serve as critical structural elements of the house. Nonetheless, a custom stair

designer will present several options depending on the home’s layout and

construction, and the scale of the project you want to undertake.

Whatever your situation, the first consideration is the staircase’s

construction. The three general types of staircases are closed stairs,

with a wall on either side, open-sided stairs, which run against one

wall with the other side open, and double-open stairs, without a wall

on either side.

New builders can consider all three options, as well as more

decorative constructions like flares and curves. Renovators can look

into the possibility of removing one or both walls on all or part of a

staircase. Those with open-sided or double-open stairs often have several

options in terms of flairs and other features. In all cases, openings, curves

and flairs must be carefully designed so as to be structurally sound and

adhere to building codes. A good professional designer will come armed with

this knowledge, and can co-ordinate with your architect and other hired

professionals on a large project.Photo courtesy of Stairworks

Photo courtesy of Stairworks Photo courtesy of Stairworks

CustomStairDesign.qxp 3/9/2007 8:11 PM Page 68

Even if your house, your budget or the degree of work

you are willing to endure limits your options for the design,

there are plenty of ways to make a staircase your own. In

fact, choosing the materials, railings, hardware and acces-

sories can be the most enjoyable part, since these things

often contribute the most to the visual impact of the stairs.

The first choice is the species of lumber. Native hard-

woods like oak and maple are favourites as always, but more

exotic options like jatobá wood are available too. The choice

of wood helps define the overall look of the stairs, so it’s a

great way to blend and balance them with the rest of your

décor. The chosen wood might match a favourite piece

of furniture or the accents in other rooms, or it might be

something completely different – a bold and unexpected

statement at the heart of the home.

Once the stairs themselves are beginning to take shape,

its time to consider the railings and, for those with segments

of open-sided or double-open stairs, the posts and balusters.

This is where the options become almost countless, with

dozens of materials, styles and finishes to mix and match.

Wooden railings are a popular option, and modern staircase

designers are offering combination designs in which metal

balusters are capped with wooden rails, without the need for

fully welded metal rails underneath. Both materials come in

a wide array of finishes, and the various combinations can

create distinct styles. The railings can be built to match the

primary lumber, or a different wood can be chosen to

compliment, contrast and accent the stairs.

The metal balusters, which are typically made of steel,

can be thoroughly customized to match any décor. Blacks

and browns are favourite colours, especially on decorative

balusters with an old-fashioned appeal. At the other end of

the spectrum, simpler balusters with modern finishes, like

hammered steel for a veined metal texture, can create a

sleek, contemporary look. For those with closed stairs, most

of the same options are available for the mounting brackets

and other hardware.

Custom stair designers offer many ways to further

customize your staircase. Even before the choice of finish,

there are balusters and brackets with various ornamentation

and other features to choose from. For wooden posts, there

are different finial caps that give a decorative touch, avail-

able in metal or wood and in many different styles, from

simple shapes to things like acorns and pineapples. It’s also

possible to choose accessories like pet and baby gates, in

materials and finishes to match or just co-ordinate with the

stairs, posts, balusters and railings, doing away with the need

for imperfect, store-bought solutions.

Of course, some homeowners have a more personal

and elaborate vision. With the right patience, space and

budget, a custom staircase designer can bring those dreams

to life. Many complicated ideas can be realized, and pro-

fessional designers have turned out such creations as a

rustic, cottage-style staircase with massive stringers, no risers

between the steps and uncut, branch-like railings; other

projects have included things like glass stairs and free-

standing staircases.

Many of these ideas were sparked by magazine photos

and designer portfolios – two of the best sources of inspira-

tion when it comes to custom renovations. Homeowners

looking to add some flair to their stairs will find designers

willing and eager to help sort out the jumble of likes and

dislikes into a comprehensive design that fits their home and

budget while being structurally sound and up to code.

Even a simple redesign – new railings and balusters, or

just new finials to dress up the existing posts – can make your

staircase something to be proud of. If your stairs seem to get

in the way of your décor, there is no need to avoid, ignore

or distract from them. A custom staircase has the opposite

effect: it deserves and draws attention, and is a fun and

effective way to take your home to new heights.


take your home to new heights

Photo courtesy of Stairworks Photo courtesy of Stairworks

CustomStairDesign.qxp 3/9/2007 8:11 PM Page 69


As winter comes to a close and homeowners

start to embark upon their summertime renovation projects,

a desire tends to arise in a large number of families: a

fireplace. Today’s fireplaces have achieved new levels of

efficiency in delivering heat to a home, and the many differ-

ent designs available, combined with the infinite possibilities

for mantles, masonry and other finishing, makes them a sure

winner as the centerpiece of any room.

Depending on the situation and the needs of a given

home, there will be a different list of possibilities for the

basic type of fireplace. Built-in fireplaces are the most sought

after, and modern developments have made this option

more readily available than ever before.

In the past, building a fireplace into the wall meant

finding enough room to leave a considerable amount of

insulating space around it, to account for the heat it would

put out in all directions. The advent of zero-clearance fire

boxes has eliminated this need. Their heavily insulated steel

shells can be inserted into a standard framing construction

in the wall, without the need for extra space or any special

precautions.

Many older homes have beautiful wood fireplaces that

go unused because, as is often the case, they are inefficient

and too much hassle, or in a state of disrepair. In this

situation, homeowners have the option of a fireplace insert

that brings all the benefits of modern technology while

making use of the existing construction. All homeowners

can also choose a freestanding stove with its own flue system.

Regardless of which type you are installing, there are

dozens of fireplaces to choose from, each with a unique style

and character, as well as the possibility of customizing and

accessorizing for a truly personal piece. Whatever your

decorative vision, you’ll have no trouble finding a fireplace

to match it.

A European-inspired ‘clean face’ look has become

increasingly popular, especially for built-in fireplaces. These

designs opt for sleek, simple fire boxes, often with a single,

unbroken pane of glass and no ornaments or louvers – an

understated style that is usually balanced by putting extra

focus on accents like the mantle and surrounding decora-

Who Doesn’t Want A Fireplace?

Start planning now to ensure that

next year’s snow falls on a warm

and cozy family

Photo courtesy of Fergus Fireplace

Fireplaces.qxp 3/9/2007 8:18 PM Page 70

tions. Equally popular is the more traditional Victorian style,

tailored to suggest coal-burning stoves. These intricate and

ornate fireplaces are themselves a work of art.

Custom designs, especially when it comes to free

standing constructions, are also common. Starting with a

simple steel box, homeowners can dress and decorate the

fireplace with their choice of glass fronts, handles, hardware,

ornaments and finishing – to blend with or act as the starting

point for a room’s décor.

Whatever style of fireplace you choose, it’s only half of

the final piece – the surrounding finishing and accessories

are every bit as important. The balance between the two can

be struck at many points, from simple, low-profile fireboxes

with eye-catching mantles to elaborate freestanding fire-

places backed by understated stonework. In all cases, it is the

interplay between the two that will dictate the final visual

impact.

Still, there is a common trend towards installations

with minimalist fireplaces wherein the finishing is the main

decorative element. The reason for this may be as simple

as the sheer number of exciting possibilities for fireplace

finishing, made possible by today’s professional installers: by

co-ordinating with product suppliers, masonry experts and

other trades people, as well as your architect or decorator in

a large project, they have made it easier than ever to create

the perfect piece.

Stonework, as always, is one of the most popular

finishing choices – either to house a built-in fireplace, or as

backing and a raised dais for a free-standing one. Many

styles can be evoked through the choice of stone and the

construction method, but the weight of natural stone can

sometimes present a structural obstacle. For those who

would sooner avoid costly and time-consuming reinforce-

ment work, or those whose tastes and décor call for a very

specific colour and texture, there is a wide variety of

designer engineered products to choose from, including

ultra-thin veneers that are a breeze to install.

Tile is another popular finishing, and it is even being

combined with stone in many modern designs. Both tiling

and manufactured stone come in countless styles, colours,

textures and patterns, and can be installed in several ways to

achieve different effects. To go in a different direction, some

homeowners have incorporated wooden elements like old

barn beams for a country-home appeal. There is also the

option of a wooden cabinet mantle that houses a firebox,

placing the fireplace into the décor like a piece of furniture.

There are of course many important technical aspects

of choosing the right fireplace. Professional retailers and

installers not only have showrooms to exhibit the many

styles available, but can also help choose the right fuel

source and BTU output, find the best spots to install a

fireplace, and suggest ways to improve air flow and heat

distribution throughout the home. The best way to help

them do this is by bringing floor plans to the initial consulta-

tions, along with a list of your own design ideas and a

scrapbook of clippings from magazines and catalogues.

Visiting showrooms is a source of design inspiration and

a chance to see different fireplaces in action – to mentally

situate them in your home amidst fresh memories of a

radiator winter. But it’s important to remember that the rag-

ing amber flames of a warehouse-sized sales floor might not

be practical in the house. For starters, yellow fire is an indi-

cation of low efficiency – it’s impossible to get the biggest

bang for your heating buck without the blue flames that

indicate maximum output and minimum waste. Moreover,

huge roaring fires will quickly overheat most homes and

become uncomfortable despite their visual attraction.

Luckily, these obstacles can be overcome and full

aesthetic prowess of a fireplace isn’t off limits, even to

smaller homes. A high-end fireplace, properly installed with

a well-designed flue, offers a great deal of control. A tight,

hot flame can take care of all your daily heating for quick

adjustments and constant comfort, but can be quickly

tailored into a roaring centerpiece for a dinner party or a

cozy winter’s evening on the couch. Of course, this means

using a less efficient yellow flame as well as opening up the

flue to vent excess heat outside – both of which result in

higher heating costs. But the close control offered by

modern fireplaces, along with their efficiency during other

heating hours, means a few extra dollars can buy several

hours of exquisite, if slightly indulgent, warmth and beauty.

Whether a fireplace is to be your sole

installation or the starting

point for a summer-long


project, the spring is a

great time to start

shopping. There are

so many choices and

design avenues to

explore at every stage

of the project that the

only way to find the

perfect fireplace is to

be careful and com-

fortable throughout

the process, not

rushed by the turning

leaves and looming

winter. With a little

inspiration and the

help of the profession-

als, a fireplace will

rejuvenate you home,

energise your décor

and ensure that next

year’s snow falls on a

warm and cozy family.

Fireplaces.qxp 3/9/2007 8:18 PM Page 71


Every day, more and more homeowners are choosing to remodel,

renovate and expand rather than buy or build a new home.

Unfortunately there are many cases in which building an addition is an

unattractive option because of space limitations, the price or - especial-

ly when it comes to old family homes - a desire not to disrupt the

original architecture.

But many homeowners forget the potential that lies right beneath

their feet: an unfinished, underused basement. A professionally remod-

eled basement comes with a lower price tag and less hassle than an

addition, but still adds value and square footage to a home. And you

can forget the common mental image of a basement: dark, dingy, wood

paneled and depressing. Like every other focus of interior design, the

basement has become an art form, with its own subset of professionals

dedicated to making it a part of the home to be proud of.

There are lots of good reasons to go to a professional when finish-

ing a basement. Home-spun jobs, while often satisfactory, can only

take a basement so far. An experienced team can overcome the many

limitations often found in basements, like steel columns and duct-work,

and blend them seamlessly into the final design. They will also take

care of hiring and coordinating the many other trades people involved

in a major project, choosing only from their list of trusted, reputable

professionals. In general, a good design team will take on the majority

of responsibilities throughout the renovation, ensuring the work

doesn’t fall behind schedule, soar over budget, or come out all wrong.

Choosing the best team for your basement can be tough. For

starters, there are so many possibilities to consider for all that neglect-

ed space: will it become a well-equipped home office? A hi-fi theatre

room? A fully stocked wet bar? Those with larger basements can even

consider multiple rooms or complete guest houses. Walk-out base-

ments, which are very popular when the property permits, feature

doors that open directly into the back yard. Your needs, wants and

dreams will shape your initial consultations, but when shopping for pro-

fessionals in your area, there are several things to find out and take note

of in order to make the best decision.

How much experience do they have in basement renovations?

Remodeling a basement can differ from renovations in the rest of the

house. There are many things to take into consideration when

choosing finishes, including products specially designed for use in the

basement or anywhere else that dampness can be an issue. A team with

a long history of related work will adeptly meet the unique challenges

common to basements.

Are they insured, professional and above-board? Renovation specialists

are no different from any other professional, and it’s important to

make sure they have all the proper licensing and liability insurance for

potential accidents. A good team will also provide building permits and

be well versed in the building codes ad bylaws of your area.

Will they provide design assistance to help you make your ideas a

reality? Designing basements to function well is one of the most

important and challenging steps in the renovation process. The best

professionals can take your list of desires and turn it into a fully-

realized, working layout, drawing on their experience to offer guidance

and alternatives when the need arises.

Do they guarantee their pricing? In home renovations, the final cost is

rarely identical to the initial budget, but a certain degree of consistency

is still important. Your remodeling team should work with you to draw

From The Ground Down

Photo courtesy of Harrison Design-Build / Tigerlily Designs

Photo courtesy of Harrison Design-Build / Tigerlily Designs

FromTheGroundDown.qxp 3/9/2007 8:21 PM Page 72

up a detailed budget long before starting the work, with an

itemized list of every expense included in the project. As the

work progresses and other decisions have to be made, a true

professional will be ready with information and options to

help you make any choices that affect the final price tag.

What about their time estimates? A reliable timeline for the

project will help you plan your life around the disruptive

renovation period. No project of this scale ever goes exactly

as planned, but a good design and build team will offer a

detailed schedule, work vigilantly to power through any

delays, and finish the job on time.

Will the rest of the home be protected while they do the

work? In nearly all cases, the builders will be entering and

leaving the basement through other parts of the house, so

there is a lot of potential for dirt and damage. The team

should come equipped with drop clothes, plastic sheeting

and anything else necessary to safeguard other rooms, and

should have a good cleaning policy for when the job is done.

They should leave the basement and the rest of the home

clean and neat, with no damage to any of your furniture or

finishing.

All these factors are important when choosing a profes-

sional team to finish your basement, so that means asking

questions - on first contact and at initial consultations, but

the best way to decide if a design and build team is right for

your basement is by looking into their work history. True

artisans will have expansive and impressive portfolios that

include recent work, and you will probably want to lean

towards those with significant experience in basements.

Every team will have a unique portfolio, and not only is

browsing them fun, it will no doubt give you new ideas for

your basement (and maybe the rest of your home).

Even more importantly, the best professionals will

supply long lists of references - usually at least ten. Don’t be

afraid to call some or all of their former clients, since they

have the best insight into the design firm, its reliability, its

quality of work, and how it conducts itself. Clients who have

had truly good experiences will be eager to recommend a

professional, and those with bad opinions will be happy to

save you from making the same mistake they did.

Many basements are just wasted space, and few reach

their full potential within a home. Since professional remod-

eling often tallies up as little as $30 per square foot, a fresh-

ly finished basement is an extremely cost-effective shot in the

arm for your living space, and with the right design team

nearly anything is possible. So when you’re looking to

update and expand your home, consider starting from the

ground down.


Photo courtesy of Harrison Design-Build

/ Tigerlily Designs

FromTheGroundDown.qxp 3/9/2007 8:21 PM Page 73


Glass in Your Home

Don’ t le t i t go unnot iced.

There are a handful of materials that come

together to form a home and the fixtures, accessories and

pieces of furniture that fill it. Concrete, wood, brick, stone,

steel and brass have all been around in some form for

decades or centuries, and every house is built and

decorated with some or all of them. Though a well-designed

and cared for home is always more than the sum of its

parts, the impact of the basic materials on the final piece is

undeniable, so selecting and applying them is a top concern

in all new homes, additions and remodelling projects.

Many of these choices are structural and technical, with

limitations dictated by the professionals. Some materials will

be highlighted or eliminated because of your budget or your

tastes; some will already be dominant in an existing home.

But in every case, one material will almost certainly play a

role: glass.

When most people think about glass, the first things that

come to mind are windows and patio doors – and indeed,

these areas have undergone a revolution in form and

function. Designers are offering creative new styles and

constructions, and modern technologies are achieving

never-before-seen levels of energy efficiency.

But after some consideration, most people realize that

glass is a larger part of their home than they initially thought:

from door inserts to mirrors to furniture, it’s everywhere,

often going quietly unnoticed. Many homeowners seek

wood and stone-work for their natural character, but forget

that glass is also one of the oldest and most elegant basic

materials, with just as much decorative potential and its own

practical advantages.

A common approach is to make glass the dominant

material in one or two chosen rooms. This can produce a

powerful effect, especially in the bathroom where one can

employ so much glass it feels as if the whole room were

made of it – precisely the delicate ambience many look for

in a master en suite or a guesthouse bathroom.

One favourite new feature in such bathrooms is the

frameless glass shower: a floor-to-ceiling shower box with

all-glass walls and no additional framing or support structure.

Glass sinks that sit above the countertop are popular for the

same reasons: they are extremely easy to clean and present

fewer of the nooks and crannies that become breeding

grounds for bacteria; they are visually stunning, and when

combined with lighting, mirrors and accessories, they can lift

the bathing experience to new levels of luxury.

Glass is also a popular motif in the kitchen, where it can

be incorporated in many ways: glass lattice on the cabinet

doors, etched glass or mirrored trimming beneath the count-

er and cabinetry, and thick glass blocks behind stoves and

sinks – it is sleek and easy to clean, and can tie the kitchen

décor together with display cabinets and glass kitchenware.

Some trends from en suites have also found their way to the

kitchen: the glass sink has made an appearance in a few

modern designs as an accessible extra sink positioned on a

central island.

There are many ways to bring glass out of a single room

– to string it through the home as a fundamental theme, just

as one might with hardwood flooring or a pervasive colour

scheme. One of the best means to this end lies in glass doors

and partitions, which present many decorative and function-

al options in and around the home, not just for walk-outs

and patios. The frameless construction used in shower

boxes can be applied to partial or full room dividers and to

interior doors throughout the hallways and between rooms.Photo courtesy of Merit Glass Ltd / All Weather Windows

GlassInYourHome.qxp 3/9/2007 8:26 PM Page 74

When most people think about glass, the first things that come to mind are

windows and patio doors. But glass is a larger part of their home than they

initially thought: from door inserts to mirrors to furniture, it’s everywhere,

often going quietly unnoticed.

Your House and Home Resource Magazine 75

Photo courtesy of Merit Glass Ltd / C.R. Laurence

The main reason glass is such a prime choice for a

house-wide door and partition material is its ability to meet

a wide range of functional and aesthetic demands – impor-

tant, since the list of such demands is always diverse: a

simple door to the study, a double-wide walkthrough to the

breakfast room, a privacy screen in the guest bedroom and

a walkout from the kitchen to the patio all serve very

different purposes. Add to this the fact that each is in a

different room with a subtly or drastically different décor,

and choosing partitions with any sort of theme seems nearly

impossible.

Glass is one of the few materials that can rise to meet

this challenge. It can be insulated with gas-fills and low-E

treatments where heat loss or gain is an issue. It can be big

or small and thick or thin, and as a door it can be sliding or

swinging and framed or frameless, allowing it to overcome

many structural obstacles. It can be tinted, etched, sand-

blasted or colour-coated to the most exacting specifications,

striking the perfect balance of privacy, sunlight and ambient

effect in any situation while remaining an open canvas for

colour, texture and pattern – the basic aesthetic elements

that are the foundation of every décor. But in all its mani-

festations, even when it is installed with generous variety

throughout a home, it is always unmistakeably glass.

Built in fixtures, surfaces and partitions aren’t the only

way to bring glass into a home. Those who prefer glass as a

secondary, accenting material, or those looking for subtle

ways to bring a larger glass motif into certain rooms, will

find that it is an equally powerful material when it comes

to accessorizing.

One of the most popular examples of this is the glass

table: an old favourite that is undergoing a modern

renaissance. Glass tabletops today are often as thick as three-

quarters of an inch, giving added weight and presence, and

the list of possibilities for exotic edges and fashionable

finishes is unprecedented. Again, its ability to retain its

character while running the gamut of style – as well as the

fact that it is functionally effective as a dinner, kitchen, patio,

coffee or end-table – makes glass a great choice for those

seeking that difficult balance between the consistent and the

eclectic.

Another common means of accessorizing is with

mirrors – a functional necessity in some parts of the home,

and a delightful addition to others. Mirror walls were once a

highly-sought favourite, typically as the dominant feature of

a single room, but they have been mostly discarded in

favour of a variety of framed accenting mirrors, positioned

care-fully in relation to furniture, lighting and other

accessories. As anyone who has looked through a few

decorator catalogues knows, these accent mirrors are avail-

able in literally hundreds of shapes, sizes and styles. As an

interesting twist, some homeowners mount sheets of etched

glass on the walls instead. Such a sheet can play the role of

a simple, patterned veneer, or it can be intricately designed

and hung like a painting or tapestry.

These design possibilities only scratch the surface.

Glass has found its way into some stunning projects

– as three hundred feet of deck railings surrounding a boat-

house, or as the brass-trimmed, half-inch thick walls of a

glass walk-in closet. Such ideas arise from the collaborations

between ambitious homeowners, skilled decorators and the

experts in glass for construction and décor. Beautiful homes

must embrace the materials that comprise them; glass, far

from being an obstacle to this, is a source of limitless creative

potential.

GlassInYourHome.qxp 3/9/2007 8:26 PM Page 75

Many of the best features of modern land-

scapes have been made possible by newly developed,

man-made materials. Some elements of construction and

design have been improved, while others have simply been

made more accessible and affordable. Though it’s obvious

that engineered products are powerful tools, with potential

applications in nearly every garden, a quick look at past and

present tastes and trends makes another fact equally clear:

natural materials aren’t going anywhere.

There may be no better and more time-honoured

example of this than wood. Engineered stone presents

attractive advantages as a paving material, and some home-

owners are installing front yards of near-perfect artificial

grass, but solid Canadian cedar has held its title as the

material of choice for decks and patios – and not without

reason. The functional and aesthetic advantages of cedar

have yet to be matched by even the best man-made

alternatives.

Right at Home

The Cedar is a tree of wetlands and swamps; it held up

to insects in British Columbia when spruce and pine were

falling apart; it meshes perfectly with local landscapes – in

other words, it belongs here.

As a deck material, the advantages of this are twofold.

It’s durable and inherently acclimatized to this environ-

ment, enabling it to outlast most other materials under

pressure of the elements. It’s also an aesthetic extension of

the natural landscape: one of the most sought after qualities

in a material for modern garden designs, which favour

harmony and a gentle touch when building garden retreats

and places to gather with family and friends.

Built to Last

Though manufactured products attempt to build all the

necessary strength and durability into the material itself, any

good architect or builder knows that it still means very little

without proper design and construction. When it comes to

wood and other natural materials, their inborn quality is

evoked by skilled craftsmanship – as it must be, and has

been for centuries.

A good cedar deck is designed to eliminate all the

places that water might get trapped – seams are minimized,

and those that are necessary are sealed with caulk. As long

as the structure doesn’t hold water, the cedar will be

immune to warping, swelling and other water damage.

Fabricated deck kits consisting of water-treated materials

tend to forgo this level of care in their design, and are often

fastened with clips instead of screws at many points. The


Cedar Decks

Beautiful by Nature, Reliable by Design

CedarDecks.qxp 3/9/2007 8:28 PM Page 76

result is a deck that not only traps water – sometimes even

still resulting in damage several years down the road – but

that can also feel cheaper and less solid beneath your feet.

Genuinely Maintenance Free

When the natural quality of cedar is combined with

attentive, efficient design, the final product is long-lasting

and self-sustaining. In fact, these decks don’t even require

an initial coat of stain or sealant to be completely main-

tenance free. The only deterioration, visible or otherwise, is

the gradual, natural greying of the wood over time. Six or

seven years down the road, there is the option of a light,

biodegradable stain to reawaken the surface and restore its

lustre, while the cedar itself remains as sturdy and reliable

as ever.

If you’re looking into composite materials, plastic

woods and other decks that are labelled maintenance-free,

it’s worth checking the details of this promise. Many

products turn out to require annual, bi-annual or otherwise

regular treatments that are somehow justified as reasonable

upkeep for a ‘maintenance-free’ deck.

Flexible and Fashionable

Within the framework of a proper, water-releasing

structure, there are still countless design options for the

shape and appearance of a cedar deck. The best decks are

made from much larger planks – generally two-by-sixes, and

often as long as 20 feet – for two reasons. Firstly, larger

planks come from older, stronger trees and as such are an

indicator of high quality – but they also improve the deck’s

appearance. Shorter planks, especially when used in large

decks, will frequently need to be lain end-to-end, resulting

in a seamed and disjointed aesthetic, while 20 foot planks

can span large portions of the deck and easily be cut to fit

small or intricate areas.

Since some seams will always be necessary, deck

builders have developed many creative ways of laying out

the surface planks to create pattern and flow among the

planks. The deck can be further stylized through the choice

of railings, from simple wood designs, possibly accented

with latticework or post-toppers, to more contemporary

fashions involving combinations of wood, metal and even

glass. In all cases, the best-made railings will leave few or no

visible screws and fasteners.

Decks, patios and other wood features are increasingly

popular elements of landscape design: modern architects

are thoroughly exploring their potential beyond the

traditional house-adjacent walk-out. Wraparound decks,

boardwalks, bridges, gazebos and floating patios are

dispersed throughout many of today’s gardens – but despite

the diversity of design, most of these features are installed

with common goals: they must be low-maintenance and

long lasting, and they must merge with a subtle, nature-

driven décor. Cedar is tried, tested and home-grown; when

combined with skilled design and craftsmanship, it’s the

perfect addition to a fashionable, functional landscape.


Photo courtesy of DecKing Around

CedarDecks.qxp 3/9/2007 8:28 PM Page 77

78 Builders Showcase

Eastv

Guelph & Wellington

BuildersGuelph & Wellington’s House & Home Resource Magazine ShowcaseShowcaseShowcase

Fergus

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WrightHavenHomes

WrightHavenHomesL I M I T E D

BuildersShowcase.qxp 3/12/2007 9:28 AM Page 78

79Where do you want to live?

case

BuildersShowcase.qxp 3/13/2007 4:26 PM Page 79




519-856-9580

Finest New







Small Town

519-787-6699100 McQueen Boulevard, Fergus

or visit us at www.wrighthavenhomes.com

WrightHavenHomes


WrightHaven Homes is a premier builder, well known for exceptional building quality and

design. We take pride in creating homes that satisfy homeowners now, and for generations to

come. Our commitment to you continues long past move-in-day. We have an excellent service

rating under Tarion Home Warranty Program and have been nominated four times for the Emest

Assaly Builders Award Program for excellent customer service.

At WrightHaven Homes, we are working for you every step of the way.

Let us build the “Wright” home for you!



WrightHavenHomes


Warmth &Beauty

Quality WorkmanshipQuality WorkmanshipWrightHaven Homes is presently building in Southern Ontario’s most desirable locations:

Highland Ridge in Fergus and South Ridge in Elora. We have many premium lots to choose

from including greenbelt and basement walk-out properties.


If you’re looking to purchase a new home in charming Fergus or Elora, chances are you’ll decide on a WrightHaven Home. With the opening of their 2 new sites, Highland Ridge (Fergus) & South Ridge (Elora), WrightHaven Homes captures the market with location, beautiful home sites, excellent quality, outstanding service and a reputation that is second to none.

WrightHaven Homes is a local area builder well entrenched in the community. From meagre beginnings in 1990, Steven Wright of WrightHaven Homes has grown his company into one of the premier builders of the Fergus / Elora community. Wright says, “the foundation of his company is based in the premise that by providing an excellent quality product and good value for the dollar and combining it with great locations, hard work, honesty and pride in what you do, then the market will make you the most desired.” It appears he is right. Whether you are moving up, moving down, just starting out or retiring, WrightHaven Homes has a location & product that is just “Wright” for you.

WrightHaven HomesWrightHaven Homes captures the market

Advertorial

For information on these opportunities, feel free to call locally (519) 787-6699 or visit their website at www.wrighthavenhomes.com

The Galloway 1,865 sq.ft.

Highland Ridge the first of the two new sites is a collection of 35 single-family bunga-low and bungaloft homes on 50 foot and larger lots in a quiet crescent type setting uniquely located in the south end of Fergus. House sizes will range form 1300 sq.ft. to 2000sq.ft. With close proximity to shopping, downtown, hospitals, schools and a newly updated community centre, it is easily the prime location of Fergus. The site is embraced with common element areas adding to the uniqueness and flavour of the community. It will include footpaths with landscaping, exquisite perimeter fencing with stone entrances, landscaping packages, mature trees…both existing and to be planted, decorative lamppost streetlights, optional home maintenance packages, and professionally manicured common element grounds. The site will also feature the preservation of the original Cherry Hill Orchard homestead…the residence of the first postmaster and the master of education for the community, James McQueen. This unique new enclave is a must see if you are considering a new home in lovely Fergus.

The unveiling this spring of the second site, the South Ridge Subdivision(Elora) is WrightHaven’s largest undertaking to date. This 220 lot subdivision in the south end of Elora will have all the beauty and charm of the village itself. Sensitive to the mystique and old world charm of the village, WrightHaven will capture the natural aspects in the community with winding walking paths, naturalized areas and footpaths throughout the subdivision leading to the Cataract Trail adjacent to the site. Parkland and landscaped berms will feature the entranceway that will lead you into the most exquisite subdivision ever built in the area. This site will offer 45’ – 60’ lot frontages with all styles of homes available from spacious bungalow townhomes to executive single detached two storeys. House sizes will range from approximately 1200 – 3000 square feet.

WrightHaven’s latest collection of prime subdivisions will surely continue to contribute to the companies great success. It will provide opportunities for future new home buyers to the quality, value, and pleasurable experience so entrenched in the WrightHaven name. Owning a WrightHaven home is a solid investment. A decision the company respects greatly and works hard to ensure is never compromised. WrightHaven’s track record of never missing a closing and the homes in communities to which they are built have proven themselves and have stood the test of time. The pride put into the construction of your home will be yours to be shared and felt each and every time you pull into your driveway.

Visit WrightHaven’s newest model home in Fergus in their Highland Ridge siteand come and see for yourself the wonderful opportunities they have to offer.

The Dundee 1,485 sq.ft.



87

Air Conditioning Contractors

Fergus Fireplace And Home Comfort

180 St Andrew St W, Fergus

519-843-4845 ..................888-871-4592

(See our ad under Fireplaces)

Savard Mechanical

RR2 Ariss

[email protected] ..........519-886-6894

(See our ad this page)

Appliances-Major-Sales & Service

Vernon Smith Furniture & Appliances

5461 Highway 6 N, RR5 Guelph

.........................................519-824-0382


Builders-Homes

Air Conditioning - BuildersGoldSource

GoldSource.qxp 3/13/2007 4:34 PM Page 87

88 Builders - Concrete GoldSource


89

Builders-Homes

Concrete Contractors

Meadowville Garden Centre

Edinburgh, Guelph .........519-822-8208

Hwy 24 N, Guelph ..........519-822-0840

(See our ad opposite page)

Decks & Patios

DecKing Around

Box 1041 Puslinch ..........519-821-9584


Hickory Dickory Decks

www.decks.ca

Guelph

519-829-3224 ..................800-263-4774


DecksGoldSource


90 Electricians - Fireplaces GoldSource

Electricians

Nelson Electric

www.nelsonelectric.ca

[email protected]

Guelph.............................519-710-9783


Fireplaces

Fergus Fireplace And Home Comfort

180 St Andrew St W, Fergus

519-843-4845 ..................888-871-4592


Wellington Fireplace & Leisure

138 Main St N

Rockwood .......................519-856-0498



91Fireplaces - Flooring GoldSource


92 Flooring GoldSource

Flooring

Bigelow Flooring

www.guelphflooring.com

450 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 5

Guelph.............................519-821-0256


D. Centurione Guelph Classic Tile

705 Speedvale Ave W Unit 2

Guelph.............................519-822-2215


Zimmerman Custom Flooring

www.zimmermanflooring.ca

17A Industrial Dr

Elmira ..............................519-669-3933

(See our ad previous page)


93

Florists-Retail

Sublime Flowers & Décor

215 St Andrew St W

Fergus .............................519-843-1560


Furniture Dealers-Retail

John Thomson And Son Furniture Ltd

www.johnthomsonfurniture.com

157 & 173 St Andrew St W,

Fergus .............................519-843-1502

(See our ad next page)

Morette's Furniture Inc

www.morettesfurniture.com

519-855-4905 ..................519-855-4906


Continued Next Page

Florists - FurnitureGoldSource


94 Furniture GoldSource


95FurnitureGoldSource


Vernon Smith Furniture & Appliances

5461 Highway 6 N,

RR5 Guelph.....................519-824-0382



96

Garage Doors

Automated Door Systems Ltd

www.automateddoor.net

[email protected]

1-567 Silvercreek Parkway N,

Guelph.............................519-829-3777


Gazebos

Bosman Home Front

Teviotdale........................877-343-3456

(corner of Hwy 109 & 23)


Garage Doors GoldSource


97GazebosGoldSource


98

Glass & Mirror

Barber Glass

167 Suffolk St W,

Guelph.............................519-824-0310


Flooring GoldSource


99

Granite

City Stone

8-620 Davenport Rd Waterloo

.........................................519-885-0999


Granite Gallery

871 Victoria St N Unit 12 Kitchener

.........................................519-742-1452


GraniteGoldSource


100 Home Cleaning - Home Decor GoldSource


101

Home Cleaning Services

Homemaid Cleaning Service

519-848-6243 ..................519-835-3215


Home Decor Items

Duncan-McPhee - The Gift Collection

1 Quebec St Guelph

519-821-1260 ..................888-262-7787


Sublime Flowers & Décor

215 St Andrew St W

Fergus .............................519-843-1560


Home Designers

Accuvision 2000 Inc

www.accuvision2000.com

380 Sheldon Dr Ste 8,

Cambridge ......................519-624-9446


Home Decor - Home Designers GoldSource


102 Home Theatre GoldSource

GoldSource.qxp 3/13/2007 9:14 AM Page 102

103Home Theatre - Hot TubsGoldSource

Home Theatre Rooms

Autosonics Stereo Plus

www.autosonics.com

10 Speedvale Ave E,

Guelph.............................519-837-9330


Station Earth Inc

766 Tower St S Fergus ...519-843-3474


Hot Tubs & Spas

Pollock Pools And Spas

www.pollockpools.com

[email protected]

3 Watson Rd Guelph ......519-780-1777


Continued Nex Page


104

Hot Tubs & Spas

Wellington Fireplace & Leisure

138 Main St N Rockwood

.........................................519-856-0498


Interior Decorators

Sara Ness Interiors

134 Wyndham St

Guelph.............................519-763-3334


Interior Designers

Duvet & Pillow Company, The

32 Wilson St Guelph

.........................................519-763-7651


Interior Designers

Tigerlily Design

5 Douglas St Unit 301,

Guelph.............................519-780-2415


Irrigation Systems & Equipment

AWS Irrigation Management

www.awsim.ca

[email protected]

.........................................519-826-5752


Hot Tubs - Interior Designers GoldSource


105Irrigation SystemsGoldSource


106 Kitchen Cabinets GoldSource


107

Kitchen Cabinets

Almost Anything Wood

205 Breadalbane St

Fergus .............................519-843-7500


BND Woodworking Inc

www.bndwoodworking.ca

[email protected]

66 Arrow Rd Unit 1.........519-836-9028


Nu-Way Kitchens

5 km. North of Guelph on

Hwy #6 ...........................519-836-1832


Roberts Creative Cabinetry

RR4 Arthur ......................519-848-3223


Kitchen CabinetsGoldSource


108

Landscape Architects

Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc

Member ASLA, CSLA,OALA

[email protected]

.........................................519-766-1331


Landscape Contractors

& Designers

Alterra Contracting

Serving Guelph & Area

.........................................519-831-5692


Dreamestate Landscaping

Office ...............................519-823-9287

Mobile .............................519-835-9287

(See our ad page 112)

Forestell Designed Landscapes

www.forestell.com

[email protected]

Guelph.............................519-362-1194


Meadowville Garden Centre

Edinburgh, Guelph .........519-822-8208

Hwy 24 N, Guelph ..........519-822-0840


Continued Next Page

Landscape Architects - Landscape Contractors GoldSource


109Landscape ContractorsGoldSource


110 Landscape Contractors GoldSource


111Landscape ContractorsGoldSource


112

Landscape Contractors

& Designers

Renaissance Landscape Group

www.rlgroup.ca

RR#1 Puslinch ................519-822-8668


Speedside Construction Ltd

......................................519-836-5959


Landscape Contractors GoldSource


113

Landscape-Lighting

Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting

.........................................519-767-6774


Landscaping Equipment &

Supplies

Guelph Building Supply

500 Maltby Rd Guelph

.........................................519-780-0400


Landscape Lighting - Landscape EquipmentGoldSource


114

Lawn & Garden Equipment &

Supplies

A&W Recreation

Hwy 6 N Guelph .............519-767-1434


Masonry & Bricklaying

Contractors

Beam Masonry

7 Patrick Blvd, Elora........519-846-6610


Ponds, Waterfalls, Water

Gardens & Fountains

Lawn & Garden - Ponds GoldSource


115

Renovations & Home

Improvements

About The House

www.aboutthehouse.ca

519-848-3128 ..................519-831-6662


Emerald Renovations & Construction

Inc

RR6 Guelph.....................519-821-8946


Harrison Design-Build

26 Ontario St Unit 113

Guelph.............................519-830-9159


Continued Next Page

Renovations GoldSource


116 Renovations GoldSource


117

Renovations & Home

Improvements

Nelson Construction

www.nelsonconstruction.ca

[email protected]

24 Green St Guelph........519-767-5766


Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd

1244 Victoria St N,

Kitchener.........................519-743-4461


Reno Diva

24 Green St Guelph........519-710-5766


Royal City Design

RR2 Elora ........................519-846-8772


Continued Next Page

RenovationsGoldSource


118

Renovations & Home

Improvements

Scott Hoegy Building

[email protected]

RR2 Elora ........................519-846-0163


Renovations GoldSource

There are certain areas in and around your home that will need periodic maintenance to help prevent deterioration.

It is easier to get into a routine of doing the simpler home maintenance projects by checking and cleaning,

Than it is to try and sort out a situation when the problem has really set in.

There are also things that only a professional can check and repair.

Gutter Cleaning

• how often you need to clean your gutters will depend on where you live, the climate and the trees

• a general rule of thumb is at least a twice a year clean out with a careful look over during the rainy season

Roof Maintenance

• be on the look out for tile movement and discoloration - especially during a windy season

• missing tiles or visible dips in the ridge beam of your roof support should be dealt with immediately and professionally

Home Winterizing

Home Winterizing is often overlooked, yet it is an important part of the upkeep of your home. Fall is a perfect time for these projects.

Sealing windows, unused doors, appliance vents and window air conditioning units can significantly lower your heating costs.

Outside, once the trees have lost their leaved, clear all the debris from your yard and eavestroughing.

If you have a pond or water feature be sure to remove the leaved from it as well to avoid clogged filters.


119Roofing ContractorsGoldSource

Roofing Contractors

Superior Steel Roofing Systems

www.superiorsteelroofing.com

[email protected]

107 Malcolm Rd,

Guelph.............................519-822-4818



120

Septic Systems

Pioneer Septic Solutions Inc

Guelph.............................519-763-3349


Siding Contractors

G Frey Contracting

415 Arthur St S,

Elmira ..............................519-503-7378


Sprinklers-Garden & Lawn Stair Builders

Stairworks Ltd

www.stairworks.ca

[email protected]

295 Southgate Dr #8,

Guelph.............................519-823-1921


Septic Systems - Stair Builders GoldSource


121Stair BuildersGoldSource


122

Swimming Pool Contractors &

Dealers

Pollock Pools And Spas

www.pollockpools.com

[email protected]

3 Watson Rd Guelph ......519-780-1777


Swimming Pool GoldSource


123

Tree Service

Douglas Wood Large Tree Service

www.douglaswood.ca

1-800-353-3019 ...............519-856-2771


Upholsterers

Lewis Upholstery

800 York Rd, Guelph.......519-821-8927


Tree Service - UpholsterersGoldSource


124

Window Treatments

Tri-City Solar Solutions

www.tricitysolar.com

1486 Victoria St N Unit 1

Kitchener.........................519-743-0163


Windows & Doors

Merit Window & Door Design Centre

www.meritglass.com

[email protected]

61 Arrow Rd Guelph.......519-822-7470


Windows GoldSource


125WindowsGoldSource


126

Air Conditioning Contractors

Savard Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Appliances-Major-Sales & Service

Vernon Smith Furniture & Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Builders-Homes

Charleston Homes . . . . . . .87, Builders Showcase 78-86

Fabbian Homes . . . . . . . . .87, Builders Showcase 78-86

Wrighthaven Homes . . . . .89, Builders Showcase 78-86

Concrete Contractors

Meadowville Garden Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Decks & Patios

DecKing Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Hickory Dickory Decks . . . . . . . . .89, Inside Front Cover

Electricians

Nelson Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Fireplaces

Fergus Fireplace And Home Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Wellington Fireplace & Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Flooring

Bigelow Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

D. Centurione Guelph Classic Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Zimmerman Custom Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Florists-Retail

Sublime Flowers & Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93


John Thomson And Son Furniture Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Morette's Furniture Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Vernon Smith Furniture & Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Garage Doors

Automated Door Systems Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Gazebos

Bosman Home Front . . . . . . . . .97, Masthead sponsor 7

Glass & Mirror

Barber Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Granite

City Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Granite Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Home Cleaning Services

Homemaid Cleaning Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Home Decor Items

Duncan-McPhee - The Gift Collection . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Sublime Flowers & Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Home Designers

Accuvision 2000 Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Home Theatre Rooms

Autosonics Stereo Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Station Earth Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Hot Tubs & Spas

Pollock Pools And Spas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Wellington Fireplace & Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Interior Decorators

Sara Ness Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Interior Designers

Duvet & Pillow Company, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Tigerlily Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Irrigation Systems & Equipment

AWS Irrigation Management . . .105, Front of Magazine

Kitchen Cabinets

Almost Anything Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

BND Woodworking Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Nu-Way Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Roberts Creative Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Landscape Architects

Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Landscape Contractors & Designers

Alterra Contracting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Dreamestate Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Forestell Designed Landscapes . . . . . . .110, Back Cover

Meadowville Garden Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Renaissance Landscape Group . .109, Back Inside Cover

Speedside Construction Ltd . . . . . . .112, Opposite Page

Landscape-Lighting

Moonlighting Outdoor Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Landscaping Equipment & Supplies

Guelph Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Lawn & Garden Equipment & Supplies

A&W Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Masonry & Bricklaying Contractors

Beam Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Ponds, Waterfalls, Water Gardens & Fountains

Renaissance Landscape Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Renovations & Home Improvements

About The House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Emerald Renovations & Construction Inc . . . . . . . . . .115

Harrison Design-Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Nelson Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Reno Diva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Royal City Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Scott Hoegy Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Roofing Contractors

Superior Steel Roofing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Septic Systems

Pioneer Septic Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Siding Contractors

G Frey Contracting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Sprinklers-Garden & Lawn

AWS Irrigation Management . . .120, Front of Magazine

Stair Builders

Stairworks Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121, Front of Magazine

Swimming Pool Contractors & Dealers

Pollock Pools And Spas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Tree Service

Douglas Wood Large Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Upholsterers

Lewis Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Window Treatments

Tri-City Solar Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Windows & Doors

Merit Window & Door Design Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

GoldSourceADVERTISER / CATEGORY INDEX


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Documents

Livingspaces Spring 2007