HOTTEST RENOVATION TRENDS

On average, renovations are getting bigger, and people are tending to want high-end, quality products. A continuous upgrade approach is popular with fewer people waiting several years between projects.

With children staying home longer and an increased desire to care for the aging parents within our homes, there is a subtle upswing in requests for multi-generational suites. Similarly, wider doorways and entrances, non-skid floors, lever handles and safety rails are more frequently requested.

Retrofitting to improve air quality and energy efficiency is important, particularly during major renovations.

A popular home addition coming out of Europe is a scullery, or as it is sometimes called, a 'dirty kitchen'. A scullery is typically about half the size of the home's eat-in kitchen, and allows the host

to hide the messier aspects of cooking from guests while entertaining. It features a big sink for cleaning, a large cutting/preparation area and storage for appliances and oversized items.

Other European trends include appliances in vibrant hues. And, rather than traditional large refrigerators, ultra-modern kitchens are now featuring smaller units, such as under-the-counter pullout freezers and cooler drawers for fruits and vegetables.

If you are seeking the best return for your renovation dollar, your top three renovation choices remain unchanged: kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and interior painting. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation Survey, these upgrades will net you a return in the range of 70 percent to100 percent of your investment.

Call Before You Dig

Is your home improvement investment worth the effort and expense? I can help you understand what your planned home renovation may do to improve your home's resale value in today's market.

Home improvements, be they decorating, designing or renovating, are becoming almost as common as the annual summer holiday! However, like clothes, shoes and diets, fashions change. What's the new best thing?

HERE'S WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING:

Hot, Not Bothered

Inexpensive Home Heating Tips

The dramatically rising cost of home heating is a bothersome concern for most Canadians. Heating your home efficiently this winter will be the key to keeping your energy costs under control. Here are some quick, easy and, most importantly, inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize impact to your pocketbook:

ADJUST YOUR PERSONAL THERMOSTAT: Wear a sweater and dress warmly around the house. When you're stationary, watching television or reading, you're most susceptible to a chill, so toss a throw around you. Since hot air rises, resist the icy influence of cooler floors with thick socks or slippers.

ADJUST YOUR HOME THERMOSTAT: It goes without saying that the less energy you use, the lower your heating bills will be. Set your thermostat at 21°C when you're home awake, 18°C when you're sleeping and 15°C when you're out of the house. Purchase a programmable thermostat to reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 per cent.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN: While up to 25 per cent of your home's heat is lost through its windows, they are also a source of solar warmth. During daylight hours, keep your drapes open and let the sun help heat your home. Insulate your windows with plastic film to reduce heat loss by 50 per cent. Insulating curtains are expensive, but pay for themselves within 7 years.

SEAL THE LEAKS: Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doorframes, baseboards, ducting and electrical outlets to save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill. Remember to close your fireplace flue when you're not enjoying a fire. Install a door sweep to resist against under-the-door drafts. Turn off the heat supply and close the door to unused rooms, such as a guest bedroom. Close interior doors leading to hallways or stairways to keep the heat where it's needed most.

CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS WHEN HANGING YOUR OUT- DOOR SEASONAL LIGHTING:

POWER DOWN: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.

LOOK FOR THE CSA INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION MARK: Ensure that light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are certified by CSA International and marked for outdoor use or wet locations.

HANG 'EM HIGH: When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles and snow, and away from metal eaves troughs.

DON'T NAIL IT: Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.

BE WEATHER WISE: Remove outdoor lights promptly after the holiday season to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.

TIME IT: Use an outdoor timer certified by CSA International to switch lights on and off. Lights should be turned on after 7p.m. to avoid the electricity rush hour.

THE RIGHT RECEPTACLES: Whenever possible,connectalloutdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters(GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power.