Columbia Valley Homes 2009

2009-2010

The Blackburn house, designed by Quiniscoe Homes of Invermere, overlooks Greywolf Golf Course at Panorama.

Photo by Kyla Brown Photography, Invermere

Columbia Valley Homes is published annually by The Columbia Valley Pioneer.

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Table of Contents

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes is published annually

by The Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper.

Publisher ............................................Elinor Florence Graphic Design .............................. Zephyr Rawbon Editorial ...................................................Sandra Kelly Photography ............................................Kyla Brown Sales Associate ............................ Dave Sutherland Project Manager ....................... Sally Waddington Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 Toll Free 1-877-341-6299 Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Photo by Kyla Brown

This material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of Columbia Valley Homes. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the owner's responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind, is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Message from the Publisher ................................................5 A Little Piece of Heaven ................................................................6 Right Time, Right Place to Build ....................................8 Hot Market, Hot Products ...................................................13 The Dream Renovation ............................................................14 Timeless Timber ....................................................................................16 Smart Homes Getting Smarter ..................................18 Ask Yourself the $9,000 Question ........................19 Geothermal Heat is Power Smart.......................... 20 Hot New Trends in Furniture ..........................................22

Advertising Index Home Hardware .........................................................................................2 Pineridge Mountain Resort ...................................................4 Windermere Water and Sewer ..........................................5 Glacier Mountain Homes ...........................................................8 Whisper Creek Log Homes ......................................................9 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort ........................................10 Bella Vista Estates .............................................................................11 The Residences at Fairmont Ridge .....................12 Home Hardware ...................................................................................13 Redeye Rentals and Sales ...................................................14 Skookumchuck's Rustic Wood Products ..15 HĂźbertHaus Timber Frames ............................................16 Canadian Timberframes ........................................................17 Icynene .................................................................................................................18 Quiniscoe Homes................................................................................ 19 Spirits Reach ...............................................................................................20 Elk Park Ranch .........................................................................................21 Bedroom Furniture Galleries ........................................22 Ashley Furniture ..................................................................................23 The Home Renovation Centre .....................................24 Skihome.ca ....................................................................................................24 Nature's Floors ........................................................................................25 Kicking Horse Interiors ............................................................25 Meridian Mortgage Solutions ....................................27 Valley Spas .....................................................................................................27 Kyla Brown Photography .....................................................28 Diamond Heating and Spas ............................................28 Ferrier's Waterscapes ..................................................................29 Sears ..........................................................................................................................29 Te Papa Nui Antiques and Collectibles .......30 Nature's Floors ........................................................................................30 CopperSide ....................................................................................................31 Bighorn Meadows Resort ....................................................32

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e View iew From Here H

By Elinor Florence Publisher Welcome to our fourth annual Co lumbia V alley H omes magazine, bringing y ou v aluable information abo ut constructing or r enovating y our dream home.

Whether it ’s a lakefr ont cabin, a ski chalet, a retirement home on one o f our gorgeous golf courses, or a family home in one o f our lovely communities, there has never been a better time to buy.

And wit h a supp ly o f experienced building contractors and skilled tradespeople here in the valley, there has never been a better time to build.

Many owners are choosing to renovate their existing homes.

Whether it ’s ne w flooring or a full-scale addition , ther e ar e tradespeople an d supp lies on hand to ma ke your home fresh and new.

Columbia V alley H omes also provides y ou wit h ti ps on building green, ne w tr ends in furniture, the latest home technology, and exciting new building products.

The real estate mar ket may fluctuate, but some things never change – the majestic mountains, t he ca lm waters o f our lakes an d the hushed beauty of our forests continue to draw people here from ar ound the world. Welcome home.

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 5

A Little Piece of Heaven An Edmonton family finds paradise in Panorama Near the fr ont door of the B lackburn r esidence in Panorama stands a rock with the words “dochasach taigh” carved into it. G aelic for hopeful house, t he wor ds r efer both to the family’s Irish and Scottish ancestors and to the home’s setting on Hopeful Creek.

“We thought the house should have a name and that it was a good choice,” says Kevin Blackburn.

It was fitting. Back when K evin an d his wi fe Les lie owned a townhouse in Panorama, the Edmonton residents often walked their dog Luke on the bare land nearby. They marvelled at its magni ficent vie ws an d ta lked about how great it wou ld be to have a r ecreational home there. And then, the land came up for sale.

“We didn’t even consider other properties,” says K evin.

The couple needed a house that would ca pture the

views, but also suit their lifestyle. They have two childr en – Kate, 17, and Andrew, 14 – and plenty of folks who love to visit. They wanted a big kitchen for entertaining, guest quarters, an alpine décor , R-2000 energy effi ciency and smart wiring. And, of course, it all had to look fabulous.

“Quiniscoe Homes turned out to be the right builder for us,” says Kevin.

The Panorama-based custom builder is known for crafting homes that make an impr ession at t he curb, and keep on making it. Kno wing this, y ou’re still unpr epared for the sheer grandeur of the Blackburn house. The soaring ceilings and tall windows, the timber beams all cut on site and chiselled into place, the massive stone fireplace and the open-rise fir steps all say “great architecture.”

Continued on Page 7

Timber beams are accentuated by stonework around the Blackburn house.

Continued from Page 6 Gord Klassen of S itelines Ar chitecture designed the house in collaboration with the Blackburns.

The r esulting plan has the gr eat room and master suite on the main floor and two i dentical bedroom suites upstairs. On the lower, walkout level, there are two guest suites, a home t heatre an d a wine ce llar.

Every room is s pacious, yet somehow intimate.

Outside, t he house has Quiniscoe’s signatur e alpine elegance: cedar si ding in a natura l pa lette, accenting knee braces, an d lots o f stone. K evin jokes that the glass panels on t he upper vie w deck weighed a ton, but were worth every pound because they ke pt the views open.

All the B lackburns love t he view from the dining room best.

“I use d to t hink w e nee ded more art work in the house,” comments Leslie , “but that vie w is a work of art.”

Than ks to Lisa B udenholzer of Q uiniscoe H omes, the house was nominate d for sev eral design awards. The project’s manager and principal interior designer used warm earth tones an d natural materials throughout.

There are too many fine finishes to mention, but the medieval-style door to t he wine ce llar deserves a nod. It’s an eclectic touch.

Overall, this fine home has the kind of character t hat lasts. Les lie put it best: “It’s a piece of heaven.”

Lisa says the project was a great experience for everyone involved.

“I can ’t o verstate ho w m uch all of us at Q uiniscoe Homes, and especially G ord Klassen, our site superintendent T ravis Williams, and I enjo yed wor king wit h the Blackburns to build this beautiful home.”

High ceilings bring floods of natural light into the living area and kitchen.

me, Right Place

Photo by Kyla Brown

the Columbia Valley – now

There's no better way to have your home just right than to build it yourself.

When Janice and Rob Miller set out to build their dream home in I nvermere, they hit a coup le of snags. I t was t he year 2000. There were no serviced building lots available in neighbourhoods that appealed to the newlywed Calgarians, and no local builders who could meet all their needs.

“We had a checklist,” says Janice. “We wanted a timberframed w eekend home that would ev entually become our permanent r esidence. We wanted to be in a development with building restrictions to safeguard our investment. And, ideally, we wanted access to r ecreation facilities. We looked all over the district, and the choices were pretty limited.”

The couple finally bought a piece o f raw land in a ne w subdivision called Lakevie w Meadows, on the east side o f Lake Windermere. There were no roads leading to their lot and no ser vices in place. Two years later they hired Robert Mitchell, a master builder based in Canmore.

Continued on Page 9

Glacier Mountain Homes Ltd. Custom Home Building

250-342-1517 gmhltd@telus.net www.glaciermountainhomes.com 8 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

“We bought a piece of silt and hired an out-of-province builder,” says Janice with a laugh. “We had no idea how things would turn out.”

They turned out fine. The house is stunning and Lakeview Meadows is now an address of distinction in the Columbia Valley. Since the Millers had their shopping adventure, beautiful new subdivisions have sprung up from Golden to Cranbrook, all with accessible, fully serviced home sites and all the amenities the Millers hoped to enjoy.

Shopping is easy now. In fact, there never has been a better time to build in the valley.

Consider the sheer variety of home sites available: everything from modestly-priced cottage lots in the trees, to estate lots with sweeping lake and mountain views, to secluded acreages.

All the services are installed underground and all the new residential developments have architectural controls in place to support property values and ensure peace of mind for homeowners.

Award-winning master builders of every specialty are now based here. Quiniscoe Homes, to cite just one example, is an industry leader.

Continued on Page 11

Photo by Kyla Brown

Continued from Page 8

Everything from light fittings to countertops is available in the valley.

Stop Dreaming.

Start Building.

Whi you. you’

w w w. w h i s p e rc re e k l o g h o m e s . c o m 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 9

The Rejuvenation of REJUVENATION Be a part of the brand new Fairmont Hot Springs With its bold new vision now unfolding, Fairmont Hot Springs is enjoying a host of enhancements and additions. Get out there with Eco-Adventures. Savour some of the finest cuisine in the BC Rockies. Golf the largest operation in the Columbia Valley. Soak in the view from the hot natural mineral pools. Live in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Discover the new Fairmont Hot Springs

and be among the first to call it home Only 24

For more information, call 1.866.412.6346 or register today at immerseyourself.ca This is not an offering for sale, which can only be made with a disclosure statement. Developer reserves the right to make modifications.

All the talent that goes into building a quality home is locally available: architects, technologists, interior designers, plumbing, heating and electrical contractors, general contractors and skilled finishing trades.

Building materials – everything from lumber to lights – ar e just a phone call away . And hom eowners no longer have to shop outside the valley for quality furnitur e and accessories, or luxuries such as hot tubs. Local companies off ering property management, home security and home stocking services have taken much of the str ess out of home ownership, especially for absentee owners.

Wende B rash has been se lling re al estate in the valley since 1990.

“The building climate her e has impr oved in so many ways,” says the owner/broker of Re/Max Invermere. “And I think that for people who want their dr eam home, building is the way to go .

Dream homes tend to be high-end, and homes of that quality seldom come available for resale here.

And besides, it’s the best way to get the home you truly want.”

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Continued from Page 9

Qualified experts like Hi Heat Insulating's Donna Hazelaar will create your dream home.

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A special place . . . waiting for you

“Best Value for Lakeview Lots” NO BUILDING COMMITMENT

Last lots just released • View lots from $209,000 Your Natural Choice FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS www.bellavistaltd.com Contact Bob Walker 1-250-345-6668

ACCESS TO COLUMBIA LAKE WITH DOCK • OVERSIZED ESTATE LOTS 0.6 ACRES ON AVERAGE • ONLY FIVE MINUTES SOUTH OF FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 11

A NEW FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS IS TAKING FORM. Exquisitely furnished 2 - 4 bedroom townhomes / Prime golf, lake and ski season use / Eighth, quarter and whole ownership options / Club membership / RCI exchange privileges / OVER 6 WEEKS OF LUXURY COLUMBIA VALLEY LIVING FROM $5,000 / YEAR. WHOLE OWNERSHIP FROM THE $550’S QUARTER FRACTIONS FROM THE $120’S EIGHTH FRACTIONS FROM THE $80’S POSSESSIONS SUMMER 2009

1.877.646.5890 fairmontridge.ca

Hot Market, Hot Products Renovations keep Home Hardware hopping

The ne w-home mar ket may be takin g a r est, but the renovations market is vital, and all indicators point toward an ev en str onger mar ket a head. Statistics Cana da r eports that w e Canadians ar e curr ently spendin g four times as much on renovations as we were just a few years ago.

“I think that over the past few years we've become more aware of the value of our homes,” says John Van Spankeren, general sales manager at H ome H ardware in I nvermere.

“It’s our greatest asset. It's important to maintain it."

Homeowners in the Columbia Valley must agree. John and his team ar e “nicely busy.” The team includes six installers, installation administrator Karen Coggins and project sales consultants Lisa R enney, J ackson Schrader and Wes Coulson.

Home Hardware is the biggest supplier of building materials in the valley. And the Home team installs everything from new hot-water tanks to shiny new kitchens. A typical project for t he team mi ght inc lude r eplacing all the mahogany doors in an old house with mor e up-to-date models, or tearing out an old kitchen to make way for a ne w

one designed by Lisa Renney in consultation with the customer. When the kitchen is complete, it will have new cabinets and countertops, faucets, backsplash tile and flooring – anything that the customer wants and that Home Hardware can supply.

Among the many products that are popular these days, phantom scr eens ar e an es pecially hot item, says J ohn.

“They disappear in winter and they help to keep the bugs out in summer . One manufacturer, Jeld-Wen, is incor porating phantom screens into its windows now.”

Home Hardware also gets a lot of r equests for retractable awnings, he says, partly because they’re easier to operate these days. They come with a remote control device and a sensor that automatically r etracts the awning when the wind comes up.

In flooring, the hot new trends include cork and bamboo, but most folks still pr efer the traditional har dwoods.

John says that oak isn’t as popular as before, but maple and knotty pine are as much in demand as ev er. And laminate is here to stay.

HOME RENOVATION TAX CREDIT THE TIME HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER

Canada Revenue Agency www.cra.gc.ca g

YOU COULD RECEIVE UP TO $2,35000 IN CREDITS

On eligible projects costing between $1,00000 – $10,00000 (before taxes) eligible Homeowners can receive a 15% Income Tax credit for the 2009 tax year, up to a maximum of $1,35000 on material and/or labour, from the Canada Revenue Agency. This credit will be in the form of a Year End Income Tax Credit. In addition, Invermere Hardware & Building Supplies will issue an additional In-store Credit (In the form of an In-store Gift Card) of 10% of the project price, up to a maximum of $1,00000.

THAT IS ALMOST 25% OF THE PROJECT COST BACK TO YOU In addition, you can take advantage of our competitive pricing, expert advice, professional installation services, and add to your AEROPLAN Miles.

As an added bonus, finance your project using Home Hardware’s exclusive Home Improvement Financial Service. (Provided by RBC) Cannot be combined with any other discounts or specials. Some conditions apply. See in-store for details.

CALL NOW AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR PROJECT SALES CONSULTANTS Projects – Jackson: 250-342-2434, Wes: 250-342-2433 Cabinets – Lisa: 250-342-2432 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 13

This makeover shows what talent can do The marvelous ma keover o f a w eekend r etreat in t he Windermere Valley proves that something good can indeed come from something bad.

The house was 40 years old – and tired. When a broken water pipe caused serious damage, the owners asked Linda Hatt (Linda Hatt Interiors) and her husband Ken (Columbia Fire & Flood Services) to design and oversee a full-scale renovation o f the house. Con fident o f their c hoice, t hey gave Linda a free hand with the design.

“This wasn’t my first big design project,” she says on a tour of the gorgeous home, “but it was the first time I had this degree of freedom. It was the dream renovation.”

It was a big pr oject. Lin da an d K en too k the 3,000 square-foot house down to the studs and began anew. The biggest chor e: pr ying an old cistern out of the concr ete basement.

“It had to be jack-hammered out, and it was stubborn,” says Linda.

But the previously “dark and creepy” space yielded two guest bedrooms, a bathroom/laundry r oom an d a home theatre. “The o wners w ere amaz ed. They couldn’t believe the transformation.”

New doors, eav es an d Ha rdiplank si ding (U niversal Doors & E xteriors) and fr esh landscaping (D on S tober) brought the exterior up-to- date. Frank Purschwitz did all the stone work, including the cultured stone fireplace that soars to the full height of the vaulted ceiling.

Knowing their reputation for good work, Linda hired David Ridge and his able crew (Fairmont Ridge Renovations) to r edo the bathr ooms and install a kitchen twice the size of the original. And what a kitchen it is: r oughly 20 feet wide with traditional-style Westridge cabinets, Corian countertops, a natural stone backsplash, an 11-foot eating bar and built-in Therma dor appliances.

Continued on Page 15

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David calls it “the showpiece of the home,” and rightly so.

Fairmont Ridge Renovations also installed the engineered maple flooring, and all the tile and slate.

“We’ve been in business for five years here in the valley, and we’ve done literally hundr eds of kitchen, bathr oom and base ment renovations,” says David. “I can tell you: a project of this size takes talent and teamwork.”

As per the client’s wishes, Linda used both classic and con temporary finishes to give the essentially new home an old-world ambience.

The handmade drapes and the patterned carpet on the stairs leading to a loft are charmingly vintage, while the white mouldings and sheer white window blinds are urban-fresh. The home’s grey/ginger colour scheme is a constant treat.

Linda got her star t 40 y ears ago by decorating for friends and family, a nd now has a t hriving freelance practice. S he and Ken have lived in the valley since 1974.

David Ridge grew up in t he valley in a family of builders.

Fairmont Ridge Renovations is the biggest renovations contractor in the valley, and the only one with a showroom.

David and his wife Genevieve attribute the company’s success to a focus on r enovations, good relations with other businesses in the v alley, a skilled staff and a passion for making the old new again.

Before and after: a dark, outdated home was turned into a light, bright masterpiece.

One of those hidden treasures in the East Kootenay.

Teak furniture, sculptures, and knick-knacks for the home and patio.

Stop by the Skookumchuck Service Centre and have a look around.

4534 Highway 93 & 95, Skookumchuck, B.C. • (250) 422-3737 • E-mail: skookumchuckcentre@msn.com

(Half way between Invermere and Cranbrook, B.C.) 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 15

meless Timber

Photo by Kyla Brown

Timber frame: our featured home style for 2009

Exposed beams give every room a sense of grandeur.

• Authentic Timber Frame manufacturing and installation.

• Award winning custom Timber Frame home planning and design.

• LEED Canada for Homes design experience.

• Continuing to build on reputation since 1999.

HübertHaus Timber Frames Golden, British Columbia Ph: 1-250-344-8956 Fx: 1-250-344-8959 E-mail: contact@timberframecanada.com Web: www.timberframecanada.com

16 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

Is ther e anything grander than a timber-framed home?

It’s mor e t han a dwelling: it ’s a ce lebration o f the marriage of nature and human endeavour.

With tim ber framing, ta ll posts rise up from t he floor to connect overhead in a soaring network of beams, rafters and braces, joined with glove-like precision.

It r equires master ful wor kmanship an d an ar tist's eye to com plete, but the finished product is a won der to behold.

In t he Co lumbia Valley, tim ber is especia lly befitting. The frame o f the home is comp lemented by t he scenery outside the windows.

The entire structure, which can stand for centuries, is kept open.

Continued on Page 17

“It certainly dates back as far as t he 12th century," he says.

The drama of the cathedral ceiling and the warmth o f "I think that back then people had a str onger sense of the wood give this architecture a timeless beauty. religion, and of grand achievement. You see it in the strucThe main thin g distin guishing timber framin g fr om tures they built all o ver Europe and Japan and other parts conventional stick framing is the absence of nails. of the world. They built str uctures to last, and the y have Builders of timber-framed homes refine their own tech- lasted.” niques for joining the timbers, but the basic timber frame Kurt says that for homeo wners, the a ppeal of timber uses girts, plates and purlins to tie the posts and rafters to - can be summarized in one word: nature. gether.

“I t hink that w hether or not t hey know it, t he folks And unlike stick-framed homes , the timber-framed who live in timber-framed homes feel closer to nature.” home requires no interior load-bearing walls. The frameIn business since 1999, HübertHaus has worked everywork of beams supports the entire structure. where from Singapore to the United Kingdom.

Timber framin g was common thr oughout N orth The company has a team of skilled s pecialists with America until the late 1800s. roughly 25 years of experience.

Industrial inno vation an d a growing popu lation By incorporating the traditional hand-cutting of timprompted mass production of building materials. Sawmills bers with modern technolo gy, they craft homes that ar e both stunning and precise. started pr oducing dimensional lumber that was easier to ship and install than big timbers.

All the peop le w ho build tim ber-framed homes ap And it was cheaper. Carpenters used factory-made nails preciate the precision made possible by computer-assisted to assemble the sticks into structures supported by the nails drafting. rather than a heavy timber frame.

“The technology has ma de t he pr ocess faster an d the Kurt Hubert, owner of HübertHaus Timber Frames in end pr oduct mor e accurate,” says Lair d P ittman, general Golden, says that timber framing actually dates back thou- manager of Canadian Timberframes Ltd., another Goldensands of years. based company in business since 1999.

Continued from Page 16

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 17

Smart Homes Getting Smarter The technology is truly amazing

The most impressionable art is behind the wall It’s a stroke of genius the way Icynene® can seal your home from the elements.

Icynene insulation, thanks to its soft spray foam application, effectively reduces air leakage by sealing cracks and seams through which harmful, moisture laden air can invade your living space.

As an all-in-one water-based insulation and air barrier, Icynene creates a healthy indoor environment virtually free of pollen and pollutants, providing increased relief from allergies and asthma.

Admire the air in your home.

A member of…

18 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

Automation for homes isn’t new: it’s been around since the early 1990s. But the technology never ceases to amaze.

“When home automation was first introduced, it was experimental, like all new technologies,” says B rian McIntosh of Digital Homes, Fairmont. “It’s far more sophisticated now, yet easier to use, less expensive to install, and more stable than the technology we had only a few years ago.”

At the cor e of home a utomation is what techies call “structured wiring.” This is essentially a group of wires and cables run to a central location. A properly designed smart wiring system will allow for current and future audio, video and home automation technology to be installed.

Home automation lets homeowners control or program their electronic devices from one or more locations in their home, or by remote. So a couple who lives in Calgary can use the internet to arm t he home security system at t heir cottage in Windermere. They can adjust the thermostat, switch appliances on or off, control lighting, and even learn by email that their garage door was left open.

And the system helps to r educe a home’s carbon footprint. “We can pr ogram motion sensors to s hut the lights off when a room has been empty for a while.”

The integration of so many functions is cer tainly convenient. With home automation, that couple from Calgary can use one sim ple button to com pletely shut down their cottage before leaving to go home. “Today you can operate the system with a single remote, or even with an iPhone.”

Whole-home audio and video has come a long way, too.

The term "whole home" describes the abilit y to distribute audio and video from a central point to many locations in a home. “The ability to access your music and DVD libraries from the same r emotes and touch screens that contr ol the other home functions has also become easier,” says Brian.

Most o f his c lients in t he Co lumbia Valley ar e r ecreational homeowners. Brian stresses the importance of aftersales service. “You have to service everything you own, and with this kind of equipment, it’s important to have a local service representative. We’re now providing service to some folks who purchased their systems through out-of-province companies. W e’re here an d able to keep t hings r unning smoothly.”

Ask Yourself the $9,000 Question How can you update your home?

Here’s the scenario: y our house or cotta ge in the Co lumbia Valley is 10 y ears old. Compar ed with the sho whomes y ou’ve seen, it ’s looking a little tir ed. You’ve got a wish list of updates and some of them qualify for Canada’s 15 percent Home Renovation Tax Credit.

The tax cr edit can be claimed once in t he 2009 fiscal year on expenditur es totallin g mor e than $1,000 but less than $10,000. Only $9,000 is actually eligible, so no matter how much more than that you spend, you still get a credit of only $1,350. So, what can you get for $9,000?

Only fixtures qualify for the credit. That includes such things as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, paint, flooring, windows and sidin g. Basically, anything that must r emain behind when you leave the house is eligible. Expenses such as labour and building permits qualify, too.

The experts say that kitchens, bathr ooms and fi nished basements add the most v alue to a home. “They should be your first upgrade,” says D avid Ri dge o f Fairmont Ri dge Renovation in I nvermere. “E ven if y our cabinets ar e still good, you can replace your laminate countertops with Corian or quar tz or granite. An d a finished basement a dds value and living space.”

After 15 years in the fi eld, five of them in r esort de sign, April Trapp (Design Cents) is ma king her consi derable talents av ailable to other commer cial clients , and to homeowners. April has good advice for folks who just want to freshen up their tired homes.

“Each house has its o wn needs, but I think all houses benefit fr om fr esh paint. G iving y our walls ne w life with current colours can make a huge improvement. If you’re going to change your paint colours, though, you need to consider your existing fl ooring and woods. You want to keep those things looking new as well.”

April also su ggests r eplacing items such as dated wall panelling and wallpaper with more fashionable finishes.

Debbie F ischer o f N’D eco I nteriors in Ra dium H ot Springs agrees.

“If your cabinets ar e still in good shape, r epainting is the next best thin g. Or for $9,000 y ou can completely r eaccessorize. New cabinet har dware, pillows, lamps and ar t work will give your house a fresh new look."

HOMES

Building Exceptional Homes and Relationships 250-342-0853

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 19

Nature’s Own Furnace Geothermal heat is power smart Among the many green building practices w e employ today, geothermal heating is the most natural and in some ways the cleverest. But it isn’t new: humans have been drawing heat from the earth since the Paleolithic era.

Geothermal heatin g is the dir ect use of geothermal power for heating applications. This potent energy origi nates from t he formation o f the p lanet, from ra dioactive decay of minerals and fr om solar ener gy absorbed at the earth’s sur face. M ost geothermal heat is har vested in r egions close to tectonic plate boundaries where volcanic activity rises close to the surface of the earth – in other words, hot places.

The ground an d groundwater in t hose p laces can be hotter than the ideal temperatur e of y our livin g room in January. That’s not the case her e in the Columbia Valley, where the ground is warmer than in the Arctic but definitely colder than in Hawaii. It does contain heat, though, and that heat can be extracted with a geothermal heat pump.

20 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

Here’s how it works: The pump circulates a carrier fluid (usually a water/antifreeze mix) through pipes buried in the ground. As the fl uid cir culates, it absorbs heat fr om the ground, which in turn warms t he fluid. The warmed fluid goes back through the pump, which uses electricity to ex tract the heat from it.

The re-chilled fluid is t hen sent back through the ground, thus continuing the cycle. In hot weather, the same system uses the cold water to cool the house. I t’s natural, quieter and far more energy efficient than conventional air conditioning.

Not all builders take adv antage. The system is mor e expensive to insta ll than a conventional forced air furnace – $25,000 verses $15,000 – and it’s harder to install. Wells ranging fr om 500 to 750 feet deep must be drilled. B ut “green” developers and builders won’t use anything else.

Continued on Page 21

Continued from Page 20 “Geothermal heating goes hand-in-hand with the phi losophy of building green,” says Dave Rae of Columere Park Developments. “It’s part of the package.”

That's one of the reasons that Columere Park Developments was name d as a finalist in BC H ydro’s Power Smart Excellence awards program. The awards showcase the best energy efficiency and conservation practices among BC Hydro customers.

The nomination was for Builder/Developer of the Year.

The development is Spirits Reach.

The 500-acre master planned community on Columbia Lake is a thoroughly green development, featuring the latest in r enewable energy technologies, water conser vation and environmental building practices.

Dave says that he and his wife and business partner Donna decided early to go geothermal, mostly because of the long-term cost benefit to the homeowner.

“Last January, a typical energy bill here at Spirits Reach was just $100 for heat and electricity , all in. That ’s cheap energy at a time when energy costs are rising. Over time, our residents will save thousands on their energy bill.”

Help is at hand for saving energy at home • First and for emost, get educated: N atural R esources Canada is a terrifi c source of information about energy ef ficient appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and tips on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

• Apply for rebates: the EcoEnergy Retrofit Initiative is a federal government program that provides grants to homeowners who improve their home’s energy efficiency. In B.C., the Liv eSmart Effi ciency I ncentive P rogram issues r ebates for a v ariety of improvements. Albertans who take possession of a ne w EnerGuide-labelled home in 2009 can get a rebate from their provincial government.

• Use the Home Renovation Tax Credit: take full advantage of the 15-percent credit available to all Canadian homeowners in 2009. U pgrades are eligible, so y ou can r eplace that clunky old furnace, or install a heat pump, or reinsulate your attic. An Energy Star qualifi ed furnace with a v ariable speed motor will save you about $500 a year.

• Get an energy audit: an energy expert from BC Hydro will determine where you’re losing the most heat, give your home an energy-use rating, and r ecommend improvements without trying to sell you products. And you can get a rebate on the cost of the audit through the LiveSmart program.

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 21

nds in Furniture Look for these styles in 2009

Leather furniture continues to appeal.

had been exhausted, along come bold new designs and materials and ways to put them together. And the latest trends are about more than looks: the v ery purpose of furniture is being rethought.

The hottest new design trend is global – furniture influenced from countries all o ver the world. Animal prints are especially popular. From leopard to cheetah, skin-look slipcovers are turning up on everything from refinished antique chairs to contem porary sofas. G lobal accessories, es pecially pottery and statues, seem to complement any décor.

Flexible furniture is a practical ne w tr end. S ometimes called multipurpose or multitasking furnitur e, these pieces have to serve more than one purpose. For example, a wooden side table must double as a file cabinet. Its top surface can be used to display ar t objects or books, or it can be used as a desk for a laptop computer. Flexible furniture is i deal for small homes.

Continued on Page 23

We Make Your House a Home

813 Baker Street, Downtown Cranbrook • www.bedroomfurnituregalleries.ca

Shop by phone: 1.888.678.4343 or 250.426.2316 Weekly delivery to Invermere and area. 60 Day Price and Comfort Guarantee 22 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

Photo by Kyla Brown

Continued from Page 22

A day bed makes the best use of a sunny corner.

The shape of things to come is t he square, specifically the squar e, counter- height dining-room ta ble t hat comes with bar-height chairs.

This idea is long overdue, and not just because it’s attractive. The square is a practica l shape: it lets eight dinner companions exchange food trays without overreaching, and converse in an intimate setting.

Joey Hoechsmann, owner of Ashley Furniture and Bedroom Furniture G alleries in C ranbrook, says the counter height table is perfect for today’s lifestyle.

“We do a lot of entertaining in that area, and we’re not necessarily sitting down for it. A counter-height table works like a kitchen island. You can put food trays out, an d your guests can munch while they’re standing. But if you are sitting down, the extra height giv es you a better vie w out of your windows.”

Contrasting co lours an d textur es ar e a lso tr endy t his year. The classic exam ples: a black walnut bed frame with a white leather headboard, and a r everse coffee table – one with glass legs and a wooden table top.

When you want colour schemes with a bit of sna p and sparkle, then use bold, bright complementary colours.

Continued on Page 24

at Ashley we create fashion, provide selection, deliver value 1708 Cranbrook St N © Cranbrook BC V1C 3S8 © 250.426.2311 Mon-Sat 9:00am-5:30pm © Fridays til 8:00pm

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2009 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd.

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 23

Continued from Page 23

Your One-Stop Home Renovation Centre For all your indoor and outdoor renovation needs, from roofing and decking, to kitchen cabinetry and countertops.

Visit our fabulous 3,000 sq. ft. showroom Open Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ph: 250-342-HOME (4663) • FAx: 250-342-4662 Unit 1B, 492 Arrow Rd. Invermere

www.HomeRenovationCentre.ca

These vibrant colours may come as a shock to the eye at first. But if you break yourself in gently, courage is rewarded with a strongly individual scheme.

Contrast can be achieved with something as simple as a red sofa in an all-white room. Leather, no matter its colour, is always in style.

Joey says that the monochromatic tones are popular right now – whites and creams accented by chocolate brown and blue tones.

With bedding, the trend is toward mattresses made from organic, renewable materials. That includes rubber latex and bio-foams derived from corn and soya.

“There’s also a trend away from the soft, luxurious beds we’ve had in recent years back toward firmer mattresses.”

Antique furniture is timeless rather than trendy, but some items are more popular at times than others.

“We seem to be selling a lot of dining-room suites these days,” says Elizabeth Klein of Te Papa Nui Antiques and Collectibles in Invermere. “We’re not sure why, but one reason may be that they eventually become heirlooms.”

No matter the era, people will always use antiques as accent pieces, says Elizabeth. “It can be something as simple as a bench by the front door. It just adds a nice touch.”

Renovations & Custom Cabinets Visit our website at www.skihome.ca or call 250-342-2555 24 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

Check Out Our New Look!

Photo by Kyla Brown

We’ve renovated to provide better access and to better showcase our flooring selection.

• Featuring renewable flooring • Non-Toxic Finishes from Cork, Bamboo and Eucalyptus • Large Selection of Area Rugs • Reclaimed Wood Flooring • Tile, Stone and Carpet

A dining-room table will last a lifetime, or more.

#109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

Ask about our complete Home Furniture Packages Starting From:

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FREE DELIVERY • • • • • • • • • • • •

Furniture Dining Sets Mattresses Futons Lamps Linens Area Rugs Window Kitchen Framed Home Accents Gifts

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 25

A glass-panelled deck allows a sweeping view of Lake Windermere.

Home Services • • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

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SHOLINDER & MACKAY ACK A CK CKA EXCAVATING A ATING TIN TING ING IInc. n nc.

Septic Systems ste t ms Installe Installed nsta ns s al d ~ Pu Pum P Pumped mp ped d ~ Re Repa Repaired epair ire red ed Prefab Pr P rrefa refffab ab Cement Cementt Tanks anks Installed Ins In I sta s alle W Water Lines L nes D Du ug In IInstta talled allled d Basements B nts ts D Dug ug

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26 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

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Now featuring Engineered for the world’s harshest climates • SALES • SERVICE • SPA & POOL CHEMICALS • WATER MAINTENANCE • A CCESSORIES, BILLIARDS, SAUNAS, MASSAGE CHAIRS AND OTHER LEISURE PRODUCTS • FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN

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Home Services Bennett Construction Growing with the Tradition of Quality

• Framing • Exterior Finishing • Decks • Renovations • Sub-Contracting Kristoffer Bennett (250) 341-5030

krisbennettconstruction@hotmail.com

April Trapp Designer/ r Proj o ect Manager

Ph: 250.341.5649 Interior/ r Exterior Design Fax: 250.345.6130 Commercial & Residential atrappdesign@shaw a .ca www.designcents.ca

HD Enterprises Ltd. “The Aluminum Deck Railing Specialists” Over 7 miles of experience 1820 Wilmai Place Windermere, BC V0B 2L2

Harold Hazelaar Ph: (250) 342-7656 Fax: (250) 342-8358

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 27

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Home Services

Invermere

(250) 341-6888

www.cordnerarchitect.com

Invermere Electric Ltd. • Reasonable rates • Residential - Commercial • Electric furnace and hot water tank repair • Maintenance and service • Central vacuum systems For all your electrical needs call:

Free Estimates!

28 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

(250) 342-8878 or e-mail invermereelectric@gmail.com

TRANSFORM YOUR LANDSCAPE

WITH MOVEMENT

AND SOUND

Appliances

Electronics

Mattresses Seasonal & Fitness

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• Underground Irrigation with Seamless Trencher • Ponds and Pondless Waterfalls • Excavator, Mini Hoe and Bobcat Work • Landscaping • Retaining Walls • Paving Stone

Fully Insured • 250-342-1301

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Licensed & Insured

250-688-HAWK

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Shower Doors•Mirrors •Auto•Home•Commercial

Telephone: 250-342-3659

Jeff Watson

invermereglass@cyberlink.bc.ca

Serving the Valley since 1995• #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

(Since 1988)

Donna Hazelaar

PHONE: 250-342-7260 FAX: 250-342-8358 4328

TOLL FREE 1-888-650-HEAT

WWW.HIHEATINSULATING.COM

• Machine Blown Walls & Attics • WallBar Insulation System • Friction Fit Batts • Commercial & Residential • Free Local Estimates 1820 WILMAI PLACE, WINDERMERE, BC V0B 2L2 EMAIL: SALES@HIHEATINSULATING.COM

2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 29

Quality Antiques

For All Your Flooring Needs

Quality antique furniture and collectibles form Canada, Europe and Asia.

Tel: (250) 342-0707 Fax: (250) 342-9049

We strive to provide you with fast efficient quotes, and a finished product that we will always stand behind.

Industrial Industrial Park, Park, Invermere Invermere (On (On the the road road to to Panorama) Panorama)

Web: www.tepapanui.com • E-mail: klein@nucleus.com

#109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

Home Services Lower your carbon footprint and simplify your entertainment systems with an integrated home from the valley’s technology experts.

Phone 250-345-0349 Mobile (250) 270-0689 Email BMcintosh@DigitalHomes.ca

• Green Technologies • Home Theatre • Whole Home Audio & Video • Digital Media • Lighting Control • Temperature Control • Home Control • Renovations or New Construction

On Site Sand and Finished Hardwood Floors Without the Dust! #109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

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688-0213

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour!

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• Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

30 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

PRESENTING...

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CopperSide Luxury Mountain Residences is the final phase of Lakeview Meadows, Invermere’s most desirable new community.

This peaceful and private property consists of only 26 luxuriously appointed residences with unparalleled amenities.

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Come and see for yourself why CopperSide Luxury Mountain Residences is the premiere condominium development in the Columbia Valley.

After all, you’ve earned your reward ... it’s simply time to collect.

For more information about this amazing property, visit our show suite at 880 Lakeview Drive, Lakeview Meadows, Invermere, B.C. Show Suite open daily 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Phone 250-688-0512 • www.copperside.net 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes • 31

fractional, 1/8, 1/4 or whole ownership from $17,900 nightly accommodations available for a luxurious getaway getaway

www.bighornmeadows.ca Uncompromising quality in luxury resort properties 32 • 2009 – 2010 Columbia Valley Homes

1-888-766-9637 info@bighornmeadows.ca