FineHomes Regina Fall 2011 by Fine

FineHomes REGINA FALL 2011

EMERALD PARK HOMES Member Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association

FINE HOMES EXCLUSIVE:

SHANNON TWEED’S BEVERLY HILLS MANSION MAKE-OVER

Q & A: CHEF MICHAEL SMITH INTERIOR DESIGN: MEREDITH HERON RENOVATIONS: SHELL BUSEY GARDENING: KEN BEATTIE

Regina Budget Blinds Is Regina And Surrounding Area’s #1 Choice For All Window Covering Needs!

BUDGET BLINDS IS NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERING COMPANY, WHICH PROVIDES THE COMPETITIVE EDGE ON PRODUCTS AND BUYING POWER. Locally owned and operated, Leanne Fisher is proud to call Saskatchewan home again after moving to Alberta for college 13 years ago! “If you ask any of our staff why we do what we do...they will all answer...because we get to meet so many great people”! Our staff makes the difference! In addition to providing customers with education about each product at a competitive price – our staff truly cares about facilitating a fun, professional in-home atmosphere to make the window covering process easy! If it’s having product air shipped and installing at 11 p.m. on a Friday night to prepare for a wedding the following day, or aiding an elder customer with cleaning her windows while we’re up on the ladder – we are different – we go the extra mile! We are out to change how you buy window coverings! Shop where your windows are. We come to you! Explore fabrics, materials, choices and features from hundreds of product styles and colors. We measure so you get the perfect fit, and then provide professional installation to ensure a beautiful view!

PLEASE CALL 306.949.2300 TO BOOK YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

® ®

534 University Park Drive, Regina, Sk. e-mail mlfisher@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com

After

Before

Bar-T Construction is a family-run business that has been serving Regina and Southern Saskatchewan since 1983. At Bar-T Construction we understand that building a new house or doing a renovation can be a stressful time, so our knowledgeable staff will help you through the process of choosing the right exterior package for you. Please visit our showroom at 1150 Park Street and let us help you, whether you are looking to update your curb appeal or make your home more energy efficient. We are the exterior people.

After

Before

• Roofing

• Cultured Stone

• Vinyl Siding

• Soffits, Fascia , Eavestrough

• Cement Fibre Siding

• Decking – Weatherdek & Moistureshield

• Exterior Insulation

• Aluminum Railing

• Paper & Wire

• Vinyl Fencing

• Acrylic Stucco

• All-Weather Windows Dealer

• Dryvit Exterior Insulated Finish Systems

• Do-It-Yourself Packages Also Available

FineHomes REGINA

Specializing in new residential, commercial and renovations

1150 Park Street | Regina, Sk. 306.789.9777

Live in air you love! Purify, fragrance and eliminate odours, all without chemicals or sprays. Lampe Berger - what every well-dressed home is wearing!

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1275 Broad Street | Regina Saskatchewan | 306.352.3916 | www.basketcases.ca

MATERIALS SUPPLIED BY:

DANIEL TOUPIN SHOWING HIS HIDDEN PASSAGE DOOR

Having worked in the building industry most of my life, I have seen many different styles and quality of work. What I have learned is there is a great need for high quality execution in finishing. My work represents me and I take great pride in my craft. I adhere only to the highest standards. Got different ideas? Something never done before? I am always up for the challenge. My newest endeavour is hidden passage doors. Designing, creating the mechanism and configuration of each installation has proven to be an amazing challenge. The end result has been a seamless feature piece that reveals a hidden space.

• RAILINGS • FIREPLACES • TRIM WORK DANIEL TOUPIN

RED SEAL JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER Box 293, White City, SK 306.533.9947 dan2pin@gmail.com

SAND & GRAVEL LTD. SINCE 1978

ALL TYPES OF EXCAVATION CONCRETE REMOVAL BASEMENTS TRACK HOE SNOW REMOVAL BOBCAT & MINI BOBCAT SERVICE

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781-7263

WHITE CITY

lserbu@imagewireless.ca

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FineHomes REGINA

1465 McDonald St. Regina, Sk. 306.522.3351 Moose Jaw, Sk. 306.693.3155 Melville, Sk. 306.728.2266 www.restorexsask.com

AVAILABLE AT:

Skyline

home decor

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At the forefront of window design and manufacturing excellence.

Showroom at 3041 Saskatchewan Dr. Regina

306.359.6987 windows and doors

with the installation of Storm-Tite windows or doors

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COMMERCIAL SNOW REMOVAL Call Jason at 596.5547 || www.actionexcavating.ca

Looking for a real estate lawyer? REAL ESTATE L AW • Residential, Commercial

• Purchases, Sales, Mortgages • Refinancing

• Leases/Rent to Own C ALL THE OFFICE AT 585.6288 FOR A FREE QUOTE MATT M. SIROIS, B.A. (HONS.), L.L.B.

SIROIS LAW FIRM, P.C. 2424 COLLEGE AVENUE, 3RD FLOOR REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN | S4P 1C8 PHONE: 306.585.6288 | FAX: 306.585.6362 SIROISLAW@SASKTEL.NET

WE CAN FIX THAT... 435 Dewdney Avenue 306.352.4639 www.woodridgeflooring.com

FineHomes

REGINA

Fall 2011 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 PHOTO BY LISA LANDRIE

First Word WITH FINE HOMES EDITOR THOM BARKER

When you live a decidedly nomadic lifestyle as I have for, ahem, several decades, you develop certain habits, such as not unpacking all your stuff… just in case. And you don’t necessarily put all of the finishing touches on your living space. For example, we never got around to putting up curtains on our patio doors. Of course, if you read my column in the summer edition, you may suspect a natural disposition toward procrastination and/or convenient incompetence. Nevertheless, I finally got sick of looking at those bare windows and being blinded by the late afternoon sun. Now, I’m not much of a handyman—but I can play a guitar just like a-ringin’ a bell—and adding another element of difficulty to the situation was the fact that we live in a concrete building. Hanging drapes, it turns out, is not the simplest project here. Fortunately, I just happen to be the editor of a magazine about homes. I’ve always been impressed by, and enjoyed reading, the stories about the amazing people and businesses in the homes industry in Saskatchewan, but—who knew?—I was also learning a tonne of stuff along the way. Everything from complementing our existing décor, to matching colours and patterns, to light diffusion, to the insulation effect, to the myriad types of treatments available and where to get all the stuff I needed. One thing I did not specifically learn was exactly how to hang the curtains (note to self: possible editorial feature). Even better, though (as I mentioned, not much of a handyman), I knew exactly who to turn to for advice and/or professional intervention. Another thing I learned is what a fantastic resource this publication is. Whether you’re buying a new home, thinking about redecorating or renovating, looking for financing, sprucing up your garden, or just have a general interest in the subject, it’s all right here in these pages. 12

FineHomes REGINA

www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Joni Gaudette joni@finelifestyles.ca

In-house Design Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca

Cover Photography Shawn Fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com

Photography Calvin Fehr www.calvinfehrphoto.com Kendra Kuss www.justshootitphotography.com John Morrell www.johnmorrellphotography.ca

Contributing Writers Amy Nelson-Mile Carol Todd Edward Willett G.H. Lewmer Ken Beattie

Karin Melberg Schwier Lisa Degelman Mackenzie Brooks Meredith Heron

Ryan Holota Sheena Koops Shell Busey Tobie Hainstock Trilby Henderson

Advertising Consultants Brett Francis Brooke Watson Josh Bresciani Randy Glascock Todd Elik

brett@finelifestyles.ca brooke@finelifestyles.ca josh@finelifestyles.ca randyg@finelifestyles.ca todd@finelifestyles.ca

Publishers Randy Liberet 540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh 541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, Sk. S4V 2S4 Fine Homes Regina is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. publications are copyrighted 2011 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Homes Regina, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Featured Contributors Photographers

Writers

Shawn Fulton

Mackenzie Brooks

Shawn Fulton’s passion for photography began in high school with darkroom developing and printing techniques and evolved at the University of Regina while he was acquiring his BFA in film production. Since, Shawn has all but abandoned the darkroom for digital photography, but still likes to play with antique and Polaroid cameras at social events to give his “party photos” a timeless quality.

Mackenzie Brooks is a freelance writer whose articles appear in several local publications, as well as, magazines in British Columbia and as web copy for a diverse range of clients in the fields of fashion, beauty and advertising. Her work has been featured in ad and media campaigns in event management and professional fundraising content. She is also a featured contributor on www. atrampabroad.com, a website dedicated to travel writing and inspiring wanderlust.

Shawn has a remarkable talent for lighting, which he attributes to his extensive background in stage and film. His work as a director, cinematographer and animator has been screened at film festivals nationally and he was recently featured on the cover of Saskatchewan Filmpool’s Splice magazine. Shawn lives in Regina’s Cathedral Village with his wife, Kendra, and their two children, Rosco and Suki. www.shawnfultonphotography.com

Mackenzie is also a dedicated arts enthusiast whose love of dance and history has taken her across Europe in pursuit of each, most recently in the dusty and forgotten corners of Spain, Hungary and Romania. mackenzie_brooks@hotmail.com Twitter: @kenzie_kulcsar

Dorothy Law

Trilby Henderson

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Dorothy has always had a passion for the arts, so when the opportunity to attend the Visual Art & Design program at Vancouver Film School arose, she happily jumped on board. Dorothy sees beauty in all people and her surroundings and is utterly fulfilled when she is able to capture that beauty with her camera. “Not many people enjoy having their photo taken, but getting that perfect shot of someone can completely change the way a person views themself, for the better,” she says. Having people feel great about themselves is what keeps Dorothy’s passion thriving. www.everythingvisual.ca

Trilby Henderson completed her BA in Journalism at the University of Regina in 2005. She spent the next several years working in corporate communications and media relations, where she mastered the art of business writing. In 2009, Henderson embarked on a full-time freelance writing career by launching Captive Ink Freelance Writing and Editing Services. Henderson’s work has been featured in several magazines, newspapers and trade publications. She also provides writing and editing services to businesses and individuals to meet their specific needs, such as the development of a company newsletter or content for a website. 306-543-1566; www.captiveink.com

John Morrell

Ryan Holota

As a young child, John’s father introduced him to the world of photography. As he grew up on a farm, and often travelled to the city, he had the opportunity to see nature in a way that perhaps many other children did not. After he himself became a father, he began focusing on capturing those special moments and milestones of his daughters. He has currently widened his photo subjects to include sports events, pet photography, weddings, architecture and photo directories. What keeps John interested in photography is the people he meets.

Ryan Holota is a freelance writer and marketing consultant in Regina, SK. In addition to his work for Fine Homes and other magazines, Ryan works with businesses to help them improve their writing, marketing, and communications. Most importantly, he is a husband and father.

www.jmorrell1.photobiz.com/cart

FineHomes REGINA

To learn more about Ryan, to read his blog, or to find his contact information, visit www.arholota.com. You can also find him on Twitter at @ryanholota.

Daytona Homes introduces

“Thein theTradition” Greens on Gardiner Concorde D1

Tahoe II B

Flex D2

Come experience affordable architechture and view our award winning floor plans. Starting from the low $300s Haughton Drive

VISIT: 3501 Greenbank Road CALL Rebecca: 306.522.3211 EMAIL: thegreensongardiner@daytonahomes.ca

Visit us at daytonahomes.ca for info!

Green Bank Road

Dual Showhome!

Woodland Grove Drive

Visit Regina’s only

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ABSOLUTE MAIDS is your home enhancement specialists. We strive to offer you professional services in a timely, professional and affordable manner, as a means to afford you more time and enhance your lifestyle!

• Scheduled Maid Services, Weekly, Bi-Weekly Or Monthly • One Time Maid Service • Spring Cleanings • Move Out Cleanings • Special Event Cleaning • Renovation Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning • Construction Cleaning

Call today and to receive a complimentary estimate on how to enhance your home.

ABSOLUTE MAIDS Wendy Koch 306.737.8087 absolutemaidsregina@hotmail.ca

What’sInside

72 20

FEATURE STORIES

22 SHOW HOME LOCATOR MAP

20 26 46 49 61

Cover Story: Emerald Park Homes Habitat for Humanity: Women Build The Mackenzie House: Regina Beach The Allure of the Clawfoot Shell Busey

72 Shannon Tweed’s Beverly Hills Mansion Make-over 103 Ken Beattie 114 Meredith Heron 127 Q&A: Chef Michael Smith

FineHomes REGINA

61 46

103

114 127 117 89

58 DEPARTMENTS 20 Homes and Properties 52 Real Estate 60 Home Improvement and Renovations 114 Inner Beauty / Interior Design 122 Special Section: Dream Kitchens

FineHomes REGINA

122

REGINA AND AREA

SHOWHOME LOCATOR MAP 16 6

Devonshire Dr

1 Pasqua St

Rochdale Blvd

9 Ave N

Argyle St N

9 Ave N Sherwood Dr

12 Ave N Ring Rd

McIntosh St

Rink Ave

Whelan Dr

McCarthy Blvd

Courtney St

McDonald St

6 Ave N

1 Ave N

Wa les

Dewdney Ave E

ce o

Ave

12 1

Victoria Ave

Prin

13 Ave

First St

Park St

7 Ave

14 College

Emerald Park (5 km)

Broadway Ave

Wascana Parkway

Assiniboine Ave

Av e

10 33

1 Rge Rd 2193

Lewvan Dr

Jim Cairns Blvd

Albert St

Parliament Ave

Massey Rd

Hillsdale St

Rae St

23 Ave

25 Ave

ive

rsi

Argyle Rd

Regina Ave

inb

REGINA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Ross Ave

Ave

Arco ail CP R ve 13 A

Winnipeg St

Elphinstone St

Dewdney Ave

Broad St

Albert St

Lewvan Dr

4 Ave

R ng

4 Ave

Grant Rd

Gordon Rd

Township Rd 170

1 6

1. 2.

LAKERIDGE

DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130

SKYVIEW

TERRA DEVELOPMENTS INC. 924.0445

ADDITION 4. LAKERIDGE DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130

YAKOBOVICH HOMES 105 Oxbow Cres. 546-5353 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

HOMES BY DUNDEE 1834 Blake Road 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

VARSITY HOMES 213 Brookview Dr. 525.2329 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

FAIRWAYS WEST 5. HARVARD DEVELOPMENTS 777.0650

MAPLE RIDGE

MAPLE RIDGE DEVELOPMENTS INC. 789.0891 GILROY HOMES 7022 Maple Ridge Drive John Grundy 527.3772 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm STHAMANN HOMES 7014 Maple Ridge Drive Samuel Sthamann- 596.9355 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

FineHomes REGINA

CENTURY WEST HOMES 222 Brookview Drive Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat., Sun. & Holidays 1-5 pm

PARADE OF HOMES ARTISAN DESIGN BUILD 202 Brookview Drive 546.8030 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

DAYTONA HOMES 101 Poplar Bluff Cres 522.3216 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm GILROY HOMES 225 Brookview Drive. 789.6080 Hours: Mon- Thurs.- 7-9 pm Sat & Sun 1-5 pm HOMES BY DUNDEE 217 Brookview Drive. 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

EVANS COURT

EVANS DEVELOPMENT GROUP 584.5378 3566 Evans Court Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 2-4 pm 3501 Evans Court Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 2-4 pm

CREEKS 8. THE www.thecreeks.ca 522.2300

HARBOUR LANDING

DUNDEE DEVELOPMENTS 347.8130

GILROY HOMES 4131 Chuka Dr. Ron MacDonald 539.4568 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

PARADE OF HOMES Hours: Mon- Thurs- 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm CRAWFORD HOMES 4703 Glass St. 525.9801 (Daily 1-5 pm)

MUNRO HOMES 4114 Chuka Dr. 596.2727 (Opening Sept 10, 11) Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm CLOSED HOLIDAYS

JANSON HOMES 4814 Upson Rd. 537.3200 HOMES BY DUNDEE 4707 Glass St. 347.8100 CENTURY WEST HOMES 4810 Upson Rd. 522.1062

HOMES BY DUNDEE 4127 Chuka Drive. 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4711 Glass St. 352.5900 RIPPLINGER HOMES 4715 Glass St. 533.9698

KRATZ HOMES 4123 Chuka Dr..737.1912 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 4-9 pm Fri- Sun 12-5 pm STHAMANN HOMES 4135 Chuka Drive Brad Gregg - 591.1736 Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:00 - 9:00 Sat & Sun 1:00 - 5:00

GILROY HOMES 4802 Upson Rd. 789.6080 VARSITY HOMES 4806 Upson Rd. 525.2329 HARMONY BUILDERS 4818 Upson Rd. 591.0631 DEVERAUX DEVELOPMENTS 4719 Glass St. 522.5556

VARSITY HOMES 4147 Chuka Dr. 525.2329 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

ARTISAN DESIGN BUILD 4826 Upson Rd. 546.8030 WINDSOR CROSSING - CONDOS 46 Forty Harbour Landing Dr. 537.3200 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4139 Chuka Dr. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4657 Hames Cres. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

CREEKS EDGE

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 101-2501 Windsor Park Road 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4139 Chuka Dr. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

THE LANDINGS

NORTHRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS 4405 Padwick Rd. 352.5900 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm HOMES BY DUNDEE 4413 Padwick Rd. 347.8100 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

RIVERBEND

JASTEK RIVERBEND PROJECTS INC. 2102 Heseltine Rd. Rory Clark 790.3638 Mark Cullen 790.3695

PARK / WHITE CITY 12. EMERALD TRITHART HOMES 347.7747 \ 536.5993 TRADEMARK HOMES 128 Emerald Ridge E.- Bower West Sales Centre Nathan Cressman- 205.2502 Hours: Mon. - Weds. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm CRAWFORD HOMES 10 Lott Road - Bower Estates 525.9801 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 4-9 pm Fri.- Sun. 12-5 pm crawfordhomes.ca

GREENS 13. KENSINGTON YAGAR DEVELOPMENTS INC. 789.0891 GILROY HOMES 2022 Norman MacKenzie 789.6080 Hours: Mon- Thurs.- 7-9 pm Sat & Sun 1-5 pm

ON ROSE 14. GARDENS KENSINGTON DEVELOPMENTS 1910 - 12 Ave. Lana Harrison 790.1843 Hours: Sat. & Sun. 1-4 pm

PARK 15. REGENT TRADEMARK HOMES 565 Elphinstone St. 205.2502 Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 5-7 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

DALE ON LAST 16. SUN MOUNTAIN LAKE

ON GARDINER 10. GREENS www.greensongardiner.com 789.0891

DAYTONA HOMES 4417 Padwick Road 522.3210 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

FineHomes REGINA

11.

9. WASCANA VIEW

CRAWFORD HOMES 4409 Padwick Rd. 525.9801 Hours: Mon- Thurs- 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5pm crawfordhomes.ca

SPRING GREEN HOMES 4157 E. Green Willow Terrace 719.1444 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10-6 and 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

FIORANTE HOMES 4143 Chuka Dr. 569.3456 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Weekends & Holidays 1-5 pm

TRADEMARK HOMES 4822 Upson Rd. 205.2502

RIPPLINGER HOMES 4401 Padwick Rd. 533.9698 Hours: Mon. & Tues. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm

CRAWFORD HOMES 3305 Valley Green Way 525.9801 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm crawfordhomes.ca

GILROY HOMES 3304 Valley Green Way 789.6080 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm DAYTONA HOMES 3501 Green Bank Rd. 522.3211 Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 3-5:30 pm / 6:30 - 9:00 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm

SUNSMART HOMES 335 Mihr Bay Jaquie Stewart 791.7666 Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm Resort tours daily 1-5 pm SANDSTONE HOMES 237 Tuwale Trail Jaquie Stewart 791.7666 Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 7-9 pm Sat. & Sun. 1-5 pm Resort tours daily 1-5 pm

A NEW START BY TRILBY HENDERSON

PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

“We were looking for a layout that really allowed us to enjoy having company, and more than one family over at a time.” - Tanya Romaniuk

THE ROMANIUK FAMILY

hen Tony and Tanya Romaniuk first broached the idea of building a new custom home, they had three goals in mind: to create a home that would meet the needs of their young family now and in the future, to develop a space where they could comfortably welcome family and friends, and to find a location where they could get to know their neighbours and truly become a part of a thriving, young rural community. “We were looking for a layout that really allowed us to enjoy having company, and more than one family over at a time,” said Tanya. “We definitely wanted a home that our kids could grow up in,” she said. “We really want it to be that house on the block where the kids spend a lot of time. Hopefully we’ve achieved that.” The Romaniuks chose one of the last walkout lots in the Emerald Creek subdivision and began working with Emerald Park Homes to make their new home a reality. With Emerald Park Homes’ expertise and experience, and the Romaniuk’s own ideas and the extensive research they had done online, browsing through magazines and visiting show homes in the different areas they visited, they are now living in a home they absolutely love, in a community where they have been welcomed. The Romaniuks were surprised when they were invited to attend their local block party before they had even moved in to their new home, a preview of the friendly and inclusive community they were about to join. Tanya said this year’s party was even bigger and better. “The sense of community just within our own block has been really great,” she said.

The Personal Touches The Romaniuk’s walkout bungalow features an open-concept main living area, three-car garage, and abundant outdoor living space on the top and bottom deck. The lower deck is screened in for privacy and wind reduction, providing the perfect area for the family to enjoy the fresh air.

FineHomes REGINA

Hardwood floors extend throughout the main floor living area, connecting the kitchen to the large living room. The Humidifall water feature controls humidity and removes allergens and pollutants.

It’s location on a large, south-backing lot in the Emerald Creek subdivision maximises the amount of natural light available through the expanse of windows along the home’s south side and provides excellent, unobstructed views of the vast prairie sky and vibrant sunsets from both the rear upper and lower level outdoor living areas. “A lot of people have walked in and said, ‘ It just feels really homey, but really modern at the same time’,” said Tanya. “That’s what we were going for.” The walk-through front closet to the right of the main entrance houses plenty of storage space, including a built-in vacuum cabinet, cell phone charging stations, and bench-style lockers. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, an eye-catching black glass backsplash, and a large centre island. The Indy Brown kitchen cabinets were designed and built by Cougar Custom Cabinets, a Regina company that offers its clients the advantage of seeing their design in 3D so that they can get a true feel of how the layout will work before they start construction. Among the many unique features of the kitchen cabinets, Ken Kraushaar, owner of Cougar Custom Cabinets, designed steel-mesh baskets that sit below the countertop, keeping fruits and vegetables easily accessible and fresh, but out-of-site.

Oxford Leather stucco with Key West Broken Top stack-stone. Stampcrete driveway custom designed by Bear Concrete.

Tony’s favourite area of the house is the walkout basement complete with a wet bar, appliances, shelving with LED lighting, disco ball lighting, and superior audio and video features including a projection TV. Tanya said he spent a lot of time thinking about what he wanted and has really perfected this space. An exercise room, two additional bedrooms and a washroom are also located on the lower level.

Square-cut maple railing - glass inserts provided by Glacier Glass.

One of Tanya’s favourite areas in the home is the kitchen pantry. For this space, the couple forwent the traditional idea of what a pantry should be – an enclosed area to hide the staples of everyday life – and, instead, opted to create an inviting nook with lots of open shelving, a desk, and a large window. Tanya said she even loves her now well-organized junk drawers. There are three bedrooms on the main floor, including a large master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite. One of Tanya’s favourite features of the master suite is the built-in niche, complete with LED lighting and perfectly designed to display cherished family photos. When Tony and Tanya first met with Garry Sawchyn of Emerald Park Homes, their first impression was that this was a reputable, family-run company who truly understood their needs. Looking back on their homebuilding experience, and the support they received from Garry every step of the way, it’s clear their initial impression hit the nail on the head. One of the things that stands out most for Tony and Tanya is the fact that they were able to contact Garry at any time, and were made to feel comfortable doing so. “He answered his phone every time we called him,” said Tanya. Watching Garry treat his other clients with the same consideration and respect impressed the couple even further. “I have seen him when other people have phoned and he does the exact same thing for everybody,” she continued. “He’s really good that way.” The Romaniuks also appreciated the flexibility Emerald Park Homes’ brought to the process by working with the couple to accommodate their ideas while keeping the big picture, and the budget, in perspective. “They were really willing to work with us and keep it in budget but, yet, allow us to change things throughout. That was really nice,” said Tanya. Tony and Tanya took the time to envision how each feature of their home would complement their day-today lives and fit with their focus on family, friends and community. With Emerald Park Home’s guidance and ability to transform their ideas into a physical reality, the Romaniuks are not only enjoying their new home, but they have enjoyed working with everyone at Emerald Park Homes during the build. FHR Emerald Park Homes 64 Great Plains Road Emerald Park, Sk. 306.781.3383 www.emeraldparkhomes.ca

THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WOMEN BUILD CONTINUES BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK

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PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

s I walk up Rae Street toward the Habitat for Humanity home, I hear the joyful sounds of children laughing and giggling. A man’s gentle, fatherly voice kindly advises the youngsters to stay out of the mud. They obey with protest. Greg Panio approaches with a smile and a handshake. As we talk, he tells me how he learned about the Habitat for Humanity program. “A friend told me about it so I checked it out and attended an information session last September,” explains Panio. “I put in an application the next day.” Because Panio has a full time job with a good employer, he didn’t really think he would qualify for the program. Panio says he was pleasantly surprised to get word that his application was approved. He and his four children—Levi (12), Gabrielle (6) and twins Olivia and Alexis (4) have

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been living in a two bedroom apartment in Regina’s northwest. Although quarters are cramped, their spirits are high as they look forward to having a home of their own with a yard to play in and plenty of room for everyone. “One of the first things the girls did was place an order for a ‘princess’ room,” smiles Panio as he nods in the direction of the twins who were twirling about on the deck in their floral print dresses. It is also my understanding that a request for a puppy is currently being negotiated. As part of the stipulations for qualification, future home owners are required to contribute 500 hours of volunteer labour or ‘sweat equity.’ According to Panio, so far, he has had the opportunity to do a bit of everything including framing, shingling and more. “I had no construction experience at all,” he says. “I’m really

learning a lot from these people.” He also adds that he’s been enjoying his volunteer time and looks forward to coming and working on the house. “Each time it’s a different group of volunteers,” he comments, “but by the first coffee break everybody knows everybody and we’re all laughing and having fun while we work.” Panio also expresses appreciation toward Impark, his employer of three years stating that they have been very supportive and helpful throughout the home building process. “They’ve donated some of my work hours toward my sweat equity, allowing me to take time off to come and work on the house,” he explains. “I really appreciate it.” With this assistance, Panio has been able to build up his equity hours quite quickly.

At the time of writing, volunteers were dry walling to be followed by the mudders and tapers, then by painters. Cindy Covey, volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Regina says that the build has progressed nicely and everyone is confident that the home will be completed in time for the key ceremony in late September. Both Covey and Panio speak very highly of the volunteers, acknowledging that without their help, the dreams of many very deserving families would not come to realization. “You don’t need to be skilled in construction to be a volunteer,” advises Covey, “you only need the willingness to learn.” As for Panio and his family, the experience has been heart-warming and, at times, a bit surreal. “It’s been a very humbling experience to have people you don’t know care enough to do this for me and the kids,” he says. Panio states that, with the cost of living increasing faster than wages increase, there are many deserving families in need of good homes. Habitat for Humanity makes that possible with the sweat equity and interest free mortgage. He continues by encouraging other families to look into the Habitat for Humanity program, “You might not think you qualify but you might be surprised.” Proudly, Panio tells me that this is his home and he and his family will live there for life. on that happy note the family were invited into the house for coffee time with the volunteers. He shakes my hand as the young ones wave and hurry in to get a donut. For more information about the Habitat for Humanity program or becoming a volunteer, visit www.habitatregina.ca. FHR Next issue: The Panios take possession of their new home.

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PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

GREG PANIO WITH CHILDREN LEVI (12), GABRIELLE (6) AND TWINS OLIVIA AND ALEXIS (4)

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in The Creeks (the RRHBA Best New Subdivision Award in 2008) than any other builder to date is something that Kratz Homes is very proud of. Customer service and quality workmanship are the cornerstone of the family business. 90 percent of 2010 Kratz Homes sales were referrals and repeat business. If you are considering building a new home it is without question worth your time to visit the Kratz Show Home in Reginaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest prestige community, The Creeks. From your first visit to the day you take possession of your new home, the professional in house sales staff make your building experience pleasantly seamless. They are by your side your side from custom design to interior design and everything in between.

Kratz Homesbuilding for Regina and area families for over 50 years.

Kratz Homes is currently building in Greens on Gardiner, Harbour Landing, Lakeridge, The Creeks and White City Visit our Show Home at 4123 Chuka Drive in The Creeks and let us introduce you to our 9 feature plans and the Kratz Homes difference.

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSTRUCTION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IS APPARENT WITH SUMMIT BY AMY NELSON-MILE. PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

ur homes are what we turn to as a sanctuary from our busy lives, and to create that sanctuary our choice of builders is crucial. Summit Homes Ltd. should be the company of choice for anyone who is interested in having their haven from the outside world built by dedicated craftsmen with 33

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decades of experience behind them. Owners Dave Zenzeluk and Brian Ellis take pride in creating solid, beautifully finished homes that are instantly recognizable as examples of outstanding craftsmanship. “There’s a difference between having a house constructed and having it crafted,”

says Ellis. “We build quality homes, and we believe in building them right.” The actual work they themselves do on a house can range from small tasks to big ones. “We collaborate on designing, and we use a draftsperson,” says Ellis. They supervise work as well. Other than

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PACESETTER HOMES

INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE SET TO ENTER REGINA HOME BUILDING MARKET BY RYAN HOLOTA ualico, the largest fully-integrated Real Estate Company in Western Canada’s is launching into Regina. Originally founded in 1951 as Quality Construction Co. Ltd, more than 55,000 families have chosen a new Qualico home. Qualico builds homes in markets across Western Canada under eight different brands amounting to approximately 2500 per year in markets like Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Austin, Texas. Each of those brands serves a distinct target market with plans and

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features tailored to the market in which they operate. One of the most popular Qualico brands, Pacesetter Homes, is making its debut in Regina this fall. Pacesetter Homes builds a range of homes from 1100 to 2600 square feet, and has numerous functional and aesthetically pleasing plans to choose from. “We have dozens of different floor plans,” says marketing contact Curt Keil, “and we can personalize each one of those plans with preplanned options and selections so

each family can make it their own home.” Pacesetter as a large professional home builder has a good selection of trades people to choose from, a large inventory of available lots and floor plans, and receives competitive pricing on materials because they buy in much larger volumes than other companies. They can often build comparable homes faster and more affordably than other builders while providing exceptional after possession service.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PACESETTER HOMES

“Because of the number of homes we build, and the fact that we often develop entire neighbourhoods, we don’t just build houses – we build communities,” adds Tony Balaz, Manager of Pacesetter Homes. “It’s really rewarding to drive through an area that we had a hand in building, and to see kids riding their bikes through the neighbourhood, or parents and children playing basketball or hockey out front. To know that we had a part in that…it’s really a privilege. We work very hard for our customers, because we recognize that we wouldn’t be here without them.” As a prospective purchaser, it is important to know who your builder is and how long they will be around. “Over the last 60 years, we have built a reputation for building finely crafted homes,” continues Balaz. “We stand behind our homes as a member of the Saskatchewan New

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Home Warranty Program and as a member of the Regina & Region Home Builder Association.” We have built our business throughout Western Canada by exceeding expectations throughout the entire home building process including after a customer takes possession of their home. As a result, we have found many of our customers remain loyal to Pacesetter Homes by purchasing more than one home from us over time as their housing needs change.” Pacesetter has two show homes set to open in early fall, one at 4844 McCombie Crescent in Harbour Landing, and the other at 218 Brookview Drive in Fairways West (check www.pacesetterregina.com for dates and hours). Pacesetter Homes is ready to serve you immediately with a large selection of lots in the city for you to choose from including lots in the

brand new addition to the Westhill Park development. They also have lots in Fairways West and Harbour Landing with homes under construction in Fairways West and Harbour Landing that will be available for possession in the near future. For more information about how Pacesetter Homes can help you get the house you want at a price you can afford, give them a call at 565-HOME (4663), or send them an email: pacesetter@qualico.com. You’ll be glad you did! FHR

Pacesetter Homes- Tony Balaz Regina, Sk. 306.565.4663 www.pacesetterregina.com

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EXPERTAdvice HOME STAGING Why should I home stage?

AFTER

BEFORE

This house was vacant and the owners tried to sell it for several months but were not able to get enough viewings to bring in a decent offer. The owners called us to Stage it, then listed it on MLS with a Realtor. It sold for a much better price in just over a month

market, there is not only more inventory, there is more staged inventory. And if you are not staging your property before it goes on the market, you are in fact helping your competition!

Are there any statistics to support investing in home staging?

Di Thompson

Simpy Stunning Designs phone: 306.585.0775 | cel: 306.581.7750 dithompson@sasktel.net www.simplystunningdesigns.ca Home staging is an investment, and in fact it is the best short-term investment a home seller can make. For most people, their home is the most valuable financial asset they own. Maximizing the return on the sale of this asset is one of life’s most important financial objectives. When listing your house bear in mind that most people start their search on the internet. They will take virtual tours or view photo’s of the house. If your home is not visually appealing at this stage, chances are greater that you will not attract potential buyers.

But we’re moving - why should we spend a lot of money on decorating now? Staging isn’t decorating. Staging is marketing! 87% of ALL home buyers and 94% of buyers aged 25 to 44 used the Internet to search for homes. Staging continues to be a valuable tool to gain more buyer interest beginning with their initial search on the Internet. Properties are being eliminated from the “must see” list, based on photographs from the Internet advertising. In a tough

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Statistics show that staged properties sell for more money and faster than comparables that are not home staged. The Real Estate Staging Association’s Statistics Report released in February 2009, documented the following: • In 2007, vacant properties, previously on the market unsold for over 4 months, were then staged and sold in 6 weeks (68% fewer days on market). • In 2008, vacant properties, previously on the market unsold for over 6 months, were then staged and sold in 4 weeks (85% fewer days on market). • In 2007, occupied properties, previously on the market unsold for over 3 months, were then staged and sold in 6 weeks (47% fewer days on the market).

selling. However, buyers are making decisions based on their perception of value. A Maritz survey found that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes. Professionally staged properties will appeal to a majority of buyers and increase the probability of increased buyer interest.

How much does home staging cost? Home staging fees vary depending on the scope of each project. However, home staging almost always costs less than the first price reduction. Di Thompson – Owner, Lead Designer of Simply Stunning Designs. I took my staging training in Regina in September 2006 through the Canadian Staging Professionals, as well as completing an Interior Design Course in the early 90s, and have been artistic all my life. I would like to announce that I have recently hired another stager to assist me, as the business is growing.

• In 2008, occupied properties, previously on the market unsold for 2 months, were then staged and sold in 1 week (90% fewer days on the market).

Can’t buyers just visualize how the place will look with their own stuff? In a word, “no”. The majority of people cannot visualize and will base decisions solely on what they see. And they will make up their minds in a matter of seconds. Studies have proven that potential buyers decide on buying a home within the first twenty seconds.

In a tough market, doesn’t it all come down to price? Realistic pricing is absolutely essential to

Lynda Daly – Staging Designer, took her training in Interior Staging and Design in Dublin in 2006. She started her own company in Ireland, offering design consultations and staging for five years until moving with her family to Regina in February 2011. Her projects ranged from commercial to residential across Ireland. Lynda and I work well together and offer fresh ideas and have fun combining styles.FHR

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSTRUCTION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IS APPARENT WITH SUMMIT BY AMY NELSON-MILE. PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

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that, although each can do all the work involved in the trade, they focus on their specialties. Zenzeluk does the interior finishing, while Ellis produces beautiful hand-crafted cabinetry. Zenzeluk and Ellis’s dedication to quality is reflected in the materials they use. “We take quality raw materials to create something that will be solid and longlasting,” says Zenzeluk. “We make a lot of our own products such as doors and railings.” This care in selecting materials extends to the cupboards. “There’s no cardboard in our cupboards,” says Ellis. “They aren’t pre-fabricated.” As with all other genuine artisans, Summit’s work takes a little longer to complete, because they want to get every detail just right. However, this time does not cost their client. They are simply interested in doing their job to the best of their ability. “We’re not paid by piecework,” says Zenzeluk. “If something takes an extra 2-3 hours or even an extra half a day, we’ll take the time and we’ll do whatever it takes to make it right.”

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Ellis agrees. “Sometimes it takes a little longer,” he says. “It’s because we believe in building things right that we take our time and pay attention to detail. We don’t push these houses out; this way we can make sure that our work is of the highest grade.” Like all master craftsmen, Ellis and Zenzeluk both have extensive training and experience. “Dave and I are equal partners,” says Ellis. “I got my ticket in 1980 and for 35 years I’ve been a carpenter serving Regina and area. I’m a custom cabinet maker. I’m based in Regina, but I’m an interprovincial journeyman carpenter.” Zenzeluk has an equally extensive background. “I’ve been in the trade for 34 years,” he says. “I started in 1977 working in the housing industry. I took a course at what was then called STI in Moose Jaw, SIAST now. I worked on my own, and I worked in a cabinet shop for 12 years. I’ve done 20 years of residential work.” As a dedicated artisan, Zenzeluk continues to learn. “I’ve taken various courses as

I go along. There’s different things that you pick up and learn, and you’re always updating.” Ellis and Zenzeluk’s experience means that they are able to advise their clients on the best way to ensure a solidly built house that can accommodate the idiosyncrasies of Regina’s climate and soil conditions. “You have to pay attention to soil conditions in order to make sure the foundation will be solid and will stay,” says Ellis. If necessary, that may mean slightly more money, but sometimes that’s necessary to get the job done right. “We encourage our clients to spend a little money to build a structurally sound house,” says Ellis. “For example, we like to use structural concrete floors or comparative wood floors that will not move or heave.” Their work is covered under the new home warranty program, and they are in the Energy Star program as well. The dedication to quality and pride in their work that both Zenzeluk and Ellis possess

has led to them being in great demand. “We have done many, many houses as a partnership,” says Ellis. Although they started Summit Homes Ltd. in 2003, “we’ve worked together 17 or 18 years now,” says Zenzeluk. Zenzeluk thinks that their business has become such a success not only because of their extensive experience, but because they have found their niche. Ellis agrees. “Our experience and our attention to detail are what sets us apart from the crowd,” says Ellis. They also appreciate the contributions of the great tradespeople they work with. Zenzeluk and Ellis look back on the houses they have built with pride. They work hard to make sure that all their clients are satisfied, and they work equally hard to make sure that their creations are outstanding. “We hope that when people

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come into a house that we have done that they can see that it’s solid and a quality build,” says Zenzeluk. “We don’t have any gimmicks,” says Ellis. “What you will have is a really good home.” The most recent of their custom-made homes is now open to the public for viewing. Located at 4561 Hames Crescent in Regina, it is open for tours on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to book Summit Homes Ltd. to work on your house, it would be wise to do so as far in advance as possible. You can reach them by calling Dave Zenzeluk at 539-8844, by calling Brian Ellis at 539-6451, or by emailing Summit Homes Ltd. at summithomesltd@sasktel. net. FHR

Brian Ellis Summit Homes Ltd. 7118 Whelan Drive 306.539.6451 summithomesltd@sasktel.net

DIGITAL TV COMES TO THE ANALOG AIRWAVES

echnology changes. New ways of doing things come along. Sometimes they’re worse, sometimes they’re just different... and sometimes, they really are better.

By Edward Willett 43

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Take digital television, for example. In fact, you’ll have to. By August 31, over-the-air television stations in most major Canadian cities (including Regina and Saskatoon) are being required by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting in digital. For analog TV owners, this raises all sorts of questions, such as: “Will my TV still work?”, “Can I still get by with a pair of rabbit ears and a bent coat-hanger?” and, most importantly, “What’s the difference between ‘analog’ and ‘digital’ TV anyway?”

cameras contain a special tube, the front end of which is a flat glass plate coated with a material that is sensitive to light. Underneath the light-sensitive coating is a positively charged metallic coating. When light strikes the light-sensitive coating, it loses some of its electrical resistance, and the brighter the light, the more resistance it loses. As a result, the more strongly it is positively charged by the metallic coating beneath it.

gun at the back of the tube again flicks its beam back and forth, top to bottom, its strength corresponding to the strength of the fluctuating current from the antenna, which corresponds to the strength of the broadcast signal, which corresponds to the amount of light reflected from each part of the objects in front of the camera, allowing the TV to recreate an image of those objects on the screen.

At the opposite end of the camera is an electron gun, which fires a narrowly focused beam of negatively charged electrons at the light-sensitive coating, starting at the top and scanning across

The most amazing thing about this process? You’re not really seeing a complete image at all. You’re just staring, mesmerized, at a tiny point of variably glowing light chasing itself back and forth across the screen. Your brain creates the

the plate, then moving down slightly and doing it again, and so on until it has scanned the entire plate. This negative charge neutralizes the positive charges accumulated on the light-sensitive coating, creating a fluctuating current in the metallic coating.

image thanks to persistence of vision, the fact that when light entering the eye is shut off, the impression of light persists for about a tenth of a second. Since the entire screen is painted with the electron beam 30 times a second, your brain sees it as a complete image.

That current, amplified and broadcast as an AM signal, sets up a matching current in the antenna of the receiving television set, whose picture tube is coated at one end with a substance that glows brightly when struck by a beam of electrons. An electron

Meanwhile, the sound and signals to synchronize the TV’s picture tube with the originating signal are transmitted via FM.

Merriam-Webster defines analog as “of, relating to, or being a mechanism in which data is represented by continuously variable physical quantities.” Digital, on the other hand, is defined as, “of or relating to the fingers or toes.” Wait a second, that can’t be right... oh, here we go, definition number four: “of, relating to, or being data in the form of especially binary digits.” The easiest way to understand the difference is by example. A wall clock with hands represents time in an analog fashion: the hands move continuously, with no stops or starts. A digital clock, on the other hand, represents time as a series of discrete numbers, as though it’s made up of little bits of time rather than being a continuous flow. Another example: a phonograph record is analog, the continuous, wriggly groove representing the continuously changing vibrations in the air as someone plays or sings. A CD, on the other hand, is digital, capturing little discrete snapshots of information and storing them as binary numbers that can be read by a computer. Analog recordings capture everything. CDs, by definition, leave out a tiny bit as they jump from moment to moment. Television began as a thoroughly analog technology. Black-and-white television

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Colour television is a bit more complicated.

The colour TV camera has three tubes, one that receives only blue light, one for green, and one for red. The three signals from these tubes are re-mixed into two signals, luminance (brightness), which produces a black and white image (which is why you can watch colour programs on black-and-white TVs), and chrominance, which carries the rest of the information necessary for the TV set to recreate the full colour image. It does that by using three separate electron beams, one for red, one for green and one for blue. The screen is covered with tiny dots (or line segments) in these three colours. A mask on the back of the screen ensures that each electron beam can only cause dots of the colour it is assigned to glow. Because all colours can be created using red, green and blue, those three colours of dots are all you need. It’s an elegant and long-standing technology. So why change it? Quite simply, digital television is superior. The biggest advantage is resolution. An analog TV set can display 525 horizontal lines of resolution every 30th of a second. Analog TV doesn’t really do pixels, since it’s really a continuously moving point of light, but that works out to about 512 X 400 pixels. But even the lowest-resolution computer monitor from years ago has a resolution of 640 X 480 pixels, and modern monitors far exceed that, offering more detail, sharper images and better color than any analog TV set can boast. Only digital TV signals can give us high-definition TV. But, I hear you say, we’ve had highdefinition televisions now for years. So what’s the big deal with this changeover? For most people, it isn’t a big deal, because most Canadians already receive digital TV signals through their cable company, a satellite dish or over the Internet. But for those few who are still making do with exterior antennae (as I did: many’s the time I climbed our roof to

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repoint, repair or replace our TV antenna in the vain hope of watching Star Trek without static), the change-over means they’ll have to get a digital-to-analog converter box, which converts the digital data stream to an analog signal that old TVs can display. These vary in price from about $30 to $100, depending on their features. For some people, a new antenna may be required. Even for those who choose (or have no choice but) to continue to use an analog TV receiving over-the-air signals, the

digital signal will improve the quality of the picture and sound. But it’s a technology that’s really on its last legs. And unlike vinyl records, which audiophiles argue really do give a richer, purer sound, analog TV is a technology few will miss. Except maybe me. I used to really enjoy climbing on our roof!FHR Edward Willett is a Regina science writer. You can subscribe to his weekly science column by visiting his website at edwardwillett.com.

TRIATHLETES’ DREAM HOME FITS LIFESTYLE BY LISA DEGELMAN

esigning and building your dream home is more than finding a plan you love, hiring a reputable and responsible builder or putting the steam shower in a certain location. The lot(s), style, layout, functionality and ambiance ideally should suit your lifestyle. Doug and Shelley MacKenzie’s Regina Beach dream home does this ‘tri’-fold. Doug and Shelley are triathletes (and then some) and both love the outdoor beach life that Last Mountain Lake offers. On any given day, their training can consist of running outdoors on the beach’s old

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railway bed, in the many valley hills or on the treadmill; swimming in their indoor pool or the lake; biking on Saskatchewan highways or their stationary triathlonspecific racing bikes; strength training with weights; yoga; kayaking; paddle boarding; skate skiing; and/or snowshoeing. What better place to accomplish this training regime but in and around the area of Regina Beach? Doug’s parents have owned beach property since the 1950s and he spent every summer at the lake since he can remember. Likewise, Doug’s paternal

uncle Don had a lake front cabin across the street from Doug’s parents from 1959 until 1973 at which time he sold it. For many years, Doug and Shelley waited patiently for the land to come up for sale again and eventually, and excitedly, purchased the lots in the fall of 2007. They already knew that the home of their dreams would accent their active lifestyle. Planning and designing their 2,500 square-foot walkout bungalow, built on two-and-a-half lakefront lots, was a meticulous, thorough and fun process for the couple as they knew exactly what they

wanted, liked and needed. Shelley kept a book full of magazine photos she liked and many ideas she saw in other people’s homes. The couple worked closely with a team consisting of an architect, engineer and interior designer and once the plan was in place, Doug, owner of MacKenzie Plumbing and Heating, acted as the general contractor hiring and utilizing many local tradesmen. AMK Construction demolished the 49-year-old cottage in the fall of 2008 and the basement was dug in November. Doug and Shelley sold their Varsity Park home, moved to their Regina Beach condo on a full-time basis in June of 2009 and readily moved into their dream home on May 1, 2010. Since then they have not regretted one design or decorating decision and have thoroughly loved each and every minute at the lake. When I first arrived at this residence I did not see a yard typical of a one-year-old home. The mature trees from the 1959 cottage and lot were virtually untouched, the original cement stair case entering down to the home’s front patio and door

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had been preserved and the home was nicely nestled into the bush with nothing but a view of the lake and its natural valley surroundings. Doug and Shelley have recently poured stamped concrete and exposed aggregate patios on the front and lakeside areas of the home and look forward to doing some landscaping in the near future. This, of course, is in and around the many hours of training and the races they are involved in. Doug has completed 18 ironman triathlons and too many half ironman races and triathlons to count. Similarly, Shelley has finished 11 ironmans, several half ironmans and triathlons and recently competed in the 24-hour, 125-kilometre Death Race in Grand Cache, Alberta. To prepare for such rigorous and physical endeavors, this couple trains daily all year round and requires the space to do it in.

Beach home has many unique features The couple’s home design was structured around their walkout level’s 6x15x8 endless resistance pool. Doug and Shelley

designed their pool room to include a gym with a treadmill, their stationary racing bikes and weights. A bathroom equipped with a steam shower, custom closet and locker system for workout clothing and equipment and two entrances—one from the gym/pool area and one for guests from the recreation/bar area are extremely functional. Entering the front foyer, with the 22-foot vaulted ceiling in the great room, and floor-to-ceiling windows, I was welcomed with an absolutely breathtaking view of the lake and a very warm and cozy ambience. “We wanted this house to give a mountain-like feel at the beach” exclaims Doug. The dark-stained, rustic timbers along with the natural rugged rock on the 17x7.5-foot wood burning fireplace help provide this feeling. Lincoln Dobson of Last Mountain Timber provided, designed, cut and installed all of the beams with timber frame structures inside the home and on the exterior. Wayne Teetaert, finishing carpenter, did the very detailed and unique woodwork, along with the office’s built-in desk, and Gisela Boersch, interior designer/owner of Ambiente Interiors, provided creative, well thought-out and functional ideas for the design and décor throughout the home.

thought of. She ensured we threw in a bit of modern with the rustic and natural look we love. She just knew where everything should go.” “We were determined to make sure the entire house had efficient ‘flow’ and I would say we achieved our goal,” states Doug. “There is well-planned and utilized space in each room. Shelley and I can get ready in the master bath together and not bump into one other. Shelley can cook and still visit with guests in the dining and main living areas. We can bring home groceries through the garage and place them directly into the large walk-through pantry off of the kitchen.” In addition, the home houses a triple-car garage with Doug’s shop underneath— home for skidoos, kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles and all the other outdoor equipment this couple uses. Doug and Shelley constantly make use of each room in their home. Having an incredible view of the lake, plasma televisions and funky gas fireplaces in the master bed, main living, dining and recreation rooms makes this all that much more easy and enjoyable. But you can be assured that while relaxing in any of these rooms, there is a pair of running shoes nearby! FHR

Shelley explains: “Gisela gave us great suggestions that we would never have Doug and Shelley MacKenzie 48

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THE ALLURE OF THE CLAWFOOT

Investing in nostalgia

BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

The author’s own replica clawfoot.

ust what is the allure of the clawfoot bathtub? Realtors breathlessly list it as a coveted selling feature. We are willing to pay top dollar to soak in a replica of 19th Century luxury, that vessel of opulence. Some are willing to risk life and lung to reglaze and breathe life into an old, flakey, but authentic, original. Many homeowners long for this little piece of lavatorial nostalgia. Lori Nadrowski, Showroom Sales Manager with Kitchen and Bath Classics in Saskatoon loves a good clawfoot. While there’s always been a steady trickle of annual sales to those renovating older homes, she’s noticed that this past year, more of her favourites than ever are going to people who are putting them in new homes and condominiums. “I think a clawfoot tub just adds such a romantic flair to a bathroom,” she says,

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“A clawfoot, even in a new home, creates such a sense of history and permanence. I think it lends such cozy character. It’s not just for the character home.” The cast iron, porcelain-lined tub was considered a luxury item by the healthconscious wealthy in the 1800s. That luxury didn’t stem from the most elegant beginnings. It’s said that in about 1880, Austrian-born John Kohler liked the look of horse troughs/hog scalders, and thought they’d make a great bathtub. When lined with porcelain, the design allowed for ease of cleaning and appealed to people who could afford to be concerned about germs and bacteria. Not surprisingly, cast iron meant even the smallest tub was a back-breaker to install. Or remove, which is probably why originals are still found in modern homes. Today, reproductions are made in cast

iron, but also in acrylic, some in acrylic and fiberglass blend, and come in a wide range of styles and prices. People still hold on to the notion that in order to be historically accurate, cast iron is the way to go. But Nadrowski says there are a lot of benefits to acrylic, including a wider range of styles. They’re cheaper (cast iron is more expensive to manufacture and ship) and for those worried about that authentic look, the acrylic with fiberglass outer finish is barely distinguishable from circa Grandma’s day. Adrienne Zvacek, Principal Designer with Studio 2.0 in Saskatoon, says there are a few special considerations to weigh when deciding if a clawfoot is the right choice for a renovation or new home. Style, focal point, space allowance and tap placement are all food for thought. “Does the look of a clawfoot tub suit your

option. Scary phrases like respiratory mask, eye protection, sand blaster, body filler, rubber gloves, and the particularly nasty ‘hydrofluoric acid’ may wisely steer you toward a professional. Nadrowski strongly recommends finding a good professional to do the job. Whatever path traveled, new or re-glazed, the ambiance created when a clawfoot is the focal point in the bathroom is unsurpassed. Bev and Murray Drew did a mammoth renovation to their 1912 home in Saskatoon’s historic Buena Vista. Their clawfoot sits invitingly beneath a skylight and next to a neo angle shower, waterheated towel warmer and custom vanity. It’s surrounded by stunning Japanese wall tile. Era-conscious Bev said the clawfoot was the absolute right choice. style and the style of the space?” she asks. “In order to really show off this style of tub, you need to have it placed in the space to be at the forefront. A clawfoot style really requires some room around it,” she adds. “It should appear to be floating in the centre of the space. It needs space to breathe and show itself off.”

once used an orange-coloured gentle cleanser on her own clawfoot and regretted the move.

The question of tap placement may have you taking off your shoes and climbing in and out of tubs at the showroom. Also, a sloped ceiling can be problematic for the installation of a shower enclosure.

Sometimes that surface may require something a bit more drastic. Many treasured and collectible original tubs are still structurally intact, but the porcelain has suffered. Even the bravest of do-ityourselfers might balk when it comes to doing a home refinishing job. An on-line “how to reglaze a clawfoot tub” feature makes the fight or flight gene kick in with heavy leanings toward the run away

Nadrowski says a clawfoot, old or new, requires a little babying. Because of the porcelain surface, use no gritty cleaners. Even tinted cleaners are iffy. Nadrowski

“Porcelain is very porous, so be careful! I’d go with cream and white colours in nongritty cleansers. Don’t use anything that might etch or stain.”

“The clawfoot tub was important in our renovation because of the age and character of our home,” Bev explains. “Although we have modern elements throughout, keeping a mix of old and new gives us modern convenience and workability with the old fashioned charm of a 1912 character home.” Historical influence aside, Bev concedes that there are benefits for a professional couple who enjoy space to relax. “The other factor in choosing a claw foot tub,” she says, “is that they are extremely comfortable. There’s nothing like it to slip into at the end of a long day. Just lay back and soak. It’s heavenly.” FHR

EXPERT MORTGAGE ADVICE WHERE AND WHEN YOU WANT ✓ No obligation mortgage advice ✓ Convenient, one-on-one service that comes to you

✓ A mortgage solution that fits your lifestyle ✓ Fast, easy mortgage pre-approval so you can shop with confidence

Talk to your local mobile CIBC Mortgage Advisor today. For a mortgage on your terms contact: Laura Wittig Call 306 531-3346 or toll-free 1 866 293-3616 Email laura.wittig@cibc.com www.cibc.com/mortgages

All mortgages are subject to credit approval. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. “CIBC For what matters.” and “It’s worth a talk.” are trademarks of CIBC.

EXPERTAdvice REAL ESTATE Your Agent working for you

Knowledge: Within the first five minutes you should be able to recognize this quality. It is extremely important that an agent is wellinformed on the current housing market and be able to accurately provide you with comparable properties to your home.

Negotiating Skills:

CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc.

Jeffery Harmel Sales Associate 4420 Albert Street Regina, Sk. Cell: 306.539.5202 jeffery.harmel@century21.ca

When making the decision to buy or sell your home choosing the right real estate agent is absolutely imperative. A home is most families’ largest investment they will make in their lifetime. Therefore an investment this large requires someone who is committed and understands that each person has different needs. When I was asked to write an advice column, without hesitation I chose the most important qualities that everyone should consider in a good agent.

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Ask your agent what previous business experience they had prior to becoming an agent. This might be some reflection on what they will do for you during the transaction. When making an offer or receiving one on a property a good negotiator will be able to manage and conduct the transaction to satisfy your specific needs. I show potential clients examples of what I have accomplished for other clients and this puts their minds at ease as to my abilities.

Dressed Well: A person who is dressed well reflects his or her sense of professionalism. This is a must in the real estate industry. Since I started in real estate, I have always dressed well and it has served me well.

Availability: Your real estate agent should respond to your enquiries within the same day. This shows commitment and dedication to the service they are providing. I personally

make an effort to return calls within an hour if possible.

Trustworthy: Not only do you want to be shown the positive things in a home, but it is expected that your agent would point out and identify any potential problems that may arise with the purchase of the home. Remember you are depending on this person to look out for your best interests. I have always recognized the importance of being honest and trustworthy in business.

Confidence: Confidence is a big one and is extremely important when hiring a real estate agent. If you are interviewing a real estate agent and they appear nervous and are at a loss for words would this be a good thing? Would they conduct themselves in the same manner while closing an offer with other real estate agents on your behalf? Could this cost you money? The search for your future home should be nothing but a great experience. Choosing the right real estate agent is key to making this happen. If you have any questions or would like some assistance with your real estate needs, I would look forward to hearing from you. FHR

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EXPERTAdvice MORTGAGES

level. On the other hand, if you’re earning more, why not pay down your mortgage faster and save thousands of dollars in interest over time? 3. Do you need cash flow for other things? Your priorities may have shifted since you first bought your home, and your cash flow needs can shift too. Things like paying for a child’s university education, planning a career change, or making a major purchase such as a vacation property may call for spending money on things other than your home. You may be able to refinance your mortgage to take this into account.

Laurie Krueger

4. Can you handle fluctuating rates?

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Some homeowners are nervous about any hikes in interest rates, while others are comfortable to simply go with the flow. Rates are tough to predict. It’s best to base your decision on your personal situation, not what you read in the news, and tailor your mortgage renewal around your needs. A mortgage broker can help you decide whether to opt for fixed or variable rates—and I don’t want you to lose any sleep over your decision!

Mortgage Associate, Partner The Mortgage Market Regina 206-4303 Albert St. Regina, Sk. Phone: 306.541.8002 lauriekrueger@sasktel.net www.lauriekrueger.com

1. Have you explored all your options? Once you receive your mortgage renewal statement, there is nothing easier than simply signing on for another term. But while this may make sense in many cases, your family or financial situation may have changed over time. A mortgage broker can look for opportunities that could better meet your needs right now.

5. Will you sell soon? If you are likely to sell soon, consider a shorter-term mortgage or one that has flexible terms so you’re not penalized if you sell your house before the mortgage comes due.

2. Are you comfortable with your payments?

6. Are you thinking about a major renovation?

If you’ve been feeling financially strapped each month making your mortgage payments, this could be the time to reduce them to a more easily managed

You know that projects such as a new kitchen or an addition can make your home more valuable. But the cost of having the work done can tie up a lot

of money. Before you renew, look at all your financing options, which may include getting an additional line of credit or keeping your monthly mortgage payments low so you have money on hand to finance the renovations. 7. When do you want to be mortgage-free? If you’re planning extended time away from work, or perhaps an early retirement, it may make sense to pay down your mortgage sooner. While increasing your payments will raise your monthly costs now, you’ll ultimately save on interest in the long term and can prepare for that fabulous, mortgage-free lifestyle. 8. Could you use your home equity to fulfill other goals? Refinancing your home can be one way to free up cash you need for other things, which could even include buying another property. Mortgage renewal time is an ideal occasion to review all your options. 9. Have your insurance needs changed? If your financial situation has changed since you first took out your mortgage, review whether you need the same level of insurance in place to cover mortgage obligations. 10. Are you getting the best rates and terms? In a competitive mortgage environment, your good credit history can make refinancing work to your advantage. I analyze mortgage markets daily to ensure you don’t miss any money-saving opportunities. FHR

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TENACITY AND EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR YOU With a background in marketing and project management, Carmelle Beaudry has the ability to recognize a good investment and get the job done! BY RYAN HOLOTA

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ne of the most expensive and complicated things most people will ever do is buy a house. You must decide on a budget, get approved for a mortgage, shop for a home, have a home inspection, make and amend offers and finally, after everything else has been done, meet with a lawyer and sign very long, complex documents. Your real estate agent can walk you through every step. Carmelle Beaudry, an agent with Century 21 Dome Realty Inc., has years of experience dealing with large, complicated projects. A former marketing and project manager with SaskTel and a sales manager with a modular home company, Beaudry has handled many large projects. “My advice is not to get overwhelmed,” she says. “Focus on finding the house that you can see

yourself living in for the next 5, 10, or 20 years, and leave the worries about the process to your real estate agent. That is their job, and they’ll keep you on target and help you manage the details.” Of course, salespeople do more than just handle the details for you. They are also instrumental in helping you find and choose the right home, or in helping you sell your existing home. “A lot of people believe that they can sell their home by themselves. Many of them are right—in a competitive market you can put a sign up on your lawn and attract buyers. But, how do you know if you are getting a fair price for that home? Listings on the Internet don’t tell you what the house actually sold for, and prices can fluctuate quite a bit even between two blocks and over a short period of time. Real estate agents have access to the actual sales price of houses, and they

also in some of the causes that she gets involved with, such as University of Regina’s Women’s Club, Dress For Success, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. As a former member of the Regina Green Ribbon Advisory Committee on Climate Change, Beaudry helped to keep the topics of climate change and energy conservation on the top of the minds of Regina’s city officials, educators, and the public. Buying and selling a home isn’t for the faint of heart. Luckily at least one real estate agent, Carmelle Beaudry, is more than capable of guiding you through the process while helping you find the home of your dreams, and the mortgage payment that fits your wallet. Learn more about Carmelle at www.carmellebeaudry.com or by giving her a call at 527-0197. FHR

know what features buyers are looking for in a home. Your house may seem just like the one down the street, but it may have certain features like piles; energy efficient furnace; upgraded doors and windows; an extra bath; or granite countertops, that are worth thousands of dollars more.” Beaudry’s clients agree. A client recently mentioned that she initially planned to try to sell her home on her own but when Carmelle explained the services that she provides the client chose to list her home instead, and was very pleased with the experience. Another client called her patient and tenacious. In January of 2011, Beaudry’s

efforts to please her clients and help them find the home that is right for them earned her a place as one of the Top 10 producers at Century 21. In a company of more than 90 people, this was an honour that showed just how much she can help those she works with. Perhaps it’s not really a surprise that Beaudry is so focused on her customers, and so persistent when it comes to getting them what they want. As one of eight children, getting attention in a family requires you to be outspoken and strongwilled. And her Bachelor of Business Administration has helped provide her with the tools to recognize a good investment. Those traits have served her well as a manager and a real estate agent, but

Carmelle Beaudry

REALTOR® 4220 Albert Street, Regina 306.527.0197 Carmelle.beaudry@century21.ca www.carmelle.beaudry.com

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YOUR HOUSE AS A SYSTEM

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years, unfortunately, I have seen some homeowners ignoring the best ways to approach upgrades in order to get as much grant money as possible. But let me tell you, there is a priority sequence in improving the efficiency and quality of a home.â&#x20AC;?

How to prioritize home efficiency upgrades BY SHELL BUSEY

- Shell Busey

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Window and door upgrades can reduce draft, but also increase moisture retention. he previously discontinued ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes Program is again in place for homeowners across Canada who want to upgrade the energy deficiencies in their homes. In order to participate, you must have an energy audit performed on your home by a certified energy adviser licensed by Natural Resources Canada. This audit qualifies your home based on a score out of 100 in terms of its energy efficiency. If your home scores between 55 and 65, for instance, there are clearly improvements to be made in such areas as insulation, draft proofing, ventilation and the windows and heating systems. Each upgrade has an available grant, provided you follow the criteria outlined in the audit report. Some high-pressure salespeople may promote their services for upgrades, but homeowners should remember that the most important part of the program

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comes down to what items you address first. Consider the sequence of priority to the upgrades, not where can you get the biggest bang for the buck relevant to the grant. Over the years, unfortunately, I have seen some homeowners ignoring the best ways to approach upgrades in order to get as much grant money as possible. But let me tell you, there is a priority sequence in improving the efficiency and quality of a home. Some upgrades, if done out of sequence, can negatively affect the quality of life within a home. If done improperly, for instance, one consequence can be excessive moisture that can cause mould growth. You need to start understanding your home as a system involving: insulation, draft proofing, heating, ventilation, windows, doors, and other items. Let me explain in more detail.

1. Your house as a system Here’s a quote from a Natural Resources Canada publication called “Keeping the Heat In.” It summarizes exactly my main point. “It is important to understand how your house works before starting any retrofit work. This will ensure that the job will meet your expectations and that you won’t be causing new problems while solving old ones.”

2. Insulation/draft proofing If you don’t draft proof your home, the added insulation is not effectively doing its job. Have you ever held up a bat of insulation to your face (please wear a mask when you do this) and blow? You will find your breath will go right through. Now, put the batt in a plastic bag and try again. The plastic bag will act as a vapor barrier. You’ll notice the air does not pass through the insulation, that’s how draft proofing works. Draft proofing is achieved

increase the relative humidity inside your home in addition to humidity caused by your lifestyle within the home—such as showers and cooking. Where does the additional moisture caused by this change end up inside your home? The moisture will end up on your window glass if you don’t address ventilation. Heat pumps and air conditioners while operating act like a high powered dehumidifier in your home, drying out your interior environment. HRVs and exhaust ventilation extract stale air from the home allowing fresh air to come back into the home through make-up air vents. An additional benefit of an HRV is that it will bring fresh air from outside into the home, and while that process is occurring the fresh air is being warmed or cooled within the HRV depending on the season.

4. Windows and doors

through items such as caulking, spray foam insulation, tuck tape, and so on.

3. Heating, air conditioning (heat pumps), and ventilation When you address your heating and cooling system, you will encounter items such as high efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators), kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. All of these items significantly affect how your house works. For example, high efficiency condensing furnaces no longer remove air from inside the home for use in the combustion of natural gas or oil to heat your home. This will the

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These items are very important, but in most cases they are installed before items 1 through 3 are addressed. Besides making your home look more cosmetically appealing, new windows and doors tighten the home envelope which can cause concerns with items that haven’t been addressed such as heating and ventilation as described in item 3. Keep in mind, the value of comfort is what you address with new windows and doors, not to overlook the curb appeal they add to your home. The best window you can put in your home today with triple pane Low E Argon glass, keeping affordability in mind, will give you an R value less than one quarter the R value you can achieve from your wall insulation.

5. Others When dollars and cents are being considered, there are many other items that can be considered such as: hot water boilers, tankless hot water heaters, thermostats, de-humidistats, skylights, drain water heat recovery systems, and so on. FHR Shell Busey is a popular radio and television host and owner of Shell Busey’s Housesmart Home Services and Products Referral Network. www.housesmartcentre.com

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EXPERTAdvice RESTORATION

PHOTOS BY JOHN MORRELL

Chris Krasowski

General Manager Medius Restoration Services (306) 529-9159 medius@sasktel.net Water, water everywhere has been the mantra this year. As a result, there may well be a fungus among us—specifically mold, in all its many forms. And, cleaning up that potentially risky fungus is a job best left to certified professionals. Water damage restoration and mold removal are a major concern for many people and businesses this year. Any time there has been water in a building, there is the risk of mold. There are numerous kinds of mold (including mildew) but not all are dangerous. Over time, the term “black mold” was coined to identify whether mold was dangerous or not. This is not the case: colour or odour is not an accurate indicator of how toxic the mold species is, nor what kind of effects it can have on an individual. More importantly, the focus should be on the size and concentration of the mold spores, not the colour. A single spore can be microscopic in size and is not visible to the human eye. This means that mold can lurk out of sight, under sub-basements and in walls, causing damage and, possibly, health problems. A common question is, “I have a musky odour in my basement, does that mean

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I have mold?” An odour in itself doesn’t indicate mold, because odour is mainly caused by bacteria. This summer in Saskatchewan a lot of basements had water damage, seepage or sewer backups. Odour is created when this moisture reacts with the bacteria in your home. Mold may grow over time, with the right amount of moisture and bacteria, which is why it is important to remove the source of moisture immediately. So, odour can be a warning sign, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there is mold.

to address them. For example, at Medius, we are all highly trained, with most of us, including myself, having received training that meets the standards of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Mold can affect health in a variety of ways, leading to runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash or itching, flu-like symptoms, asthma attacks, headaches, aches and pains, possible fever and rarely, pneumonia. People with allergies and/or asthma are especially susceptible.

It is safer in the long run to use a professional service than to do the work yourself. Mold and microbial bacteria must be removed properly to ensure spores are not released into the air to spread and cause health problems. Some companies, such as Medius, use negative air pressure machines to ensure the spores don’t spread.

Don’t attempt to do the clean-up yourself. For one thing, the average person doesn’t know which kinds of mold are harmful and which are not. And, it is impossible to distinguish between harmful and nonharmful mold by sight alone. You can’t tell the extent of the damage just by looking. And, it’s the invisible spores, not the mold itself, that get into the air and cause health problems. There is no way to know they’re there unless air quality tests are done. It is, therefore, essential that a reputable and certified mold inspection technician conduct air tests and use an internationally accredited laboratory to ensure precise results. A homeowner should always ask for proof of the inspector’s certification. The staff of a mold remediation company should also be properly trained in identifying problems and taking the appropriate steps

We use advanced practices and state-ofthe-art equipment to dry out the structure quickly. This equipment doesn’t use much electricity, helps reduce structural damage, lessens the risk of mold growth and can save you money.

Painting or using a sealant over a moldy wall won’t eliminate the problem, the mold will “eat” the paint over time, even paint said to be mold resistant. And, put away the bleach bottle. Bleach is water-based and inactivated by organic material, as a result, the water it contains will end up feeding the fungus and making the problem worse. If you’ve had water damage from all the rain and run-off this year, or you suspect there might be mold in your building, remove as much of the water as you can, remove the contents from the area and dispose of anything that may harbor mold or bacteria, including cardboard and drywall. And, call in the professionals to ensure your home or workplace is completely cleaned up and safe. FHR

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privacy or light control, or just looking to make a style statement, be rest assured that Parkland has window fashions that allow you the affordability to experience world-renowned craftsmanship in the comfort of your own home, with such a plentiful selection of sheers, shades, honeycombs, blinds to investigate. If your interest is in transforming ordinary sunlight into extraordinary room ambiance, then the Hunter Douglas sheer window treatments are what you’re looking for. Should your focus be on sun protection and energy efficiency, then the Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb shades are your best bet. Uncertainty in

choosing between horizontal or vertical blinds can be easily resolved with the Hunter Douglas collection that offers you optimum view while opened, and optimal privacy when closed. With such a multitude of options, it’s easy to see why Hunter Douglas is recognized around the world for their design quality and dependability. In keeping with our pledge of superior customer service, Parkland Carpet One has full-size window displays, which allows you to view window coverings with natural light passing through, helping you to make an informed choice before purchasing. By witnessing first-hand the

Parkland offers the largest in-store and custom order selection of flooring in Saskatchewan through its full service showroom

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Parkland Carpet One is proud to offer the Healthier Living Carpet Installation System to all of its valued customers. This health conscious installation practice helps to minimize allergens, dust, mould, mildew and odours, encouraging better air quality in your home or business. difference that comes with shadings, sheers and louvers, our experienced window fashions consultant can help walk you through the many options to choose from and assist you in setting the perfect mood for your home. With new products and improvements revolutionizing window coverings, take advantage of the latest in energy efficiencies and motorization. Hunter Douglas has just introduced three new ways to control motorized shades and blinds. One extremely popular option is a solar energy sensor accessory that is positioned to open and close window coverings automatically during the day to optimize energy efficiency in the home. An equally popular option is to have the

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NANCY MERCER WINDOW FASHIONS CONSULTANT

window covering move, offering you greater security and peace of mind even when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not at home. All Hunter Douglas window fashions are backed by an exclusive Lifetime Limited Warranty. A Warranty that comes with the guarantee that Hunter Douglas will fix or replace your window covering, should there be any defect or broken part not caused by normal wear and tear. Come down and visit Nancy at the Parkland Carpet One showroom and witness for yourself what is available in window fashions. FHR

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Parkland Carpet One Robert Grain 1600 8th ave 525-9125

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Skyline Painting Ltd. RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & NEW CONSTRUCTION PAINTING • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • SPRAYING • WOODWORK FINISHING • SERVING REGINA FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS

For a free estimate contact Greg@skylinepainting.ca Greg Lundlie Phone: 306.529.2470 www.skylinepainting.ca

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BY THOM BARKER. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ They live in Beverly Hills, California. They are rich and famous. Their house is, no question, a mansion at more than 16,000 square feet. But for Shannon Tweed, Gene Simmons and their kids, Nick (22) and Sophie (19) it is the family home.

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“I like things to be homey,” Tweed told Fine Homes Regina. “I designed it with an architect whose work I liked because I didn’t want to be obsessed with art. I wanted the outdoors to be the art so I wanted windows everywhere. It’s California so we can afford that luxury, it’s not like you have to heat the place. I wanted an open living space, kitchen, living room area which is where we spend most of our time. The formal entry, dining room and formal living room are, I would say, only used on the TV show [Gene Simmons Family Jewels]. I really only think we built it so that if we ever decided to resell, it would have its resale value.” Family home is the distinct impression the house made on Saskatoon photographer Heather Fritz, who flew to Los Angeles to take pictures for this feature. “What really struck me was that it was just like anybody’s home,” Heather said. “I mean, it’s huge and it’s full of beautiful things, but nothing is really over-the-top and it just has a real welcoming feel to it.” The Tweed-Simmons family has lived in the home for about 12 years and recently Tweed decided it was time for a change in décor, replacing furniture, rugs and wallpaper.

BEFORE THE MAKE-OVER. PHOTOS BY ELAINE CULOTTI

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“I got tired of it,” she said. “It was old and it’s been trampled on by the camera crews for five or six years, so it was time for an overhaul.” She didn’t get to do everything she wanted to, though, for the same reason most people don’t. “The only limitation was the old pocketbook,” she said. “I have to do these things in stages or [Gene] gets shell-shocked. I would have also put in better lighting, better electronics and redone all the cabinetry. I’ll probably do it in about a year or so.” While the house itself is fairly modern, the décor has an almost old-world kind of feel to it, something Tweed is attracted to, again, because of its homey-ness. “There’s a few antiques sprinkled in with some newer stuff,” she said. “There’s sort of a solid feel to it. I like, not your mother’s furniture, but kind of a new twist on your mom’s old stuff. You know, like a good solid couch and a rich fabric. Scalamandré fabrics are some of the best in the business and I used their [wall]papers and their fabrics, they’re just so sturdy and rich. I think it gives a feeling of permanence of a home, if your kids want to come back to you. I like the feeling of family; I like the feeling of home.” Adding to that feeling of home and family are hundreds of family photos and knick knacks spread liberally about on virtually every surface.

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“I verge on a hoarder, I really do, and I have to pull back sometimes and take some crap off the tables,” Tweed joked. “I have a big family so it’s getting a little cluttered, but I don’t mind as long as it’s clean and organized clutter and I know where everything is. I don’t do it to please anybody else. I didn’t make a home for architectural digest or anything; I just made it for ourselves.” The best redecorating decision she made, Tweed said, was hiring interior decorator Elaine Culotti then stepping aside and letting Culotti run with it. “Elaine Culotti, from Porta Bella did Paul Stanley’s [KISS guitarist] house and I was initially just going to put some rug runner on the stairs and I asked Paul’s wife, Erin [Sutton], who did her carpeting and she said Elaine. So I went to Elaine’s store and she just had great taste. We went over some colours and tastes and then I took a vacation and when I came back it was done. It’s much easier that way than trying to micromanage.” It did have a couple of drawbacks, though.

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“Now I have to rethink the pattern that we put on the ceiling in the family room because now it’s fighting with the pottery, so I might have to calm down the print on the panels on the ceiling. I wanted to do something up there because it was so plain before, but I might have picked something too wild. “And then I have to find something to replace that yellow coffee table in the living room because everything else is yellow. We’re going to replace that with a dark wooden one. I haven’t picked one yet, but those are probably the only changes I’ll make.”

WHERE BETTER DRAWINGS LEAD TO A BETTER BUILDING EXPERIENCE SPECIALIZING IN: CUSTOM HOME DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS (MODERATE TO ELABORATE HOMES)

Still, Tweed stands by the decision to give Culotti free reign. “It’s easier now to just redo that one part I’m not crazy about than it is to sit around and worry about people moving stuff and where they’re going to put it and this and that.” Of course, no home would be complete without a little dash of kitsch. For Tweed, it’s the lifesized butler statue “Jeeves” who stands sentry, serving tray in hand in the dining room. She saw it at a flea market for $200 and knew it would be the perfect gift for Simmons. “I thought, you know, Gene would have fun with it,” she explained. “Now, every time someone comes in the house, he says, ‘walk right up and look in Jeeves’ eyes,’ because they look really real. So people get up really close and then he goes, “Ahhh!” and they jump to high heaven. He does it every time and everybody falls for it.” FHR

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EXPERTAdvice HOME IMPROVEMENTS Home Insulation with G. Michael Dynna, President of Spray Jones

What factors affect the quality of spray foam insulation? Standard fiberglass insulation is created in a factory where the finished product is reviewed and tested to make sure that it meets all of the specifications and standards that it needs to in order to insulate effectively. Installation is as simple as stuffing it between studs and then covering with plastic sheet. The same can not be said for spay foam insulation. Spray foam does lot leave the factory as foam, in fact it leaves the factory as a drum of chemicals. It does not turn into insulation until the product has been sprayed by a trained, certified, and experienced installer. While the chemical also meets strict requirements, in essence, spray foam insulation is manufactured on site under the guidance of an experienced technician.

G. Michael Dynna

President of Spray Jones Phone: 306.359.FOAM (3626) Toll Free: 1.888.414.FOAM (3626) www.sprayjones.com

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This is a key distinction, and one that must be carefully considered when choosing an installer for your construction project. Indeed, manufacturer certifications alone rarely determine how fit an installer is to apply spray foam â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they simply reflect a base level of understanding of the product. Manufacturer training course teach the installer about the chemistry of the product, the application method, and some safety information, but they do not teach about construction methods. In reality, construction methods across the world vary greatly; construction in Germany is different from construction in Canada. In many cases construction in Ontario is different from what is done in Saskatchewan. Due to these factors, the final quality and effectiveness of the spray foam insulation is dependent on the installer.

Spray foam insulation does two things when installed properly: it insulates and it seals. In order for it to insulate and seal, it must be sprayed into crevices and gaps in the construction of the house. In most places, such as on a flat wall, this is relatively easy. The difficulty comes when spraying other areas, such as the wide variety of roof styles, gables, and build-outs that come with new home construction. Consider a buildout in a dining room, something that is very common today on new home construction. That space will need to have insulation sprayed on flat (wall) surfaces, ceiling surfaces, floor surfaces, as well as inside and outside corners. Each of those surfaces provides unique challenges for all types of insulation (including fiberglass bat insulation). Especially on those difficult areas, spray foam insulation can provide great benefits and improvements in insulation over the alternatives, but only when it is sprayed and installed properly. Doing so requires experience with the material, with local construction techniques, as well as an understanding of the total heating, cooling, and air recycling envelope of the building. While I personally believe that our product (Wall-tite ECO) is the best spray foam insulation on the market, the truth is that the quality of the insulation is in many ways, less important than the company who installs the product. Michael Dynna is the President of Spray Jones Spray Foam and Acoustics. Dynna has been in the foam insulation industry since 2000 and founded Spray Jones in 2005. Spray Jones is the founding father of residential and commercial foam in the province and has insulated more buildings than any other company.

LOCATING THE LEADING EDGE OF FLOORING... RIGHT HERE IN REGINA BY EDWARD WILLETT

f you were looking for the latest, hottest trends in flooring, where would you go? New York? Toronto? Vancouver? No need to wander so far afield: no need, in fact, to wander further than 206 4th Ave. E., where you’ll find Floors by Design. With owner Darren Illingworth at the helm, Floors by Design has been bringing the very latest floor products to the Queen City since 2002. “Most of the customers who come in are looking for what’s the leading edge,” Illingworth says. “We don’t just offer something that’s been available for years. We go out and research what’s new so we can offer that to Regina. We look to our suppliers: ‘What have you got that’s new? What can we bring in?’ We try to bring the trends of what you’ll see in New York and Vancouver here now.’” Illingworth emphasizes that Floors by Design is an independent store. “I’m not associated with a buying group,” he says.

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“It doesn’t limit me as to what I can find for the customer. If they have a special flooring need, we’ll go out and find the product they need, we’ll source it.” Currently, he says, there are two strong

trends he sees happening in the flooring industry: sleek and modern and Old World. Cindy Rogan, the designer who assisted Illingworth to open Floors by Design’s sister store, Coverings by Design, states that tiles especially are

portraying the sleek and modern trend with concrete and linen visuals and large rectangular sizes. Illingworth describes the Old World trend as a “Tuscany look with a modern edge.” He states that, “in hardwoods it is seen where the flooring has a look of history… like it had a pedigree.” Rogan also explains that there is a revival of “subtle elegance.” The look of neutrals and natural stones: marble, travertine and limestone. Floors by Design’s primary focus over the years has been working with the city’s builders. Many award-winning homes have featured their products, as have most of the homes given away in fundraising lotteries over the past few years. “We work with some of the most prominent designers in the city,” Illingworth says. Many of their clients arrive in the large, well-presented showroom with a list provided by their builder of possible flooring choices. But that work with builders has led to a good retail business as well, built by referrals from satisfied customers. Floors by Design installs what it sells. “All my crews work for me, which is important in the industry,” Illingworth notes. “My relationship with most of my staff is 25 years plus. We have third-generation families working here.”

PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

Professionalism is the watchword for both installers and sales staff. “I’m always providing our staff with product knowledge,” Illingworth emphasizes. “Our installers are always provided with up-to-date seminars.” It all boils down to customer service. The goal is to be able to answer customers’ questions when they come into the store. “Be it carpet, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, tile—we make sure we know what we’re talking about or we find the answers.” Members of the sales team who customers are most likely to meet to get their questions answered include Llizz Whitehead, who provides sales and design services; Kathy McGratten, who specializes in estimating; and Jack Coffin, who has many years’ experience with both installation and sales. With a grin, Illingworth adds that he also has a “senior advisor,” his father, Don Illingworth. Another family member, cousin Kevin Illingworth, is also a well- seasoned estimator. At Floors by Design, it doesn’t matter how big or little the job is. “I can meet every lifestyle; I can meet every budget,” Illingworth says. And after the product is sold and installed, he adds proudly, “We’re the only store in Regina that will call customers after the job is completed to ensure their satisfaction. It shows the customer we care from start to finish.” He sums it up simply: at Floors by Design, he says, “the customer is number one.” FHR Floors By Design 206 4th Ave E Regina, Sk. 306.359.6300 www.floorsbydesign.ca

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206 - 4 Ave. E Regina, SK S4N 4Z6 306.359.6300 www.casaroma.ca

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PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

TRANSFORMING INTERIORS INTO WORKS OF ART THROUGH QUALITY PRODUCTS AND DESIGN BY EDWARD WILLETT beautiful interior happens by design, not by accident. Every new or renovated room is a blank canvas, awaiting only a deft touch to turn it into a work of art. Whether you’re designing your own interior, working with a designer, or

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seeking design help, you’ll find both expert advice and an outstanding collection of floor coverings, window coverings, wall coverings, drapery and custom bedding at Coverings by Design, a “one-stop shopping experience” for both designers and the public.

Cindy Rogan, co-creator of the store, has more than three decades of design experience, stretching across all four Western provinces. For the past 10 years Rogan has lived in Regina, running her own consulting company before amalgamating with Darren Illingworth, owner of Floors by Design, to create Coverings by Design:

a store, she says, that can not only help clients find the right products, but help them get on the right design track. The comfortable, welcoming show room features custom-made, granite-topped design consultation tables, with plenty of space to spread out photos, drawings and samples. Here Rogan or fellow designer Gayle Mitchell can sit with clients to discuss their ideas and plans, one-on-one, and get to know them better. “It becomes a first-name basis,” Rogan says. The first step is to ask questions: “What area of the home are you renovating?” “Are you doing this project on your own, or working with a designer?” If they’re working with a designer, Rogan says, “We want to make sure we’re working with the direction the designer has created for the client.” An important part of the process is finding out who lives in the house, and how the space will be used. “They may come in with an idea, but it doesn’t work with the lifestyle,” Rogan explains. “For clients and their families who have active lifestyles and may have pets, we assist them in selecting products that are best suited to their needs.” “We try to give them some sensible advice on the practical side, while never giving up on the design side, because that’s important to us,” Rogan says. Once those questions have been asked

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and answered, “within a very short period of time, we get them down to the colour palette and textures they’re looking for.” Thanks to the design experience she and Mitchell share, she says, “it’s not difficult for us to help the client find the right product.” Although Coverings by Design is a large store, it feels like a cozy boutique, with well-lit, easy-to-browse racks of samples of carpet, tile, draperies, upholstery and more. And you can be assured you’re seeing the latest and best of what’s out there. “We seek continuous product knowledge,” Rogan says. “It keeps us on top of what the latest trends are.” “We are one of the premier showrooms for window coverings,” she continues. “We probably have the most extensive fabric library available for anyone to utilize, designers and clientele alike. Hunter Douglas is the North American leader in home window fashions; we’re a showcase and Alustra dealer.” The typical Coverings by Design client is someone who has an idea, but needs help to take it to the next step. That’s why the Coverings by Design sign outside the showroom is mostly blank. “We help you take that blank canvas you’re staring at and help you convert it into the art form you’re looking for,” Rogan explains. To put it another way, “We don’t tell them what we’ll do for them, we ask them what we can do for them.”

The result: a welcoming atmosphere, and a stress-free shopping experience. “Clients are telling us that when they come to us they’ve had their best experience with shopping,” Rogan says. The sale, she says, is the last thing she worries about. What matters is, “Have we done what’s best for the client, and have they left satisfied?” For clients of Coverings by Design, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” FHR

Coverings By Design 411 Park St. Regina, Sk. 306.779.2010 www.coveringsbydesign.ca

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EXCLUSIVITY, AUTOMATION AND CONVENIENCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Discover the versatility of super blinds BY RYAN HOLOTA magine for a moment the blinds in your bedroom opening automatically in the morning, allowing you to wake naturally to daylight instead of to a blaring alarm clock. Imagine the security that having curtains and blinds in your home open and close when you are away on vacation can bring, giving the impression that someone is inside. Lisa Millar of Superblinds Regina can make those dreams a reality. As Regina’s only Certified Hunter Douglas Motorization Specialist, Millar can design a system that gives you complete control over your window coverings at the press of a button on a remote control or wall-mounted control panel. Some systems can even be accessed through your home theatre system. You can also specify automatic events based on time or via sensors located near the windows. “When designing a home automation system, it is important that we get involved early,” says Millar. Wires need to be run inside the wall, and it is easier to do that when houses are in the early stages of construction, though customers who are doing renovations may also benefit from the features and conveniences that automation brings.”

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Convenience is only one benefit of home automation. For some, it is a necessity. Those with disabilities or people who are confined to a wheelchair can also benefit greatly, as can individuals who suffer from arthritis. Hunter Douglas offers a variety of unique products that can be motorized. While many other manufacturers offer little more than roller shades, Hunter Douglas can accommodate nearly every window covering desire. In addition to having Regina’s only Certified Hunter Douglas Motorization Specialist (Millar) and a Hunter Douglas certified installer (Brian Boudignon), Superblinds is the only Hunter Douglas Gallery store in Regina, featuring the

entire line of Hunter Douglas window coverings, including the exclusive Alustra Collection. With a blind for every budget, stop by Superblinds at 1142 Broad Street, or give them a call at 757-1331. Don’t let your windows go naked. http://www.superblindsregina.com FHR

1142 Broad St Regina, Sk. 306.757.1331 www.superblindsregina.com

LIFE IS GREAT WITH CHIPPERS BY RYAN HOLOTA RRHBA

Member

(L to R): Kurt Jacklin, Thomas Arland, Brandon Trask

ife is great with Chippers. That’s a bold statement, but one that many of the company’s clients have no problem making. Founded in 2004 by Kurt Jacklin, Chippers Contracting Ltd. is a full-service construction company that can handle any job that you need doing. The company name is based on a nickname that Jacklin was given as a child by an aunt who could not get over the happy and positive attitude that he had— Chipper. Not much has changed in the years since he first earned that moniker. Jacklin has never met a job he couldn’t deliver on with quality. He and his assistant, Brandon Trask, regularly tackle everything from paving stone work, to garage construction, to bathroom

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and basement renovations. During the summer months, Jacklin’s nine-year-oldson Thomas helps out as well, learning the business at a young age. To be clear, Chippers Contracting isn’t a jack-of-alltrades company, we all know how the rest of that saying goes. In contrast, Chippers Contracting is a boutique construction company, dealing with smaller projects by choice, in order to have complete control over the finished product and all of the work that has been done. “One thing you see, especially in boom times, is a lot of contractors working with out-of-province licence plates,” Jacklin says. “Everybody wants to make money, so they come to Regina to do work. That’s great, but what happens in a few years

when you want to do some additional work with the same people? What happens if there is a problem and you need to get in touch with the people who renovated your basement?” He continues, “I was born and raised in Regina, and I’m not going anywhere. When my customers need to get in contact with me, they call me or they drop by my house. I’ll do your job for you now, but when you need something else done in four or five years, I’ll still be here to take care of you. That’s what I consider full service.” His customers couldn’t agree more. The huge amount of snow that fell on Regina last winter left many homeowners scrambling to find a way to get the snow off of their roofs. It isn’t

a role that a contractor typically takes on, but when his clients called looking for recommendations, Jacklin was more than happy to step up and help them out. That’s one of the reasons that referral business is so common with Chippers. In fact, it was a referral that led to a series of very large projects Chippers Contracting has been working on for the past couple of years. Jacklin had done a very extensive renovation on a business in the south end of the city. Later, that business moved and Trifon’s Pizza took over the space that was left behind. Impressed by the quality of the work that had been done, Philip McElree enquired who the contractor was. That began a long relationship between Chippers Contracting and Trifon’s Pizza.

Trifons Pizza And Offsale Liquor Store – Kramer Blvd. Philip and Tanya McElree, Trifon’s Pizza franchise owners were seeking a contractor to renovate their restaurant located at 1101 Kramer Blvd., across from the University of Regina. In addition to the restaurant renovations, they wanted to expand their services and build an off-sale liquor store to better serve customers in the area. “Kurt was just fantastic to work with,” said Philip. “He has really good ideas, and is really able to visualize how a completed project will look before any of the work has been done. Also, his attention to detail is second to none. There were a few times when I asked him to build me something cheap, just for temporary use, and he flat-out refused. He asked why I wanted the items and how they would be used. He convinced me that doing it right the first time is cheaper than doing it quickly twice. Kurt really does a hell of a job.” Making a positive impression on your clients is very important when you run a business, something that Jacklin is very good at doing. That is the reason his clients keep coming back for more work. In the case of Philip McElree, that more work was another new restaurant.

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Trifon’s Pizza – Cornwall Centre Food Court “I expanded my business and opened in the food court of the Cornwall Centre. I knew that I was going to use Kurt again, and once again I’m very happy with the work, Philip said. “This was a project that needed to be done completely from scratch, and the results are just amazing. Kurt built walls, shelving, did the tiling— everything. He even made changes and suggested tweaks to the plans to improve the way that the restaurant would function once it opened. Everything has been perfect, and Kurt is very dedicated to make sure that I am happy with everything. I’ve already been planning a couple of new projects for Kurt to do for me, and I know that I’ll be very pleased with them as well. “When it comes to running a restaurant, being clean is everything,” Philip continued. “A lot of contractors don’t really care about the mess that they make—but Kurt does. He keeps his workspace very clean, and leaves everything even cleaner than he found it. When you are in my line of work, that is a very important thing to consider. “Right now, I get a tonne of comments from my customers about how great my places look. There’s no better recommendation that I can give.”

A Complete Full-Service Contractor From decks to doors, garages to gazebos, and everything else you can possibly imagine, Chippers Contracting can do it all. Chippers Contracting is also a dealer for Duraco windows and doors, as well as Smart Windows and Doors, and is one of the carefully selected contractors that does work for Rona, Canada’s own coastto-coast line of building supply stores. Talk to Kurt Jacklin today by phoning him at 546-3548, or visit him in the web at www.chippersrenos.com FHR

•

If anyone out there is into having renovations completed with the normal worries about costs and good contractors, contractor creativity and responsibilities in all realms and facets of the entire construction phase – I, as an unbiased peer in your realm, would like to pass on some valuable information. I contacted approximately 12 contractors to do a major renovation on our medium sized house. Additional bedrooms were required and all 27 windows replaced as well as redirection of plumbing, electrical upgrades, new lighting, bathroom renovation, lino and carpet throughout – plus other incidents requiring a certain uniqueness. Without a doubt, Kurt Jacklin from Chipper’s Contracting was heads above the rest, not only in terms of initial project evaluation, but his concern and care from the outset was very evident – with he and his staff’s strong work ethic and creativity and expert craftsmanship continuing on through the life of the project. Chippers clearly met all expectations in all facets of the renovation process and I highly recommend them! Thanks Kurt & Staff! Your input was well beyond the imagination outcome!! ~ Tom Warner

Chippers Contracting Kurt Jacklin 306.501.1514 kurtjennifer@accesscomm.ca www.chippersrenos.com

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ERSONALIZE When you think Renovations, Basement Repair or Landscaping give Cloud 9 a call. The Leaders in “walking the walk” in giving back to Regina: Proud organizers and sponsors of Rebuilding Dreams: Regina’s 2nd Extreme Home Makeover.

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Duane Petersen CarPentry By Amy NelsoN-mile. photos By dArrel kAjAti

or anyone who would like their renovations and custom-made furniture/built-ins to have a unique flair, Duane Petersen is the person to talk to. Petersen is a successful and experienced general contractor who designs and creates items for his clients that are innovative, one-of-a-kind, highquality works of art. Petersen specializes in renovations and prefers to do one job at a time, that way he can devote all his attention to his client’s needs so the end result is something they can enjoy for a very long time. “I do additions, built-ins, decks, gazebos,

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and custom wine rooms, bathrooms, bars and home theatres. Lately I’ve been doing some landscaping and I would love to do some more of that. I really enjoy creating non-typical, custom ways of bordering plants and setting off waterfalls, sculptures, and other elements of the yard.” It’s not just the landscaping where Petersen focuses on uncommon creations. “My work is for people who want something unique,” he explains. “I take a very personal approach with my design, so I don’t build anything that mimics a certain trend or design. If someone asked me to build something in

a certain historical style, such as Victorian or Queen Anne, I would refer them to someone else.” Petersen developed his own style after a lengthy period of training. He took classes in architecture for six years in Montana and went on for a further year of training in furniture design in Victoria, B.C. and Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I’ve studied all the different periods and I’ve been influenced by all of them.” His style is striking. “A lot of stuff I enjoy doing is sculptural. It’s organic, fluid, filled with curves. For example, one of my designs is a two-tiered deck, with each

deck in the shape of the leaf. The decks are built to closely resemble the leaves, complete with jagged edges.” “I’m fascinated by design, and I think I have an eye for good design,” says Petersen. “I’m always researching and always watching for ideas that are out of the norm. I look at photos in magazines and books, I get ideas from nature, I even look at fractal arts images on computer.” In addition to having created a unique style, Petersen has a gift for providing unique solutions to design problems. “I’m able to see things that clients often can’t,” he says. “I can look at space and visualize a way to work with it they would not think of.” Petersen demonstrated his ability to use space in innovative ways recently when he built a library in a private home. Space was at a premium. His solution? “I built a hidden bookcase door and eliminated the need for a hallway. The frame was welded in metal and encased in walnut wood.” Wood is the material Petersen prefers to work with. “I love the warmth and

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naturalness of wood,” he says. “It’s welcoming and comforting. On a practical level, working with solid wood also gives a stronger build.” Petersen also considers lighting to be important, especially natural lighting, and it plays a role in his designs whenever possible. As much as Petersen enjoys the process of designing, his enjoyment of his work doesn’t stop there. “I like the process of putting the idea into three dimensional form,” he says. “My work is very high quality. I take my time, pay very close attention to details and make sure everything is done right. My finished work shows good craftsmanship.” Clients who work with Petersen in the design process find that he helps them through every step of the process. “First, I talk to the clients and find out from them what they want,” he says. “From there I create a few ideas for them to consider, maybe three or four. Then I sit down with them and go over the ideas and concepts. Many people have difficulty visualizing concepts and designs, but

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with my background I can either draw or communicate those ideas in a way people can visualize. Once the clients have decided on a design, Petersen works with them to come up with a comprehensive plan of the work. “We also talk about materials, timelines, and cost,” he says. Petersen says that not everything can be figured out in advance, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to do so as thoroughly as possible. “I like to plan as far in advance as much as I can. It helps to develop trust in me and trust in the process.” Petersen’s extensive experience helps him to assess and plan accurately. After he finished his training, he worked with different custom home builders in Victoria and then in approximately 2003 he came back to Saskatchewan to be with his family and friends and become a general contractor. Now, although he especially enjoys his time working one-on-one with clients, he has help for the bigger projects. “I have a handful of guys working for me,” he says. “I select people who have a similar interest and passion. They enjoy their work with me; they get to do unusual things and creative work.” Petersen’s final product and his work ethic have earned him an outstanding reputation that has now created a strong demand for his services. He recommends that anyone who is interested in booking his company do so at least six months in advance. To reach him, call 539-1506, email info@duanepetersen.com, or visit his new website at www.duanepetersen.com. FHR

Duane Petersen 306.539.1506 info@duanepetersen.com www.duanepetersen.com

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WITH KEN BEATTIE

oticeably shorter days, an abundance of produce and a shifting of yard maintenance all herald the inevitable finale of the gardening season. Cries from anxious homeowners who have spent the better part of their free time weeding, coddling, coaxing and cursing at their yards are doubtless drowning out anything else. “It’s not over yet!”

In truth, August and September can be the most magical time in the urban prairie landscape and one of my personal favourites. For the most part, this period is a time to celebrate your efforts as vegetables are full and juicy with all the tender loving care applied since the long weekend in May.

Perennials, with the exception of Delphiniums, are looking spectacular and may actually have doubled their size since installation. Alas, the “Delphinium winds” have taken their toll reducing the pride and joy of the neighborhood to stunted clumps of shredded leaf mould, yes with a hint of pinkish-blue, the remnants of noble floral stalks.

There is a tendency at this time of the year, for newer gardeners in particular, to want to “do something” in the landscape. The best advice is to sit in the garden and enjoy it. Better yet, if you have itchy pruning fingers, exercise the option of collecting cut flowers and foliage to be enjoyed either indoors or on the patio table.

Hostas are in full glory during the lazy days of summer sporting dangling bell flowers in hundreds of blue hues to stark white. It seems that even the slugs are vacationing, all fattened up, slathered in sunscreen and reaching for just one more “Hosta Sunrise” as they lounge in their sluggie hammocks.

One trick that I have used for years is to take my clean container, with fresh cool water into the garden as I prepare to make an arrangement. Understanding that the sooner the cut stems are in water the better and their longevity increases, it makes perfect sense. I do not limit the exercise to simply flowers, after all, you may have waited all season to see that particular specimen produce, and now what, cut it off? No way!

Potentilla, Weigela, Mock Orange and Hydrangea boast their best blossoms in August, bridging the colour palette into the autumnal tones of Chrysanthemums, ornamental Kale and fall Crocus.

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Temper your designing talents by adding foliage to your arrangement that will

enhance as well as fill the vase. Rhubarb, Hosta and Rodgersia foliage are big, bold and always in abundance, typically outlasting the floral component of the arrangement. The perennial Rodgersia podphylla may not be that common to all of you, but a sure fire winner for the prairie urban-scape. This plant has enormous, plate-like leaves held by stiff and sturdy stalks high above the soil level. Hardy and adaptable to less than ideal soil conditions, this workhorse perennial is a must have for bold, character foliage. August is a very good time to pick up a few straggly waifs, the lost and less fortunate of the perennial gang often not looking primped and proper as they did earlier in the season. A bargain is a bargain after all. Landscapers and better garden centres will be familiar with Rodgersia podophylla, so if enough consumers ask for this plant, by spring of 2012 there should be an ample supply. The specimen that resides in my rear gardens usually is in full bloom during the entire month of August. Now the blooms are not the primary reason that I cultivate this plant as they are somewhat shaggy mopheads. Still, they do spark conversation and queries from guests. Monkshood or Aconitum napellus is another steadfast and reliable late summer favourite. She stands almost two metres tall waving her cobalt blue tresses with ease, even against the “Delphinium winds.” Cautious gardeners will often place a tomato cage or some such support system around the clumps early in the year. Actually, I use twigs and sticks that have fallen from the trees in the neighborhood allowing the Monkshood to grow through them, twisting and turning so that the supports disappear. This rather natural way of staking works for other lanky perennials too. The shade loving Thalictrum aquilegifolium is one of the best candidates for this method of support. Thalictrum has very delicate foliage and even more delightful clusters of flowers, reminiscent of Baby’s Breath. The mauve clusters are held high on the plant making it an ideal candidate for the back of the border as she will peek over the heads of most border perennials.

Rhubarb

Thalictrum aquilegifolium

One of my plants stands like a sentinel under the oppressive shade of a Maple tree in deep, dry shade. The soil was of course amended with compost and leaf mold to increase its water holding capacity and three twig-stakes. There she stands, bold as brass waving her just opening cascade of mauve, almost a punctuation mark in the otherwise dark corner of my east garden. Enjoy the lazy days of summer, secure a perimeter with your buds at the local garden centres stalking sales and bargains and just relax. There will be bulbs for fall planting on the shelves about the same time as the back-to-school gack appears, so keep a weather eye out for them too. One of the favourite sayings for prairie gardeners is: “there is always next year.” There is a great deal of truth in that, isn’t there? FHR Ken Beattie, affectionately known as Canada’s Favourite Gardener, is a graduate of the prestigious Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and is currently Director of Horticulture for Assiniboine Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, in Winnipeg. As a TV host, radio contributor and author, his easy exuberance and playful personality are well-known to enthusiasts from Saskatchewan to the Philippines.

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DEBBIE REAVLEY AND WILEEN AMENDT, PROPRIETORS OF FEATHERS AND GOLD DUST CLEANING CONNOISSEURS HOME BY NORTH RIDGE DEVELOPMENTS PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

PROFESSIONALISM, PASSION, AND INTERGRITY: CLEANING WITH CONVICTION BY EDWARD WILLETT or Debbie Reavley and Wileen Amendt, proprietors of Feathers and Gold Dust Cleaning Connoisseurs, three words sum up their business: professionalism, passion and integrity. As Reavley puts it, “We are a professional cleaning company, we‘re passionate about what we do, and we do everything with integrity. “ Feathers and Gold Dust Cleaning Connoisseurs specializes in postconstruction cleaning. The majority of the company’s work is the final cleaning of new homes before the owners walk

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in. “We create that ‘Wow!’ factor,” says Reavley. The company also does other construction cleaning. For example, they scrape and sweep plywood subfloors prior to the installation of in-floor heating. They also vacuum up drywall dust in preparation for the painters. New commercial buildings are also part of the company’s repertoire: both Walmart Supercentres, Tim Hortons, and several government buildings, just to name a few. The women consider themselves privileged

to have cleaned the Saskatchewan Disease Control Lab and are proud of their work, which was “very detailed and intricate cleaning,” says Reavley. Feathers and Gold Dust Cleaning Connoisseurs was conceived in April of 2009. Both women had professional careers (“I had a cleaning lady!” admits Amendt), but, says Reavley “we were discontent.” For the first few months, they focused on a business plan and research. “We wanted to make sure that we had it right before we started,” Amendt says. They obtained

PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

help from Women’s Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, an organization to which they still belong. The story of how the company began is unique. Both Reavley and Amendt agree that their business was a calling on their lives. Their company name originated from a prayer group that both women attended at the time. Reavley and Amendt agree that they made the right decision, and they haven’t looked back once. They’ve worked very hard to make their business successful. They also attribute a lot of their success to an “amazing” staff. “We are so blessed to have such great people working for us,” Reavley says. “They are like our family. They are loyal and dependable, which allows us to accommodate and provide

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timely service to the companies we work for.” For Amendt and Reavley, a big part of owning a business is giving back to the community. Even before they began cleaning for pay, they began “compassion cleaning,” cleaning homes for free for people who have cancer or families in distress. “It gave our business a purpose,” says Reavley. They also clean new homes for Habitat for Humanity and donate a portion of their income to local charities. This year the women also donated money to Haiti Arise International, purchasing a home for a family in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Amendt and Reavley want to raise the prestige of the cleaning industry. “Cleaners are sometimes on the bottom of the totem pole, but we quickly rise to the top when someone moves into their new home and it looks sparkling and clean,” says Reavley. “We make a difference.” And, says Amendt, “We love what we do, and when you love your job and are passionate, that comes out in the end result. We are blessed to be business women, to own this company, and able to make that difference. It’s us.”

Feathers & Gold Dust Cleaning Connoisseurs Regina, Sk. 306.551.1633 info@feathersandgolddust.com

ENVIROFOAM SPRAY FOAM INSULATION: THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOME BY MACKENZIE BROOKS. PHOTOS BY JOHN MORRELL

askatchewan’s last winter was intense and our spring has been exceptionally wet – a fact that few people have been able to ignore, especially when the excessive moisture has meant that many more people than normal have a saturated basement in their home. For everyone who has ever experienced the inconvenience of a wet and leaky basement, Lonny Forrester, owner of EnviroFoam has information and, more importantly, solutions to help you out and get you back on the track to the high and dry.

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Saskatchewan’s, and especially Regina’s, water table is very high for this year for two reasons. For one, the amount of precipitation (both snow and rain) we’ve had over the last two years is obviously, unprecedented. Secondly, Regina’s specific type of soil, our heavy clay gumbo, becomes easily saturated and presses against the foundation of your home causing cracking and seepage and even flooding. So, how can EnviroFoam help you mitigate your water woes? If you are faced with the situation of having to reinsulate your own basement because

EnviroFoam’s spray foam insulation expands upon application and it will never settle, sink, sag or separate from framing studs like traditional insulations can.

of-mind for your new home insulation and save yourself cash. Heating bills are lowered 40 to 70 per cent and your investment can be made back within five years, much sooner than many other upgrades available in new home builds.

the future from Saskatchewan’s harsh climate, your home stays comfortable and convection (heat loss) is eliminated. In turn, your home is a happy one and your family is too. Depend on Lonny and the EnviroFoam team. For your free estimate and to learn more about the benefits of spray foam insulation, call Lonny at (306)570- 9934 or (306)543-8111. Email him at lonny. forrester@envirofoaminsulation.com.

“We’ve been very busy this summer replacing insulation in wet basements,” said Lonny. “We’re working around the clock to get folks back on track and in a comfortable home environment before the summer is over and winter is upon us again. Call us today to get your insulation installation underway this fall.”

“Many people see a new home build as an opportunity to upgrade their cabinets, flooring or countertops but they tend to forget that insulation is something that stays in your home for the duration of its life,” explained Lonny. “You could change your home’s light fixtures or carpeting, for example, every couple of years. Once your insulation is behind your walls, you can forget that it’s there. It makes good sense to do your insulation project properly the first time with a product that won’t fail you in the future. Building your insulation upgrade into your new home’s mortgage reduces the amount of cash you spend up front by amortizing your insulation expenditure over the life of your mortgage. Invest in your insulation today. Your peace of mind is worth it.”

Maybe you are in the market for a new home build? Make EnviroFoam top-

A new home insulation upgrade means that your home is better protected in

of water damage, consider the best in insulation with EnviroFoam. Lonny and the team at EnviroFoam are committed to making sure that your insulation is the best kind available on the market. EnviroFoam’s spray foam insulation expands upon application and it will never settle, sink, sag or separate from framing studs like traditional insulations can. Inarguably, the best feature of Lonny’s EnviroFoam spray foam insulation is that because it has absolutely no nutritional value organisms like black mold and mildew cannot be sustained by it in a wet environment, unlike traditional batting types of insulation.

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Be sure to check out the multimedia section of the EnviroFoam website for details as well as a video demonstration of the application process at www. envirofoaminsulation.com. FHR

EnviroFoam Insulation Lonny Forrester 570-9934/543-8111 lonny.forrester@envirofoaminsulation.com

CARPET SUPERSTORE, YES, BUT SO MUCH MORE IN FLOORS BY RYAN HOLOTA

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hen you open the doors to The Carpet Superstore you are met with a huge selection of hardwood flooring. In reality, The Carpet Superstore could be called The Hardwood Superstore, The Vinyl Flooring Superstore, or even The Tile Superstore. But, it’s not – it’s The Carpet Superstore. Situated in a 10,000 square foot warehouse at 2425 Park Street, The Carpet Superstore opened in 2005. A family business in the deepest sense of the word, Trent Dickin opened the store with help from his father Bill. Trent’s brother Ryan is one of the salespeople in the store, and Trent’s mother helps to run the store and handles the accounting details. The result is a flooring superstore that treats all of it’s customers with real respect. “The Carpet Superstore is a chain of stores based out of Edmonton,” explains Trent. “Each location is independently owned and operated, but each has the buying power of the entire group. This means that we can be incredibly aggressive with our pricing. In addition, we don’t make any money from the installation of the flooring materials. While we deal with the same installers over and over again, and we do quote our customers on installation costs, they pay the installer directly. This means that they don’t have to pay the additional markup that other flooring stores charge.” Sometimes when you operate a business, you don’t need to completely change the way the industry operates to make a difference; you just need to make small changes in key areas. This is something that Trent believes in wholeheartedly. “There are only a handful of carpet mills in North America,” Trent says. “Most of the flooring products on the market are available from a wide variety of stores. One of the main benefits of The Carpet Superstore is that we have such a huge selection of flooring right in stock. In most other stores, you get a tiny sample of flooring, and then you have to compare it to a tiny paint swatch and a tiny fabric sample. It can be really difficult to

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visualize how everything is going to work together. We have samples too, but you can always come in to the store and look at the actual roll of flooring that will be installed in your house. That’s a little thing that makes a big difference. Of course, we can also order product in for you, but it’s generally not necessary.”

Turn old to bold with Carpet Superstore That’s the slogan that The Carpet Superstore has adopted since opening their doors in 2005. It reflects their desire to help their clients find great new looks for their home at a great price. “Much of the work that we do is in the renovation and insurance repairs sector,” says Trent. “When people are looking for new flooring for their homes, they just don’t have the time to go running around the city getting a bunch of estimates and looking for just the right carpet. Over time, we have developed a reputation as sort of a one-stop-shop for flooring. People know that they can come here, find exactly what they are looking for, and get the very best price for it. There’s really no reason for people to go anywhere else.” With a business as successful as The Carpet Superstore, eventually you run out of family members to work in the business. Grant Jenson is a long time friend of Trent’s, and has worked side by side with him in the flooring industry for more than a decade. As one of the salespeople at The Carpet Superstore, Grant’s job is to help people find the right flooring at a price that fits their budget. He shares this job with Trent Davison, another experienced flooring professional. When you are ready to make something out of that empty basement, replace the flooring in your house, or restore your home from that flood or fire, give the experts at Carpet Superstore a call. They’ll help you every step of the way. You can reach them at 522-2355, or drop by their store at 2425 Park Street, right where it meets Broadway. You’ll be glad you did. FHR

Carpet Superstore Trent Dickin 2425 Park St 306.522.2355

CHANGING THE FACE OF PLUMBING FOR 40 YEARS fter 40 years in business, Don Beingessner attributes Arrow Plumbing & Heating’s success to providing top quality workmanship and complete customer satisfaction on every job. Four decades of experience has taught Arrow Plumbing & Heating that customer satisfaction is the result of all the small things that count.

Priority 1: Customer service The small things include the company’s customer service representatives (CSRs) greeting people in a kind and understanding manner; technicians wearing shoe covers and providing drop sheets so they don’t leave a mess in customers’ homes; providing upfront straight-forward pricing to avoid “invoice shock”; wearing company uniforms while on the job; drug-free and criminal background checked employees; and offering financing. Don Beingessner himself worked for Arrow in the late 1960s before buying into the company in 1971. His son, Curtis, gave up his previous profession to join his father’s company in the early 1990s, and recently became co-owner. Some of the long-term employees include Keith

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Krammer, a journeyman plumber who signed on in 1972, and Don’s brother Albert Beingessner who retired recently after many years of dedicated service. Don maintains that on top of the priority list are Arrow’s customers and secondly having happy and loyal technicians who are motivated to provide customers with excellent service.

Trusted Over the last several years, Arrow has achieved and maintained a positive association with the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and the Regina & Region Home Builders Association, thereby providing customer comfort and support.

The fact that Arrow is a Lennox “premier” dealership also speaks highly of the company. Lennox does not accept dealers before they are approved through a comprehensive scrutinizing process.

Heating - Forced air high efficient furnaces. - Filtration including UV. - Air exchangers for high air quality. - Floor heat and boilers.

Arrow is no stranger to commercial work but the vast majority is residential including retrofits and renovations including some invitational new construction contracts.

Air Conditioning - New system installs, including solar ready air conditioners. - Repairs to all makes and sizes.

Diversified

Electrical - New homes. - Renovations and service upgrades. - Fixture replacement. - LED lighting: Enduralite—compound and yard lighting, complete home or office lighting.

Son Curtis attributes much of their success to their wide diversification including: Plumbing - Whole or partial re-pipe projects. - Plumbing fixture and faucet sales, installation and service. - Toto low flush toilets (grant available). - Water heaters—atmospheric vent, mid efficient, and high efficient, supply and demand tankless heaters. - Water softeners and water filtration. - Kitchen and bathroom renovations and additions.

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Join the Diamond Club Arrow is proud of the fact they provide 24/7 emergency service. Priority service is provided to all their “Diamond Club” members who account for up to 22 per of the company`s client base. These members also realize a discount on

repairs and one free inspection yearly. For a small monthly fee it takes the worry out of having breakdowns occur because of improperly maintained equipment. These plans are available for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Curtis says providing these inspections gives the customers ease of mind. “We appreciate their business and we want them to know that.”

ARROW PLUMBING & HEATING CO. LTD.

Arrow Plumbing & Heating 1377 McIntyre Street Regina, Sk. 306.525.2324 www.arrowplumbing.ca

GIVE YOUR REDESIGN PLENTY OF LEAD TIME BY MEREDITH HERON t’s July. I’m writing my Fall 2011 column and tomorrow it’s going to be 47 degrees aka ridiculously hot. Sadly, if you are reading this in November, you’ve already missed the boat. I’m not referring to the frizz-inducing weather, I mean Christmas. Christmas you say in dismay? It’s a month away. Of course, picking up the phone or sending me an email asking me to help get your house ready for Christmas in November will have me laughing with a “Christmas 2012, right? Any major interior alteration or renovation needs a minimum of three months planning prior to the work commencing. The more time you can give to the planning, the better, faster and more cost effective the result will be. Kitchens take at least three months to plan, eight to 12 weeks to fabricate and three to six weeks to install. Dream of cooking a fabulous holiday dinner in a new kitchen—call me in February!

I’m constantly surprised by people who call our office looking to start their renovation immediately. They’ve made the decision and expect things to get underway ASAP. Lining up the trades alone can be a six month head start, let alone your designer. Here are a few tips to help you make sure you are ready for your renovation to start. 1. Have a budget range. We are happy to establish a range for project estimates once we’ve been retained, but having an idea of what you would like to spend and can afford to spend is necessary. It’s also important to be up front at this phase. A lot of people think that if they say they have $50,000 to spend that it will be spent so they say they only have $30,000 as a contingency. 2. Write out your goals and needs for the renovation in addition to your wants. 3. If you are undertaking a major renovation, start planning your alternative living arrangements. Moving out is a sanity saver and will improve finish times. Make sure this gets factored into any budget. 4. Retain your designer before your retain contractor and architect trades.

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The designer is charged with helping you establish more than just the look and feel of your space. Your designer will factor in lifestyle and practicalities into the space and is concerned with more than just a building envelope. 5. Start clipping images for inspiration. Half my job as your designer is to understand the semantics of design styles as they pertain to you. What one person calls grey for example, could be another person’s green, or blue or lavender. We need to get on the same page and having

pictures of what you love and hate at the outset is a great way to start speaking the same language and avoid costly miscommunication. 6. Remember this: No one ever says at the end of a renovation, “wow, that cost less than I expected,” or “that renovation happened much faster than I expected.” 7. Enjoy the process. It can and will be fun—a sense of humour is an invaluable tool. FHR

EXPERTAdvice INTERIOR DESIGN My Point of View...

same type of window products. However, the difference between companies, prices and products vary greatly.

Leanne Fisher

534 University Park Drive Regina, Sk. e-mail mlfisher@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com We are constantly asked by our customers: “How much are these window coverings going to cost us?” and, “How do your prices compare to Joe’s Blinds down the street?” When investing in your home and its appearance there is a lot to know about your window coverings. Here is a thorough guide to get you started with purchasing your next window coverings. Cost is primarily dependent on the size of your window, the product and product options you are wanting, colour, and the quality of the manufacturer. Every blind company stocks and offers virtually the

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When deciding on your window coverings, you must be prepared to ask a variety of questions of the prospective company you are dealing with. What is the warranty offered on their product? What if a string breaks? What if there is an accident, your child splatters spaghetti sauce and the blind is ruined? Will the company deal directly with the manufacturer warranty, or will you have to contact the manufacturer yourself? Is the product you are purchasing custommade specifically for your window size or is it a cut down program? What is the company’s service guarantee? If there is a problem with the blind or the installation one month after the install will they return free of charge to follow-up on their product? What is the quality of the product you are interested in and have you been educated by the retailer on the product’s features, benefits, mechanisms and hardware? You should be made aware if the brackets are metal or plastic. You should be shown where the valance clips are and told what kind of bottom rail the window covering has. Acquiring education on your potential purchase is a priority so you are aware whether the product fits all facets of your needs, aesthetics, function and budget.

Who will be installing your product? Does the company have their own employees that install the product, or do they hire out the installations to external contractors? What is the overall customer service of the company? What if the blind does not fit properly, arrives in the wrong colour or has a manufacturing defect? Will the company leave the blind hanging temporarily, or will they have to ship it back to the manufacturer while waiting for the new one?

Variety of Choices for Your Window Covering Wants Just like any necessity or accessory inside or outside of your home, there are many different functions, looks, materials and blind styles to choose from. Here are four sought-after and trendy styles within the blind world: new, natural, classic and popular.

New - Illusion® Transitional Shades Technology isn’t just making us more efficient...it is creating products that work harder and do more as well. Illusions® Transitional Shades offer incredible style and light control by performing as if it were two shades in one. Illusions® is a combination of opaque and semi-

opaque fabrics that can reveal or conceal depending on your mood. When the opaque vanes are overlapped, light is filtered into the room through the exposed sheer sections. When you want or need privacy, you can simply adjust the opaque vanes to cover the sheers. They come in a variety of beautiful colours and textures, are extremely durable and very easy to keep clean.

Natural - Woven Woods If you love the rustic or innate look you can bring a little bit of the outside in with beautiful Woven Woods blinds. These products are made from natural and renewable resources from around the world. The shades come in a variety of colours and different patterns created from natural bamboos, grasses, jutes, reeds, rattan and other renewable resources. These blinds don’t just look great but they are good for the environment as well. You can choose from a standard Roman shade for a clean classic look or a looped Roman shade for a more luxurious look. You can also add a blackout liner, edge banding and/or the “top down – bottom up” feature to customize your window covering even more.

Solar shades have plenty of style, and while allowing a view to the outdoors while letting light in, they block the harmful damage UV rays can do to your furniture and floors. They block glare on your computer and/or TV screens and most importantly, cut down the heat that is let in by the powerful sun.

Classic - Cellular Shades Cellular shades have both light-filtering and room-darkening qualities. While their design looks simple yet great on the surface, when you look closer you will see that cellular shades have insulating properties that make your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Being top down – bottom up, cordless and available in hundreds of colours, this shade is one of the most versatile and popular. They are easy to clean, very durable and cost effective making it our most popular shade.

Popular - Solar and Roller Shades There are no limits to the looks you can achieve with roller shades. Beyond just style, roller shades have built-in functionality and durability. They look fresh on their own, however, you can add a dollop of fashion by layering them under drapery panels. They come in hundreds of colours and dynamic patterns and you can choose from light filtering or blackout for those areas you need full blockage.

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Whatever your window size, your home’s character and style Budget Blinds will not only have the right window covering

Whatever your window size, your home’s character and style Budget Blinds will not only have the right window covering for you but they will provide you with the proper education, installation and ongoing customer service that you and your windows deserve. FHR

The seeds of inspiration

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BACK TO THE FUTURE

BY CAROL TODD They called it “City Beautiful,” the city planning movement that arose in the late 19th century emphasizing civic beauty as a means to promote quality of life and help remove social ills. Now, after more than a century, it seems Regina is returning to that ideal. The city beautiful movement arose in the United States in the 1890s in response to crowded inner-city tenement districts, largely caused by an influx of immigrants. The movement flourished for only a few decades, but long enough to influence

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urban planning across North America. Here in Regina, a nod was given to the movement by ensuring the layout of the downtown and central core areas featured a city landmark at the southern end of most streets. Even today you can see that the southern end of Toronto Street features Balfour Collegiate, for example, and that Halifax Street ends at the old St. Chad’s College. In the same manner, Rose Street terminates at the Canada-Saskatchewan Sound Stage, the College Building marks

the southern tip of Scarth Street, the dome of the Legislative Building is clearly seen to rise over the south end of Smith Street, and so on. Now, Regina faces many of the same housing problems brought about by the large influx of newcomers that the U.S. saw at the turn of the 20th Century. Only now, it’s all the workers attracted to the city by the numerous jobs available. Unfortunately, having a job doesn’t necessarily mean they have somewhere affordable to live. Fred Clipsham, the

Regina City Councillor whose Ward 3 stretches from the city limits in the west to Atkinson Street in the east, and from Saskatchewan Drive in the north to College and Regina avenues to the south, pointed to a recent Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report, which found Regina’s rental vacancy rate to be 0.5 per cent. “Safe and affordable housing is becoming an increasingly important issue since several new projects in Regina are expected to bring, not only construction workers, but new employees to the city who will all need places to live,” he said. To help address the issue, Regina City Council has called on the provincial government to take steps to encourage the construction of affordable housing in the city. Regina’s central areas have undergone numerous changes over the years, starting

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with the concept of City Beautiful and back again. Whether it is right downtown in Regina Market Square, in the transitional area to the south, or the core area to the east that includes the General Hospital, these areas all underwent a lengthy period of stagnation before rebounding. Clipsham said the large number of doctors’ offices, galleries, consultants, and other businesses that have moved into restored homes in recent years has contributed to the revitalization of the neighbourhoods, adding that construction of affordable housing in the area would be an additional boost. “That’s the economic engine that’s going to power the growth of these areas,” he said. Regina Market Square says that almost 2,000 people live right downtown, which is defined as the area from Saskatchewan Drive to Victoria Avenue and from Broad Street to Albert, and that another 11,000 live in the immediate surrounding area.

Those residents, and their Councillor, are looking forward to the implementation of the city’s new downtown development plan that is soon to go before City Council. The current development plan is more than 20 years old and much has changed since it was introduced. The new plan, developed by Torontobased consultants OfficeforUrbanism, with its emphasis on pedestrian traffic and the creation and maintenance of a green, culturally and socially vibrant area, harkens back to the city beautiful concepts. Among its recommendations are changing 11th and 12th avenues back into two-way streets to encourage more pedestrian traffic and making the two blocks on 12th Avenue between Lorne and Scarth streets into a town square where festivals and activities can be held adjacent to Victoria Park. FHR

In addition to the general revitalization of Regina’s downtown district, Mayor Pat Fiacco announced in April a “new vision” for the roughly 33 acres of prime real estate that includes the CP Yards and Mosaic stadium at Taylor Field. The plan includes commercial and residential construction including a brand-new multipurpose entertainment centre that will double as the new home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Phase one: Further definition of objectives and governance for the redevelopment initiative. Phase two: Detailed planning for both the CP Rail and Mosaic sites, and planning for the new entertainment centre and securing funding through private sector investment and public sector involvement. Phase three: Construction of the entertainment centre and development of the property surrounding the facility, as well as residential and commercial development on the Mosaic site. “This project will be by far the biggest inner-city redevelopment initiative in Regina’s history,” Fiacco said. “Turning the vision into reality is complex, but it will pay huge dividends for our entire community.”

DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT RENDERINGS COURTESY OF CITY OF REGINA

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EXPERTAdvice CRAFTING THE PERFECT KITCHEN

Angus Smith

Kitchen Craft 1434 Broad St 306.530.0394 angus.smith@kitchencraft.com BY CAROL TODD Creating the perfect working, eating and dining space takes much more than quality materials and expert craftsmanship—it also takes creativity and commitment. Kitchen Craft Cabinetry offers it all. Regina manager Angus Smith and his staff are committed to ensuring your kitchen and other spaces are family-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. And, all those areas can benefit from the expert touch of an expert kitchen and bath designer like Kitchen Craft’s Leonella Gaddie-Anderson. “The two main elements that go into the successful design of a kitchen are functionality and appearance,” GaddieAnderson said. With all the various pieces that make up those elements, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to pull it all together, and that’s where a designer can be a big help. Working with the client is

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her favourite part of the business. “I talk to the client to find out the uses the room will be put to. Do they do a lot of cooking and entertaining, for example,” she says. It makes the job easier to start from a blueprint or floor plan Gaddie-Anderson says. She believes it’s also easiest to pick out the desired materials first before deciding on the style. Kitchen Craft offers more than 1,300 different products for countertops and cabinets. There are no less than 51 different door styles in dozens of colours, all proudly Canadian-made in Winnipeg. Kitchen Craft manufactures two main lines of cabinetry, Integra and Aurora, for the kitchen, bathroom, home office, laundry and throughout the home. In 2002, Kitchen Craft became part of the MasterBrand Group of cabinet manufacturers, offering multiple lines of modular, semi-custom and custom cabinetry. The company backs up its commitment to quality with a lifetime warranty.

Regardless of your family’s needs or your personal style, Gaddie-Anderson and the folks at Kitchen Craft will ensure your kitchen or other area will be totally unique. “I love meeting different people and making them happy,” Gaddie-Anderson says. With Kitchen Craft, that’s done like dinner. FHR

EXPERTAdvice KITCHENS What is the most efficient way to clean a kitchen?

Sharla Shaw

306.591.7969 sharlashaw@tidytimesaver.com www.tidytimesaver.com The kitchen is the most used room in the house, so shouldn’t it be the cleanest? It is also the room that gets messy faster than any other. In addition to the daily cleanup that comes from preparing meals and snacks, the kitchen should be given extra attention every week or two. To really get the kitchen sparkling clean you need to start with a great cleaning cloth. At Tidy Time Savers we use microfibre cloths for their superior cleaning ability. It is also a good idea to have another cloth that you can use to dry everything to prevent streaks. At Tidy Time Savers we have researched many different products, and have selected a 100 per cent natural, chemical-free cleaning solution. Now that you are equipped to clean, let’s

take a look at the methods you should be using. Having a repeatable system in place will improve your results and save you countless hours. Begin by spraying the inside of the microwave with hot water. Close the door and work on the rest of the kitchen-this allows time for any baked on messes inside the microwave to loosen up. With a clean, damp cloth, start by wiping the table and chairs, then move to the island, and then to the kitchen countertop. Begin at one side of the countertop and move methodically to the other end ensuring that everything gets cleaned. As you go along, move everything off the counter and clean it and the spot it occupied before placing it back. When cleaning, always wipe top to bottom and back to front—this eliminates wiping an area more than once. When wiping down appliances remember to clean the handles as this is where most of the dirt and germs remain. When wiping the outside of stainless steel appliances, ensure that your cloth is clean and wipe in the direction of the grain. Buff any streaks that appear with a clean, dry cloth. Now you can return to your microwave. The cooked on food will have loosened up and will be easier to clean. Wipe the inside of the door, then the top, back, sides, and bottom. Again, with this method you don’t

need to touch a surface twice. Next wipe down the front of the cabinets, starting with the upper cabinets and then doing the lowers. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to get into areas that you cannot reach with the cloth, again paying special attention to the handles. To complete the job, sprinkle a small amount of cleanser into the sink, paying special attention to the drains and the areas around the taps. This is a great time to use the toothbrush again to really get into those tight spaces. Your sink, and kitchen, will be spotless! FHR Sharla Shaw is the founder of Tidy Time Saver. Tidy Time Saver was founded in the year 2000 and cleans more than 140 houses a week. Each of those homeowners saves more than four hours per week by not having to clean. To learn how you can free up 200 hours a year, call 591-7969 or visit www. tidytimesaver.com.

Tidy Time Saver

CANADA’S NUMBER 1 CELEBRITY CHEF by divine.ca – Canada’s Online Women’s Magazine and a perennial favourite of Food Network Canada viewers, Chef Michael Smith recently shared his ideas on dream kitchens with Fine Homes Regina editor Thom Barker.

What is the ideal layout for a home kitchen? I’m not sure there is an ideal layout. I know it’s the sort of thing that designers love to get into great depth and detail on, but every home is unique, every kitchen is unique and everybody’s food lifestyle is different, so, ideally, if it works for you, it’s ideal. I’m not really a kitchen designer, so I don’t have any two words of wisdom there other than to say an open kitchen that works for you and your family seems ideal to me. I think lots of space, lots of counter space, the gear that you think you need, some kind of island and some way of bringing the party into the kitchen, being able to dine in the kitchen, are all the kinds of things we seem to look for these days. What are the elements you incorporated into your own kitchen? First and foremost, I’ve got a giant butcher block island with my cooktop in the centre

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of the kitchen and that tends to centre the cooking action right in the middle of the kitchen. The island works very well for traffic flow and multiple work stations. Beyond that, just randomly, in no particular order, I prefer wall ovens to range ovens; I just find them more functional. I’ve got a bank of refrigerators including a wine fridge. I strongly love my magnetic chalk board. It’s really useful for taking notes and just being sort of an information centre for the family. There’s a huge metal panel on the wall that we painted with chalk board paint and framed it out with wood. I’ve got this incredible custom-designed stainless steel sink that’s got lots of professional design touches that make it extremely functional for me. I use standardissue restaurant grade containers that are inset into a bank of drawers that holds all kinds of flours and sugars and corn meal and things that I use regularly. I like a pantry. I’ve got this corner pantry unit with big open shelves so I can see all the ingredients I cook with. I’ve also got

a spice library which is super cool. It’s basically a built-in shelving system that holds a whole bunch of mason jars with all my spices in them. I’ve got a super cool knife rack with about a hundred knives in it that stretches across one window expanse of the kitchen. Who designed your kitchen? This kitchen was built by GCW in London, Ontario. They’re a custom cabinetry builder and they do custom work all over Canada. I’m very very proud of our relationship with these guys. They just did one hell of a job here, they’re just a joy to deal with and one of the neatest companies I’ve ever come across, really, in any enterprise. I notice you use a gas range. For the average home cook, what do you recommend, gas or electric? I recommend patience. I don’t particularly favour one over the other; they’re both highly credible sources of heat. And really, the only reason people seem to prefer gas

is because it’s instant on, instant off, but there’s nothing you can’t do with electric and electric is often much more precise. And if we’re going to talk about energy efficiency, then there’s nothing better than induction cooking and I’ve got some of that in my kitchen as well. In your opinion, what is the ideal material for countertops? In my world, I prefer butcher block. It’s functional, it’s beautiful—it just works. Is there one element of your kitchen that you absolutely could not do without? I would say my butcher block island with all the bar seating at it. It is quite literally the centre of this house. The functionality of this island just makes it the heart of the home. Who is your favourite chef? My mom. What is it about her that makes her your favourite? She cooks from scratch every single day. Does she have any specialty dishes? Not really, she’s sort of good at everything.

I think her specialty is that her approach to life includes cooking from scratch every single day. Your TV shows [Food Network] are kind of the traditional instructional type, but cooking shows have taken on a different tack recently with competition shows, such as Hell’s Kitchen. What do you think of those shows?

The bottom line is that reality-driven food programming has expanded Food Network’s audience dramatically, so I’m all for it. More and more people are engaging with food, enjoying food programming and I think that’s positive all around. I’m also proud to be one of the last remaining hosts on the network that does good oldfashioned instructional cooking shows. FHR

A lifetime of memories star t in your kitchen. Begin yours today.

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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND POTATO BACON CHEDDAR TART This special occasion treat features a classic trio of flavours: potatoes, bacon and cheddar. It’s my favourite way to show off the earthy potatoes that PEI is so famous is for. It’s not hard to make but it does take some time to assemble and will need several hours in the oven. The spectacular results are more than worth the wait! SERVES EIGHT

INGREDIENTS

• Two pounds or so of room temperature bacon • One minced onion • Four minced garlic cloves • One tablespoon of minced fresh thyme • Four cups of grated medium-aged cheddar • Five or six large unpeeled baking potatoes • Salt and pepper to taste • Parchment paper

PREPARATION Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a ten-inch, non-stick sauté pan with a small round of parchment paper. Carefully arrange the bacon in a radial pattern from the centre of the bottom of the pan to the lower edge of the rim and continuing up and over it. Let the ends hang over. The slices should overlap slightly around the sides of the pan. To reduce the thickness of the bacon in the centre, stagger every other piece starting it two inches from the center and extending it further than the adjacent slices. With the palm of your hand, flatten the center area, leaving no gaps in the bacon. Season the bacon with pepper then sprinkle on several tablespoons of the grated cheddar. Slice the potatoes as thinly and uniformly as you can, about a quarter inch thick. Arrange a circular pattern of overlapping slices around the inside bottom edge of the pan. Continue arranging overlapping layers of the potatoes until the bottom is evenly covered. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Mix together the onions and garlic and sprinkle some of the mixture onto the potatoes. Continue with a layer of the grated cheese. Cover with another layer of the potato pressing it down firmly before continuing with alternate layers of the potatoes, onion mixture and cheese until the pan is full. Continue with several more layers in-setting each a bit from the edge of the pan until the top is an inch or so

higher than the pan’s rim. Fold the overhanging bacon neatly up and over the top of the potatoes. Trim a small piece of parchment paper and place it in between an ovenproof lid and the bacon. The lid’s weight will prevent the bacon’s ends from pulling back and shrinking during cooking. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for at least two and a half to three hours. You’ll know it’s done when a small thin bladed knife inserts easily. Pour off as much of the fat around the edges as possible. Let the tart stand for fifteen minutes then carefully cover with a plate and flip over. Slide onto a cutting surface. Slice into wedges and serve immediately. You may refrigerate any leftovers and reheat them later it in a microwave.

FEEL FREE TO TRY Try mixing a few tablespoons of your favourite herb into the onion mixture. Thyme, rosemary and tarragon all work well.

HINTS Medium-aged cheddar works best because it won’t ‘break’ like an older cheese and release lots of oil. It also has more flavour than a younger cheddar. Kitchen specialty stores carry a French slicing tool known as a mandolin. It’s a fancy chef tool but easily slices the potatoes into even rounds. It’s not absolutely necessary though, a sharp knife works well too! A recipe from Food Country, Chef Michael Smith’s new web series on www.chefmichaelsmith.com © Chef Michael Smith

KITCHEN PARTY BEGINS WITH PREMIER CABINETRY BY SHEENA KOOPS

verybody loves a kitchen party, but before you pull out your guitar and fiddle, take a look at your kitchen. Is it time to give your favourite room a little tender love and care? Ken and Kim Kowalchuk, owners and operators of Cabtec Manufacturing in Regina know just how to make your kitchen go from now to wow! Cabtec stands for CABinet TEChnology, and as Ken and Kim like to say, “Creative designs custom built for you.” “We manufacture our products using precision equipment and high quality materials along with professional craftsmanship,” says Kim.

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To continuously improve customer service and satisfaction, Cabtec custom builds all of the cabinets from scratch in a 25,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. They make their own wood and MDF cabinet doors and finish all the cabinet parts in a state-of-the-art finishing facility that includes two automated spray lines to ensure consistent and even coverage of their stains as well as their clear and coloured lacquer coatings. With a 3,000 square-foot kitchen gallery featuring numerous original kitchen arrangements, you’ll see an optimum selection in woods, melamine and MDF products in multiple styles, finishes and colours. And to add variety, Cabtec offers mouldings,

accessories and countertop styles such as laminate, solid surfacing, quartz and granite. “Cabtec easily makes the best quality cabinet boxes and wood doors I’ve seen in the industry,” says Jessica Smalley, one of the kitchen designers on staff. “Using entirely 5/8” construction on the cabinet boxes creates a very rigid and square cabinets. We also use a 3/8” centre panel on our wood doors, substantially thicker than most other manufacturers. And our finishing is second to none.” Cabtec is a locally owned and operated family business, employing full-time

production workers, installers, and professionals who make customer service their top priority. Not only do they produce kitchens, but they also dream up bathrooms, offices, recreation rooms, and any other nook or cranny you want to transform. “The first step in creating beautiful cabinetry is planning and design,” says Ken. “We meet with all our clients first to discuss their needs and wants, and to share our professional opinion and design.” They visit your home to provide site measurements, and then begin with professional computer generated drawings, including perspective views,

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floor plans, elevation views and details. Once your custom plans are designed, they use commercial-grade construction, employing integral wood dowel joinery, just like the good old days of cabinetry, with minimal fillers. The team at Cabtec is happy to supply and/or install the smallest to most grand-sized project. Their professional craftsmen utilize precision equipment and lasting materials to provide you with accurate and consistent quality for your heart’s desires. Cabtec uses every advantage provided to a modern cabinetry manufacturer. From computer designs and cutting, to pieceby-piece labelling and tracking throughout the production process—from routing, drilling, and grooving machined on a

computerized machining centre to part edges finished through an edge-banding machine. All cabinet parts are finished in a climate controlled, dust-free paint department and once all parts are cut, machined and finished, then the hardware is applied, cabinet boxes are assembled, doors are hinged and installed, drawer boxes are built, fronts attached and installed, and finally cabinet adjustments are made. Employees take pride in regular quality control inspections throughout the fabrication and delivery processes. The Kowalchuks know how to make your dream kitchen happen. They have built their business using high quality custom cabinetry, and to most people “custom” equals “expensive” which is

not necessarily a fair assumption. Cabtec specializes in affordable kitchens while enjoying the elite class of cabinetry and large, multi-family projects they facilitate regularly. Utilizing computer design drawings, all materials are optimized for efficiency when cutting. They say every good party ends in the kitchen. Judging by conventional wisdom, kitchens are also what sells homes. When deciding if you should go ahead with a home renovation, there are always some key factors to consider. For starters you want to ask yourself if your kitchen is meeting the needs of your family. Other considerations should include size and openness, functionality, storage, layout, appliances, accessories and of course, aesthetics. Whether you’re planning a kitchen party for your family and friends, or you want to showcase your kitchen’s party potential because you’re hitting the market soon, the folks at Cabtec are your one-stop kitchen party planners. FHR

Kim Kowalchuk Ken Kowalchuk Cabtec Manufacturing Inc. 1333 Park Street 306.721.5545 www.cabtecmfg.com

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CNG STANDS FOR QUALITY BY RYAN HOLOTA

hen Scott Tresek began pouring a concrete countertop for his own kitchen several years ago, he had no idea where it would lead him. An IT professional in Regina, Tresek formed a partnership with two friends and began installing concrete countertops for others. Eventually, the partnership began installing granite countertops. As word of the quality and customer service spread, the business demanded full-time attention. No longer pouring concrete countertops, CNG stone has become a leader in residential and commercial stone. Today the company offers a full complement of stone colours and styles in materials such as granite, slate, marble, onyx, soapstone, quartz and more. “There are more than 600 colours of stone available, with between 60 and 70 colours that are used regularly,” explains

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Tresek. “In addition to those colours, each piece of stone is different in terms of pattern and texture. No two kitchens are really ever the same.” Because of all the colours and textures available, it is very important to see the actual slab that is going to be used in your home or business. CNG stone has you covered there, with more than 200 slabs for you to look at. Most of the granite in Canada comes from quarries in Brazil, but CNG has recently discovered some amazing quarries in Italy, and has recently imported an entire shipping container worth of stone from there. Bringing in large quantities of stone from a single quarry has a lot of benefits to the end user, from price, to quality, and the ability to do larger kitchens and matching vanities.

Going the extra mile In the world of homebuilding and home

renovations, problems sometimes arise. That’s why some of CNG’s favorite referrals are from customers who have had snags on the job. “I’ve always believed that your reputation is the best asset a business can have,” Scott says. “That’s why we go out of our way to do anything possible to build and protect ours.” And indeed they do. When everyone else told a local business that there was no way to build a one piece boardroom table and get it in the boardroom, CNG found a way. Renting a crane, CNG removed a window from the building, lifted the table three stories into the sky, and slid the table into position. “When we deal with issues head on, our customers know that we are truly working for them, and that sets them at ease. That’s why we have seams in our showroom, so our customers know what they are going to get.” And CNG does

have two seams in its showroom for all to see. “This seam over here,” explains Tresek, “is the industry standard seam. It looks okay, but you can definitely see that it is there. This seam over here,” he continues, pointing to the other side of the display, “is what our seams look like.” A cursory glance doesn’t reveal a seam at all, but upon close inspection a faint line is seen in the pattern. “We have very experienced workers, and a very expensive seam setting machine. It is an additional cost for us, but it allows us to deliver a superior finished product. Of course, we work hard not to have seams at all, but sometimes it is inevitable.” Part of delivering exceptional customer service at CNG Stone is educating customers. “Granite is a natural product, and so it’s never perfect. There are pros and cons to it, as there are with every countertop material, so it is important to me that my customers understand the product, as well as how to care for it,” says Tresek. “There isn’t a lot of maintenance that is required, but doing it properly will ensure that your countertops will be beautiful forever.”

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The workshop is buzzing at CNG. Separated from the showroom by a door that is more than four inches thick, it features a gigantic saw for cutting slabs, as well as several workstations for polishing and seaming. David Gray is the production manager, a lifelong stone worker who moved to Regina from Quebec for the opportunity to work with CNG. “This is the best place I’ve worked in my career,” he says, adding, “I have complete control over the quality of the product that we deliver, and I have very exact standards. Nothing goes out the door without my approval.” Those standards are very high. Gray proudly shows off a piece of countertop he has just finished. A narrow section of stone has been reinforced with a piece of steel, countersunk into the underside of the stone and then epoxied into place. “This probably isn’t necessary, but I know now that this piece of granite will never crack or break, so it’s worth the time it takes to do it.” With a showroom that is open six days a week to accommodate the busy lives we all lead, CNG stone makes it easy

to discover the products that you are looking for. Located at 1445 Scarth Street, CNG is open from 8-5 on Monday through Friday, and from 10-4 on Saturday. If you need to learn more about stone products outside of those hours, visit www.cngstone.com, or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cngstone. You can also pick up your phone and dial 585-9876. FHR

CNG Stone Products 1445 Scarth St 306.585.9876 sales@cngstone.com www.cngstone.com

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Together Making Your Dream Kitchen A Reality

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WHITE DIAMOND STONE WORKS: EXCEEDING INDUSTRY STANDARDS BY MACKENZIE BROOKS. PHOTOS BY SHAWN FULTON

hen making an improvement to your home, new stone countertops are a solid investment—literally. The incomparable beauty of polished stone is an affordable luxury these days as more and more homeowners make the switch and more companies cater to the high-end look. Not only is the finished product beautiful as it glints and gleams in your kitchen, bathroom or bar area, but your home’s value is upgraded along with your room’s look and feel. Ryan Babcock, owner of White Diamond Stone Works, knows the satisfaction of a job well done and the satisfaction his customers experience with an installation by White Diamond Stone Works. For when you want better

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than industry standard, see Ryan at White Diamond Stone Works. White Diamond is a young Reginabased company specializing in granite, quartz and marble design, fabrication and installation. Ryan explains that what he saw lacking in the industry is what drove him to found White Diamond Stone Works. “I really wanted to be able to take control of my craft and up the standard for stone work in the city,” he said. “Most often, a stone countertop goes through a standard five to eight step finishing process before it is installed in your home. I really wanted to be able to take the time and care and see a sixteen step process applied to the stone. It makes

sense to take the time and care with your investment and I wanted to make sure that White Diamond always got it right.” As a seasoned artistic stone mason, Ryan takes your countertop through the rigours of his progressive grinding to ensure that he delivers and installs a smoothly polished and perfectly treated product. White Diamond’s process is so comprehensive that sealant and wax requirements on a White Diamond custom countertop are greatly reduced when compared with the typical industrystandard five step grind process. “It’s important to me to make sure your stone is well cared for before it comes to you,” said Ryan. “That’s why I look after the

design, measuring, templating, fabrication and installation myself. I work on every job from start to finish, from consultation to installation. I’m a little old fashioned that way, but this is what I love to do.” Ryan and White Diamond Stone Works specialize in customized, hand-ground edging. In a typical stone fabrication shop, automation and computerization means that standard beveled or rounded edges are the norm. At White Diamond, Ryan can custom create as many different edges as you can imagine, from rippled, to rough cut and even a natural edge. As a business focused on serving the customer through education and craftsmanship, Ryan will also work with you to ensure you understand the specific personality and character of your stone before any work begins. “People don’t often realize that the personality of the stone dictates the type of edging and finish, so I like to really explain the benefits of different types of materials to my customers,” he said. “If you have a specific detailing in mind for

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your project, I can bring your vision out with a correctly matched stone product that is compatible to the desired effect we want to achieve.” With all the extra care and attention that Ryan brings to White Diamond, you may think that installation is a prolonged affair. Ryan ensures that with proper planning, installation can take as little as two weeks. Dedicated owner + care of craftsmanship = happy customers. How’s that for a business equation? For when you want better than industry standards, consult Ryan Babcock at White Diamond today at 1555C McDonald Street in Regina or on the web at www.whitediamondstoneworks.com and see what you may learn about your next home upgrade. FHR White Diamond Stone Works Ryan Babcock 1555C McDonald St. 306.565.0649

A FINE FLOOR MAKES A ROOM By RyAN HOLOTA. pHOTOs By sHAwN FuLTON

onsider for a moment just how much of an impact the floor makes when you walk into the room. Beautiful wall finishes, crown moldings, and hi-tech lighting don’t camouflage a bad floor. In fact, they usually turn your attention directly to outdated, worn out, and ugly flooring. New flooring, on the other hand, does improve the overall look and feel of a room. Soft carpet cushions your feet as you walk across a space. Hardwood flooring, with its solid feel and reflective surface lends an air of class to a room. Flooring makes a difference in every room, but especially in rooms where it serves not only to beautify, but also to enhance the functionality. Everybody has seen a bathroom built in the 1970s and felt that soft carpet under their feet, but that soft, absorbent material wasn’t a great choice around a bathtub. Compare that to today’s modern, easy to clean flooring choices. Think about the kitchen and how you and your family use it. Your walls are lined with cabinets and appliances, and what remains of them are probably covered with artwork, calendars, or clocks. In a kitchen, the flooring is one of the largest spaces that you have to make an impression. In addition to beauty, flooring in the kitchen can provide cushioning for your feet, allow you to easily clean up spills and drips, and provide a spot for your cat to sleep nestled in a ray of sunshine. With all the choices you have today, it can be a little intimidating. Thankfully, Reginans have Wood Ridge Flooring to help them find the very best solution for their floors. Erin Capp and Rene Putzlocher, owners of Wood Ridge,

along with their dedicated staff, have worked hard to assemble a collection of flooring materials of the highest quality, covering every possible choice. Hardwood, tile, vinyl flooring, laminates, and more are spread around their showroom at 435 Dewdney Avenue. As dealers of Mirage, Lauzon, and Laurentian wood flooring, Wood Ridge offers an incredible selection of solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Their range of finishes, styles, and colours are guaranteed to inspire you and complement any décor. For those who prefer tile, Wood Ridge has what they believe to be the largest selection of tile in southern Saskatchewan. Whether you are looking for porcelain, ceramic, glass, granite, or stone, you are sure to find the perfect product for your project. If sheet vinyl is more your style, you’ll love the vast array of offerings. Whether you are seeking the look of tile without grout lines, the warmth of wood without scratches, or a modern and abstract canvas, sheet vinyl from Wood Ridge Flooring can help you achieve the look you want without breaking the bank.

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Of course, remember that Wood Ridge handles insurance claims as one of the very few Regina members of ICC (Insurance Claims Collaborative). Offering more than just great products, Wood Ridge also offers incredible service. With an in-house design shop to handle all of your needs, and with an almost limitless number of samples for you to take home and view, the staff of Wood Ridge Flooring can help you determine what you need from your floors, and then assist you in finding that perfect material. Once you’ve decided which material you want, their team of journeyman installers will place it in your home perfectly to provide you with years of comfort, beauty, and enjoyment.

Drop by their showroom at 435 Dewdney Avenue, located between Winnipeg Street and Park Street in Regina, or give them a call at 352-4639. If you’re stuck behind a desk most of the time, point your favorite web browser to www.woodridgeflooring. com, or find them on Facebook. They’ll make appointments to accommodate you and your busy schedule. Your feet (and eyes) will thank you. FHR Wood Ridge Flooring 435 Dewdney Avenue 306.352.4639 www.woodridgeflooring.com

FROM SUPREME IDEAS COME SUPREME RESULTS BY MACKENZIE BROOKS PHOTOS BY JOHN MORRELL

L TO R: DARCY EHMAN, MYRNA GREGG AND ROD GREGG OF SUPREME KITCHENS

reat accomplishments start out as great ideas. Turning an out-dated, underused kitchen into a beautiful, functional space is a great accomplishment that germinates from an idea—your idea. Whether you want a kitchen refresh or a total renovation, or even if you plan to build new, your dreamscape kitchen starts as an idea and becomes a stunning reality through the transformations made possible by the talent and professional guidance of Supreme Kitchens and Millworks. For owner Rod Gregg and his team, there is nothing better than seeing satisfied customers enjoying their new space. “What we love best is making an idea reality,” explained Rod. “Making a tangible change in the functionality of a customer’s kitchen space and having it positively impact their daily lives and increase the usability of their home is something we are very proud of. What’s even better is when a customer says the final product is even better than they expected. That is a very rewarding accomplishment.”

Builder to specialist The same process that takes your kitchen from idea to accomplishment can also be applied to Supreme Kitchens. As an established business, Supreme Kitchens has undergone its own transformation. “My father and I started this business in 1975,” said Rod. “We’ve taken our own ideas and transformed this company into what it is now.” Because Supreme Kitchens began as a homebuilder and evolved into kitchen specialists, they have the knowledge and contacts in the Regina and area sub-trades to provide you with not only cabinets and accessories to create your kitchen’s base, but also the tools and the people to get your demolition, drywall, painting, plumbing, countertops and flooring done too. Leave the work to Supreme Kitchens and you are guaranteed professional advice and a quality result based in solid knowledge of building and installation. The results will speak for themselves.

Canadian quality Supreme Kitchens also knows the value of quality suppliers. Cabinets are created in Saskatoon and Vancouver from eco-friendly lumber and can be assembled of oak, cherry, maple and alder for natural finishes or lacquered for a glossy finish. Because your cabinets come from Canadian businesses and are manufactured here at home, wait time for production and shipping is reduced and your new kitchen is installed on time without delay. With a seemingly infinite number of choices in door style, colour, material and finish, the only delay may be choosing a favourite. Ideas begin as a drawing on Supreme Kitchens’ design software. Dimensions are uploaded and, with your approval, the design is sent to the factory. Cabinets are never produced until you are satisfied with every detail, which means that customization and originality are guaranteed.

Personalized service “We are happy to see our customers embrace all styles of cabinetry,” said Rod. “We trust our suppliers to find the exact fit for your family’s lifestyle. There are choices for traditional and modern sensibilities alike.” Whether your taste is urban or contemporary, in as few as six to eight weeks, your new kitchen is in and your family is enjoying your kitchen dreamscape. For families, Supreme Kitchens is an ideal fit. Projects on a personal scale suit you and Supreme Kitchens. “We’re happy doing what we do best,” said Rod. Because we have consistent suppliers and superior product, our relationships with individual homeowners benefit, and we want to continue our relationships with both. We love to make people happy and see their ideas fully realized.” Stop in at the showroom at 1333 Rose Street or on the web at www.supremekitchens. ca to take your kitchen from idea to accomplishment with Supreme Kitchens. Call 525-3701 or e-mail Rod at supremekitchen@sasktel.net to make your ideas something beautiful. FHR Supreme Kitchens & Millwork Ltd 1333 Rose St. Regina, Sk. 306.525.3701 www.supremekitchens.ca

fter 22 years in business providing excellent customer service and top quality product, the name Nature Stone has become synonymous with stone and epoxy flooring. Authentic Nature Stone flooring is a custom blend of fine stone and specially

When it comes to cost the common misconception is that Nature Stone flooring is expensive. In reality, Nature Stone flooring is very affordable when one considers the problem-solving benefits, longevity of the product and the 10-year unconditional warranty.

FOR QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST, ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NATURE STONE

formulated patent-pending epoxy which is expertly applied over your existing concrete. This flooring is designed not only to provide beauty and long-lasting durability; it is also designed to assist in solving problems with your concrete.

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As a company that is dedicated to top of the line product and service, Nature Stone has worked hard to develop a product that is second to none in its industry. The people at Nature Stone continue to strive to increase their efficiency and upgrade their product.

One thing that has never changed is Nature Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to satisfy its customers. After serving more than 30,000 customers over two decades, Nature Stone flooring has proven to be especially popular for use in garages, basements, rec rooms, laundry rooms, sun rooms, driveways, patios and pool decks. Nature Stone flooring is also used extensively for commercial applications, often being specified by architects for areas such as showrooms, retail areas, office areas and entrances.

The importance of booking an inspection Before making your purchase, the folks at Nature Stone urge interested buyers to first schedule an appointment for an on site inspection. This is to determine the condition of your existing concrete, which is critical for a successful application. Stone and epoxy can only be as good as the concrete is will be covering. This type of flooring should not be used to cover severely damaged, shifting or heaving concrete or concrete that is structurally unstable. Also, many customers believe that stone and epoxy can be used to build up sunken concrete and redirect water away

from their home. The fact is that stone and epoxy flooring is a porous product, designed to allow water to pass through it and will not redirect water. These factors should be disclosed at the time of the site inspection. Any misconceptions could cost the homeowner a lot of unnecessary expense and prove to be disappointing.

How much does Nature Stone cost? Because each installation is unique, it’s difficult to gauge the exact cost of product and services required, however, an estimate will provide you with a realistic idea of costs involved. To assist further in getting a clear picture of how much is involved, think of the cost as being comparable to the installation of a good quality tile or concrete replacement. This can vary depending on many variables such as the type of area to be done, the size and condition of the area and the access to the area. Pricing can also be affected by the type and size of the stone chosen, custom designs, patterns, borders or logos, moving appliances or furnishings and, most importantly, each customer’s unique concrete conditions. The folks at Nature Stone advise caution when seeking out stone and epoxy installers. Remember, if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some installers may offer a low up-front cost, but in the long term it will prove to be more costly due to cutting corners on things like the quality of the epoxy or applying it too thinly. Although these factors will save you money at first, costly ongoing service and maintenance will be needed to ensure the longevity of your flooring.

A company you can trust When investing in your home, remember not to sell yourself short. Look for quality, value and a company you can trust. That’s why for more than 20 years and for over 30,000 customers across North America the choice is Nature Stone.FHR

Flooded Basement... Again? Replacing Carpet... Again? Tearing Out Tile... Again? No... Never Again! Install an authentic Nature Stone floor.

Never replace your basement flooring again!

Nature Stone Regina, Sk. A one time investment that will add beauty, warmth and value to your home. 306.949.0300 Visit us at NatureStone.com www.getnaturestone.com Act Now!

No other company or product can match the features, benefits and warranty of an authentic Nature Stone floor.

Call today for an in-home estimate. 866-000-0000

SAVE 30% Off any Nature Stone floor ordered by June 30, 2011* Additional discounts apply to areas larger than 1000 sq. ft.

*Minimum 400 sq. ft. Not valid with any other offer. Prior sales excluded. Extras and upgrades not included in discount. *Minimum 400 sq. ft. Not validValid withatany other offer. Prior only. salesOffer excluded. Extras upgrades not included in discount. initial presentation expires June and 30, 2011. Valid at initial presentation only. Offer expires June 30, 2011.

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�esigns Of �istinction

“DESIGNS OF DISTINCTION”

3121 Saskatchewan Dr Regina, Sk. 306.352.6044 www.rickscustomcabinets.com

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(306) 525-9801

Your free gym pass. A Community of Choice

harbourlanding.ca | P: (306) 347-8130 | sheinek@dundeerealty.com