Fine Homes Regina Volume 6 Iss3

FineHomes VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 2015

SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY: BEHIND WALLS & CEILINGS THE HOME OFFICE

REGINA

PEKARBILT

Modern Homes to Suit Your Style

Turn Your Design Dreams into Reality

678 Cornwall Street, Regina | 306.352.3626 | www.theensuiteregina.com

Get your Redl World Class Kitchen at Magnificent Kitchens.

306.525.2030 • 1733 MCARA ST, REGINA • magnificentkitchens.ca • magkitchens@sasktel.net

FineHomes FIRST WORD REGINA

By SHERRY LEE, Associate Editor

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ine Homes Regina is always a pleasure to produce for our readers and this issue is no exception. At this time of year, our attention moves to the inside of our homes and creating beautiful spaces in which to spend many winter hours. Scott McGillivray provides practical and substantive advice — this time on getting behind walls and ceilings.

Whether languishing in your very own spa sanctuary, entertaining guests in your dream kitchen, or updating your home office, our homes are places of comfort, refuge and rejuvenation. Living in a climate that requires many months of indoor living creates in us the desire to continually renew and update our living spaces with the latest styles, designs, trends and environmentally friendly features.

Perhaps you will spend this winter planning to purchase or build a new home. Be sure to check out the bold, beautiful and affordable homes offered by Pekarbilt — at price points you will find hard to overlook. One of their stunning layouts graces the front cover of this issue and you’ll find out much more inside.

www.finelifestyles.ca Volume 6, Issue 3, 2015 Associate Editor Sherry Lee sherryl@finelifestyles.ca Design Candace Haiko, Deanne Bell, Ghislaine Moffitt, Shanna Joudrey Cover Photography Courtesy Pekarbilt Homes Photography Calvin Fehr, DeAnne Bell, Michael Lasko Contributing Writers Courtney Tait, Henny Buffinga, Scott McGillivray, Tori Stafford, Distribution & Subscriptions info@finelifestyles.ca finemags

@finemags

Have a peaceful winter season and keep this issue out on your coffee table to share with guests over a beverage. See you in 2016 with our annual spring feature!

Sherry

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Fine Homes Regina is published by the Group of Fine Magazines Ltd. Fine Magazines is independently owned. Opinions expressed in Fine Magazines are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Fine Magazines does not assume liability for content.

All rights reserved. ©Fine Magazines Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For reproduction requests, please call 306-541-3365.

Brooke Ward Randy Glascock brooke@finelifestyles.ca randyg@finelifestyles.ca 306.551.4789 306.526.4957

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Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060. Return undeliverables to 3440 Balsam Grove, Regina, Sk, S4V 2S4

Stacey Melnyk, owner

Your Choice for Quality Interior Design Looking for help with your office renovation, updating your home or getting the right layout for your new home build?

An interior designer can help.

Stacey Melnyk of Melnyk Design is a Registered Interior Designer who has provided interior design and drafting services in Regina and the surrounding area since 2007. She has worked on a variety of residential and commercial projects such as the recently completed Centre Square Place condo project and the Integrated Health & Wellness center, a Doctor’s office in north Regina. Some services she provides include spacing planning, drafting, finish material selection, furniture and fixture selection, project coordination and management during construction.

Melnyk works closely with her clients to bring the project vision to reality - from concept to construction, details to decor, finishes to furniture. Melnyk Design is here to help you through your design dilemma.

“We recently completed a major renovation on our early 60s split level, but did not have the option of adding square footage. Stacey’s practical design and her assistance in selection of lighting, flooring, plumbing fixtures and cabinetry turned a tired, crowded inefficient space into a tasteful, modern, efficient and welcoming home. We look forward to working with Stacey on our next project!”

—Lynn McCabe

MELNYK DESIGN

306.533.6130 melnykdesign@sasktel.net melnykdesign

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18 CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS HOMES & PROPERTIES ...................... 8 BED & BATH ..........................................18 DREAM KITCHENS..............................20 INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN ............... 22

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS................................26 FEATURES COVER FEATURE Pekarbilt, Modern Homes to Suit Your Style .................................. 8 Scott McGillivray: Behind the Walls & Ceilings ................................................... 26

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BETTER

OUTDOOR

LIVING

The Suncoast Enclosures Team

Attention Homeowners: Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. Suncoast Screen Enclosures will custom build your louvered roof as an addition to your home/business or as its own free-standing patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home.

Suncoast Screen Enclosures offers a screened-in, outdoor area that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space.

306.761.1801 | Toll Free 1.877.449.5106 www.suncoastenclosures.com | don@suncoastenclosures.com

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

PEKARBILT:

Bold, Beautiful & Amazingly Priced Homes Inspired by a love of the sea and its vessels, Trident bears a name that invokes a taste of history, lore and the allure of nautical beauty. Each building features distinct architectural finishes — inside and out. Trident’s exterior is boldly modern, yet traditional elements have been added to stay true to our Prairie roots.

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

HOMES & PROPERTIES

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TRIDENT

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nside, Trident offers modern, open concept floor plans ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft., spa style bathrooms, in-suite laundry and many upgrades that come as standard, including quartz countertops. The large terraces, a key feature of the building, make it easy to entertain outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. A basement storage unit comes standard with every floor plan. Additionally, every building features an elevator for your convenience. Parking is included with every unit and Trident features a beautiful amenity area and pool.

BORDEAUX Fall in love with the bold, modern style, quality and affordability of Bordeaux.

Situated in Hawkstone, Bordeaux is ideally located close to every Northwest amenity and convenience, as well as beautiful parks and greenspaces. Enjoy maintenancefree home ownership and still have all the qualities homeowners love, including a beautifully fenced backyard featuring AstroTurf and a poured concrete patio.

Enjoy hassle free parking located right by your front door!

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Beautiful landscaping is featured throughout. Designed to be part of a sustainable, efficient and thriving community, Bordeaux’s floor plans are modern, open concept and functional while still providing comfort and affordability. Many interior features come standard including granite countertops, under-cabinet lighting and Kohler plumbing. Additional designer packages and options are available for a truly customizable home.

Show homes are open for your convenience Monday to Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Even if you miss buying a Bordeaux condo — the project is 95 per cent sold — come down and see a sample of our work. Give us a call; we have many projects coming up and many underway. We offer something for every need and budget. We would love to talk to you and look forward to getting to know you better.

Pekarbilt 2215 C Emmett Hall Road, Regina 306.347.5600 www.pekarbilt.ca

HOMES & PROPERTIES

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Make Your Mortgage Flexible

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uying, renovating or upgrading a home is a huge decision — and the cost can often exceed your initial budget. Choosing a flexible financing option may be the way to avoid disappointment and ensure your dream home becomes a reality.

Cari Skjerven Mobile Mortgage Specialist with Affinity Credit Union Regina Area 306.552.6468 cari.skjerven@affinitycu.ca

Mortgage flexibility is all about offering a choice and a variety of options. Often financial institutions will consider customizing a mortgage for you, which is why it pays to shop around.

The good thing about flexible mortgages is that it puts you in the driver’s seat.

It doesn’t mean you can pay it when you want to! However, it does give you greater flexibility when compared to a normal mortgage. So, decide what flexible features you’re looking for and find a financial institution that will support you.

The following are a few features you might get with a flexible mortgage.

SAVE MONEY BY OVER-PAYING Yes, you can save money. You can actually save money by paying your mortgage.

If you’re doing well some months, a flexible mortgage would allow you to make an extra payment or add more to your regular payment to pay down your principal quicker and pay less interest.

If you like the sound of this, make sure your mortgage specialist recommends a mortgage without pre-payment

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

penalty options though. Prepayments can potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest costs over the life of your mortgage.

BORROW BACK Some flexible mortgages will allow you to borrow up to 80 per cent of your appraised home value. This is useful if you need to take your money out at any point to, for example, pay for your wedding or to build an extension.

TAKE IT WITH YOU A mortgage with a portability feature means if you move you can take your mortgage over to the new property.

Because you can take your existing borrowing to your new place, it means that you won’t have to pay an early repayment charge or apply for a new mortgage. It can make life much easier.

So, if you’re about to buy, renovate or upgrade a home, find an expert who’ll help make your dreams come true.

Choose someone who’ll be with you over the long term and who’ll be there ready to help you with your next home ownership project.

For more information, feel free to contact me at 306.552.6468 or cari.skjerven@ affinitycu.ca. I will be happy to go through all of your options at a place and time that’s convenient for you.

OVER 60 YEARS OF SERVICE

WC Wappel CONSTRUCTION

• Serving the City of Regina and surrounding area since 1952 • Sewer and Water Main Installation • Ready Mix Concrete Supplier • Highway and Street Construction • Earthmoving and Excavating

Main Main Offi Office ce 230 230 10th 10th Avenue Avenue EE Regina, Regina, Sk Sk 306.569.3000 306.569.3000 email: email: infor@wappel.ca infor@wappel.ca

Concrete Concrete Plant Plant Offi Office ce 269A 269A Mill Mill Street Street Regina, Regina, Sk Sk 306.545.6565 306.545.6565 email: email: infor@wappel.ca infor@wappel.ca

“The House Trade Built” Project — Interior Edition!

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he concept is simple. Build a house and barter for every component. How do we barter?

TRADEdollars are our preferred form of payment. How do they work?

Simple! Contractors join Tradebank (a Canada-wide B2B barter network) and begin buying and selling using TRADEdollars instead of cash. Why is

this advantageous? They gain access to new sales and new customer loyalty they would not normally have.

This one picture shown above tells a wide-ranging story and showcases many of the companies Tradebank worked with.

Notice the stunning cabinetry and built-in bookshelf from Rick’s Custom Cabinets.

The stylish décor and area rug from Anex Interiors accent the room perfectly. The motorized window coverings from Blinds

by DB allow in the perfect amount of light, while the full home automation from Automated AV allows the window coverings, lights and TV to be controlled from anywhere in the world!

The cozy classic Regency fireplace from Wheatland Fireplace adds warmth to the room. Paul Prinz Masonry built a beautiful custom mantle with stone products from Timberstone Regina. The commercial grade laminate installed throughout the home from Pearl Hardware exudes finish and texture.

The living room opens up into a dynamic and effervescent kitchen. Rick’s Custom Cabinets provided design and finish including floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, pullout cupboards, built-in wine storage and upgraded soft-close drawers. Parkland Carpet One helped pick out the perfect navy blue tiles to match the island. Pearl Hardware assisted in selecting the island lights, faucet and farmhouse sink.

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Gorgeous granite countertops from CNG Stone were installed throughout the house in a day.

The stainless appliance package, including a Samsung Chef Series range, dishwasher and refrigerator are from Krazy Kiley’s. Sparkling water dispensed from your fridge? Yes, please!

The dining area is accentuated with a zinctop table and chandelier from Pearl Hardware.

The artwork is from Anex Interiors, while the motorized shades from Blinds by DB used a bronze finish to go with the mixed-metallic theme. Rick’s designed a built-in curio cabinet that opens into the dining area to store wine glasses and crystal.

This home features an amazing master suite. The elegant bedroom was created by selecting the perfect chandelier from Pearl Hardware to complement the tray ceiling designed by Kitzul Drywall and Painting. Blackout blinds from Blinds by DB complete the look. Simply Stunning Designs did a great job staging this space.

The custom closets, designed and installed by Simply Stowed Custom Closets, provide ample storage in the kids’ rooms so as to eliminate the need for a dresser, and organization in the usually messy master walk-in closets.

They even included a hidden jewelry tray and built-in ironing board!

Through the closet, you will find the luxurious and spalike master ensuite. The beautiful soaker tub, shower and coordinating faucets were all selected from Pearl Hardware.

Rick’s did a wonderful job with the cabinetry and the granite slab from CNG Stone ties everything together.

For more information about the local businesses involved throughout this project, visit www.tradebuilt.ca. The next update will be the exterior edition in Summer 2016.

Please see past issues of Business & Industry Saskatchewan for our pre-construction and lockup stages.

If you wish to barter your services for some of the exterior/landscaping work, or if you own a business and want more sales, email tradebuilt@tradebank.ca. or call or text Dan Benesh at 306.596.8502. Tradebank Regina is constantly growing and we’d love to include your business in our network.

Tradebank Regina dan.benesh@tradebank.ca.

306.596.8502 www.tradebank.ca

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Is It Time to Invest in Your Residence?

vacations splashing with the dolphins are some things that probably could (and should) be put on hold until the “pile of pesos” in the bank can accommodate these extravagances.

Rick Roland, B.Ed., BA, REALTOR® Royal LePage Regina Realty 3889 Arcola Ave East 306.591.0163 www.rickroland.ca www.reginahomesales.ca rroland@sasktel.net

Conversely, taking out a mortgage at this time to purchase or upgrade the family home or investment property is likely one of the wisest moves you can make. The reasons are quite clear: 1. Most people need to pay for the roof over their head either through rent payments or mortgage payments anyway. Why not make payments for your home rather than payments on your landlord’s property?

2. Mortgage interest rates are presently at an all-time low. This means when you make a payment, a larger portion of the payment will go towards the principal and less towards the interest over a period of time.

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here are many theories and rumours these days concerning the high debt levels Canadians are carrying. Thanks to the hype and spin applied by the media, alarm bells are being sounded and we are being urged to curb our enthusiastic spending habits. Any reckless spending is dangerous for everyone. Flashy new cars, the latest and greatest super HD TVs, life-altering sound systems and exotic

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3. The value of real property will likely, at the very least, be maintained at current values if not increase in the future. This isn’t the case with the flashy cars, trucks and flat screen TVs. 4. If you invest in real property now, the increasing value of that asset will enable you to upgrade or expand your real estate portfolio in the future by having your “foot in the door” for future opportunities. Having a modest starter home now can lead to something bigger and better if you wish.

HOMES & PROPERTIES

Many years ago, when I was beginning my career as a real estate agent, someone explained to me a mortgage should be viewed as a long term, forced savings program rather than merely a debt. Out of every payment made, a portion goes into your own “personal home bank” with the remainder paying the bank mortgage interest. If your property is properly maintained, you will be able to withdraw your savings plus capital growth when you sell the property in the future. Also, as you build the equity in your property through a combination of paying down the mortgage and capital growth of the property, you may also be able to borrow by means of an equity takeout loan or secured loan of some sort.

Of course, you must look at your personal residence as a long term investment.

Although it has happened in recent years for a very fortunate few, gone are the days when a person can purchase a home one year and expect to sell it two years from now with a 25 per cent or greater capital growth. Your home will likely increase in value over a period of time. It is an investment, but primarily, it is where you and your family can enjoy life for a number of years and have something to show for your money at the end of the day.

Contact me if you have any comments or questions.

The High Price of Clutter

Sharla Shaw owner The Tidy Time Saver Professional Cleaning Service 306.546.1505 Regina sharlashaw@tidytimesaver.com www.tidytimesaver.com

Proud partner of

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lutter — we all have it. It can be laying out in plain sight, stuffed behind a door or shoved in a drawer. It is annoying, but the real question is: how does clutter truly affect your life?

SOCIAL LIFE. Do you invite people over to your home, or do you miss out on having social engagements at your house because you are ashamed of the clutter laying around?

DOWN TIME. Do you feel relaxed at the end of your busy day, or are you stressed looking around at what has accumulated around you?

CASH FLOW. Do you buy duplicate items because you can’t find items in your home?

HOMES & PROPERTIES

USABLE SPACE. Do you use your garage, closets and storage areas for their intended purposes?

Clutter steals your time and money. The average person spends one year of his or her lifetime looking for lost things.

It results in lateness, duplicate buying and constant frustration. If you clear up the clutter in your home, it will reduce housekeeping time by about 40 per cent. While decluttering can be time consuming, it is most effective if you tackle one room at a time.

Most of us are exhausted after decluttering our home and dread the thought of actually cleaning after. That is where The Tidy Time Saver can step in and help you take care of all your cleaning needs.

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BED & BATH

Spa Sanctuary A

AT H O M E

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hen the time comes to unwind, relax and relieve stress, a trip to the spa comes to mind. But with a few sumptuous upgrades, you don’t need to travel any further than your bathroom.

BatHtUBS anD SHoWerS Begin your bathroom’s transformation to a spalike retreat by installing a tub designed to soothe and relax the soul. Keep in mind not only the depth — you want to ensure the hot water covers your shoulders — but the shape, as well. Always sit in the tub before purchasing it to make sure it’s a comfortable fit. You want to make sure you select a tub that curves to your body and hugs you in all the right places. If you want to take your bathing experience one step further, opt for a tub that features divine extras like massage jets, soothing air bubbles and calming lights.

For a mere $47,000, the Red Diamond bathtub by Water Games Technologies comes complete with a waterproof highdefinition television, massage options,

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BED & BATH

multicolour lighting, and even a champagne holder coated with sparking Swarovski crystals.

For homeowners seeking to shower themselves in luxury, there are endless options available to re-create a day at the spa. With endless configurations available, showerheads can be installed in the ceiling of the shower or on the walls — or both. The TAG Shower has “revolutionized the world of hydrotherapy” with its touchscreen interface that operates up to 18 showerheads divided into six body zones. For more information on the TAG Shower, visit www.tagshower.com, email info@tagshower.com or call 504.891.3502.

Want to take your at-home spa retreat one step further? Invest in a programmable shower that allows you to preset the temperature, amount of steam and the lighting.

Kohler offers “a total sensory experience at the touch of a button” with a high-tech system that combines water, sound, light and steam. The DTV II Custom Showering Experience is a multi-sensory system that will forever change the way you shower. Incorporate rejuvenating steam, music from your personal playlist, and even some lights that move and change colours during your shower. With six presets, you can easily create and save your personal showering preferences.

Heat It Up Nothing beats your feet being kept warm and toasty with the help of in-floor heating. This type of heat delivers an even warmth across your floor’s entire surface and is completely hidden so it does not impact the aesthetic of your bathroom. It’s also safe.

You won’t need to worry about coming in direct contact with the heating elements following a relaxing soak. An added bonus? The even distribution of heat helps to minimize your energy costs.

StUnnIng Décor Bathroom bliss does not have to end with a shower or soak in the tub. Let celebrity Suzanne Somers’ Palm Springs bathroom serve as inspiration. Featuring not only a soaking tub and steam shower, her bathroom also showcases a separate room for lounging. Your own bathroom might include a comfortable chaise lounge; so whether you curl up with a tea and a novel or choose to sip on a glass of wine, your personal spa retreat will not only boast an undeniable sense of glamour, but induce total relaxation, as well.

DelIgHtfUl extraS Make your bathroom the one room in the home you’ll never want to leave.

Consider purchasing a wine chiller to keep your favourite beverages cold and ready-at-hand, and a coffee maker to help ease the pain and stress of early mornings. And don’t forget to stock your bathroom with soft, plush towels. Opt for soft, Egyptian cotton for the most luxurious way to dry off in style.

TOP The TAG Shower at The Spa at Tucker’s Point, Bermuda BOTTOM The TAG Shower at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa, Idaho

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DREAM KITCHENS

DREAM KITCHENS:

Incorporating Glass into Cabinetry and Backsplash

By Tori Stafford

Pristine and sleek, glass has the ability to open up a room and can be used in all styles of kitchen design — from traditional or stately to contemporary or ultramodern – especially when incorporating technology. The applications of glass are nearly limitless when you consider options in texture, facets, clarity, finish and colour.

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DREAM KITCHENS

LEFT Photo courtesy Lisa Sandham Interior Design ABOVE Photo courtesy Tony Koukos Photography

“I love using glass, especially when it’s a modern or contemporary design. I love mixing materials in the kitchen so the fronts aren’t so monotonous. I look at a kitchen as more than just functional; I like to make it look like a piece of art,” says Sandham, who also points to glass as a means of bringing in colour.

The versatility of glass fronts in cabinetry also allows cabinets to serve as a way to bring in colour or design elements when using transparent glass. Using clear glass in the fronts of upper cabinets allows the cabinetry to act as a display case. These can showcase coloured ceramics, china, glassware, metal kitchenware, such as silver teapots or copper cookware, or even items less associated to the kitchen, such as family heirlooms that complement your design aesthetic.

Inspired to Ingenious: Glass in Backsplash Clear Choices in Cabinetry

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or fashion or function, the use of glass in cabinet fronts can enhance any design theme, with options in textures, clarity, etching, faceting, frosting and even stained glass. Including glass fronts on cabinets is also a way to avoid the bland monotone which solid front cabinets can create, explains Lisa Sandham, an interior designer based out of Thunder Bay, Ont.

While the idea of glass in the kitchen might bring to mind an immaculate, shiny and perfectly organized space, it’s no secret the room where storing, preparing and cooking meals take place sees its fair share of messes – another reason glass is so great in the heart of the home.

Whether applied in mosaic, subway tiles or on a mounted pane spanning the length of a counter, glass in backsplash is a surefire bet for an easy wipe down while making spaghetti or after a minor blender mishap.

DREAM KITCHENS

An altogether different use of glass in backsplash is the use of glass panes to cover an image or a photograph. One such installation is that of Toronto-based photographer Tony Koukos, whose world travel photography has the ability to transport and inspire.

“The concept came first. A client recently purchased a penthouse in downtown Toronto and we were curating some art for his residence. His request was ‘a big burst of colour in the all-white kitchen that you can see from the dining and living room,’” Koukos says of his backsplash installation, which uses his image, Le Metro, taken during the restoration of the Paris Underground.

“After finding the perfect production partner, I was able to source tempered glass and do a direct-to-glass print.”

Moisture and heat-resistant, this application allows Koukos’ clients to make his images from around the world into their own personal murals, an idea his urbanite clients have eagerly embraced, he says.

“The response has been incredible,” says Koukos. “Many downtown dwellers reside in glass boxes in the sky with very little wall space. A custom kitchen backsplash is an inexpensive way to personalize a space and add a design element.”

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

THE HOME OFFICE is the Way of the Future

By Henny Buffinga

With most jobs needing only a computer, phone and Internet connection, more people are working from home than ever before. Work/life balance is a hot topic when it comes to business trends, with millennials and Gen-Y workers stating it’s one of their main priorities when choosing a job.

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ccording to the WorkShift initiative, led by Calgary Economic Development, there are about 4.3 million Canadians with jobs that are compatible with working from home. Allowing these people to work out of office, the report states, would have a bottom-line economic benefit of $53 billion across the country, as well as community perks such as reduced traffic and the resulting lower carbon-emissions. As an example of the savings for individual businesses, the report estimates a company that has 250 telecommuting employees would save $3 million a year.

Telecommuting saves employers more than just overhead and rent money; employees who work from home are happier, and thus more productive.

According to Globalworkplaceanalytics. com, 36 per cent of workers would prefer working from home to a pay raise, and 80 per cent of employees consider working from home a job perk. With more than two thirds of employers reporting increased productivity among their telecommuters, it’s clear telecommuting is the way of the future.

According to Smallbiztrends.com, 69 per cent of U.S. entrepreneurs start their businesses from home, and many have employees who work from their own homes as well. For entrepreneurs, starting a business costs an average of $15,000, and cutting the overhead by working from home allows more freedom for the business owner in those important first few years.

For all the telecommuters, planning a specific workspace in the home is a must, not only for productivity, but also to maintain the boundaries of work and home life. When it comes to planning a home office, Chris Medeiros, co-owner of Response I.T. in Kingston, advocates doing your homework before you commit to the electronics in your home office, since they are the most important tools you will need.

“Getting the proper foundation for the office is the most important thing,” Medeiros explains. “You need to make sure you cover the basics, such as the right computer for your needs, anti-virus software, surge protectors, that kind of thing. Pricing everything ahead of time is

a good idea. You need to be careful that you don’t just buy the cheapest printer in the store, because the ink cartridges for that printer might cost $200. You think you’re saving, but you’re not.”

Software such as Skype, Microsoft Word and Google Docs are invaluable to creating a cohesive virtual work environment for employees. And for people just starting up, Medeiros recommends getting your own domain name to give a professional first impression via email. He points out that if you are using a provider’s email account and you switch providers down the line, you may lose out on important communications. He also recommends a good signature, stating that it’s the little things that can add up to a more professional image.

With a major hindrance to productivity being workplace distraction, working from home in an environment workers can control helps them raise productivity levels while giving them the work/life balance they crave.

I’m a RE/MAX Miracle Agent!

I personally donate a portion from every sale to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. Buy or list your home with me to help support sick and injured kids.

“Leanne took the time to hear and interpret my needs/wishes effectively, then impressed me with her availability and frank counsel. I never doubted Leanne’s commitment to finding the house that is just right for me and to fighting for best price. I will be recommending her highly, constantly.”

“Joyce Tourney is an outstanding REALTOR®.

Mark and I were very impressed. We appreciated her approach and professionalism. She truly cares about her customers. She is great to deal with and support staff are professional.”

—Mark & Norma Jane Lemmerick

—Pam Kapoor, Regina

RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty 306.789.1700 INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

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f you own a home, chances are that at some point you’ve had to deal with a carpet stain or flooring damage due to changing temperatures. Along with causing excess maintenance, these issues detract from your home’s overall aesthetic.

Parkland Carpet One has two exciting new products designed to resist damage and make your carpet and flooring look better for longer.

How to Protect Your Flooring from Spills and Humidity

What are some of the most common carpet stains people deal with?

Spills from kids and other family members, as well as pet accidents, are common.

Some of the most difficult to remove are those from soft drinks, milk, pet urine and bodily fluids from young kids or elderly family members.

Why do stains reappear after people remove them?

Stains soak through to the undercushion of carpet. You can clean off the top of the fibre, but over time the stain wicks back.

What kind of carpet stops spills from causing stains?

Robert Grain

Owner Parkland Carpet One 1600 8th Avenue Regina 306.525.9125

Tigressa H2O Waterproof Carpet is a new carpet launched in the Tigressa series from Carpet One. It has a plasticized backing that prevents the spill from seeping through. It’s the only carpet in existence that comes with a waterproof guarantee, and it comes in a variety of styles, patterns and colours.

How does it work?

Once you clean the spill, it stays clean because the moisture can’t go through.

If you don’t notice the spill until several hours after it occurred, you can still clean it up and prevent any staining.

What warranties does Tigressa H2O Waterproof Carpet include?

It comes with Parkland Carpet One’s 90day Beautiful Guarantee, so if you don’t like the carpet, you can exchange it within 90 days. It also comes with a 20-year warranty for wear, a 20-year warranty for texture and a lifetime warranty for soil, stains and installation.

What are some common mistakes people make regarding stain removal?

They cleaner they use is too strong. Many cleaners have bleaches, which should be avoided. Always test a cleaner on a part of the carpet that’s not noticeable before applying it to the stain. People also feel

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they need to rub instead of blot, which damages the carpet fibre.

What else can people do to deal with carpet stains?

Carpet One has an app called Stain First Aid. It features videos and techniques on common stains, how to clean them and the basic ingredient you need to do it with. It’s best to pick up the excess of a spill with paper towel and try to remove the stain with water first. If that doesn’t work, use a cleaner recommended on the app. Don’t use too much detergent or leave it on too long.

What impact does humidity have on flooring?

A floor needs to be between 30 and 50 per cent relative humidity. All homes right now are dealing with changing humidity in the last few years, as we have pockets of time with excessive humidity. We are seeing houses that are between 50 and 70 per cent humidity.

Hard surface floors react to rising humidity by expanding, which causes the joints to tighten and create a pressure point that makes the floor noisy to walk on.

This happens on hardwood, laminate, engineered floors and cork floors.

What flooring is available that doesn’t react to humidity?

Invincible H20 Luxury Vinyl Plank is a new flooring product at Parkland Carpet One that has a waterproof core. It doesn’t react to humidity, so it won’t expand when humidity increases. It comes in a wood or tile look and has a cerami-fused finish that provides durability.

Does it resist damage from spills?

Yes. The waterproof core of Invincible H20 Luxury Vinyl Plank resists moisture, preventing damage.

What warranties does Invincible H20 Luxury Vinyl Plank come with?

The 120-day Beautiful Guarantee and a lifetime warranty for wear, stains, discolourations, rips, tears, gouges, indentations, water damage, locking system and installation.

What level of quality are the Tigressa H2O Waterproof Carpet and Invincible H20 Luxury Vinyl Plank?

Both are premium products. They are high fashion and high quality, created to last a long time.

How to Simplify Your Life with Smart Window Coverings

M

otorized window coverings have becoming increasingly popular in recent years due to their safety, ease and design. Now they have entered the realm of smart technology, enabling homeowners to control their window’s coverage from afar. Parkland Carpet One features the latest shade system from Hunter Douglas — PowerViewTM Motorization.

What are some complications people have with window coverings?

Window coverings with cords can be a risk in homes with children and pets.

Cords also make the coverings less aesthetically appealing. Motorized coverings solve these issues, but in the past the remotes have sometimes been limiting or difficult to deal with.

What’s the best option for shades with motorization?

This summer Hunter Douglas launched PowerViewTM, which is the next generation for motorization. You can program these coverings to open and close automatically from wherever you are.

How does PowerViewTM Motorization work?

or lower shades, you can do so remotely.

You can also program it so at certain times the coverings are always open or always closed. When you are on vacation, this enables you to make your home appear as though someone is home.

Any other benefits of this operating system?

PowerViewTM is compatible with coverings in a range of designer colours and can operate on six different banks of windows. The remote is kidney shaped, making it more ergonomical for the hand.

You can program favourite settings on it, and it has a stop feature that past models didn’t have, enhancing ease of use.

Is wiring needed?

No wiring is needed, and the motors in the blinds are more efficient so the battery life is longer. The battery packs are remote, so you no longer have to climb a ladder to get to high windows when changing the battery.

Can people test out this system at Parkland Carpet One? Yes, it is displayed in our showroom. And until Dec.18, when you buy four select blinds with PowerViewTM you receive a free iPad Mini!.

The remote connects through your iPad. If you are out of the house and want to raise

INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

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Regina

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FH HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS

BEHIND THE WALLS… A N D C E IL IN G S TO O !

By Scott McGillivray

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

W

hen homeowners are renovating, a lot of focus goes into the elements they see everyday: floors, paint colours and kitchen counters, for example. And rightfully so. The design features of your home should reflect your personal style and you want to be comfortable with the look and feel of your home. But all those design bells and whistles in front of the walls are completely pointless without all the right elements behind them.

Insulation Insulation is one of the most important players behind the scenes in your house, directly affecting its warmth, energy efficiency and safety. If you’re opening up your walls, upgrading your insulation is a no-brainer. I’ve been using stone wool insulation (like Roxul’s ComfortBatt) for years now because it’s fire resistant; water repellent; resistant to mould, mildew, rot and bacterial growth; and is made from natural stone and recycled material. The bonus? Stone wool insulation is DIYfriendly. Any homeowner can take on this project with a utility knife and a little sweat equity.

Waterproofing We all know one of the biggest threats to your home is water. The amount of damage that can be caused by water is astronomical and can cost tons of money, not to mention the time and stress of repair. The room in your home that is

the main culprit of water damage has historically been the bathroom. The good news? If you’re renovating, you have the chance to fix the problem, or better yet, prevent it before it’s a problem. Many homeowners don’t realize that there are now entire waterproofing systems— like those provided by Schluter — that are a one-stop shop for keeping your bathroom high and dry. I love using Schluter’s Kerdi product behind shower and tub surrounds because it’s fast and easy to install — like drywall, but waterproof. It’s light and easy enough to work with that you can score it with a utility knife, and it even comes printed with a grid pattern for foolproof cutting.

Soundproofing On Income Property, I’ve done over 100 basement renovations for homeowners adding an income suite to their homes.

When I talk to these homeowners about their concerns and “must-have” items, soundproofing between the two units is pretty much at the top of the list.

If you’re renovating your basement, chances are you’re taking down the ceiling for one reason or another, like accessing ductwork, electrical or plumbing. And much like with putting extra insulation on your walls, popping in some Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound mineral wool insulation is an easy, DIY project that ups the safety and sound absorption in your home by a huge amount. The ultimate sound dampener, Safe ‘n’ Sound provides an acoustic barrier that actually absorbs the sound instead of leaving it to bounce around between walls. It also provides higher sound absorption against low frequency ranges that other types of insulation struggle to block, so say goodbye to the thumping bass of your kids’ music and video games bleeding up from the basement. Just make sure to insulate around ductwork wherever possible, since sound travels through them. And if you have pot lights, make sure you use certified insulating boxes around them to maximize the amount of insulation you can use.

Check out Income Property on HGTV CANADA. /EverythingScottMcgillivray @smcgillivray @scottmcg @scott_mcgillivray www.scottmcgillivray.com

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INCOME PROPERTY NEW EPISODE

THURSDAYS HGTV is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC; used with permission.

BREATHE EASY

and Increase Home Comfort When homeowner Mark Trafford met Jim Dielschneider in January, he and his family complained the main living areas in their home were very cool. In fact, they needed two 1,500-watt electric heaters running upstairs. Conversely, the basement was very warm because the main duct is exposed to this living area, and a large amount of heat was leaking from this duct.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

“The boys’ rooms upstairs have never been warmer.

We got rid of the electric heaters and the dust and lint build-up is almost gone downstairs as well. We highly recommend this procedure to everyone!”

-Mark Trafford

Dielschneider, owner of Aeroseal of Regina, was confident aerosealing the complete duct system would help stabilize temperatures in the home. After setting up his equipment and preparing the duct system, Dielschneider always runs a computer controlled pre-test to measure the duct leakage.

During the sealing process, pressurized air leaks from the ducts. The sealant adheres first to the edge of the leak, then onto itself until the leak is sealed. This process is repeated simultaneously throughout the complete duct system. A posttest completes the sealing process verifying the results, and a printed report is supplied to the homeowner.

A 90 per cent improvement or better is expected. The entire process takes four to six hours to complete.

“The boys’ rooms upstairs have never been warmer,” says Trafford. “We got rid of the electric heaters and the dust and lint build-up is almost gone downstairs as well. We highly recommend this procedure to everyone!”

An Aerosealed system improves air flow to living spaces, saving homeowners money on energy costs, in all seasons.

Air-conditioned homes are cooled using this same duct system. This means the furnace runs less often in the summer, lowering energy consumption year round. Leaking ducts can also suck in dust and redistribute it into the living areas of the home. Once sealed, homeowners should notice a reduction of dust accumulation on their furniture and home décor.

Homeowner Kevin says, “Shortly after Jim had completed his sealing process, I noticed the excessive dust in the house had been reduced considerably. I am closing registers and have even reduced the temperature on the thermostat as the air movement and overall temperature throughout the house feels more evenly distributed.”

Although the Aeroseal technology has been used in the U.S. for more than 20 years, it is still relatively new in Canada.

Dielschneider has worked on many residential homes since opening his business in August 2013.

“I’ve worked in houses still under construction to homes that are 91 years old,” Dielschneider says. “We have found new home duct systems leak as much or more than older homes. Aerosealing benefits any home with a forced air system.” In fact, Century West Homes, Emerald Park Homes and Sharptooth Homes & Renovations regularly use Aeroseal of Regina to seal the duct systems for their customers.

Residential customers have an average return on investment of three to seven years. The Aeroseal bond is guaranteed for 10 years in residential applications, and accelerated testing has shown that it lasts much longer — more than 40 years.

All homeowners should consider this smart and sustainable technology.

Aeroseal of Regina Emerald Park, SK 306.570.7325 aerosealofregina.ca

OPPOSITE & ABOVE Jim Dielschneider HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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Inspect Your Attic & Protect Your Roof

Wade and Joel owners Ultimate Insulation 306.205.7366 service@ultimateinsulation.ca www.ultimateinsulation.ca

Over time, we tend to update our homes and make them more energy efficient with: • • • • •

T

hinking about getting your shingles replaced next year?

How long did the old ones last?

Have you experienced any roof leaks? Got ice dams?

If you are considering having your shingles replaced, this is a great time to have your attic system inspected.

A home’s attic has a direct impact on the longevity of a roof’s performance.

If your home is more than 10 years old, it’s a good time to confirm everything is working correctly.

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New windows New doors High efficiency furnace House wrap New weather stripping

All these upgrades make your home “tighter.” This means you have less air from outside making its way into your home. If these renovations have taken place and your attic assembly has not been inspected since, you may want to contact an attic expert.

At Ultimate Insulation, our experts provide a comprehensive inspection of your roof and attic assembly. An inspection looks at how your attic is venting and how the roof structure is supporting the shingles and snow load.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Over time, the structure of a home can deflect and show weaknesses. Our trained experts can also search out other issues involving humidity sources, such as kitchen and bathroom exhaust systems.

If these devices are not properly routed, they will allow high concentrations of moisture to accumulate, creating mold and mildew. These are just a few issues we can help detect and correct with your attic inspection.

Most people never give their attic a second thought, but a properly functioning attic assembly will add years to the life of your shingles. Start saving on energy bills and protect your largest investment — your home.

Call us today and book your free attic inspection. For additional information on attic and roof systems, check out our website.

FIXTURES L-R F2537/4SLP and F2538/3SLP

Renovating or Building New? Let Us Light Up Your Life!

Whether you are building or renovating, we have the experienced staff and selection to meet all your lighting needs.

2101-7TH AVE, REGINA | 306.525.8301 | RICHARDSONLIGHTING.COM

Parkland Carpet One would like to wish their clients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you in the new year!

ABOVE Steve, Robert, Usman, Dameion, Denzil, Arlene, Camila, Jamie L, Anna, Kathy, Thanh, Lawrence MISSING Jamie K, Matthew, Cathy, Warren, Celine, Lincoln, Roman

1600–8th Avenue, Regina | 306.525.9125 www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com

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