Home Improvement Guide 2014

MERRITT

& NICOLA VALLEY

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

1

GENERAL CONTRACTING & BUILDING SERVICES

2

ADDITIONAL HOME STORAGE

3

INTERIOR HOME DÉCOR

4

LANDSCAPING & OUTDOOR DÉCOR

Published by the Merritt Herald

MAIN LOCATION & CLEARANCE CENTRE 2025 Coutlee Ave., Merritt

Hours:

Monday to Friday 9 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Closed Sundays & Holidays

123 456 789

Phone: 250-378-2332

We value our local businesses and services Our top reasons for hiring locally are hard to argue with. Here’s why you should hire local.

A local professional will help you to put it all together – from ideas to design, from products to plans, from construction to completion. Your local experts have the experience and knowledge to help turn your ideas into great results because they’ve done it before. They know how to deal with challenges and problems better than outside sources because they’re familiar with the particular challenges of the local environment. Behind every professional builder, there is a solid network of staff, subcontractors and suppliers ready to go to work for you. Their businesses are open books.

You are invited to talk with past customers, look at previous work and check out reputations. Local pros know what it takes to do something right and how much it costs, and they’ll tell you upfront. Like any other consumer purchase, a professional renovation comes with a warranty on labour.

Liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage are available all in one place.

1 2 3 4

General Contracting & Building Services page 4

You may be working closely with the pro you hire for many months. Choose someone you can communicate with so you fully understand each other. Interview prospective contractors at their offices, if possible. Plan to spend at least one hour on your first meeting.

additional home storage page 9

Can you ever have too much? Sure, you can increase the storage in your home by adding shelves, installing cabinets, and buying wardrobes and armoires, but you can also rent storage space. The best time to think about more storage is while you are building or remodeling your home — or before you buy furnishings without that built-in extra space.

interior home décor page 10

Tomorrow’s homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the places you may recall from your childhood. New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build. Floor plans and decor are transforming to accommodate the changing patterns of our lives.

landscaping and outdoor décor page 12

When it comes to your outdoor space, the steps that go into achieving a successful update for a massive space are critical to completing smaller projects, too. It all begins with smart planning in order to maximize your space for the best price.

Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide 3

General Contracting & Building Services

rolling up our sleeves to tackle your home improvement projects

safety first

Did you know that renovations could damage natural gas pipes and cause a leak?

Before placing power tools on the wall or shovels in the ground, there are some important safety considerations that should be built into your home renovation plan.

Installing insulation, using solvents or chemical strippers, and sanding and refinishing may release dust, flying particles, toxic fumes or other contaminants. To stay safe, this work should be done by a licensed contractor – this should never be attempted on your own. Digging in the wrong spot could cause serious damage, injury or death.

More information on renovation safety can be found at www.sixsecondsafety.com

Serving Merritt for over 20 years

Merritt’s Auto Glass Specialists

Our wide variety of products add a customized look to your home, giving you complete control for a unique design.

Do you think its time for that

OVERDUE HOME RENO????? rors, We’ll install mir table tops and seal units!

Experienced professionals on hand 2663 Granite Avenue, Merritt BC

250-378-4531

4 Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide

Call us to have your home straightened out.

Serving Merritt & Surrounding Areas for over 20 years

250-315-7085

Where to begin when building a new home

Before You Build: 5 Steps to Your New Home 1. Plan Your Budget. Think about how much you can afford to spend and how much building your new home is likely to cost. Chances are you will need a construction loan and a mortgage. Also, knowing the approximate costs will help you modify your building plans to meet your budget.

2. Choose Your Lot. You will almost always need to choose the land before you select floor plans or other details. You (and any pros you hire) will need to investigate factors such as soil condition, drainage, zoning and building codes in the region.

3. Line Up Your Team. Unless you are a homesteader, you’ll need a team of experts to design and construct your house. Key players will include a builder, an excavator, a surveyor and a home designer or an architect. Many homeowners begin by selecting the builder or contractor. That pro then selects other members of the team. However, you may also opt to hire an architect or designer first.

4. Pick a Plan. Many new homes are built using stock plans from a catalog. The builder or a home designer may make minor modifications in room size, window style or other details. A custom-designed home, on the other hand, is created specifically for the family which will live there. Whether you opt for a stock or a custom design, you will be wise to choose a plan that will meet your needs for many years to come.

5. Negotiate a Contract. Be sure to get a written contract which has been signed and dated by both the builder or contractor and the architect or designer. A contract for new home construction will describe the project in detail and include a listing of all the parts to be included in the house. Remember to amend the contract if you or your team make any changes to the project later on.

NEED A NEW ROOF? KEVIN O’FLYNN ~ THEE ROOFER 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

For All Your Roofing Needs u�Shingles u�Cedar u�Metal u�Torch-on

CALL TODAY: 250.315.5742 THEEROOFER@SHAW.CA

Paul LeSage Construction Ltd. Certified Septic Installer (R.O.W.P.)

• Foundations

• Bobcat Services

• Water Lines

• Dump Truck & Pup

• Septic Systems

• Backhoe Services

• Demolition

• Self-Moving

Your building, renovation specialists

We specialize in Log, Timberframe & Custom Home Building • Renovations •Full Service Company from Foundation to Roofing

WE PROVIDE QUALITY WORK AND SERVICE Home Warranty Accredited

Wayne MacDonald 4150 FX Ranch Road, Merritt, BC V1K 1P3 Ph: (250) 378-9237 Fax: (250) 378-1333 Cell: (250) 378-1589

Ph: 250-240-3306 250-378-1977 or 250-378-6535 email: lesagepaul@shaw.ca Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide 5

built right the first time

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250.315.3641

Serving the Entire Nicola Valley CALL US FOR THE BEST RATES!

J.F. Archachan Contracting 6 Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide

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important clauses before you sign

REPUTABLE, REASONABLE, RELIABLE

What should be in the contract?

1. The contractor’s full name, address, telephone number, and professional license number 2. Liability and insurance. Outline the responsibilities and risks incurred by the homeowner, contractor, and subcontractors 3. A detailed description of the work to be done. Specify the materials to be used: quality, quantity, weight, colour, size, brand name, etc. The house plans will become part of the contract 4. The starting and completion dates 5. The labour cost and the material charges 6. Information on how and when you must pay 7. Any warranties and guarantees of workmanship and materials 8. The method for debris and material removal when the job is complete 9. A “right to cancel” clause. This gives you time (3 days is the standard) after you have signed the contract to change your mind.

The clause should also describe what happens if unexpected problems occur after the work is begun.

10. Compliance with codes (e.g., building codes, zoning regulations) and environmental regulations

B&M Woodworks Building & Maintenance Renovations, Contracting, IKEA Kitchen Design & Installs

LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE 30 Years of Experience

Be Safe When You Sign

Call Bernie

1. Never sign a contract unless it is filled out completely.

2. Read the entire contract carefully. Ask questions.

3. Keep a copy of the signed contract.

250-525-0465 ALL YOUR HOME RENOVATION NEEDS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM!

INDUSTRIES LTD. Everything you need to get the job done right!

EQUIPMENT • Loaders • Excavators • Crawler Dozer • Graders • Dump Trucks FAST, • Compaction Equipment EFFICIENT,

SERVICES

250-378-7379

Bathroom Before

Kitchen After

Bathroom After

RELIABLE SERVICE

• House Demolition • Ground Excavation • Trenching for Water & Septic • Gravel Products & Topsoil • Road Construction TOM FOX

Kitchen Before

CADE FOX

250-378-7357

KOR HOME RENOVATIONS SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM CABINETS MARK KOROLL 0XOFS 0QFSBUPS

250-280-1355

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Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide 7

Distributor of

Serving the Nicola Valley since 1960.

Quality Controlled Ready Mix Concrete WASHED AGGREGATE • RADIO DISPATCHED • FREE ESTIMATES

• Sand & Gravel Products

Why Choose Quadlock!

Ultra Energy-Efficient because of continuous EPS Insulation (higher & uniform R-value), greatly reduced air infiltration, and the “thermal mass effect” of concrete. Learn more about ICF energyefficiency vs wood-frame.

Much more Comfortable and Healthy because of very even inside temperatures (no cold or drafty spots), far better sound attenuation, and low risk of mold growth and allergen infiltration.

• Form Rentals • Reinforcing Steel • Concrete Accessories • Fiber-mesh YOUR LOCAL EXPERT FOR CONCRETE

Longer-lasting and more resistant to natural disasters, rot, mold, and pests because the solid reinforced concrete is up to 8 times stronger and nearly impenetrable (even for car crashes) - it’s what gives bunkers their strength!

AND QUAD-LOCK FORMS

Integral colour for concrete One of the most popular methods for colouring newly placed concrete is integral colouring admixtures. These admixtures infuse concrete with rich, long lasting, fade-resistant colour.

Stamped concrete contractors often use this colouring medium to produce a backdrop for contrasting accent or antiquing colours, such as pigmented release agents and stains or dyes. This layering of colour is what enables them to so closely replicate the variegated, multi-tonal appearance of natural stone.

The Bottom Line: Total Cost of Ownership is Lower in a Quad-Lock ICF Home

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE

1301 Nicola Avenue, Merritt 250-378-5121 www.norgaard.ca

additional home storage Running out of room? a Storage locker may be the solution for all of your storage issues.

Merritt’s Finest Mini & RV Storage

♦ 24 Hr Access ♦ Alarm Systems ♦ Standard Sizes

♦ Climate Controlled ♦ Video Surveillance ♦ RV & Boat Storage

UÊ*," -- " ÊÊUÊ- 1, ÊÊUÊ ",

OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24/7 - 365 days/year www.SECUREALLSTORAGE.ca

Declutter your home to look the way you want

LN Self Storage * \ÊÓxä ÎÇn ÓÓäxÊUÊ{£ÇÊ7Ê 7 9Ê n

Multiple Units Sized For All Your Storage Needs When Building or Renovating Your Home!

FREE

FIRST MONTH STORAGE Call for Details

!

Look for the Big Orange Building beside Courtesy Corner in Lower Nicola

1295 Midday Valley Road, Merritt, BC Ph: 250-378-9011

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New and Used storage containers ■

1750 Hill Street

■

Phone: 250-315-3000

Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide 9

Interior Home Décor

Affordable décor has never looked so good

MAINTAIN YOUR SAFETY & INDEPENDENCE for a longer period of time...

STEP IN SAFELY. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE ZOOMER TUBS • Fast, affordable and without the mess and expense of a renovation, Zoomer cuts away a section of your tub and installs a custom-fit threshold. It’s that simple.

• Convert any conventional tub • We offer many other safety solutions contact us for more information • 5 Year Warranty

ZOOMER TUBS SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE TUBS

10 Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide

TUB TO A SHOWER in just a few short hours!

FREE

Estimates!

Lawrence (Sach) Sacharuk 250.936.9909 • 1-800-936-2806 www.zoomertubs.com

redesigning your living space on a budget A Checklist for Your Remodeling Dreams 1. Draw Your Dream. Even before you consult an architect or contractor, you can begin sketching out your ideas and imagining your remodeled home. If you are adding or expanding a room, think about how the space will be used and how the changes will affect traffic patterns. Also consider how new construction will affect the overall context of your home. An oversized addition may overwhelm your house or crowd a small lot. A simple home design software program can help you visualize your project.

2. Learn From Others. One of the best ways to get inspiration and to avoid pitfalls is to follow the experiences of other homeowners.

A number of websites offer online chronicles of home improvement projects, along with reply forms, message boards, and chat rooms that let you ask questions and get feedback.

3. Think Ahead. Although you may dream of having a spacious new addition, the project may not make sense if you plan to sell your house in a few years. A luxury bathroom can price your house beyond the values in your neighborhood. Some projects, such as vinyl siding on a Queen Anne Victorian, will actually decrease the value of your home. Moreover, your own family’s needs may be very different in a few years. Will the plans you draw today fit your future?

EXCEEDING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

FOR 30 YEARS

FREE

IN HOME CONSULTA TIONS & ESTIMA TES

QUALITY WORK AT PRICES YOU CAN AFFORD Mill Creek Cabinets will work within your budget to design your own custom kitchen.

www.millcreekdesign.ca Office: (250) 378-6311 Mobile: (250) 378-7579 • Merritt, BC

Company Inc.

ABC

A Locally Owned and Operated Company ROLLER SHADES & SUNSCREENS (Blackouts & Perforated) FAUXWOOD, ECOWOOD, REAL WOOD HONEYCOMB CELLULAR SHADES VENETIANS & VERTICALS * * * 100’S OF COLORS & TEXTURES * * * A regional dealer for a B.C. family owned manufacturer (for over 25 years) of quality window covering products!

CUSTOM FIT & PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED * * * WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU

Gord Lavery 250-523-6919 Toll Free: 800-394-5558 Serving the Thompson & Nicola Regions Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Kamloops, Logan Lake, Merritt, Savona, & surrounding areas.

Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide 11

landscaping and outdoor dĂŠcor

n o i t a g i r r I Systems

done right the first time!

The best way to describe the irrigation business is “buyer beware�. We must conserve water. Gone are the days that one sprinkler waters your lawn, your flower bed and washes your sidewalk all at once.

A poorly designed irrigation system requires compensation and that compensation wastes water. The one dry spot on your lawn results in increasing watering time and wasting water all around the spot. Another common waste of water is over head spray system in a perennial shrub bed.

We must conserve water and the only way to do that is with a properly designed irrigation system. Sprinkler spacing on lawn zones are head to head. Each sprinkler reaching the next. Flower beds are separate zones, hedges are also separate zones.

For all pond lovers and those interested in water features we do stock beneficial bacteria and other natural products to control algae and keep your water crystal clear.

tlcponds.ca Serving Merritt area since 1993

12 Merritt & Nicola Valley Home Improvement Guide

378-4166