APRIL 2011 {
T H E U LT I M A T E G U I D E T O D O M E S T I C B L I S S O N T H E N O R T H S H O R E
}
INSIDE:
ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME THE DIRT ON DIRT
TREND Watch KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY NORTH SHORE STONE WORKS
A20 - athome - Sunday, April 24, 2011
Boost your home’s value Bathroom renos can add a lot to a home’s value — next to the kitchen, a well-designed and maintained bathroom does more than anything else to help boost the price of a home. But if you go overboard, you can end up pouring money down the drain.
Bathrooms, after kitchens, are among the most expensive rooms to renovate. There’s less cabinetry involved in a bathroom and you don’t have major appliances to add to the bill, but plumbing, tubs, tiles and taps aren’t cheap. While kitchen renovations can set you back $50,000 or more, for a new bathroom, you should budget $5,000 to $15,000, experts advise. If your bathroom is more than 10 years old, it is probably in need of a makeover. A quick spruce-up is easy — a colourful shower curtain and accessories such as matching towels, wastepaper basket and bath mat quickly change the mood of the room.
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint on the walls to liven up a room at moderate expense. Other budget-friendly ways to change the look of a bathroom would be to install a curved shower rod, new towel bars, door pulls or toilet tank lever. These projects may be small, but still make a big impact on both the style and functionality of the bathroom. “We refer to it as the ‘remodellite’ trend,” says Tim McDonough, a spokesperson for Moen.
Reflect Refl ect Your Good Taste with
The Beauty of Stone
OFFICE & SHOWROOM
1450 Charlotte Road, North Vancouver KITCHEN & BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS Find out the advantages of Engineered Quartz and Natural Stone at:
604.985.0213
www.nsstoneworks.com
“We have noticed consumers don’t want to invest in a major remodelling project, but still want to spruce up the room.“ Old bathroom faucets can be both outdated in style and waterefficiency. New faucets that meet WaterSense criteria reduce water usage by up to 32 per cent without affecting performance. Moen’s M-PACT common valve system allows consumers to change the look of a bathroom quickly.
With this system, people can change the style and finish of their faucets without having to replace the underlying faucet plumbing. “In our experience, most bathroom remodelling projects involve creating more space,” says Andrea Mills, design spokesperson for IKEA. “If you don’t have anywhere to keep your stuff, it will be impossible to maintain a clean, organized bathroom.” She says IKEA has lots of solutions, such as wall-mounted cabinets or open shelves for spaces where storage is an issue. Keeping the plumbing in the existing positions is the least expensive option in any bathroom renovation.
Fixture items such as bathtubs, sinks and toilets can be straightforward to replace as most replacement fixtures follow uniform industry standards. If fixtures need to be moved to use the space more efficiency, not all is lost. “A sink can be moved to a different spot along the same wall without much problem,” says Stew Millett, owner of Miles Plumbing. “Toilets can be moved about a metre — depending on what’s under the toilet — and bathtubs and showers can be moved side to side along a wall as well.
A remodelled bathroom adds value to a house, but the key is to make it appropriate to the price range of houses in the area, advise real estate agents. “Some people embark on a bathroom renovation just before they put a house on the market with a mistaken belief that it will help boost the value of the house,” says Niels Madsen of RE/MAX Alliance. But that’s not always a good idea. Many buyers would rather pay a few thousand dollars less for a house that needs a new bathroom, and choose their own design. And, Madsen stresses: “A new bathroom isn’t any help if the rest of the house needs to be upgraded as well.” PEDRO ARRAIS
Sunday, April 24, 2011 - athome - A21
CLOPAY SALE DOORS
RIPLEard EarneT ew il s Rthese Air M on ! Miles doors
R-Value: 12.9 - White Only - Polyurethane Insulation Model 9130 - Elegant Short Panel
QUANTITY AVAILABLE
SALE PRICE
UNIT
SIZE
COLOUR
MSRP
2 2 3 5 2 2
each each each each each each
8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 8’0” 9’0” x 7’0” 9’0” x 8’0” 10’0” x 7’0” 10’0” x 8’0”
White White White White White White
$538 $647 $580 $704 $656 $805
$269 $324 $290 $352 $328 $403
2 2 2 2
single glazed double glazed single glazed double glazed
$126 $192 $156 $240
$63 $96 $78 $120
2 4 2
each each each
$538 $580 $656
$269 $290 $328
9130 WINDOW OPTIONS
9130 Elegant Short Panel
8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 7’0”
White White White White
MODEL 9133 - ELEGANT LONG PANEL
8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 7’0” 8’0” x 7’0”
White White White
Installation not included. While quantities last.
SPRING SPECIAL 2010-2011
9133 Elegant Long Panel
Canadian Doormaster Electric Ltd
Linear
LDCO 800
Chain 7’ Belt 7’ Chain 8’ Belt 8’
$182 $212 $202 $240
For a limited time, these prices include an additional $15 off of our regular price. Features: DC Drive Motor with softstart/soft-stop for smooth, quiet, long-term reliable performance. Please contact our office for more information or a brochure.
AUTOMATION AND SECURITY GATES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Aluminum fencing!
Come and visit us at
Ranks among the best due to strength and style of material. There is little that competes with aluminum.
59 Bewicke Avenue, North Vancouver BC
604.987.5152 Head office located at: 7-3051 Underhll Avenue, Burnaby
Vancouver: 604.737.7379 Burnaby: 604.421.3603 Tri-cities: 604.944.4930 Richmod: 604.270.7887 Surrey/Langley: 604.530.2978 Toll Free: 1.866.421.3604
Canadian Doormaster Electric Ltd. provides high quality gate solutions for all of your residential & commercial projects. We fabricate and install both swing and slide gates and have numerous designs to chose from. We can also create custom designs from specs submitted from our clients. Our gates are fabricated out of extruded aluminum or steel with blacksmith forged scroll work and finials that are powder coated giving you the assurance that they will stay in optimum condition for many years to come.
• AUTOMATION • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INTERCOM • CCTV • CARD ACCESS • ALUMINUM GATES • WROUGHT IRON GATES • WOOD GATES • RAILINGS • PILLARS • CUSTOM FENCING
8’0” X 7’0” GALLERY SERIES DOORS
RIPLEard EarneT ew il s Rthese Air M n o s e Mil doors!
White only, no windows
D! UDE INCL
MODEL
REGULAR RETAIL
8x7 Non-Insulated 8x7 Insulated 2” Thick–R 6.3
$467.50 $520.00
SALE PRICE
$187.00 $208.00
Comes with: (4) Spade Strap Hinges (2) Spade Lift Handles (1) Spade Lift Plate
Extension Spring Assembly • Standard Lift Track and Hardware Set Add $25 for Torsion Spring Assembly. Installation NOT included. While quantities last.
www.canadiandoormaster.com
A22 - athome - Sunday, April 24, 2011
KITCHEN AND BATH TRENDS
What’s hot in 2011? The National Kitchen & Bath Association surveyed more than 100 designers during the final three months of 2010. The results identified seven kitchen and four bathroom trends. LISA KADANE
Kitchens: 1 Shake up your cabinets Traditional Shaker-style cupboards are making a comeback. They are timeless yet can work in a contemporary kitchen.
2 White kitchens are so last year Dark finishes are gaining in popularity on cabinets and countertops.
3 Unchilled wine storage is growing in popularity. No need for a wine fridge; a rack built into the end of your island will do.
4 Side-by-Side freezer If you’re still using a freezer-on-top (or bottom) refrigerator, it’s time to get with the food storage program. Side-bysides are where it’s at.
5 Induction cooktops are closing the gap on electric and gas ranges. It seems people like this energy-efficient, no-mess option.
6 LED lights are taking over from incandescents in the kitchen.
7 Trash solutions Designers are installing garbage and recycling pullouts that look like another set of drawers.
Bathrooms:
Stop dreaming, start saving.
1 Quartz counters are gaining on granite in new bathroom designs.
2 Spa-like More homeowners are going spa-like and green — as in the colour — on bathroom walls and finishes.
Save up to $2,500 at the Dream Kitchen Event. Purchase a combination of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances now. Celebrate your investment for generations. Instant savings offer good through December 31, 2011.
www.colonywarehouse.com
(2 blocks behind Indigo Books south of Marine Drive)
ROOSEVELT
COLONY COLONY
Mon-Thurs: 9am-5:30pm, Friday: 9am-9pm, Saturday: 9am-5:30pm, Sunday: noon-4pm Colony – A family operation based on service, selection and value
CAPILANO MALL
3 Under-mounted sinks are still the most popular in bathrooms, though more people are choosing vessel sinks (formerly found only in the powder room).
4 Satin nickel looks to overtake brushed nickel in the faucet0finish department.
PHOTOS DREAMSTIME.COM
WAREHOUSE “Saving you money since 1969”
CAPILANO VW
LLOYD
Major Appliance & Mattress
1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver MARINE DRIVE 604-985-8738 CHURCHILL PEMBERTON
COLONY
MACKAY HAMILTON
For details, visit subzerosavings.com.
Sunday, April 24, 2011 - athome - A23 A D V E R T I S E M E N T
RENOVATEMySpace Renovate Your Kitchen and Bathroom to Add Value If you’re looking at renovating to improve your quality of life and add value to your home, the two most effective places to upgrade are your kitchen and bathroom. Mary Vasilopoulos of North Vancouver’s Bathrooms plus Kitchens design Centre since 1993 understands how to get the most out of your existing space. “Before you begin with a kitchen or bathroom renovation, studying the space is a must,” says Mary.
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN CENTRE
SAVE up to
time. The simple lines, flat panel doors and frameless cabinets long popular in Europe are slowly making their way to North America. “We help you select hardware, fixtures, tiles, cabinets, accessories, paint, colours and more. Come by our showroom and see what a difference superior craftsmanship, quality workmanship and exceptional service can make.”
30% on
Display Vanities* While supplies last
SHOWER KITS
*See store for details
30%
OFF*
VISIT OUR 3000 SQ FT SHOWROOM
Bathrooms 04248022 2x3 P 604.983.8766 PLUS Where PLUS equals service since 1992
Check out our great selection of styles: Shutters • Draperies Wood Blinds • Cellular Shades Roller Shades • Roman Shades Woven Wood Motorization & more! Gold Award Winner sumers’ Cho on Award ic
e
“We meet with our clients and supply them with 3D drawings of the space they’re looking to upgrade. It gives you a complete, detailed picture of your space and helps you avoid planning errors to make sure you end up with what you really want.”
with affordable custom window coverings from Budget Blinds
e
2008-2010
us
B
”
Renew your view
C
“
Working with Bathrooms Plus begins with a visit from their design team to measure the site and look at how the space will be used.
828 Harbourside Drive, North Van, South of the N.S. Auto Mall
i n e Fo r l l e n c ss Exce
Budget Blinds of North & West Vancouver
604-929-2546 FREE In-Home Consultation www.budgetblinds.com
Working with Bathrooms Plus begins with a visit from their design team to measure the site and look at how the space will be used. Your budget, storage requirements, number of people using the space and the overall feel you’re trying to create are all taken into account. “We then provide you with a no-cost renovation proposal that includes a floor plan and the 3D drawings. We also look at functionality, colours and provide you with a design concept, project management and outstanding professional quality work.”
The Northshore’s ONLY
A design that adds lasting value has to take into account spatial flexibility and needed changes over
CHRISTINA AND MARY VASILOPOULOS
Window & Door Specialists. It’s all we do!
604.839.0636 northshorewindows.com
Canadian Doormaster Electric Ltd
DESIGN. INSTALL. MAINTAIN.
• Garage Door Warehouse Showroom Award Winning Renovations
• Remote Control Sales
Design Build Live
• DIY Parts & Accessories Pick Up
Rendering to Reality
59 Bewicke Ave., North Vancouver BC
604.987.5152
www.canadiandoormaster.com
Renovator thethe Year Renovatorofof Year
2010 WINNER
Large Volume Large Volume
604.924.5296 ccirenos.com ccirenos.com
(604) 980 8384 604.980.8384 North Vancouver North Vancouver
Follow us on:
greatcanadianlandscaping.com
A24 - athome - Sunday, April 24, 2011
The scoop for spring PETER FITZMAURICE HAS GOT THE DIRT ON ALL THINGS DIRT.
As the vice president of hard goods merchandising with GardenWorks, Fitzmaurice knows exactly what’s needed — and almost more importantly, what’s not needed — when it comes time to prepare for the impending planting season. April is the ideal times to plant perennials, shrubs, trees and various bulbs. When getting those items into the ground, Fitzmaurice suggests using bone meal or fertilizers with high amounts of phosphate to get them going.
“You want to turn organic material into the soil and I would always suggest planting with bone meal because that gives a nice and strong root system.” Fitzmaurice suggested a 6-8-6 fertilizer as a good starting point. The trio of numbers on the front of the bag of fertilizer represent the three nutrients plants need most to grow: nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Nitrogen is best suited to aid lawns or leafy plants, while potassium helps develop the plant’s stem, making it more cold and disease resistant. Phosphate is key to ensuring the health of a root system, and helps fruits grow more readily.
life made comfortable Indoor & Outdoor Patio Furniture
1400 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, across from Tim Horton’s
604-988-2789
Getting the right plants in the ground, however, is only half the battle, as paying attention to water and soil levels is also key.
www.gingerjarcasual.com Visit our 2nd location: Ginger Jar Interiors • 1420 Fell Ave., North Vancouver • 604-988-7328 • www.gingerjarfurniture.com
O N E S T O P PA T I O S H O P S I N C E 1 9 8 6
Specializing in paving, and resurfacing driveways, patios, playgrounds, and pool decks.
Quality Brand Names at Competitive Prices
Albany
Sedona
Sale $1,299 Reg. $1,849
with fifire re pit
Sale $3,469 Reg. $4,955
Springline Firetables Exclusive Designs
$2,879
Sara
SLD 3660 3’x5’ | 77,500 BTU
Before ECO-FRIENDLY • NON-SLIP SURFACE • CRACK RESISTANT SEVERAL COLOURS • 5 YEAR WARRANTY
At BC Eco Paving we use recycled rubber to create beautiful, and extremely durable surfaces which are backed by a 5 year warranty.
HOT TUBS, PATIO FURNITURE, BBQS, PATIO HEATERS, FIREPITS
After 104 Philip Avenue, North Vancouver • Tel: 604.985.0057 Serving the North Shore Since 1986 www.crystalview.ca Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 | Saturday 9:30-4:30
Call today for a FREE estimate www.ecopaving.ca
604.785.3795
Sunday, April 24, 2011 - athome - A25
Fitzmaurice said the two most common problems he encounters are gardeners who water too much or fail to use the right amounts of soil.
April is the ideal time to plant perennials, shrubs, trees and various bulbs.
“If you’re planting in a pot, always make sure the soil level in the pot ends up at the same soil level in your garden,” he said. “And always allow for a little bit of subsidence. After the soil is compacted or if you’ve watered it in a couple times, it can drop down. So you want to make sure that you are not planting it too deep. Some people also plant too deep and then they put a layer of mulch right up to the stem of the plant, so you’re actually burying the plant deeper than before.”
A wilting stem or ailing plant of any sort usually causes people to think that the No. 1 cause is a lack of water. Not so.
Fitzmaurice added that Mother Nature typically provides all the watering needs for a given plant between the months of March and May. If the weather is unseasonably warm or dry during that time, he suggests moving to watering the plants every day.
IT’S SPRING!
PHOTOS LARRY W RIGHT
“Sometimes people can see something looking stressed, and they automatically assume it’s a lack of water, but it can also be too much water,” Fitzmaurice said. “So a good idea is to dig around and see what’s going on. It could be too deeply planted or it could be too much water.”
Peter Fitzmaurice from Garden Works plants daffodils in well-balanced soil.
Making plans for your yard and garden? See the experts at the…
North Shore’s largest landscape supply store NEW
NEW
NEW
HENRI FOUNTAINS
PLANTERS
FIRE BOWLS
GLASS REINFORCED CONCRETE Two sizes available in gas or propane
Grey Concrete or Beige Sandstone Finish Fiberglass Planters.
small $
1199
Reg. $1999
large $
1499
Reg. $2499
Ponds • Pavers • Retaining Walls • Patio Slabs • Fountains •Natural Rock • Garden Statuary • Planters & More! 1371 McKeen Ave, North Vancouver (at the foot of Pemberton Avenue)
604.984.3008 Mon to Fri 7:30am-4:00pm • Sat 8:30am-4:30pm Closed Sun & Holidays
Creative
Bricks ’n’ Blocks
A26 - athome - Sunday, April 24, 2011
GOING GREEN! Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is But that same lifestyle can also pay something many people instant dividends, helping homeowners do selflessly in an save money and creating a effort to protect the healthier atmosphere in which environment and to live. Homeowners can ensure that the make several manageable Single-pane windows not only generations changes around the allow lots of external noise into to come have house that can protect a healthy the environment without the house, but they also contribute planet at their disrupting one’s current to heat loss in the winter, forcing disposal. lifestyle. residents to turn up the thermostat
DOUBLE IT UP.
and waste more energy as a result.
CLEAN GREEN.
Build locally...Build anywhere Design, Build, Deliver, Setup
Instead of using harmful chemical cleaners when cleaning around the house, choose green cleaning supplies that don’t release harmful chemicals or toxins into the air.
EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPING METHODS.
Monday-Friday 10 to 5 1367 Crown St. North Vancouver Visit our showroom today.
www.ajia.ca • 604-990 -1133
Installing double-pane windows will keep more external noise at bay, and allow homeowners to minimize heat loss in the winter.
ian ad uct n Ca rod P
PAINT WITH THE PLANET IN MIND.
Homeowners with painting on their to-do list should GO LOWchoose no- or lowVOC (volatile organic FLOW. compound) paints. If replacing shower heads, faucets or even toilets is on the to do list, replace existing fixtures with lowflow models to save water and money.
Xeriscaping, a style of landscape design that requires little or no irrigation, can save significant amounts of water. If xeriscaping is a viable alternative, then homeowners will save water while also reducing the use of potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals commonly used to keep lawns looking lush.
FIX THOSE DRAFTS. Chances are, at this point after a long winter, homeowners are well aware of which rooms were warm and which might have had drafts. Visit those colder rooms and plug any air leaks around the house. This will result in a lower heating bill and could save substantial amounts of energy. For homeowners with attics, checking the attic for air infiltration should be done every year.
SHOP FOR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS.
UNPLUG THE APPLIANCES.
Sustainable flooring is growing in popularity now that going green has Perhaps nothing around the house truly taken off. Search for wood that has silently uses energy as much as a been harvested in an environmentally plugged-in appliance that’s not being friendly way. Sustainable flooring used. Certain estimates suggest as much materials include bamboo and cork, as 40 per cent of a monthly utility bill is which many homeowners find as going toward powering home appliances aesthetically appealing as it that are turned off. While every home is eco-friendly. is different, it’s a safe bet that most homes can save energy by simply unplugging appliances that aren’t in use.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT START SAVING RAINWATER NOW!
Equipment that works hard so you don’t have to
Full service Husqvarna & Yamaha dealer. Exclusive PowerBarrow dealer for British Columbia.
OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT offers full repairs and maintenance for almost any tools and equipment you already own.
Dynamic Equipment Rentals
is your one stop source for all your construction, home and garden equipment rental needs. •Pressure Washers •Compactors•Lawn & Garden •Paint Sprayers•Bobcats, Excavators•Ladders •Concrete Equipment •Scaffolding •Generators •Air Tools & Compressors •Log Splitters •Carpet Cleaners• Utility Trailers •Tile Saws• Scissor Lifts •Jacks •Pumps•Lighting Equipment •Heaters North Vancouver
105 Fell Avenue | 604-985-9321 West Vancouver
Open 7 Days a Week • Delivery Available
1483 Clyde Avenue | 604-926-5404
www.dynamic-rentals.com
Sunday, April 24, 2011 - athome - A27
ASK A PROFESSIONAL
Advertising Feature
UNDERSTANDING UNDERGROUND OIL TANKS Many homes built before the 1960s used oil as a heating fuel, with oil tanks buried close to the foundation of a home. Few homes use oil now, and home owners may not realize that they have an old tank on their property. Tanks have an average life of 20 to 25 years, after which they can begin to leak hazardous materials.
Relax ...
Leave the cleaning to us! Always thorough, consistent and reliable, MOLLY MAID offers and afforable, hassle-free way to clean your home. Regular and occasional cleaning on prearranged MOLLY MAID day. Transportation and cleaning supplies provided. Complete dusting, vacuuming and washing of floors in every room. Thorough and detailed cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens. Professionally trained, bonded and insured staff.
For the health and safety of our customers and staff as well as to protect the environment.
Call today for a free, no obligation in-home estimate.
604-987-4112 northvan.westvan@mollymaid.ca
Signs that you may have an underground tank include: • A filler pipe sticking out of the ground; • A vent pipe at the side of the house; • The odour of fuel oil in or near building, oil in your sump or externsl drains and/or ditches. Even if these signs are not visible, it is still possible that a tank may exist on your property. Hiring a qualified Oil Tank Contractor is the best way to ensure your property is tank free. A single pinhole leak in a 1,000 gallon fuel storage tank can leak its contents into the environment in less than eight hours contaminating the principle property, groundwater, streams, neighbouring properties and injuring wildlife. Typically 9 out of 10 properties with a free standing above ground tank, also have a buried tank as well. Many lenders & home Insurance companies will insist on the removal of an oil tank, otherwise they may not provide their services.
To have a tank located and/or quote, at no obligation, call Ian at Tanktech Enviro 604-328-1234.
Bros.
Roofing Ltd. The Company Homeowners Trust Samra Bros. Roofing Ltd. is a family owned and operated business serving the lower mainland for the last 40 years. We are specialists in cedar shake re-roofing and we also do cedar conversions to fiberglass laminate shingles. We use high quality products such as Malarkey and CertainTeed. All of our roofs come with warranties which are fully transferrable.
Call us today @ 604-983-0133 for a free estimate. Call us before you sign on the dotted line and see how much money we can save you.
• Liability Insurance • WCB • BBB
www.samrabrosroofing.com
“With Silverfern, You’re in Good Hands” Our certified, licensed plumbers will have the answers to your plumbing problems and concerns. We pride ourselves in getting the job done right and in a timely manner.
20% OFF SERVICES power washing window cleaning gutter cleaning
778-386-3783
www.affordahomeservices.ca
778-340-1590 Ian Groves, of Tanktech removes an oil tank on a North Vancouver property.
TANKTECH “The Grass is Greener”
• New Lawn Installation • Old Lawn Replacement • Instant Service (seven days or less) • Lawn Drainage & Total Landscaping • Paving
since
BCLNA Award Winner!
Commercial • Residential
604 929-7732 www.englishlawns.com
1979
• Sales • Installations • Repairs • Maintenance
Specializing in Heavy Gauge 5” x .032” Continuous Colonial Aluminum
We use only the best quality top soil & turf -Any size job Call Nick for FREE ESTIMATE
The Rain Water LEADERS
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
English Lawns specializes in multiple aspects of new lawn installation and landscaping. With over twenty years experience, from residences to golf courses, we ensure quality and efficiency for any installation projects.
Call us for:
www.silverfernplumbing.com
• TANK REMOVAL • TANK LOCATING • SOIL TESTING
• METAL DETECTIONS • VAC TRUCK SERVICES • SOIL REMEDIATION
CERTIFIED OIL TANK REMOVAL & REMEDIATION SPECIALISTS Seniors Discount • Free Estimates
604-328-1234
We offer high flow, unfiltered gutter outlets with filters at the bottom of the downpipe for easy access. Downpipes in eighteen colours to match trim. Heavy gauge colonial gutter in four colours. Five year installlation warranty. Fully insured and registered with Work Safe BC. 655 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver • 604.876.4604