Winter Home Improvement 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

• Renovating to sell • Making better use of your basement • Surviving in the renovation zone • Five easy steps to efficient painting

Winter HOME

Mother always knows best Mother always knows best Mother always knows best

call250.423.4029 us: 250.423.4029 call us: 250.423.4029 call us: www.goldstarservicesgroup.com www.goldstarservicesgroup.com ww.goldstarservicesgroup.com

IMPROVEMENT

2013/14

WINTER

Booking Specials now available

300 MANITOU ROAD 250-423-4694

FURTHER

12% DISCOUNT until February 4

Call for an appointment 250-423-4694

This is the time to plan your spring and summer renovations with the help of Fernie Home Hardware Building Centre

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

Winter HOME IMPROVEMENT

Renovating to sell

M

ost homeowners know that the secret to selling a home quickly and at a good price is to ensure that potential buyers fall in love with the property at first sight. However, before undertaking any renovations with the aim of selling your home, take the time to think about how much you want to spend, carefully decide which aspects of your home need improvement, and draw up a list of priorities.

The inside of the home should look clean and uncluttered. To im­ prove your chances of plea­sing the majority of prospective buyers, walls should be painted in neutral colours, such

Floor coverings also have an im­pact.

Obviously, changing the flooring is a more costly and time consu­ ming improvement but it can make all the difference. Carpets are to be avoided un­less they are reasonably new and in very good condition. Wood, good quality floating floors, or tiling are preferable and are avai­ lable at reasonable prices.

Lastly, if it’s not possible to completely re­model the kitchen or the bathroom, you could simply make a few small improvements: change the cabinet handles or knobs and give them a fresh coat of paint; replace broken tiles; de-clutter; and add a few up-todate decorative elements.

A few inexpensive jobs can often be enough to make a real difference to potential buyers.

We represent Fernie’s largest and widest range of seasonal and long term rental properties. Choose from apartment condos, houses, townhouses for seasonal or long term rentals, unfurnished or furnished. By renting through a licensed property manager, you ensure your best interests are protected.

All rentals are covered under the BC Tenancy Act so you are completely protected. Ready to be your home away from home.

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According to the experts, a first positive impression is created within one minute, or even less. Consequently doors and windows should be in good repair. The outside en­trance should be pleasing to the eye, the mailbox and any light fixtures properly installed, and the yard well maintained.

as beige, pale grey, or ivory. Lots of welcoming light is also a must, so don’t hesitate to replace shabby looking light fixtures. This sort of inexpensive improvement can make a real difference in a po­tential buyer’s perception.

www.thefreepress.ca

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

Winter HOME

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IMPROVEMENT

Get your house ready to confront the rigours of winter

Making better use of your basement P

erhaps you have finally decided to turn your basement into a cozy retreat or add another bedroom to your home. A project like this requires thorough planning before picking up a hammer.

The essential thing to determine is how you will use this new living space. Among the most popular choices are a guest room, playroom for the children, home office, TV room, or an apartment to rent out. Some people choose to add personal touches, such as a wine cellar, wet bar, or billiard table. No matter the function of your finished basement, it is wise to make the most of this opportunity to plan an extra bathroom.

The biggest challenge to a basement renovation is working with a space that is usually small, dark, and enclosed. The new layout must be

well structured and attractive, with clean, simple lines. Make a scale dra­ wing of the existing basement and pencil in the chosen rooms or elements. Check the electrical wiring and insulation of the walls and floors and make any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Sometimes it is preferable to combine different functions in one large space rather than partition off several smaller rooms. Leave out ceiling fixtures to create an impression of spaciousness, and use in-set lighting to reduce shadowy areas if the ceiling isn’t very high.

To add light and dimension, don’t hesitate to install tall and wide windows if the architecture and the slope of the land permit. Pale colours for your walls and décor, such as white or yellow tones, will give a sunny touch to the basement.

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house must confront the intense harshness of the winter season. To prepare your house to face this daunting challenge, you must inspect it meticulously and perform all necessary repairs during autumn.

Check your house’s heating system, insulation, and ventilation. Also verify the level of humidity. Correct any problem before the start of winter. You will then be sure to enjoy a warm, dry, and comfortable interior during the cold season.

Otherwise, condensation and ice dams will form and could result in water infiltrating your house. Condensation and ice dams occur when warm and humid air escapes from the house and enters this space. An abundance of ice and icicles is an indication of heat loss that should never be ignored. The space beneath the roof should be free of holes, air leaks, or bypasses from the house to the attic. In addition, there should be enough insulation to prevent the heat from escaping the house.

Seal all air leaks by caulking Abundant icicles indicate with mastic, expanding foam, the loss of heat. plastic, or other methods.

Clean the gutters, removing leaves and other dirt that may have accumulated. Repair stairs and balconies, ensuring that they are safe for winter. A non-skid surface is ideal.

Check the space underneath the roof of your house to ensure that the insulation and ventilation are adequate.

If the underside of the roof is humid, there may also be stains or other signs of mould on the sheathing, rafters, or trusses of the roof. In addition, water and ice will compress and stain the insulation and emit a moldy smell that can infiltrate the house.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

Winter HOME IMPROVEMENT

D

Lights that create a stunning effect

Surviving in the renovation zone

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T

he first factor to consider when choosing a light fixture is what you want it to do. A directional lamp is suitable for specific tasks such as reading or cooking, while a light fixture with a dimmer is preferable for creating atmosphere. Out­ door lighting requires fixtures de­s igned to withstand bad weather. De­signs vary greatly, as they may be used for security purposes or to show off a landscaping feature.

Table lamps provide indirect lighting.

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

PHOTO: able­IMAGES / THINKSTOCK

aily living in a work zone is never easy, but stored carefully and perishable foods sealed it isn’t always possible to move out while to avoid them becoming impregnated with renovations or remodelling are odours and dust. being done. Those obsessed To stay or not to stay during the with tidiness and cleanliness renovations, that is the question.

If you have a pet you feel stressed by the ongoing could try and find it a mess, while others struggle to more comfortable and less deal with the lack of privacy traumatizing home for the as work crews tramp around duration of the renovations. their home. In either case, the If you have young children renovation nightmare has to living with you, keep be tolerated somehow. Here them busy with outdoor are a few tips that can help you activities. Every evening deal with the invasion. throw out any debris, clean Firstly and most importantly, up accumulated dust, and ask contractors for their secure the worksite to avoid proposed work schedules and any risk of injury. organize your timetable in consequence. As renovators It is up to you to decide if are generally more concerned you want to get involved by the quality of their work rather than the and supervise the work or give free rein to the dirt and dust it produces, the contents of the contractors. The important thing to remember rooms to be renovated should be removed, is that the experience has to be bearable for if possible, and other rooms protected from the home dwellers, all while ensuring that the dust by closing their doors. Clothes should be end results are of the best quality.

Inside the home, ensure that the style of your light is suitable for the area where it will be installed. A modern lamp or recessed light will harmonize with a contemporary décor or a Zen atmosphere, whereas an antique or Victorian style lamp is essential for a rustic or traditional style.

bound to find the look you’ve set your heart on. There are also light fixtures that give different types of light, such as a flattering light for the bathroom, a sha­dowless light for the kit­chen, a gentle glow in the dining room, as well as mood and indirect lighting for the li­ving room and bedroom.

Bear in mind that if you place your table lamp or torchiere in a corner, its light will be reflected on two walls, amplifying luminosity.

Light fixtures installed on pastel coloured walls and ceilings will be more efficient, as pale surfaces reflect about 80 per cent of the light.

Because dark surfaces only Drywalling? re­ flect about 10 percent, Redoing your floors? think about installing more lamps or fixtures in a room Tiling? with dark walls in order to create sufficient light.

Renting the right tool...

Maybe I should have called in a professIonal to do the job!

You can also choose your lights according to the effect you want to create.

The range of different mo­ dels available on the market is so vast that you’re

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Includes: C.I.L paint and painting supplies, Plumbing fixtures and supplies, Electrical support and equipment

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Winter HOME

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

B11

IMPROVEMENT

Five easy steps to efficient painting P

ainting one or more rooms can be an arduous task for many people.

However, a bit of preparation can make all the difference.

1. First of all, remove all the drapes, artwork, ornaments, and other decorative objects as well as light switch and outlet plates. Group all the furniture in the middle of the room and cover the floor and the furniture with drop sheets.

3. If the existing paint is oil based, use a special primer before

4. For the paint, start with the ceiling. When you’re ready to paint the edges of the walls, tape the edge of the ceiling with a good quality masking tape that can be removed without causing any da­mage. Use a good quality bevelled paint brush for an im­peccable finish.

5. Lastly, the choice of paint plays a key role in the success of the project. Be sure to choose a good quality product that contains 30 to 45 percent solids by volume of paint. This type of paint adheres to the surface better than other paints and produces a more resistant finish.

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PHOTO: thomas northcut / THINKSTOCK

2. If the wall has been painted before, wash the surface, sand it lightly to improve the paint’s adherence, and then remove any dust. If necessary, use spackling to fill any holes or cracks and even out the underlayment to correct any irregularities in the wall.

Sand and remove any dust, then apply a sealant over the repairs.

Quality paint contains 30 to 45 percent solids by volume.

applying water based paint. To know whether a paint is oil based or not, rub the surface of the wall with a cloth soaked in nail polish re­ mover. An oil paint will not lose its shine.

Specializing in unique custom glass features to enhance any décor, from traditional to contemporary to abstract.

Stephanie will work with you to create the perfect finishing touch for your home.

Custom crafted stained glass & sandblasted (etched) glass products including windows, partitions, lamps, tableware and more.

532 Victoria (2nd. Ave.) Box 1246 Fernie, BC, Canada V0B 1M0 Ph. 250-423-3944 www.stephaniesglass.com • srogers@elkvalley.net www.facebook.com/stephaniesglassandartstudio

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9915 Main St. Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M5 250.423.6745 250.423.8715

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

www.thefreepress.ca

Winter HOME IMPROVEMENT

February is the time to rekindle romance with your home V

alentine month is the time of year when we seek appropriate ways of expressing our love for those closest to us. Why not rekindle the romance with your home at the same time?

Flowers, candy or jewelry might not get you very far, but asking these three questions is going to show you care:

Showing your home some love this time of year can pay off with energy savings and a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment.

1. How is your home feeling?

It's often hard to get fresh air into our homes during the winter, meaning pollutants can get trapped inside. If your home has poor indoor air quality you can help it feel better.

• Limit the use of products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in common household products, such as cleansers and paint.

• Consider adding a mechanical ventilation system to provide a controlled source of fresh air to your home. It can help manage indoor pollutants and excess indoor moisture.

so what are you waiting for?

2. Is your home warm and comfortable?

Conventional fiberglass insulation is like a wool sweater on a winter day. It might look warm

and fuzzy, but it won't stop cold air from passing through.

• Conduct an energy audit of your home to spot key sources of air leakage, especially around windows and doors and through the attic.

• Consider installing spray foam insulation (like popular Icynene) in your home. It can create an air barrier and help control air leakage, energy loss and airborne pollutants.

3. Is your home nice and dry?

Indoor moisture can accumulate in the winter months, leading to a musty smell, condensation on windows and even to mold.

• Make sure bathroom fans and kitchen hoods are hooked up and working.

• Use proper ventilation to the outdoors when showering or cooking.

• Limit the use of humidifiers. Set up a dehumidifier in damp areas inside the home, like the basement.

You can find more ways to love your home online at www.icynene.com.

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