Edmonton Home Decor & Renovations - May/Jun 2015

FREE EDMONTON EDITION

MAY - JUNE 2015

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3

www.homedecorandrenovations.com

T OUR CHECK OU

OR OUTDOG IN LIV SECTION! 15 ON PAGE

A LESSON IN

design with Yanic Simard

reno dreams MAKE YOUR

A REALITY!

We have Expert advice and dramatic photos to inspire you

CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION » PROFESSIONAL RENOVATORS

RENOVATION BY: RENCON INDUSTRIES INC.

DO IT RIGHT… HIRE A PROFESSIONAL RENOVATOR. GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Choosing a recognized professional renovator is the best decision you can make when renovating your home! Being an informed and knowledgeable consumer is essential and since 2007 RenoMark has raised the bar by identifying renovation contractors in the Edmonton Area who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Code of Ethics and a renovationspecific Code of Conduct.

Renovate with confidence – hire a CHBA-Edmonton Region RenoMark renovator for your next renovation and embrace the renovation process with a sense of security and peace of mind.

For more information on CHBA-ER, RenoMark or to access a complete list of CHBA-ER & RenoMark members visit www.renomark.ca/EdmontonRegion

THIS ISSUE’S PARTICIPATING MEMBERS:

Ph. (780) 483-2666 www.fullhouserenovations.com

Ph. (780) 481-7671 www.aquarianrenovations.com

Ph. (780) 435-6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca

Ph. (780) 414-0686 www.ackard.com

Ph. (780) 986-2160 www.renconindustries.ca

Ph. (780) 244-0504 www.acutaboveliving.com

Ph. (780) 434-0923 www.innovationplus.ca

Ph. (780) 466-1952 www.apollosunrooms.com

Ph. (780) 479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca

Ph. (780) 660-1026 www.fortresshomes.ca

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER CONTRACTORS CALL (780) 425-1020 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RENOMARK.CA/EDMONTONREGION

3

contents

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3

MAY - JUNE 2015

15

08 cover story

08

A LESSON IN

design

BY YANIC SIMARD

business profiles 22 The Aquarian Way…

tips & tricks 20 Renovating with Confidence–

features 12 Renovate for the love

26 Decoding the code

of food and family

BY MARIE SOPROVICH

28 Fiberglass window

solutions for Edmonton Home Owners

BY AYNSLEY DUECK & AL DUECK

So what about Asbestos?

BY MICHAEL NYIKES

30 Time to “Renewvate”

outdoor living 17 Outdoor Rooms Without Walls

18 2015 Outdoor Trends

in the news 25 2015 Awards of

Excellence Finalists

in every issue 06 Editor’s notebook

20

18

5

EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

MAY - JUNE 2015 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME

Jacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, HOME DÉCOR & RENOVATIONS

Conni Robinson ART DIRECTOR

Megan Pike

Spring into action Spring is here, and now is the perfect time to update, renew and refresh your living spaces. This issue is filled with inspiring and informative articles that will help you prepare your home for the warmer months ahead – both inside and out!

BBQ’s and bonfires will have you spending more time in the backyard, and we have the top outdoor trends for 2015.

Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy patio, we give you the rundown on today’s hottest tools, accessories and outdoor décor ideas. See our special Outdoor Living section for all the details.

Maybe this spring has you dreaming of redesigning your inside spaces. In this issue’s cover story, design authority Yanic Simard gives us a “Lesson in Design” where he shares his expertise and advice on how to achieve your dream design.

Key principles to keep in mind when working with a designer are to be upfront, do your research, keep calm and, maybe the most important, choose someone who you can trust – it will help make your dream a reality.

Home Décor & Renovations Magazine is proud to announce 2015 CHBA-ER Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the Renovation Category. See page 25 to read about the renovators that have been recognized as the best in the industry. The winners will be announced Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre. Congratulations to all the finalists!

EDITOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Nancy Chemait 780.619.3241 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Shelley Balla 587.784.4044 Jennifer Mizier 780.217.6778 PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Dennis Ng, Greg Van Sluytman GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Viosa Barileva CONTRIBUTORS

Hellen Buttigieg Shell Busey Sara Duck Elisa Krovblit Michael Nyikes Jamie Banfield Salina Yara Halabi Yanic Simard Marie Soprovich Home Decor & Renovations magazine is published six times a year.

Home Decor & Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Edmonton and Greater Edmonton area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor & Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Decor & Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Decor & Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Hope you enjoy the read and Happy Spring!

HOME DECOR & RENOVATIONS

NANCY CHEMAIT

PO Box 458 Station Main Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2K1

EDITOR nancy.chemait@ypnexthome.ca

6 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

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COVERSTORY

A LESSON

in

design

DESIGNER YANIC SIMARD CHATS DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND HOW HE CREATED THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME AROUND A CLASSIC GREY SHADE. photos by GILLIAN JACKSON

8 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

A home renovation can be a daunting task in so many ways: settling on a perfect design can be tough enough (especially without professional help), but then bringing this design to life, is a whole other story. Ultimately, the finished project is more than worth the effort. So read on to find my tips for creating a vision and surviving the construction, based on a recent home makeover led by me and my Toronto Interior Design Group in beautiful Port Credit, Ont. STAY CONSISTENT: -Despite what TV shows taught us in years past, usually a beautiful renovation doesn’t require each room to have a "theme." I typically aim to tie space together by using unifying details throughout, such as a consistent wall colour or flooring.

-In this project, Benjamin Moore’s OC-23 Classic Gray dresses walls and ceilings and cabinetry throughout, while a rich hardwood floor connects the dining and kitchen spaces, laid on a diagonal to create long lines that expand the space and add a sense of energy.

TIP: Lately, one of my favourite design go-tos is the sleek, square-edged undermount sink. It’s a contemporary touch that suits any kitchen style, and is very functional too, especially with a fitted sink grate.

…EXCEPT WHEN YOU DON’T: -With a clear base in place, the palette then has room to play with some mixing and matching. The homeowner came to me initially with a sample of the material that became the dazzling island, but rather than use it everywhere and overwhelming the space, I contrasted it against a simpler deep grey quartz for the back counters and fireplace surround.

-With the cabinet pulls and handles in a satin nickel finish, I wanted to reintroduce some subtle warmth in the light fixtures. To play against the cool crispness, I found these airy pendants in bronze and sconces in hammered gold, with exposed bulbs for a radiant glow.

Mixing stones, metals, finishes and design periods brings a sense of personality and life to a space, so it never feels cookie-cutter.

MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 9

GO BIG: -In a compact room, a few big statements go a lot further than a heaping helping of clutter. For the compact powder room, I mirrored a full wall, with a frame and singular sconce to add some traditional elegance and a sense of polish. The rest of the room is simple, clad in a subtle wallpaper, allowing the onyx and marble mosaic tile floor to speak on its own.

-In a master bath, the luxe look of the era is big tile, with a colour-matched grout that disappears for a look of endless stone elegance. Offsetting the stone in a simple brick layout helps hide the seams, as does the organic pattern. Here, the simple mirror and block vanity let the tile be the focus, suiting the scale of the room but not stealing the show.

KNOW WHEN TO SPLURGE AND WHEN TO SAVE: -If you can afford it, renovating several rooms at once will save on various labour costs. However, don’t stretch your budget too far, set aside the money to do each space right the first time (with some emergency funds left over for unexpected issues), and you’ll still love it years later.

-If you love a material, rather than replacing it with a less appealing substitute, consider tiling less space. For example, tile one full wall of the bathroom in natural stone and leave the others plain, or use a must-have material for your counters and a simple backsplash. (Subway tile is affordable and timeless, so it’s always a great option.)

-Just updating from a shower curtain to a glass panel modernizes any bathroom.

You can have them custom-fitted to a tub, or create a shower stall – either way, consider a sophisticated, smokey grey tint to add an unexpected twist.

Working with a designer Tackling a renovation always takes a strong team, and that includes you!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with a designer to achieve your dream design.

BE UPFRONT: Homeowners are often timid about presenting a budget, or unsure of their own taste and expectations. Giving your designer as much information as possible at the start will lead to a more satisfying result, and faster.

DO A LITTLE RESEARCH: Taking even just an hour or two to gather images from your favourite magazines or blogs will help reveal what you truly love – even if your eye can’t spot the patterns, your designer will! Houzz is a go-to website I often use when looking for mood-board images for myself or my clients. I recommend putting together your own "ideabook." Plus, you can check out my new inspirational ideabooks every week!

KEEP CALM: In most renovations, there comes a time about three-quarters of the way through where maximum homeowner stress arrives. Money has been spent, the construction site is bustling, and nothing seems like it could possibly be finished on time. This is the moment to take a big breath – soon the mess will be swept away and a beautiful new space will appear.

TRUST: Ultimately, getting the best from a designer means choosing someone whose taste you trust, and then letting them put their skills to use. The best designs always include some elements you never thought would work until you see the spectacular results!

10 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

YANIC SIMARD is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca

FEATURE

Love RENOVATE FOR THE

OF FOOD AND FAMILY

by MARIE SOPROVICH, OWNER AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS

THE LIGHT IN THE EYES OF THE TEENAGERS IN THIS FAMILY HOUSEHOLD SAYS IT ALL as they eagerly chat about how their home renovation changed

their lives! This renovation belongs to a family who love to cook together, hang out in their favorite room and have at their core, good nutrition as a force that brings them all together. Teenager Dean says, “I really enjoy my kitchen and I love cooking in it…” His dad adds that he eats way more than he cooks, but the fact of the matter is that these teens are actively engaged in the preparation of their food. Lauren, whose excitement for her spacious kitchen bubbles over she describes all the fun she’s been having, including hosting a recent pizza birthday party with a group of her teenage friends. “Just this past weekend I had a birthday party and the party was basically in the kitchen. We had a blast! My favorite thing to do is dance around the kitchen while I listen to my favorite music.” Knowing where everything is, in Lauren’s estimation, takes the cake! “It is so cool, because there is a perfect space for all the pots and pans and utensils! Everything used to be crammed into our little kitchen and I couldn’t find anything! When my friends come over we always find our way to the kitchen and make good things to eat. It is really fun!”

Organization in the kitchen was an essential for everyone in the family…

Debbie a dietitian by profession and Dave, a wine enthusiast and pharmacist at the Royal Alex, were motivated to plan their renovation and solve a growing problem of space in their kitchen. “Our home was 25 years old and we still had an undeveloped basement and our kitchen and bathrooms were really dated. We were interested in expanding our kitchen not only for the benefit of our family but 12 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

BEFORE

also our friends, as we do a fair bit of entertaining. We wanted to make the kitchen more of a social focal point so an island that could accommodate a number of guests was a high priority for us. We also wanted to increase our cupboard capacity to accommodate Debbie’s gluten free products. At the same time we have two teenagers who were sharing the upstairs bathroom.

We needed to give each teen their own bathroom and have our son relocate to the basement, where he would have more opportunity to play his loud music without annoying the rest of the family. We were aware that the kitchen expansion and basement development would best be handled at the same time. We also though it would be an appropriate time to update the existing bathrooms so the completed renovation would have a consistent theme throughout the home.”

Armed with plenty of solid thinking Debbie and Dave started doing their due diligence in selecting just the right way to approach meeting their family needs, “We had been debating several options for close to 5 years. We had explored such ideas as relocating to a new neighborhood, renovating an older home in another central neighborhood, or perhaps building a new infill in our existing neighborhood.

Given our budget, a renovation of our existing property made the most sense. We enjoy the central location of Westmount, particularly the close proximity to downtown and the U of A. A major renovation would require us to move out of the home, so we would either have to rent or buy a different property, which in either case would be quite expensive. It so happened that Dave’s mom passed away in March of 2013, and so her bungalow was vacant.

We took this as an opportunity to relocate to a familiar place, prepare her house for an impending sale and be out of our house while it underwent the renovation.”

When asked about how important their neighborhood and community are to them, Dave reiterated just how much they loved the large treed lot and quiet residential neighborhood they lived in.

WHAT WAS DONE:

» Closed window » Removed wall in kitchen and reconfigured space to maximize entertainment & cooking space » Designed and installed an oversized island with many of the appliances tucked into the island for a clean and uncluttered look » Opened kitchen to dining room » Created new ensuite and finished man cave basement » Refreshed staircase, casing, doors » Reworked plumbing within the constraints of a tight budget » New stair railings & reworked hardwood » Fresh new look for entire house

BEFORE

“We really enjoy living and working centrally. Debbie is only five minutes away from the University and I bike year round to the Royal Alex. Our home was also only 25 years old with an extra garage on a huge landscaped lot. Even if we had done an infill, it would have cost us more money and time than renovating our existing property. Westmount is an exceptional neighborhood that has a very promising future.”

Looking directly at the issues that needed to be addressed for this renovation, there seemed to be only a few at the beginning however even the removal of a non-structural walls can be more challenging than it looks from the onset. Hidden in walls are often plumbing stacks, heating runs, electrical and all kinds of other essentials that need to be relocated when a wall is removed. For the upstairs bathroom to remain functional plumbing and heat runs needed to be creatively reworked as this wall was removed. Filling in one of the kitchen windows created a full wall for an extended bank of cabinets creating an luxurious new look in the kitchen bringing the dining room and kitchen into a highly functional and social gathering place. The chilly unfinished basement renovation started with upgrading insulation and finishing the basement for a real teenager man cave for Dean, complete with a new four piece bathroom, a spacious and well-designed bedroom, a wet bar and storage area, and recreation area where he could listen to that loud teenage music without driving the rest of the family crazy!

This renovation also included redoing the main floor bathroom along with the upstairs bathroom for teenager Lauren, who uses it more for storing her “junk” as her dad so tenderly teased. Stunning new railing was put on the stairs making them fresh and new, the matching hardwood throughout looks rich and inviting, the new baseboards, doors, casing and painting update the whole house and the place looks and feels brand new.

Debbie and Dave both agreed that “budget was extremely important to them as no one who renovates wants to over build and over price their property relative to the other homes in the area…” This is good advice that as a homeowner they wanted to share with others. When looking for the right contractor to do their actual renovation, Debbie and Dave said, “We saw the Aquarian sign outside your office on a regular basis, so Aquarian immediately came to mind. We also saw a number of homes under renovation that sported the Aquarian signs. Aquarian is a regular in the Home Décor and Renovation magazine and we knew you also belong to CHBA and RenoMark and that was a high priority for us. We wanted to know we were dealing with a reputable company who did quality work. In life, you get what you pay for.” Homeowners, Debbie and Dave continued, “We had narrowed our choices to two companies and requested they provided references so we could MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 13

“WITHOUT A DOUBT THEY LOVE THE HOME THEY HAVE CREATED… AND IF YOU DROP BY UNEXPECTEDLY, PRETTY MUCH GUARANTEED THAT YOU WILL FIND THEM IN THE KITCHEN.” examine the workmanship. We also went out and talked to other homeowners who had renovations done by Aquarian, to get their impression. One reference on two separate renovation jobs had used Aquarian and the other company we were considering. We were left with an impression that Aquarian was BEFORE very organized, timely, efficient and finished projects on time; all these factors resonated with us…and we weren’t disappointed!”

One of the biggest challenges that needed to be overcome in this renovation was the time constraint. As Dave reminded, “We were living in my mom’s vacant home, but we could not hang out there all year as my Dad, who was in a senior’s home, was eager to sell the house. We wanted to start our renovation as soon as possible and our preferred start date was the beginning of September but the renovation did not start until the first week of November. Initially we were quite frustrated as it took weeks to get the designs drawn and approved, and then we selected all our products, but the budget was still not finalized until midSeptember. From our perspective, the project was fairly straight forward and it seemed like a long time to actually get started but in hindsight, it was likely because other Aquarian projects were not completed yet and staff were just busy.”

Dave and Debbie came to understand the complexities of putting together a complete quote and a fixed contract, which is the method that Aquarian uses to insure that the entire project has been thought through and accounted for before the renovation starts. No one likes surprises and even though they can still happen with a fixed contract, the chances of needing Change Orders are far less than an open-ended cost plus contract. Minimal change orders are a good BEFORE thing! Once all the details of the contract were worked out, everything tailored to the taste and desires of the customer and their budget, the final construction contract was signed and the project began. Dave also added that, “Once our peaceful pastoral scene of the sunshine project started and we had a timeline, schedules were kept and the finish date was streaming through their windows right on time. We would drop by after work and Colin, the lead carpenter, was very they enjoy that first cup of coffee in helpful in filling us in on what work was done and ideas that he wanted to share. the morning, or a glass of wine in the Builder Trend was also extremely helpful as it was highly organized and helped us evening. Without a doubt they love see what was coming weeks in advance. Aquarian promised the project would the home they have created… and if start on November 4th and finish on March 28th and that in fact happened! This in you drop by unexpectedly, pretty much itself is quite impressive.” guaranteed that you will find them in Debbie and Dave remarked at the helpful staff who guided them in selecting the kitchen. their final products and in presenting a number of financial options for the layout and related cost scenarios. At the end of it all, Dave and Debbie are quick to say, “We are very pleased with our renovation and we wouldn’t change a thing. We love our large kitchen and oversized and grand island as it can accommodate a number of guests and our family can all cook at the same time and each have their own space! … We are so pleased with our product and design choices and that our kitchen is not overwhelmed with stainless steel appliances, instead many of the appliances are conveniently ensconced in the island. The kitchen looks so clutter free and spacious. We are equally pleased with our basement development and with its functional recreation area and storage room. Not to mention the reworking of our stairs, flooring and all the other parts of the renovation that make our home MARIE SOPROVICH OWNER OF AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS; spectacularly new again!”

WRITER, VISIONARY, LEADER. As Dave and Debbie and family enjoy their picture perfect kitchen, with a Visit www.aquarianrenovations.com or call 780.481.7671 shared bottle of fine wine among friends, food preparation with family and the

outdoor decor trends

14 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

OUTDOOR LIVING MAY - JUNE 2015

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utdoor Rooms Without Walls is fresh, new and unexpected - lose the walls and live your life without boundaries. We offer exceptional design and a commitment to quality using of a variety of materials to withstand even the harshest climates, including stainless steel, powder coated aluminum, woven and acrylic man-made rattan, teak and sling materials that lasts the test of time and design.

Outdoor Rooms Without Walls is all about creating or enhancing your outdoor living space by providing high-quality, timeless, comfortable furniture at affordable prices. Combining transitional designs and current trends we step “outside” the box!

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OUTDOOR LIVING

2015

OUTDOOR

by CARSON ARTHUR

outdoor living and renovating has become a trend in itself. With new stats coming out every day about the impact of outdoor renovations on home value, landscaping is quickly rising to the top of the to-do list. So, whether you are planning on renovating or just sitting outside and enjoying the sun, here are my top outdoor trends for 2015.

WHETHER YOU HAVE A LARGE BACKYARD OR A BALCONY BUILT FOR TWO,

$219.

weber.com

1

Colourful Barbecues. Building on their success of the condo-sized Q-1200 propane barbecue, Weber has launched a new line of the popular model with bright and colourful lids! Now you can have a grill that also adds a splash of colour to your balcony or condo. These smallscaled units use liquid propane cylinders vs. the big tanks, making them portable and space saving. Functional and stylish at the same time!

$109.

Canadiantire.ca/ Canvas

2

Outdoor rugs‌that look like grass! Canadian Tire’s new private label, Canvas, is coming into the market place with a rug that surprised me with its unique innovation.

Combining the look of turf with a classic baroque design, these carpets are not to be confused with the indoor models. Finally, we have a carpet that complements outdoor living.

3

Heirloom Vegetables. The Grow-It-Yourself movement has firmly taken root in Canada! GIY has been my mantra for several years, and now homeowners are jumping on board with planters and gardens full of vintage veggies and herbs. This trend of growing food that you know is safe for your family has really resonated with the younger generation, with millennials starting seed saving companies and protesting anything GMO. EdibleAntiques.ca

18

OUTDOOR LIVING

4

Smart tools. With gas-powered garden tools

quickly on their way out, new technology is filling the void with “smart” devices that are cleaner and make the job easier for homeowners. Autosense technology is the way of the future, with mowers that know when you need a little extra juice to get through the tough patches.

Black & Decker’s newest offering, the 40V Max, promises to make cutting the lawn easier than ever.

5

$449.

Bright colour is another huge trend for the backyard in 2015, check out HD&R’s top picks.

blackanddecker.com

Garden Treasures 10-ft Square offset Umbrella with LED Lights. $399. lowes.ca

Wood pavers. Can’t decide

between a deck or a patio? Love the look of wood but want the longevity of stone? Now you can have both! Rinox has introduced Canada to the Bosco line – a patio stone modeled after wood.

Available in two colours, these pavers come complete with knots, splits, and wonderful graining. Patios have definitely come a long way from the two-by-two concrete pavers! rinox.ca

Hampton Bay Painted Triangles Lumbar Pillow. $16. homedepot.ca

Round Outdoor Chairs. $40 each. walmart.ca

6

Tank-in fire tables. Want the look of an outdoor fire pit but don’t have the space? Maybe you’re neighbourhood doesn’t allow for outdoor burning.

Propane fireplaces and fire tables have become the easy and mess-free solution.

My personal favourite is the Walden Conversation Gas Fire Table. It’s medium height model, which is taller than a coffee table but lower than a dining table is perfect for both purposes. Not only do they look great and are multifunctional, these tables hide the tank, so no one has to see the pipes!

Solvinden Led Solar-Powered Floor Lamp. $15-$17 each. ikea.ca

$600.

Canadiantire.ca/ Canvas

CARSON ARTHUR Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV’s Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TV, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the acclaimed book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living.

Visit carsonarthur.com

Bird Bath. $39. rona.ca

19

TIPSANDTRICKS

Renovating with Confidence –

So what about Asbestos?

Ask a Reputable Renovator – the smartest thing YOU could do…..

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS ASBESTOS, THE ONCE GOLDEN CHILD FROM THE 1950’S THROUGH THE 1990’S HAS FALLEN INTO A HAZARDOUS CATEGORY THAT IS COSTING PROPERTY OWNERS BILLIONS TO DEAL WITH. Not only are

the costs high when it comes to removing and disposing of asbestos, more seriously, it can be a major risk to the health of people who come into contact with the airborne fibers released when products containing asbestos, are disturbed. Air quality tests have shown 20 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

that it can take many hours for airborne particles of asbestos to hit the floor. When buildings containing asbestos are demolished and proper abatement does not occur or when a renovator or homeowner knock out walls, rip up lino or scoop up the vermiculite from the attic and curb side it for the regular landfill they are putting themselves and others in the vicinity at potential risk. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was associated with making a secure, fire proof and almost indestructible compound used in everything from wrapping materials used for heating pipes and wood burning stoves to being added as a binding agent to drywall mud and popcorn ceilings. Asbestos was a great material… or so we thought….Just as mercury was once used by dentists to fill dental cavities. Asbestos is carcinogenic and a serious threat to human health issues that can no longer be avoided or denied. When an individual has a dental filling that contains mercury and the filling is left undisturbed, your dentist will tell you that the risks are very minimal. Asbestos can be like that

too- for example if you have older lino or a popcorn ceiling that you were thinking of ripping out but decided to simply cover the product and not disturb the asbestos, that can be a workable solution. If that is the case, it then becomes the homeowner’s legal responsibility to disclose the area that contains asbestos to any future homeowner or renovator. If you are thinking of removing it yourself the chances are pretty good that the backing of the lino or the lino itself is contaminated with asbestos.

How would you know?

What should you do about it? Why should you care?

BEFORE These are great questions and should be asked of a reputable renovator who should know the process for proper testing and abatement. There are companies that specialise strictly in the protocol and execution of asbestos removal.

*Resources included: Canadian Homebuilders Association “The Get it in Writing Handbook” and RenoMark Website

RENOMARK EDMONTON – WWW.RENOMARK.CA

The program identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to CHBA – Edmonton Region’s code of ethics, as well as a renovation-specific code of conduct, they provide warranties, understand the value of customer service, and continually educate themselves regarding current trends, materials and regulations.

ASBESTOS IS DANGEROUS BUT WE ALSO NEED TO TAKE IT IN STRIDE. Be intelligent and informed when dealing with your renovations. Help is available. The most important reason for proper testing and abatement for asbestos is that your health could be at risk… and that is serious business. Call a RenoMark renovator and ask questions. They should be able to help you or at least point you in the direction of a licensed company that can test your project for asbestos and then you can make an informed decision as to what to do next! Happy renovating.

MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 21

BUSINESSPROFILE

THE AQUARIAN WAY… ESTABLISHED 1991

WHAT MAKES A GREAT COMPANY? A product that is award winning, customer

service that delivers quality and value, an experience that leaves a customer wanting to share with friends, the opportunity for customers and their projects to be celebrated? Maybe it is a company culture that values open honest conversations, skilled delivery of an excellent product from design through to warranty, growth for employees and a contribution to an industry that makes a difference which goes beyond the confines of the company walls and coffers….

Aquarian Networks Corp. founded in 1991 was built as a company that wanted to be and do all these things and much more. Over the years the company has evolved into what is known today as Aquarian Renovations, a company who demonstrate leadership in the renovation industry here in the Edmonton area.

Greatness comes to those who keep moving forward and figuring out what works in spite of incredible obstacles. Through discipline, basic good principals of business, tremendous courage and team work, Aquarian made it through the greatest challenge any company could face, that being the untimely death of one of the principle founders and active leader. The Aquarian story is quite remarkable in that, when Doug Soprovich was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2011, the staff did their best to pull together and keep the company moving forward.

22 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

Through all, it could be expected that there would be some transition in staff, some trepidation about the future of the company and the kind of uncertainty that creates a perfect storm for softening sales and a weakened flow of steady work. The road back from this serious setback was never easy, as surviving owner Marie Soprovich describes, but it did happen and no one could be prouder of the collective effort than Marie.

“There were days when it seemed like an impossible task had been put before us all but in particular, before me. The only way to manage the reality of this unthinkable loss, the challenges of moving a company forward and

“GREATNESS COMES TO THOSE WHO KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND FIGURING OUT WHAT WORKS IN SPITE OF INCREDIBLE OBSTACLES.” the need for strong leadership was to take it one day at a time. I asked for help from trusted sources to review the numbers and figure out a strategy to ensure that we knew what targets we needed to meet in order for this company to work. I then engaged in the painstaking job of rebuilding the confidence, the internal structure and the presence of my company in our community. Here we are just about three years later and wow… our team has really figured out how to make the hammers sing! The Aquarian team has surpassed my wildest expectations and I just love what is happening in, through and around our company. We have definitely found our stride and I am so grateful to our customers who had faith in the principles and character of our company. We treasure our relationships with our customers so very much. I love meeting with them and writing articles about some of the great renovations and the stories behind them. We were even up for a national award this spring and I took the homeowner and another staff member along with me to celebrate our collective success at the ceremony in Halifax.”

Sometimes customers turn into very dear friends. Client Barb Cote wrote, “I can’t even put into words how much I enjoyed spending this time with you and Angela. Without a doubt, the

BEFORE

best time I too can ever recall. And on top of that I have an amazing renovation that I absolutely adore… what a gift!” All Marie could say to this is, “How did we get to be so fortunate?”

In the past three years Aquarian has rebuilt on the principles that the company was founded on and resiliently worked to re-establish the company’s role in the renovation industry in Edmonton. With strong allegiance to the Canadian Home Builder’s Association and the work of building a solid network of reputable renovators in the RenoMark program, Marie, as CEO, has made her mark.

MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 23

Marie describes the journey, “I am a strength based leader and ensuring that the right people are in the right positions in the company is really important.

Along with this I had to look at my own skills and see where I could fit in. I have a background in education and leadership. I have always been an avid reader, learner, and positive change agent in my career… Never did I imagine that my skills and my fortitude would be challenged in such a way. What an amazing opportunity to build my staff into a team that can tackle anything that comes our way. I have also had the great good fortune to connect with other incredible leaders in the business community and in particular in the renovation and homebuilding industry.

I feel inspired and joyful to collectively work to create greater excellence in the

home renovation industry. Aquarian has been a member of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association for over 10 years and I have been able to take my place at the committee level and make a contribution. This work is very rewarding and I am extremely grateful for all the support and encouragement over these past few years. It is a privilege to be here.”

THE AQUARIAN WAY - PROCESS PRELIMINARY PHASE

» Initial consultation » Scope of work defined » Preliminary estimate provided

DESIGN PHASE

» Design contract signed » Floor plans with 3D renderings completed » All products and materials chosen and specified

CONTRACT PHASE

» Fixed cost quotation based on design and products specified » Course of construction timeline and payment schedule provided » Contract signing

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

» Dedicated site supervisor for your renovation » Stay up to date with our online construction management website

Allow the Aquarian design team to make your renovation dreams a spectacular reality!

Aquarian team celebrating & having fun!

24 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

INTHENEWS

And the

FINALISTS ARE...

THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ Association – Edmonton

Region (CHBA-ER) has announced the 2015 Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the following categories: Single-Family, Multi-Family, Renovation, Sales Centre, Advertising, Development, Leadership, Environmental, Builders Choice, Sales Volume and Sales People.

The Awards of Excellence in Housing celebrates the creative design and craftsmanship of Edmonton Region builders and renovators, and recognizes excellence and professionalism in the field of sales and marketing within the home construction industry. Every year at this time, the industry honours the best of the best, and this year’s entries are no exception. The Awards of Excellence in Housing represent the industry’s finest, reflective of the hard work, dedication, and success of the members of the CHBA-ER. The winners in all categories will be announced on April 25 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre, with this year’s theme being Bollywood.

Read on for a listing of the 2015 CHBA - Edmonton Region Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists.

Congratulations to all, and good luck!

2015 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING RN1 Best Exterior Renovation

ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Maple Drive ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Riverridge AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - Gold Bar Residence HOME STYLE CONSTRUCTION LTD. - Strathcona

RN2 Best Renovation under $200,000

ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Riverview ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Jasper Park AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - Blue Quill Residence AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - St Andrews Drive Residence HOME STYLE CONSTRUCTION LTD. - Back Woods

RN3 Best Renovation $200,000 to $500,000

ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Lakeshore Estates ACKARD CONTRACTORS - Riverridge AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - Victoria Manor AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - Glenora II Residence HOME STYLE CONSTRUCTION LTD. - Strathcona

RN4 Best Renovation over $500,000 To learn more about the CHBA – Edmonton Region, visit chbaedmonton.ca. For a full list of Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists, visit online at excellenceinhousing.ca.

A CUT ABOVE LIVING INC. - Windermere Residence ALAIR HOMES - Sunhill Estates AQUARIAN RENOVATIONS - Glenora Residence SERENITY CONTRACTING & DESIGN INC. - Twin Brooks MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 25

TIPSANDTRICKS

Decoding the code

by MICHAEL NYIKES

Q

I received an email asking when the new Alberta Building Code will be released and what is the grace period for implementation?

A

I researched the Alberta Municipal Affairs website and found the following information.

The 2014 editions of the Alberta Building Code and the Alberta Fire Code based on the 2010 National Building and Fire Codes were adopted at the end of February 2015 by provincial regulation. Also adopted by regulation is the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition. Key changes in the codes include: » A new building class known as “B3” to address the demand for a more flexible range of care accommo-dation for an aging population. The B3 provides safe and affordable housing options for seniors and per-sons with disabilities. » New provisions to allow for the construction and fire protection during construction of sixstorey wood buildings entirely based on the national code requirements for the upcoming 2015 national building and fire code editions. » New building protection against radon gas. » Energy efficiency requirements for housing and small buildings under section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code.

Each code has a coming into force date and a transition period. The coming into force date is the date on which the codes apply or may be used in Alberta. The transition period is to allow construction under the previous 2006 Alberta Building Code or under the new codes. All coming into force dates have a standard 6 month transition period to construct in the previous code provided a permit has been issued prior to the end of the transition period; or the safety codes officer is satisfied that the preparation of the plans and specifications for the project commenced prior to the coming into force date. The objective of this section is to 26 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

prevent unnecessary and costly changes to construction already underway or plans that have been substantially developed for construction.

The timelines for the Alberta codes are: » Alberta Building Code 2014 coming into force May 1, 2015 with transition end date of November 1, 2015 » Alberta Fire Code 2014 coming into force May 1, 2015 with no transition period (effective immediately) » National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 coming into force November 1, 2015 with transition end date of May 1, 2016 » Section 9.36 Energy Efficiency, Alberta Building Code 2014 coming into force May 1, 2016 with transi-tion end date of November 1, 2016 The National Energy Code for Buildings 2011 is available through the National Research Council Web-site. The Alberta Building and Fire Codes 2014 will be available from the National Research Council, both online and in hard copy, in April 2015 or possibly at an earlier date. Notice will be provided shortly as to when purchase orders may be made to the National Research Council. Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Safety Codes Council will be providing additional information over the next few weeks respecting pur-chasing, price of codes, training, code seminars and other related information and activities. It is im-portant to take note that the codes cannot be used or enforced in Alberta until the coming into force or implementation date.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial safety codes affect their projects. Email your questions to me at decodingthecode@gmail.com. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case I need to follow up with you.

MICHAEL NYIKES

Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at decodingthecode@gmail.com

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY Rencon Industries Inc. 780.986.2160 www.renconindustries.ca

TILE

#7 445 Parsons Road

D E C O R AT I V E PA I N T I N G

Renovations of Excellence 780.441.1243 www.wedorenos.com renos@telusplanet.net

Unfauxgettable Interiors 780.999.5609 ifaux@shaw.ca www.unfauxgettable.ca

Serenity Contracting & Design Inc. 780.435.6304 www.serenitycontracting.ca

FLOORING

KITCHENS

AW N I N G S Canfab Products Ltd 12819-144 ST 780.451.4341 www.canfabproducts.ca

Payless Wholesale Flooring & Lighting 18415-104 Ave 780.487.2700 www.paylessfloors.ca H O M E R E N OVAT I O N S A Cut Above Living 780.244.0504 acutaboveliving.com Ackard Contractors Ltd. 780.414.0686 www.ackard.com Aquarian Renovations 780.481.7671 www.aquarianrenovations.com Appollo Sunrooms 780.466.1952 www.apollosunrooms.com Coogee Construction Ltd. 780.454.1513 www.coogeeconstruction.ca Fortress Homes & Renovations 780.660.1026 www.fortresshomes.ca Full House Renovations 780.483.2666 www.fullhouserenovations.com Homestyle Construction Ltd. 780-479-6032 www.homestyleconstruction.ca Innovation Plus Developments Ltd 780 434-0923 www.innovationplus.ca

Tile’s Trend Ph: 780.485.2277 tilestrend@gmail.com www.tilestrend.com

WINDOWS Durabuilt Windows & Doors West 10920-178 St. 780.455.0440

Kitchen Craft Cabinetry 2866 Calgary Trail, NW 780.465.6531 www.kitchencraft.com

South 8605 Argyll Rd

Towne and Countree Kitchens 17212 107 Ave. 780.489.3331 www.towneandcountree.com

6764 99 Street (by appt only)

LIGHTING Design 21 FX Lighting Ltd. 780.421.1940 www.design21.ca

780.463.4466 Duxton Windows & Doors 780.887.5163 www.duxtonwindows.com

TILE’S TREND FOR ALL YOUR TILE & STONE NEEDS

INTERIOR DESIGN Flawless Interiors 780.903.0634 www.flawlessinteriors.ca

COMING SOON...DIGIT`ART GALLERY

Kohon Designs #143 - 10309 107th St. Phone 780.428.6230 www.kohon.ca Mojo Design Inc. #1, 10340-134 St. 780.455.5229 Mojodesigninc.com OUTDOOR FURNITURE Outdoor Rooms Without Walls Inc. 16508-100th Ave. 780.809.0993 www.orww.ca S T O N E PA N E L S Prima Stone 4328-97 St. 780.932.7289 www.primastone.ca

FLOOR TILES, GLASS TILES MOSAICS, WALL TILES • NEW ARRIVALS ON BIG SIZE TILES, BACKSPLASHES AND SHOWER BASES • LARGEST CHOICE ON MOSAICS • DIGITAL ART GALLERY COMING SOON #7 445 Parsons Road Edmonton, AB.T6X 06W Phone: 780-485-2277 Email:tilestrend@gmail.com www.tilestrend.com MON- FRI: 9:30AM - 6:00PM SAT: 10:00AM - 5:00PM After hours call 780-237-2757 SUPPLYING LEADING-EDGE, MODERN, CONTEMPORARY PRODUCTS 27

FEATURE

Fiberglass window solutions

for Edmonton home owners CO-WRITTEN BY AL DUECK, PRESIDENT AND AYNSLEY DUECK, MANAGER OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT; DUXTON WINDOWS & DOORS

THE “PERFECT STORM” HAS ARRIVED FOR HOME AND

condo owners to make a wiser selection in a key home investment – windows and doors. Building technology has determined that one of THE most important considerations to achieve comfort, air-tightness, energy efficiency and a host of other benefits is making the right decisions about the building envelope – walls, ceiling and windows and doors!

At the same time, there is increasing demand for ever larger window and door combinations for amazing views – without compromising performance or durability.

Interestingly, the more informed consumers tend to do some independent research on the internet and make some more informed decisions. “We’ve found quite a few of our customers come back to us after they realize the favorable characteristics, durability and superior performance levels of pultruded fiberglass as window and door framing material,” says David Smeding, co-owner of Shield Windows & Doors.

In fact, there is considerable information readily available at independent sites such as Efficient Windows Collaborative (www.efficientwindows.org ) as well as other sites listed at the end of the article.

Efficient Windows Collaborative makes a point of emphasizing the durability of the selected window and door system. The quality of the frame and sash – including type of material, insulating glass seals - especially high performance triple low e glass, weather-stripping on operable windows such as casements and awnings that will work in the cold extremes of Northern Alberta and local requirements for structural integrity – again with added importance due to the design requirements for high performance triple glass.

“We chose to offer our clients a full range of fiberglass window and door capabilities because our experience has found it to be the best set of options and value for our customers,” explains Poul, partner and co-owner of Shield, “The fiberglass systems allows us to create anything from a more traditional style of windows with a great replacement for rotting wood window frames to very clean, contemporary lines – all available in high performance glass. Our customers have also found that 28 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY - JUN 2015

BLDG STUDIO INC.

a moderately higher price than a typical vinyl window is more than off-set with designed and built in features.”

Pultruded Fiberglass framing for windows and doors was in fact invented in Western Canada as an improved solution to other options such as aluminum (tends to be cold due to the conductivity of the material), wood (which can have considerably greater maintenance requirements) or vinyl (which tends to expand/contract a LOT more than fiberglass and not the same material strength characteristics). Fiberglass is a “natural insulator” and yet has excellent built in strength/ stability – allowing for the “ground up” incorporation / ability to accommodate true high performance windows up to triple film/ quint pane R19.5 center of glass. Furthermore, independent research by the University of BC found that there was an expected life expectancy of at least 39% more than vinyl windows.

A key component of today’s high performance glass is the capability to select from a family of low e coatings – ranging from high to very low shading coefficients – in order to properly take advantage of passive solar gain, absolutely maximize on R-value for North facing windows OR drive solar gain as low as possible on west facing windows to control summer cooling bills and higher comfort in wonderful daylight. As an example, the Riverdale Equilibrium project (as well as other more recent Net Zero projects) by Habitat Studios incorporate a mix of high shading coefficient or maximum R value glass – all with a warm edge spacer and a 20 year limited warranty, in order optimize the energy efficiency.

“We also take advantage of the unique abilities of newest FiberWall ™ systems in our on site solutions for

WE OPERATE A FAMILY BUSINESS AND WE WANT TO BUILD OUR CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS WITH THEIR NEEDS IN MIND FIRST AND FOREMOST. our customers,” says David. “Some kitchen window replacements allow us to feature a VERY large awning window – in triple glass – such that a large, single pane view is possible and yet have it operable.”

Poul and David address another key element of window replacement or installation with their 20 plus years of construction experience – backed by their 5 year warranty on labour. The higher commitment to warranty is possible due to the extensive detailing of the installations ranging from exterior seals of the new windows and doors to the building envelope to the carefully applied insulation in the wall cavities around the windows. Additionally, factory product and installation training has allowed Shield to ensure that their process complies with and ensures the best possible life expectancy for the product AND the installation.

With the ever expanding range of options available to the home or condominium owner, there is a growing requirement for close consultation between the trained window expert and the home owner. “We completed an amazing range of options and installations, including triple pane Tilt and Turn windows with real wood interior veneers to ultra contemporary Silver mist fixed windows with “butt glaze” corner assemblies!,” says Poul. “Regardless, we operate a family business and we want to build our customer solutions with their needs in mind first and foremost.”

BLDG STUDIO INC.

THE HOUSE COMPANY, GLAZED

BY SHIELD WINDOWS & DOORS

www.efficientwindows.org www.duxtonwindows.com MAY - JUN 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 29

TIPSANDTRICKS

Time to Renew your Mortgage?

Need to Renovate?

by JULIAN IZQUIERDO

THEN IT’S TIME TO “RENEWVATE.”

Whether it’s a new kitchen, finishing the basement, or replacing windows and siding, renovations can be too costly for most families. Additional financing may be the best option to secure a budget to work with. Renovating a home can improve the value of the property and the quality of your life.

With the interest rates for mortgages being at an historic low, the time could not be better to leverage the equity in your home to pay for those much needed improvements or even buy a second investment property. Home equity is the current market value of your home, minus any outstanding debts registered against your property, like your mortgage balance.

Did you know that you can borrow up to 80% of the value of your existing home and stretch out the payments over another 25 years? Now that may not sound practical as I am sure most people want to be mortgage free sooner rather than later, but let’s say your house is worth $350,000 in today’s market. Your balance after making your payments for the last 10 years is $180,000, so you could be eligible to borrow an additional $100,000, bringing your new mortgage to 80% of the value which is $280,000.

The truth is when your mortgage is up for renewal you can take advantage of the current low interest rates to increase your mortgage to the amount required to complete the renovations.

Your new monthly payment could increase slightly or even stay the same, but now you have the money to get started!

First get a couple of quotes from trusted industry professionals to help you assess the costs of the renovations.

Next talk to your local mortgage advisor, that’s me, to find out how much you can 30

qualify for at renewal and what potential pre-payment costs are involved if renewing too early. Refinancing and transferring your existing mortgage can have many additional costs to consider such as penalties and appraisal fees. Make sure to review and understand those costs with a mortgage specialist before moving forward. It’s always best to plan ahead and make changes on or close to the renewal date.

WHAT EXAMPLES OF RENOVATIONS ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME?

» Improving the kitchen » Adding or remodeling a bathroom » Creating a master bedroom with an ensuite or wal-in closet » Energy efficient windows WHAT EXAMPLES OF RENOVATIONS ARE VALUE NEUTRAL?

» Adding a swimming pool, sauna or hot tub » Installing a central vacuum system » Reducing the number of bedrooms » Installing paving stones in the driveway There are lots of things to consider before you renovate your home, such as municipal zoning bylaws and fire regulations. Also find out more about government grants, subsidies and tax credits for certain renovations.

To learn more about how to add value to your home or how to use your existing home to pay for its own renovations join me on Monday, June 1st at the Westin Hotel at 6:00pm as we host HGTV’s Scott McGillivray, real estate expert, contractor and host of the show Income Property. Space is limited, contact me directly to reserve your spot on the guest list as Scott shares his wealth of knowledge on how you can maximize the equity in your home.

Happy Renewvating.

JULIAN IZQUIERDO

Mortgage Advisor CIBC Julian.izquierdo@cibc.com

D

RENOVATING? DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

CALL THE RENOVATION PROFESSIONALS Proudly Serving Edmonton and Area since 1977

…And There is No Substitute for Experience!

before

after

Basement Transformations Including Potential Rental Suites • BONDED • Guidance and Professional Supervision • LICENSED • Quality Workmanship • FULLY INSURED • Ground Level & Second Storey Additions • Sunrooms LOU SOUCY • Kitchens 780.441.1243 • Basement Transformation Visit www.WeDoRenos.com • Exterior Remodelling for details and full virtual tours.

There is no substitute for experience!

Hello EDMONTON!

Fiberglass windows are here.

Choose ďŹ berglass to have the ultimate in design exibility, and the best in performance.

6764 99 St. Edmonton, AB (By appointment only) | 780.887.5163 | duxtonwindows.com