YOUR HOME’S GRAND ENTRANCE

If you’re thinking of selling your home, nothing says SOLD like curb appeal. Before tackling any back yard deck projects, consider updating, refurbishing or landscaping your front entrance.

FRONT ENTRANCE FEATURES

Whether you want to reflect a charming country style, a sleek contemporary look or sophisticated upscale grandeur, your doorway is your grand entrance to the neighbourhood revealing your personal style.

The Walkway

First, ensure that you have easy access from the driveway to the walkway along a primary path. You may want to add a secondary path which extends to a flower or vegetable garden, water feature or secluded seating area.

A curved or diagonal path attracts your gaze from side to side, creating a curiosity for what lies beyond. A meandering path can conceal and reveal garden sculptures, special plants and architectural features. A stepping-stone path not only protects your lawn from wear and tear, but adds interest along the walkway leading to your front door.




Your Front Door

No matter what porch style you choose, your front door sets the tone of your home, inside and out. You may want to add colourful paint, mouldings and trim or feature planters and topiaries to add a warm invitation.

But before changing doorknobs, knockers, and other fittings or getting out the paint and primer, it’s best to consult a renovation specialist or installer. Those simple stylish touches can create major havoc if you don’t have the right hardware or need to negotiate lopsided levels or off-set doorframes.

For more information or a free estimate, visit http://www.homeforcebc.ca.




Spring is the perfect time to tackle a home renovation. If you’re thinking of putting in an in-law suite to care for an aging parent, here’s a helpful reminder on how they can benefit from the $1,000 Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit.

The B.C. Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit will be a new refundable personal income tax credit to assist with the cost of permanent home renovations that provide individuals age 65 and over with increased independence, allowing them the flexibility to remain in their own homes longer.

The maximum credit will be $1,000 annually, calculated as 10 per cent of eligible expenditures. The credit will be available to individuals who incur eligible expenditures on or after April 1, 2012. The credit can be claimed by seniors, whether they own their home or rent, and by individuals who share a home with a senior relative.



Beyond Deck Design: Landscaping


April showers may bring May flowers, but how do you arrange your garden areas to create a landscape design that complements your home’s features?

You may have built or designed your dream deck, but now the challenge is to create a landscape design that looks professional and is easy to maintain.

Landscaping is a creative task which needs to be consistent around your entire home, not only your outdoor living space.

The first step is to come up with a plan which suits your budget and lifestyles, factoring in how much time you have to maintain your trees, shrubs and garden areas. 

Here are some main landscaping principles to consider:
  1. landscaping around a focal point
  2. landscaping texture
  3. landscaping color
  4. landscaping scale and proportion 
  5. landscaping grouping 
  6. landscaping repetition, rhythm and sequence


For more information on home renovations and landscaping, visit http://www.homeforcebc.ca.







Preventative Deck Maintenance

Most of us in BC live our lives outside on our decks in the summer. Now is the time to exercise preventative maintenance so your summer will be safe and enjoyable.

If you check and repair things right away, maintaining your deck can be relatively simple and inexpensive to do versus facing a big problem later.

To examine and evaluate your outdoor deck, first ask: Is it tired and worn out? Does it need replacement or just some cleaning and TLC?

Pressure washing decks can be the first step to restoration. If you don’t have a pressure washer, there’s many different cleaning products available designed to remove moss, mildew, and mould, to keep your deck clean and in good shape.


Wooden Deck Maintenance

Is your deck made out of wood? Once the dirt and grime has been removed, it may be time to re-coat with stain or paint, depending on your deck design. Sun is hard on wood, causing it to break and crack. You’ll want to take extra steps to protect it from the sun and heat, depending on where your deck is facing.

Water and sun attack materials differently. New products are available to protect and even refurbish the finish on your deck as well as extend its life. These protective agents are available in a variety of colors and applications. If your deck is worn, a couple of thick quotes can salvage a distressed looking deck and buy you more time to plan its replacement.

Vinyl Deck Maintenance

If you have a vinyl deck, be gentle with the power-washer. It’s better not to be too aggressive, or it can take off your vinyl finish and remove the color from your vinyl membrane.

While you’re cleaning, be sure to check out the vinyl seams. Are they intact or loose or coming apart? If so, it’s time to apply a small amount of seam sealer. You can use heat to soften – not melt – the seams for better bonding.

Doing a little work now prevents you from doing a lot of work later. Once a seam goes, and water seeps through the seams and spreads beyond underneath your deck flooring, rotting could occur, and then you’ll have a much larger problem to deal with.


Preventative Maintenance Check

Remember, when it comes to outdoor decks, water needs to stay out.  It’s your enemy and does all the damage. You need to stop moisture from collecting and water from seeping into joints and cracks where it could promote rot.

It means taking a little extra time to inspect the overall condition of your deck, but it’s worth it in the long run. Once you find these vulnerable areas, apply a urethane sealant to caulk where needed.


Plastic or PVC deck Maintenance

Composite deck materials are relatively low maintenance. As long as there’s no worries with the foundation or structure itself, like any deck, you want to pressure wash it and provide a clean, non-slip surface.

Aluminum Decks

Aluminum decks are also low maintenance, but check railings to see if they’re sturdy and solid. Thoroughly check the stairs to see if they need replacement. Again, be diligent, as though you are a home inspector. Look below the surface for those hidden details.

Take a good look around.

Be sure to replace boards that are rotting and posts that seem loose. Check your wooden railing. If pieces are rotten, you want to replace those as well.
It may also be time to rebuild those stairs. Make sure they’re safe.

It’s important to repair things as they come up, so you won’t be spending a large amount of time and money later. Plus, you’ve have peace of mind that your deck is safe and well-maintained.

A little maintenance WILL save you a lot of money – perhaps even some headaches - in the long run. That’s what preventative maintenance is. It’s taking the time now to prevent bigger problems from happening later.


A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Split Level Deck
A deck not only adds value to your property but increases your outdoor living space for entertaining and family relaxation. Make sure that your deck plans match your house design and reflects your personal lifestyle.

Try to imagine all the ways you'd like to use your deck, because most design elements will be based on those kinds of preferences.
Important questions to ask:
·         Do you entertain frequently?
·         What kind of seating will you need: built-in benches or patio furniture?
·         Do you want a cozy seating area or one large common space?
·         What lighting or heating requirements do you need?
·         How large or small of a deck do you build to complement your home?

Plan for the Elements

Do you want to locate your deck in shade or bask in the summer sun? If you want the best of both worlds, you may need to add an overhead screen, a trellis or plant a large leaved tree for summer shade.

Also consider wind protection, noise mitigation and blocking unwanted views with the use of plants and shrubs or design elements. If you’re planning on adding a hot tub, plan to maximize privacy and ensure that the deck is reinforced to carry the water’s weight.

Shaping it Up

While an angled deck can add interest to an ordinary home, it may be a more complicated task requiring more materials and labour. You can also consider a wrap-around deck with seating flush to the railing, or utilize lattice, planters and an overhead trellis to make it more visually appealing.

Deck Anatomy

Here are five structural deck components:
·         Vertical posts, usually set in concrete
·         Horizontal beams to carry deck weight
·         Joists to distribute deck weight
·         Decking or flooring
·         Railings or balusters to retain

Carefully Select Materials

Decks must stand up to extreme weather conditions, excessive heat and moisture and prevent against rot. So durability is important. Pressure-treated cedar, pine or redwood can withstand extremes while standard spruce, fir, or pine needs to be treated to endure. Check out the many deck materials to see what best suits your deck design.


Anatomy of a Deck
  

Arbors: A structure that can be used for hanging plants or vines.

Awning: An overhead covering to provide shade and protection from the weather.

Balusters: The vertical members of a railing in between the posts. An overhead covering to provide shade and protection from the weather.

Bridging: Blocking used between joists to prevent them from rocking and twisting.

Decking: The boards that make up the floor of the deck. The decking or deck boards attach directly to the top of the floor joist.

Fascia: A decorative board used to cover the front and side rim joists.

Flashing: A material used to prevent water from entering the home particularly where the ledger board bolts to the house.

Footings: The concrete support foundation the deck is built upon.

Girder: A lateral support beam the floor joist rests on.

Joist: Spans of lumber that make the substructure of the floor the decking is fastened to

Joist Hangers: Metal brackets used to secure the joist ends to the ledger board.

Lattice: An open cross pattern of interweaved strips generally used for privacy screens and skirts.

Ledger Board: The board bolted to the house and joist ends get fastened to.

Deck Posts: The vertical lumber that rests on the footings to support the girders and deck.

Post base: Metal brackets to securely fasten the bottom of the post to the footings.

Post top: A decorative top that can be added to a railing post.

Rails: Rails are the top or bottom horizontal members spindles attached to.

Rise: The vertical distance of one step.

Risers: The vertical boards behind or in back of stair treads.

Skirt: Covers the deck underneath.

Spindles: The vertical members of a railing in between the posts also referred to as balusters.

Stringers: The framing for stairs the risers and treads attached to.

Tread: The step or part of stairs that is stepped on.

Trellis: An overhead wood structure constructed for a decorative look and to shade sun.

For more information on renovation industry best practices, home financing or home maintenance needs, contact: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/.



TIPS FOR A SMOOTH RENOVATION

Living with Renovation…Comfortably
(Source Canadian Homebuilder’s Association)

You’ve probably heard stories about renovation nightmares. Here’s some helpful tips for a smooth, successful and stress-free renovation outcome.

Once your project gets underway, you and your renovator need to work closely together to make sure that everything goes as efficiently as possible.

The renovator needs a good working environment so the job can progress without problems or delays. You want as few inconveniences and disruptions to your daily routine as possible.

Many of the responsibilities of both the renovator and the homeowner have already been spelled out in the contract. Before the work starts, sit down with your renovator and discuss everyone's expectations and responsibilities in detail. Good communication is key to a good renovation experience and a satisfying result.


Before the Work Begins

Renovator Requirements

Discuss the renovator's requirements for the work including access to electricity and water on a regular basis, delivery and storage of building materials, and disposal of wastes.

House Rules
Determine the rules of the house for the work crew. Clarify access to bathroom facilities and eating areas, as well as kitchen privileges, if any, and also which parts of the house are off limits. Set out your smoking policy and if you permit music in the work area.

Permits
Verify that municipal permits and approvals have been obtained as needed. The contract may stipulate that your renovator will do this; however, the ultimate responsibility rests with you, the homeowner.

Renovator Responsibilities
Your professional renovator will make every effort to avoid disruptions and minimize the impact on your household. For instance, additions will be built and partially finished before the connecting wall is removed. Temporary hook-ups for water and electricity will allow you to continue your daily cooking and cleaning routines.

To keep you informed, your renovator will name a contact person for your project, usually the site supervisor or the renovator personally, who will stay in touch with you throughout the project. You will get regular updates on the progress of the work and be told when to expect trades people and when you will be needed for decisions. This person will also be available on short notice to respond to any questions or concerns that you have.

Meeting Deadlines
The renovator is responsible for meeting deadlines. The contract should clearly outline the project schedule and deadlines to which your renovator will work. If the work gets off-track for unforeseen reasons, the renovator will discuss the situation with you immediately and find ways to correct it.
Daily clean-up is part of the service. Professional renovators leave a clean work site at the end of each day. Be sure to discuss your expectations.


Homeowner Responsibilities

Personal Belongings
Clear work areas of furniture, drapes and art. Protect your valuables by placing them in an area where no work is going on, or out of the home, and cover anything that might be harmed by dust.

Make early product selections.
The contract may stipulate that you select (and/or provide) specific items such as flooring, lighting equipment, tiles and kitchen cabinets. Have these items available to your renovator when needed to ensure the smooth progress of the work.

Keep changes to a minimum.
Most renovators are willing to accommodate changes to the original plan as you go along. However, changes may result in a cost increase or a time delay so make sure to discuss the implications with your renovator. Change orders are amendments to the contract and must be signed by both parties.

Be available to your renovator.
Invariably, you will be asked to make a number of smaller decisions as the work progresses. Make sure that your renovator can reach you on short notice.

Discuss your concerns as they arise.

Bring any concerns and questions to your renovator's attention immediately; don't wait for "the right moment".

Provide payment as agreed upon in the payment schedule set up in the contract. Be sure to hold back the appropriate amounts required by the Contractors' Lien Act in your province; contact your provincial government or your lawyer for information.

Accept the unpredictable. Foul weather, unavailable products, unforeseen complications . . . these can be part of the renovation experience and will be dealt with by your renovator in a professional manner.

For more information on best practices to help you plan your renovation project, visit: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/




Curb Appeal and Functionality: Your Front Entrance Says it All

While spring is the time to focus on backyard patios and decks, your home’s front entrance may need a little attention, too. It’s the first impression people have of your home and glimpse of your personal style. A porch can add function and a classic, contemporary or vintage look to enhance your front entrance.





Front Porch Focal Points

Before you get out the lemonade to sip on your favourite rattan rocker on your new screened porch, here are some key structural areas to consider:

Foundation
Whether you’re using a pier, slab or perimeter foundation, your porch’s platform needs to safely support weight, slope and soil conditions.

Roof construction
Cutting and fitting rafters is an integral part of roof construction and requires expert know-how. Choose from metal, cedar shake, rubber or ceramic tile roof materials in various architectural styles to define your home’s character.

Columns
Columnsconsist of a capital (ornate feature), tapered or non-tapered shaft, and a base, which structurally support roof beams but can also be purely decorative. Columns are used to define your home with more prominence and make it more inviting.  

Railings
Railings add security, charm and curb appeal to your front entrance. Whether using aluminum, sawn, wrought iron, lattice, or glass siding supports, calculation and spacing of your balustrade or railing system can be tricky and is best left to a professional.

Ceilings
An open porch will have visible rafters or joists or will be covered by vinyl, bead-board, tongue and groove, PVC or composite ceiling materials. Attractive ceiling fans can add a tropical feel and provide cool breezes in summer heat.

Floor Construction
Your porch’s footings, joists, and foundation are your porch’s structural anatomy. A well-constructed base will allow you to use a variety of decking materials to cosmetically protect, including wood, stone, aluminum and vinyl membranes. Latticed or landscaped skirting will cover any exposed piers, joists or beams.

Flashing
Ledger flashing is a critical moisture barrier, guarding against rot and deck collapse. Consulting a professional can save valuable time, dollars and promote peace of mind.

Electrical Systems and Lighting
Light fixture placement, control and power are an important part of your porch’s framework. You may choose photo-cell or time activated energy-efficient lighting. For a dramatic effect, consider placing sconces or outdoor chandeliers in functional but strategic locations.

For information on renovation industry best practices, home financing or home maintenance needs, contact: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/.





Today, our homes have become more than just space. They’re a personal reflection of who we are and how we live.

Whether it’s practical, personal, or purely economical, your decision to renovate your property is individual.

- Bathroom (75 - 100%)
- Kitchen (75 - 100%)
- Interior Painting (50 - 100%)
- Exterior Painting (50 - 100%) 

What’s Your Reno ROI?

Prior to renovating, a homeowner must weigh all the elements including:
·         resale value and return on investment, and;
·         Quality of life for the duration of stay in your home. 

Ultimately, you want a home you can enjoy, be comfortable and entertain in while appreciating in real estate value.


 Potential Paybacks

Whether you’re thinking of a large scale remodel project, a bathroom upgrade or ongoing maintenance...it all adds up to a greater return on your most valuable investment ~ your home.

But how do you know where to begin?

If you’re planning to list your home, a remodelled kitchen can make an impact to its overall appeal, especially in a buyer’s market.

Kitchens typically receive a great deal of attention from potential buyers in any real estate market – and more purchasing decisions are made in a kitchen than any other room in a home!


Maintenance Check First

Some home owners have that dream kitchen in mind, but might forget about key maintenance issues. The performance of your home’s systems and components are critical and can affect your home’s value.



                     


Or visit the HomeForce website at: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/


It’s in the Details

Thinking of building an outdoor deck? Many people still consider a deck as a basic rectangular structure enclosed by railings, and yet a ‘designer deck’ is much more than a bordered platform. Integrating nuances of architectural elements can be both functional and beautiful at the same time, if done correctly.

Varied Railings
 
The standard railing design with evenly-spaced vertical balusters on horizontal rails now integrates more complex design elements. A quality renovator should be able to incorporate lean-out railings, stair intersections and curved or bowed railings in a unified concept.

Seamless Staircases

Historically, deck stairs have been boxy and obtrusive. A more stylish and easy-to-manage stair will have ‘kick’ or expose the tread by cantilevering it out beyond the riser. This treatment can be extended outward so there is a seamless view between the steps and borders.

Trimmed Planter Boxes

When stairs are extended to sloped configurations and stair railings, not all patterns will carry over, so a planter box may be incorporated to manage the discontinued pattern. Today’s built-in ‘vertical slat’ planter boxes may feature a cantilevered cap with mitred corners with a trimmed horizontal base for a more polished look.



Stylish Seats

When designing your deck, you’re looking for a picture perfect view. A professional builder will move the posts inside the edge far enough so that the outside edge of the seat is flush with the fascia. Seats can be contoured conform to the changing direction of deck borders, rather than butcher-block fashion. A lean-out railing, for example, can incorporate a seat back rest while framing your designer deck. 


Lattice and Screens

You’ve all seen the pre-fabricated latticed screens from your home supply store, often made from low-grade product that might otherwise be salvaged. When trying to create deck symmetry, you’ll want to mesh the lattice strips at the corners for continuity and ensure that the panels are cut to the appropriate size and properly framed in. The screen should accent the space, not become a flawed focal point.

For information on renovation industry best practices, home financing or home maintenance needs, contact: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/.



Upgrading Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Systems

At this time of year, it’s hard to know where to turn the fireplace pilot light off or being plan for those warmer days ahead with an upgraded home cooling or air conditioned system.

Today, heating and cooling technologies have become more sustainable and sophisticated with innovations in radiant heat, forced air and portable air conditioning systems.

Conserve Energy. Save Money.

Source : hvac-leads.com
That’s why it pays to review your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) performance. Renovations are a good time to review mechanical systems to increase their efficiency and longevity and to reduce operating costs.


Forced Air Systems: Are they running as efficiently as possible?

If you have a forced air system, you have a heating or cooling plant which re-circulates house air. The basic components are a fan, a burner or other heat source, a heat exchanger, supply ducts, grilles or diffusers, a return air path and controls.

The common optional components are a cooling coil, air filtration, humidification, an outside air supply and zone controls to allow heating or cooling of individual parts of the house. Examining these components now with a qualified professional can not only help to extend your mechanical system’s lifespan but also ensure that you have warranty protection.


How Your Cooling Plant Stays Cool and Safe

Virtually all residential cooling plants are electric motor-driven refrigeration units. The major component, incorporating a compressor, condenser and cooling fan, is generally located outdoors in a weatherproof cabinet. A refrigerant, circulated by the compressor, extracts heat from house air through a coil mounted in the airstream and discharges it outdoors through the outside condensing coil. Because cooling of air also reduces its capacity to hold moisture, a cooling unit will also dehumidify indoor air. This moisture will accumulate as condensate on the expansion coils in the fan coil and must be collected and drained away. Checking for trapped moisture in cooling equipment can prevent serious health risks since it acts as a growth medium for bacteria and fungi.

Heat Exchangers

Heat pumps are primarily designed for heating homes but may also function as cooling plants when their operation is reversed. Heat is extracted from outdoor air or groundwater and discharged into the house air through a coil. Heat pumps can also be designed to have their cycles reverse automatically for summer cooling.


Air compact air conditioners on their way out?

Window air conditioners are noisy and problematic, but are sometimes the only available means of providing comfort in existing homes in the hottest and most humid season.

They are also useful for allergic persons during pollen season because they allow cooling without introducing large amounts of pollen-laden outdoor air. They also can provide some basic air filtration.

How do I install one?

A typical unit fits into a window opening or is placed in a dedicated opening in an outside wall. It contains a small compressor and fan with two heat exchange coils. The evaporator surface tends to become quite wet when operating because warm room air loses moisture as it condenses on the cool surface.  This moisture is collected in a drip pan and carried outside by a small tube which must be kept clean.

Some units have controls to select the amount of outdoor air mixed with re-circulated air and basic filters. In some cases, filters can be upgraded to a medium-efficiency type which will remove some pollen, dusts and soot from outdoors. The manufacturer should be consulted about filter options.

The main concern with these units, aside from the noise, is the difficulty in keeping them clean and preventing the growth of microbes in the condensate pan and drainage system. When dust collects on the evaporator and pan, it may clog up the drain tube creating conditions which will grow fungus or bacteria. Some microbes will produce disagreeable odours and stains while others are a health hazard. If window air conditioners are necessary, it is important that they are cleaned and the condensate collection system sterilized regularly.

What about a split-system?

A split-system air conditioner is a wall-mounted unit containing only the evaporator, a fan and filters. The noisy compressor is mounted separately outdoors. These units often have better fans and filters than window air conditioners.

Portable air conditioners mounted in cabinets on wheels are also available which use a water-cooling feature to boost efficiency. One model contains a compressor and evaporator, and has a water-cooled condenser fed from a small water tank. It requires a 10 cm (4 in.) diameter hole in the wall to connect an exhaust duct. These units can also have good quality fans and medium efficiency air filters.

Central Heat Pump/Air Conditioner

An outside unit with compressor and coil exchanges heat with outdoor air or groundwater. The inside unit is a fan coil. It may require an electric heating coil for the coldest weather. Peak demand could also be met with an oil-fired water heater, with due consideration to avoidance of oil swells and products of combustion.

(Source CMHC)

For information on renovation industry best practices, home financing or home maintenance needs, contact: http://www.homeforcebc.ca/





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