Download - Calgary Home Décor and Renovations - DEC 2012 / JAN 2013

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December 2012 - january 2013 Volume 10 issue 6

Albi RenovA inseRt

renovations made simple

Hilary Farr’s

tips on mAximizing your space

home foR the

holidays

For Those Who Value Luxury, Quality And Exceptional Design403.203.7676 + [email protected] + albirenova.com

volume 10 issue 6

contents

14

cover story

14

in every issue

08 Editor’s notebook

Dec 2012 - JAN 2013

by heather ryan

features

30 Space... the interior frontier by Laura Le

36 Get a new look for the holidays and the new year by heather ryan

49 The tantalizing potential of an empty space by Mickey FouLds

55 Space, it’s bigger than you think by adene Lucas

business profiles

09 Ultimate Renovations by heather ryan

12 Assured Utilizes Home-Building by heather ryan

20 Jameswood Homes Inc. by heather ryan

26 Ultimate Garage by sirkka VandergraaF

34 Manor Renovations by sirkka VandergraaF

Designer Hilary

Farr on how to freshen up your home

tips & tricks

18 On a roll! by eLisa kroVbLit

22 Warm up with a winter fondue

24 Explore the great outdoors this winter

41 Gifts from the heart by siLVana Longo

44 Decoding the code by MichaeL nyikes

48 Building code requirements for maintenance by Vanessa gash

54 Bringing home the gold by eLisa kroVbLit

59 Silencing noisy plumbing by sheLL busey

reno mark

46 Renovation demand heats up as weather cools down by bryan tuckey

Albi Renova insert Renovations made simple

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6 home décor and renovations DEC 2012 - JAN 2013

From big transFormations to little updates.

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From big transFto little updates.

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t 8:38 am

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EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

DEC 2012 - JAN 2013VOLUME 10 ISSUE 06

HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS

2891 Sunridge Way NECalgary, AB T1Y 7K7

T 403.461.5518

VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Jacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONIAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge

MANAGING EDITOR

Silvana Longo

ART DIRECTOR

Julie Yoo

DIRECTOR OF SALES, WESTERN CANADA

Josh Heppner

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR/

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mohammad Haidarpour

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Yakubovich

CONTRIBUTORS

Shell Busey, Hellen Buttigieg, Michael Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Elisa Krovblit, Laura Le, Adene Lucas, Michael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Bryan Tuckey, Sirkka Vandergraaf

DISTRIBUTION

Bill White403.255.3898 x2304

Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published sixtimes a year. Home Décor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Décor and Renovations magazine carefullyinspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errorsor incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and allartwork is the property of Home Décor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Décor and 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!

PUBLISHED BY

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

It’s the time of year that many people want to entertain and decide to rethink their décor. It’s always festive to add that holiday feel to a home. If you’re planning a visit to a few décor shops for some quick-fix items such as pillows, bedding and various knick-knacks just before company comes, you’re not alone. It’s the quickest way to get into the spirit of things!

If you’re planning a renovation for next year, be sure to take your time and do it right. Unlike a quick décor-fix, a rushed renovation project can go sour because of poor planning, high expectations or too much of a tight timeline and budget.

Creating a home you love doesn’t happen overnight. It can take months and even years – yes, years! Ultimately, the homeowners have taken their time and enjoyed the process of selecting just the right furnishings and finishes, over time, on budget, and with spectacular results.

I hope you will let us know what you think of this issue of Home Décor & Renovations. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers,

SUSAN LEGGE

Yes, you can love your home

Follow me on twitter:twitter.com/SusanLegge

Become a fan ofHome Décor and Renovations on Facebook

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONAL REAL [email protected]


EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

DEC 2012 - JAN 2013VOLUME 10 ISSUE 06

HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS

2891 Sunridge Way NECalgary, AB T1Y 7K7

T 403.461.5518

VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Jacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONIAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge

MANAGING EDITOR

Silvana Longo

ART DIRECTOR

Julie Yoo

DIRECTOR OF SALES, WESTERN CANADA

Josh Heppner

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR/

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mohammad Haidarpour

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Yakubovich

CONTRIBUTORS

Shell Busey, Hellen Buttigieg, Michael Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Elisa Krovblit, Laura Le, Adene Lucas, Michael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Bryan Tuckey, Sirkka Vandergraaf

DISTRIBUTION

Bill White403.255.3898 x2304

Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published sixtimes a year. Home Décor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Décor and Renovations magazine carefullyinspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errorsor incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and allartwork is the property of Home Décor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Décor and 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!

PUBLISHED BY

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

It’s the time of year that many people want to entertain and decide to rethink their décor. It’s always festive to add that holiday feel to a home. If you’re planning a visit to a few décor shops for some quick-fix items such as pillows, bedding and various knick-knacks just before company comes, you’re not alone. It’s the quickest way to get into the spirit of things!

If you’re planning a renovation for next year, be sure to take your time and do it right. Unlike a quick décor-fix, a rushed renovation project can go sour because of poor planning, high expectations or too much of a tight timeline and budget.

Creating a home you love doesn’t happen overnight. It can take months and even years – yes, years! Ultimately, the homeowners have taken their time and enjoyed the process of selecting just the right furnishings and finishes, over time, on budget, and with spectacular results.

I hope you will let us know what you think of this issue of Home Décor & Renovations. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers,

SUSAN LEGGE

Yes, you can love your home

Follow me on twitter:twitter.com/SusanLegge

Become a fan ofHome Décor and Renovations on Facebook

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONAL REAL [email protected]

businessprofile ultimate Renovations

InnovatIve thInkIng, qualIty craftsmanshIp

key to Ultimate renovations’ sUccessby heather ryan

innovative thinking and quality craftsmanship are among the key reasons why Ultimate Renovations has earned the Grand SAM Renovator of the Year award an amazing eight times.

Danny Ritchie started Ultimate Renovations with his brother Terry in 1979 working out of a garage in Edmonton doing window cladding before branching out into whole home interior & exterior renovations. In 1991, the company expanded to Calgary, and today, Ultimate has more than 100 people working on projects in both cities.

Much of Ultimate Renovations’ success is due to Ritchie’s hands-on involvement and out-of-the-box thinking. “You think that you’ve grown the company and can sit back and relax, but that doesn’t work, you need to stay top of everything to ensure the customers are happy.

“I also don’t do this alone. We have an experienced team of highly skilled tradesmen and long-time employees, as well as dedicated vendors and sub-trades, who all work collaboratively to ensure projects are completed on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards,” he says.

“We are always looking at new ideas and ways to improve things – we always want to make things better and provide a vision of what can be done for our customers.”

This innovative thinking can be seen in the Ultimate Renovation Showcase – a fully renovated 1970s-era bungalow in Bonavista that showcases the renovator’s quality craftsmanship and new ideas.

“We added 250 square feet to the home – we filled in the breezeway to create a mudroom, laundry room and foyer and that gave us a 16-foot vaulted ceiling at the front entry,” Ritchie says.

The main floor ceiling was raised from eight to nine feet and

the main-floor design was reconfigured from three bedrooms to two, while two more bedrooms were created in the newly developed basement. “We also installed 11 Solatubes to provide natural lighting throughout the home, including three in the basement, which is a really unique and popular feature.”

This is Ultimate’s third showhome and it earned the Best Kitchen Renovation (up to $99,000) award, as well as a nomination for Best Home Renovation (with addition) at this year’s SAM Awards. The home was a finalist for a provincial award and is being entered into the national SAM awards competition.

“Having the showhome really gives people a chance to see what can be done to their home,” Ritchie says. “People really love it, in fact we’ve had it open for 13 months and it still draws more than 50 visitors on the weekend mostly from word of mouth.”

The Showcase, at 128 Lake Mead Green S.E., is open Thursdays, 2-8 p.m., and Fridays, weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m.

Ultimate has recently purchased a home on the golf course in Maple Ridge, which will be the fourth home it provides customers to use as a temporary residence during renovations to their home, and will likely become Ultimate’s fourth showhome.

The recent addition of a state-of-the-art millwork shop allowing Ultimate to craft custom cabinets is also proving successful “because it gives us full control over the quality, costs and delivery,” Ritchie says.

Customers are encouraged to visit Ultimate’s newly renovated showroom displaying the latest trends in custom cabinetry and accessories open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

DEC 2012 - JAN 2013 home décor and renovations 9

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businessprofile Assured utilizes home-building

An expert in crafting quality-built homes, condos and recreational properties, it’s only natural for Assured Communities Ltd. to turn its highly skilled talents toward the renovation market with Assured Custom Renovations.

A family-owned and operated business, Assured was formed in 1987 and crafted its first single-family homes in Castleridge in northeast Calgary. Currently, its multi-family division is in the final stages of completing Galleries Renfrew, an upscale townhome project near Bridgeland.

Over the past 25 years, Assured has designed and developed in excess of 1,000 single- and multi-family homes across the city, as well as recreational properties in the Rockies, solidifying its reputation as a quality builder.

“With so many years of experience in the home-building industry and recognizing there is a huge renovation market, it was a natural progression for us move into handling mid- and large-scale renovation projects,” says president and CEO Gene Fabro.

“We understand renovations can be more complex than new home construction especially when dealing with older homes because you never know what’s behind the walls and it takes years of experience to know what to do,” says Fabro. “But we don’t look at it as a challenge; we look at it as an opportunity to turn customers’ dreams into reality,” from kitchens, bathrooms and basement developments to additions and complete whole house renovations.

For example, Assured finished a project last month that saw the complete renovation of a 1970s-era two-storey in Lakeview. “We redid the garage, built a living space above it and attached it to the home, and we gutted the interior redoing the living room, kitchen, bathrooms and put in a new sidewalk, driveway and steps,” Fabro says. “It gives the home a whole new look.

“We also just did an elaborate addition to a high-profile home in Crescent Heights that was very complex and involved the addition of a garage, storage under the garage and living space above with upscale finishings.

“We’ve found in doing the renovations lots of people don’t know what they want, so we bring in an interior designer to help them define their budget and ensure the renovation fits their lifestyle,” he says. “We work closely with our customers and are in constant communication. Our goal is to ensure customers are happy with what we’ve created and hopefully we’ve exceeded their expectations.”

Assured has a team of long-term qualified trades, design specialists and engineering consultants who are committed to each project and “we make sure that it’s done right the first time to alleviate any homeowners’ concerns.”

What sets Assured apart is it provides customers with a third-party warranty through Progressive Home Warranty Inc.,

“giving our customers further peace of mind that if there was ever a problem it would be resolved,” Fabro says. In fact, Assured recently received the Platinum Award of Distinction from the Alberta New Home Warranty Program – which signifies that Assured has not had any unresolved service claims for 20 years on all new build products.

Assured is a member of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Calgary Region, RenoMark, BBB, and is fully licensed and bonded, so customers can expect professionalism in every aspect.

by HeatHer ryan

assured utilizes Home-building expertise for renovAtions

beFore

aFter

beFore

aFter

403.282.7120 ext. 210 www.assuredhomes.com

*Part of the Assured Group of Companies, building quality homes in Alberta for a quarter century.

• Free estimates and consultations• Highly competitive pricing • Innovative design solutions • Supreme craftsmanship and enduring quality• Extensive internal and third party warranties

• Highly effi cient scheduling • Specialization in large remodeling projects• Fully licensed and bonded by the province• High quality workmanship• Satisfaction absolutely guaranteed

WE OFFER:

Designer Hilary Farron how to freshen up your home

whether you’re planning to redecorate or renovate you’ll want to look for ways to

maximize your space especially if you have a smaller home.

Hilary Farr, the co-host of the hit TV show Love It or List It will be in Calgary for HomeExpo, which runs Jan.11 to 13. We asked her for some thoughts and advice on how to maximize your space.

“Maximizing your space with an open concept main floor is a great plan, but eliminating walls where art could be hung or shelving could go creates challenges with storage and layout,” Farr says. “Avoid the kitchen and living areas feeling distinct from each other. Use the same flooring throughout, along with a cohesive colour scheme. Also, pay attention to the scale of the kitchen elements and living room furnishings so they work together. This will create a visual flow between the two areas and maximize the impact and feeling of space.”

Before renovating, consider your lifestyle before allocating space to the kitchen and living room, says the Toronto-based international home designer.

“If you have a large family and like to cook with friends hanging out with you as you flip and flambé, and if you like casual décor and entertaining, then give more space to your kitchen with an oversized square island that can accommodate six to eight people. Your living space can then be smaller by forfeiting a dedicated dining area and just have seating for guests and family to relax.”

However, if you like to entertain on a bigger scale, or prefer a formal eating area, the kitchen size can be scaled back by removing the seating area. “Your living area will then need to be larger to accommodate a dining area, and you will need lots of comfy seating for those big parties,” Farr says.

Whether you choose to maximize your space by going with a larger kitchen or an expansive living room, remember, your décor should blend so the two spaces flow visually as well as practically and you’ll need to make sure one space doesn’t overwhelm the other.

If you’re planning on a bedroom renovation, Farr says it makes more sense from a livability and resale perspective by going with a large bathroom rather than giving more space to create a walk-in closet.

“Although storage is important, a bathroom is always the place to spend money for resale,” Farr says. “Put as much as you can afford into all the bells and whistles, such as heated floors and towel bars, fabulous fixtures and tile. This will give you a huge amount of satisfaction while you are living in the home and will be a selling feature.”

If you’re a fashionista with a huge wardrobe and large collection of shoes and accessories, you may be tempted to create a huge walk-in closet rather than allocate money and space to the bathroom, but “don’t do it,” Farr says. “Most people don’t have a huge amount of clothing and are willing to stash clothes in other areas of the home if necessary.”

When you have a small space to work

by heather ryan

coverstory

aug - sep 2012 home décor and renovations 13

“...give more space to your kitchen with an oversized square island that can accommodate six to eight people.”


with, Farr suggests the first thing you should do is maximize all available natural light to make the area feel bright and airy. Next, figure out what scale of furnishings works.

“If you have high ceilings you can use verticals such as tall mirrors, long curtains, or high-backed chairs or sofas, which can make the space seem larger,” she says. “If your ceilings are average, or low then you must scale down to lower slung furnishings, which will make the ceilings feel higher and the room appear larger.

“I like to make small spaces functional, but also interesting and inviting. Try using dark, rich colour on the walls as opposed to using pale neutrals. Whatever colour scheme you choose, aim for an uninterrupted visual for the room with wall colour, fabrics, rugs and accessories in tones that blend with each other: this makes the space flow and seem larger.”

If you have a focal point such as a fireplace, Farr recommends that you don’t let it overwhelm or and dominate the space. If the mantle is too large, replace it with something simple and to scale.

An inexpensive way to make the most out of your space is to get organized and declutter. A room crowded with items on display can make it feel smaller than it actually is.

“Declutter is one of those commands that isn’t so easy to accomplish,” Farr says. “It can seem so overwhelming. The fact is most people know what they need to get rid of but it takes resolve and time to get around to doing it.”

She suggests not tackling the chore all at once, but rather boxing the stuff up area by area, room by room and then seeing what is left.

If you have limited storage space some helpful ways to improve it include using double rod systems in closets that allow you to hang twice the amount of clothing; add pull-out drawers for sweaters and clothing that can be folded, and in the lower portion, install pull-out shelving for shoes.

“i like to make small

spaces functional,

but also interesting

and inviting.


“For collectibles, choose walls where six- to eight-inch deep clear glass shelves that are two-, three- or four-feet long can be installed with metal U-channels so they ‘float’ on the wall,” Farr says. “When your objects are displayed on the glass, they will have maximum impact and tables and other surfaces will be clear of clutter.”

For other items such as seldom-used kitchen appliances, photo albums, recipe books, look for somewhere in the vicinity to have base cabinets built approximately 22 inches deep and 34 inches high. “I like using extra deep drawers on heavy, full extension slides to store these items. The unit looks clean and will give you a wall above for art, or a mirror or those glass shelves for display.”

Creating built-ins such as entertainment centres and closet bureaus have become popular especially with open concept layouts and are a great solution to storage needs, but if they need to be customised to work in a difficult space they can be quite expensive.

When it comes to renovations, Farr offers this advice: “Second-guess yourself as to what your priorities are. What seemed essential when you started planning will seem less so when the realities of your budget start to sink in and structural challenges may require changes to the space you had initially expected.

“There are so many big decisions to make along the way that when you finally come to the really important choices for finishes you will tend to be worn out and

unable or unwilling to make those decisions for items you will see and use every day. Pace yourself. Floors, cabinetry, colours, knobs, bathroom accessories and fixtures are really, really important; you need to take your time to choose as many as you can along the way rather than leaving it to the last minute when you are already exhausted with your renovation.”

While a celebrity guest at Calgary’s upcoming HomeExpo, Farr will talk about bathrooms. “They have gone beyond just being functional,” she says, and she’ll explore what is old, what is new and how to achieve a dreamy spa like space no matter what your budget.

She’s also looking forward to the Calgary visit and discovering this city’s unique design style. “I know that Calgary is a melting pot of culture, music, art, ballet, sports and of course the Stampede. I imagine the trend toward design with a little nostalgia that I see here will be evident there as well; a look back to the days when Calgary was a little slower, and life seemed simpler and a little wilder, too!” Farr says. “Design in Calgary must embrace and acknowledge the natural beauty that is so magnificent in that part of the country.”

Farr’s Love It or List It has attracted a large number of fans in Canada and the U.S including one very prominent individual: in Sunday’s New York Times, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton named Love It or List It as her favourite television show. Love It or List It airs on W Network in Canada and in the U.S. on HGTV US.


Casters have rolled up front and centre in home décor.Bar carts, kitchen trolleys and even mid-century modern coffee tables repurposed from industrial equipment make use of this handy and handsome piece of hardware.

by ELISA KROVBLIT

on a roll!

Shepard Hardware ProductsTwo-inch Hooded Ball Caster

Plate. Bright Chrome. $10.32/pairVisit homedepot.ca

update a piece on your own!

Yield coffee table $499. Visit cb2.ca

Antique Factory Trolley $620. Visit anthropologie.com

Libations Bar Cart $699. Visit crateandbarrel.ca

Boos End-Grain Butcher Block classic kitchen cart $1448.Visit williams-sonoma.ca

Scissor lift table - Restoration Hardware $995. Visit restorationhardware.com

FLYTTA kitchen cart $229.Visit ikea.ca

TIPSANDTRICKS


by HeatHer ryan

With a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and customer service it’s easy to see why many Calgarians have come to trust Jameswood Homes with their renovation and custom home-building projects.

Don James, owner and president of Jameswood Homes, is a journeyman cabinetmaker and journeyman carpenter with more than three decades of industry know-how. He and his team of professionals, who offer many years of hands-on experience, are dedicated to producing top-quality workmanship and exceeding customers’ expectations.

“We treat every project we build as if it was our own,” says James, noting the company is committed to honesty, integrity and providing the highest level of customer service by keeping customers informed throughout the entire process.

“We’re totally transparent about the costs of the project and provide our customers with detailed reporting on a regular basis,” he says, along with access to an online software program that streamlines communications, selections, expenses and approvals.

Jameswood Homes not only strives to maintain 100 per cent customer satisfaction, it backs up its workmanship with a two-year warranty. But James, former chairman of the Renovation Council, often goes beyond that: if customers call him past the warranty period with an issue, “we’ll often go back and, if it’s something involving our work, we’ll fix it.”

It’s this dedication to customer service and quality craftsmanship that has resulted in many repeat customers and referrals over the years.

Jameswood has completed many unique projects over the years from bridge building to restoring a century-old church. However, its specialties are renovations and additions to inner-city homes, as well as building custom homes.

A recent project was an addition to a 1950s bungalow in Richmond Park that proved challenging because the team had to match a brick style plaster so the walls would look the same in the new addition. “We were able to recreate the look so that you can’t tell the difference from the older section and the new,” James says

Jameswood Homes dedicated to top-quality

Workmanship, customer service

“That is what makes Don different than other renovators,” says operations manager Alex Sundin. “Because of his extensive hands-on experience, he is able to seamlessly incorporate authentic detail to maintain the original design of the home.”

Another recent project was a 1910 brick home that was transformed from three apartments into a single-family home. The Jameswood Homes experts gutted the home, brought the structure and mechanicals up to current day codes, added new insulation, windows and exterior, and crafted an interior to the customer’s desires including retaining the original look of the trim and floors. This project is one of several featured in the photo gallery at jameswoodhomes.com.

As a member of the Calgary Home Builders Association – Calgary Region, projects crafted by Jameswood Homes have earned two SAM Awards and have been a finalist nine times over the years. So, when you choose Jameswood Homes for your kitchen, bathroom or basement renovation, addition or custom build you’ll be tapping into the talents of an award-winning team resulting in something you’ll be proud to showcase for many years.

businessprofile Jameswood Homes inc.


• professional• trustworthy• quality results• attention to detail• attention to you

At Jameswood Homes, our team of renovation and custom home experts will help you turn your project into the space you’ve always dreamed of. As a leader in the Calgary custom home and renovation industry for over 30 years, the Jameswood name is one you can trust.

INC .

# 6 , 4 1 5 – 6 0 t h A v e n u e S EC a l g a r y, A B T 2 H 2 J 5

www.jameswoodhomes.com

RENOMARK

©

R ENOVATORS MARK OF EXCELLE N

C E

c o n t a c t u s t o d a y !4 0 3 . 2 4 6 . 6 5 0 6

tipsandtricks

Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. add Rickard's Oakhouse

beer to a small pot and bring to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce

the heat to a simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir

in a figure-eight pattern with a wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Transfer

fondue to warm fondue pot.

directions

› 1 bottle Rickard's Oakhouse› 2 1/2 cups, smoked gouda,

shredded› 1 cup gruyere, shredded

› 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour› a few drops of

Worcestershire sauce

ingredients

winter fondueOriginally from Switzerland, the fondue started

as a tasty way to use up leftover cheese. Today as well, there's nothing like a warm cheesy fondue to bring

together friends and family on a cold winter night. nc

warm up with a

Take a look at this tantalizing recipe created by Chef Michael P. Clive:

for serving

› 1 1/2 pounds cubed or thick sliced and browned sausage

› 1 head cauliflower, separated into florets, blanched

› 1 Red pepper, grilled, sliced› 1 small jar mini Gherkin

pickles, drained› 1 baguette, pumpernickel or

sour dough loaf, cubed

yourRenovations


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tipsandtricks

ExplorE thE great outdoors this wintErAs temperAtures drop, mAny CAnAdiAns Are

tempted to enter a sort of hibernation, abandoning the outdoor activities they love in favour of nights spent in the warmth of home. While the days may be shorter, you can still take advantage of the sunlight and enjoy the many parks, trails and conservation areas that are found across Canada.

“The Canadian landscape is breath-taking all year round, and Canadians should get outside and enjoy the beautiful natural environment no matter what the season,” says Mary Desjardins, the executive director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF). “However, it is important to be mindful of the natural environment when enjoying the great outdoors, especially if we want to protect it for generations to come.”

TD FEF recommends these tips to Canadians looking to explore the great outdoors this winter:» Maintain a zero footprint while outdoors to help keep the

environment pristine. Take all garbage with you, and don't disturb the natural environment any more than is necessary.

» Watch your step, and be sure to stay on marked trails. Many nature areas maintain marked trails – complete with guide signs and posts. Staying on marked trails will keep you from getting lost, and ensure you're not venturing onto marshes, protected habitats and other dangers that may be hidden beneath the snow fall.

» Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you're jogging outdoors during the winter. While you may not sweat as much as you do in the summer, it is important to keep hydrated when you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time.

» Bring a map, guidebook or mobile phone with you. If you are exploring an area for the first time, if the weather worsens, or you become disoriented you can find your way to safety.

TD FEF supports numerous trails and natural areas, helping to ensure that Canadians can enjoy the natural beauty of the environment year-round. To find a nature reserve or hiking trail in your area, or to find out more about TD FEF, visit www.fef.td.com

Mountain View Building Materials is Calgary’s Premiere supplier of natural wood/ and composite, Deck, Fence, and Exterior products. From large dimensional timbers, to traditional dimensional lumber. Look to the west… Look to Mountain View “Where Wood Makes the Difference”

Visit us at our Springbank location, 125 Commercial Court or at mountainviewbm.ca or Contact us at 403-242-0404


LIFE isn’t meant to be livedin BLACK AND WHITE

Urbanize your space at cedarglenhomes.com

U r b a n R e n o v a t i o n s

Remodelling your home can be a hectic and stressful experience. Our job is to take the burden off of you and leave you feeling at ease during the renovation process. Cedarglen’s over 30 years of experience are put into use in each and every one of our renovation projects. It’s the quality you expect from the builder you trust.

phone: 403-692-1223fax: 403-258-1120

[email protected]

*Contest rules available at Cedarglen Urban Renovations booth. This is a marketing document and subject to change without notification. In case of conflict between this document and a contract, the contract will prevail. 08/2012 E&OE.

businessprofile ultimate GaraGe

More than just a place to park your car, the discerning home-owner looks to enjoy a well organized space to both store the tools and have a well-equipped workspace. To meet those needs, “Ultimate Garage provides Calgarians with computer-generated interior design software, top-of-the-line

storage and organizational systems, and expert craftsmen to provide high-end remodeling solutions for all garages,” says Terry Tout, president, Ultimate Garage.

Since 2003, Ultimate Garage has helped enhance the value of homes by transforming and redesigning the garage space. If efficient storage is your main concern, Ultimate Garage carries a myriad of organizational equipment such as slat wall supplies and accessories, cabinetry that comes in stainless steel or wood with a variety of colour options, and their newest addition, a motor cycle lift that reaches six feet off the ground. If storing an extra recreational vehicle is your concern, and your garage is at least ten feet high, Ultimate Garage provides a full hydraulic car lift as well. For those sports enthusiast families, consider their snowboard or bike suspension racks.

For an improved work space, look to Ultimate Garage to outfit it with their space efficient fold away workbenches, or customize the area with full eight foot workstations. Choose cabinets from stock or special order your own. To fully enjoy working in your garage in the warmer seasons without the annoyance of pesty bugs, Ultimate Garage now carries a garage screen door that you can raise and lower as needed - with a pass-through door for easy access.

Ultimate Garage also remodels small commercial workspaces to suit your specific requirements.

To see what Ultimate Garage can do, look to the “Remodel It” show on CTV, wherein Ultimate Garage is the exclusive outfitter for the redesigned homes. As well, airing in January, “Remodel it! With Her” will profile a large custom garage makeover worth up to $40,000, an episode you won’t want to miss. The possibilities in a garage and workspace are limitless.

From simple wall storage to complete innovative engineered renovations, Ultimate Garage can meet the need. For more information visit their website at ultimategarage.ca, or head down to their shop for service and install on all products, or cash and carry, at #1 6303 Burbank Rd. SE, Calgary.

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

Not Just ANy GArAGe: Ultimate garage


Organization never looked ...or worked better!

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TIPSANDTRICKS

» Preheat oven to 375˚F

» Trim and then cut across into the stems of the brussel sprouts.

Blanch in boiling salted water until just tender - two or three minutes and then shock them in ice water.

» Drain and set aside.

» Add 1 tbsp. of the oil to a sauté pan or oven-proof skillet on low heat, and caramelize the onions. After approximately 10 minutes, when they are completely wilted and beginning to brown, add the

bacon. Stir frequently.

» Halve the brussel sprouts. When the bacon is beginning to brown and becoming just a little crisp

around the edges, add the sprouts to the pan and sauté them briefl y, allowing their water to deglaze the

pan. Then add the remaining oil, season and transfer to the oven.

» Roast for 30 minutes. If you choose, shave some pecorino

romano over top justbefore serving.

DIRECTIONS

» 1 dozen brussel sprouts

» 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

» 1/2 Spanish or vidalia onion

» 1/4 cup top-quality bacon cut into lardons

» Pinch of salt and a pinchof pepper

INGREDIENTS

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his way around a kitchen. He has cooked for Pope John Paul II, has hosted several Food Network programs, opened four successful restaurants, and has had a gourmet food store, aptly named McEwan, at The Shops at Don Millssince 2009. With 35-plus years inthe culinary industry, McEwan wasrecently head judge on TopChef Canada.

WITH BACON

Brussel Sprouts

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With a new year revving up, homeowners start their annual ‘first of the year’ search for new home products and ideas, and know that it’s important to ‘get crackin’ on it to get the products and contractors they need, when they need them.

And that’s what HOMEXPO delivers! Suppliers, contractors and builders, all under one roof for three days. And FREE PARKING for the first 300 cars!

Kitchen and Bath renovator, John Sillaots is making his annual return to answer the neverending questions about the most important areas of the home – the kitchen and the bathroom!

The firstconsumer

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Don’t miss our live presentationstage featuring designer andstar of ‘Love It or List It’on the W Network,

MsHilary Farr

As A stAger, spAce is the most chAllenging design dilemmA i deAl with on a daily basis. There is also questionable paint colours, semi-naked artwork and rolled-arm furniture but this article will be about space.

Many houses have rooms without a clear purpose or they are strangely shaped or they are too large or small. It is rare that a residential floor plan that it is so well designed that every space is perfect. I am not sure I have ever seen it in all the years I have been staging and decorating houses because we all use each space in our homes differently.

If a room does not have an obvious purpose and let’s say it has 4 walls and none of them are the same measurements one needs to be created depending on the needs of the home owner. Perhaps it becomes a home office or a library or a yoga retreat. If a room is too large, separate seating and conversational zones are going to be necessary so the room is functional.

FEATURE

by lAurA le

Space...the interior frontier


Over the past several years dining rooms have become a thing of the past. People prefer a large dining area that is part of both the kitchen and the family room. This open space allows for intimate dining and large dinner parties because they are not restricted by the walls, just the size of your table and the amount of friends and family you have that all get along.

Formal living rooms also seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur and have been replaced by the “great room”. I personally think a large great room is a much better use of the square footage. Formal living rooms, as well as dining rooms are used very rarely and necessitate the purchase of furniture for a space that is largely unused. My son had a friend in high school that was not allowed to go into the living room/dining room because his Mom’s insistence that the vacuum lines remain undisturbed. My son was not aware of this and walked into the afore mentioned rooms eating a sandwich. His friend nearly had a heart attack and quickly got the vacuum out and repaired the damage made by the foot prints and possibility of bread crumbs.

I have to say I do admire the parenting

a large great room is a much better use of the square footage. formal living rooms, as well as dining rooms are used very rarely and necessitate the purchase of furniture for a space that is largely unused


lAurA le creative enhancement inc.

laura le has owned creative enhancement for about seven years. laura completed courses with accredited staging professionals(asp), canadian staging. professionals(csp) and canadian redesign association (crda). creative enhancement has been a member of the bbb since 2005. phone 403.807.8591 email [email protected] | www.creativeenhancement.ca

staging a space is all about creating an

atmosphere that inspires buyers to purchase

the property

skills of this particular mother it seems a bit over the top.

Every house should reflect the occupants of the home and if the choice is made to make the dining room a home gym it is not the wrong choice. Unless you are selling then it is a problem. When putting your home on the real estate market every room needs to be what it is supposed to be. A weight bench, treadmill and an elliptical are not conducive to dining and may inspire guilt in potential buyers that are not on the same path. It is acceptable to have all the workout equipment in a secondary bedroom or the lower level of the house. The same principal applies if there is a desk or home office in the master bedroom. I am not entirely sure this is ever a great idea but if that is how it needs to be it is okay. When selling, the master bedroom needs to a retreat and having a desk in the space covered with work and household bills does not inspire rest and relaxation. Staging a space is all about creating an atmosphere that inspires buyers to purchase the property.

The most important issue when designing, decorating or staging a home is that is every space makes sense to the people living there or to the potential buyers wishing to live there.


For Those Who Value Luxury, Quality And Exceptional Design403.203.7676 + [email protected] + albirenova.com

2 Albi Renova Luxury Renovations | www.albirenova.com

“I can’t put my finger on it, but this reno feels different... Better.... more comfortable. I love the design and the materials, but it’s also more than that. I don’t know how I know. But I can

tell it’s just built better, like it was designed for my family.”

www.albirenova.com | Albi Renova Luxury Renovations 3


Step 1 Connect with Albi Renova via albirenova.com or 403.203.7676. An advisor will discuss how we can help, how much it could cost, how long the

design realistically takes and how long construction could take. It is always a good

start to Visit any Albi Homes Show Home and get Inspired.

Step 2 We will Love to see your Home and Meet you in Person. Our Advisor will visit your home and discuss the Design Process and discuss a best

guess budget based on your wish list and tastes.

Step 3Every Renovation starts with Design! Trust Albi Renova’s many years of Design experience to create your dream space.

Our Goal is to eliminate any guess work up front, so working with our advanced 3-D

Design Software, we present to you a near realistic view of what your home will look

like once completed.

Step 4Get it in writing! Using your Unique Design, we can now create an accurate estimate and specification

that will determine everything that is included in your project, in writing.

Step 5You are now ready to begin making detailed selections! Let’s discuss and determine a suitable start date.

Thinking of Renovating?

Our #1 Focus is to continually look for ways to improve the Client Experience, it is Always our Goal to have a Happy client,

a Great product and in the end, Earn their Referral.


You Dream it. We’ll Design it.

Luxury Home Renovations Begin With Quality Design.At Albi Renova, we believe that the quality of a finished home renovation is a direct result

of the quality and time that goes into the up-front design and planning process.

We work closely with you to understand what you are looking for, your needs, your likes

and dislikes and, of course, your budget. We then develop a design plan, providing you

a near-realistic 3-dimensional view of what your finished renovation will look like. Now

you can not only dream it and imagine it, you can actually see it before a hammer has

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businessprofile manor renovations

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

When Calgarians start looking for a reliable and trustworthy renovation company, Manor

Renovations frequently comes to mind. Manor’s passion for building and commitment to expert craftsmanship has maintained the test of time and a long list of happy satisfied clients (often with repeat customers). Word of mouth referrals, the ultimate compliment, brings new business Manor’s way.

Manor understands clients’ anxieties and excitement when considering a transformation of their home, as well as the clients’ hope to redesign their home with personal style, comfort, and character. Expert attention to design specifications and open communication with clients throughout the project is always Manor’s priority. “We want our clients to have the renovation they’ve dreamed of so we act with integrity and strive to earn the trust of all of our stakeholders - we bring all the best of available technologies and workmanship, to ensure the finest renovation job possible,” says Rick Stimpson, general

passion and Commitment: Manor renoVationS

manager, Manor Renovations. With an obsession for building things

right, Manor’s tenured skilled tradesman have a reputation for superior workmanship. “Our Journeyman carpenters and all our trades take pride in what they do, and it shows,” says Stimpson. Manor is only satisfied with the finished job when their client is completely satisfied. “Our biggest indicator of success and a job well done comes from the feedback we receive from our clients,” says Stimpson.

As well, Manor, as a large scale renovation company, has significant buying power, thus passing on savings to their clients. Manor boasts a 24 hour guaranteed call back from initial contact, a free in-home consultation, a seven day policy for quote presentation and review, and visits to current job sites for prospective clients, so the client can see the quality of work Manor prides themselves in at every stage of the renovation. Manor seals their work with a two year written warranty and a job done well, one that exceeds the client’s imagination.

With over 20 years of experience in renovations from simple bathroom makeovers to full additions and complete home makeovers, their commitment to environmental conscientiousness, and multiple professional associations and memberships, Manor is prepared to make your dream a reality.

To learn more about Manor Renovations view their website, manorrenovations.com.


R enovating your home wil l be one of your greatest accomplishments, but at the same time it can be very overwhelming. Which t i le is best for

my bathroom décor… which fi nish should I get for my custom cabinets? We are here to make your job easier . Our dedicated sales , administration and tradespeople are part of your team… with on-staff designers and a design center to inspire and guide you, you can rest assured that in the end you wil l love where you l ive.

Manor Renovations would like to thank our proud business partners

N NN NLove Where You Live

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403-770-7489

for the holiDaysanD the new year

by heAther rYAN

If you’re planning on entertaining family and friends over the holiday season or getting tired of the same old look, it’s a good time to update your décor and kick the new year off right.“A lot of people cocoon over the winter and they wait

until spring to start any projects, but really it’s a good time to get any interior painting done,” says Gregg Gaffney, owner of About Painting. “It’s also nice to do it early, particularly now because you can still get the painting done before your company arrives for Christmas, or you can do it January or February and give your home a fresh new look as a great start to the new year.”

Gaffney says it’s also more cost-effective to do painting over the winter months as his company typically discounts paint projects starting at the end of November until around the end of February.

As for what colours will be trendy in the new year, Gaffney says: “Taupe is still hanging around as a popular choice; it’s been eight or nine years so that’s a long cycle, but we’re now seeing some movement to pastels and lighter colours. Yellow is coming back and we’re seeing more grey tones.

“The average person still doesn’t know what to do for colour and many are afraid to use darker colours, but we can help customers by giving them ideas that can work with their décor,” he says. “The worst thing people can do is to go with the same colour throughout the whole house; we suggest mixing things up adding different colours and doing feature walls.”

On large projects where customers are having diffi culty choosing their colour scheme, Gaffney will enlist the assistance of a designer to work with the homeowners and provide helpful advice.

Whether you’ve decided to go with pastels or bright colours, adding a fresh coat of paint is often an inexpensive way to give new life to your home, he says.

“A great way to get a new look for your home is with fl ooring,” says Guy Fawcett, owner of Distinctive Floors. “Area rugs are a big trend right now as so many people doing renovations are taking out carpet and going with tile and hardwood; in fact, Calgary is probably the hardwood

capital of North America.“Many people don’t realize until they get the tile or

hardwood installed that sound actually echoes more. Adding an area rug will help deaden the sound,” he says. “It will also add warmth and anchor or defi ne a space or room.”

There are many different fabrics – wool, synthetic fi bres, polyesters and tight twist nylons – textures and colours to choose from to meet any budget, “which makes

Get a new lookFEATURE


area rugs an attractive choice,” Fawcett says. “Taupes and greys are still popular but we’re seeing more sage and olive greens with accent colours like purple, and teal is making a comeback. You can also add more colour to the room with throws, cushions and candles.”

“For Christmas,” he says, “consider adding a decorative area rug in greens and reds and change it to warm winter colours for the new year. We also see a lot of people doing fl oor renovations in January and February because they want to start the year off with a fresh look for their home.”

As for tile, Fawcett says, “I’ve never seen so

on page 34

pictured

interior house painting.

photo supplieDby aboutpainting ltD.

on page 35

pictured topleft & right

residential railing before (right) andafter (left).

photo supplieDby aboutpainting ltD.

picturedbottom

modern look for a kitchen backsplash.

photo supplieDby DistinCtive floors


many options for fl oors, walls and backsplashes. Oversized subway tiles are popular for walls and backsplashes and we’re seeing lots of glass and mosaic tiles in different colours, sizes and textures that really add a wow factor.”

Distinctive Floors has also expanded into window coverings, and Fawcett says with so many new fabrics, colours and designs available today, homeowners can easily give any room a different look by opting for something new.

So what happens if the in-laws decide to visit this Christmas and you have no place to put them? Innovative Bed Systems has the answer with a wall bed you can pull down when guests arrive and conveniently fl ip out of the way when not in use.

“It makes any room multi-functional

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because it can turn your home office, workout room, etc., into a guest room at Christmas. You can have matching cabinets built around it, with night stands, a desk or a sofa,” says Fred Burley, owner of Innovative Bed Systems. “The sofa wall bed is great because the arms of the sofa go right to the wall, you just remove the cushions and the bed comes down over the sofa so you have the convenience of a bed out of view with the comfort of a regular bed.”

Wall beds come in twin, double or queen sizes in several different colours. It’s a great way to maximize your space and you can get one installed before Christmas or add a new look to the home after the holidays.

If you want to be a little more ambitious, what better way to welcome the new year than with a renovation project for your home that will add square footage, lifestyle and value?

“Christmas is a busy time of year with people having family and friends over to celebrate the holidays, but it’s also a trigger point because you’re hit by the fact that you’re suddenly desperate for space,” says Joe Cowie, director with Corefront Custom Renovations. “A lot of people don’t think about developing their basement until they realize they don’t have extra room for overnight guests and entertaining.

“People pay a lot of money for their home, but they’re not using a good percentage of it,” he says. “Developing the basement is the best dollar spent on return for your lifestyle because it’s usually the most personalized and customized area of the house.”

When designing your basement you

can plan spaces that allow you to enjoy your hobby such as adding a workshop, a craft room or a pool table; indulge your dreams by creating a media room, wet bar or wine room; and meet your needs by developing office, guest bedroom and an extra bathroom.

“The great thing about a basement reno is that you add square footage to the house without having to build out or add on, plus it’s not disruptive like some other renovation projects; you can still live in your home while the

on page 36

pictured top

Classic marble- Distinctive in any room.

photo supplieD by DistinCtive floors

pictured bottom left

sofa wall bed , substance and style at an affordable price.

photo supplieD by

innovative beD systems

pictured bottom right

home office turn any room into a spare bedroom in seconds.

photo supplieD by

innovative beD systems

on page 37

pictured top

add a new look to your home with a basement renovation.

photo supplieD by Corefront Custom renovations

pictured bottom

a basement renovation allows you to enjoy your hobby like a pool/games room.

photo supplieD by Corefront Custom renovations

if you want to be a little more ambitious, what better way to welCome the new year than with a renovation projeCt for your home that will aDD square footage, lifestyle anD value?

39

work is being done,” Cowie says.He notes that according to the Appraisal Institute of

Canada the rate of return for a basement development is 80 to 100 per cent, “so that’s an impressive way to add value to your home.

“What better gift to get at Christmas than for you to open a box and see a preliminary plan for your new basement?” he says. “You can start planning now and do the renovation in January or February giving your home a new look for the new year.”

A very simple and inexpensive way to spruce up your home – and you can easily do it before guests arrive for Christmas cheer or as away to kick-start the new year – is by transforming your bathroom mirror from drab to fab by adding a frame around it for a touch of class.

“Adding a frame will turn a plain mirror into an attractive focal point,” says John McCruden, owner of Frame Your Mirror, who sells kits that offer 15 styles of solid wood laminate decorative frames. “The frames can be customized to fit any mirror up to nine feet wide and nine feet high, are relatively inexpensive (a standard five-foot by three-foot frame costs $190) and simple to install; they require no special tools or skills.

“It essentially gives the room a new look and it’s a great way to finish off a renovation and preserve the mirror,” he says.

pictured

AboVe (after)

& below (before)

transform your plain mirror, without removing it from the wall no special tools

or talent required!

photo supplieD by frame your mirror.

transform your plain

mirror, without

removing it from the wall

no special tools

or talent required!

DON’T REMOVE IT

FRAME IT!

AFTER

[email protected] toll free: (403) 451-1338www.frameyourmirror.ca

BEFORE

Innovative Bed Systems403-945-1882 3 99 East Lake Cres. Airdriewww.innovativebedsystems.com

Get a custom designed wall bed or sofa wall bed

for your home today!

Don’t WasteYour Space!


by SILVANA LONGO

TIPSANDTRICKS

GIFTS FROMTHE HEART2012 GIFT GUIDEWhether they dress up ahome or make the world a better place, these gifts willhelp you spread the joy this holiday season.

HOME sweet HOME

01

02

03

05

01 Diptyque 6.5 ounce Candle, $82. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM 02 Colanders, $24.99 each. VISIT TRUDEAU.CA 03 Unikko Tea Pot, $87. VISIT EQ3.COM 04 Lilac Linen Napkins, set of four, $24.50. Beaded Flower Napkin Ring, $4.50. VISIT CHAPTERS-INDIGO.CA 05 & 06 Vintage Cocktails, $50 & Perfect Start to your Day, Breakfast & Brunch, $19.95 VISIT ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM 07 Chenille Throw, orange, $59. VISIT URBANBARN.COM 08 Ruffl ed Pie Dish, $49.99 (raspberry or yellow). VISIT EMILEHENRY.COM. 09 Cuisipro Garnishing Grater, $29.99. VISIT CUISIPRO.COM

06

09

08

04

07


FOR HIM

01 MasterCraft Stud Finder, $59.99. VISIT CANADIANTIRE.CA 02 Man Cave Hanging Sign, $24.99. VISIT CANADIANTIRE.CA03 Stanley Fatmax 1/2-inch Impact Wrench, $149.99. VISIT CANADIANTIRE.CA 04 Dads are the Original Hipsters, $14.95. VISIT URBANBARN.COM 05 Private Label Men’s Terry Robe, $150. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM 06 Holt Renfrew Men’s Cashmere V-Neck, $240. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM

01 02

0304

05

06


FOR HER

01 Return to Tiffany Heart Tag in RUBEDO on a sterling silver bracelet chain, $525. VISIT TIFFANY.COM 02 Marc by Marc Jacobs Makeup Case,$98. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM 03 Unstructured Suede Bag, red, $99.99. VISIT WINNERS.CA 04 Ruched Gloves, $24.97. VISIT SEARS.CA 05 Cara Double Teardrop Earrings, $35. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM 06 Echo Tech Neck Warmer, $52. VISIT HOLTRENFREW.COM

0102

03

04

05

06

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QA reader wrote saying they were planning to take out a building permit to update the window sizes in their legal secondary suite and asked if

they will also need to upgrade every other aspect of their secondary suite to the current requirements of the Alberta Building Code (example: installing a second heating system dedicated to the secondary suite)?

tipsandtricks

A Section 9.37. of the Alberta Building Code deals with

situations where a new secondary suite will be added to a new house at the time of construction or to an existing house as a renovation.

For a legal secondary suite that existed prior to December 31, 2006, the homeowner would not be required to meet all the requirements of the current Alberta Building Code, however the homeowner would need to perform the work necessary to ensure that the existing secondary suite met the requirements of the Alberta Fire Code (which came into effect on December 31, 2008.

For details on situations involving the upgrading requirements for existing secondary suites, please refer to Fire STANDATA FCI-08-07 at http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_secondary_suites.cfm or contact the Safety Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs toll-free at 1.866.421.6929.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial building code affects their projects. Email your questions to me at [email protected]. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case I need to follow up with you.

by MichAel Nyikes

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 [email protected]

Decoding thecode


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AFTER

BEFORE


RENOMARK

by BRYAN TUCKEY

BRYAN TUCKEYBryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the creators of RenoMark, and can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/renomark_ca), Facebook (facebook.com/renomark), YouTube and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN CANADA THIS TIME OF

year, you’ve no doubt felt the frosty chill as we prepare ourselves for yet another Canadian winter!

December is a time when most Canadians are preoccupied with holiday-related concerns, but some homeowners have quietly been on the phone or at their computers looking for the perfect contractors for their home renovations this spring.

That’s right, as I have mentioned in some of my previous columns, a professional renovator with a good reputation must be booked months in advance, so it’s important to do your research early. This involves selecting a short list of contractors that you feel are best suited to your needs, and invite them to sell their services to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to see examples of previous work.

A great place to start is the completely redesigned website renomark.ca – home of the national RenoMark program.

RenoMark is a program originally started by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) back in 2001 to differentiate professional renovators from underground contractors.

The RenoMark brand stands behind professional renovators who have all agreed to a Code of Ethics, as well as a renovation-specific Code of Conduct that includes offering a minimum two-year warranty on all work, carrying a minimum of $2 million liability insurance, providing a detailed written contract for all jobs and returning all phone calls within two business days.

The program was so well-received by homeowners that it immediately garnered interest from nearby provinces and today, the program is administered across eight provinces in more than 38 regional areas, each with its own searchable database of professional renovators

Just visit renomark.ca and see if the program is available in your area, then start searching!

Another great way to check for credibility is to see whether the company has won any awards recognizing the

Renovation demand heats up as weather cools down

quality of its work. Many home builders’ associations, including BILD, hold annual awards ceremonies honouring the best renovation projects in various categories. These awards are judged by a team of experts and believe me, the criteria is quite strict.

Last but not least, use your own judgement. If a renovator can’t sell himself to you, then perhaps you should move on to the next candidate. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so you want to put it in the hands of someone you trust.

If ever during the renovation process you need to address a change or concern, you should be able to talk to your renovator without hesitation. A professional contractor understands this and will do his best to ensure that your needs are addressed immediately.

These are all qualities of a professional renovator. You can find plenty at renomark.ca but I suggest you start early.

Don’t let the snow on the ground fool you. Renovation season is a lot closer than you think!

46

RENOMARK

by BRYAN TUCKEY

BRYAN TUCKEYBryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the creators of RenoMark, and can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/renomark_ca), Facebook (facebook.com/renomark), YouTube and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN CANADA THIS TIME OF

year, you’ve no doubt felt the frosty chill as we prepare ourselves for yet another Canadian winter!

December is a time when most Canadians are preoccupied with holiday-related concerns, but some homeowners have quietly been on the phone or at their computers looking for the perfect contractors for their home renovations this spring.

That’s right, as I have mentioned in some of my previous columns, a professional renovator with a good reputation must be booked months in advance, so it’s important to do your research early. This involves selecting a short list of contractors that you feel are best suited to your needs, and invite them to sell their services to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to see examples of previous work.

A great place to start is the completely redesigned website renomark.ca – home of the national RenoMark program.

RenoMark is a program originally started by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) back in 2001 to differentiate professional renovators from underground contractors.

The RenoMark brand stands behind professional renovators who have all agreed to a Code of Ethics, as well as a renovation-specific Code of Conduct that includes offering a minimum two-year warranty on all work, carrying a minimum of $2 million liability insurance, providing a detailed written contract for all jobs and returning all phone calls within two business days.

The program was so well-received by homeowners that it immediately garnered interest from nearby provinces and today, the program is administered across eight provinces in more than 38 regional areas, each with its own searchable database of professional renovators

Just visit renomark.ca and see if the program is available in your area, then start searching!

Another great way to check for credibility is to see whether the company has won any awards recognizing the

Renovation demand heats up as weather cools down

quality of its work. Many home builders’ associations, including BILD, hold annual awards ceremonies honouring the best renovation projects in various categories. These awards are judged by a team of experts and believe me, the criteria is quite strict.

Last but not least, use your own judgement. If a renovator can’t sell himself to you, then perhaps you should move on to the next candidate. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so you want to put it in the hands of someone you trust.

If ever during the renovation process you need to address a change or concern, you should be able to talk to your renovator without hesitation. A professional contractor understands this and will do his best to ensure that your needs are addressed immediately.

These are all qualities of a professional renovator. You can find plenty at renomark.ca but I suggest you start early.

Don’t let the snow on the ground fool you. Renovation season is a lot closer than you think!

tipsandtricks

vanessa gash, LEEd aP safety Codes offiCer - residentialBuilding regulations division development and Building approvals

Vanessa Gash is a Residential Plans Examiner with the Building Regulations division at the City of Calgary. She is a graduate in architectural Engineering Technology from College of the north atlantic and spent a number of years with various architectural firms and homebuilders in Calgary.

eaCh day in residential plans an examiner is

dedicated to fielding phone inquiries from the public regarding building code issues. Since many topics frequently recur, I thought this a good opportunity to discuss some of the maintenance related issues we often hear.

Roofing, exterior cladding and window replacement (in existing openings) are common single family residential projects that are considered maintenance. They do not require a building permit but should be installed to both minimum Code requirements and also to manufacturer’s recommendations. As a consumer it pays to be informed and knowledgeable about the products you choose, the installation and the contractor you select to do the job. It is always recommended to ‘get it in writing’ when hiring a contractor. A written contract enables you to get what you expect and gives you a measure of recourse to ensure that deficiencies are corrected.

The hail damage experienced this past summer spurred many calls regarding roofing standards and requirements. The Alberta Building Code (ABC) stipulates only the minimum requirement for safety. Best practices and industry standards are often above the bare minimum of what is required. Although you may prefer these higher standards, your insurance company may not be obligated to provide anything above the minimum requirement and/or replace what currently exists. If you are unsure which you are receiving you may need to discuss your policy with your agent or broker.

One common misconception with roofing is that felt is required over the entire roof surface beneath shingles. In fact, the minimum ABC requirement is asphalt-saturated sheathing paper. Two layers of felt may be used for the required eave protection on the first 900mm of the roof slope but is not required or necessarily recommended on the entire roof. Another common misconception with roofing is regarding the required locations for flashing. The ABC requires flashing at all intersections, roof valleys, penetrations, chimney and other elements such as walls. It does not require flashing be installed along the roof edge. In this location the ABC requires only that the lower edge of the starter strip extends 12mm beyond the eaves and rake of the roof. It must be fastened along the bottom edge every 300mm. In addition to ABC requirements it is also important to take a look also at the manufacturer’s recommendations for the particular product you are using. This is the best source of information for how to install their product to achieve the optimum performance and product warranty.

Window openings are another area where confusion

exists regarding flashing. Often a customer will call and notice that their new windows have been installed without proper flashings. According to the ABC flashings are required to minimize the ingress of water at the horizontal junction of different finishes. They should extend upward a minimum of 50mm (2”) behind the sheathing membrane and provide a minimum 25mm (1”) end dam at flashing terminations. Integral flashings within a specific manufacturers window may improve its performance but do not eliminate the need to meet this building code requirement. Since simple window replacements in single family homes do not require a permit, it is up to you the consumer to ensure that the contractor installs these flashings.

Sometimes it is tempting to pick up the newest product that claims to solve all of your problems. Anytime you choose a product for your greatest investment it is advisable to do your research first. Is the product appropriate for our climate? We live in a global market. With so many large retailers supplying our stores from other locations in the world, can we be sure that a product produced in another jurisdiction will stand up to the weather conditions we experience here? For example, rubberized coatings are available today that can be painted over stucco and claim many wonderful things. Unfortunately, by ignoring established building science principles, they can do much more harm than good. In our climate, a vapour barrier must be installed on the warm side of the insulation. Installing some of these coatings can create a situation where the coating behaves as a second vapour barrier and actually traps moisture inside your wall system. This can lead to deterioration and potential failure of the entire wall. This is just one example of why it is essential that you confirm that a product has been approved for use in Canada. The National Research Council (NRC) conducts testing of many products through the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC). Whether the product is a finish or a building material if in doubt, take a visit to their website www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca and search for a CCMC Evaluation Report on your product. You can also check the product literature for a CSA or Canadian ULC listing.

When doing home improvements, research and knowledge will help you get the results you expect and ultimately protect your investment. As always if you have Building Code related questions a residential plans examiner is happy to assist you by calling 311.

by vanessa gash

Building code requirements for maintenance


FEATURE

The tantalizing

of an empty spacepotential

by mickey foulds

if you are fortunate enough to escape the

snow for a lovely tropical getaway where you will not only be basking in the sunshine but also shopping at delightful local markets filled with irresistible artifacts and memorabilia to bring back with you, please stop before you buy and give your home a thought. Before you purchase that oversized Mexican hat, or that intriguing

and carefully crafted sculpture ask yourself where in your home it belongs.

Too often we are seduced by that fabulous piece of furniture, that “must have” set of accessories or piece of art and acquire them without sparing a thought for exactly where they will be placed in your space. There are far too many oversized sofas forced into bay window areas, or


morning rays streaming in through the windows early in the day, and mellow light softening the shadows later in the afternoon. Note the design of the fireplace, the height of the mantle.

Look for features that break up larger rooms into smaller areas, such as changes in ceiling heights or floor levels, placement of windows, pillars or half walls, as well as spaces that lead into one another.

Try to define the style of the home and consider whether the current paint colours and finishes are appropriate, and whether they work with your furniture and aesthetic.

If you have been in the home for a while and feel as though some of your rooms just don’t feel quite right, empty them and start over again. Assess the

gargantuan bar stools encroaching upon living spaces. There are pieces of art that are too small or hung too high, or so many collectibles that they end up looking like clutter and become overwhelming.

Successful interior style and design is sympathetic and sensitive to the actual architecture of the space.

Think about the first time you walked into your home when it was empty. Just walls, doors, windows and floors, and probably the light fixtures - a blank slate waiting for your furniture and belongings to make it your own. When potential buyers or renters walk through a vacant property and decide that this will become their home, there is something about it that appeals to them.

An empty house has a voice. The architectural features, style and characteristics need to be heard to create a beautiful interior. Take the time to listen. Observe the details in the trim, the placement of doors and windows. Notice the vaulted ceiling, the bay window or a decorative niche. Take the time to look at the view through a window and the sightlines down hallways. Watch the passage of natural light– bright


space and identify the focal the point. This could be a lovely view through a window or a charming fireplace. Look at the architectural features – well designed homes are often sculptures in their own right – and extend that into your design. Be attentive to the style and note whether there are elements of, for example, craftsman or more traditional styles, or whether it is sleek and contemporary with beautiful clean lines. Embrace empty space and do not fill every corner and especially not every cabinet top. Cluttered and overly

“decorated” homes feel as though they cannot breathe. Each wall does not need to have something hanging from it. Play with the incoming light once you have seen where it lands, and find decorative elements to accentuate it, such as reflective or glass surfaces. If the space itself is an issue in that there is not enough of it, turn to the strategies used by professionals – use glass tables, sofas that have longer legs so the space beneath can be seen, harmonious low contrast colour schemes and creative storage solutions.

Try To define The sTyle of The home and consider wheTher The currenT painT colours and finishes are appropriaTe, and wheTher They work wiTh your furniTure and aesTheTic


mickey foulds msc cid crss metamorphosis design ltd.phone 403.651.3462 email [email protected]

Do the colours flow seamlessly from room to room, and are the fixtures and fittings of consistent, complementary styles throughout? Do the window treatments actually enhance your windows, or simply cover them up? Maybe this is where to start when planning renovations – create an intrinsically beautiful shell, sufficient to itself, before filling it with “stuff”. If you can accomplish this (consider obtaining the advice of a decorating professional for ideas if this is a challenge), you will need far less furniture and accessories to create a perfect place, and the investment in the property will yield a return in the years to come.

Find inspiration by viewing professionally staged homes – real estate stagers are experts at enhancing

embrace empTy space and

do noT fill every corner

and especially noT every

cabineT Top

the architectural features of a house.So as you travel the world - or closer to home,

wander through HomeSense - and you find those great new products, remember to stop and think

“What would my house be asking for?”


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4

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6 Printed Boucle pillow cover $51.19. VISIT WESTELM.COM

IT’S BEEN CHROME, CHROME AND MORE CHROME FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS AND NOW THE TREND IS SHIFTING TO A MORE REFINED AND SOPHISTICATED ACCENT METAL.TIME TO BRING HOME THE GOLD.

by ELISA KROVBLIT

BRINGING HOME

GOLDthe

The nexttime you say‘You’re worth your weight in gold,” keep in mind that gold

is currently worth over

$25,000 a pound.

1

2 3

5 6


a cOMMOn THRead aMOnG ManY

clients is space, or lack of. The closets are too small, the bathroom vanity provides no storage, the kid’s toys are taking over the house, there is just not enough room, and we need a bigger house!! Those are but a few of the statements I hear regularly. The question posed most often is, where and how to store all that is

Space, it's biggerthan you think

by adene lucas

acquired through life? The trick is to do so in a way that is functional and yet aesthetically pleasing.

Space is a relative concept, so to defi ne a small space really depends on how and where you live. It’s a relative term because in North America we have tons of space and we accumulate a lot as a result of the need to fi ll that space. It seems as though no matter how much space we have, it’s never enough. The larger the home, the more stuff is acquired. I recently met with a client who went from a typical great room over the garage style house in suburbia to a 3 bedroom condominium. For him, the place felt small and cramped, yet he found it consoling that he had shed a lot of the extra responsibility that a

FEATURE


larger home entails. He also found comfort in the smaller space, recognizing it was all he really needed. Another case in point is a friend of mine who moved out of the family home into a bachelor suite. At first it was an adjustment, but now there is ease being in the small space, nothing extra, just what she needs. Bigger and more, are not synonymous with better and happier but we often overlook that while viewing large houses or flipping through the latest décor magazine that showcases a beautiful big home void of any spatial issues. We look with envy and dream of a walk-in closet and a grand kitchen island.

Now back to reality. If you had a closet that wasn’t crammed and heaping with clothes you would be alright without the walk in closet. If space is truly an issue in your home it’s time to look for options that give the illusion of space and provide solutions for storage. Before buying anything, assess what you have, what is essential, what can be purged and what objects can be used for storage? Once that has been established it’s much easier to continue with the process. Take inventory and evaluate what your needs are. Is it clutter busting, organizational systems, or simply effective furniture placement that crowds your space?

My first suggestion to create more space is to use vertical space, look up; there are always plenty of bare walls overhead. You could use floating shelves to display collections or store anything from books to magazines. Shelves are great for that dead space over a headboard in a bedroom, up high in a hallway to store infrequently used vases and the like. Installing shelving under the stairs, kitchen pantry, office, laundry room and back entryway is a great use of wasted space. The bathroom can also have smaller styled shelves to house extra supplies or decorative items. Think of using stacking containers underneath bath vanities as to not waste the height and double up on storage. If the shelving’s main purpose is to store items, consider housing like with like or use decorative boxes and jars to create a more consistent neat look. Otherwise, the storage solution becomes another concern as the shelving will appear cluttered.

If floor space is an issue, clear plastic, Lucite, or glass are all great materials to use in furniture for smaller spaces because they don’t take up any visual weight. They appear light and create a false impression of space. A set of three Lucite nesting tables in the living room is ideal or a mirrored hutch in the entranceway with drawers provides more storage, reflects light and keeps the hallway a bit


Space iS a relative concept, So to define a Small Space really dependS on how and where you live. it’S a relative term becauSe in north america we have tonS of Space and we accumulate a lot aS a reSult of the need to fill that Space. it SeemS aS though no matter how much Space we have, it’S never enough.

glamorous while still being functional. Try to find double duty pieces that are purposeful while still pleasing to the eye. An ottoman with storage is one such classic piece. If the space can’t fit an ottoman, try storage cubes which can house extra books, blankets or toys. Dressers used as night as tables in a bedroom is another clever way of maximizing storage. Rather than one open shelf or a cabinet as a night stand you can now have 3 or 4 full drawers.

If space is really an issue, put one set of drawers on one side of the bed or two smaller night tables with drawers. Consider mounting a light on the wall to leave table top space open. For the living area, contemplate purchasing a long, low profile TV stand that has drawers beneath it. That way you can house DVD’s and the cords are tucked away. You may have enough space along the sides of the unit to place something decorative. In the kitchen think about drop leaf tables that can easily expand. An added bench with a few throw cushions for additional seating can be used when company arrives. Speaking of company, a sofa bed is another double duty piece that a small space needs. The idea of a spare bedroom is the ultimate waste of space. Keeping a bedroom unused on the off chance you have guests is not very practical. Create an office with a day bed or have a sofa bed with wall-mounted TV, to provide additional living space. When guests arrive,


adene lucas www.accentondesigninc.ca | 403.651.7491

when it comeS to color, lighter ShadeS open up Space. greenS, blueS, greyS, yellowS and creamS are colorS to

conSider in a Small Space. remember to paint the ceiling the Same Shade aS

it createS a very coheSive look and wrapS the color around the room.

unfold the bed and voila the space serves as a guest room.

People in small spaces fear size. I don’t mean large spaces but large objects. The notion that a small area must contain small furniture is a bit of a myth. One large striking piece will anchor the room, create visual interest and throw off the whole “small space” dynamic. Think of a big chandelier hung over a small dining table. The fixture would have impact and draw your eye upwards. A large area rug in a bold pattern can create the same effect. An oversized mirror or significant piece of art at the end of a narrow hallway will also trick the eye. The theory is akin to petite woman wearing large jewellery, we call a statement piece. It catches your eye and creates a bit of drama. Just because you’re in a smaller space doesn’t mean you have to live small, you just have to choose very wisely.

When it comes to color, lighter shades open up space. Greens, blues, greys, yellows and creams are colors to consider in a small space. Remember to paint the ceiling the same shade as it creates a very cohesive look and wraps the color around the room. A monochromatic scheme also works nicely in a small space. By using the same, tone, tint or color throughout, the space will flow and feel very connected. Of course you can always do something bold and apply a daring wall covering or splash of paint to create a striking look. However you choose to decorate in a small space, it needs to reflect your style only a bit neater and more organized…


Shell BuSey: aSk a pro

silencing noisy

plumbingby Shell BuSey

a plumBing SyStem may produce any numBer of

noises – but it shouldn’t. Each noise tells you something about what is calling out for correction. You just have to interpret the sound to apply the cure.

A “chattering noise” when a faucet is turned on or off, can be most annoying, and may make you think that the whole system is about to come apart at the seams. It is not usually all that serious; the problem is likely within the faucet itself.

First, check to make sure that the faucet washer is tightly screwed to the stem. If the washer is worn, it should be replaced even though the faucet is not leaking. Also inspect the threads on the back stem for signs of wear. If the stem (after being screwed back into the faucet) can be moved up and down, there is a definite indication of thread wear. Either the stem or the entire faucet should be replaced.

Pipes “rattling”, as water passed through them, may not be fastened securely. If they are accessible (as in a basement

or crawlspace), install additional clamps to fasten them firmly to the joists.

On the other hand, “a ticking sound” may indicate that a pipe is fastened too tightly – cold pipes will expand slightly as hot water enters them, causing this noise if there is not sufficient expansion room.

A “whistling noise” is caused when water under pressure must pass through a point of restriction.

A common problem is with the toilet intake valve. If your toilet “whistles” as it is being refilled after flushing, try cutting down the flow by shutting the supply stop slightly (the supply stop is the valve below the toilet that governs the flow of water into the tank). Some toilet mechanisms have an adjusting screw on the intake valve itself to solve this problem.

“Water Hammer” is a loud, banging noise that occurs when a faucet is shut off quickly. Behind every fixture, there should be an air chamber which provides a cushion of air to

tipsandtricks


Shell BuSeyFor more home improvement

information, or to sign-up for Shell’s

FREE online HouseSmart E-newsletter

visit www.askShell.com

absorb the force of the rushing water – and the accompanying noise. There are many different types of air chambers, in addition to the simple pipe and cap type, but all work on the same principle. If the chamber becomes filled with water, its cushioning effect is compromised.

To “recharge” the air chambers, shut down the entire water supply system at the main valve, and completely drain the systems. Open all the faucets to allow air into the system, then close the faucets and turn on the main valve. If water hammer still persists, you may have to knock out a few walls to install new air chambers at the trouble spots. For a full check-list outlining all the required steps to eliminate water hammer please visit my website.

While this may seem a drastic solution, it is probably preferable to risking a burst pipe because of the condition.

A possible alternative is to install a large air chamber at the main intake valve. Where there is no guarantee, this sometimes works to alleviate the problem

tipsandtricks

for more home improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s askShell webcast go to www.askShell.com.

EacH noiSE tEllS you SomEtHing about wHat iS calling out FoR coRREction. you juSt HavE to intERpREt tHE Sound to apply tHE cuRE.


Visit our websiteAskShell.com or call 1.888.266.8806

INTRODUCING ASK SHELL!You can see and hear Shell in our studio answering emailsfrom homeowners across Canada, every Thursday from 6-7PM PDT. To view the webcast simply visit AskShell.com, the program can be seen right on our home page. If you are not able to watch the programs live, we will have past episodes of the program available for viewing. Thanks for tuning in!

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(403) 277-5600www.trademarkrenovations.com

OUR BEST PRICE GUARANTEE*On renovation projects $100,000 and up, we will match and better a recognized competitor’s quoteby 10%. At Trademark Renovations, we are constantly reviewing and negotiating preferred pricing arrangements with our supplier & trade partners to get you the best value for your money. We are so confi dent about our pricing that we guarantee you the lowest price for your overall renovation project while delivering our unsurpassed level of quality, service and transparency.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This Best Price Guarantee applies to projects based on identical scopes of work, specifi cations, products, levels of fi nish, service, and quality. Best Price Guarantee applies to overall total project price and not the individual components contained therein. All recognized competitor quotes are subject to verifi cation by Trademark before honoring this offer. Trademark will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confi rmed by Trademark personnel. Nor will Trademark verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. All original documents from recognized competitor quotes must be presented to Trademark prior to verifi cation, execution of any contract or commencement of work. This Price Guarantee excludes insurance claims, free offers, gifts with purchase, gift cards, gift certifi cates, rebates, clearance or close-out prices, credit or fi nancing programs, used, damaged, or display merchandise or products. Discount applied before taxes and environmental stewardship fees or other levies, if applicable. This price guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer. Trademark reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The failure by Trademark to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

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Before SSR

After SSR

Transformyour stairs.Transformyour home.SSR makes it easy.

6423 - 30th Street SE (403) 294-05551-866-936-0555greatstairs.com

Have Calgary’s #1 Stair & Railing company renovate your stairs today!

Download - Calgary Home Décor and Renovations - DEC 2012 / JAN 2013

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