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Introduction Winter is a time of year when we are all reminded of the importance of being prepared. With cold weather comes a host of issues that can affect your home and family—everything from frozen pipes to carbon monoxide poisoning. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from these hazards. Here's what you need to know about getting your home ready for winter: Clean your gutters. Gutters are the first line of defense against water damage. They divert rain and melting snow away from your home, which reduces the likelihood that you'll suffer from ice dams during winter. Ice dams can lead to water damage in your attic or crawlspace, putting you at risk for mold growth and other costly issues if left unattended. If you don't clean your gutters regularly, it could be considered negligence on your part if any damage occurs because of water or Ice. You will also want to make sure downspouts are draining properly. Caulk any Drafty windows or doors. Caulking is a cheap, easy way to make your home more energy efficient. It can be used to seal windows, doors, and other openings that may allow cold air into your home. Caulk comes in different colours so you can match it with the colour of your walls if you want to for an even more finished look. It's easy to apply but you need to do it right or else it won't work as well or last as long as it should. Test CO2 and smoke detectors Test CO2 and smoke detectors Make it a habit to test your CO2 and smoke detectors once a month. If you have pets, the best time to test is when they're asleep or at least not around. What happens if your CO2 or smoke detector is not working properly? You may be in danger if this happens! Replace it immediately! Get your furnace serviced and replace air filters Get your furnace serviced Replace air filters Use a vacuum to clean out the furnace Vacuum refrigerator coils Vacuum the refrigerator coils once a year. This might sound like a strange task, but it's actually very important for your refrigerator's performance. A vacuumed refrigerator coil can help keep it running efficiently, prevent mold and mildew from growing inside (which can cause unpleasant smells and even health issues), and keep you safe by preventing fires caused by overheating coils. To do this safely, turn off all power to the appliance before starting work on it: unplug or turn off breakers as necessary. Next, remove any foil covering from around the coil and use a vacuum cleaner hose with an attachment made specifically for cleaning vents or dryer vents (or use an old mop handle) to gently pull out any dust bunnies that have collected there over time—don't push too hard on them; they'll come right out if you just pull gently back towards yourself! Once you've removed all of the dust bunnies and debris in this way, go ahead and replace whatever protective covering was covering up your coil before taking care of another part of your home! Make sure the room you stay in the most is warm enough. Make sure the room you stay in the most is warm enough. If your room isn't as warm as you'd like, consider wearing more clothes or putting on a sweater. If you're still cold, consider turning up the heat! Clean sediment from shower heads If you haven’t cleaned your shower head in a while, it’s probably time to do so. The mineral deposits that collect on the inside of your shower head can be difficult to remove with just water and scrubbing. If you have hard water, they may even be impossible to get rid of with manual cleaning. In this case, you should consider getting an electric shower head that includes a built-in filter or descaler so that you don’t have to worry about removing the buildup yourself. Sediment buildup on faucets can lead to poor flow rates because it blocks water from flowing smoothly through faucet valves and pipes throughout your home plumbing system (not just kitchen fittings). You should clean any kitchen or bathroom fixtures where there is visible sediment buildup at least once per month during winter months since these areas see more use than other parts of your house Keep window treatments open on sunny days to let in warm air. Keeping your windows open on sunny days is a great way to let in natural sunlight and take advantage of the warm air that it brings. It's also an excellent time to dust and clean any surfaces that you can see from outside, like the front window or sill area. Be sure to close your window treatments when there's inclement weather or clouds blocking out the sun! You don't want your home getting too hot or cold, so be mindful of any drafts that may come into your home from having open windows. Don't worry about condensation forming on the inside of your windows either—this is normal after opening up a room full of cold winter air into a warmer space indoors! Seal leaky ducts. You may not know it, but you’re wasting money on your heating bill. That’s because of all the air that escapes through cracks around vents, pipes and registers in your ductwork. Seal up these leaks before winter sets in by applying a product called duct sealant to those areas with leaks. If you need help installing this product or want advice about other home improvements, ask a contractor or check out programs offered by Fortis. Block drafts from under doors. Use a draft snake. A draft snake is generally a long piece of plastic or metal that you can install in place of your door sweep, which will help block out drafts from under your door. Draft snakes work wonders for keeping the air moving in your home warm and cozy, even when it gets cold outside. Use a door sweep. If you want to add something more permanent than a draft snake without doing any major renovations on your home, consider installing an actual door sweep on each side of the door frame to create an effective barrier between outside and inside temperatures. Use a door wedge or stop. Another simple solution is using one of these two products—a wedge or stop—to prevent excess airflow from entering through small gaps around your front entrance doors (and other potential areas where drafts may sneak into). Check to make sure there are no gaps where pipes enter or exit the home and caulk if necessary. Crawl spaces Crawl space vents provide the perfect environment for mold growth. If you have a crawl space, check to make sure there are no gaps where pipes enter or exit the home and caulk if necessary. In addition, make sure your sump pump is in good working order and that its battery backup is charged. Basements Basement leaks can be particularly problematic because they're often caused by water coming in through cracks in foundation walls or floors instead of simply draining out via drains. Check around windows, doors and other openings for signs of moisture accumulation (black mold). If you find any areas that are moist enough to support mold growth, dry them out as quickly as possible using fans or dehumidifiers until they're completely dry before caulking them up again with silicone caulk. Also make sure your basement doesn't have any leaks from outside—if so, seal up those holes with special weatherproofing tape from a hardware store until springtime when it's safe to do more permanent repairs outdoors. Garages: Garage leaks tend not to cause significant structural damage like basement ones sometimes do; however, garage leaks can still lead to costly repairs due to water damage on high-value items kept inside cars parked inside garages throughout winter months (such as boats). They also increase risks of vehicle theft since thieves know that unattended vehicles are likely unlocked due to owners' desire not risk damaging themselves while entering/exiting cars during cold weather conditions! Make sure all windows are secure before leaving this area unattended overnight during winter months—and don't forget about doors too (they may not lock automatically after being opened)! Insulate pipes, especially those that are near exterior walls or in crawl spaces. Insulating pipes helps keep them warm and prevents frozen pipes. You can insulate your pipes in many ways, including adding insulation to walls, wrapping the pipes in foam or using pipe sleeves or wraps. Insulation will also help prevent condensation from forming inside the walls of your home when cold air hits hot water or vice versa. Conclusion We hope these tips have been helpful to you, and that you’re ready for the winter ahead. Winter is a great season to stay indoors with family and friends, and even though it can be tough, it’s important to stay warm by using all the resources available.

Is your home starting to feel a little crowded? As your family grows or your needs change, your house can start to feel cramped. But if you’re happy with everything else about your house, why move to a new one? It’s a huge expense (not to mention a TON of work). To meet your space needs, all you need to do is add a home addition to your current house. There are various types of home additions you can choose from. Which type is right for you will depend on your needs, budget, the available space, and other factors. So let’s dive in at look at 6 types of home additions for your North Vancouver home. Once you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a bunch of great ideas for how to modify your home! Attic Conversion Got an attic that’s just sitting there taking up space? You might have a few boxes of holiday decorations stored up there, but that’s about it. Converting existing space like this into usable space is a cost-effective way to add a new room to your home. This is one of the few expansion projects inexpensive enough that you can expect to recuperate the full investment through added home value. Most of the time with home additions, you have to be doing it for the lifestyle boost. They’re too expensive to reasonably expect a high ROI when you sell your home. It’s also a great option if you don’t have much outdoor space to expand into. You don’t technically add any square feet to your home’s footprint, but you get to enjoy an extra room. Attics can be converted for all sorts of uses including an extra bedroom, a home office, or even a game room/play area for your kids. As you know, we spend a lot of time cold and wet here in Vancouver, so an indoor play space where your kids can get out of your hair is a big advantage. Considerations for Attic Conversion There are a few things to consider when converting an attic. Attics generally aren’t built with the idea of turning them into useable space one day so some structural requirements may be lacking. For example, sleeping spaces must have egress exits in case of fire. If you want to turn the space into a bedroom, you’ll probably have to install special windows to meet the requirements. A couple of other considerations are insulation and ventilation. The current specifications might be fine for storing a few boxes. But it has to be possible to modify them and bring them up to your local building code if you want to convert the area to usable space. Also, the ceiling has to be tall enough. And both the floor and ceiling structures must meet structural requirements (or can be modified to meet them). In some cases, so much modification will be required that it isn’t practical to convert the attic. However, if you can, this is an excellent idea for adding a whole new room to your home without having to change the exterior. Basement Conversion What if you don’t have an attic space? Well, what’s under your home? A basement conversion is like an attic conversion in that you can get an extra room without having to change your home’s footprint. As such, a basement conversion is also a cost-effective project, though the costs vary significantly depending on the required structural changes. But as with an attic conversion, you can often expect to recuperate your investment in home value. To be clear, we’re talking about a basement conversion here, not an addition. Adding a basement is a whole other type of project and a very expensive undertaking. You’ll have to dig out the area under your house to build the new space and you can imagine how quickly the costs skyrocket. Considerations for Basement Conversion Of course, the space needs to meet certain specifications in order to be turned into a living space. Again, the ceiling must be high enough and structures must meet building codes or be modifiable to meet them. Plus, safety exits are required if the space is to be used as a bedroom. Basements are also infamous for retaining moisture, especially here in our wet climate. In order to convert to living space, your basement must be completely dry and stay that way. But even if you struggle with moisture, there may be modifications you can make to remedy the problem. Talk to a home addition/conversion expert to find out what options you might have. Room Additions A full-on house addition is quite an expensive undertaking. These are done when people want to greatly modify their home, perhaps adding a guest suite with a bedroom and bathroom, or adding a spacious family room. Thus, if you are looking for a little extra space without stressing the wallet so much, a single-room addition is a great choice. The project generally still requires a small foundation and adding onto or changing the roofline. And of course, the project must meet all building codes and is subject to inspections like any other type of construction project. However, the smaller footprint helps keep the price down to a more manageable amount. You can add any type of room that you want to your home. Perhaps you want a home office space, an extra bedroom, or you need another bathroom. A room addition is a great way to get that extra space. House Bump Out A house bump-out is similar to a room addition, but typically a bit more cost-effective. Instead of adding on a whole new room, the bump out adds floor space to an existing room. Bump outs are often done to expand the kitchen, add a breakfast nook or enlarge the dining area, or add floor space to the living room. Sometimes people will add a bump out to the master bedroom, looking to elevate their private area to a luxury space. House bump outs are a great idea when you need a little extra space — and don’t have a lot of room in your budget. They are generally inexpensive and your house won’t be torn up for a long time as the project is being completed. You can even cantilever a house bump out into thin air to add on to the house without putting in a foundation. However, the bump out is still subject to the same building codes and regulations. A foundation and roof addition will probably be required. And permits and inspectors will still be a part of the process. Sunroom Addition A sunroom addition is a different kind of home addition that is a lot more cost-effective for the amount of space you will receive. Sunroom additions can be built from the same materials as the house to visually match. However, they are often built using pre-fabricated materials that are then quickly assembled on-site. This method can be surprisingly inexpensive. Sunroom additions are not designed to be a year-round living space and thus don’t have to meet the same building code requirements as a room addition or bump out. They don’t have to be insulated to the same standard and heating and cooling are not required. You can also add fun adornments or use different materials than you could use in an addition. For example, you can do oversized windows or other creative window stuff because they don’t have to meet the same efficiency standards. Of course, sunrooms have their limitations. They cannot be used as a bedroom and you’ll never see a kitchen or bathroom in a sunroom. It may be helpful to think of a sunroom as an enclosed porch rather than an official living space. If you have the budget and you want to get fancy with it, you can. You might choose to add some insulation and perhaps heat the area with small space heaters. This would allow you to use the sunroom addition as a living area, home office, or even an exercise room all year round. The price for a sunroom addition varies dramatically depending on what you want to build. However, you can get some rather inexpensive DIY kits for just a few thousand dollars if you want to tackle the project yourself. A professionally installed sunroom will be more expensive, but also more versatile. Garage Conversion The last type of home addition we’re going to examine is a garage conversion. This is a great choice when you’re looking to add a sizeable amount of space for a relatively low investment. People sometimes create whole new living units when they do a garage conversion. With a small bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and living space, that old garage becomes a comfortable apartment for an elderly family member or something similar. Garage conversions typically aren’t too expensive since a lot of the stuff is already there. It is usually already wired for electricity and some garages already have drywall and maybe even windows. If you want to heat the space, you’ll have to add on to your HVAC system. Plumbing will be needed if you want to add a bathroom to the space. However, since the structure is already there, the conversion will be less expensive than constructing an entire home addition. Keep in mind that you may have the expense of building a detached garage later on if you still want a place to park your cars. Which Type of Home Addition Is Right for You? The answer to this question depends on your situation. How your home is already structured, what exterior space is available, the purpose of the added space and the size of your budget are all important factors. So how do you choose the right type of home addition for your North Vancouver home? Ask an expert for help! We specialize in helping homeowners modify their homes to perfectly meet their growing family’s needs. Our experts are happy to chat about any of these home additions and help you estimate how much your project will cost. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your amazing “new” home!

For homeowners or future homeowners, choosing the right flooring for a remodelling project is essential. Flooring can have a huge impact both in terms of raising your property value and contributing to an overall pleasant aesthetic. Hardwood is a popular material option for flooring, as it is durable and comes in a variety of different styles and colors. Plus, you can customize hardwood flooring further with different finishing that can switch up the final look of this type of flooring. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about hardwood flooring, including the pros and cons to consider. Keep reading to learn what types of hardwood flooring are available for you to choose from, how to properly clean hardwood flooring, and more! What is Hardwood Flooring? Hardwood flooring is a type of flooring material that is made from 100% hardwood. As for the term hardwood, this is used to describe wood that comes from broadleaved trees such as oak, walnut, or cherry trees. Unlike softwood trees, hardwood trees have a higher density, making them preferable for construction and interior design purposes. In terms of property value, hardwood floors that have been recently installed or refinished tend to help boost a home’s value. Additionally, hardwood flooring tends to be a highly sought-after characteristic by future homeowners. Does Hardwood Flooring Damage Easily? Like any flooring, hardwood flooring can be susceptible to damage if not treated with care. While carpeting and laminate flooring are more prone to peeling and discoloring, the most common damage seen with hardwood flooring is scratching. It is important to try to avoid scratching up your hardwood flooring, as this can lead to more serious problems over time. For instance, if a hardwood floor has not been refinished in many years, the scratches can lead to cracks in the actual wood. In turn, these cracks can become more severely damaged by moisture and mold. Ideally, you should not allow your hardwood floors to reach this point of damage, as it can be incredibly costly to fix wood flooring that has moisture and mold built up inside cracks. In some cases, the damage may end up so severe that the floor has to be replaced altogether. Some best practices for keeping your hardwood flooring in good condition include: Refinishing: Hardwood floors should be refinished roughly every 10 years, though more frequent refinishing may be required depending on how much regular wear and tear the floor receives. Along with giving your flooring a smooth and polished look, wood floor finishing helps to protect against deep cracks that can lead to water damage and mold. Caution When Moving Furniture: One of the biggest culprits behind damage to a hardwood floor is furniture. Heavy pieces like couches and TV stands can leave major scratches and scrapes on your flooring, especially if the finishing is getting older. As such, you should always use caution when moving furniture and make sure to lift it off the ground rather than pulling or dragging it whenever possible. Avoiding Excess Moisture: Excess moisture is the next biggest threat to your hardwood flooring, especially if there are already some deep scratches or gouges. You should avoid allowing excess moisture to build up on your wood flooring from spills, house plants, humidity, or rainwater from open windows. If your wood floors do get wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly as soon as you can. Types of Hardwood Flooring Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of different styles and colors, depending on the type of tree it comes from. Additionally, hardwood flooring can differ depending on whether it is finished or unfinished. In general, hardwood flooring can be broken into two different categories: solid or engineered. Solid hardwood is flooring that is 100% wood. Meanwhile engineered hardwood is technically not “true” hardwood, as it includes a bottom layer made up of a stable material like plywood, for example. One of the benefits of choosing 100% hardwood is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. The key to maintaining this type of wood is to follow the best practices listed above and not use it in basements where there is an excess build-up of moisture and humidity. Pros of Hardwood Flooring We have already covered some of the advantages of hardwood flooring, such as increased property value and the ability to sand and refinish it multiple times. Here are 3 more key benefits to this type of flooring: 1. Durability Overall, hardwood flooring is considered to be highly durable, especially when it has a high-quality finishing coat. For most homeowners, so long as they take good care of their flooring and make sure to refinish it as needed, hardwood flooring can last their entire lifetime. As mentioned earlier, to keep your hardwood flooring in the best condition possible, it is recommended to refinish it around every 10 years. Moreover, certain types of hardwood — like cherry or live oak — are considered to be the most durable and can add more years to your flooring’s lifetime. You can also select a hardwood that is more scratch-resistant than other types, such as hickory, hard maple, or white oak. However, it is important to note that a floor’s finishing can still become scratched up. Thus, it is ideal to also choose a durable and scratch-resistant protective coating, such as aluminum oxide. 2. Diverse Aesthetics One of the best things about hardwood flooring is the wide variety of different woods you can choose from. Each type of wood will have a unique color and grain pattern, allowing you to select the style that matches your vision for your home as closely as possible. In addition to the wood itself coming in different colors, you can also choose from a vast range of different varnishes and finishings that can give your flooring a unique look as well. Plus, if you want to mix things up, when it’s time to refinish your flooring you can select a different varnish or finishing to give your home a new aesthetic. When choosing both a wood type and finishing, you should always try to select something that matches your lifestyle. For example, if you have pets, choosing a highly scratch-resistant wood is probably the better option for your home. 3. Cleanliness & Hygiene With floorings like carpet and laminate, these materials can quickly become dirty and difficult to clean. Moreover, if these floorings are not installed properly or if the materials used are not high-quality, they can begin to peel up from the base floor, allowing for moisture, pests, and debris to build up underneath. By comparison, hardwood flooring is much more hygienic and easy to keep clean. Unless you allow damage to get severe enough that you have deep cracks in your floor, nothing can get underneath this type of flooring. The only pest you really need to worry about is termites. The best recommendation for preventing termite infestations is to use a liquid termite barrier that is applied around the outside perimeter of your home as well as underground. This liquid barrier works by blocking the termites’ path, inhibiting them from reaching your flooring. Cons of Hardwood Flooring Like all types of flooring, there are some disadvantages to hardwood flooring to be aware of as well. Though hardwood flooring certainly has the upper hand on other types of materials, it is important to be aware of the negatives so that you can plan accordingly. Here are 3 cons to choosing hardwood flooring for your home: 1. Purchase & Installation Price The biggest hurdle you are likely to face if you choose hardwood flooring is the cost. On average, the price of hardwood flooring ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot — however, this is not the only cost you must cover. In addition to purchasing the wood, you must also pay for the installation, which averages around $5,000 to $15,000 per 1,000 square feet, and for the finishing, which averages around $5 to $10 per square foot. If you are only adding hardwood flooring to small areas in your home, these costs are likely to be on the lower side. On the other hand, if you plan on using this flooring for large areas in your home — or even for your entire home — the total end price can quickly skyrocket. There can also be additional labor and material costs, depending on what company you choose to install your flooring for you. The key is to plan and save accordingly before investing in this type of flooring. 2. Long-Term Maintenance Hardwood flooring requires several types of long-term maintenance, including refinishing and preventative care to protect against termites. In addition to these costs, long-term maintenance can also include finishing touch-ups. Touch-ups help to maintain a hardwood floor’s finishing for longer by buffing out scratches and only adding more finishing as needed. This process may be required more frequently but it can help you in the long run to avoid costly refinishing services in the future and elongate the time between refinishing. 3. Moisture Vulnerability As we have discussed, one of the biggest threats to your hardwood flooring is excess moisture. Depending on where your home is geographically, this may be a more or less difficult problem to deal with. If you live in an area with high humidity levels, your hardwood flooring is going to be more vulnerable to moisture build-up, meaning you will likely need to invest in dehumidifying devices. Best Hardwood Flooring Brands These days, there are many great hardwood flooring brands to choose from, ranging from major companies to local flooring suppliers in your area. Some of the top-rated hardwood flooring companies include: Carlisle Wide Plank Floors Bruce Hardwood Flooring Lumber Liquidators K.D. Woods Company Doma Flooring For local brands, good places to look for reputable companies are at your local chamber of commerce or by contacting your local hardware stores! How to Clean Hardwood Floors A great advantage to hardwood floors is that they are incredibly easy to clean! For light dirt or debris build-up, a dust mop can easily do the trick. As for bigger messes, such as spills or grime build-up, use a cleaning solution approved for use on hardwood floors and a mop. After mopping, make sure to dry your floor thoroughly. Avoid using vacuums on your hardwood floors, as these can result in scratching. Which Rooms are Well-Suited for Hardwood Flooring? In general, the rooms that are the most well-suited for hardwood flooring are bedrooms, offices, hallways, and living rooms. The key with hardwood flooring is to avoid installing it in rooms with heavy amounts of excess moisture, such as: Bathrooms Laundry rooms Moisture-prone basements Attics As for kitchens, hardwood flooring can be a good choice, so long as you are prepared to carry out the proper maintenance and not allow any excess build-up of moisture. Final Thoughts Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for any home, as it helps to boost property value, gives you a wide range of aesthetic choices, and is relatively easy to maintain. The biggest considerations when deciding whether or not to install hardwood flooring are the overall purchase and installation costs, as well as finishing and refinishing costs. When you’re ready to invest in a hardwood floor, make sure to shop around for good deals and always work with reputable installation companies!

Introduction Your home is your most valuable asset. The more valuable it is, the better off you will be. If you want to increase the value of your home, there are a few specific renovations that can help. In this article, we will go over those renovations and how much they can increase the value of your home. How much value do renovations increase? The value of home renovations depends on many factors, including the location of your home and how much you've spent on the renovation. According to research by The National Association of REALTORS®, a $1,000 increase in remodeling expenditures is worth about $37 more per square foot in resale value. If you want to renovate your house with an eye toward appealing to potential buyers, consider having a professional conduct an inspection prior to starting any work. This will help ensure that any projects don't end up costing more than they're worth. Additionally, make sure all materials used are durable and low-maintenance enough that they won't need regular maintenance after completion (and thus cost extra money down the road). How much Value does a Kitchen add? The kitchen is the most important room in the house. It’s where we make our meals, entertain guests and spend most of our time. The kitchen is also the most popular renovation project, accounting for more than half of all home renovations in this country. Kitchen renovations are expensive because they require a lot of work – cabinets need to be removed, walls need to be opened up, electrical outlets need to be moved and new appliances installed. This means that you will pay an average of $50,000 - $200,000 on a full kitchen remodel (not including appliances). But if you want your home to increase in value by at least 15%, then it’s worth the cost! How much Value do Bathrooms add? Bathroom renovations are the most effective way to increase the value of your home, according to a survey of 2,000 homeowners by Black+Decker. They're also the most popular renovation in British Columbia, as well as one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home an instant facelift. Bathroom renovations boost resale value by an average of 30%. One-third of homeowners said they planned on renovating their bathrooms in 2019. How much value do Additions add? Additions and other additional features can also be a great way to increase the value of your home. The addition of a garden and patio will give you more space to enjoy time outdoors, and it can also help you sell the property or create an additional area for renting out. You could also add a driveway, garage or even a stunning outdoor kitchen with an outdoor fireplace, shower or sauna. If you’re looking for something really special here, think about investing in an outdoor hot tub or pool! They’re not cheap but they are worth every penny if they increase your home’s value by thousands at resale time. A tennis court may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's certainly one way that you can make yourself stand out from the crowd when selling up - particularly if there aren't many other properties nearby with such facilities on offer! Specific renovations will increase the value of your home. When it comes to the value of your home, there are many factors. But some renovations can increase the value of your home more than others. Generally, the more specific a renovation is, the higher its potential increase in value will be. In other words: if you're looking to sell your house and want to maximize its resale value, do some research on which renovations would be most beneficial for you based on location and type of property (house vs townhome vs condo). Conclusion It’s important to remember that renovations aren't just about making your home more valuable. Renovations can also add value to your life and help you live a better life. For example, if you're thinking about adding an extra bathroom or renovating your kitchen, then it may be worth it just because the process is enjoyable and will improve the quality of your life!

Are you interested in creating an indoor-outdoor environment for your home (and save on heating and cooling bills too)? You're not alone. Indoor- outdoor design is one of the hottest trends in home design today. And thankfully, it's remarkably easy to do. Your home is an extension of yourself and your personality, so why settle for an indoor-only living environment? Instead, take advantage of the weather outside by utilizing your outdoor space with a covered patio, garden room or sunroom. What's more, add new lighting and décor to create a seamless transition from the interior to exterior in your home. More and more people are choosing to live in homes that connect to the outdoors. This affords homeowners the opportunity of choice when it comes to creating an outdoor living space – whether because they have a large backyard or because they want to maximize the potential of their open deck space. Whatever your reason, here are some things you should consider when deciding how to use the outdoor spaces in your home. Include a movable wall system Source: nanawall.com One of the biggest challenges of renovating a home is getting the indoor-outdoor flow just right. As a renovation contractor in beautiful North Vancouver, we know what summer means to homeowners and we want to help them to make their living space feel seamlessly integrated with the outdoors. As we have researched different options for clients, we have felt drawn to a movable wall system that would allow homeowners the feeling of an outdoor room while still having the option of closing it off when weather conditions warrant it. The movable walls are made from polycarbonate panels that provide maximum thermal efficiency, as well as sound and UV protection. The panels are mounted onto a rigid aluminum frame with a variety of mounting options for either permanent or temporary installations. The system is also designed for ease of use: in addition to being able to be opened by one person, they offer an optional hydraulic opening system—no more straining to get those heavy wooden doors open! And if you're worried about security, don't be: each panel comes equipped with its own lock and has been tested for resistance to impact and breakage. For those who want more than just one movable wall, there are kits available that give you multiple panels and allow you to arrange them in whatever configuration works best Invest in large windows Incorporating natural light is one of the simplest ways to make your home feel like it's connected to the outdoors—the more light that comes in, the less you'll want to close up your house and lock out the outside world. You can open up your windows and get new light by adding big windows that let in lots of natural sunlight or by having skylights or roof windows installed that bring in extra daylight. Expand the home into the yard Another option is to expand your house into the yard—add patios, decks and terraces. And if there are things you'd like to keep out of sight, consider installing glass doors so you can open them when you want fresh air and sunshine. There are even sliding glass doors that can be opened with just a push of a button—they're especially useful if you have small children who might not be able to manage a more traditional door opening. Select glass doors that are easy to operate An important step in creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space is to choose the right materials for the doors and windows. The glass you select should be strong, elegant and easy to operate. Glass doors can be easily controlled by adding an awning or roof cover for protection from the elements. Awnings and roof covers are a quick and easy way to turn any patio into a year-round space. There are many different kinds of glass doors available: sliding, swinging, and French doors are all popular choices. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Sliding doors are good for rooms that have limited space for movement—they don't require as much clearance as swinging doors do, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing. French doors offer an open feel with the ability to see from one end of the room to the other, but since they swing both ways, they might not be ideal for rooms with high traffic flow. The best option for your home is likely something that balances your needs and aesthetic preferences in equal measure. Section: Add an awning or roof cover Source: shadefx.com You can add an awning or roof cover over the top so that you get protection from both rain and sun, but still have plenty of air flow through the space. This is especially great for people who want access to their outdoor space even when it's raining—you don't have to go out all the time just because it's raining! Install skylights or roof windows If your ceilings are high enough for them, roof windows will be a more permanent solution, as they're actually built into the structure of the house and can't blow off in high winds. Since they are custom-built, however, they are also more expensive than skylights which are meant to simply be installed on top of a regular roof. With skylights, all you need is the right location, which can be an attic or a dormer area; if your ceiling is too low to support a skylight installation, there's always an option of installing one above an entranceway. Skylights and roof windows both have their pros and cons—a skylight is great for bringing in natural light and air on sunny days, but it's not going to keep out heat or cold like a roof window would. A roof window will let in both light and temperature control but only works when it's not raining—it's installed flush with your home's surface so water just Consider including patios, decks and terraces Patios, decks and terraces are a great way to add space for entertaining and relaxation to your house. With the right design, you can also create some outdoor living areas that can be used throughout the year. A deck or patio will make your house more attractive to buyers as a result of creating value in the home. In order to minimize potential pitfalls when completing your deck or patio project, you should always consider hiring someone who has experience with this type of home improvement project. It is also important that you follow local building codes and any additional requirements determined by your homeowner's association. Many cities have strict guidelines that must be followed when installing decks and patios in order to prevent accidents and preserve the integrity of the neighborhood. With the right planning and forethought, adding a deck or patio can increase the value of your home while providing you with additional living space. If you have the space and the budget, there are many options for expanding your indoor living spaces into outdoor areas. There are many different styles of decks and patios available, including: -Wooden decks -Concrete decks -Stone patios -Gravel patios You also have many different materials from which you can choose when building them out, such as: -Plants and flowers -Cement pavers -Slate tiles -Laminate flooring There are many options to creating an indoor-outdoor space in your home. In the end, there are many ways to create functional indoor-outdoor spaces during a renovation project. For homeowners who value easy access to nature or who get tired of sitting inside all winter, it may make sense to personalize outdoor living space. For others, it might be irreplaceable open space that they don't want to encroach on. Regardless of what you're looking for during your renovation, there is likely a way to incorporate an indoor-outdoor focus into the design. And if done correctly, you can make your new home as nice and functional as ever, without sacrificing the beauty of the outdoors.

Thinking of renovating your home in Vancouver? A home renovation can be an exciting process. However, it can also be incredibly involved and complex, depending on the scope of your renovation needs. Having a clear outlook on what you plan to renovate and what the potential costs are is essential for carrying out a beautiful and functional home renovation. When calculating the total costs for a home renovation, determining the cost per square foot can help you see the bigger picture of how expensive the project will be and how much time and labour is needed for each room of your home. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about renovating a home in the Vancouver area. Keep reading to learn about the costs per square foot, as well as factors that can affect renovation costs and how you can finance a home renovation. Why Renovate Your Home Home renovation can be a big project, leading many homeowners to wonder if the renovation process is truly that necessary. While it may be time-consuming to begin such a project, there are many key advantages to home renovation, such as: Increased Property Value: For many homeowners, a house is not just a place to live but is also a financial investment. By renovating your home, you can increase the value of your property. Improved Efficiency: Outdated electrical systems, appliances, and other structural or functional aspects of a home can have a massive impact on your home’s overall efficiency — which can, in turn, be reflected in your utility bills. With the right renovation plan, you can not only improve the appearance of your house but also boost its efficiency. Greater Quality of Life: Having a home you love is the key to a comfortable living space that you can enjoy for many years. A home renovation can help you achieve a living space that meets all of your wants and needs, resulting in a better sense of satisfaction and quality of life. Do You Need to Move Out of Your House During the Renovation Process? When it comes to whether or not you need to move out of your house during a renovation process, the answer is highly dependent on what you are having done. If you are making major changes - such as an entire home renovation - you may need to temporarily move out. In general, however, whether or not you move out of your home during renovation is usually up to you. It is ultimately your decision to determine whether or not the renovation process will be too disruptive to your day-to-day life to stay in the house while the project is completed. How Long Does a Full Home Renovation Typically Take? For a full home renovation, you may be looking at 6 to 12 months before the renovation is complete. This long timeframe accounts not only for the actual construction period but also for the time it will take to get the appropriate building permits, labour contracts, and completed designs or blueprints. In North Vancouver it can take 12 – 16 weeks to get permits. As you plan your home renovation, it is very important to set clear expectations and deadlines for your renovation project — especially if you are working with a third-party contractor or construction company. Without clear expectations and a set timeframe, a renovation can be dragged out much longer than necessary. Renovation vs. Rebuilding: What’s the Difference & Which is Better? If you are considering a full home renovation, the thought may cross your mind to fully rebuild the house instead. While it may be tempting to completely flatten your property and start anew, rebuilding is often much more expensive and time-consuming than renovation. The key difference between a renovation and a full rebuild is the presence of a structural frame. When you rebuild a house, you will likely need to tear down the existing structure, which requires additional costs for demolition labour and equipment. Additionally, rebuilding often involves an entirely new building blueprint and design. By comparison, a renovation will work with the existing blueprint to restructure certain elements or aspects of the house without fully changing the entire structure. Factors Affecting Home Renovation Costs As you plan your home renovation project, it is of the utmost importance to consider all the various factors that can affect the project’s total cost. These factors include: Age of the Property Depending on previous renovations or construction changes to a property, the age of your property can greatly impact renovation costs. Older homes are more likely to have outdated functional systems, such as electricity and plumbing. This can require more intense repairs or replacements that drive up your total renovation expenses. Plus, an older home will likely have older appliances, finishings, and other aesthetic elements that need updating. Size of the Property It goes without saying that a small, one-story house will not be as expensive to renovate as a larger house with multiple stories and rooms. Along with more square feet, a larger house will add more complexity to the renovation as contractors need to consider how to make the desired changes without disrupting the building’s structural integrity. Moreover, a larger house will require more labour and time to renovate, which increases costs. If you have a particularly large home, you may want to split your renovation into multiple phases over a longer period. For instance, you could renovate the kitchen and dining room first but hold off on renovating the bathrooms. By splitting up a renovation over multiple months — or even years — you can maintain a more flexible budget and timeframe. Labour Quality Like all things in life, some contractors are better than others. When researching various renovation contractors it is crucial to look into the quality of their work. You can get a quick idea just by looking at their past projects and online reviews. Meeting the contractor and having them walk you through other projects they have completed is another good way to assess if they will be a good fit. Project Complexity No two home renovations are the same and the complexity of each project can vary greatly. For example, let’s imagine two different families who are each renovating their homes. The first family is only renovating their kitchen and living room, focusing mainly on updating appliances and refinishing flooring. Since this renovation is focused on just two rooms, the total square feet is lower and the scope of the project is less complex, meaning their renovation will be less expensive. On the other hand, the second family is doing a full home renovation. This project is larger. likely to be more complex and will require an experienced contractor. The price point of these projects will vary greatly. Timeframe When you work with a contractor for a renovation, the company will likely ask for a timeframe in which you want the project completed. Fixtures & Finish Quality As you plan your renovation, you will have many choices to make in terms of what fixtures and finishings you want to add to your home. This can include: · Light fixtures · Floor finishings · Countertops · Wall painting or wallpaper · Woodworking etc. For higher quality fixtures and finishing, the price for these materials will be higher. Let’s look at kitchen countertops as an example. A standard laminate countertop is generally the most affordable option but can lack the durability and aesthetic appeal of granite or quartz. Depending on the flexibility of your budget, you may need to make some compromises with your fixtures and finishes to keep costs lower. Additional Costs There are many potential additional costs associated with a home renovation beyond those discussed above. These costs can vary depending on if you are working with a renovation and labour company versus if you are carrying out the renovation on your own. For both DIY renovations and renovations completed by professional contractors, additional costs can include: Equipment: Along with a variety of design plans and construction materials, a home renovation will also require a slew of various equipment. If you are doing a DIY renovation, you may not own many of the tools and supplies needed, which can run up your costs. As for construction companies, the use of larger equipment may require additional payment depending on the complexity of the equipment. Materials: Material costs play a huge role in the total price of a home renovation. Along with your fixture and finishing materials, there are also many general construction materials (plywood, nails, construction glue, wiring, etc.) that need to be considered. Inspections: Depending on the scope of your renovation, your home may require a new inspection once the renovation is complete. Square Foot Cost of a Full House Renovation In Vancouver A full home renovation in North Vancouver is the most expensive type of renovation, as it involves making changes to an entire structure rather than one or two rooms. A typical range for a full house reno in Vancouver is: $125/sqft - $400+/sqft Kitchen Renovation Cost in Vancouver In North Vancouver, a kitchen renovation will generally start at $50k and can cost up to $200k+ depending on the project and the finishes used. However, a kitchen renovation price can vary drastically, as there are many aesthetic options you can select that are higher or lower in price. This is especially true when it comes to countertop materials, light fixtures, cabinet finishings, and appliances. Bathroom Renovation Cost in Vancouver A full bathroom renovation is typically less complex than a kitchen renovation, however they often do require changes to electrical and plumbing. On average, a full bathroom renovation will start at $35,000 and can exceed $100,000 depending on the size and finishes. Final Thoughts: How to Finance Home Renovation A home renovation can be expensive. As such, it is crucial to consider how you plan to finance your renovation during the planning stage of your project. According to WOWA.ca, renovation financing options include: Home Equity Loans: A home equity loan is a secured loan in which you receive a fixed amount of money. To qualify for a home equity loan, you must have at least 20% home equity (home equity = the difference between what you owe on a mortgage and the current value of your home). Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC is similar to a home equity loan except that you will receive a credit limit rather than a fixed amount of borrowed money. With a HELOC, you can spend more or less depending on your needs, as long as you make on-time payments and stay below your credit limit. Mortgage Refinancing: Mortgage refinancing raises the amount of your mortgage balance. This raised amount accounts for the money you are borrowing for a home renovation. It is important to note that there are penalties associated with refinancing during a mortgage term, so your best option is to wait until the end of your term. Personal Loans: Personal loans are one of the easiest options for getting the money you need for a renovation. However, these loans also tend to come with higher interest rates that can vary according to factors such as your credit score or income. This is one of the best options for homeowners without the required home equity who are still locked into a mortgage term. Credit Cards: Credit cards are often considered a last resort, as they have high-interest rates for money that is borrowed and not paid back immediately. If your renovation costs are lower, however, a credit card can be a good option for making payments quickly without going through a loan approval process. Store Financing Programs: Some home improvement stores offer financing programs and credit cards specifically for their store. Aside from credit cards, these programs will often have high-interest rates but can be very beneficial if you plan to use one specific store as your supplier.

It’s common to hit a point in your life where you need more space. This could be a result of an expanding family, a change in living situation or financial situation. When that time does come, you’ll probably wonder whether you should renovate or move. In this article we’re going to focus on two of these options: renovating your existing home or building a brand new home. We will be looking at the following factors: Cost Financing options How long it will take How location impacts this decision Style, design and features Cost To Build a New Home If you are building a new house you have two options; a stock model offered by a builder or a custom home. The trade off here is straight forward. A custom home will generally be more expensive and take longer than a cookie-cutter build. The upside is that you have more control over every design detail and feature that’s included with your new house. According to WOWA.ca the average cookie-cutter home in Vancouver cost $260/sq ft to build (1). Keep in mind that this article was likely published pre-pandemic and anecdotally we’ve heard that number is as high as $300+ per sq ft depending on the total size of the house. A custom house generally will cost 2 or 3 times that price. That said, there really is no upper limit on a custom home. If you have an indoor pool with a water fall feature custom tile hand painted from Italy and a helicopter landing pad the home could cost thousands of dollars per square foot. Depending on where you live, you also need to factor in the cost of land. In March, 2022 a there were several lots for sale ranging from $1.5-2.0m+ depending on the location and size. If you already own a home in the area, some of the cost may be offset by selling your existing home. However selling a property has additional costs including Realtor fees, closing fees and property transfer fees. These fees may take a chunk out of the down payment for your next home. Cost of Renovating a Home The cost to renovate a home will vary greatly depending on the scope of work, finishes and the area you live in. If you are performing cosmetic changes, that will be cheaper than if you’re changing the layout of house, adding an addition or completing a full remodel. The costs will also vary depending on which rooms you’re renovating. Painting a few rooms and replacing the carpet may only cost $100/sq ft while renovating a kitchen can easily cost $500/sq ft. It costs between $150-$300 per sq ft. to renovate an entire home where renovating a kitchen will cost between $250-$500/sq ft. Financing Options: Building a New House and Renovating a Home Financing: Renovating Your Existing Home HELOC: If you are renovating an existing home you may want to consider a HELOC or home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit allows you to borrow against the existing equity that you’ve built up in your house. These loans tend to be slightly higher than standard mortgage loans. Cash-Out Refinance Loan: A cash-out finance loan means you re-finance your existing mortgage to increase the loan amount. This allows you to use this additional loan amount to finance a renovation. Keep in mind if you do it before your mortgage term is up you may be subject to steep penalties. Purchase Plus Improvements: While this doesn’t technically fall under the category of renovating your existing home it’s worth discussing a purchase plus improvement loan. A purchase plus improvement mortgage allows you to include the cost of renovations in your monthly payment. Allowing you to renovate today and roll the cost into your mortgage. Financing: New Construction Construction Mortgages: Construction mortgages are unique in that you don’t receive the full loan value on day 1. Construction mortgages are setup so you receive installment payments that allow you to pay for the land and then subsequently pay contractors. Typically lenders will provide 75% of the value of the house. This means that you will be required to have 25% of the total loan value in cash. If you already own your home and you have built up equity in it, renovating your home can be financed entirely through a HELOC without putting any money down. How Long Does It Take To Build a New House According to Census data (2), in 2021 the average time for a built for sale house is 6.7 months and the average time a contractor built house is 12.6 months. It’s important to note these are from “start times” and they don’t distinguish between cookie-cutter houses and custom homes. Those 12.6 months don’t include design which can often take several months or more depending on the complexity. This data is also from the US, where the ground doesn’t freeze and it’s warm enough in most parts of the country to pour concrete year round. Anecdotally, my neighbor is building a new home and It’s going to take more then 2 years from when they bought the lot to move in. How Long Does It Take To Renovate a Home? This is a little bit more complicated to answer than a new home build. There are a lot fewer variables when we’re looking at a new build versus renovating an existing home. Similar to our pricing table we’re going to break this down into three categories: cosmetic, remodeling several rooms and a full home remodel. Some things that will create longer lead times are design and permits. How Location Can Impact This Decision If you are selling a home in North Vancouver and wanting to stay in that area, renovating can be cheaper than moving. This is particularly true for expensive areas such as North Vancouver. Doubly so, because of the property transfer tax. Let’s look at a real example. This lovely, but dated 2000 sq ft. home in North Vancouver is selling for $1,999,000 let’s assume the mortgage is $1,499,000 on it and the owner has $500,000 in equity. Photo Credit: Karen Ericson This home in North Vancouver is listed for $2,288,000. Let’s assume you have to pay full price in today’s market (March, 2022). Photo Credit: Marco Pontillo So you sell your home for $1,999,000 and buy the new house for 2,288,000. It’s been your primary residence so you don’t have to pay capital gains on it. To sell your home it’s going to cost you the following in realtor fees: $56,000 To buy your new home it’s going to cost you property transfer taxes: $47,000 The proceeds of the sale of your house: $1,999,000 - $1,499,000 = $500,000 – Realtor Fees ($56,000) – Property Transfer Taxes ($47,000) = $397,000 Your new down payment = $2,288,000 x 20% = $457,600. Your new mortgage is = $1,830,400 And you’ve had to spend an additional $60,600 to put down 20%. What if took that put into a renovation instead? Your existing home is worth $1,999,000 and you use a HELOC to finance $391,000 in renovations. Assuming you get 70% of every dollar you put in back in equity your home is now beautifully renovated, it’s worth ~$2,272,700, you didn’t need to move and you didn’t need to finance $60,600 with your own cash. Style, Design and Features With a new home, particularly a custom built home you have more choices. You get to fully spec out the house to your exact style. The same can be said for features, some features are easier to build when you’re starting from scratch. In some respects with a renovation there are limitations. You have to consider the existing footprint of the building, existing structural, electrical and HVAC. Often times these can be moved but in some cases there isn’t a great solution. People do tend to underestimate what a dramatic change a full home renovation can have. Most of our clients are surprised at the end of the project how amazing their “new” FAQs Is renovating and remodeling the same thing? While the terms are often used interchangeably. Depending on where you are in the world, renovation is often considered a smaller, less intrusive improvement to an existing space. While remodeling tends to repurposing a space, moving walls, changing floors plans etc. What building permits are required for a renovation? A building permit is a legal document signed by the City that outlines all of your projects permitted construction details. The City is responsible for ensuring that you follow all zoning, building code, safety, sustainability, livability, and accessibility legislation. The timeline varies depending on the district you're applying to and the scope of your project. It could take anywhere from 2 to 8 months for one- and two-family home repairs and additions. Permits will generally take much less time if the project is small, such as a bathroom or kitchen renovation. Should you renovate your home all at once or in stages? It is normally recommended that you renovate your entire home at once if you can afford it. While the upfront cost is more than upgrading one room at a time, the overall cost is substantially lower. Because it is efficient - full-home renovations cost less in the long term. Is renovating better for the environment than new construction? It is better for the environment to renovate. Demoing a house results in a ton of scrap material headed to the land fill. It also requires entirely new materials to be used which of course each produce some level green house gases (1) https://wowa.ca/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-house (2) https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/avg_starttocomp.pdf