Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Table talk
Eating meals at a long countertop that faces a wall is not conducive to sparkling conversations or creating a close-knit family.
That's one reason Jenny and Trevor MacVicar decided to renovate the kitchen in their century-old home on Kingsway in the Crescentwood neighbourhood.
"When we bought the house in 2003, we were just beginning a family. We now have four kids aged 10, seven, three and nine months," said Jenny MacVicar, an accountant currently on maternity leave.
The couple's new kitchen has room for a table and six chairs, a space where the burgeoning family can face each other directly during meals and conduct group homework sessions.
"The school-aged kids were so enamoured of the family table that they decided to do their homework at it together. It became a family event, with the three-year-old adding some suggestions of his own," said MacVicar.
Another reason for the renovation was to update a kitchen that had changed very little since 1904, when Crescentwood was developed by real estate agent Charles H. Enderton.
The kitchen still had a door that opened onto a stairway once used by a butler when he was summoned by a buzzer to attend to the wishes of a family member on the second or third floor.
The stairway and a large steam radiator were removed during the renovation. This created extra space that was turned into a storage closet with double oak doors framed with traditional oak casing.
To further enlarge the area, load-bearing walls were knocked down and replaced with hidden beams, increasing access to the kitchen from the living room and making room for wall-to-ceiling cabinets and an L-shaped countertop.
The countertop is made of granite with an undermount sink and a backsplash of long, rectangular crema marble tiles. LED strip lighting is recessed under some of the cabinets.
Worn linoleum was stripped from the floor and replaced with heated tiles that are easy on the feet and compensate for the heat that was lost when the steam radiator was taken out.
The ceiling was lowered to add pot lights and replace old-fashioned knob and tube wiring with up-to-date cable and electrical boxes.
"About two-thirds of our house has been converted to modern wiring, and new cables are in position to be extended to the top storey when we decide to continue renovating," said MacVicar.
The couple has spent about $140,000 on the project, about 25 per cent more than originally budgeted, because they decided to add air-conditioning and other amenities in mid-renovation.
She said contractor Tony Teunis of All Canadian Renovations kept them apprised of how much they had spent at each stage of the reno and completed most of the work within his three-month time estimate.
"We chose Tony because we met him at a home exhibit in Winnipeg, and of the dozen or so contractors we interviewed, he was the most experienced and had a very reliable track record," said MacVicar, adding a family member had read a story about Teunis in the Winnipeg Free Press.
"He's a reassuring person to work with," she said. "Whenever I became anxious about something, he would reply, 'That's no problem. We'll take care of it.' "
MacVicar said Teunis's crew consisted of excellent craftsmen who were polite and never left a mess at the end of the day.
Like many people who have experienced a renovation, she suggested planning ahead for a place to stay for the duration of the work. In her case, the entire family lived on the third floor, which was already equipped with a two-burner hot plate, a microwave and a bar fridge.
"It was cosy and fun, kind of like an extra-long family camping trip," she said.
In the future, Jenny and Trevor plan to add a new entrance to their home, build an ensuite for the master bedroom and add insulation to exterior walls.
"It's a few years down the road, but Tony will be the man we contact when the time comes," she said.
Meanwhile, let it be noted the family that dines and studies together, stays together.
davidsquare81@yahoo.com
Renovation & Design
Public wants knowledgeable, friendly staff
Recently, I had the opportunity to take part in a planning session hosted by the Western Retail Lumber Association. The board of directors and invited guests were led through a daylong exercise in analyzing the association and the industry for the road ahead. The program facilitator introduced a number of topics, but one that stuck with me was the professional development of staff, especially in front-line jobs that were face to face with the public.
It is so critically important that those individuals who interact with the public are knowledgeable about the products and services they represent. In the case of the WRLA, discussion centred on those who are assisting the walk-in public and those who work with professional contractors. At first glance, one might think those who are dealing with contractors must have greater technical expertise and be more familiar with the products. Not so. Professionals generally come into the store with more product knowledge and know exactly what they want. The amateur handyman may need more expert guidance and advice; also more patience from service personnel.
The message was both client groups are equally important and the same level of expertise within staff is required for both. As someone who occasionally stains a cedar deck, replaces switches, installs railings or performs myriad small repairs, I appreciate the expert advice I receive from my local building supplier.
That then got me thinking about other first-contact personnel in the new-home and renovation industries. No matter how good your product is, if the first point of contact is an unpleasant one, you may have trouble selling that product. Who answers the phone? Who responds to emails? Who greets you upon entering the premises? Is the company website inviting and informative? Is there a contact for questions or complaints? All of these can make or break your business.
I guess that's why I have a problem understanding cross-border shopping for building materials and home-renovation products. I concede you may be able to save money on the purchase price due to our tax structure. However, who is there to help you throughout the process? How do you take back the extra can of stain or the box of screws? Even worse, who is going to tell you a particular product isn't CSA approved and therefore isn't warranted to be installed in Manitoba?
I'm not saying buy only Canadian-manufactured products or never shop outside of our province; however, I am advising to take advantage of the expertise and assistance you can only get locally from personnel trained to take care of your specific building needs.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
Renovation & Design
Plenty of good advice at renovation show
The Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show was last weekend, and it was a tremendous success with excellent crowds and a buzz of excitement in the air as the RBC Convention Centre was full of attendees with renovation projects in mind. Important information was shared throughout the weekend, so I wanted to talk about some highlights from the stage presentations I saw.
Tony Teunis and Mike Kerr from All Canadian Renovations emphasized the importance of hiring a contractor who adheres to the RenoMark code of ethics. It is critical you are provided with a detailed written contract for your job. Your renovator must carry adequate liability insurance, have workplace safety and health coverage, offer a two-year warranty and take out all applicable licences and permits.
Joe Wedge from Penta Spray Foam delivered a simple message: build tight, ventilate right. This mantra will ensure comfortable living conditions and peace of mind.
Megan Hemenway from The Ensuite gave a terrific presentation on universal design and accessibility. She talked about hand showers and slide bars and their practical application. For those who prefer baths, there is the accessibility bathtub with comfort side seating. Hemenway is a certified Aging in Place specialist. The Manitoba Home Builders Association will be offering this certification training in February, and it's certain to be an extremely popular course.
Ramsin Khachi delivered a couple of stage presentations courtesy of Flo Form and Cambria. He opened by dispelling myths about trends. The only important trend is the one that complements your lifestyle. I particularly enjoyed his tips on caulking bathroom tiles. He advises against the practice of running your finger along the corner as it feathers the edges and allows water to penetrate. He pre-tapes the corners for a strong bond, caulks and then removes the tape. Someone in the audience shared that they use a popsicle stick for caulking.
Ramsin shared some photos of his garage renovation. Anticipating trends, he has installed outlets for an electric car recharging station. Although the recycling bin is in the open, he hides the smelly garbage in a closet in the garage with a ventilation system.
I could go on for pages about all of the things I learned from each presentation, each booth and each person working the various booths. There was a wealth of information available to all attendees. I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to learn more about improving my home at the Home Expressions Home and Garden Show on March 27, 28 and 29 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
Renovation & Design
Natural stone, quartz head up favourites for kitchens and baths
Question: We are selecting new countertops for our kitchen and bathroom. I definitely want granite in the kitchen, but I'm thinking of a less costly option for the bathrooms (our master bath, a powder room and an upstairs full bathroom for the kids). What are your thoughts on quartz versus granite, and what do you suggest for the bathrooms?
Answer: You are wise to research your options for countertops as kitchens and bathrooms are typically the rooms that experience the most architectural advancements -- when it comes to design and technology -- than any other room in the house. Whether it is flooring, lighting, cabinetry, surfaces, or fixtures, these rooms continuously challenge designers and manufacturers to develop the next wave of functional style.
There are several options to consider:
Laminates
These have come a long way from the sharp-edged, glossy coverings of the 1950s. New technologies have developed profiled edges and new colours and patterns that complement a plethora of wall and cabinet finishes. Look for names such as Formica and Arborite. Laminates are a good value, but they can be damaged by heat or scuffing.
Solid
Solid surfaces are durable man-made products that are composed of acrylic polymers. These homogeneous surfaces come in a variety of colours and patterns that can be machined to provide a great number of profile edges, making their design more unique. Corian is a major name in the industry. Although solid surfaces are extremely stain resistant, they can be damaged with extreme heat, and while this surface is practical, it isn't terribly exciting to look at.
Natural stone
In this class are granites, slate, soapstone, marble and onyx, just to name a few. These have been growing in popularity for both kitchen and bath designs due to their luxurious appearance. Stone is resistant to heat and sharp objects, but acids can etch the surface if not cleaned quickly.
Natural stone is at the higher end on the price point and may require additional upkeep (some surfaces are recommended to be sealed and waxed periodically). Despite that, stone's great range of natural beauty has made it a top contender for countertop options.
Quartz
A close rival to the natural-stone options, quartz counters are comprised of quartz crystal combined with binding agents and colours. The results provide a beautiful product with increased durability. Quartz tends to be less costly than natural stone, while improving on some of its limitations such as acid etching and dark pigment staining.
A new wave
As I mentioned, there are always new products showing up in kitchens and bathrooms, and countertops are boasting machined surfaces devised from stainless steel, cement, wood and tiles. Each is unique and interesting, but they all require special considerations. Sealed edges, waterproof finishes and mildew-resistant grouting must be applied for these finishes to be functional in your high-action spaces.
With all of the options available, you will need to consider your budget and preferences, and maintenance of each option. Natural stone and quartz are leaders in kitchen counters, with solid finishes close behind. Powder rooms and master suites also show off natural stone and quartz, but the softer effect of solid or manufactured stone for secondary baths is very popular.
Question: I am remodelling a bedroom for our new baby (due in February). Could I put picture frame moulding around the bedroom door and bi-fold closets to add some interest? They are currently ribbon grain mahogany and look rather dull. Thanks.
Answer: Congratulations on your new baby. This is an exciting time for you. You can definitely add some architectural detailing to the doors, but be prepared to remove them from their hinges first. Since it's likely a hollow-core door, you shouldn't nail the frame to it. You will instead need to adhere the frame moulding with glue, and that will require you to lay the door flat so that the pieces can set properly.
If you get your frame cut and bevelled at a wood finishing store, you can adhere the pieces with heavy-duty, double-sided tape (look for it at your local hardware store). Rough up your surface so the tape can adhere well. Position your frame on the door and mark with a pencil. Place the tape on the frame and press onto your door. Add each section until complete.
Apply paintable caulking to the edge to seal it to the door and fill in any gaps. Using your finger or a damp cloth, smooth out the caulking edge. Let dry and paint the door a colour that works with your nursery choice.
This process can be applied to the bi-fold doors as well. Or consider removing the doors and replacing them with a curtain rod and draperies in a fun fabric. This adds personality to the room while eliminating pinched fingers later.
Leanne Brownoff is an Edmonton business consultant with vast experience in interior design.
Renovation & Design
Wax works to unstick stubborn desk drawers
QUESTION: We bought a homemade wooden writing desk. The drawers don't slide easily. What can we use to polish the slides? Linda
(Steinbach, Man.)
ANSWER: Your best bet is to rub the wood with some type of wax, either paraffin or carnauba. Use a candle if nothing else is available. Rubbing the wood with a bar of soap also works, but not as well. If the drawers still don't slide, sand the wood and then apply wax. Worst-case scenario, adhere plastic strips under the drawers.
QUESTION: Love reading your column every week. Some of the tips I already use, others are new. I am about to do some redecorating. It involves removing every item from each room, one room at a time. There are oak floors throughout the house, probably 60 years old. How can I clean them? I was hoping to use a professional service. However, they can no longer obtain the product they were using to clean floors. I need something that will do a good job but not break either my back or the bank! Thanks, Frances (Dominion City, Man.)
ANSWER: There are many products on the market designed specifically for cleaning waxed and un-waxed hardwood floors. Either way, your intention is to clean the wood finish and not the wood itself. To determine if the floors are waxed, drop a small amount of water onto the boards. If a noticeable spot remains, the floor is likely waxed. If that is the case, check out cleaners for old waxed hardwood floor such as Renovator by Dura Seal (you may need to purchase this online). There are many other options in stores. If your floor has a varnish finish, purchase polyurethane cleaner and then polyurethane sealer. If you prefer not to buy cleaner, you can clean the floor using a very small amount of water combined with equal parts white or apple cider vinegar. Clean with a microfibre mop and dry as you clean. Some people prefer to add a few drops of Murphy's Oil Soap to the water to give the floor added luster.
Hats off to these tips of the week
-- Wash that filthy baseball cap on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher without using detergent. When the hat is clean, place it on an inflated balloon to dry.
-- Wear your baseball cap in the shower. Wash with shampoo and rinse with water. Wear until dry to keep it perfectly shaped.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a corporate presenter on the topic: Harness the Power of Words? Check out my website, Reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
Diligence key to keeping furnace vents clear
Question: I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the proper way to resolve snow buildup over my high-efficiency furnace exhaust and intake vents. The vents come out of the foundation about 14 inches (35.5 centimetres) above the ground, and frequently after a good snow fall, I find the exhaust vent is under the snow and has made a tunnel through the snow. The intake vent has a snorkel that brings it well above the snow. But the exhaust is down low and straight out of the wall so the snow can get higher than it.
Can the exhaust be left as is or is it necessary to do something with it, maybe a snorkel or something else added to the exhaust? Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Gary Keena
ANSWER: Snow and debris buildup around high-efficiency furnace exhaust and fresh-air intake pipes is a common problem, and not one easily solved, in many cases. Keeping these open and free from obstruction is critical to maintaining a safe and properly operating heating system. Your question is right on the money for this topic, but the solution may not be as straightforward.
You have identified a topic that may have many readers asking, "Yah, what about that?"
This issue is something often experienced by homeowners after upgrades to their forced-air natural gas furnaces. All new furnaces are true high-efficiency units, which vent directly through PVC pipes to the exterior. Along with the vent pipe, there is normally, but not always, a parallel pipe that brings fresh air from the outside of the home into the furnace combustion chamber. These pipes are normally seen sticking out slightly from the side of the home, either through or just above the foundation. Because of this location, blockage by snow, debris, vegetation or other items is possible. Most installers go to great lengths to avoid these potential pitfalls, but sometimes they cannot be helped.
Preventing the exhaust vent pipe from plugging up, and also the fresh-air intake, is critical to maintaining a safe and properly operating furnace. If either of these pipes does not function correctly, sensors in the furnace can shut the entire unit down. If that happens, it could be a major issue with the indoor temperature of the home dropping to problematic levels. The reason such controls are built into the furnace components is to prevent a situation that would allow incomplete combustion, which could lead to carbon monoxide (CO) production. CO in sufficient concentrations can cause serious health effects, and even death, to occupants of the home if it goes unchecked. For that reason alone, keeping the pipes free of snow and ice blockage is absolutely critical.
Keeping vegetation away from the furnace pipe terminations may be the easiest to deal with of all the potential sources of trouble. This can be accomplished by avoiding planting any vegetation near or under the vent pipes. If there are bushes, trees, vines or other plants in the vicinity of the plastic pipes, they should be removed. If that proves too difficult, regular trimming and maintenance of this vegetation must be done in the growing season. The simplest approach is to avoid having any plants in an area one metre out from either side of the pipes and nothing directly in front.
The next item to address is the height of the soil or grade directly beneath the furnace vents. Your stated clearance from grade to the pipes should be sufficient to prevent any difficulties, but that may change over time. As normal soil erosion and house settlement occurs, the soil beside the foundation of your home may have to be built up to prevent moisture intrusion into the basement. When this is done, care must be taken to leave enough room under the vents for snow accumulation. Several centimetres clearance may have to be left to prevent blown snow from even a moderate snowfall reaching the underside of the pipes. The amount of actual clearance necessary will depend on the location of the pipes, prevailing winds, fences and surrounding vegetation.
This gets us to the main question in your submission -- what to do to prevent snow accumulation over the pipes in your home. The short answer is, buy a good shovel and use it. Unfortunately, there may be little you can do to prevent blown snow from covering the pipes, other than regular removal. If there is a high, semi-solid fence on that side of the home, replacement with chain-link or a shorter one may give some relief. Removing any other obstructions that may trap blown snow in that area, such as sheds, trellises or other physical structures should also help prevent a buildup high enough to block the vent.
While it may seem like there is a solution to every house issue, complex or simple, this may be one case where diligence is the key. Regular physical inspection of the snow level and persistent removal of excessive accumulation, will be the key to prevent blockage of your high-E furnace vent and intake pipes at the exterior of your home.
I would like to thank all the regular readers who sent in emails in the past year, wish everyone a Happy New Year, and ask that you keep the submissions coming.
Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the past president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors -- Manitoba (cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be emailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at 204-291-5358 or check out his website at trainedeye.ca.
trainedeye@iname.com
Renovation & Design
Today's the last chance to visit annual reno show
Today and Sunday are the last two days of the Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. The show runs today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. If Friday's crowds are any indication, this may be one of the more popular shows in years.
The Kitchen and Bath show has always kicked off the new year for home renovations, and Manitobans lead the nation in that department. Manitoba is the only province where more money is spent annually on renovations than new-home construction. Considering Winnipeg has the third-oldest housing stock in Canada, home renovations are a very big part of our lifestyle.
The Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show is unique in that it provides a free avenue for consumers to test the renovation market. The Ask a Renovator segment of the Manitoba Home Builders Association booth is staffed with professional RenoMark renovators who are available to answer your questions about a job you may be planning or just dreaming about. They are there to provide free 20-minute consultations to help steer you in the right direction toward an enjoyable and exciting upgrade to your home. Just come to the show and you will be able to pick the brains of one of Manitoba's finest renovators.
Before or after talking to a renovator, every attendee has the opportunity to visit some of the finest suppliers of goods, materials and services that will greatly enhance their home. Not just kitchens and bathrooms, but every room in your house can benefit from the expertise on the show floor. Why drive all over town when the best advice for all your needs can be found under one roof?
Along with presenting sponsors All Canadian Renovations and Penta Spray Foam Systems, we are proud to feature Chef Rob Thomas on stage at 1 p.m. both days. We are also very pleased to be able to feature design expert Ramsin Khachi Saturday at noon, also on the Lifestyles stage.
Tickets for the $10,000 Springfield Woodworking kitchen cabinetry grand prize are being sold by volunteers from Variety -- the Children's Charity.
The Kitchen and Bath Renovation Show is today and Sunday, so don't miss your chance to see all of Manitoba's best suppliers located in one convenient place, the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Tickets are available at the door.
Mike Moore is president of the Manityoba Home Builders' Association