This kitchen transformation proves what a difference you can make by removing a wall.  Many of our transformations have started with taking out a wall to expand the space and make it more open…and this one is no different.  With the wall against the sofa removed, our designer, Susan Allison, opened the kitchen to the living area, making it more conducive for entertaining & small dinner parties.

Before

After

Two of our projects have been recognized in Holmes on Homes magazine.  The first, designed by Susan Allison, http://www.holmesmagazine.com/beforeafter1.html; and the second, designed by Kelly Schmidt, http://www.holmesmagazine.com/beforeafter2.html.

Kitchen Before & After by Susan Allison:

Bathroom Before & After by Kelly Schmidt:

Did you know that Switzerland requires that all new buildings have a greenroof?  When you learn what greenroofs are and their benefits you will ask yourself when Vancouver will follow suit?

So what is a greenroof? Greenroofs are basically vegetated roof covers, with growing media and plants taking the place of bare membrane, gravel ballast, shingles or tiles.  The number of layers and the layer placement can vary from system to system and greenroof type, but generally all greenroofs include a single to multi-ply waterproofing layer, drainage, growing media and the plants, cover the entire roof deck surface.

There are two types of greenroofs: extensive and intensive.  Extensive greenroofs, also known as eco-roofs are low-profile and much lighter.  Because they have thinner and fewer numbers of layers, they are also less expensive and very low maintenance (but not maintenance-free!  You still have to check it periodically.)  These types of roofs are preferable when you want an eco-roof but don’t necessarily have the roof access to properly maintain it.

Intensive roofs or high-profile roof look like traditional roof gardens.  They have a wider variety of plant material and require more maintenance.

Some of the major benefits of a greenroof include:

• storm water retention
• provides insulation
• provides cooling
• cleans the air
• saves energy
• sound absorption
• food production
• provides a wildlife habitat
• looks nice
• a place for urbanites to grow food

Some existing green roofs in Vancouver are:

Vancouver Public Library (Library Square)

Fairmont Hotel (Herb Garden)

Vancouver Convention Centre

The Little Black Dress on Main Street recently underwent the KC transformation via our very own, Christina James.  Needless to say, it was a spectacular transformation.  With an open floor plan, uncluttered by clothing racks in the middle isle, many LBD clients have found the store welcoming, open, fresh, and a relaxing shopping experience.  Although it is not your typical retail space, it is one that has garnered a lot of attention from men and women alike.  Before you even enter the store, your eyes are captured by the bold yet classy wallpaper treatment.  One of the sales rep told me that a few men have even walked into the store, looking as if they will be purchasing something, only to stick around long enough to find the courage to ask where the laminate flooring came from!  With punches of pink, and a black and white colour scheme throughout, the new LBD look is the ultimate in class, elegance, and grace, just like their clients!

Before

After

Before

After

Mayor Robertson is determined to make Vancouver the world’s greenest city by 2020 (click here for article).  Some of the goals he has in mind are:

• Making the city a mecca for green enterprise by setting up a low-carbon economic development zone to attract investment for advancing renewable energy, energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies, with the object of creating 20,000 new green jobs.
• Eliminating Vancouver’s dependence on fossil fuels with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 33% from 2007 levels.  Already Vancouver produces just under five tonnes per capita with only a few cities in Europe bettering that, Robertson said.
• Making Vancouver a world leader in the design and construction of green buildings and, by 2020, making all new construction in the city carbon-neutral while improving efficiency of existing buildings by 20%.
• Encouraging greater green mobility by having more than 50% of residents walking, cycling or using public transit to move around the city.
• Reducing the amount of solid waste per capita that goes to landfills or is incinerated by 40%.
• Giving every citizen easy access to nature by providing “incomparable access to green spaces” by expanding “the world’s most spectacular urban forest in Stanley park” so that by 2020 every person would live within a five-minute walk of  a park, beach or greenway.  Another 150,000 trees will be planted in the city within the next 10 years.
• Reducing the ecological footprint of Vancouver by 33% on the way to realizing the “one-planet footprint.”
• Maintaining the highest international standards for drinking water but reducing the per-capita consumption of water by 33%.
• Achieving the cleanest air of any major city in the world
• Becoming a global leader in urban food systems and reducing the carbon footprint of food production by 33%

The Mayor certainly has a lot of work to do, but he also needs your help at home!  You are just one person, but you are one especially important to the big picture.  Any reduction in numbers would reduce the effect of a group of rioters.  Not that we are encouraging or promoting riots but yes, let’s have a GO GREEN riot…for the sake of our natural environment, and for ourselves and those around us.

What steps are you taking to green your environment?  Do you have a five/ten year go green plan?  Who are you considering when you are making these plans?

Klondike will continue to encourage our clients to think green when selecting materials/products/systems for their renovation/construction.  Further to this, in our own office renovation we have selected FSC certified products, zero VOC paints & adhesives, locally manufactured products, and products with recycled content…but we’re not stopping here.  We are currently researching alternative energy that can be purchased and by taking the responsibility for the utilities in our rental contract, we will be tracking our consumption so as to change our habits for the better.

We welcome any comments or suggestions on further steps that can be taken to facilitate greener construction practices as well as daily office operation.

As you may know, we recently moved into our new office at W 6 Ave & Hemlock (aka Hemlock Station).  When you move into a new space, it’s a given that there will be some adjustments…new problems to deal with (just to clarify, we DO LOVE our new space!).  One of the issues we are currently facing is noise.  We have a concrete floor, a lot of glazing, and a semi-open floor plan…which means sound travels everywhere.  We are currently looking into ways to reduce sound travel and thought you might benefit from some of the information we have gathered:

• the more space there is, the more noise reduction there is (we certainly have space but with the current open floor plan and rigid materials, it appears to be working against us)
• mass will prevent sound travel (thicker walls…which we don’t have)
• consider materials that will prevent vibrations & dampen sound

It’s important to understand the difference between noise reduction and noise absorption:

• noise reduction is achieved by stopping it, killing it, not letting it pass through walls/windows, etc. For this consider using mass and space.
• noise absorption is achieved by changing the characteristic of the noise.  Stop it from echoing, vibrating, reverberating, reflecting, etc.  For this consider using materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, acoustical ceiling tile, soundboard or interior walls, heavy curtains, etc.

It’s important to know the difference as one does not work for the other.  But when used appropriately they can both contribute to soundproofing your space.

For any floor, we cannot stress enough the importance of underlayments & subfloors.  Underlayments sit between the structural subfloor of the actual foundation and the flooring materials.  The subfloor provides structural/foundational support.  The underlayment absorb the roughness/imperfections of subfloors so you have a smooth, solid surface to give your flooring materials the extra support it needs.

Without proper subfloor & underlayment, the most resilient flooring is vulnerable to failure.  Resilient flooring is not thick like carpet and thus this makes it a target for problems like separating structural joints, improperly placed nails, and moisture.

Common materials used for subfloors are:

Hardboard – Consists of wood fibres packed tightly together.  Nails often cause the fibres to bounce up and around the nailhead, causing a bump, making it necessary to predrill nail holes.  Not recommended for areas with a lot of moisture like bathrooms and basements.

Particleboard - Hard, smooth material but vulnerable to moisture.  If it gets wet, its edges will swell and seams will separate on vinyl tiles.  If the area is moisture-free, then it is a good choice.

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) – Widely used underlayment for both residential and commercial projects.  Consists of wood strands bound together to create a strong, stiff material.  OSB is fire & impact resistant and helps control temperatures and sound in the room.  Strands of OSB can get larger or smaller according to their individual makeup, causing irregular lines to seep through the thin resilient floor on top.

Plywood – The most widely used.

Klondike Contracting & our very own, Annaliesse Kelly, have done it yet again.  What started as a small downtown condo has turned into a spacious office.  The old BC Hydro building suite was under 500 Square Feet, closed off and grungy.  With fresh open concept design and green and natural materials like bamboo flooring, and slate this space is ready for meetings, happy hour, or a quick shower if you absolutely needed one in the middle of the day.

Kitchen - Before

Kitchen - After

Bathroom - Before

Bathroom - After

A new outdoor light installation called Ice Light by German artist Gunda Forster now lights up the edges of City Hall with a sparkling LED display, reducing the power consumption of City Hall’s exterior lights by 70%.

As part of the legacy component of its Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program, the City of Vancouver has also commissioned a collection of light-based artworks and sculptural installations to animate 2010 Winter Games venues and signature locations around the city.  All of these installations are permanent, with the exception of the Walk In / Here You Are, which will be mounted for one year.

Garde-temps by Tania Ruiz Gutierrez (Under Cambie Bridge @ W. 2nd

Boulevart by Adrian Gollner & Pierre Poussin (Cambie St)

The Words Don't Fit The Picture by Ron Terada (Vancouver Central Library)

For more on these artists & their works, click here.

When is a good time to buy?  What location is best?  What type of home is best matched to my needs & financial resources?  What are the mortgage options?  What are the legal considerations? How do I benefit from builder licensing & mandatory home warranties?

If you are considering buying a home for the first time and these questions are running around in your head, then allow the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) to help!  The 16th annual free seminar on Tuesday, March 23 from 7pm to 9pm will provide many answers to help you de-mystify the process of buying a new home.

A panel of housing experts will be present to provide all sorts of information and answers to key questions.  It is free to attend, but please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Surrey Food Bank.  For more information, please visit www.gvhba.org.

2009 closed on a strong note for housing starts in the Vancouver area.  The annual rate of housing starts reached 174,500 units in December, up almost 10,000 from November.

The improvement in housing starts was broad-based, with increases in both single and multiple starts coming in 9,700 higher than the previous month, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said Monday (11 Jan 2010).

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased 6.6 per cent to 157,100 units in December. Urban multiple starts such as condominiums increased by 6.7 per cent to 77,700 units, while single urban starts increased 6.4 per cent to 79,400 units.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 17,400 units in December.

Regionally, the rate of urban starts for the month increased by 17.8 per cent in Quebec, by 15 per cent in Atlantic Canada, by 8.7 per cent in British Columbia and by 2.9 per cent in Ontario. The rate of urban starts decreased by 3.8 per cent in the Prairies, the CMHC said.

For more details CMHC’s Housing Market Information.

The Romans used radiant floor heating in their bathhouses.  For centuries, the Koreans heated their royal palaces and traditional homes in this manner.  Today, radiant heating technology has been improved drastically and can be used in all or part of our homes.

Radiant floor heating is a method of heating your home by applying heat underneath or within the floor.  Comparable to warming yourself in the sun, this type of heating warms objects as opposed to raising the temperature of the air.

Existing radiant heating are hydronic and electric.

Hydronic radiant floor heating is a system of plastic or metal tubes/pipes laid within a floor that carries hot water into specific rooms or “zzones”, dispersing the heat through the floor surface.  Cooler water returns to the heat source where it is reheated and sent out again in what is known as a “closed-loop system”.  The pipes can be encased in a concrete slab, a concrete or gypsum cement overpour, laid into thin grooved panels that nail on top of a subfloor, or suspended below a wooden subfloor using metal fins fastened under the floor surface.  The heat output is determined by pipe spacing, water temperature, flow rate and floor covering.

Electric radiant floor heating uses heat-conducting plastic mats containing coils warmed by electricity.  The coils are resistance wires, typically copper or nichrome, wrapped in a water resistant polymer.  Nichrome is an alloy of nickel and chromium with high electrical resistance making it ideal for producing heat.  These wires are zigzagged through a mat and then wired for electricity.  Electric radiant heat works best with ceramic tile floors, however it can be used with most types of flooring.

Selecting flooring that is durable, attractive, easy to maintain and healthy can be overwhelming because of the plethora of choices now available in the marketplace.

When choosing new flooring, consider the area where the new floor is to be installed, and the type of wear it will be subject to. Flooring covers a large surface area within your home, so choices can have consequences for both price and indoor air quality.

Consider the following and compare:

• Will there be heavy wear?
• Is the area subject to moisture?
• Does the floor need to be a sound barrier?
• To what degree does the floor need to be slip resistant?
• How easy is it to clean and maintain, and how much time are you willing to invest to do so?
• Is there anyone in the home who suffers from allergies or asthma? Usually the harder the surface, the healthier the flooring product.
• How durable is the product?
• What is the warranty coverage?
• What are the costs of the material and of the installation?
• Is the new flooring suitable for the type of subfloor? Does the subfloor require preparation or repairs?

Indoor Air Quality

The type of flooring and installation materials you choose may affect the health of your family. Certain types of flooring, plus the glues and sealers used in the installation of the floors, can release chemical odours. Commonly known as off-gassing these emissions can be harmful for many who have allergies, asthma or sensitivities to chemical products. It can take weeks or months for these chemicals to off-gas or dry out. At the end of this period, there is no detectable odour and most people are no longer affected. Usual symptoms are flu-like. Consider choosing flooring with the lowest emissions possible.

When using adhesives and sealers for the flooring, choose a water-borne (water-based) product. If possible, obtain the MSDS sheets (Material Safety Data Sheets) for the product. These are available at most supply outlets. Ask the supplier what the off-gassing or dry out time is, after which there should be no discernible odour. This is an important consideration for allergy or asthma sufferers.

Flooring Terms

Coatings: can mean paint or a clear finish on flooring or other products.

Floating floor: floor is not nailed or glued to the subfloor.

Laminate flooring: designed to look like hardwood and made of a composite of laminated materials.

Linoleum: a durable material made from linseed oil and other natural materials.

Resilient flooring: tile or sheet (roll) flooring typically made of vinyl, rubber or linoleum.

Rubber flooring: is durable and easy to maintain. Rubber comes in sheets and tiles.

Subfloor: a layer of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) fastened to the floor joists. The subfloor should provide a clean and even surface for the installation of the finished flooring.

Vinyl asbestos tile: an old type of vinyl tile which contained asbestos.

Vinyl composite tile: new vinyl tiles which do not contain asbestos.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds): VOCs contain hazardous chemicals that are found in finishes and other common household materials.

Water-borne coatings: surface finishes which are water-borne/water-based rather than solvent borne and have little or no VOCs: typically acrylic/urethane or urethane.

Resilient Flooring

A practical product that comes in many patterns, resilient flooring is sheet or tile flooring, usually with a pattern printed on the surface. Common types are:

• sheet flooring (cushion); a thin layer of vinyl over spongy back;
• vinyl composition tile;
• linoleum sheet or tile;
• rubber sheet or tile;
• cork.

Advantages of Resilient Flooring

• Available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
• Is moderately durable.
• Comes in range of prices.
• Is easy to install.
• Fairly easy to clean and maintain.
• Is reasonably comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.

Considerations

• Tiles may curl.
• Most resilient flooring is thin. Any irregularities in the floor underneath will show through.
• Minor problems such as blisters, scratches, tears and holes need to be repaired quickly.
• Extensive damage cannot be repaired. Rubber flooring can deteriorate from water left standing on it.

Care and maintenance tips

• Use glides or protectors to prevent denting from furniture.
• Wash using small amounts of mild detergent and water.

Installation

• Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for installation.
• Most resilient flooring is typically glued to a slab or subfloor.
• Select an adhesive recommended for both the flooring product and the surface over which it is to be installed.
• Flooring materials must be acclimatized to the temperature and moisture conditions expected during occupancy of the house, usually for 24 hours prior to installation.
• Homeowners with some skill should be able to install certain types of resilient flooring, such as tiles. Sheet flooring usually requires a professional.

Health and Environment

• Sheet flooring is installed using adhesives. Ensure the adhesives chosen have as few VOCs as possible.

Cost

• Cost varies considerably. Certain types of resilient flooring such as peel-and-stick tiles are easy to install and therefore the overall cost can be reduced.

Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is available in several grades, widths and thicknesses. Common hardwoods include birch, maple, beech and oak and sometimes softwoods such as pine, fir and hemlock. Wood flooring comes in different forms — strip, plank, parquet and laminates. Most new hardwood flooring today is pre-finished and has UV-cured polyurethane layers which protects the finish.

Advantages of Wood Flooring

• Wood is a natural insulator.
• It is easily cleaned and maintained and with proper care can be long lasting.
• Can be purchased unfinished or pre-finished.
• Can increase a home’s value.

Considerations

• Polyurethane finish can chip. Small stones and grit can collect: they will scratch the finish. Chipped spots and scratches will need refinishing.
• Wood flooring is susceptible to damage from water, heavy traffic or from dropping heavy objects.
• Water can seep in at joints and cause grey discoloration.
• Drying and shrinkage can cause large cracks between floorboards.
• Sunlight can cause discoloration.
• High traffic areas can be protected with small rugs or mats.

Care and Maintenance Tips

• Sweep or vacuum dirt and grit regularly to avoid scratches.
• Wipe the floors only minimally with a damp cloth, as constant dampness will eventually discolour the floor.
• Refinishing the floor involves sanding the whole floor before applying a new finish.
• When refinishing flooring, water-based/ water-borne urethanes are preferred by people with allergies, asthma or respiratory problems as they tend to emit fewer VOCs.

Installation

• Common methods include nail down, glue down or floating. Some products can be floated over subfloors, vinyl or ceramic tile eliminating the need to tear up existing flooring. Refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. In general, solid wood products must be nailed or glued down and are not recommended for below-grade installations.

Health and Environment

• Refinishing can create a large amount of dust from sanding and there is the potential for chemical emissions from the sealer or surface finish.
• Most new hardwood flooring is pre-finished which eliminates dust and odours associated with finishing on-site.
• When choosing a new finish for an old floor, consider your health and potential fire hazards. For example, solvent based products can be a fire hazard during installation. Keep the area well ventilated and follow all manufacturer’s directions to ensure safety.
• Water-based finishes contain fewer toxins than similar solvent based products.

Cost

• The installation costs can be slightly more expensive than some other types of flooring.
• Savings can be achieved in the long term as the floor can be long lasting. And, most hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced when worn.

Carpet

Carpets are made from many fibres including synthetic (acrylic, nylon polyester, viscose rayon) and natural (wool, silk and cotton). Avoid using carpet where there is moisture, for example, in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Advantages of Carpet

• Warm and soft on the feet.
• Absorbs sound.
• Wide choice of colours.
• Easy to install.

Considerations

• Susceptible to damage from stains, spills and heavy traffic.
• The new carpet and underpad odour can be problematic for several weeks for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
• Carpets trap dust and dirt which can affect people with allergies and asthma.
• Durability depends on the quality, care, and use and whether the carpet is an area rug or a full room carpet.

Care and Maintenance Tips

• Have the carpet cleaned professionally to improve appearance. The cleaning process should extract as much water as quickly as possible, enabling the carpet to be totally dry in a few hours.
• Vacuum weekly with a good quality vacuum using a HEPA filter, or use a central vacuum system with an outside discharge. A HEPA filter is a high efficiency air filter that captures small particles.

Installation

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Carpet installation for large areas is not usually a job for the do-it yourselfer.

Health and Environment

• Carpets accumulate dust, mites, molds, bacteria and other pollutants that can affect the health of those inside the house.
• After installation, off-gassing can occur for weeks or months requiring increased ventilation.
• Carpet backings are made up of a polypropylene mesh or jute with a latex bonding agent that may have high VOC’s. Traditional carpets and rugs do not rely on latex bonding. Most carpets are also treated for stain and fire resistance. These treatments can also be a source of emissions.

Cost

• Consider the price of the carpet as a system which includes: carpet, underpad, labour and disposal costs when replacement is needed. The quality and cost of carpet in the marketplace varies greatly.

Ceramic Tile

There are many different types of ceramic flooring. Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed. Tiles that are glazed generally have a durable exterior coating that is more resistant to moisture. It is durable, easy to clean, non combustible and fire resistant.

There is a wide range of quality in ceramic tiles.

Advantages of Ceramic Tile

• A hard surface that is easy to clean and durable.
• Keeps its appearance over time.
• Resists moisture and stains and heavy traffic.
• Good for radiant floor heating.

Considerations

• Ceramic flooring can be less comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
• These floorings do not dampen sound and can contribute to acoustically noisy environments.
• Glazed ceramic tiles can become very slippery when wet. Consider low-slip tiles with more grip for areas that will frequently get wet.
• It is not always possible to get a perfect match after a tile is broken. Keep some spare tiles from the original installation.
• Ceramic tiles that are pale in colour with no minor grain or pattern can look dirty quickly.
• Ceramic tile cannot be laid over an OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor. The subfloor should be plywood or concrete.

Care and Maintenance Tips

• Clean with mild soap and water or vinegar and water.
• Using harsh abrasives can damage the glaze on the tiles.
• Replace old caulking and damaged grout.

Installation

• Ceramic flooring must be laid on an appropriate subfloor that is level. Tiles can be laid on a solid concrete floor or a reinforced wood subfloor.
• The process involves skill and may not be suitable for the average do-it-yourselfer.

Health and Environment

• Ceramic flooring is a good choice for people with allergies. It is not prone to dust or mold problems. Choose water-based sealers and grout that will have few emissions.

Cost

• Ceramic tile will last much longer than other types of flooring, therefore resulting in cost savings. Installation is labour intensive and adds to the expense.

Laminate Flooring

Another flooring option is laminate, which comes in several patterns. Laminate flooring is composed of several layers. The layers include a backer core, the decorative design layer and the top wear-layer. It may be pre-finished and is less likely to suffer from expansion and contraction than wood flooring. On the market for about 10 years, it is quickly growing in popularity.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

• Easy to install.
• Easy to maintain.
• Several types are durable.

Considerations

• Most laminates can’t be refinished. Once the finish is worn, the product must be replaced.
• Not recommended for areas subject to moisture.

Care and maintenance

• Vacuum, sweep and clean with a damp mop.

Installation

• Laminates are usually installed using a floating floor method. Glue is used at the joints. Some products use a tongue and groove system that clips together, eliminating the need for glue.
• Can be installed by a do-it yourselfer.

Health and Environment

• Laminate floors are pre-finished, and don’t trap dust. Because of the installation method, (tongue and groove) little or no glues are used.

Cost

• Laminates range widely in price but can be a suitable alternative to hardwood flooring. Products that use a floating floor installation method may require underlay that can affect the total cost of the project.

Like anything else, the possibilities are endless with exterior sidings.  Since it is the finishing touch and determines the overall look of your home, we thought you may benefit from a bit of knowledge of the different products available.

Vinyl Siding

• made of polyvinyl chloride, strong & flexible
• comes in four or five inches height and similar to wood clapboard
• can resemble cedar shingles and shakes (although this is not very common)
• requires minimal maintenance
• Colours are not limited and can be customised as needed
• no painting necessary
• easy to install and thus you can save money on labour
• budget-friendly
• strong winds can sometimes cause it to twist & break
• can shrink and expand in changing weather conditions and care must be taken during installation to prevent gaps and twisting

Cedar Shingles

• cedar cut into small rectangles which are then nailed or stapled in a symmetrical horizontal pattern
• cedar shakes (below), unlike cedar shingle, come in many different styles and has a rugged & natural appearance

• can be stained for a natural wood look or painted
• naturally resistant to moisture & decay as well as swelling & warping
• can withstand wind speeds over 150 miles per hour
• can be pretreated to be fire retardent
• easy to install & handle
• insects can find their way into cedar wood

Wood Siding

• milled boards cut into a variety of styles
• most popular breeds are cedar and redwood, as they resist mould & rot
• horizontal wood siding styles include clapboard, beveled, and tongue & groove
• vertical wood siding styles include board and batten and plywood
• also comes in sections up to four feet wide, although they look like individual boards
• provides a classic look that will not go out of style
• can last up to 30 years
• can burn and be susceptible to cracking and splitting
• protective stain/paint must be applied every four years

Fiber cement board

• a composite material composed of silica, cement, sand, an water cured by pressurized steam
• manufactured in layers forming a sheet of desired thickness and wood grain is imprinted onto surface to imitate  various forms of wood siding
• water and termite resistant as well as fireproof
• more durable than wood siding
• most are guaranteed to last at least 50 years
• excellent weathering characteristics and strongly recommended for warm climates
• low maintenance
• installation requires special blades to cut and extra care must be taken to contain dust

Faux/Simulated Stone Siding

• panels made to imitate the look of natural stone walls
• attached to existing wall with mortar or grout, often interlocking into one another
• they do not support any load and are purely cosmetic
• very durable and long lasting, some guaranteed to last as long as the structure it is built upon
• can add value to your home
• low maintenance

Brick Siding & Brick Veneer

• composed of blocks made of fired clay
• laid in a variety of patterns and bonded with mortar
• does not support any load
• brick veneer imitates brick siding – manufactured into large vertical facing or smaller tile-like thin bricks
• brick is one of the most durable forms of siding on the market today
• can last for centuries and does not typically require maintenance or repairs for at least 20-25 years
• available in may lasting colours
• brick veneer is less durable than brick siding, however it is much easier to install on an already existing house
• good insulators and can dramatically improve the efficiency of your home
• very costly and labour intensive

Stucco Siding

• manufactured using natural materials including lime, silica sand and white cement
• the process of creating stucco siding involves applying multiple base coats of the sand and lime mixture, which are wet between each coat and the final coat is mixed to many colour of your choice
• installation costs more than vinyl or fiber cement as it is a multi-step process, however it can be completed in as little as a day or two while other siding types may take multiple weeks to be installed
• average warranty life of fifteen years, although some stucco exteriors have been known to last fifty years or more with proper maintenance

Stainless steel is chic, contemporary, and noted for its association with professional kitchens.  It is stain resistant, and the only surface that can be safely bleached.  Newer applications include brushed or textured finishes that help camouflage scratches.  Welded stainless-steel sinks create an integrated look, while backsplashes with corrugated patterns created dimension.  Stainless steel, when attached to a wood substrate, becomes more sound resistant.  Regular rolled edges, bullnose, or Marine edges (no drip) are standard.

One of our most recent completed projects called for a stainless steel countertop and integrated sink.  It served both form and function as the main countertop in the kitchen.  Our clients had a very specific goal for their new kitchen; the husband makes his own beer from scratch (not from beer kits) and needed a kitchen where he could do this and store all of this extensive equipment.  Beer making must be absolutely sanitary and the stainless steel countertop plays a very important function as well as being aesthetic pleasing.  Our very talented designer, Susan Allison, described the project as English pub meets Yaletown loft.  Here’s the dramatic before & after photo:

Before

After

In Vancouver we often experience rain and this is not always the ideal weather for any exterior work.  One of our clients recently asked me, as the construction of her garage was in progress, how the building paper will be affected when you leave it exposed to rain for numerous days.  We couldn’t shingle because rain makes Hardi-shingles soft and they break.  So in the meantime, what will happen to the building paper after long periods of exposure to less than ideal weather?

Building paper is made from Kraft paper (produced from wood pulp and very strong & coarse) which has been saturated with waterproofing asphalt, the same product used in asphalt pavement to bind aggregate together.  It is very resistant to wet environments.  The purpose of building paper is initially to prevent wind from penetrating into a wall and secondly to act as a backup moisture barrier behind cladding.  In wet regions, the second function is very important since moisture in a wall is definitely not desirable.

For any climate, two layers are recommended.  The outer layer of paper can become damp from wet cladding so having two layers means that the inner layer keeps the wood wall separated from direct contact with this dampness.  The outer layer can take the abuse of numerous wet and dry cycles in the wall while the inner layer remains unaffected over time.  Regardless, it is best to cover any moisture barrier as soon as practical since you expect it to perform for many decades.

If you are looking for something different and attractive to clad your walls, FORESTwall by Morinwood is the perfect solution!  We love this product for the following reasons:

• seamlessly clads walls and ceilings in natural wood
• creates the illusion of a stylized 3D stack of lumber
• random patterns give you a very unique and interesting work of art
• made from locally harvested wood from certified forests
• uses off cuts and shorts that would have been waste
• made with no VOC’s or urea formaldehyde
• tested for acoustic absorption and diffusion properties
• can be customized to meet specific acoustic requirements
• easy to install and components can easily be removed & replaced for maintenance

This product has been chosen for world-class facilities such as the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project (VCCEP), including the 2010 Olympic Broadcast Centre.

We’ve all been to a friend’s home who recently had a renovation done and drooled over their beautiful backsplash which completes the entire space to perfection.  Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve a note-worthy backsplash that will leave your friends jealous!

1. Determine your budget because like everything else there’s a high and a low end.  Regardless of your budget though, creativity will take you a long way.
2. Determine the theme that you are going for.  If you are already doing a renovation then the theme most-likely has already been determined so this should be easy.  Whether it’s country, traditional, or contemporary it’s always a good idea to maintain a consistent theme.  However, as backsplashes usually cover a small area, you can definitely do something a bit different to add interest.
3. Continue your counter material up to the wall as backsplash to be consistent.  For those who have difficulty when there are too many choices, this is always a good option.
4. Define specific work areas by varying the type of material or colours used.  For instance, try stainless steel behind your cook-top and tile the rest.  Introducing different materials will make the space more interesting and allow you to highlight those big budget items, like your Wolf range!  Be careful not to overdo it though because it could end up looking like a mess.
5. Give you backsplash the same attention your cabinetry or countertop would get.  It’s at eye level, so most likely will be the first thing you see when you enter the room.
6. Do your research!  There’s a plethora of materials to choose from including, laminates, glass, ceramics, metal, and solid surface, so make sure whatever you choose is right for your needs.
7. If you are on a budget but still want something special, choose one area to install the very expensive recycled glass tiles (for instance), and use something more budget friendly for the remainder of the space.
8. Neutrals are pretty standard these days but for interest consider adding a colourful band or border for a punch of colour.
9. If you are a collector of tiles and have an interesting collection gathered through your travels, by all means use some of them to make your backsplash a bit more unique.
10. Seek professional help if you need it and when it comes to tiling quality can vary with each tiler so make sure you do your research.

Technology experts from the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), are presenting the winter session of What’s New in Homebuilding, a workshop for people considering having a custom home built for them.

The workshop will highlight the latest innovations in construction technology, design, indoor air quality and green initiatives.  Workshop topics include:

• Principles of durable building envelope construction
• Healthy housing tips for superior indoor air quality
• Ventilation systems
• Energy-efficient and green construction practices
• How energy choices affect costs

To encourage productive interaction between presenters & participants, registration is limited to 25 people so hurry & pre-register by Monday, February 1, 2010.  Cost to attend is $75 per person or $130 per couple (GST not included), and includes lunch, coffee breaks, and a wealth of printed material on new products & services.  Call 778-565-4288 to register or visit GVHBA.org for more information.

The first step to developing more sustainable water use practices is by assessing your current patterns.  Here are a few average water use data provided by the City of Vancouver to help you start making more informed decisions:

In home water use (average summer day)

• average toilet water usage: 76 litres per person per day – that’s 30% of household water
• low-flow toilets only use 6 litres per flush (compared to older toilets that use 20 litres or more
• a standard dishwasher uses 57 litres of water per load; waiting for a full load before running the dishwasher saves water
• clothes washer uses an average of 150 litres of water per load – that’s 23% of household water
• showerheads dispense anywhere between 5.7 to 18.9 litres per minute, which means a 10 minute shower uses an average of 130 litres of water – that’s 20% of household water

Outdoor water use

• average usage for a household is 40% of the total water usage
• a half hour of sprinkling twice a week is sufficient for a healthy lawn

We can all do our part to help save water in our homes and gardens.  From simple things such as shutting off the tap when the water is not being used to installing water efficient appliances, there are many ways to be more sustainable.  The City of Vancouver also offers a water saver kits (pictured below) to residents for only $12 (limit 2 kits/household).

Indoor Kit

Outdoor Kit