Issuu

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

f a l l h o m e i m p ro v e m e n t

Making the most of that small bathroom Renovating bathrooms is commonly at the top of home improvement to-do lists. Though some rooms around the house may remain timeless, bathrooms, like kitchens, show their age (and era) much more easily, which could be why homeowners are always on the lookout for new ideas. Although many people may dream about creating a spa-type oasis in their homes, not everyone is lucky enough to have a large bathroom, much less a large budget for a full-scale renovation. Small bathrooms are common, particularly in older homes, but they needn’t force homeowners to compromise on style when renovating. Small bathrooms may be a half-bath on a main home level or even a full bath, depending on the home. By thinking creatively, homeowners can maximize their spaces and redo bathrooms in ways that bring out their best assets. Q When space is at a premium, it’s best to look for ¿xtures and items that ¿t with the scale of the bathroom. Although you may want a large vanity and cabinet in which to hide all of your toiletries, this simply may not be practical — taking up most of the bathroom real estate. Instead, look for elegant pedestal sinks

that have a much smaller pro¿le. They’ll also help you control the clutter in the bathroom because there won’t be anywhere to hide it. Q Use optical illusions to make the bathroom appear more roomy. For example, lay tile diagonally to create the impression of space. A large mirror will reÀect the room back and make it appear much larger than it really is. Q Select lighter hues in paint colours and accessories. Dark paints and ¿xtures could make the room feel cramped. Dark colours are generally used to make spaces feel more cozy. In a small bathroom, it may make the space feel claustrophobic. Instead, think light and bright and the room will instantly feel more airy. Q Minimize wall hangings and keep ¿xtures smaller. Filling the walls with knickknacks may contribute to clutter and make the space appear closed in. Use decorative items sparingly. Q If possible, store towels in a closet outside of the bathroom. This way you won’t have to devote space inside the bathroom to a closet, leaving more room for other things. Q While some people like the thought of a separate bath and shower, in smaller bathrooms

this may not be possible. Instead, look for a combined shower and bath, or select a walk-in shower with a much smaller pro¿le. Q Windows are often welcome in bathrooms because of the ventilation they provide, but they could be a hindrance in smaller bathrooms because they take up prime wall space. Cover a window in a shower stall to free up space. Just be sure to install a venting fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom. Q Maximize wall space if you need storage. Find cabinets that will ¿t beneath windows or be able to ¿t in thin areas between sinks and toilets. Over the toilet is prime area for cabinetry. Q Consider a frameless shower. This is a partitioned area of the bathroom that’s set aside for the shower and is typically only cordoned off by a thin wall or piece of glass. Or a shower with no walls at all is the ultimate in space-saving. The entire bathroom Àoor is decked out in tile, and a portion is sloped toward a shower drain. Q Think about installing a skylight if you prefer natural light, but there is no room for a traditional window. Thinking creatively can help turn a cramped bathroom into a space-saving and well-designed room homeowners desire.

A FRAMELESS SHOWER can take up less space in a small bathroom.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

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Choosing the right material for your patio Curb appeal can have a dramatic impact on prospective home buyers. Landscaping improvements and renovations to the outside of the home create a strong ¿rst impression on buyers, who often feel a home with an appealing exterior has an equally impressive interior. A patio is one area of a home that can boost a home’s appeal while also providing a great place for current homeowners to relax outside. Many homeowners waver when choosing a material for their patio because each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. A backyard patio is a place where friends and family members can convene in the nice weather to enjoy dining al fresco. In the cooler months, a patio is a great place to gather around a ¿re pit and warm chilly toes while sipping mugs of hot cocoa. When designing a patio, homeowners must make a host of decisions, not the least of which is choosing a patio material. Wood, stone, concrete, paving blocks, and tile all can be used to create appealing and functional patios. Because of the widespread availability of concrete, pavers and wood, many patios are constructed of these materials. CONCRETE: Concrete is one of the more affordable patio materials. With stamped concrete, homeowners can enjoy more colours and designs than ever before, and new technology in tinting and styling enables concrete to

CREATING A PATIO can add value to a home. The hard decision is selecting a patio material that ﬁts your budget and gives your patio the look you desire.

look like other expensive stone materials at a fraction of the cost of stone. For the experienced mason, laying concrete is a relatively easy job. It may be more dif¿cult for the novice do-it-yourselfer because laying concrete requires knowledge of grading and also installing spacers correctly to deter cracking. Because concrete is not as labor-intensive as some other materials, homeowners may save some money if they choose concrete. Concrete is durable, but over time cracking is inevitable. Some concrete requires the application of a sealant

every few years to protect colouring and durability. Around pools, concrete can become slippery when wet if an anti-skid agent was not applied with. PAVING STONES: Many homeowners gravitate toward paving stones because their varied texture and shapes can create quite an appealing look in a yard. If installed correctly, pavers will not crack and it is possible to easily add on to an original design because of the portability of these stones. And because they can be moved, pavers can be repaired from underground and stones can be replaced without

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any demolition. Homeowners like that pavers can quickly make a yard look high-end. Although pavers can be installed as a do-it-yourself project, such installation can be labor-intensive. The ground needs to be accurately leveled and prepped before the stones can be placed to help ensure there is no shifting or movement. Polymeric sand should be applied and pushed into the joints between blocks to alleviate shifting. The sand contains a polymer that hardens and locks the blocks in place. Such detailed work is beyond

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the abilities of many homeowners, who typically pay a substantial amount to have the stones professionally installed. Though the sand may inhibit weed growth, weeds can still pop up between the blocks, so maintenance is necessary. Also, paving blocks are slightly uneven and they can loosen, which can prove a safety hazard to the elderly or young children who aren’t sure-footed. WOOD: Wood is often thought of in a raised deck scenario, but it can also be laid at ground level to create a low-lying patio. A wood patio can be unique and stained or painted in a variety of colours. It also may be less expensive to install than concrete or pavers. If the shape is relatively simple, a do-it-yourselfer also may be able to do the job without hiring a professional. Though wood is a good choice for many homeowners, it is one of the more maintenance-heavy materials. Wood must be routinely cleaned, stained and sealed. Even with the best care, wood can warp, splinter and chip. When surrounding a pool, wood may deteriorate after coming in contact with chemicals from the pool water. Though most wood is treated, it may be susceptible to boring insects and other pests. Creating a patio can add value to a home. The hard decision is selecting a patio material that ¿ts your budget and gives your patio the look you desire.

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www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

f a l l h o m e i m p ro v e m e n t

Staging your home for a quick sale Did you know that most potential buyers form an opinion of the home they are visiting in the ¿rst 90 seconds? That 90 per cent of people are incapable of imagining living in a home that has not been prepped? There are some very specific techniques you can apply to neutralize your property so that it will please the majority of buyers, inÀuence the sale price, and reduce the length of time your home is on the market. The ¿rst step in the “staging” of your home is to create new arrangements with your furniture. This will highlight the positive aspects of your living space, such as open areas, ease of circulation, size, light, and the main purpose of each room. It is important to create as much room as possible so that visitors have an impression of space and dimension.

To do this, keep only the furniture necessary for daily life, such as the kitchen or dining room table, the sofa, chairs, and other decorative elements that are both simple and neutral. Walls, shelving units, and kitchen counters should be populated very sparingly. Art works, family photographs, and ornaments are all elements that could put potential buyers off. Personal items tend to distract visitors and prevent them from being able to imagine living in your home. The idea is to depersonalize your rooms, to make them neutral by opting for a white wall instead of your beloved Àowery wallpaper, for example, which not everyone will like. Choose a restrained, elegant decor that will attract a young couple as much as a family.

A RESTRAINED DÉCOR will please the majority of potential buyers.

Home automation brings comfort with the touch of a button Domotics, or home automation, is increasingly popular and includes such things as building techniques, IT, electronics, and telecommunications. Not only does it add to the comfort, energy ef¿ciency, and security of a home but domotics also increases market value. Equipping a home with a domotics sys-

tem requires the installation of a network of electrical cables linked to a central computer. Remote access to the system is possible with a telephone modem. A tactile screen or a digital tablet allows home owners to program the functioning of a wide variety of electrical appliances. Home automation features are much

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easier to integrate if the cabling and extra add-on junction boxes are installed when the residence is being built. Just having the basic functions installed at ¿rst helps home owners become familiar with the use of this system. There will always be the opportunity to add new options at a later date. The most common basic functions include integrating the lighting, heating, and security systems. For ARRIVE HOME to the welcome of soft lighting, your favourite example, by activating music and a cozy ﬁre. the alarm system, the heating system will switch to economical just automatically, depending on the time mode and the house lights will switch off. of day, and a home cinema synchronized At a later date the integration of the video, with the sound system. Domotics also altelephone, communication, and computer lows home owners to regulate everything of an electrical or electronic nature in the systems could also be considered. A smart home can also include surveil- home, including preheating the oven, conlance cameras that can be checked from a trolling a gas ¿replace, or closing windows distance, mechanized blinds that will ad- in case of rain.

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Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

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Make your nest look its best Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault Benjamin Moore & Co.

With the fall months upon us, now is the time to shift from exterior landscaping and decorating projects and focus on tackling your interior décor to-do list, and nothing has greater impact than adding a splash of colour with a fresh coat of paint. Relative to what we spend on furnishings and accessories, paint is a small investment that can completely transform any space in a short amount of time. And for even the novice do-ityourselfer, a successful paint job is quite simple. But before you go running for the paint chips, there are a few important tips to consider that will ensure the best results. CREATE A TANGIBLE TO-DO LIST: We all have a mental list of decorating tasks we want to accomplish around the house (mine always seems to get longer rather then shorter), but when it comes to painting projects, it’s essential to write them on paper. From that list, determine what will make the greatest impact and add the most value to your environment, note how much time you anticipate that project will take, and then assess the level of skill required to complete it. If a project is outside of your skill or comfort level, you can seek out the proper trades to complete the job for you. But if you plan to tackle it on your own, be sure that you allocate enough time to get it done all at once (as there’s nothing worse than a project half complete). PREP, PREP, PREP: The anticipation of rolling out a new luscious hue can be too much for some to bear (or maybe that’s just me), but it’s important to ¿ght the urge until you properly prepare the surface for paint. Whether your walls simply need a few nail holes ¿lled and a light sand, or a fresh coat of primer over new drywall, properly preparing your walls before painting will not

only give you superior results, but will add to the longevity of your paint ¿nish. Here are a few tools to have on hand that will make your preparation phase go smoothly: paint scraper to remove cracked or peeling paint; caulking compound or ¿ller to mend cracks and nail holes; putty knife to apply compound; power sander/sandpaper in various grit grades; lowtack painters tape to mask baseboards and trim details; screwdriver to remove outlet covers; a step ladder; and all-purpose latex primer. INVEST IN THE PROPER TOOLS: So, you’ve chosen the perfect paint colour for your room, but have you selected the perfect paint tools? There is a big difference between a paint brush or roller from the dollar store and a quality one from your local paint retailer. Quality tools will help you achieve a better ¿nish and they last signi¿cantly longer. I have had the same angled sash brushes for years, and with proper cleaning and storage, they are as good as the day I bought them. It is important to choose the tools that complement the type of product you are using and the type of surface you are painting. For example, if you are brushing latex paint on a wall, a polyester/ nylon brush will work much better than a black china bristle brush which is intended for alkyds. Also, look for a good-quality, shed-resistant or micro¿bre roller that will resist spattering and leave you with a beautifully smooth ¿nish. PICK THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR THE JOB: Determining where and what you will be painting will determine which product you should use to attain the best results. Are you painting a bathroom where moisture is a concern? Or are you painting a stucco ceiling for the ¿rst time? Choosing the right product is key, but when in doubt, ask your local Benjamin Moore paint retailer for their best recommendation. There is a product for every situation … you just need to ensure that you choose the best one.

Buy 1 Colour Sample, Get 1 FREE* 472 ml samples are available in every Benjamin Moore® colour.

True Colours Paint & Window Coverings www.benjaminmoorepenticton.com

250-490-8660 103 - 1397 Fairview Road Penticton

*Redeemable only at retailer listed above. Certain exclusions apply. Subject to availability. Retailer above reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time. Limit one offer per customer. While supplies last. Only original offer will be honoured - no photocopies or faxes will be allowed. © 2012 Benjamin Moore & Co., Ltd. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks, and Colour Selection Simplified is a trademark of Benjamin Moore & Co., Ltd.

A New Season Calls for a Great New Outﬁt . . . On The Floor.

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www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Bosch 12” Sliding g ONLY 4 Mitre Saw AVAILABLE 5101 0025 Regg $759.000

649

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Hausmann 18” Benchtop Scroll Saw

each

Hausmann 10” Portable Table Saw

5107 2496 Reg $199.00

109

Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

OVER $3,000 IN DOOR PRIZES

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

RONA PENTICTON 2012 KITCHEN EVENT

Amazing Savings on Numerous In-Store Specials save up to

DURING OUR THIRD ANNUAL

5107 6013 Reg $799.99

450

save

ON INSTALLED SPECIAL ORDER KITCHENS!

each

save

each

See all these vendors during the RONA Home Show

Hausmann 10” Laser Mitre Saw 5106 9065 Reg $349.00

279

00 each

Hausmann 10” Table Saw

Hausmann 18” Drum Sander 5106 4213 Reg $956.00

5107 1880 Reg $799.00

399

450

PAINT BLITZ Contractors Special on All SIKA Products!

HOME SHOW

00 each

each

BUY 2 GALLONS AND RECEIVE THE 3RD GALLON FREE!

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Saturday, October 20, 2012 Show Hours: 9am to 3pm • Store Hours: 8am to 6pm TAKE PART IN OUR 2012 RONA FAMILY PROJECT FUNDRAISING BBQ!

Pallet of 60 Bags

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25400

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Goodfellow Hard Maple Hardwood ENGINEERED AND CLICK Reg $4.99 sq.ft.

49 sq.ft.

5 colours to choose from

Taiga 12.3mm Envy Laminate Reg $1.59 sq.ft. 5106 8202, 5109 0999, 5108 4730, 5108 3680, 5106 5963

Eagle Valley Wood Pellets 1705 6712

CCI 12 Degree Grey Allen Block

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

49 /bag

Velux 22x46 Fixed Skylight 5107 2563 Reg $162.00

129

00 each

129 sq.ft.

5108 1511 Reg $137.00

00 each

3301 0898 Reg $7.99

each

Uberhaus Ceramic Tower Heater

5110 0030 Reg $89.99

Take a vacation in your own backyard!

FREE HOT AIR WELDER with any full roll purchase of 60mm vinyl!

5108 7442 Reg $54.99

save

5999 10

each

• Receive up to 5% in cash back in RONA Gift Cards • Receive 5X the Air Miles until December 31, 2012 • Different payment options

Global Dec-K-ing - the world’s BEST waterprooﬁng material for decks!

each

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Weed Eater Electric Blower Vacuum

CHECK OUT THE DISPLAYS AND SUPPLIES. ALSO, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FINANCING PROGRAM RONAdvantage.

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

TRUCKLOAD EVENT! Solid Wood Work Bench

NEW DEALER!

The store will be busting at the seams filled with our amazing vendors. Come for a visit and bring your questions and ideas for those fall projects.

Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21 Special includes all RONA, Sico and ECO Brand Paints SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

PENTICTON

On Special Order Steel Craft Garage Doors

6 Pack Solar Garden Lights

2 Pack 10 Inch Circular Saw Blades

24 5108 3176 Reg $52.99

LIMITED SUPPLY

977

each

5108 2426 Reg $21.99

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

each

97 each

5106 6244 Reg $39.99

6 Foot Brushed Steel Torchiere Lamp

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

save

A In-Stock and All Special Order S S Shade-O-Matic Blinds B

8 Pack Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights

14 5107 1792 Reg $39.99

77 each

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Bosch 12” Sliding g ONLY 4 Mitre Saw AVAILABLE 5101 0025 Regg $759.000

649

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Hausmann 18” Benchtop Scroll Saw

each

Hausmann 10” Portable Table Saw

5107 2496 Reg $199.00

109

Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

OVER $3,000 IN DOOR PRIZES

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

RONA PENTICTON 2012 KITCHEN EVENT

Amazing Savings on Numerous In-Store Specials save up to

DURING OUR THIRD ANNUAL

5107 6013 Reg $799.99

450

save

ON INSTALLED SPECIAL ORDER KITCHENS!

each

save

each

See all these vendors during the RONA Home Show

Hausmann 10” Laser Mitre Saw 5106 9065 Reg $349.00

279

00 each

Hausmann 10” Table Saw

Hausmann 18” Drum Sander 5106 4213 Reg $956.00

5107 1880 Reg $799.00

399

450

PAINT BLITZ Contractors Special on All SIKA Products!

HOME SHOW

00 each

each

BUY 2 GALLONS AND RECEIVE THE 3RD GALLON FREE!

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Saturday, October 20, 2012 Show Hours: 9am to 3pm • Store Hours: 8am to 6pm TAKE PART IN OUR 2012 RONA FAMILY PROJECT FUNDRAISING BBQ!

Pallet of 60 Bags

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

25400

save

Goodfellow Hard Maple Hardwood ENGINEERED AND CLICK Reg $4.99 sq.ft.

49 sq.ft.

5 colours to choose from

Taiga 12.3mm Envy Laminate Reg $1.59 sq.ft. 5106 8202, 5109 0999, 5108 4730, 5108 3680, 5106 5963

Eagle Valley Wood Pellets 1705 6712

CCI 12 Degree Grey Allen Block

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

49 /bag

Velux 22x46 Fixed Skylight 5107 2563 Reg $162.00

129

00 each

129 sq.ft.

5108 1511 Reg $137.00

00 each

3301 0898 Reg $7.99

each

Uberhaus Ceramic Tower Heater

5110 0030 Reg $89.99

Take a vacation in your own backyard!

FREE HOT AIR WELDER with any full roll purchase of 60mm vinyl!

5108 7442 Reg $54.99

save

5999 10

each

• Receive up to 5% in cash back in RONA Gift Cards • Receive 5X the Air Miles until December 31, 2012 • Different payment options

Global Dec-K-ing - the world’s BEST waterprooﬁng material for decks!

each

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

Weed Eater Electric Blower Vacuum

CHECK OUT THE DISPLAYS AND SUPPLIES. ALSO, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FINANCING PROGRAM RONAdvantage.

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

TRUCKLOAD EVENT! Solid Wood Work Bench

NEW DEALER!

The store will be busting at the seams filled with our amazing vendors. Come for a visit and bring your questions and ideas for those fall projects.

Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21 Special includes all RONA, Sico and ECO Brand Paints SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

PENTICTON

On Special Order Steel Craft Garage Doors

6 Pack Solar Garden Lights

2 Pack 10 Inch Circular Saw Blades

24 5108 3176 Reg $52.99

LIMITED SUPPLY

977

each

5108 2426 Reg $21.99

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

each

97 each

5106 6244 Reg $39.99

6 Foot Brushed Steel Torchiere Lamp

SEE US AT THE HOME SHOW

save

A In-Stock and All Special Order S S Shade-O-Matic Blinds B

8 Pack Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights

14 5107 1792 Reg $39.99

77 each

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

Penticton Western News Wednesday, October 17, 2012

f a l l h o m e i m p ro v e m e n t

Financing your home improvement project

A FEW WELL-PLANNED renovation projects in the kitchen and bathroom can boost your home’s resale value.

Turning renovations into proﬁt The addition of a kitchen island is also bound to add value to your home. For the bathroom, the combination of a whirlpool bath and a separate shower ranks high on the list of criteria for potential buyers as well as a second complete bathroom or, at the very least, a powder room. The work involved in renovating a kitchen or bathroom is usually the most costly, so a complete overhaul in the latest style is sure to help potential buyers fall in love with your home at ¿rst sight. Last but not least, don’t underestimate the importance of a good paint job in order to give your home a stylish look. Choose light, neutral shades that are bound to please more people. When in doubt, you can always ask advice from a professional home stager or interior decorator.

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MANY PEOPLE use their credit cards to ﬁnance renovations, but there are better options.

their value won’t have a chance to decline. Q Apply for a home equity loan. Many people have heard of a home equity loan, and it is usually the ¿rst choice when borrowing funds for renovations. Essentially a home equity loan is taking out a second mortgage on your home to pay for the work you want to have done, which is based on the equity, or the difference between the home’s fair market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the property. The interest on these loans is tax-deductible, which can make this ¿nancing option quite popular. Q Secure a home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is another type of home equity loan. Instead of receiving a lump sum to use toward renovations like you would with a traditional home equity loan, a HELOC is sort of a credit card type scenario based on the equity in your home. You are given a line of credit, against which you can buy items. This is good for intermittent needs, when one large sum is not needed. HELOCs have a draw period, during which the borrower can use the credit, and a repayment period, during which it must be repaid. HELOCs generally have lower mortgage fees at the start and are generally subject to the same tax incentives as regular home equity loans. Q Consider re¿nancing. Interest rates on mortgages are at historic lows. You may qualify to do a cash-out re¿nance, where you borrow against the value of your home and create an entirely new mortgage at the lower rate. Although you will start your mortgage all over from day one and have to pay closing fees, this type of re¿nancing can be more advantageous to homeowners with signi¿cant equity in their homes.

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WHY PAY RETAIL PRICE WHEN YOU CAN BUY Ceramic Accent Lamps

48” Round Table & 4 Chairs $ 99

3 colours Purple, White, Black Reg. 95 $ $ 9999

Kenmore Double Oven Stove

Leather Padded Seats Reg. $ 99999

549

Sunbeam Microwave

64 Industrial Avenue West Penticton, BC

250.493.3850 www.classicleisurelifestyle.com

Maytag Performa Fridge Bottom Freezer $ Reg. $ 109900

44999

Sofa

WHILE QUANTITIES LAST

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TV Wall Mount

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Bosch 30” Gas Stove Top

$ Adjustable Reg. $ 14900

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BELOW WHOLESALE

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Samsung, LG, A variety of products, Amana, GE, hoodfans, microwaves, KitchenAid, Jenair, dishwashers, #104 - 2100 Dartmouth Road, Penticton Aveis, Whirlpool mattresses, artwork, and Maytag TV’s & more. 1-877-390-0554 • 250-490-0554

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Warren Ave.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Whether they are short or long-term projects, renovations are always a good way to increase the market value of your home. They will also make your home more comfortable and practical while you are still there to enjoy it. According to the experts, making improvements to the kitchen and bathroom and refreshing the interior and exterior paintwork are the most pro¿table renovations to undertake. With a potential to recoup between 75 and 100 per cent of your investment, these three golden renovation projects should certainly be at the top of your list. The kitchen is probably the busiest area of any home and should therefore be functional and provide suf¿cient storage space and work areas.

After years of funny ¿nancing and few limitations on loans, banks and other lenders have tightened up their lending policies. As a result, homeowners considering a home improvement project might need to look elsewhere to secure ¿nancing. There are no certainties in the real estate markets. Though statistics suggest marked improvement in home sales over just a few months ago, many homeowners remain wary about selling their home to try to move up to something bigger and better. The National Association of Home Builders says many people are choosing to stay put in their homes and remodel or make renovations to transform the house into something more comfortable. While there are many worthwhile home renovation projects, the NAHB recommends projects that bring your home up to par with the neighbours’. It doesn’t pay to transform your home into the most expensive on the street — unless you plan to live there for the rest of your life. Real estate experts recommend that a remodeling investment increases the value of your house by no more than 10 to 15 percent above the median sales price in your neighborhood. When it comes time to ¿nance a remodel or renovation, you may not know where to start. Credit restrictions on home mortgages that have troubled many would-be buyers have also plagued individuals looking to ¿nance home improvements. However, homeowners hoping to ¿nance a project do have options, and not all of them require stellar credit ratings. Q Borrow against a retirement plan. Many retirement plans allow plan members to take out a portion of the savings to put toward a home loan. This does not mean you are taking money out of the account permanently. Rather, you are borrowing against yourself, with repayment necessary in a certain timeframe. Because these loans often offer very low interest rates, and essentially the interest is being paid back to you, they might be a good option for men and women who cannot secure a traditional loan. However, if you have been laid off, there may be a shorter repayment period. Also, the interest on these loans is not taxdeductible. Q Borrow against other investments. CDs, bonds or mutual funds can provide the collateral you need and earn you a lower interest rate. Fixed-income investments are more stable options to borrow against, as

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Magnetic cooking power offers something for everyone A room renovation is a gift the entire family can enjoy. Research indicates that kitchen and bath improvements reap the highest rewards in home value. There are many changes that can take place in a kitchen, but none that impact functionality of the space as well as upgrading appliances. Manufacturers include new features on kitchen appliances every year, and those upgrades are aimed at making food preparation and storage easier. An induction stove is a relatively new innovation that uses magnetic energy to induce a current and eventually heat food. It works by way of a copper wire that is underneath where you’d place the cooking pot. An alternative electric current then goes through the copper wire, creating a magnetic ¿eld. This creates an electric current in a ferromagnetic metal pot (one that a magnet would stick to). The current Àowing through the pot generates the heat in the pot and the pot alone. The food cooks, but the actual heating element of the stove remains cool to the touch. Many home cooks prefer cooking with gas instead of electricity. However, the safety, speed and cooking provided by induction cooking methods may make induction stoves more

popular. FAST COOKING: Heat is transferred directly within the pan’s metal when using an induction stove. That means that little energy is lost between the pan and the heating element as would be the case with other stoves. Pans heated on an induction stove heat up quickly and can cook meals much faster. SAFETY: Safety is another consideration with induction cooktops. There is no open Àame or hot electric element. This reduces the propensity for burns and there is no chance that an errant towel or other item will catch ¿re when it is too close to the stove. Also, even if a piece of paper were between the pot and the cooking element, heat would only be generated in the pot and not cause the paper to ignite. Should a child touch the heating surface, there would be no risk of burns. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Because of the concentrated heat delivery, induction stoves waste less energy than their electric and gas counterparts. In addition, they will not heat up the kitchen while cooking, which means homeowners or professional chefs do not have to factor cooling systems into their kitchens to combat excessive heating. Almost no ambient heat is generated through induction

cooking. Furthermore, you are using less energy, which means lower electric and gas bills. EASY CLEAN-UP: With heat generated inside of the pan or pot, you will not have to worry about spilled-over food burning and sticking to hot cooking elements. Also, there are no grates or grease traps to contend with while cooking. This means that cleaning up after a meal may only require a damp cloth to clean the cooktop surface. It is important to note that induction stoves can be three to four times more expensive than gas and electric models. That said, homeowners will recoup some of those costs thanks to lower energy bills. You also will need to purchase ferrous metal pots in order to cook with the stove. Otherwise, a special ferrous disk will have to be placed between a nonferrous metal pot and the induction cooktop in order to generate the heat. Homeowners looking to give the gift of a kitchen renovation and out¿t the room with the latest in appliance technology probably won’t want to pass up on an induction stove. With fast cooking times, improved safety features and the novelty factor of cooking through magnetic energy, these cooktops have quickly become prized possessions.

Reducing ambient noise in the home Reducing the sound level in a home bene¿ts every member of the family. Whether it’s a baby’s cries, a teen’s music, or a loud TV after the kids’ bedtime, unwanted noise in the home is like an invasion of privacy that can make a person crazy. By using panels, drapes, or blinds covered with soundproo¿ng materials, it is possible to eradicate or lessen noise from both inside and outside the home without too much work. Acoustic panels are a good choice for soundproo¿ng a room in a house or apartment. They are easy to install in all types of spaces, particularly on walls adjoining other rooms and on the ceiling. Available in square or rectangular tiles of different sizes, these panels are installed on rails that can be positioned in a variety of ways, de-

pending on the surface to be covered. Acoustic blinds may also be a solution. These can be installed in patio doors and windows and are very useful in reducing the sound of traf¿c if you live in a city or if you are a shift worker and sleep during the day. These blinds reÀect sound, mufÀe noise and ¿lter light. Some acoustic fabrics are available that can be stretched or glued on walls. These textiles are made from sound-absorbing foam, which is very malleable and suitable for rooms with curves or complicated angles. Before gluing this Àexible covering, ensure that the surface of the wall or partition is perfectly smooth and clean, and be sure to allow for wall ¿xtures, such as outlets and light switches.

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Pocket doors provide space Are you fed up with the racket of doors slamming shut? Do you need more space in your home? Then you will enjoy discovering the virtues of pocket doors, which have the marvellous advantage of disappearing completely into the wall. Think of all the extra space you’ll create by no longer needing the clearance necessary for opening a hinged door. Even better, a pocket door will glide quietly into the wall, with no banging. This system is a practical and visually pleasing way to separate a bedroom and a bathroom, for example, or a dining room and a kitchen. Wherever you decide to install a pocket door, circulation will become more Àuid and you’ll be able to play with space and light, especially if you choose glass doors. For practical purposes, the installation of a pocket door is best done when the wall is being built, as this type of door requires a double wall to slide into. That means you will have to plan on knocking down the entire wall if it is a renovation job. If it is a supporting wall,

THREE ELEMENTS affect the price of a pocket door: the frame, the door itself and the installation.

you will have to reinforce it by building a header with two beams, because this type of door is held by a metal frame that has to be ¿xed between the two walls.

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REPLACING OLD bathroom tiles with newer ones is an easy and inexpensive way to give a bathroom a new look and feel.

Simple steps can give bathrooms a new feel According to the Remodeling magazine’s 2011-12 “Cost vs. Value Report,” which compares the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale, homeowners can expect to spend upward of $52,000 on an upscale bathroom remodel. That makes a bathroom remodel one of the more expensive home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. For many homeowners, that costly price tag is simply too much money to commit, especially in an economy where money is still hard to come by. Fortunately, there are several simple ways homeowners can give their bathrooms a new look and feel without breaking the bank. Q Install a new shower. One of the best ways to give a bathroom a new look is to replace the traditional tub and showerhead with a bigger, more airy shower. Such showers are typically found in modern hotels that boast luxury amenities. Instead of the tub and slide glass, choose a hinged door with heavier glass, replacing the bathtub entirely. Q Add windows and a skylight. Many bathrooms, particularly those in older homes, sorely lack adequate lighting. Adding some extra windows and a skylight can give a bathroom an entirely new look, even if you don’t replace any of the existing features or ¿xtures. Sunlight can make a bathroom more inviting, giving the room the feeling of a sanctuary that many of today’s homeowners prefer. Q Add some entertainment. Just like they offer larger showers with more room

to breathe, many luxury hotels now ensure guests can be entertained even while they’re in the bathroom. Such hotels often feature small Àat-screen televisions that sit behind the bathroom’s mirror. Guests don’t even see the television until it’s turned on. Homeowners can bring this lap of luxury into their own homes. This is especially valuable to homeowners whose bathrooms currently feature soaking tubs where they can escape the daily grind with a hot bath and now even watch a little television while they soak. Q Replace old tiles. Many homeowners cite their bathroom’s tiles as the feature they would most like to change. Old linoleum tiles give many bathrooms a dated look that few of today’s homeowners ¿nd appealing. Glass tiles are growing in popularity, but those old linoleum or glazed tiles can be swapped out with porcelain or stone tiles to give the room an entirely new look without spending excessively. Q Replace the toilet. Another easy way to give a bathroom a new look is to replace the toilet. Older toilets may be eyesores and many are not very ecofriendly, either. A new toilet can give the bathroom a sleek, modern look, and since many of today’s luxury models are low-Àow, you’ll also save money on your monthly water bill while doing something good for the environment. Renovating a bathroom is a top priority for many homeowners. But if a fullscale remodel is not within your budget, there are still plenty of inexpensive ways to give your bathroom a new look and feel.

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Vinyl siding remains a favourite among homeowners Vinyl siding is trusted by homeowners looking to add aesthetic appeal to their home’s exterior. Though vinyl siding may seem to be a cut-and-dry type of product, the vast array of vinyl siding colours and styles has created certain trends among consumers. Made chieÀy from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, vinyl siding is the most commonly installed exterior cladding for residential construction in the United States and Canada, according to the Vinyl Siding Institute. The history of vinyl siding can be traced to Ohio, where it was introduced to the exterior cladding market in the late 1950s by a private company. The process of mixing colours was done by hand, and the product was very inconsistent. New innovations in siding manufacture during the next few decades helped solidify vinyl siding’s place among cladding materials like shake, wood and aluminum. Vinyl siding comes in several different types. Here are the key variations. Q Seamless vinyl siding: In the past, siding was created in speci¿c lengths, requiring siding panels to overlap at points, often creating an unpleasant pattern. These points provided spots for insects, wind and moisture to in¿ltrate, leading to a weaker product. Today there are vinyl siding

products that have removed the seams, creating a more visually appealing and durable product. Q Solid core vinyl siding: Even the best-made vinyl siding had a Àaw: it was not rigid and generally didn’t lie Àat against the surface of a home. Solid core vinyl siding alleviates that problem by having a solid backing on which the vinyl panels are attached. The core is then attached to the home. These products also boast a higher-than-average insulation rating because the foam core interlocks during insulation. This makes a solid barrier around the home. Q Vinyl shake siding: Vinyl shake siding has been designed and coloured to look just like real cedar shakes, but without the maintenance, such as powerwashing or staining, associated with a wood product. Vinyl shake siding offers the same bene¿ts of other types of vinyl siding, but tends to look like it is an expensive cladding material. Q Vinyl log siding: Log cabins may seem like an adventure. However, being surrounded by wood can have its disadvantages, most notably maintenance issues surrounding wood. Vinyl siding manufacturers have created vinyl log products molded directly from real lumber, providing a look that mimics real wood, like that used for a log cabin. As vinyl siding continues to

be a favourite among homeowners, certain trends emerge each year. While rich-coloured siding was a popular trend just last year, homeowners engaging in siding renovation products are now turning more to warm, earthy colours. Expect to see more gold, clay, and warm red shades with trim colours only one or two shades off, for a monochromatic effect. Another trend involves a continued interest in renewable materials or siding comprised of some post-recycled consumer content. Energy conservation is also on the minds of consumers, and some areas of the country have modi¿ed building codes to require continuous insulation of home exteriors to prevent heat and cooling losses more effectively. As a result, more customers may opt for solid core vinyl siding to meet demands for home insulation. For homeowners who prefer a one-of-a-kind look to their homes, mix-and-match siding trends have developed. Mixing and matching siding styles can create instant curb appeal and an interesting backdrop for outdoor gardens and patios. Stone entryways mixed with vinyl siding as well as a mixing of traditional horizontal siding with vinyl shake or board-and-batten are also considerations.

VINYL SIDING can mimic the look of wood shake and even logs on cabins.

Time for an end-of-summer cleanup Though spring cleaning might have the name recognition, many homeowners spend just as much time cleaning their homes in the fall as they do in the spring. Spring might be the season for clearing out the clutter, but fall is when homeowners prepare their homes for the long winter months ahead. End-of-summer cleaning is essential for homeowners who want to ensure their homes are not only cozy and comfortable, but healthy as well. The following are a few tips homeowners can employ to ensure their home is a welcoming and healthy respite from the winter cold. Q Clean seasonal items before storing them away. When summer has ended, homeowners must place all the items reminiscent of summer, including the grill, patio furniture and lawn and garden equipment, in storage. Remove a season’s worth of dirt and grease, ensuring those seasonal items are ready to go when spring makes its triumphant and long-awaited return. Q Get a head start on ¿ghting the Àu. Perhaps no winter foe is more formidable than the Àu, which can ¿nd its way into a home, spreading rapidly among residents, especially if a home has not been adequately cleaned. Oftentimes, viruses such as the Àu are spread when an infected resident touches an item in the home and then that item isn’t cleaned, enabling the virus or bacteria to spread to others. Q Clean out the garage. Cleaning the garage might seem like a project that’s tailor made for spring cleaning, but it’s actually more advantageous to clean the

garage in the fall. A garage that’s clear of clutter can be used to safeguard a vehicle from those inevitable winter snowstorms while saving homeowners the hassle of digging their car out of all that ice and snow. What’s more, cleaning the garage at the end of summer creates more room for lawn chairs and other seasonal items that must be stored away before the arrival of winter. Q Address mould and mildew ahead of time. Winter can trap moisture inside a home, creating an environment that is ideal for the growth of mould and mildew. Mould spores can grow inside a home and compromise the health of a home’s residents, while mildew’s strong odour can make the indoors very unpleasant. Don’t forget basements and rooms where pets spend ample time to ensure that the odour doesn’t overtake the home when the windows are closed for the season. Q Don’t forget the ¿replace. While ¿replaces are largely ignored during the summer months, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the ¿replace with family and friends once winter weather has arrived. But before burning the season’s ¿rst ¿re, be sure to remove any potential safety hazards that might have accumulated near the ¿replace, such as old newspapers or magazines, during those months when the ¿replace was not in use. Clean the inside of the ¿replace as well, making sure to remove any ash, carbon deposits, creosote build-up, dust, smoke residue, and soot before using the ¿replace.

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Dress up your window with beads Beaded curtains, which were all the rage during the 1970s, have recently caught the eye of trendsetters in interior decoration. They are a highly prized accessory for doors or even windows these days, due primarily to the magical look they create. Great in a living room or a child’s bedroom, they sparkle in the light and give an air of lightness to your home. The beads used in the manufacture of beaded curtains can be made of many different materials, including bamboo, acrylic, glass and crystal. There are hundreds of designs and colour combinations available. Your choices are endless for creating a totally unique curtain. Start by measuring your door or window in order to calculate the exact number of bead strings you’ll need. Then measure the height from the curtain rod to the ground and, using some sharp pliers, cut pieces of small-gauge metal wire to the desired lengths. String the beads, following a predetermined order or at random, and ¿nish each row with a crimp bead. To ¿x the strings of beads onto the curtain rod, mark the position of each string on the

THESE MODULAR CABINETS allow you to store many items out of sight.

Organize your garage space USE DIFFERENT MATERIALS, colours and shapes to create an original look in a doorway or window.

rod then drill holes with a bit and knot the end through the hole. Hammer two long nails decorated with several beads of different shapes into each end of the rod and

af¿x above a doorway or window. Another idea for using beads is to sew some onto the hem of a light, transparent fabric curtain.

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Over the years, more and more stuff of all sizes and shapes gets piled into the garage because nobody knows where else to put it. The day of reckoning will come, however, when you realize there is no more room for the car. When the time comes to organize that space, here are a few tips to help you on your way. Start by grouping objects by category and throwing away or recycling anything that is no longer useful. If you have a garden shed, decide if there are tools that can be stored there. De¿ne purpose-zones by size, from the largest to the smallest: space for parking your vehicle, a working area, place to store tires, snow blower, lawnmower, bikes and other sporting accessories, as well as an area to store tools, gardening equipment and jars of screws. Decide which type of storage system is best for each area. Wall-mounted storage

systems to which specially adapted supports can be attached, including very practical friction grips, allow many different items to be hung in clear view with easy access. Some PVC interlocking wall systems with integrated storage can be easily installed on wall beams or on plasterboard. They are sturdy and non-Àammable as well as being resistant to shocks, water, humidity, mould and rot. You could also opt for compact modular cabinets that can be added to as your needs change. Available in different ¿nishes, colours and dimensions, these modules allow you to store everything out of sight. They are stable and sturdy and come equipped with adjustable shelves and drawers that can support heavy loads. You can add metallic baskets, plastic trays, and compartments and have free-standing cabinets or ones ¿xed to the wall. Plan to add labels so you can ¿nd everything with ease.

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If summer is made for relaxing, and settling into a new school year takes up much of September, October is the ideal month to undertake some renovations. If you’re still unsure about fall renovations, here are a few arguments to convince you. If dark and cloudy fall days give you the blues, the best remedy is to get busy. Take advantage of the fall to repaint walls and ceilings in warm, energizing colours. Has your family been asking for a second bathroom for ages? Give them this luxury as a Christmas gift. By starting the work in October, it will be ready by the time you-know-who climbs down your chimney. October is also an ideal month to do any necessary outdoor work, such as repairs to the roof or the siding. The weather is perfectly comfortable for working outside without being inconvenienced by

OCTOBER IS the ideal month to do work outside — the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

the heat of summer or the cold of winter. If you realize that the work is urgent, do it now instead of putting if off until the spring. The best thing is to take the bull by the horns and replace everything as soon as possible. You never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. Another advantage of

October renovations is that construction workers in the various trades are not nearly as busy at this time of year as they are in the spring and summer. They will likely be in a position to help you carry out the project you’re ready to undertake. Convinced? Just make a plan, get your tools and get to work.