• Ready to renovate? Free Estimates: 905-970-8229, call us today! #

Powered by Twitter Tools

We will be updating our blog over the next week with maintenance articles on popular winter problems and solutions to assist with home savings on energy and heating costs.

Blue#1 Condensation, Moisture, and Drafts

Window condensation

A common problem with homes in Ontario is water and air leakage into the home. From either an improperly sealed window that allow moisture to preserve and form mold, or poor weatherstripping (the rubber lining underneath a door) that allow cold air drafts to enter into the home.

Windows:

If in the budget, upgrade to energy efficient windows to help keep the heat in.

Energy Star Window: What a simple energy efficient window contains.

What exactly does energy efficiency mean? See the diagram below for explanation:

What does energy efficient mean?

Also, seal around windows to eliminate any gaps, or missing caulk.

Condensation Differences:

Recognize the difference between condensation on the glass and between the glass panes of a multilayer window. If there is moisture, fogging or cloudiness between the panes of glass in your window, this is a strong indication that the seal of your window has failed and it’s time to get a new one. While condensation on the inside or outside of the window is manageable, moisture between the panes require immediate attention.

Doors:

Weatherstrip around doors to block air leaks and help to keep warm air indoors.

Weather stripping application to a front door.

Also use a spray gap filler to fill in any holes or gaps around windows/ doors.

Other helpful hints:

These two winter warmers cost nothing:

• Open drapes and let sunshine take the chill off rooms. (But remember to close them again after dark.)

• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans so warm air is pushed down into the room. (On most models, that’s clockwise.)

• Product Recommendation: Pilar by Delta http://t.co/gJBNCOxb #
• Check out our updated blog for trending home improvements: http://t.co/GET3dSLv #blog #
• Article: Paint colours
  Check our our top three picks for "off-white" paints! http://t.co/uyxRsKhd #
• Article: About mould http://t.co/TtpEIMWo #
• Article: Fireplace surround finish http://t.co/Uh1vveOi #
• Website Updates coming soon- stay tuned! In the meantime, check our our blog: http://t.co/GET3dSLv http://t.co/wYBRWMqG #

Powered by Twitter Tools

Life in the kitchen is made simpler with the release of Delta’s ToucH2O  Technology.

Delta Touch Faucet

Featuring the original sleek look of the brand’s faucets, this new technology allows you to operate faucets virtually hands free, keeping the faucet clean. Maintaining visual appeal while adding functionality to your kitchen- we are happy to recommend this trending product.

Added Bonus: There is a lifetime warranty on this faucet, so should any malfunction occur, simply contact Delta for a replacement part/ faucet.

Pilar faucet by Delta

Touch₂O® Technology: Tapping anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water. Helps keep the faucet clean, even when your hands aren’t.

Available at RONA $569.00

Lifetime Warranty.

Notable Mention:

Destiny by Moen

Hands free bathroom faucet.

Destiny by Moen

Lifetime Warranty. $800.00.

With days getting colder, the warmth of a fire in the fireplace can be quite inviting. A home fireplace is a definite asset, both for the warmth and as a visual architectural element deserving of special attention.

Fireplace surrounds and/or mantles can be finished with a multitude of different materials. We’ve narrowed it down to our top three trending  finishes that can be applied to bring out the best of your fireplace.

Top Finish #1:

Tile fireplace surround

Built in, tiled fireplace surround

Tiling a fireplace surround is an elegant upgrade well worth the effort. By using accent tiles, you can upgrade the heart of your home into an chic entertainment spot ready to impress.

Top Finish #2:

Faux stone fireplace surround

Faux Stone fireplace surround

Faux stone, often referred to as “manufactured” stone, is an extremely popular fireplace finish. Give your tired fireplace a surround makeover by installing floor-to-ceiling manufactured stone and a brand new mantel.

Top Finish #3:

Classic wood finish

Wood fireplace mantle

Beautifully finished wood fireplace mantels with rich exotic accents, like the black granite surround displayed in the above example, make for a powerful design statement as they lend warmth and a traditional elegance to any room.

Mantel Idea:

Storage compartment

Custom Mantle created by G. Brown

This storage compartment above the fireplace mantel was an idea by one of our best wood workers. A simple look, yet blends in seamlessly.

When considering sprucing up your fireplace surround or mantel-whether you decide to go with the chic look of modern accent tiles or the classic look of traditional stained wood, make sure your final decision is one that you will be happy with in the long run.

Time to get cozy!

Contact us to receive a free quote to finish your fireplace, or to add a custom mantle at an affordable cost.

Read more…

Mould detection while renovating a home.

Moulds are a type of fungi. They are simple, small organisms found virtually everywhere-indoors and outdoors. Moulds require a food (insulation, wallpaper, wood, fabric, dust) or a moisture source to grow, and more frequently appear in darker areas of the home.

In this image (left), mould was detected during a renovation. This home did not have a vapour barrier or insulation present- a big contribution to the mould growth.

Sources of indoor moisture consist of:

• flooding
• wall/ window condensation
• damp basement/ crawl space
• saunas
• dryer vented inside
• moisture build up in wall spaces
• cooking steam
• shower/ bath steam or leaks
• leaky roof
• water damage to insulated air ducting systems

Exposure to substantial amounts of mould and mould spores may contribute to skin, eye and respiratory irritation. This is the most common effect of indoor mould exposure.

The best wat to prevent mould problems is to prevent the growth of moulds. This can best be done by preventing and treating excessive moisture and maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Humidifiers, dirty filters, accumulated debris in ducts that are subject to condensation, can be sources of mould growth.

To help keep mould to a minimum, here are a few tips:

• Keep the humidity below 60%
• Ensure your home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Consider mould resistant paint
• Avoid carpeting in kitchens and bathrooms
• Clean bathrooms using a fungicide
• Make sure your basement/ crawl space is kept dry
• Continually monitor and deal with moisture problems. Signs may include condensation on windows, swelling or cracking of plaster, drywall tape loosening, wood warping and musty odours
• Repair leaky roofs, walls and basements
• Promptly clean up, disinfect and dry everything after a flooding, or water leak
• Promptly dry carpets, drywall, wood, upholstery, etc.. that could become water soaked

Mould detected during a renovation will cause the work to stop and the extent of the mould contamination would be assessed. Mould must be cleaned up before continuing the renovations.

Sampling for mould can be expensive, and requires equipment not readily available to the public. Sampling may be considered when 1) there is no visible mould, or 2) visible mould has been properly removed and affected areas cleaned and disinfected, but one or more individuals continue to suffer from mould exposure.

Do you have mould suspicions? Call us for a free in home assessment.

When painting your home, there is a vast selection of colours available. A popular question that our contractors are often asked by clients is, “What colour paint to choose?”

Using Colour

Paint is available in a wide array of colours and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Choosing colours can be a challenge and requires patience. When deciding on different colours for each room in your home, collect paint samples or chips. Gather ideas from your furnitures, flooring, rugs, decor, framed art, and fabrics. Creating a storyboard or journal will help to create a theme.

Select a shade of white for baseboards, trim mouldings, and window casings. This will offset and bring out the colour of your walls.

Using White & Off-White

Some people enjoy the simplicity of white.

White can be vivid or soft as any other colour. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. To help with your choice, here are our top three picks based on popularity with our clients:

“Swiss Coffee” by Behr

Behr: Swiss Coffee

“Swiss Coffee” is by far, the number one paint requested by our clients. Once suggested, more often than not, this off white colour is chosen for its simple yet classic feel.

“Dover White” by Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams: Dover White

A warm and rich colour, “Dover White” is perfect for bedrooms, hallways, or in the foyer. This colour works great with black decor, and will be complemented with crisp white trim and doors.

“White Dove” by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore: White Dove

Combine this antique looking white with rich dark wooden floors. Not only will dark colours complement the paint, it will ultimately bring out the undertones of “White Dove”, adding a sleek, polished look to any room.

A white room is an open canvass for you to utilize ideas and mix complement colours. For help in choosing colours, or to schedule a free in home affordable quotation, call us today.

Be sure to contact HM Club Ontario for a free quote- inquire about our Season’s special rates on hardwood and laminate flooring!

Tel:  905-970-8229

Email: info@hmclubontario.com

Happy Improvement & Renovations!

Installing a new floor is not something you’ll want to do regularly: few are cheap and laying them is disruptive as the whole room has to be cleared before work can begin. For this reason, choosing new flooring is a major decision, especially if you plan to lay a hard floor, such as wood, stone, or ceramic tiles. Damaged original floors that are an intrinsic part of the architecture should be restored if at all possible. If not, try to reinstrate one of a similar style.

If you want to put down a new hard floor, try to make a classic choice that won’t date and will complement wall coverings of different styles. Very light, very dark, and highly patterned floors can make wonderful fashion statements but are probably not the best investment in the long term.

Stick to neutral colours when choosing long-lasting flooring, such as hardwood, laminate, and tiles.

Soft and resilient floors are easier and more economical to change on a regular basis, and can be expected to last from five to 20 years. If you want to use the latest vibrant colours or patterns, choose inexpensive vinyls and carpets, which can be changed at your whim as interior fashions move on.

Use carpet or vinyl flooring to instil the latest fashions or trends. That way, it can easily be changed at your whim!

Our homes are a natural expression of ourselves. Over the years, we add to our possessions and build up collections. We address our changing lives by developing and adding depth to our style. As fashions change, we adapt our homes, adding colour accents, textures, or patterns to update them. The key is to set a basic style that you’ll be happy with and that can be developed over the years.

Pin It

Look through books and magazines to help you decide, and make up a storyboard, using a bulletin board. Pin favourite pictures, fabrics, colours- you’ll soon see a theme emerging on which you can base your overall look. See the two examples below to help you get started on your own unique theme:

1. Urban Contemporary

Neutral colours present a calm and modern effect.

2. Nautical Comfort

Wood combined with serene blues & silver glitz present a chic nautical effect.

Happy Exploring!

S N A P - Submit a snapshot of your design board, and you could be featured.