There are three things homeowners tend to care the most about when remodeling: cost, schedule and quality.  This trifecta of construction bliss is hard to achieve, however, without careful planning and specifically, plans.  In remodeling, this means a dimensioned drawing looking down from above at the floor (a floor plan), and dimensioned elevations (drawings that provide a vertical look toward each wall of the room) that include things like tile layout, location of bath accessories, and ideally, electrical placement.

There is a temptation, particularly with small projects like bathrooms and decks, to forge ahead with construction sans plans.  “It’s a really small bathroom,” we hear from potential clients. “We’re only replacing the fixtures, the vanity and the tile. Oh, and we need a bath fan and floor heat.”  While it may not seem like a lot to think about, your bathroom is a completely custom space, regardless of its size.  It is unique and requires a unique solution, which means design, material selection, and lots of decision-making.

This design and decision-making process is best carried out well ahead of the work starting, and that is so that the goals of schedule, budget and quality can all be met. It also means you’ll have a plan in hand that helps you to obtain a building permit.

Making big decisions or material selections after a bath or kitchen remodel is under way is almost always bound to result in a higher cost and schedule delays.  If you haven’t selected a faucet by the time the construction starts, your contractor will include an allowance for it–a placeholder that represents a likely average cost for that item.  If you go shopping and find a faucet that you absolutely have to have and is not only twice the allowance but also has a 6-week lead time, it puts you in the position of having to choose between what you really want, and having the project finish on time.  If you can choose the faucet ahead, you know the price and your contractor can have the faucet on hand before any work even starts.

Deciding layout on the fly is not only inefficient but also extremely time-consuming for the homeowner.  Imagine having to schedule multiple meetings during the week to look at layout, then discovering that the layout you’ve decided on doesn’t work because of the sizing of some other element, or taking dozens of phone calls at work because the contractor needs your input.

When you hire a designer or architect to create your plans, the contractor has dimensioned plans that can be built from and that answer the vast majority of questions that come up.  It also affords you the opportunity to see what your remodeled room will look like before you start, which provides peace of mind and a clear idea of what you are investing in.  A good design professional will bring ideas to the table that you never even considered, provide different options for laying out your space, and you will benefit from their wealth of experience.  Their input on tile layout, electrical layout and minimum distances between fixtures and counters (for code and comfort) are invaluable, particularly for clients who don’t have previous remodeling experience.   They are often able to help facilitate obtaining a building permit or help with interior design as part of their services.

Plans also help to level the playing field while interviewing contractors and receiving initial estimates.  Contractors’ estimates are substantially more accurate when working from a set of plans and specifications–even if preliminary–than they are if you stand in the room, wave your hands and take a look at photos of remodels you like.  The latter method could result in a wildly varying range of cost estimates, which makes it hard to understand and commit to a budget for your project.

Some decisions do still need to be made once work is under way.  Even the most detailed plans require some adjustments based on the conditions found after a room is demolished.  And often, clients decide to make small changes once they see the new area in person. But starting with a detailed set of plans allows you and your contractor to move down the same path with a clear understanding of expectations, and the ability to plan ahead.  That makes the “on time, on budget, high quality” goal that much closer, and that means a better experience with your remodel.

If you need a referral, just ask us.  We are happy to recommend the great architects and designers with whom we work.

A guide to lawn mowers
For homeowners, one of the most essential items stored in a backyard shed or garage is a lawn mower. This piece of outdoor equipment is fundamental for maintaining a manicured lawn, which, when tended to on a regular basis, can save you money and frustration in the future.

And, while cost often comes into the equation when looking to purchase a new lawn mower, it is important for homeowners to determine what type of mower is best suited for their property in order to save time and better care for their yard.

Start off by determining your needs in a mower by looking at the landscape of your yard - do you have many trees and flower beds to mow around, do have a large lot on a slope or uneven terrain, or is it a small urban yard? After you have determined your needs, examine the different types of lawn mowers available to find the type that is best suited to help with your lawn care.

Reel mower (or manual push mower)
This is hands-down the most Eco-friendly and least costly option of all mowers. Powered strictly by pushing it, these mowers typically require only minimal maintenance such as periodical blade sharpening. Because the reel consists of fixed blades that are not adjustable, these mowers are only suited for use on very small and flat urban yards.

Corded electric mower
Another Eco-friendly option, a major benefit of these mowers is the very limited amount of necessary maintenance and the low cost incurred to operate them. However, they also come with a large drawback of needing to be plugged into an external outlet, making them inefficient for large yards. When considering this type of mower, make sure that all areas of your yard can be reached by extension cord. Keep in mind that if your yard has many landscaping elements it can be precarious to manoeuvre the excess cord which can get tangled in these obstacles. These mowers are not efficient at working through tall or thick growth.

Cordless electric mower
This type of mower has become very popular in recent years, providing all the positive benefits of an electric mower without the inconvenience of a cord. These mowers are outfitted with a rechargeable battery that provides power for approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the make and model. Just like with battery-operated power tools, it is possible to purchase a second battery to have at the ready for when the first runs out. With certain models, the additional battery weight may cause difficulty to use on a sloped terrain. Like with corded electric mowers, these machines may struggle with working through tall or thick growth.

Push gas mower
Simply put - with gas comes more power. Outfitted with a larger cutting path than most electric models, these mowers are able to cut through thick grass and weeds and are not restricted by battery life or an extension cord. However, there is substantial noise and exhaust accompanied with these mowers, and ongoing maintenance is required to ensure it stays in proper working condition.

Self-propelled gas mower
This is a great option for yards with an uneven terrain, since it provides all the power of a gas engine without requiring much physical effort. Rear-wheel drive models are designed to excel on hills by providing consistent traction. Front-wheel drive models are extremely easy to steer, making them ideal for yards with many trees and flower beds.

Lawn tractor
For yards of an acre in size or more, a lawn tractor can help make quick work of a large task. These machines range in size and cutting widths and can tackle flat or uneven surfaces. One major advantage of these mowers is that they can be utilized for other jobs, such as snow removal, leaf pick up and hauling, by purchasing optional accessories and attachments.

Zero-turn radius mower
These fast mowers are controlled by a set of levers. While unable to conquer an uneven terrain like a lawn tractor, these mowers excel at steering around gardens, trees and walkways to help reduce cutting time, making them ideal for a large property with many landscaping obstacles.

Myth #1: "Construction work is just slinging tools."
The construction industry needs smart people who can create, plan and communicate. People in construction use advanced technical equipment and work in professional teams of highly skilled workers. The industry is always in need of strong leaders and great contractors. You can work your way up to become a supervisor, or learn the business and start your own contracting company. You can also become a trainer and help build the future of Canada's construction industry.
Myth #2: "You need a university degree to get a good job."
It's true that you need more than high school for most jobs, but you don't have to go to university. According to Skilled Trades, only about one job out of ten requires a university degree. Many more opportunities are open to people with construction certification or diplomas from colleges or vocational and technical schools.
Myth #3: "People end up in construction because they have no other career choices."
Many people choose construction because they like the work and enjoy the challenge. To work in construction, you need specialized skills that are rewarding to learn. You get to work with your hands as well as your head, and you can see the results of your work and take pride in how it improves your community.

Myth #4: "Construction is an ordinary job that nobody respects."
There's nothing shameful about building world-class skyscrapers or bridges. People in construction are rightly proud of even common work like a perfectly finished kitchen floor. Construction is important to our economy and our communities. Think about it: the industry touches almost every aspect of our lives. Our homes, offices, hospitals and schools, our bridges, roads and sidewalks– even the plants that process food and build cars – are built by people in the construction industry.
Construction jobs pay well and the number of jobs is increasing. That means skilled workers will be in high demand and good jobs should be available for years to come. Because you can train on the job, you can start earning right away.
Myth #5: "Working in construction is dangerous."
It's true that many people in construction work with heavy equipment, power tools and electricity, sometimes on high buildings. But on-the-job safety is always the first priority, and every province and territory in Canada has strict safety standards for construction projects.

Myth #6: "Construction workers are mostly men with little respect for women workers."
The wolf whistle disappeared decades ago. Today, men and women work as respected members of the same construction teams and earn the same rates. There are more and better-trained women in the industry than ever before and their skills are valued by employers and co-workers alike.
For more information, check out Canadian Construction Women.
Myth #7: "Construction work pays poorly."
Construction workers often earn more per hour than university graduates, and the average construction worker's annual salary is higher than the overall national average. If you start out in the construction industry as an apprentice, you can earn while you learn and avoid the student loan debts many college and university graduates face.
For more information, check out the salary ranges listed for specific trades and occupations on the Pick a career page.
Myth #8: "Construction is only done during the summer."
Modern construction is a sophisticated, mechanized industry that pays little attention to the season. With today's equipment and techniques, projects of every kind continue throughout the year. Depending on the trade or occupation, many people in construction careers work almost entirely indoors. Even huge, mostly outdoor projects like the heavy industrial installations in Alberta's oil sands, or the Olympic construction at Whistler in British Columbia, carry on in all but the worst winter weather.

7 TIPS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE SALE

1. Create an inventory sheet of what you’re selling, and list the price of each item in case the tag is missing.
2. Price it right. Although you want to price your items slightly higher to account for haggling, don’t price them so high that you can’t sell them. Remember, shoppers expect bargains.
3. Sell with others. Recruit your neighbors, family and friends to sell their stuff with yours. Bigger garage sales often attract more people.
4. Get your items ready to sell. Clean your sale items, and make sure that they’re in good shape. If you’re selling electronics, make sure they’re in good working order, and have the cords attached.
5. Set the date and place for your sale. Saturday is the best day of the week to hold your garage sale. Choose a date a few weeks in advance to give you time to prepare, and choose an alternate date as well in case of bad weather.
6. Advertise your garage sale in your local newspaper, on Kijiji and Craigslist, and with signs on your local roads. Choose bright colored poster board or cardboard, and write the details of your sale in large black letters that drivers can see from their vehicles. Put up six to eight signs a few days before your sale to improve the chances of shoppers stopping by.
7. Set up an hour or two early on the morning of the sale. Experienced shoppers will show up at the posted time so that they can score the best deals. So if you plan to open your sale at 7 a.m. (the best time of day to do so), then start setting up around 5 or 6 a.m. If you’re like most people, you probably have items in the attic, basement, garage and closets that you don’t need, use and maybe even forgot that you had. Garage sales allow you to make space in your home while making money.

Whether you are curled up in front of the fireplace or out skiing the local hills, winter on the west coast can be exciting.
As the weather here on the west coast is not like any other place in the world, you can expect to have mild temperatures and little snow at the lower altitudes.
We usually see one or two snowfalls each winter and normally the snow doesn't last more than a day or two. Higher altitudes can see a lot more snow and it can last for months. We do see more than our share of rain, but at least you don't have to shovel it.

Winter Gardening
Winter gardening is summer planting for winter harvest.
In our mild Coastal climate we can grow some vegetables all winter without protection. You can eat these plants throughout the winter, so they need to be full size by about Halloween. Until Valentines Day, plants grow very slowly and do not re-grow after harvest as they might in the summer. The greatest challenges are rain, low light levels and temperature swings.

Overwintering is summer planting for spring harvest.
This is a different concept from winter gardening. Overwintered plants go into the cold season as "teenagers," waiting for the lengthening days of spring to finish growing. Certain varieties of onions, garlic, cauliflower and sprouting broccoli need this extra season to develop fully.

Typically, overwintered vegetables need to have some growth achieved before winter frosts—but they keep growing without being covered. In the early Spring, their growth rates speed up, and they are ready to be picked.

With some planning, overwintered crops can be combined with winter gardening and regular spring/summer gardening to provide fresh vegetables all 12 months of the year.

Winter Storm & Surf Watching
Thundering surf, huge rolling swells, miles of secluded beaches, gulls floating on the ocean breezes ... just you ... experiencing heaven on earth. During late fall and winter the West Coast takes on a new life ... the ocean captures raw energy and movement begins ... The air becomes cool and a mystical fog plays over the towering forest and restless sea.

Some say it is the finest time to experience this magical coast, to spend time alone, taking time to sit on a log and gaze across shimmering waters that blend into an endless blue sky.

Looking for adventure ... The West Coast of Vancouver Island offers an excellent surf beach, paddle and kite surfing, Bring your kayak or rent locally. Hike for miles, and become one with the exquisite natural environment. Bring your camera for those special storm shots while beach combing the Pacific Ocean.

Don't forget to make your home safe before you go on that well deserved summer vacation.Here are five things you should do before you leave on that trip.


1. Hold Your Mail and newspapers. A pile of unopened mail and unread newspapers announces to a would-be burglar that your home is empty and ready for intruders.
2. Get rid of the Spare Key. If your home is being targeted, the first thing a criminal will look for is a spare key. If you need to leave a key, make sure you leave it with a neighbor and not hiding outside your home.
3. Avoid Social Media. While you are away, avoid posting photos and updates of your activities. This is a perfect invite for an intruder.
4. Trick Potential Intruders. Make it look like someone’s home when you’re out having fun. Here are some ways to outsmart crooks:
    Time lights and electronics. You can time your lights, television, and other electronics to turn on and     off throughout the day. You want your lights to look natural, as if someone’s home. Avoid leaving your lights on the entire time you are gone. This will not only increase your electric bill, but it’s also suspicious, since most people don’t leave lights on all the time when they’re home.
    Hire a landscaper. If you’re going to be out of town for a week or more, hire someone to mow         your lawn and trim your hedges, so it looks like someone’s around and doing the yard work.
    Have a neighbor park out front. Tell a trustworthy neighbor when you’re going to be out of town,     and ask them to park a car in front of your house to make it look like someone’s home.
  4. Ask Neighbors to Keep an Eye Out Friendly neighbors can be an important line of defense against intruders.


If you take precautions before going on vacation, then you can relax instead of worrying about the state of your home while you’re gone. For additional home safety and travel tips, visit SafeWise.com. If you have additional tips for keeping your home safe while on vacation, please share in the comments!

10 Ways to Keep Cool During the Summer Heat

1. Buy a Popsicle, ice cream, or some other frozen yummy treat.

2. Drink plenty of cool water. During summer, you sweat more, and you have to replenish the water in your body. So drink a nice cold glass of water, and keep a bottle with you always. A tip to stay more cool is fill up a water bottle and put in the freezer for 30 min to an hour, and freeze another to take outdoors and the "iced-water" will last much longer. Don't risk dehydration.

3. Find a friend, and go for a swim, have a water fight, or just dump buckets of water on each other. A weird but fun way is bring a nice cool bucket of water and pour it on your trampoline if you own one and then you created your own slip and slide.

4. Place an ice pack on your wrists. It cools the blood in your veins, and instantly makes you feel cooler. You could also run your pulse under some cold water or just splash some cold water on your face to stay at a desirable temperature

5. Sleep with a sheet when you go to bed, and have a fan directed toward you. You can also dampen your sheets in water and the air blowing from the fan will make you feel refreshed, until it all evaporates.

6. Turn off unnecessary lights, TV, oven, etc. During the day, keep off the majority of your lights, since they produce energy and heat!

7. Shower or bathe frequently in mildly warm, or cold water to stay refreshed.

8. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on. Keep the air filter clean to avoid clogging or fungus may grow there. For best results, close the doors to the rooms that have the air conditioning on. This will trap the cool air in the room, keeping you cooled down.

9. Make sure the setting on the AC is on "high" to move the air through faster and farther. This is not the "colder-to-warmer" settings. That uses very little additional power, but may make a louder "shushing" air sound.

10. Use a portable fan set at the desired setting to keep you at your own comfort zone, too.

Integrate Your Plants
Vegetables and herbs have a place in the flower garden. Use herbs to edge the beds and borders. Variegated mint arrives early and stays late. "In the garden, integration is the key. The mint's aroma wafts on the breeze when visitors brush against it, and the chefs in the garden's restaurants snip sprigs to flavor the day's fare.

Play Up Texture
Pay attention to foliage texture, as well as colour. For example, purple heuchera makes a lovely contrast against 'Burgundy Glow' ajuga and gray-blue stones.

Put Trees and Shrubs in Pots
Don't think container gardens are limited to annuals -- you can use trees and shrubs to make a bold impact. For example, ferny Sorbaria 'Sem' is a stunning partner for burgundy-leaf Red Majestic hazelnut.

Plan for a Grand Entrance
Defining an entrance makes a big statement - Place two spruces ready to usher visitors into a hillside garden of slow-growing conifers and alpine plants. The evergreens are just big enough -- about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide -- to play hide-and-seek with the meandering path that leads to a vine-covered garden folly.

Leave a Spot to Enjoy Your Garden
"Gardens are magical places, and there should be reminders along the way: pretty vignettes and little escapes." Whether they're used or not, a decorative table and chair invite contemplation. The invitation stands: Come, sit awhile, and smell the flowers, listen to the bird song, and watch the grass grow

Grow Fragrant Herbs
Plant herbs in window boxes and containers so you can place them by your kitchen door or next to the grill so you can snip and tuck them into salads, soups, and sauces. They're a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds

Let Nature Be Your Guide
A carved alpine pond in a hillside where frogs and toads join the chorus of birds splashing in the shallow water. "The trick is to work with the setting so the pond and plantings look natural. Lady's mantle and cotoneaster in the foreground and alpine firs and weeping Nootka false cypress in the background.

Don't Forget Containers
In early spring, long before the garden bursts into colour, pot up containers that bridge the seasons with bright foliage and subtle textures. Start with a weeping hemlock, then add a euphorbia or two. Next comes a sampling of Heuchera 'Marmalade' followed by a streak of Sedum 'Angelina'. "With foliage like this, who needs flowers.
Incorporate Curves
The secret to cultivating intrigue in the garden, always have a curve. You want to keep them guessing -- What's up ahead? What will I discover? You don't need a lot of space to achieve that.

Go with Rich, Dark Colors
Your garden will profit from the addition of plants with dark purple foliage that appears blackish. "Black foliage creates magical combinations in the garden. Look at these dark-leaved begonias and 'Bishop of Llandaff' dahlias."