Water and Fire Damage Restoration

Without exception, regardless of what your DIY handyman capabilities are, fire and water damage restoration is best left in the capable hands of an experienced restoration contractor. The reason is because properly handling the house restoration process can be tricky business. Creating possible health hazards for both the person handling the cleanup and house occupants.

More than posing a possible health hazard, if the home restoration process isn’t handled correctly, bacteria and mold caused by water damage, and contamination caused by fire damage can prove life-threatening.

Water Restoration
In the event of water damage, home restoration efforts by a water damage specialist using the proper equipment are necessary. Not only to restore the home cosmetically and structurally; but safe Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) air, as well. And time is of essence.
There is a 48 to 72-hour window required to effectively inhibit the onset of mold and mildew created by water damage. If damage was caused by a sewage leak, extra steps are required to prevent toxins and bacteria from contaminating the home environment. Water damage extraction restoration is only part of the process.
Aside from room content removal, water extraction, and removing any carpet and padding, special disinfectants and chemicals are required. Water damage cleanup may also involve removing molding and at least the bottom section of walls if there is wall covering or drywall water damage. The entire affected area – including walls, ceilings, floors, crawl spaces and vents – will require drying with high-powered air movers. As well as use of dehumidification equipment to speed up the process.

Fire Damage Restoration
Because of the unique behaviors of various kinds of smoke, fire damage control and restoration can be a complex, complicated procedure. Smoke not only causes visible damage to house structure and contents, but flows through plumbing systems and in behind walls, as well.
Smoke webs caused by wet smoke created by low, smoldering heat have a strong pungent odor that permeates into cloth furnishings and walls; leaving a sticky, gooey residue that is difficult to clean.

A protein based fire produces smoke that is virtually invisible, but which discolors paints and varnishes; it, too, has a pungent, hard to remove odor. Fuel oil soot caused by furnace puff backs and other types of smoke from fire all effect the type fire restoration process necessary.

Besides requiring the services of a fire and water restoration company, water or fire and smoke damage to a structure may also necessitate the services of a contractor remodeling restoration expert. Because of the special skills required to effectively handle fire and water damage restoration emergencies, homeowners should become familiar with service providers in their area.

Prudent homeowners will keep contact information on hand for restoration contractors in case of an emergency. Not only to reduce panic should fire or water damage happen to their home. But also to ensure measures are taken to eliminate further damage to their home within the narrow time span required, avoiding further loss and expense.

Learn what should be done in the event of water damage – while waiting for the restoration expert to arrive. Things such as:

-Wipe furniture dry
-Lift drapery off wet carpet
-Place small wood or Styrofoam blocks, or aluminum foil, under furniture legs

Or in the event of fire damage, things such as:

-Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old sheets to prevent additional soiling.
-Discard open food packages that could have become contaminated.
-Wipe residue from porcelain bath and kitchen fixtures to prevent etching.

Also, inquire as to what to avoid. Things such as using an ordinary vacuum to remove water. Or trying to lift carpet that has been tacked down, without professional help. Or attempting to wash soot off flat painted walls without consulting with a professional cleaner, or attempting to use appliances that could malfunction because of fire damage.

http://www.handycanadian.com/articles-fire-damage-water-damage-restoration.asp

What is Stucco and How is it Used?
Stucco is the common name for Portland Cement Plaster which is applied to surfaces either inside or outside buildings. Stucco is hard, durable, rot and fungus resistant, low-cost and does not need a lot of maintenance.

How is Stucco Made?

Stucco is made from Portland cement materials, sand and water mixed together to form a plaster.

How is Stucco Used?

Stucco is applied to interior and exterior walls either manually or using machines. This Portland Cement Plaster can be used on concrete wall systems or on a frame structure in buildings. This is conventionally used for siding or to cover concrete, cinder block, clay brick or adobe.

The Advantages of Stucco

Stucco, or Portland Cement Plaster, is a low-cost finish that is strong and durable and can be used in a wide variety of climates. It is also versatile and can be used over concrete, concrete masonry, brick, wood frame or steel frame. It is also fire resistant and color retentive, meaning that various pigments can be added to give your stucco exactly the effect you are looking for.

Color and Texture

One of the advantages of stucco is that although it is a low-cost surface for construction, it can also take on a wide range of colors and textures. Color is achieved using color aggregate and pigments. White Portland Cement is often used to achieve the broadest range of colors. Texture allows the appearance of the stucco to change and can even give it the appearance of other materials such as wood. This texture is achieved by choosing different aggregate sizes for different textures, controlling consistency of the finished mix, and using special techniques during and after the application.

Should You Apply Stucco Yourself?

Although the application of Stucco may appear a simple procedure, the incorrect application of it can lead to serious problems such as bulging, separating, cracking or allowing moisture through to timber frames causing rotting. It is therefore recommended that rather than attempting to apply this yourself that you call in professionals who can ensure that the stucco is correctly applied according to standards laid out by the regulating organizations. If stucco is correctly applied it will last you many years and will be well worth the expenditure, rather than having it incorrectly applied and having to pay more later.

Stucco Application Standards
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Canadian Standards Association are the two organizations in North America responsible for setting standards for the application of stucco. The two standards from the ASTM that regulate the application of stucco are:
ASTM C 926 Standard specification for application of Portland Cement-based plaster

ASTM C 1063 Standard specification for installation of lathing and furring to receive interior and exterior Portland Cement-based plaster. These standards are created by a number of different professions putting input into what they believe should be the standards regulating this application and then the ASTM combines these opinions into a consensus document.

Stucco, or Portland Cement Plaster, is used in many buildings as a low-cost finish that can come in a wide variety of colors and textures and is strong, durable and fire resistant. Although the process of applying stucco may seem simple it is best not to attempt this yourself as any mistakes in application could lead to serious problems. The American Society for Testing and Materials sets standards for the application of stucco, otherwise known as Portland Cement Plaster.

http://www.handycanadian.com/articles-stucco.asp

Deck Innovations

One of the easiest, and the most inexpensive, ways to gain living space for you home is building a deck. Because unlike a patio a deck usually has a wood frame and can be placed at ground level, flush with your second-story bedroom or as high as the roof-line of your home. It can be a small, useful space for your enjoyment or a massive testament to style and recreation. And an already-existing deck can be enlarged, resurfaced or re-colored with a weekend's contribution of time because it's just wood.

A deck is also one of the very few builds or renovations that can be accomplished within a budget. If the ground is stable a contractor can usually come in at a definite price because the material prices and labor costs are fairly stable. In other words if the deck estimate is $3600 you can pretty well be assured that the final cost will be the same. This is because there are very few variables to move the price around.

However, before building you dream deck there are a few considerations you might want to address:

Cost
The amount of money you can afford directly affects the size and scope of your deck. If there is a lot of preparation work to be done – old deck torn out, ground leveled – then this will affect the price. But if it is just a regular square deck built within 4' of the ground, the rule-of-thumb is: Take the cost of materials and double it. So if you go down to the store and price out the materials for deck and they come to $1200 then, with labor and other considerations, the deck will most likely come out to around $2400. This is also a good number to keep in your head when contractors give you estimates.

Shape, Size and Levels
This is actually a very important consideration because the shape affects both the usage and the cost. For example, a rectangular deck in front of the home with diamond-shape end pieces will require extra cutting and shaping to get the right effect. A good carpenter will take more time to make sure that the shape and angles are right and this will cost more.

Now, add to this the levels. Many decks are built into spectacular structures of two or three levels with grilling and cooking stations as well as spas. Fireplaces with large chimneys are finding their way out to the decks allowing a great deck life even when the weather gets cold. To fill this space homeowners are adding posh, waterproof furniture and TV screens just like in the den.

If you live in an area that is very hot in the summer a misting system, fine water drops propelled by a fan, can take the heat away.

Railings and Posts
Decks have railings mainly for safety. But just like window trim and shrubs set off the front of the home, railings and posts define what is otherwise a flat, boring platform. Railings are the functional supports and the balusters, although providing protection, are structural decorations. In older-style homes the posts are a 4” X 4”carved, Victorian style column with matching carved balusters whereas a modern deck may have tempered-glass panels between the posts. The former is more for decoration but the glass, although modernistic, is protection from the wind.

One of the breakthroughs in railing design is the type of materials. Rather than the high-maintenance that wood railings require, these long guard-rails are now being made from powder-coated aluminum, composites and vinyl. In addition, these railings can come in 4' and 8' assembled panels that can easily be attached to posts bolted into the decking. These are more expensive but you can recoup most of the price from the labor savings over the installation of wooden posts and balusters. And then there is the saving in time and money you would have had to invest in painting.

Below Decks
One of the newest movements in deck building is to provide a usable space underneath the deck. This means instead of a dead space where water trickles down between the decking boards the area is used for storage. Of course, to make this area functional the surface of the deck would have be at least 6’ high ,or 4' if you don't mind bending over.

The decking is covered with a waterproofing to divert the water into a small gutter system and away from the home. In many cases the deckwood can be used as a platform for fiberglass sheeting which is then saturated with the epoxy to make it a hard surface. Then this surface is painted with non-stick paint or covered with an outdoor carpet. For a more realistic deck waterproofing is stretched over the joists and then vinyl or composite decking is placed down over that with a sealing solution on the bottom sides.

http://www.handycanadian.com/articles-deck-innovations.asp

Keep Your Lawn Healthy...

Keep your lawn healthy using good maintenance practices. Grow a healthy lawn by using correct fertilizing, liming, aeration, mowing, topdressing, overseeding and irrigation practices.

Mowing

-Mow high when it's dry.
-Grass cut at a height of 6 to 8 cm (2 ½ to 3 inches) will develop a deep, extensive root system and grow thicker. Grass this height helps the soil to retain its moisture better.
-Sharpen your mower blade in the spring and keep it sharp.
-Grass recovers more quickly and easily from a clean cut than when it's torn.
-Leave the lawn clippings on your lawn after mowing.
-Lawn clippings compost, slowly releasing nitrogen for the grass.
-Under wet spring conditions, remove thick layers of clippings (over 0.5 cm thick) to avoid smothering your grass.

Watering

-Water deeply and infrequently.
-Apply at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Put a container on your lawn to measure how much -you've watered it.
-Water when your lawn needs it rather than on a set schedule.
-Excessive watering can lead to poor growing conditions and disease problems.
-Consider the soil type and surface features. Grass growing on compacted, fine soil or on slopes requires more frequent light watering.
-Early morning is the ideal time for watering.
-This minimizes water lost through evaporation and wind.
-Watering in the evening leaves the grass wet for longer, increasing the risk of disease.
-Grass growing near large trees may need to be watered more frequently because the tree roots absorb much of the soil's water.
-A healthy lawn can survive several weeks in a dormant state.
-In extended hot dry periods, a lawn may wilt, turn brown and become dormant. Common grass varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues will turn green again when regular moisture conditions return.
-Check the lawn regularly to detect any pests or other problems early.
-It may be more difficult to detect or differentiate insect damage in a dormant lawn.

Fertilizing

-Compost is a great fertilizer that supplies your lawn with nutrients needed for plant growth.
-Apply at any time of the season.
-Mix it into the soil before seeding or laying sod, or spread it in a thin layer raked over the existing lawn.
-Commercial fertilizers usually contain the three major nutrients:
-nitrogen (N) to promote leaf growth
-phosphorus (P) for root growth
-potassium (K), which is essential for stress resistance
-The three numbers on the packaging represent the proportions of these nutrients, for example: 21-7-7 formulation contains 21% nitrogen, and 7% of each of phosphorus and potassium.
-Fertilizers with a slow-release form of nitrogen are preferred because they release nutrients uniformly and there is less risk that excess fertilizer will leach away from the root zone.
-All purpose turf fertilizers usually have an N-P-K ratio of 4-1-2 .
-Rates and timing of fertilization can vary with the type of soil, the type of grass, and site and weather conditions.
-A lower rate is generally used in spring and early summer than in early and late fall.
-Organic fertilizers release more nutrients as the temperature and moisture levels increase, so you shouldn't fertilize when conditions are likely to be hot or dry, usually from mid-June to early August.
-Have your soil analyzed every few years by a professional laboratory. This will tell you more specifically what type of fertilizer you will need and how much to use. It will also indicate if the pH of your soil is right for growing grass.
-Combination products containing a herbicide and a fertilizer (weed and feed type) should only be considered if your lawn has a widespread weed problem and a nutrient deficiency. Use these combination products according to the label directions.

Overseeding and Replacing Sod

-Most healthy lawns recover from damage. Depending on the type of grass, vigorously growing lawns will fill in areas that have been thinned by insects or other types of damage.
-If bare patches do not fill in quickly, weeds may set in.

Overseeding

-Regularly spreading grass seed on your lawn will ensure that it remains dense.
-Overseeding is best done in late summer to early fall.
-Topdressing with compost or topsoil can be done at the same time.
-Using the proper type of grass seed is very important for lawns in shady areas.

Replacing Sod

To replace sod:
-Cut out the dead or damaged area to about 2 cm deep.
-Rake the soil and add some fertilizer.
-Lay down the new piece of sod.
-Step on it or roll it to ensure good contact with the soil.
-Keep the new seed and sod well-watered until the new grass is established.

Aerating

-Aerating your lawn allows a better flow of water, air and vital nutrients to the plant roots, making it easier for them to grow. This does not, however, apply to soil types containing clay.
-Aeration is best done in late summer in conjunction with overseeding and/or topdressing.

Signs that you need to aerate your lawn:
-ground is hard and compacted
-thatch is building up
-water does not penetrate well
-weeds such as prostrate knotweed and clover are present.

There are two types of mechanical aerators:
-solid-tined machine that drives spikes into the ground
-core machine that removes small plugs of thatch and soil
-Sandals or shoes with 6 cm (2 ½ inch) spikes can be used for small lawns.

-Do not roll your lawn in spring as this may increase compaction problems.

Dethatching

-Thatch is a tough mixture of dead grass and roots that accumulates above the soil surface.
-In a healthy lawn, insects, earthworms, beneficial fungi and other
microorganisms break down thatch and aerate the soil.Excessive watering, over fertilizing with nitrogen and heavy use of insecticides and fungicides may decrease the populations of soil organisms required to keep thatch levels down.
-Thatch that is more than 1 cm (½ inch) thick can prevent water, air and nutrients from getting to the roots. Too much thatch can also harbour harmful insects and diseases.
-Remove excess thatch with a heavy rake or de-thatching equipment.

http://www.healthylawns.net/english/homelawns/lawn_maint-e.html

Everyday Green Living
By Marissa Ponikowski


There are many ways to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and the best place to start is your very own home. Read on for easy eco tips to share with the whole family.

Water
Conserving water is important – but so is protecting it from contamination. Purifying contaminated water can be difficult and very often results in wasted water. To keep the water supply clean:

Cut down on the amount of household chemicals you use and dispose of the ones you do use at local drop-off centres.
Use biodegradable products whenever possible. Especially avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers outdoors.
Store garbage properly and clean up paint or other chemical spills right away.
Keep your vehicles in good working order, so leaking oil or gas doesn’t make its way into the water supply.
To save water:

Shorten your shower time to about six minutes, and, if you choose to have a bath, only fill the tub halfway.
Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving or lathering up during hand washing.
Never throw garbage, such as tissues, paper towels or cigarette butts, in the toilet and flush. This wastes several gallons of water.

Energy
Saving energy also means saving money, which is just another good reason to be kind to the environment. To save energy in your home:

If planning on purchasing new appliances look for Energy Star models. These are high quality, widely available and some municipalities even offer a rebate incentive if you buy them.
Only run your dishwasher when it’s full, and use the air dry setting rather than drying them with heat.
Most of the energy used to wash clothes is wasted on heating the water. When possible, use cold water. Try a cold water detergent for best results.
Install a programmable thermostat and lower your thermostat a few degrees at night or when you’re not home during the day.
Apply sealant or caulking around doorframes and windows to prevent warm air from leaking out in the winter and hot air from getting in during the summer.

Air Quality
The quality of your air is directly related to the products you use. Synthetically scented products are rarely environmentally friendly and could even contribute to asthma and other respiratory disorders. To improve the air quality in your home:

Use detergent and water instead of harsh disinfectants which tend to give off noxious fumes.
Select unscented cleaning products, or go natural and clean with baking soda, vinegar and castile soap. These products often work better than commercial cleaning products!
Avoid the use of aerosol sprays of any kind.
Don’t use air fresheners. These products often contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and phthalates. Recent studies have also found that air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air - especially plug-in air fresheners containing pinene and d-limonene.
Eliminate the need for deodorizers in your home by taking the garbage out daily. Rinse packaging and wrappers before throwing them in the garbage and freeze perishable wastes such as meat and fish scraps until garbage collection day.
As an air freshener alternative, try burning a few drops of natural essential oil in a clay infuser.

Waste
In the age of recycling and ‘green’ bins, it just doesn’t make sense to produce a lot of waste. Here’s how to cut your garbage output down:

Find out which plastics are accepted in your city’s recycling bins and don’t purchase plastic products that aren’t (for example, in Toronto, only recycling types 1 and 2 are accepted in the blue box).
Head to the grocery store with a handful of reusable cloth grocery bags.
Buy in bulk when possible. Store bulk food in reusable containers.
Buy high quality, durable items. Don’t make unnecessary purchases.
If your municipality has a composting program, participate by using your green bin or bag daily. You can also compost and use your own organic matter – and your garden will look gorgeous!

http://www.hgtv.ca/green/indoors_everydaygreenliving.aspx

Spring Forward:Preparing home & yard for the warm days ahead

Gardening
Spring and cleaning go hand in hand, though it isn't just your home that needs attention - now is also the time to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead. But before you start tidying up, make sure that the ground is completely dry and the frost will not come back.
Because your perennials return every year, they'll require some work on your part to keep them looking gorgeous every time. You'll have to cut them back to the ground so that the new growth emerging from the crown of the roots can flourish. While you're at it, clear away any unsightly branches and debris that you may find littering your garden.
If you covered your garden bed with a mulch of leaves to protect it from the frost, you can rake it off, but take care in doing so in case there are any early sprouting perennials hiding underneath. The leaves can be added to a compost heap, and come next spring, the compost will be a rich source of nutrients that you can apply to the soil. Alfalfa, peat moss and perlite are other options for supplements that will help to keep your garden healthy.
While you're poking through the garden, keep your eyes open for any perennials that have been lifted out of the ground by frost. Gently press them back into place, or if their roots are exposed, you can cover them up with a bit of soil.
It's too early to start planting, but at least your garden will be primed for when the weather is right. Gather ideas and decide exactly what you would like to do - maybe some brightly coloured annuals are all it will take to liven things up. Or, consider planting a few clusters of tall ornamental grasses in your garden so that when winter rolls around again, you'll have more to look at than just a whitewash of snow.
Many gardeners keep journals to track how their gardens grow over the years, and if you aren't one of them, now is a good time to start. Describe the state your garden is in at this point and how it changes as the months go by. When you look back, you'll notice a pattern of what you liked and what didn't work so well - after all, practice makes perfect.

Landscaping
Lazy afternoons in the shade are one of life's great pleasures. Imagine stretching out in a hammock, swinging back and forth and taking in the breathtaking sights of a yard that's been designed to perfection. But, a landscaped yard can offer more than just visual appeal.
Winding vines and tall trees, if strategically placed, can help to reduce your energy bills and keep your house cooler when a warm spell hits. They'll block out some of the sun's intense heat and also benefit you later in the year by acting as a windbreak. You don't have to plant a whole forest - it should only take a couple of trees or even some shrubs for you to notice a difference.
Fortunately, an attractive yard is just another benefit. Select an experienced landscape contractor that covers all the bases - meaning one that will take your concerns into account, such as energy conservation, rather than someone who only has a narrow field of expertise.
Think of your yard as an extension of your house - like an outdoor room without the walls. A landscape designer can help you personalize your yard, turning it into a work of art that reflects your tastes. If you want an area that will cast a lighter mood after a long day, bright and colourful details can do the trick. Bunches of flowers in bold shades work wonders for some, whereas one contractor says his clients are repeatedly asking for ponds and fountains so they can wind down to the soothing sound of water.
To take the room analogy a step further, why not create your own sanctuary and designate an outdoor space, or room, if you will? A landscape contractor can add levels to the area and plant trees or shrubs around the border, with colourful flowers and a bench as a finishing touch. You may not be able to shut the door, but you'll certainly have an oasis that's all your own.

Air Conditioning

A summer without air conditioning just might be every Manitoban's worst nightmare. You're likely asking yourself why on earth we're talking about summer when there's still snow on the ground, but with those unbearably hot, muggy days approaching, you'd better have a quality air conditioner. If not, it should be something to look into before the weather starts heating up.
Nearly any piece of dirt that's floating around your house can be sucked into your air conditioner - dirt, debris, lint, you name it. You should check your unit's filter regularly and change it when necessary. If the build up gets to be too much, the air flow through the unit can be severely restricted.
The amount of Freon in your unit should also be examined. If there isn't enough running through the system, your air conditioner won't work to its full capabilities. With the summer's intense heat, you'll surely notice a difference if the levels are too low. An air conditioning technician will be able to test the unit to ensure that it's functioning properly.
One expert says a common mistake people make is selecting the wrong air conditioner for their homes. For example, if someone were to purchase a two ton unit for a 1000 square foot property that should be using a ton and a half unit, it wouldn't be able to adequately remove humidity. Alternately, if they were to purchase a unit that was too small for their home, it wouldn't be able to maintain a comfortable temperature on those sweltering hot days. Besides the air conditioner's size, you should also note its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (S.E.E.R.) before you buy it. The S.E.E.R. is an industry standard system used to tell how efficient a unit is - the higher the number, the more efficient it is. Professionals usually suggest a rating of 10 or more. You'll want to make certain that if you have any problems with your air conditioner, it will be backed by a longstanding warranty. Some units offer 10 year warranties, and they may or may not include the compressor. Don't think you're saving a few bucks by choosing an unknown brand, either - if your unit is made by a company with a common name, parts will be readily available should something go wrong with it.

http://www.homebase.ca/articles/mb_springforward.asp

How Not to Get Soaked on a Reno (Bathroom)

RENOVATION
How not to get soaked on a reno
Good-bye to custom anything; hello in-stock
SARAH RICHARDSON
From Friday's Globe and Mail

April 11, 2008 at 12:00 AM EDT
I recently wrote a column about the "ready-to-wear" approach to kitchen renovations as an alternative to the more common custom approach. Clearly, it struck a chord with readers, as I received an overwhelmingly positive response to my suggestions for remodelling on a quick timeline and tight budget. (Who doesn't love pointers on where to get a deal?)
Naturally, I assume that you'll be equally interested in a few pointers on how to achieve similar winning results in a bathroom. So here goes …
Much of my work focuses on the high-end, bespoke-is-better approach to design, but there's a part of me that loves the challenge of a tight budget and impossible timeline. I turn these design challenges into a kind of scavenger hunt (with very few clues for guidance). My prize is successful completion and client satisfaction.


I thrive on the concept that any room design can be imagined, executed and enjoyed in less time than it takes for a mailed package to be delivered overseas.


My creative ideas come fast and furious, so I'm eager to get them out of my head and make them a reality so I can move on to the next project and a new concept.


I don't need to spend months thinking about what I might want to do, and I get bored with too much talk and not enough action. In every season of my show, design inc. on HGTV, I try to throw in one of these fast-paced challenges to keep my team on their toes and inspire my viewers to try it at home.


This time around, Natalie was the design team member assigned to manage our time-trial experiment. But there was a twist: We chose a cute little house that was not located downtown or accessible by road, but on the Toronto Islands, reached only by ferry, water taxi or delivery boat.



Normally, one travels to the islands on a sunny summer's day laden with sunscreen and a picnic basket, but not Natalie.


Her island adventure involved toting tile samples, plumbing parts, gallons of paint and decorative accessories, all at the mercy of the ferry schedule. (Miss the boat and there goes your schedule for the day!)



Given these challenges, I wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible. With trades people losing valuable hours every day waiting for ferries, we wanted to expedite the process as much as possible.


When we started, we said goodbye to custom anything and hello to in-stock and ready-to-go! Our job took two weeks from start to finish, the impact on our clients was minimal, and I think the results are dynamite. Here's my recipe for success.


DON'T MESS WITH THE PIPES
If time and money are an issue, your best bet is to leave the plumbing in its existing location. Moving toilets and pipes can be costly because it takes extra time for your plumber to do the job. I left the sink, toilet and shower where they were and merely added plumbing for a new stand-alone tub.


BE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS
Don't embark on your project with a preconceived notion of what the end result will be.
Why not hit the shops with an open mind?
See what's in store and in stock that tickles your fancy. Starting by saying "What can I choose from?" instead of "I want this" will enable you to take a cash-and-carry approach to everything from tiles and tubs to plumbing and light fixtures.


SHOP BY PHONE
One quick call to my man Peter at Taps Bath Centre revealed that (hallelujah!) there existed a Canadian company that specializes in ready-made bathroom vanities to suit every whim — from modern to traditional.
Add to this great news that all the products are Canadian-made (I love a homegrown solution), and come complete with a built-in sink and counter, and we were out of the gate running. I browsed the website, selected my vanity of choice, and it was delivered to our island doorstep five days later!
One might think you'd need to sacrifice style for speed, but not in this case. I wanted to achieve a look of relaxed cottage charm and was thrilled to find a solid-wood vanity with open display, ample storage, and a lovely pure-white, natural-stone top. It fit the bill perfectly.
Generally speaking, custom countertops take about two weeks from measuring to installation, plenty of opportunity to deal with any errors. And a custom countertop alone costs about the same as I paid for the entire kit and caboodle (vanity, sink and counter and faucet).


ACCESSORIZE WITH FLAIR
Never satisfied with a totally off-the-rack solution, I couldn't resist customizing my wonder vanity with a few special touches — to make it my own. The knobs needed a more polished pick-me-up, and the faucet wasn't really singing the right country tune, so I opted for an upgrade. Shiny chrome knobs and a big-box-store faucet quickly added the proper panache to my look with very little effort.



MAKE A TILE TRADE OFF
Everything doesn't have to come from the same place. In order to get the best results, I often combine tile and stone from multiple sources to achieve my save/splurge goal.
For instance, Home Depot carries two of my constant go-to items for budget baths. One is three- by six-inch, glossy white ceramic tile with a matching bull-nose profile (necessary for adding "wow factor" mosaic accent bands) at a cost of less than $3 a square foot.
The store also offers ready-to-go jambs and thresholds in two types of marble for a fraction of the cost of custom jambs from a stone supplier. (You need these if you are planning to install a standalone shower stall with a glass enclosure.) Then, once you've got the bulk of your tile needs taken care of, you can toss a little glamour into the mix with more expensive glass mosaics and natural stone, which can be bought at a number of places.


SEEK LOCAL INSPIRATION
Never one to go hog wild for themes and motifs, I still like my rooms to have a mood. Since our clients' home is surrounded by beaches and feels more like a cottage retreat than a city pad, I wanted to inject water-related references. A wall of glass mosaic in varied tones that evokes the look of treasured beach glass finds added just the right touch of colour, and a pebble mosaic shower floor created the relaxed mood and rustic texture of an outdoor shower.


OLD-FASHIONED AND MODERN
I've always had a weakness for a deep, claw-foot tub. Despite all the modern offerings available, I never grow tired of the look, comfort or space-efficient design of these old-fashioned gems.
You may have seen me prowling around the yard of my favourite vintage appliance supplier, Royal Appliances in Toronto, in search of the ultimate deal on an old cast-iron, claw-foot tub (available for the unbeatable price of about $150). But arranging for a special truck to haul the tub over to the island on the delivery ferry, a team of guys to manoeuvre it up the stairs, and a painter to rejuvenate it once its in place suddenly made it look like less of a deal.
Instead, we bought a brand new tub with old-world elegance, shiny chrome feet and easy-to-lift acrylic construction. It arrived on the doorstep without any effort thanks to the free delivery policy of our supplier.


SHINE FOR LESS
I've said it before, but this tip bears repeating. When working within a budget, you should always stick with classic, shiny chrome finishes. It's hands-down the most durable finish for all your plumbing and is the most economically priced finish.
Keep in mind that if you choose to upgrade your vanity faucet to brushed or polished nickel, you will also need to pay for an upgrade on your shower fittings, tub filler, wall sconces, knobs, towel holders, hooks and any other complementary metal fittings.
Save those valuable dollars and put them to better use elsewhere! Make time for one custom touch. Plan it right and you can still accomplish your goal in record time and have a single custom element — a glass shower enclosure.
By purchasing ready-to-go shower jambs, your tiler can build the shower stall at the beginning of the project and install the jambs, allowing you to get the glass company in for a custom site measurement.
During the week it takes to temper and prepare the glass, your tiler can tackle all the tile work, the painter can finish the walls and trim, and you can add all the finishing touches. There's no mess or dust involved in installing the glass, so that can easily be the final step in the room.


STRETCH YOUR BUDGET
The finishing touches and decorative accessories can make or break the look of your completed room, but they can also make or break your bank account.
If you don't watch your spending, you can easily rack up a whopping bill in no time flat (at least I can if you point me in the direction of my favourite luxe home stores).
But when bound by a budget, I'm happy to grab a cart and take a spin through the aisles of more price-competitive suppliers.
I love the high life, but, like many of you, I still get excited when I can fill my cart to overflowing and get the look for less.
One stop at the big box, a quick visit to my Swedish friends, and a bargain hunt for winning discounts ensured that every inch was accessorized to perfection, with dollars to spare.


Sarah Richardson is host and co-producer of Design Inc. on HGTV and principal of Sarah Richardson Design.