Blog

March 2013 Update:

Regardless the time of year, many of us spend time pondering all of those tasks (large and small) we have been meaning to get to around the house. Here are a few tips that will help you and our planet:

Start small: You certainly cannot solve the world's energy crisis with one renovation. Nor can you be expected to paint a house 'green' overnight. Start with small, simple tasks. You could install energy-efficient lighting (choose CFL or LED bulbs), have your home tested for indoor air quality, ensure your living space is mould-free, install a programmable thermostat, cover your hot-water heater with an insulated blanket to prevent heat/energy loss, install low-flow showerheads, or design a rain barrel to capture rainwater.

Integrate the old with the new: I have had clients who made the 'green' decision to integrate their existing heritage trim-work into their renovation and, even though it wasn't made from sustainable materials, it did not expend any new energy because it already existed and the money they saved not buying new materials far outweighed the labour costs of dismantling and reinstalling it with care.

Opt for more sustainable products: Materials like bamboo and cork are the ideal replacement for traditional hardwood flooring. Bamboo is such a rapidly growing resource and unlike cutting down a forest, bamboo can be harvested again and again. It also looks great as a floor and is extremely durable. Treated cork can be waterproof for bathroom and kitchen floors and it is much more comfortable to walk on than tile.

Avoid the landfill: Donate what you can! With 58 stores across Canada including one just off of Merivale road, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores (www.habitat.ca/restores) help to promote the re-use of building materials, tools, and supplies. I favour local products which help support our economy and create jobs. Remember, the cheapest products are not always the most sustainable or environmentally friendly.

February 2013 Update:

Looking at doing some work on your home over these cold winter months. It is important to know what the City requires a building permit to do. Here are some renovation projects you can do without having to apply for a permit*:

-Installing asphalt shingles on a roof
-Minor roof sheathing repairs
-Repointing of brick veneer
-Damp proofing of basements
-Replacing siding
-Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size)
-Painting and decorating
-Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
-New flooring
-Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
-Replacing existing forced-air furnace
-Fences (not enclosing a pool)
-A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) that measures 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area or less.

* Note: Although a building permit may not be required, your project must still comply with the Ontario Building Code and any applicable law, such as the zoning by-law.

If your project is not on the list, you should visit the City of Ottawa Website for more information on obtaining a building permit, or I would be happy to discuss it with you. If your looking at doing any projects over the next few months and would like a free quote, please contact me, Patrick St. Louis, at 613.699.2079 x 5 or email Patrick@Stlouis.ca.

January 2013 Update:

Brrr, sure is cold out there. This January, I would like to make sure your keeping warm and saving energy costs with a properly insulated basement. Did you know that basements can account for 20-35% of a home's total heat loss? Let’s start by looking at some of the signs that you have poor insulation. In the winter the walls will be cold to touch, you will have cold floors, your heating bills will be high, you may even have uneven heating levels within the building and mold growing on walls.

The obvious benefits of basement wall insulation is the substantial energy cost savings it should provide, you can also prevent future issues such as mold, and it can also help protect the planet as your not producing as much greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

Ultimately, the thermal performance of any insulation or any combination of insulation depends upon proper installation, which is why it might be a good idea to hire a professional contractor. CHMC says that “it's important to choose insulation that's high in quality.’ They recommend you look for the R-value. The greater the R-value, the more resistance the material has to the movement of heat, and thus, the greater the insulating power. And also look for a third party certification, such as GreenGuard® to ensure that the insulation has met rigid health standards.

December 2012 Update:

What if you could cut your mortgage payments in half? If you have unused space in your home, whether it be a basement or perhaps a loft area, you might have the potential to finish the space and turn it into a rental unit that pays a significant portion of your mortgage. Not only that, but you’re also adding value to your home.

If you are thinking about a renovation, have an expert help you during the planning process as this will make the renovation move faster and more smoothly. There are a lot of details to think about, including, but not limited to, permits, inspections, square footage requirements, meeting code requirements, and hiring licensed contractors. It is important to understand the common mistakes people make when doing this type of renovation, the largest one being that many fail to plan for the future. Often times, they have a short-term view to increase income, however, the reality is you must look down the road at the durability of work your having done and the ongoing maintenance costs. Hire quality workers and use quality products so you’re not just redoing all the work within a few years eating away at your hard earned profits.

Did you know that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers financial assistance for people creating a secondary (often called an in-law suite), or a garden suite (separate living unit that is not attached to the principal residence but on the same property, often called a granny flat) for low-income seniors or adults with a disability. More information is available on the CMHC website (www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca)

SaintLouis Inc. is a professional contracting company that can take you from design to move in ready. Call Patrick today at 613.699.2079 x 5 or to get a free quote on turning your empty space into an income producing space.