Hot topics for the cold months ahead

December 5, 2011

Lydia McNutt chats with Peter Khatami, co-owner of Nostco Construction, on ways to heat things up in the home during the cold winter months!

Q The fireplace is a tried-and-true favourite
in any season – but especially during the
cold months. What are some ways to give a contemporary new look to this traditional architectural element?
A The simplest and most popular fireplace renovation is the resurfacing of the tile/stone. Be sure to use non-combustible materials with an appropriate fire rating, as the surface temperature of the surrounding cladding can get hotter than you might think. Nowadays, interior designers are opting to clad the fireplace with smooth materials such as travertine, marble, and granite versus the traditional look of brick or tumbled rustic stone. The cladding comes in various sizes of tile, or you can opt for the more expensive option of a full slab. This is a relatively simple renovation that could yield a big aesthetic impact, as the fireplace
is most often a key focal point in the room.

Q With snow on the horizon, thoughts of shoveling the white stuff are on the brain –or rather, how to get around it. A heated driveway can also boost the value of your home, prolonging the life of your driveway and eliminating the use of harmful salts and chemicals. How do these systems work, and is it worth the cost and effort involved?
A Heated driveways are definitely becoming more and more popular for residents of “The True North.” The systems typically come in the form of hydronic radiant, electric or geothermal cables and pipes that run beneath the surface of the driveway, maintaining a surface temperature slightly above 0 Celsius. Most homeowners opt to have such systems installed either in new homes or at a time when their old driveway requires a complete replacement (typically every 10 to 30 years). The systems themselves are relatively inexpensive and, if installed concurrent with a driveway replacement, then the installation of this bonus feature makes a lot of sense to most homeowners who are looking to get away from that old (cold!) Canadian tradition of shoveling snow. Contact a radiant flooring specialist in your area for an evaluation as they can advise which system is the best fit for your driveway, and maybe your driveway will become the envy of your neighbours.

Peter Khatami
Peter is co-owner of Nostco Construction, a design/build, project management and contracting firm serving residential and commercial clients throughout the GTA. With more than 10 years of industry experience, Peter prides himself in working tirelessly on behalf of his clients to transform vision to successful reality on every project. nostco.com

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