Filed under: FROM THE EXPERTS
By Jo Alcorn / Photography by Robert Carter
As much as we all want a stunning office of tranquility and efficiency, the budget is never as big as we desire. Yet, even with champagne taste on a beer budget, there are clever design directions that anyone can follow to accomplish that high-end look for less. The flexibility to work from home has increased tenfold in the past few years but that often means more and more people can be found with their office space either mixed into their living room, bedroom, basement or a spare room.
It is important to remember that the space you work in should be one of motivation and inspiration. We spend a lot of time in these areas, so it should be a space we love and want to come into.
When I first saw my client’s office, I immediately felt tired, bored and uninspired to even want to enter the room. My client’s office space was a great size, however, you would never know it with the layout she had, the mis-proportioned furniture in it and the dark walls closing in on the space. A great office was hidden from its true potential, as many are when the desk is pushed up against the wall or a window. In this redesign, we had the freedom to truly open up the floor layout by moving the desk to the middle of the room, which created great wall space behind for storage, a sitting area in the corner and an inspirational wall to brighten up the room.
By reconfiguring the space, it instantly became more inviting, exciting and overall more efficient.
Paint goes a long way and just by updating the dark room with light, trendy and cheerful colours, the room immediately transformed into a space of inspiration. I used Para Paints trend colours on the walls, and I also work with Para and created my own paint colour called JoJo. It is the brightest of whites and goes on thick and luxurious. Bringing a light colour into a dark room always creates the illusion of more space. Due to a tight budget, painting a fun pattern on the wall was less expensive than wallpaper and we achieved the same look. I had Jim Connelly, the painter from the Debbie Travis show, come in to create an amazing zig-zag accent wall that sets off the entire office making the space motivating to enter.
Accent lighting and accessories were added from Bouclair Home (bouclair.com) to create a great ambiance to work in and much needed storage pieces. The perfect desk and chair were sourced from a Canadian gem called Harkel (all pieces are made and manufactured in Canada!) – harkeloffice.com.
On the one wall we added inspirational quotes to budget-friendly frames hung on picture racks and the wall, the nice part of this DIY project is the quotes can be changed to keep up with the growing mind of your child or you can use them to showcase your children’s art masterpieces. My client spends many hours in her office and I wanted to create a room that was fresh in colour, had sophisticated storage and an efficient workspace that illustrated her true professional personality.
I then tied it all together with fun, budget-friendly textures and accessories, which are needed to achieve a clever and interesting home office to work in.
We saved money in certain design areas and made sure to splurge on the high-traffic pieces (such as the office desk and chair), which is important to keep in mind. Think of your home office as an extension of your home, and use those same design principles you used throughout the décor. For example, the importance of accent lighting, the warmth of textures, the completeness of accessories, the joy of colour and the most important part, the functionality of your furniture pieces. Keep in mind your home office should be an important part of your home since it is the room you make a living in.
Jo Alcorn
Jo Alcorn, graduated with a BA from a Liberal Arts School in New York City. She went on to study colour and architecture while attending London’s City University.
She is in the process of filming her own show on HGTV, she has been the design expert on the Steven & Chris show, Breakfast Television, Discovery Channel, City TV and more.washco.ca
February 26, 2013
By Evelyn Eshun
We all know by now that kitchens are a worthwhile investment for any home renovation these days, and it seems appliances are becoming the celebrities of any kitchen renovation. I adore appliances and am happy with the fact that through suppliers such as Appliance Canada, I can now have access to appliances that were normally not available in Canada. Clearly, we are becoming a powerful consumer base for the top appliance suppliers.
Not only are the new appliance options here to make our lives easier and more efficient, but they also bring out the “inner chef” in all of us, which is not a bad thing. The proliferation of reality shows which depict “everyday people” fulfilling their cooking dreams certainly has helped in motivating us into making our kitchens work for us, which in turn has made the suppliers willing to invest in providing products that step up the cooking experience.
I don’t know about you, but I love to cook. I love the entire process and the fact that we can now have appliances that provide a Ferrari-like look and performance. Advanced technology has yielded many new options for home cooking. The range, the stove, the wall ovens, the “stoven” (my made-up name for a stove with an oven) are key to your cooking experience. Whether electric, gas or induction, we all have our preferences, I personally adore cooking with gas. I think the Thermador 48-in. Professional Series Pro Grand Commercial Steam Range is one of the best on the market.
With a powerful 22,000 BTUs at your disposal and a convection and steam option, your cooking possibilities are limitless. This appliance will make the journey just as fun as the final destination.
The newest innovation is also the Speed Oven, which is a great addition to any kitchen. It delivers oven-quality results up to 10 times faster than conventional cooking techniques, and without pre-heating! The GE Monogram Built-in Oven with Advantium Speedcook Technology can cook, brown, warm and perform all the conveniences of a microwave. 
Refrigeration is a luxury, which we often take for granted – a perk which our ancestors did not benefit from. With the growing awareness of the benefits of fresh food, our need for 
preserving our perishables has grown. I adore the cool drawer from Fisher Paykel, which can be integrated into an island and house all your produce at arm’s reach – it’s great for juicing or salad tossing. Consider it for a small kitchen or if you don’t need a full-size fridge.
All these advances in appliance technology are a great benefit to homeowners. Adding any or all of these elements will inevitably raise the value of your home and they will also elevate the lifestyle and enjoyment of the kitchen experience.
Tips
›› Though the cabinets are often the most fun to pick first, start by determining your appliances first when planning your kitchen, this will help the designer plan the cabinetry and other storage details you will need.
›› Before you select appliances determine what you really require from your appliances, how often do you entertain or cook in your kitchen?
›› Make sure you give your appliance specifications to the electrician, the plumber and the heating and ventilation specialist, they need this information to provide you with the appropriate services to make these appliances perform as required.
›› Plan to give 10 to 12 weeks for your kitchen renovation, the order of operations is the key to making this process smooth and stress-free.
›› A stand-alone range and a convection/steam oven (instead of a microwave) is the most cost-effective way to add additional functionality in your kitchen.
›› Ensure you have adequate power outlets, especially do not forget the island as well as enough lighting for all of the activities that will be taking place in the kitchen
Evelyn Eshun
Toronto-based accredited Interior Designer, Evelyn Eshun,
Principal of Evelyn Eshun Design. For more than 14 years, she is known for her custom designed residential projects throughout the GTA that showcase the space and bring out the best in you. evelyneshun.com
February 4, 2013
By Yanic Simard
Appliances
As technology advances, one of the most dramatic changes we can see to the modern kitchen is the incredible number of options available for custom and unique range hoods. I love the clean look of pieces such as the Thermador Masterpiece series — when the hood is this beautiful and simple, there’s no need to hide it. Home kitchens are getting more and more like a real chef’s headquarters every day, with restaurant staples such as warming drawers and wine refrigerators popping up everywhere. Microwaves are moving to under the counter, often using a drawer instead of a door to make lifting hot items in and out more convenient. Many companies even make built-in automated coffee machines to get as much clutter off your surfaces as possible—no barista required! Aquabrass makes a great user-friendly version of a pot-filler faucet, called the Zest, which gives you the pull-out multi-functionality of an industrial fixture with a stylish and elegant look appropriate for an inviting kitchen.
Counters:
While we’ve recently seen total integration of cupboards and appliances into one perfectly clean line, a new trend emerging is the return to a more furniture-based look, rather than minimal built-ins. By this I mean you can find little details creeping in that let kitchen cabinets—and especially islands —feel more like stand-alone pieces than part of a continuous set. For example, while most kitchens have the lower cabinets raised off the floor enough to create a toe space, now designers are adding traditional feet to the corners of each section, echoing the look of an elegant vanity. At the same time, ending the countertops flush with the face of the cupboard allows those two elements to merge into a furniture unit, rather than looking like the cabinets and counter are unrelated. At my design studio, we’ve been loving the use of mixed materials for the countertops, pairing quartz and marble to let distinct areas have their own identity. I love working with marble trend and caesarstone—mixing calacatta oro with grey quartz produces a beautiful look, and of course, there is also an infinite array of other possible combinations.
Flooring:
An ongoing trend in both open and closed plan homes, playing against the more furniture-like counters, is a unification of flooring types throughout the space. Running continuous wood flooring from your dining room throughout allows the kitchen to feel less like a separate work space, and more like part of the larger environment. It also avoids unsightly joints between wood and tile, which are often less than ideal. Hardwood or engineered wood may not be quite as durable as tile when facing dropped pots and pans, but the right selection mixed with a little care can yield a more elegant and comfortable floor for the chef of the house to stand on. In the first photo, you’ll see Brushed Oak Luxe Ravensdale from Kentwood — I loved it for this home and it can fit into virtually any style of kitchen, from traditional to minimal. If you do prefer an even softer look, many people are finding an elegant runner rug (much longer than it is wide), following the line of the cabinetry, can add a pleasant visual break to the floor, and be cleaned or replaced in the event of a catastrophic spaghetti spill. This classic Scandinavian style can warm up your space visually, and you can switch out your rug later to get a punch of new colour.
Lighting:
Borrowing from art galleries and museums, some recent lighting trends have focused on making the light sources disappear, so the sparkling surfaces can have all the attention. Traditional style pot lights for the ceiling are nothing new for kitchens—they are very practical sources of direct light for cooking and suit the tasks well, however, new shadow box style pot lights seem to be becoming more popular with their modern style. Lately, many such lights can be found recessed into tiny alcoves in the ceiling, which allows a slightly more extended fixture to angle the light to hit more specific targets. This creates a sophisticated look, and lets you avoid unsightly track lighting. Creating much larger recessed areas over the kitchen island is another popular trend, as this helps define the area as a special gathering place—which is fitting, as despite our plans this is so often where the real party happens! Of course, since the kitchen is such a celebrated space, it also deserves some statement lighting of its own, and many homeowners are electing for grander pieces rather than modest pendants. While your hidden lamps are doing a lot of the work, a brilliant chandelier over your island again helps to define this as a central space, and keeps the room from feeling too strictly functional.
Colour:
My absolute favourite colour of the year, which you can find popping up in designs of every taste and budget, is not just a colour but a precious stone: emerald. As a wall colour in paint or paper, rich jewel greens add a layer of depth and drama to a space, but also allow other lighter colours to breathe —it can be the focus, or a near-neutral backdrop, depending on the shade. Beautiful glass bowls, vases and sculptures can be easily mixed into an existing kitchen space, and since leafy tones are around us all the time in nature, we are instinctively tuned to like greens with almost any colour scheme. Drop by Avenue Road to see their selection of great home accessories (as well as furniture) —I find exciting new things every time I go.
Another trend I’m loving is not just any colour, but actually chrome! Now I know you have probably heard of chrome for appliances, even backsplashes —this is a timeless look. However, lately designers have been applying touches of silvery glamour to the kitchen cabinetry, like the one shown here from adding to the gallery display case aesthetic. Stainless steel complements the cool emerald shades wonderfully, and frames the view through your cabinet windows like an elegant piece of art. (By the way, if you don’t have any windowed cabinets, now is the time. Your beautiful dishes and glassware have been hidden away for too long!) Look to SieMatic, and especially their BeauxArts.02 collection, to put a little metal in your mix.
Backsplashes:
Kitchen backsplashes tend to fall into one of two categories: timeless, neutral looks, or very personal style statements. Having your backsplash retiled isn’t something you do every day, so you need to absolutely love it. A style I’ve found recently is the beautiful diamond “pillow” tile from Deco-Tile. It creates a quilted effect, mixing the soft curves of an elegant sofa with the durability of tile. At the opposite end, companies like SieMatic are creating backsplash “systems” that transform the space into either multi-functional shelves, cupboards, or racks, so you get the most usability out of your space while maintaining a beautiful,
built-in look.
Yanic Simard
Yanic Simard
is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. For more information visit tidg.ca.
January 28, 2013
By Lisa Canning
When a new client starts working with us, one of the first conversations we have is about their budget. It’s important that we know what the total allocated funds are for a project so priorities can be made and funds distributed accordingly. For projects large or small, there will always be a bottom line. With experience, I’ve learned a few ways to maximize budgets of all sizes, to deliver a finished room that helps my clients enhance their quality of life.
The first way I help my clients maximize their budget is through defining their priorities. In one of our first conversations, I ask clients to name five things they want to see changed in their space, and to list them in sequential order. We do this at the very beginning to ensure we are making the best decisions with the funds available. Listing priorities forces clients to narrow their focus and ensure those five things are top quality. Even in the largest of budgets, unexpected situations can occur. Focusing on a limited list of “must-haves” for a project helps to ensure quality pieces can be acquired to serve the individual needs of the users.
The second way I ensure my clients’ dollar is spent wisely is with working with experienced trades. Experienced trades will often point out ways to save my clients’ money. For example, when I design custom cabinetry or wall units, my millworker will advise small alterations that won’t impact the overall aesthetic, but will save the client money because it uses slightly less material and produces less waste. In addition, experience has shown me that seasoned trades make fewer mistakes. It doesn’t mean they don’t make any mistakes — but experience is a great teacher.
Another way I am able to ensure funds are spent in the best possible way for my clients is in careful utilization of colour and pattern. For example, installing patterned wallpaper on a feature wall, while it may not seem like a cost-saving solution, will reduce the need for art or other pattern in the room. On a similar note, I wrap many of the small spaces I design in deep, saturated hues. I find that a bold colour choice makes such a strong statement that other elements used in the room can be more demure. Moreover, a technique I have used in spaces with more limited budgets is to emulate the look of wallpaper with paint. Stripes or stencils and a bit of sweat equity can yield stunning results.
The final way I help clients get the most out of every purchase is through being resourceful and thinking outside the box in regard to materials. I’m currently working on a project where the budget would not allow for wallpaper, as window coverings were higher on the list of priorities. Working with a window covering specialist from Budget Blinds, we selected a patterned roller shade that provides the function needed for the large windows, and when pulled down, injects the pattern that is achieved with wallpaper. With the large expanse of windows I am dealing with in this situation, I get form and function in one purchase.
Lisa Canning is a designer and owner of Lisa Canning Interiors. lisacanning.ca, 416.587.9780
January 23, 2013
Silvana Longo chats with co-owner of Nostco Construction Peter Khatami and finds out the checkpoints for a healthy home and the green measures you should be taking for your next renovation.
Q You had a busy holiday season — first prepping for it and then enjoying some much needed holiday cheer time with loved ones — which means you never got around to weatherproofing your home for the winter. Is it too late to be proactive? What can we do at this stage to keep the cold outside and more money in your wallet than on your energy bill? When is it time to replace the furnace? What are the signs to do it this winter and not next?
A The weatherproofing in your home should be seen as a complete system, made up of passive individual components typically starting from the outermost exterior cladding (brick, stucco, etc.), then housewrap, sheathing, insulation and vapour barrier. The absence or breakdown of any of these components will in some way compromise the weatherproofing system. The Ontario Building Code determines the minimum necessary requirements in terms of materials and installation methods for the weatherproofing in your home. Unfortunately, upgrading the passive components of the weatherproofing are typically quite expensive if not installed properly at first. However, if the weatherproofing is okay but the furnace is the culprit, know that the average furnace lasts approximately two decades. So if your furnace dates back to the very late ‘80s or early ‘90s, you should anticipate replacing the furnace soon. Depending on the time of year, there will be numerous incentives and rebates available through the government and energy companies for replacing a furnace. You will typically require an energy audit ($300-$400), which is partially offset by a government rebate of $150. So if the furnace is around 20 years old, and you are able to take advantage of the available rebates (typically $750 – $1,500+), I would get it done now.
Q New year, new renovation projects to tackle. That new year’s resolution couldn’t ring more true than for Canadians who choose to renovate more as an investment in lifestyle than just for reasons of property resale. A recent market research study conducted by Houzz, the world’s largest database of home renovation and decorating ideas, portrays Canada as “a renovation-nation” revealing that more than 72 per cent of Canadian homeowners plan to remodel or redecorate their homes in the next two years. With the majority of Canadians planning some sort of renovation, it is an opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient green technologies in their projects. Could you tell us about the latest green initiatives and why you would recommend them for upcoming renovations this year?
A One of the best steps you can take before planning your renovation is to get a home energy assessment from an independent certified home evaluator. Your energy assessment will identify how your home uses energy, where it is being wasted, and how to improve the comfort of your home, and cut heating and cooling costs. Typical green initiatives include replacing or upgrading the heating system with high-efficiency equipment – look for Energy Star-certified products, adding insulation where/when possible and installing new energy-efficient high performance windows. Visit www.Renomark.ca and look under the “EcoReno” tab for a great resource of eco-friendly renovation options.
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
January 16, 2013
Celebrity chef and KitchenAid spokesperson, Lynn Crawford is the owner of Ruby Watchco. (rubywatchco.ca)
The classic comfort food, Chef Lynn shares the recipe for these savoury tea biscuits – a Ruby Watchco signature dish.
Ingredients
» 2 cups all-purpose flour
» 1 tablespoon sugar
» 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
» 1 teaspoon pepper
» 1/2 teaspoon salt
» 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
» 1 1/4 cups of grated, extra-sharp cheddar cheese
» 1 cup of cold buttermilk
» 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
» Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine first six ingredients in processor and blend. Add butter and cut in, using on/off turns until fine meal forms. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in cheese. (Note: Can be prepared four hours ahead.) Cover and chill.
» Mix enough buttermilk into flour mixture to bind dough. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead gently until combined, about 10 turns. Pat out dough to ¾-inch thickness. Using three-inch diameter cookie cutter, cut out biscuits. Gather scraps, pat out to ¾-inch thickness and cut additional biscuits. Transfer biscuits to ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with egg wash. Bake in new KitchenAid range or wall oven until evenly baked, golden brown and firm to touch. About 18 minutes.
Serve warm.
January 9, 2013
By Hellen Buttigieg
There is so much buildup at the end of the year that it can almost feel like a race to the finish line. Then January 1st arrives, the social calendar calms down and the cocooning begins as you prepare to ride out the rest of the winter. Before you jump right back to everything you were doing before the holidays, take some time to look around and decide what needs to change. Not that you have to go making grand resolutions for the new year – unless that’s your thing – but look at it as an opportunity to free yourself of things that weren’t working for you. Try new methods that may improve your life in little, noticeable ways.
Get clear on the year ahead If setting New Year’s resolutions is not your thing, there’s another way of defining what you’d like your life to look like – create a vision board. Get some magazines, glue and a poster board and start cutting and pasting images that you feel drawn to or that represent something you’d like to be or have in your life. If you would like to learn more about the power of these dream boards, and have a look at some of the ones I’ve created personally, check out my blog post, Creating a Dream Board (WeOrganizeU.com)
End procrastination by knowing your payoff Ever wonder how to motivate yourself to tackle that daunting task you’ve been putting off? Rather than dwelling on the chore itself, turn your attention to how you will benefit once the job is done. If you can come up with two or three compelling ways your life will be better as a result of completing what you’ve been procrastinating on, you will find the inspiration to take action.
Make your ‘someday’ a reality How many times have you wistfully said, “Someday, I’d like to…” It’s interesting how we often procrastinate on doing the things we most want to do. We continue to put it off because something more pressing always seems to come up. But life is short, and habitually putting off doing those meaningful things that bring us joy can literally suck the life right out of us. One thing that I personally find very effective is to catch myself when I say I’d like to do something, and immediately pull out my calendar and schedule it in, even if it’s not for another month or two… or even six. The trick is to allow enough time to prepare for the event in advance and, once the date approaches, treat it as you would any other appointment you’ve booked with someone important – keep it.
Make decisions fearlessly Clutter often represents unmade decisions. Many people struggle with indecision because of the fear of making a mistake (especially perfectionists). It may seem easier to avoid making the decision, but by doing so, you are deciding to procrastinate and stay stuck. Whenever possible, make decisions as you go along, before they accumulate. Although there’s no guarantee you will make the right decision, you will be taking the option that appears to be the right thing to do at the time. Avoid berating yourself if the outcome is less than you had hoped, and besides, there’s usually some recourse. See it as a great learning experience and move on. One effective decision-making technique is to ask: “What’s the worse thing that can happen if I make the wrong decision?” and “Can I live with that consequence?” This usually puts the decision into perspective and helps you make it confidently.
Hellen Buttigieg, CPO, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV host, author and owner of We Organize U. Visit her website, WeOrganizeU.com, for a free e-Book on how to find more time, energy and inner peace. Contact Hellen at 905.829.2219 or info@WeOrganizeU.com
Hellen Buttigieg
January 3, 2013
By Erica Gelman
A new year is upon us and as the saying goes; the only constant in life is change. Nowhere is that statement truer than in the world of design. Every year we are exposed to new and exciting design trends and movements in the industry. Often, the word ‘trend’ can be associated with a negative connotation, suggesting a style that will inevitably pass just as fast as the current season. However, I believe that if properly executed, a ‘trend’ can become a classic staple rather than a temporary essential.
COLOUR
Colour is usually the first trend everyone is curious about. What’s the big colour to hit the design world? In my opinion, there have been a few. First is yellow – a creamy bright hue that will dominate with its vibrancy. Yellow can be combined easily with neutrals to create the perfect colour palette. Pair it with white & grey for a modern look, or accent it with navy for a fresh design approach. Yes, you read that correctly, navy as a neutral. This is a design trend which deserves some serious note-taking. Forget brown and beige, blue is the new chief in town. It’s much more subtle than black although the intensity of navy has the same dramatic effect. There is such a large spectrum of blue hues, from royal to electric and midnight to cobalt, you’re guaranteed to be drawn to at least one.
FEELING
Lately, a huge movement we’ve been seeing in interior design has nothing to do with colour, pattern or even style but rather a mood trend. Our clients have been requesting a comfortable environment where they feel at ease in lieu of the typical designer showhome. We’ve been hearing more and more that our clients are looking for fabrics they can use, instead of just to look at. It’s an attempt to have their homes decorated to look as if they’ve decorated it themselves. This is actually one of my favourite trends because it allows the homeowner to create a personal reflection of themselves in their most sacred environments. This trend is all about using understated pieces to form a collection of new and old, reclaimed and store-bought.
FINISHES
Another area we are seeing this trend of mixing and non matching is with metals. Do you love brushed nickel? Are you intrigued by bronze? Does stainless steel still excite you? Well, you don’t have to choose one. While this may be music to a designer’s ears, it can also be a pretty scary statement for the amateur decorator. It’s how you incorporate the metals and the harmony between your choices that will result in the perfect metal combination. For instance, if you are working on a kitchen design, you can use a faucet that stands out while keeping your cabinet hardware consistent throughout the kitchen.
MAN CAVE
First and foremost, the man cave is not a new concept, however, it is evolving and becoming much more mainstream. We are seeing more men who like to get involved in everything from the fabric selections, furniture pieces, artwork – even down to the rugs. This puts into perspective that the man cave is no longer a dark and gloomy space either in the garage or the basement. These “caves” were typically poorly lit, dressed with rundown furniture and kept bare floored yet featured the large TV screen as their focal point. Rather, these trendy spaces are just as tailored and customized as the main floor living room, although the large TV screen is still the dominant feature.
Trends don’t have to all be used, especially not together. You should incorporate what works for you and your lifestyle. They are a gateway to start getting excited about change and making better style decisions. These current styles emerge from the notion of people enjoying their homes and creating living spaces that suit them personally. Let’s make 2013 the best design year yet!
Toronto-based designer, Erica Gelman, Principal of Erica Gelman House Of Design specializes in both large and small scale residential design projects throughout Toronto and the GTA. Known for enhancing and creating new possibilities in every space of your home.
Erica Gelman House Of Design www.ericagelman.com
December 21, 2012
By Scott McGillivray
With 12 years of real estate investing and seven seasons of Income Property under my belt, I’ve learned a thing or two about investment properties. I encourage just about everyone I meet to jump into the game and become a landlord, but rentals aren’t one-size-fits-all. Before taking the cheques to the bank, you need to decide what kind of landlord you’re going to be.
1. Student Rentals
Student rentals are my bread and butter – and where I started my real estate investment career. There’s great income potential here if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work.
PROS:
>> Big rental potential – You can rent by the room, which increases your bottom line.
>> Expensive finishes not needed – No need for granite and hardwood here. Units need to be functional, clean, and well done, but high-end materials won’t give you a return on investment.
>> School nearby = guaranteed tenants – I’ve yet to find a University/College town that didn’t lack student housing. You’ll have no problem finding tenants.
>> Parents – You can ask that parents co-sign the lease, so the default rate is very low.
>> Predictable rental cycle – School year starts, school year ends. Leases start and end at the same time every year, which means only having to deal with it once every 12 months.
CONS:
>> High/constant turnover – You might only need to worry about renting once a year, but depending on how many rooms you have available, that still means a lot of applications and a lot of screening.
>> Not a lot of pride in rentership – It’s true, students aren’t always great at taking care of their temporary home, and not always the most responsible tenants. This isn’t always the case, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Student rental before
After
2. Executive Rentals
Whether it’s a business in town for work, or movie crews on location, executive rentals can bring in big bucks, but also cost more upfront.
PROS:
>> Big money – Executive rentals can demand double or even triple what the same space would rent for in a regular rental situation.
>> Higher profile tenant – Generally speaking, you don’t have to be concerned about the quality of tenant you’re getting here.
>> Guaranteed Income – Depending on our provincial rules, you may be able to collect all your rent upfront (if it’s a short-term lease) and collect a damage deposit (refer to your provincial policies regarding landlord-tenant relationships).
>> Profit – You usually only need to rent for half the year to make one.
CONS:
>> High turnover – Most executive rentals are short-term leases, so turnover is constant.
>> Unpredictable – Because of the nature of executive rentals, it won’t always be rented and there’s no certainty about when it will be.
>> The bells & whistles – High-end finishes, nice furniture, linens, towels, dishes — they all need to be included. Throw in utilities, cable, Internet, and regular cleaning service and it really starts to add up.
>> Posting, applications and screening – Due to high turnover, landlords of executive rentals are constantly in a cycle of posting the apartment for rent, reviewing applications and screening tenants. Some people hire a placement/management company to take care of this, but if you choose to do so, that’s another cost that eats into your bottom line.
Executive before
Executive after
Secondary Suites
Secondary suites are apartments that exist within your own home, and definitely the most common rental scenario we see on Income Property.
PROS:
>> Longest term rental scenario – Tenants are likely to stay longer and take better care of the space.
>> Passive rental – Secondary suites don’t take a lot of time and energy.
>> Instant rental situation – You don’t have to purchase another property to be in rental situation with a secondary suite. Have a basement you can make into a legal apartment? Great, you can be a landlord!
>> Return on investment – Adding a secondary suite typically adds a lot of value to your property.
>> High demand – When done legally and safely, these types of properties attract tenants everywhere. You don’t have to be downtown like an executive rental or near a school like a student rental.
>> Guaranteed Income – Depending on our provincial rules, you may be able to collect all your rent upfront (if it’s a short-term lease) and collect a damage deposit (refer to your provincial policies regarding landlord-tenant relationships).
>> Profit – You usually only need to rent for half the year to make one.
CONS:
>> Lower cash flow – You won’t bring in as much rent as you would with other types of properties.
>> Learning to share – You’ll be sharing your home with other people, which can be inconvenient at times.
>> Reno time – Unless there’s one existing, putting a secondary suite into your home requires a significant renovation and may also require a zoning change.
Secondary suite before
Secondary suite after
December 17, 2012
Silvana Longo chats with co-owner of Nostco Construction Peter Khatami and finds out his top three areas to go above and beyond building codes, and lays out crown molding installation
Q Since last summer, there have been at least 30 balconies constructed of tempered glass on 11 condo buildings in Toronto that have shattered. As a result, new regulations have been enforced but these interim building codes unfortunately do not apply to the hundreds of existing glass condo towers that already crowd the city’s skyline. This would suggest that in some cases, building to existing code isn’t always the safest route to take. Tell me about three instances where you find it absolutely essential to build above and beyond code to ensure a safer, higher quality outcome.
A First, we have to remember that the Building Code is a minimum set of standards and not the official set of standards for all construction. Unfortunately, we as designers have to rely on the Building Code to guide us in the selection of materials for construction. All materials in the Building Code have been subjected to extensive testing, and construction methods have become standardized. And since the designer does not have the means to test materials him/herself, a scenario is created wherein the minimum standard is all too often exercised as the standard. Policy makers are moving in the right direction, and taking proactive measures in order to fix these problems. I would say the three most vital areas of concern for me relating to the Building Code involve the sections of Structure, Insulation, and HVAC. In all three categories, I will always advise to build beyond minimum code requirements.
Q Now that we are heading into the holiday season, before decking the halls so to speak, let’s talk about some simple and cosmetic home improvement projects to give your home a stylish edge. One in particular would be installing crown molding. Could you layout the necessary steps involved in adding this feature? Could it be done over a weekend as a DIY project or would you recommend hiring a professional to ensure it is done properly?
A Honestly, it all depends on how your brain works. Some of us have a hard time understanding the angles required in order to cut and install crown molding successfully, especially when you get to 22.5 degree angles *if relevant*, and have to cut that upside down and backwards.
Otherwise it is easy, just follow these steps:
» With your crown molding, figure out which side is up and which side is down (which end touches the ceiling/wall).
» Determine the angle which you would like to capture (this varies) for the positioning of the crown molding on the wall. Mark this line both on the saw and on the wall. It is important that you position the molding the same way for every cut on the saw.
» Mark stud locations on the wall.
» Cut and install your first cut/section.
» Measure, cut, fit and install each successive piece.
» Cope joints as necessary.
» Sand and fill all of the splices/voids.
» Caulk the seams and prep for painting.
Good Luck!
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
Peter Khatami
December 12, 2012
Previous page
