October 04, 2013

Fall

October 2013A Special Supplement of

Your

All you need for Fall Home Improvement & Design

U2 Your Style Fall Edition Friday, October 4, 2013 - The Morning Star

(NC) The ever-growing emphasis on environmentalism has certainly impacted consumers of all age groups. Whether it’s food, clothing or even the appliances you bring into your home, consumers have

turned what once seemed daunting into a trendy, feel-good practice that all can enjoy.

Here are some trend-worthy tips on how you can be even kinder to Mother Nature:

• Up-cycling is the new recycling. We’ve all heard of recycling our clothes but what about up-cycling? This sustainable concept encourages consumers to convert poten-tially wasted material into new materials or products, extending the items’ lifetimes. YouTube and Pinterest are swarming with fun and catchy ideas on how you can turn anything from drab to fab.

• Save your H2O. There are loads of tips available to consumers on how to save

water around the house. One area often focused on by energy specialists is water consumption in the shower. For example, a product by Delta Faucet called H2OKinetic gives you a brand new shower experience. Within each showerhead is an internal sys-tem that controls the speed, movement and droplet size of the water, creating the feeling of more water than a standard shower � ow-ing at the same rate.

• Just cool it. With almost half of a home’s energy consumed by heating and cooling, it’s often recommended to keep an eye on the thermostat. Industry experts agree that every degree below 200C during cold-er weather can shed 3-5% off your energy consumption. New technologies in thermo-

stats to control temperatures remotely from a cell phone makes this task a cinch.

• Clean the green way. Want to skip the chemical cleaners? Why not consider us-ing common household items to help keep your home spit-spot? Not only will cleaning with simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice save you money, it can also be gentle to our planet.

There are countless tips about reducing our carbon footprint. These simple yet practical tips can help your family become ‘environmentally trendy’. www.newscanada.com

Changing seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter, a season known for its harsh and unforgiving weather. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn can suffer at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to sit idly by and hope spring arrives that much sooner.

But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not with-out recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive siz-zling summer heat waves during the warm-er months of the year, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the often stormy weather synonymous with winter.

❅ Don’t procrastinate. Putting off the process of winterizing a lawn can put that lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant the closer you get to winter, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so start the winterization process in early fall so the

lawn has suf� cient time to absorb nutri-ents and strengthen itself for the seasons to come.

❅ Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, es-pecially for those lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are com-mon. In such instances, certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, and those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn. Check the soil’s pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most attention, and treating trouble spots now will make spring lawn care that much easier.

❅ Aerate the property. Aerating can help a lawn recover after a long summer and help it survive the potentially harsh months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing more water and air to reach the roots of the grass. Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil,

which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with the process may want to enlist a pro-fessional to tackle the job. Parents of small children who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn traf� c compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process that can be reversed via aeration.

❅ Take steps to strengthen the roots. Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also want to � nd a win-terizing product with potassium and phos-phorous, both of which can strengthen roots. Different types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so discuss your options with a lawn care professional who can help you � nd the right � t for your property.

❅ Remove debris from the lawn. Debris left on a lawn over the winter can prove very harmful. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn can suffocate the blades of grass, leading to long-term dam-age and a potentially unsightly lawn come

the spring. In addition, piles of debris might make good homes for organisms that can damage the lawn. As fall moves into win-ter, periodically remove all debris, including leaves and branches fallen from trees.

❅ Make the lawn off-limits once the temperatures dip below freezing.

A lawn should be off-limits once the ground freezes. Stepping on grass that has frozen will leave noticeable footprints, and walking on frozen grass can kill the turf. When winter arrives, people should avoid using the lawn as a shortcut into and out of your home and stick to driveways and sidewalks instead.

Winterizing 101How to prepare your yard for winter

Are you environmentally trendy?

Removing debris, including dead leaves, from a lawn before the arrival of winter weather can help prevent suffocation.

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Your Style Fall Edition Friday, October 4, 2013 - The Morning Star U3

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Clutter is a concern for many home-

o w n e r s . Clutter can

gradually a c c u m u -late, and over time a home can turn from a welcoming respite to a claus-trophobic place overwhelmed by items of little or no value.

Homeowners who have battled clutter in the past often find that it is most likely to accumulate over the win-

ter, when frigid temperatures outside drive more people indoors. Spending more time indoors means more trash indoors. Newspapers and magazines might be easy to discard when the weather is warm, but a trip outside to discard such items takes less prece-dence when it must be made in below freezing temperatures.

The likelihood that even the clean-liest of homeowners might accumu-late some clutter over the winter only highlights the importance of clearing a house of clutter in the fall. While clear-

ing clutter can seem like an arduous task, the following tips can make the proj-ect much easier.

& Clean one room or area at a time. A dis-organized approach to getting organized is likely to waste time and may even prove fruitless. Work your way through your home or apartment one room at a time rather than jump-ing from room to room. Have boxes or crates designated for items you find that belong in other rooms, and place items in the appro-priate boxes as you clean rather than returning items to the right room as you find them. Once you have finished a room, move on to the next one and try to finish a room on the same day you started.

& Invest in a paper shredder. Old bills, bank state-ments, receipts, and other once-im-portant papers have a way of accu-mulating on desks, in drawers and on counters. Such documents often do not need to be held onto, but men and women are hesitant to discard them because they contain personal infor-mation. A paper shredder is a great investment for homeowners and apart-ment dwellers alike and can be the safest way to discard documents with potentially sensitive information. It’s also a friend to anyone attempting to clear clutter. Many shredders can shred multiple pages at a time, making them a quick and safe way to discard docu-ments that have been littering a home long after they were useful.

& Decide to donate some items. Many unused items lying around your house can likely be donat-ed to a worthy cause, which can help motivate you to clean out your closet of all those extra sweaters and other items you no longer wear. Encourage fellow members of the household to donate as well, and set aside a few box-es for clothes that will be donated and those that will be discarded. Donated items need not be clothes, as many goodwill organizations accept appli-ances and other products as well.

& Put seasonal items away. Storing seasonal items like patio furniture and swimsuits can help reduce the likelihood that clutter will build up in the months ahead. Pack items from your summer wardrobe together and store them in a suitcase in the back of your closet. This frees up room for your fall and winter cloth-ing and helps you avoid overstuffed drawers. In addition to clothing, store seasonal furniture neatly in the back of your garage or storage shed, pulling out items like snow shovels or snow blowers you may need come the win-ter.

& Tackle the hall closet. Hall closets are convenient dropoff spots for items of all shapes, uses and sizes, as the hall closet is not neces-sarily opened each day and therefore men and women can simply ignore it as it gradually accumulates more and more random items. But hall closets can be valuable storage spaces when used appropriately. Designate a signif-icant amount of time to tackle hallway closets in your home so you can thor-oughly reduce the clutter within them and get back to using the closets as the valuable, organized storage units they’re intended to be. Discuss hav-ing different purposes for each closet, such as one devoted to cleaning items, another to coats, and so on. Resolve to keep the floors in each closet clear of items, as clutter tends to be on the floor and then work its way upward, eventually encompassing the entire closet. Once the hallway closets have been cleared, work hard to keep them clean as autumn turns into winter.

Organizing closets, including packing seasonal wardrobe items in a suitcase, is one way to reduce clutter as winter approaches.

Autumn marks a great time to get organized

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(NC) — Every homeowner has been told that renovations pay off in the long run. But it is hard to know which ones and how much. In recent years real estate giants have been crunching the numbers and working out formulas to help property owners wrap their heads around what they’re getting out of their renovation invest-ments.

Amongst such smart reno invest-ments as kitchens, bathrooms, fresh paint and � ooring is the installation of a � replace. According to the Remax Return on Reno Index, the installation of a � replace generates an estimated 11 percent return on investment.

Advancements in � ame technology and auxiliary heating have made in-corporating a � replace into any dwell-ing an easily, viable option. Dimplex, an innovative leader in this � eld, tells us that electric units offer realistic � ame technology to give your home

a quick update. With a sleek design and optional heat output, these units operate for pennies an hour, without the need for a gas line. Utilizing elec-

tric units in design and reno planning also allows for greater � exibility in room placement and does not require a builder permit or a post-installation

inspection.Smart realistic � ame technology is

offered in an array of décor-friendly styles from mantels and wall-mounts to television console units. The add-ed bene� t of on/off heat control lets owners utilize the � ame-only option to add ambiance to a room in any season, with or without heat output. Perhaps, one of the most appealing aspects of an electric unit is its easy installation, the simple assembly and plug-and-play design allows for easy set-up.

In addition to � replaces, other big impact renovations included the in-stallation of a soaker bath, which can generate a 56 percent greater return on investment than the average ren-ovation (think personal spa); fresh paint generated a 29 percent return; and sprucing up curb appeal netted 7 percent.

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More and more people are choosing in-floor heating in combination with their tile or stone floor and that makes a lot of sense. In-floor heat provides a radiant heat which creates a constant comfortable warmth in your home. It is like the radiant heat of the sun.

A warm floor means comfortable living. It is a fact that warm air goes up and cold air goes down. With standard heating (fur-nace and electric) the warm air immediately moves to the ceiling. Because of this the cold air at the top in a room is moved down which results in air circulation and…..cold feet.

With in-floor heating the room gets warmed gradually from bottom to top and there is no air circulation. This then results in a cool head and warm feet, everywhere in the room. Temperature fluctuations in any given room belong to history with in-floor heating.

Less air circulation is not only more comfortable, it also is healthier and more hygienic because there is substantially less dust in the air. This is a major benefit for anyone with allergies. Less dust in the air also makes for easier house cleaning of course. One only has to think about all the dust collecting in ducts.

Another major advantage is that energy

consumption can be 10-15 percent lower than with conventional heating systems.

Installation of in-floor heat in the form of cables under tile floors is usually an easy process and no major adjustments are re-quired. Most cables can easily be connected to the current electrical system.

Let’s look at all the advantages of heating cables:

1. COMFORTABLE: Due to the fact that cables under tile provide a radiant heat, the warmth is experienced as very comfort-able.(cool head, warm feet)

2. ENERGY EFFICIENT: Energy sav-ings of 10-15 % and higher are quite nor-mal

3. SAFE: Any danger of fire is nil.4. INCREASES HOME VALUE:

Anything making your home more energy efficient and comfortable is a plus.

5. HEALTHY: Less air-circulation caus-es less dust in the air which benefits those

with allergies. It is also easier to maintain moisture content in the air.

6. HYGIENIC: Dealing with dusty air ducts is a thing of the past.

7. ESTHETICALLY PLEASING: It is all out of sight and gives the floor a nice even look.

8. FREEDOM: No restrictions as to where to place the furniture.

9. FLEXIBILITY: Cables are available in many square footage sizes and allow you to put the heat underfoot exactly where you wish. You also may choose if this will be your main heat source or whether you just would like to have warm feet in a bathroom for example.FAQCan I use the heat immediately after in-

stallation of cables under my new tile floor? No, we recommend waiting 3 to 4 weeks prior to first using your heat source.

How long does it take to heat up the floor to maximum? Usually it varies from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and depends on the thickness of the tile as well as the floor underneath. With new programmable thermostats, we find it is still more energy efficient to set and leave the temperature at a selected high. This is more efficient than asking the system to shut off and start up several times in a day.

Is heat not going down into the floor rath-er than up? With a well insulated floor, ie. ply wood floor, there is no heat loss downward. With a concrete floor and no insulation there

could be some loss into the concrete as this would need to heat up to a certain degree as well. There are however several products on the market which can aid in making the concrete floor more insulated.

Will it be enough to heat the room? Yes, in North America, the standard requirement is 10 Watts per square foot of floor In order to be comfortable. The Warm Zone system will generate 12 Watts per square foot, thus you will have all the heat that you will need.

If I have too much cable can I cut it? No, it is dangerous to shorten the cable as this can lead to a fire hazard. Cables are available in so many different lengths (square footages) that you can select the exact cable you re-quire.

How much does it cost? At purchase: the price is set according to the floor area to be covered. The Warm Zone System is sold as a factory direct unit right here in Vernon. At use: Consumption is reduced by 30% com-pared to a baseboard heater and 10-15% compared to conventional furnace. This is because radiant heat is so much more ef-fective, it consumes less energy for a more comfortable warmth.

Can it be installed under hardwood floors? No, because when heated, the wood will dry and warp. There are some exceptions. Also, hardwood floors require that they be nailed into the sub-floor, and nails could damage the cable.

– Submitted by Arden Tile

In-floor heating cables under tiles

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My wife and I are frequently asked, “What is hydroponics?” “What are the benefits to me as a consumer?”

The answers require education and explanation. The true definition literally means “working with water”.

There are six basic types of systems: Wick, Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, Drip, Nutrient Film Technique and Aeroponic. However, there are virtually hundreds of combinations.

Plants require basic natural things for

normal growth: light, water, fertilizer, air temperature, time, and room to grow. Hydroponics is not new technology; it’s been used around the world for thou-sands of years. Contrary to popular be-lief, hydroponics can be used indoors and outdoors dependant on the location and climate.

Our planet has provided us the ability for sustained life. Where there was once fertile soil, it has been abused or over farmed and is now depleted or toxic.

Overuse of pesticides and insecticides have created untold environmental prob-lems and health concerns. In some cases, the effects are just now being discovered.

The value of hydroponic systems can be explained with a simple example: the total number of tomatoes consumed an-nually in Canada (400 million pounds) requires 25,000 acres of soil. Hydropon-ically, it would only require 1,300 acres. The benefits are boundless: the growing season is a full twelve months, more earth

friendly, uses 70 - 90% less water, less expensive, healthier and more nutritious foods, controlled environment, growing a plant to its highest potential, to list but a few.

Visit our showroom and let us give you “The Secrets to Growing all year Round”.

– Submitted by Tim Wheeler, along with his wife Laurie, owners of TLC Hydropon-ics and Garden Supplies in Armstrong

(NC) We all have home improvement projects on our to-do list, but when will we ever get them done? If you are time-strapped as well, take a look at spray paints. From household décor to patio furniture and lawn accessories, spray paint will allow you to accomplish all your home improvement tasks in style.

a Canning Jar CreationsDo you have mismatched jars clut-

tering your cupboards or attics? Fortu-nately, Mason jars are the ideal size to create anything from a flower vase, an herb garden or desktop organizer, and the raised outer design adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia. With just a bit of spray paint, your clutter can be trans-formed into a clever creation.

After thoroughly cleaning the jars, simply spray several light coats onto the jars using your favourite shades of spray paint. It dries in just 10 minutes and is available in nearly 100 brilliant colours and finishes. Once dry, you now have a beautiful new vessel to hold anything from plants to pencils.

a Terracotta Potted Plant House Numbers

Why settle for “ho hum” house num-bers? Instead convert ceramic or terra cotta pots into an eye-catching address marker with creative curb appeal.

To start, be sure that each pot has a clean and smooth surface. Next, apply primer to the surface and allow to dry, using a white primer for light colours and a gray primer for dark colours. Next, paint each pot in a different co-lour of spray paint and let dry. Finally, place a stencil for each house number on the center of each pot and spray with a light coat of paint. Arrange your pots in the proper order, fill with flowers and voila… you now have an original and welcoming way to announce your address.

a Handsome HeadboardDoes your headboard need help?

Luckily, paint can take any piece of fur-niture from blah to beautiful. So instead of replacing your old headboard, reju-venate it.

Start by sanding and cleaning to en-sure you have a solid surface. Next apply primer. Once dry, spray the headboard in your favourite colour of spray paint. And don’t limit yourself to just one co-lour. You can use painter’s tape to cover different areas to create a multi-colour surface – or add embellishments, such as stencils. The opportunities are end-less.

With a bit of creativity and a few hours, you can spray your way through your DIY to-do list.

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(NC) Preparing your lawn for a Canadian winter can be a tricky busi-ness even for the most experienced gardener. Follow these three tips ear-ly this fall and watch the fruits of your labour blossom after a long, cold win-ter:

t Top-dress your lawn with a thin layer of compost or good garden soil, and add grass seed appropriate to your lawn condition and local growing area. This will help to regen-erate your lawn and take care of any thinned-out areas. Mix the compost into the existing soil before seeding or laying sod, or spread it in a thin layer raked over the existing lawn.

t Over-seeding, or regularly spreading grass seed on your lawn, will ensure that it remains dense. Keep the new seed well-watered until the new grass is established

t Fertilizing promotes vigorous growth the following spring. Clip-pings left on the lawn are rich in nitrogen and provide free and easy fertilization. Make sure you spread fertilizers evenly and thinly to avoid clumps.

A healthy lawn reduces the need to apply pesticides for the control of weeds and insect pests.

www.newscanada.com

The fall and winter seasons are the perfect time to “Fall In Love” with your kitchen – the heart of your home – over the holidays!

Have fun dressing up your kitchen by spicing it up with new cabinetry. Choose from our amazing display of doors offered by Montalco Cabinets and Columbia Cabinets. Both com-panies are based out of British Co-lumbia and provide a quality product at affordable prices.

If you’re in the market to spice it up on a smaller scale, you could add new handles, sparkling knobs, coun-tertops, soft close hinges and many kitchen accessories to help you get organized for the season. We offer a wide range of accessories, such as: drawer organizers, baking sheet dividers, garbage can pull-outs, wine racks and pantry organizers. If you can dream it, we can make it happen!

Let’s remember the other rooms in the home too! Giving them a fresh make-over as we spend more time indoors will create a warm intimate feeling for the holidays. Try painting a feature wall in a rich warm tone, place an area rug under your dining room table, add some toss cushions or throw to your favorite chair and possibly a few candles to enhance to the look and feel of your room.

Regardless of what you do, “Fall In Love” with the power of color, tex-tures and design. Step out of the box and have some fun!

Happy Holidays!

– Subimtted by CK DESIGN TEAMFor more kitchen design ideas, please check us out on Facebook at CK Design Vernon

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Dave Laurie

— CK DESIGN TEAM —

Fall in Love with your Kitchen,the Heart of your Home over the Holidays!


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The kitchen is the most popular room to renovate and rightly so, as it will impact the eventual resale value of the home. This is because of what’s involved: cabinets, hard-ware and countertops, sinks and applianc-es, paint, back splash and � ooring. These renovations allow the homeowner to create a space that best represents their personal style. This in turn will maximize the beauty of the home for the owner and hopefully, the future buyers of the home.

One of the � rst questions I’m asked is: “How much will a new kitchen cost?” The kitchen design industry usually recommends 10 percent of the assessed price of the home. I have found this percentage varies from region to region. Here in the Okana-gan, 3 to 5 percent is more accurate. For example; a home assessed at $380,000.00 deserves an approximate $12,000 to $19,000 cabinetry allowance.

So where do you start? And how do you live while it’s all being done? One needs to consider, “where am I going to cook, eat and do the dishes during this time frame?” Here are some guidelines:

◗ Start doing your homework. As-sess your needs and desires, decide what you can live with, and can’t live without. This will help you keep to your budget. Access design web sites like Houzz.com or

browse magazines, in order to create a fold-er of what you like. For example: choose your style (classic, contemporary, modern or transitional), � nd door styles, stain and paint colours, countertop material, � ooring, appliances and lighting that appeal to you. Remember that those magazine photos are probably top-of-the-line and quite expen-sive. Your style selections give your designer a good snapshot of your wants and desires. There are many ways to achieve a particular look or design to keep within your budget.

◗ Plan your budget. Determine what you want to achieve and a dollar � gure you are comfortable spending... BE HONEST with yourself and your designer. Starting off with a realistic budget will ease the stress down the road.

◗ Hire a quali� ed Kitchen & Bath Designer. Hire a contractor too, if the renovation warrants it. Keep in mind a ‘designer’ is a broad term that encompass-es everything from a colour specialist to a technical cabinetry designer who works closely with all the sub-trades, knows the building codes and terminology. An expe-rienced designer can talk with the cabinet-maker about the construction and the many details of how the kitchen is to be installed. Having a knowledgeable technician will de� -nitely save you from making costly mistakes

during the renovation process. ◗ Finalize the design. Once your design-

er has completed the � oor plan, reviewed all the selections to your satisfaction and given you a preliminary quote, it is time to pay a deposit.

The designer will then come out to your home to do a � nal on-site home inspection and will measure and con� rm that all sizes, items and details will � t based on the ap-proved design. This is when any changes or adjustments will be talked about, revised and changed, con� rming the total � nal price.

Lastly, you will meet and sign off on all plans, custom and construction drawings, appliance specs, features/� nishing selections and the � nal contract. This is a � nal check list against any missed items or discrepan-cies. Your kitchen is now ready to go into production.

Any changes made once your kitchen is in production can be expensive and will de-lay your installation date. Discuss all stages of the project in detail with your Contractor and Designer, making notes so you under-stand the process and know when tradespeo-ple will need access to your home.

◗ Plan a temporary kitchen and pack up the old one. A location with a sink would be perfect, possibly in your basement or utility room. Keep a portion of your old countertop and a couple of old cabinets to set up as a prep space. A microwave or toaster oven, slow-cooker, coffee maker and other small electrical appliances will come in handy until you get back into your new kitchen. Grilling can be an alternative if the weather permits. Pack all your kitchen items in easy to handle and well labeled boxes, just in case you need to � nd an item you require. Remove EVERYTHING out of the kitchen; your trades need a lot of room to work and stack their material.

◗ Do some of the work yourself. Ba-sic demolition can save you some money. Remember to turn off the power and water � rst! Plumbing and electrical work is best left to the pros. Don’t even consider the cabinet installation. Not all woodworkers can be cab-inet installers but almost all cabinet installers

are woodworkers. It takes a professional to install a cabinet level, plumb and free of gaps on an uneven wall or sloped � oor. Painting and some � ooring installation can be done by you, but if you hold up the other tradespeo-ple you will delay your � nal completion date.

◗ Treat your tradespeople well. Give them space and lots of it. They work with dangerous tools and have to follow all safe-ty regulations. Give them easy access to the work area and space to set up their tools close by and out of the weather. Dust... there’s just no way to avoid it and it will get everywhere, even if you have taped off door-ways and vents into other rooms with plastic sheeting. Move all items away from and off the walls in adjacent rooms – construction vibration could cause them to fall and be damaged.

◗ Prepare to be overwhelmed. A kitch-en remodel is a long process. Setbacks can happen. Newton’s quote, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”, certainly holds true for kitchen renovations! When your frustration level is at its max and you need a break from the stress of the renovation, � nd an alternate place to go: a calming room in your or a family member’s home, the local library or coffee shop. Also, a weekend get-away is always nice midway through any renovation!

There is no limit to the extent of your kitchen renovation except for the budget and the time required to create your dream kitch-en. You may want to remove walls to create an open concept effect, chose to work within the existing space, or keep renovation time and cost to a minimum by only upgrading the cabinets and countertops. Steve Jobs said, “Design is not just about what it looks and feels like but how it works”. Remodeling a kitchen is as much a technical science as it is a warm gathering place for you, your family and friends. So take a deep breath and get ready to make this a fun experience!

– Submitted by

Celeste Sali, Kitchen & Bath Specialist at Okanagan Door & Window Sales

Surviving your Kitchen Renovation

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(NC) Trend forecasters are showing that sleek and modern kitchens are expected to gain momentum in home updates for years to come. So whether you’re considering a kitchen renova-tion in the near future, or just wanting to make some minor adjustments to your existing space, these tips are sure to add a pop:

Bold Accessories: An easy switch for any space, consider swap-

ping out or adding some punchy ac-cessories to brighten up your space. A glossy tray in a bold chartreuse or pop of pink doubles as storage and makes a swoon-worthy statement. Hand tow-els are another accessory that can eas-ily be changed out to incorporate a fun pattern or hue.

Ambient Lighting: Lighting is a relatively inexpensive way to in-

corporate some drama into your kitch-en. If you’re working with a monotone space, consider emphasizing the eating area or even an island with multi-co-loured lamp shades to add a spark of light. Pair this with a dimmer switch and you’ll be able to manipulate how much mood lighting you’re looking for.

Countertop Appliances: If you’re in the market for a new countertop

appliance or are willing to commit to a more permanent colour scheme with-in your kitchen, consider purchasing items that boast a ‘fun’ colour. Delta Faucet demonstrates a good example of this. Their newest Fuse line incor-porates a splash of colour in a con-temporary styled, single handle pull-

down faucet.

Art Prints: Etsy.com is constantly updated with fun, clever, and

endearing prints that are often specif-ic to the kitchen. Not only are these prints affordable (within the $10-15 range), they are often printed in standard sizing, making it easy to pair with frames. Consider a mono-grammed print which will allow you to infuse a personal touch into your space. Whether you hang one print or create a collage, these small addi-tions can add a bold accent to your kitchen.

Whether you’re ready to commit to colour or just looking to add a splash of hue to your space, these tips can guide you through your makeover.

www.newscanada.com

Modern kitchens dazzle with pops of colour

Common concrete problems avoided with proper installationConcrete is a popular structural materi-

al among homeowners. One of the more affordable options for patios and other structures, concrete also can be durable and attractive. However, because no ma-terial is impervious to damage, concrete needs to be maintained, and certain

problems can arise when concrete is not properly installed.

2 Scaling and spalling: Scaling and spalling is the crumbling effect of concrete. Very often this occurs from changes in climate, particularly freezing and thawing that causes structures to ex-

pand and contract. In areas where freez-ing and thawing conditions exist, masons should not overwork the concrete in an effort to keep an abundance of air in the mixture. Entrapped air will help buffer the freeze/thaw conditions. Use of chem-ical fertilizers in and around concrete can also lead to scaling. Chemicals can break down the surface of the concrete. This is a particular problem when using rock salt and de-ic-ing products during the win-ter. Over time, something as simple as table salt can etch concrete or cause spalling. The Nation-al Research C o u n c i l ’ s Strategic Highway Research Program has found that magnesium chloride salt blends produce the least amount of dam-age on concrete surfaces.

2 Discoloration: Concrete should have a uniform color if the same mix is used. But discoloration can occur if water is added at the job site, the concrete is of varying thickness or if the material does not cure uniformly. Color issues can also occur if hard troweling is used on the ex-terior concrete.

2 Crazing: This is a phenomenon when the concrete shows several inter-connected fine cracks. Cracks will appear when the concrete is damp. Usually this occurs when cement paste comes up to

the surface and then shrinks. To avoid this, masons should be careful not to finish concrete until all water has evap-orated and not sprinkle water onto the concrete while finishing it. Using a broom finish also can help.

2 Cracking: It can be disheartening to have a pristine concrete surface only to see cracks begin to form. Sometimes even with the best application, concrete

can crack from subgrade settle-ment or shrink-age during dry-ing and curing times. Utilizing flexible con-crete joints to help with the expansion and contraction of the concrete

can help. Also, including a low-shrinkage aggregate in the mix may alleviate major cracks.

2 Staining: Staining does not result from concrete installation or finishing. Staining occurs after the fact, when liq-uids or other materials discolor the con-crete. This can happen when fluids from a car in a driveway stain the concrete. Leaves and plant matter left on the sur-face of the concrete may also cause stain-ing. The best way to alleviate stains is to prevent them in the first place. Always sweep or blow away debris. Maintain vehicles so they don’t leak fluid. Power washers can remove some stains, but it’s still best to prevent them in the first place.

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Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home val-ue. The popularity of bathroom renova-tions and their ability to transform a space has left many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bathrooms.

While “easy” is a relative term, there are ways homeowners willing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a minimum.

– Resurface –When possible, covering up what you

have in the bathroom is much less expen-sive and less labor-intensive than tearing out existing fixtures and floors and replac-ing them anew. Resurfacing can extend to refinishing bathtubs to installing shower liners. Those who have unsightly walls or wallpaper that they’re just not ready to re-move may consider using wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls.

It is important to note that resurfacing and covering up items in the bathroom should only be reserved for cosmetic fixes. If something needs to be replaced because it is damaged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and asking for more work in the long run.

– Scale back on materials –One way to save money on a bathroom

renovation project is to choose less expen-sive materials. For example, you may not need to install travertine or marble flooring in a space where less expensive flooring like vinyl is adequate. Advancements in vinyl flooring have enabled this affordable material to mimic the look of more expen-sive materials at a fraction of the cost.

When redoing tile on walls and shower

enclosures, many domestically-produced tiles rival the looks of more expensive imported alternatives. You may be able to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house.

– Paint –Do not underestimate the power of a

fresh coat of paint on any room in the house, including the bathroom. Dark, small spaces can be made to look more expansive with lighter colors. Cavernous bathrooms that look empty may prove more inviting with darker hues. Pick a paint that is designed for bathroom appli-cation so that it will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

– Update hardware –A new faucet or some new cabinet pulls

can make the room look new and fresh without breaking the bank. Match finishes throughout the bathroom so everything will be cohesive. When shopping for a new shower head, choose a model that also conserves water. This way you will be making cosmetic and energy-saving reno-vations at the same time.

– DIY –Handling labor yourself instead of hiring

workers can reduce the cost of bathroom remodels considerably. It is possible to buy fully assembled bathroom vanities and in-stall them yourself. Even installing a new toilet is relatively easy with the help of a friend.

There are a number of ways to make bathroom renovations a bit easier and more affordable. Even nominal chang-es can give the space an entirely differ-ent look and feel, which can make the room more enjoyable and help improve a home’s resale value in the process.

(NC) Each year when the tempera-ture begins to drop, we start thinking about a “fall and winter to-do list” with items such as winter tires, shov-els and new boots likely at the top of the list. However, one thing home-owners often don’t realize is that fall is the best time to start preparing your home’s heating system to avoid issues in the fall and winter.4 Prepare ahead of time: Sched-

ule a furnace maintenance appoint-ment before the snow arrives to get your equipment inspected.4 Replace your filters: Clogged

filters mean your furnace motor has to work harder, which eats up more energy. Filters should be washed or replaced every three months.4 Out with the old, in with the

new: Consider upgrading your old furnace to a new energy efficient unit. High efficiency = high sav-ings. An older conventional burning furnace operates at 60 per cent ef-

ficiency. What does that mean? 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating your home is going right up the chimney. A new high-efficien-cy furnace operates at over 90 per cent; wasting less than 10 cents on every dollar you spend heating your home.4 Get more insulation: Improv-

ing your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to cut down on your heating costs. You should have approximate-ly 12 inches of insulation in your at-tic, anything less and you should get it topped up.4 Keep an eye on your energy

bills: It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on energy use to ensure you’re able to manage your heating costs. Household heating costs makes up a significant part of our winter expens-es in Canada so it’s important to be aware of your usage.

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(NC) If you feel you’ve waited long enough to give your rooms a fresh coat of paint, now is the perfect time to take the home decorating plunge. Check out the dynamic trends for 2014 below:

Experts at Behr Paint tell us that the coolest concept right now is about ex-pressing yourself, especially your passion for people, places and things. As a guide, the paint company has developed the

2014 Colour Trends to help spotlight the intrigue of history, hobbies, and nature. Illustrated in eye-catching images, the themes are Seaside Harmony, Urban Al-ternative, Grand Reign, and Natural Av-ocation. To achieve a similar look in your own home, take a cue from the visuals and colours noted below.

www.newscanada.com

Decorating Trends 2014:How to add intrigue to a favourite room

Seaside Harmony gives you the colours of sun, surf, and sand. A cool palette of blue-green and white, plus the warm peach with white, re-vives the spirit. Design elements: minimal fur-nishings, sculptured drift-wood, and sea glass.

Urban Alternative ap-plies neutrals like olive and burnt orange to show-case skills and craftsman-ship in wood, metal and stone work. The atmo-sphere is modest, relaxed and attainable. Design el-ements: distressed wood treatments, raw metal fin-ishes, filament lightbulbs and earthbound shades.

Grand Reign captures the imagination with a sense of opulence, ro-mance and mystery. Use luxurious detail, colour, and ornamentation. Choose a rich, masculine look, or delicate and fem-inine. Design elements: jewelled colours, layered textiles, guilded frames, and decorative mould-ings.

Natural Avocation ex-presses respect for the things that intrigue you. In your favourite room, give any curious mind a rich colour experience in passions like botany, geol-ogy, archaeology and ce-lestial events. Design el-ements: weathered maps, antique books, geological artifacts and illustrations of birds, plants and in-sects.

Moving

Sale!!† Purchase any combination of 4 Silhouette,® Duette® or Vignette® shades with LiteRise® between September 1 and December 15, 2013 and receive a $200 manufacturer’s rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades you’ll receive an extra $40 for each.To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

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† Purchase any combination of 4 Silhouette,® Duette® or Vignette® shades with LiteRise® between September 1 and December 15, 2013 and receive a $200 manufacturer’s rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades you’ll receive an extra $40 for each.To learn more about LiteRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Shades of Joy manufacturer’s rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we at Hunter Douglas have partnered withThe Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada to turn wishes into reality.

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(NC) Home own-ers are becoming increasingly eco-con-scious. With global temperatures on the rise, many are taking it upon themselves to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Taking steps to make your home more eco-friendly is a great way to broad-en its appeal to prospective buyers,” says Steve Gray, a broker with Royal LePage Kelowna. “Whether choosing renewable energy sources or landscaping for energy conservation, there are many ways to in-crease the ‘green’ quotient of your home.”

Gray recommends these three eco-friendly ideas:

1 Choose renewable energy. Fossil fuels contribute to your greenhouse

gas emissions. You can reduce your car-bon dioxide output by choosing renewable energy sources. Examples include passive solar heating, natural daylight, wind ener-gy and photovoltaics, all of which convert natural energy into electricity.

2 Choose environmentally-friend-ly products. Many conventional

household � nishes emit noxious chemi-

cals. When select-ing interior � nishes, consider the product’s toxicity, durability, resource conservation and sustainability. These factors help to determine how ‘green’ a product is.

3 Landscape for energy conserva-tion. The value trees provide in

landscaping is well documented. Trees help shield your home from winds and sun, thereby reducing your energy bills. A single large tree can increase the value of a new home by as much as $10,000.

By 2020, the Canadian federal gov-ernment has committed to reduce our country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent and many homeowners are picking up the challenge. www.newscanada.com

Homeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.

Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio materi-als. And those who can do their own labor when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-priced composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need

to be stained period-i c a l l y . Scaling b a c k the size of the d e c k mean s l e s s

materials to buy and less labor involved.The cost of patio blocks depends on the

material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can re-vitalize the patio’s entire look. Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchan-dise for new displays.

De� ning edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.

Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an out-door oasis.

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(NC) Doing-it-yourself renovations are very popular these days, with lots of stores and TV shows dedicated to the subject. Part of the appeal is the promise of saving money and knowing that you did it all on your own. But if you’re an absolute beginner, do you really have the know-how to remodel your bathroom, for example? What if something went wrong — or worse — what if you hurt yourself?

Even if you do your own work, you still need to contact your insurance company to ensure you’re covered through the project and that your pol-icy is updated accordingly. You don’t want to be surprised by a huge increase in your insurance premium if you end up making a mistake. By checking in with your provider, you’ll be protect-ed during your project. In some cases, improvements like upgrading the elec-trical system or replacing a weathered roof may help lower your p r e m i u m s . H o w e v e r, if the ren-o v a t i o n increases the re-placement value of the home — for example, with a new ad-dition, or the instal-lation of high-end granite countertops or expensive appliances — the opposite may be true.

D.I.Y — to a point. Remember to keep your pride in check if you start to have problems; it’s ok to call in the professionals. In fact, even if you’re the handiest person alive with a tool set, using a qualified pro could still

save you money. Especially for those home improvements that are most likely to affect the value of your prop-erty and the safety of your family and friends, like:

• wiring• plumbing• insulation• roofingPut your mind at ease by entrusting

home repair to certified profession-als. You’ll receive a guarantee and if complications arise, you’ll have legal recourse against the contractor.

While you’re at it, ensure you’re 100% fire-proof

Take advantage of this renewal time to ensure your house is fire-proof. Ensure your smoke detectors are well located and maintained. Clean them and replace the batteries. Also, con-sider equipping your home with a fire

alarm system connected to a remote monitoring

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extinguish-ers in lo-

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f a m i l y members can ac-

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avoid electrical fires, carefully inspect surge protectors, extension cords, lamps and other electrical devices. Anything that rattles, looks frayed or worn should be thrown out.

For more information on how you can protect yourself during your D.I.Y projects, speak to your insurance pro-vider. www.newscanada.com

The insurance pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself

Space heaters can be an effective method of supplemental heat when the weather outside gets cold, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that space heaters can cause fires and lead to burns and, when using electrical heaters, may cause electrocution from faulty wiring. When operating a space heater, it is import-ant to follow some safety guidelines.

• Keep the heater at least 3 ft away from drapery, bedding & flammable material.• Turn off the heater when you leave the room.• Keep the heater on a level surface that is hard and non-flammable.• Don’t leave the space heater on all night while you are sleeping.• Never use a portable propane space heater designed for camping outdoors inside a home.• Make sure smoke alarms in a home have been tested and batteries have been replaced to protect yourself in the event of a space heater-related fire.

Space Heater Safety

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What year was your house built?With this chart you can see where your house fits in with insulation standards.


(NC) The fierce winds and fluctuating temperatures of an unpredictable Cana-dian winter put a strain on every house-hold. There’s little wonder that autumn becomes a frenzy of renovations, up-grades and last-minute projects. But be-fore any of those changes take place, an equally important step in winter prepara-tion is the completion of any end-of-sum-mer maintenance.

According to RONA experts, “Tran-sitioning into winter isn’t just about get-ting ready for the cold season. It’s about wrapping up the summer and getting or-ganized. Remember your end-of-summer chores to keep your house beautifully preserved for the next warm season.”

Here is your checklist for three key ar-eas of your home:

Doors and windows:• Keep your home’s heating system in

good shape and your heating bill down by addressing any leaks and holes that cre-ate drafts in your home.

• Replace the weather-stripping and caulking where needed around doors and

windows as these are key areas for heat loss during the winter months.

• For older doors and windows, consid-er upgrading to energy efficient options that will create a tighter seal. If you have an older home, a professional can do a blow-test that may be beneficial for help-ing to identify problem areas.

• Run water through your gutters to see if it comes smoothly through the downspouts. Any clogs should be re-

moved before the water backs up and causes damage. Leaks and cracks can be repaired with a fresh bead of caulk. Also, check each piece to make sure it is se-cured tightly to the building.

Pipes:• Remove, drain and store all outdoor

garden hoses.• Turn off all exterior spigots so that

water left in the pipes does not freeze and break the pipes.

• Consider replacing spigots with freeze-proof faucets, particularly if your home is older.

• Wrap pipes in foam to insulate them.Machinery:• Don’t forget to clean and maintain

tools such as lawnmowers and other mo-torized tools. Some lawnmowers have a new feature on the hood where you can attach either a garden hose or a pres-sure-washer so that it will clean the clip-pings off from underneath the hood.

• Take time to ensure that your house-hold is equipped with sufficient shovels and de-icing salt. You will be happy you did it before that first big snowfall.

• If all you can remember from last winter is back pains from all the shovel-ling, consider getting a snowblower. To maintain the snowblower, test it to see if it runs, check spark plugs, replace gas filters, and take it to a professional for a tune-up if necessary.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll reduce your risk of repairs in the be-low-freezing weather. The key is to get them done before the warm weather disappears into a hazy summer memory.

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A checklist for homeowners as summer gives way to fall

and winter

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(NC) As the cold weather approaches and the days get shorter, Canadians start to spend more time indoors and get-to-gethers move from patios to living rooms. As a result, living spaces can become cluttered and less appealing. In order to keep living spaces comfortable and man-ageable in the colder seasons, it’s time to rethink seasonal storage.

RONA experts say we tend to underes-timate spaces in our homes. Reorganiz-ing will optimize the potential of differ-ent rooms, especially before the winter arrives. Here are three ways to maxi-mize space in your home for the colder months:

* Patio furnitureIf you don’t have enough space to store

your patio furniture indoors, a cover will protect your furniture as the temperature drops. Some covers are made to cover the entire patio set and some are tailored for individual items. Make sure to tie them

tightly so that they do not get blown off by strong bitter winds.

Finally, cushions and fabrics should be completely dry before storing them, pref-erably in your basement, garage or shed.

With some items, you may have to ask yourself: should this be stored? Could it be stored somewhere closer to where I need it? For example, you may want to keep your BBQ close to the house, so you can enjoy year-round barbequing. Just make sure to protect it with a good cover. And since it gets dark earlier in the fall and winter, why not add some exterior lights to improve your cooking experience?

* GaraGe storaGeA garage is one of the most versatile

storage spaces available in a home. Start by determining how much space is need-ed for your vehicle, and then optimize the rest. Vertical storage modules are ide-al since they allow you to maximize the vertical space that is typically unused. Peg

boards and hooks are versatile and ide-al for keeping items such as shovels and hoses separate.

Seasonal sports equipment can be organized in wall-mounted shelves and non-perishable goods in bins and plastic totes to keep them safe from insects and animals. For large or unusually shaped items that cannot be set into the wall, con-sider under-ceiling or suspended storage.

* shedIf you don’t have space in your base-

ment or a garage to improve your home storage capacities, building a shed could be a practical investment. To determine

what size of shed you need, evaluate what items you want to store. RONA experts can help you chose the shed that will fit your needs, or even help you build a cus-tomized one.

If you already have a shed in your back-yard, think about a system that will help you find what you need quickly, no mat-ter the season. Pegboards, hooks, shelves and storage boxes can be handy to get organized.

Use these tips to simplify your life and enjoy the upcoming seasons.

www.newscanada.com

Get ready for a clutter-free fall and winter

home improvement projects recouping more at resaleIn its annual Cost vs. Value Report that compares the cost for 35 popular remod-

eling projects with the value those projects retain at resale, Remodeling magazine found that the overall average cost-value ratio has improved for the first time in six years. Cost-recouped percentages increased for all 35 projects examined for the 2013 survey, a remarkable turnaround from just a year earlier, when only three of the 35 projects saw an increase in cost-recouped percentage.

Replacement projects proved especially beneficial for homeowners, who likely also benefitted from a real estate market that finally started to stabilize after an extended period of economic uncertainty that heavily influenced both buyers and sellers.

While an economy on the rebound no doubt benefitted homeowners looking to recoup as much of their home improvement investment at resale as possible, other factors likely contributed as well. For example, homeowners surveyed for the 2013 report who added a backup power generator recouped more of their investment than in previous years. That’s likely because heavily publicized storms, such as Superstorm Sandy in late 2012, have forced homeowners and prospective homeowners to place a greater emphasis on being prepared for such storms.

Among the upscale projects surveyed, none recouped more of a homeowner’s investment than replacing existing siding with fiber-cement siding. Homeowners who financed such a project recouped 79.3 percent of the project’s cost, placing it just ahead of a garage door replacement, which recouped an average of 75.2 percent of its cost.

After years of many home improvement projects recouping little of their initial costs at resale, the tide finally seems to be turning for homeowners.

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You’ve seen our sign up on Highway 97, right next door to the new Holi-day Inn Express. We’ve been in our new showroom for 3 years now, and it’s constantly changing to accommo-date new suppliers and exciting new product! This summer we created a mini-showroom for Luxury Vinyl tile and planks, showcasing an extensive array of product in our racks and even on the floor! And come check out our new Beaulieu boutique - we are proud to be the only retailer in Vernon with Beaulieu’s new hard surface lines.

Over Christmas we re-vamped our showroom and created a brand-new space with hardwood and Area Rugs. We also have a full selection of Hunter Douglas window coverings for you to try out and ask questions.

We were the first Shaw Design Cen-ter in the Okanagan, with one of the newest and largest full service floor-ing showrooms. We are thrilled to showcase the exclusive line of HGTV Flooring by Shaw. Do you watch TV shows like D.I.Y. House Crashers, Sar-ah’s House; Leave it to Bryan, Holmes on Homes and others on the HGTV

channel? Well the products that inspire HGTV’s designers are now available to you! From designer inspired colors and patterns in area rugs and beauti-ful broadloom carpets, to unique and specialty hardwoods and laminates, HGTV products are exquisite and now at your fingertips.

Crystal Sturgeon from Crystal Klear Design is our resident Interior Design-er. She specializes in custom cabine-try, window coverings, and of course Award Winning design services. She and her husband, Dave, create custom design packages to suit any budget. As part of the Nufloors Team, we are excited about what they have to offer, and would love the opportunity to put our services and expertise to work for you.

Together with Crystal we offer pack-age pricing on everything needed to renovate your existing castle, or help you create your new dream home. Come see us today and together we will bring style to your home.

– Submitted by NuFloors

A dark home can be dreary and drain residents’ energy levels rather quickly. In-creasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance on interior lighting. This reduces energy bills and lowers the home’s carbon footprint. Natural light also can help people in a home feel happier and more content.

Homeowners looking to increase the nat-ural light in their homes, be it for medical or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways.

* Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains as far as they will go allows as much light to shine in without having to do major home renovations or spend any money at all.

* Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight from entering the home. They also can make a home appear un-kempt.

* Install seamless or low-profile windows and doors. Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to enter the home.

* Take inventory of dark spots. A room may be dark because it simply does not have a layout conducive to brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a portion of the room? Think about changing the room’s layout or even making structural changes to improve light distribution.

* Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Skylights are larger and require considerably more work to in-stall, while solar tubes are more low-profile and can be put into rooms that do not abut the roofline, such as those obstructed by at-tic space. * Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are blocking light from entering your home, trim them to enable dappled light to come through.

Increasing natural light in a home can im-prove feelings of well-being and also reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.

Products that inspire designers are now available to you!

How to invite more natural light into your home

New windows may allow more natural light to enter a home.

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Homeowners with pools who live in re-gions where winter can be harsh know they must eventually prepare their pools for the colder seasons ahead. People who live in climates not conducive to year-round out-door swimming often find that by the cooler weather of autumn makes this season the perfect time to winterize their pools.

Although closing a pool is rarely celebrat-ed, it is a very important task. Properly win-terizing a pool will reduce the likelihood of damage in the months ahead, saving home-owners from financing potentially expensive repairs. Closing the pool before trees begin to shed their leaves is a good idea, as is doing so before the arrival of the first cold

stretch. Homeowners who want to get start-ed on winterizing their pools can heed the following advice.v Gather all of the necessary equipment.

To winterize your pool, you will need the pool cover, drain plugs, certain chemicals, and cleaning equipment. Have all of the tools you will need nearby so you will not be scrambling for items once you start working.v Check the chemical levels in the pool.

Check the pool’s chemical levels so you can create a sterile environment that won’t be overtaken by microorganisms in the water during the offseason. Many pool experts recommended ensuring the pH is at the

appropriate level (7.4 - 7.8), checking the alkalinity of the water to ensure it is between 80 and 120 ppm, as well as verifying the calcium hardness is at the right level. Creat-ing the right water environment reduces the risk that any problems will develop over the winter.v Thoroughly clean the interior of the

pool. When cleaning don’t forget to remove any accessories, such as ladders, ropes, fountains, etc. Clean these items and store them in a winter-safe area.v Bring up the pool chlorine to shock

level. Bringing the chlorine to shock level means the pool will have a higher amount of chlorine, which is necessary to kill off any remaining algae or microorganisms in the water. Keep the water filtering and at this elevated chlorine level for a few days prior to closing the pool to ensure that there will be no algae blooms once the cover is in place and you cannot monitor the water.v Drain some of the water. Depending

on the type of cover you are using, and whether or not you will be using plugs to block any ports into and out of your pool, you may need to drain several inches of wa-ter to ensure that it falls below filter skimmer baskets and return jets. All water should be forced out from any hoses and internal com-ponents of the pool so that the water will not freeze and cause damage.

v Adhere to manufacturers’ instructions on winterizing the filter. Some filters may need to be completely drained and cleaned. Some people prefer to remove the filter pump, gaskets and hoses and store every-thing in their garages for the winter. It may be possible to move smaller filters indoors. If not, covering the filter with a large, black garbage bag may protect it further from the weather. Be sure to turn off the electricity to the filter outlet at the breaker for the season.v Take steps to inhibit algae growth. If

desired, put a polyquat algaecide into the water and distribute it evenly to further in-hibit algae growth.v Install the cover per the manufacturer’s

instructions and anchor it into place. It is a good idea to place a leaf net over the cover to catch any leaves as they fall so that they can easily be removed and not contribute to swampy conditions on the top of the pool cover over time.v Invest in a small pump to drain water

off the top of the pool cover periodically. An effective pump will prevent undue stress on the cover, ensuring it lasts longer.

Pool owners who prefer less pool main-tenance can hire a pool company to handle winterizing tasks for them. By following the correct steps for pool winterization, you in-crease the likelihood of having a nice, clean pool to look forward to next summer.

How to winterize your pool

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Think about what it might be like if you turned up the heat and then opened all of the windows in your home. All of that warm air would rush right out, and you would be left with a cold home and a hefty heating bill.

A home that is full of drafts is inef� cient and expensive. And drafty homes are not just a problem when the weather is cold, as air that seeps in when you’re trying to keep the home cool can be an inef� cient nuisance as well. Higher energy bills and wasted resources do not have to be tol-erated if you simply scour your home for drafts, sealing them to cut energy costs and make the home more comfortable.

Drafts are often small cracks around windows and doors, but there are many other places where drafts can form. Know-ing some of the less visible spots where drafts come from may help you to seal out unwanted cold air more effectively.

ATTICHomes that feature attics with pull-down

stairs tend to be drafty. In such homes, a large hole is cut out of the ceiling so res-idents can access the attic. So instead of

thick insulation, these homes may only have a sheet of plywood blocking your in-terior space from the outdoors, as many attics are directly vented to the roof. To determine if there is a leak, turn on the at-tic light, close the attic door, and check to see if you can see the light on from below. If you can, then there is a gap letting both the light and air escape. In addition to us-ing � exible rubber around the opening of the attic to better seal the door when it is closed, you can think about adding a thick-er, more insulated door.

DRYER VENTSThe standard home laundry dryer vents

outdoors via an exhaust duct. This duct is open to the outdoors, and it may be letting cold air into the home. That’s be-cause there is typically a � imsy � apper made of sheet metal on the outside of the vent to help protect against air in� l-tration. But over time dryer lint can accu-mulate at the vent opening, causing the metal � apper to stay open when it should close. Homeowners can invest in dryer seals that close the vent when the dryer is not in use. Not only does this prevent

cold air from entering the house, but also it keeps out pests, like bugs and rodents.

PIPESCheck pipes that exit the home, such

as those that feed outdoor water spig-ots, as such pipes can let cold air back into the house. The same can be said for waste pipes. Also, check to see if pipes that connect to garages, basements and crawl spaces are not insulated. Use seal-ant around these pipes to block drafts into the home. Foam insulation can be sprayed into small crevices, where it will expand and harden, blocking off air access. These damp, cool spots are also great places for insects to enter the home. Sealing drafts also may prevent bugs from entering the home.

FIREPLACESAlthough � replaces often make for

decorative and appealing accents to a home, many are not effective sources of ambient heat. They may draw more warm air out of the � ue than they bring into the house. When a � replace is not in use, air can rise out of the chimney and a draft can be felt in the home. Some

studies indicate that an open damper on an unused � replace, even in a well-insu-lated home, can increase overall heating and cooling energy consumption by 30 percent.

If you simply must have a � replace, re-member to always keep the damper shut when the � replace is not in use and use a glass cover you can seal tightly to further block the opening to the � replace from your living space. Fireplace plugs, which can keep out drafts during the season when � replaces are not in use, may also be a worthwhile investment.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETSOutlets and light switches can be signif-

icant sources of drafts in a home. Check to see that the switch plates are secure. If drafts still come through, then employ outlet draft blockers to prevent cool air from entering the home and warm air from exiting it.

Homeowners can address drafts in a variety of ways. And doing so can make a home more comfortable and cut energy costs considerably.

How to rid your home of drafts

Many homeowners may not know that pruning trees in the winter can bene� t some trees. Deciduous trees are dormant

in winter, so they won’t bleed sap when pruned at this time of year like they will at other times of year. In addition, many

varieties of trees are less likely to attract disease or insects if pruned in the win-ter. Oak trees, for example, emit a strong odor when pruned, and that odor can attract a type of beetle that causes oak wilt. But this type of beetle hibernates in the winter, making this the ideal season to prune oak trees.

Before prun-ing trees, regard-less of the time of year, homeowners should learn the types of trees on their property and when the ideal pruning season is for each type of tree. Pruning also may depend on climate, so speak with a local gardening or landscaping professional to determine when is the best time to prune the trees on your property.

Once the time has come to prune, keep the following tips in mind to main-tain healthy and aesthetically appealing trees.

- Remove limbs that appear to be competing for space. Tree limbs that are crossing, rubbing or growing parallel to one another can be pruned. Such limbs may prohibit the growth of nearby limbs.

- Remove limbs that are growing in. Some tree limbs may appear to be grow-

ing toward the interior of the tree, and

these limbs can be pruned.

- Remove limbs growing toward the

ground. A healthy tree’s

limbs will grow out-

ward, not toward the

ground.

- Remove dead

limbs. Dead limbs

simply take up

space, and a dead

limb is not going to

grow back come the spring. Dead,

broken or diseased limbs should be

removed when pruning.

- Do not top trees. Tree topping

is the removal of large branches

and/or trunks from the top of

a tree. Topping leaves a tree suscep-

tible to disease and insect infestation,

and homeowners who top trees to pre-

vent them from getting any larger should

know that topping actually promotes the

growth of smaller, weaker branches that

eventually grow as tall, if not taller, than

the original branches before the tree was

topped. Topping also decreases a tree’s

life expectancy.

Some trees can be pruned

in winter

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Home improvement projects can add value to a home and do-it-yourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes. But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that certain projects are best tackled during certain times of the year.

Fall is a great season to work on your house, as the weather is often at its most agreeable once the summer heat has

gone and before winter weather arrives. The following are a handful of fall-friend-ly home improvement projects for home-owners looking to improve their homes.

Roof repairWhether you’re repairing or replacing

the roof, fall is a great time of year to dust off the ladder and get some work done on your roof for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, fall is ideal for roof work because you won’t have to be up on the roof with the summer heat bearing down on you. This can make the project move along more quickly, which is especially beneficial if you are paying laborers to work on the roof. The fewer hours work-ers are fixing your roof, the less you will be paying in labor costs.

In addition, fixing up the roof in the fall ensures those winter storms, be it rain or snow, won’t find their way into your home via leaks. A leaky roof in winter is hard to fix, as the roof surface could be treacherous in the winter and winter winds can make it dangerous to be up on the roof at all. Addressing leaks in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s inte-rior, which can mount up if a leaky roof is not addressed until the following spring.

Window work

When the weather outside gets fright-ful, poorly insulated windows can allow cold air into the home. That often has a trickle-down effect on finances, forcing you to turn up the thermostat in an at-tempt to offset the cold air pouring into the home. Whether you need your win-dows replaced or simply need to patch up any leaks, a proactive approach to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter. Addressing leaky win-dows also makes a home more comfort-able for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the tempera-ture outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the proj-ect during the summer or winter.

Fixing the floorsWood flooring is a hot commodity for

many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need tem-peratures inside the home to be within a certain range, and that range is often within 70o to 80o F, which makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder

temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road. What’s more, many people entertain friends and family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

Painting projectsPainting is another home improvement

project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an en-tirely new look and feel. But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open. Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the proj-ect, can help air the home out.

But interior painting isn’t the only painting project homeowners can tackle in the fall. Many exterior paints are tem-perature-sensitive and need the tempera-ture outside to be above 40o F. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, and home-owners might be left with a costly and un-sightly mistake on their hands. Fall tem-peratures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects, just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

Home improvement projects perfectfor fall

Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle home painting projects.

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U24 Your Style Fall Edition Friday, October 4, 2013 - The Morning Star Painting a home’s interior can give

it a completely new look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel more vibrant and up-to-date, cre-ating a whole new attitude within the room without breaking the bank.

Whether creating an accent wall or painting each wall within a room, painting is a relatively easy and inex-pensive home improvement project. But that doesn’t mean painting does not require a little prep work before the project can begin.n Address any holes or bumps on

the wall. Holes or cracks in the wall will need to be patched with spackle, which then must dry before the wall can be given a new coat of paint. In addition, sand down any bumps until the walls are smooth and free of any unsightly abnormalities.n Wash the walls. Walls can get

dirty, and that dirt may or may not be masked by paint. Before adding a

new coat of paint, wash the walls and inspect them for dust. Dust can col-lect on molding, especially in rooms that get little natural air. When dust has collected on the molding and around doorways and trim, use a damp cloth to wipe it away before adding any new paint.n Apply primer. Primer can serve

many functions, not the least of which is its role as a bonding agent between the wall and the top coat of paint. Primer can also help con-ceal dark colors, prevent stains and increase the life expectancy of the paint job you are about to undertake.n Prepare your paint. Preparing the

paint is a simple task, but one novice painters may not be aware of. When opening a new can of paint, stir the paint before using it. In addition, even if you don’t plan to use a roller when painting, do not paint straight from the can, which can be heavier

to hold than a small bowl, and a light bowl is less likely to be spilled than a potentially heavy can of paint. In ad-dition, once paint has been removed from the can, replace the lid so dust and other impurities do not settle in the can.n Purchase painter’s tape. Paint-

er’s tape can be especially valuable to novice painters. Painter’s tape makes it easier to paint smooth and clean paint lines, giving a room a more professional looking coat of paint without the cost of hiring a profes-sional painter.

Painting can be an inexpensive and fun way to upgrade a home’s interior. But even though painting does not require the technical know-how of more large-scale home improvement projects, it still requires some prep work and attention to detail to ensure the job is done right.

(NC) Not only do kitchen appliances make a design statement in your house, there is no denying that they are some of the largest investments you may make for this space. Purchasing appliances is

often intimidating when you consider all of the options from energy-saving fea-tures, to design-focused models, not to mention all the different colours avail-able. Here are some considerations to

help guide you through com-mon appliance purchases:

Kitchen Faucet: As one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, the function-ality of your kitchen faucet is crucial to en-suring seamless workflow, clean up and cooking prep. While style and finish are certainly fac-tors to consider, recent technologies have made using your faucet much sim-pler. For example, designers at Delta Faucet tell us that their Touch2O tech-nology is highly popular. Once you have the faucet handle in the ‘on’ position, tap anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm to start and stop the flow of water instantly.

Ovens and Stoves: Prior to shop-ping for your next stove, give some thought to not only the types of meals cooked in your home, but also how they are prepared. An oven can have a sig-nificant impact on your cooking and the type of energy selected – gas, induction or electric – can make a big difference. Electric models are praised for their easy-to-clean surfaces, gas ranges are favoured by foodies, and induction units

are often a great match for families with young children considering their heat-protected surfaces.

Coffee Maker: For some families, coffee is just a step in their morning routine. To others, it’s a moment that is not only savoured and enjoyed, but also crafted with perfection. Depending on which of the two your family can re-late to, may determine what style cof-fee maker you purchase. An automatic drip coffee machine or a single-serve model may be best if you’re rushed in the morning. For those who truly enjoy their brew, a French press or espresso machine are often more appropriate.

Selecting appliances for your kitchen can be a fun experience and can add ease to your family’s routine. These tips should assist before you venture out to make your next purchase.

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How to decide on the latest kitchen appliances

PreP work important before painting

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Calculating the light needed for each room

The formula for calculating the proper amount of light you should have in each room of your home:

• Multiply the length times the width of the room (in feet). Then, multiply that num-ber times 1.5. This number gives you the amount of wattage* needed to light the room properly for general illumination.

• For task lighting in areas where stron-ger light is needed (such as a kitchen island), multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage.**Wattage is based on incandescent (standard) bulbs.

Lighting a Foyer

• To determine the proper fixture width:Add the length and width dimensions (in

feet) of the foyer area together. This number is the proper width (in inches) for the fixture you’ll need there.

• To determine the proper fixture height:The bottom of the fixture should be at

least 7 feet from the floors. Depending on ceiling height, you could use a flush mount, a semi-flush, or if you have a tall ceiling, you may use a 2 or 3-tier chandelier.

• If there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer area is large, you may also want to include wall sconces. Install them approximately 60 inches from the floor, 6 - 8 feet apart.

Lighting a Hallway

• There should be a fixture every 8- 10 feet. Either flush mounts, semi-flush fixtures or chandeliers can be used depending on the ceiling height. The bottom of the light fix-ture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

• If you have a long hallway, you may want to install wall sconces for added light. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor spaced 6 - 8 feet apart along the wall.

Lighting a Living Room

• Your main light in the living room can be a chandelier, a flush mount or semi-flush fixture. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

• You may add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.

Lighting a Dining Room

• Your dining room chandelier should be no wider than 12 inches less than the width of the table. The bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches about the tabletop. This height is for an 8 foot ceiling. Raise the fixture 3 inches higher for each additional foot of ceiling height.

• You can add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.

Lighting a Bedroom

• You can use a mini-chandelier, a flush mount or a semi-flush fixture as the main light in your bedroom. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

• You may add wall sconces, or portable lamps to add more light and ambience. Sconces are hung about 60 inches from the floor.

Lighting a Bathroom

• To light a bathroom with the desirable amount of light for the vanity/mirror, to avoid shadows, install a bathbar at least 24 inches wide over the mirror, plus two wall sconces (one on each side of the mirror) at least 28 inches apart and 60 inches above the floor.

• If you have a double sink vanity, use a bathbar that is almost as wide as the mir-ror, or two fixtures (one mounted over each sink). The bathbars should be mount-ed 78 inches from the floor, centered over the mirror.

• If you have a truly large bathroom, besides the vanity/mirror lighting, you will probably need additional flush mount, semi-flush fixture or even a small chande-lier for a designer touch.

Outdoor Lighting

• You can add wall lanterns on both sides of your front door approximately 66 inches above the bottom of the door, slightly above eye level. The height of the wall lanterns should be from 1/5 to 1/6 of the entrance height.

• Use a single wall lantern on other

entrances to the house mounted on the keyhole side of the door.

• You may use a chain hung lantern mounted over the front door beneath an overhang for added light.

• Keep your pathways well lit with lan-terns mounted every 8 - 10 feet for safety.

• You can add a post light near drive-ways and walkways for added illumination and security.

Cleaning your Fixtures

• Be certain the electric current is turned off before cleaning.

• Clean metal components with a soft cloth, moistened with a mild liquid soap solution.

• Wipe clean and buff with a very soft dry cloth. Under no circumstances should any metal polish be used, as its abrasive nature could damage the protective finish placed on the metal parts.

• Never wash glass shades in an auto-matic dishwasher. Line a sink with a towel and fill with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Wash glass with a soft cloth, rinse and wipe dry.

– Submitted by Sun Dial Lighting

Create a lighting scheme that works for your home

Sun DialLIGHTING

Serving Vernon

& Area for

over 37 Years

LocallyOwned &Operated

Whether you are a contractor, home builder or remodeller, we invite you to

come in to see our huge selection of light fixtures, lamps, shades and bulbs

2801 44th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 7P4 Ph. 250-545-7370Rod Faust

Owner

U26 Your Style Fall Edition Friday, October 4, 2013 - The Morning Star (NC) Family life can be hectic. Keep-

ing up with work, school, extra-curricular activities and everything in between can make any given day a busy one. And that doesn’t even include meal planning and preparation,” says Laura McGowan, Director of Marketing, LG Electronics Canada. “Life goes by too fast so we are continuously looking for ways to make the daily routine as easy and enjoyable as possible.”

McGowan gives a look at some of the smart and innovative solutions LG offers to help with everyday life.

m Microwave and oven in one: When a quick dinner solution is on the menu, the LG Countertop Microwave with Oven is here to help. Not only will it save you time, it saves space allowing you to mi-crowave and bake with one appliance. It automatically defrosts frozen items for a specified amount of time and adjusts cooking times for both fresh and frozen pizzas, as well as other tasty morsels like chicken breasts or cookies.

m Cooking and clean up made simple: The mega capacity oven provides plen-

ty of space to cook everyone’s favourite, and with the Infrared Grill you can ‘grill’ indoors with the same premium technol-ogy as outdoor grills, All that cooking can lead to a dirty oven, but don’t sweat it, LG’s innovative EasyClean function provides a quick, chemical-free, low-tem-perature way to effortlessly clean your oven. With a revolutionary interior, most messes can be wiped away with a little water and 20 minutes.

m The Regal Refrigerator: Save time with grocery shopping with LG’s ground-breaking concept, the French Door Re-frigerator with Door-in-Door. The mega capacity fridge offers up to six cubic feet more usable space without changing the “footprint” – that’s equal to six NCAA basketballs - and is designed with a door inside the door to allow quick and easy access to frequently used items like con-diments, beverages, and snacks, all while maintaining optimal humidity and tem-perature to keep food fresh longer.

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Tomorrow’s kitchen today: smart, stylish and time saving

(NC) When most of us think of prevent-ing musty and stale air in our homes, our knee-jerk reaction may be to run to a big-box store for a portable dehumidifier. But the problem may not be solved.

There are in fact many ways to fight humidity in the home, and a dehumidifier presents only one solution. An air condi-tioning unit, for instance, also acts as a dehumidifier. If working properly, air con-ditioning will keep houses at the recom-mended 30 to 50 per cent humidity level.

Industry specialists tell us that adding

a dehumidifier to the basement of your home will reduce the humidity in that area. If it is regularly occupied, additional comfort will be the benefit. The reduced humidity levels will add cooling capacity to your central air conditioner because part of the capacity is used to dehumidify. Less humidity equals more cooling.

This means that having the right AC unit, with adequate capacity, is critical. If your home is being cooled but still feels damp and musty, chances are you don’t have the right unit for your residence.

Consulting with a qualified air condition-ing technician will help determine this, and present you with some solutions.

For those times of year when the AC isn’t running, a dehumidifier is one op-tion. Portable units come in different siz-es and capacities, and it is important to find the right unit for the targeted space. Alternatively, there are whole-house de-humidifiers that integrate right into your central HVAC system, servicing your en-tire home.

During the winter, a dual-purpose solu-tion might be a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). These handy systems supply con-tinuous fresh air from the outside into your house. They also act as dehumidifiers in the colder months – exhausting excess hu-mid air out of your home and replenishing it with dry outdoor air. Depending on the degree of indoor humidity, they can pro-vide a sufficient solution during this time.

Whichever approach a homeowner chooses, one thing is certain: tackling humidity is important. In addition to caus-ing discomfort and compromising your health, high humidity can lead to mold and mildew and create environments loved by moths, fleas and dust mites.

But there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each homeowner needs to examine the specific requirements of their home to figure out the most effective, sensible and cost-efficient approach.

www.newscanada.com

Solve home humidity issues all year round

4406 29th St. Vernon, BC (Old Bakers Dozen Building)

778-475-6177

With over 25 years of superior customer service, let Sharon help you design your new fi replace or replacement.We do it all from framing to installing the stone.

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Your Style PerfectedFIREPLACES: Create the perfect fi t for your home with either an energy effi cient natural gas or electric fi replace - or how about an ecological or ventless fi replace? The options are endless! With the endless options for fi replaces, we off er a full exclusive line of natural stone for indoor & outdoor facing enhancement to complete your favorite style & unique designs. Visit our 4000 sq. ft. showroom and let Sharon help you fi nd that perfect fi replace. We off er a free onsite quote with a qualifi ed gas fi tter.

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$300 Fireplace rebate program ends December 31st.


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*See Sales Associate in-store for details and list of qualifying models. Qualifying major appliances include Jenn-Air® Refrigerators, Ranges, Wall Ovens, Cooktops, Dishwashers and Ventilation hoods (excluding blowers), Under-Counter Refrigerators and Warming Drawers. All qualifying Commercial Ranges, Built-in Refrigerators, and Accolade™ Vent count as two units and automatically qualify for an additional instant rebate up to $500. Refrigerator panels, accessories and cartridges are excluded. †Instant rebate equal to 15% of the total retail purchase price (before taxes) of 4 or more qualifying Jenn-Air® major appliances OR qualifying Commercial Range or Built-in Refrigerator or Accolade™ Vent plus two qualifying appliances. Instant rebate will be deducted at time of purchase. Multiple purchases must be made from the same participating authorized Canadian Jenn-Air® appliance dealer at the same time. ‡Instant rebate equal to 10% of the total retail purchase price (before taxes) of any 2 or 3 qualifying Jenn-Air® major appliances OR qualifying Commercial Range or Built-in Refrigerator or Accolade™ Vent. Instant rebate will be deducted at time of purchase. Multiple purchases must be made from the same participating authorized Canadian Jenn-Air® appliance dealer at the same time. **Qualifying Jenn-Air® Commercial Range models: JGRP430WP (Bonus $250); JDRP436WP (Bonus $350); JDRP536WP (Bonus $350); JGRP436WP (Bonus $350); JGRP548WP (Bonus $500); JDRP548WP (Bonus $500). Bonus instant rebate shall be applied after tax. ***Qualifying Jenn-Air® Built-in Refrigerator models: JB36NXFXL/RW; JF42NXFXDW; JS42SEDUDW; JS42PPDUDB; JS48SEDUDW; JS48PPDUDB; JS42NXFXDW; JS48NXFXDW. (Bonus $500 on each model.) Bonus instant rebate shall be applied after tax. ****Qualifying Accolade™ Vent model: JXD7836BS. (Bonus $500) Bonus instant rebate shall be applied after tax. †††Additional bonus instant rebate up to $500 deducted from total retail purchase price (after taxes). One claim per household. Offer is not cumulative and cannot be combined with any other offer. Purchases must be made between September 13 and October 27, 2013. Limited time offer. Some conditions may apply. Open to Canadian residents only. Offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors. Offer is available on retail purchases only. All models may not be available at all dealers. No substitutes qualify. See Sales Associates for Details. ®/™ ©2013 Jenn-Air. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.

On Now until October 27, 2013


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