B-1 athome 04/09 { THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DOMESTIC BLISS ON THE NORTH SHORE }

decked elegant patios provide spectacular venues for entertaining or relaxing out going to the birds make your yard come alive, and go green, with a small addition ecue and grill, b ar ecue a state-of-the-art which features in her outdoor kitchen, A nn Berner M ary- uilt into a curved, sleek slate countertop. sleek slate a curved, into — all b uilt icemaker, sink, drawers fridge/wine cooler, Photo Chung Chow Chung Photo B-2 b / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWS Trans Canada Flooring Event As a result of U.S. mills slowing % production the End of the Roll 40-60 store in North Vancouver has just received two trailer loads of OFF carpet & vinyl - All priced to clear. Most of it priced at 40-60% less what it would have cost 3 months ago. It consists of shags, cut & loop Stainmaster nylons, berbers & commercial carpets, fi ber fl ooring and laminate too! ALL DESIGNER The sale is on in-stock items only AREA RUGS ALL REMNANTS and at 40-60% off these deals up to will not last long. % % ENJOY THE PURCHASING 15OFF 60OFF POWER OF OVER 50 END OF THE ROLL STORES AND SAVE BIG!!! % ALL VINYL10OFF

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NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b Flexible tulips? Think inside the vase

While growing tulips is relatively effortless, many people seem to have great difficulty arranging tulips as cut flowers. Apparently they won’t do what you want them to do. My advice is to let them do what they want to do.

Trying to force flowers to do what is not in their nature is like trying to win an argument with a two year old. You will not win. Tulipierre Tulips like to bend and sway. They are one of the few cut flowers that curly willow repeats the curved lines of the parrot tulip stems and remains stable as the continues to grow in length after it has been cut. After a few days tulips grow in a vase designed especially for they will double in length. No wonder they won’t stay where they are these flowers. placed. Degree of difficulty: Easy | Vase life: Two weeks. But this is just one of the joys of watching cut tulips mature over a period of a week or more. Their petals also grow larger and open so wide that the interior markings are exposed - often to reveal wild, iridescent markings. h Tulip stems become so malleable that they can be bent into loops ras and circles making for amazing design possibilities. B Debra

s o

They are thought by many people to have a short vase life but they t have stems that can get calloused over very quickly if left out of water Pho for even a short time. When this happens, water cannot be taken up by the tulip and it will wilt. It can easily be revived by recutting the stem, immersing in lukewarm water to allow the tulip to fully rehydrate. In fact, you can leave a tulip out of water for up to two days until it feels like a piece of cooked spaghetti, tie the stem in a knot, make a fresh cut, plunge it into water and the tulip will come back as strong as ever, loop intact. Inside the Box I don’t mix tulips with other flowers in an arrangement because while Because tulips have exceptionally tulips will grow, the other flowers won’t, leaving your arrangement malleable stems, they can be bent to fit inside a clear glass vase. make sure they looking wonky with tulips sticking out at odd angles. reach the small amount of water at the base of the vase . Susan Ramsey canwest news service Degree of difficulty: Hard | Vase life: Two weeks

The best time to plant tulip bulbs is flowering for the season, he says. Queen of the Night between October and November, but it’s An indigo variety to add dramatic flare to “After they’ve flowered, it’s okay not too early to think ahead. beds and bouquets alike. to deadhead, but leave the foliage Bulbs should be planted in dry, sandy soil until it dies down naturally,” Russo Spring Green at a depth roughly three times the length recommends. This will help nourish the True to its name, this fresh flower boasts of the bulb, says Jack Russo of Maple bulbs for the next growing season. understated ivory pedals with a streak Leaf Garden Centres in North Vancouver. vernal green. Here are a few of his favourite varieties to If you’ve already bought potted tulip look out for: For more information, drop by plants for this year, those bulbs can be Maple Leaf Garden Centres in North saved over the winter inside a paper bag Angelique care tips care or West Vancouver or visit www. stored in a cool, dry place. The important This light pink tulip’s ruffled petals mapleleafgardencentre.ca. thing is to fight the temptation to cut flourish in the spring with a full, peony- back foliage once the plant has finished like blossom. Jessica Barrett

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Success based on respect

For over 20 years, George Martin lifestyle, and level of involvement,” says communication open, did thorough and his network of skilled craftsmen Martin. “Some like to be involved every inspections and left the fi nal job site at Spaces Custom Home Builders and step of the way; others are happy to rely clean. All of their new homes carry a 2, Renovators Inc. have been building on our expertise with only occasional 5, 10 year Home Warranty and their quite literally a reputation for successful consultation and input. But whether it’s renovations have 3 year warranty. renovations and memorable home a renovation or building a custom home If you’re thinking of renovating, or construction proje cts. from scratch, we are going to be working building a new home, Spaces Inc has A multiple together for a long time so it’s essential a world of experience to bring to the Georgie Award all parties develop a deep sense of mutual project. More than that, they’ve got a winner and 2005 respect and honesty.” process that gives you everything you Greater Vancouver Specializing in work on the North want, and peace Homebuilder’s Shore, Vancouver’s West Side, and of mind. Association Downtown, Spaces Inc is familiar ‘Renovator Member with specifi c local building codes and of the Year’, Spaces individual municipal requirements. This Inc works with every expedites the permit process, saving you client to maximize time and money. If you’re thinking your comfort, respect “Being located in the heart of our of renovating, or your budget, complete service area will make it even more work promptly and convenient for our clients.” building a new home, maintain quality Recent projects have included a Coal control throughout Harbour penthouse renovation and Spaces Inc has a world the process from the complete remodelling of a 1930’s articulating your bungalow in Dunbar, including the of experience to bring design ideas to addition of a full second story. Both to the project. bringing them to life. projects received Silver Georgie Awards “We recognize each for design and construction excellence. client is unique in Throughout each process, the terms of their needs, team at Spaces Inc kept the lines of

2005 Renovator Member of the Year GVHBA 2004 Silver Georgie Winner $200,000-$400,000 design and build 2004 Silver Georgie Winner $400,000 and Over 604-633-2152 • www.spacesinc.ca B-5

NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b Retractable Screens FOR EASY SUMMER LIVING m o c . ime t Dreams

o t Pho make it pop Wallpaper is back and better than ever. Get inspired to use the crop of modern papers in fun and innovative new ways with these five ideas. a channel of panels RETRACTABLE Plain doors can get a personality jolt with wallpaper panels. Paint the doors to match your SCREENS walls or in a complementary colour, then measure and apply a rectangular panel of wallpaper • Retain the style and look to the middle as you would to a wall. Depending on the style you’re going for, you can of your home further the look by adding a one-inch border round around the edge of the paper. It’s a funky alternative to authentic, panelled doors. • Hide from view when not in use custom design • Custom made & professionally installed Many new types of wallpaper allow you to add your own personal touch for a truly individual • Limited Lifetime Warranty style. Photograph wallpaper features a pattern that creates rectangular spaces left open for • Damage and Impact your own pictures. Other wallpapers are actually designed so that you can paint on top of them with a wash of paint or stamps. Resistant cut it out WINDOW SCREENS Starting as low as ALL It may sound like something you did in elementary school, but cutting out large-scale patterns PRODUCTS QUALIFY and using them to highlight or visually anchor objects on the wall is a very modern way to use $ FOR HOME RENOVATION wallpaper. 25 installed TAX CREDIT A fleur-de-lis, flower or damask pattern could act as a mat for hooks or wall sconces. Another way to interpret wallpaper in your home is to use it as a headboard or mural. Measure a long width of wallpaper and apply it to the wall behind a bed as a trompe l’oeil headboard or perhaps above a hall table in lieu of a painting. This is especially effective in a small space where you don’t want to add any visual bulk to the room. off the wall With so many new and innovative patterns cropping up, decorators are now using wallpaper to cover bookcases, end tables, as well as framing it as art and having it inlaid into trays. You can use wallpaper to highlight any object to give it new life and style the layered look Define your living space with a layered wallpaper look. Use neutral wallpaper across all of the walls in the room and follow up with a second pattern in a matching colour or equally neutral tone, halfway up from the floor. You can cut out the top design to add even more visual interest and a faux chair rail effect. canwest news service RETRACTABLE AWNINGS • European designed and award winning • Over one hundred designs available • Create outdoor Bringing the art of fi ne cabinetry home entertaining & living space • 10 year warranty Canyon Creek Cabinet Company is a leading manufacturer of affordable custom cabinetry for the entire home, offering: • Framed, frameless and inset construction • Nearly 100 door styles • 13 wood species plus thermofoils, metals and laminates AS SEEN IN THE PNE PRIZE HOME • Over 30 standard fi nish colors • Numerous fi nish enhancements • Special Product Request (SPR) • Limited lifetime warranty Canyon Creek uses high-quality materials and fi nishes to build cabinets that will function well and look great for years to come!

distributed by: 604-299-8878 #3a-987 Marine Dr. (CORNER OF MACKAY) North Vancouver 604.982.8863 www.wizardscreens.com B-6 b / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWS CurbAPPEAL Deana Lancaster discovers the secret to selling your home in a buyer’s market

It might not seem like the best hang those photos back up for you.’ ” time to put your house up for She suggests homeowners begin by sale, but if now’s the time there’s taking pictures of the rooms in their home and then looking at the photos no need to panic. with a critical eye: they are likely to see lots of clutter and personal items that A little more effort is required than in the Five tips to can be cleared out. Then it’s time to hot real estate market of years past, says make a plan. get your home professional home stager Dana Smithers, but listed properties are moving; and there’s a ready for sale trick to numbering yours among them. “It’s like going on a trip. If you don’t have a plan, you don’t know Preparing your home for “Home staging is simply a home makeover where you’re going.” selling is a big job. Dana J. for selling,” says the North Vancouver Smithers offers five tips resident. “Rearranging your home so it These are the kinds of tips that Smithers has from her new eBook Home has a broad buyer appeal to your target been offering through PRES (Professional before Staging Made Easy: Getting market.” It isn’t about costly interior design, Real Estate Home Stagers), which offers To Open House Ready in 10 or purchasing new furniture to amp up the training and certification for home stagers and Easy Steps. glamour; instead it’s about de-cluttering, redesign consultants working in the market. improving traffic flow, and making the space had just gone through a separation, wasn’t 1. Make a plan with your budget and neutral so prospective buyers can imagine The five-day courses, which run in the Lower convinced that Smithers’ work would make timeline and determine who is themselves in it. Mainland, Victoria, Kelowna and Calgary, much of a difference. “In the end, she was in responsible for what. teach best practices for starting a new tears. She said after it felt like a home again.” “You would be surprised at what some people business, plus theory and fundamentals for 2. Start de-cluttering and de- will leave when they think they have finished both redesign and staging. Smithers also staged a North Vancouver  staging it themselves: family photos, personal home for the March 24 episode of the CBC personalizing as soon as you can, photos, even nude photos . . . they don’t really What’s the difference? show Living Vancouver (watch the segment at as this can be really overwhelming. work. I tell them, ‘After you move I’m happy to www.cbc.ca/livingvancouver). The home sold Buy a timer and set it for 30 “When you stage a home, you’re de- within a week. minutes every day, then increase as personalizing it, to give it broader appeal,” you can. d e Now, as well as teaching professionals how

itt says Smithers. “When you redesign, it’s a m b home makeover for living. It’s all about the to redesign or stage a home, Smithers is 3. Painting is one of the main home Su

s moving on to teaching homeowners who want o homeowner and their personal taste.” improvements you can make to t to do it themselves. This month, she releases

Pho update the look of your home. But there is still plenty of editing that goes an eBook called Home Staging Made Easy: Paint in neutral colours with broad on, she says. “If they have a collection of Getting To Open House Ready in 10 Easy buyer appeal and accent in trendy, something we’ll ask them, ‘Which ones do Steps ($19.97). brighter colours. you love? Because you don’t really need 20 The book can be downloaded from her turtles.’ ” 4. Take some photos of all of the website, and most of it is easily viewed on rooms in your home so you can see In both cases, it doesn’t require a lot of cash, a computer screen, with only a selection of what others see. Then rearrange she adds. worksheet pages that need to be printed. your furniture, hang your art and accessorize. If your furniture “People usually have all the props, “With the economy the way it is, I really want to help people who aim to save money doesn’t look that great, rent it from they just don’t know how to put it by knowing how to stage their homes a home stager or staging rental company. before together.” themselves.” Clients are often surprised by the results. For more information about PRES training 5. Follow my golden rule of home For teaching purposes, Smithers performs courses, about Smithers’ eBook, or to apply staging: Less is more; and you will one-day redesigns at no charge for “training” for your home to be used as a training love the new look in your home. homes that qualify. A recent homeowner, who home, visit www.presstaging.com.

after

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04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b Johnstone’s helps you enjoy the thrill of the grill The warm weather is on its way and for many of us that means only one thing: barbecue. As improvements in domestic outdoor living have made our patios and back yards extensions of our living spaces, stepping out into the fresh air and fi ring up the grill provides a needed transition from the cares of the workday to settling in for the evening. For 34 years Gary Johnstone and his team at Johnstone’s Barbecues, located at 165 Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver, have understood your need for a relaxed cooking environment and know the latest tools and trends to help make it happen. “Our customers range from fi rst time grill buyers who are getting parts for their low end grills purchased from a grocery or drugstore chain,” says Johnstone, “to the second and third grill buyer looking for quality in a gas or charcoal grill that will last and is easy to keep clean.” Johnstone’s showroom is like a toy store for people who love to grill. There are over 52 diff erent barbecues on display featuring propane, natural gas and charcoal-fi red models. You’re bound to fi nd exactly what you’re looking for. If you need parts, tools and accessories, this is the place for any major brand name barbecue, smoker, outdoor fi replace or patio heater that you can think of. “In Vancouver, the trend in the backyard is to cook year round,’ says Johnstone, “spending time on the deck with family and friends. With the help of patio heaters or gas campfi res you can take the chill off the air and extend the season. This year there is resurgence in high- end ceramic charcoal grills that have dual functionality for use as a smoker or a grill. In truth, fi ring up a charcoal grill can be almost as fast as a gas unit. In an age when time is a premium for two income families, the natural assumption is that quick, easy meal is the way to go. Recent trends have indicated, however, that the quality of the food is becoming more important than speed. Ceramic grills have been on the market for years, but have been relatively unknown until recently. Sales of the Primo Oval Ceramic Charcoal Grills have been brisk this year. The Primo Ceramic charcoal grill gives us great food for great times.” Improvements in technology have also removed the size barrier and having a large patio or yard to cook in is no longer a must. “In condominiums with small balconies, the trend is ergonomically and attractively designed grills that give off little or no smoke while cooking.” It’s a great way to add a little element of kitchen theatre to your outdoor enjoyment and still be close enough to the comforts of home if the weather changes. “The trend to expand your space and time on your patio is to bring indoor features outdoors. Sinks, refrigerators and warming drawers are all available as well as built-in grills. Sheltering patios from the elements and using patio heaters, free standing or wall mounted electric and gas heaters, mood and direct lighting and even an outdoor gas fi replace really make your outdoor space even more enjoyable. We also work with patio designers who will help our customers with their concepts.” Covers, hardwood chips, charcoal briquettes, cooking utensils, specialty salts and sauces, they’re all there waiting for you. What you’ll also fi nd at Johnstone’s that you don’t get at some of the big-box retailers are friendly staff who know and love what they do. It’s their only business and their greatest passion. Chances are excellent that if you need a part for an older unit, they’ll have it in stock. With two massive warehouses to draw on you get what you need when you need it. There’s no waiting or ordering. At Johnstone’s Barbecues and Parts, the answer to any grill-related question you might have is almost always “yes”. Check out their comprehensive selection of grills, accessories and parts online at www.johnstones.com. “Call the Experts” 604-985-0234 CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE: BARBECUES & PARTS 165 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver www.johnstones.com 4 Blocks south of Marine Drive OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK APRIL, MAY, JUNE “Western Canada’s Barbecue Specialist since 1975” At Johnstone’s, we warranty and service what we sell. We guarantee competitive pricing by our non-commission sales team – see us first B-8 b / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWS

Shore sensations: bring the beach indoors.

If you’ve got itchy feet for the Solitudes’ offering of three CDs composed ensuite bathroom. A glass lamp filled with to sooth your raw winter nerves. The seashells is $49.99 and an aqua-coloured beach but the mercury just isn’t Seaside CD combines solo piano melodies birdhouse with a driftwood theme is $16.99, Towels, pillows and mats rising fast enough, rejoice. You with the sound of rolling surf, while Cabana both at HomeSense. instantly add the tactile sense includes guitar and flute melodies. Ocean of a warm sandy beach to your can enjoy the relaxed feel of Odyssey, with songs like Sea Spirits and Anu Sood bathroom and comfy bed. the beach by adding a coastal Coral Reef, combines calming melodies decorating edge to your home. with the sounds of whales and dolphins. Available at Chapters, various prices. And the final price tag is considerably less than hopping 3  Jump in: on a plane to satisfy the craving. Create your own version of a midnight swim in the ocean with a helping of sea salts in your tub and the nearby glow of 1  At the beach: scented candles. Upper Canada Apothecary Towels, pillows and mats instantly add sea salt soaks promise to rehydrate and the tactile sense of a warm sandy beach purify your skin after a long, dry day. The to your bathroom and comfy bed. Be sure Apothecary salts come in a variety of scents to select light and airy colours, including - Seabreeze, Lychee Blossom, Bamboo aqua, white, cream and tan for a seashore Garden or Vanilla Biscotti. Available at atmosphere. Wicker baskets are a warm www.uppercanadasoap.com. plus. 4  Sunny days: 2  Sweet melodies: Nothing says sun and a hot beach quite Imagine wiggling your toes into soft sand like a blend of seashells, beach grass and with the sounds of rolling waves in the weathered driftwood. We tracked down background. It’s easy, even if the surface accessories guaranteed to introduce is thousands of kilometres away, thanks to warm temperatures to your bedroom and

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04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b On No w Wi ndsor 40t h ANNIV Plywood’s ERSARY N T Solitudes’ offering of three CDs composed ensuite bathroom. A glass lamp filled with E If you’ve got itchy feet for the E V to sooth your raw winter nerves. The seashells is $49.99 and an aqua-coloured beach but the mercury just isn’t Seaside CD combines solo piano melodies birdhouse with a driftwood theme is $16.99, rising fast enough, rejoice. You with the sound of rolling surf, while Cabana both at HomeSense. includes guitar and flute melodies. Ocean Go can enjoy the relaxed feel of Odyssey, with songs like Sea Spirits and Anu Sood Green! the beach by adding a coastal Coral Reef, combines calming melodies decorating edge to your home. with the sounds of whales and dolphins. Available at Chapters, various prices. 12MM • Narrow Plank And the final price tag is Almendro French considerably less than hopping 3  Jump in: Walnut LAMINATE FLOORING on a plane to satisfy the craving. Create your own version of a midnight From Quality European Manufacturer! swim in the ocean with a helping of sea • 12mm (1/2”) • 4-9/16” wide Barnston Kelly Oak HOT NEW PRODUCT salts in your tub and the nearby glow of Cherry • V-grooved on all 4 sides  At the beach: KAHRS ENGINEERED 1 scented candles. Upper Canada Apothecary • Textured wood grain fi nish Towels, pillows and mats instantly add sea salt soaks promise to rehydrate and • 25 year manufacturer’s warranty 99 the tactile sense of a warm sandy beach purify your skin after a long, dry day. The WOOD FLOORING Saskatoon Windsor • Great selection of patterns SQ FT to your bathroom and comfy bed. Be sure Apothecary salts come in a variety of scents Maple Pecan • Rating: AC3, certifi ed E1 Natural, glueless, 1-strip to select light and airy colours, including - Seabreeze, Lychee Blossom, Bamboo Specially designed to be installed easily over aqua, white, cream and tan for a seashore Garden or Vanilla Biscotti. Available at 1 most existing fl oors in just hours. 99 atmosphere. Wicker baskets are a warm www.uppercanadasoap.com. A Woody Good Product! Teca Plank Winnipeg The core board is made up of 90% NATURAL COLLECTION plus. Beech SQ FT recycled wood fi bres MERBAU WHILE QUANTITIES LAST 4  Sunny days: 5 2  Sweet melodies: Nothing says sun and a hot beach quite Imagine wiggling your toes into soft sand like a blend of seashells, beach grass and with the sounds of rolling waves in the weathered driftwood. We tracked down LAMINATE FLOOR INTERIOR background. It’s easy, even if the surface accessories guaranteed to introduce is thousands of kilometres away, thanks to warm temperatures to your bedroom and UNDERLAYMENT SHAKER Certifi ed 92% recycled content • Qualifi es for LEED credits: MR 4.1 & 4.2 DOORS • Smooths out subfl oor imperfections 2’0”, 2’8”x 6’8” • Pre-attached vapour barrier • helps prevent water damage DOOR ONLY • Insulates cold fl oors • No detectable formaldehyde emissions 00 135 EA PREHUNG 99 00 100 SQ.FT 3 PANEL 2 PANEL 169 EA 9 PER ROLL 49 PER ROLL MISSION FIR FIR Finger joint jamb 4 /16” ENGINEERED • WIDE PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORING INTERIOR PREFINISHED FLOAT-IN INSTALLATION PANEL Nine layer fi nishing system include double applications of aluminum oxide crystal coating for superior durability and a perfectly even, satin fi nish. DOORS EASY TO INSTALL! These moulded panel doors Works using a simple “angle and push down” method. Simply angle one side are durable and resist warping, of the board ontothe next and push down.That’s it... really. These fl oors go shrinking and cracking. together so quickly and easily, a do-it-yourself could successfully install a VR 2’0” - 2’8” x 6’8” Loc Floor within a day and save the cost of a professional installation. Once completed, a VR Loc wood fl oor looks just like a fl oor installed with traditional Your choice of styles: nail, staple or glue down methods, but for less money, in less time and with • 6 Panel less frustration • 4 Panel with Arch • 2 Panel • 2 Panel with Arch White Lami 2 Panel Arch 4 Panel Arch 2 Panel 6 Panel 2’0”, 2’4”, 2’6” or 2’8” x 6’8” 99 99 65 45 95 FROM AS Prehung 4 9/16 Jamb 95 4 SQ.FT. 5 SQ.FT. 4 SQ.FT. LOW AS…49 EACH 2’0” - 2’8” x 6’8” 89 EA 155 EACH Y O LL W A N PRICES MAY VARY AFTER MAY 6, 2009 C E

O D

L 309 Kennard Ave., North Vancouver

& D 604.985.1341 O E PERAT Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30pm Did you know…we are Canadian Saturday 8:30-5pm • Sunday Closed owned & operated and are in our 40th year serving Canadian Communities? www.windsorsplywood.com The experts You need to know! B-10 b10 / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWS quality is key Chung Chow Chung o o t A good grill is certain to be the focal Pho point of outdoor entertaining, so it should come from a reputable manufacturer who will be around years down the road for replacement, says The couple has The demand for outdoor kitchens has risen Gary Johnstone of North Vancouver- recreated an exponentially over the past few years. based Johnstone’s Babecues and Parts. entire outdoor cooking and eating “More and more people are price tag area that is a Johnstone says although barbecues can fully functioning starting to see their outdoor cost as little as $500, a good grill for kitchen, with the space as an added room,” says an outdoor kitchen should run between added benefits Deck, who has hosted three $2,500 and $5,000. only Mother This grill master, who has supplied Nature can seasons of Take it Outside. appliances and accessories for several provide: sunshine, outdoor kitchens, also recommends fresh air and “The phones are starting to ring for this considering which hard features you blooming gardens. type of outdoor living extension. Many want, like tiles or flooring, before homeowners are willing to invest the money choosing other elements. Everything a for the luxury of being able to do all of their Names to look for culinary chef entertaining outdoors.” Johnstone suggests North Vancouver’s needs to create a Creative Bricks n Blocks, 1371 McKeen delicious meal can Commonly, her clients are asking for large, Ave, as a great source for flooring and be found here: a multi-use barbecues with a rotisserie and countertops. state-of-the-art a warming drawer, as well as sinks, ice Johnstone also cautions against having barbecue and makers, wine coolers and lastly, fridges. a landscape architect plan an outdoor outdoor grill, fridge/wine kitchen. Hire an outdoor architect cooler, icemaker, “We are also putting in a lot of cocktail instead. “Quite a few people specifically sink, drawers centres in with a compartment for drink do outdoor features,” Johnstone says. — all built into a mixes and a keg built inside a fridge,” says kitchens curved, sleek slate Deck, who expects to put in at least five or KEEP AN OPEN MIND countertop. six full kitchens this season alone. “Clients, “It’s really an evolution,” Johnstone who have outdoor kitchens, tell me it’s says. “Most of the people we see, it On warm spring days, Mary-Ann and transformed their backyard experiences … Guests can opt to wine and dine takes about two years for them to come Michael Berner will most likely be in they couldn’t imagine how much they would and actually buy the barbecue off us at the table or at the custom- enjoy spending time in their backyards.” their backyard entertaining friends in because they start to realize ‘oh, gee, I style in their kitchen. designed comfy couch, or on could do this, or I could do that.’” either the two club chairs or Some of the newest barbecues double as grills and entertainment centres. Jessica Barrett Yes, an outdoor kitchen. two ottomans, which surround a stunning fire bowl. “They are equipped with a hibachi-style The Steveston homeowners have transformed cooking space (with wooden counters) that Gary Johnstone their backyard into their very own “resort encourages guests to stay and hang out,” she getaway of sorts.” “It (the fire bowl) makes for the perfect, MANS A BARBECUE. intimate gathering place,” says Mary-Ann. “It adds. was the best home investment we could have “We had it done last summer, when we made and we spend so much more time at These outdoor kitchen islands, however, took part in HGTV Canada’s Take It Outside home. Even family dinners are more relaxed comes with a hefty price tag. television series, and it’s like having an extra and enjoyable outside.” room,” says Mary-Ann Berner. “Typically, you are paying a minimum of These bowls are a hot new trend in outdoor $2,500-plus per appliance, which are made “It’s fantastic for entertaining living, according to interior designer Kelly of marine-grade stainless steel for our wet, and at night with the glow from Deck (who designed the Berners’ kitchen). humid climate,” says Deck. the wall of candles and the fire They are made of poured concrete and runs from a natural gas line, shooting two-feet Deck suggests a word of caution when it th pit, it really is spectacular. high flames. comes to deciding where to situate your cGra

kitchen in your backyard. M l u a “We have had upwards of 30 guests and they It’s no surprise to Deck how much the P o o only go inside to use the bathroom.” Berners are enjoying their outdoor kitchen. Michelle Hopkins t Pho

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04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b11

Why work with a design-build fi rm?

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The business of installing backyard ponds and say a pond or waterfall adds beauty and a relaxing waterfalls has seen a significant boom in recent element. years. Ponds can be stocked with a myriad of plants and Steve Kovacs, who owns and operates Waterscene fish, including goldfish or koi, and many waterfall Designs Inc. in Ladner along with his wife Linda, has owners enjoy the sound of water falling and been in the business for more than a dozen years flowing over rocks. The volume of the water can be and says he’s seen demand grow over that time. controlled by the size of the pump, the amount of water and the placement of the rocks. When the couple set up a booth at their first home and garden show 12 years ago, Kovacs says they Waterfalls can be incorporated into a were the only ones there with a water feature display. Today, there are many and the number pond or can stand alone as a “pond- of people looking to install a pond or waterfall is less waterfall,” which is simply a re- s u bmi tt e d o growing. circulating waterfall and/or stream. t Pho “The main reason they’re popular is Linda Kovacs says having a water feature in your The system because of the low maintenance,” yard is like creating your own ecosystem and many can be used to of the systems now aim to work with and emulate Kovacs says. collect rainwater for what is found in nature. everyday outdoor water The cost of keeping one has dropped over the years, Certain elements are considered, including using needs or it can be hooked in to from what used to be $40 to $50 a month to about specific plants and their placement, to help keep capture and filter water used for $10 to $12. algae at bay, although the aim is not to have a a backyard pond or waterfall. squeaky-clean backyard pond. The water can be stored until it is needed. Once installed, a pond or waterfall requires little attention. Most will need to be filled with water every “You don’t want to have a completely pristine pond Steve and Linda Kovacs like to share their work two weeks or so during the summer. Plants will because that won’t look natural,” Steve Kovacs with the surrounding community and over the years need to be cut back in the fall, but can largely be left says. have donated water features to Kirkland House and alone during the winter. Delta Hospital, both in Ladner, as well as Sunny Hill For those customers with a green conscience, Health Centre for Children in Vancouver. The couple, who help design water features and Kovacs will soon be carrying a rainwater harvest consult with homeowners who want one installed, system. By Jessica Kerr

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NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b13

The Shakespeare Team recently completed a fairly extensive renovation on our home. Mark was fully involved in the planning stages and making sure we got what we wanted. We are very satisfi ed with the fi nished product and would defi nitely recommend the Shakespeare Team. As a matter-of-fact, we have just re-hired them!

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You and your crew provided us with the professionalism and detailed work that we were looking for when seeking out a contractor. Our relationship managed to grow over the months, so much so that you were able to envision what we expected in our fi nished product. We are so happy with the work, we hope selfi shly that you display it on your website so that many people can see the quality work your company provides. Thank you again.

Doug and Joann Lum and family, North Vancouver B-14 b14 / at home NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 Facts and figures ■ Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are green lighting designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit into existing light fixtures formerly used for Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs can cut down After 43 years in the business, Norm incandescents. Compared to on energy use by more than 200-kilowatt hours a year. general service incandescent Brown knows a thing or two about lighting. That’s about as much energy as you would use watching lamps giving the same amount of 800 nights of television, playing 3,000 CDs or using a 60- As the owner of Norburn Lighting in the Lower Mainland, visible light, CFLs generally use less watt incandescent bulb to light 800 evenings. Brown stays on top of industry’s new trends and power, have a longer rated life, but a higher technologies. With spring firmly in the air, and long, During these tough economic days, even saving a little purchase price. warm nights just around the corner, the focus is now can make a difference. CFLs cost more up front — $3 to ■ CFLs can save 2,000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases. on economical outdoor lighting. As with indoor lights, $10 on average — but they do pay for themselves in two the key is to using energy-efficient compact fluorescent ways. Because they use much less energy, you’ll save ■ Most CFLs contain less than 4 mg of mercury — about one-fifth of lamps (CFLs). They use 75 per cent less energy than on your power bill as soon as you start using them. And incandescent bulbs but deliver the same amount of light. what’s in an average watch battery and less than one-hundredth because CFLs last 10 times longer, you’ll only buy one that found in a typical amalgam dental filling. There are new bulbs bulb for every 10 incandescents you’d need. “Compact fluorescent uses about a quarter of the energy on the market with lower mercury levels, currently as low as 1.4 to 2.5 mg per bulb. of the old incandescent bulbs,” said Brown. “There are They come in many shapes and sizes as well as different significant energy savings and there’s no good reason light output levels and colour temperatures, to suit ■ why people shouldn’t be converting to these lamps.” It is critical to dispose of CFLs properly to ensure that even this almost any fixture and function. “When you’re talking tiny amount of mercury does not build up in the environment. Find about deck lighting or landscape lighting,” out where to dispose of CFLs in your area. Contact the Recycling he said, “you should be looking at low Council of B.C. for more information at 1-800-667-4321. voltage, easy-to-install and safe lighting units.” ■ There are dimmable CFLs available that will work with dimmer switches and other automatic lighting controls. Do not use Make sure you select the correct CFL standard CFLs with dimmers or you could shorten the bulb’s life by reading the package carefully, and risk breakage. The package will tell you if it is a dimmable Brown says. Some CFLs can stand CFL. alone outdoors, without needing to be enclosed, others are made to be ■ Outdoor lighting can account for a large percentage of overall enclosed in a fixture. Some outdoor residential lighting energy use. By switching to energy-efficient bulbs are made to work base up or base lamps, like compact fluorescent floodlights, metal halide or high- down specifically so it’s important to read

ght pressure sodium lights, you can reduce the energy you use. For

Wri the packages carefully so you will select example, high-pressure sodium lamps use 70 per cent less energy y y the right ones for the applications.

arr than a standard incandescent floodlight and last up to 10 times. L

Alfie Lau HOTOs P

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NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b15 Feng Shui for love Ancient Chinese practice reveals six steps to bedroom bliss

If you can’t seem to land a date, take bedroom, which will, says Dolinsky, help you And consider adding a loving colour to the a long hard look at your bedroom find the love that you’re looking for. corner, whether it be with red or pink paint or items that represent love. setup. Do you have only one bedside 1. Get rid of all the clutter. That means getting table? Is your bed pushed up against rid of the junk in your closet, drawers and 3. Whether you’re looking for love or are in a Divine design your wall? Is your closet messy? under your bed. relationship, it’s a good idea rid your room of Feng shui has the power to change “And not only physical clutter, but cleaning anything distracting. That means you should your home and life, says Ingrid If so, single friend, you may unknowingly be up old relationships and letting go of stuff, give TVs and computers the boot, or at least Binder Hauck, the author of a new crushing your abilities to attract a mate. thoughts, patterns in our lives,” says Dolinsky. hide them. book, Feng Shui With Attitude, “In your bedroom, the most important Jump-Start Your Joy. According to feng shui, the Chinese philosophy 2. Stand in your bedroom doorway and look activities are sleeping and making love, so “Not only does feng shui make of design and arrangement that’s meant to to the far, back, right-hand corner of the room. those are the things you need to do — not facilitate the flow of positive energy, there are your house look amazing, but What do you see there? What feeling does that reading and watching TV,” says Dolinsky. many rules to keep in mind when planning circumstances start to change,” she corner give you? It’s important, because that’s your bedroom space. says. the relationship area of your room. 4. Invest in a big, solid headboard, especially if you’re single. “In feng shui, the bedroom is the most “What we want is a feeling of love, good Her book explains the basics of important room in your house because you feelings, happy feelings,” she says. “It actually gives you a feeling of being taken feng shui and includes an energy care of and being supported,” says Dolinsky. spend most of your life in there,” says feng If the corner is messy, clean it up and then map, which makes it easy to apply shui consultant Gina Dolinsky. place items there that will “activate the A solid board is better, so try to avoid iron beds the principles to your home. At a energy.” Fresh flowers are a good choice, and boards with wooden slats. “You want a basic level, it’s as simple as putting “The energy in there is affecting you a lot. If because they bring a “delightful, life-giving solid feeling behind you.” the energy map over a floor plan of you’re going to spend some time and money, energy. your home to find out what parts that’s a great place to invest in yourself to make 5. Move your bed away from the wall so that it an oasis, your nest, your place that you love.” If it’s dark, add a lamp with soft lighting. Pairs it’s centred and not lined up with the doorway. correspond to different areas of your of things are great for this corner, so consider life. “If you were to draw a straight line through The following steps will help create the perfect adding two candles or two hangings. your doorway to the other wall, your For instance, is money a problem? bed shouldn’t fall in that line,” she The wealth isn’t flowing in your life says. quite as you’d hoped? Well, turn your The far corner away from the door is attention to the abundance, prosperity usually a great spot, but, again, make and wealth area of your home. “Like sure it’s not against the wall. attracts like is Feng Shui’s basic Also, make sure there’s nothing principle. Whatever feeling the wealth underneath your bed. “Otherwise you energy zone evokes for you is likely might have a lot of baggage that you to be the same kind of wealth energy attract in a new relationship and your that you are attracting into your life,” health may be affected.” writes Hauck.

6. Next: what’s on your bed? Ratty There is a chapter for each area of old sheets may not be the way to go. life: wealth, family, reputation and Change your bedding to make it more fame, marriage, creative offspring, romantic; use the colour red and helpful people and travel, knowledge invest in quality sheets. and spirituality, career and life If red sheets are a little much for your purpose. For each section, Hauck taste, Dolinsky suggests putting a red offers practical home solutions and cloth under the mattress. anecdotes from people who have made “The colour red is a sexy colour. It’s changes and seen results. energizing,” she says. Hattie Klotz Photo courtesy of the book Peaceful Spaces by Alice Whately Michelle Magnan

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People don’t usually spend a lot of time ask, the appropriate questions,” says Lon. thinking about their doors and windows. “The builders rely on us to read blueprints, Fortunately, Lon Miller and Mike Brouse of understand their needs, and provide an North Shore Door think of little else. For ten appropriate solution which can meet their years, they both worked at Lower Mainland deadlines, and their budget.” door manufacturers, learning all they could about building top quality doors and windows. “North Shore Door also has a wide range of commercial products such as commercial steel In 2008, they decided to go out on their doors and hardware,” says Mike. “We have the own and give their customers the very best know-how and ability to support commercial, products possible. industrial, and architectural projects. Today, they are one of Greater Vancouver’s Some projects present special challenges, leading suppliers of custom pre-hung doors but North Shore Door is ready and able to and all weather windows. Members of the overcome them. Window and Door Manufactures Association of BC, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders “Locally, our most challenging project was the Association, the Canadian Home Builders re-build of the Gleneagles golf course club Association and the Building Supply Industry house in West Vancouver,” says Lon. “This Association, Mike and Lon know what it takes project required us to provide products under a to fulfi ll any request. demanding timeline to a custom specifi cation. With the help of our very talented staff and “Simply stated, our mission is to provide support of our vendors, we met the challenge.” top quality products, outstanding service and peace of mind to our customers,” says Doors, however, are only part of the products Mike. “Value and customer service are the available. most important things we provide. We pride ourselves in the ability to fulfi ll any request. We “We are also an All Weather Windows design have the ability to build to any spec, with the center,” says Lon. “We have an in house capacity to fi ll large orders.” window specialist with 16 years experience in the window and door industry. We also Working with a network of dealers and local can supply door and bathroom hardware, builders, North Shore Door has developed their commercial products, mouldings and reputation for quality by listening to what their installation.” customers need and attracting a staff of skilled craftsmen. When the time comes to upgrade your doors and windows, it’s worth giving North Shore “We provide our retailers with the knowledge Door a call. They spend all their time thinking and tools they need to be able to answer, and about doors so you don’t have to.

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NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b17 Advertisement WANT TO CUT ENERGY COSTS? And add street appeal? Take a look at your windows.

Energy costs are a concern for all home owners. With volatile prices for electricity and natural gas, you have to fi nd savings wherever possible and one of the biggest potentials to cut home heating costs is Milgard Replacement Windows and staring you, literally, in the face. Doors are an Investment The average room can lose between 20-50% of its “There have been some changes in glass options. heat through the windows. New developments in A clear window coating called Low E, or low-emis- that Pays You Back window technology and frame construction can im- sivity, is applied to one side of the glass in a dual pane prove the energy effi ciency of your home’s windows window. by up to 50%. All windows sold in BC, except solid wood framed REDUCE YOUR ELEGANT windows, are now required to be tested to meet the EFFICIENCY BC Energy Effi ciency Act and carry a removable la- HEATING BILL bel that indicates the U-value, or overall heating loss rating. The lower the number, the more effi cient the This coating reduces heat loss while also keeping window. A U-value of 2.0 or less is mandated under the room cool during summer by rejecting the sun’s the regulations. heat and damaging rays. It also provides UV protec- tion against fading fabrics and furnishings.” LIFETIME One way to tell is to look for the Energy Star label. Certifi ed by an independent agency for quality and The Energy Star program is having an impact as well. WARRANTY energy effi ciency, Energy Star windows lower your “New windows should always meet Energy Star re- heating costs, reduce condensation and keep your quirements. In All Weather windows the 3550 series home warm in winter and cool in summer. Hydistinction casement window features convenience The province of BC is broken into three climate and energy effi ciency of PVC on the inside with the zones- coastal, central and northern- and the En- durability of aluminum on the outside and is available ergy Star windows sold in Greater Vancouver are in a variety of colours. Fiberglass windows and re- designed for the conditions in our region and are placement fi berglass windows are designed to match always exempt from the provincial sales tax. the beauty and profi le of solid wood windows. Fiber- glass windows are impervious to water, cold, heat, Trevor Stephenson of Lynn Valley’s IRLY Building insects, salt air and ultraviolet rays. The re- Centre knows the ins and outs of window replace- sult is energy effi cient fi berglass windows that ment. maintain their beauty in every season in any “Early vinyl windows had climate.” problems with thermal ex- The savings and reduction in emissions created can pansion,” says Trevor. “The be as attractive as the windows themselves. vinyl frame would expand or contract at a different “Installing energy effi cient windows and doors will rate from the glass and cause save you money on your heating and cooling bills and leaks. Modern vinyl windows also help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide re- are much more durable leased into the environment. Savings would be approx and dimensionally $400 per year depending on the size of the house. stable.” Green house gas reduction would be approx 9%.” As well, there As always, it pays to hire experts for installation. Th ree reasons there has never been have been “Installation of new or replacement should be done a better time to replace your windows: advances in by certifi ed professionals to ensure proper installation glass tech- for warranties to be valid. Also be sure the contractors TREVOR STEPHENSON nology. have WCB and carry liability insurance.” 1. With the new Milgard Energy Rebate you can earn up to $750 back until May 31, 2009 2. When you buy Milgard replacement windows you may qualify for a 2009 Federal Tax Credit** 3. Window replacement off ers an average 93.1% Return on your investment*

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Call today for more information on Milgard Replacement Windows & Doors or for a free, no pressure, in-home estimate. B-18 b18 / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 Backyards going to the birds attracting birds reduction in pesticide and herbicide in winter, feeding feathered friends Spring may be the time to Birds need these four things, and bird use,” says Morton. that might struggle with snow on the plant bulbs and fill planters enthusiasts that provide each of the following will ground. But Solomon says spring is find better success at attracting birds to their yards: with blooms but drawing birds Besides helping ourselves, we’re actually the best time to provide food. also supporting the creatures. “They to your backyard oasis can be “You’re helping them while they have Food are losing their natural habitat with their young,” he explains. “People think Keep it simple with quality ingredients. Solomon an inexpensive way to add to development. So by doing this (feeding winter is the best time to feed birds suggests hulled sunflower chips, as the seeds don’t the birds), we’re also helping to the outdoor esthetic. and don’t have to feed them while grow and won’t leave a mess with other mass-produced replicate some of their food sources,” they’re out gathering bugs for their combs and gimmick feed. Those looking to attract Birds create “colour, motion and sound says Randy Solomon, the owner of young in spring.” humming birds should use four parts water for each one for your static garden display. So (they) Backyard Bird Centre in Port Moody. part of white table sugar. And leave the food colouring out, bring your backyard alive,” says John With a local food source, Solomon says, as natural is best. Morton, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited “And it’s enjoyable. It’s though, they are more in North Vancouver. almost like having pets, but Water likely to stay closer to Bird baths serve the dual purpose of providing a place they are free to come and go And it makes environmental sense, the nest and ensure the for birds to bathe and drink without having to travel far, too. “Birds eat bugs. They feed their as they please.” especially important during nesting season. babies, especially at this time of year survival of baby birds. exclusively on insects pests so it’s a Many people break out the birdseed Shelter And it doesn’t take a large investment These are places the birds can get away from the to lure birds to backyards, he says. elements, like under the branches of trees or shrubs. A $20 feeder and nesting box can go a long way to kick-starting a Nesting sites naturescaped yard. Enclosed boxes with small holes that keep out predators can be strategically placed to It may not seem like much, but those encourage mommy birds to raise small steps “really make a difference,” their young in your yard. Solomon says. “To start, it’s fairly

inexpensive.” For more Morton suggests the best food to buy information visit is straight black oil sunflower seed, as http://vancouver.wbu.com. n

e they have the highest amount of fat and n

ee energy for the birds. Simone Blais and Joanna Habdank nP va

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04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b19

Fashionably late with planting this year? Don’t fret. There is still plenty of time to plan a garden. According to Susan Spring forward, prune back Nyschuk of GardenWorks in Capilano, garden centres are currently brimming with colourful potted plants that can Trim flowering plants to ready them for growing season brighten up outdoor spaces during the summer and spend the winter indoors. Birds need these four things, and bird enthusiasts that provide each of the following will As the days get longer and However, rather than just letting the Another way of strengthening the Nyschuk recommends these varieties for a starter garden: find better success at attracting birds to their yards: plants go crazy, try a little judicious ensuing growth is to make sure that Austrailian mint bush (Prostanthera rotundifolium) the sun shines a lot brighter pruning. the plant is being well fed. Food through our windows, many This plant boasts purple flowers and an evergreen leaf. Keep it simple with quality ingredients. Solomon If your plants have been growing inside Give them a regular monthly feeding Nyschuk says it should be ready to go outdoors around the suggests hulled sunflower chips, as the seeds don’t plants that have been indoors since last fall, much of the growth has from now until June. Once they’ve been end of May and will stay there happily until mid-fall. grow and won’t leave a mess with other mass-produced become rather long and spindly, due put outside again and they start to combs and gimmick feed. Those looking to attract all winter start to show signs to the reduction in light from what they grow even faster, increase the feeding Phormium humming birds should use four parts water for each one of growth. were used to outdoors. This is quite frequency to once every two weeks. Another plant from down under, Phormium sprouts tall part of white table sugar. And leave the food colouring out, natural. What we need is something blade-like leaves with hues ranging from pink to yellow Solomon says, as natural is best. This applies in particular to flowering more compact and robust. Since these are flowering plants, use to green. Nyschuk says these plants start out at 45 – 50 plants that were brought indoors late centimetres (18-20 inches) tall but can grow up to 61 cm (two Water a fertilizer with a high phosphor and Bird baths serve the dual purpose of providing a place in the season to protect them over Using a pair of pruning shears, cut potassium content, in either a liquid or feet). Phormium can also winter outside in milder years, but for birds to bathe and drink without having to travel far, the winter. I’m thinking of varieties back all the growth that appears powdered form. Put it in your watering it’s best to pull them in if the temperature is set to plummet. especially important during nesting season. like Hibiscus, Nerium (oleander), thinner and weaker than the rest. In can. Pelargonium (geranium) and other words, all of the growth that Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopia) Shelter Plumeria. happened since the winter began. Stuart Robertson Also called lily of the Nile, the long, tube-like blossoms These are places the birds can get away from the of this plant bring an elegant, almost tropical feel to an elements, like under the branches of trees or If you’ve kept them growing This might sound drastic, outdoor garden. Nyschuk advises placing calla lilies in shrubs. full sun for the summer and pulling them indoors before in the warmth of your home, but whenever you prune off the first cold snap. Nesting sites all this extra sun should a healthy stem, new growth Enclosed boxes with small holes that keep out will break out just behind Nyschuk also advises patience when it comes to putting predators can be strategically placed to perk them up enough that plants outside in the spring. It’s still a little cool at night encourage mommy birds to raise they’ll start putting on extra where you’ve cut. for most plants that have wintered indoors, she says, but their young in your yard. growth and might even start predicts the weather will have warmed up enough by the flowering again. With the better light conditions now first week of May. available, this new growth will be stronger than the part that you cut off. Heartier plants, like most vegetables and herbs By the way, if you were keeping these can be planted outside right now. The only plants in the cool so they would only This sort of “heading back” pruning exceptions are tomato and basil, which need grow very slowly, now is the time to slightly warmer temperatures to venture outdoors. can be done on any of flowering me.com sti

bring them into warmer and sunnier plants mentioned. Even if flowers have m a e

conditions to get them ready for the bloomed, shorten each stem so that r For more information visit www.gardenworks.ca. D

summer. the new growth will be stronger. HOTO

P Jessica Barrett

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Full length 9 holes, no reservations required, challenging layout, beautiful views, new bunkers, local affordable & fun.

es Golf Course, Spring ‘09 Our trip to Gleneagl 6190 Marine Drive, West Vancouver Club House: 604.921.7353 B-20 b20 / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 PUT THE EDGEWOOD ADVANTAGE New TO WORK FOR YOU Homes

One of the biggest challenges facing home owners looking at building their dream home or renovating their existing home is choosing the right builder for their specifi c project. Since 2002, a growing number of North Shore residents and businesses have turned to Edgewood Construction for long-lasting, high quality construction. BEFORE “Our specialty is custom work, whether new homes, This is particularly important in commercial construction. large renovations, or commercial tenant improvements” While the objective is to improve the look and says Edgewood’s owner Burns McLellan. “We are really in functionality of any given workspace, Edgewood Renovations the business of improving customer’s lives by improving understands that for a business, completing the scope of the space they live in. We pride ourselves in our ability to work on schedule and on budget is paramount to their solve challenges.” operation. The focus on improving their customers’ lives has earned In the end, it comes down to Value. Edgewood the respect of their peers and a reputation for quality in the marketplace. “In our Company, value is viewed as a combination of cost, quality, utility and aesthetic design. Though each is “Most customers are referrals from previous customers. very important, no one of these factors by itself will serve They have an idea, but are not sure how to proceed. the needs of our clients. It’s got to be a package. Value We help most of our customers all the way through should endure to be of real benefi t to our customers, and the process, from design, permitting, construction to this is our primary goal.” completion. We have even helped some customers connect with the right fi nancial institutions.” By developing solid relationships with their customers, Edgewood Construction has been able to complete projects to their customer’s satisfaction, even in AFTER challenging circumstances. “Working on a major renovation while the owners continue to live in the house presents unique demands on everyone. With Commercial careful scheduling and good communication, we’ve been able to successfully complete the tasks at hand.”

Edgewood Construction Ltd. 109-828 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver 604-983-3330 • www.edgewoodconstruction.ca B-21

NORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b21

These clean, modern looks are part of John Friswell’s award-winning projects. Leading by design

Home renovation is no makes a point of working to improve “It also gives a level of credibility longer a case of banging his profession as well as renovating that is of high importance to local homes. From his office on someone looking for a contractor. in a few nails and ripping Welch Street, he oversees the needs Of course no association or down a couple of walls. of his clients, the training of his member is perfect and customers team members and the standards of should be careful to check their Changes in home design, materials, his industry associates. record, like the reports from the building codes and environmental Better Business Bureau, and their concerns present builders with a To him, it’s where the small picture references.” dizzying array of challenges that meets the big picture. require constant skill upgrading One of the ways Friswell is able and clear communication with their “Mostly due to the rash of to manage his schedule stay industry partners and sub-trades. home shows, magazines on top of industry trends is by understanding his core business John Friswell of North Vancouver’s and books most people and focusing on being the best CCI Renovations understands this have the idea that all at it. better than most. Having been a renovators are bad and builder most of his life, he began “We are strictly a residential concentrating on renovations in that they are out to get renovator concentrating on the 1992. Today, as chairman of the them,” says Friswell. North Shore with some projects Canadian Renovations Council, he in Vancouver and Burnaby. We have been very successful with “Customers should look to our kitchen and bathroom projects the level of involvement and have a passion for the more of the contractors in contemporary/minimalist styles of their associations, homes. We are also very heavily any education involved with the green movement or certification and making the most of what we programs they may

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cont. on page 23 HOTOs HOTOs P discusses design plans. P

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Hoping to renovate your home but North Shore renovation contractor John winner of B.C.’s Best Residential Renovator ■ Be a member in good standing of the Friswell, chairman of the Canadian award for three consecutive years, welcomes not sure who to trust? association. Renovators Council, recipient of the 2009 the RenoMark program to this region. Canadian Renovators Council Award and There’s a new national program called ■ Abide by the association’s code of cont. on page 23 RenoMark that offers to provide homeowners ethics. with greater confidence when hiring ■ Provide a detailed, written contract contractors to renovate their homes. It was (including scope of work) for all jobs. recently adopted by the Renovation Council ■ Offer a minimum two-year warranty of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ on all work (excludes minor repair Association and asks contractors to abide by work). several conditions in order to be part of the program. ■ Carry a minimum of $2 million liability insurance. A Destination Nursery “B.C. homeowners will spend more than $7 ■ Have coverage for workplace safety billion on home renovation and improvement in Your Own Backyard! and employers’ liability and/or work this year and I am constantly amazed that only with sub-contractors who carry One of the largest and most under-the-table cash deals often trump such coverage. exciting selections of perennials Bring in written contracts that clearly define the in Canada with over 3000 this ad for terms and conditions of a renovation ■ Carry applicable licences and permits. different species and cultivars! project, including scope of work, schedules, ■ Maintain a professional level of 15%OFF Expires April 30th, 2009 permits, payments, WorkSafeBC coverage knowledge on current building codes, and warranty,” said the association’s chief permit procedures, and technical executive officer Peter Simpson, in a press skills through continuing education. release. ■ Maintain a safe and organized To be accepted into the RenoMark program, worksite. a renovation contractor must abide by the ■ Return phone calls within two program’s 10-condition code of conduct: business days. 04083618

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04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWSNORTH SHORE NEWS 04 / 26 / 09 at home / b23

cont. from page 22 market and created a burgeoning and deal with the opportunists has been endorsed by the Ottawa- underground economy in illegal who are available to start as early based Canadian Home Builders’ Friswell says, in the release, that cash deals. as tomorrow. This is asking for Association, and adopted by home cont. from page 21 home renovations have become trouble and trouble usually appears builder associations across Canada. more complicated and multi- “Homeowners who decide to quickly,” adds Friswell, whose Year for three consecutive faceted, and experienced renovators renovate their homes typically company, CCI Renovations, is busy To learn more, visit years at the Georgie Awards, are concerned the high demand desire instant gratification, but the scheduling projects into the fall. www.gvhba.org. which are presented by the for renovation work has brought pros are usually busy elsewhere, Canadian Home Builder’s unqualified contractors into the so homeowners drop their guard Founded in Toronto, RenoMark Mark Hood Association of B.C. In the last six years CCI has also won a total of seven Georgie awards, been nominated for 25 TELUS AUTHORIZED Georgies, four national awards DEALERS and was named Canada’s LOWER MAINLAND Vancouver Top Renovator for 2008 by the 551 Robson St. Canadian Renovators Council. Oakridge Centre Pacific Centre 2163 West 4th Ave. 501 West Georgia St. For those who 101 - 925 West Georgia St. 5720 East Blvd. are considering 689 Thurlow St. 3 - 1855 Burrard St. renovations, 3343 West Broadway 2748 Rupert St. 1 - 525 Seymour St. Friswell suggests 150 - 625 Howe St. 105 - 950 West Broadway concentrating on 1707 Robson St. Running right 1092 Kingsway someone’s reputation 10 - 3490 Kingsway Aldergrove rather than being 310 - 26310 Fraser Hwy. Abbotsford swayed by lower price Sevenoaks Shopping Centre 2 - 32915 South Fraser Way tags. 1 - 2142 Clearbrook Rd. day and night. 401 - 2140 Sumas Way Burnaby Brentwood Mall Having someone that will Crystal Square stand behind their work and Lougheed Mall Metrotown/Metropolis be there when you need them 214B - 4501 North Rd. 4711 Kingsway can save you money in the 7531 Market Crossing long run. “Contractors that are 111 - 3823 Henning Dr. 204B - 3430 Brighton Ave. in business for the long haul Chilliwack Cottonwood Mall have established relationships 103 - 45300 Luckakuck Way with all of their suppliers, 11 - 45905 Yale Rd. 7544B Vedder Rd. trades and professionals. A Cloverdale good contractor always has 201 - 17725 64th Ave. Coquitlam his finger on the pulse of the Coquitlam Centre 101 - 3278 Westwood St. industry and is constantly 5 - 3000 Lougheed Hwy. making sure that he is getting 2700B Barnet Hwy. 22 - 2988 Glen Dr. good value and great quality. 2 - 901 Lougheed Hwy. Companies that are not set New Westminster Royal City Centre up as legitimate businesses Delta Scottsdale Mall will not have the commitment 7235 120th St. to their staff and industry 1517 56th St. Langley partners and, most likely, Walnut Grove Town Centre are not charging enough to Willowbrook Shopping Centre 3 - 19638 Fraser Hwy. operate for very long. A good 103 - 19700 Langley Bypass C104 - 20159 88th Ave. company has an overhead 19971 96th Ave. like any company and their C7 - 20202 66th Ave. Maple Ridge reputation is foremost when 22661 Lougheed Hwy. they are working with their Mission 100 - 32670 Lougheed Hwy. clients.” 318 - 32555 London Ave. North Vancouver Capilano Mall 127 - 1199 Lynn Valley Rd. “Find someone that 1295 Marine Dr. 1748 Lonsdale Ave. you can trust and 1392 Main St. Port Moody communicate with. * 202 Newport Dr. Bundle on the most reliable home network. Pitt Meadows A renovation is a 735 - 19800 Lougheed Hwy. Richmond relationship and you Aberdeen Centre Admiralty Centre Mall must survive that Get a great deal on your home phone services when you Ironwood Mall Lansdowne Mall relationship intact for sign up for TELUS High Speed. You’ll get: 95 Parker Place Richmond Centre the renovation to be a TELUS home phone with unbeatable call quality* 115 - 12571 Bridgeport Rd. /mo.‡ Surrey success.” 1 Calling Feature $20 Central City Shopping Centre Guildford Town Centre 4¢/min. North American calling† When you sign up for High Speed. 201 - 13734 104th Ave. 135 - 12477 88th Ave. If you are planning on ** 2404 King George Hwy. Plus, get 1 month of all your services FREE. 1675 128th St. renovating in the near future, 108 - 7380 King George Hwy. 403 - 15940 Fraser Hwy. research your builders 10310A 152nd St. carefully. Check with the West Vancouver Park Royal Shopping Centre Better Business Bureau, The North/South Greater Vancouver Home White Rock Semiahmoo Shopping Centre Builders Association, the 10 - 3189 King George Hwy.

Canadian Renovators Council OKANAGAN/NORTHERN BC and any references the builder Aberdeen Mall (Kamloops) Northills Centre (Kamloops) supplies. As well, most trades Orchard Park Mall (Kelowna) will have their own industry Spall Plaza (Kelowna) Cherry Lane Shopping associations and consumer Centre (Penticton) Pine Centre (Prince George) resource groups. Spending the Piccadilly Mall (Salmon Arm) time will save you heartache Village Green Mall (Vernon) Whistler and money. 7009 Nesters Rd. Squamish Visit www.ccirenos.com for 38116 2nd Ave. more information. Call 310-1144 or visit telus.com/bundle or your nearest TELUS authorized dealer. *Based on total service disruptions and outages experienced by clients in the past year. †Applies to direct-dialled long distance calls only. Overseas calls terminating on a wireless phone or audio text facilities may be subject to higher rates. ‡Offer available until May 4, 2009 to residential clients in select locations who sign up for TELUS High Speed Internet and who have not signed up for this service in the past 90 days. Minimum bundle rate available is $35.90/month for the first year based on High Speed Lite Internet service. Regular bundle rate of $40.90/month starts on month 13 based on the same services. Limited time offer, Mark Hood subject to change on 30 days notice. **1 month of free services available to clients who have not signed up for TELUS High Speed Internet in the past 90 days and will be applied to the client’s account within the first 12 months of service. Minimum system requirements apply. © 2009 TELUS. B-24 b24 / at home 04 / 26 / 09 NORTH SHORE NEWS BURRARD ROOFING HAS YOU COVERED

t’s understandable that you may not spend a lot of time thinking Iabout your home’s roof. Fortunately for you, Wally Sullivan and his team of certifi ed installers think of little else. For almost 30 years, Burrard Roofi ng and Drainage has been proudly providing peace of mind to home owners throughout the Lower Mainland. Specializing in all drainage issues, as well as fl at and sloped roofi ng, Burrard has built a solid reputation for service and quality by addressing the underlying water problems, not just treating the symptoms. The North Shore’s reliably damp climate means that it’s common to have problems with wind driven rain and, in the case of poorly Member of the Better Business reasonable cost of labour to install ventilated attics, peeling exterior Bureau and a certifi ed Master Elite them. paint and internal staining. Having Contractor with Platinum and Trade a roofi ng system that’s designed to Qualifi ed installers, Burrard is there With both the product line to take the punishment unique to our when you need help and with you provide an integrated roofi ng system climate conditions is a must. down the road if there’s a problem. and the skilled installers to make More importantly, they’ve got the it work for you, Burrard Roofi ng is With a life-span of between 25-40 track record to back it up. here to help you today, and in the years, a new roof is a big investment. long run. Having a long warranty is fi ne, but While the chances of having a working with a company that will problem with roofi ng materials Please visit our website to view short still be there if there’s a problem is are slim Smart Choice warranties videos on roof installations just as important. cover both material defects and the www.burrardinc.com

Website: www.burrardinc.com 604.986.1812