Newly Renovated Natural Health Centre Helps Create a Warm, Homey Environment

Photo: Wo-Built’s  Commercial Renovation
Natural Health Center: New  Treatment  Spaces and  Resource Centre

2013 @ wobuilt.com

"My interest in nature began early.
When I was 3, I refused to leave a park because I had to pick ALL the dandelions (just imagine a sea of yellow).
 

My current ambition is to help others to use the power of nature to feel their best.
And to love dandelions as much as I do.  ;-)"
~ Janet McKenzie, Summit Natural Health Centre

Welcome to the Newly Renovated Natural Health Centre

We were privileged to work with Ms Janet McKenzie, ND on her new offices for her Summit Natural Health Centre at 5133 Dundas Street West.

The original use for the space was a sales office for the adjacent condo building, hence we were lucky in being able to reuse a lot of the services (HVAC, Fire/Safety, and Lighting) with minor alterations.

As our mandate is to be green, we also reused as much of the existing finishes (doors, carpet (good quality, almost new), and bathroom fixtures) as we could to lessen the amount of materials that went into the landfill.

Our scope of work included adding several consulting rooms and adding a second bathroom. We had some surprises during the renovations, no renovation is without, but we resolved them in some innovative ways. More of that in a later post.

We were able to help create a warm homey environment for the Health Centre, very much on the lines Ms McKenzie envisaged. Something we feel is very important in a health and wellness environment. A calming and relaxing atmosphere will help ease minds, make clients comfortable and facilitate the journey to wellness.

Summit Natural Health Centre is now open. For more information about natural therapies and treatments please contact the Centre.


Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
wobuilt.com/blog: Medical Facilities - Building Image and Branding of Your Spaces
Wo-Built’s Commercial Renovation Project Naturopathic Office

wobuilt.com/blog: Health & Wellness Professionals: You wouldn’t let just anyone Run your Practice; Why let just anyone Remodel your Premises?
The bottom-line: we are nothing without our health. Wo-Built could mean everything to the health and wellness of your practice.

Photo: Wo-Built’s  Commercial Renovation
Natural Health Center: New  Treatment  Spaces and  Reception Area

2013 @ wobuilt.com

About Summit Natural Health Centre
Summit Natural Health Centre is a multi-disciplinary clinic focusing on natural medicine. Our mission is to provide individualized care supported by resources that allow clients and members of the community to learn about health and natural treatments.
Summit offers practitioners' rooms in newly renovated premises located in an area with excellent potential for growth.

Summit Natural Health Center
5133 Dundas Street West
Etobicoke, ON M9A 1C1
Phone: 416-236-7642
E-mail: contactus@summitnaturalhealth.ca
Facebook: Summit Natural Health Centre 
Web: www.summitnaturalhealth.ca

Some of the Challenges with Providing a Second Bathroom in a Commercial Space

Photos: Wo-Built’s Commercial Building Renovation Project in Progress
2012 @ wobuilt.com

On our last project constructing a second bathroom in a commercial building was an interesting challenge

Most space renovations in large commercial building are generally straight forward as long as you don't mess with the structure. Then it becomes complicated. On our last project constructing a second bathroom was an interesting challenge.

Due to the slab configuration and the element within we could not core the slab for the toilet drain. Luckily we had a "spare hole" (previous drilling) in the vicinity, but, of course not in line for any of the bathroom fixtures. The amount of hoops we had to jump through to get the plumbing to code was phenomenal. But we persevered and we made it work.

On a general note the main issues in commercial spaces are the services, HVAC, electrical, fire/smoke alarms, sprinklers and plumbing are the main ones, because many are centrally controlled and can have system-wide implications. Even installing localized fans can be a problem, because you may have to puncture the outside envelope.

Even though these issues are often difficult, at Wo-Built we look for solutions, however out-side the box thinking we have to do.


Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Build Yourself a Dream Business: Open a B&B

Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: buildings, inns, Swiss architecture, travelers

“Manuel will show you to your rooms - if you're lucky.”
- Basil Fawlty from Fawlty Towers

Ever dreamed of “getting away from it all” permanently? Maybe opening a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is right for you. And no, we are not suggesting you follow the “Basil Fawlty School of Inn keeping.”

The concept is simple enough: open a room or two in your home to strangers. For a fee, offer them overnight accommodation in a warm and friendly atmosphere along with a nice breakfast.
Whether you’re in The Beaches in Toronto, by the lake in Oakville, up north, or anywhere, doing a B&B right will mean more guests and more revenues.

That will require some serious design and building considerations, whether you are building from scratch or renovating / re-building your existing home.

• How will you redesign the space — maximum occupancy potential or maximum comfort (even luxury)?
• How do you envision the common areas, kitchen, and dining room?
• Bathroom facilities: will they be shared or will each room have their own?
• Will you have at least one room with an in-suite Jacuzzi (popular with fatigued business travelers and romantic couples alike)?
• What about a fireplace in each room?
• Will the rooms have entertainment in-suite?
• Will you provide internet wirelessly or will you also provide a wired network?
• Will you offer parking?
• How many spaces?

If the idea of converting your existing property into a viable bed and breakfast sounds appealing to you, but you don’t know where to begin, you may want to start by calling a contractor who you can trust to help you envision the dream and make it a reality.


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
wikipedia.org: Bed and breakfast
"A bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals."

michaelwalker.ca: CITY OF TORONTO ZONING BY-LAW No. 438-86 AMENDED DECEMBER, 2001 Section 6 - Residential Districts
"22. A bed and breakfast establishment is a permitted use provided: (425-93)
(i) a maximum of two rooms are used for the purpose of providing lodging to the travelling public;
(ii) the detached house, semi-detached house or row house within which such establishment is located
is not simultaneously used for the keeping of roomers or boarders; (425-93)
(iii) the bed and breakfast establishment is operated by a person or persons whose ordinary and
principal residence is within such detached house, semi-detached house or row house; and (425-93) (858-88)
(iv) vehicle access is by means other than a mutual driveway. (425-93)"

mississauga.ca: Bed and Breakfast Chart: APPENDIX 6: Page 1 BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS PROVISIONS OF SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES
"City of Toronto Official Plan defines “Bed and breakfast establishment”- means a portion of residence for lodging the travelling public.
No licensing By-law regulating Bed and Breakfast Establishments."

cra-arc.gc.ca: Canada Revenue Agency: Operating a Bed and Breakfast in Your Home

Top Reasons to Do Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Collage: Planning a Home Renovation? Kitchens & Bathrooms
Are the Best Bet to Increase Your House Property Value!
2011 @ wobuilt.com

Bathrooms and kitchens - the main areas that will increase your property value (apart from building a home addition).

With the new, slightly tighter Canada's mortgage rules coming in effect March 18, 2011 it may be best to consider renovating the areas that give you the best bang for your buck (so to speak). Kitchen and bathrooms are on the top of the list, while basement renovations are close to the bottom for return on your investment. FYI - the most cost effective renovation measure is painting.

As a guide:

[ V ] A fully loaded kitchen renovation with gutting everything to the studs, new drywall, electrical, plumbing, custom cabinets, new faucets, new flooring, backsplash, countertop and painting can easily cost you in the range of $40,000, more or less.

[ V ] Equally a full bathroom gut and renovation will be easily in the range of $20,000.

[ V ] In addition a reserve fund of 20% should be available for unforeseen circumstances such as asbestos removal, mold issues, structural repairs and design changes.

Even though these costs seem high, they are typical; it is often the finishes that drive up the costs. In our experience compromising on the finishes will lead to disappointment as the second choices rarely will be satisfactory and can lead to buyer’s remorse.

Please consider that just doing a renovation to get the best return on investment is in our opinion the wrong reason for starting a renovation unless of course you are a developer. It takes a very detached attitude to make this kind of renovation profitable. As renovating a home is an emotional decision for the owner, the outcome should be enjoyed for a long time. A renovation should improve comfort, possible enlarge the space and add more attraction. It should also be to the owners’ taste and requirements; not to a potential hypothetical buyer.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
Department of Finance Canada: Backgrounder: Supporting the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market: Mortgage Insurance

canequity.com: Mortgage rules may slow home renovations in 2011
CanEquity News, Staff on January 21st, 2011

wobuilt.com: Top Renovations That Increase Home Value
by Sheila Doris

wobuilt.com: What do you want to get out of your home renovation?
by Martina Ernst

wobuilt.com: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!
by Lonya Miller

A Renovation Company‘s Rites of Passage – Our Evolving Missions and Commitments

Collage: A renovation company‘s rites of passage –
our evolving missions and commitments
2009 @ wobuilt.com

Occasionally I feel the need to tell everyone how proud we are of the company we are constantly evolving. It has now been almost 6 month since our New Year message and it is time again for an update.

Despite the recession we are designing and building numerous home improvement projects of various sizes and we are more than ever committed to providing great design with affordability. We provide detailed cost breakdowns of the projects on an ongoing basis throughout the design period and keep track of the costs during the construction.

We have now added an environmental mandate starting by offering "green roofs", mainly because we are trying to incorporate new technologies in our designs to combine the wow-factor with practical solutions. Any reduction in our carbon footprint will be a step towards environmental responsibility. Our Maintenance Plan initiative also helps the cause as a well-maintained home can reduce energy consumption.

Our renovation tips have been well received and we are now holding design workshops on a regular basis and the one about kitchens and bathrooms was a great hit. Over the last six months it has become very clear to us that we love the design aspect of our design and build process and that we would like to share our passion for design with the community.

We are still working on our mandate to create more women renovators, but truthfully it has been slow, but we are committed to the cause. We are still trying to have training courses for women and hopefully by the end of the year we will be able to report success. As part of this effort Elida volunteered her expertise at the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Blitz earlier in the season. Where we can, we like to help Habitat for Humanity, especially with donating reusable items. We have met many interesting women in our journey and one of them is now a regular writer on our forum (Janice Bell of Bell Renovations).

Even though our community work is important to us our main focus are our clients. We are grateful and excited at the opportunities that are presented to us in every new project. One of our last year’s projects was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious BILD awards. A proud moment for our client and us. Our aim is to share many of these moments in the future with our clients.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wobuilt Inc: 2008 New Year's Message from the CEO
Wobuilt Inc: 2009 New Year's Message from the CEO

technorati tags:
3 posts tagged cost breakdown
24 posts tagged maintenance plan
47 posts tagged renovation tips
3 posts tagged kitchens and bathrooms
women renovators
8 posts tagged reusable items
8 posts tagged martina ernst

Get Your Smart Kitchen & Bathroom Design Ideas: Wo-Built's Home Design Workshop at Wise Daughters

Screenshot: SNAP Bloor West: 2009 May:
Craft Market Hosts Home Design Series
Credit: SNAP Bloor West

Many thanks to SNAP Bloor West for sharing a story and photos of our first home design workshop at the Wise Daughters.

Tonight we will have a workshop on kitchen and bathroom design tips, style trends, and smart upgrades ideas.

See you there!

we tweet @ twitter

[√] Wednesday, May 13, 7 – 9 pm
Kitchens and bathrooms

Want to take a workshop? Please pre-register:
Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5P 1Z9
(facing Quebec Avenue, just south Dundas, behind Crema Coffee)
There is ample street parking on Dundas and Quebec.
Via TTC: Junction bus # 40 from Dundas West Station,
Lambton bus # 30 (or 15 min. walk) from High Park Station.
tel: 416-761-1555
e-mail: wisedaughters@sympatico.ca
web: www.wisedaughters.com

For future workshops, see www.wisedaughters.com

links:
Reminder: Wo-Built's Home Design Workshop Tonight!
Our First Session of the Home Design Workshop Series
How to Improve Your Home Spaces: Wo-Built Design Workshop Tonight
Wo-Built Is Launching a New Home Design Series Covering All Your Home Improvement Questions
snapbloorwest.com: SNAP Bloor West: 2009 May: Craft Market Hosts Home Design Series
entrepreneur.com: Business Idea Center: Home Renovation Classes

technorati tags:
2,369 posts tagged home design
home design workshop
5,722 posts tagged do it yourself
16 posts tagged wo built
1 posts tagged wise daughters

Top Renovations That Increase Home Value

Collage: Wo-Built's Renovation Projects: the Ranch and the Tower
Interesting Bungalow Additions with Architectural Merit.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Silhouettes

With warmer weather the spring bug strikes. … people start thinking about ideas to improve their homes.

Most often asked is whether money spent renovating can be recouped in increased property value, and which projects increase value the most ???

The key factor is to ensure that renovations increase at least two of three elements: comfort, convenience, luxury. Both aesthetics and function should also be improved with the work.

Return on investment is tied to increasing the desirability of a property to buyers. In established neighborhoods - the character of older buildings, complete with modern conveniences, is most desired.

Renovated Homes sell better than less expensive ones that require work……Few want the inconvenience of upgrading.

If you are brave enough to do it–the investment pays off !!!!

The top renovation areas that increase home value are :

1. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Upgraded architectural elements- windows, porches, skylights, front entries.
3. Upgraded Lifestyle features that:
a. Add comfort - whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, heated floors.
b. Add convenience laundry rooms on a main /upper floor, extra storage, walk outs.
c. Add luxury - steam shower, body jets.
4. Upgraded materials & finishes - wood floors, granite countertops.
5. Upgraded landscaping - decks, patios, water features.

Cost vs. Return on Investment

Adding an extra bathroom: quickest, and highest level of return…. A bathroom on each level is most desirable.

Updating a kitchen: the investment is returned completely in a short time - if reasonable quality items and good design are used.

Upgrading a bathroom: provides an excellent return over time, - especially adding luxury features - separate shower, whirlpool bath.

Additions vs updating existing areas - more space adds most value…. unless existing space is unusable-i.e. unfinished basements.

Now you know your money will be wisely spent there is no reason to hold back ... get out the measuring tape and begin your plans ... Happy Spring.

__________________________________________________
Sheila Doris has been an interior designer for over 25 years and is a member of A.R.I.D.O. She specializes in residential work, and writes about design and renovation. Her company S.I.Design offers a tips & techniques newsletter @ s-I-design.ca.
technorati tags:
1,652 blog posts tagged renovations
2,441 blog posts tagged renovation
186 blog posts tagged return on investment