"Bringing the outdoors in" is Our Kind of Language!

Image Montage by Wo-Built: Wo-Built and PeapodLife Logos + “pPodLite” Rainforest Ecosystem alongside Full-page Article from The Toronto Sun’s New Homes and Condos Section: “Bringing the outdoors in” by Erica Geldman, “Condo Chic.” 

Source: virtual.homes-extra.ca: Toronto Sun: New Homes & Condos: Condo Living

"Bringing the outdoors in" - The Toronto Sun Lives up to its Name

"The Light which shines in the eye is really the Light of the heart."

~ Rumi, Ancient Sufi Poet

Source: allgreatquotes.com: Love Poems of Jalal ad-Din Rumi

We love light. Natural, full-spectrum, warm, inviting, comforting, Vitamin-D-enriching, plant-nourishing, soul-rejuvenating, glorious light.

So here’s a shout-out to Erica Gelman of The Toronto Sun. Her recent “Condo Chic” column in the paper’s New Homes & Condos section (Friday July 19th & Sunday July 21st, 2013), simply entitled: “Bringing the outdoors in” was right up Wo-Built’s alley.

Erica’s argument in a nutshell?...

“...we can’t always rely on Mother Nature to provide us with ideal outdoor weather. … Why not design spaces that allow you to bring the outdoors in and enjoy summer living all year round [and]…rejuvenate in your own oasis all year long.” 

~ Erica Gelman, “Bringing the outdoors in, ” Toronto Sun

Wo-Built couldn’t agree with you more, Erica!  That’s why we began PeapodLife Building EcoSystems & Technology: to create Advanced Human Habitat that makes your home literally feel like it’s situated, not just in the woods, but in a rainforest!

Erica suggests “choosing pieces that reflect the outdoors will automatically refresh your home,” even if it means simply “having fresh flowers on your kitchen table.” (Erica Gelman, “Bringing the outdoors in, ” Toronto Star) PeapodLife Rainforest EcoSystems do much more than that! Just look at a smaller “pPodLite” systems:

Image: PeapodLife Composite photo rendering: “pPodLite” Rainforest EcoSystem spruces up drab interior.

Bromeliads, orchids, and lush moss leap from the one-of-a-kind Living Wall Ecosystem, filling your senses with a symphony of colour while trickling waterfalls gently fill your ears with the sounds of life.

All the while, the high-order ecosystem scrubs the air of toxins, allergens, VOC’s and those nasty “I’m stuck inside a building” aromas that can ruin your outdoors-indoors experience. Ecosystems produce air naturally, and can make your indoor air quality up to 10 times fresher and cleaner than outside!

If you’ve got the budget and are looking for something a little more dramatic, an addition or complete re-design and re-build of your home is no problem for Wo-Built. We specialize in taking older Toronto properties and giving them spectacular contemporary overhauls: 

Image: Complete Overhaul & Second Storey Addition Before & After by Wo-Built

As you can see from the before and after photos, above, Wo-Built is known for delivering:

• High ceilings
• Lots of natural light
• Plenty of practical, useable space
• Innovative designs (no cookie-cutter approach here)
• Pleasant design & build experience with a woman-owned company

Image: Kitchen Makeover Before & After by Wo-Built

For more information on how Wo-Built can help you get more outdoors, indoors, visit our website.

To literally get the best of nature into your home, office, spa, etc., visit peapodlife.com today.

Top Five Design Ideas for Kitchens

Screenshot: Kitchen Gallery Webpage of Wo-Built Inc: the Vision Builder
From L to R: Kitchen renovation to give the kitchen a new lease on life with a completely new look.
New kitchen integrated into open-concept space matching existing furniture with new kitchen cabinets.
New open plan kitchen designed and built to fit into open-concept space and make the kitchen a focal point.
2013 @ wobuilt.com

Over the years we have asked ourselves what made some of the kitchen spaces more successful than others. Hence, we have come up with our list of top best design ideas for kitchens:

• 1. The kitchen is the heart of the house;
• 2. Make the kitchen bright and light;
• 3. Make the kitchen a multi-functional social space;
• 4. Explore natural textures and materials;
• 5. Bring nature into the space.

1. The kitchen is the heart of the house

The kitchen is the heart of the house; it becomes the center for living and entertaining, a social hub for the family and guests. So we found that by providing a semi or complete open concept between the kitchen and the living area enables a much better interaction and communication.Open concept also gives the illusion of more space and often facilitates having more light in the space, because more windows can contribute to the light level. Neutral light not bold trendy colours also help by having better light reflection, making the space look brighter. Which leads to the second top idea:

2. Make the kitchen bright and light: highlight surfaces and provide focal points

The kitchen designs were most successful if a lot of daylight could be provided and make the kitchen bright and light. This had to be enhanced by energy efficient task lighting and general lighting which highlight surfaces and provide focal points.

3. Make the kitchen a multi-functional social space for the family and guests

Technology such WiFi, homework nook, extra electrical outlets for computers, a place for a TV also contribute in making the kitchen a multi-functional social space.

4. Explore natural textures and materials: environmentally friendly sustainable kitchen

As our emphasis is always about green building and sustainability some of the ideas revolved around the choice of materials. In open concept spaces it is nicer to have the same floor treatment in the living area and the kitchen. Good choices are Bamboo and Cork (good because they grow fast, but have large transportation impacts). Natural materials for countertops are preferable. Unfortunately granite and marble have a large footprint as they have to be transported over large distances, but soapstone and concrete counters are alternatives.

5. Bring nature into the space and provide a stunning effect to your kitchen

And, of course, one design idea we can always recommend. Bringing nature into the space. Our next evolution in kitchen designs. Eco-systems that provide, air, food and well being. Stay tuned for updates.

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

links:
wobuilt.com:blog: Home Automation Trending at CES 2013
wobuilt.com/blog: Interior Design Show 2012 – Wo-Built’s WOW! Moments
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Design Tips: Why to Remodel
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Design Trends: Emerging Trends for Kitchens
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

When the Rainbow Runs Rampant

Image Collage by Wo-Built: Strange colours in vegetables: 

brown "Kumato" tomatoes, orange and purple cauliflower;

Image Sources: Wikipedia.org: Kumatoes, Orange cauliflower, Purple cauliflower.

We’ve all been told to eat a "rainbow of fruits and vegetables" as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Mixing and matching produce of all different colours ensures we are getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals. It also adds variety to what could otherwise be a ho-hum lifestyle.

But c’mon now…brown tomatoes? Purple cauliflower? At some point, we have to ask ourselves, have we gone too far?

Well, according to Wikipedia, orange cauliflower is a "natural mutation" which originated in a field in Canada. It apparently has 25 times the vitamin A of regular white cauliflower (makes sense: carrots are extremely high in vitamin A).

Was it truly a "natural" mutation, though? We have put so many chemical pesticides and fertilizers on our fields, its hard to imagine anything mutating naturally these days.

As for purple cauliflower, its colour apparently comes from the presence of the antioxidant anthocyanins, also found in red cabbage and red wine (Source: Wikipedia.com: Anthocyanin). That actually sounds healthy.

The real problem arises with the Kumato. "The Kumato is a trade name given to the variety of tomato developed in Spain called "Olmeca", which went by experimental number SX 387." (Source: Wikipedia.org: Kumato). A variety developed, owned and strictly controlled by Syngenta, "a large global Swiss specialized chemicals company which markets seeds and pesticides," (Source: Wikipedia.org: Syngenta).

The strict control and licensing agreements around this greenish-brown tomato (which, I have it on good authority is quite tasty), smacks of Monsanto’s, draconian business practices of strict seed control.

Maybe it’s not by accident that the naturally occurring, good for you vegetables mentioned herein are beautiful colours of the rainbow, whereas the genetically manipulated "frankenfruit" developed to give people senseless pleasure and a multinational more profits is, well, what it is: mud-brown.


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

Renovation Revelation: When “I know a guy” can be the worst approach to your new kitchen

Collage by Wo-Built: “Some guy you know” turns your home renovation into disaster area.

Image Credits: MS Office ClipArt: handyman + stylish woman thinking + thought bubble + house disaster.

I recently heard from an old friend of the family whose household is knee-deep in a major kitchen renovation (in fact, a back extension to their home). After making some simple inquiries, the flood gates opened and suffice it to say, I ended up "hearing all about it."

For starters, this individual said the building inspector has been essential to the project.  I asked her to clarify and she explained how he had caught several major problems in how the foundation, framing, and other work was completed, and was the one who told them they needed to be done.

You can imagine that in short order I was inquiring who they had hired to do the home addition. "Oh, a past client of mine," she replied.  Without getting into any details whatsoever about the kind of work she does and the kinds of clients she works with, let’s just say that "this guy she know" is not so much a "certified licensed contractor with years of experience," and more "someone does renos."

Okay, we all know SOMEONE "who does renos" …so what?  Is that a reason to hire them? Friendship is one thing. Acquaintance is another. A business relationship of any kind, no matter how amicable, is something else entirely…none can tell you much about the competence, experience and reliability of a general contractor. 

The costs of renovating your kitchen the wrong way, having to pay extra just to tear it down and pay again to do it right should give anyone pause to consider exactly who they are choosing to work with (and why). "Buyer beware" should be added to "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t."

And my friend with the botched kitchen extension? She wishes she hadn’t had gone with "some guy she knew" but rather, someone she trusts, respects, who she knows would have steered her to a contractor with experience and integrity. She wishes she would have called me to get referred to Wo-Built.


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

links:
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Design Tips - Why to Remodel?
In Canada a large modern kitchen ranks as one of the most important selling feature of a home. In fact, some experts estimate that a remodeled kitchen can increase the sale of a house by at least twenty percent. Even if selling your house isn't your objective, you might still be considering a kitchen remodel.

wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!
In today’s tight economy, many people are on the lookout for relatively inexpensive updates for their homes.

wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?
... it struck me what had been bothering me for months about contemporary kitchens: the lack of innovation on a large scale. We have innovation in appliances and in new materials, but not in the fundamentals: the way we store things and the way we consider work and counter space.

Kitchen Renovations: if parties always end up in the kitchen, will a new kitchen mean better parties!?

Photo: New Kitchen: Open plan kitchen with modern cabinets
designed and built to fit into open-concept space
2012 @ wobuilt.com

“Get people back into the kitchen and combat the trend toward processed food and fast food.”
- Andrew Weil
Source: Brainy Quote

The word “kitchen” comes from the Old English, cycene, which in turn was derived from the Latin coquīna, equivalent to coqu ( ere ) “to cook” (Source: Dictionary.com)

In today’s world of food of questionable quality and integrity, the kitchen is still one place we have the ability to take control over our health in a meaningful way (and have lots of fun… remember, the famous book entitled “The Joy of Cooking?” They didn’t call it “the chore of cooking.”)

But kitchens are much more than that. We eat in our kitchens. We sit at kitchen tables, stand at counters, hover around islands engaging with family and friends in all sorts of activities (just think of the wide array from your own experience… it’s more than just about cooking or eating).

How many parties have you hosted or attended that ended up in the kitchen? If you went to a potluck over the holidays, did you spend time in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on your dish? How about the end of the night when leftovers were divvied-up amongst the stragglers and “clean-up crew?”

Have you ever tried cooking in someone else’s kitchen? How does it make you feel when you can’t find this or that ingredient or utensil? How about when you are trying to cook something in your own kitchen and there are “too many cooks” hovering about? What’s it like then?

And what’s better, really, than sneaking down into the kitchen late at night to grab that last slice of pizza, or cake—or whatever?

There is something magical about kitchens. They can be deeply personal and private; totally open and inviting; utterly foreign and awkward; or completely comfortable and at home. There are few spaces in a home as important as the kitchen.

Wo-Built believes a kitchen can make or break a home design. When it comes to kitchen renovations, integrating the space into the overall flow of the home is critical.

Asking the right questions, exploring alternatives, and envisioning multi-use scenarios all enter into Wo-Built’s total design approach. Then there’s materials and layouts, cupboard orientation (vertical or horizontal), under-counter corner space, pantry options, appliance location, and much more.

If you’re after a kitchen design that is high on functionality and “cool factor,” you deserves a serious look at the latest “servo drive” technology for the latest in kitchen automation.

youtube.com: Blum Servo-Drive Kitchen System
Uploaded by brianwong73 on Jun 23, 2008

As you can see, when it comes to renovating the most important, versatile, practical, inviting and yet deeply personal space in your home, Wo-Built knows how to design and build the high-end kitchen of your dreams. It’s just another way that Wo-Built builds your life better.

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

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

Upcoming Kitchen Design Trends

Photo: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo 2010
Seminar Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2011 - Sold Out
Dec 2, 2010 @ Olga Goubar, wobuilt.com

Kitchen Designs + Upcoming Trends

We all know that when renovating, a kitchen update adds some of the best value to a home especially when you're looking to put your home on the resale market. Even if you're not looking to add to the resale value of your home, a kitchen update will always help refresh a tired looking home.

Having just attended the Kitchen & Bathroom Update at the Homebuilder & Renovator Expo in the past week, we had the opportunity to see some of the latest trends coming out of Europe, and how they are influencing kitchen designs in the North American market. What we saw were kitchens that were very utilitarian; almost on the verge of an office space design. Some kitchen appliances such as fridges seemed to be conspicuously missing, but the fact was that they were now being hidden behind cabinets and walls which gave kitchens a very open look. Other design elements that were seen were floating shelves and lots of base cabinets which were in keeping with the open concept. Countertops and islands were sometimes stacked with other countertops of different thickness giving them an asymmetrical look. And the kitchen colors that were predominantly used were cream, white (it seemed to be everywhere) and gray. Stainless steel was still a big design element and was seen quite often in the designs.

In North America, where kitchens are somewhat larger and are more traditional in their styles, designers are doing what is called transitional styling. They are taking some of those modern European design elements and mixing them with our more traditional styling to come up with some very unique spaces. All in all it was a very inspiring seminar, and one which gave us lots of wonderful ideas to create kitchens with innovative design elements and still retain their functionality.

We at Wo-Built Inc. are excited about all the new trends that we saw at the seminar and are ready to apply some of these designs to create the kitchen of your dreams!

Lonya Miller,
Writer
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Information About Seminar
HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, December 1-3, 2010
Metro Toronto Conventional Centre
Seminar: Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2011
Category: Design Trends for Residential Buildings
Code: T211
Description: Kitchen and bath design has been elevated to an art form, with infinite options and new technologies to maximize both comfort and space. See how both kitchen and bath aesthetics are evolving and influencing design, materials, finishes, and colors. How can the latest trends in cabinets, countertops, lighting, and fixtures be incorporated to create a functional and luxurious space?
Speaker: Margaret MacDonald, Senior Designer AYA Kitchens and Baths Ltd.
Credit: www.homebuilderexpo.com

Here are several photos from the construction expo floor:

Screenshot: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo + Construct Canada
flickr.com: photos Toronto, Dec 2, 2010 @ Olga Goubar, wobuilt.com

links:
wobuilt.com: Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?
wobuilt.com: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

Another Addition Renovation We Are Proud of: The Wow Factor Approach!

Photo Collage: Another Addition Renovation We Are Proud of
The WOW Factor Approach! Making a Statement with The Stairs
2010 @ wobuilt.com

Making a statement with the stairs

We talked about innovative design using a trapdoor design in a previous posting. How about the wow factor in the space?

Every renovation needs at least one wow factor and when designing a room any feature can be emphasized and highlighted to create the wow in the space. In this case the clients and us made the stair one of the focal points and a main attraction. When entering the building the staircase is the first prominent element that is seen in the room, hence it was a natural element to be accentuated.

However, it was important to convey lightness and openness even with a solid element such as stairs. We achieved this by having the stairs open tread and the railing glass. This allows the eye to pick out the rest of the room. The glass railing makes the stairs look very special.

The main wow is created through colour. The dark colour of the steps gives the contrast to the walls of the space that are light coloured. This is what I call an integrated wow: as the colour is the same as the cork flooring (a green product) the stairs and the floor are visually connected giving continuity in the space.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build
(416) 402 2679
wobuilt.com
facebook.com/wobuilt
twitter.com/wobuilt

links:
Wo-Built: Another Addition Renovation We Are Proud of
Part 1: Innovative idea: Trapdoor to the basement
http://tinyurl/wobuilt15
Part 2: The Wow Factor: Making a statement with the stairs
http://tinyurl/wobuilt16

What do you want to get out of your home renovation?

Wo-Built's residential renovations' web-page: additions, extensions, kitchens

Due to the recent mortgage rule changes and the upcoming HST we are seeing a large upsurge in properties for sale and consequently sold on the market in the GTA. This seems to be a good time to talk about motivations to renovate on a larger scale. We are not talking about renovations such as painting or refinishing the floors to personalize the space or mandatory ones such as electrical rewiring due to existing knob and tube wiring – we are talking about the larger renovations that will increase your property value.

The timing and motivation of these renovations really depends on the length of time you want to stay in the house.

Let’s say you want to live in the house for about 5 years, i.e. relatively short term. In this case it would be best to add bathrooms and powder rooms, do kitchen makeovers or add extra bedrooms and open concepts, before you move in. As even the best renovation processes are disruptive, can be lengthy and somewhat stressful, it is best to tackle them before you get too comfortable. By the time you want to sell the house again your home has increased in value, you had the benefit of a great and comfortable space to live in for the better part of 5 years and therefore your return on investment should be very favorable.

The best time to get a designer in to prepare for the renovation is even before you close on the sale. Hence you could have your building permit drawings ready to submit just after the property is yours.

New windows, external cladding, even basement renovations could be done after you moved in as they are often less disruptive. These renovations still give good value, but less than the major renovations listed above.

On the opposite scale in case you want to live in the house for a very long time, then it will be best to live in the house for a year or so to see and plan your renovation with great care. In this case you are designing and renovating exclusively for yourself and the increase in property value is nice, but secondary. Yes, your renovation will be disruptive just after you got comfortable in your new home, but taking the time to plan the renovation you want will give you a lot more satisfaction in the long run.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built: Turning Your Dream Home Into a Reality (Again !!!!)Wo-Built: Renovations and RecessionWo-Built: Getting Your Home Ready for Resale

Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?

Collage: Where Is Innovation in Kitchen Design?

I was asked recently to write another piece for the Wo-Built forum about kitchens. But as soon as I sat down to write it – bang – writer’s block! What to write? In the past we have written about kitchens, kitchen renovations and kitchen design ideas (see previous articles) and in general the topics have not changed. There are still the same styles, design principles and overall colour schemes than before. There is a need for appliances, sinks, countertop areas and storage. Colours are generally personal choice and styles can be mixed and matched.

I was not happy to revisit any of these topics without sounding boring. Then it struck me what had been bothering me for months about contemporary kitchens: the lack of innovation on a large scale. We have innovation in appliances and in new materials, but not in the fundamentals: the way we store things and the way we consider work and counter space. Storage is mainly achieved via wall hung and floor mounted kitchen cabinets, with limiting factors of height and available wall space. Counter space is the space generally in between or by the side of the stove, sink and other appliances. Maybe there is an island with extra counter space.

I believe we need new ideas. Why not look at storage solutions that use rack technology, hence giving the opportunity to double up. If there is the height why not use lift technology. Why not have the storage unit act as a wall between the rooms, hence saving space. Why not have counter tops that are retractable, or foldable to increase working surface. Why not bring surfaces down from the ceiling when required. All this is possible and not new, but somehow not explored.

What I feel is missing is the spirit of design that was prevalent in the 60s. This era was a period of design exploration and experimentation and some wonderful ideas still survive until today or were the basis for a lot of design. Everything was possible and often tried out, the bad with the good. I am not advocating retro design, but what I would like to see is much more design experimentation.

Hence I believe until we do look at the fundamentals again we are missing the boat in kitchen design.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

technorati tags:
kitchen renovation
kitchen design tips
design trends

Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

Collage: Kitchen renovation project: The kitchen before... and After
These kitchen cabinets were redesigned to give the kitchen
a more streamlined and contemporary ambiance.

We all know that a kitchen upgrade can add maximum value to your home, especially in the resale market.

In today’s tight economy, many people are on the lookout for relatively inexpensive updates for their homes. Aside from adding new and trendy paint colours (please follow the link to our article Colour for Your Home and Your Life for this years’ "in" colours) which is one of the least inexpensive ways to freshen up a kitchen, nothing else will renew a kitchen more than a new countertop.

Your countertops are one of the most outstanding features in your kitchen, and modernizing them is a smart and reasonably inexpensive way for an update. There are many materials used in the modernizing of countertops today ranging from inexpensive to costly. Some of the more widely used substances are: Granite, Marble, Plastic Laminate, Slab Plastic, Ceramic Tile, Slate and Soapstone just to name a few.

Nothing outdates a kitchen more than an old countertop and nothing will give your kitchen more oomph than a new one. A new kitchen counter is one feature that can add instant value to your home. We at Wo-Built Inc. specialize in kitchen upgrades of all kinds and can help you get the most value from your upgrade.

For more ideas call us today at 416-354-2555 or please go to our website www.wobuilt.com for more information. Whether you are thinking of just an upgrade or a major renovation we can help!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built: Home Design Workshop: Get Your Smart Kitchen & Bathroom Design Ideas
Wo-Built: Kitchen Design Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built: Kitchen Style Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Color Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Lighting Trends
+
Wo-Built: Invest in Your Home Renovations and Be Eligible to Receive up to $1,350 in Tax Relief
The Home Renovation Tax Credit will provide a one-year, temporary 15% income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. The credit may be claimed on eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 but no more than $10,000.
Wo-Built: Home Renovation Tip: Donate Reusable Items to Non-For-Profit Organizations
Please consider donating your used items when renovating!

Look out for New Pictures

Wo-Built's residential projects' web-page: extensions, additions, kitchens

I thought I give everyone a quarterly update about our progress. No doubt this has been and still is a challenging year for larger projects in the residential market. First the recession, then the long winter and wet summer and to top it all of: the strike by the City. But despite these issues we had our successes and are still going strong!! Over the next few months we will add photos of our new projects onto our website: www.wobuilt.com.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:

Wo-Built: Turning Your Dream Home Into a Reality (Again !!!!)
Wo-Built: Renovations and Recession
Wo-Built: Getting Your Home Ready for Resale

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

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

Renovations and Recession

Wo-Built's Screenshot: Time of the Reno: Leave the house repairs to us, so you can do what is important!!!

We all know that in a recession the real estate market will become a buyer’s market; there may be blips of buying activities, but by and large the seller is at the mercy of the buyer. Hence, if you can, the prudent and smart move is wait out the recession and then sell. And this is the perfect time to upgrade your home at a leisurely pace.

As we have said before on our forum, the main areas of improvements and the ones that will get you some of the highest returns on your investment are upgrades to your kitchen and bathrooms. My favourite is the kitchen as there are so many possibilities, from the inexpensive to the opulent. An inexpensive upgrade (often below $10,000) is to paint the kitchen cabinets, update the work top and change sink, faucets and backsplash. This modest change will modernize and "contemporize" your kitchen’s appeal and increase the value of your home.

A more expensive, but still affordable way is to change the cabinet doors instead of painting them. However, you will have to take into account the number of doors and the condition of the cabinets and it might be more effective to change the cabinets entirely. This also allows improvements in the design. A very popular style is the Shaker kitchen and most manufacturers will have a version.

Of course you don’t have to stop at the kitchen. It is very trendy at the moment to have an open concept where kitchen and living area is integrated to various degrees. We can also talk about kitchen islands…. maybe larger kitchens with more cabinets making a greater impact on the potential buyer. In this case the cabinets are all replaced and this is the perfect opportunity to donate your old cabinets to charities (follow this link to find charities in your area that accept building material donations).

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
wobuilt.com: House Prices: Part of the Problem or Part of the Cure?
by Ari Berman
home.howstuffworks.com: How can I renovate in a recession?
by Emilie Sennebogen

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160 posts tagged kitchen renovation
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Smart Kitchen Upgrade Tips: Interesting Reading

Screenshot: articlesbase.com: Kitchen Upgrades
For The Money Conscious by Maria Polidoro

Credit: articlesbase.com

In these recession ravaged times everyone is looking to squeeze a lot more from their dollars. Renovations are no exception. With the home renovation tax credit in place that is good for one year, more people will be looking to renovate their homes for either resale or just to take advantage of the tax credit while it is in effect. We just came across an interesting reading for anyone thinking about a kitchen renovation with a few tips to get you started. And remember – if you have a project in mind that is too big for DIY, Wo-Built Inc. can come to the rescue!

Kitchen Upgrades For The Money Conscious
Author: Maria Polidoro

Most experts agree that if you are only going to update one room in your home, the kitchen will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to resale value. The return on any home renovation investment will vary depending on your location, market conditions and a host of other factors.

Whether you want to freshen up the look of your kitchen for yourself or to put your home on the market, these ideas can help you achieve an updated look without undertaking a costly renovation:

Tip #1: One word: Paint. Outdated wall colors and chipped paint will make any room look drab and unkempt. The great thing about painting a room is that it is an easy and inexpensive fix. A new coat of paint in an appealing color will give any kitchen an instant update and make a major impact even if it is the only change you make.

Tip #2: Refurbish instead of replacing cabinets. Brand new cabinets make a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but are also a costly investment. If your cabinets are in good condition, you may consider painting, refinishing or re-facing them with new doors and drawer fronts rather than replacing them. Any of these projects will require time and work, but will give your kitchen an updated look and feel. Finish up with new hardware on all cabinets and drawers, and your kitchen will emerge with a fresh new style for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Tip #3: Replace an outdated sink and faucet. Replacing an outdated sink and faucet is a relatively simple upgrade that is also easy on the wallet. If your sink is in good shape, you can spend even less by only replacing the faucet. Be sure to coordinate a new sink and/or faucet with the rest of the fixtures in the kitchen such as light fixtures and cabinet hardware. Mismatched metals such as a brass light fixture and chrome hardware makes for a less cohesive look, and a streamlined appearance is a major goal of a minor kitchen remodel.

Tip #4: Patiently seek out great deals on appliances. Saving money on appliances can be tricky. Scratch and dent warehouses are a great place to begin your search for deals on kitchen appliances. While those with obvious damage should be avoided, these warehouses can be the perfect place to find appliances with minor blemishes.

Be a savvy shopper when looking for appliances. Major holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day are popular times for big sales, and may present opportunities to find discounts. Ask salespeople if there is room for negotiation and if any sales are coming up. Find out if there are any floor models or discontinued models from last year. Seeking out energy efficient appliances is a great way to save money for the long haul.

Consulting with a licensed real estate professional in your area prior to making changes that will affect the value of your home is always advisable.

About the Author:

Maria Polidoro is the Founder of Ace Tool Online. Ace Tool is an authorized distributor for virtually all major power tool manufacturers and houses a full power tool service center. Please visit Ace Tool Online for Milwaukee cordless tools, Amana router bits and saws, Festool saws, Occidental Leather tool belts and much more.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/kitchen-upgrades-for-the-money-conscious-779521.html

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Trends
ezinearticles.com: Kitchen Upgrades For the Money Conscious

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132 posts tagged kitchen renovation
3 posts tagged kitchen design tips
maria polidoro

The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project

"My favorite feature, was however, the heat recovery unit for the waste water."
Photo © 2008 Wo-Built Inc.

A good building does not just have WOW design and impressive features, even though this is what makes a space look amazing, but it is also depends on the smaller elements. Our client was a driving force in asking us to provide energy efficient measures. Higher R-Values (refers to the amount of heat transfer through a structure – the higher the R-value the better the insulation) were a given. My favorite feature, was however, the heat recovery unit for the waste water. Warm water from the waste drain heats up the water supply to flow through the water heater, hence requires less energy to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Love it!

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built's Projects
Wo-Built's Second Floor Addition Project
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of an Addition Project: Part 1
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 2
Wo-Built Inc.: The Development of Our Addition Project: Part 3

technorati tags:
4 posts tagged Martina Ernst
35 posts tagged addition project
519 posts tagged kitchen renovation
1,577 posts tagged home renovation
4 posts tagged energy efficient measures
1 posts tagged heat recovery unit

Posts tagged home+renovation per day for the last 30 days.

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