Take inspiration from Phillip Jefferies, an awarding winning, environmentally friendly company. Phillip Jefferies believes wallpaper is art but don’t let that be intimidating. In this case, art can be easily installed. How is this achieved? Select wallpapers are laminated with vinyl and secured with a paper backing. This eliminates curling issues and allows the wallpaper to be flexible. Vancouver Contractors can help you find a paper to suit your style and budget. Need help selecting your wallpaper? Speak to a general Vancouver contractor for advise, they will work with you to ensure you buy the best quality wallpaper while staying within your budget.

There are numerous concerns when wallpapering; reVISION recommends you consider your location and how durable a finish is required. For instance, a bathroom should have a water repellent finish. This is even more important in a kitchen. In a guest bedroom, less durability is required but a child’s bedroom benefits from an extra strong surface.

Humidity and fading is a factor to consider when wallpapering. reVISION recommends installing wallpaper in rooms with good ventilation and higher ceilings. Remember that wallpapers made of natural properties will fade overtime. Try to keep these out of direct sunlight. Opt for paper treated wallpaper for rooms that receive more sunlight.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of bold prints, metallic shine or detailed textures. These wallpapers invoke atmosphere and become the canvas for intriguing accessories. Paper your ceilings or partially paper walls for an architectural accent. Two popular trends for spring summer 2013 are cultural influences and 1920s glamour. These trends offer both classic and contemporary designs. Vancouver Contractors can guide you on how to incorporate wallpaper into your home.

Wallpaper is a textural art that has come a long way. With advances in technology, it is easy to install and offers many creative ways to transform your home. For wallpaper ideas visit Phillip Jefferies showcase gallery.

Kirsten Sutton is the head designer for reVISION Custom Home Renovations. She creates designs that are both functional and meaningful for each of the clients she works with. Kirsten received formal training in Architecture and Structural Drafting from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Her combined education, background and passion allow her to transform her clients’ dreams into a reality.

Have design questions?  Reach Kirsten Sutton at  kirsten@revisionrenovations.com

Sunshine and nature in bloom are forecasted for us Vancouver West Coasters.  What better time to bring vacation cheer into your Vancouver home and patio? We believe the best way to achieve this is by updating your décor, incorporating nature, and utilizing space wisely. Look around your home. Does it feel a bit stuffy? Are there many dark colours?  Do the windows provide adequate sunlight? Now is the time to lighten up and bring spring into your Vancouver home.

reVISION contractors can work with you to help brighten up your space.  Start off small: replace heavy draperies with luminous sheers, opt for white or pastel towels and linens, spring clean any clutter. Remove tablecloths for a light and airy feel.  Incorporate baskets in your bathroom to hold towels and magazines. Baskets also work well in the kitchen for fruit or small appliances. Fresh flowers make any space more welcoming, from bathroom to hallway. If budget allows, consider bigger changes: open up your space by removing a wall or adding windows in places starved of sunlight. Seek out advice from Vancouver contractors to explore more options.

Still not getting that vacation-feel?  Think outside the box.  Consider options in your back yard or front porch.  Every successful summer Vancouver home boasts an entertainment area.  Ensure everyone feels pampered by including an outdoor kitchen complete with bar and lounge area.  Remember to include heat lamps, awning, lattice or partial roofing to prepare for unpredictable weather: this also gives you an entertainment area that works year round.

Remember, space is never an issue.  No matter the size of your Vancouver home or backyard, you can create a memorable space. Whether you want an outdoor escape or a more glamorous indoor view, a Vancouver contractor can help make your dream a reality.  Only problem you may encounter is a desire never to leave your comfortable new oasis.

Kirsten Sutton is the head designer for reVISION Custom Home Renovations. She creates designs that are both functional and meaningful for each of the clients she works with. Kirsten received formal training in Architecture and Structural Drafting from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Her combined education, background and passion allow her to transform her clients’ dreams into a reality.

Have design questions?  Reach Kirsten Sutton at  kirsten@revisionrenovations.com

Click here for more easy ways to spice up your outdoor space.

Vancouver Suite Renovation

• 2013 Ovation Award Winner
• Why Hire a Designer?
• Vancouver Home Renovation Video; Oak and 47th Part 2
• Spice up your Backyard – Vancouver Home Renovation
• Local Renovator Offers Tips for Knockout Back Yards
• How to Use Equity for a Home Renovation
• Member Expo 2013 – Networking Event and Member Trade Show
• Support to a Local Small Business
• reVISION reCOMMENDS

2013 Ovation Award Winner

reVISION Custom Home Renovation Inc. wins 2013 Ovation Award for Best Outdoor Living Space- New or Renovated  - Ribs and Relaxation!  

Join us on Facebook, or our website gallery to view more pictures of this project.

Why Hire a Designer?

Kirsten Sutton, head designer for reVISION Custom Home Renovations, shares the benefits of hiring a designer to help with your home renovation.

“Professional designers take our ideas and transform them; the results become stronger, more successful. The crucial difference between the professional and the novice is that the home renovation pro sees the bigger picture”. Read more….

Vancouver Home Renovation Video; Oak and 47th Part 2

Benjamin Brott, Lead Project Manager for reVISION Renovations, shares the progress of a major renovation of a Shaughnessy Vancouver Home. In this episode you can start to see the home renovation taking shape. Framing, electrical and plumbing rough in for the kitchen and bathroom remodel are complete.

Keep with our monthly newsletters to see the finished product and follow our blog to see the upcoming gravity defying concrete bench in the living room and the massive master bedroom walk in closet.

Spice up your Backyard – Vancouver Home Renovation

Bring the heat outdoors and keep it cool inside. Outdoor living is today’s lifestyle. Many Vancouver home owners are turning their back yard space to a more attractive, entertaining, relaxing area. You can have anywhere from a full outdoor kitchen to a snazzy, modern and functional patio or deck. Read more….

Local Renovator Offers Tips for Knockout Back Yards

reVISION Custom Home Renovations’ Todd Senft Shares a few tips that are key to planning a useful outdoor space in April 18, 2013 issue of The Province. Read more…

How to use Equity for a Home Renovation

The decision has been made. Its time to tackle that Vancouver home renovation project you’ve been dreaming about. Read more…

Member Expo 2013 – Networking Event and Member Trade Show

GVHBA is hosting a premiere networking event and trade show for members and invited industry guests on May 1st, 2013. For registration details visit GVHBA online.

Please note: Pre-registration is required to qualify for Grand Prizes, so do not miss out and register today.

Support to a Local Small Business

reVISION is extending support to a local small business, you can too. It is super easy, no sign up required! This company is looking for votes to qualify for a grant to expand and grow! Support Vancouver small business by voting.

reVISION reCOMMENDS 

Hampton Bay Outdoor Copper Solar LED Landscaping Light

The outdoor Copper Solar Landscaping Light are made from plastic and given a copper finish. These weather-resistant and Energy Star-compliant lanterns  use low-Wattage LEDs to efficiently use stored solar energy. They automatically shut off during daylight hours and are ideal for illuminating paths and yards.

E-mail us at info@revisionrenovations.com for any future requests on trends you would like us to talk about in our upcoming newsletters.

You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Houzz.

At first thought, some may see designers as an extravagance. In our DIY society, it’s natural to think, “I can do the home renovation myself”! Those who have made the attempt, however, soon discover their own work does not meet their expectations. That’s when designers step in to help with our home renovations. Professional designers take our ideas and transform them; the results become stronger, more successful. The crucial difference between the professional and the novice is that the home renovation pro sees the bigger picture: experience and connections gives the professional designer a greater understanding of the scope of a project.  A designer knows how to avoid mistakes and works well at any budget to ensure the client is satisfied with their home renovation.

Designers are experienced and efficient planners. They take the time to get to know their client well, remaining true to the client’s vision while making the inevitable modifications that are a necessary part of the design process. Designers avoid costly mistakes by trouble shooting during the planning stage. They suggest alternatives and design opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.

Designers are connected. When you hire a designer you hire a talented team. Designers have relationships with professionals across the industry from architects to engineers to construction contractors to suppliers. This shared knowledge gives you more choice and a better price for your home renovation vision!

Designers are affordable. Not only do designers help you choose the best services and materials to suit your budget, they also have access to a vast selection of materials at an industry-only discount. Designers are constantly working with you to maximize your investment and simplify the process. Your vision and their skills work together from concept to completion. You are a team and your designer is always dedicated, dependable and present.

In short, designers are your problem solvers. With solutions providing functionality and polish, designers define your home renovation vision without emptying your budget. A designer ensures nothing is overlooked!  In short, a designer makes your  vancouver home renovation dream come true.

Kirsten Sutton

Kirsten Sutton is the head designer for reVISION Custom Home Renovations. She creates designs that are both functional and meaningful for each of the clients she works with. Kirsten received formal training in Architecture and Structural Drafting from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Her combined education, background and passion allow her to transform her clients’ dreams into a reality.

The decision has been made. It’s time to tackle that Vancouver home renovation project you’ve been dreaming about. You love your home as it is now but you would REALLY love it when you remodel your kitchen or bathroom. Now before you start asking for quotes from Vancouver contractors, make sure to take some time to review your budget and consider how you’re going to finance that kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel.

A home renovation, large or small, will determine the amount of financing you will need.  Most of us don’t have large piles of cash lying around but many have home equity. The question then becomes: what’s the best way to access that equity to help with your home renovation?

The following are home equity options which can be used in any combination:

1. Secured line of Credit – a line of credit registered on title of your home comes with many benefits. You can draw monies from the line as you incur expenses and you can pay off at any time without any penalty. Your home renovation project will be stress free.
   There are some drawbacks to the secured line of credit which include its rate is generally higher than fixed mortgages, the interest rate fluctuates with prime and in rare cases, can be called by the bank on short notice.
2. Mortgage loan – in the case of a clear title home, registering a mortgage can give you excellent cost certainty and affordable repayment terms. However, as soon as the mortgage is registered, you would immediately incur principle and interest payments even though your home renovation has yet to begin.
3. Mortgage refinancing – if you already have a mortgage on your home, there is an option to add on without incurring any penalties. A mortgage refinance would carry all the same benefits and drawbacks as a new mortgage loan but there could be the potential of reducing your current interest rate with the increase and blend of the new monies at today’s rates.

Whether it be a major or minor home renovation, funding will be required. Speaking with a Mortgage Professional will help determine which home equity option is right for your situation. With the financing in place, contact a Vancouver contractor and let the dream home renovation begin! 

Mike Donovan

Mike Donovan has almost a decade of industry experience in Mortgage and Real Estate. He is the founder of BrokerSmart and co-owner of Verico Coastal Mortgages Inc. BrokerSmart simplifies life  for their clients by providing a one stop, multi service real estate solution.

Senft says “there are three cost-effective ways to transform your back yard into a comfortable extension of your home”:

• Create a covered area either with an awning or roof structure;

• Install a decorative outdoor fire pit;

• Set the mood with an exterior sound system.

reVISION’s “Ribs and Relaxation” project, 2012 Sam Award Winner and 2013 Ovation Award Winner,  was featured in this issue of The Province.

1. Atmosphere – Vancouver weather is never predictable. Creating an outdoor kitchen area will allow you to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, rain or shine. Make sure to include an awning, lattice work or partial roofing to keep yourself dry on the rainy days. Include heat lamps for those parties that go a little late.
2. Family Entertainment – Enjoy family reunions in the comfort of your own home.  Barbeques, potlucks and picnics are easy in an outdoor kitchen. Only your imagination limits the renovation. You can speak to a general contractor to give you design ideas for your renovation. They have the know how to make your outdoor kitchen dreams a reality. Be sure to ask your contractor a lot of questions. This helps the construction go smoothly.
3. Larger Group Entertainment – Why limit your guest list? Invite all your friends over to enjoy a friendly afternoon barbeque or an evening with wine and brie. Outdoor kitchens give you plenty more space to entertain, and lets you enjoy those beautiful Vancouver summer days.
4. Durability – No more panics over spills and damages. Allow guests to enjoy the beauty of your home without creating a mess. Outdoor cleaning is a lot easier than scrubbing the indoors. Some leaves here and there add to the ambiance of your outdoor living.
5. Ditch the Vacations – Save the airport fees and take advantage of what your home has to offer. Vancouver contractors have the skill to make your outdoor kitchen the newest hot spot.

Nothing is impossible. Take the vision you have and explore deeper. Speak to a professional Vancouver contractor, bring your ideas and take in there’s to make sure you have the best outdoor living space possible.

• His and Her Vanities – Bathrooms which include his-and-her vanities, each must be lit adequately and independently. Cylindrical, white pendent lights will ensure there is enough brightness for shaving or applying makeup.
• Layering – The trick to making elegant pendant lighting work in a bathroom is layering. Put Pendants on a dimmer to control the level of light they emit so the mood can be set for every occasion.
• Fluorescent tube lighting - Building a mirror out with plywood framing and tucking a fluorescent tube light behind is a great easy and economical way to give a modern effect.

Modern, relaxing, or functional. The lighting just has to be right for you.