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Year End Special

Each full kitchen renovation signed by December 31, 2017 will include free of charge a Kitchenaid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer.  Make this beautiful and colourful stand mixer the culinary centre of your beautiful new kitchen.

See in store for full details.

In-Store Details:

One Kitchenaid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer is to be awarded to a customer on the following conditions:

• Contract for kitchen renovation to be signed by December 31, 2017
• Contract must be for full kitchen renovation (i.e. Includes design, cabinets, counter tops, flooring and labour to remove and install)
• Only one Kitchenaid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer to be awarded per customer
• Customers choice of colour for the stand mixer is limited to the colours available through our regular supply chain.
• The stand mixer will be awarded at the completion of the kitchen renovation as per the terms of our contract
• Customer must agree to picture being taken of the presentation of the stand mixer in their new kitchen and to the publishing of that picture on our FaceBook page

Tiles can add interest and unity to a space. Nowadays, there are endless options of colours and designs to match your desires, needs, and budget for your project. Take a minute to read up a little bit about the types of options avaiable to you.

Porcelain:

Through body porcelain tiles are extremely solid and impermeable, making them highly resistant to staining, moisture, and wear. Porcelain is created from clay and minerals, along with 50% feldspar, a type of crystal found in rock. It melts into a glass-like material and bonds all of the moulded ingredients together while acting as a flux during the kiln-drying process. Porcelain tiles are capable of withstanding temperature extremes, water, and frost, making them appropriate for interior and exterior applications.

Ceramic:

Ceramic is strictly used for interiors due to its properties. Glazed tiles have increased stain resistance, scratch resistance, and traction, as well as decreased water absorption, in comparison to an unglazed tile. Glazed tiles come in matte, semi-gloss, and gloss glaze. Traditional ceramic is created from white, red, and/or brown clay and other minerals. When slight modifications are made to the ingredients or the kiln-drying process, it produces a vast variety in the look and characteristics of the tile.

Natural Stone:

Natural stone tile consist of tiles produced from natural quarried material, such as; travertine, marble, granite, limestone, and slate. Natural tiles can create a stunning design and are extremely durable, unfortunately, due to how porous they are, they require treating or sealing. Also, the characteristics of these tiles will vary depending on the location of where they are quarried.

There are three types of finishes that are applied to natural stone; natural, honed, or polished. Natural surfaces are unfinished and have an earthy, dull appearance. Texture and pitting are visible characteristics of natural stone tile. Honed surfaces are smooth and matte in appearance, it is an excellent choice for high-traffic and wet areas to prevent slipping and wear. Polished surfaces are highly reflective with a mirror-like finish. Depending on the intended type of application and type of stone tile you select, your choice might be geared towards one type of finish rather than another.

Mosaic:

Mosaic tiles are small tiles that are less than six square inches and most commonly are 2″ x 2″ or smaller. Mosaic tiles can be made from porcelain, clay, glass, metal, and natural stone. Mosaic tiles are usually mounted on a mesh or dot-mounted sheets to smooth the progress of handling and installation. This allows them to be used as entire sheets, or cut into pieces for listellos and borders. Mosaic tiles add stunning accents and focal points to a space.

Please feel free to come visit our showroom at 5-850 industrial Avenue in Ottawa or reach us at 613-749-1512 for any more information on selecting the right tiles for you renovation!

Thinking about converting your bathroom into your own personal getaway of relaxation? Take a look at this article about some of the different types of system tubs available to you. Hopefully it will help to narrow down which systems will fulfill your desires to achieve your personal at home oasis.

Acryline:
http://www.acryline.ca/spatherapy/index

Channel Air System:
Delivers the level of intensity needed to provide a deep tissue massage without punishing the body. Their channel generates constant waves of massaging water overt the body’s muscles and skeletal structure easing the body to relief.

Injection Air System:
Provides a gentler and tactile level of massage. The strategic placement of the injectors follows the meridians of the central nervous system. The design allows the warm air bubbles to flood across these meridians and thereby improve blood flow and respiration.

Ultimate System:
Provides a real and effective personal massage but perform different aspects of a complete massage. They combined these systems into an Ultimate Combination System to provide the most complete massage ranging from a gentle tactile massage all the way up to a whole body deep tissue massage and anywhere between.

Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is the addition of oils, salts, elixirs and other homeopathic substances to the bath water used to stimulate specific chemical reactions within the body. Naturally, the addition of these substances is intended to result in healthy and positive chemical reactions and this is a good thing.

Scintillate your senses with a pleasing fragrance of bath oils or bath salts added to your bath. Relax as you revitalize both inside and out, mind and body. Unlike a jetted water system Acryline air baths are not adversely affected by aromatherapy.

Chromotherapy:
The use of light as therapy is an ancient form of holistic medicine that is the subject of intense medical and commercial research. Research shows a direct correlation between light intensity, hue and color to human physiology and psychology. Basically, light therapy can be used to improve physical and mental health.

Colour available through Acryline: Red, Orange, Violet, Blue, Green, Yellow, Aqua, Pink, White

NEPTUNE:
http://www.produitsneptune.com/en/experiences/

Whirlpool:
Their Whirlpool massage system projects a powerful blend of water and warm air for a wonderfully invigorating sensation. As the most vigorous of all their systems, the Whirlpool system provides a deep muscular massage. It stimulates body, blood flow and the lymphatic system, favors oxygenation of the muscles, and relieves stress due to tension. A true moment of renewal.

The Whirlpool system projects water and warm air through adjustable, directional jets located strategically along the vertical contour of the bathtub.

Back Jets:
Abandon yourself to the soothing action of water on your back and shoulder muscles. Soon you’ll fell your muscle tension replaced by a wonderful feeling of relaxation, reminiscent of the experienced hands of a massage professional.

Created using the expertise of massage professionals, the back jets work in combination with the Whirlpool system. Located strategically in the bathtub’s backrest, micro-rotating back jets energetically propel the water on critical parts of your back and shoulders. You can adjust the water pressure for a massage that is more relaxing or more energetic depending on your needs.

Mass-Air:
Mass-Air creates the delightful experience of floating softly on air. Like a cushion of air gently lifting your body, it literally surrounds you with soothing bubbles. You experience the soft touch of a gentle relaxing massage. You can also customize your experience by adjusting the system’s intensity. Add foot and back jets to maximize the massaging effect.

The Mass-Air system propels warm air into the water through injectors located on the bottom and on the backrests of the bathtub. Multiple outlets in each injector create the impression of an embracing cushion of air.

Activ-Air:
The Activ-Air massage system recreates the stimulating effect of bathing in the oxygenated water of rapids. As a gentle and soothing swirl, the Activ-Air system maximizes the therapeutic effects of relaxation. It is also possible to customize the experience by adjusting the intensity.

The Activ-Air massage system includes dozens of micro-injectors strategically located along the bottom of the bathtub contour and in the backrest. Warm air is then injected into the water creating thousands of bubbles that completely envelop your body. Complete the experience by adding micro-jets at the feet and Activ-Air + system, a series of micro-jets on the bottom of the bathtub that literally create the effect of a cushion of air.

Tonic:
The Tonic massage system combines water and warm air to immerse you in comforting effervescence. Both relaxing and invigorating, each cycle produces a wonderful caressing sensation that embraces your whole body. Plus, three preprogrammed cycles allow you to adjust the intensity and to customize the experience according to your taste and needs.

The Tonic massage system blends water and warm air in a completely innovative way. The water pump, air blower and tubing converge towards eight injectors built-in to the vertical contour of the bathtub. This clever design ensures the best mix of water and air from injectors that produce thousands of champagne-like bubbles that envelop your body from neck to toe.

Combo:
Make the most of the experience by combining their different systems. Benefit from a complete range of massages that can relax or stimulate you depending on your mood or need. Produits Neptune proposes four combo options. To know which options are available with your chosen bathtub, please refer to bathtub’s page.

Combination Systems:

WHIRLPOOL + MASS-AIR

WHIRLPOOL + ACTIV-AIR

ACTIV-AIR + MASS-AIR

WHIRLPOOL + ACTIV-AIR + MASS-AIR

Chromatherapy:
Add colors to your experience. Take advantage of their beneficial effect on body and mind. The mood they create in your bathroom will captivate you. Chromatherapy is the ideal complement to any Produits Neptune massage system.

Built-in to the contour of the bathtub, their chromatherapy system is composed of one, two or four powerful lights of clean design adapted to the style of your bathtub, which can create a relaxing or energizing ambiance depending on the color you choose.

MAAX:
http://www.maax.com/en/main%20navigation/spa%20therapies/spa%20therapies.aspx

Air Massage:
Their state-of-the-art perimeter air injection systems ripple lightly along your skin with a refreshing touch comparable to an ocean breeze that relieves the oppression of a balmy summer day.

You’ll feel nearly weightless as thousands of bubbles waft around you, enhancing the sensation of natural buoyancy and further easing the pressure on achy muscles and joints. Meanwhile, these tiny pillows of air caress your skin to stimulate your circulatory system, revitalize your body, eliminate toxins and ensure superior relaxation. Climb aboard and ride a long easy wave into the sunset every day.

Air Massage Systems: Aerofeel, Aeroeffect, Aerosense, Aeroeffect Pearl CS

Water Massage:
Warm water pulsing against your body holds remedial powers praised since the dawn of recorded history. Relieving insomnia, lessening the pain of arthritis, vanquishing stresses and strains – physical and mental: people have documented these abilities on papyrus and on hard drives the world round.

Seek an intense targeted massage to alleviate sore muscles or find solace in a sinuous current against your body. It’s up to you. The only pressure here is from precision jets set for state of bliss you desire most.

MAAX advanced whirlpool systems offer the sensational tactile experience you deserve to assist you on the way to overall well-being.

Water Massage Systems: Hydrofeel, Hydromax, True Whirlpool, Maax Professional Whirlpool, Hydrosense, Microjet, True Whirlpool Pearl

Combined Massage:
Experiment and discover your perfect combination of the pulsating healing ability of water massage and the gentle reassuring ripple of air jets. Activate their water and air systems together for maximum effect or devise an alternating program that fulfills you head to toe, in and out – body, mind and soul.

Combination Systems:

AEROFEEL / HYDROFEEL

AEROFEEL / HYDROMAX

AEROFEEL / TRUE WHIRLPOOL

WHIRLPOOL / AEROEFFECT

AEROSENS / HYDROSENS

Backmax:
Top massage therapists helped design Backmax to provide the ultimate experience in luxurious hydrotherapy. Strategically positioned pulsating and rotating massage jets knead away tension with intense cascading water streams that commence on your upper shoulders and glide down to your lower back.

Footmax:
Footmax focuses on the body’s internal harmonies that connect precise locations on the soles of one’s feet to muscles and systems throughout. Flowing water jets will massage various pressure points on each of your feet triggering the relief of stress, easing of tension, and alleviation of the many aches and pains you carry around.

Rest Whirlpool System:
The gadgets and grind of modern society obscure these natural rhythms of life. Get back in touch with such sounds of solitude and you attune your mind and body to a holistic, harmonious state.

Aromatherapy:
Experience this or another beautiful internal journey during every bath by adding just a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to MAAX’s AromaScents. Their built-in diffuser creates a gentle scented mist that guides you to the destination of your choosing. Try the cool, refreshing scent of eucalyptus to open nasal passages and clear the mind or perhaps the tangy and tart aroma of grapefruit for a boost of energy after a tiring day.

Chromatherapy:
Set your bath water aglow with the green abundant in the nature’s bounty for a sense of woodsy calm or instead choose the vibrant red of fire to rekindle your internal flame. Have fun discovering which of seven shades available in their Chromatherapy system suits you and your state of mind best. Try one color per session or let a kaleidoscope of color wash over you by having them alight in a pre-programmed sequence.

These built-in LED lights, available on most MAAX bathtubs and shower tubs, make the perfect complement to any of our other tub spa therapies to give you a complete, colorful experience.

Heat Therapy:
Melt away your pains, anxieties and stresses with ThermaZone™,  a heated backrest of truly epic proportions.

Please feel free to come visit our showroom at 5-850 Industrial Avenue in Ottawa or reach us at 613-749-1512 for any more information on selecting the right system tub for your bathroom renovation!

Information gathered for this article is from:
http://www.acryline.ca/spatherapy/index
http://www.produitsneptune.com/en/experiences/
http://www.maax.com/en/main%20navigation/spa%20therapies/spa%20therapies.aspx

When it comes to choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom project the choices may seem over whelming. On the other hand, you may have your heart set on one material in particular, but may not be fully aware of its advantages and disadvantages. This article will give you a little more insight on some of the top choices to help narrow or decide on the right selection for you.

Granite:

Granite is one of the countertop materials of choice; it has a very elegant and captivating appearance. The simple beauty of the stone itself contributes to the overall look and style of the space.

Pros: Granite is a natural stone; therefore, unique colours, patterns and veining are what make this stone strikingly eye-catching and one of a kind. Durability of this stone is exceptional seeing as it has the second highest hardness rating after diamonds.  It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear. The durability and longevity of this product is worth the investment and has a high value to home buyers.

Cons: Seeing as granite is a natural stone, it requires being sealed every so often to avoid stains and knives can become dull if you cut on it. Due to the substantial weight of it is necessary to have sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight. Also, when choosing a colour for your countertop, it is best to look at the actual slab your countertop will be coming from. The natural veining and colouring may be totally different in an entire slab compared to a tiny sample you may be looking at in a showroom.

Marble:

Marble is incomparable when it comes to an ultra-traditional, glamorous, and luxurious appearance.

Pros: The distinctive veining and sheer elegance and classiness of marble has a very distinguishing traditional and classical look, perfect for traditional design. It withstands heat well, and is known to be a fantastic choice for pastry and baking stations.

Cons: Unfortunately, marble is known to be extremely susceptible to stains, even after sealing, and can be scratched and chipped more easily due to the softer nature of the stone. It is suggested that the use of marble in kitchens be limited to one or two small areas rather than the entire kitchen.

Quartz:

Quartz is an engineered stone that is created of resin and 93% quartz particles/crystals tinted with color. It is said to be the perfect compromise between the exquisiteness of stone and the hassle free care of solid surfacing.

Pros: Due to quartz surfacing being engineered, it has great maintenance advantages because it is non-porous, does not require sealant, and is resistant to stains and acid. Its colour and pattern availability is much vaster in comparison to natural stone. The durability and longevity of this product is worth the investment and has a high value to home buyers.

Cons: If the beauty and unpredictability of the veining and colouring of natural stone is what you are interested in, this material may not be the right choice for you as it has more of an evident uniform appearance.

Laminate:

Laminate is created when paper blended material with resins is fused to particle board. Laminate hasn’t always gotten the best rep in the style and decor section, but new age designs and colours are changing this stigma. Modern designs now-a-days mimic stone, butcher block, and other more luxurious surfaces.

Pros: Laminate is on the higher end of the affordability list when it comes to countertop material, so if you need a budget friendly solution, this could be the perfect solution for your project. It is low maintenance and very easy to clean. Considering it is lightweight, it does not require the support of a sturdy cabinet base. Laminate also comes in endless amounts of colours and patterns.

Cons: Due to laminate being a less durable material than natural or engineered stone, it is prone to scratching, burns, and staining. The layers of laminate material can begin to peel with wear and moisture exposure. If your heart is set on an undermount sink, laminate is not the choice for you. Unfortunately, due to core being made from raw particle board, you are unable to use an undermount sink in your design. Scratches and chips are extremely, almost impossible to repair and seams are usually visible.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each material. Narrowing down you needs and wants are imperative to helping you decide on what material is right for you and your project.

Feel free to come visit our showroom at 5-850 Industrial Avenue in Ottawa to take a look at some countertop samples and work with our experienced designers. Also, you can reach us at 613-749-1512 if you have any questions about choosing the right countertop for you!

You can qualify for the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit if you live in Ontario as a senior 65 years or older and wish to make your home safer and more accessible.

The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is refundable personal income tax credit for seniors over 65 years old and their family members who live with them. By qualifying for this tax credit with eligible home improvements you can claim up to a maximum of $10,000 on your tax return. The amount of money you receive back on your tax credit is calculated by 15 percent of the eligible expenses you claim.

How to qualify:

-You must be 65 years old or older by the end of the year for which you are claiming the credit.

-You must be living with a family member who is a enior of 65 years or older. You could qualify for a total tax credit of up to $1,500 every year, regardless of income.

-Seniors and their family members at all income levels are eligible.

Receiving the Credit:

To receive the credit you must claim the total expenses on your personal income tax return by completing Schedule ON(S12) of your tax return and putting the amount spent on eligible renovations next to box 6311 on form ON479.

For the 2012 tax year: you can claim expenses billed between October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

For tax years 2013 and after: each year, you can claim expenses related to work billed for in that year.

Save all of your receipts for any modifications you make. They will not need to be submitted with your tax return, but will have to kept in case the Canada Revenue Agency asks you to verify your expenses.

Examples of work that qualifies:

• Non-slip flooring in the bathroom
• Installing a hand-held shower
• Door locks that are easy to operate
• certain renovations to permit a first-floor occupancy or secondary suite for a senior
• grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower
• handrails in corridors
• wheelchair ramps, stair/wheelchair lifts and elevators
• walk-in bathtubs
• wheel-in showers
• widening passage doors
• lowering existing counters/cupboards
• installing adjustable counters/cupboards
• light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations
• door locks that are easy to operate
• lever handles on doors and taps, instead of knobs
• pull-out shelves under counter to enable work from a seated position
• non-slip flooring in the bathroom
• a hand-held shower on an adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets
• additional light fixtures throughout the home and exterior entrances
• swing clear hinges on doors to widen doorways
• creation of knee space under the basin to enable use from a seated position (and insulation of any hot-water pipes)
• relocation of tap to front or side for easier access
• hands-free taps
• motion-activated lighting
• touch-and-release drawers and cupboards
• automatic garage door openers

Examples of ineligible work that does not qualify:

• Plumbing or electrical work
• Repairs to a roof
• Installing new windows
• general maintenance – such as plumbing or electrical repairs
• repairs to a roof
• aesthetic enhancements such as landscaping or redecorating
• installing new windows or regular flooring
• installing heating or air conditioning systems
• replacing insulation

Devices are ineligible. These include:

• equipment for home medical monitoring
• equipment for home security (anti-burglary)
• wheelchairs
• walkers
• vehicles adapted for people with mobility limitations
• side swing ovens and appliances with front located controls
• fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors

Services are ineligible. These include:

• security or medical monitoring services
• home care services
• housekeeping services
• outdoor maintenance and gardening services

So, if you are considering doing a home renovation to improve safety and accessibility and are a senior 65 years or older, or live with a family member who is check out this great credit option!

For more information check out this website:

http://www.ontario.ca/taxes-and-benefits/healthy-homes-renovation-tax-credit