For some crusty old contractors, IKEA cabinets is a bad word(s).  The mention of them will send them into fits of rage, denouncing them as garbage, pressboard junk, etc.  In their day, cabinets were built-in and constructed of sturdy veneered plywood with hardwood doors.  Modern forestry practices, however, mean that cabinets constructed of particle core/melamine [...]

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Butcher block is a sturdy-looking, naturally beautiful counter-top.  It is a finish of choice for many who are looking for a cozy-casual, traditional look to their kitchen.
The Calgary area can be so arid, though, that many wonder if a solid wood counter-top is a good choice for our climate.  Another common concern is staining.
These factors [...]

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Kitchen Transformation – On a Modest Budget

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The kitchen in this 1946 bungalow was in desperate need of an upgrade.  While possessed of intriguing features such as curved window returns and quarter-sawn fir plank flooring, the original built-ins were difficult to access and low in quality.  The upper cabinets loomed high and deep (the first shelf being about 6′ off the floor [...]

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How to Maximize Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

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Two years ago I installed an estate kitchen in a rural area just outside of Calgary.  The centerpiece of this kitchen was a granite topped island that measured over 45 square feet.  It was surrounded on 3 sides by floor to ceiling (10′ ceiling height) cabinetry.  While impressive, the kitchen lacked practicality and usability.  Much [...]

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What Makes a Good Door Installation?

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We rarely pay attention to a door until it stops working properly.  You lean into it to close it or lock it.  You have to jerk it open.  You see daylight coming in from outside, or feel a strong draft.  The hinges squeal.  All signs that your door needs adjusting.  (at the least)
So what makes [...]

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Installing Cedar Shakes

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Classic and durable, cedar shakes make a great exterior covering/siding.  They are a design staple in craftsman architecture, right along with tapered columns and exposed rafter tails, posts, and beams.  Western red cedar is naturally rot resistant as it contains oils that act as a self-preservative.  Unlike vinyl products, the production of cedar shakes has [...]

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Before You Develop Your Basement-Things to Consider

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Developing your basement is an excellent way to increase the living space of your home.  It can serve many functions, ie; secondary suite, recreation rooms, additional bedrooms, etc.
Two main characteristics of a basement affect how it should be developed:
1.  Basements are situated below ground. Like any hole in the ground, basements will be cold [...]

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Installing Kitchen Cabinets

Tips and tricks for installing your own modular cabinets…

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A Feature Wall is Transformed

A floor to ceiling mirrored wall might still work in a palatial art deco building.  But where a basic townhouse is concerned, mirrored walls have come and gone, and come and gone, and hopefully, won’t be back again.
When this townhouse was being renovated, getting rid of the mirrors was definitely on the list of upgrades.  [...]

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Coping Skills for Installing Baseboard

Wanting to add a little extra craftsmanship to your baseboard installation? Learn how to cope your miters just like the pros, and have tight joints every time.

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