D– Design
N– Needs
A-Alignment

We all know the traditional definition of DNA; it is your individual characteristics and makeup that sets you apart and make you unique from anyone else. Your personal DNA is what makes you unique as a person; at Well Balanced Designs, we believe that each family also has a personalized ‘DNA’.

This is a procedure that makes an in-depth analysis of the needs and desires of each prospective Renovation Client. Far beyond the typical questions of “What is your budget” and “What colour would you like your walls”, this study personalizes every renovation by asking specific questions of each family member such as “Does your Family/Great Room have enough room for books, photos and trophies” & “How many pairs of shoes would you like to have storage for in your Master Bedroom”. Designed to ‘hone in’ on what is truly important to the family unit, this process ensures every angle is considered and eliminates post-project disappointment.

Design:

Design is often taken for granted as a simple, superficial process mainly involving aesthetics rather than specific functionality; with this approach it is easy to overlook the prerequisites of each family member.
“I want this style of kitchen”, “I want a home theatre”, or “I want a big family room”, are typical examples of initial statements; however, this vagueness often leads to dissatisfaction.
At Well Balanced Designs, we go far beyond superficial discussions when determining the right design for your home. From the onset, we pay close attention to all of the details of your vision, no matter how clear or vague that vision may be. Whether or not you are completely sure about what you really want or need, our extensive needs analysis questionnaire that you fill out, allows us to uncover the small nuances that often make the biggest differences.
These findings are incorporated into an initial rendering where the collaboration process moves into full swing! This process also allows for the freedom to explore many different possibilities and options; you won’t be limited by the initial design but instead will find this is just the starting point of discussion to determine the perfect spaces that will suite your family.
We understand how important every single detail can be and the effect that the smallest change can make on your dream home. With the use of Well Balanced Design’s DNA-Process, we have completely eliminated the uncertainty of how your final project will turn out from the very start.Over the next few blogs, we’ll share the fundamentals of D.N.A. we hope you find this info useful!

Gabrielle Henault, designer for Well Balanced Designs & Renovations

Is it time for a kitchen Renovation? 2013 will bring some fabulous kitchen trends.
Well Balanced Designs and Renovations has the expertise to make your dream kitchen a reality.
Soft Contemporary
For the first time ever Traditional style kitchen design has been bumped down to second place as ‘’transitional’’ style takes number one. What is transitional? Transitional is a ‘’’soft contemporary.’’ It is a cross between traditional and contemporary. It’s less formal, has simplified lines and is a bit more sleek but warmer than modern.
Less Obvious Appliances
Stainless steel appliances have been the word in appliances for years and are not expected to expire any time soon but appliances will definitely be in hiding in 2013 and beyond. Appliances will be blending with the cabinets; some with panels to match and some hidden within cabinetry. Also there will be more built-in appliances under the counters such as small secondary refrigerators, wine coolers, trash compactors and microwaves. These appliances are perfect for islands and peninsulas.
Lighting That Combines Form and Function
A more layered approach to kitchen lighting will be with LED lighting in the forefront. We will often see these under the cabinets, within the cabinets, and even within appliances. No more lighting that is strictly functional but rather lighting that adds beauty to the kitchen as well. And look to pendants for 2013.
Island Getaways
You won’t find many kitchens without islands if they are large enough to pull one off. Large kitchens are the norm now and so are kitchen islands. Islands are being used to separate the kitchen from the family living areas while keeps the space open and airy.
Natural Color Schemes
Earthy colors for kitchens are a natural and the trend is for grays, greens and neutrals on a variety of wood tone cabinets. Painted cabinetry is still hot and expect to see earthy colors here also. Black and white is making a comeback (has it ever really left?) with bold bright accents here and there like red. Gray cabinet colors are expected to stick around and black is also a hot color.
Decorative Range Hoods
The range hood is becoming the focal point in many kitchens. Today’s hoods are wood, cast stone, copper, and absolutely meant to be seen.
Super Stylish Sinks
If you can make only one update this year opt for a beautiful stylish kitchen sink. 2013 will see a continued trend towards stone, copper and fireclay farmhouse sinks.
Glass Backsplashes
The most popular backsplash for the year 2013 will be glass. The glass mosaic tile will still remain popular but this year will see the rise of a single sheet of glass. These are seamless, just slightly reflective and very easy to clean.

Gabrielle Henault, designer for Well Balanced Designs & Renovations

George Martin’s 25 years of experience in design and build means he and his team can identify the most appropriate design and technical solutions for your renovation or new home. Design-Build is the process by which a single entity provides both the design and construction, thus giving you greater control over the cost of your renovation since design; estimating and construction are seamlessly combined.

Our design/build process has four phases:

1. Zoning and Building Code

In the first phase, we document the existing property and building conditions and identify zoning bylaw and building code issues that can shape the design process and affect the design proposals.

2. The Preliminary Design Phase

The preliminary design phase begins with our visit to the site to measure and photograph the house and to produce drawings of the existing building. We then present you with up to three different design schemes for your project, based on your wishes, needs, and realities.

3. The Design Development Phase

In the design development phase you choose one of the preliminary schemes (or some combination) and as a result of your feedback we refine it in more detail, we make plans, elevations and three dimensional sketches to represent a finished idea reflecting your desires. We begin discussions with consultants to integrate electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems into the design. The material selection and detailing continue to be refined based on the conditions we find and any changes you request.

4. The Working Drawings and Beginning Construction Phase

In the last phase we resolve construction details, and add final dimensions and notes pertaining to the Building Code. You approve
the drawings and we submit them to the Building Department at City Hall.

Well Balanced Designs & Renovations is dedicated to providing our clients with a finely detailed project that reflect our commitment to superior design.

Building a second floor addition onto a single story home has become a very popular option for home owners looking for additional living space. Your home is the center of your life. But what do you do when your life outgrows your home and you love the neighborhood? There are many solutions, one is to buy a bungalow and add a second floor or add a second floor to your existing home. It will increase both the size and value of your home. All considerations being equal, second floor additions are more economical to build than a complete tear down and rebuild. Increasing ground level square footage will mean changing the foundation and foundation work drives up costs Learn to think in terms of square footage cost and realize you are building a mini-house.
There are all sorts of restrictions and codes involved with second floor additions, make sure it is legally permitted. Adding a second floor is a serious endeavor and should not be approached lightly. It comes with many obstacles: Foundations are sometimes incapable of supporting the second floor addition so reinforcing or replacement may be needed. Valuable floor space in the home may be lost to stair cases, so design and floor plans are critical. And then there is the fact that you are without a roof for a period of time. You will want the work done as quickly as possible and under the best weather conditions. Thinking of a second floor addition? Contact Well Balanced Designs & Renovations for a 1 hour complimentary in home consultation.

Among the list of perennial home improvements kitchens and baths continue to be the most popular with the recovery of between 75% and 100% of the cost.
Less is becoming the new more when it comes to what’s hot in kitchen designs. Whether its texture and material nature or simple, bold statements in shape or color, functional have never been more desirable. Define your style of living and turn these precious days into brilliant memories.

Bathrooms have become personal sanctuaries, a spa for all, and a retreat from a complicated world. But perhaps just as good for the environment and the soul, there is a new emphasis on simple, uncluttered design: the natural striations of bamboo, the smooth beauty of marble and limestone and the sparkle of polished chrome and glass.In the bath environment, texture rather than color, is the most effective way to provide warmth and visual depth.

Thinking of renovating? Contact us for a 1HR. complementary in home consultation.
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