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AGING AT HOME

8/20/2018

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​Today homebuilders and designers are now faced with the reality that boomers want homes that they can grow old in, without ever having to move to an assisted living facility. Luckily, there are now unprecedented opportunities for single and multi-generational families.
The interior of a modern home now gives clients the ability to live their best without compromising on design. Senior living is in a state of transformation because technology and design are now integrated giving home owners more flexibility and freedom than ever before.
We are living in the best possible time to age on our own terms. Technology is changing our lives in a way that will affect every aspect of how we live and age in the future.
Products in the home are starting to encompass everything from robotics, sensors and gadgets to 3-D printers and augmented reality - all of which could eventually be controlled by artificial intelligence.

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The ultimate summer home maintenance checklist

8/3/2018

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Summer has already arrived. Have you prepped your home enough for this current season? Below is an ultimate summer home maintenance checklist. 

1. Wash Your Windows and Screens

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Before you start washing your windows, you want to start by cleaning the screens. Use a vacuum to bring up any loose dirt. Then, scrub each one with some dish soap and a bristle brush to remove any lingering debris. Set them outside to dry completely before using.
​Now, it is time for the windows. Make a solution that’s one part hot water and one part vinegar. Then use a sponge or squeegee to wash each window. After washing, use a rag to dry each one. Lastly, replace your clean screens.

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Gardening in small spaces

7/17/2018

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Outdoor space may only be available in limited amounts in the city, especially in Vancouver. But with the right expertise, you do not have to refrain from your passion for greenery. On the contrary, it can be quite simple to change your tiny urban space into your own urban garden.  ​

1. Containers

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Containers allow you to arrange your little garden space to suit your goals and needs, even if your only space is a concrete balcony, or brick or stone patio. Garden pots make it easy to customize your garden style as you wish as the containers come in assorted sizes, shapes, colors and materials allowing you to customize however you like. Containers can even hang safely on a balcony allowing you to take advantage of every nook and cranny you can find.  Getting creative with your garden space is easy to do as garden pots come in many shapes, sizes and colors including those made from recycled items for the earth conscious gardener. In fact, when growing edible plants, ensure your container isn’t made from any toxic materials to prevent leaching dangerous chemicals into your plant and therefore your food.
​It’s also imperative to have good drainage in containers so your plants don’t sit in water. If your pot does not have holes on the bottom, simply your own holes into your container of choice.

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Your bathroom fan may be more important than you think

6/14/2018

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The bathroom fan may not be something you generally give a lot of thought to. From a structural perspective, bathroom exhaust fans are a key element of your home’s ventilation system. They eliminate odors, improve indoor air quality, and remove moisture and humidity that can lead to structural damage or mildew and mold growth.

It’s not uncommon for a home to have a bathroom exhaust fans that is noisy, moves very little air and is not energy efficient.  Many homeowners are not even aware that their current bathroom fans may be contributing to damage in their homes.
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Fans that aren’t doing their job properly need to be replaced or serviced to correct the inadequate airflow, inability to overcome static pressure, high leakage rates and general poor condition. If a mirror is steamed after a shower, or there is a build-up of condensation on bathroom walls, it is probably time to service or upgrade the bathroom fan.
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There are several factors to be considered when selecting a new or replacement bathroom fan.

Airflow Rate
Of all the factors to consider, the airflow rate is the most important. It is obviously important that the fan is doing its' job for proper ventilation.  When choosing a fan consulting with an expert is recommended to ensure proper functioning.
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Sound Level
Various studies have shown that many people do not turn on their bathroom fans because they are too noisy. When considering fan sound levels, it is important to check for the HVI rating. If a bathroom fan does not carry an HVI rating, there is a very good chance it will be noisy.
A quiet alternative to traditional bathroom fans is the remote mounted in-line ventilation fan which are mounted in the attic, thereby removing the motor and fan assembly from within the bathroom itself providing a quiet and effective exhaust ventilation.
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​Energy Efficiency
An Energy Star fan is, without question, the best choice. An energy efficient fan can lead to savings in the electrical bill and increased performance of the bathroom fan. More than half of the fans operating in Canada today are not energy efficient models.

Aesthetics
Once a fan has been found that is quiet, energy efficient and delivers the required airflow, it is time to look at the looks of the fan. Two different styles of bathroom fans are worth considering: traditional ceiling mounted fans and remote mounted in-line fans.

Traditional ceiling mounted fans have a fan and motor assembly mounted in the ceiling, housed in a box with a fixed air intake grille covering the mechanics of the fan.  Despite improvements in sound levels and airflow rates, they still tend to be noisy, and are not designed to overcome the higher static pressures found in many exhaust systems.

Whereas the remote mounted in-line ventilation fans provide a much quieter operation and are designed to overcome higher static pressures.  In-line bathroom fans are normally mounted in the attic space. The only visible portion of the exhaust system in the bathroom is an attractive exhaust grille. 

Another feature of remote mounted fans is that the air intake grille can be mounted directly over a shower or hot tub. Plus, it's possible for one fan to exhaust air through multiple grilles. 


Fan control
​The last point to consider when upgrading a bathroom ventilation system is how the fan is controlled.  CMHC and HVI both suggest that a bathroom fan run for a minimum of 20 minutes after a shower, to allow for the removal of excess humidity and moisture.  Therefore, It is recommended that a separate switch control the fan or, better yet, a timer that allows the fan to run for a predetermined amount of time after showering.

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Planning a large-scale renovation or building a new home? With more than 35 years building in Vancouver and Whistler, Well Balanced Designs fully understands the in's and out's of the building industry. We make it our mission to simplify the process for our clients to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. That results in the home you're dreaming of. 

How can we help?

Download our Guide to Building or renovating in Vancouver or to our Laneway Home Building Guide for suggestions for planning your next project that lead to a great experience for you, the homeowner.

If you'd like to chat with us directly click here for contact information.
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Seasons Trends - The Blurred Lines Between Indoors and Out

6/1/2018

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Indoor and outdoor living are equally important to home owners. This was proven by a recent consumer survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Taylor Morrison, one of the largest home building companies in the United States. 56 percent of the potential homebuyers who were interviewed, would consider sacrificing a bigger house if it meant they got more green space. 
​The survey also found that buyers value distance from neighboring homes. Having space is one of the vital exterior features homeowners look for to maintain their family’s privacy. Other top outside priorities include driveway styles, exterior paint color and roofing finishes.  
​"Demand for more elaborate exterior space continues to rise and blending indoor-outdoor living to address customer preferences is critical…." says Sheryl Palmer, Taylor Morrison chairman, president and CEO.
​This is easily done through glass wall systems we discussed in our last blog post. These systems combine a great indoor and outdoor experience, contributing to a happier and healthier life. There are many ways to enhance the seamless indoor/outdoor feel with wall systems that are essentially removable. Adding to the openness by using other elements such as tile flooring that extends from a home’s interior to its’ outdoor space can create the illusion that a home is much larger than it actually is.

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how Glass Wall Systems can transform your home

5/25/2018

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​A stunning glass wall system can convert your room into a remarkable indoor-outdoor living experience. The glass wall system benefits the look of a home while contributing to a healthier, happier lifestyle. A glass wall brings in natural light which brightens up the space and adds to ventilation while seemingly bringing the outside in. This gives a room a better connection with nature and leaves your room feeling like it’s been enlarged. 
​There are three different kinds of operating glass wall systems: folding, stacking or pocket. Chose the style of door not only for looks but also based on the intended use. Consider traffic flow, room layout, size, placement and opening direction.  
Pocket doors slide out of sight, folding doors stack like an accordion and can add a dramatic touch to a room and stacking doors stand one on top of another from 2 doors to 12. 
Choose the size and placement of glass door systems according to your goals. Are you adding glass doors to create a flexible living spaces or for better views? 
​How much furniture and is in the room as well as the room layout is a consideration too. Pocket doors present the least challenges because they don’t swing into the attached room creating the need for extra space. Avoid the use of heavy furniture around whichever system you use is best. 
The type of glass system you choose can be affected by the climate of your location too. Your choice will affect energy efficiency and safety. A popular choice is the low-e tempered glass or in regions of great cold or heat, a triple-glazed version is a good fit. 

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amendments to the strata title policies in Vancouver

5/14/2018

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PictureCity of Vancouver, Guidelines for Additions, Infills and Multiple Conversion Dwellings, January, 2018City of Vancouver, Guidelines for Additions, Infills and Multiple Conversion Dwellings, January, 2018

​"On October 3, 2017, Council approved amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw. The amendments introduce character retention incentives and increased opportunities for housing choice in all single-family (RS) zones across the city. 

Character Home Zoning Review

Heritage and character buildings are valued by many Vancouver residents, and are an important component of defining neighbourhood identity and character.

In recent years, we've heard growing public concern over the loss of character homes in the city. We started the Character Home Zoning Review in response to these concerns as part of the Heritage Action Plan, a comprehensive program approved by Council in 2013 to review and improve how we support heritage conservation in Vancouver.
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This Character Home Zoning Review explores ways to encourage retention of pre-1940 character homes in single-family (RS zoned) neighbourhoods.
City Council requested this work as part of the Heritage Action Plan (HAP), a comprehensive review of the City’s Heritage Conservation Program. In this phase, we are proposing retention incentives for character homes in all single-family (RS zoned) neighbourhoods across the city. 
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What can I do with my character home?

When a character house is retained, home owners have the opportunity to:
  • Add additional floor area to their existing home
  • Convert their home into multiple units known as a Multiple Conversion Dwelling
  • Build an infill – a smaller detached home typically located in the rear yard where the garage would normally go on a single-family lot
  • Rent or strata-title dwelling units in the infill or Multiple Conversion Dwelling
  • Development options: General building code upgrades, site servicing requirements, and site eligibility requirements  (3 MB)

Before You Start Planning

Review the zoning schedules, guidelines, and policies before you start your plan:
  • RS District Schedules including amendments for character home retention
  • Guidelines for Additions, Infill and Multiple Conversion Dwelling in association with the Retention of a Character House in an RS Zone  (1 MB)
  • Strata Title Policies for RS, RT and RM Zones  (104 KB)

Or contact the Well Balanced Designs team and we can answer any questions you have about adding additional floor area, converting your home to a Multiple Conversion Dwelling or building an infill in the City of Vancouver. 

It's important to note that at this time lane homes are not eligible for strata title. If you'd like more information about building an infill or building a lane home, please contact us.
All information is property of City of Vancouver, ​Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability Department
Links to original material can be found throughout this content. 

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The BC Home & Garden Show, 2018

2/21/2018

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Well Balanced Designs is pleased to be attending the BC Home and Garden show this year.
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If you’re contemplating building a new home or renovating an older one, or just looking to spruce up your place for spring and summer, 2018, this show is a must attend. This is where Canada’s finest gather to deliver all you need to get you home in top shape.
 
From DIY projects, to home building and everything in between, this annual event, downtown Vancouver, is an exciting place to be. The show runs February 21st to February 25th, 2018. You can find us in Booth #2231

​Local Designers and Local Designs:
 
Last year we were honored to be featured on the Marc & Mandy Show. Designer Jamie Banfield took viewers on a tour of one of our newly built homes. Jamie Banfield will be displaying his talent in a few ways this coming weekend. The BC Hydro Power Smart Home, which highlights how to focus on energy efficiency in your home, is designed by Jamie Banfield Designs.There are so many options related to technology these days allowing energy efficiency and style to easily co-exist. Make sure to stop by this exhibit and learn more about saving on cost AND being an Energy Star®.
 
You’ll also find Jamie Banfield Designs sharing options for livening up your outdoor spacee. We recently built an incredible outdoor deck for a client, as  outdoor living is an important feature for them. And why not, Vancouver summer's can be incredible! Take a look our recent project by clicking here. Then see what inspiration you find from our project and the Jamie Banfield team at the Home Show, to get you motivated to up your entertaining game this summer!

PictureSteel Garden Systems
​Curb Appeal
 
With “more than 3,000 square feet of innovative garden spaces’ at the show this year, you won’t be hard-pressed to find all you need to create that dream outdoor space.  We understand the importance of greenery! From landscaping that adds to curb appeal, to the use of plants and live gardens inside your home, greenery of all sorts is an important design element.
 
Some of us at Well Balanced Designs are keen to learn more about Steel Garden Systems who will be at the show. Ok, partly because they make gardening less labor-intensive but partly because of the combination of unique designs and practical construction. These custom built, raised steel garden beds have all the good looks without some of the drawbacks of wooden beds like rot or discoloration. They discourage bugs and weed growth and are easy to move. Coupled with the numerous colors that are available and the fact that they can be built to your specifications, these are worth checking out while you can. 

​Custom Options
 
Another thing we are excited to see at the show this weekend has to do with being a lane home builder. We get a bit excited by innovative designs for small spaces.  Space-saver beds and wall beds are a great solution for lane home living. Or for any other space you want to give double duty to. Instant Bedrooms Manufacturing , in an industry leader in Murphy Wall bed production. A space saver bed allows a 2nd bedroom to be an office or spare room until it’s needed for a guest. And if you haven’t taken a look at innovations in space-saver beds for a number of years, you don’t want to miss this! Instant Bedrooms Manufacturing has been in business as long as we have been (35 years), making them a great resource for functional space saving tips.  



Lane homes may be small but they are highly functional.
With the right design and the right layout, they are wonderful spaces
to call home. Check out some of the lane homes in our Project Gallery and 
note the features we included to enhance the smaller square footage. 
Skylights, large windows and radiant flooring ensure lots of light and
consistency in indoor temperature no matter what the season.  
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​There are so many exhibitors, it may be hard to take it all in. The show runs Wednesday to Sunday, so with a bit of planning, you may be able to get to it all. One last recommendation we have, besides having a rest in The Lounge, is pop by and see Niki Design & Glass Studio. They specialize in “commercial and residential architectural glass” and have an astonishing array of uses of beautifully designed glass. From shower enclosures to fireplaces to counter tops and doors, you will see some incredible artistry sure to make any home unique and timeless.
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​Try Something Unique to The BC Home & Garden Show
 
And if the endless amount of design and décor ideas for your home and garden aren’t enough, try something else:  As the official automotive sponsor of the BC Home & Garden Show, Toyota will be onsite offering test drives and adding a fun touch to a show that is all about life at home.  So, go ahead and see if you want to bring something new home to add to your new garage.
 
There’s also a Help Desk if you have questions you need answered about a project you’re working on. But you know you can come see us for that kind of stuff too, right? After 35 years in business, we have some answers about design build projects!
 
Let us know if you enjoyed these recommendations and what inspirations you may have found that we didn’t include. We look forward to seeing you at this weekend-long adventure so be sure to stop by our booth and say hello!





​If you are considering building a new home in the Vancouver area, DOWNLOAD our FREE "New Home Construction Guide" for best practices when a new home build, what to expect during building and what steps will help you make the process as seamless as possible. 

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DOWNLOAD NOW
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Laneway Housing Design & Construction In Vancouver

11/20/2017

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Laneway housing is a novel solution to Vancouver’s real estate crunch, letting homeowners build these structures and use them – or rent them out to tenants. Vancouver zoning allows these structures to be built in special single-family zones only. We have always suspected it will only be a matter of time before population pressures see  even more laneway housing sprouting up in even more neighborhoods. 

There are currently proposals at Vancouver city hall, that will allow for this if passed.  

We have been part of this trend, building and designing laneway house for our clients throughout the Vancouver area, for many years. 
Click here to get specific details on what`s required before you can start to build a laneway home in the City of Vancouver. We have broken this down into simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can get started understanding the building process.


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Simple Ideas to Start Your Own Vertical Garden – Indoors or Out

11/20/2017

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It's getting close to that time of year in Vancouver when we are relieved to be able to start spending more time outdoors…without the rain, or snow as the case may be! This year, as always, our fingers are crossed for springs quick arrival. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the beautiful west coast. Whether that’s a landscaped garden, a deck for entertaining or a

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Well Balanced Designs
Suite 400 – 1681 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 4M6
Phone: 604-669-5551
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