Author: Canadoo Admin

Tips for Keeping your Gym Looking Like New

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Gym Renovations Vancouver

You can’t stop time or its effects.  Even the best maintained gym is going to show signs of aging over time, particularly when you consider the amount of traffic and the kinds of activities that take place in gyms.  Equipment, structures, and furniture are bound to get chipped, scratched, cracked, and damaged.  Dust builds up, moving parts dry out, and equipment breaks down.  These are facts of life in the gym game.  So then, how do you keep your gym in optimal condition?  Follow these tips for keeping your gym looking like new.

Planning makes Perfect

Listen, all things that are new become old eventually, but your gym’s clients want to enter a space that looks clean and offers equipment that operates properly.  So, when you are building your gym, you need to take some time to consider how the space will be used and what you can do to keep the facility looking new for longer.  For example, in the planning and construction phases, you want to consider the types of materials used for flooring, walls, the front desk, and furniture.  Ultimately, you need to choose materials that can survive a lot of traffic and high impact.  In other words, durability is critical.  Work closely with your contractor to choose flooring and wall coverings that will withstand the impact from weights and other equipment.

You can protect walls and other structures with corner guards, but also consider the materials used to construct the walls.  If you have the budget, consider concrete for walls or at the very least choose materials that are designed for high-impact.  Fixtures such as sprinklers, lighting, and speakers should also be durable, particularly if gym equipment may come in contact with them.

Every inch of your gym can be protected if you plan carefully.  Entry points, countertops, toilets, and showers are all areas that will see a lot of traffic are likely to show signs of wear and tear quickly.  You can prevent damage by planning ahead by installing commercial-grade materials and fixtures that are built to last.

Ease of Cleaning

Another factor to consider is how easy materials and finishes will be to clean.  Ultimately, you want to install materials that are durable and easy to clean, but also materials that hide dirt and damage well.  For example, matte-finish tiles will hide damage better than a gloss finish.

Budget for Upgrades

Finally, to keep your gym looking like new, you’ll need to invest in new equipment and structural upgrades from time-to-time.  When you are building or purchasing a gym, it’s important to factor ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs into your budget.  You’ll likely need to replace many different elements of the gym – not just equipment, but flooring, wall coverings, and fixtures as well.

When it’s all said and done, the key to keeping your gym looking like new is in the planning.  Regular maintenance and cleaning as well as equipment replacement and building restoration are all critical to keeping your gym looking great.

How to Pick Lighting for your Home?

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Planning a home renovation? Getting the right lighting for your home can have a huge impact not only on style but also function.  Depending on the room, your lighting is going to change – you’re not likely to use the same lighting solutions in your kitchen as your bedroom, for example.  Additionally, there are so many available lighting options today – from chandeliers and pot lights to LED lights and hanging lights, there are many factors to consider when choosing lighting for your home.  Let’s have a closer look at some of the most important considerations so you can learn how to pick lighting for your home.

Types of Lighting

First understand the basic types of lighting – ambient, task, and accent lighting.  Sometimes you’ll mix and match different types of lighting in a room.  Ambient lighting is your primary light source – two of the main examples in homes are overhead or recessed lighting fixtures.  You’ll want to consider how much light you’ll need in a room depending on its function.  Kitchens and bathrooms usually have more ambient light than bedrooms, for example.

As the name implies, task lighting provides adequate light for specific tasks.  When you’re watching TV, applying makeup, or reading a book, you’ll probably benefit from some task lighting.  Table lamps or a mirror lights are both examples of task lighting.  They can increase lighting in a specific area, but can be deactivated when they’re not needed.

Finally, accent lighting represents a style choice.  You may use accent lighting to highlight your favourite art or a specific feature of your home.  For example, accent lighting may be installed around a fireplace so you can accent pieces on the mantle.

Types of Fixtures

Next, it’s important to understand that there are many different lighting fixtures.  From sconces and flush mounts to lamps and chandeliers, different types of lighting fixtures will often serve different purposes.  Sconces are mounted to your wall and usually act as accent lights.  Flush and semi-flush mounts are usually installed in the ceiling and provide ambient lighting.  Chandeliers and lamps are usually design features that may provide both ambient light and accent lighting.  You can probably even remember using desk lamps as task lighting.

Lighting for Space

Finally, consider the space you are lighting when trying to pick the right lighting for your home.  Entryways generally benefit from brighter, ambient light mounted in the ceiling.  For more flexible design, living rooms are well-suited to ambient light from floor lamps and table lamps.  Consider installing a dimmer switch in the living room for more control over lighting.  Dining rooms should feature a balance of light – enough for eating and chatting but not offensively bright.  A chandelier or mounted fixture over the centre of the table is traditional.  In the kitchen, consider pairing ambient lighting with task lighting where you do most of your kitchen work.  For your bedroom, a softer, ambient light with a couple of lamps for task lighting are great ideas; but for the bathroom, you need a lot of light.  A variety of sources allows you to add more light as needed – and don’t forget task lighting for your grooming tasks.

How to Choose Flooring for your Home

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How to Choose Flooring for your Home

When it comes to home renovations, there are so many options available that it can be a daunting task to find the right flooring for your home.  Depending on your material and style preferences as well as function and budget, selecting the best flooring is more complicated than simply finding a look that you like.  With that in mind, this guide will address many of the key considerations you need to make so you don’t have to guess about how to choose flooring for your home. 

Budget

Not all flooring is priced the same.  On the cheaper end of the flooring spectrum, laminate options are the go-to.  You can choose styles that look like hardwood at a fraction of the cost – you can even find bargains where you’ll pay less than $2 per square foot.  Engineered wood flooring gets a bit more expensive, particularly as you look at more exotic woods, but these options are still affordable and range between $2 and $5 per square foot.  High quality laminates and vinyl tiles will also land you closer to the $4 or $5 per square foot price.  The most expensive flooring options tend to be exotic hardwood floors made from mahogany or Brazilian cherry, as well as premium laminate or vinyl floorings.  Ultimately, if you know your budget, you can focus your search on systems that fall in your price range.

Function

Next, think about the room or rooms where the flooring will be installed.  Is it a high-moisture space?  Is it a high traffic area?  What about pets or children?  When flooring rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom or areas in the basement, you want to choose a flooring system that can stand up to moisture.  Concrete, ceramic, or porcelain or vinyl tile floorings are great options for high moisture areas.  If moisture isn’t a consideration, most types of flooring will be suitable – but there are still some questions to be answered.

If you want a floor that will stand up to high traffic, pet stains, or the whims of children, more durable flooring systems such as ceramic or porcelain tile are also great.  If you want durability as well as versatile style options, laminate and plank vinyl flooring are also great options.  Also, you may shy away from carpet because of potential stains, but if you’re less concerned about spills and accidents, carpet flooring is long lasting.

Maintenance

Finally, remember that all flooring systems require regular care and attention.  Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring tend to require the least maintenance – regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping will usually suffice.  On the other hand, hardwood floors are more susceptible to scratches and may need to be refinished from time-to-time.  Regardless of the type of flooring system you install, remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your floors.

Now that you have a sense of some of the most common factors to consider when choosing flooring for your  home, you can easily focus your search to find the right style for any room.

Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

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Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

Whether you run a medical or dental practice, renovating your healthcare office can revitalize your space in such a way that staff and clients feel better.  Not only do healthcare office renovations help you to update décor, but they also offer the opportunity to improve on workflow and hygiene and generally make your health practice more efficient.  Nevertheless, a healthcare office renovation can be a time consuming and costly project so careful planning is paramount.  Here are some tips for planning a healthcare office renovation.

Consult Experts

If you’re a doctor or a dentist, you probably can relate to the frustration when a client comes into your office with “expertise” they gained through Google.  While it’s important to do your own research so that you know what you want, working with design and renovation experts can guide you through your renovation so that you ultimately realize your renovation vision.  Most renovation projects will involve designers (both architectural and interior), a general contractor, various tradespeople, and other professionals.  When you are trying to decide which experts to hire for your project, always work with people that have experience with healthcare office renovations or remodels.  Their expertise will help you create a calm and soothing space that is also functional.

Do your Research

As mentioned, you want to consult with experts but it’s important to have your own vision that you can bring to your meetings with designers and builders.  Social media is often a good source for design inspiration, but you can also look into medical research to learn how to create the ideal healthcare environment.  For example, some colours will promote a sense of ease in clients through their soothing hues.  Additionally, you’ll want to have some information about the kinds of wall coverings and furniture styles and fabrics that are durable but comfortable.  While your designer can guide you through these decisions, it will save time and money if you already  have a sense of your own preferences.

Prepare a Budget

Depending on the scope of your project, a healthcare office renovation can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars – particularly if you are investing in new medical equipment or making structural changes to the office layout.  Carefully budgeting each stage of your renovation is necessary if you want to have a project that progresses seamlessly.  In addition, you must always prepare for financial contingencies when working on any kind of renovation.  Experts generally recommend a 10-15% cushion to your healthcare office renovation so that you’ll always be sure to have funding to manage the unexpected.

Through careful planning and consultation with experts, a healthcare office renovation can be an effective way to create a healthier work environment that makes both clients and your staff more comfortable in your medical or dental practice.

Retail Store Renovation Cost

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Commercial renovations can be costly, but in many cases the end result more than justifies the expense.  After all, your retail store is the ultimate reflection of your business and your brand, so it’s important to take retail store renovations seriously.  Careful planning can help you map out your renovation while also determining overall costs of the project.  Still, the cost of renovations can vary widely depending on many factors such as the scope of your renovation, the materials involved, and the professionals involved in the remodel.  For example, retail store renovation costs usually average around $50 per square foot, but regardless of your budget you can likely successfully organize a retail store renovation if you prioritize your needs.  Let’s look at some of the specific costs broken down.

Design

Ideally, you will hire a professional designer for your renovation.  Unless you have design experience, a professional can help you create the perfect space for your store.  Generally, a designer will average around 20 per cent of your total budget.  That being said, small renovations such as custom shelving or applying a new coat of paint will not likely require design input.  On the other hand, a designer can help you make your space more functional while also bringing in brand elements that allow you to maintain a consistent image.

Trades

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC professionals are often involved in retail store renovations, and that’s just to name a few renovation tradespeople.  Electrical upgrades usually run around $3-4 per square foot, but can cost considerably more depending on the type of upgrades and lighting installed.  Sometimes, your business has unique power needs and you may need to upgrade systems to accommodate appliances or equipment which will also impact electrical costs.

Installing bathrooms, upgrading workplace kitchens, or reorganizing your floor plan may require that you hire professional plumbers.  Bathroom renovations alone may cost several thousands of dollars, and that’s not considering the cost of new water or sewage lines.  A highly trained plumber will help you understand what you need and what it will cost when it comes to plumbing work.

Maintaining or replacing your HVAC system should also be considered when you are conducting a retail store renovation.  For around $2.50 per square foot you can install or repair your HVAC system.  Again, this figure can vary significantly depending on the current state of your system, your goals, and even your budget.

Other Costs

Finishing costs such as paint, millwork, design features and fixtures should also be factored in to your retail store renovation budget.  Additionally, you need to consider the costs for permits, demolition, inspections, and contingencies when determining the cost of a retail store renovation.  Remember, retail store upgrades can range significantly – many of these renovations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but more minor upgrades can cost much less.  Careful planning and collaboration with renovation experts can help you organize your retail store renovation.

Budgeting Patio Renovations

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Budgeting Patio Renovations

Home improvement projects are exciting and sometimes stressful at the same time.  No matter the project or intentions, it is easy for renovations to get out of hand and over budget.  So, if you are planning a patio renovation and you have a budget in mind, how can you keep yourself focused and on budget?  The following tips will help you keep your patio renovations on track with respect to both schedules and finances.

Planning, Planning, and More Planning

Planning and prioritizing every aspect of your patio renovation is the cornerstone to keeping the project on track and on budget.  From the earliest planning stages including setting timelines, finding contractors, and getting your permits to the final touches of the decorative process, careful planning can make a huge difference when it comes to budget.  Your planning must include project schematics that will allow you to break down costs according to various project stages from demolition (if required) and construction to finishing and decoration.  The more detail that goes into planning your patio renovation, the more likely you will be to keep the project within your spending limits.  If you are new to outdoor renovations, consider working with a professional contractor who can help you understand all the nuances of your project and how to budget effectively.

Research Supports Planning

We really cannot overestimate the importance of planning at every stage of your renovation and this should include careful research into material and labour costs, local permitting requirements, design trends and more.  It is always helpful to check out similar patio renovation projects in your neighbourhood or even through online research.  You can even research creative ways to repurpose your current outdoor facilities.  For example, if you have a flower bed constructed from re-useable brick, can you transform it into a walk way?  Knowing what you have, what you need, and how to use your resources effectively will help you spend your money efficiently.

Allocating Funds

It can often be helpful to break down your patio renovation into smaller chunks or milestones and then allocate funds.  Say that you want to remove an old deck before building a new one – you can break down your project into two different stages and research funding requirements for each.  Then you can allocate your budget accordingly.  Likewise, your renovation project might be broken down into various categories such as

  • Labour,
  • Materials,
  • Furniture, and
  • Accessories

Each of these categories can receive their own budget.  If you go under or over budget in one area, you might find you have funds to move around.   Another trick is to purchase gift cards or project cards from home renovation depots and allocate these cards to different aspects of your project.  This will allow you to effectively monitor your spending.

Contingencies

Finally, it is always important to set aside at least 15% of your total budget for unexpected costs.  Taxes, cleaning materials, or unanticipated challenges can and likely will impact your budget.  Setting some money aside to cover the costs of these contingencies is always recommended for renovation projects, including patio renovations.

Office Renovation Ideas

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Office Renovation Ideas

When you want to inspire your employees and impress clients, an office renovation may be just what the doctor ordered.  Depending on your schedule and budget, there are many office renovation ideas that can transform your space into a workplace that is not only aesthetically pleasing for staff and visitors, but also into a more functional organized space.  Let’s look at just a few office renovation ideas that can motivate your team to work and feel better when they’re on the job.

Take a Break or Breakout

The traditional idea of a break room is one area that can completely transform your office.  In the contemporary office, a break space is a necessity but it doesn’t necessarily need to fit into the conceptual box of “a space to take a break.”  In fact, in many of the most successful offices, the idea of a breakout space is emerging.  These areas are defined as any space that provides a fresh place to re-focus on the demands of the day.  The creative design of breakout spaces allow for an informal work area that inject some liveliness through non-traditional uses of colour, seating, and arrangement to allow staff to breakout of daily routines and feel inspired.

Together is Better

Since the concept of the open office design took hold, developing collaborative work spaces has dominated trends in office renovation.  During your remodel, consider how you can optimize collaboration while also integrating ergonomic design.  Sit-to-stand desks are an increasingly popular design choice, especially as we’re more aware of the impact of sitting for prolonged periods.  “Sitting is the new smoking,” is a relatively new concept, and business owners are learning that taking care of staff means more productivity.  Adjustable workspaces with ergonomic equipment can be shared between employees in a space that allows them to work together effectively.

But Privacy Pays Too

Even though the open concept is great for collaboration, employees are certain to have different capacities and working styles.  What promotes productivity for one employee may stifle another.  Incorporating a variety of office designs into your renovation will allow you to create a workspace that addresses a variety of working styles.  Developing some shared, private work spaces will provide for those employees who require peace and quiet to succeed, as well as giving teams a quiet place to meet away from the sometimes loud and bustling environment of the open concept office.

Be Creative

Finally, get creative with design elements in your office.  Move away from traditional fluorescent lighting by maximizing natural light to create a bright and inspiring office space.  Consider how you can also incorporate colour into your office redesign – white walls and grey carpets are less than inspiring design choices.  Collaborate with your designer to decorate your office in such a way that your décor amplifies your brand while brightening the mood of your space.

Tips for Restaurant Renovations

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There may be no other industry where first impressions matter more than the restaurant industry.  Restaurant goers are not only looking for great food when they visit your establishment, they also want to find a comfortable atmosphere and a clean space.  Indeed, the recipe for a successful restaurant is much bigger than the food you serve; so, if you’re struggling to attract customers, a restaurant renovation may be your missing ingredient.  But, as a restaurant owner, renovations are hardly your specialty – these tips for restaurant renovations will help you revitalize your space and your business.

Plan for Success

Any successful renovation is built on a foundation of a solid plan.  Start with market research – consider visiting competitor restaurants to see what works for them…and what doesn’t work!  Talk to your loyal customers and even first-time visitors to ask them about their impressions of your restaurant and where you have room for improvement.  Most importantly, develop your plan based on your target market – a renovation for a fast-casual restaurant will look very different from a renovation for a fine dining restaurant.  As such, your vision for your restaurant should direct your renovation plan so that you have a functional space that meets the needs of your customers and your staff.

Set your Budget

Once you have refined your vision and you have a plan for your restaurant, the next most important tip is to set your budget.  Restaurant renovations can be exceptionally costly, but they don’t have to be.  When you budget for your restaurant renovation, focus on all the details.  You not only have to factor the cost of material and labour, but also the time your restaurant will be closed for renovations.  If you’re new to renovations and budgeting, consider working with a professional contractor to help you develop a suitable budget.

Set Priorities

During the budgeting phase of your renovation, you may discover you can’t afford to do everything you want to do.  As such, you need to prioritize your renovation to address serious problems first.  For example, you want to be sure that your restaurant is accessible to your patrons before you start making grand aesthetic changes.

Build a Team

Restaurant renovations rely on a large team of construction and design specialists.  If you have decided to manage your renovation with the assistance of a contractor, make sure to carefully research potential contractors to choose one that has a track record of successful renovations that are completed on time and on budget.  Ultimately, you want to work with somebody who is trustworthy and provides quality work.  Speak with friends and colleagues, ask for references, and check out online reviews.  Also, make sure to work with a contractor who has experience with similar projects and who can demonstrate the quality of their work.

Re-Launch your Restaurant

Use the restaurant renovation as an opportunity to re-launch your space.  You can generate a lot of interest through modest advertising efforts letting your restaurant’s neighbours know that you are re-launching with an updated space and/or menu.  If your food lives up to expectations, your updated space will reinforce that your restaurant is a must-visit.

What is a Laneway House?

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What is a Laneway House?

Have you ever noticed the tiny homes located along ally-ways and back entrances to homes throughout Vancouver?  Rather than basic garages, homeowners are frequently building laneway homes behind their main residence.  Laneway homes are essentially a living space located over or beside a parking unit, and they provide added living space or a rental property to offset mortgage costs in Vancouver.  Laneway homes are increasingly popular not only as housing prices continue to rise in Vancouver, but also as the City seeks creative solutions to affordable housing.  Nevertheless, there are specific guidelines around building laneway homes and eligibility factors that must be met.  Let’s take a closer look.

Laneway House Specifications

As the name suggests, laneway homes are located next to the lane entrance for housing lots in Vancouver.  These small homes are always located at the back of the lot and should feature a liveable space as well as a parking accessory.  The size of laneway homes will vary depending on the size of the lot on which they are located – from 550 square feet up to a maximum of 940 square feet.  In generally, the sizing of laneway homes is calculated as 16% of the size of your lot, not including up to 40 square feet of storage.

Eligibility

Not all homes in Vancouver are eligible for a laneway house, but many single-family dwellings with rear lane access are eligible.  There are three main eligibility criteria that must be met – distance from the house to the laneway home, lot size, and lane access.  More specifically, you must allow for at least 16’ between the main house and the laneway house – a requirement that can usually be met with creative design.  Additionally, your lot must be at least 9.8m wide, though some laneway house builds have been approved on lots somewhat smaller (7.3m wide).  Finally, your lot must have access to an open lane – and this requirement can be interpreted in one of three ways:

  1. There is an open lane behind your home.
  2. Your lot is located on a corner that can access an open or dedicated lane.
  3. Your lot is located on a “double-fronted” site with street access in front of and behind your home.

Ultimately, laneway homes are a great addition, particularly if you are looking to collect rental income or to provide accommodate aging family members (parents and children alike).  These homes are popular for renters because they are detached buildings – renters don’t need to worry about noise from neighbours.  Even if you are looking to build a laneway home to provide more space for your family, it is a great investment that can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.

Basement Renovation Tips

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The basement of your home can have a significant impact on its resale value. 

A musty, dingy basement with odd smells and visible cracks in the foundation is sure to turn off any potential buyer.  On the other hand, a finished basement that increases the area of living space in your home and also serves as an attractive alternative to the typical basement appearance can be a great motivator to potential buyers.  Even if you have no interest in selling your home, investing in a basement renovation can help you get more from your home.  While a basement renovation can seem like a daunting project, these basement renovation tips will make the project more manageable.

Inspect First

Before you begin a basement renovation, conduct a thorough inspection to spot signs of moisture or damage to the foundation.  While making foundation repairs or identifying and fixing moisture problems can be costly, it’ll be even more costly if these problems become obvious after you’ve spent the money on a renovation.

Function and Layout

Carefully consider the function and layout of your basement renovation.  Some homeowners are keen to add living space, and a basement renovated to include a living room is a great idea.  That being said, if you’re renovating with the intent of selling your home, you also want to be sure that you allow the space to match what buyers want – not what you want.  An open concept is a great (and cost effective) layout option.  Finish your walls, add some flooring and lighting, but leave the space simple. 

You should also take time to consider how the space can be used functionally.  A small basement may only be appropriate for an added bedroom and/or laundry room, whereas a large basement may be converted into a suite one day.  One tip is to include rough-ins for bathroom and kitchen plumbing, particularly if you are already planning on plumbing work in your renovation.

Features

Design features such as lighting and flooring demand careful consideration.  When it comes to lighting, you want to remember that there is little or no natural light coming into most basements.  Pot lights make a great basement lighting option because they are flush with the ceiling but put out ample light.  As you think about flooring, remember that basements tend to have higher humidity levels.  Laminate is durable, affordable, and easy to install; but carpet is also a comfortable addition to basements for extra padding and insulation over basement floors.

Budget

Finally, and most importantly, plan your renovation carefully before you begin so you can set a firm budget and stick to it!  If you are on a low budget, a simple paint job is all you need.  Also, it’s always advisable to work with an experienced contractor if you’re doing more major renovation that requires opening or moving walls.  You want to ensure that your basement renovation is safe, but also experienced contractors can help you plan a budget that also includes a buffer for unintended costs.