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Cathy Rust is the editor of HomeStars.com Stories & Advice, where she chronicles interesting stories of homeowner renovations as well as advice from the home renovation experts.

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Toronto Renovation Stories & Expert Advice

Friday, October 12, 2007

Useful Links for Home Renovation

Renovation Research

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - For Consumers
An indispensable resource for your home needs whether purchasing or renovating. It contains advice on improving energy efficiency, financing your renovation, and hiring your contractor.
Canadian Home Builders Association
Provides information on factors to consider when designing the kitchen. Fantastic worksheets to prepare you for the renovation ( see: "Resource Centre" in the Index ).
Plumbing Mart
Detailed kitchen checklist as well as construction and contractor tips along the way. See especially the link "planning to renovate your kitchen".
Rona
Has an excellent planning guide to help you with your kitchen renovation as well as an article on standard measurements for cabinets and appliances.
The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on how to obtain energy efficiency grants, how to improve the energy efficiency of your house, and Energy Star appliances.
Rescue My Home
Excellent information on measurements for planning your kitchen.
This Old House
Great articles on kitchen design and function.

Green Products

Urban Tree Salvage
A local "eco-flooring" company that offers hard maple and soft maple floors from old Toronto city trees.
The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Lists all the qualified Energy Star appliances in Canada.
Greenfloors.com
A US-based site, with great information on renewable flooring products ( most products like cork, bamboo and linoleum available in Toronto, but just not in one specialized store ).
Silkroadflooring.com
Sells bamboo flooring.

Our favorite websites for planning:

www.moneysense.ca
Things to consider when budgeting for your renovation.
Canadian Home Builders Association
Tips on hiring a renovator.
City of Toronto
City of Toronto website, when and how to apply for building permits.
Holmes on Homes
Mike Holmes' tips on hiring contractors and when to get building permits.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - For Consumers
Information on hiring a contractor.
Ontario Association of Architects
Information ( including duties and fee structures ) on hiring an architect in Ontario.

Fixtures

About.com, Interior Decorating
Factors to consider when looking at kitchen cabinets.
BobVilla.com
The basics on the three different kinds of cabinets.
Kitchens.com
A great overview of the different kinds of countertops available. Note, this is an American site.
FranklinReport.com
A great website for hiring professionals in home renovation, but it is specific to cities in the US. However, it gives a good overview of the different types of stone and tile, millwork and cabinetry, available and information on what to look for in a good installer.
Kitchens.com
A great overview of many different types of flooring and what to consider in choosing it.
Lowes.com
US-based website, buying guide for faucets.
Consumer Reports
If you are a subscriber to consumer reports it's a great way to narrow down the choice of appliances. Whether or not you are a subscriber, there are good articles on how to choose a new appliance.
HomePortfolio.com
Look in the kitchen section for information on sinks, faucets, cabinets, appliances and countertops.

Construction

HomeTime.com
Great overview on demolition and framing of a new kitchen.
The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Lists the different types of insulation and how and when they're used.

Services

Our favourite websites:
The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on the different types of heating systems. Includes how a renovation affects heating system.
The Office of Energy Efficiency Government of Canada
Information on different types of cooling systems. Includes how a renovation affects the air conditioning system.
HomePortfolio.com
Information on different types of lighting, and new products on the market. US-based site.
The Franklin Report
A US-based site, but great tips on hiring an electrician.
How your House Works by HomeTips.com
A good diagram of the pipes ( and what they're for ) under the kitchen sink.

Finishes

Our favourite websites:
Benjamin Moore
All about types of paint and colour.
Kitchens.com
Different types of mouldings and trim.
Kitchens.com
Different available wall coverings from tile to pressed tin.

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