Home improvement

How the COVID Pandemic is Affecting Home Design

by Bevony on 21 May 2020 Comments Off on How the COVID Pandemic is Affecting Home Design

The home design industry experts have always had to be at the forefront of innovation. It is necessary for the nature of their work. They have to be innovative to find ways around roadblocks such as clients’ budgets, regulation restrictions as well as size restrictions. They have to be creative and quick with their thinking in order to find alternative ways to do things. The current COVID pandemic has made it necessary for those in the home design industry to start thinking of ways for us to move forward with the changes in lifestyle that must be brought about due to the COVID 19 outbreak. 

Home Builders and designers are now having to strategize innovations into new home designs. With many people now needing to work from home there is the need for home offices more than ever. We also find many couples sharing whatever office space was already present in the home. This has created the need for additional space. With many people not having the financial or time capital to expand their homes, now we have to be looking into designing flex rooms. 

A flex room can be used in an office during working hours and can double as a guest room at other times as well as a game or playroom for kids as well. Bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are ideal for cross use as an office as they allow for working individuals the type of environment they need to work in especially if there are kids at home. These bedrooms are also ideal for persons that may need to self-isolate if showing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. 

Equipping your Home with a Decontamination Room 

We can kick things up a notch by investing in ultraviolet light incorporations for foyers or mudrooms. Ultraviolet light is currently being used in hospital settings as a means of decontaminating items. There are of course safety implications so these rooms would have to be entirely lockable if ultraviolet light will be used within. 

Equipping Your Home for Deliveries

The option is being explored to have a lockable box built into an exterior envelope on your home. This will allow delivery people to securely leave your deliveries without having to come into contact with you, your home, or vice versa. 

Considering New Materials to Use

Surfaces, paints, and other materials that can handle a lot of cleaning will now be essential. This may mean more synthetic materials than natural products. We would have to be moving away from porous surfaces such as natural stones. The move would be towards surfaces such as standard quartz which may prove more durable to repetitive chemical cleaning.  

When it comes to color, white may be better for kitchens and bathrooms which must be cleaned often. 

New technology comes at a cost. There are now door handles that self sanitize but it is still very early for residential projects. The cost of these times and implementing these new designs could add up and many people are already low on income. We see where people have had to cut costs. We now see more people planting vegetable gardens even when working with limited outdoor space. Those who don’t have space are looking towards growing vertical gardens, garden walls, and garden windowsills.

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BevonyHow the COVID Pandemic is Affecting Home Design

Different Types of Roofing and their Advantages

by Bevony on 6 May 2020 Comments Off on Different Types of Roofing and their Advantages

If you find yourself needing a roof replacement there are a couple of options. You will find a number of different roofing materials that you will be able to choose from. You will want to educate yourself on the different types so that you can have a meaningful and well education conversation with your contractor when the time comes for that. 

Varying roofing materials will have their own lifespans and costs as well as a number of other characteristics that will cause them to provide both pros and cons. With an investment as big and as important as a roof you want to make the best decision. Here we will look at the most popular roofing types and all their advantages so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

This roofing type is possible the most popular when it comes to roofing material. It has been a popular choice for many decades thanks to its durability. This roofing option features shingles made from fiberglass and asphalt as the base. The base is then covered with protective granules that bolster its durability. This type of roofing is also very affordable and is among the easiest type when it comes to installation. These tiles can be installed over your existing shingles as long as the roof deck on your building is in good condition. 

This roofing type is safe as it is considered to be Class A fire-resistant with the ability to withstand fire fora approximately two hours. If you live in an area that is fire-prone there may be better options out there when it comes to fire resistance. If you choose this type of roofing you can expect them to last for 20 to 50 years and you will be able to find them at your local home improvement store quite easily. 

Asphalt Architectural Shingles

Asphalt Architectural shingles are similar to the 3-Tab asphalt shingles discussed above. They are made from the same type of materials and are recyclable. The only difference is that with these architectural tiles, an extra layer is added to provide a better aesthetic appeal as well as to increase durability. The added layer gives this roofing type an added 10 years minimum so you can look for these lasting at least 30 years and up to 50 years. 

Wood Shingles 

Wooden Shingles are often called Shakes and are a type of roofing that has been around for centuries but are still quite common in use today. This option is quite durable as it is made most often from hardwoods. There are also options made from composite wood materials. Their lifespan is longer than asphalt roofing as they can last a minimum of 25 years. In warmer climates, you can find these roofs lasting a minimum of 30 years. Note that the life expectancy is based on the type of wood that is used to make these shingles as well as the thickness of the shingles and the climate of your local area. 

One of the best attributes of wooden shingles apart from their lifespan is their aesthetic appeal. These will provide a natural look and also weigh less than your other roofing types. They still offer the appropriate strength and moisture protection necessary for a fully functioning roof. These roofing options are environmentally friendly as they are made from wood and have that biodegradable nature. 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the option that offers the longest lifespan. You can expect these roofs to last anywhere between 40 and 80 years. Bear in mind that the climate conditions in your region will affect their lifespan. Modern metal roofing options are quite versatile. You can find metal roofing that can match pretty much any architectural style and in a variety of colors. 

Today’s roofing options are attractive and can be made fro metals such as aluminum, copper, or steel. 

Aluminum panels are naturally corrosion and rust-resistant. 

Most steel panels are coated with a metallic coating and then completed with a painted finish. This is to prevent rust while also improving the aesthetic appeal of the roof. 

Metal roofing options offer fire resistance and in most areas having metal roofing can lead to the lowering of your insurance rates. Metal roofs also have the ability to increase the resale value of your home. 

Slate Shingles, Concrete Tile, and Clay Tiles

These options are among the most durable roofing types you can find as their lifespans are approximated at a minimum of 100 years. These types of roofing materials are non-combustible and tend to be extremely fire resistant. They will not rot and are resistant to insects 

When you invest in a tiled roof, you can reduce your energy bill significantly. The inherent qualities contained in tile shingles allow for energy reduction. 

Which roofing type sounds like the best choice for your needs? What roofing type do you currently have on your home and what kinds of problems are you facing? We’d love to hear from you, drop a comment down below. 

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BevonyDifferent Types of Roofing and their Advantages

How is Your Home’s Air Quality?

by Bevony on 25 March 2020 Comments Off on How is Your Home’s Air Quality?
Home's Air Quality guide

As we move towards spending more time indoors, air quality is of utmost importance. It is noted by theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that indoor air quality is often up to five times worse than the air quality outdoor. 

One of the highest contributing factors to the poor quality of air indoor is VOC off-gassing. This can come from a variety of materials including glues used in your cabinetry and from your carpets as well. 

What can you do? Well now you know, you want to always try to find low-VOC options when shopping for materials for your home. Wood is always a healthier choice than concrete. It is also beneficial in that it is lighter, warmer and won’t give off the type of dust that concrete will give off. All of these attributes allow the wood to be a better choice and to have a better effect on the air quality on the interior of your home.

How to Tell if You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality

Do you find yourself getting sick every time you get home? Do you get immediately sick and start having symptoms such as dry eyes, sore throat, headaches, problems sleeping and problems concentrating? These all are symptoms of inhaling air that is poor in quality.

How to Improve Air Quality without Going to the Store

One of the best things you can do to improve the air quality in your home is to let in the fresh air. Open up your windows or any doors if possible so that fresh air can circulate throughout your living space.

Other Things Impacting our Air Quality

With changes in our environment, the way we heat and cool our homes is also changing. We find more people installing more air conditioners in their homes which in turn leads to more global warming. In Vancouver alone, there are air conditioning units in 20% of homes. In Kelowna, you will find 80% of homes are already using air conditioning. With the planet warming up, more people are trying to combat this with the use of air conditioners. This, in turn, increases emissions which ends up contributing to climate change. A situation that looks like it will continue to spiral this way. As more changes in the natural climate take place, the dependence on air conditioners will only increase and the effects this will have on air quality are currently unknown.

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BevonyHow is Your Home’s Air Quality?

What you Missed at the B.C. Home and Garden Show

by Bevony on 26 February 2020 Comments Off on What you Missed at the B.C. Home and Garden Show

The British Columbia Home and Garden show was held from February 19 to 23, 2020. If you weren’t able to attend we have got you covered. We know that this winter weather has been unpleasant and we are all looking towards the change in seasons. The show gave attendees something to look forward to. There were lots of tips and ideas on how to spruce up your landscape.

The show was enjoyed by both attendees and presenters. All got the chance to check several horticultural boots sporting different themes. Some things you missed include;

  • Professional landscapes
  • Unique outdoor patio displays
  • Innovative ideas on growing
  • New and upcoming garden accessories
  • New styles of greenhouses.

What the BC Home and Garden Show is All About

The show is not just about outdoor living, it incorporates indoor living as well. It showcases collections of products and trends that are interesting, upcoming and relevant. You find everything from new styles of kitchens to art, the latest in sleeping comfortably to innovations in food preparation. You even missed some newer, more environmentally friendly cooling and heating units as well as a range of fixtures that can help your family to be more efficient with your water usage.

Presentations You Missed

The show included several informative seminars as well. These included the following;

  • On the 20th, there was a panel discussion on the Main stage at 6 pm. This was sponsored by the Homebuilders’ Association of Vancouver. Panelists included pros in the renovation and construction field and their topic was outdoor/indoor living with a major focus on outdoor living.
  • Victory Gardens’, Lisa Firoday presented on eco landscaping with a focus on how to make the most of your usable land.
  • Janis Matson from Shoreline Landscape Design did a presentation on “Drought Tolerant Gardening”. This provided useful information for when we get into the hot summer months and have water restrictions to contend with.
  • Alex Augustyniak from West Coast Seeds discussed how we can grow foods all year in our Canadian Climate.
  • Carissa Kasper from Seed and Nourish gave a presentation on “Seasons o Growth: The Future Garden”. She noted how changes in climates affect gardening practices and looked into the future of what gardens may look like a couple of years ahead.
  • Reiner Van de Poll from the Van de Poll Garden Design company did a presentation on how to create a natural patio setting.
  • Shelley Levis from Sow and Dipity presented on countertop gardens and the trends in this industry.
  • Leanne Johnson from GardenWorks explained plant parenting in her presentation on indoor gardening and the millennial generation.

BC Home and Garden Feature: GROW!

This year’s BC Home and Garden Show had a new feature called “GROW!” the feature was an interactive and informative one. It covered how to plant as well as what, where and when to plant. The feature was brought on by West Coast Seeds.

Gardening was not a major part of the show but there was a very significant gardening presence at the show. Art’s Garden Market had a range of plants on sale so that attendees could go home with something in hand. There was also a booth by B.C Nursery and Landscape Association.

We hope you didn’t miss the 2020 BC Home and Garden Show, and if you did, we hope to see you there next year.

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BevonyWhat you Missed at the B.C. Home and Garden Show

2020 Stone And Tile Trends

by Bevony on 22 January 2020 Comments Off on 2020 Stone And Tile Trends

2020 is seeing a lot of colors when it comes to home design and decor trends. Trends feature punches of indigo blue, minty greens, burgundy, forest green, and black. When it comes to patterns, natural richness and opulent patterns are coming to life. Gone are the trends for neutral stone and ceramic tiles. 2020 will see trendier homes with bold colors, unique shapes, luxurious patterns, surprising textures, and richer veining. 2020 in-home design is all about upping the ante. This was seen in the unveiling of ceramic and stone products from Ciot Inc with its 2020 product line.

There was a time when stone and ceramic products were about functionality, nowadays they serve much more than function. They are making fashion statements in 2020. With the trends that are coming out, your tile and stone ca provide your decor with an elevation in elegance and character. Many of the on-trend options for 2020 mix ultra-stylish looks and natural elements. The trends pave the way for an artful masterpiece and a one of a kind look that will work now and into the future.

2020 Tile Trends

Eye-Catching Color

Minty greens and pale roses; pastels that warm up a room are more suitable for those who are looking for a muted decor. For those not afraid of color, stronger tones will add much character to your room.

Trending tile collections include Colorplay, Crackle, Bowl, Urban Atelier and Let it, Bee.

Striking Finishes

Tiles made with imitation cement boast colorful patterns that are becoming increasingly popular since they have the ability to add visual interest to your home. With neutral textures, you can add a Bohemian or a Mediterranean vibe. For your floor tiles, you can go for a conservative tone on tone choice. Bright and glossy tiles with a lacquered looking finish will also be on trend this season.

Dynamic Shapes

The trend is for a lot of compelling shapes from diamonds, hexagons to fish scales. Anything that can be considered fun and free-spirited is being embraced for their ability to elevate the room.

You will even see computer-generated 3D patterns or effects that will create tile designs that are complex enough to play on shadows, light and provide futuristic palettes.

Large Tiles

Bigger is better for 2020 when it comes to tiles. The new standard tile size is 60 by 60 cm. You can even find large rectangular tiles measuring 60 by 120 cm. These provide a very upscale look and can not only be used on floors but can also be used on walls as well. Using these larger tiles on walls will provide a modern and sleek vibe.

Metallic Finishes

Natural gold, brass highlights, and copper will be on trend this year making for reflective surfaces that will glisten in natural lighting. These are best used as wall coverings. Deeper shades will leave an organic feel.

Distressed Looks

2020 has old looking new again for both walls and floors. Old looking marble floors create a warm charm.

2020 Stone Trends

Stone Wrapping

In this trend, entire rooms are enveloped with sophisticated and elegant stone slabs. This provides a truly one of a kind decor. Imagine an entire kitchen island or entire wall from floor to ceiling complete with stone slabs. Stone wrapping can be used for cocooning floors and stairways etc to provide a striking ambiance.

Color Infusion

Warm whites now have ints of gold and grey while burgundy, jade green, rose and icy blue makes a comeback as suitable choices for all types of rooms. You will also find black mixed with gold and white veining to provide an ultra-chic and mysterious appearance.

Bright & Bold Veins

You will find marble with active wine red veins taking over grey veining. You will also see bright blues and emerald greens making these surfaces work of arts in and of themselves.

Natural Richness

Imagine finishes that look like raw materials from mother nature to include concrete looks, terrazzo look and marble looks inside.

Whether you are using tile or stone you can get away with combining finishes, colors, and patterns in 2020 to create an extremely on-trend and unique room. The trend is seemingly holding its own and is expected to hold its own into the future of design and decor.

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Bevony2020 Stone And Tile Trends

Why You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

by Bevony on 15 January 2020 Comments Off on Why You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

If you are considering building a custom home in Victoria, we can help you with everything you need. We have a team of professionals that can help make your dream a reality. Among the team members are capable and expert Interior Designers. They can take your vision and turn it into a reality when we are done building your home.

An interior designer can help to bridge the gap between your vision and the home. This way, we the builders know exactly what the end product will be like. When you have this input early on in the building game it ensures a better quality build in the end.  A designer can ensure that your needs and wants work for you and your family. While also ensuring they work with the building restrictions of the area, the geography of your lot and any municipal bylaws that may apply along with any neighboring homes close by. 

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is not the same as an interior decorator, but the two are often confused. The interior designer does a lot more than an interior decorator. They are involved in the build process whereas an interior decorator is involved after the completion of the building. The interior designer ensures that design spaces are safe, functional and finished in a way that is aesthetically pleasing according to the homeowner’s vision. 

An interior designer will work very closely with the team of architects, engineers and the contractor that is building your home. They will ensure that the spaces that are being created will meet all of your needs. An interior designer can work with you to give you an idea of what different colors and textures will look in a room. They can inform you of how these colors, spaces, lighting, and furniture can all work together. 

Your interior designer will be reading blueprints. They will be knowledgeable of all the latest trends. They are aware of municipal building bylaws. An interior designer is up to date with local building codes and know about the universal accessibility standards. An interior decorator does not require knowledge of all these things to do their job.

Why You Need an Interior Designer?

If you are renovating or building a new home from the ground up you will find that having an interior designer can be very advantageous. That is why when you hire SilverBeam Homes you are hiring a team that includes a skilled interior designer to assist you all the way. Our designer will be your liaison between the build team and yourself. This will help to ensure that your vision does not die in the hands of the builders. Here is how you can benefit from having our interior designer on your side. 

Stay Within Your Budget

We all understand the importance of staying within your budget. Our designer will not only help you to stay within your budget but will also advise you on ways that you can save money. With their knowledge of building codes and average material costs, they can even help you stay abreast of what is best if you ever want to resell your house later on down the road. 

Our designers have years of experience and they can use that experience to help you to prevent costly mistakes. They know about how materials will stand up to the BC climate and geography and have a wealth of knowledge to impart so you can make the best decisions when spending your money.

Save Time

When building a custom home you want to get it done right the first time. The whole point of a custom home is so you don’t have to have things redone. Your designer can help you save time by ensuring that your design works for now and for the future of your family and what those future needs may be. An interior designer will ask the questions that matter at all the right stages to ensure that obstacles are seen from afar and dealt with so they don’t mess up your timeline. 

Get Honest, Expert Opinions

It can be so easy to get overwhelmed in the design process as there are many choices. When you work with a designer they can narrow down these choices so that the ultimate decision is a lot easier to make. As a neutral third party, they can make the process of decision making even easier.

Protect Your Interest

When you are working with a professional interior designer you are less likely to get ripped off. They will work with their usual suppliers and partners to provide you with all you need. This way you don’t even have to be very involved in the sourcing of suppliers and supplies.

Get You Better Deals

With a track record of success, an interior designer will have their regular suppliers as mentioned above. As such they may be able to get you deals you would not get otherwise.

When you are creating a dream home, you need to have an interior designer on your team. We understand the importance of this professional and we want you to understand this as well. Now that you have purchased the land and you know what you want your layout to be like, it is time to talk to an interior designer. Let us get you to the next step in creating your custom home here at SilverBeam Homes.

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BevonyWhy You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

Home Colors for 2020

by Bevony on 25 December 2019 Comments Off on Home Colors for 2020

When it comes to home decorating, most people don’t consider their paint color. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Canada’s Color Consultant ad Spokesperson agree. Color is one of the easiest things to change and maybe one of the least expensive elements of a home renovation. Color is very powerful as it can determine the mood of your room.

What is the Color for 2020?

Benjamin Moore – First Light – a soft, neutral, light pink. 

Dulux – Chinese Porcelain – a traditional hue of blue with navy blue undertones. 

The stain of the Year – Teak – A medium-toned, semitransparent stain with a 70’s vibe.

Benjamin Moore’s First Light

Benjamin Moore has selected their color for the year 2020 – First Light. This color is a soft and light pink hue that departs from darker, moodier shades which have been the dominant pain trend for the past couple of years. This also shows a movement away from neutral colors such as grey. FirstLight is playful and happy while being neutral enough thanks to its lighter hue. This makes the color versatile enough to work with pretty much any room.

The Mood of This Color

You want to feel good inside your home. This color looks good and feels good. It is the type of color that is flattering on all skin tones making everybody look good against its background. Neutral and soft, it will work with different elements including metal and wood in various colors and finishes.

Dulux’s Chinese Porcelain

Dulux has selected its color of the year; Chinese Porcelain. Color and Decor expert Susan Forint describes the color as a muted undertone of dark navy.

The Mood of this Color

The color is said to provide a calming element for our fast-paced world. Blue is quite a popular color across the globe, it makes people feel safe inside their homes. It is a classic and with a muted undertone it is also a staple color that can work well with various colors and materials in your home. It is neutral enough to work well with other colors from orange to white.

The Stain of the Year – Teak

Canadians are embracing more and more natural elements in their homes. As a result, we are seeing a rise in more wood being used. The trend is going away from white kitchens and so the stain for 2020 is Teak. This tone is a medium, semi-transparent tone that provides a bit of a 70’s vibe but still looks very modern to fit in with our modern appliances and designs.

Getting Inspiration

The style influences of home design as been widening. Home design now reflects the pop culture, fashion influences, movies and more. These are just some of the places you can get inspiration from for your home design including colors.

Will you be going with these new color trends for 2020? Whether you are renovating your home or building a new home, it is a great time to embrace these trends. We can guide you with the building of your new custom home and all the most current trends that can meet your needs. Contact us today.

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BevonyHome Colors for 2020

Decorating Your Home for the Holidays

by Bevony on 18 December 2019 Comments Off on Decorating Your Home for the Holidays

It is around that time of the year when the Christmas lights go up. But you may have not already put them up and are strapped for time and creative motivation. Who says you need to follow traditional home decor trends? You don’t, take the minimalistic approach this year with these tips for decorating your home.

Subtle Touches of Christmas

If you take note you may notice that a lot of people are choosing to be more subtle with their Christmas decorations. Some forego house decorations all together and simply opt to decorate their dining table. Add a couple of festive colors in the form of your table dressings or even in your cutlery, you can forego the mistletoe toe designs and use plain reds and greens with gold or silver accents for a finishing touch.

How to Decorate Your Dining Table

There are so many options for decorating our dining table. You can use a runner tablecloth, placemats, etc. Fabrics alone can make a huge difference in a room. When you fully set your table it can be all the holiday decor you need in your home. 

Use centerpieces that offer candlelight and use candle stands that offer a long and low design element.  These allow you to have dinner conversation without the decoration being in the way or without having to move it off the table. 

If you are not doing a formal sit down dinner you can still decorate your island or buffet with causal but holiday-friendly decor. Use mixed heights and mixed materials as you set your buffet. Use glass and wooden elements and throw in color in the napkins which can be in prints, plaids or plain colors. Opt for footed serving trays of different heights and add some flowers to your display as well. Ensure you have ample lighting. If you need extra lighting you could always get a set of string lights to light up the area and also had to the Christmas feel of the decor. 

Asymmetrical Decor

There was a time when holiday decorations were always symmetrical. This year we are seeing a lot of asymmetrical decors. So hang your garland off to one side instead of in the middle. 

Color Choices

Choose a classic white or green or go with the on-trend gold/salmon color that seems to be in season this year.

Eco-Friendly Options

A lot of holiday season products including decor and decorations are being made more eco-friendly. You can find wooden pegs that are ideal for gifts. Use let glitter and bows and reuse more things you can find around the home or that are from sustainable sources.

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BevonyDecorating Your Home for the Holidays

Transforming Your Family Home into An Empty Nest

by Bevony on 4 December 2019 Comments Off on Transforming Your Family Home into An Empty Nest

When all your kids are gone, we understand you want to update your home to make it more you. For many there is the option of selling and finding a new home. For others, this route will be riddled with too many obstacles. If you are the latter, you can transform your current home into a home that reflects who you are at this stage of life. And you can get it done with a bit of renovation and restoration.

Bidding farewell to your adult children can bring on a number of emotions. You may be excited, you may be sad and there may be days when you fluctuate between the two. Most people ponder on what they are going to be doing with all this space after their adult kids leave. 

Statistics show that a large majority of aging Canadians are opting to renovate their homes instead of moving. Let’s face it, moving can be a lot more expensive than renovating. We think that is the main factor driving all these renovations for aging Canadians finding themselves with an empty nest. Not only is it less expensive, but it also less daunting and provides less stress on homeowners. Many homeowners can see grandkids in their future if they don’t already have them. Staying in their current home allows the grandkids their own space when they come over to visit as well.

Renovating a Dated Home

For many empty nesters, their home has become very dated. This allows them the opportunity to finally get some modern touches added to their home. They can now have space for the grandkids and can have room for entertaining their friends and other family members.

The Kitchen

The most common place to start any renovation is in the kitchen. This is typically the hub of most homes and so it will be the first place that a homeowner wants to update. This gives the homeowner a chance to get modern appliances that may offer more convenience especially when homeowners have limited mobility. Modern appliances can help to boost their confidence as they may be able to get more done with these newer and innovative pieces.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is another popular room high on the list of renovating when a homeowner is doing renovations. A master bath that meets the needs of aging homeowners can also help to boost their confidence and help them to maintain their independence while ensuring they are safe in their homes.

Bedrooms

Children’s empty bedrooms ( well at least 1) can be turned into a home office. A room can also be opened and used to expand a master bedroom or bathroom which can provide added space which aging parents could use later on if/when they have problems with mobility.

It is a great idea to renovate your empty nest instead of moving. Make wise decisions, think about the long term and your needs for the future. Consider the widening of doorways and installing cabinets that allow for easy accessibility. For bathrooms, you want to consider installing curbless shower entry and forego the use of polished tile. Consider a shower instead of a tub or shower/tub combination.

Remember, if you are going to be in your empty nest for the rest of your life, the renovations could really add up depending on the number of changes that need to be made and based on your needs. 

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BevonyTransforming Your Family Home into An Empty Nest

High-Performance Homes – All the Rave

by Bevony on 14 August 2019 Comments Off on High-Performance Homes – All the Rave

Everybody is into energy efficiency these days and as such, high-performance homes are in high demand. High-performance homes offer more than your typical energy efficiency via many means.

If you are looking for a new home; a high-performance home, you will want a team of experts. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we can help you create a house design that meets high-performance standards. We can deliver higher energy efficiency at lower costs. Our team has been building high-performance homes for a while. The team here includes architect, structural engineer, builder and energy consultants. They all work together to ensure that your design meets all your needs for energy efficiency.

SilverBeam High-Performance Homes

We ensure we consult the BC Energy Step Code for all new construction as much as possible. We do this because the city plans to get all high-performance houses by the year 2032. Along with this roadmap, there are several industry criteria and certifications. These relate to the construction and categorization of high-performance homes. There are several BC municipalities where companies such as ours have to build according to Step 3 of the Step Code. This way new homes have to provide at least 20% less energy usage than homes built before the BC Building code.

Reputable certifications that are out for energy-efficient homes include;

  • The Net Zero Home Labelling Program through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
  • The Passive House Canada certification

The latter can be attained by implanting the Passive House Planning Package. Following this plan allows for lower energy costs, higher quality air levels and a more consistent temperature indoors. According to the CHBA, net-zero homes are as much as 80 % more energy efficient. This when you compare them to typical new homes even those using renewable energy systems.

Building a high-performance home requires an approach that is coordinated. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we have that approach. We can help you create your high-performance home with the use of our airtight envelope. We create homes that are airtight with each door and window being energy star certified and each slab of wall or roof is well insulated.

Myths about High-Performance Homes

If you do a little research about high-performance homes you will come upon two myths:

  • They are unattractive
  • They are expensive

The truth is each company in the building industry now understands the importance of creating products that are aesthetically pleasing while ensuring they are energy efficient. As such you can have a modern and aesthetically pleasing home at an affordable price that is considered a high-performance home. Your high-performance home can still have style features such as cantilevered floors – it is all in the design and the choice of elements used for the construction.

With an integrated approach, our team of professionals can create for you a home that is energy efficient but still aesthetically pleasing. All key advisors in the team set clear objectives based on your needs from the beginning. This ensures your home is built in the most economical way to match your budget. Step 5 of the BC energy code will be the standard in 2032. We understand how important it is to start building homes now that are following the code.


You are building a home for the long term and we know just what specifications to use. We can ensure that years from now, your home is still compliant with all high-performance specifications. Here at SilverBeam homes are created to be socially and environmentally responsible. Our aim is to bring our customers into the future with our ability to create high-performance homes. Homes that will lessen greenhouse gas emissions, saving the environment and helping you to spend less money on bills.


Give us a call today, let us help you build your new high-performance home.

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BevonyHigh-Performance Homes – All the Rave