Parade of Renovated Homes

Professionally renovated homes opened to public

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) Renovation Council invites the public to tour 13 professionally renovated homes in Burnaby, Delta, Langley, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver and White Rock on Sunday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 14th annual Parade of Renovated Homes showcases leading-edge design, advanced construction techniques, and innovative building products.

Projects include a multiple award-winning West Coast oasis in Port Coquitlam, complete renovation of a two-storey North Vancouver home, extreme kitchen makeovers, modernization of a 1960s home for a growing family, environmentally conscious upgrades and the transformation of a 1920s home designed to reflect Vancouver’s ethnically diverse community.

“Professional renovators, many of them award winners, will be on site to discuss their craftsmanship and offer expert advice. Renovation projects range from $75,000 to more than $700,000, offering people who view the homes an abundance of ideas they can incorporate into their own renovations,” said GVHBA Renovation Council Chair Alvin Epp.

Admission is by passport, available at each home for $10 per person. Children 17 and under are free. Passports can be purchased at any home, then used for entry to the remaining 12 homes. Part proceeds will help fund the purchase of tools, building materials and safety gear for a carpentry training program offered by Guildford Park and Frank Hurt secondary schools in Surrey.

B.C. homeowners are expected to spend more than $6 billion improving their homes this year. The Lower Mainland will account for 65% of this renovation activity.

The addresses will be posted on Thursday, May 31, to respect the privacy of the homeowners.

West Vancouver

JHC Craftsmen Ltd., 604-980-7818, www.jhcrenos.com
This award-winning renovation transformed a 20-year-old West Vancouver house into a luxurious home for living and entertaining. The completely redesigned 360 sq. ft. kitchen features extensive use of granite and stainless steel. The island was refinished and fitted with a five-burner cooktop range, part of the new high-end stainless steel appliances package. The bathroom was renovated to create a spa-like atmosphere with a frameless glass shower, soaker tub and in-floor heating. A new wine room was built underneath the stairs.

North Vancouver

CCI Renovations, 604-980-8384, www.ccirenos.com
This 23-year-old home was uninspiring, dark and worn out. This strictly interior renovation concentrated on opening up a new gourmet kitchen space to the dining and living rooms. The powder and main bathrooms received new fixtures and finishes while the master ensuite was completely rebuilt, now featuring a luxurious walk-in shower with a frameless glass enclosure. The rest of the house received a much needed update, with new flooring, paint and millwork, to help give the home a fresh new look and feel.

CCI Renovations, 604-980-8384, www.ccirenos.com
At 40 years old, this kitchen was ready for an extreme makeover. The new kitchen was expanded into an adjacent room and opened up into the nook to the other side. The result of this architecturally designed kitchen, by Griffiths Uhryniuk Architecture, is an open-plan, multi-task, state-of-the-art layout. Using natural maple cabinets allowed for the use of a number of different complementary materials on the counters, floors and walls such as butcher block, stainless steel, bricks and slate. The area is warm and intimate and great for entertaining.

RJR Construction Management Ltd., 604-254-1760, www.rjrrenovator.com
This 1960s North Vancouver home was in need of a makeover to enhance its curb appeal and improve the living space. A sloped glass shed roof extension was added to the exterior of the home. The front stairs were rebuilt and the rooflines were modified to provide a covered entry. The original extension did not suit the home’s style nor did it provide a comfortable living environment due to the low headroom, so it was updated. Extending and enclosing the carport were the finishing touches to this exterior makeover. The kitchen and master ensuite were redesigned to modernize the look and utility.

Burnaby

Quinton Construction Ltd., 604-271-4876, www.quintonconstruction.com
Situated near the east shore of Deer Lake in the Buckingham Heights area in Burnaby, this 33-year-old, two-storey, 2,800 sq. ft. house underwent a major renovation. Approximately 1,400 sq. ft. were added, including a new upper, one-half storey floor. Critical to the home’s open flow is a new staircase with frameless glass railings and walls. The exterior vertical wood siding and a low-pitch roof were transformed with extensive new roof forms, board-and-batten cladding and asphalt shingles. The home now beautifully blends an Old World craftsmanship exterior with a contemporary interior.

Vancouver

Intermind Design Inc., 604-338-9936, www.interminddesign.com
This 1920s home was rebuilt to incorporate a contemporary design which reflects Commercial Drive’s international flavour and complements the neighbourhood’s existing architecture. The exterior upgrade introduced a front porch and upper balcony beams, with a show-stopping two-floor front window, highlighted with a post-modern colour scheme. The rhythm of the interior’s open-plan is created by platforms, ceiling drops, customized built-ins, columns and beams. Visual transparency is established with repeated use of glass doors and textured walnut flooring, polished stone on counters and steps, stainless steel on stair risers, appliances and bathroom fixtures, and a glass chandelier.

T.Q. Construction Ltd., 604-430-9900, www.tqconstruction.ca
This 5,000 sq. ft. outdated Vancouver home was in need of an interior renovation. The kitchen was opened up by removing the cumbersome partition to the living room and modernizing the fixtures. The master bedroom and bath were taken from a mediocre finish and transformed into a hip and inviting abode. Energy upgrades include new furnace and radiant heating, and low-energy lighting. This renovation is a great example of how to save the best features of a good house from wasteful disposal and make it even better for years to come.

Port Coquitlam

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Renovations, 604-431-0321, www.housesmartrenovations.com
When planning their renovation, the homeowners of this 1969 Port Coquitlam home envisioned a West Coast oasis. This project garnered three Gold Georgie Awards in 2006 as well as the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s National SAM Award for Best Kitchen. From the meandering stream and waterfalls in the backyard to the unique S-shaped island in the kitchen, the home creates a harmonious West Coast feel. The extensive use of natural materials is evident throughout this home, particularly in the beautifully detailed cedar sunroom.

Langley

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Renovations, 604-431-0321, www.housesmartrenovations.com
Situated on an acre lot, this 35-year-old home underwent an extensive renovation. The open-concept living space now features a new stairway leading up to the spacious dining room and kitchen. The kitchen island, with its black distressed finish, has a raised eating bar in granite. The clear alder floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is finished in a cappuccino stain. In the new garden room, natural light pours in, making it perfect for entertaining or a quiet retreat. The master suite and ensuite boast a two-person soaker tub and large clear glass walled shower.

Surrey

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Renovations, 604-431-0321, www.housesmartrenovations.com
To accommodate a growing family who did not want to move from their home in a quiet neighbourhood in Surrey, their 20-year-old house was renovated inside and out. To create more living space, an addition was created over the garage, making room for two more bedrooms, a beautiful family bath and an expanded master suite for the parents to call their own. Cherrywood kitchen cabinetry with granite countertops are enhanced by the light coming in from the sunroom. BuiltGreen features and energy-efficient heating, windows and doors were also incorporated into this renovation.

Delta (Tsawwassen)

MP Construction Ltd., 604-816-4276, www.mpconstruction.ca
This 40-year-old rancher has undergone an extensive renovation. With a 200 sq. ft. addition, a new living area floorplan was possible. The former small entrance hall, sunken living room and separate kitchen have been replaced by a single-level spacious and airy greatroom which now features a stunning gourmet kitchen with a large granite island, stainless steel appliances, teak floors, a stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. A wall of windows opens to the extended patio leading to the pool deck. The new powder and laundry rooms, finished with slate floors, complete this beautiful and functional renovation.

MP Construction Ltd., 604-816-4276, www.mpconstruction.ca
This plain 1960s back-split with carport was completely redone. The exterior details include stone and a large garage. The renovated home has a slate-floor entry leading to a living room with elegant crown moulding and a new fireplace. The small dining room and outdated kitchen have become a gorgeous great room with custom cabinetry, large island, granite countertops, wet bar, media centre and a beautiful hardwood floor, extending throughout the main level. The renovated lower level offers a slate-floored and wainscotted family room which opens to the garden.

White Rock

Shell Busey’s HouseSmart Renovations, 604-431-0321, www.housesmartrenovations.com
This White Rock duplex was too small for the homeowners who wanted to open up the interior space. With new windows, additional French doors and large glass sliders this home now has the open, airy atmosphere the homeowners wanted. Beautiful reclaimed fir flooring, rich maple cabinetry, gorgeous tile work in the baths and myriad fine details throughout have successfully transformed this small house into a warm, comfortable, larger-feeling home without adding square footage. From the expanded entry foyer to the reconfigured living room, this home is an excellent example of creative space planning.

MyMortgageBC.com note: Stop by and see me at the White Rock home 13456 16th Ave. I'll be there all day to help answer any questions you may have.