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RS Homes has recently completed a renovation in King City. We’re proud of the work, and grateful to the owners for the opportunity to help improve their home. The second floor addition includes a 300 square foot bedroom with walk-in closet, 3-piece ensuite and 50 square foot balcony with glass railings. We were careful to match the exterior finishing with the existing structure. The interior finishing includes an 8-9 foot ceiling, cherry hardwood flooring with 6” baseboards, and ceramic tile in the bathroom complemented by elegant decorative glass shower and a stunning vanity. Coming soon: watch for our reno in Richmond Hill including a new kitchen, multiple bathrooms, office and refinished basement.

The environmental impact of our buildings follows in part from the energy we use within them. Conventional non-renewable energy sources such as coal-fired and nuclear power plants are a major source of pollution and green house gases emissions. Thus the more energy we consume from these sources, the more harm we do. And while renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are important strategies, the most cost-effective solution – the low-hanging fruit – is to reduce our demand.

The primary end use for energy in a conventional home is space heating. This is followed by appliances and lighting, water heating and space cooling. Heating and cooling loads can be reduced through increased insulation and innovative devices such as heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), which move rather than generate heat/cold. Efficient appliances and LED lighting are also helpful in reducing energy consumption. An integrated approach can be extremely effective at reducing energy demand, and can even lead to net-zero and energy producing buildings. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon highlights this exciting area of design.

Home renovation is a great opportunity to make a healthier home for you and your family, reduce your environmental impact and save money. When renovating your exterior walls, be sure to consider:

• Occupant Health: good air and vapor barriers and proper ventilation will promote indoor air quality within your home; it’s also important to select materials and finishes with low- or no offgassing, and low- or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• Energy Efficiency: proper air tight sealing and insulation will reduce your energy consumption and your utility bill
• Resource Efficiency: durable materials, made from renewable or sustainable products will last longer, saving you money in the long run
• Environmental Responsibility: local materials do not travel as far, reducing transportation-based pollution and green house gas emissions; separation of reusable or recyclable materials from other waste, and proper disposal of hazardous waste (especially lead paints and asbestos siding) are also important measures for saving the environment

2011 Nominated For Best Home Renovation By BILD!

To make the front door more prominent, an extended, stylish porch was erected. Natural stone was applied for texture and beauty. Copper fascia, new eaves, and a cornice return were added to the gable. To highlight the new windows, precast mouldings were inserted. The bay windows received copper sheathing and the roof was given new shingles. Attractive, beautiful, lower-wall stonework completed the grandeur!

When designing a healthy home, the single most important consideration is indoor air quality (IAQ). Many factors influence the quality of the air in your home: the building envelope and penetrations, the type, quality and maintenance of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system, and the materials and finishes you select. A well-designed home will minimize contaminants such as formaldehyde and mould. This will in turn improve your quality of life, and reduce the chances of respiratory infections and illnesses. Some common strategies to promote IAQ include regular HVAC maintenance, installing hard flooring rather than carpet, installing a central vacuum and kitchen and bathroom vents that exhaust directly to the home’s exterior, and choosing paints and finishes with low- or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).