Beautiful and unique staircase design, constructed from 10mm thick sheet metal, by HŠH architects.

The concept of a delicate rippling ribbon was chosen in view of the exposed position of the staircase in the main living area of the house.

It’s not too late to renovate and get the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) … if you don’t mind long lines at your local home-improvement store. But you only have exactly one week to do so.

Know What Qualifies (and What Doesn’t)

It might be a good idea to check out all the details at the Canada Revenue Agency website. (Apparently, the Post Office is also handing out the Canada Revenue Agency General Income Tax and Benefit Guide for 2009.)

Basically, the rule of thumb is anything that stays with your property counts for the HRTC. Here are a few items that do qualify that you may not have thought of:

• A new hot water tank

• Home security system

• Landscaping

• Blinds or shutters 

• Paint (interior and exterior)

• Re-shingling a roof

• Building a shed or fence

Even if you spend as little as $1,000 (but no less) you can get 15% off in tax credits when you file; just be sure you keep all your receipts.

There are rumblings about the federal government extending the deadline for the HRTC - or adding a new one later in 2010 but given how transient ruling governments can be (especially in a minority government!) it might be best to race towards this month’s deadline since it is a sure thing (even if you live in a condo).

And remember, you can “double-dip” on your renovation spendings if the products and/or services relate to energy-efficiency, thus qualifying for the HRTC and ecoEnergy Retrofit grants from Natural Resources Canada (and matched by your province in most cases).

How is your renovation spending going? Are you trying to get government money for the HRTC tax credit and/or ecoEnergy retrofit grant money?

For More information Please call the Home Sweet Home Team

Whether you;re getting ready to sell or just want a quick pick-me-up, these decorating ticks- which can be done for under $1,000 -  will turn your place from drab to fab!

1 - PAINT- It’s no wonder painting is on the top three paybacks for resale value. A fresh coat makes any room or home look new and pristine. Try warm grey for a contemporary update, lighten up with a classic beige, or paint once wall a crisp - bold color for an accent wall!

 2 - DEFINE YOUR COULOUR SCHEME - Choose a colour scheme and edit your things to work within it. Aim to have one or two main colours, or stick to a single colour family plus one accent colour to “pop”. No eye for colour? Study a couple of home decor magazines for inspiration

 3 - EDIT YOUR ACCESSORIES - Clear a room of everything except for the furniture, carpeting & curtains. After leaving it for a day or two, bring in accessories one at a time- either stuff you have of something new. Try throw cushions, a statement- making collection of vases( groups of three or five works best), or a piece of art. Don’t add too much, and store the rest to rotate in later.

 4 - REFRESH TIRED FURNISHINGS -  Shampoo upholstery and carpeting. Reupholster a worn couch, or invest in slip covers. If there’s a piece your really don’t like, give it away and replace with something you love. Treat solid hardwood with furniture oil/ polish.

 5 - REPLACE FIXTURES - FAUCETS & HANDLES - Updating kitchen and bathroom taps for a more contemporary design will make the whole room look better. Change cupboard  pulls to brushed chrome/nickel. Cover door knobs to lever-style handles. For the best results use a consistent style throughout your home.

 6 -LIGHT UP YOUR SURROUNDINGS - Throw a little light on the subject - your home - to instantly refresh it. You can illuminate dark corers for a warmer cheerier atmosphere. While recessed  lighting is attractive, its also costly. To economize, add track lighting  to hallways or bedrooms, scones in a vestibule, and new table and floor lamps in the living/dining room.