One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

Gallegos was contacted by a client about a project where stone was not just to be an accent material, but the main visual and perceived structural element to create a timeless architectural composition. To further the endeavor: all veneers and dimension stone must be locally sourced and sustainably quarried. The design called for a moss rock veneer with cut stone trim. Sourcing the sandstone moss rock was simple because there were several local quarries to use. The problem was with the trim pieces. Gallegos selected Colorado Buff sandstone for the trim since the buff body was a good contrast to the moss rock and it is a stone that can be cut to size. One main concern with any sedimentary stone is hitting what is known as a “dry” layer in the ledge. This is an area in the stone between sedimentary layers that has not solidified or cemented. It is still granular and can lead to future stone failure as water penetrates these layers and creates freeze/thaw issues. To avoid this, they used an epoxy injected into the dry layers to help solidify the material and prevent any future failures. The client also wanted sustainable materials for their countertops and bathrooms. Many of the interior stones were either reclaimed materials or were sourced from Colorado quarries – Calacatta Lincoln was used extensively. Gallegos sourced tiles from reclamation projects in Europe and Asia for use in the master bath and front entry areas. For many of the countertops, the owner’s interior designer spent hours looking through remnants and applied several throughout the residence. Willow Court is a spectacular and dramatic nod to stone masonry, something the owner, architect, and builder can be proud of and, for the most part, was built with the environment in mind.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

This project was nearly a complete gut renovation of an existing Victorian built in the 1890’s. We did save or rebuild major elements such as the exterior millwork, ornate entry stair and stained glass windows. An addition to the south side of the house integrated the rooflines and exterior details to create a seamless blend between the old and new. The goal of the project was to modernize the house and interior layout while still keeping the feel of a traditional home. Major elements in the scope included a completely new open kitchen, expanded living room, new master bedroom and bath suite, all new family baths and powder room. The renovation also included a library to house the owner’s extensive book collection as well as a basement workout and family room area. One primary request of the owners was to rid the house of a bat infestation problem due to poorly detailed roof vents. Once we rebuilt the roof soffits and provided new insulation for the house, the bat issue was resolved.

Roof top garden and deck project plans by Newyorkplantings. Greenroof is still in its infancy even though the concept has been around for a long time, even a hundred years or more. NY plantings has the concept and business model to service the trade by providing expert contracting services, experienced professional staff and project management that effectively and efficiently gets the job done. Landscape architects, designers, garden designers, landscape design professionals, general contractors, property owners, property management companies, project managers and anyone who requires a company that first is a master garden and NY landscaping company. Tree planting, garden installation and complete plantings installations including personalized design touches such as specimen shrubs, flowering trees, dwarf conifers and trees, landscape boulders and moss rock, flowers and climbers. NY Plantings can work from a design concept only without requiring a detailed landscape drawing or garden plan. True enthusiasm and years of hands on experience mean that you don’t even need a detailed planting plan; in most cases lead designer, Todd Nappi makes suggestions or improvements to the typical NYC landscape Designer provided garden design plan that both achieve highly desirable results and can possibly even save money vs. the cost of the original rooftop garden design or traditional landscape. A high technical aptitude with experience in building rooftop and terrace gardens from scratch, solving challenging issues onsite and the ability to make the right decisions prove that NY Plantings is a resource as a landscape or rooftop garden contractor to the Landscape Design trade. Besides Gardening, Drip irrigation and landscape lighting NY Plantings has been also specializing in hard capes, outdoor construction such as decks, pergolas, custom built planter boxes, custom fence, lattice, trellis and living walls (vertical gardening) Greenroof design and construction is the new frontier for any urban epicentre and NY Plantings green roofing installers are up to the task. As the green roof industry becomes more mature so will NY Plantings remain a resource as a contractor for providing and installing greenroof systems in Manhattan and the NY Metro areas. #newyorkplantings New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape contracting 432 E 14st New York, NY 10009 Call: 347-558-7051 site url: http://www.newyorkplantings.com/ info@newyorkplantings.com

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER Baby boomers residing in this single-family colonial in Mclean, Virginia, wanted to make big changes indoors and out. First, they were tired of their back yard and old wooden deck. The neighboring lot sloped steeply downward, creating significant run-off that prevented any semblance of a lawn or landscaping from taking hold. Worse, it prevented the couple from letting their grandchildren or dog out to play. To address the issue, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes excavated their entire yard so it was level. Then they designed and built a 5’ x 40’ retaining wall covered with ledger stone to separate the lots, installing an underground drainage system to keep runoff away from a new flagstone patio and surrounding plants and shrubs. Above the stone patio is a large no-maintenance deck reached via a wide stairway with matching railing. A 12’ x 18’ screened in porch sits to one side featuring cedar beaded ceiling panels and French doors that lead into the home’s dining room. Highlighting the interior renovations is a new gourmet kitchen with a custom-made wood cabinets and exotic granite countertops. The room’s focal point is a large island with a two-tier countertop and bar seating. Professional-grade stainless steel appliances include a gas cooktop, double-wall ovens, built-in microwave and dishwasher and large refrigerator. Other features include a porcelain tile floor, tile backsplash and a tray ceiling. A new master bathroom features floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a dark marble countertop and his and hers sinks. Contrasting light-colored marble floor and wall tile leads to a glass-enclosed shower. An adjoining walk-in closet completes the design.

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son. Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow. When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way. Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system. For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs. Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use. To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her. Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams. While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

Our clients approached us to renovate their home, as it was lacking function for their family’s changing needs. They were facing issues with insufficient storage, and underutilised areas. The entry was cramped, which was especially noticeable when several people were coming in, or when carrying in groceries. The Shared Bathroom was too small, and lacked enough room for their teenage children to store their individual belongings. Additionally, since both clients work from home, a dedicated office space was essential. On the Main Floor, we relocated the closet at the entry, making the entrance more spacious, and the Powder Room was given an update and new fixtures. The wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room was removed, which opened up the Main Floor. Half of the space this created was used to create a much larger Kitchen with ample gathering space for our client’s large family. The new custom Kitchen boasts plenty of dark cabinetry with wood accents, and is complimented by a beautiful quartz countertop and matching black fixtures. The other half of the newly created space was transformed into a quiet, functional home office. In the new office, a wall of built-in cabinetry offers useful storage for both work and hobby items, creating the perfect space for both work and crafting. On the Second Floor, we expanded the Shared Bathroom by using space from the Guest Bedroom closet and the Second Floor Office. We replaced the bathtub shower combo with a spacious grand shower and added a large vanity and makeup area, giving each teenager their own dedicated personal storage space. In the Master Ensuite, we altered the entryway location, allowing for a redesigned layout that includes a large vanity and double sink, enhancing both functionality and storage. Our clients expressed their happiness with the renovation process with Sosna, specifically how clean the construction area was kept, and how respectful the Sosna team was of their home and neighbours. They were pleased that all deadlines were met, and the project was completed on time, and looked even better than they had dreamed. Sosna Inc 416-888-7366 ext 1 email: contact@sosna.ca website: sosna.ca

Gallegos was contacted by a client about a project where stone was not just to be an accent material, but the main visual and perceived structural element to create a timeless architectural composition. To further the endeavor: all veneers and dimension stone must be locally sourced and sustainably quarried. The design called for a moss rock veneer with cut stone trim. Sourcing the sandstone moss rock was simple because there were several local quarries to use. The problem was with the trim pieces. Gallegos selected Colorado Buff sandstone for the trim since the buff body was a good contrast to the moss rock and it is a stone that can be cut to size. One main concern with any sedimentary stone is hitting what is known as a “dry” layer in the ledge. This is an area in the stone between sedimentary layers that has not solidified or cemented. It is still granular and can lead to future stone failure as water penetrates these layers and creates freeze/thaw issues. To avoid this, they used an epoxy injected into the dry layers to help solidify the material and prevent any future failures. The client also wanted sustainable materials for their countertops and bathrooms. Many of the interior stones were either reclaimed materials or were sourced from Colorado quarries – Calacatta Lincoln was used extensively. Gallegos sourced tiles from reclamation projects in Europe and Asia for use in the master bath and front entry areas. For many of the countertops, the owner’s interior designer spent hours looking through remnants and applied several throughout the residence. Willow Court is a spectacular and dramatic nod to stone masonry, something the owner, architect, and builder can be proud of and, for the most part, was built with the environment in mind.

Photos by Debby Evans. This property slopes from the street to a seasonal creek in the back yard. Navigating the various spaces was troublesome so we created various, natural - as well as concrete steps, crushed granite pathways, stone steps, and flagstone - travel options throughout the landscape. Updated irrigation, efficient drainage, as well as dry creek beds to catch rain water that previously had simply gone directly at the residence were added. Many diseased, dangerous (hanging over the residence) oaks were assessed by several arborists. Sadly, more than 100 (mostly scrub oaks) required removal. This changed the natural lighting to the garden, how the sun impacted the residence, and offered opportunities to plant drought tolerant trees and shrubs of both visual interest, and fitting the space. Client had quite a few Japanese Maples that had originally been volunteers from a very large maple at another residence. All have been used and are doing beautifully. Olive trees and Little Ollie shrubs were used along with Carpet Roses, Lorapetalum, several varieties of Grevellia, Crape Myrtle Natchez and Red Rocket trees and shrubs, Maiden Hair grass, Blue Fescue, Redwoods, a specimen Limelight Hydrangea, Cistus, native Redbud, Vinca, Tree Hibiscus, Tree Roses, Birch, Dogwood, Penstemon, Pittosporum, Heavenly Bamboo, Miniature Roses, Succulents, Euphorbia, Bloodgood Maple, Redtwig Maple, Podocarpus and Oleander (screening), various groundcovers, evergreen shrubs and more were selected for their ease of care, color, seasonal color, and dynamic - but not busy - plant palette. The dated deck was redone with a relocation of the stairs to go directly to the pool. with a little effort, we saved the client hundreds of dollars on lighting by shopping for knock offs of higher priced lighting. A partial retractable awning, now provides an area of shade that was previously a non-issue over the deck with the oaks. The seasonal creek was completely cleaned out, made to be deeper and wider in anticipation of the heaving 2016 rains, with large native boulders from the property. Pistache trees were strategically planted for fall color. With one neighbor, on the West side of the property, vines were planted along their chain link fence for privacy for a private garden off the master bedroom. Wood fencing provides the majority of necessary enclosures.

With two teen daughters, a one bathroom house isn’t going to cut it. In order to keep the peace, our clients tore down an existing house in Richmond, BC to build a dream home suitable for a growing family. The plan. To keep the business on the main floor, complete with gym and media room, and have the bedrooms on the upper floor to retreat to for moments of tranquility. Designed in an Arts and Crafts manner, the home’s facade and interior impeccably flow together. Most of the rooms have craftsman style custom millwork designed for continuity. The highlight of the main floor is the dining room with a ridge skylight where ship-lap and exposed beams are used as finishing touches. Large windows were installed throughout to maximize light and two covered outdoor patios built for extra square footage. The kitchen overlooks the great room and comes with a separate wok kitchen. You can never have too many kitchens! The upper floor was designed with a Jack and Jill bathroom for the girls and a fourth bedroom with en-suite for one of them to move to when the need presents itself. Mom and dad thought things through and kept their master bedroom and en-suite on the opposite side of the floor. With such a well thought out floor plan, this home is sure to please for years to come.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

This project was nearly a complete gut renovation of an existing Victorian built in the 1890’s. We did save or rebuild major elements such as the exterior millwork, ornate entry stair and stained glass windows. An addition to the south side of the house integrated the rooflines and exterior details to create a seamless blend between the old and new. The goal of the project was to modernize the house and interior layout while still keeping the feel of a traditional home. Major elements in the scope included a completely new open kitchen, expanded living room, new master bedroom and bath suite, all new family baths and powder room. The renovation also included a library to house the owner’s extensive book collection as well as a basement workout and family room area. One primary request of the owners was to rid the house of a bat infestation problem due to poorly detailed roof vents. Once we rebuilt the roof soffits and provided new insulation for the house, the bat issue was resolved.

Here is one of Air Group's expert technicians installing the refrigeration lines that allow ductless cooling and heating systems to fit in even the tighest rooms. Photo by GWP Inc

New york plantings terrace garden design nyc with custom built planters and landscape lights by newyorkplantings. Greenroof is still in its infancy even though the concept has been around for a long time, even a hundred years or more. NY plantings has the concept and business model to service the trade by providing expert contracting services, experienced professional staff and project management that effectively and efficiently gets the job done. Who would be interested in working with nyp garden designers and landsp...nyc? Landscape architects, designers, garden designers, landscape design professionals, general contractors, property owners, property management companies, project managers and anyone who requires a company that first is a master garden and NY landscaping company. Tree planting, garden installation and complete plantings installations including personalized design touches such as specimen shrubs, flowering trees, dwarf conifers and trees, landscape boulders and moss rock, flowers and climbers. NY Plantings can work from a design concept only without requiring a detailed landscape drawing or garden plan. True enthusiasm and years of hands on experience mean that you don’t even need a detailed planting plan; in most cases lead designer, Todd Nappi makes suggestions or improvements to the typical NYC landscape Designer provided garden design plan that both achieve highly desirable results and can possibly even save money vs. the cost of the original rooftop garden design or traditional landscape. A high technical aptitude with experience in building rooftop and terrace gardens from scratch, solving challenging issues onsite and the ability to make the right decisions prove that NY Plantings is a resource as a landscape or rooftop garden contractor to the Landscape Design trade. Besides Gardening, Drip irrigation and landscape lighting NY Plantings has been also specializing in hard capes, outdoor construction such as decks, pergolas, custom built planter boxes, custom fence, lattice, trellis and living walls (vertical gardening) Nyc terrace garden and custom built planter design by newyorkplantings. Greenroof design and construction is the new frontier for any urban epicenter and NY Plantings green roofing installers are up to the task. As the green roof industry becomes more mature so will NY Plantings remain a resource as a contractor for providing and installing greenroof systems in Manhattan and the NY Metro areas. #newyorkplantings New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape contracting 432 E 14st New York, NY 10009 Call: 347-558-7051 site url: http://www.newyorkplantings.com/ info@newyorkplantings.com

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

Our clients approached us to renovate their home, as it was lacking function for their family’s changing needs. They were facing issues with insufficient storage, and underutilised areas. The entry was cramped, which was especially noticeable when several people were coming in, or when carrying in groceries. The Shared Bathroom was too small, and lacked enough room for their teenage children to store their individual belongings. Additionally, since both clients work from home, a dedicated office space was essential. On the Main Floor, we relocated the closet at the entry, making the entrance more spacious, and the Powder Room was given an update and new fixtures. The wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room was removed, which opened up the Main Floor. Half of the space this created was used to create a much larger Kitchen with ample gathering space for our client’s large family. The new custom Kitchen boasts plenty of dark cabinetry with wood accents, and is complimented by a beautiful quartz countertop and matching black fixtures. The other half of the newly created space was transformed into a quiet, functional home office. In the new office, a wall of built-in cabinetry offers useful storage for both work and hobby items, creating the perfect space for both work and crafting. On the Second Floor, we expanded the Shared Bathroom by using space from the Guest Bedroom closet and the Second Floor Office. We replaced the bathtub shower combo with a spacious grand shower and added a large vanity and makeup area, giving each teenager their own dedicated personal storage space. In the Master Ensuite, we altered the entryway location, allowing for a redesigned layout that includes a large vanity and double sink, enhancing both functionality and storage. Our clients expressed their happiness with the renovation process with Sosna, specifically how clean the construction area was kept, and how respectful the Sosna team was of their home and neighbours. They were pleased that all deadlines were met, and the project was completed on time, and looked even better than they had dreamed. Sosna Inc 416-888-7366 ext 1 email: contact@sosna.ca website: sosna.ca

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family. The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage. Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with. Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items. We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring. We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge! This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space. On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall. The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles. The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

AFTER image of a guest bedroom that needed coverings on the windows to help control the light during the day as well as protecting the floors. To help with all the issues we put Hunter Douglas Applause Honeycomb shades up. They sit in the window jam perfectly to cover the window completely.