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Tag: renovations

  • Fairfax County’s oldest rec center inches closer to planned renovation – WTOP News

    According to county documents, the renovation project is expected to cost about $60 million. Some of the remaining bond package, which is expected to total $180 million, could be used to renovate either the Franconia or Providence rec centers. The Franconia center was built in 1980, and the Providence facility was built in 1982.

    Built in 1977, the Audrey Moore Recreation Center in Annandale is slated for an overhaul if voters in the Northern Virginia suburb approve a bond package next fall.

    During a Board of Supervisors meeting with Park Authority leadership last week, Deputy Director of Planning Nigel Fields said the department is “looking forward to focusing on Audrey Moore in particular for our next bond and being able to raise the level of community service there.”

    According to county documents, the renovation project is expected to cost about $60 million. Some of the remaining bond package, which is expected to total $180 million, could be used to renovate either the Franconia or Providence rec centers. The Franconia center was built in 1980, and the Providence facility was built in 1982.

    Jai Cole, the Park Authority’s executive director, told the board they may only be available to improve parts of one of the two centers.

    Construction costs have been going up since the pandemic, Cole said: “Audrey Moore is going to be a slimmed-down version of a rec center, just because of all the construction costs that have gone up through COVID.”

    Some of the rising costs are material and others are permitting, Cole said.

    “It’s all of these things that are creating the situation where everything is just costing more money,” she said.

    The county is considering ways to bring costs down.

    Earlier this year, the Mount Vernon Recreation Center reopened and has become increasingly popular.

    “Having driven by there a few times since, I don’t think I’ve gone by there where the parking lot is not completely packed,” McKay said.

    After getting sworn in to represent the Braddock District on Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors, Rachna Sizemore Heizer said renovating the Audrey Moore recreation center, after delays, was a priority.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Scott Gelman

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  • Arvada’s Olde Town library to close for renovations next month

    The $15 million project includes extensive changes to the nearly 20-year-old facility.

    Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

    Arvada’s Olde Town library — the centerpiece of many a toddler’s weekend routine — will close Jan. 7, 2026, for more than a year of renovations.

    The $15 million project includes extensive changes to the nearly 20-year-old facility. Among the main goals: Establishing the building as “the community’s primary third place,” along with “modern security stems and design to enhance overall safety.”

    The redesigned library will include an expanded meeting room; a space for community groups and social services to meet with individuals; and a teen area. 

    The renovations also include a more distinct zone for younger kids, as well as a “destination for young kids and their families.” Currently, a children’s area takes up much of the first floor, but it isn’t divided from the rest of the library.

    Construction is expected to take 14 months, until about March 2027. The library will host a closing party on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

    Jefferson County Public Library will open a temporary location at 5751 Balsam St. in Arvada, the former home of Arvada K-8 School. It will be called, cleverly enough, the Arvada Balsam Temporary Library.

    The redesign plan also includes:

    • A storytime area
    • A “create space,” perhaps including 3D printers and laser cutters
    • The replacement of both elevators
    • A digital art wall
    • A community outdoor space

    Renderings show a low fence enclosing an outdoor space outside the library. It would replace a set of steps where people experiencing homelessness often sit.

    Respondents to a survey about the project frequently named homelessness as an issue to address in the redesign. Libraries often provide spaces for people to find warmth, access to the internet and, of course, something to read. A 2024 report on the Olde Town project suggested that “improvements to library social services and spaces could help assist this group.”

    Andrew Kenney

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  • Parents cite frustration with Montgomery County schools’ plans for renovations – WTOP News

    Parents and students from schools across Montgomery County filled the seats in the most recent school board meeting to advocate for fixes and replacements to aging schools in their own communities.

    Parents and students from schools across Montgomery County filled the seats in the most recent school board meeting to advocate for fixes and replacements to aging schools in their communities.

    They were there for the school board’s expected vote on the plan to prioritize which schools get renovated, replaced or repaired in the school system’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

    In some cases, they found themselves lobbying at cross purposes.

    For example, 13-year-old Rose Kahn, a seventh grader at Forest Oak Middle School, pushed to make sure that the new Crown High School, slated to open in 2027, should serve its intended Gaithersburg community rather than being used as a “holding facility” for students at other schools, like Damascus High School, while that school is replaced.

    “As we’ve now been informed, the brand new school that was promised to the kids of Gaithersburg might be taken away because schools in other cities need to get fixed up. I think that this is totally unfair because the kids in Gaithersburg have waited a long time for this new school that we desperately need,” Kahn told the school board.

    On the other side of the issue, Rachel Fitzpatrick, the parent of students in the Damascus area, told the board that the aging building was in need of replacement.

    “Hearing that Crown High School could be used as a holding school during construction (at Damascus) was very encouraging,” Fitzpatrick said.

    She said the aging building has a host of problems including some safety issues.

    “During a recent fire drill, when the administration pulled the alarm, nothing happened,” Fitzpatrick said.

    She explained the fire system at the school had been added onto so many times, that many of the alarm mechanisms simply don’t work.

    Members of the Wooton High School community also voiced frustration that their school is not included in the list of schools in the nearly $3 billion CIP.

    Brian Rabin, Wooton’s PTSA president, told the board, “Anyone who walks through Wooton High School is immediately struck by the deteriorating condition of the building. It’s not just disappointing, it’s alarming.”

    Current Wooton High School senior Charlie Rollins told the board that the HVAC system at the school is failing and is so old that parts for repairs have to be custom-ordered.

    “Mold is spreading throughout classrooms, hallways and locker rooms. Dead rodents have been found between our lockers, and students have been so used to seeing mold across our ceilings that it hardly surprises anyone anymore,” he said.

    Superintendent Thomas Taylor’s plan also includes closing Silver Spring International Middle School — with the stated goal of turning that facility into another holding school, but Board member Laura Stewart said that was “not a done deal.”

    At the start of the meeting, School Board President Julie Yang told the audience that the decisions the board has to make are not about picking “winners and losers,” that every school community matters.

    “We share the same goal — doing right by our children. And that’s exactly what we intend to do,” Yang said.

    The members of the school board ultimately voted in favor of adopting Superintendent Taylor’s recommended capital priorities, but Board member Karla Silvestre noted that the vote is not the end of the process — the decision about Crown High School’s use won’t be made until March.

    But she told parents she understood their concerns.

    “You want to advocate every step of the way, so thank you for being here,” Silvestre said.

    The next step in the process includes the school board’s submission of the plan to County Executive Marc Elrich and the county council as part of their budget considerations. At that point, once the fiscal outlook becomes clearer, some of the priorities in the plans could be modified.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Kate Ryan

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  • Are the White House projects under Trump and Obama similar?

    President Donald Trump demolished the White House’s East Wing, startling historic preservationists and drawing national ire on his way to building what he says will be a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

    Amid criticism of this projected $300 million project, Trump’s defenders are pointing to another White House renovation in recent memory to suggest the current outrage is unwarranted.

    “A CNN report from 2010: $376 million White House renovation during the Obama Administration,” read an Oct. 22 X post that shared a 25-second clip of a CNN news story. “Where was the Democrat outrage then?”

    “BREAKING,” read another X post that reshared the same video clip. “People are digging up a 2010 CNN clip showing Obama’s $376M White House makeover — all paid for by taxpayers. Meanwhile President Trump’s $250M ballroom is coming out of his own pocket.”

    Obama was president during a White House renovation. But differences between that project and Trump’s project are significant.

    Congress in 2008 approved funding for White House work after a government report produced  during President George W. Bush’s second term found the building needed upgrades to its water pipes and electrical systems, CNN reported in 2010. The changes improved heating, cooling, and fire alarm systems that hadn’t been updated since 1902 or 1934. 

    Bob Peck, then commissioner of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service, told CNN in 2010 that the White House sometimes experienced power outages and leaky pipes. 

    Obama’s underground renovations affected mainly the building’s interior. 

    Separately, the Obamas in 2009 updated and redecorated the White House’s interior without using taxpayer money. The New York Times reported in 2020 that the White House’s new furnishings were paid for largely with Obama’s book royalties and donations. Obama also adapted the White House tennis court so it could be used as a basketball court. 

    Trump’s East Wing demolition and ballroom addition have not been approved by the federal agency that oversees federal building construction and renovations. Trump said the project aims to expand the East Wing’s seating capacity from 200 people to 999. 

    The White House originally said the project would cost $200 million, but Trump has since said it will be $300 million, funded by donations. Donors include individuals and corporations such as Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft, The Washington Post reported.

    “It’s unprecedented, in all the wrong ways, including that the American public has been kept totally in the dark about the President’s plans,” said Sara Bronin, Freda H. Alverson professor of law at the George Washington University Law School.

    Priya Jain, chair of the Society of Architectural Historians’ Heritage Conservation Committee, pushed back against calling Trump’s project a renovation: “This project involves total destruction of a large part of the building,” she said.

    Obama’s era project covered renovations, Trump’s knocked down a whole wing

    The Obama-era renovation started in 2010 with an estimated $376 million cost to improve the East and West Wings’ infrastructure, CNN reported in 2010.

    Peck described the project as largely underground utility work. “It doesn’t do a whole lot of good to have a building that’s the sort of the image of the free world standing up there and not functioning well,” Peck told CNN when questioned about the cost. 

    Bloomberg News reported in 2010 that the Obama renovation was the biggest White House upgrade since President Harry Truman was in office. From 1948 to 1952, Truman oversaw the White House’s historic gutting, renovation and expansion in response to significant structural issues that at one point resulted in the leg of his daughter’s piano breaking through the floor.

    Trump’s project will be the first major exterior change of the White House in 83 years, historic preservationists say. 

    “Such a significant change to a historic building of this import should follow a rigorous and deliberate design and review process,” the Society of Architectural Historians said in an Oct. 16 statement.

    Since taking office a second time, Trump has also added gold highlights inside the Oval Office and paved over the Rose Garden lawn. The National Park Service oversaw the Rose Garden project.

    The presidents’ projects differ in federal agency approval

    At a September meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission —  the federal agency that oversees federal building construction and renovations — the Trump-appointed commission chair Will Scharf said the agency has no jurisdiction over “demolition and site preparation work,” only over construction and “vertical build.” The commission was expected to meet Nov. 6, but it’s unclear whether that will happen if the federal government shutdown continues. 

    PolitiFact looked at National Planning Commission’s Project Search for approval records of the Obama renovations, but the database doesn’t have records before Jan. 2012. We reached out to the commission to ask if they approved the 2010 renovations, but received no response because of their closure.

    The White House is exempt from Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which says that each federal agency must consider public views and concerns about historic preservation when making final project decisions. Michael Spencer, an associate professor in the University of Mary Washington’s historic preservation department said presidents have nevertheless typically undertaken White House projects in the spirit of public transparency. The National Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts approved Trump’s first-term term tennis facility alterations, for example.

    “Most importantly none of these projects involved demolition of existing historic buildings,” Jain said.

    The East Colonnade and East Wing were built in 1902 and 1942, respectively, and, under National Park Service guidelines, should have been assessed for historic significance before being demolished, she said.

    PolitiFact Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

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  • Work to Ride hosting indoor polo event to debut $15 million arena in Fairmont Park

    Work to Ride, the Fairmount Park organization offering horseback riding and polo lessons to city kids, will celebrate the opening of its new arena this weekend with an inaugural competition. 

    The equestrian group raised $15 million to build the McCausland Arena, which includes a barn, indoor and outdoor competition spaces, pastures, a mezzanine and a tie area. That project was completed in June, and crews will finish work rehabbing the existing stables in the coming days. 

    MORE: ‘Task’ Episode 3 recap: Sparks fly and moles emerge in the Delco crime drama

    The 45,000-square-foot space will allow for year-round programming and expand the number of youths that Work to Ride can support. Kareem Rosser, the executive vice president of Work to Ride, said the organization will also be able to rent out the space for horse shows and events as another form of income. 

    “It just really gives us the ability to just grow our impact and impact here in Philadelphia because we can now do things during the winter months and year-round,” Rosser said. “But I think the exciting piece is for us, as a nonprofit, is being able to become a little bit more self-sufficient by generating new revenue streams in the new space.”

    To celebrate the opening of the facility, Work to Ride will host the Philadelphia Arena Polo Championship on Saturday from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. — a slight twist on its annual Polo Classic event. The Polo Championship will feature two matches of arena polo, which is played indoors, features a different ball and has three players per team compared with four for outdoor polo. Both matches are ticketed separately and proceeds support the organization’s programming. 

    The competition will star current and former Work to Ride program players. During the event, attendees can also take tours of the new building and check out food trucks and vendors. 

    “It’ll be a day where we can celebrate this huge milestone, that being the new facility, but it’s also an opportunity for people to watch polo who never watched polo before,” Rosser said. 

    The event temporarily replaces the annual Polo Classic, which is typically held outside at Edgley Field in September. Rosser said the organization was unable to put on two events at the same time while getting the facility open and opted to prioritize an indoor event this year in the new space. But he plans to bring back the Polo Classic in its full capacity next fall as part of the city’s semiquincentennial celebration for America’s 250th birthday. 

    He also plans to bring back the Polo Championship, although he said it might not be held in September again. 

    “We’re hoping to make this an annual thing where folks continue to get to enjoy our event,” Rosser said. 

    Michaela Althouse

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  • Tariffs Should Have Little Effect on AAA Distributor’s Home Improvement Product Inventory or Prices

    The national distributor and retailer of cabinetry, doors and other home renovations products leverages its business model to ensure steady supplies and pricing for wholesalers, contractors and DIY homeowners.


    PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Trump Administration announced tariffs on April 2 that are expected to increase the price of all imported goods by at least 10 percent, and by 20 to 34 percent on goods from China, Japan and Europe. However, Michael Neal, president of AAA Distributor, one of the nation’s largest home improvement outlets, said the tariffs will have little if any effect on the company’s prices or product availability.

    AAA Distributor, with massive distribution centers in the Philadelphia, Dallas, and Spokane, Washington areas, and with sales via multiple online channels, is a national distributor, wholesaler and retailer of flooring, kitchen and bath products.

    Neal, an industry veteran with two decades of experience as a regional director for Lowes and Home Depot, said AAA Distributor’s business model minimizes its exposure to the effects of tariffs, which are import taxes that usually are passed on to consumers.

    “We have millions of dollars of inventory in cabinets and doors in each of our locations,” Neal said. “We’ve already purchased to service the customers essentially through all of 2025. We already have the orders, and we already have them in the warehouse. We’ve positioned ourselves to weather any storm and then decide where to buy from.”

    Neal said AAA Distributor’s business model is diversified, marketing to wholesalers, contractors and individual homeowners, and it does the same with its suppliers.

    “We wanted to make sure that we were spread out, so we also did that with domestic versus international suppliers,” he said. “We can swing our business very quickly and still service all of those segments of our business and not impact the consumer’s bottom line.”

    AAA Distributors maintains business relationships with suppliers worldwide, which means it can avoid tariffs that target specific countries. AAA Distributors also purchases home improvement products from multiple domestic suppliers, including longtime partner Fabuwood, which manufactures cabinetry at facilities in New Jersey. “That means all I have to do is transition my business to one of my other manufacturers or to our manufacturers here in the United States,” he said.

    AAA Distributor sells cabinetry, doors and other supplies for kitchen, bath and general home renovation projects at its primary location in Philadelphia, The Ugly Duck Warehouse in Spokane, and Surplus Building Materials in Dallas, and at online channels including USADistributor.com, SBMTX.com and AllCabinets.com. Each outlet features AAA Distributor’s proprietary brand, Lesscare.com, as well as products from hundreds of other suppliers, to ensure the company meets the needs of its varied customers.

    “It’s about the customer experience and being able to cater to the customer in your line of business the way that customer has expectations, keeping in mind that that customer has never done a door or kitchen project before, so their experience will be based off their first experience with you,” Neal said.

    For more information, visit aaadistributor.com.

    About AAA Distributor

    AAA Distributor is a distributor, wholesaler, and retailer of kitchen, bathroom and flooring home improvement and remodeling products. Headquartered in Philadelphia, its large showroom (120,000 square feet) in Philadelphia offers samples, displays, and free 3D design services with the assistance of 12 full-time interior designers. AAA designs and imports its own proprietary product line, LessCare, which includes cabinetry, vanities, bath furnishings, plumbing supplies, flooring and fixtures. In addition to warehouse locations in Philadelphia, Surplus Building Materials in Dallas and The Ugly Duck Warehouse in Spokane, AAA Distributor has showrooms in the southeast and northeast U.S.

    Source: AAA Distributor

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  • How to renovate your home on a fixed income – MoneySense

    How to renovate your home on a fixed income – MoneySense

    But just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your dated décor and dysfunctional layout. There are options, even for those who can’t tap into a steady flow of extra cash. Let’s explore what’s possible.

    Why traditional mortgages and HELOCs may not be the answer

    For many people, the first thought when looking to finance home renovations is a traditional mortgage or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). But for seniors living on a fixed income, this may not be a viable option. Why? Simply put, qualifying for a new mortgage or HELOC typically requires a strong, stable income. When your income is limited to Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAC) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), qualifying for new credit can be tough.

    Now, what about seniors who set up a HELOC before they retired? If that’s you, you might think you’re in the clear. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of using a HELOC for home renovations. On the plus side, a HELOC allows you to borrow against your home’s equity, and you typically only pay interest on the amount you use. This can make it a flexible option if you’re planning to do renovations in stages. On the flip side, because HELOCs have variable interest rates, your monthly payment could increase over time. And with limited income, even small increases can hit your budget hard.

    You’re 2 minutes away from getting the best rates.

    Answer a few quick questions to get a personalized quote, whether you’re buying, renewing or refinancing.

    Exploring alternative financing options for home renovations

    If traditional mortgages or HELOCs aren’t in the cards, don’t worry—there are other ways to finance those much-needed home upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of some alternatives:

    1. Cashing out investments

    If you’ve built up some savings in stocks, bonds or other investments, cashing out a portion could be an option. This approach allows you to avoid taking on debt entirely, which is a big plus. However, it’s important to consider the long-term impact on your financial security. Selling investments too soon can reduce your future income and potential growth. Also, depending on how your investments are structured, you might face tax consequences. If you have funds in a tax-free savings account (TFSA), you might consider using those to minimize the tax hit. Always consult with a financial advisor before making any big decisions.

    2. Reverse mortgage

    A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 55 and up to convert part of their home equity into cash, which can be used to fund renovations. You don’t have to pay back the loan as long as you live in your home, making it a good option when your cash flow is constrained. However, reverse mortgages can be complicated and come with fees. Plus, the loan balance increases over time, which means less equity to pass on to your loved ones or pay for your own long-term care. Still, for seniors who want to stay in their homes as long as possible, this can be a useful tool.

    3. Personal line of credit

    Another option to consider is a personal line of credit, which works like a HELOC but isn’t tied to your home’s equity. You can borrow a certain amount of money, pay it back and borrow again as needed. The main advantage here is flexibility. But like any form of credit, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the interest rate, which can vary depending on your credit score. (Because there’s no collateral, the rate will always be higher than a HELOC’s and your credit limit will likely be lower.) It’s also important to avoid borrowing more than you can afford to repay, as this could lead to financial trouble down the road.

    4. Private mortgage

    If you’re lucky enough to have family or friends who have money to lend, a private mortgage could be another way to finance your renovations. With a private mortgage, someone you trust lends you money and you agree on the repayment terms. This option can be more flexible and personalized than dealing with a bank or lender, but it’s also important to formalize the agreement to avoid misunderstandings or family tension. As with any financial agreement, make sure both parties are clear about the terms and conditions.

    Sean Cooper

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  • Update to Renovations at the Rio Las Vegas • This Week in Gambling

    Update to Renovations at the Rio Las Vegas • This Week in Gambling

    We’ve been following the renovations at the Rio Las Vegas for quite a while. And now, the property has announced that the initial phase of the upgrades has been completed. This is an ongoing project which began back in 2023, and may take another year or two for completion. In fact, we visited the resort back in May of this year to have a look around, and you can find that video below.

     

    In this first phase, significant upgrades were made. This included the introduction of eight new dining options, a complete overhaul of the 220,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and a refreshed pool district with four distinct pools. Additionally, more than 900 new slot machines were added, along with new carpeting throughout the gaming areas.

    Collectively, all of the renovations at The Rio are designed to breathe new life into the property, all while preserving its iconic charm and elevating the luxury experience for both locals and visitors alike. President and CEO, Patrick Miller, stated that while their priority was to modernize and revitalize the property, it was important to “…preserving the vibrant atmosphere and excitement that made the Rio a pioneer in Las Vegas hospitality.

    One of the most important standout features of the renovations at the Rio Las Vegas is the innovative lighting installation by Chris Kuroda and Andrew Giffin. Utilizing over three miles of programmable LEDs, they have created a dynamic light show that changes continuously and can be seen from across the Las Vegas skyline. Miller notes that no two shows are alike, adding a unique element to the experience, and we even have a video of the show at the close of this article!

    Looking ahead, the next phase of this transformation is scheduled to kick off later this year, promising even more enhancements to the property. Stay tuned!

     

    This Week in Gambling

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  • How much does a swimming pool cost in Canada? – MoneySense

    How much does a swimming pool cost in Canada? – MoneySense

    The family was swimming in the pool less than a year after putting down a deposit with their pool contractor. However, the process wasn’t all smooth sailing. “Originally, we budgeted $80,000, and they laughed at us,” Rubinoff says. “There are costs you don’t think of, [and] cheaper isn’t always better.”

    If you’re interested in getting an inground pool, it’s important to know that there are many things outside of the pool itself that influence the total cost. There are numerous upfront choices to make regarding pool design, shape, size and pool decking, and each affects pricing, which can differ greatly from one contractor to the next. As with most major purchases, it’s best to shop around, do your homework and get detailed written estimates before signing a contract. This guide will help you through the process.

    Vinyl, fibreglass or concrete pool: Which is the best option?

    Most pool shoppers start by choosing one of the three most common pool materials: vinyl, fibreglass and concrete (also called shotcrete or gunite). Each type has pros and cons in terms of cost, construction and maintenance, which can also vary depending on the frequency of pool use, quality of upkeep, and quality of the pump, filtration and sanitation systems. Here are some average price ranges to help you make that initial decision:

    Vinyl-liner pool Fibreglass pool Concrete pool
    Installation cost  $60,000 to $100,000 $70,000 to $120,000 $100,000 to $250,000
    Installation time A few weeks One week A few months
    Seasonal maintenance cost  Up to $2,000, including $475 for chemicals   Up to $1,800, including $325 for chemicals   Up to $2,500, including $695 for chemicals 
    Long-term maintenance costs  • Replace vinyl liner every 8 to 10 years: $4,500 to $6,500 • Repair cracks (as needed): $3,000 
    • Replace interior gel coating every 20 to 30 years: up to $15,000     		 • Acid-wash pool every 3 to 5 years: $2,000 
    • Re-plaster pool surface every 10 to 12 years: $12,000 to $15,000
    • Replace pool cleaner parts: $500
    Pros • Lower initial cost
    • Easy upkeep
    • Customizable shape and size     		• Lower maintenance and lifetime cost (most economical) • Many shapes, sizes and designs available 
    Cons • Higher lifetime cost
    • Some vinyl pools can’t accommodate salt water
    • Possible liner punctures or tears (e.g., from pets)
    • Liner warranties may be prorated
    • Less resale value    		 • Higher initial cost
    • Limited shapes, sizes and designs (no wider than 16′)
    • Repairs on coloured finishes may not match    		 • Most expensive to build 
    • Requires more maintenance
    • Needs more chemicals and pump run time (using more electricity) for sanitation 

    Building an “outdoor living room” to go with your pool

    If you want your pool to be the centrepiece of an outdoor living oasis, you may want extras like fire pits, tables, a cabana, a roof or other covering for your patio area, an outdoor kitchen space or a bar. These items aren’t included in standard pool packages, and their costs can differ greatly among pool contractors.  

    Pool decking, water features and landscaping

    The pool decking is the material that covers the ground around the pool. It’s sometimes referred to as landscaping, along with the trees, flowers or shrubs around your pool area, and it might be as expensive as the pool itself—maybe even more.

    Marc Luff, co-owner of Betz Pools in Stouffville, Ont., notes that, on average, his firm charges $30 to $35 per square foot for premium interlocking stones, while imported natural stone can run about $40 to $50 per square foot. Flagstone laid on concrete is about $55 to $65 per square foot, and natural Canadian dimensional stone is $75 to $95 per square foot. 

    Decking prices vary among pool and landscaping companies, so these prices are only examples of what you might pay. You may be surprised that wood decks are the priciest option. That’s because wood on its own rots quickly from the pool water, and therefore needs poured concrete installed underneath. A wood deck made with cedar or low-end pressure-treated woods will set you back $50 per square foot, while premium woods and premium wood composites will run you $75 to $90 per square foot.

    Water features like waterfalls and fountains create a zen atmosphere, but even a small one can add around $5,000 or more to your total cost, depending on the materials you choose. 

    Jackie Gillard

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  • How to save money on home renovations (even if you’re not handy) – MoneySense

    How to save money on home renovations (even if you’re not handy) – MoneySense

    I’m living proof that you don’t necessarily need handyman skills to save money on a home renovation. Here are some strategies anyone can use, with recommendations from general contractor Vince Spitale of Kitchen and Bath Guys in Toronto. 

    Ask your contractor which tasks you can take on to cut costs

    If you’re willing to take on some logistical work or even general labour, your contractor can give you a to-do list that will help save money. Spitale says some clients are comfortable doing their own demolition—taking down old cabinets, for example—which saves his crew time and reduces costs. There are other simple tasks you can take on too, like prepping a work site by laying down drop sheets to protect floors. “Remember, if you are not doing this, someone else is—and that translates into dollars.”

    Even if you lack skills, there may still be jobs your family can handle themselves with clear instruction from a professional. Ask your contractor what you can take on yourself and what the savings will be; you may be pleasantly surprised. “On one occasion, we had to remove hardwood floors on the entire main floor of a house,” Spitale says, noting that pulling up boards, nails and staples can take hours. He suggested that the client spend a day tackling this job to cut costs. “He got a good set of knee pads and pliers and his two teenage sons, and they got to work!” 

    Keep lines of communication open with your contractor—especially about your budget

    Communication is a huge part of staying on budget, so make sure you hire a contractor who is reliable, communicative and budget-conscious. Besides interviewing them beforehand, look at customer feedback on HomeStars or Google reviews to determine if they’re reputable. “You want to make sure your contractor has a good understanding of where you need to be with spending,” Spitale says. “They should be able to anticipate any potential issues that could push the project over budget and, more importantly, explain them to you before the job starts.” 

    Once you find a good communicator, talk over your plan together. According to Spitale, overlooking necessary steps, materials and timing is what often causes renovation projects to go over budget. To avoid creeping renovation costs, make sure you understand what’s required from you at every stage of your project. Have your contractor provide you with a list of materials needed in each stage of the renovation, allowing you to get one step ahead. When materials are on-site and ready to go, it keeps the renovation moving along quickly and prevents costly delays. “If you are able to facilitate a lot of the legwork involved in a project, this can present significant savings,” Spitale says. 

    Be realistic with your budget, saving where you can but investing where it counts

    Home owners should be realistic about what “on budget” really means to them. According to Spitale, if you’re within 10% of your original target, you’re in decent shape. Essentially, if you planned to spend $10,000 and your project comes in at $9,000 or $11,000, consider yourself on track.

    Just like any other product, home renovation supplies are available at a wide variety of price points. When choosing materials like kitchen cabinets, tile, lighting or flooring, consider buying well-reviewed products from big-box stores instead of opting for more expensive custom or brand-name options. You don’t want to buy low-quality materials, but there are many well-made generic products that allow you to achieve a high-end look and durability for less. The same line of thinking applies to things like kitchen cabinetry, as you can cut the cost nearly in half if you opt for prefab over custom. As always, talk to your contractor, as they may be able to recommend specific products that meet your needs while allowing you to save money.

    And remember that there’s always the opportunity to tweak your space down the road. You may want a high-end chef’s range, but if it’s out of budget, consider a more affordable option and remember that you can always upgrade it later. 

    Erin Pepler

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  • ‘Quit entertaining these crazy-butt ideas’: This South Carolina teacher earns $158K and is very close to retirement, paid-off home — but is considering more debt for renovations. Should she?

    ‘Quit entertaining these crazy-butt ideas’: This South Carolina teacher earns $158K and is very close to retirement, paid-off home — but is considering more debt for renovations. Should she?

    ‘Quit entertaining these crazy-butt ideas’: This South Carolina teacher earns $158K and is very close to retirement, paid-off home — but is considering more debt for renovations. Should she?

    Patience is a virtue: one that could come in handy in certain financial situations, according to personal finance guru Dave Ramsey.

    Dina, a 59-year-old teacher from Pawleys Island, S.C., is months away from retirement and a fully paid-off home but is considering more debt to finance some renovations. In a recent episode of The Ramsey Show, Dina said a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or reverse mortgage was on the table.

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    Ramsey was stunned. “Quit entertaining these crazy-butt ideas,” he told her. He told Dina she could be jeopardizing her financial future if she isn’t willing to be patient.

    To borrow or not to borrow

    A lifetime of good choices and regularly seeking money advice put Dina’s family in a good financial position. She claimed her household income is $158,000, while she and her husband have no debt besides a small mortgage, don’t eat out much and drive old cars.

    The mortgage is worth $41,000. Dina said her savings over the next few months, combined with $28,000 in a tax-sheltered annuity, should be enough to pay the mortgage off fully by August 2024.

    Dina planned to complete one final school year and retire at the age of 60.

    However, the condition of their house is getting in the way of a fairytale ending. Their family home is roughly 24 years old and in need of some repairs.

    Dina said the siding needed to be replaced, and the family wanted to add a sunroom to the back of the house. She didn’t have estimates for how much these renovations would cost but is willing to consider a HELOC or reverse mortgage to finance them.

    Ramsey isn’t a fan of that idea. “Where is that woman who called and said she [regularly] listened to [my] show!?” he asked.

    Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now cash in on prime real estate — without the headache of being a landlord. Here’s how

    Like Dina, many seniors consider complex financial instruments to tap into the value of their homes.

    A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to convert some of their home equity into cash. The borrower doesn’t need to pay interest or principal while they live on the property, but the loan becomes due with accumulated interest when they move away permanently or pass away.

    There are about 480,000 reverse mortgages outstanding in the U.S., according to a 2023 report by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC).

    Industry experts believe these instruments could see more adoption in the coming years as seniors tap into their enormous housing wealth. However, Ramsey called getting a reverse mortgage a “bad idea,” and the NCLC report said, “reverse mortgages end in foreclosure much more often than they should.”

    Instead of borrowing money, Ramsey recommended some patience.

    Delay retirement

    Dina could afford her renovations if she postponed her retirement and financed it herself, Ramsey said.

    Considering her household income and the fact that mortgage payments won’t be an additional burden after August, Ramsey estimated that Dina can pay for her renovations within a couple of years if she just worked a little longer. He also recommended getting a quote on the renovations so that she and her husband can create a detailed plan for the projects.

    “Work two more years, who cares?” Ramsey said. His co-host Jade Warshaw agreed: “If you can save to pay off the house, you can save to do these improvements; it’s just going to take a little time.”

    A little patience should save Dina’s retirement nest egg.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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  • The tax implications of buying a second home in Canada – MoneySense

    The tax implications of buying a second home in Canada – MoneySense

    Primary residences vs. secondary properties

    The tax treatment of real estate in Canada depends on its use. The home you live in—your primary residence—is normally exempt from capital gains tax upon sale due to the primary residence exemption.

    This exemption can even be used on vacation properties, so long as it is “ordinarily inhabited.” While the definition of “ordinarily inhabited” is vague, it means at a minimum you spent time living there during a calendar year. And while there’s an exception for years in which you move and own two homes, you can otherwise only declare one property as your primary residence at any given time. Generally speaking, you’ll want to apply the exemption to the property that has increased in value the most.

    Rental properties don’t qualify for this exemption under most circumstances. When they’re sold, if they have increased in value, capital gains taxes will normally apply.

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    Capital gains tax on a second property in Canada

    When selling a property, if you can’t use the primary residence exemption, then capital gains taxes will be levied against the increase in value. But capital gains are relatively tax-efficient, since only half of the gain is taxable—the other half you can stick in your jeans.

    To calculate the capital gain, you need to first calculate the adjusted cost base, or ACB, against which the sale proceeds will be measured. The starting point is the purchase price, and from there certain additions and deductions can be applied. Common additions include expenses incurred to purchase the property, like commissions and legal fees. Capital expenses, like those used to improve or upgrade the property, can also be added.

    Here’s where it gets a little complicated. Because a building is depreciable property which may wear out over time, investors can deduct a percentage of the property’s cost each year—known as “capital cost allowance,” or CCA. It can only be used against the building itself, not the land portion of the property. When the property is eventually disposed of, the undepreciated capital cost, or UCC—that is, the original cost minus the amount of CCA claimed—is recaptured and taxed as income, with additional proceeds being taxed as a capital gain.

    As a simplified example, say you bought a rental property for $1,000,000. Over the years, you deducted $200,000 of CCA. You then sold the property for $1,300,000. Here’s how it would be taxed:

    • Original cost: $1,000,000
    • CCA claimed: $200,000
    • Undepreciated capital cost: $800,000

    When the rental property is sold, that $200,000 CCA is recaptured and taxed as income. And since you sold it for $1,300,000, you have a capital gain of $300,000. Half of this is taxable, so you add $150,000 to your income that year. Between the recapture and the taxable half of the capital gain, you have $350,000 of income to report on your tax return.

    Capital expenses vs. current expenses: What’s the difference?

    In the above example, the cost of improving the property is a capital cost. It extends the useful life of the property or increases its value. Capital expenses can increase the ACB of the property and can be deducted over time via the CCA. Examples include:

    Mark McGrath, CFP, CIM, CLU

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