Drôle House Inc. provides several fixed fee services for folks who are just starting to plan for a renovation. Our most popular one is the in-person Home Design Consultation at $399+hst, and we made an infographic about it so you know what to expect.
HVAC DESIGN
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Haibo Chen, HVAC Designer
Deborah: What is HVAC design?
Haibo: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Design of a system involves heat loss and heat gain calculations using the existing and planned areas and volumes of a house. Heat is lost and gained mainly through windows and doors, but also through walls, roofs and slabs depending on their level of insulation and the air tightness of the enclosure overall. HVAC design deals with the thermal comfort and indoor air quality of a house to satisfy extreme conditions on the coldest and hottest days of the year.
Deborah: What are the challenges with heating and cooling older homes?
Haibo: Older homes, whether they are brick masonry or wood framed, tend to have very little existing insulation, and are very air leaky. Back when coal or wood stoves heated homes, having air leakage was a good thing because it allowed some fresh air to be slowly exchanged with the heated indoor air. The indoor air quality back then was not very good for health! Now, we are required to insulate homes much more, and make them more air tight to reduce heat loss and reduce energy, but this also means we need to rely on efficient mechanical ventilation more to improve indoor air quality.
Deborah: What are the most common HVAC systems available?
Haibo: For residential HVAC, the most common heating systems either use water or air as to distribute heat. Hot water systems are boilers that send hot water to radiators or radiant floors, while hot air systems are usually forced air furnaces that distribute the heated air through metal or plastic ducts. There are also combined systems of boilers with air handlers, as well as ducted and ductless air to air heat pumps (ASHP).
Deborah: What are the benefits of water or air systems?
Haibo: Houses heated with hot water usually need separate air conditioning, whereas forced air systems can have an air conditioning condenser added to cool the air instead of heat it, using the same ducts. Air source heat pumps do both heating and cooling. Hot water radiators are low maintenance, and do an efficient job of distributing even heat, and are less noisy than forced air. Air source heat pumps need either a big exterior condenser, or several small ones, which need to be located somewhere outside, ideally that can be easily serviced or cleaned.
Deborah: What does a homeowner need to know to transition off gas and go all electric?
Haibo: An all-electric system would likely be the popular air source heat pump (AHSP), that can be installed ductless or ducted. The ductless system requires “heads” in each bedroom and main area, whereas ducted systems are more seamlessly integrated into the space BUT require bulkheads here and there which need to be planned for.
It is also possible to have electric radiant floors and electric baseboards, and even electric hot water boiler and radiators, which are a lot more common in Europe than in Canada at the moment. The most important thing to know about going all electric the extra work required to upgrade the electric capacity of a house, called amperage. Most older Toronto homes only have 100amp panels, so upgrading to 200A, 400A or 600A may make sense depending on the future electric loads a house might have (heat pumps, induction stove, electric cars etc).
Learn more about Haibo Chen here.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: JONAS SPRING
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Jonas Spring, Landscape Designer with Ecoman
Deborah: What does a landscape designer do?
Jonas: A landscape designer works with clients to develop a plan for exterior areas of the property such as gardens and paved areas but can also include rooftop gardens and parking pads too. Landscape designers work in four dimensions as the gardens change from season to season and year after year through time. They do consultations, develop proposals, execute concept designs, construction details and manage projects.
Deborah: What impact can a small urban ecosystem have?
Jonas: Private residences are small but interconnected green spaces that together form corridors of greenspace connecting larger greenspaces such as parks and ravines. While humans are obsessed with boundaries, birds, bees and other city inhabitants do not respect property lines and rely on small urban greenspaces to get around town, as refugia, food source and habitat. While largely considered a public benefit there are also many private benefits to stewarding your small urban greenspace as an ecosystem. Private benefits can include shading, cooler temperatures, human health and wellness, improved mental health, nature appreciation, small amounts of carbon sequestration, oxygen production, clean air, clean water, reduced erosion, reduced flooding and increased property value. In addition to wildlife habitat other public benefits to consider would be reduced runoff into combined sewers, public health savings, mitigate urban heat island effect, meeting climate goals, biodiversity targets, supports local growers and horticultural professions.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about plants?
Jonas: Plants are the building blocks of life on planet earth. There are plants likely draped on your body right now as your read this on a device whose exterior was created using the remains of plants while you sip a drink that is likely derived from plants. Beyond your individual connection with plants, they also support all of the interconnected systems that form the foundation of our economy. When viewed in this way it is easy to see the many ways that we interact daily with plants without even thinking about it. Beyond appreciating basic truths about the world we live in I wish people were required to study ecology regardless of their profession. Imagine the world we would live in if anyone who wanted to start a business was required to take into consideration the impact their goods and services have on the environment as a fundamental part of the the planning process. What if all professionals had that requirement? What a wonderful world that would be!
Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?
Jonas: After decades of horticultural practice focusing on underlying values of beauty, control and uniformity we are seeing a shift towards valuing biodiversity, ecology, natural processes and integrating plants into the urban environment as green infrastructure. In other words we are seeing the importance of the function of plants being valued in addition to the form or look they have. This critical transition opens up possibilities to view plants as critical infrastructure, as kin and as foundational to our very existence. It's an exciting time to be working in horticulture doing front line climate work!
Learn more about Ecoman here.
CONTRACTOR: ARCHETYPE
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Marijan Zelic of Archetype Design and Build
Deborah: What makes a good contractor?
Marijan: Good communication. I feel good communication is essential in delivering a successful project. There should be open communication with all stakeholders throughout the process. Obviously experience, the more a contractor knows about the built process the better he or she can anticipate obstacles throughout the project. This can save a project both time and money. And lastly, integrity goes a long way.
Deborah: What qualifications or skills does a contractor need?
Marijan: A good contractor needs to be a problem solver, problems will inevitably arise no matter how well a project is managed. As mentioned above, a good communicator. This will add value to your services and help you lead effectively. And you need to be able to multitask, and at times work well under pressure. And last, remain open to learning new things. I started out as a trade. Eventually it allowed me to go back to school to study industrial design. After graduating, I spent time working in architectural offices. Be well rounded, learn something new as often as you can.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about renovating?
Marijan: Renovating older homes can be challenging at times, full of surprises under the surface. Manage your expectations, and enjoy the ride.
Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?
Marijan: 3D printed houses. The technology has advanced, though still somewhat a novelty. A shortage of skilled labour is an issue the construction industry has begun grappling with, will this be a viable solution?
Learn more about Archetype Design and Build here.
CONTRACTOR: WOMEN WHO BUILD STUFF
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Gail Prosser of Women Who Build Stuff
Deborah: What makes a good contractor?
Gail: The best contractors have excellent customer service. This means great communication, being well organized, creating strong relationships with their sub trades as well as having a network of architects, designers and engineers. I think they should be financially transparent, and fair with their client.
Deborah: What qualifications or skills does a contractor need?
Gail: I consider remaining calm and superior problem solving skills to be at the top of the list.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about home renovation?
Gail: That it requires the management of dozens of real life people to renovate a home. All these people have lives outside of work. Whether it be a missed day of work, or having to leave early, or just not having the best work day - we are not robots that churn out perfection day in and day out. We are still human beings making beautiful homes out of not-so-perfect materials.
Deborah: What are you most excited about that's emerging in your field?
Gail: I am the most excited when people learn to work with the home they have. A small addition, a garage into an office, a closed off under the stairs area into a wee powder room...I love keeping originality within the home’s architecture - rather than building giant boxes with square rooms. I think homes are being designed this way again.
Learn more about Gail Prosser here.
TREES
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Wendi Li, Arborist with Elite Tree Care
Deborah: What is a protected tree?
Wenda: Trees located on private property with a diameter of 30 cm (12 inches) or greater are protected within the City of Toronto’s Private Tree By-law. This means a tree removal permit is required to remove any private tree with a diameter of 30 cm or greater, even if you planted it yourself! The diameter of the tree is measured at 1.4 metres (4-1/2 feet) from grade level. Protected trees also include all trees of any diameter situated on the municipal property or on the municipal right-of-way, as well as trees of all diameters situated on ravine protected land which are protected within the City of Toronto Ravine and Natural Feature Protection.
Deborah: How do renovations or additions impact trees?
Wenda: Root loss and root damage are the most common types of construction related damage to trees. Digging near a protected tree, such as excavating for a new foundation, walkway, or patio will impact tree roots. Similarly, soil compaction, caused by repeated construction traffic, will damage tree roots by compacting the soil and removing the vital air pockets important to retain oxygen and water for the tree roots to grow. Damage to tree roots will impact the tree’s health and stability. Tree branches in close proximity to construction activities can also be damaged as the result of the passage of equipment and machinery. Protected trees can be pruned prior to the commencement of construction to provide appropriate height clearances to the development activities. The City of Toronto has specifications to protect trees during construction. An arborist report for construction development is typically required to identify protected trees for preservation or removal. The report also includes tree protection measures to minimize the impact of construction to protected trees. It is best to consult with a certified arborist during the early stages of a development project.
Deborah: What do arborists do?
Wenda: An arborist is a professional that specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. They are able to advise on optimal tree care practices which can include tree pruning; tree and stump removals; fertilization and soil aeration/amendments; installation of tree support systems like cabling and bracing; tree planting; and the treatment of insect and diseases. Utilizing specialized equipment and gear, arborists typically work at height. In the urban landscape, trees require regular maintenance to promote and to maintain tree health and to provide adequate clearances from building structures and utilities. Dead, diseased, or structurally compromised trees may necessitate removal. During storms, arborists are called upon for highly technical and hazardous removals to mitigate potential risks posed by fallen trees.
When looking for an arborist, it is strongly recommended that they are certified. The most recognized certification is an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist.
Deborah: What other specialized services do arborists offer?
Wenda: Trees which are impacted by construction sometimes require an investigative root survey to determine the extent of potential root loss due to the proposed excavation within the Tree Protection Zone. A specialized pneumatic tool, e.g. Air Spade, is used to blow the soil away to expose structural roots with minimal root disturbance. This type of exploratory root assessment can better determine the viability of root injury on a protected tree.
Deborah: Why are trees important in Toronto?
In the urban environment, trees play a vital environmental and ecological role by improving air quality; cooling the effects of urban heat islands by shading; and promote biodiversity by supporting wildlife, bird, and insect habitat. Toronto is also known for its green spaces, and trees provide people with that connection with nature and is also known to enhance a person’s health and well-being. Trees also aid in stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion. As a part of Toronto’s green initiative, the City of Toronto has a goal of reaching 40% tree canopy coverage by 2050.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about trees?
Wenda: Trees are a breathing, growing, living organism.
Learn more about Elite Tree Care here.
NET ZERO HOMES
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Carolyn Moss, Architect and Net Zero Consultant
Deborah: What is Net Zero (for residential projects)?
Carolyn: Everyone is talking about Net Zero. Though definitions may differ, the intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to address climate change. For homes, this means a house that is energy efficient, uses renewable energy for power and does not burn fossil fuels - ie no propane, oil or ‘natural’ gas.
Deborah: What are the main barriers to achieving Net Zero while retrofitting existing homes?
Carolyn: One of the biggest problems is a lack of awareness. Most homeowners and even allied professionals like realtors, designers and contractors, are not aware of coming regulations. In Toronto, all existing homes will need to be Net Zero (or close to it) by 2040. Anyone doing renovations a home today should incorporate Net Zero planning.
Deborah: What are changes or upgrades you think every homeowner should plan for before they renovate?
Carolyn: We all need to go electric. If you have gas in your home for heating, hot water, cooking etc, it has to go. Insulation, air sealing, and high performance window and doors will help reduce the amount of money you spend on utilities. Solar panels can help offset electricity costs and provide more resiliency. The order that these improvements are completed in needs to be well thought out and sequenced.
Deborah: What do you wish more homeowners knew about Net Zero?
Carolyn: Your home will NEED to be Net Zero. Understanding what Net Zero means and how to get there is really important. But, rest assured, with a bit of guidance - your home can get there! Also - there are currently government incentives like rebates and loads to help make the transition - take advantage of them while you can!
Deborah: What are you most excited about that's emerging in your field?
Carolyn: So many things! I’ve been working with homeowners to make beautiful and sustainable homes for over 25 years - the pace of change in recent years has been incredible. I believe there are solutions to the climate crisis that will create an amazing world we can all thrive in.
Learn more about Homes to Zero here.
BASEMENTS PART 3: DAMPNESS
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Alex Lukachko, Building Science Consultant and Climate Strategist
Deborah: I get a lot of homeowner questions about renovating damp basements in older homes. How to retrofit?
Alex: First action would be to find out how much and where it is coming from. Excess water must be prevented from entering before renovating or finishing a basement. The usual suspects for water into old foundations are high water table (ravine), storm water management (rain water coming in through cracks or saturating the foundation below grade) the grade sloping towards the house, eavestrough routing and downspout improperly directed, soft landscaping areas insufficient for storing storm water, and old clogged weeping tiles at the footing.
Deborah: How to know which type of water infiltration it is?
Alex: On the interior of the basement, you’ll look for particular corners or joints, finishes that are wet or spongy, or areas that have staining or efflorescence and take note of those first. Moving then to the exterior you’d assess the conditions of the eavestroughs and gutters, making sure they being routed down and away from the foundation walls, seeing which way grade generally slopes around the home, including how neighbouring yards drain as well. Doing this while it’s actually raining is even better. You might get lucky and find the main culprit by cross checking the conditions inside and out. Toronto properties are planned tightly together, so a neighbor with a self-watering back lawn could have an impact on your basement water problem. As well, on small lots there just isn’t enough soft landscaping around to absorb the excess volume from a storm, and the ground is really too saturated and comes in with gravity no matter what you do to prevent it.
Deborah: Any other causes of dampness?
Alex: Most downtown Toronto basements are made of brick, block or stone/rubble, and were designed to be cold cellars rather than the habitable warm spaces we need them to be now. In our hot and humid summer, basements stay cooler than the rest of the house and condensation may occur on basement surfaces (including uninsulated cold water pipes) if air from the outside circulates through the house. In winter conditions, basement surfaces may be colder where they are at or above ground level and that might mean that warm, moist interior air can cause condensation in these areas too.
Deborah: What are the best practices for waterproofing older basements?
Alex: Exterior waterproofing, which entails digging up all around the exterior of the house to install new waterproofing continuous drainage mat against the foundation with a new weeping tile at the footing that is diverted away from the house is the top choice. It can be disruptive in some tight urban lots, expensive, impact tree protected tree roots or sometimes be physically impractical due to equipment access. The same technique can be applied in an interior-only way, which involves the same continuous drainage mat on the interior of the bare foundation wall, the chipping up the slab to install an interior weeping tile directed to a new sump pump.
Deborah: If larger scope waterproofing isn’t possible, are there alternatives?
Alex: In older finished basements you will often see wood studs with fiberglass batt insulation between them pushed right up to the foundation wall. This is not a good long term approach for durability because the materials are sensitive to moisture. If the foundation wall is wet or damp, the wood rots, the mold grows, but both take time to notice. Using moisture tolerant materials like steel studs, plastic based insulation such as closed cell spray foam or eps/xps boards, mineral wool insulation can all get wet but take longer to degrade. Using non-paper faced gypsum board is also more durable than regular drywall. Last tip would be to keep the framing and finishes up off the floor by about 3/4” using thin blocks so that they are less likely to be damaged by small basement floods, and it goes without saying that using flooring like tile rather than carpet, vinyl or hardwood. All this said, invest in waterproofing the basement if you are going to be renovating the basement anyhow!
Learn more about Alex Lukachko here.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: MELANIE REKOLA
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Melanie Rekola, Landscape Designer
Deborah: What does a landscape designer do?
Melanie: A Landscape Designer designs outdoor spaces! We create landscape plans that places all things outdoors aesthetically and functionally. These features could include such things as a swimming pool, patio/path layouts, cabana + firepit + shed placements, outdoor furniture, lighting suggestions, and tree/garden plant locations. But generally, we don’t provide architectural plans, like the ones needed for deck/cabana construction or engineered site grading plans.
Deborah: Why is soft landscaping design important?
Melanie: Having a balance between the hard (like a patio or deck) and the soft (planting areas) has more impact on the successful outcome of an outdoor living space than people realize! Backyards without plants are both hot and cold. Hot because there are no plants to absorb heat and cold because they are stark with nothing beautiful or living to look at. Sure, a patio and sofa set can bring you outdoors, but it’s the lovely plant life that makes feel cozy and want to stay outside.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about plants?
Melanie: People often ask me ”how large will this tree get?” not realizing that trees don’t just stop growing: they grow until they die. And when the range of mature tree sizes are listed, that could mean 50+ years from now. If everyone considered trees for their long-term sizes, no one would plant any at all.
Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?
Melanie: I love all the aesthetic native gardens that are being created! Our native pollinators and wildlife evolved with our native plants, and they need each other to survive. Many commonly seen garden plants have little to no ecological value and at a time when we are losing species daily, planting native could not be more important than it is right now. Native gardens (or even a mix of native and nonnative) can still be stunningly beautiful! But perhaps we need to think outside of what a traditional garden looks like.
Learn more about Melanie Rekola Landscape Design here.
INTERIOR DESIGN
by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Saara Mortson of Mortson Interior Design Inc.
Deborah: What’s the difference between architectural and interior design?
Saara: Architecture and interiors are closely intertwined disciplines. Generally, architecture deals with the form and function of a house, space planning, additions, exteriors, and building permits. Interior design also covers space planning, and focuses closely on the finer human scale like the detail and function of complex spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, ergonomics, furniture placement, tactile and visual finishes that all work together to enhance everyday life.
Deborah: Does every renovation project need an interior designer?
Saara: In residential design, a lot of architects do both architecture and interiors, but it depends on the limit of their expertise and services they offer. Interior designer services can range from space planning, furniture layout, millwork and cabinetry design, fixtures and finishes, sourcing and ordering, and even project management. Homeowners need to know the scope of services they are being offered by their chosen design team so that all their expectations are met.
Deborah: Why is interior design important?
Saara: We spend a LOT of time in our homes, and in Toronto---quite small homes! Designing and adding clever storage is important in every single space we do. How each room functions for the diverse needs of a family, the comfort and privacy it provides, how the senses are engaged—all impact how we feel. Interior design connects all of that, and can bring ease and delight to the everyday.
Deborah: What do you wish homeowners knew about interiors?
Saara: How important it is to involve an interior designer as early as possible! Many homeowners contact me when they already have permits, the design is already set and don't realize how much expertise they missed out on that could really make a difference to the final product. Many homeowners have great style and think they can pick a few finishes themselves but don'trealize the tremendous work and experience behind a beautiful look. Interior design influences form and function as well as aesthetics. For the most successful project, interior design should start at the very beginning.
Learn more about Mortson Interior Design here.