• Home
  • Health + Fitness
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Home + Garden
  • Food + Entertaining
  • Family + Relationships
  • Contests + Features
  • Horoscopes
  • Pets
  • Blogs
  • Gardening
  • Around the House
  • Renos + Real Estate
  • Décor + Trends
  • Green Tips
  • Hobbies
  • Archive
  • Photos

The every day escape

  • Before: The original house
  • After: The haven
  • The complete backyard area before the addition
  • The completed exterior
  • Roof under construction
  • Framing
  • Ready for drywall
  • Almost complete
  • The finished addition
  • The pool
  • The hot tub
  • The solarium
  • <
  • >
     

Before: The original house

Before: The original house

About the renovation:

This two-story Georgetown home, 15 years young, was recently upgraded with a new addition in its 2-acre backyard area, which houses an deluxe indoor pool with a spill over spa, as well as an adjunct to the existing kitchen – a sublimely sun-drenched solarium.

The builder achieved a seamless flow from the original house to the new back area matching everything possible in terms of materials and design. The architect's vision stemming from the family's wish to create a private haven from the stresses of life, was realized.

The heart of the 17' × 30' salt water pool is the Dry-o-tron, a complete system that regulates the entire pool environment, controlling humidity by returning moisture in the air to the pool and preventing deterioration to materials from wetness.

Abundant natural light streams through energy efficient all-fiberglass windows and doors strategically placed to optimize the sun's rays. Radiant-heat floors as well as a superior HVAC system keeps everything toasty in the long winter months and summer days pleasantly cool.

Looking at this close up of area prior to the addition, it’s hard to imagine the deluxe indoor pool area and solarium that will completely change the face of the back of the house.

The builder: CCS Construction & Contracting Solutions

Construction details: 

- relocating existing gazebo in backyard to provide building area
- exterior construction including: foundation, framing, and insulation
- energy-efficient windows and doors
- concrete-lined, salt-water pool and regulatory system
- radiant in-floor heating and HVAC

Budget: CDN $450,000

 

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com)


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

83 Comments

• 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 • Next
  • 1. Posted by LS on Thu, Feb 12, 2009

    WoW! I am loving the landscaping, how do I get in touch with this company?

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by Jim M on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    $450,000???? Thats an awful expensive swimming hole. I guess it is true. A fool and there money are soon parted!

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by BenS on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    what on earth was the point of this article? after seeing these pictures, you will decide that you DO have 450K to spend on your home in a recession. to build a POOL!? yahoo 'news' has far to go, and much to learn.

    Report Abuse
  • 4. Posted by gerald.gallant on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I still would like a place to get away to plus a home with that with the last to winters we have had boy oh boy maybe a house in the sunny south and forget about the cold forever

    Report Abuse
  • 5. Posted by maritimer on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Just wondering what the real estate value of the house would have been before the upgrding? Ceertainly a lovely looking home and congrats to the builder. He sid a find job.

    Report Abuse
  • 6. Posted by ...Headshakin on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Load of consumerist sludge

    Report Abuse
  • 7. Posted by Gordon on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Heeeyyy! And I was worried I had no money! $450k, that's chump change. While I'm at it, I'll run out and buy my own personal jet too.

    Report Abuse
  • 8. Posted by pebbles on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I agree in these times to talk about this as if the average person could even imagine having this type of money.. people are lucky they can afford the bills they have.

    Report Abuse
  • 9. Posted by kevindefreitas@rogers.com on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Must be a slow news day. I wonder why I even wasted the 2 minutes it took to read this article. With so much going on in the world wtf was the point of this time waster. Off to read up on the lastest on Rihanna. God knows my morning would not be complete without hearing more about that story.

    Report Abuse
  • 10. Posted by guitar_justice on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    This is on the front page of yahoo.. WHY ?.. My house is a modest 1750 sq ft. my mortgage is 106,000. $450.00 for a renovation ? This is like a bad version of lifestyles of the rich and famous. in these times.I'm embarrassed for Yahoo News and the writer of this article. How out of touch with the people are you? It reads like some one out there is friends with the BUILDER...How about showing us a renovation that the government will give us a rebate for making our house more fuel efficient? Thats why I was reading this article. And if this guy was subsidized with a fuel efficient grant.As a Canadian... I WANT MY MONEY BACK..

    Report Abuse
• 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 • Next

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

After: The haven

After: The haven

The completed pool addition features temperate conditions and the automated Dry-o-tron system, ensuring that year round enjoyment can be had.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com)


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

5 Comments

  • 1. Posted by on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    And this was deserving of a news report because?????????????

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by ginny on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Wow...now that their stock portfolio has disappeared I wonder how they are going to pay the mortagage on this multi-mlillion $ monster home...who picked the title for this article? Maybe they can open the pool to us poor bastards and charge us...there by generating enough income to maintain their level of affluence.

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by ginny on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Wow...now that their stock portfolio has disappeared I wonder how they are going to pay the mortagage on this multi-mlillion $ monster home...who picked the title for this article? Maybe they can open the pool to us poor bastards and charge us...there by generating enough income to maintain their level of affluence.

    Report Abuse
  • 4. Posted by Robert on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I like this renovation.I wish I had a indoor pool.

    Report Abuse
  • 5. Posted by beauchemin2009 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    must be political dollars paying for this makeover

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The complete backyard area before the addition

The complete backyard area before the addition

The gazebo would have to be picked up and moved to the other side of the back yard.

It would be moved by a crane to the (dug out) new foundation and placed over the installed sauna tubes.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

0 Comments

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The completed exterior

The completed exterior

The finished addition truly blends seamlessly with the original house. The gazebo has been moved to the other side of the backyard so that there is no impediment to any views or sunlight.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

17 Comments

• 1 | 2 • Next
  • 1. Posted by abe linconln on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Where do you see seamless, looks like two completely different types of architecture , 450,000 bucks, someone got taken to the cleaners....

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by lerrikynn on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I thought this was suppose to be an affordable reno.. what a joke!

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by Kevin C on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    3 different types, the gazebo roof is different from the other 2 rooves. the pool roof is curved and has the beveled edge and is orange which is completely different from the house. I could imagine a greater contrast. The comment "blends seamlessly" is a joke. and in this recession who cares about a $450,000 reno, pure extravagence.

    Report Abuse
  • 4. Posted by Devon on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    my ass thats affordable junkie thread

    Report Abuse
  • 5. Posted by davisod on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    LMFAO! Affordable to who? Oh I see, SOMEONE WHO HAS HALF A MILLION KICKIN AROUND! What an absolute joke. Most of the time, these yahoo headings are bogus anyway, they just spew crap so people will click on them.

    Report Abuse
  • 6. Posted by birdssmomma on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    That pool house is bigger than my whole house. But I wouldn't want that bill or the tax bill!

    Report Abuse
  • 7. Posted by Kristina on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Wow, what a waste of "pocket change". That thing would be better off put out on the Niagara Falls Parkway as a tacky all-in-one gift shop/restaurant/boutique/spa. At least you would get your money's worth !!!!!!!

    Report Abuse
  • 8. Posted by Stuart on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    450k ...i think you were ripped off

    Report Abuse
  • 9. Posted by laureleed554 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    agree with others to renovate, this looks like a expensive projuect, where did they save money, they spent it instead,

    Report Abuse
  • 10. Posted by jdmonk72 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I don't know who would think this addition blends and looks original. The new roof lines return in to the pre existing windows on the second level., It is an obvious addition that just dosn't look good or look like it belongs on this home.

    Report Abuse
• 1 | 2 • Next

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

Roof under construction

Roof under construction

This image of the construction of the vaulted ceiling tresses set against a stunning azure backdrop mirrors what the completed arched interior, referencing the sky, will look like. (All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com)


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

1 Comment

  • 1. Posted by thepettits@rogers.com on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    IT looks beautiful , if I had the money I would do same. You only live once.

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

Framing

Framing

Yes, that's snow. Just another reminder of why the addition was being built. The exterior has been fully framed, which is prior to next stage; adding insulation, the windows, and building the pool.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com)


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

0 Comments

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

Ready for drywall

Ready for drywall

Conventional 2×6 block framing was implemented, however, for better R-value and heat containment, 2 pound spray foam was used for the insulation. This stepped-up insulation would provide much better comfort over the long run.

After completing the framing and insulation, the addition was ready for dry-walling.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

0 Comments

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

Almost complete

Almost complete

Close to completion (and pre-landscaping), only lighting, flashing, soffit and faschia remained. The stucco was also one of the last tweaks as you can see here, it was at first a darker gray, which the owners wanted changed to a colour that would blend in better.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

3 Comments

  • 1. Posted by archersrtallones on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I totally agree that this is not a reno on the cheap. I am looking to do an addition on my house this summer and was hoping that this article would provide some useful information for an average homeowner, not someone who did a half million dollar pool addition. Smarten up! On the cheap is $100,000 for an addition and even less for a kitchen or bathroom. At least for most of us anyway.

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by Tamara P on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    i agree with you! smarten up! lets try to actually help instead of rubbing our faces in something that is unreachable!

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by donnapaulo2006 on Tue, Feb 24, 2009

    where in the heck do people get this kind of $$$$$$.

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The finished addition

The finished addition

The exterior of the addition is built of stone and stucco. Fiberglass low e argon gas filled windows are used throughout specially designed so that sunlight is maximized; varying brightness in some areas will reflect accordingly. The doors are also fiberglass and the use of such material not only prevents unwanted moisture build-up, but also combustion.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

1 Comment

  • 1. Posted by NickySpades on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    For $450,000 a person can build 2 2000sqft homes!

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The pool

The pool

The 17' × 30' pool is made of gunnite and concrete metal walls with a liner. It has a constant depth of four feet and is controlled by the Dry-o-tron system.

Looking up, one sees not only the ceiling that's painted to look like the sky, but more importantly perhaps, is the big screen TV – yet another touch of luxury.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

3 Comments

  • 1. Posted by LONG DISTANC... on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    For just a bit more money,it could have been designed without the columns.

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by coycol95 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Looks ugly and tacky to me. For $450,000, I'd expect a lot more!

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    why does this diserve to be in the news my house looks just [profane]ing like that and it not in the news

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The hot tub

The hot tub

Flanking the spa-spillage are large windows and (seen on right of picture) 12 feet patio doors.

Porcelain tile was used throughout the base of pool (in custom colour tones) and broken tile was placed around the pool and hot tub entrances.

All of the window casing is ceramic tile; off-set by by clear maple-sill casing. Duct work was purposefully underneath the windows so they don’t steam up.

Little glass block archway windows – for a distinct look – let in more sunlight from the east wall.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

1 Comment

  • 1. Posted by Nancy on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I'd rather see a 250,000 house being improved with $50,000. Nancy

    Report Abuse

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

The solarium

The solarium

The floors are heated in the solarium as with the pool area, however it features additional air conditioning to handle the summer heat. The HVAC into the house was fairly expensive, around 100k, however it’s top of the line.

It is the perfect example of form and function. The family wanted a room leading from the kitchen that they could use and enjoy, and it also provides a smooth transition into the new area.

(All text and images provided by HomeRenovationGuide.com) 


Not Yet Rated


Leave a comment

17 Comments

• 1 | 2 • Next
  • 1. Posted by k f on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I guess if I had $450,000 laying around my home could look just as good, but with layoffs due to the United States and killing the economy by attacking Iraq I will never see it. Oh well I am very content in my own home.

    Report Abuse
  • 2. Posted by BenS on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    look who provided the text and photos for this 'article'. homerenovationguide.com. objectively written, surely. this should not be linked from the news page.

    Report Abuse
  • 3. Posted by mermaid on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Very nice, however surely it would have been cheaper to sign up with a luxury sports club.

    Report Abuse
  • 4. Posted by libraletters on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    I agree that this isn't necessarily "news" worthy, but they also post pictures of celebrity news which is about just as news worthy as far as I'm concerned... Not very. It's nice to see something positive being written about instead of the same articles over and over about the depressing state of the economy in North America or some guy keeping his wife hostage in the basement for ten years. I think the pictures are lovely. And No, I'm not wealthy by any means and defending their way of life compared to most, I live in a small apartment with a roomate and am struggling to pay for braces. Just a little less jealous than most I guess.

    Report Abuse
  • 5. Posted by flossit10 on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    wouldn't it have been easier t buy a new home for 450K ?

    Report Abuse
  • 6. Posted by MeCanuck on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    450K??? Darn! My budget is only 420k! Who cares about these idiots with mega money. Write something for the common people. Idiots.

    Report Abuse
  • 7. Posted by allonsyca on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    What a waste of money.

    Report Abuse
  • 8. Posted by Darro on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Just imagine all time and money you'd need to keep that frankenhouse and garden properly maintained! This is a perfect example of the myth that a show-off home is a happy home.

    Report Abuse
  • 9. Posted by Monkey on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    why spend money to add a hot tub?

    Report Abuse
  • 10. Posted by kimmikemunro on Sun, Feb 22, 2009

    Think of all of the possibility for family time together. I am pretty sure that they are going to know where their kids are and what they are up to.

    Report Abuse
• 1 | 2 • Next

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
2000 character limit

You must sign in to leave a comment

Yahoo! Canada Lifestyle

  • Health & Fitness
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Home & Garden
  • Food & Entertaining
  • Family & Relationships
  • Experts
  • Horoscopes
  • Pets
» All Yahoo! Canada Lifestyle

Our partners

  • Ann Douglas
  • Chatelaine
  • Divine.ca
  • casaGURU.com
  • Fashion Magazine
  • Flare
  • glow
  • Heart and Stroke Fdn
  • Home Renovation Guide
  • LOULOU
  • MediResource
  • 50plus
  • Sweetspot.ca
  • Today's Parent
  • Weddingbells
  • Wish
» Yahoo! Canada Home

Things to do

  • Join Yahoo! Personals
  • Find a car
  • Organize your finances
  • Plan a trip
  • Check the weather

LIFESTYLE AROUND THE WORLD:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • New Zealand
  • Taiwan
  • United States