Bouclair - New Concept. New Experience.

Bouclair Announces the Renovation and Reopening of Four New Concept Stores That Will Completely Redefine the Home Decor Shopping Experience This Fall

MONTREAL, Oct. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bouclair, the leading destination for home decor in Canada, is proud to announce the renovation and reopening of four new concept stores this fall. Customers in both Quebec and Ontario will now be able to enjoy a unique experience that features Bouclairs collections and exclusive decor finds of the current season.

Chicoutimi and Barrie, as well Mega Centre Sainte Foy and Les Galeries de la Capitale, both located in Quebec City, will all undergo a transformation of their current brick-and-mortar concept to one that offers a multi-faceted experience where customers can easily imagine recreating the looks in their own home, making it more enjoyable to shop for home decor pieces. Customers will surely enjoy the new Bouclair atmosphere and be inspired by decor accents displayed in a way that showcases each collections style, furniture displays full of arrangement ideas, rich visual tools that express the vibe of each collection, and decor experts available to help with any decor project. Each store has been revamped with the black store logo and storefront, along with natural woods mixed with greenery, adding to the brands new, sleek and trendy image.

The Canadian company is proud to be thriving and expanding its reach in the retail sector, especially in these unprecedented times. Their continued growth is largely thanks to their loyal followers from coast to coast choosing Bouclairs great value for all their stylish and modern home decor pieces. Supporting local businesses has never been more important, and shoppers will be happy to learn that Bouclairs products are all designed in Canada by their team of in-house designers.

Prioritizing its customers and staffs health, Bouclair is committed to offering a unique shopping experience in a safe and healthy environment. Stores enforce social distancing measures, heightened hygiene standards, strict cleaning protocols, and face masks are required upon entry.

The new Bouclair concept was first launched last year with the openings of the Brossard, Boucherville, Boisbriand, Mascouche and St-Jrme stores. Bouclair continues to grow and plans to open more new concept stores in 2021.

About Bouclair Proud to support Canadians in their efforts to decorate their homes with the latest trends at affordable prices, Bouclair continuously looks to develop and release new collections to offer their customers a wide variety of products, ranging from home decor accents to home furnishings. New Store Concept Video: https://youtu.be/MXess01vocY Media contact Cesar Morales Marketing Operations Manager Bouclair pr@bouclair.com (438) 227-5214

A video accompanying this announcement is available athttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20d13de4-be48-4fda-8b08-c264913e57ba

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Bouclair Announces the Renovation and Reopening of Four New Concept Stores That Will Completely Redefine the Home Decor Shopping Experience This Fall...

With so many people tackling home renovations and improvements right now, its important to remember and prepare for the stress these activities can have on our pets. When planning your home repairs, be sure to take the comfort and safety of your pets into account.

Remember that pets love to climb, investigate and rub against things, so try to take a pets eye view as you search for hazards in your space.

Cleaners, chemicals and adhesivesPaint, insulation, spackle, glue Even minor home improvement projects use a ton of chemicals. Ingesting these products can not only cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, but can also be toxic for your pet. Cats are at particularly high risk because they tend to walk through the construction area and then lick the chemicals off of their paws and coats later.

Construction hazardsHome renovations often involve sharp tools, stray nails and other hazards that pose a major safety risk to your pet. A curious pet in the construction area is a recipe for disaster, so be sure to keep them safely locked away while youre working. At the end of the day, carefully clean up the work area and check for any hazards that may be a risk to your pet.

Loud noises and strange smellsHammers, saws and power tools sound like a cacophony to your pets sensitive ears. Even pets that are not bothered by noise may react differently when faced with the additional stressors. Sawdust and chemical odors can also irritate the respiratory tract, which may affect pets with underlying health conditions like asthma or a collapsing trachea.

Escape routesOpen doors and windows during repairs may serve as an easy escape for a stressed pet. But dont overlook the less obvious escape routes that may emerge during a home improvement project. Homeowners should be especially cautious of open vents, holes in drywall and missing ceiling tiles. Pets may become trapped when the repairs are completed!

Keeping your pets safe during construction and renovationWhen youre working on major home repairs, sometimes it is best to put your pet in a calmer environment, like a boarding kennel or pet sitters home. If you do decide to keep your pet at home during the repairs, consider taking these steps to keep your pet safe:

Homerenovation projects are a challenge for everyone however, taking theseprecautions will help make the process go much more smoothly for both you andyour pet.

This article is provided by the veterinary medical professionals at VCA Deer Creek Animal Hospital. For more information: 303-973-4200 or https://vcahospitals.com/deer-creek-littleton.

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Home repairs and your pet | YourHub - The Know

MARION The groundbreaking ceremony for work on the entrance of the Town House is scheduled for Oct. 17. But its possible that it could be halfway done before it even happens.

At a Oct. 6 Selectmens meeting, Town Administrator Jay McGrail said he never would have imagined how fast its getting done.

He added that its unbelievable work crews have done to rework the entrance.

Its a huge facelift for town hall, he said.

McGrail also made a point to thank the Sippican Historical Society for being so willing to help with the project financially. The society has committed to donating upwards of $550,000 towards the completion of the renovation.

The society had set a project completion deadline for Thanksgiving, but McGrail said crews could probably beat that deadline.

Though the project is going ahead of schedule, the stairs of the entrance still need to be lifted in order to accommodate the columns at the front of the Town House.

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Town House entrance renovation running ahead of schedule - Sippican Week

The state Department of Ecology on Wednesday, Oct. 7, announced the recipients of $22 million in grant funding to support projects protecting rivers and streamflows, and Nisqually-based projects are expected to take home at least $727,000 of that.

Sixty-three applications were submitted to Ecology this year for the Streamflow Restoration Competitive Grants, which were created in 2018 under the Streamflow Restoration law passed by the Legislature.

Though a total 21 projects were selected this year to receive funding, the Legislature intends to authorize about $300 million of funding over 15 years.

Local organizations that will receive funding include the Nisqually Land Trust and the Nisqually River Foundation, as well as Thurston Countys Community Planning and Economic Development and Water Resources Division departments.

The Nisqually Land Trust will receive approximately $296,230 for property acquisitions on the lower Ohop Creek preservation area and other sites.

On the lower Ohop Creek, the Land Trust is looking to acquire an 11.4-acre property along the south shoreline of the creek. The property includes roughly 4 acres of floodplain and 4 acres of valley bluff.

The Land Trust is also looking to collaborate with a local planning unit, regional conservation organizations and a water rights consultant to further investigate water rights identified in the Nisqually Rapid Water Rights Assessment. This project would also help the organization gage with landowners their willingness to participate in a water rights project to benefit streamflow.

The Nisqually River Foundation will receive roughly $431,000 for a streamflow restoration project to benefit the Muck Creek Watershed, which feeds into the Nisqually River.

Muck Creek is an important salmon-bearing stream in the Pierce County Prairie Tributaries Sub-Basin. This project is the first phase of a multiphase approach to identify, prioritize and construct projects that provide increased streamflow and net ecological benefit to the Muck Creek Basin, a project description reads.

Thurston Countys two departments will receive about $464,364.

One project aims to draft a feasibility study to redirect seasonal stormwater from the Hidden Forest system to a new managed aquifer recharge site to benefit the Little McAllister Creek.

The countys second project will draft a feasibility study to evaluate 22 potential water offset sites in the Lackamas and Yelm sub basins.

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Nisqually Watershed Programs to Receive $727k for Protection, Restoration Projects - Nisqually Valley News

I recently looked at a home in mid-renovation that is for sale. I dont mind taking on the work that needs completing, but how do I know if what has been done meets the different codes?

Thank you for your question. As many readers can attest, it is easy to get in over your head when taking on a home renovation.

But for someone who is open to picking up the hammer, a partially renovated property may give you the flexibility needed to customize the space to exactly what youd like it to be and to actually see how things have been done so far.

You are wise to have permit and code compliance top of mind. Completing a renovation without the required permits, or one that fails to meet municipal by-laws or provincial building, electrical and fire codes, can result in unanticipated expenses to cover the cost of bringing a property to code. In extreme situations, it can require major reconfiguration or even the removal of structures and liability for provincial fines.

Taking some time to verify and validate work started or completed to date is a good approach. Not sure where to start? Speak with your real estate salesperson. They can ask the seller to provide copies of such things as receipts, drawings, permits, municipal approvals and any inspection reports previously completed to verify that work already completed meets applicable by-laws and codes.

If supporting materials are not available from the seller, your salesperson can assist by advising on where information can be sourced, and they may even be able to recommend reputable inspection services to assess the work that has already been completed.

Depending on the extent of the renovation, you may want to consider getting an architectural or engineering assessment to confirm that the integrity of the structure has not been compromised.

For homeowners thinking of completing a home renovation before listing their home for sale, enlisting the services of a registered salesperson or brokerage can be of tremendous benefit. Real estate salespeople have usually seen hundreds if not thousands of homes and layouts and know design ideas that you may not have thought of. Seeking their advice about which renovations might provide the greatest value for your resale may even contribute to your home selling faster and potentially for more money. Of course, you want to balance what you want to enjoy in your home and what might maintain good resale value.

Regardless of which side of the renovation equation youre on, be sure to keep copies of all the documentation related to the work whether completed or in-progress. Doing so may save you a lot of legwork and expense during the transaction process.

If you have a question about the home buying or selling process, please email information@reco.on.ca.

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Buying a property in mid-reno? Check to make sure it has the needed approvals and permits: Ask Joe - NiagaraFallsReview.ca

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Renovation of the Bath House Cultural Center is nearly complete.

Workers have leveled and cemented a new walkway from the parking lot to the back of the building at lake level to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They have also redesigned the bathrooms to ensure that people with disabilities have appropriate space.

Landscapers have leveled the area and improved the drainage to prevent flooding to make the outdoor theater more usable.

Its fun to see all the progress outside, said Teresa Bond, treasurer of Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center.

Construction crews are now starting to expand the upstairs kitchen, she said.

Renovations kicked off in May after being delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The project is still on track to finish in November, but the building probably wont open until March 1, when the City of Dallas reopens its arts and cultural centers.

Performances may resume in the outdoor amphitheater this spring, but that depends on the coronavirus situation in Dallas County, Bond said.

In January 2022, a seated pavilion will be available for public use. The pavilion, built with money from a previous bond, will provide shade in the summer and allow neighbors to practice yoga, draw or perform other activities at the lake.

Its artistic, beautiful and so functional, so were excited to have that, Bond said.

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PHOTOS: See the renovation progress at the Bath House Cultural Center - Advocate Media

Four felony offenses were certified this week against the co-owner of a Roanoke home renovation and roofing company who is accused of failing to do construction work he was paid to perform.

Nathan Jay Laurain is a partner in HomeFront Renovations on Colonial Avenue. The four active counts against him are scheduled to be considered by a grand jury in October.

At his hearing Thursday in Roanoke General District Court, Laurain, 37, also saw the dismissal of five misdemeanor counts of working without a license.

A state police search warrant filed in July said that at least six HomeFront Renovations customers have claimed they paid for work that was not done. It claimed the operations in question had been undertaken in Botetourt, Bedford, Giles and Roanoke counties, and in the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

The warrant also says that since last October, the business has banked more than $1.25 million worth of checks.

On Friday, Laurain was also indicted in Salem Circuit Court on one count of construction fraud, according to Commonwealths Attorney Tom Bowers. A court date has not yet been set.

In August, Laurain resolved an embezzlement charge involving another company, ZJ Home Improvements, by pleading no contest to a reduced count of grand larceny. The three-year prison term he received was suspended in its entirety, but he was ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution to the company at a minimum of $300 a month.

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Charges certified against owner of Roanoke home renovation company accused of taking money but not doing work - Roanoke Times

9/16/2020

Paula Keefe, right, explains how a retaining wall and old stone stairs were restored at the old Tower House on Mendon Road. Partner Jeff Polucha is at left. (Breeze photos by Ethan Shorey)

CUMBERLAND Two weeks ago was the low point for the local couple restoring the Tower House at 2211 Mendon Road. Endless jackhammering of ledge in the basement and chipping of old mortar from some 6,000 bricks had led to deep discouragement, said Jeff Polucha and Paula Keefe.

But the two say they have turned the corner, getting a second wind after a new floor was poured in the basement and they reached the point of starting to put the 1825 home back together after a demolition phase of three months and the reinforcement of the homes main floor.

This week weve turned a corner, said Polucha during an impromptu tour of the property last week.

The couple said people stop by all the time, curious about what theyre up to after watching the home sit vacant for decades. They say theyve received all kinds of offers to help, which they appreciate but most of which they cant take people up on.

The main level of the home is now shored up and most of the rot has been removed. Polucha and Keefe have scraped off nearly all of the paint from the home and built a 12-foot by 13-foot new addition to function as the mudroom.

Polucha and Keefe say theyre getting closer every day to deciding to move into the home themselves but havent yet made that commitment.

The home, they said, will be perfect for a professional who works from home, with the basement/walkout level, including an entrance under a unique second-floor porch, having an ideal layout for living and working. It would also be great for either an in-law space or game room, they said.

Much of the granite around the property will be repurposed in the outdoor entertaining areas and other parts of the property, and four new granite posts have been added to the front of the property, running past a new driveway now located to the left of the house.

Keefe and Polucha say there has been significant interest in their corner lot next to the home, which was created by the town to help facilitate the old homes redevelopment, but so far havent sold it.

Extensive tree work has also been done, and piles of bricks and old lumber are stacked outside awaiting potential re-use. The two said they probably wont be able to use all of the granite on the property, but will certainly be able to use a lot of it, including in the outdoor space next to the new front door off the main driveway.

While some items will see major modern upgrades, including a new gas fireplace, other original features will be maintained, including a 42-inch front door thats something special, said Polucha. The old windows next to that front door arent salvageable and will be replaced by wooden Anderson 400 windows previously discussed with members of the Cumberland Historic District Commission. Two new doors will also be added.

The pair removed a cement apron around the foundation that they said was functioning to retain moisture and harbor insects. Old stone stairs have also been rebuilt. The owners dont plan to put a new fence back up near the street, instead sticking just with the old granite posts.

New utilities were also added during the demolition phase, with sewer pipes running under the newly poured concrete floor in the basement.

The 2,100-square-foot home will have three bedrooms and two full bathrooms when complete, with a storage/utility room included in the back of the basement. That room will be important without a garage or shed space, said Polucha. An old outhouse will be restored, likely as a small shed space.

Despite all of the issues with the home, including immense damage from insects previously compromising it, the home overall has proven solid with its post-and-beam construction, said the owners.

Riva Homes, which specializes in restoring old houses, is the contractor on the project, and Cruz Construction of Cumberland is doing much of the exterior work.

Keefe and Polucha, Cumberland residents who enjoy restoring homes as a hobby, say they have no regrets about tackling the project, saying theyve been fortunate to have the the right people around them advising them on the work. That said, a project of this complexity brings never-ending issues.

We had identified all possibilities, and all possibilities did come to fruition, said Polucha, laughing.

Jeff Polucha stacks some of the old lumber taken from the Tower House in Cumberland, much of which will be reincorporated into the home. At rear is an old outhouse that will be restored as part of the project.

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Couple turn the corner on restoration of Tower House - Valley Breeze

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Lambda Theta Chapter President Skyye Robinson and First Vice President Ranique Daniel.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. The Lambda Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta SororityInc. started the semester in a newly renovated house. The renovation, which was completed over the summer, has already created better visibility for the sorority, which residents believe will also impact equity for other historically Black organizations and African American students at the University of Arkansas.

The project, overseen by Facilities Management, transformed the original duplex into a modern multi-level sorority house. Contractors merged the two spaces, converted one kitchen to a living space, added an accessible bathroom and spare room, and made modifications to the existing bedrooms and bathrooms.

The sorority's previous house on North Duncan had been the place of many fond memories, but extensive structural damage to the building and maintenance concerns forced the switch to the duplex on Stadium Drive. Although initially hesitant about the move, the completion of the project has the tenants excited about the future possibilities of the house.

"We were just so excited to see the vision that we had been talking about with Facilities Management come to life," said Skyye Robinson, president Lambda Theta Chapter. "Honestly, they exceeded my expectations. What I expected was a great looking house that was livable, but I got much more than that. We got much more than that. We will definitely miss the history from 3 North Duncan, but we'll always have that. So we're grateful for this new beginning and extremely excited with the new relationship we have with Facilities Management because of the work that they've done here."

"I am extremely pleased with the renovation and teamwork from across the University to make this project a reality," said Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life. "For years, the Lambda Theta Chapter has continued to pave the way for many African American students on the UofA campus. They are actively involved and work diligently to make a difference in all they do through scholastic, social, and educational programming efforts. It's a joy to see them excited about their new home and the memories that will be made on Stadium Drive."

Involvement in a renovation process was a new experience for the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the short timeframe made it additionally challenging. However, they credit the success to the relationships built with Facilities Management, the coordinators involved, and the expectations set by Vice Chancellor Mike Johnson.

"Mike really set the tone, and I think that makes all the difference. His leadership from day one laid a path for his team to follow," said Karrie Claybrook, primary advisor of the Lambda Theta Chapter.

"It also speaks to the value of having diverse coordinators on all university projects," Claybrook said. "Take Vel for example (Vel Moses, construction coordinator). As an African American, he brings a different perspective to the team. His understanding of our organization's rich history including the inequities the chapter has overcome in the past, shows in his attention to detail on the project."

The new house is located closer to the other sorority and fraternity houses on campus and is expected to help with awareness of the sorority. The women believe this will go a long way in increasing minority representation on campus.

"We're more visible," Robinson said. "Our presence has grown stronger just by a location change. And like I said, just being able to see us will make [other students] go research us to see what we're about and what we stand for."

Ranique Daniel, first vice president of the Lambda Theta Chapter, added, "It's what we needed to be able to head in the right direction towards creating equity for African American students as well."

Reflecting on the process, Claybrook said she believes the experience was an opportunity for personal growth for the women, which will impact them and future members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for years to come.

"I can see a change in them and their confidence and their belief in who they are and what they can accomplish. That's what a house can do. It's so small. It's so simple, but it's powerful."

About Delta Sigma Theta:The Lambda Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was established in 1974 on the University of Arkansas campus as the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization. A private, not-for-profit organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sororityis focused on the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority House Renovation Creates Added Visibility - University of Arkansas Newswire

The Magnolia owners built a business based on what they love the most, so there is no doubt that their house is more than amazing. Their place is exquisitely decorated and filled with lots of love from their adorable family.

The home renovation gurus 45-year-old Chip Gaines and wife 42-year-old Joanna Gaines are usually sharing snapshots on their social media to show their fans and interior design admirers a glimpse of their gorgeous house.

The former Fixer Upper hosts are the owners of a Victorian-style house in Waco, Texas, which they bought in 2012, and sits on more than 40 acres. The residence, which they called The Farmhouse is home for them both and their five beautiful young children.

Being the favorite renovation and decoration expert duo in recent years, it is not surprising that the couple put all their hearts into remodeling their own house. So they did not move into the property until one and a half years later when they finally turned the house into their dream come true.

THE FARMHOUSE

Originally, the house had two bedrooms, but the Gaines brilliant ideas turned the place suitable for Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and Crew, their lovely and playful kids. Three bathrooms and a couple of sitting rooms are perfect for the bunch to play, study, and even build puzzles together.

The kitchen must be Chip and Jos favorite place. It is big enough to even have the kids around while the parents make their meals. It is decorated in a white country-style, has a perfect marble island in the middle, and features lots of space to keep their stainless steel appliances.

Inside the house, the different spaces are open and filled with natural bright light during the day. White walls and neutral tones are key in the decoration but there are many details all over like a plant, a lamp, or a big picture. The residence also features large outdoors with gardens, a greenhouse, and a chicken coop, where the kids love to spend time playing around.

FAMILY MATTERS

The couple met after Chip knew Joanna was the daughter of the owner of the place where he used to fix his cars tires. He found a way to ask her out, and in 2003, a year later, they were getting married.

They joined forces as Chip had a love for renovating homes and Joanna for decoration. Their first project was their first house, and from then on they built their successful path. However, they have been open about the importance of family and that their kids come first.

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Glimpse inside the Perfect Home of 'Fixer Upper' Stars Chip and Joanna Gaines - AmoMama