The good news is the economy is showing signs of recovery. The bad news is spending cuts aimed at slashing the deficit have forced the cancelation of stimulus incentives like the Home Renovation Tax Credit.

Without the popular program being extended for another year, homeowners are once again faced with picking up the full tab for home improvement projects like adding a new bathroom.

Adding insult to injury, additional rebates offered by home improvement retailers hoping to woo customers planning to take advantage of the federal program are also a thing of the past. The loss of these incentives, which offered combined price breaks of 25 per cent or more, is hitting homeowners in the pocketbook. As a result, many homeowners are scaling back their renovation projects or eliminating the high-end fixtures and finishes they wouldn't have even given a second thought a year ago.

For consumers looking to add a bathroom to their home, but working with a limited budget, the best place to start is doing your homework when it comes to selecting materials and contractors. One proven way to save time and money is to use an above-floor macerating toilet system. Macerating toilets are an economical way to add a bathroom or powder room anywhere a standard toilet is cost-prohibitive or impossible to install.

Macerating toilets offer a solution to plumbing issues by eliminating the need for conventional toilet rough-in with below-floor drainage. Because walls and floors remain intact, these above-floor systems do not require expensive renovations, and installation is quick and easy.

Macerating systems, like those by Saniflo, also feature additional drainage inlets, allowing for the connection of a sink and bath/shower in addition to the toilet. The result is a bathroom installed quickly and cost effectively anywhere you need it.

More information on these toilet systems is available online at www.saniflo.ca or toll-free at 1-800-363-5874.

www.newscanada.com

By Gillian Birch

Canadians love to renovate. A recent survey by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that 40 percent of households in ten Canadian markets renovated their home in 2008. The same survey found that about three quarters of households used a contractor to do all, or at least some, of their renovations.

Everyone has heard a construction/contractor horror story, either through a friend, family member or on a home improvement television program. Whether it is work not performed to code or customer specifications, projects taking longer than expected, or costs going way over budget, home renovations can be a stressful endeavour.

“Spending thousands of dollars on your home is a big decision, so selecting the right contractor is an important step,” said Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “And while stories of renovation headaches are frequent, there are thousands of reputable contractors out there. A little preparation before hand will certainly ease the stress.”

Ross offers these renovation tips to ensure homeowners finish their summer renovation projects with better success:

• Connect with previous customers: Ask your friends for referrals of contractors that they've used, especially on similar projects. Request additional referrals from possible candidates.

• Look for consistency and permanence: The ideal service provider has a physical business office and address and has been in business for a number of years under the same name.

• Do a legal check: Ensure contractors are licensed by your province and that they have insurance, meaning they are covered if they are injured during the project.

• Notify your insurer: Contact your insurance broker to discuss if any of the renovations will require an adjustment to your home policy.

By following these simple tips, you'll finish your summer renovation projects with success. More information is available from your insurance broker or online at www.avivacanada.com.

www.newscanada.com