The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

21 · Friday, January 22, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Image the possibilities Renovations for the new year (NC) ­ The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to break bad habits and embark on new paths. What better way to reward yourself than to kick-off the year with an easy home upgrade that can help you save money through 2010. A simple project, such as re-insulating your attic, can be a quick, do-it-yourself home renovation that can help save on your monthly heating costs. "Re-insulating your attic helps save you both money and energy, helping to make your home feel much more comfortable," says David Flood, Insulation Expert at Owens Corning. "With seven million under-insulated attics in Canada, it's time to upgrade your attic insulation and help slow the amount of lost energy, which contributes to rising heating bills." Save on energy all through the year Upgrading your attic insulation can help reduce the amount of energy you consume and help save on greenhouse gas emissions annually. Start the new year knowing your home renovation project can help reduce your energy bills, every month and in every season, all while helping the environment. Insulate your attic up to 15 inches By installing up to 15 inches of fibreglass batt insulation you can make sure your attic is properly insulated. Take advantage of government grants and incentives Government grants can lend support as you embark on your insulation projects! Government incentives mean that insulating your attic is now more affordable than ever. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) can help homeowners save up to 15 per cent, up to a maximum of $1,350, on eligible home renovation expenses. Additionally, when you insulate your attic, Natural Resources Canada offers savings of up to $750 in retrofit rebates through the ecoENERGY program to homeowners who qualify based on their home upgrades. Matching grants are also available in certain provinces and municipalities to help contribute to your project savings. Some incentives are only available for a limited time, so start your new year's renovation today. Learn more about the ecoENERGY retrofit rebate by visiting www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca. For details on the HRTC and instructions on how to insulate your attic yourself, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca and www.insulationtaxcredit.ca. Transform your bath with colour (NC)--Today's bath has been redefined as home spa, the one place in a home where you can retreat to for a reviving pick-me-up. So, when it comes time to give this room a pampering of its own, consider paint and the power of colour. "A splash of paint can be the perfect tonic for toning up a tired bathroom," suggested Benjamin Moore colour expert Sharon Grech. "Whether it's just a fresh coat of existing colours or a whole new palette, budget-conscious consumers will appreciate the affordability." In today's volatile housing market, a bath makeover remains a home renovation that still is a wise investment, increasing a home's value. When it comes to bathroom paint, conventional wisdom has always dictated that only a high-gloss finish will do, to avoid telltale water spots and streaks from showing. Now, according to Grech, Benjamin Moore has developed Aura Bath & Spa a matte finish paint that locks out moisture. With a choice of colours that extensive, deciding which ones to use can be the biggest challenge. "The cool palette of blues, greens and watery hues is, of course, a popular choice for creating a calming and serene setting," she advised. "Think about using the warmer end of the spectrum--yellows, oranges and pinks--if you want a room that wakes up the senses and is more stimulating and lively." European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 min Moore Benja rs Paint! ow at Spee k out the n line re's complete pec, enjamin Moo B , Ben, Eco S Aura, Natura Super including ore Style and Paint. llections, Mo Co peers available at S ent our pec, are now S will complim njamin Moore hich includes Para Be ction w o existing sele int, Coronad ow & Ball pa glas Paints, Farr d Hunter Dou Wallpaper an Paints, ome Colour tore and in-h Blinds. In-s available. Consultation hec visit us and c for 2010 Come nds ew colour tre n 275 Speers Rd., Oakville 905.337.7272 www.speerspaint.com