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Happy Friday!

There are only a few steps more to complete. Soon enough your garden and flower beds will not only have enough water for vegetables to grow but the system will also be timed. Although with all the rain we have had in Ottawa you may not use your sprinkler very much this summer. 

There are a few more items to purchase before your system is complete. 

1. Valves are a must and typically are grouped into Globe valves or anti-siphon valves. They control the flow of water into each zone. With an anti-siphon valve you do not need a back flow preventer. Scott chose the globe valve as it can be installed underground in a valve box. 
2. A controller is also necessary and can be purchased through Hunter or Rainbird. Some controllers are expandable so that more zones can be added to them. You can also purchase “smart” controllers that are connected to the internet.

Happy Monday!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. If you have decided on an automated sprinkler system than you will have to source and lay out your sprinklers.

You will need to do a scaled drawing of your yard that includes all major features. When drawing out your sprinkler start at the corners.

Using a compass and paper you can lay out your sprinkler spray diameters or in other words spray patterns. 

Scott uses a mix of Hunter and Rainbird. Two very well-known companies. 

Things To Consider

• For smaller areas consider using sprays.
• There are options for flower beds. Some good choices are short radius sprays, drip irrigation or bubblers
• consider spending the extra money on stainless steel rotors. Some companies only use plastic. 

The best way to map out your automated sprinkler system is to have head to head coverage. This ensures even water coverage. Also keep in mind that you should not put rotors and sprays on the same valve.

Happy Friday!

So you have decided to install an automated sprinkler system. You have also decided that you want to install it yourself. You will need to determine the design capacity of your system for it to work properly. 

Yes, you can do this and have a pretty awesome automated system. How much will you save depends on materials. Also keep in mind that if you hire a professional they will open and close your system. A professional will also likely guarantee their work for some period of time. So there is a lot to consider. 

Steps:

• Measure the static pressure in your water pipes (with a water pressure gauge)
• Determine the size of your water metre (this is usually stamped on your water metre)
• You will need to know the size of your service line

After collecting this information you will be able to determine the design capacity for your sprinkler system by referring to a design manual online. Scott refers to Hunter or Rainbird Design Guides. Using the above information you will be able to determine the maximum water flow rate that you can use for you sprinkler system. However you need to keep the velocity of the water in the pipes below 8 ft/s to avoid damaging the pipes. This will usually be the limiting factor if you are on city water.

Example

Here are the numbers for our house:

• Static Pressure: 70 psi – 482kPa
• Water Meter Size: 5/8″ – 15mm
• Service Line Size: 3/4″ – 19mm – Copper

Using the table below we can determine the working pressure, and the available flow for the sprinkler system.

• Working Pressure: 350kPa – 50 psi
• Available Flow: 30 l/min – 8 gal/min (deducting 7.61 l/min for copper pipe)

However we need to keep in mind that we do not want to exceed 8ft/s of flow in the pipes to prevent damaging them. Using the chart below we can see that a flow of 8 gal/min puts us at a velocity of 5.88 ft/s in our 3/4″ copper pipe service line. Rainbird has drawn the chart with the limit of 5 ft/s which should not be exceeded, however in their own design example they exceed that limit as they declare that it is too restrictive for most systems. They say that 5-7.5 ft/s should not be exceeded. Since we are at 5.88 ft/s we are safe to use this.

• Working Pressure: 350kPa – 50 psi
• Available Flow: 30 l/min – 8 gal/min (deducting 7.61 l/min for copper pipe)
• Water Velocity in 3/4″ pipe – 5.88 ft/s

SaveSave

Happy Wednesday!

Installing an automated sprinkler system entails a bit of planning and work, but you can do it! It can also increase your homes marketability. Having pretty flower beds and a nice lawn can make your home more appealing to buyers. 

Some would argue that a sprinkler system can also add value to a home. Others I have talked to put no value on an automated sprinkler system but agree that it can make a home more marketable. So if you are looking to install one here are a few steps to help you along. 

Step One: You Will Need To Know:

• knowledge about water pressure
• knowledge about pressure loss
• knowledge about water flow
• basic math
• basic knowledge of electricity
• you will have to manually dig trenches or know how to use a trencher

Hope this helps. Think carefully before you embark on doing this DIY project. See you Friday!

Happy Friday!

Have a great Canada Day and fantastic weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

I am sure that most of you are excited as I am for Canada’s 150 birthday. The flags are out, people are making plans and our hotels are booked. 

I thought I would share some great furniture pieces and some great home decor to celebrate our great country. Take a look at some “made in Canada” fabulous finds!

Spanner Arm Chair – Wayfair.ca

Rocky mountain soap co

SuzanneFaris

Red Tent Print – inkwell

Happy Monday!

Is it difficult for you to rent out your property? Showcasing  your rental property can help attract potential renters. It can also help target the right tenants for your property.

Here are a few ideas on how staging your rental can help you:

• Proper staging can help your rental property stand out
• Staging shows that you maintain your property  and therefore shows really well
• Your property can look really good for MLS photos therefore it allows you to attract potential tenants

It is important to find a qualified stager as well. Your stager will know what accessories and furniture can attract the right buyer. This is especially important for a younger target market who want ” a fresh looking unit ” It is also a good idea to refresh the walls by selecting the right paint colours that will appeal  to potential tenants. A staging consult is always a good idea. Sometimes properties will sit for months. The paint colours may be “off ” or the property is just not showcased in its best possible way. This can cost the owners thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Daniela Pluviati Staging

Happy Friday!

We have had our kitchen cabinets professionally spray painted before. In 2007 I chose a pure, crisp white from Benjamin Moore called Chantily Lace. That was back in 2007 and although I still love white for kitchen cabinets blue rocks as well! 

A blue painted bathroom cabinet with the right selection of flooring and tile can work! Even if you are selling. Blue kitchen or bathroom cabinets have been hot in the last couple of years. With the right finishes blues can look beautiful! It is also a great choice for those of you who want to renovate. Of course, blue painted cabinets looks especially awesome in coastal inspired homes. 

Undertones can vary depending on which blue you choose. Rich blues with dark grey undertones are finding their way into many kitchens. While softer, light and airy blues are ever so popular as well. One thing they all have in common is that they can be stunning in a kitchen or bathroom. 

Here are some popular Benjamin Moore blue paint colours that are trending now. 

Benjamin Moore – Mysterious AF-656

Benjamin Moore – Stratton Blue HC-142

Benjamin Moore – Hale Navy HC-154

Benjamin Moore – Phillipsburg Blue HC-159

Brett Mickan Interior Design

Studio McGee

Milestone Building Pty Ltd

Have a wonderful weekend!