Creating beautiful living spaces in the Bancroft, Haliburton and Apsley areas for over 20 years
Planning & Design
Renovations & Additions
Healthy Homes
New Construction
It's official - Don Koppin just "filed his papers" to run for Municipal Council.
It's time for positive change, informed decision-making and meeting the many challenges ahead by listening to what the community wants and working together to make that happen.
If you want to keep up to date on the campaign and learn more about what Don Koppin is working towards, please check out his blog and join the discussion.
"Congratulations Don on your decision to run for Council. I have had the privilege of working with you as a volunteer on the Town's Sustainability Committee and for you, during your term as Bancroft Public Library Board Trustee. Dedicated and dependable; if I have to lose you as a board member, I am pleased to hear that it would be to serving your community in a broader scope. It has been refreshing working with someone that not only considers the issues today, but also how they will effect our tomorrow."
Kimberly McMunn, CEO, Bancroft Public Library
Please call or email us today to
receive your no-obligation,
in-home consultation or our
"Guide to Planning Your Project"
Phone: 613-332-0777 / 1-866-951-0777
Our Mailing Address Is :
Box 1242,
Bancroft, Ontario, CANADA
K0L 1C0
Our Location :
200 Hastings. St. N.
Bancroft, Ontario
Emails:
Don Koppin
koppin_donkoppincontracting.ca
Victoria Koppin
victoria_ donkoppincontracting.ca
Noreen Tinney
ntinney_donkoppincontracting.ca
For over a decade, my woodworking career was focused on training mentally challenged adults at A.R.C. Industries, to produce quality cedar patio furniture and refinish antique furniture. I also designed & made unique traditional wooden toys which were then exhibited & sold at various local & out of town Art Shows.
Eventually, my woodworking career followed a different path: working for a local contractor at general construction projects, custom trim & finish work, then as a partner with another local craftsman, creating custom cabinetry and a variety of residential and commercial renovation work. During this time, an exciting artistic opportunity was presented to me when the recipient of the Toronto Arts Award, late jazz musician Rob McConnell, commissioned me to create a custom architectural collage. The work was presented at The Art Gallery of Ontario & I was awarded the Protégé Honours Award from the Arts Foundation of Greater Toronto for my project.
One community project that I was involved with became a personal favourite: the restoration of a tired landmark building that once housed the local jail, where a new full-stage live theatre was created The Village Playhouse. Just days after completion, this stylish new space was the setting for our fun, original wedding onstage & an elegant reception in the beautifully restored lobby!
Soon, I became an independent contractor, working with or hiring a crew when necessary to complete a project. My work has included many challenging local and out-of-town projects: the major reconstruction of a local law office, the restoration of a century farmhouse from foundation to roof & the renovation of a circa 1850 carriage house, the transformation of a small Craftsman-style bungalow and the construction of a timber-frame/ eco-log home, to name a few. My business continues to grow as a General Contractor, now employing 2 permanent crews and office staff, as well as a team of trusted, proven subcontractors. In 2009, we renovated and expanded a handsome office space in Bancroft for the administration of our business.
My concern about the environment encourages me to pursue knowledge, training and resources about healthy, eco-friendly products, materials and methods by participating in ongoing courses on mould remediation, ICF construction, R2000 building, Green Building and other related topics.
As Vice-President of the Haliburton County Homebuilders Association and as a member of the Renovators Council of the OHBA, I have many opportunities to increase my industry knowledge & resources. I am pleased to be a member of the local Library Board and the area Lions Club and most recently joined the Bancroft Sustainable Committee, a group that will participate in determining the ecological and financial sustainability of a major Downtown Development & Revitalization Proposal. This project could significantly change the fabric of life in Bancroft a very exciting prospect for the future of our community!
"Don exhibits utmost patience, is always accessible, and extremely prompt in returning telephone calls, all attributes of great benefit to a client. Without exception, our experiences during the design phase, construction phase, and the follow-up phase have been very pleasurable.
We assure anyone who commissions Don Koppin that they will enjoy a very satisfying and professional experience. Thanks again Don!"
-- Mike & Cathy
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
TIP FOR SAVING ENERGY WITH NEW WINDOWS
New windows will help to reduce your energy losses only if they are installed and sealed properly. Often, replacing the whole frame is the best means of doing this. Although installing an insert is cheaper, this often does not correct leakage around an existing window frame.
With the high cost of utility bills these days, and everyone looking for ways to save energy, the replacement window industry has produced
energy-efficient windows that are becoming the norm today.
You want your Ontario home to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your windows are there just to allow you to see outside, then they're doing their job. But if you want them to be instrumental in keeping your house at a constant comfortable temperature, then you need more. You need the new technology of replacement windows - a wall between you and the outdoors - a wall you can still see through, to keep your house comfortable, no matter what the season or climate.
Trusted Windows Supplier
After careful research and years of experience, Don Koppin General Contractor has chosen a product that they can rely on for their customers' window replacement needs. North Star Windows construction meets or exceeds the industry's highest quality and performance standards. Every North Star window has a 20-year non-pro-rated warranty against sealed unit failure.
North Star windows are certified in Canada by CWDMA and CSA.
Benefits of North Star Replacement Windows
1) North Star windows are incredibly easy to live with. Never again will you have to climb a ladder to clean your windows. North Star's tilt-in series windows are designed to be cleaned safely and conveniently from inside your home.
2) North Star's extruded multi-chambered vinyl construction resists warping, cracking or peeling, and never needs painting.
3) All windows come standard with 3 1/4" frames.
RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS
Your Vision + Our Team =
Your Dream Project
Completed... on Time... on Budget
...Guaranteed!
AFTER
BEFORE
A house is much more than just four walls and a roof - it's an interactive system made up of many components including the basic structure, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, the external environment and the occupants. Each component influences the performance of the entire system. A renovation provides an opportunity to improve how your house performs.
Room additons encompass expanding your home's existing footprint to accommodate entirely new rooms, bumping out existing rooms to improve functionality, or literally raising the roof and add living space on a second floor. Each house has a different foundation and structural requirements, as well as having a unique style. Room additions are not usually do-it-yourself projects.
Home renovation can be a stressful undertaking. It is wise to deliberate carefully about renovations. Everyone in the family should have a voice in this undertaking, as it truly is a family affair.
At Don Koppin General Contractor, we aim for a worry-free experience throughout your renovation project. We will carefully consider your plans, your dreams, your needs, your family's lifestyle, as well as any concerns and budget restrictions you may have. Constant updating and communication is provided from our first contact to the day we leave the job site.
Over 20 years of experience provides us with the foundation to anticipate all the necessary work to be done from start to finish. Promises made about delivery and work completion dates are taken very seriously.
Check our references; see the work that we've done in the area; visit a current job site to meet the crew and see how they work as a team.
Please browse the other sections and the Resources page of our website for more information and tips on:
Eco-Friendly Building; Design/Build; Go Green.
KITCHEN RENOVATION BASICS
Because the kitchen is one of the most utilized rooms in the house, nearly every homeowner will experience the exciting-though-daunting task of planning a kitchen renovation at one time or another. A well-thought-out kitchen design can make a huge lifestyle difference.
Financial considerations and emotional impact remain the two key factors in deciding whether or not to renovate a kitchen A kitchen renovation project averages the highest investment returns for homeowners, followed closely by a bathroom addition and a new master suite.
Don Koppin, General Contractor strives to create beautiful, custom kitchens that reflect the lifestyles of our clients. We work closely with you to create the kitchen that meets your tastes and needs within a predetermined budget. We take pride in the careful design and construction of all of our kitchens. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home; it should be one that you are proud to share with friends and family, but most importantly one that is truly yours.
When planning a new kitchen, you must ask yourself this question:
What is my main kitchen renovation objective?
Cosmetic
The most frequent type of kitchen design makeover is to either update or alter the appearance of the kitchen for a fresh, new look. A cosmetic kitchen remodeling project does not change the layout of the kitchen. It involves renewing the walls, kitchen cabinetry, counters, floor; or making simple changes to the overall design. Many homeowners cut down on costs by recycling some aspects of the kitchen, instead of purchasing everything new. Kitchen cabinet re-facing or painting can go a long way in giving the whole space a face-lift. Updating cabinetry knobs and pulls is a snappy way to make your kitchen shine.
Talk to our Selections Coordinator for some creative ideas for cosmetic makeovers for your kitchen.
Changing the Kitchen Layout
Changing kitchen design layout might include repositioning appliances, fixtures, and eating areas for a better organized layout. After reassessing the configuration of your kitchen to make meal preparation more pleasant and effective, identify those areas you dislike (for example: not enough counter space near the stove or disorderly cupboards).
Redirecting Traffic
Kitchen design alterations that redirect traffic can mean extensive layout changes. This might involve adding a new doorway, moving an existing one, or taking down part of a wall to open up the kitchen, to make it feel more open and less isolated. The result of redirecting traffic often makes the kitchen look and feel larger, and more efficient.
Increasing Kitchen Space
Increasing kitchen space by expanding can mean either borrowing space from adjacent rooms, or expanding space outward with an addition onto the house. This type of project can completely change the function, flow, and design of your kitchen, as well as the exterior appearance of your home. It provides more options to design your own kitchen.
In many ways, creating a kitchen isnt any more complicated than creating a cake.
You can put a new twist on an old recipe
or construct a brand new one step-by-step.
Regardless, you first must determine:
What style you like traditional, contemporary, French country, open concept, etc.
Every kitchen has the same basic design elements:
A Few Design and Decorating Tips
Use quality materials. For example, quality drawer slides and hinges mean cabinet doors will stay closed and drawers won't stick. Stay away from drawers that are stapled together or made of particleboard.
Don't overdo the details. Design accents such as mouldings on cabinet fronts can represent decorative excess. Remember that the style of your kitchen should be compatible with the rest of your home.
Think outside the zone. The kitchen triangle was
a concept developed during the Depression, when there was one person in the kitchen running from sink to fridge to stove. Now, there are dishwashing, food preparation, storage and pantry zones. As the hub of the home, the kitchen is shared by more family members; how we work in our kitchens has changed.
Avoid maintenance nightmares. Natural surfaces with inherent texture -- slate, terra-cotta, brick and tumbled marble -- are more difficult to clean and collect dangerous bacteria. Smooth surfaces in light colours, such as white laminate counters or ceramic floors, are easy to clean but show everything. And as much as we all love stainless steel, it's not easy to keep smudge-free.
Stick to basic appliances. Instead of lots of appliances and gadgets, consider selecting a few reliable basics. For example, a commercial-quality stainless-steel range makes an interesting focal point and takes up less space than separate wall ovens and a cooktop.
Don't try to get everything to match exactly. You can best give your kitchen a certain feel by making sure everything coordinates but still keeps its own character.Your kitchen should reflect you, not look like a showroom. Before designing the space, search for a piece of unique furniture and use it in your design -- a room full of floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall kitchen cabinets looks boring and uninspired.
Make a splash. Consider colourful glass mosaic tiles for your kitchen backsplash. Although today's ubiquitous white subway tiles will always look great, consider trying something newer, edgier, something funky but versatile and sophisticated too.
Think convenience. For floor-level storage space, opt for drawers rather than cupboards. This way, you wont need to bend over to look for whatever is stuck at the back of a cupboard. Make sure that your kitchen plan includes a working counter near the stove for dishes waiting to be cooked or those fresh out of the oven. Provide for counter space close to the sink.
Make your space ergonomic. If youre left-handed, set up the appliances accordingly: Place the dishwasher to the left instead of to the right of the sink. Install your range in such a way that you have ample space on both sides. If you're shorter or taller than average, don't hesitate to adapt the counter height accordingly.
Tech talk. The latest trends in kitchen design includes everything from incorporating TVs and computers to landing pads for charging cellphones and Blackberrys.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Infrared without ICF
Thermal image of neighboring home with CBS construction The lighter colors reveal large areas of heat loss when compared to ICF construction under similar weather conditions.
Infrared with ICF
Thermal image of ICF construction The darker colors of the walls indicate a high resistance to heat flow which means very little energy loss.
Whether it is a new residence, vacation home, boathouse or guest bunkie, Don Koppin, General Contractor can provide a concept-to-reality, cohesive & cost-efficient building experience for customers in Bancroft & Area, Apsley & Area, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton Highlands & Hastings Highlands.
We emphasize environmentally-friendly new construction including ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction.
We are always researching new or alternative materials, methods & designs.
Find out more about Enironmentally Friendly building practices, etc at our Resources page.
Tips for Eco-Friendly Building
Despite the absence of a universal standard, green built projects do tend to have a number of features in common. If you want your own project to create a positive impact -- on the environment, on your comfort and health, and even on your utility bills -- you now have more choices than ever in eco-friendly designs, methods, and materials.
Generally speaking, if your project can incorporate one or more of the following features, you're on the right track. Read more in our Healthy Homes section.
Site the project in such a way that:
Use energy efficiently:
Use water efficiently:
ICF Construction
Ontario homeowners expect to get more from their home. They want beauty that's more than skin deep, a home that fits their lifestyle, but also a home with solid, high quality construction with greater comfort and security, lower energy bills, lower maintenance - a home that's healthier to live in, and easier on the environment.
Insulated Concrete Forms are an insulating forming system for poured-in-place concrete walls and foundations.
An ICF home has significant advantages over an ordinary wood framed home. The greatest benefit comes from increased energy efficiency. Other benefits include increased comfort, fire resistance, noise reduction, flexibility and durability. ICF construction provides up to 2 times greater energy efficiency.
The list of major homeowner benefits is impressive:
Click Here to see ourHealthy HomesSection as well as ourResourcespage.
PORCH ENCLOSURES AND SUNROOMS
After careful research of products available on the market, and considering the many positive referrals given to Sunspace® Sunrooms, we now highly recommend these top-quality systems to our valuable customers.
Each sunroom has a lifetime warranty.
Sunspace® Enclosures have the design flexibility that few systems can offer. All sunrooms are custom designed and engineered to fit the exact specifications of your home's architecture and local building codes. Sunspace® sunrooms are available in a variety of colours to allow you to design a sunroom that best suits your needs. Convert an empty yard, deck or porch into a new room for the family, a children's play room, an exercise room, a spa room, an eating area or just a quiet place to relax.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors right from your own porch - no matter what the weather conditions!
The WeatherMaster® Enclosure System combines the open feeling of a screen room and the comfort and convenience of a three-season sunroom. It does this by utilizing the unique design of the WeatherMaster® vertical window system. This window system features durable weather resistant View Flex, extruded aluminum frames and sashes, stainless steel hardware and fiber mesh screens. If you have an existing deck or patio, the WeatherMaster® enclosure system has been designed to be easily installed without expensive remodeling costs.
The Vertical 4-Track Window System has been engineered to offer the most flexibility to the customer. This system can be retrofitted to your existing seasonal screened porch windows to allow for 4-season enjoyment. These vinyl pane windows offer the perfect solution for homeowners seeking style and safety and come in a variety of colours.
Call us for further information on these products and find out how we can help you to enjoy your screened porch longer, or how a new porch or sunroom can enhance your familys lifestyle.
See the 4-Track Window System on display in our office at 200 Hastings Street North in Bancroft.
RENOVATING BATHROOMS
Not so long ago, most homes possessed a single, strictly functional bathroom and very little emphasis was placed on the decor. Well, those days are definitely gone! The bathroom has now been elevated to the same rank as any other room in the house. Some people will accept no less than a veritable spa that will erase all memories of that old cramped space, while for others, the simple goal of a bathroom renovation is to render this most frequented room more user-friendly.
Take the time to analyze your situation and determine what results you wish to obtain.
Every project is unique, but your reasons for
renovating will probably fall into
these common categories.
Size and design The room may be small or poorly designed.
Fixtures The fixtures may be outdated, small, hard-to-clean, leaky, cracked or inefficient.
Structural There may be problems that require structural changes or repairs.
Moisture Excessive bathroom moisture may have deteriorated the bathroom surfaces, affected the indoor air quality or jeopardized the structure of your house.
Plumbing and electrical If your house is 30 - 40 years old, the plumbing and electrical services may be outdated and need upgrading. Houses built prior to 1950 often have lead piping that may pose a health hazard.
Heating and ventilation Bathrooms are often cold because of poor insulation or poor heat delivery. Ventilation is often inadequate, non-existent or causing secondary problems that need to be fixed.
"The biterness of poor workmanship lasts longer than the sweetness of an artificially low price."
What is really costly is bad design and planning. Projects that are well planned and designed will increase in value and are more energy efficient. Often, a well-designed 1500 sq. ft. cottage or home can feel like 2,000 sq. ft. if the design is efficient.
In Ontario, all permit applications for structural work must be accompanied by a design that is stamped by a licensed Designer or Architect. By working closely with several licensed designers, we provide a concept-to-reality, cohesive & cost-efficient building experience for our clients.
We can provide you with a Custom Design for a new building or renovation to suit your very special personal requirements. During the design process, as always, we will take into consideration your plans, your dreams, your needs, your family's lifestyle & listen to your concerns & budget restrictions.
Often a customer comes to us with their own design or blueprint to begin the project. Sometimes, this may not be budget-conscious or may require costly re-fits to comply with local building codes or practical building methods. We can help to make suitable changes to your own plans, but can often save you time & money by beginning the process with a set of plans that we help you to design.
We are constantly researching new technology, products & building methods and are always interested & open-minded about new or alternative materials, methods & designs, which provides plenty of opportunity for innovative & creative buildings. Our emphasis on Energy Efficiency can mean significant savings on fuel bills, environmental protection, and a more comfortable living space. And talk to us about how to plan your renovations to qualify for significant GOVERNMENT REBATES and tax incentives.
Choose How You Want
To Remodel
The Traditional Way
1. Find an Architect/Designer you like
2. Create beautiful/creative plans
3. Request an estimate from several
contractors
4. Go into Sticker Shock
5. Go back to designer and compromise,
compromise, compromise
6. Generate new plans
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 until estimates
match your budget
8. Decide on a contractor
9. Overrun 10-20% on price for things the
contractor missed
10. Re-plan your life around project delays
and compromises
The Design/Build (DKGC) Way
1. Talk with DKGCs Design/Build Team,
describing your hopes and dreams for your
space
2. Discuss how use of your space will change
over the next 5-10 years. See The Process
3. See plans that make your heart sing
4. See one estimate that meets your budget
5. Begin construction with a fixed cost and
completion date
Design/Build Remodelling means one firm is your designer, advisor, advocate and builder.
PEACE OF MIND
Trust is a major factor in the success of
any contracting project.
We aim for a worry-free project from concept to completion.
Accurate proposals are based on current knowledge of the building code, constant updating of our training and skills and over 20 years of experience. All final proposals/estimates are guaranteed (with a time limit). This means no surprises when the bill arrives.
Sometimes, especially on older home renovation, it may be necessary to change the scope of work, but all changes in work contracted will be in writing & signed by all parties.
Remember that the lowest estimate is usually not the least costly in the end; if a contractor doesnt correctly anticipate all the necessary work to be done, or purposely gives a lower estimate just to secure the job, hidden add-ons can greatly increase the overall budget. We always make sure that our estimates include all the details required by our clients.
We are committed to the concept of a complete building process, and all proposals are done with careful consideration for all aspects of every unique situation. We do not have a stack of extra work orders in the wings that will eventually raise the price of the project beyond our clients' budget.
Contracts, Insurance & Warranties
We carry $5 million liability insurance and all of our crew and subcontractors are covered by WSIB, which is a very important legal consideration for anyone planning a home building or renovation project.
No one likes costly surprises!
Combined with extraordinary expectations of our crew's quality of workmanship, we assure our clients that the job will be done right the first time. Work is always done with the required permits, and inspections are done at all necessary stages to make sure no costly mistakes are made.
Some people believe that bypassing permits, paying cash and avoiding taxes means that they are getting a deal, but lose out on services and safety nets.
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