JANUARY 2013 NEWSLETTER
4TH EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE:
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THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS!
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RECENT PROJECTS (A FEW FEATURES)
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WORK IN PROGRESS
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KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
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„RENOVATION DO‟S AND DON‟T‟S‟ (WESTERN LIVING ARTICLE TO
SHARE)
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RECIPE FOR “I‟LL NEVER MAKE PUMPKIN PIE AGAIN” SQUARES
THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS!
Geoff has always done all the tile work on our projects. Unfortunately, his wrists
don‟t seem to want to co-operate…although he will still occasionally jump in when
the job isn‟t too big. With that said, we have been pleased to work with Mobile Tile
on a number of projects. They will come to your home with a specially designed
trailer filled with a variety of tile samples (just give them the general style/color
you are looking for). It will save you from lugging those huge tile samples to your
car and home! What a great idea.
We have recently discovered and have finished three home renovations this year
with a European award winning eco- product called „OSMO‟. The wood finishes are
engineered from natural, renewable oils and waxes. They conform to strict
standards for health and purity (even approved for use on children‟s toys in
Europe). They bind to wood grain and will not flake, blister, or peel. Best of all, has
low odours and quick drying time.
Here‟s a photo of some floors recently refinished with this product:
RECENT PROJECT „RAIN BATH‟
This was a small bathroom in a 50 year old home that needed an overhaul. The
window was added to allow more light into the space. The horizontal subway tiles
helped make the tub surround look bigger.
RECENT PROJECT „CLEAN LINES‟
Our client was so excited to finally have her bathroom done. This was also a 50+
year old home and we love the clean and bright look the homeowner designed. She
has a great eye! The heated floors are always nice and appreciated on these cold
winter days.
RECENT PROJECT „PARTY-PATIO‟
The small, tired, and old patio was taken down and a beautiful new large cedar patio
with new stairs was built. Specialized lighting was added after this photo was
taken so it even looks beautiful at night when hosting a party!
RECENT PROJECT „PICTURE PERFECT‟
Here is another example of a nice, tidy cedar patio that adds value and extends
the living space to the home. It is a simple way to get the most out of the being
outdoors.
*We are going to putting more photos up on our website soon with two recent
kitchen renovations so remember to check back!
WORK IN PROGRESS „THE VAULT‟
It wasn‟t part of the original plans to vault the ceiling in this 1950‟s bungalow.
BUT… once we took down the old ceiling and removed the walls between the kitchen
and living area, both us and the homeowners agreed that it looked really COOL and
original. The ceiling was insulated with a spray foam product that is extremely
efficient. The home is almost complete and includes a large ensuite and also a new
vinyl deck with a clear glass railing that maximizes the view of the valley on the
Henderson slope. Can‟t wait to have the final finishing complete this month!
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
The Burgess family now has 4 generations of real estate and building involvement in
Greater Victoria. Grandpa Burt (Pappy) Burgess born in England moved to Prince
Albert in the early 1900‟s and initially owned and ran a hardware store. He later
moved the family to Victoria. Both Pappy and his son, Cecil, worked as shipwrights
in the war years. When the war was over they started building homes in Fairfield,
Oaklands, and later in Langford. In 1951 they purchased Haldor Bebee Gas & Repair
Station and converted it to Langford Building Supply. Cecil's son, Walt Burgess,
started working after school in the store and lumber yard operating fork lifts and
trucks at a much younger age than would ever be allowed today! After leaving high
school, Walt sold lumber to builders and then in 1966 he built his first home,
quickly expanding to build subdivisions…totalling over 450 homes plus apartment
and commercial buildings.
Walt's daughter, Nicole Burgess and son (that‟s us!), both have had previous
successful careers in other industries and have come back 'home' to the real
estate industry. You could say it's in our blood. Nicole and Walt work together in
real estate sales and are currently one of the top producers at Pemberton Holmes
Ltd. If you ever need some great realtors that know Victoria better than most,
give them a call!
Walt Burgess
Nicole Burgess
Pemberton Holmes - Cloverdale
150-805 Cloverdale Ave
Victoria, British Columbia V8X 2S9
Telephone: 250-384-8124
WESTERN LIVING ARTICLE REGARDING RENOVATION‟S
„I‟LL NEVER MAKE PUMPKIN PIE AGAIN SQUARES‟
RECIPE “I‟LL NEVER MAKE PUMPKIN PIE AGAIN” SQUARES
I love this recipe when I want to make a delicious dessert and don‟t have a ton of
time…my daughter and I adore anything with pumpkin! Don‟t forget to add the
whipping cream 
Ingredients:
28 oz. can pumpkin
13 oz. can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
¼ tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 yellow Betty Crock or Duncan Hines cake mix
1 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecan or walnuts
Method:
Mix the pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk and spices together and beat well. Pour
into an ungreased 9” x 13” pan. Cover with the dry cake mix. Drizzle melted
butter over the top until completely covered…you may have to use a little more
butter. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, until a
knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Chill, and serve with whipped cream.
Delicious!
A message from our family to yours…
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HERE’S TO A YEAR
FILLED WITH JOY AND HEALTH!