Archive for July 2014

While a coat of sealant may be all that’s needed to give your driveway the face-lift it needs, local cracks and heaving are indication of water accumulation and need attention. As a general rule of thumb, driveways will require resurfacing every seven to 10 years. A quality paving job will stand the test of time,…

Vinyl siding has come a long way over the past 20 years. Always a favourite with builders for its ease of installation and low maintenance, it had limitations in colour and style. Darker colours tended to fade and style choices were limited. The colours of today’s vinyl siding cover the colour spectrum from light to…

Don’t flush your hard-earned money down the drain when you can save up to 125 litres of water every day by installing an ultra low flush (ULF) toilet.  Older toilets can use up to 13 litres of water with a single flush. ULF models by comparison, use 50% to 80% less water per flush, and…

If you are window shopping, you will want to choose a style based on your home’s architecture, the purpose or function of the window, and finally, your budget. The type of windows you select will affect the appearance of both the inside and outside of your home and can make a huge difference in the…

Most homeowners can attest to the old adage that “Fences make good neighbours.” But what makes a good fence? Here are some tips on planning and maintaining your fence, and using new materials to make it maintenance-free: Choose material and a design that compliments your home and the neighbourhood. For suburban charm, variations on the…

Given the harsh winter across the country this year, more home buyers may have added a mudroom to their wish-lists. Could staging one in your listing win over more buyers’ hearts? You may already have the perfect space carved out for one. If that’s the case, all you may need to do is bring in…

Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming and chirping birds greet us in the morning. It’s official, summer is here.  Are your yard and home ready? Here are five sure-fire tricks to help you prep them for sun and fun: Create sensational seating – With summer get-togethers, you’re always looking for more seating for guests.  But that doesn’t…

Interlocking brick is a versatile performer when it comes to home landscaping projects. By combining colours and styles you can put your personal stamp on patios, driveways and walkways. And, if a brick is damaged or a portion has to be lifted to repair underground pipes or lines, it is an easy fix to replace…