Archive for February 2016

By: Lorne Shuman If you are considering the purchase of a resale residential condominium, it is important to ensure that any offer to purchase you make is conditional on your lawyer’s review of the status certificate.  This column will examine what a status certificate is and why a buyer needs to have it reviewed and…

Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you…

Is your heating system braving the long, harsh winter? As cold temperatures take hold all over the country, it’s important for homeowners to safeguard their homes from heating system breakdowns. Paying attention to little things now can help you avoid problems down the road, like unexpected repair or replacement expenses or disruption to your family’s…

Transitional kitchens – blending elements of traditional and contemporary kitchens – are leading the trends for kitchen design in early 2016. Transitional kitchens incorporate modern elements like stainless steel appliances with traditional interior design. As part of the trend, Shaker-style cabinets are enjoying a revival of popularity, due to their adaptability with almost any style…

The cold temperatures across Ontario pose a hazard to people trying to get around on slippery sidewalks, driveways and walkways. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding pedestrians to take care and is encouraging homeowners to take steps to help ensure their properties are safe. IBC’s Top 10 tips to avoid slips, trips and falls…

Around 80% of the vegetables consumed by Canadians have been imported from outside the country. With the loonie at its lowest level since 2003, it’s no wonder that every time you go to the grocery store, prices seem to be higher than the last time you shopped. According to a recent study by the University of…

Hardwood is replacing laminates and other materials as the flooring of choice in 2016. Its renewed popularity has resulted in new trends that open up a wide range of design possibilities for homeowners. Grey tones, darker colours that bring out the grain of the wood and wider planks are among the most dominant trends in…

After a green Christmas, we’re looking forward to an early spring, according to the Groundhogs. February is a good time to plan for future repairs and renovation projects. But homeowners also need to keep on top of home maintenance this month and watch for problems caused by winter weather. Take care to avoid piling snow…