Your Home

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…

Section 98 of the Condominium Act, 1998 allows owners to make alterations to the exclusive use common element areas allocated to their unit as well as the other common element areas. Section 98 requires that for a unit owner to make any addition, alteration or improvement to the common elements, the improvement must be approved…

More than half of homeowners 60 and older say they intend to stay in their current homes indefinitely, according to a recent survey by Houzz. Fortunately for people who want to stay put, a range of home improvements can make it easier to remain in your home as you grow older. In fact, 60 percent…

Today’s new high-performance windows can have a tremendous impact on your home in terms of energy conservation. National Resources Canada estimates windows and doors account for 25 per cent of all heat loss, so it makes sense to keep them in good repair. Existing windows can be made more efficient by retrofitting caulking and weatherstripping,…

As you are cleaning up from the holidays, January is the perfect time to take a hard look at your home and prioritize repair or renovation projects. It’s a good idea to make a list of things that need to be done and start lining up quotes from contractors now before the trades get busier…

Most of us make a resolution or two as the new year rolls around; hit the gym more often, drop a few pounds, shake those bad habits. Homeowners, too, should make a few resolutions of their own that will pay off in lower expenses and higher real estate value: Maintain your home – It makes…

As the weather turns nasty this month, rodents, raccoons and other critters are on the prowl looking for warmer homes. Keep them out of your home by following these pest control tips from the City of Toronto: Check flashing around the chimney and have it capped to keep animals from nesting. Inspect all roof vents…

For many, the holiday season is a stressful time of juggling work, family and social commitments, making it difficult to savour the moments that make this time of year so special. Here are a few tips to help ease the stress and make the holiday season a meaningful time for you and your family: Slow…