Your Home

One of the perks of winter is relaxing in front of a crackling fire on a cold, snowy night. Before you get too comfortable, take the time to make sure your fireplace system is operating safely and efficiently. The first step is to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional. Not…

1. Clean Out Debris Fallen leaves and weeds are the perfect place for pests to settle in for the winter. Clear out flower beds to keep them away. Pay special attention to rose beds, if you have them, as their foliage can foster disease over the winter. 2. Beware Rogue Branches Trim up any large…

The efficiency of your heating system is a measure of how snug and warm your home will be this winter, so it makes sense to keep it in peak operating performance. An efficient, well-maintained heating system also contributes to the quality of the air you and your family breathe. In today’s tightly-sealed homes indoor pollutants…

Homeowners looking to update a dated bathroom or drab powder room can draw inspiration from the 2016 Design Trends Survey conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). According to the survey of bathroom designers, transitional bathrooms are the top trend in bathroom design today, blending the traditional with contemporary to create a clean,…

If you are looking for a durable, practical flooring solution that will add value and beauty to your home, ceramic tile is a smart choice. Not only is it resistant to water, scratches and fire, today’s selection of floor and wall tiles is so varied, that you can achieve any look or style. Ceramic tile…

Energy-savvy homeowners know that maintaining caulking and weatherstripping is essential to reducing energy costs. But many might not realize that the wallpaper they choose or where they place that bookcase can also affect energy costs. Here are some tips to help you create an energy-efficient decor in your home: Place large, heavy furniture – such…

When it comes to designing a backyard escape, simple can be best. Far from being boring, a simple deck design featuring bold, clean lines can create a wonderful backdrop to show off nature’s beauty. At its best, a deck represents a transition from the house to the outdoors. It can be a simple extension of…

A fresh coat of exterior paint is the easiest, most cost-effective way to spruce up and protect your home’s exterior. As well as setting the tone for your home’s exterior, paint provides protection against moisture penetration and the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Colour is the power tool for creating visual impact, but…

What you do for your lawn during the fall will have a great impact on what your lawn will look like next spring. There are four simple steps you can take to help ensure your lawn will be healthy, green and the envy of the neighbourhood next year: 1) Aerate: This means to puncture your…

With fall just around the corner, many a homeowner’s thoughts turn grudgingly to preparing for the cold weather that is just around the corner. As we move indoors, it is a good time to re-evaluate the look and efficiency of our living space. Here are a few tips to help make your indoor space cozy…