Your Home

Media rooms or home theatres are still a hot renovation trend in 2015. But, it takes more than just a huge television to make a home theatre work. There are a few things to keep in mind when designing your home media centre: 1. In many homes, the basement offers the best location for a…

Now that you’ve decided to equip your home with a monitored security system, the next decision is whether to go with a hardwired or wireless setup. There are pros and cons to both, but ultimately the choice will be based on your lifestyle and security needs. Here are some of the differences, as well as…

When homeowners receive provincial Property Assessment notices, some will smile and have a bit more spring in their step, feeling the assessed value is accurate or perhaps even overly positive. Others will wilt and lament a modest gain or even a decrease in the assessed value over the previous year or period. Reactions will of…

By Lorne Shuman: It is not unusual for a buyer to request an extension of the closing date. This column will examine the reasons for extensions and what usually happens when a transaction is extended. A buyer may request an extension of the closing date because it has not yet sold its existing home or…

Stainless steel’s popularity has outshined its competition for years in kitchen appliances, but has that shiny, smudge-prone finish finally worn out its welcome? Appliance manufacturers have long been trying to find a potential successor to stainless steel, but none have yet to find one to top its popularity. But two companies are giving it another…

The bathroom doesn’t have to be basic. Thanks to a wide array of new products on the market – and plenty of ways to customize – even the most outdated bathrooms can become an oasis of tranquility and a lavish retreat away from the stresses of everyday life. Here are six ideas for transforming your…

By Mark Weisleder I have started receiving inquiries from buyers who notice residential properties for sale and the seller is shown to be a bank. This usually indicates that the owner could not make their mortgage payments and the lender is selling the property to recover the mortgage amount owing. If you are considering making…

Floods, ice storms and violent thunderstorms have resulted in an avalanche of insurance claims in Ontario. The December ice storm in 2013, for example, resulted in $200 million in insured losses, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The Toronto flooding earlier that year had already cost $940 million in losses, making 2013 a record…

Try as you may to ignore it, winter weather in Ontario is putting your home’s energy system to the test. “Bitter cold temperatures may not be universally welcomed,” says Bob Betts, a spokesperson for the Ontario Natural Gas Alliance. “But homeowners should consider the seasonal change as a good opportunity to think of ways they…

Upgrading your home with a hot tub or spa or adding a home theatre or home office may require more than new equipment purchases. When redecorating, you are instantly rewarded with a beautiful new look. But equally important are changes that are not visual but improve your lifestyle. If you cannot use your microwave and…