Archives for Upgrades and Renos

Boost Your Curb Appeal with 4 Doable DIY Projects

Boost Your Curb Appeal with 4 Doable DIY Projects

December 16, 2015 | Comments Off on Boost Your Curb Appeal with 4 Doable DIY Projects

  Most sellers realize that preparing the interior of their homes for viewing is essential.  In this article, Bob Villa explains it is just as important to stage the exterior of your house as it is to prepare the inside rooms when you are selling.  For example, a clean, well-maintained yard will signal that you have taken care of the property during your time as owner.   Power washing the garage door, driveway and fences will add to that impression.  If you are upgrading the paint, determine whether accent painting (shutters, columns, etc.) or a whole-house job is required.  And,
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Why Millennials Are Moving Home Design Trends

Why Millennials Are Moving Home Design Trends

December 11, 2015 | Comments Off on Why Millennials Are Moving Home Design Trends

  In this article for Freshhome magazine, Shelly Little explains how Millennials, the generation born between 1980 and the early 2000’s, are redefining home design.   According to her research, Millennials value money and success, individuality and urbanized environments.  And, they want this outlook reflected in their homes.  They want small designs that are unique and functional so they are willing to buy fixer-uppers or engage in DIY projects.  They also desire technological innovations and smart automation.  These attitudes are causing a major shift in the way homes are being designed and built.  To read more click here.    
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Green Renovations — Basements

Green Renovations — Basements

December 9, 2015 | Comments Off on Green Renovations — Basements

Virtually all homeowners will find something of use in this detailed and practical fact sheet from Central Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC).  If you’re planning a basement renovation, it’s a must read, filled with time, energy and money saving tips, features and advice on how to green any project, from extensive, expensive renos to slower, more affordable and incremental upgrades.   The guide explains nine site factors to consider during the planning stage (structural conditions, air quality and circulation, moisture and water problems, mold, lead, asbestos and soil gases) as well as steps to remediate, when necessary, or incorporate corrective
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6 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive

6 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive

December 7, 2015 | Comments Off on 6 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive

  If you want to convert your home’s look from average to exceptional, this Realtor.com post by Jamie Weibe tells you how.  Remove mismatched decor items, store toys/magazines and organize your things to fix a cluttered appearance.  Clean and re-grout tile to make it look new.  Use traditional, neutral tones to freshen paint in areas that need it.  Upgrading hardware, faucets or countertops are all relatively inexpensive ways to give kitchens and bathrooms a more luxurious appearance.  Adding or rearranging lighting can create an illusion of space and separate rooms.  To read more click here.  
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Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages

Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages

December 5, 2015 | Comments Off on Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages

  As people age, reduced mobility, impaired balance, failing vision and muscle weakness make them more susceptible to injuries in their home, and bathrooms are no exception.  This Consumer Reports article tells how the latest design trends are helping owners upgrade their bathrooms with changes that enhance safety while retaining their beauty and avoiding an institutional look. In addition, subtle name changes have made useful improvements like shower rails (formerly called grab bars) and higher-seated toilets (“comfort height”) more acceptable.   By widening the bathroom doorway, removing the raised sill and replacing knobs with easier-to-open handles you improve access. Installing slip-resistant tile
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Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them

Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them

December 2, 2015 | Comments Off on Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them

  Because the cost of electricity is expected to rise as a result of the federal Liberals’ green energy policies, prudent investors should pay attention to the energy consumption of their rental properties. This Canadian Real Estate Magazine post advises landlords to find ways to become more energy efficient such as installing programmable thermostats and motion sensor lights. More important is to pass the higher cost of hydro on to their tenants, whenever possible, and to implement an energy consumption ceiling for their all-inclusive leases.  To read more click here. Source: Blog
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