Blog

This month we are going to discuss how to be successful when buying an investment property to use as rental income. If this is your first time buying this type of property, then you should be aware that it is quite different than buying a house of your own to live in,...

Many people would associate home inspections with older houses that have had time to develop the problems that come with general wear and tear. So, does that mean it is not necessary to inspect newly constructed homes? No, it is still a good idea to have a brand-new...

It is fair to say that any home you purchase, unless its brand-new construction, comes with a history. But why is it a good idea to find out about some of that history before making your final decision? Because the house may have been damaged in the past, and...

In our last blog, we discussed the subject of greywater. We thought we would take the subject a little further and talk about wastewater saving systems. We will consider the benefits of installing such a system in your home as well as the possible downsides. As we...

Recycling has become part of our everyday lives and does a lot towards protecting the environment. But how often do we think about reusing our wastewater? Let’s look at some of the ways this can be done. We use so much water every day without even thinking about it....

Pressure-assist toilets are becoming more of a common feature in new houses these days, as they are one water-saving feature that can easily be incorporated into a home. In this blog, we are going to delve a little into this topic to help you see if a pressure-assist...

Perhaps you are very conscious with regards to home security. Advanced technology has certainly provided us with many ways to increase the security of our homes. However, could some of the simpler security measures become overlooked? For example, what about the front...

Moving house can be extremely stressful and hectic, especially on the day of the move. If you leave a lot of the packing till the last minute, you may end up taking more than you need to your new house or disposing of items in an environmentally irresponsible way. So,...

Would you like to be in a position to purchase your own home? For so many people, this dream seems out of reach. Perhaps you do not have a lot of money to put towards a down payment, or maybe you have had credit problems, but it doesn’t always mean you cannot become a...

Did you know that there is more than one type of drywall? It is perhaps not something you have thought about unless you are remodeling or building a house, but it is good to know there are different options. For now, let’s consider the difference between 2 types of...

Before we know it, the hot weather will be upon us, and our air conditioning units will be used to the max. So, now might be a good time to get it cleaned up and ready for use. Although you should ideally have your central a/c system serviced every year, you can still...

Have you recently started your own compost pile? There is something so rewarding about having a garden of your own. Composting, however, while good for the environment, also comes with some hazards that you need to be aware of. Here are a few suggestions for...

Because pesticides are known to have a damaging effect on our health, the less we are exposed to them, the better. If you need to use pesticides, though, it is important to take the necessary safety measures. Here are some ways to protect yourself against overexposure...

You are not alone if the thought of going through the home buying process is intimidating. But you do not need to worry, as there are experienced people who can help you each step of the way. The decision you will need to make, however, is who you will choose to help...

There are times when a homeowner may find it necessary to enter the under-house crawlspace. But, before going into a space like this, you must be well aware of the hazards that commonly exist in a space like this. Here are some of those hazards: Firstly, it should be...

When reading the title of this blog, you may have wondered what appliance we are talking about, seeing that all appliances should be used correctly. The appliance in question is a kitchen garbage disposal unit. Without realizing it, we may not be using it in the way...

The idea that tiny living organisms are sharing our living space is not a very pleasant one, but the fact is that dust mites are just that, microscopic creatures that are found in practically every home. For the majority of people, dust mites are harmless. For others,...

Do you ever smell a foul odor of sewer gas in your home? If so, you are not alone, but what could be causing it? A common reason why sewer gas may leak into your home is the plumbing system. Plumbing fixtures can start to dry out, which can happen if you have...

Do you have an elderly or vulnerable loved one living on their own? Maybe they live in a place that has been their home for many years and have no desire to move. In such a case, how can you make sure the home that they love so much does not put their safety at risk?...

The subject of bed bugs is not a pleasant one but, sad to say, they have become a big problem in recent years. It is very easy to unknowingly transfer bed bugs from one location to another in your luggage, etc. which means that if you have stayed in a place that has...

The buyer's home inspection is an essential part of the home buying process. But what happens if the inspection reveals problems with the property? What does that mean for you? It is not uncommon to see a few faulty items listed on a home inspection report. The...

  No matter what the season, energy usage tends to increase one way or another. With long-running air conditioning and increased wash cycles of sweaty laundry in summer, to high heating usage and wash cycles of bulkier laundry in winter, we simply cannot operate...

Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up your personal style or get rid of your fancy coffee table (unless it has sharp corners—then you may need to compromise). Admittedly, though, it takes a keen eye to figure out how to create a space that's both...

The look of your home or any room can be transformed with a fresh coat of paint. In order for your DIY painting project to go smoothly, there are a few tips that you should take advantage of. These handy tips will make your next project look like a professional popped...

Homeowners are understandably concerned with the value of your home. The garage door is an important piece to consider when it comes to the home’s curb appeal and value. If your garage door is old, not functioning properly, and not energy-efficient it may be time to...

A properly functioning drainage system is the key to your home’s plumbing anatomy. Here are a few common residential plumbing problems that can cost you thousands of dollars: Overflowing gutters and downspouts. Gutter systems are a primary tool on the exterior of...

  Here are some tricks to make your water heater last longer and run efficiently. Perform a visual inspection. Once or twice a year visual checks of your tank should be a part of your water heater Maintenance. Check for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Look out for...

Many homeowners are concerned with outdoor air quality but indoor air quality is not ever a concern. However,  indoor air quality is never as good as one might think. But there are things you can do to improve it. There are serious problems that can arise with indoor...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed about the types of flooring you should choose for the rooms in your home? Every room will dictate different reasons for different types of flooring. So how do we make a good decision about the flooring that we put in our homes? What’s...

Everyone is spending a lot more time at home. DIY projects are becoming a very important part of our lives. There are several home improvements that we can do while we’re stuck at home that will increase our home’s value and curb appeal. Many of the projects listed...

Many homeowners wonder if the look of their house numbers matter. House numbers are a very important part of the home for a few reasons. First responders need to be able to identify their intended destinations. So they need to be clear enough so that the police, fire...