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Top 5 Reasons to Renovate

We all have different reasons as to why we would renovate our homes.  The important thing to realize is why you are doing it, and that your decision is right for you.  Here are 5 of the main reasons why our customers renovate their homes;

  1. They simply want something better – as we go through our lives our tastes and attitudes change.  The kitchen or bathroom that was perfect when you were just starting out lacks some of the new renovation options that are available today.  Wanting some of the comforts to make our lives a little bit easier or more enjoyable becomes important to us.  Some of the many new features are heated floors, heated towel bars, rain head showers with a hand held option, stone or hard surface counter tops, built in appliances, soft close doors and drawers – the list goes on and on.  When you are ready to renovate your home there is no shame in wanting to induldge in the finer things that life can offer.
  2. Family is changing – Over time our families can grow and as a result we need more usable space.  Finishing the basement so that the kids have a place to hang out with their friends or creating a space for your relatives to live.  An extra bathroom or bedroom is great for guests and gives them some privacy while visiting.
  3. Selling your home – our homes are often are biggest investment in our lives and keeping it up to date and current will drive a bigger sale price when you are ready to sell.  Buyers will often want discounts when your home is out of date or when it is in need of repair.  Companies make profits on “flipping houses”, don’t let your house become someone else’s flip.  Key areas to update – kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and paint.
  4. Income Suite – looking to make a little extra money every month and help pay down that mortgage?  Check your local by-laws about the possibility of creating a basement income suite.  Our customers have often been able to get financing to finish the renovation. Once the suite is rented they have been able to pay for the financing as well as put some money towards their mortgage every month.
  5. The house is showing its age and needs some TLC – houses need maintenance, they won’t last forever if we don’t look after them.  Over time many of your homes features will deteriorate.  Some of the more common areas are;
    1. windows and doors – replacing your windows can improve your homes look as well as reduce your energy costs.
    2. Gutters and downspouts – its so important to keep the water away from your foundation.  Next time it rains check to ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and that the water is flowing well.  Extend the downspouts to at least 4′ away from your foundation.
    3. caulking – caulking only last a few years.  You should be removing the existing caulking from your tubs and showers and re-caulking them every 3-5 years.  This will keep the water from penetrating the wall surfaces and causing rot and mold.
    4. tile and grout – over the years tiles can crack and grout can become dislodged from in between the tiles.  Its important to inspect your washroom and replace any broken tiles and re-grout any areas where the grout is missing.
    5. exterior vent covers – most exterior vent covers are vinyl (plastic) and dry out over time.  When they dry out they crack and fall apart.  This can allow birds to make nests inside the vent pipes or allow water to penetrate your exterior building envelope.  If they are in disrepair take the time to change them.

What ever the reason you are renovating for, be sure to take the time to plan, and create a budget that works for you. Doing your research is the most important step of any renovation project.

 

 

Spring Maintenance and Cleaning That Every Homeowner Should Do

Now’s another new year, and it is time for the regular spring-cleaning. We definitely love doing it. After all, it is a chance to let the house breathe through the open windows — refresh your home with clean air.

We advise you that you should not be daunted by this task. You can do it one at a time. An hour every day. And once you are done with everything, we are sure that you will never regret doing it or spending time with your home.

Anyway, for us to give you a bit of help, we have supplied an awesome check to follow.

Maintenance

  • Check exterior exhaust vents to ensure they are not blocked – birds, leaves etc need to be removed
  • Check exterior foundation for cracks
  • Check exterior grade for settling – its important to ensure that the ground is sloped away from your home to keep the foundation as free from water as possible.  If there is any settling be sure to add some soil to bring up to the proper grade
  • Check exterior caulking – cracked out deteriorated caulking can let water rot your exterior framing.  Take the time to remove old caulking and re-apply
  • Exposed wood or peeling paint – winters can be harsh in Canada and as a result rotting wood is a concern – especially wooden pillars, pickets, and handrails.  Inspect these carefully they can be a safety hazard.
  • Check shower/tub caulking and grout lines – remove old caulking and re-grout where necessary.

Basic Stuff

  • Dust bulbs and other lighting fixtures.
  • Wash and disinfect switch plates, knobs, cabinet handles, wherever people put their hands on regularly
  • Open windows and turn on electric fans — be sure it is not that cold outside or not snowing, but it is up to you
  • De-clutter rooms
  • Clean, vacuum, or wash carpets and mats
  • Clean places under furniture pieces
  • Wash windows
  • Clean air conditioning filters and vents if possible
  • Clean, and sanitize refrigerator and freezer
  • Clean oven, stove, and toaster if you have one
  • Vacuum sofa and wipe down chairs
  • Sort books and magazines

Hardcore Stuff

  • Wash sills, trims, and walls
  • Wash and scrub doors, especially the ones in the washrooms
  • Empty closets and cabinets, clean and wipe the insides and the items, and put them back in
  • Find unused items and get rid of it — donating or selling them is a good way to get them out of the house
  • Shine or polish metal fixtures like faucets
  • Sharpen your knives, disinfect cutting boards

Take the time maintain your home and you will feel better as well as retain the value of your home.

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