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Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category

Prevent Water Damage in your home!

Friday, September 2nd, 2022

In Real Estate, every day we run into Poly B Plumbing which was used in all homes built in Calgary between the early 1970’s and late 1990’s. Poly B plumbing is proven to be prone to leaks. It is interesting that some homes with Poly B plumbing leak and other homes with the same Poly B plumbing do not leak. If you research Poly B plumbing you will find a huge number of opinion on why it is prone to leaking and what to do.

How do I know if I have Poly B in my Home

Poly B plumbing is easily identifiable. Go to either your furnace room or simply look under any one of your sinks. Poly B plumbing is grey in color. If any of your plumbing is grey you likely have Poly B plumbing.

What to do if I have Poly B?

Some people just decide to take the chance that theirs will not leak. Others remove all the Poly B plumbing in their home and replace with the new standard of plumbing. The cost to replace depends on the size and style of your home along with if the basement is developed or not. Estimated I have heard go from $4000.00 to $15,000 and this is just the plumbing and does not include any holes you will need to repair in your drywall.

Another Solution

It is my understanding that leak prevention systems are now widely available. The system connects close to the source (main water) and will detect if there is a leak. When a leak is detected it will shut off the water to your home preventing major water damage. Your local plumber will be happy to install and they are relatively inexpensive. If you have Poly B plumbing in your home I recommend you call your local plumber today and have one installed.

Tags:about poly b plumbing, Plumbing leaks, Poly B Plumbing, Water leaks in my home
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The Magic of Decorative Moulding

Friday, July 7th, 2017

Decorative moulding is one of the most eye-catching ways to upgrade a room. You’re probably accustomed to seeing standard baseboard moulding installed where your floor meets the wall. But, there are many other types. For example: • Crown moulding for ceilings. • Panel moulding for a southern colonial look. • Chair rail moulding, which is very distinctive on walls. • Apron moulding for window sills. • Entablature moulding for above doorways. Decorative moulding comes in a dizzying array of styles. Interior designers recommend taking home samples, just as you would take paint swatches, to test out ideas. In addition to style choices, you also need to select the material you prefer. Moulding can be made of wood, plaster, laminate, composite, fiberboard, vinyl and other materials. There are pros and cons to each. Generally, the higher-priced options are more attractive and durable. (If you select wood, you typically have the additional option of “finished or unfinished”. If you choose unfinished, you of course, will be painting it yourself.) Choosing the right moulding for the look you want is the toughest part of the job. Installation is a lot easier and most people with DIY experience have no problems. So if you want to add some magic to your walls, consider decorative moulding. It can turn a room from standard to stunning.

Tags:Decorating
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Save Money In Your Apartment

Thursday, December 17th, 2015

There are a lot of things you do around your apartment that can contribute to bigger bills and unexpected expenses. The good news is that you can prevent a lot of these issues and potentially save hundreds of dollars in your monthly budget. Here are some of the biggest money mistakes around your home and how to avoid them.

1. Paying for cable and satellite coverage. With the rising costs of cable subscriptions and satellite coverage, many renters have been opting to get rid of them completely – and for good reason. There are many services, such as Netflix that air the same shows you love for less than $10 per month. So it might be time to downgrade your cable subscription to basic, or get rid of it altogether.
2. Buying brand-new items. With a renewed love for all things vintage happening lately and the increase in the popularity of up-cycling, there are a lot of excellent diamonds in the rough out there, especially when it comes to furniture. Buying pre-loved household items can save you a bundle, and this lets you purchase new items you’ll really need to buy new further down the line.
3. Over cooling or overheating your apartment. Many renters cringe when they see their gas and electric bills come through each month, and some of the main culprits are your air-conditioning and heating systems. It may be hot and humid outside, but your apartment doesn’t have to feel like the inside of your fridge when you walk in. Even turning down the thermostat a few degrees can make a huge difference. Additionally, you could turn off the air-conditioning completely at night and rely on fans to keep cool, as the temperatures tend to drop once the sun goes down. Creating a cross-breeze in your apartment on cooler summer days is also a good idea. Likewise, in the winter months, you can reduce your bills dramatically by adjusting the thermostat by just a few degrees and investing in well-made blankets to keep warm.
4. Paying too much for water because of leaks. This is a huge drain on your household expenses, literally. Every drip can mean extra digits in your water bill. If you notice a leaky faucet or showerhead or a running toilet, alert your landlord so that it’s repaired immediately. Water bills can rack up quickly with even the smallest leak – and one thing you really don’t want in your apartment is the mold and mildew.
5. Being less than green. Making eco-friendliness a priority isn’t just great for the environment; it’s also excellent for your monthly budget. For instance, only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load to save water. You can also take shorter showers, clean veggies by swishing them in a bowl of water (rather than running them under the faucet), and turn off the faucet when you’re washing your hands or brushing your teeth. This may not sound like much, but going green really can make a difference over time for your wallet and for Mother Earth!
6. Overpaying for lighting. While eco-friendliness and lighting go hand-in-hand, your fixtures in particular have a significant impact on your monthly bills. For starters, be sure you turn off lights whenever you leave a room. Not only is a continually running bulb unnecessary and costly, but it also isn’t so great for the environment. It might also be time to think about switching over to LEDs or more energy-efficient bulbs next time you’re shopping, as prices for this type of lighting has become much more affordable in recent years. While these fixtures might cost a bit more than regular bulbs upfront, they last a lot longer because they use significantly less energy. Who likes changing out bulbs anyway?

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The Real Cost of DIY – Are the Savings Worth It?

Thursday, October 22nd, 2015

It’s summertime, which in addition to road trips and backyard barbecues, is the season for DIY. That means lots of homeowners up on ladders, watching how-to videos online and making multiple trips to the big-box home supply store to pick up supplies and materials they forgot to pick up the first (or second or third) visit.
As Realtors we’ve seen it all, some DIY jobs have gone beautifully adding to both the appeal and value of your home. Some have gone ok- they aren’t professional looking but the average home buyer maybe doesn’t mind that squeaky step. It’s when the jobs go wrong that problems arise and sometimes they go REALLY wrong. Here’s a nice little guideline to help you decide if you are up for the task of your next home improvement project.
1. Jobs that exceed your skills.
The proliferation of YouTube how-to videos has been a boon to the persistent home improvement do-it-yourselfer. In just a few mouse clicks you can be face-to-face with a knowledgeable expert who takes you step-by-step through a project, from caulking the tub, to installing a skylight. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell how expert any given YouTube “expert” actually is. Worse, even if the expert is knowledgeable and skilled, every home repair and maintenance project is different. As soon as your job fails to follow the script, you’re on your own. A pro has the necessary experience, tools and supplies to roll with the punches. Most DIYers probably don’t.
The costs? Poor bathtub caulking will soon cause leaks behind the tub or shower floor, where it’s hidden from view, and result in hefty repair bills for damaged walls and floor joists. And while the YouTuber makes that skylight installation look easy, it’s easy for us on the ground to lose sight of the fact that the job is up on the roof, where falling is easy, too.
2. Jobs that are dangerous.
A professional roofer will have the tools and the experience to do the job competently and safely. Most DIYers will have neither, which makes doing the job well and safely unlikely. Some electrical work falls into this category, with the danger occurring both during the work and afterward when poor workmanship can lead to risk of fire.
Some other dangerous DIY jobs to think twice about, according to the DIY experts at BobVila.com, include major tree trimming, interior wall removal, pest abatement and gas pipe repair or removal.
No savings on home maintenance and repair are worth risking life and limb. If you’re unsure, or don’t understand the risk involved, hire a pro. It’ll be cheaper in the long run.
3. Stuff that isn’t fun.
Everybody’s idea of fun is different. If you enjoy laying down hundreds of pavers for your new back patio, go for it. Learn all you can about the process and set to it. If you decide after a few courses that you do not enjoy it and dread the hours of tedium ahead, put down the stone and consider hiring a pro. Your time is valuable. Spend it on a DIY job you do enjoy, or focus your effort on developing your barbecue recipe. While persistence and determination are admirable, sticking with a job you hate too often leads to distraction and ultimately shoddy work you’ll pay for again later.
4. Big jobs that seem easy.
This goes hand-in-hand with taking on jobs for which the DIYer lacks the necessary skills. How hard could a bathroom or kitchen renovation really be? How difficult is putting up a fence, installing a deck or replacing the main sewer line?
Plenty difficult – and expensive, too. From the tools required to the supplies needed for the project, the costs for big jobs can mount, and for DIYers new to the work, estimating beforehand is not straightforward. Online project calculators can get you part of the way there, but every project is different and some DIYers lack the experience to adjust on the fly. That means more tools to buy, more supplies and more time finishing the project.
5. DIY jobs that require permits.
Permit requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction – and many DIYers may not consider permits before diving into their kitchen or bathroom renovation. Failure to get the proper permits can make it harder to sell a home later, as banks will be reluctant to loan money for unpermitted improvements. Worse, unpermitted improvements could result in lawsuits post-sale.
Reliable contractors will take care of the permits and the paperwork. Whether you do the project yourself, or hire a pro, it’s a good idea to meet with your local building or planning department to discuss the improvement project beforehand. You’ll understand the permit requirements before starting, and you can apply for the permits yourself, saving you a little money on contractor fees.

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Sweat Equity

Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

Should you go the DIY route to boost the value of your home? Is it all worth it?

“Sweat Equity” is a thought-provoking concept, but there are some things to consider if you are thinking of jumping in….

What are your abilities? I’m sure you are a rock star, but jumping into knocking out walls or putting down floor tiles with no previous experience may not be the best idea. Know your limits.
If you can’t do it right don’t do it at all, or you will see a negative effect on resale value
Do you have a realistic budget? When it comes to renovation budgets, it’s way better to overestimate than under. You will likely run into many unforeseen costs.
Don’t over renovate for the area you are in. If you put a lot of money into a property, surrounded by properties valued at much less, your value will not increase the way you want it to.
And lastly, you must ask yourself if you really want to live in a home that is under construction.

Sweat equity can be rewarding, but consider the consequences before you jump into such a massive project! More info at Gordpiper.com

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How to decide if you should replace your windows

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

How to decide if you should replace your windows

One of the most prominent features of any Calgary home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn.

So does that mean you should replace your windows?

That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows?

Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.

Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Contact us

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How to Hold an Online Garage Sale

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

With Spring’s arrival, you may be thinking about emptying closets and ridding yourself of unwanted items. And if you’re thinking about moving, one important step is to get rid of clutter that may have accumulated around your home.

Organizing a traditional garage sale can be a hassle when you have to gather all your unwanted items, tag inventory, post neighborhood signs and online ads, and then spend your weekend haggling prices. If you don’t have that much time, consider holding your garage sale online.

Swap boards, donation directories and even online auction sites make it easy to do. Craigslist, Kijiji, and eBay are the best known of these sites, but there are many to choose from. What’s more, eBay once estimated that the average household has $2,000 worth of unused goods waiting to be sold. You may already be thinking of a few items that should find a new home casino online before you do.

Here’s how to hold a successful online garage sale:

Plan—or Not – The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to gather all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.

Price It Right – Search online to learn prices of comparable items. Remember: if you don’t want to lug that item to your next home, it may be worth selling at any price. But if you’re still attached to it, you can set the price a little higher.

Show and Tell – Multiple photos are important—they draw attention to your item over similar ones. Also use them to answer anticipated questions. If you’re selling a piece of furniture, for example, include close-ups of unique details, dings and the upholstery pattern. Also provide detailed written descriptions.

Deliver the Goods – If you’re selling locally and have a vehicle big enough to hold your item, offer to deliver for a small fee. If you’re auctioning the item, you can add a flat shipping fee to the price, or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs.

By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale, you’ll have fewer items to pack when you decide to make a move.

Please contact us any time if you have any questions.

Tags:Auction, Business, Commerce, EBay, eBay Inc, Electronic commerce, even online auction sites, Garage sale, Human Interest, Kijiji, Mobile software, Online auction business model, online garage sale, Online shopping, Retailing, USD, Used good
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Insulation Update

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Does this winter have you wondering about your insulation? Everyone knows that home insulation provides tremendous energy savings, but most homeowners have questions about it. How do you know if you need more insulation? What can you do to improve it—without tearing your home apart?

The first thing to know is that for homes built before the 1970s, insulation was not a high priority in construction. These homes may benefit from adding insulation as well as filling the window and door gaps that naturally occur as the house settles over time. The good news is it’s easy to improve your home’s energy efficiency, no matter what its age.

Start at the Top – One of the first places to insulate is the attic. You can add loose-fill or batt insulation easily and cost-effectively. Just remember that if you think you may have vermiculite insulation, don’t disturb it—it may contain asbestos, so call a professional.

Fill the Spaces in the Walls – For your walls, you can choose to blow loose insulation directly into the wall. It’s fast and you’ll only have to patch the wall afterwards, rather than replace the entire surface. On the other hand, if you’re remodeling, you may have open walls and an opportunity to choose from many insulation options including blankets, rolls, rigid insulation and others.

Go Beyond the Walls – Many homeowners see savings from insulating electrical outlets, crawlspaces and doors. A rule of thumb is: a 1/8″ space between a standard exterior door and the threshold is equivalent to a two square inch hole in the wall. Realigning your doors and replacing the door sweep are easy fixes.

Consider Replacing Windows – Weather-stripping your windows can reduce energy loss. However, up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling needs results from heat gain and loss through windows, so actually replacing your old windows may provide the most savings.

Insulation Adds Up to Big Savings – When you insulate, not only do you start saving money on your energy bills, the government also provides financial benefits to homeowners who make their home more energy efficient. Be sure to save your receipts.

Improvements like adding insulation can often add to the resale value: potential buyers will want to know all about them. And even if you’re not quite ready to move yet, you can still enjoy a cost savings and a comfortable home.

If you have any questions please contact us!

Tags:Building insulation, Building insulation materials, Construction, energy bills, energy loss, energy savings, home more energy, Installing building insulation
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