Mar 27, 2017 | Homeowners
Like any good business plan, looking ahead and planning for home renovations will help you to stay on track – ensuring your home sells in any market, even if that’s 15-25 years from now. The most effective way to fund home renovations is to establish an annual budget that will go toward future improvements. This way, you can accomplish regular upkeep and preserve your home’s marketability.
This of it as a five-year home renovation plan, to be reviewed annually and updated in the fourth year. Planning in this way will translate positively to your overall financial health.
Cornerstones for developing your plan:
- Decide on the major renovations you foresee in the next five years such as kitchen, bathroom(s), heating and air conditioning, windows and/or roof.
- Prioritize and establish rough budgets for each.
- Establish an automatic payroll deduction plan that arranges for a set amount each week to be deposited into a savings account or tax-free savings account.
- Review your priorities each year and adjust both your savings contribution and the list of projects.
- In the fourth year, re-write your plan for another five years.
Have questions?
Email Beth for more information
Mar 17, 2017 | Homeowners
Decorative moulding is one of the most eyecatching 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.
Jan 23, 2017 | Homeowners
Jan 9, 2017 | Homeowners
In almost every movie featuring a house on fire, the actors seem to be able to move around the house and see just fine, while beating back flames with a shirt or coat. Of course, that’s not what happens in real fires.
When there’s fire in a home, there is typically complete darkness (because the power goes out) and a cloud of spreading thick, black smoke makes it difficult to see and breathe.
That’s why knowing how to get out of your house — fast — is crucial.
Experts recommend rehearsing what to do in case there’s a fire:
Make sure everyone in the family has an exit plan.
Each should know exactly how to get out, including primary and secondary exits, and where the family will meet once safely outside.
Never attempt to take anything with you.
It may seem like you have plenty of time to grab a coat or purse, but the characteristics of a fire can change in seconds.
Determine in advance which window has the safest exit…
…in case you can’t exit though a door. Make sure that the window opens easily and everyone knows how to remove the screen or any other obstruction.
Finally, don’t call the fire department from inside your house.
Get out first, then make the call.
Jan 7, 2017 | Homeowners
Winter.
It’s a time of crisp air, gently falling snow, and piles of coats, slushy boots and soggy mittens in your front hall. This season, make your entryway organized and inviting. Here’s how:
● Make first impressions count. Give your door a fresh coat of glossy paint, and put down a new doormat. Hang a nice winter wreath or plant an evergreen in a sturdy urn.
● Store your stuff out of sight. If you don’t have enough closet space, add storage by hiding a garment rack behind a curtain, using an armoire, installing a coat tree or hall stand, or by trying one of these storage ideas:
- A bench with built-in storage holds your stuff and offers a convenient spot to sit down and put your boots on.
- A small bookshelf with labeled baskets is good for storing small items.
- A chest of drawers can make your front hall look more like a furnished room, and it gives you a surface for photos, a lamp or incoming mail.
● Stay in season. Move non-winter items to a different part of your home. Leave some extra space and extra hangers for your guests’ coats.
● Tame your shoes. Set a limit to how many pairs each person can keep by the door, and install a shoe rack to keep footwear organized. Avoid putting boots on a mat that doesn’t drain – they won’t dry properly and the leather will get damaged. A perforated tray with a mat underneath will let your footwear drip-dry.
● Hook it. Heavy-duty hooks keep backpacks, scarves, purses and coats off the floor. Hang them at a height where kids can reach them to make it easy for them to put away their things.
● Make a place for your misplaceables. How much time do you spend hunting for keys, sunglasses, cell phones and dog leashes? Dedicate a basket or bowl to these important items by the front door, and you’ll never have to search under the couch cushions again.
- Design idea 1: Install a hook and small shelf for each person, and stencil their name on the wall beside it.
- Design idea 2: Hang an ornate frame and fill the blank space in the middle with small, pretty key hooks.
● Floor décor. Offer a warm welcome with a soft, washable rug that doesn’t show dirt easily. Put a mat outside, too; wiping your feet before you go in will mean less muck and less cleaning.
● Don’t forget to decorate. Paint your entryway a striking colour, hang a graceful mirror, incorporate family photos or a favourite piece of art, add a table lamp and an accessory or two. Make it welcoming and beautiful. After all, it’s the first place people see when they come into your home
Oct 14, 2016 | Homeowners
Many homeowners think there’s not much they can do about telephone, heating, water and other utility expenses. Sure, you may grumble about a high heating bill one month, but what can you do about it? Turns out, you can do plenty. There are several ways to reduce monthly utility costs that can save you tens or even hundreds of dollars.
For example:
- Shop around for a better phone plan. Then contact your phone company. They might match the rates.
- Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. You likely don’t need tap water to be that hot.
- Clean the screen on your outside air conditioning unit regularly. (Gently with the water hose.) Dirt and leaves can build up on it, reducing the unit’s efficiency.
- Leverage the sun. Open curtains in the winter to gain heat. Block direct sunlight in summer to keep the cool air inside.
- Scrutinize your bill. There may be extras you’re paying for that you don’t need.
- Play with the thermostat. Experiment with setting the temperature a couple of degrees lower. You might not notice any difference.
It’s worth paying attention to your utility costs. Just a few smart moves can save you some serious money
