Oct 6, 2016 | Homeowners
You’re standing by your windows admiring the view. Then you notice it. Moisture has built up around the edges of the glass. Should you worry?
It all depends on the reason for the build up.
Assuming you have traditional double-pane glass in your windows, there are a few things to look for if you notice moisture.
Often, moisture at the bottom of the windows is simply caused by too much humidity in your indoor air. If that’s the case, just adjust your humidifier.
If the moisture is on the exterior of the window, typically there’s also no problem with the window itself. It may have rained recently, or the outside humidity may have spiked, causing the accumulation. Generally there’s no reason for concern.
However, if the moisture is in between the two panes of glass, the seal has broken and surrounding air – along with it’s water content – has made its way in. This disrupts the thermal barrier of the window, reducing it’s energy efficiency. In fact, the glass might feel noticeably colder than your other windows on chilly days. In that case, you’ll need to replace the pane.
Similarly, if the moisture is coming in through only one spot – the bottom right corner, for example – then you might have a leak. If you have a wood frame or sill, you may also notice a growing water stain. It’s important to get leaks fixed quickly. There may be water damage occurring within the frame that you cannot see.
Sep 29, 2016 | Homeowners
A pantry is the ideal nook for storing extra food and other items ordinarily crammed into the kitchen. It’s also a nice design feature, as it harkens back to the days of country kitchens with spacious pantries. You might be thinking, “That’s nice, but our home doesn’t have a pantry.” That’s okay. These days, there are many ways to create one in your home – even if it doesn’t have one! Here are just a few suggestions:
- Add shelves to the laundry room. If you have the space this is the ideal place to create a mini-pantry.
- Purchase a portable pantry. There are many available on the market. Some are even disguised as cabinets you’d expect to see in living and dining rooms.
- Purchase a moveable pantry. These units are on wheels and can slide in and out of the kitchen with ease. Some are short enough to slide conveniently under a kitchen table.
- Make use of an unused closet. These are rare in most homes, but if you have a closet that isn’t being used, it can easily be converted.
As you can see, there are plenty of options available. You don’t necessarily need to build an extra room!
Apr 19, 2016 | Homeowners
Living with stuffiness or asthma? Here are a few simple strategies for reducing allergy-causing problems in your home.
Rule #1: Keep things cool and dry.
Dust mites and mold love moisture and heat. To keep your air clean:
- Run the A/C. It dehumidifies the air, filters out pollen and discourages mold and dust mites.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50%.
- Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom to vent moisture.
Rule #2: Banish dust mites
The waste they leave behind is what triggers most allergies.
- Cover your mattress and pillows with allergen-impermeable covers, and wash your linens, curtains and slipcovers in HOT water (at least 130ºC). It’s the only way to kill mites
- Try a no-frills approach to decorating. Use blinds instead of heavy curtains, avoid upholstered headboards, and get rid of knick-knacks that collect dust.
- Stick with hardwood or tile floors if you can, but if you have to have carpeting, go with low-pile and invest in a good vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Keep the air clean with an air filtration system.
- Wash stuffed toys regularly, and store them in covered plastic bins.
Rule #3: Say goodbye to mold.
- Check your plants. If you see or smell mold, put aquarium gravel over the dirt, or find them a new home.
- Wallpaper traps moisture and grows mold. Get rid of old wallpaper, and never put new wallpaper over old – that just masks the problem.
- Wash your shower curtain regularly, or buy one that’s antifungal.
Rule #4: Tame pet dander.
If your best friend is making you itch and sneeze, saying goodbye isn’t your only option. Try these ideas first:
- Minimize dander by washing your pet’s bedding often, and vacuuming the spaces where s/he hangs out.
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom, and limit him to certain parts of the house.
- Talk to your vet about dander-resistant products.
Rule #5: Breathe clean air.
- Avoid smoking in your home and limit using the fireplace, since smoke can irritate allergies and asthma.
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Go natural. Forget scented sprays and harsh chemical cleaning products. Stick with simple, natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice.
Keep your house dry, cool and clean, and you’ll be on your way to being healthier, happier – and sneeze-free!
Mar 15, 2016 | Homeowners
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Mar 10, 2016 | Homeowners
Your home is your haven, and your bedroom is your retreat. At the end of a busy day, you want to be able to forget about the outside world and focus on getting a good night’s sleep. Does your bedroom beckon you with a restful and relaxing ambiance? If not, here are some simple ways to create a bedroom that is comfortable, peaceful, and perfect for catching quality zzz’s.
1. Clean and de-clutter 
Clean your bedroom to help clear your mind. Tidy away clothes, papers, dishes and anything else that is not conducive to relaxation. Get into the habit of hanging clothes in the closet or putting them in the laundry basket rather than heaping them on the nearest chair. Now all you have to do is vacuum, dust or polish, and you’ve made a great start.
2. Decorate for relaxation
Keep the colours in your bedroom neutral using soft, light tones. If you prefer a little more colour, you can contrast the walls with deeper, dramatic shades in your accessories, such as pillows and throws. Add some greenery – a healthy p
lant can act as an air filter and absorb potential toxins from furniture or carpets.
3. Create a breeze
Consider installing a ceiling fan in your bedroom. Ceiling fans can add an attractive decorative touch while providing a soothing breeze and ventilation. Ceiling fans are also great for muffling external noises, so you can drift away to sleep uninterrupted.
4. Lose the lights
Exposure to even moderate levels of light at night can throw off the body’s internal clock. Consider room darkening shades or curtains to help keep the light out while you rest. When adding light is necessary, use soft white lights or candles to help create serenity.
5. Play some soft sounds
Classical music can set a tranquil mood. A CD of natural sounds (waves or rain), or even a small water fountain in your room can provide a calming effect and quiet an active mind. Some people find a white noise machine to be comforting as well.
6. Keep distractions out
Keep the computer, T.V., and PDA out of the bedroom. Stimulating the mind before trying to get a good night’s sleep is counter-productive. Electronic devices can be very distracting. It’s important to make a mental separation between your bedroom and the outside world so you can concentrate on sleeping.
7. Set-up snug bedding
There’s nothing more inviting at the end of a day than falling into a comfortable bed with a good quality mattress, clean sheets and plump pillows. Cool cotton sheets are lovely to slip into in the summer, while flannel provides winter warmth and jersey knits offer a happy medium, cozy without being too heavy, suitable for the spring and fall.
Now all you have to do is keep the temperature just right. Most people sleep best in a slightly cooler room. Adjust the windows and/or thermometer to find the optimal temperature for you. Sleep tight!
Feb 12, 2016 | Homeowners
These might be a little (a lot) over top for the average joe, but that doesn’t have to stop you from dreaming about having an amazing wine cellar of your own!
Gotta love a trap door. Especially one that leads to such a cool wine cellar.
The walls of the man-made cave that houses this Sonoma home’s wine cellar are finished with sprayed concrete.
Designer Jamie Beckwith use blue LED lights to create this illuminating look. To add a bit of whimsy, the ceiling is made of glass, to give those on the floor above an enjoyable view.
Who said a Wine Cellar needs to be underground? This bonus room was transformed into a cozy looking ‘cellar’ with temperature controlled wine storage.
