HOME GUIDE 2020 ď Ž
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A supplement to the Daily Journal
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HOME GUIDE 2020
6 creative ways to use your attic
Are you thinking about converting your attic into usable living space? If so, here are six things you may want to do with it.
A MASTER SUITE The sloped ceiling is perfect for creating a comfy bedroom you’ll love to curl up in. AN OFFICE If you work from home, the attic is likely isolated enough from the rest of the house to provide you with a distraction-free work space. A PLAYROOM If you don’t have a basement, let the kids use the attic as their space to hang out, study and play. A LUXURIOUS BATHROOM Do you need another bathroom in your busy household? If so, converting your attic may be the solution. A YOGA OR MEDITATION SPACE If you yearn for a quiet space to call your own, use the attic to create a relaxing at-home studio. A GUEST SUITE Give your guests a quiet space to relax when they come to visit. If you have the room for it, you could even install an adjoining bathroom. In short, with a little imagination, your attic can be used to create almost any type of room. Just make certain to adequately insulate the walls and to install a staircase. This ensures that the space will be comfortable and accessible for the entire family.
Making your dream home: Advice for the would-be builder
Are you thinking about building your own home? While there are many advantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before breaking ground.
LOCATION Do you want to live in the city or suburbs? If so, it may be
look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to
LIFESTYLE When making design choices, it’s important to think about how you plan to use the house both now and in the future. For example, a steep set of stairs may not seem
like a big deal right now, but they may prove difficult if you choose to raise a family or grow old in your home. BLUEPRINTS If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use pre-made builder’s plans. However, for a more customized home, you’ll need
to hire an architect instead.
If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxurious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it.
GET AN INSPECTION If your home was built before 1990, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material.
USE NON-TOXIC PRODUCTS Opt for VOC-free paint and water-based solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air.
PROTECT YOURSELF Even if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone working on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries. PROTECT YOUR HOME Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained
DO DIRTY JOBS OUTSIDE Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt.
or scuffed and protect any furniture you couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construction zone.
If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings.
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CLEAN DAILY At the end of every day, vacuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces.
VENTILATE Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home.
Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation.
HOME GUIDE 2020
Home renovation health and safety tips
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HOME GUIDE 2020
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REFRIGERATOR Don’t pack your fridge too full, as this can block airflow and make the components work harder than necessary. You should also vacuum the compressor and wipe the door gasket with soapy water at least twice a year. STOVE AND OVEN Keep the oven clear of food buildup by periodically running the self-clean feature or manually scrubbing it down. Keep electric coils or
ceramic cooktops. Wash the surface regularly with warm, soapy water or a special cleaner.
WASHER Never overload your washing machine and make sure to empty clothing pockets so the drum doesn’t get damaged. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar. Always keep the door open after a wash to allow the interior to completely dry. DRYER Clean the lint trap after every cycle and
wash it monthly to make certain the filter doesn’t get clogged. At least once a year, get your dryer ducts professionally cleaned. This will ensure that your machine runs smoothly and decrease the risk for house fires.
DISHWASHER Always rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. If there’s a filter, make sure to clean it regularly so it doesn’t get clogged with food particles. Once a month, run it on empty with vinegar to keep it clean. To find out more about how to take care of your specific appliance, be sure to consult your owner’s manual. Though these tips are a great start, they shouldn’t replace the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Why a pro should always install a gas appliance
Have you purchased a new gas appliance? If so, it must be installed by a trained professional. Here’s why. TO PREVENT DISASTERS Gas leaks present a serious health and safety risk to you and your family and could even be fatal. A professional will ensure that your new appliance is installed properly, allowing you to avoid potentially catastrophic issues. TO HAVE THE RIGHT PIECES Installing a gas appliance requires specific fittings, pipes and connectors. A professional gas fitter will know exactly what pieces can and can’t be used in your home. TO AVOID BEING HELD LIABLE Trained and licensed gas fitters and master plumbers carry their own insurance. This means you won’t be financially responsible if something goes awry during the installation.
In many cities, installing your own gas appliance is also illegal. Overall, it’s always best to hire a gas fitter or master plumber to hook up appliances that run on gas.
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gas elements clean and avoid dragging your pots and pans over glass-
If you’ve recently purchased new appliances, you may be wondering how to make sure they continue to run. Here’s what you need to know.
HOME GUIDE 2020
How to keep appliances running like new
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HOME GUIDE 2020
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YOUR BUDGET Building an addition is pricey, but it may cost less
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WHAT YOU’RE ALLOWED Most municipalities require you to obtain a permit if you intend to build an addition. Also, you may need to abide by their regulations concerning how large the new part of your home can be and how far from the edge of your property it can reach.
than moving altogether. When making your budget, be sure to leave a little wiggle room for extra expenses that may come up.
THE TEAM YOU’LL HIRE Building an addition isn’t something most people can do themselves. You’ll need to hire an architect as well as various contractors (or a general manager who’ll be responsible for overseeing the whole project). One final thing: building an addition is a huge project that will undoubtedly overtake your home. If possible, it may be a good idea to move out while it’s under construction.
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Do you love your home but wish you had a little more living space? If you’re thinking about building an addition, here are some things to consider before you break ground.
HOME GUIDE 2020
Three things to consider before building an addition
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While a number of home projects can be completed by the average DIYer, others should be left to the professionals. When deciding whether you should do it yourself or delegate, ask yourself these questions:
DO I HAVE THE TOOLS? If the job requires special gear, think twice. Purchasing equipment is expensive and certain power tools and machines may not be easy to use for a novice.
DO I HAVE THE SKILLS? If you can’t confidently say that you know what you’re doing, hire a professional.
DO I HAVE THE TIME? You may be capable of completing the renovation, but if it takes too much of your personal time, it may not be worth it. In general, cosmetic upgrades can be successfully completed by those without much experience. However, any renovation that involves plumbing, electrical work or the structure of your home, should be left to the professionals.
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HOME GUIDE 2020
DIY or Dont: Tips for your next home renovation
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The fireplace as the focal point: How to make it work If styled right, a fireplace can be a stunning focal point that pulls a room’s entire esthetic together. Here are some ways to dress yours up. PAINT IT A BOLD COLOUR This is a great place to try out a bold tone that you wouldn’t normally use to paint a room. Because of the relatively small size of a fireplace, the colour will stand out without overpowering the space. WALLPAPER THE SPACE FLANKING IT Paint the fireplace a neutral colour and apply eye-catching wallpaper to
the wall space on either side of it. Choose a design that invokes the room’s style or theme. HANG STRIKING ARTWORK A large piece of art that occupies both the horizontal and vertical space above the fireplace is sure to draw the eye. The piece you choose will affect the room’s overall feel, so be sure to select something you love. No matter how you style your fireplace, your choices will make an impact. Carefully consider the impression you want to make and design the feature accordingly.
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HOME GUIDE 2020
How to define spaces in an open concept home MIX UP YOUR FLOORING Flooring can also help you create distinct zones. A simple way to do this is to lay down one or more rugs. Just make sure they’re big enough to fill their designated areas.
If you’re decorating an open concept home, you’ll need to think about how to demarcate distinct areas within the layout. Here are some tips to help you do this. PAINT IN SHADES OF ONE COLOUR Painting various areas in different shades of the same colour is a great way to visually separate one zone from another. To make sure your home maintains a cohesive look, choose a single accent colour and use it throughout the space. STRATEGICALLY PLACE FURNITURE Sofas, chairs and tables can be placed in ways that indicate where one space ends and another begins. For example, you could place your couch in the middle of a room with its back to your dining
INSTALL VARIOUS TYPES OF LIGHTING By using an assortment of different fixtures and lamps, you can make sure you have the right lighting for every space and help delineate where one area ends and the next begins. table, clearly marking where the living space ends and the dining area begins.
By following these tips, your large and airy space will feel warm and intimate.
Four types of flooring for your bathroom
In a bathroom, the type of flooring you use should be water resistant, easy to clean, durable and beautiful to boot. Here are four choices that fit the bill.
PORCELAIN OR CERAMIC TILE A popular flooring option for bathrooms, these types of tiles are versatile, relatively inexpensive and stand up well to moisture. They also come in a near endless array of colours and styles. VINYL If you’re on a budget, vinyl planks, sheets or tiles are a great choice. Waterproof and easy to maintain, this flooring type is a great option for bathrooms, but may not look as chic as other materials. NATURAL STONE For luxurious bathrooms, granite, marble and other types of natural stone make a great choice. Some kinds are waterproof, but others need to be sealed yearly. CORK Made from the bark of cork trees, this material is mildew and mould resistant, extremely comfortable to stand on and a sustainable, eco-friendly flooring option. However, it isn’t entirely waterproof, so it’ll need to be coated yearly with a sealant. Any of these options can be used to create a stylish and hardworking floor. Just be sure to choose something that you’ll appreciate for years to come.
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IS THE WALL LOAD-BEARING? Demolishing a wall that’s a structural part of your home could be disastrous. While it’s possible to replace these walls with a beam or column, you’ll need to consult an engineer. WHAT’S BEHIND THE WALL? Even if the wall isn’t load-bearing, there may be components lurking behind the drywall that you can’t see. Pipes, wiring and HVAC systems may need to be moved before the wall can be taken down. The most important thing to keep in mind if you plan to knock down a wall is that it’s not a job you should attempt on your own. Always hire a professional when making structural changes to your home.
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Are you considering knocking down a wall? Whether it’s to modernize your home’s layout or create more space, this isn’t a renovation to be taken lightly. Here are some things to consider before hiring a contractor to demolish a wall.
HOME GUIDE 2020
Two key things to ask before knocking down a wall
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HOME GUIDE 2020
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