Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Essex Free Press
Home-Sweet-Home & Garden I 25
A LOOK INSIDE: Create an easy-care garden to add curb appeal .........Pg. 27 Build a great deck with a solid plan ...........................Pg. 27 Make the most of small living spaces ..........................Pg. 28 Donʼt neglect these home maintenance tasks .................Pg. 29 Gardening pointers for novices ...................................Pg. 30 Optimize Your Air Conditioning System ........................Pg. 31 Select upgrades that add value to your home ..................Pg. 32
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26 I Home-Sweet-Home & Garden Essex Free Press
I Thursday, May 28, 2015
How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience
(MS) - By Scott McGillivray In the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled since the late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Often times the investment a homeowner makes is substantial, and both financially
emotionally. The stakes are high. That’s why it’s imperative that the job is done well from start to finish. There are a number of steps a homeowner can take to ensure a positive experience and a successful outcome, including: 1. Know your goal.
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Ask the question, “What is this renovation designed to accomplish? More functionality? Storage? Living space?” If a homeowner doesn’t know where they’re going with the renovation, chances are they’ll never get there. 2. Do your research. In most things, knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect, in advance, can keep expectations in check. Investigate options, budgets and timelines, and arrange financing in advance. 3. Hire professionals. Be sure that they are happy to work with you to meet your budget and achieve your vision. Communicate clearly and often to ensure understanding on both sides. 4. Opt for a general contractor and trades that are experienced, licensed and insured. Don’t hesitate to check credentials and references. Get recommendations from family, friends and colleagues who have had work done and were satisfied with the results. 5. Start with quality building materials. When it comes to home renovation and construction, the adage, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” seems apt. While homeowners tend to get caught up in the aesthetics of a project, such as finishings and paint colors, the key to a successful renovation often lies in what you won’t see. Investing in
quality behind your walls will ensure durability, comfort and safety for years to come. 6. Focus on the basics. This includes quality electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing and drywall. Don’t underestimate the importance of insulation - especially in a basement renovation. Not all insulation is created equal. Opt for insulation that is fire-resistant, sound absorbent and resistant to mold, mildew, bacterial growth, and rot. In my renovations, I like to use products like Roxul’s Comfortbatt and Comfortboard IS to help achieve a more energy efficient home, buy you valuable time in the event of a fire and prevent moisture issues that can pose health risks and lead to costly repairs. 7. Develop a good plan. This includes preparing for the unexpected. Setting aside a 20 percent contingency fund will help bring you to the finish line when unanticipated issues creep up. Lastly, the key to a successful renovation includes patience. Living in a construction zone -
or alternately moving out while the work is done - can be stressful and trying. Keep your eyes on the prize. There’s nothing more rewarding than the end result, which can bring years of enjoyment and ultimately add to your
home’s bottom line. Scott McGillivray is an award-winning TV host, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @ smcgillivray.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Home-Sweet-Home & Garden I 27
Essex Free Press
Create an easy-care garden to add curb appeal
It is true that a front garden, or an array of planters on a porch or
balcony, will add to the appeal of your home among potential buyers.
“Selling a home in the summer months requires more attention to your
outdoor spaces,” says JoAnn Jusdanis, brokerowner with Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services in Burlington, Ontario. “But there are ways to make short work of garden chores.” Here’s how to create a low-maintenance garden to carry you through the selling season: • Easy container gardens. Use a variety of shapes and sizes of planted containers for a charming look around entrance ways or on a balcony. Plant urns with a variety of tall, medium and trailing plants. • Drought-tolerant
plants. Choose annuals that require less watering such as zinnias and marigolds. Perennials offer the hardiest choices. Check websites for suggestions and ask at your local garden centre for recommendations on drought-tolerant plants for your area. • Condition your soil. To promote lavish growth, add an organic substance to your soil, such as manure or compost. Testing your soil will help identify excessive sand, clay or elements that contribute to or take away from soil acidity. • Incorporate perennials
for easy care. Choose perennials as the backbone of your garden then add colour as needed with a selection of droughtresistant annuals. • Don’t forget to fertilize. Periodically, you’ll need to “feed” your plants. Fertilizing will keep them healthy, robust and promote consistent flowering. An easy-care garden will create the curb appeal needed to impress potential buyers of your home. More information is available at www. royallepage.ca.
www.newscanada.com
Build a great deck with a solid plan A relaxing deck gives you the great outdoors without the need to venture too far from the comforts of home. When done right, a deck improves the appearance and utility of your home and can add to its resale value. Lincoln Thompson, broker-owner with Royal LePage Gardiner Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick advocates
that homeowners pay special attention to the plan for any new deck. “To ensure the structure enhances your property, both now and in the future, a good design and quality materials should be your guiding principles,” he says. Whether you plan to build it yourself or hire a contractor, Thompson suggests you ponder these questions:
How will you use your deck? Consider the activities you typically do outdoors and how a deck could make them more enjoyable. Barbecuing? Sunning and lounging? Supervising the children at play? Enjoying nature? Setting off a pool or spa? How can you enhance your house and yard? A deck usually sits against your house and alters the landscape of your yard. Always keep the surroundings in mind and consider the combination of visual elements. Think about the view from the deck, and if it is raised, how it will look from ground level. How large and what shape? The deck should suit the scale of your house and yard. Going too large or too wide for the
space can visually overwhelm and detract from the setting. Avoid a plain, boxy rectangle by adding interesting angles or changing the orientation. What materials will you use? Cedar and redwood are popular choices, but for the budget-minded, look for pressuretreated pine and select your pieces with care. Composite deck materials are growing in popularity in some areas. With careful attention to your needs and landscape, a deck creates a welcome transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. And, it might clinch the deal when it comes time to sell. More information can be found at www.royallepage.ca.
www.newscanada.com
28 I Home-Sweet-Home & Garden Essex Free Press
I Thursday, May 28, 2015
Make the most of small living spaces
Tiny houses are a recent phenomenon and have spurred many businesses - from builders to decorating experts looking to connect with
consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, some of which can be as small as 100 square
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feet or less. Although living in a tiny house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes and apartments. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger. • Light is your friend. Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller. Lighting also can draw the eye where you want it and distract attention from the room’s flaws. • Make use of vertical space. Homes where space is at a premium may have limited storage areas. An often-overlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal
places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor. • Choose lightcoloured paint. Choose lighter hues for your home furnishings and wall colours. You do not have to limit this to white (unless landlords require white walls). Pale colours will help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it really is. Using a dark colour on the flooring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast. • Conceal the clutter. If you cannot keep personal belongings to the utmost minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight. Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task. Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or
linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over. A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware. Furniture with built-in, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited. • Create dual-purpose rooms. Lack of space means getting creative with the space you do have. A nook in your bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office. Perhaps you can establish a crafting center in a portion of your laundry room. Garages have long served as catchall spaces in homes. Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms or even a place to gather and watch a ballgame.
• Hang mirrors to “expand” rooms. Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light. Hanging them throughout your home can make spaces seem larger. • Think about builtin furniture. Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area you do have. Employ a little do-it-yourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit. • Work with a designer. If you’re having difficulty making a small space work for you, consult with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Home-Sweet-Home & Garden I 29
Essex Free Press
Donʼt neglect these home maintenance tasks No matter how stylish or updated a home may appear, if it’s not well maintained, value can erode. “Just as you complete regular oil changes on your car, exterior maintenance of your home will keep it at peak performance and protect the lifespan of your investment,” says Lincoln Thompson, broker-owner with Royal LePage Gardiner Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Set a schedule for routine maintenance with these guidelines: 1. Maintain your lawn and garden with regular watering. Cut and weed the grass, trim hedges, pickup and remove leaves and apply fertilizer at regular intervals. 2. Pay attention to the driveway. Periodically check for damage to the
driveway and repair loose or broken paving stones or small cracks in asphalt. Apply driveway sealer to protect and to freshen up the look. 3. Clean your gutters. Your eavestroughing system is intended to divert water away from the house. A clogged gutter system defeats the purpose and water can saturate wood siding, concrete and masonry. 4. Seal up your foundation. Look for signs of problems such as crumbling paint or water marks on interior walls. Check for cracks in the foundation and repair and thoroughly seal any, if found. More information on preserving the value in your home is available at www. royallepage.ca.
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30 I Home-Sweet-Home & Garden Essex Free Press
I Thursday, May 28, 2015
5 signs your home insulation is not working
(MS) - Some insulations can lose performance over time, sustain damage or simply no longer meet updated building codes. It’s an issue that can be costly, because if your home’s insulation isn’t doing its job, you could be wasting money and resources. You don’t have to be a trained professional to know you have a problem. Here are several signs that your insulation
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without making enough of a difference? That’s a sign of a deficiency in your building envelope. 3. Inconsistent temperatures - Is it warm in one room, but cold in another? Are your walls or interior closets cold to the touch? It’s possible that while your whole home may not need attention, certain rooms may need to be addressed. 4. Condition of insulating materials - Consider the age of your insulation. Would it stand up to today’s building codes? Is it in good shape or is it crumbly? If your insulation has degraded or isn’t performing, it’s time for an upgrade. But be careful, as certain types of older insulation, such as Vermiculite insulation, may contain asbestos. If you’re unsure, do not disturb it and hire a professional to conduct testing and/or removal. This should not be a do-it-yourself job. 5. You detect pests and/or moisture - Insulation - and your building envelope - can be compromised by the presence of
pests. Moisture is an even bigger obstacle to optimal thermal performance, as some types of insulation can sag or collapse when damp, leaving voids and causing air to flow in and out of the building envelope. While some solutions may be more complicated, requiring the opening of the existing wall cavities, others can be addressed more easily. The best way to improve thermal performance and increase energy efficiency is to upgrade attic insulation. Laying Comfortbatt insulation over existing material to achieve a minimum depth of 16 inches, or an R-value of R50, is a simple DIY project that can generate immediate results. To fully assess your home and explore remediation solutions, consider hiring a professional home energy auditor to evaluate your home’s energy performance. Even in a new home, the results may be surprising.
www.metrocreativeconnection.com
Gardening pointers for novices People have many reasons for growing gardens, and some of the most popular gardens are plots designated for cultivating herbs and vegetables. Fresh produce at the ready is a great benefit of having a home garden, which also allows homeowners to exercise full control over which products to use to grow robust, healthy vegetables. Novice gardeners may not know where to begin when it comes to planting their first vegetable gardens, and such gardeners can benefit
by starting small. You may want to begin by growing plants in containers so they are more manageable and can be moved as you discover which areas of your property provide the best growing conditions. Begin with one or two types of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers and certain squashes are popular starter plants, as they are relatively hardy. Select only a few plants so you are not overwhelmed with the level of care required to maintain your garden. Some gardeners prefer to start plants from seeds, but this will require more time and a greater commitment with regard to maintenance and planting.
When just starting out, experiment with small plants that are established and already have a good root system. Consult with your local gardening center for more suggestions, such as which soil amendments to use. Plants may require a certain soil pH that can be adjusted for optimal plant growth.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Home-Sweet-Home & Garden I 31
Essex Free Press
4 top tips for managing a renovation With dozens of television shows on what can be achieved, it’s no surprise we are all a little renovationcrazy. But actually undergoing a renovation can be a lot to take on. Between suppliers, hiccups, finances and more, this type of overhaul has the potential to be a chaotic and stressful experience. Here are four tips for managing a successful renovation: 1. Choosing the contractor: Arguably the most important step is finding the right person for the job. Do your research. Check sites like HomeStars.com for homeowner reviews and the contractor’s site for examples of their work and ask for a list of current references. Investing time upfront could potentially save thousands. 2. Get it in writing: Equally important is documenting the agreement. Things to include, aside from contact information are total costs (including a contingency) and payment schedule, outline of responsibilities from both parties (e.g. who is responsible for permits), code of conduct and daily work schedule. 3. Check-ins: Depending on the duration and scale of the renovation, consider weekly check-ins with your contractor. This will not only ease your mind, but help ensure everything is on track and mitigate any potential issues early. 4. Contingency plan: We’ve all seen the shows when a simple renovation goes horribly awry. A thorough contingency plan addressing potential issues like work stoppages due to permits or bad weather will help guide next steps. This plan goes hand-in-hand with the contingency budget and is a helpful document in times of crisis. With some simple advance preparation and research, homeowners can achieve their dreams through a relatively pain-free renovation. So easy in fact, you may want embark on your next renovation sooner than you think. More information is available at www.homestars. com. www.newscanada.com
Voice Of Inspiration “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Optimize Your Air Conditioning System Switching your thermostat from “heat” to “cool” is usually a sign that summer is fast approaching and it is time to start thinking about your central air conditioning system. While a yearly check-up is best left to a qualified contractor, there are some things homeowners can do to avoid an ill–timed malfunction of their central air conditioning system: • Clean or replace the furnace filter. The air conditioner
Did you know?
Dining outdoors when the weather is warm can make for a pleasant change of pace. While certain aspects of eating outside can be enticing, Mother Nature can sometimes complicate the experience. Wind is one challenge to dining outside, as diners may find themselves chasing paper napkins or airborne plastic cups on windy afternoons or evenings. To safeguard against the wind, rely on reusable, heavy plastic items that are less likely to blow away in the wind. Also, keep tablecloths in place with a few supplies. Use a grommet-making tool to punch holes into the tablecloth and attach plastic or metal grommets. Place the tablecloth on the table and slip a thin bungee cord fastener to a grommet on the underside of the table. Stretch the cord across to a grommet on the other side of the
tablecloth and secure. Two or three sets of grommets and bungee cords may be all you need to keep the tablecloth in place and enjoy an interruption-free meal outside. www.metrocreativeconnection.com
needs the furnace to circulate the air and a dirty filter circulates dust and other particles throughout the house, cutting down on a furnace’s efficiency. • The thermostat should be set below the room temperature and not set for cooling below 20 degrees Celsius which can cause a multitude of problems with your air–conditioner, including freezing up. Ideally, set the thermostat to 25.5°C when at home; 29°C when away. • Turn the humidifier off during the summer cooling season. Leaving the humidifier on will only increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder. • Close your drapes or shades on sunny days and ensure all windows in the house are closed. • Close off vents in any unused rooms. • Use ceiling fans to circulate the air. Optimizing your air conditioner can lead to energy savings and efficiency and will keep your machine running smoothly all season long. Book a qualified professional to make sure your air conditioning system is operating safely and efficiently. Consumers can learn more and locate a qualified contractor to service their air conditioning systems by going to the HRAI Contractor Locator, HRAI You Tube channel or calling 1-877-467-HRAI (4724). All HRAI Member Contractors have been prescreened and have the required trade licenses, technical certifications and insurance coverage.
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32 I Home-Sweet-Home & Garden Essex Free Press
I Thursday, May 28, 2015
Select upgrades that add value to your home Protecting the resale value of your property is well within your control. Proper maintenance and adding necessary upgrades can mitigate fluctuations in the housing market and provide the best return on your investment. “The good news in real estate is that you can build your home’s value in an appreciating market and protect it when the housing market is in decline,” says Lincoln Thompson, broker-owner with Royal LePage Gardiner Realty in Fredericton, New Brunswick. “By making the right improvements, you’ll protect the resale price through the cycle of any housing market.” Here’s how: Choose quality materials for maintenance and upgrades. For the long-haul, quality is the single most important factor in renovations and upgrades. Inferior products must be replaced more often, and labour costs rise as cheaper materials are often more difficult to work with. Remember, in upgrades, newer isn’t necessarily better, so try to retain the elements that are worth keeping. Renovate to the level of your surrounding neighbourhood. Check property listings to determine average market value of your neighbourhood, or ask your real estate agent for an opinion. Once you know your home’s potential price point, make decisions about how extensive your upgrades should be. Upgrade to a level that is appropriate to the value of your property and properties within your immediate area. Consider all upgrades throughout the home when making choices on new ones. If you choose to install a high-end bathroom
into an otherwise dated home, you may not recoup its cost. Conversely, a lower-quality upgrade may disappoint potential buyers if the renovations are not in keeping with those throughout the house. Let your home, as a whole package, guide decisions on the level of new improvements. Consider your individual financial
picture. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to borrow to make home improvements. Lower interest loans for home renovations are often available since lenders view that you are adding value to your real estate investment. However, if you are borrowing and can’t pay back in a timely fashion, then that $30,000 kitchen upgrade may not
be wise. Preserving and improving the value of your home is within the control of every homeowner. You can learn more at www.royallepage. ca. www.newscanada.com
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