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Your Home Mike Holmes gives advice for a greener home. When doing a home inspection, what are the key things potential buyers should be looking for? Potential buyers need to make sure the major systems of the house are in good shape. Check the home's exterior for cracks in the foundation, poor drainage, and grading issues — this could mean water penetration or structural issues. Check gutters and make sure downspouts are directed away from the house. Have a look at the roof, too — curling or missing shingles could mean the roof needs attention. Pest issues can be a concern — for instance, mouse droppings, insect wings, and bubbling paint on exterior walls could indicate termites. Musty smells could indicate mold and mildew, too. Also, ask about any recent electrical or renovation work and ask to see the permits.
What are some DIY renovations homeowners can undertake to add value to their homes? Painting or adding wallpaper or wainscoting
to a wall is a great DIY job that's relatively easy to do and can transform a room. Homeowners can increase their curb appeal by painting the front door, fixing cracks in the driveway or walkways, or staining or repainting the fence. Seasoned DIYers could swap out faucets and sinks, too. Just remember, if it feels out of your comfort zone, it’s probably best to call in a pro.
What are some changes homeowners can make to help their home be more energy-efficient? One of the easiest things homeowners can do to reduce their energy consumption is switching out the incandescent light bulbs to LEDs in their homes. If you're planning on buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star sticker. It's an easy way to reduce your energy costs. Homeowners can upgrade their windows to more energy-efficient ones, like low-E glass windows or dual and triple-pane windows with argon or krypton gas, which give windows a higher R-value. Also, consider using spray cork on the exterior of your home to cut down on energy — it's very durable and provides thermal insulation to the building structure, seals air gaps, absorbs sounds, and is fire-resistant.
What are the benefits of living in an energyefficient home?
The main benefit of energy-efficient homes is to reduce the amount of wasted energy. Using less energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources like oil and gas. Energy-efficient homes should reduce your energy bills, provide better indoor air quality, and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
How can smart home technology and automation improve our lives at home?
Adding innovative technology and home automation to your home is a great way to save energy and time. There are many ways that home automation can help us at home, but for starters you could install a programmable thermostat or even a water leak detection system, smart locks, smart lighting, security systems, and radon detection, to name a few.
For more homeowner advice, check out Retooled Season 4 & 5 on the DIY Network in the U.S. and Holmes on Homes Podcast, available on the major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, and Pocket Casts. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.
Net Zero Homes: Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability and Comfort
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Sonja Winkelmann, Director, Net Zero Energy Housing
anadians are including energy efficiency upgrades into their home renovations, and it’s easy to understand why. With the current state of the real estate market, and government incentives available for energy retrofits, many people are choosing to renovate rather than move. Improving your home’s function and
aesthetic makes your home more enjoyable to live in, and so does upgrading the energy efficiency. And doing it while you’re already renovating is a logical choice. An energy advisor can evaluate your home and let you know what changes will improve its energy efficiency and the best order to do them in. For example, they may recommend starting with improving the air tightness and insulation as well as replacing old windows and doors prior to upgrading
the mechanical systems. They’ll also let you know if your home is a good candidate for a net zero reno. Net Zero homes produce as much energy as they consume each year. Renovating your home to net zero pays off in lower energy costs, increased comfort due to fewer hot or cold spots, and improved indoor air quality thanks to a built-in filtered fresh air system that reduces allergens and asthma triggers, such as dust, pollen, and outdoor
air pollution. Also, you can feel good about significantly minimizing your household’s environmental footprint. The result: exceptional energy performance and the ultimate in comfort — a home at the forefront of sustainability. It all adds up to a better living experience.
Learn more and find net zero builders and renovators at netzerohome.com.
Publishers: Greg Blackmore, Olivia Delbello Business Development Manager: Julia Colavecchia Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content and Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designer: Lauren Livingston Web Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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From the Mortgage Experts: 5 Tips to Navigate Canada's Housing Market
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anadian real estate continues to defy expectations, with the housing market setting and subsequently breaking records month after month. Whether it’s low interest rates, lack of supply, FOMO, or the increased value the pandemic and over a year inside has placed on our homes, real estate is a hot commodity across the country. That’s right, Toronto and Vancouver are no longer alone when it comes to unaffordable, incredibly competitive housing markets — buyers are reporting challenges all over, including Atlantic Canada and cottage country. Has remote work allowed you the freedom to move out of the city? Are you looking to get while the getting’s good? Whatever your motivation, buying a house is still one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. Before you bid blind, wave conditions, and pen a heartfelt letter to the sellers and/or Chrystia Freeland, we have five simple tips to help you stay cool in this hot market. See if you can spot the pattern! Focus on what matters and let a mortgage broker do the rest. Visit FindMeABroker.ca to connect with a Mortgage Professionals Canada broker in your area and get the help you need to find your home, sweet home. This article was sponsored by Mortgage Professionals Canada.
1. Get Industry Expertise
When You Hire a Mortgage Broker — Working with a mortgage broker means you’re not on your own when it comes to navigating the complexities of buying a home. You have access to an individual or individuals with experience in the real estate industry who can speak to insurance, taxes, and more.
2. Find The Best Rate When
You Hire a Mortgage Broker — While you can get a mortgage through your bank, a mortgage broker works with multiple banks and other lenders and isn't restricted to just
one lender’s product options. A mortgage broker can find you the best interest rate, but because of differing lender preferences for borrower type, they can also find a product tailored to your specific financial circumstances.
3. Discover Broader Lend-
ing Options When You Hire a Mortgage Broker — Mortgage brokers can do more when it comes to inconsistent income streams, bad credit, and other more complex situations that might otherwise preclude an individual from getting a mortgage through their bank.
4.
Feel More Secure in Your Purchase When You Hire a Mortgage Broker — A mortgage broker can provide trustworthy industry experience and advice. Make the decision to have a knowledgeable expert in your corner and feel more secure in your home purchase. A broker will also guide you through the process of completing and submitting mortgage applications and supporting documentation required by the lender. If the terminology seems a little confusing, your broker is there to explain important information and conditions set out by the lender as well as any steps required to close the mortgage transaction.
5.
Save Big W hen You Hire a Mortgage Broker — Choosing to work with a mortgage broker means you’re hiring a licensed professional to find the best mortgage solution for your needs and circumstances. Let this industry expert negotiate the best rate for you. Save time, money, and headaches.
Mortgage Professionals Canada is Canada’s mortgage industry association, representing over
13,000 1,000 individuals and over
companies, including mortgage brokerages, lenders, insurers, and industry service providers.
Together with our members, we're dedicated to maintaining a high standard of industry ethics, consumer protection, and best practices.
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS. LET A MORTGAGE BROKER DO THE REST. FindMeABroker.ca