Scott Brothers
Drew: And it’s usually best to find a house you can grow into, too. In other words, try to envision what you’ll need a few years down
the road instead of just what you need right now. That way, the house is ready for all those twists and turns life throws at you.
As experts in home design and renovation, what are some key considerations homeowners should keep in mind when planning their dream home?
Jonathan: One consideration is that you need to have patience. I know, I know, no one likes that one! But whether you’re doing a small redecorating project or a full-on remodel, it takes time to create a home that’s just right. Things go wrong, or furniture gets delayed, or something runs over budget… it’s all part of the reno roller coaster!
Drew: Another tip is to try and have some fun with it. Functionality comes first, but if this is your dream home, make sure you’re incorporating a few things that bring you joy every day, too. For example, we had a water slide at our old Las Vegas home. It was a hit! What are some insights into the process of selecting and working with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals to bring their dream homes to life?
Jonathan: My biggest piece of advice is to know when to call in the professionals. There are plenty of projects you can handle yourself, like painting or refinishing furniture. But the trickier updates, like electric work, are best
More and more Canadians are securing their homes and businesses
a growing market worth $11 billion in Canada. And the
There’s been a huge shift in the security industry, as the quality of products has increased significantly and prices have dropped,” says Patrick Straw, Executive Director of CANASA. “We strive to ensure that those working in our industry have the resources, tools, and the latest education to give consumers confidence that they will receive a high standard of service.”
Taking the stress out of your security decisions Home security systems can add value to a home, and in many cases reduce insurance rates for homeowners and businesses, but ensuring the installation and monitoring
is done right and by a reputable company is critical. That’s where CANASA can take away the stress and help Canadians find the right company by hosting a searchable database of 1,000 member-companies on its website. Leveraging smart home technology has made innovative security solutions more accessible. You can receive notifications on your phone or tablet or check up on property when away. You can also conveniently unlock and lock your home or business remotely. And there are even systems that alert for water leaks or low temperatures that could lead to frozen pipes. “Not only do these solutions give comfort to people, but they also reduce costly false alarms, because potential issues can easily be assessed before
left to the pros. Don’t be a hero!
Drew: Also, you want to choose people you trust. If you don’t trust them, you won’t feel confident in their work and the entire experience will be stressful. Do your research before hiring anyone, whether it’s reading online reviews or getting referrals from friends and family. Set up phone consultations when you can to see if your personalities mesh. And don’t forget to be super clear on costs and timelines up front… no one likes a surprise bill.
In your experience, what are some common mistakes that Canadians should avoid when investing, purchasing, or owning homes, and how can they mitigate these risks?
Drew: Don’t let fear take the wheel! The market changes so often and while that can sometimes work out in your favor, don’t let that be the only factor you’re considering when you’re buying, selling, or considering selling. I’ve seen so many people lose out because they’re letting the market steer their decisions.
Jonathan: Another thing to think about is whether you need to move at all. If you love your neighborhood, the house is mostly great but needs a few tweaks, or the costs are overwhelming, it may make sense to stay put for a while. You can always make tweaks to your current home (like new furniture or décor from The Brick!) which may make you happier in the long run.
authorities are called,” says Straw.
The latest tech with integrity and quality built in If today’s security industry is about convenience and the latest tech, then add integrity to that. Straw says CANASA is active in ensuring its members act with integrity and professionalism. Whether through its ethics committee, requiring its members to carry minimum liability insurance, or ensuring its workers have police record checks, people can have confidence they’re hiring reputable companies with technical competence that care about safety.
Read the full interview with Drew & Jonathan on innovatingcanada.ca
Mediaplanet interviewed the Scott Brothers, Jonathan and Drew, who specialize in assisting individuals in discovering, purchasing, renovating, and turning challenging fixer-uppers into their ultimate dream homes.
Q&A WITH THE
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