A central vacuum cleaner is a system that is built into a new home to make cleaning easier and quieter. They feature ducts in the walls that carry dust and debris to a central power unit and collection canister, usually in the garage or utility room. Inlets are strategically positioned throughout the home to make
The word green has the same Germanic root as the words for grass and grow. During the middle ages, it was associated with wealth and the gentry class of England. Today, we associate it with nature, spring, and optimism. It is produced in nature as chromium, vanadium, and copper oxides. Green is one of the
You may have visited a brand new home while shopping for real estate. They are the benchmark for home buyers everywhere. House-hunters will visit a show home and then compare everything else they see to that standard. The first thing you might notice is that the exterior looks very modern with an on-trend style. Around
For some people, their home is the ultimate sanctuary of utter calm. It's place of blissful quietude to reset the day, a refuge from the storms of urban life. It is, or can be, a place to relax, gather, and rest. Creating your ideal space isn't difficult. With some self-reflection, a bit of planning, and
Many people don't realize how important it is to inspect their house on a regular basis. You may be able to do a complete inspection on your own, but if not, consider hiring a home inspector. Inspectors are trained professionals, sometimes with years of experience in the construction industry, and will know where to look
Wet and soggy afternoons bring their own delights for adults and children. They're an opportunity to indulge in one's hobbies or to escape the house in search of treats and pleasures. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to catch up on hobbies and favourite past-times. If you're home with the kids, set-up a schedule
One of the nice things about buying a condo is the sense of security in a collective. Neighbours usually have similar lifestyles and expectations for their home. There is a congruence of feeling and a will to develop and maintain a sense of community. Some communities are passive, some are proactive, and some are activist.
Luxury hotels make tremendous investments in bedding and towels that is apparent by the way they look and feel. “Hotel quality” is often synonymous with thick, absorbent cotton fabrics. Sheets are measured by the hundreds or even thousands of threads-per-inch that make them softer and more comfortable. To ensure the longevity of their linens, hotels
In ancient times, light was the primary consideration of the architect and builder. The sun and it's position during the day prioritized the siting of the dwelling and it's openings. The more light, the more benefit to the occupant. Today, we understand that light is critical for good health and a humanistic living environment. Architecture
Buying a home can be an exercise in priorities and value. Homebuyers are inundated with different comparable properties, each having it's own value proposition. One predominant factor that more people are looking at is return on investment and total cost of ownership over a period of five to ten years. There are a number of
