A Guide for Budget-Conscious Homeowners If you're looking to update your bathroom without breaking the bank and want to minimize your environmental footprint, a low-impact bathroom renovation could be the perfect solution. This approach focuses on reducing waste, conserving energy, and lowering water consumption while enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. By incorporating eco-friendly materials and
October is the last month to prepare your home for the cold and wet months of winter. A systematic inspection of home systems and the exterior is essential to a safe and secure home. Remember, tradespeople are the busiest during the worst weather: it seems everyone's furnace will go out on the coldest day
In some areas of Canada, an air conditioner is de rigueur equipment to keep cool in the humid months of July and August. In other areas, such as the West Coast, air conditioning is considered a luxury because these months are warm with dry air. Here are some ideas to keep your home cool
Electric bike technology has come along way in just a few years. Today, e-bikes have a range of 20 km or more on a single charge. With good distance and relatively high speeds, they can be used as a primary source of transportation in some places. While initial costs are not insignificant, running costs
The word frugal is derived from the Latin frugalis, which means value and virtue in thrift. A frugal mindset helps us decide how, when, and why to spend or save our money. Practicing frugality doesn't mean giving up the things we really like or must have, though. Here are some easy-to-do tips for saving
Home siting is the process of determining how to place the house on a building lot for maximum liveability. Siting is influenced mostly by the building footprint compared to available land. In the countryside, natural features such as rocks, hills, and water can limit the number of sites. In the city, most people will build
A solar power installation is only as good as its design so it's important to work with a reputable company that has engineers on staff. A viability study is required to choose the right equipment for the needs of the property and available light. When doing an analysis, a solar engineer will look at typical
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
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
