If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat up or down. In fact, you probably won't notice a difference of 2 degrees either way — and the savings can be substantial. However, if you want to lower your bill even further each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement. • Plug or fix the drafts. Even in newer homes, air filtration can occur at windows and doors. So, check around your home for drafts.... [read more]

There are many reasons why you might suddenly need to sell your home. It could be an unexpected work relocation, a change in family circumstances, or simply a desire to move. Whatever the reason, selling quickly requires some fast action on your part. But that doesn't mean you need to get into panic mode. You can list and sell your property, quickly while still enjoying the process! The first thing you need to do is figure out how to make your home show its best. In addition to... [read more]

As you may know, curb appeal refers to how your property looks from the street, where potential buyers first see it. Your home’s curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of your property. In fact, it's not uncommon for a buyer to drive by a listing, rather than stop, because they don't like what they see. First impressions are HUGE! So, how can you improve your home's curb appeal quickly? One way is to do some outside cleaning. Start with the main entryway. Wash... [read more]

Whether you're painting your home to prepare it for sale, or simply to make it more attractive for your own enjoyment, choosing the right colour is important. A colour isn't just a matter of taste, it's also, to a large extent, about the emotions it elicits, and I think many of us forget this part. It's always a safe bet to go with soft beiges and warm grays, especially when selling your home. Neutral colours are often interpreted as reliable. I like to... [read more]

Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won’t happen. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the probability. When budgeting, a big mistake DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to overlook these small items thinking... [read more]