Take a look at windows, doors and skylights to stop air leaks, foil water drips, and detect the gaps and rot that let the outside in and the inside out. You can perform a quick check with a home air pressure test, or do a detailed inspection. Luckily, these inspections are easy to do. Here’s how to examine the barriers that should stand between you and the elements. MORE >

Gardening is not rocket science: if you can dig a hole, turn on a spigot, and snip a dead flower off a vine, you can tend a garden. Still, gardeners have to make some judgment calls. How much water does this shrub need? Will this tree get enough sun? Is this hole deep enough? It’s easy to misjudge and make a mess out of your landscaping. Here are seven common garden blunders, and how to avoid them. MORE >

he world of landscaping tools is vast—you could fill your garage with types of hoes alone. But you’ll have to invest money and space in basic landscaping tools to maintain and improve your property. Here are 10 must-haves. Round point shovel: Arguably the most versatile landscape tool, this shovel has a rounded and beveled steel blade that ends in a point. It digs, scoops, and slices dirt, manure, and gravel. Cost: $20 to $30. MORE >

Have you ever heard the expression, "Your ceiling is your fifth wall?" I take that analogy to the next level and say your floor is your sixth wall. Many homeowners change around their colour schemes, furniture and accessories but forget that what "grounds" the entire design is the floor covering used in the space. The chosen floor covering can make or break the space, depending on the material used, the colour or shade of the material and how the material is applied. Before we start considering the colour of the material, let's look at the quality of the material we will choose. In high-traffic areas, you will want to look at integrating a durable floor covering. Flooring is much like furniture: It's a long-term investment, so you should use materials that will withstand many years of wear and tear. When shopping for floor covering, be sure to ask for the average lifespan of the product. You should also consider products you won't tire of after the first couple of years. Yes, you will get tired of the red carpet after awhile. MORE >

Winter is fast approaching and with it comes the need to prepare the house for the holidays. While hanging exterior lights may be a priority for some homeowners there is a need to have the roof inspected and make sure that it is ready for the colder temperatures and storms that blow through Atlanta. For most homeowners the need have their roof checked for leaks and damage is something that they take for granted. Leaving the home’s most important feature unattended can lead to unexpected leaks and high energy costs. For many homeowners the roof is ignored until there is a problem with a leak or the roof is damaged by a fallen tree during a passing storm. MORE >

We want to keep our houses as clean and free from any mold or infestation as we possibly can. Perhaps, seasonal duct cleaning can be advantageous to maintaining a clean home in every respect. Seasonal maintenance helps to keep everything functioning well in your home. Generally duct cleaning means that the heating and cooling systems are cleaned. This would include the air ducts, registers, coils, drain pans, motors, and housings. Certainly if your system had not been installed properly, you may find that the components are now contaminated. Dust and mold may have accumulated and need cleaning. Other than seasonal cleaning, you must be aware that if the ducts are not properly cleaned then the mold will return. Dust and other particles must be completely removed so that they will not be released into the home. If your ducts are insulated and they get wet, mold can grow and it is difficult to remove this mold so it is recommended to replace the insulation. MORE >

The kitchen is the heart of the home, often the center of family life. For most families, it serves as the location for much more than the preparation of food. It is also the family gathering place and the center for the entertainment of friends and extended family. This is the reason for the popularity of today’s “great rooms” where the kitchens are open to the main family living areas, all incorporated into a unified space. Kitchens as separate rooms are quickly becoming a thing of the past as out-dated and not reflective of modern family lifestyles. Many remodeling efforts begin in the kitchen to make it more functional and modern in style. Some kitchens, especially in more vintage homes, require major remodeling to bring them up to date by removing enclosing walls and replacing them with islands or breakfast bars. Remodeling often involves the replacement of old appliances with sleek new stainless steel appliances to meet current trends. Professional kitchen designers can maximize the use of even the most limited space to increase the functionality of the kitchen to better serve the needs of the family. The most visible components of any ki... MORE >

You have decided to upgrade your bathroom. You have looked through magazines, websites, visited building suppliers and browsed around at local home shows. You have a fairly good idea of what you want and what new fixtures will cost. Where do you go from here?"The next step is to contact a professional renovator," says John Friswell, member of the Renovation Council of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association."Many people don't realize that redoing a bathroom can involve a lot more than just plumbing. An experienced renovator can explain what's required and how to achieve the desired goal."From stripping the existing room to doing structural, electrical and plumbing work to installing fixtures, cabinets and finishing touches, a bathroom can involve many different trades whose work must be coordinated and kept within your budget.A professional renovator will act as the general contractor for the entire project. Established renovators have a network of experienced trades, from plumbers and electricians to floor installers. They also manage the work every step of the way. Proper scheduling minimizes the time your bathroom is out of commission.Renovators can identify problems an... MORE >

Outdoor living is part of today’s lifestyle. More homeowners than ever are turning their outdoor areas into attractive and relaxing extensions of their homes during the warmer months of the year. This can be as simple as a sitting area for the family, or include a combination of decks, patios, walkways, gazebos, gardens, pools, ponds and fountains.Decks and patios are frequently the focal point for outdoor living and entertaining. Professional renovators can offer valuable advice to help you get the most out of your property and your budget.Be Creative - The sky’s the limit when it comes to design. Take the time to explore ideas, browse through magazines and look at what other homeowners have done. Discuss your ideas with a professional renovator, and ask for suggestions on design, materials and details.Determine The Size Of The Area You Need, Realistically - How do you see yourself living on your deck or patio? Do you need a cooking and eating area? Will you be entertaining? Do you plan to lounge, garden or pursue other open-air hobbies? How much room will the furniture take up? Stake out the space you think you need. Will everything fit in comfortably? Don’t scrim... MORE >

Windows and exterior doors are subject to the wear and tear that comes from constant use and exposure to the weather. Over time, weatherstripping, hardware and the door and frame materials can deteriorate or fail. Homeowners can either repair or replace window or door units. Repairs can be inexpensive, but may not give good long-term results. Replacement is generally costly, but will provide cost savings in energy use, make your house more comfortable and add to the resale value.There are a number of factors to consider before making the decision about whether your windows or doors need to be replaced or whether they can simply be repaired. MORE >

Renovating your bathroom is a great way to add value to your home — both for your family’s daily living and for future resale.Before you decide to go ahead with a renovation, it’s critical to have a good idea of any underlying problems that could cause unwelcome and costly surprises. Taking time to find problems before you start your renovation will save you money, protect the indoor air quality and preserve the durability and structure of your home.Common SituationsA bathroom renovation is one of the most common home improvement projects. Bathroom renovations come in all types and sizes—from a simple update of the flooring, to enlarging the room and replacing all fixtures and finishes.Your project is unique, but your reasons for renovating will probably fall into these common categories.Size and design — The room may be small or poorly designed.Fixtures — The fixtures may be outdated, small, hard-to-clean, leaky, cracked or inefficient.Structural — There may be problems that require structural changes or repairs.Moisture — Excessive bathroom moisture may have deteriorated the bathroom surfaces, affected the indoor air quality or jeopardized the ... MORE >

f you are like most Canadians, you are concerned about the safety of your home and your community. One particular type of crime that worries Canadians is breaking and entering, or burglary. Recent statistics show that burglary accounts for 22 per cent of all property crime.In Canada, a residential burglary takes place every three minutes.The How To Lock Out Crime series, jointly prepared by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), will make you more aware of burglary and its dynamics and show you how to minimize the likelihood that this crime will happen to you.The How to Lock Out Crime series promotes a proactive approach to safety and security. By knowing the conditions favourable to burglars and taking steps to eliminate those conditions, you can greatly reduce the chances that your home will be burgled. Being proactive and implementing a well-thought-out plan can: MORE >

he kitchen is the heart if the home so a great deal of thought and planning needs to go into deciding what is needed in order to meet your needs.  A kitchen renovation can be one of the most exciting and important changes you make to your home.  A well-designed kitchen will give you enjoyment and efficient workspace for many years to come and add value and salability to your home.  Kitchen renovations represent a significant investment, so the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association offeres some advice to makesure you make the right moves.  Begin by visiting building suppliers, retail outlets and kitchen showrooms to find out what's available and get an idea of prices. However, kitchen renovations go beyond cabinetry and appliances. Talk with a professional renovation contractor in the early stages of planning to get a clear sense of the full scope of the work involved. Then you'll be in a good position to make informed decisions and choices. Here are some of the issues you and your renovator will want to discuss.What do you want to accomplish? This is a simple-sounding question, but one that your renovator needs to understand in order to give you the ... MORE >

While doing your spring housecleaning this year, you might notice that your decor needs a face-lift. Interior home decorations don't become dated as quickly fashion fads, but decorating styles do change. Give your home a makeover so it can face the new millennium in style. Those decorating their homes now have options with several currently popular decor styles to suit individual tastes.Today's home interiors emphasize comfort and reflect personal style. The new interior decorations have evolved from styles popular in the past. MORE >