Moving into a new home comes with new responsibilities, such as performing routine maintenance or doing home improvement projects. Homeowners now have to shoulder the burden that landlords or an HOA may have handled in the past. There are some small tools that can help new homeowners tackle routine maintenance tasks and save them money.
A Tape Measure
From furniture to lumber for a new project, it is important to buy the right size for a perfect fit. New Canadian homeowners may find a 25-foot tape measure with a one inch long blade the best choice as it is long enough to meet the majority of measuring needs and is made not to buckle.
A Flashlight
A flashlight can be used in the home, the car or the great outdoors. Some homeowners prefer
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The construction industry has moved along at its own pace when it comes to adapting different kinds of technology, even as breakthrough after breakthrough debuted on the market. However, residential builders are starting to recognize how new advancements can save them time and money in the home construction process. Whether an individual is planning to build or remodel their home in the future or they're just curious about the shifting methods of home construction, it's useful to know the trends to better predict the future of the residential building industry.
The roof of the home is often out of sight, out of mind for many homeowners, even though it's one of the most important protective components of the home. When it comes time to decide which roofing materials to choose, it's important to consider the decision from different angles. In other words, choosing materials solely based on cost, convenience, or aesthetics isn't always the best move. How do the basics of how different roofing materials stack up against each other?
The backyard may offer a natural habitat for all sorts of creatures that are beneficial to the natural environment, but most homeowners wouldn't invite a single one of those critters to take up residence indoors. If a home seems to be a magnet for unwanted pests, it's time to take some serious action.
As pets are part of the family, homeowners often let their furry friends get comfortable within their property. While this is great for everyone's quality of life, it can present challenges when a household decides to put their home up for sale.
Sustainable building has taken a few hard turns in the past few years and is now offering an ever-expanding slew of options. These new developments help owners save on their utility bills as well as their ozone layer. While many of the following trends haven't exactly been picked up at the same rate across the nation, it appears to be only a matter of time. See why the new developments all but guarantee that green construction will soon be the norm and not the exception.
Insulation in a home serves to keep warm air in during the cooler weather months and cooler air in during warm weather months. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to 20% on their heating and cooling bills with proper insulation. Not only can insulation make a home more comfortable and save on energy, it can keep HVAC systems from working so hard, often resulting in a longer life for heating and air conditioning equipment.
There are many advantages to buying a home. Canadian residents can avoid having to pay increasing rents and often have more flexibility in making improvements to a home that they own rather than rent. Enjoying a fenced in property can be useful for homeowners with active young children, pets or who enjoy entertaining often.
Buyers spend so much time saving for the down payment, they may not realize how much in closing costs they will also have to pay. This guide identifies common closing costs buyers should expect to have ready before they complete the sale.
There may be some cause for concern when small cracks begin to develop. Homeowners who see cracks form over doors or window may want to get more information about foundation damage. Homeowners can take steps to address such issues and while some repairs are affordable, serious concerns that require replacing the foundation may be expensive. However, not all cracks should serve as a red flag for Canadian homeowners or cause them to dig deep to cover repair costs.