renovations: Small investment renos that pay big returns - 01/02/18 04:48 AM
(NC) Knowing where to invest to get your home in tip top shape to sell or enjoy can be a daunting and expensive task – but, it doesn't need to be. Christopher Alexander of Re/Max has seen what makes potential buyer's eyes light up and what sends them walking. Here are his tips on renovations that pay big when it comes time to resale:
Improve your curb appeal. First impressions make a lasting impression. You want buyers and guests to be drawn in immediately and excited to see the rest of your home. These renovations could include painting the exterior, replacing old … (1 comments)

renovations: Think carefully before paying a contractor up front - 11/14/17 10:05 AM
(NC) You've decided to get going on your dream renovation and worked out the details with a contractor. Now you're anxious to get the work started. But the contractor wants half the money up front. What should you do?
Think very carefully before paying. Then think about finding a different contractor.
Outside of specific circumstances — such as pre-ordering high-value custom products that cannot be returned, paying for permit fees, road cuts, tree removal, building demolition, or moving hydro wires — down payments for work not yet completed should never amount to much more than 10 per cent of the total cost. If … (1 comments)

renovations: What are renovation shows not telling you? - 04/19/17 08:41 PM
(NC) Renovating a home can be a wiser investment than moving and popular makeover shows are certainly inspiring. However, these shows can also leave viewers with mistaken impressions.
If life was like TV, we could dream up an addition on a Friday evening and be drinking coffee in it on Monday. While most of us know that's unrealistic, some may have to experience living through a renovation to understand how complex and time-consuming construction can be.
If a project is worthwhile, time and effort shouldn't be deal breakers. Instead, careful planning and patient execution can be signs that the job is being done … (2 comments)

renovations: Vermiculite Q & A - 01/21/17 05:03 AM
Questions and Answers About Vermiculite Insulation
 
 
What is vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a volcanic material compound that expands when it is heated and has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like or accordion-like pieces. They are usually the size of a nickel or dime. Vermiculite has been used in various industries for more than 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets.
 
 
Where are vermiculite reserves?
Vermiculite is found throughout the world. Countries that hold commercial vermiculite mines include Australia, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United States. The vermiculite commercially available today comes from deposits that are not considered … (7 comments)

renovations: Undertaking A Home Repair - 01/09/17 05:35 AM
Courtesy of Carson Dunlop
 
Let's start by differentiating between a home improvement and a home repair. A home improvement, as the name implies, means improving something. It is usually a renovation to create more space, change the layout of the house, improve energy efficiency, or to make aesthetic changes. This report will deal with the simpler topic of home repair--basically replacing things that are worn out or fixing things that are broken. Here are some very basic rules to follow.
 
Know what you want done
If you are replacing a worn out furnace, for example, do some research to find out whether you want … (0 comments)

renovations: Macerating toilets make sense and increase your ROI - 01/01/17 02:47 PM
(NC)—There are many reasons why homeowners renovate and one important consideration is the return on investment. Macerating toilet systems, like those by Saniflo (Saniflo.ca), are a great option for homeowners looking to maximize their return on a bathroom addition because of their comparatively low installation costs.
Saniflo's macerating toilet systems can be installed on top of any finished floor, eliminating the need for excavation or building a raised floor to install a drain line, as required by systems using a sewage ejector. The small-bore discharge piping can easily be installed and concealed inside existing walls. Saniflo's “up-flush” technology permits home or building … (3 comments)

renovations: Top 10 reasons to replace your garage door system - 12/26/16 07:29 PM
(NC)-Replacing your old garage door system can completely change the appearance of your garage and bring undeniable advantages to your home. According to the experts at Garaga, one of the leading sectional garage door manufacturers in Canada, there are ten valuable reasons to replacing your old garage door:
1. Increase the value of your home. Replacing an old garage door with a new stylish maintenance free door will do wonders for the value of your home. Many Real Estate agents will confirm that it is easier to sell your home when the garage door looks good.
2. Improve the appearance of your home.Some garage … (5 comments)

renovations: Estimating Home Improvements - 12/26/16 01:53 PM
To be successful, every home improvement project should be based on sound planning. There are an abundance of books, magazines and TV shows where you can get some great ideas. After you decide exactly what you want to do, try to estimate your costs as accurately as possible. Making a rough sketch can be helpful in working up your materials list.
Shop around for the best prices, and watch for sales. Try to visualize the stages of your project, and make sure you've listed every item, no matter how small. When you're certain you haven't forgotten anything, add 10 percent for wastage; … (2 comments)

 
Gil Strachan, Inspiring Confidence Since 1994 (Electrospec Home Inspection Services)

Gil Strachan

Inspiring Confidence Since 1994

Brighton, ON

More about me…

Electrospec Home Inspection Services

Address: Brighton, Ontario

Office: (888) 394-6954

Mobile: (613) 391-8515



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog