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INCREASING YOUR HOME'S VALUE
June 16, 2024
Making the most of your dollars is always a smart idea. Whether you're purchasing a new car, a new wardrobe or the latest technology tool, you want to be sure this is something that really makes a difference in your life – something of real value. Even trivial purchases should bring you a measure of joy that makes it worthwhile.
Never is this ...
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Decorating difficulties
June 8, 2024
There are those who can simply plow right into decorating projects and end up with something beautiful. But for most of us, it can be a daunting challenge without professional help. This is especially true when it comes to awkward angles and odd-shaped rooms.
Odd shaped rooms can actually bring character to your decor. Just pick a focal point ...
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Net Zero bonus
June 6, 2024
A dozen demonstration homes across the country to prove benefits of going green.
Imagine a house that can monitor the outside temperature and weather forecast before deploying the window awnings or divert excess heat coming off the rooftop solar panels to run the clothes dryer.
That house, called EcoTerra, opened last week in Quebec, the ...
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HOME AND AWAY
June 2, 2024
No one needs to tell you when your neighbors are away. Little signs such as the car not being moved out of the garage or the mail piling up sends an instant message. And what about the lights? Is the house totally dark or is the porch light on 24 hours a day? If you notice these things, it's likely that burglars notice them even faster.
If you ...
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Little house, big flip
May 29, 2024
After some creative renovations, Toronto's tiniest home is back on the market and poised to make its owner a tidy profit.
When David Blois opens his front door and says, "Let me give you a quick tour," he's not kidding about the quick part.
Five months ago, he bought the littlest house in Toronto, a 300-square-foot home squeezed into what ...
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Seven steps to a perfect lawn
May 24, 2024
As the snow melts away, impatient homeowners can't wait to begin preening and greening their lawns. Few are keener than Richard Dupuis who devotes at least 90 minutes a week to trimming, fertilizing and tending to the lawn surrounding his Alta Vista home.
"My lawn is an extension of my gardens, it gives the home curb appeal," says the man, ...
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8 houseplants that clean up indoor air
May 22, 2024
When we think of poor air quality, we often picture smoggy cityscapes and jam-packed highways, but there’s another place where we should be focusing our attention on air pollution: our own homes.
Due to the airtight nature of many houses and apartments today, as well as chemical off-gassing in new constructions (which can last for months), ...
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Should I paint roof to better match house?
May 13, 2024
Q: I have enjoyed your column for some time, and I now have a question about the composition shingle roof on a house we just purchased. The roof is only 5 years old and is in good shape, but we want to paint the house. Unfortunately, the existing roof color will contrast poorly with the paint colors we've chosen. Is there any kind of paint or ...
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Cabinets can make the difference
May 13, 2024
Beautiful cabinetry adds tremendous appeal to your home. And good storage is just what you need, especially in the kitchen. During remodeling, making the right decisions can be the important difference in how well your room functions. And when you get ready to sell, it will make a big difference to that important bottom line!
Pre-fab, custom ...
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Make it pay
April 26, 2024
Remodeling and upgrading your home can be an expensive proposition. And it can be very frustrating, contending with the mess and upheaval in your everyday life. The last thing you want to do is over-improve or do projects that have little or no return on your investment.
Whether you plan to move in a few years or never, remodel with an eye ...
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