Home Improvement Ideas by Rooms and Areas

Key Takeaways Smart irrigation systems can reduce outdoor water usage by 30-50% compared to traditional sprinkler timers through automated scheduling based on weather data and soil conditions Two main types exist: weather-based (ET) controllers ($250-$2,500) that use local climate data, and soil moisture sensor systems ($280-$1,800) that monitor root zone moisture levels Add-on sensors for [...]

Mosquito season doesn’t stop when summer ends. Mosquitoes are common flying pests that can be a nuisance both indoors and outdoors, biting humans and animals alike. These buzzing pests can continue biting well into October, as long as nighttime temperatures stay above freezing. Most Canadians assume mosquitoes are only a summer problem, but changing conditions [...]

Key Takeaways Xeriscaping reduces water usage by 50-75% compared to conventional lawns through drought tolerant plants and efficient irrigation systems While conventional lawns cost $3,300-$13,200 to establish, xeriscaping averages $17,000 initially but saves homeowners over 30% annually on water bills Conventional lawns require weekly mowing, fertilizing, and watering, while xeriscaped gardens need minimal maintenance once [...]

Key Takeaways Portable pools cost 70-80% less than permanent in-ground pools and can be set up in 1-4 hours depending on size Intex and Bestway are leading brands offering pools from 8-foot round models to 32-foot rectangular frame pools Inflatable pools work best for seasonal use and can last 3-5 years with proper care and [...]

Key Takeaways Green home upgrade scams cost consumers millions annually, with solar panels and insulation fraud being most common schemes targeting eco-conscious homeowners Scammers often pose as government representatives offering fake rebates or free energy audits to steal personal information and money from vulnerable homeowners Warning signs include door to door salesperson pressure tactics, demands [...]

If you’re considering starting a home renovation for the first time, or even if you have some experience, you probably have mixed emotions. While it’s exciting to think about all the improvements you want to make for your living space, the idea of turning your home upside down for a few months can be intimidating. [...]

You don’t have to pay a lot of money to have the cloth cleaned, fixed, and made to look good again. By mastering a few smart cleaning strategies, you can take complete control of your dining room and keep your furniture looking lovely and lasting a long time.  Spot Stains Before They Settle  Stains are […]

Halloween transforms ordinary homes into extraordinary haunts, and the right decorations can turn your space into the neighborhood’s most talked-about destination. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée, creating a spine-tingling experience for trick-or-treaters, or planning family-friendly fun, the perfect decor sets the stage for unforgettable memories, providing countless ideas. This isn’t your average pumpkin-and-cobweb roundup, […]

While pool renovations can transform your outdoor space into a relaxing haven and enhance your home’s comfort, staying within budget and managing the process can be challenging.

A roof isn’t just functional but also integral to a home and its architectural aesthetics. A durable, visually appealing roof can increase the property’s value while ensuring the safety and comfort of the inhabitants.

A good paint job can drastically change your home’s interior. Painting is becoming more prevalent as a cost-effective way to change the appearance of a room without tearing down walls. With the right paint color, you can lengthen, expand, heighten, and shorten the space.

Ice on windows is a common problem during the colder time of the year. If there’s one thing you can count on during the winter months in most of Canada is that it’s going to be cold and snowy. With a good portion of the huge country vulnerable to arctic blasts from the North Pole from early November to late April, Canada is considered one of the coldest countries on Earth.

It’s the American dream to own your own home.

It seems everyone is doing it these days, so why not you?

Even if you own your own home now, it may not be your “forever home” and you’re ready to upgrade—possibly ready to have one built just for you.

No matter what the water source for any given home is, water still needs to be treated to be clean enough to consume. Tap water is treated by the city before it reaches consumers, but some may wish to take it a step further. Thus many consumers will take the matter into their own hands and invest in cleaning their water themselves.

Water heaters are an essential addition to your home. They make hot water accessible and life easier in cold seasons. There are two types of water heaters; tankless water heaters and storage tank water heaters. They’re both very effective, but they have their pros and cons, which you’d want to consider if you’re planning to buy one.

The kitchen is rightfully considered the heart of the house. Comfort and efficiency attract family members to enjoy the hearth. Certified professionals from A+ Construction & Remodeling share valuable tips on optimizing and decorating your kitchen area.

Watching kids read in the 21-st-century, full of digital distractions, makes me feel good. I never loved reading up until recent years, when a good read in an enjoyable and undistracted setting became a necessity.

Remember just a few short months ago when you were daydreaming about skipping your daily commute and working from home? Back then, it may have seemed like high-tech telecommuting jobs were a luxury reserved for only the best forward-thinking companies.

There has been a push in recent years to make our homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. With everyone pitching in to reduce their energy and carbon footprints, scientists suggest that damaging CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases can also be reduced through green renovations to reverse damaging effects on the environment.

When it comes to home improvement, undertaking a full-scale remodel has never been more popular. As land transfer taxes (LTT) make it incredibly expensive to move in Canada, many homeowners are instead choosing to convert their current property into their dream home. While it used to be more common to do some smaller-scale renovations — the kitchen, the bathroom, maybe some flooring — it’s now typical to gut a place to the studs and builds it back up from scratch to get exactly the kind of fixtures, flooring, and layout that you want.

Searching for your dream home in a hot housing market? Looking at skyrocketing sold house prices in Toronto or other major cities would make any perspective buyer a little nervous – and those looking for a family home, with specific needs for kids and parents alike, are likely to feel the pressure the most.

The Earth is in trouble.

For years we’ve been hearing about climate change and the negative impact it’s having on the planet we all call home. While scientists work tirelessly to find other places in the universe that can sustain life as well as a way for us to get there, it’s becoming pretty clear that our best hope is to preserve what we already have and look for eco-conscious options.

Life is stressful.

Change of any kind seems to be the biggest culprit. Even if you’re an adventure seeker, changes related to relationships (as in divorce or breakup), death of a loved one, and moving are among the Top 3 stressors.

Being a homeowner can be both wonderful and expensive.

You no longer have to waste money on renting someone else’s property. You have the ultimate authority on how it should be personalized to fit your tastes and lifestyle. And, you also bear full responsibility for paying those dreaded monthly utility bills.

Do you remember being a kid in school when everyone was competing to have the latest runners or team cap or the newest technology?

Do you also remember that overbearing bully who mockingly picked on the unpopular kids and stole their prized possessions? Or were you the victim and your stuff was stolen? Remember how you felt? Mad? Hurt? Violated? And how long did it take you to get over it?

You’ve probably seen those television shows or ads for seminars that teach you how to buy a house, repair it, and flip it to earn big money. Through the magic of television, a complete overhaul can be completed (with furniture and all) in 60 minutes or less. While the process looks pretty simple, it’s anything but.

Is red one of your favorite colours? I can understand why—it’s bold, exciting and fun If you ever thought of adding red to your kitchen, but have been afraid to take the leap, I’ve prepared 30 real-life examples that will inspire you to do so.

While many Canadian homeowners are already using this power source to fuel their energy solutions, many have shied away from renewable energy due to a lack of knowledge or misconceptions. Here’s what you need to know:

Have you noticed that the years seem to be going by faster and faster? Are you shocked at just how long you’ve been living in your home? Or how many candles are on your birthday cake? While you may worry that as you age you won’t be able to stay in your home anymore, that you’ll be forced to “downsize” or eventually move into an assisted living facility, you’re not alone.

When you first started house hunting, what was it that made you want to stop and take a look around? Were you motivated by price? Or neighbourhood? Or school district? While those things were probably important to you, the home’s curb appeal was likely the strongest draw.

As the heart of the household and the room that is used the most, your kitchen takes a lot of abuse. Look around the favorite room in your home; can you see wear and tear?

Congratulations! You’re a homeowner. While it can be a very exciting time, if you’ve bought a “fixer-upper,” it can also be a very stressful time.

Is your kitchen ready, willing and able to perform all these important functions? If not, a reno project is definitely in your future, and you’ll want to include a critical component that will help it fulfill all its duties.

Today’s busy homeowners are always searching for ways to save time and be more efficient. Take a look at these top reno ideas that will help streamline the process and possibly inspire you.

If you’re diligent in preparing for your home renovation, the process will run smoother, the job will be finished on time, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful new space that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.

If you’re a Canadian homeowner considering making some improvements to your property, you’ve probably read about strategically planning projects that will give you the best return on investment (ROI) and boosting your home’s resale value.

With so many experts giving advice on what’s trending in home improvement projects, how do you choose which ones to follow? While it’s true that home design trends are constantly changing, there’s one group that has the largest impact on what’s “in” and what’s not…millennials.

As homeowners, we’ve all heard the experts advise us not to spend more on renovations than we can recoup on resale.