Archive for the ‘Home Improvement Resource’ Category

Connect on your patio or porch, enjoy the new view

(ARA) – With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to get outside to relax with family and friends. Today’s homeowners want their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their homes, with 80 percent saying a patio or front porch are “must haves,” according to a survey of residential architects by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“What’s old is new again as the front porch is again a popular place to connect with your friends, family and neighbors,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors. “Plus the patio offers a secluded spot to grill, entertain, kick back and relax.”

To enhance both the indoor and outdoor look and comfort of a home, install a new patio door. Pella offers a variety of energy-efficient patio doors from classic to contemporary.

For example, the Pella 350 Series vinyl patio doors provide style, energy efficiency and durability, without breaking the bank. Or consider transforming your ho-hum space into an outdoor showplace by choosing a new Pella Architect Series patio door that features enhanced air and water performance with a low sill height to help reduce potential trips or falls. Available with HurricaneShield impact-resistant glass options, they’re ideal for hurricane-prone areas or virtually anywhere you want added soundproofing and year-round security.

Create an outdoor oasis

Consider these tips from design experts at Lowe’s to create the coolest patio on the block:

* Mix functional furniture. Coordinate the style of adjacent indoor and outdoor rooms since you and your guests will likely spend time in both areas. Group pieces together to encourage conversation and showcase an attractive view.

* Add colorful accessories. Incorporate rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in bright colors and fun patterns. Some of the season’s top color palettes include rich reds, bright blues, soft neutrals and garden greens.

* Incorporate a fire pit. Adding a fire pit brings pleasant memories of the past. Roast marshmallows, share stories and enjoy the night. For safety’s sake, keep furnishings away from the fire pit and extinguish the fire completely before you turn in for the night.

* Lightscape instead of landscape. Lighting can help show off what you already have in your outdoor space. Add depth with lightscaping from different sources. String lights provide a magical setting for guests after the sun sets. A wall lantern next to the patio door or LED garden and path lights add a soft illumination to your outdoor area.

For more home improvement inspiration, and to find energy-efficient Pella Windows and Doors in your area, visit Pella.com or call 888-847-3552.

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Organize your garage with tips from a pro

(NC)—According to a recent Canadian Tire survey, 61% of Canadians are regularly looking for new storage solutions and tips on how to better reorganize. Follow these three easy steps, courtesy of Jordan Shiffman, an expert in storage and organizational solutions, so that this spring you can have your dream garage and a spotless car to complement it:

Assess the Mess

Pick a sunny morning to pull everything out of the garage and take inventory. You’ll immediately see what you no longer need.

Our vehicles are more than transportation to us. They are mobile offices, entertainment rooms, team supply rooms and more. Clear out any garbage or junk and consider using a solution like Rubbermaid Mobile organization products to control car clutter and make your travelling more enjoyable.

Keep it Clean

Canadian Tire survey results also uncovered that despite spending an average of five hours a week in their vehicles, only half of Canadian drivers clean the exterior regularly (more than once a month). Pressure washing the garage and your vehicle is a great way to get rid of corrosive winter road salt or sand lingering in both places; Karcher makes a variety of pressure washers that can handle the job.

Zone Your Space and Think Tall

With the garage clean and clear, try to visualize where the big things like the lawn mower might fit. Also, designate areas for specific items like yard tools that you need regular access to. Use available wall and ceiling space for storage; customizable wall track panels like the Mastercraft wall system are useful for getting tools, sporting equipment, lawn and garden accessories off the ground, making space for your vehicle.

www.newscanada.com

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Do you currently own sliding doors? It doesn’t matter if these are interior or exterior doors, you will need to maintain them properly in order to get the most use out of them. What many people struggle with when maintaining their sliding doors is they don’t know where to begin. This is what I want to help you with today. All you need to understand is that there are two main parts to a sliding door, the top track and the bottom track. In most cased every sliding door has a top track but not all of them have the bottom track. All exterior doors will have both and that is why exterior sliding doors need the most maintenance.

Sliding Door Maintenance Tips

Clean Track Often – One of the things that you must do is clean the track of the door. If you have sliding doors in New Mexico, then you might need to clean them more often than if you lived in Washington and that is because there is more dust in New Mexico. Just think about all of these things because you don’t want the track to cause a bunch of problems later on. Trust me, cleaning the track often will help your door work better well into the future.

Oil When Needed – Some people don’t understand this but you must oil your sliding doors if they start to stick. The reason for doing this is to give the wheels a little grease in order to reduce the amount of friction that the sliding door is producing. You can easily buy a small can of oil from a local store or a hardware store and they don’t cost that much either.

What you need to understand is these are the best tips on maintaining sliding doors, so make sure you follow them. A lot of people think they have to call in an expert to evaluate the door but the truth is that you can do this yourself if you know what you are doing and looking at.

Create beautiful outdoor spaces on a budget

(NC)—Those of us lucky enough to have a lakeside retreat know how lazy afternoons in the sun and long fishing trips are the perfect oasis from a hectic lifestyle. But sprucing up the summer home is probably also on the to-do list. Here’s a tip: it doesn’t have to break the back or the bank.

“There are so many fresh design ideas that can be used to get a breezy cottage, country look,” says Karen Sealy, owner of Sealy Design Inc. and also the host and designer of HGTV’s Summer Home Season 1. “Scouting flea markets and thrift stores while relying on do-it-yourself craftiness can help you achieve the interior and exterior spaces you’ve been dreaming of.”

Consider these tips to make the outside of your summer home as charming as the inside:

• Give your deck, dock or shutters a facelift by throwing on a fresh coat of paint or stain. Consider using vibrant colours for a punch of fun that might not work as well in the city.

• Install an outdoor change room complete with shower. See ideas at deltafaucet.ca. One standout for the shower is a two-in-one showerhead and handshower called Delta In2ition. Wash away sand and sunscreen from the day’s adventure before entering the cottage.

• For waterfront cottages, revitalize the shoreline by installing a new dock or clearing the shoreline of branches and other debris that take away from the view.

• Construct a fire pit for flame-cooked meals and starlit campfires (check local zoning).

• Reupholster furniture in outdoor fabric to lend freshness to lounge space.

www.newscanada.com

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Top summer home improvement ideas

(NC)—Before you roll out the wallet, think about what household projects are likely to provide the best return on your investment, say specialists in this field.

“There are a myriad of outdoor home improvements, but some provide better resale value for your home than others,” says Carla Bouchard, a broker with Royal LePage Metro in Moncton, New Brunswick. “Be sure to invest your time, money and resources in a project that is going pay back when it comes time to sell your home.” Bouchard recommends these top three outdoor home improvements:

1. Build a deck or patio. This project not only adds visual interest to the exterior of your home, it also gives you a chance to enjoy your outdoor living space to the fullest. During the spring and summer, patios are spaces for entertaining guests, barbecuing, and leisure time. Whatever your motivation, building a deck or patio will encourage you and your family to get outside and enjoy summer.

2. Install a sprinkler system. On average, homeowners use 50 per cent more water than necessary on their lawns. This increases hydro bills and causes flooding. Automatic lawn sprinkler systems are designed with busy homeowner lifestyles in mind. Installing a sprinkler system allows proper irrigation through timing and even water distribution. Although initial installation can be pricey, you may end up saving money in the long-term.

3. Landscape your yard. Landscaping is the simplest way to add visual interest to your outdoor living space. Whether through gardening, building a pond, or installing a fence, landscaping is a sure way to create a return on your investment. However, you should always elicit the guidance of a trained professional before tackling a landscaping project.

If you are looking to sell your home or simply enjoy it more, use the summer to make exterior improvements. More summer home improvement ideas can be found online at www.royallepage.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Canadians recognize the value of basement renovations

(NC)—Bathrooms and kitchens are tied (at 43 per cent) as the top home improvement projects this year, while basements are gaining in popularity, according to the 19th Annual RBC Homeownership Poll. Three-in-10 of us (33 per cent) are considering making improvements to our basements, up 20 percentage points since 2009.

“This increase may be a natural progression since many Canadians may have already completed bathroom or kitchen renovations—the projects that typically add the most value to a house,” says Richard Goyder, vice president of Personal Lending at RBC.

There are many reasons to renovate a house he points out: to update the look and value of the home, to create more space for a growing family, or for personal enjoyment.

“Whatever your reason to renovate, there are smart ways to finance the project,” Goyder explains. “Talk to a financial expert before you start, to find the right financing options for you.”

Here are three tips for financing and saving money on a home renovation project:

• Plan, plan, plan: Prepare a budget and then research the cost of materials and perhaps the services of a contractor. Track spending throughout the project, from every nail to can of paint to tool purchases or rentals. Don’t forget insurance and leave wiggle room for unforeseen delays.

• Explore financing options: Credit cards and cash may be enough for smaller projects. But if it’s a bigger project, such as finishing a basement, consider other options. For example, RBC tells us that the MyProject MasterCard is a cross between a credit card and a personal loan. Pay for renovation materials and services with the card and be interest-free for six months. After that, the card converts into a personal loan with monthly payments at a low interest rate.

• Green your home: Make the most of your renovations by improving the energy efficiency at the same time. Consider getting an energy audit, a new furnace or a new boiler, or adding insulation. These steps can help you save money in the long run.

More information is available online at www.rbcadvicecentre.com/home_ownership/renovating_your_home

www.newscanada.com

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Has your garage got what it takes?

(NC)—Is your garage basically a cave you squeeze your car into between precariously stacked boxes, sporting equipment and miscellaneous debris? Do you pine for that dream garage that will be the envy of your friends? Take heart, because with this guideline from Sears, an organized and well-stocked garage is only 10 simple steps away:

1. Garage DoorOpener—The best-stocked garage is useless if you can’t get in and out of it easily, so start with a reliable door and opener that will keep your ‘stuff’ safe and stand up to Canadian winters.

2. Storage— is the secret to a great garage. Modular units allow you to customize storage needs to your space and range from durable laminate cabinetry to sleek steel. The Gladiator system is one popular option. It combines stylish form with heavy-duty function and flexibility.

3. Chest and Cabinet combos keep tools safe, dry and easy to find.

4.A ladder—21 feet is a standard size and the World’s Greatest is a popular brand for home use.

5. Cordless Drill—A must-have for any garage and do-it-yourselfer. Look for a 19.2 volt size with a battery check function, for light, powerful and reliable performance.

6. Cordless Auto Hammer—the best ones have a pivoting head to get into the tightest spaces and a charging station. The 12 volt Craftsman Nextec, for example, offers an additional 30 minutes with just 3 minutes in the charging dock.

7. Compressor— This item is the secret of the pros. Air compressors that connect with a variety of tools can make any job simpler and faster.

8. Table saw—for all your basic cutting and woodworking needs.

9. Mitre saw—tackle corners like a pro.

10. Wet/dry vacuum—because a well-loved garage (with 2 saws) will get messy.

More garage tips and ideas are available online at www.sears.ca

www.newscanada.com

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Create an outdoor oasis on your balcony

(NC)—Why wait for a trek to the cottage to enjoy all the splendor of the summer patio season? Experts tell us you can now create your very own urban oasis right on the porch or balcony. Take a look at these tips from home improvement retailer, Lowe’s:

The first step is to decide when and how you like to spend time on your balcony. Whether you’re lounging, dining, or entertaining, these considerations will help to determine what furniture and lighting fit your needs and will help ensure you invest in comfortable and functional furniture that works with your space.

Entertaining guests—Maximize your space, without sacrificing style or comfort by adding a Garden Treasures cushioned corner chair, the chair fits snug to balcony corners and can be extended into a loveseat by adding additional matching pieces. Bench seating is also a great option for space saving, and most bench seats open to provide storage for cushions, candles and miscellaneous items. Additional quick-fold chairs and side tables are perfect for accommodating unexpected guests, and fold up for easy stowaway. Boost the look of the space by throwing in brightly-coloured outdoor pillows and throw blankets that reflect your own personal style.

Dining after dark—Patio string lighting can foster a festive boho mood, and at the same time provide plenty of light. For a more romantic feel, outdoor chandeliers can be wired from your balcony or porch ceiling. Lanterns and outdoor candles (when used safely) are also a cost effective and energy saving option for a warm, relaxing ambiance.

Cold feet—A stylish and weather friendly outdoor rug can take the chill out of a concrete floor in the morning or on a damp night. Or you could choose tiles of bamboo. A popular line is the Bamboo Outdoor Tiles. They’re insulating, free draining and elegant—and are bound to be a conversation starter. More information can be found online at www.lowes.ca.

Finishing Touches—Small additions or upgrades can have a huge impact on small spaces. If your building allows, consider painting the railing and or the spindles. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a tired balcony. Add one or two small flowering shrubs in decorative planters and you’re ready for summer. And don’t forget to keep the patio serene and clean by tidying up on a regular basis.

www.newscanada.com

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House flies give new meaning to spring fever

(NC)—Spring fever is in the air—and so are the flies. While seemingly harmless, experts remind us that the common house fly poses far more of a risk than first meets the eye.

Most people are concerned with bees, wasps and other stinging insects, but the North American house fly is known to carry more than 100 pathogens, say the pest control specialists at Orkin Canada. This includes salmonella, staphylococcus, E. coli and shigella, which can cause diseases ranging from typhoid fever to hepatitis and tuberculosis. Making matters worse, in ideal conditions, one pair of flies can produce more than one million offspring in a single breeding season.

House flies come into contact with dangerous pathogens because they prefer to eat decaying matter found in garbage, pet feces and other organic material. They can then transfer the pathogens from one source to another through taste receptors located in their feet and by depositing saliva and feces when they land. Although millions of microorganisms may flourish on a fly, not all can be transferred to humans, and yet the health risks are very real.

“The public health risk from flies stems from how they eat,” says pest control expert Bill Melville, quality assurance director at Orkin Canada. “Because flies can’t bite or chew, they have to regurgitate a mixture of saliva and digestive juices to help break down solids before they can ingest them. Often, portions of a previous meal are left behind on surfaces that the fly lands on. While the natural reaction is to brush a fly away, once it has landed on your food it is recommended to throw that food away.”

Take the following steps to help reduce flies in and around your home:

• Take out the trash regularly and tightly seal your garbage cans.

• Clean up food and water spills immediately, as well as pet waste.

• Pay attention to fruit trees and shrubs on your property. Promptly pick ripe fruit and clean up any decaying fruit that has fallen.

• Use fine mesh screens on your doors and windows to help block flies out.

• Consider using “fly bags” or fly traps to draw them away.

• Instead of using fluorescent lights outdoors, install sodium vapor lights as they are less attractive to flies.

• Keep food covered or in tightly sealed containers when outdoors.

If flies are keeping you from enjoying time outside this spring, contact your pest management professional.

www.newscanada.com

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Don't let mosquitoes make a splash at your patio party

(NC)—People aren’t the only ones drawn to pools of water when it gets hot outside. Mosquitoes are too, thriving wherever it’s moist and especially as the temperature climbs. And unfortunately, it’s often the idyllic conditions of your backyard oasis that make it a perfect spot for mosquitoes to breed. .

So beware, experts say. Not only are these pests and their itchy bites a nuisance to humans, they can also cause allergic reactions and spread deadly diseases like West Nile virus.

“Even though the best way to limit your exposure to mosquitoes is to stay inside, there are a lot of steps you can take to protect yourself and your yard,” says pest control expert Bill Melville, quality assurance director at Orkin Canada. “By knowing the steps to prevent mosquito activity, you can make sure these pests don’t make too much of a splash in your yard.”

For easy recall, Melville spells out his advice:

S—Spray insect repellant on any exposed skin when outside, and keep as much skin as possible covered with clothing.

P—Place yellow bulbs in any outdoor lights, as they are less attractive to mosquitoes.

L—Leave food and drinks uncovered only for short periods of time, as mosquitoes are attracted to these sources and can enter containers unnoticed.

A—Always be sure to trim any vegetation surrounding your home to limit potential nesting places.

S—Standing water creates an ideal breeding source for mosquitoes. Keep plant pots, bird baths and other stagnant water sources cleaned and fresh. Remove standing water from your gutters.

H—Hot weather means mosquitoes will try to make their way into your home, so safeguard against them by applying weather stripping under doors and sealing off holes in window screens.

If these pesky pests have invaded your yard, contact your local pest control provider for additional tips or to discuss additional treatment options.

www.newscanada.com

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