Protect your home against winter's wrath

(NC) As Canadians, we are fortunate to experience nature's splendour through all four seasons. However, extra steps need to be taken to protect your home against damage that could be incurred with cold temperatures, ice and snow.

“Preparing your home for old man winter's arrival will help you to protect your investment,” says Royal LePage broker Carla Bouchard. “A few simple steps can restore your peace of mind and have your home winter-ready.” Bouchard recommends the following tips for winter home preparation:

1. Clean out your gutters and install gutter guards. Reduce the chance of an ice dam by removing debris from your gutters. Ice dams form when indoor heat melts the ice on your roof. If there is nowhere for the melted ice to flow, it will collect in your gutters and re-freeze, causing potential water damage when warmer temperatures return. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation also recommends using electrical de-icing cables or low-corrosion chemical de-icers.

2. Use a chimney sweep service at least once per year. Many Canadians enjoy a crackling fire on cold winter nights. Chimney sweep services remove soot, blockages and any accumulating creosote, a highly flammable substance, from your chimney, thereby reducing the potential for a chimney fire.

3. Protect pipes located near the exterior of your home. Frozen pipes are one of the most common problems caused by freezing temperatures. It is important to ensure that pipes running through your garage or other exterior areas are well insulated. If you plan to be away, set your thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and open cupboards under your sinks to allow heat to flow through. You can find more information at www.royallepage.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Curb appeal puts your home in big demand

(NC)—In a market where sellers are in competition to make the most out of their largest investment, improving your home's first impression is one of the best ways to set it apart from the rest of the pack.

When prospective buyers or renters drive through your neighbourhood, what do they see? This is a really important question that you need to answer because it will help understand what your buyer is going to be looking for in a new home. Once you've answered this, ask yourself objectively if the front of your home is in keeping with the rest of the houses on your block. The first impression is critical in setting the mood for prospective agents and buyers. If your home's exterior looks like it needs work, then people immediately assume that it's a 'fixer-upper'. The opposite is true if your front yard is manicured, the roof is in good shape and the driveway is in good condition. Having a potential buyer walk into your front door in a positive mode can translate into big dollars for you.

Both Virginia Tech and the University of Guelph did studies in 2011 that measured the effect of landscaping on property values, and they both came to the same conclusion. To improve curb appeal, basic landscaping increased the home's value by 5%, but more extensive landscaping including decks and patios increased the homes value up to 15%.

So where do you spend the money?

Set your budget and be realistic about what you're trying to accomplish with it. Keep in mind that you are trying to create an excellent first impression to attract potential buyers. This isn't the opportunity for you to realize your landscaping dreams. Consider a new paint job using a colour scheme that highlights the character of your home. Install a new front door or at least update your door's hardware. Even something as simple as full and healthy planters can make a favourable impact.

One of the easiest ways to improve curb appeal is to have a clean and tidy front yard with a manicured lawn. Maybe this is the opportunity to invest in some new tools to help do the job properly. The best part about this type of investment is that not only will your plants and lawn look better with edging, pruning and cutting, you also get to take your new tools with you once you've sold your home.

The technology for landscaping tools has made the purchasing task much easier as well. Now you can get a hedge trimmer, string trimmer or sweeper & vac all in one system. With the Black & Decker 36V Lithium system, for example, you can use the same battery and charger for all three of those tools. A quick prune of the shrubs with the hedge trimmer, followed by a 'one-around' with the string trimmer and then tidying up with the sweeper will help you to maintain the front yard as short as 10 minutes per day.

The goal is to create an emotional connection at the first glance of any prospective buyer, so before you put that sign on the lawn, be sure to spend enough time at the curb.

www.newscanada.com

A clean home is cheaper to run

(NC)—With spring around the corner, homeowners are sweeping, dusting and vacuuming everywhere to get a clean start on the season.

Did you know that most household dirt goes undetected and over the years it can build up and make it more expensive to heat and cool your home? By following these three simple tips, offered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), you can clean up, save money, and breathe easy:

• Filter your air: We filter our swimming pools to make sure they're free of dirt and debris – we need to do the same for our indoor air. There are two types of filters that can help you remove stray particles from your indoor atmosphere: mechanical devices that draw air through a filter and electronic devices that use different types of fields to purify the air. Whatever option you choose, proper installation and maintenance is critical so consult a licensed contractor.

• Get rid of dust: Dust gets everywhere. It can even get into your home's air ducts or your furnace's filter. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you clean your vents and your ducts, there will be less dust in the air, less work for your HVAC system, and more money in your pocket. You might be able to change the filter yourself and you should do so on a regular basis. Cleaning ducts, on the other hand, takes specialized knowledge, as does maintenance of electronic air cleaners, so engage a reputable contractor.

• Get the latest and greatest: If you've got an older house, the heating and cooling system may be less energy-efficient than current systems, costing you more money than necessary. Regular maintenance will keep these older machines operating to their full potential, but sometimes, the best solution is to trade up to a more energy-efficient, Energy Star rated system.

More information is available online at www.hrai.ca.

For more tips on how to save money this spring, and to find a qualified HVAC contractor in your area, visit www.hrai.caor call 1-877-467-4724.

www.newscanada.com

Renovator, beware: The challenges of finished basements

(NC)—Canadians love to renovate and one of the most popular projects is to finish the basement — otherwise known as the wreck room, the kid's playroom or the man-cave.

Some do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) may consider this type of renovation to be fairly straightforward and easy, but the truth is that it requires careful planning and coordination with your insurance company.

“A basement renovation could involve adding new features into your home — like electrical, plumbing and insulation — so obtaining a proper building permit is very important,” says Tara Lessard-Webb, an underwriter with Desjardins Insurance. “Getting the right advice from the beginningmight mean some additional costs upfront, but it could avoid bigger expenses in the future.”

Here are some other points to remember:

• Whether doing the basement renovation yourself or hiring a contractor, it's a good idea to keep your insurance company informed to ensure that your policy is updated accordingly and that you remain fully covered throughout the project and after it's complete.

• If you're making structural changes or installing new wiring or plumbing, it's a good idea to find a reliable and bonded contractor to ensure everything is safe and done to code. Make sure the contractor's liability insurance is adequate and current.

• If you have water leakage problems in your basement, be sure to fix the problems before you install the drywall, flooring, expensive furniture and electronics. If not, the mould or other moisture-related problems could come back. This may mean that you could end up spending more money to start all over.

Jennifer Kolah, also with Desjardins Insurance's underwriting group, says that potential water damage is probably the biggest and costliest concern with finished basements. All it takes is a heavy rain in short period of time, a snap thaw after a snowy winter, or a prolonged wet period to cause basement water damage. She advises practical protective measures such as installing a backwater value on the sewage pipe from the house and a sump pump drainage system.

“The backwater valve will stop water from flowing back into the house in the event that the sewer system gets overloaded,” she says. “The sump pump will help keep the area under the house dry by pumping water away, protecting the basement from possible seepage.”

Kolah also recommends that homeowners repair any cracks in their foundations and ensure they have good drainage around the house by building up and sloping the ground away from the exterior walls, extending downspouts and keeping eavestroughs clear. Speak to your insurance provider for more tips about finished basements. Or visit Desjardins Insurance at www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com for immediate answers.

www.newscanada.com

Find out how home renovations affect your insurance

(NC)—Homeowners renovate for a variety of reasons. Some build additions to accommodate their growing families. Some replace outdated systems, making their house more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Still others want to increase the aesthetic appeal and market value of their homes.

Whatever the reason you decide to undertake a renovation project, it's important for you to know that you are contractually obligated to report additions and other significant renovations to your insurance carrier. That's because renovations typically increase the value of your home; if you don't update your policy, you may fall short on coverage.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends that you insure your home based on its replacement cost, the amount it would cost to rebuild the house if it were destroyed. (This dollar figure differs from the market value and the tax assessment value of your house.) If you raise the value of your home by renovating, the replacement cost will rise as well.

“If you remodel but don't report that activity to your insurance carrier, then you might not have enough coverage to pay any claims that arise,” explains Jeff Burke, president and CEO of Western Financial Group. “For example, if you remodel your kitchen but then a fire destroys much of it, your insurance isn't likely to pay all of the costs of restoring the kitchen unless you have updated your policy to reflect the new granite countertops, high-tech appliances, flooring, and the rest.”

It's important to get your insurance company involved as your renovation project is taking place so that you are covered in the event of accidents that may occur during the project, harming you or workers who may be involved. Also talk with your insurance representative about these three items: whether you are required to remain in your home while the work is being done, since some policies will not cover claims for accidents that happen while the house is vacated; whether your renovation is extensive enough to change the classification of your building while work is being done (to that of a “building under construction”); and what impact unknown challenges (such as uncovering hazardous materials) could have on your insurance coverage.

www.newscanada.com

Prepare your home properly for the cold weather

(NC)—We've all heard of spring cleaning, but it's just as important to get your house in shape for the cold weather season, before the temperature drops. To make sure your home is properly prepared for the elements, do a few simple checks.

• Protect pipes. Cold weather time is the prime season for freezing or cracking pipes. Protect your exposed pipes with foam insulated pipe covers to prevent damage during the winter.

• Check the furnace. Make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the cold weather sets in, so you won't have to suffer through days without heat. Have a technician stop by to make sure it's in good shape, or, at the least, install a new filter to ensure high performance during the cold weather.

• Seal out drafts. Keep your heating bill and thermostat down by sealing up drafts around doors and windows. Install foam seals or re-caulk around doors, and add an insulating film over windows, such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits. Don't forget to install Socket Sealers too, since even electrical sockets can be a source of drafts.

• Cover up your patio furniture. Make sure grills, patio furniture and air conditioning units are properly sealed up in plastic to protect them from damage during the winter. If possible – put them in the garage.

• Stock up on cold weather supplies. Pick up plenty of salt for the driveway, buy a few new shovels and put some extra antifreeze in your car so you're prepared for the cold weather.

Don't wait until the temperature drops to get your home in shape – act now and you'll be relaxed and cozy when the first snow falls. More details are available online at www.duckbrand.com.

www.newscanada.com

Tips for a seamless transition from outdoor to indoor entertaining

(NC)—As heartbreaking as it may be to store away the patio furniture and citronella candles for the winter, there's a lot to be excited about when it comes to moving entertaining indoors. Take this opportunity to breathe new life into the spaces you've neglected during the summer months. You can make a successful transition from outdoor living to embracing and reviving your indoor spaces with these simple tips:

Create stunning and simple centrepieces using late-blooming fall flowers like mums, sunflowers, and black-eyed susans for an elegant, vibrant touch that takes no time, and very little money.

If your budget allows, consider replacing your dining room table. “Because it's often the biggest piece of furniture in a dining space, replacing your dining room table can immediately change the whole look and feel of the room,” says Meredith Heron, interior designer and blogger at meredithheron.com. “A table that can be extended to fit a larger crowd is a great investment and you won't regret it once you're hosting the entire family for Thanksgiving dinner.”

A simple bowl of fruit is a quick way to add the drama of bright colour to any kitchen space. Lemons, limes, oranges, or any other colourful fruit will immediately inject some personality into the space. Even better, by using what's currently in season, you'll never have to commit to one particular hue, so you can change the accent colour in a snap.

Showcase your cocktail making skills while keeping out of the chef's way with a separate faucet from deltafaucet.ca, such as the Addison bar prep faucet with Touch2O Technology. Choosing a stylish faucet with a pull-down wand will add not only a touch of elegance to your kitchen, but will provide a quick update as well as added functionality, ideal when entertaining thirsty guests.

Blankets and throws not only pull the look of your room together, but are functional too. Consider taking them outside to snuggle up and gaze at the stars on those wonderful fall evenings when it's still comfortable enough to enjoy the great outdoors.

Home insurance misconceptions

(NC)—For most Canadians, their most valuable asset is their home. And yet too many have only a vague understanding of the insurance policy that covers their house and contents. Unfortunately, many find out too late – when they have an expensive claim denied – that their understanding of their policy is based more on misconceptions than on fact. The experts from Desjardins General Insurance Group (DGIG) would like to help you out by clarifying some of the common misconceptions about property insurance.

Misconception 1 - Your home insurance will cover any type of major loss.

The typical home insurance policy will cover a fire loss, as well as damage caused by lightning, windstorms, hailstorms and even tornados. However, damage from earthquakes is not covered by standard homeowners' insurance. You can purchase special coverage, though the cost can vary considerably depending on the risk in the area where you live. Not surprisingly, earthquake coverage is more expensive in Vancouver than in Winnipeg. Standard homeowners' policies in Canada also excludes flood damage. However, policies generally cover other kinds of water damage, for example from a broken water main on the street or a burst pipe in a house.

Misconception 2 – I will receive full market value for my house if it burns to the ground.

The value of home insurance policies are typically based on the cost to rebuild the house, not to sell it on the marketplace. Replacement costs will include the material (lumber, roofing shingles, siding material, carpet, drywall, etc), the labour costs, architectural services and so on. It is important if you do any renovations or additions to your home, that you let your insurance company know, as this could change the replacement cost of your home.

Misconception 3 – I will automatically get full replacement value for any personal belongings that are damaged.

No, depreciation would be factored in, which could reduce the value considerably unless you had optional replacement-cost coverage. In that case, you would be able to replace the item with a new one with the same or similar features. In addition, valuable items such as jewellery or artwork are usually subject to a payment cap, unless additional coverage is purchased.

Misconception 4 – Renters who don't own any fancy stuff don't need insurance.

Not true. You'd be surprised how much it costs to replace even basic contents, such as furniture, kitchen supplies, clothing, and electronics like computers, TVs and cell phones. Plus, you need to ask yourself if you could afford to rent a hotel for a few weeks if your apartment needed major repairs. If not, then tenant insurance is a must. This insurance protects your property and also covers you in case you accidentally cause damage to the property of others. It's simple, affordable and definitely necessary.

The experts from DGIG advise homeowners to periodically review their insurance policies to ensure their coverage is up to date. If it's been a long time since you knew what was in your policy, take some time today to read it over. Then speak to your insurance provider if you have any questions or concerns. They will also be able to tell you if additional coverage is necessary. For more information about property insurance, visit the Desjardins General Insurance Group website: www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.

Renovating? Contact your insurance company

(NC)—If you're planning some major home renovations this year, you have some important insurance-related things to remember before you get started. We asked Tara Lessard-Webb, an underwriter with Desjardins General Insurance Group, to share her do's and don'ts about home insurance and renovations:

What's the first thing that homeowners should do?

Before starting any renovation project, the homeowners should notify their insurance company because some renovations could impact their insurance coverage. For example, if the homeowners vacated the house for more than 30 days while the work was being done and didn't inform their insurance company, it would be a violation of their policy. If the house was burglarized while it was empty, there's a good chance the claim wouldn't be covered.

What if they don't vacate the house?

Again, they still need to inform their insurance company to make sure they have coverage through the process and for when it is completed. This avoids unpleasant surprises such as the cancellation of coverage or denial of a claim.

Shouldn't the contractor have his own insurance?

Yes and the homeowners should make sure the contractor's liability insurance is adequate and current. Generally speaking, the contractor's insurance and the homeowners' insurance combined will provide good coverage through the renovation project.

Could the work cause their premiums to increase?

Actually, it depends, which is why it's important to have the conversation with the insurance provider. In some cases, improvements — like upgrading the electrical system or replacing a weathered roof — may help lower insurance premiums. However, if the renovation increases the replacement value of the home — for example, with a new addition, or the installation of high-end granite countertops or expensive appliances — the homeowners' premium may go up.

Doing-it-yourself is very popular these days. What if a homeowner prefers to do the work himself?

I understand the appeal — typically major renovations mean major expense. But even if you do your own work, you still need to contact your insurance company to ensure you remain covered through the project and that your policy is updated accordingly. It may mean a bit more premium, but it could protect you during the project and once it's completed.

What if the renovation is complete and the homeowners neglected to inform their insurance company? They should do so as soon as possible to ensure they are adequately protected. Otherwise, they may discover when they have a claim that it is not fully covered, which could prove very costly.

Where can homeowners find more information about renovations and their home insurance?

They should speak to their insurance provider. However, more immediate answers can be found on the Desjardins General Insurance website: www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.

How to incorporate a big screen TV in your home

(NC)—When designing your living space, one of the crucial decisions is where to put your TV and what size to purchase. With the trend toward big screen televisions in the home, these decisions are even more important. According to a recent Angus Reid survey on Canadian television preferences, almost one quarter - 24 per cent - of Canadians say a bigger size is the most important feature they're looking for in a new TV. So how to incorporate and still have your room look great? Here are some tips to follow:

• Evaluate your space to choose the right size television. You don't need a large area for a big TV. Advances in technology mean pixels are less visible in a high definition television, so you can sit closer and enjoy an immersive experience. Experts recommend sitting 1.5 x the diagonal length of your TV away from the screen. For example, an 80-inch TV requires only 10 feet of viewing distance.

• Integrate your big screen into the décor. Make the wall you place it on a feature wall using high-impact paint colours and textures. Choose bold, statement furniture pieces that create balance in the room.

• Don't fight the black. Choose black accents and accessories that play up today's beautiful sleek screens, helping them to blend in with the room.

• Add a splash of colour. Some of the more progressive manufacturers put the focus on a bright, vibrant picture – Sharp's Quattron models add a yellow subpixel to produce more colours than ever seen before on a television.

• Make it multi-functional. Display your favourite photos in a high-impact slideshow on your TV instead of hiding them away.

• Exercise your creativity. Today's big LED backlit TVs are so sleek and light you can move them around easily, so you can change your décor when the mood strikes you.

So go ahead, bring that big screen TV home. He'll be happy with the big size, she'll be happy with the sleek look that fits right in with her decor, and collectively, you'll get the most out of your television viewing experience and your home.

Quick tips for reducing energy consumption in summer

(NC)— Most Ontarians and Albertans think that the weather this summer will be hotter than normal, according to a recent survey conducted for Direct Energy by Angus Reid.

With that, Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy is offering tips to help homeowners consume less:

Maintain your Gear - Schedule a maintenance appointment. Your air conditioner should be maintained annually to avoid costly equipment repairs and to ensure that you're cooling your home as efficiently as possible. Scheduled maintenance will help save you money on your energy bills.

Install Fresh Equipment - Install a programmable thermostat and set it based on your living patterns to control your energy usage. By raising the thermostat's temperature by five degrees Celsius at night and during the weekdays when no one's home, homeowners could save as much as 10 per cent on their energy bill. Also, consider installing ceiling fans - which are more energy efficient than turning on the air conditioner. Don't forget to keep track of the age and efficiency of your air conditioner. If your air conditioner operates at 10 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) then it might be time for an upgrade.

Implement Little Things - Close doors and windows so the cooled air stays indoors. Keeping drapes and blinds closed on sunny days can also save on electricity costs, as can shading windows from the outside. Also, turn off all unnecessary lights as this reduces the amount of hot air your A/C needs to cool. Keep blinds, carpets and furniture free of the vents, so you're A/C can operate efficiently and provide even air distribution. Close vents in less used rooms so you are not spending money cooling those spaces.

More information can be found online at www.directenergy.com or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.

Top three innovations to improve home efficiency

(NC)—Our homes are a great measuring stick of how far we've progressed in the past 20 years, especially when it comes to their efficiency in terms of saving us energy and money.

Here are the top three innovative technologies that can improve the efficiency of our homes:

Home Automation

• It wasn't that long ago that an automated home was a focus of science fiction. Today, adding the convenience and control of our indoor climate, lighting, electronic media and home security, is increasingly affordable and accessible through home PCs, smart phone and tablet applications. With home monitoring systems you can track energy and water usage in real time, spot key sources of energy loss and make immediate adjustments.

Insulation

• If your home is more than 10 years-old, there's a good chance it has fibreglass or cellulose insulation behind its walls. While these were once the insulations of choice, there are many holes in these technologies. Since they are difficult to install perfectly and can sag or settle over time, they can leave gaps and seams. It's like leaving a window open 24 hours a day in the freezing cold.
• Experts remind us that insulation advancements (like those from leading innovator Icynene) have brought us spray foam insulation options that won't settle, sag or leave any gaps. Spray foam acts as an air barrier and can deliver up to 50 per cent energy savings over older insulation options, while making our homes healthier, quieter and more comfortable. You can compare insulation options at www.icynene.com.

Appliances and HVAC

• Appliances and heating/cooling systems are essential in Canadian homes—and not surprisingly, they are constantly undergoing improvements. New energy-efficient refrigerators use less than half the energy of models that are 12 years old and use 75 per cent less energy than those produced in the late 1970s. (Source: National Resources Defense Council).
• If you have a conventional natural-draft furnace made before 1992 it might only operate between 55 to 78 per cent efficiency. Upgrading to a new induced-draft condensing furnace can increase efficiency to above 90 per cent as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition(Source: Mother Earth News).

www.newscanada.com

Tips for Buying That Perfect Home

(NC)—You have finished school and you've managed to land yourself a decent job. Finally in a position where you are financially stable, and you may be ready to take the next step in your life and buy a house. No more having to deal with crazy roommates or strict landlords. But first, you have to find that perfect house.

It is often easy to narrow down the specific elements you want in a house, besides providing a roof over your head. How many square feet is it, does it have a lawn, is it in a great location; but it is important to consider your budget when dreaming up your ideal dwelling. Since this is your first house, you can take advantage of the Home Buyers' Plan which allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 from your registered retirement savings plan to buy or build a qualifying home.

Once you've finally chosen a house and put down the deposit, all that's left to do is pack up your belongings. Then, once tax season rolls around, you may be able to claim $5000 as the first-time home buyer's amount. This is a non-refundable tax credit representing tax savings of up to $750. You can find out if you qualify online at www.cra.gc.ca/hbtc.

www.newscanada.com

Save money on your home insurance

(NC)—You can't put a price tag on the peace-of- mind your home insurance offers you. Or can you?

It's true that you can sleep soundly at night knowing that your home, possessions and property are covered, and that your legal liability for injury or property damage to others is covered, but premiums are sometimes expensive. How does one lower insurance premiums without losing sleep?

James Savage, executive vice president of Western Financial Group, a leading western Canadian provider of insurance services, points out that we do have options when it comes to home insurance, as follows:

• Shop around. Get quotes from several insurance carriers. Insurance brokers, such as Western, will do the legwork for you, obtaining quotes from several insurance companies and providing you with a comparison so that you can choose the best option.

• Ask about discounts. Some insurance providers offer discounts if you bundle your home and auto policies, if you have a security system, if you stay with that company for a certain number of years, or if you have a sprinkler system. Find out what types of discounts each insurance provider offers.

• If you're in the process of buying a home, choose wisely. The age of a home's heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and the construction and location of your home can make a difference in your premium. Talk with an insurance broker about ideal home characteristics.

• Consider a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket toward a claim before your insurance begins to pay. Raising your deductible—from $500 to $1,000, for example—will reduce your monthly premium. Make sure the deductible is a number you're comfortable with, though.

• Conduct an annual review of your policy. You might find areas in which you can reduce your coverage. For example, if your possessions have depreciated, you might choose to lower your policy limits in that area.

www.newscanada.com

Take this insulation tour for a real energy savings trip

(NC)—Did you know that a third of all air leakage in a home can be attributed to walls, floors and ceilings? You might think your home is well insulated, but if it has conventional air permeable fibreglass or cellulose insulation, gaps, seams or damage could compromise its performance.

Taking a tour of your home's insulation may not sound like much fun, but it could be a sound investment in energy and money savings. Here's a checklist for the four key stops to make on your tour, courtesy of the industry specialists at Icynene and at www.icynene.com:

Stop #1—The Attic

• Look out for sagging insulation batts or gaps.

• Are there any signs of moisture or mould on the insulation?

• Make sure soffit vents are not covered by insulation to maintain airflow.

Stop #2—The Basement

• Check insulation around the rim joists (where your first floor meets the basement foundation walls) for gaps.

• Seal any penetrations that go through the basement ceiling to the floor above, including those for electrical and plumbing service.

• Look for signs of moisture or mould on the insulation.

Stop #3—The Crawl Space

• Make sure the floor above a crawlspace is well insulated to keep heat from escaping into the crawlspace and to make your floors more comfortable.

• Check to make sure insulation has a moisture barrier or consider Icynene's closed cell spray foam insulation option that can provide a built-in vapour barrier.

• Check for signs of moisture or mould on the insulation.

Stop #4—The Room Over the Garage

• Is the room too cold in the winter and too warm in the summer? It might benefit from spray foam insulation for complete air sealing and proper adhesion to the garage ceiling.

• Look for sagging insulation batts and gaps.

• Check for signs of moisture on the insulation.

www.newscanada.com

Winter Grilling Tips & Tricks

(NC)—Barbecuing isn't just for the lazy days of summer. Delicious grilled meals are easy to prepare year-round. Here are a few tips for winter barbecuing that are important to remember before you get the snow shovel out.
• Always pre-heat your barbecue. Pre-heat to 400º f – 450º f at minimum, and adjust the temperature from there. Remember, if food doesn't sizzle when you put it on the grill, your barbecue is not hot enough.
• If you are grilling with charcoal, include more charcoal for increased pre-heating time and extra heat while grilling.
• Cooking times may change with extreme cold; always use an instant read thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked thoroughly.
• Grill with the lid down – heat loss on a cold day is significantly greater than a warm summer day – keeping your barbecue at a consistent temperature will be very difficult with the lid open.
• When grilling on a windy day, try to reduce your exposure to the wind – if grilling at lower temperatures, keep an eye on your barbecue to ensure that it does not blow out. If you do need to move your barbecue out of the wind, keep minimum clearances in mind to avoid damaging your deck or home.
• Clear a work area around your barbecue – this won't impact cooking time, but having enough room to work without filling your boots with snow makes for a much more enjoyable barbecue experience and avoids any untimely slips or falls.
• Lighting – several lighting options are available – some barbecues have built in lighting, and add-on handle lights are available so you're not grilling in the dark. Broil King offers a variety of lighting options for their barbecues.
• Never use your barbecue indoors, in your garage, or in an enclosed area. Carbon Monoxide accumulation, accidental fire damage, and smoke damage are all possible – it's not worth the risk.
More information on grilling and great recipe ideas is available at www.broilkingbbq.com
Clear off that barbecue and get grilling!
www.newscanada.com

Tips for a Greener Edmonton Lawn

Click photo to watch video

There are a few tips to mowing lawns correctly. Done right, mowing can reduce the need to use any additional herbicides in your Edmonton yard. Growing a good stand of healthy grass makes it more difficult for weeds to sprout. Mowing too seldom or too short can cause the yard to turn brown and permit lawn diseases to attack the already stressed grass.

Preserving a proper height is essential. Most varieties of turf ought be cut when the blades grow to four inches high. Allowing a lawn to grow higher than this may cause a lawn to go into shock when it's finally cut. Using mulching blades return the grass clippings to the soil where they become their own fertilizer.

Except for a few short southern grasses, the mower height should be set to three inches. Many home owners clip the grass too short, thinking that they will not have to mow again so soon. But trimming it too short can also shock the grass. Taller grass will stay greener. It shades the soil and prevents weeds from germinating.

Grass grows at different rates throughout the growing season. Differences in the amount of rain, light, and temperature all influence the rate of growth. Your mowing schedule needs to adjust to the height of the grass and not be scheduled to conform to a calendar. When the lawn grows most quickly in the spring, it usually needs to be cut more often. During a dry season, it may require cutting only every other week.

Maintaining the lawn properly and on a regular basis will save work in the long run.

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How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

If laying ceramic tile in your Edmonton and area home is a mystery to you, you're not alone. This video should help. If you're not sure of yourself you should probably try this out on a floor area that isn't so obvious as a bathroom or kitchen.

This video from Home Depot shows how to lay tile in a bathroom floor in your Edmonton and area home. The demo uses 2 inch x 2 inch mosaic tiles pre-mounted on mesh-backed sheets. Consult with any established building materials store in the Edmonton area for details and prices.

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Selling your home begins in the kitchen

(NC)—The home seller understands the way to any potential homebuyer's heart is through the kitchen. Over the years, the kitchen has shed its once humble beginnings as a place to simply prepare and serve meals, to more of a place where friends can socialize over a glass of wine or where children can do their homework. With the kitchen becoming one of the most multi-dimensional and functional rooms in the house, kitchen renovations have attracted the attention of many who are looking to increase their home's resale value or would simply just like to enjoy the improvements to their home.

Nevertheless, many sellers would rather not deal with the expense and length of the project before they sell their home. But for many, kitchen renovation can mean top return for the prospective home sellers. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, kitchen renovations represent a 75% - 100% return on investment, which is the second highest return in the home, next to bathroom renovations.

Fortunately, home renovation is not as difficult as one might expect; the recent expansion of renovation centres across the country has led to a burgeoning “do-it-yourself” project culture. The “do-it-yourself” renovation can be a cost-effective way to increase the value of your home without the high price of a trained professional.

Here are a few steps you can take to increase the equity in your home.

According to Rona.ca, kitchen cupboards are one of the best investments one can make in terms of return on investment on the home. Many homebuyers' first impressions of the home take place in the kitchen, and much of that is highlighted by the kitchen cupboards. By spending a few more dollars on high quality cabinetry and hardware (knobs and handles on cabinets), you can expect your investment to reward you handsomely.

By either painting the walls and/or cabinets, it will update the look of the kitchen with minimal costs and make the room more spacious.

Lighting is often one of the last fixtures to be considered, and often forgotten when the kitchen is remodeled. But by adding new light sources to the kitchen, it can be a great way to bring together architectural and decorative balance to a room. Good lighting can highlight certain features of a kitchen such as the backsplash to create a more colourful and robust look.

Every kitchen needs a sink and faucet. But when it comes to the resale of the home, few home sellers see the value of replacing the sink. “The faucet and sink are one of the most important features of a kitchen. When homebuyers enter the room, they naturally gravitate toward the sink and test out the faucets”, says Mike Mazza of Mazza Renovation Group Inc, “it provides a sense of hearth for many buyers because they spend a majority of their time in the kitchen”.

Financing your “do-it-yourself” project can be quite overwhelming. Many renovation centres offer financing options, but usually charge up to 18% interest rate after the introductory “interest-free” period is over. For a more prudent option to finance your project, visit your local financial institution. Financial institutions such as CIBC can offer a lower interest rate than those typically found at renovation centres. The CIBC Home Power Line of Credit allows would-be renovators the option to pay a lower rate of interest (because it uses the equity in your home) and offers the flexibility of interest-only payments. By going to your local financial institution rather than the renovation centre for your financing needs, you can save hundreds of dollars on interest.

More information on CIBC lending products can be found at your nearest branch, toll-free at 1 800 465-CIBC (2422) or online at www.cibc.com/ca/loans.

Home inventories add peace of mind

(NC)—Every day we see news reports of homes being destroyed by fire or devastated by flood waters. Even more numerous are the unpublicized instances of break-ins and home thefts. For the most part, these accounts fade into the background as we think to ourselves –“it's okay, I have insurance.” And while the peace of mind that property insurance provides allows us all to sleep at night, most don't realize what a traumatic experience these events can be.

“Trying to remember all of the items in your home can add to an already stressful event. Having an inventory of items in your home is one of the best ways to prepare yourself,” states Stefanie Hay, insurance and claims expert with Aviva Canada.

Besides helping ensure you have the right amount of insurance, an inventory will help settle your insurance claim faster and verify losses for your income tax return.

Sure, but who has time to go through every item in their home? The task need not be onerous and can be as easy as taking a video account of each room in your home.

Many insurance companies also prepare content lists that can act as a helpful starting point. A list from AvivaCanada.com recommends separating the contents into categories:

• Clothing, books, tools, toys, bicycles, and other items

• Jewelry, silverware and other valuables

• Computer equipment, gaming consoles and software

Whether you conduct a video or written inventory of your home, don't forget to keep your inventory in a safety deposit box or at a trusted home. That way you'll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. You should also keep a record of legal documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and financial documents, such as bank account and insurance policies on your inventory.