Posts Tagged ‘building materials’
Homebuilders lining up to become licensed for energy efficiency
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Tips for Green Living on November 4th, 2009
(NC)—It’s easy being green, at least for builders of new homes in Canada. The trend towards building energy-efficient homes has never been hotter as more and more builders across Canada are calling Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to become licensed builders under their energy-efficient new homes initiatives.
Renovation tax credit boosts home improvement projects in Canada: RBC survey
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on October 22nd, 2009
A majority (63 per cent) of Canadian renovators plan to take advantage of the federal government’s home renovation tax credit this year and close to half (47 per cent) have done more renovations because of the tax break, according to a new RBC study.
Top five ways to winterize your home and save energy
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, Tips for Green Living on September 23rd, 2009
Canadian winters can be cold and unpredictable so there’s every reason to winterize your home before the cold season starts. With the long periods of time that you and your family will be spending indoors, it’s important that your home is both warm and comfortable throughout the season.
Is it real or is it laminate? Only you know for sure
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos on September 17th, 2009
When internationally famed Scottish design gurus Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister of the TV show Home Heist accept laminate flooring, you know it has come a long way, baby. But that’s precisely what they did in a recent column in the Toronto Star, wherein they noted that Buckingham Palace boasts laminate flooring. And if it’s good enough for the Queen, they admitted, it’s good enough for the discerning duo’s global projects.
Canadian Housing market shows some spring in its step
Posted by: editors note in New Homes and Condos on May 12th, 2009
Canada’s housing market is showing signs of emerging from its winter hibernation, according to the latest Real Estate Trends report released today by Scotia Economics. Nationally, home sales strengthened in both February and March, and preliminary reports suggest this
firming trend continued in April.
New countertops qualify for government tax credits
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor on May 12th, 2009
In these tough economic times many Canadians are choosing to forego their massive kitchen remodeling plans in favour of more cost-effective solutions. Experts agree that by simply installing new countertops your kitchen can take on a whole new look and feel, while qualifying for government tax credits.
HST squeezes middle-class homebuyers, hits GTA hardest, new report finds
Posted by: editors note in Finance & insurance, First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Real estate market updates on May 5th, 2009
Greater Toronto Area homebuyers will absorb an exorbitant share of the whopping $800 million tax increase on new homebuyers across the province under the Provincial government’s harmonized sales tax (HST), which could threaten up to 21,200 jobs, a new report released by the Building Industry & Land Development Association (BILD) revealed today.
The report, titled “Big Hit on GTA Middle-Class Homebuyers with the Ontario Budget’s HST Proposals,” reveals that GTA new homebuyers will absorb $575 million or nearly three quarters (72%) of the $800 million tax increase while accounting for less than half (45%) of new home sales in Ontario.
A checklist for the home renovator
Posted by: editors note in Builder critiques, First time home buyers, Home decor, Tips for Green Living on April 7th, 2009
(NC)-Incentives for homeowners looking to renovate their homes are everywhere. It appears that many are on board to helping the environment through energy-saving renovations. Government and retailers are providing their support by means of tax credits, grants and discounts. One energy-saving renovation that offers great incentive to homeowners is an attic insulation upgrade. If you’re looking to get started on your first re-insulation project, but just don’t know where to start, here’s a handy checklist for you. Read the rest of this entry »
Home renovation tax credit can help save on contractor costs
Posted by: editors note in Bathroom decor, First time home buyers, Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor on April 7th, 2009
(NC)—If you’ve ever been interested in renovating your home, but have been hesitant to hire a contractor because of costs, the government now offers a solution to help save Canadians money in this area. Under the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) stimulus proposed in the 2009 federal budget, contractors hired to perform home renovations are eligible expenses covered under the tax credit.
The HRTC is designed to encourage Canadians to renovate their homes and alleviate some of the financial woes that sometimes come with territory. It can help homeowners save up to 15 per cent on eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $1,350, assisting both families and the Canadian economy as it tries to rebound.
Home improvements made easy
Posted by: editors note in Bathroom decor, First time home buyers, Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor on February 11th, 2009
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(NC)-If you’re thinking about improving your home but have never taken on a renovation before, begin with simple projects. Home improvements don’t have to be long, labour-intensive tasks that create a huge dent in your budget. Instead, begin with small jobs that can be done over a weekend to give you enough time to complete a project, keeping your work week hassle-free. Read the rest of this entry »
Energy saving tips for your home
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, Resale homes, Tips for Green Living on February 11th, 2009
(NC)-If you’re not familiar with the home improvement world, but want to learn more about energy-saving renovations for your home, listen up. David Flood, Insulation Expert at Owens Corning, shares advice about saving on energy costs through home renovations, especially if you’re a new do-it-yourselfer. Read the rest of this entry »
Concrete is the efficiency kingpin
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, New home builders on February 11th, 2009
(NC)-Concrete is king in green construction-and it’s in high demand by Canadian home builders who insist on energy efficiency, as well as limiting the use of natural resources. The latest technology developed by Nudura, for example, is reported to provide double the insulation by constructing walls, ceilings and floors with pre-assembled, concrete forms. The Nudura system (consisting of Lego-like blocks of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of polystyrene) makes the building project much quicker to construct, with less waste, and with none of the toxic emissions associated with new buildings. This certified concrete system (nudura.com) is now the base for constructing better homes, schools, hospitals, condominiums, hotels, and offices. Money is saved due to durability and energy efficiency – and the resulting structure is reported to be up to nine times stronger, with far more fire protection, far more sound insulation, and with a potential to reduce energy costs of up to 70 percent.