Posts Tagged ‘do-it-yourself projects’
Fertilize your lawn like the Pros
Posted by: Sam Reiss in Home improvement tips, Landscaping on June 18th, 2010
The quest for the greenest lawn on the block has driven many a new homeowner to extremes. You trim, you weed, and you assume that if a little fertilizer is good, a lot must be even better. And so begins the vicious cycle of mowing, watering and fertilizing which gathers speed as the weather warms up until you’re mowing your lawn two or three times a week!
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.
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.
Avoid home upgrading mistakes
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, Selling your home on September 15th, 2009
More and more homeowners are upgrading their properties with an eye to sell quickly and for top dollar. “Today’s buyers are attracted to move-in ready homes – especially those who lead hectic lives and are accustomed to upgrades. The days of buying a home to fix up have faded,” explains Greater Toronto Area realtor, Jackie Peifer.
Kitchen Couture
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Kitchen decor on September 15th, 2009
Stylish extras give your guests the impression they have stepped into a gourmet kitchen, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. Create a culinary masterpiece with the latest upscale kitchen products that not only cater to your sense of style, but to your sense of taste as well.
Water heaters eligible for federal incentives
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Home appliances, Real estate industry news, Tips for Green Living on June 16th, 2009
(NC)-If you own your water heater or rent it from a utility, now may be an excellent time to consider replacing an older unit with a new, energy-efficient model. Not only will you save money on utility bills, you may also qualify for assistance from the Government of Canada.
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.
Selling your home begins in the kitchen
Posted by: editors note in Bathroom decor, Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor, Selling your home on March 17th, 2009
(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.
Royal LePage identifies top renovations with best ROI
Posted by: editors note in Bathroom decor, First time home buyers, Home appliances, Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor, New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Selling your home on March 17th, 2009
If you’ve spent years waking up to wood-panelled walls and soft shag rugs, some home renovations, especially if you’re thinking of selling your home, may be in order. Before picking up a sledgehammer, however, it’s worthwhile to know the cost of updating your decades-old décor, and the degree to which those costs will be recouped when it comes time to sell.
While some renovations such as updating a kitchen or bathroom may require a trained professional, there are a number of do-it-yourself projects that are sure to increase a home’s resale value, according to the Royal LePage Renovations and Returns Survey.
With April just around the corner – the busiest month of the year for home sales – homeowners may want to consider tackling some simple home improvements that will ensure their properties sell for top dollar. The Royal LePage Renovations and Returns Survey examines some top renovations that bring the best return on investment, as compiled by the Royal LePage network. Read the rest of this entry »
