Home inspectors will walk you through the home, show you where to locate the main water shut off valve and what to do in an emergency.

Ensuring that everyone in your household knows the location of the main water shut-off valve and how to operate it is crucial. Water leaks can happen at any time, and there have been instances when parents are away from home during such emergencies. To prevent extensive water damage, it's essential to show your teenagers, babysitters, and house sitters the location...

If you're not quite ready but think you might move in a few years, there are things you can do now to prepare your home for when you are ready to list. 

Here are 7 ways to keep the garage door working better & longer.
-Clean and wax – A clean door means grime and salt won’t scratch the door or erode the seals between sections. A coat of wax helps protect the door too.
-Lubricate garage door mechanics – keeping hinges, bearings and rollers operating smoothly will prevent corrosion and extend the life of the unit.
- Check Rollers - look for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, or crooked rods.
- Examine tracks – check for...

Being a homeowner can be richly rewarding; providing security and a place to create memories.

Homeownership also comes with its share of headaches or features that we come to loathe. Here are five good resolutions for all homeowners to consider -- even if you already have your dream home.

1 Catch up on home maintenance projects

Deferring home projects can cost you even more in the long run if you keep putting them off. Catch up on our home maintenance projects by this summer, its a smart resolution...

What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list in the spring. 

Here are just a few examples of what you can do in December to get the process started:

One for the Money, Two for the Show:
Once you’ve minimized the clutter in your home, clearing out excess items and furniture, you’ll be ready to concentrate on repairs, cleaning, and decoration. Your goal is to get each room looking its sharpest and most fresh—the better your house looks, the greater your chances that it will sell quickly and for top dollar. Concentrate on the following areas to get your home into selling shape.
Walls and Ceiling:
Examine all the ceilings and walls...

When you’re selling your home, you want it to look its best to buyers. Unfortunately, buyers are likely to notice any cracks or stains on your floor.

Luckily, there are many do-it-yourself solutions to help make your floors look significantly better.

Let’s start with stains.

If you have carpeting, there are a number of spot cleaning products on the market. But before you try one of those, consider this simple remedy. Sprinkle a little baking soda on the stain and then add just enough drops...

Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won’t happen. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the probability.

When budgeting, a big mistake DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to overlook these small items thinking they won't...

• Check and clean or replace furnace air filters. 
• Clean your humidifier regularly during the winter season.
• For proper ventilation, vacuum bathroom fan grills. Look up once...

When you’re shopping for a new home, you probably want the property to be as “move in ready” as possible. That way, you can... well... just move in!

However, there are a lot of fantastic properties on the market that need some work. For example, you might see a home that has everything you need, but the kitchen is long overdue for a renovation. Or, you might view a property that requires a lot of repairs and painting — tasks that, at first glance, seem overwhelming.

You don...

If your living space is small and you’re preparing to sell then pay special attention to this area.

1. Lighten it up and keep it neutral. Dark colours on walls can add dramatic effect but if any walls are anything other than neutral then painting is a must, even for those on a tight budget. Lighter tones will make the room seem brighter, larger and cleaner.

2. Windows are an important feature so maximize them, don’t cover them up with sofas or drapes. Consider using large mirrors to make...