Do you know how to shut off the main water valve?

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...

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Garage Door cleaning & maintenance

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...

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Protect yourself: Annual Strata water deductible review
SOURCE: Insurance Brokers Association of BC
The majority of strata Annual General Meetings are coming up over the next few months presenting an ideal opportunity for strata lot owners to verify that their home owner insurance policy water deductible coverage matches that of the strata corporation's master building policy and if not advise their insurance broker immediately. 

The BC Strata Property Act requires that any AGM Notice includes a copy of the strata...
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Fire Safety Checks You Should Do At Least Once a Year
Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good.
But that isn't the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe.
  • Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.
  • Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are flammable. Read each label carefully....
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How to Fix Common Floor Cracks and Stains

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...

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The Psychology of Choosing House Paint
Whether you're painting your home to prepare it for sale, or simply to make it more attractive for your own enjoyment, choosing the right colour is important. A colour isn't just a matter of taste, it's also, to a large extent, about the emotions it elicits.
If you're painting your foyer, for example, you may want it to seem bright and welcoming. So, light orange tones might be appropriate as that colour is often interpreted as friendly.
In your living room, you may want to create an atmosphere of comfort...
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How to show your home some Valentines day love!

Homes need regular organization and special occasions provide the perfect opportunity to do it, as you bring new things into your home. 

Gather and sort through all the clutter, remove anything that doesn't belong there. Put everything in its place. Donate, repurpose, recycle and sell what you can, throw out the rest. 

For large items, some organizations will pick things up from your front door/porch while others require drop off. 

Home organizing isn’t just a do-it-one-time-...

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Getting a DIY Renovation Done On time and On Budget

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...

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Top 6 Home Improvements To Add Value
Homeowners are often inclined to renovate to suit their individual preferences and lifestyles. However, while turning a garage into a music studio may be your heart’s desire, it’s important to be cognizant that future buyers will likely just want to park the car. Regular and systematic home maintenance provides the best return on investment.
Although, there are a few renovations that consistently offer above average return on investment. To protect your investment, be sure to obtain work...
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Save Money on Home Energy this Winter.
Tips that Won't Leave You Shivering or Sweating. 
If you want to reduce your home energy costs, the easiest way is to turn the thermostat down to 20'C (68'F) when you're home. Studies show you use 3-5% more energy for each degree the thermostat us set above this number.
However, if you want to lower your bill even further each month, here are some additional tips that are relatively easy to implement.
* Get smart with your thermostat. Most thermostats these days are programmable. Program yours to...
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Winter home maintenance checklist
It’s important to get into the habit of completing these checks annually leading up to each season. Protect your investment with the following regular and good maintenance practices. This is a list of simple things you can do yourself to help you keep your home a safe and healthy place to live year-round. 
  • 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...
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Updating bathrooms, tips and trends!

Is this the year for remodelling your bathroom? You certainly can’t go wrong with the fresh clean look of chic grey and white tones which have dominated the trend. If however you‘re wanting modern, then black is back, so go with a black vanity & trim.

Take tiles all the way to the ceiling unless you’re on a budget as tiling is expensive. If you’re thinking about selling then professional painting is the most effective way to give your bathroom a face lift, select neutral,...

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Concerned about Condensation on Windows?
If you see a haze of condensation on your window, should you be concerned? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on a number of factors.
First of all, an occasional build-up of condensation is normal and often the result of fluctuating humidity in the home. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about. If you’re using a humidifier, try adjusting the levels. If the humidity is being generated naturally, try placing a dehumidifier nearby. Also, remove any plants and firewood from the area, as they can release...
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The Lawn Battle is on!

It's summer, and for many homeowners, the lawn battle is on. We weed it, we mow it, we blast it with chemicals. All to get that perfect green carpet that looks so great on the golf course but is so tough to achieve at home.

Start with the soil; add some nutrient-rich compost in spring and fall. If it's sandy, add some humus to help it hold water. Check the pH too. Most garden centres offer this service. If it's less than 6 or 7, add some lime.

Use the right grass; clover and fescue are good for dry...

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