Give the gift of good health!
Healthy living does not have to be a chore. With the right present, you can send a meaningful and caring message to the special women in your life. Simple tips for buying insulation
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growing number of Canadians are undertaking home renovations. Upgrading
insulation is one of the easiest and most rewarding renovation projects,
making it a popular choice for DIY renovators. Buying the right
Cost per square foot Price is certainly an important consideration, but renovators should be sure to consider the price per square foot rather than the price per bag. Not all types of insulation are created equally, even when packaged in the same size bag. Be sure to check the square footage that one package will insulate - this will help you to assess the overall cost for your insulation renovation. The right product for the job. Be sure that you're getting the right product for the type of renovation you're doing. Check your local building codes to determine the recommended R-Value for thermal insulation. If you're insulating interior walls to better control noise in your home, be sure to purchase specifically designed acoustic batt insulation, such as QuietZone. Indoor air quality. When renovating, homeowners should ensure that they are providing the best possible environment for themselves and their families. Look for products that are certified by GreenGuard Environmental Institute, an internationally recognized third party organization, to meet strict indoor air quality standards. Environment. Renovators concerned about environmental impact may want to consider buying insulation products that contain high recycled content - these will often be identified on the packaging. Ease of use. This is especially important for DIY renovators to consider. Some insulation products are compression packaged - packages of Pink Fiberglas insulation for example will hold up to three times the amount of insulation in a comparable sized package to other brands. This makes it easier to transport and store the insulation. The weight of insulation may be another factor, as some types can be quite heavy and awkward to work with. More information is available online at www.owenscorning.ca or toll-free at 1-800-GET-PINK. |
This Month's
Buy or build a cottage - what's the difference?
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics (NC) -You've made the big decision to purchase a cottage. Now it comes down to - should I buy or build? "Make sure you check the municipal regulations before making any decisions about buying or building a cottage," advises Chartered Accountant Dennis Brabant, senior partner, Brabant & Kretzschmann in Midland. "Today there are increasingly stringent regulations in response to growing environmental concerns, which will only increase in the future." "By building, you may think you'll get exactly what you want, but that's not always the case," says Chartered Accountant John Aitken, partner, Collins Barrow CK, LLP, in Chatham. "Plan well ahead to avoid any surprises because many issues (including financing) can affect the result." According to Brabant, municipalities often have specific rules restricting where you can build your cottage, put your docks, or even dredge the water to ensure better access. "Ask questions to get the information you need. Is your lot big enough to build the cottage you want? If you're not building right away, are there any pending changes that will affect your plans when you do build? What's happening to the water levels? Where is the nearest fire department? "No matter if you buy or build, remember that cottaging isn't for everyone, so make sure you see the cottage in all weather conditions, and consider renting first to make sure you like the lifestyle," advises Brabant. He also says to check the tax implications of owning a cottage. "Assuming your cottage is not a principal residence, you will pay capital gains on your cottage when you sell it or pass it down to the next generation, so keep detailed records of any capital expenditures, such as the costs of buying furniture and adding an addition, or putting in docks. You'll need this information to calculate the capital gains tax." What about financing? Aitken advises that you prepare a budget. "If you are building a cottage, make sure you have the resources to arrange a construction loan to cover your builder's down payment and regular draws throughout the building process. You'll pay interest as well as GST on the building materials and the contractor's time. To receive a GST rebate, your cottage must be your primary place of residence. Should the construction job not be completed due to the builder, weather or financing problems, your costs will increase to get the cottage completed. "Avoid costly mistakes by obtaining quotes and references from three different builders in the area. To protect your interests, have a contract with the builder that spells out everything, and have it reviewed by your lawyer," advises Aitken. He also says that depending on your resources, it may be easier to arrange financing on an existing cottage. Aitken concludes his advice with, "Even though you (and the bank) can see what you are buying, consider other costs too, such as the building inspector's fee, renovation expenses (which are always more than you planned) and closing costs, including land transfer tax. With an existing cottage, there are less unknowns, which can often be resolved before you close the deal." For further information, contact a Chartered Accountant. |
Creating a beautiful outdoor space!
(NC)-With spring officially here, now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor space. In recent years, the backyard has become an extension of our homes with homeowners looking to create a coordinated, stylish and functional space to enjoy time with family and friends. The Outdoor Room team at Canadian Tire has developed an easy system to help Canadians turn their backyard into a beautiful, coordinated outdoor room. Simply decide on a theme - Casual, Classic, Cosmopolitan or Exotic - and choose items that fit within that theme. Classic. This timeless style is great for those looking to add some comfort and elegance to their backyard. Accessorize with warmer metals and a palette of muted creams, golds/honey, taupes, and sages for a traditional feel that will stay relevant for many years to come. Coordinated patio sets, such as the Charleston Patio Collection at Canadian Tire, make getting started easy. To accessorize, look for animal-themed statues and coach-style outdoor lighting that can finish off the look. Casual. Inspired by the refreshing and soothing styles of resort and cottage living, this relaxed seaside theme is the perfect blend of family fun and relaxation. Choose a palette of sun-bleached sands, whites, blues, and greens, to sooth your soul. Look for fun garden accessories like garden gnomes and playful statues add a whimsical flare. A double hammock finishes off the beach-themed look and is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Casual resin wicker patio furniture will keep the space light and airy. A retractable pergola is a great way to get protection from the heat of the sun. Exotic. Create your own rejuvenating space inspired by the exotic resort regions of the world. Combine exotic tropical plants with earth tones to achieve this exotic look. Buddha-inspired accessories and bamboo lanterns help to achieve an exotic feel right at home. Resin Wicker patio furniture that resembles indoor furniture, such as the Mandalay Collection from Canadian Tire, help bring the indoors out and provide a comfortable, stylish space for family and friends to socialize. Cosmopolitan. Creating a wonderful upscale design for those who enjoy a more contemporary flare doesn't have to be expensive. Well-designed cool metals paired with elements of glass and tile help to make a strong statement in your backyard. Complement your space with smoky greys, bright reds and blacks. Black aluminum patio furniture with stain resistant taupe cushions will give your backyard a contemporary, clean feel. Accessorize the space with modern finishes, such as a stainless steel water fountain or a dramatic outdoor clock. Everyone knows how to use a ladder, right?
. Overreaching: Leaning too far to the side or climbing too high on the rungs. . "Walking the Ladder": A dangerous practice where a ladder user decides to try to move a ladder while standing on it. The user stays atop the ladder and attempts to shuffle the ladder's legs to the desired position.
Remember, when in doubt, always consult a professional. More home safety information and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com . |
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(NC)-As Mother's Day quickly approaches, so does
the prospect of picking the perfect gift for the special women in
your life. It is a daunting challenge to choose a present that
epitomizes everything each individual woman represents. This
Mother's Day, consider giving the gift of good health. In many ways
it is the gift that keeps on giving, and Philips Electronics has the
following suggestions to make traditional ideas more unique:
insulation for the job, however, is not always so easy. Insulation
expert Lorne Blatt, from Owens Corning Canada, shares some simple
shopping tips to help renovators get the best insulation for the job:
