While we all contribute to sewage waste on a daily basis, most people don’t understand how sewer systems function, including how sewage waste is treated, the types of sewers that exist, and what common sewer issues that they may face. In this article, we examine everything you need to know about how sewer systems work, and how to recognize when you’re in need of sewer replacement or repair.

A roof is a major investment, which is why you want it to last for as long as it can. Unfortunately, as those of us in Southern Ontario know all too well based on our experiences during the spring of 2018, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Having trouble getting your furnace to behave properly? Here are a few helpful troubleshooting tips and tricks that you can use to try and remedy the situation and get your furnace working again.

The most important step of swimming pool maintenance, is understanding the importance of PH water balance.

Have you made changes since January 1, 2019?  Do you want to? Should you?  Read on....

This main floor addition brought warm, modern touches to a beautiful home nestled in Waterloo, Ontario.

Our Canadian climate produces just about every possible weather event throughout the year. From extreme hot temperatures, to hail producing thunder storms in summer, to extreme cold and heavy snow in winter. Our homes must be built to withstand all of that within an eighty-degree temperature swing through the seasons.
 
 

The REAL reason why your bedrooms are too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

Your historic home may be protected by government laws, so let a Baeumler Approved contractor help you buy and install a new furnace that is compatible. Baeumler Approved connects homeowners to high-quality building professionals, contractors, and tradespeople. Become a member or find a local professional today. Contact us for more information at approved@baeumler.ca.

As you’re coming up to your home, you happen to look up and notice that something, ‘doesn’t quite look right ‘, on your roof. As you get closer, you feel a pang of dread in the pit of your stomach as you realize that some of your shingles are lifted and some are even missing all together. What has happened to your roof my friend, is what’s referred to as “blow off”

Redeveloping sites comes with its own set of challenges, being prepared for these challenges can help ensure it is an exciting and enjoyable process right from the start.

When you hire a contractor, you expect to get exactly what you paid for. There are good contractors and there are bad contractors. The bad ones don’t represent the majority of builders and craftspeople that take pride in their work, however, they can leave a stain on the entire workforce. The only way to combat this bad batch of contractors is to make sure you don’t get seduced by them. Here are 10 warning signs that you’re dealing with a dishonest contractor.

If you work from home, it’s time to take your home-office seriously. Upgrade your office space for improved productivity by hiring a Baeumler Approved contractor. Contact us today for more information: approved@baeumler.ca.

With popular home renovation television shows, buying and renovating an old home can be really enticing. However, it’s not all about the fun aesthetic repairs. Old homes come with major problems that can cost way more than new homeowners ever anticipated.

The dangers of asbestos and what to do when you find it.

When it comes to renovating your house, sometimes it seems like it is a never-ending project and there is always so much to be done.  In times like these, it becomes crucial to prioritize what is most important or most in need of completion and tackle that project as your main concern. Here are seven signs that your bathroom needs to be the first one:

You can feel absolutely over-loaded when it comes to decisions and running errands while renovating any part of your home. If you don't take care of the never ending list in your brain it's going to short circuit!

Home renovations typically aren’t anybody’s idea of a good time, so when it comes to getting it done, it’s important to make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and that the outcome will be worth the stress, investment, and inconvenience.  Consider these right – and wrong – reasons for renovating and choosing to upgrade your home.

You're frustrated, You've tried everything from changing your son's layout of his room to making his space less engaging. Changing the physical appearance and location of a child's "study space" can definitely help, but remember it may not fix everything.

Major Decorating warns that this winter season in the Waterloo area has been very cold. The danger of burst pipes requires homeowners and tenants to take preventive steps to avoid water damage. We outline several steps you can take and describe why pipes burst.

A major kitchen or bathroom remodeling project in your Toronto home can be a hassle and an inconvenience. Before you hire just anyone to begin the project, you must ask the right questions and learn as much as you can about the company and its workers. Here are 10 questions you should always ask before hiring a renovation contractor in Ontario.

You've had enough of the clutter. You're looking for motivation!

A typical renovation project can result in moving walls, prying up and replacing old floorboards, or perhaps a fully updated kitchen. However, a full home renovation is an entirely different type of project that requires realistic expectations, dedicated planning, and a firm understanding about the project's scale.

Looking to update/remodel your kitchen and not really sure where or how to allocate your funds? Check out these tips for where to splurge vs save.

There's always something to do...There's always a mountain to climb. But we're here to tell you that Rome wasn't built in a day and you shouldn't feel that organizing your home or life is going to be done in a day either. Trust us! We know what we're talking about.

Upgrading your fuse panel to a breaker panel is a smart move that could make your life simpler, make your home safer and save you money!

Explaining what and where they come from

If you are tired of swimming in an ocean of greys and whites, the good news it this: the days of neutrals are over. The trend for 2018 and beyond seems to be rich, bold colours, and not just as accent walls anymore. Here are a few of the hottest new trends in interior paint colours for 2018. 

Renovation can be an ideal time to think more deeply about the types of materials you use in your home. Fortunately, one of the results of the modern environmental movement is that homeowners now have a wealth of eco-friendly materials to choose from, both for major building projects and for interiors and finishing.

While we’re not quite ready to let the computers do all the work, there are nonetheless many new products that can make controlling the environment in your home more convenient and efficient. 

Winter can be an ideal time to tackle some mid-range projects, things that aren’t the flashiest or most inexpensive renovations, but that can nonetheless add a great deal to the livability of the home. And the bathroom, perhaps the most important yet often neglected room in the house, can be the perfect place to start.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it might be the right time to show your partner love by beautifying and improving your living space. 

Well researched renovations can be a way to increase the value in your biggest investment, your home. 

In today’s modern world, regardless of your age, it can feel overwhelming to come to a decision of which professional company to select for various services, including junk removal. However, many seniors fall prey to schemes and scams that target those who are most vulnerable. Here are the key characteristics of legitimate companies and employees, which everyone should keep an eye out for.

Here are a few basic winter maintenance tips that will ensure that you aren’t looking at a disaster, or a mountain of repair bills, after the snow recedes.

New season of Bryan, Inc. (premiering this Sunday, Jan. 14th on HGTV) explores the intersection of home ownership and interpersonal partnership

If it seems too good to be true...it probably is...

While you are setting New Year goals for yourself, consider that the concept of self-improvement can also encompass the space we inhabit. Here are a few New Years resolutions for your home.

8 Ways a Humidifier Makes Winter Life Immediately Better

Bryan Baeumler: Anything you can put in a house, you can put in a cottage.

At this year’s Calgary Fall Home Show, we at Floorscapes got a special treat. As members of the Baeumler Approved Network, we had the privilege of meeting Bryan Baeumler himself.

Not surprisingly, the HGTV star is as down-to-earth as he appears on camera, a good ol’ Canadian boy with solid industry values.

There is no doubt that the world's climate is changing. We see it in the increased temperatures across the globe as well as the growing number of severe weather events such as tornados, cyclones, hurricanes, etc. Ergo, the earth is warming up, and it is costing us dearly. We are losing a large number species and their habitats, and the chances that sensitive ecosystems will adapt naturally are slight. Furthermore, there is now an overwhelming consensus that global warming is taking place and man is the main cause of the gasses that are producing the greenhouse effect.

Hiring a contractor for your home improvement project can be stressful and time-consuming. Luckily, Baeumler Approved helps you find professionals with a great track record. But even good companies can have bad projects. What happens on the off-chance that you hire a company who's not living up to your expectations?

Learn how to recognize the warning signs of and what you can do to turn a renovation around, and protect yourself. 

That bottle of cabernet sauvignon in your basement has probably improved with age. Your house, however, has probably not. Leave aging gracefully to the Helen Mirrens of the world. For your abode to retain its lustre as it approaches its twilight years, some work will be required.

The Worksite Safety Compliance Centre is a Baeumler Approved affiliate and one of Canada’s leading providers of simple, effective, and accessible occupational health and safety training materials.

This month’s newsletter provides some updates on changes to Provincial legislation in workplace health and safety and seasonal hazards.

Couple tips on DIY maintenance for homeowners.

When you are shopping for new replacement windows, it is fun to look at the many designs. These are some of the popular styles of windows that you might consider.

Basements are great for keeping cool in hotter weather, but there are downsides of being 10 feet under. Be aware of the hazards when contemplating your basement renovation. Brought to you by the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. 

At first glance, it may look bleak: you know you’re going to need either an AC repair or a new air conditioner. But you’re no air conditioning expert, and you want to make an informed decision.

Let the professionals at DunnClimateCare help answer your questions. 

With summer upon us, rain for many across the country, and cottage season in full-swing, Bryan addresses a few questions relating to mould issues in a cottage and leaky chimney flashing. 

The best time for outdoor events is approaching—fresh air, open windows, and doors, and DIY projects on the patio are in order! This year, as the season for everything outdoors draws near, isn’t it time you update your backyard with a new sliding patio door?

Here are you seven awesome advantages of choosing Sliding Patio Doors for your home. Some great information from Brock Doors and Windows

A home’s insulation not only keeps you warm in during the cold months, it keeps you cool in the summer heat.

The decision has been made…..you are moving from the big city to a slower, more relaxed pace in the Georgian Bay area.  Whether it’s a summer home or your permanent residence, there are important things you MUST keep in mind before making your purchase and why getting that home inspection is crucial. 

Don't waste your time or money making mistakes on your deck project. We've covered the most important things to know so you can get the deck of your dreams without a headache. Check out these hacks on deck design, decor, and hiring a deck contractor. 

When the cold weather finally starts to dissipate and the sun starts to stream through the windows, many people jump into Spring cleaning mode. Spring is a time for new beginnings (and also tax refunds!) and a great time to get your home ready to enjoy during the warmer months.

Are you asking “Why Does My AC Smell?” – It’s Time for an HVAC Inspection!

Tile over popcorn? Mildew on bathroom tiles? In-floor heating? Here are some questions answered by the man himself. 

Skip the frustration and use your custom shades daily with no effort, even in hard to reach places.

Flower beds against the home look great but can have negative effects leading to water intrusion of the home. Over the next couple of months when you clean up the yard and prepare for summer consider how water can be trapped against your home. Read more and see a list of tips to better understand what you can to to help prevent water intrusion. 

The Spring season is a very busy time for renovations and upgrading bathrooms is a popular choice. Whether it’s the warmer weather that gets you motivated to change things up or that you are ready to put the planning you’ve done over winter into action, domilya Group can help you redefine your bathroom. 

As Spring arrives, many encounter issues with water and humidity. This month, Bryan Baeumler addresses some of these issues encountered by homeowners.
 

Is asbestos present in your home. Find out before renovating.

Prevent water leaks and breakdowns by servicing your equipment and having peace of mind.

All the people who write in with questions will finally get to see my family go through every possibility. The things that go wrong, the changes that are made, the expenses you incur and the stress. Even people like me, who do this every day, encounter surprises.”
 

Create your perfect outdoor space with custom lighting so you can enjoy your outside space as much as you enjoy your inside space.
 

Q&A  - Sure, there’s a mounting list of DIY projects on your fridge right now. You’ll get to them soon enough. But before you begin, start with this question: are they really worth it?

Frustrated? Asking Yourself "Why Does My Furnace Make Loud Noises?" Get an Inspection Today!

Limiting your screen time doesn't mean you need to limit your options when it comes to home control.

Knowing how you got to where you are is determined by what you did to get there.

Home control for new parents is a must have.
 

Stop Asking “Why is My Furnace Filter Black.” Get to the Bottom of It!
 

Wiping off your vanity countertop is not enough. The bathroom may be your hub of cleanliness, but mould, bacteria and other irritants could well be lurking underneath your tiles, especially if you love long showers. Bathrooms are an area where you get a high concentration of moisture, which can lead to mould, mildew, failing grout, rotting walls — you name it. So everything you put in there — whether a shower or cup surround — should be moisture-resistant. You should always be thinking about how to reduce the amount of condensation in that room. Otherwise, you’re looking at a lot of problems.

How renovations impact you psychologically.

Selecting the right tile for your backsplash can be overwhelming. Here are some points to consider before venturing out to your local tile store.  

The benefits of renting a dumpster and how it can make your house project easier and less stressful.

Our wintry weather this autumn has been the source of a lot of unhappiness — and complaints.Don’t let unseasonably cold weather, whether it’s due to polar vortex or plunging jet stream, keep you from tackling your DIY to-do list for your home. This time of the year is ideal for taking on some projects around the house. You’re spending a lot of time holed up inside, anyway.

So you used the wrong paint. Or you didn’t get the right permit. Or you bored into your brick wall with the wrong tools. Don’t hammer yourself over the head about it. When it comes to being a DIY ace, failure is the price of admission. 

Bryan Baeumler answers questions. Whether you're insulating a basement or an attic, a vapour barrier could be a key component.

Some answers about how to ensure moisture is a dry topic of conversation.  “To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect,” once said Irish author, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. It also shows straightforward common sense on the part of home owners.

With just days left until fall begins, you may be considering how to cushion the blow of summer’s end.
Here’s a suggestion: cushion the inside of your home. It’s the perfect time to gird your home for the upcoming seasons. Now’s a good time to poke your head up into the attic and check how much insulation you’ve got. You may want to blow in some more insulation to save some money over the winter.

How to embrace the transitions — both in the weather and within your own home. Pay close attention to the things happening in your home, from creaking noises to drops in temperature. No house exists in a vacuum. External factors affect them, whether it’s the climate or time.

Homeowner would like to avoid opening up the wall
Spring has sprung, and that’s well and good.
But with the seasonal shift comes an inevitable thaw — a particularly big one this time around, considering the brutal, record-setting winter we just had.

With winter showing its cold, cruel and true-Canadian nature, there’s nothing wrong with seeking some inner peace away from the outside world. Well, inner-household peace, at least.

Forget New Year’s resolutions. Reno-lutions are what you really need.

The wind is rising and the air is wild with leaves, but don’t become too mesmerized by autumn’s gorgeous performance. Now’s the time to fall into winter home-maintenance mode.

This is the time of the year that the leaves start changing colour and falling. They may look pretty, but they can also cause headaches. Periodically get up there and empty those eavestroughs, because if they’re full of leaves they’ll fill up when the ice and water start coming down and won’t drain well. That could lead to a leak in the attic.

Everything you need to know about roof top snow removal. Does it need to be done, and if so, when and how.

Explanation and solutions for excessive condensation and ice forming on interior of house windows in cold weather.

When you are looking for different ways to save money as a homeowner in Toronto, a great place to start is your windows. When you replace old, inefficient windows, you can save money on your energy bills as well as get better comfort during the hottest and coldest months of the year. To get the most out of your energy efficient window replacement, have a look at the valuable tips in this insider guide from Brock Doors and Windows.

Blago Home Inspection is to serve the community that makes up Southern Ontario.  Inspecting homes from London to Toronto, and just about everywhere in between.  To give back, we are seeking to give a family a free home repair of an essential item that they may not normally be able to afford.

Showcasing the importance of your furnace filter and why changing it is a good idea.

Our winters are long, dark and cold, and heating our homes is a necessity of life. But it doesn’t mean we can’t take a hard look at how much we’re paying to heat our homes and think about what we should be paying. 

Planning on starting a major renovation?  Here are 5 common mistakes home owners can make during a home renovation project.

A properly designed home control system can help increase your energy savings and save you money.

Our clients Keith and Adrienne made the HUGE decision to completely gut their 1970’s bungalow and add an additional 1200 square feet of living space to their home.  With 6 year old twins and an infant, it was quite the undertaking to say the least, but they got through it in one piece and are happy with their new space! Check out what they had to say about the renovation process and how they are settling in now.
 
 

Sometimes when we advise a potential client that the next step in their renovation process is to enter into a “Design Build Agreement”, it becomes clear that this is a term the homeowner is both unfamiliar with and intimidated by. Fortunately, a design build is less complicated than it sounds – in fact it is the opposite of complicated! Here are some common questions we are asked when discussing a Design Build Agreement.

When you make the decision to do a renovation it's an exciting time and no one would fault you for wanting to jump in with both feet.  Before you do hire the first contractor that comes up as result on your Google search though, there are a few important things you should consider.

Yes, they can. In Vancouver of course but did you know they can grow in Southern Ontario? In fact at our location in Brantford, Ontario we have a few different varieties that will withstand Canada's Winter. With a little help there's no need to shy away from these ever popular exotic plants.

There are many roofing companies to choose from in most urban areas. Many claiming multiple years in business or to have the most expertise. That said, one will quickly discover that from one roofing company to the next you may find big disparities in the work to be performed.

Having a consultation with your Licensed Electrical Contractor about the specific, custom needs for your project can save money and time.

What you need to know before you hire an Electrician for your home or business.

Spring has thawed and rejuvenated our outdoor spaces and now Canadians are enduring the summer heat. domilya Group is always working to help people love their homes that’s why we wanted to share a helpful list of summer home maintenance projects to keep your house in great condition.

Creating a space that is as functional for entertaining as it is for relaxing, is ultimately what we all want – indoors and out. So when designing your outdoor space, don’t stop at the furniture and the gardens. Whether you have a city condo or a huge lakeside property, lighting and music are critical elements to create the mood – day or night.

Walls Alive Painting, Bespoke Maintenance, and Lionsgate Design have joined forces with a shared emphasis on assurance and quality insured trades.  We have created a special Baeumler Approved 'Member to Member' service to help you from decoration concept to completion....and beyond.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the new Baeumler Approved blog space, and the inaugural blog! Continue to check this space for blog postings by our members. You'll be able to read more about them, their services, experiences and perhaps learn something along the way! Blogs are a great way for our members to stay in touch with you and another means to help you choose a Baeumler Approved member to work with on the next project in your home.