A new patio can bring your outdoor entertaining game up a notch, make your home more valuable, and provide plenty of other benefits. But the last thing you want is for that patio to be hard to maintain, with loose stones, weeds, and tripping ha…
A garage renovation is like a miniature version of a total home renovation. If you want to turn your garage into a space that is fit to live in and not just store your car in, you’ll have to make major changes to it. Here’s a brief rundown of the maj…
The first question I’m often asked by a Client when discussing backsplash tiling, is “what style of tile would you recommend?” My answer, following a smile, is “whichever tile you like.” Selecting the right tile for yo…
Your organization might have guidelines on how many quotes to get from commercial contractors. But, from there, you’re essentially on your own choosing a contractor for your project. Commercial projects tend to involve a lot of investme…
You’re finally ready to tackle the basement and turn it into the practical, beautiful space you’ve always dreamed of. The process of planning the renovation is as important as the work itself and will ultimately dictate the quality of the f…
Planning an office renovation, or the renovation of any part of your home when you work from home can be challenging. No one wants to live, or work, in a construction zone. But making time for a renovation can dramatically improve your produc…
Are you wanting some beautiful additions in your garden this year? If you’re looking for hardy plants that don’t require a whole lot of work then look no further. Our horticultural team has decided on their five favourite plan…
What we look at when we assess the condition of your air conditioner. 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 in…
We’ve all been there. You make a promise you think you can keep, then life happens and you break that promise. If the promise wasn’t a major one, the fallout will likely be minimal…but if you had to break a big promise, well, that c…
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 completi…
Are you thinking of buying a house at a cheap price? If so, you may already be envisioning modern finishes, top-of-the-line upgrades, magazine-worthy remodels, and a problem-free renovation. The reality of buying an old house isn’t so cu…
Hi, Bryan. We live in an old home on a ravine lot. There is a persistent problem with a foul smell — like sewage — that comes and goes through the middle of the house. We can go weeks without the smell but it always returns. We have tried everything…
Hi, Bryan. We bought a 1-1/2-storey, post-war home in East York, flipped, about 18 months ago. The flippers put in a three-piece bathroom at the top of the stairs. There is no window and the fan is controlled by the light switch. The towels don…
Having less-than-ideal attic insulation is, essentially, another way of burning money. Chances are you know this, and have packed your uppermost level like a sardine can full of insulation. But that may still not be enough. Our 1 1/2-stor…
We moved into our Linwood custom home in the country 10 years ago. The kitchen floor is red oak — from a tree on our cottage property. The wide plank flooring was laid and pegged by a local tradesman, but they had trouble laying it without gaps…
It’s definitely interior renovating season. We’re in the middle of winter and it’s freezing cold outside. You don’t want to be out there or poking your head in the attic. Now is a great time to take an hour or two to walk around the house w…
Despite all the outdoorsy fun that can be had in winter, from a colour perspective the season is pretty boring. While there is something satisfying about the glow from holiday lights on a fresh white backdrop of freshly fallen snow, as the se…
Hi, Bryan. Our house was built in the late 1980’s; we bought it in 1993 and ever since have had problems with it shifting. One season doors will close, the next they won’t. Drywall tape has ripped away on the vertical in two different rooms. Til…
Although most of your free time might be spent on the deck or outdoor patio these days, summer is the perfect time to take care of a few indoor renovations. Instead of being trapped indoors with the mess of a remodel in winter, summer allows you…
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 wa…
A black furnace filter is a red flag that something could be seriously wrong with your heating system. While it may be that you haven’t changed the filter in a really long time, it could be a sign of more serious problems including: Inadequate…
There’s nothing like the feel of cool air from your air conditioner on a hot summer day. The only thing that could ruin it would be an odor like dirty socks drifting in from the AC vents. If your air conditioning starts to smell, it’s best…
The HVAC unit in your home is a vital piece of equipment that you depend upon throughout the year to stay warm or cool. Without proper AC maintenance, your HVAC system can encounter problems. Here are some steps you can take as a homeown…
Summer projects will quickly fill your weekend calendar and for many, a decking project will be included on the to-do list. We at Citywide Sundecks & Railings, have compiled these 9 deck project hacks so you don’t waste your mone…
You’ve finally hired a contractor for your big renovation, and just as things are about to kick off, you get a sinking feeling in your stomach. “What have I done?” you ask yourself. Your contractor is making you second-guess your decision. W…