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…
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…
Once you’ve decided to undertake a bathroom renovation, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning in order to make sure the end result is exactly what you wanted. Working with a professional contractor who has experience with bat…
If you are wondering what you could possibly add to your home to maximize storage and minimize clutter, you may be surprised to know just how many options exist! Closet organizers. Building custom shelving in your closets is very effec…
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…
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…
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 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…
Diapers, mobile, onsies, home control system? Yes, you read that right. Every new parent should have a home control system on their list of must have items for baby’s arrival. Why? Simple. Home control si…
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, ther…
Did you know that in Ontario, the only businesses legally allowed to do electrical work at your home or business are Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC)? An LEC will have a valid ECRA/ESA license number and will also have all the necessar…
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…
As more and more people are shedding their corporate personas in exchange for entrepreneurial pursuits, the self-employed workforce is faced with the dilemma of converting a bedroom or nook into an office that can suit their needs. But if…
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. 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
As most Canadians know, winter weather can be extremely unpredictable. Residents of our northern nation have a great deal of experience with this as of late, with the recent trend of wide temperature swings and seemingly endless precipit…
What is a Design Build? 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 unfamilia…
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. Hi, Bryan. My cottage has a mould problem. It was bui…
If you currently have a fuse panel in your home, there are a variety of reasons you should consider upgrading to a breaker panel. Simplicity If you have a blown fuse, it can be difficult to determine visually which fuse has actually blown. Wit…
After spending the afternoon in a workshop about setting up successful strategies for kids that have difficulty functioning in an organized manner, I’m here to tell you, where there’s a will there’s a way. Common complaints are ” I have eve…
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…