ProBite: Tips for Replacing Your Old Dishwasher

Some people have had their dishwashers for 10, 20, even 30 years and when they come in to purchase a new unit, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot to choose from and no clear way to narrow things down further. In seeing this struggle every day at work, I’ve put together some tips, to help with your dishwasher search. Hopefully this will assist you in selecting, and purchasing a new dishwasher, with very little stress and confusion.

First: there are only two different sizes for dishwashers: 18” and 24”. All new dishwashers will fit within either of those existing spaces, no matter how old your current one is, or how long you have had it. So don’t stress about measurements, or whether or not it will fit, because it will. Just ensure you know what size you are looking for.

Second: noise level. Everyone wants a quiet dishwasher; but what’s quiet? I can tell you from experience, anything under 50 decibels is quiet, depending on your kitchen set up. We had a condo, and my dishwasher was 10 feet away from my couch. It was a 50 decibel model, and I could comfortably watch tv (without raising the volume) and not hear my dishwasher at all. The lower the decibel the quieter the unit.

Third: features, cycles, basket configuration. This part is often overlooked, but important. Although most people seem to just want the dishwasher to wash the dishes, there are some cycles that can help cater to specific tasks: washing china or crystal for example. Again, most people say they prefer to wash those delicate items by hand. However, dishwashers today have the ability to wash those items, not damage them, while keeping the unit energy efficient. The baskets on top and bottom can be simple and have no moving parts. You can also have baskets with flexibility such as, folding tines, stemware holders, and top cutlery trays.

Last (but not Least): consider what you want the dishwasher to look like. You have a number of options: controls on the front, top controls with a handle, top controls with a scoop handle, even dishwashers with no handle at all, that you knock to open.

As technology has improved, so have dishwashers. They use very little water, which makes the cycles long. On average using only 4-5 gallons of water (sometimes less than a flush of a toilet) per cycle, which is achieved by recycling clean water back into the machine. Filters at the bottom of the dishwasher, which help keep it clean, also encourage the consumer to stop pre rinsing dishes. On average, if you were to pre-rinse every dish, prior to putting the dishes in the dishwasher, you have used about four times the amount of water, that your dishwasher would use. So, stop pre-rinsing, and trust the machine.

Designing Your Own Kitchen by Karin Bennett

We know designing a kitchen can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider, and you also need to figure out the options that would best meet your requirements and expectations. We worked together with Karin Bennett, a fabulous interior designer and owner of Karin Bennett Designs, to come up with some tips that will help you make the best choices in designing a kitchen of your dreams.

KBD focuses on creating a unique personality for each home that reflects upon the owners. Combining modern and contemporary design trends, Karin brings all her projects to life with her bright colour choices and bold patterns. In this blog, Karin also shares insights from her own kitchen re-design, which will provide you a new perspective and be your guide in your kitchen make over journey.

Karin’s first tip discusses the importance of appliance selection in kitchen design. Appliances are a major part of the kitchen and it’s really important to take your time, research, talk to professionals, and gather as much information as you can to make the right choice. As Karin tells us, “I always encourage homeowners to ask the expert sales associates for help.”

The second tip talks about the role functionality plays in designing a kitchen. How you use your kitchen, the number of chefs in your house, your preferences, all factor in the planning process. “We want to know how you use your kitchen and what features are important to you?” Karin asks and adds,

“If you are a foodie and love to cook, opt to invest in a 36” or 48” range when space allows. If you host large gatherings, we find an additional wall oven and 2nd dishwasher to be very handy for homeowners.

If you are the type of host that whips up fun cocktails you might want to consider a fridge/freezer that has a water and instant ice feature.”

The third tip suggests how an integrated look can bring elegance to your kitchen. Integrated or panel-ready appliances fit in with your kitchen units or panels, giving it a sleek finish and space saving solutions, as opposed to free-standing appliances.

The fourth tip Karin talks about is the importance of ventilation. Karin explains why choosing the right vent hood is an important decision, even though it may not be considered as exciting as selecting other appliances, and how this decision can be affected by your choice of the cooking range. “This often over looked appliance has an important feature to remove odours, heat and smoke in your kitchen. With gas ranges producing more heat than electric ones, they require a more powerful vent hood.”

Karin also shares the rationale behind her choice of appliances in her own kitchen re-design, and how her preferences and household cooking habits impacted her decision:

“My 48” F&P gas range is hands down a splurge and it was so worth it. It is the main feature of my kitchen as its positioned between two windows. I adore the double oven and with the griddle, my cooking options are all taken care of. When there are just a couple of us home, we use the smaller oven which saves energy. And the griddle makes the best grilled cheese ever! Second to my range, I am obsessed with our double drawer dishwasher. We can run each drawer separately which is super convenient and saves water!”

We hope these suggestions from Karin Bennett, will provide you a better sense of direction in designing a beautiful and effective heart and soul of your house.

Tasco Appliances
3041 Dufferin St. Toronto, ON M6B 3T8
(416) 781-9145
www.tascoappliance.ca 

Why You Need a Window Well

GJ MacRae, as a leader in the foundation repair industry with 40+ years of experience, is up to date with all changes to building codes and regulations in the Greater Toronto Area. Recently, Toronto updated its window egress standards for window wells to greater protect homes and prevent flooding. All basement windows are now required to have window wells.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is an Egress Window?

An egress window is any window you may use to escape the building in the event of an emergency. These became required for any home with a finished basement, but the code has been updated to include unfinished basements as well.

Egress windows are better for your family’s safety and security in the event of a fire or emergency.

Egress windows are also an excellent source of light and ventilation for a basement room.

Egress windows are required on other floors of the home than just the basement, as any floor with a bedroom on it has some danger of a stairwell collapsing while residents need to escape.

What Are the Requirements for an Egress Window?

There are some key factors in determining what counts as an egress window, especially for foundational level rooms.

Must Be Openable

Any window that counts as an egress window must be openable from the inside without the use of special tools or knowledge. If you’re wondering whether your window qualifies for this step, consider whether a person in your home for the first time would be able to open it.

Window Size

The size of the window must be no less than .35 square meters with dimensions on any side of no less than 380 millimeters. These dimensions will allow most adults to pass through the window without difficulty.

Exit Space

There must be 550 millimeters of unobstructed space in front of the window, so that people can exit safely, without becoming stuck or injured. This is where window wells come into play for basement egress windows.

In addition, for any windows opening into a window well, there must be adequate space to exit the window. If the window swings out to open, it must have enough space for the person to climb out of the window and into the well without becoming stuck.

Why is A Window Well Necessary?

For any window that belongs to a below-ground room, the ability to escape is essential. Window wells in this case do not only prevent flooding but also provide a safe and secure escape route for the people in the basement.

If an egress window didn’t have a corresponding window well installed, debris could pile up against the windows over time, making them inoperable. Likewise, the weather could prevent the windows from being a safe or speedy escape in an emergency.

Specific Window Well Requirements

Window wells intended for egress need to fit certain specifications. While Ontario has some guidelines about this, Toronto has set more specific policies in place regarding the size of window wells and the placement of windows.

Adequate Space

Any window well in Toronto intended for egress must have 550 millimeters of space after it to allow adequate space for escape. This measurement is taken from the outermost cropping of the wall or window. Thus, if the basement window swings in, the 550 millimeters is from the wall of the building, where if it swings out it is measured from the outermost length of the window.

Window Height

The window must be no more than 1 meter off the floor of the basement. This is to make sure the window is accessible by those in the basement and able to be used easily as an escape route.

Worth noting: the “floor” in question can be a bench surface or built-in surface meant for sitting or a step rather than the actual floor of the basement. It must be built into the basement and unable to be removed.

Why Should I Have a Window Well Installed?

Anyone who owns a home should always aim to keep their building within codes. This makes reselling easier and is safer for your family. However, in addition to complying with regulation, there are other significant advantages to having your home outfitted with window wells.

For one, your residence will have better waterproofing, which means less risk of mold and foundational damage, which causes a massive risk to the health and safety of your family. Window Wells also help maintain the soil composition around some of the weaker points of your foundation, the windows. These structures provide an obstruction for moving debris and roots to prevent them from growing in or moving towards your home.

Finally, you never know when or where disaster will strike. At any time, your home could be subject to an emergency. Even if you do not have a finished basement, having a means of escape from a structure fire or other building emergency is prudent.

Can I Install Window Wells Myself?

Yes and No. While you can do any sort of home repair or work on your own, without knowledge you could build a window well that is structurally unsafe, not within regulation, or will dilapidate at an accelerated rate.

When you hire a professional like GJ MacRae, you pay for expert knowledge, meticulous hand excavation, and a window well built with specific knowledge of your property in mind. Not all areas have the same soil composition or structure of wildlife, so a DIY video from California will likely not help you in the GTA.

GJ MacRae Foundation Repair
470 Winston Churchill Blvd, Oakville, ON, L6J 7X2
905 824 2557

www.wetbasements.com

The Magic of Landscape Lighting with In-Lite®

Have you ever wondered what makes a sunset so spectacular? Why we sit around a firepit all night, forgetting time completely? Why people travel thousands of miles to admire the Northern Lights or the brightly illuminated billboards of Times Square?

Is it a coincidence or because of the darkness? Evening. Night. The magical, mystical moment of the day when all of the senses seem to be at their peak. This is the time of day when light is experienced as something far more exceptional than during the daytime. It is the darkness that makes the light so special.

We believe that everyone should be able to experience the magic of light. But you don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to do so. Experience the magic where you feel most comfortable: your home. In your yard, your outdoor space. A place full of life, where the most beautiful flowers and plants bloom. Where your pets play all day and where your little ones have fun with their friends. Naturally, you want to enjoy your outdoor space after dark as well: whether you spend the entire evening outdoors or admire your enchantingly beautiful yard from indoors.

A Lighting Plan in Four Steps

Before you begin installing or purchasing outdoor lighting fixtures, we highly recommend starting with a lighting plan. This way you’ll know exactly what you need to make your outdoor space unique. Plus, it makes maintenance and adding new lighting in the future much easier.

Design
Your perfectly illuminated outdoor space starts with a lighting plan. Use the original design (if you have it) or draw your own picture. This can be as complex or simple as you like. Prioritize illuminating elements like decks, trees, plants, pergolas, and more. It’s up to you to choose what you want to highlight. Determine the angle and position from which the space will be viewed at night. This could be from a living room or deck, for example. You want the space to look best from the direction that it will be seen the most. Draw these sightlines on your plan and make sure the lighting will look good from those angles.

Accents
A good lighting plan is all about the accents. Make sure to first thin long and hard about which elements in your space you’d like to have visible at night. Lighting doesn’t have to be practical: so while you want to light up paths, decks, stairs, and so on, don’t be afraid to experiment with lighting unique objects as well. Illuminate beautiful plants and trees, sculptures, and other areas of interest.

Type of Light
We have a specific lighting fixture for almost every application. We always recommend using a handful of different types of light to avoid creating a space that looks flat. Using varying fixtures will create depth and ensure your space is lit perfectly: not too bright and not too dark. Yes, there is such a thing as too much light.

Action
Now that you have your space drawn and you’ve chosen the best fixtures for your space, it’s time to get everything onto paper! Start by drawing your transformation near a GFCI outlet and extend the main line cable from there. If your plan is complicated, use a legend with various shapes and colours to indicate different fixtures to ensure it is easy to read. Or, write out the names of the fixtures directly on the plan. Whatever works easiest for you! Pay attention to things like pathways or patio areas. If you haven’t started construction, make sure you run conduit underneath those pavers first to make lighting installation a breeze.

Sealing and Cleaning Natural Stone
with Joe Ponte of Beaver Valley Stone Limited

Sealers are seamless in providing stain resistance, and they help maintain the beauty of the stone so that people don’t have to necessarily worry about it going long-term.

Sealers should be breathable, and they should be UV resistant. Chemical resistance should not adversely affect slip coefficient of friction, and that’s certainly important in the landscape trade because the last thing your contractors want is to be slip sliding away or having their clients do that.

What is a good sealer for natural stone?

I would recommend Sealer’s Choice Gold. It’s a premium penetrating water-based sealer that will last up to typically 15 years. It will not adversely affect the slip coefficient of friction which is perfect, and I would also highly recommend it around salt water pools.

What is the best sealer to give your natural stone a wet look?

A lot of people want the wet look, and what they really want is to see the stone pop. Aqua Mix offers two sealers one is called Enrich and Seal, and the one the other one is called Stone Enhancer. Now the only thing I would say about these sealers is that for the contractor it’s very important that they have their clients sign off on it because once it is changed it cannot be undone, so make sure everybody in the household is in agreement with that.

People think sealing your natural stone will make it slippery, is that the case?

Well, there are two different types of sealers there are penetrating sealers and topical sealers. Penetrating sealers are what we would recommend for landscape. For application you would apply the sealer, let it soak into the stone leaving the carrier on the surface – within three to five minutes it’s important to remove that carrier from the surface. It should not make the stone slippery.

How long do sealers last?

Sealers can last anywhere between 2 and 15 years, typically. It would depend on the sealer, of course, as there are premium penetrating sealers or there are economical versions as well right like the Enrichment Shield that lasts up to 15 years as does Sealer’s Choice Gold.

How often do you have to reseal?

That depends on many things, certainly the material that is being sealed and its porosity, foot traffic, what it’s being cleaned with, and because there are different types of surfaces, I would highly recommend that you talk to the folks at Beaver Valley. They would be able to tell you how often you need to seal, when you seal, and how many coats would you put on the product. I would recommend two coats for the landscape tray, that’s pretty common for sealers. You can also pre-seal before grouting and that will help with the grout haze.

After you install your natural stone, how long would you wait before you seal it?

I think it’s really important that it be completely dry before applying the sealer and in the landscape trade you’ve got two different ways: wet lay or dry lay in a wet lay. Obviously, you want that substrate to cure for at least 24 to 48 days. In a dry lay I would recommend that you pay attention to the humidity and precipitation in the air because that too will play a factor. You want to check for moisture first – you know one of the ways you can do it is certainly with the moisture test.

There’s no job too big, no job too small. Whether you need fifty square feet or fifty thousand square feet, we can fulfill your material requirements. Beaver Valley Stone is your one stop shop for Natural Stone and concrete cleaners and sealers, pond, waterfall and landscape lighting and tools and equipment to help you with your project.

Beaver Valley Stone Limited
8081 Woodbine Ave., Markham, ON, L3R 2P1
905-886-5787 or 416-222-2424
www.beavervalleystone.com

How to Select a Professional Mover

Having your possessions in someone else’s hands can be a scary experience. However, finding a moving company that is reliable, responsible, “sensitive” with your belongings, and affordable should not be a complicated task.

Allow 6 To 8 Weeks to Chose a Moving Company

The process of finding the right moving company for you will probably take this much time. You will request bids from each mover, check references, and make your final decision about which company is the best value for your money. Moving companies will need time to fit your move into their schedules, especially in the summer months, which is their busiest time of year.

Ask Around Before Choosing a Moving Company

It is always helpful to ask people you trust. Talk with your friends and neighbours who have moved recently, relocation consultants, and your real estate agent. If you happen to see someone moving into or out of your neighbourhood, stop by and ask them how they like (or liked) their moving company. We all know that the best recommendation for any mover comes from satisfied customers.

However, unfortunately, that is not enough. Ask each of your prospective movers for references from previous customers and for documents on their history of service. Take advantage of free estimates, and get them from several movers. Having several free estimates will give you a very good idea of how costly your move will be. Keep in mind that certain movers offer estimates that are outrageously low, and then hand you a large bill when the move is complete. In order to avoid this predicament, always make sure that any estimates you receive from movers are either binding or includes a “not to exceed” clause.

Decisions You Should Make In Advance

Decide in advance which possessions will be moved and which will be sold or given away. Then consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid from moving. An estimator may come to your home and create a bid, or make an estimate by talking to you over the phone. Short moves are usually priced by the hour. For longer distance moves, estimates are based on weight.

If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by the customer. However, if there is an obvious exterior damage at the delivery, make a note of that on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges may apply.

Try to provide as much information as possible about unusual situations on either end so your estimates will be more accurate. Make the mover aware of any problems they may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restriction or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a “parking space” for the moving van if your new home is on a crowded street. If the moving crew has to carry your load, more a great from the moving van to your door you may be charged for the excessive distance.

Know How to Read Your Moving Company Bid

Estimates should include all moving charges, such as carrying up stairs or in an elevator, overtime, and additional transportation, moving bulky articles, carrying an excessive distance, storage, and more. These types of charges usually involve obstacles the mover has to overcome, which you can determine ahead of time and include in the bid. Packing bids should state not only labour charges but also the amount and cost of boxes. Make sure each bid is estimated the same way, so you can easily make comparisons.

You may want to use their Quotation on the Packing materials as a guide as to what you would need – and if you are doing your own packing – purchase the materials at THE BOX SPOT. This will definitely cut down on the overall cost of your relocation! As well, you will know what is in each box and will definitely know the order in which your things should be unpacked!

Check For Performance or Complaints on Moving Companies

Contact your local Better Business Bureau or consumer affairs agency and ask if there are any complaints registered about the movers you are considering. Keep in mind that there are usually two sides to every story. A pattern of many complaints, however, is not a good sign.

When You Decide – Do Not Make Price the Deciding Factor!

Low-ball bids could mask less reliable moving practices. Use several factors in addition to price: references, performance reports, reported complaints. Get the final bid in writing (which you may be asked to sign), but never sign off on a final bill until the move is complete.

Coverage for Loss or Damage

Make sure you understand the coverage for loss or damage of your property. All movers must provide liability insurance for the value of goods, which they transport. However, there are different levels of liability. You must be aware of the amount of protection provided and the additional costs that may apply.

Consolidated Moving + Storage Ltd.
542 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, M4S 2M7
416-922-9595
www.movingtoronto.com

What Are The Steps To Sell My Home?

Now that you have your home looking all spiffy and ready to list, how do you find an agent that will ensure that you get the top dollar you deserve? Many people already know an agent they can trust; however, if you do not know one directly, it is a good idea to first reach out to your friends, family, and neighbours to see if they have any recommendations based on their experiences. Regardless, it is always recommended to speak with at least three agents to ensure you will be working with someone who is on the same page as you.

When speaking with potential agents, ask them what their marketing strategy will be, and if they can provide references for you to contact. Ask them if they are familiar with your neighbourhood, what sales they have achieved in your area, and what the listing to selling price was.

A new trend in the industry is real estate “teams”, which capitalize on the locally well-known name of the leader of the team but beware with these situations – you will rarely have the attention of that individual after the listing agreement is signed – rather, you will likely be dealing with their assistants or other, less experienced agent-members of the “team”.

Last but not least, be sure to clarify what rate they will be charging. If they offer a discounted rate, make sure to ask if there are any services they may be cutting out to make up for this discount (such as a professional photographer, virtual tour, advertising, open houses, staging advice, etc.), and who exactly will be taking that discount – the real estate commission (typically 5% total) is split between the listing agent and their brokerage, and the cooperating (buying) agent and their brokerage. The industry standard is 2.5% to each side, but if your agent is offering a discounted rate of 4.5% it is possible that they are collecting their full 2.5% but only offering the cooperating agent 2.5%. Ethically, all cooperating agents are obligated to show their buyer clients any suitable property regardless of the commission that is offered, but if a discounted commission is offered, they may be inclined to show their clients other properties before they show them yours.

– Dana Snow, Broker of Record

Punk Rock Realty
77 Carlton St Suite 302,
Toronto, ON M5B 2J7
1 888-999-9731
www.punkrockrealty.ca

Tips for Creating your Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen

As the warmer weather approaches, we find ourselves spending more time outdoors with family and friends. Sharing amazing meals often plays an important part in these memorable moments, so if you are dreaming of the ultimate backyard oasis, an outdoor kitchen is the perfect solution. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when designing your outdoor kitchen space:

Flow is important in a kitchen, both indoors and outdoors

Think about food preparation, cooking and dining as three distinct functional zones in your outdoor kitchen space. It is important that all three are integrated to create a seamless work flow.
Choose materials that will be able to withstand the elements

For cabinets, marine-grade polymer is ideal, and countertops use mold resistant materials, such as natural stone, concrete or stainless steel. For flooring, avoid materials that get slippery when wet. Use instead concrete, brick or natural stone.

Protect your kitchen from the elements

Our weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to protect your kitchen from sun and rain. Awnings, roofs, retractable canopies, and pergolas are great ways to add shelter to your outdoor kitchen and entertaining spaces.

Choose appliances based on how you cook and entertain

New to the BBQ scene, the DCS Series 9 Grill delivers the full package of beauty, brains, and brawn with impressive new features. Built to withstand the demands of the serious cook and the weather, 365 days a year, the ultra-reliable Series 9 Grill offers a variety of special features including: a secondary cooking surface, a powerful rotisserie, a charcoal smoker tray and intuitive lighting.

Lighting can transform any space and create the right atmosphere

Think about two distinct lighting areas for cooking and dining. For cooking, use bright task lighting to ensure that the grill and prep area are well lit. Ceiling fans are great for over top of the dining area and will keep the mosquitos away. Remember to include dimmers on all lights so you can set the right mood.

Music is synonymous with ambiance

When you are planning your electrical requirements, consider if you want to wire your outdoor kitchen for a sound system. There are sound systems designed specifically for outdoor use that can be seamlessly integrated with your landscaping.

Your outdoor dining area is an extension of your home

So when choosing colour palette and fabrics think about the aesthetic of your home. The outdoors is also the place to be a bit more playful if your home is more of a neutral palette. Navy, brown or charcoal are great neutral starting points that can be paired with patterned pillows with a pop of colour.

Let it be a complement to the style of your home and create a space that is ideal as an outdoor retreat for family and friends.

Caplan’s Appliances
1111 Weston Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 3S3
416-767-1655
www.caplans.ca

What to Consider When Buying Tile?

When you go shopping for tile, there are lots of ideas and factors to consider. Some factors include: maintenance, size, colour, pattern, and cost. Below is a list of different types of tiles, and a description on them:

Ceramic Tiles

One of the most popular types of tiles. Ceramic tiles are widely use in bathrooms and kitchens wall tiling, as well as floor applications. Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed, with glazed being the most popular in home improvement projects and unglazed ceramics tend to be used in more commercial projects. Ceramics also tend to be thinner than most tiles, making them an easier install for DIY’er.

Porcelain Tiles

One of the most popular types of tiles, very hardwearing and durable. They tend to be more expensive than the basic ceramics. They come in Glazed and Full-Bodied. Glazed just has colour on top, and Full-Bodied has colour running all the way through.

Quarry Tiles

Quarry Tiles are clay from the earth, flamed and hardened to make the colour similar to ceramics’ terracotta colour. These tend to be the “Mexican Tile” in other words. This is because these tiles were derived from Mexico many years ago despite their designs and patterns.

Marble Tiles

Marble is a natural stone, that comes from many different places around the world; ranging from Nebraska in the United States all the way through Greece, Brazil, India and many more locations. Marble, being a natural stone requires a little more maintenance. When cleaned they should not be cleaned with any abrasive or harsh chemicals. To clean marble tile, using mild soap and water is the most effective way.

Ceramic Tile World
25 Bermondsey Rd, East York, ON M4B 1Z5
416-752-4446
www.ceramictileworld.ca

A Guide to Buying Replacement Windows in 2023

Are you tired of your old, worn-out windows? Maybe you have cracked glass or rotting window frames? Some homeowners find that their windows need replacement after ten to fifteen years. Additionally, today’s vinyl replacement windows offer more security and energy efficiency. Drafty old windows cost homeowners considerably in cooling and heating costs. What do you need to know when it’s time to buy a new window?

WHAT IS YOUR WINDOW REPLACEMENT BUDGET?

Most homeowners frame their window replacement needs around their budget. However, with the Canada Greener initiative, a homeowner can save up to $5,000 on their vinyl replacement windows if they meet requirements! Take an inventory of which windows need replacement. In general, you want to replace any windows that can’t lock, don’t open, are cracked, or have rotten frames. What else should you look for?

  • Is your window energy efficient?
  • Does too much sunlight come in?
  • Do you have high cooling costs in the summer?
  • Do you have draft windows during the winter?
  • Does every window lock safely?

Many times homeowners save considerably by bundling several window replacements at one time. Take time to come up with a budget. This will help narrow down your choices so that you don’t go over or under budget when selecting a new window. Note that special finishes like low-E glass coatings or argon gas insulating fill may also add to the cost and help increase your home’s energy efficiency.

TYPES OF WINDOWS

Choose from many popular windows like casement windows, retractable window screens, and sliding doors. Knowing the type of window is important because it can determine what kind of features each model offers, plus factors such as size and frame material. Size up each window you need with your professional window installer. Increase your home value and curb appeal.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT

Energy-efficient windows reduce heat transportation due to glazing features, such as insulated frames and double-pane glass coupled. The panes have inert gas fills between their panes, creating an extra layer of insulation against cold air infiltration. The extra energy efficiency keeps your home cool in the summer, too.

DOOR & WINDOW SYSTEMS

When looking at window replacement, don’t forget to assess all points of entry like patio doors, the front door, and sliding glass doors. Why? Many times you can save considerably on energy efficiency costs by replacing worn-out doors and sliding glass. Enjoy added security and comfort.

FINDING THE RIGHT WINDOW REPLACEMENT COMPANY

Replacing windows and door systems requires professional experience and equipment for the best results and energy efficiency. You need a window replacement company that you can trust and that has a reliable record of excellent craftsmanship. Find the right window replacement company for your home improvements. Some questions to ask:

  1. How long have you installed windows and doors?
  2. Can you provide references?
  3. What styles do you have?
  4. Do you have Energy Star products?
  5. Do you have a warranty?
  6. How much will the installation cost?
  7. How much are upgrades?
  8. How long does installation take?
  9. Can you provide a quote?
  10. Will I be eligible for the Canada Green Homeowners Grant?

 Comfort Windows & Doors Inc.
7030 Woodbine Ave., Markham, ON L3R 6G2
416-800-1365
www.comfortwindowsdoors.ca

Blank Wall Decorating Ideas

Do you have a bare wall in your space and have NO idea what to do? A blank wall can be tough to tackle, whether it’s too big or too small, it can be difficult to figure out how to spruce it up. Sometimes a bare wall can feel refreshing but most times, it can feel neglected. If you want to bring style to every inch of your space, check out a few of my go-to wall decorating tips!

Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a simple yet effective way to make a blank wall a statement in your home. I usually opt for above the sofa placement; however, it can really be placed anywhere (think entry way, kitchen, living room + dining room). I like to use an odd number of frames, different artwork sizes, and cohesive prints. You can even include family photographs! Desenio is my favorite when it comes to picking out art prints. You can even search pre-made gallery walls which is super helpful if you are unsure.

When it comes to placement, my go to trick is to trace all the artwork/frames on paper. I cut out the tracings and with the help of masking tape, I tape the tracings on the wall. This allows me to see how everything will look together!

Shelfie

Sometimes hanging artwork isn’t enough, a shelving system, large bookcase, or floating shelves can do the trick! This allows for extra storage in your home, you can style your favorite home decor and create the ultimate shelfie. It will create a nice focal point to any room. One thing I will add, is  make sure you have ample space around the shelf/shelves. Because you are taking up additional space in the room, make sure it doesn’t make the space feel too cluttered.

Wall Décor

When it comes to wall decor the possibilities are endless and overwhelming! I’m sharing a few of my favorite wall decor pieces to use below:

Floor length mirror- This will make the room instantly feel bigger + brighter! Hang it up or have it lean against the wall. It’s the perfect minimalist route.

Woven baskets- Add some natural texture and contrast with woven baskets/accents.

Wall hangings- I personally love wall/macrame hangings. They add depth and texture to your wall. They come in a variety of styles and sizes so you can find one perfect for your space OR you can DIY one for a fraction of the cost.

Drew Scott – Lone Fox
Lone Fox offers inspiring décor and gift items for modern dwellers who insist on quality and character.
www.lonefox.com

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