The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone and everything. For some homeowners, its timing came at a particularly bad time. Those in the middle of a renovation saw their project slow down. Some wondered if their project would be put on hiatus for the unforeseeable future. Happily for them, the Ontario government listed residential construction projects […]
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It is tempting when prospecting for a renovation contractor or home builder, to choose the one that promises the moon at the lowest price. Be careful. What may sound great for your budget may end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
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When people think of a “green” home renovation, they often envision high performance windows or a well-insulated attic. We also hear that while it would be nice to go green, it’s unaffordable. In reality, environmentally-responsible renovations, when done right, go beyond windows and insulation, and can save you money. A responsible renovation factors in the […]
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This blog is part of Greening Homes’ Planning a Renovation series. It’s back to school time (and back to life) time. Now that the kids and you are back to reality after the summer break, you may be taking a serious look at your dream home renovation. You are not alone. This time of year, […]
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This blog is part of Greening Homes’ Planning a Renovation series. Should we live in the home during the renovation, or temporarily relocate? Often, homeowners choose the former to save money and avoid the inconvenience of moving. In so doing they typically spend more money overall and can make decisions they later regret. Living in […]
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This blog is part of Greening Homes’ Planning a Renovation series. Early in the year we often field inquiries about spring home renovations. How soon can we start? That’s all going to depend on the project’s scope. If you plan to expand the building envelope, it could take a lot longer to get your approvals. […]
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Changes to the Ontario Building Code come into effect on January 1, 2018, stipulating greater emphasis on airtightness, higher requirements for mechanical ventilation of homes, and more effective insulation installation. If you are planning a home renovation, these changes will impact some of your decisions. The changes are part of an ongoing provincial plan to […]
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Once upon a time it was not uncommon for Toronto homeowners to purchase and sell several homes in their lifetimes. Property was affordable and people moved to accommodate a growing family or to live in a neighbourhood that better suited their needs and lifestyles. Nowadays, a growing population is up against limited residential stock. Consequently, […]
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