Maintaining a quartz countertop

IMG_2070

If you’ve chosen a beautiful quartz countertop for your home, you want to keep it looking great! Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials you can buy and will last a lifetime. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most low-maintenance options on the market and is easy to maintain. To keep your countertop clean, all you need to do is to clean t regularly with a cloth and some non-abrasive detergent, such as dish soap and water. Quartz is very stain-resistant, but it’s important to try to wipe up spills as soon as possible. You … [Read more...]

Summer garden pest control tips

IMG_1952

While most insects you see out in your garden won't hurt your plants, there are some, like earwigs, slugs, aphids and caterpillars, that can do significant damage. Here's how you can prevent and control these pests the natural way: Keep plants and soil healthy: If your plants are in good health and your soil provides the nutrients they need, they will be more resistant to pests. Use lots of compost, keep the soil weed-free, water your plants well and ensure proper drainage. Encourage pest predators: Some … [Read more...]

A brief carpet and upholstery protection rundown.

Steamatic025

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just bought that new sofa you’ve had your eye on or finally picked up that excellent area rug that perfectly accents your living room, buying any piece for your home is an investment that you’ll want to look after. That is why getting the right carpet and upholstery protector is an excellent idea to keep your new purchase looking great for years to come. Remember that it’s not a good idea to wait as the best time to start with this protection is right after you put the money down for the purchase. … [Read more...]

Are potential renters or buyers turned off by cooking odours in your home?

Biosense10

The wonderful aroma of fresh food cooking can make your mouth water. However, the lingering smell of that meal the next day or the day after is another story altogether. The odours created when cooking with spices or greasy food can permeate surfaces throughout your home from the walls to the flooring, fabrics and furniture. If you're trying to sell or rent your home, the last thing you want is for potential buyers or renters to be turned off by cooking odours. Do you like to deep fry your foods? Then you've probably noticed how grease from … [Read more...]

Outdoor Flooring

shutterstock_56255611

Flooring inside your home is easy, but once you are satisfied with your interior it is time to let your mind wander into the backyard and patio. These are areas you might not have considered needed flooring but you can definitely upgrade the comfort and style of your outdoor areas with the proper flooring covering to suit your outdoor space. Let’s start at the far reaches of the backyard and work back. If you have a pool or open space in the yard with concrete, porcelain tile is a good option for you. It is fairly easy to install and is … [Read more...]

Counter design trends

IMG_2034

You want your countertop to make a statement in your home and selecting the right design details can give you amazing results! Choosing the counter edge can be an underrated part of the renovation process, but gives your counter that finishing touch and tie it together. Two of today’s hottest design trends are mitered and waterfall edges. A mitered edge will give your counter a thicker look, says Louise from Coronado. Most counters come in ¾” or 1-¼” thicknesses and a mitered edge will build the edge up to a 3” thickness and also hide … [Read more...]

Great long-blooming perennials

IMG_1993

Perennials are great plants to have in your garden. They produce flowers in the same spot for several years, so there's no need for yearly replanting. However, regular perennials have a relatively short blooming period of one to six weeks. To maintain consistent colour in your garden throughout the summer and even into the fall, consider planting long-blooming perennials. Here are some of the most popular varieties: Daylily The name "daylily" is derived from this plant's lily-shaped flowers, which only last for one day but are then … [Read more...]

Preparation is the key to a successful move – part 3

MG_5433

This page contains time and money savings tips that allow your movers to do a better job and you, the client, to receive better service at a lower cost. This is not a must-do list. This is a list of how the perfect client prepares for their move. Movers usually get paid by the hour. The more work the better. However, if you want to maximize job and minimize price, follow as much of this list as possible. If you are putting your freezer on a cement floor, it would be wise to place some 2 x 4 runners under the freezer to prevent … [Read more...]

Area rugs add charm and personality to any room

shutterstock_34867771

Is a room in your house lacking colour and imagination? Want to liven up a living space and give it some personality? Many people spend hours trying to figure out the best way to bring a room to life and make it stand out as unique and exciting. But often people are left scratching their head and wondering how to appropriately decorate. Paint, art and mouldings are expensive possibilities but may not give homeowners the desired results. Area rugs are an inexpensive way to add colour and personality to a room. Versatile and timeless, area … [Read more...]

Stone—it’s not just for countertops!

IMG_2057

When you think of using stone for your home, your countertop is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, stone can be used throughout your home to create an elegant living space that you will love. In the kitchen, granite is also a perfect choice for your backsplash. Durable, easy to maintain and beautiful, a granite backsplash will be very easy to clean and, depending on the style and colour you choose, can match your countertop for a uniform, cohesive look. Stone isn’t just for the kitchen, though and can be used in many … [Read more...]