Fall is here…the leaves are turning colours and falling—a sure sign that at the very least there is raking to do!  But that is just one of many tasks you need to schedule in –the weather at this time of year can be unpredictable and it is vital to complete regular home maintenance before Mother Nature prevents it. 

If there is a little nip in the air then winter is likely just around the corner! Niagara’s winters usually reflect the true essence of what winter really means… snow, ice and frigid temperatures (that’s if the year brings a true Canadian winter).  

 

Wood floors, timber beams, and barn board facades are not new to housing but lately there is an increased interest in bringing a natural look and warmth back to our homes.  Perhaps, it is the fundamental comfort that wood adds to any space, inside and out, that makes a house feel like a home! … Or quite possibly it is the desire of many to incorporate more green products into their living space.   Reclaiming old barn board and beams is genuinely a great way enhance a home but equally to recycle. 

Without a doubt, every aspect and element of a home is encompassed in the overall investment, and the exterior surroundings are no exception. ‘Curb appeal’ starts at the road and continues up the driveway, walkways, and patios. These hardscaped elements should enhance the overall style of the home and are also an opportunity to display a little glimpse of one’s personal flair through outdoor flooring.

Summer… thankfully it is back but so are the chores that go with it! Home maintenance is not optional, especially if you want to protect your biggest investment, it is a must! So, while the sun is out after the long cold winter, try to incorporate your sun tanning efforts with a few of your essential home maintenance tasks. No one said that getting some sun had to be done from a beach chair, although realistically it would be my first choice too!

Life in the Niagara Region means dealing with four seasons and the challenges that go with each one. While most of us are happy to see winter end, and look forward to the blooms of spring, we are a little disheartened each year by the pests that come with them. 

Well, it was a long winter in Niagara and it is finally a time to crack open our windows and let the fresh air in. So, while you are going around your home and opening up your windows, it is an opportunity to take a little more time and exam the units themselves. Just as you should in your quarterly maintenance home checks, it is good to ensure that the seals, frames and glass, etc. are properly intact and functioning.  If there is an issue that has arisen since your winter inspection, now might be a great time to look at window repair or replacement. Don’t let it go too long. Leaky and inefficient windows, skylights, and doors can lead to damage to your home, but they also can cause household energy bills to increase. 

So often, the space beneath a staircase is under-utilized or inefficiently used.