Nisha Muire

If the concrete structures of your Toronto home have stains caused by grease or grime – there are ways of cleaning them without resorting to a pressure washer. Although using a pressure washer to get ground in dirt and grease out of your driveway, walkway or siding might seem like a great idea, it can actually significantly damage your property if not done properly. Instead of of turning to the easiest, but most destructive solution right away, taking more time to do it properly is definitely worth your while. Although it will require a bit more effort on your part, it will preserve the integrity of your concrete structures thereby prolonging their life.

Oil Stains
If you need to remove oil stains from your driveway, the first thing to do is use a paper towel to absorb as much of the grease as possible. You can also use kitty litter to absorb the stain. Once that is done, spray the stain with either WD40 or a brake cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a rag to them wipe it up. Using WD40 or brake cleaner won’t damage your concrete or asphalt. Next use a little bit of dish soap on the stain and rinse with boiling hot water. Repeat these steps as needed until the stain is gone. No, it won’t go right away, but little-by-little you will be able to get rid of it and, best of all, your concrete won’t get damaged!

Tree Sap
Another big problem for homeowners is tree sap. If you find yourself faced with tree sap on your driveway or patio, get yourself a good petroleum-based hand cleanser and attack the sap with a clean cloth or scrub brush. Be patient and reapply the cleanser and keep scrubbing. The sap will come off. After that, you just need to rinse the area down with warm water.

Once you have removed the initial stains from your driveway or patio, then you can use hot, soapy water to give the structure a good scrub down. Rise it off with regular hose water and voila – you’re done!

Spring has arrived in Toronto and with it brings the urge to clean-up after a long and arduous winter. This year, instead of stopping at the usual clean-up of walls, windowsm, furniture, ceilings and floors, why not take it a step further? In the spirit of Marie Kondo, try decluttering to simplify you home and life.

Decluttering your Toronto home may sound simple, but can be harder than you think. However, if you follow the philosophy Marie Kondo espouses on her hit TV show, then you will keep only those things that spark joy in your life and get rid of anything else that is simply taking up space. Weeding out all of those items that are not longer useful or which you have stopped using is a great way of freeing your mind as well as your house. It will provide you with the space and freedom to enjoy those things that truly matter.

If you are loathe to simply get rid of your beloved stuff, you can always gift the things you consider still good to others who might appreciate them. Collect all of the items you no longer use, but which still have plenty of life left in them in one place and then take them all to goodwill or your local thrift shop. If you are more entrepreneurial, you might want to try selling it through your local online classifieds.

While there are those who cite studies showing that people with messy desks tend to be more creative and think outside the box, the organized people do tend to get more done and are more productive overall.

Regardless of how you dispose of your excess stuff, you will feel the benefits of a freer, less cluttered house.

With the rainy spring that Toronto has been hit with this year, many homeowners who live by bodies of water are scrambling to protect their homes from rising water levels. However, there are ways that you can protect yourself from rainy days and their devastating effects on a house. Whether you are just building your home or protecting yourself from future downpours, the following suggestions can definitely protect your investment.

Using sealants
Apply sealants to your foundation, walls, windows and doors. Coating the lower level of your residence in this manner is a form of “dry flood proofing”. Sealants will prevent water from seeping into your home through cracks or porous surfaces.

French Drains and Sump Pumps
If you don’t already have them, installing French drains and a sump pump will give you a way of keeping water away from your home when the water level rises. It is a convenient outlet for water that relieves the pressure it can place on windows and foundations. A sump pump will allow you to pump out excess water from the lower levels of your home. If you do decide to install a sump pump, make sure that it has a battery back-up so that it can keep working even during a power outtage.

Raise your electrical outlets/switches
Although it may not seem necessary, ensuring that your electrical outlets and all of your switches are at least a half meter above the highest flood level will save your home’s wiring and will prevent electrical damage.

Backwater valves
Make sure that all of the pipes have backwater valves so that water can flow out of the house but not into it.

Proper landscaping
Your lawn should always have a very gentle slope away from your home to prevent water from flowing towards it. You should also create space between any kind of mulch and your house so that standing water doesn’t have a chance to damage the foundation.

Downspouts
Your downspouts should jut out at least a meter away from your home so that water from your gutters doesn’t collect and/or pool close to your dwelling.

Lastly, if you are building your home near a body of water that has the potential to flood or if you are in a known flood zone, then you might want to consider raising it up on stilts or a pier. Such a measure can also be taken for an existing home if you want to be sure to protect yourself from any potential water damage. While such a step is quite costly, it will be well-worth the investment in case of flooding.

Spring is one of the most dangerous times of year for Toronto homes and water damage. Thawing snow has an insidious way of infiltrating roof seams, windows and doors to cause damage to interior structures and finishes. Unchecked water build-up from snow melt can also affect foundations and lead to severe damage if left unchecked. There are several ways to protect your home from the ravages that water can wreck on your property. Here is a top-level overview of what to do to keep your home dry this spring.

Keeping your eyes open for the signs of water damage is the number one thing you should do to protect your home. Water damage has some very obvious signs and if you spot any of the following, you should immediately follow up with a contractor to find out how the issue can be addressed. Clear warning signs of a problem include:

Water puddles
Water stains on the ceilings, walls or floors
Cracks that appear suddenly or increase in size in concrete floors or walls
Discolouration on floors or walls
Mould or mildew
Mustiness or dampness

Any of the above should automatically trigger a search for the cause and a remedy for the problem.

Before the melt you should also check to make sure your sump pump is working properly.

Outside it is very important to clear any large snow build-up off your roof and to clear your gutters and downspouts so that any melt will have an easy path away from your house. Also make sure that your downspouts are at least two meters away from your foundation. Around your residence you should also make sure to clear away any standing water and to fix areas where water can pool – this is especially important around your foundation.

With just a little bit of effort on your part, you will be able to keep your home dry and secure every wet season for years to come.

Trends come and go, but sometimes they disrupt the very purpose of a room. The bedroom should always support healthy sleep. Getting enough rest is crucial for immune system health, clear thinking, and appetite control. Creating a room that welcomes healthy sleep means finding design trends that work with your personality and style while making your bedroom the sleep haven you need.

Light It Right
Not all light is made the same. Your sleep-wake cycle is largely determined by natural light. That’s why when it gets dark outside you start to feel sleepy. Artificial light that mimics sunlight throws off your natural rhythms. The bright, blue light from televisions, computers, smartphones, and e-readers can send conflicting signals to the brain. They shouldn’t be used in the bedroom or at least should be turned off an hour before bedtime.

Bedroom lighting should be adequate for tasks in the bedroom, including reading, but dim enough for a relaxed atmosphere that invites sleep. Lighting should also be adjustable so you can set different levels as you need less light. A sconce or other task lighting near the nightstand should be easily accessible from your bed.

Keep It Dark
While your lighting needs to be adequate, you also need the ability to block out the light from street lamps, signs, or headlights. This is especially important in areas where light pollution is a problem. Blackout curtains or heavy drapes can help you get better rest because they prevent that extra light from entering the bedroom. If you dream of sheer curtains, you might consider installing double layers so you can fully block out the light at night.

Bedding Comfort vs. Looks
Everything in or on your bed should be made for durability and comfort. The mattress should support your preferred sleep position and bedding should be breathable. If you’re not ready to invest in a new mattress, a mattress topper might be what you need to give your old bed new life. Adjust your bedding with the season to prevent overheating or becoming too cold during the night.

Color Schemes Have an Impact
Colors can have a powerful psychological effect. Special receptors in the eyes relay colors to the brain. Those receptors are sensitive to blues, which triggers a sense of peace and calm. Blues can reduce blood pressure and heart rate for a better night’s sleep. If blues aren’t amongst your favorites, cool neutrals can also be calming. On the other side of the spectrum, reds and oranges stimulate the senses and awaken the body. They should be used sparingly in the bedroom so as to not interrupt the sleep cycle.

Organize It
Chaos doesn’t promote good sleep. Clutter on the floor can cause clutter in the mind, which can make it hard to shut down the brain at night. Bedroom organization can be as simple as an under the bed tote or as complex as a custom closet organizer. Either way, the bedroom shouldn’t become a catch-all place for objects without a home. Clutter not only affects moods but can be a safety hazard. Stubbed toes and falls don’t lead to better sleep. The bedroom should be clear in case you need to get up during the night.

Article written by our guest contributor Katie Phillips from MattressReviews.net

When calculating car insurance rates in Toronto insurance companies take into consideration all of the normal criteria such as your age and gender demographics, your driving history, the make, age and colour of your vehicle as well as where you routinely park your car. However, in Toronto, one other factor comes into play – your postal code. There are several neighbourhoods that rank much higher when it comes to insurance premiums than others – and this cost should be taken into account when looking for a home as it will impact your bottom line.
 
According to a survey taken by the provincial government in 2016 the neighbourhoods with the highest insurance premiums are as follows:
 
1- Brampton
$2,392 estimated premium
65% higher compared to provincial average
 
2- Vaughan
$2,018 estimated premium
39% higher compared to provincial average
 
3- Mississauga
$1,930 estimated premium
33% higher compared to provincial average
 
4-a -Toronto
$1,886 estimated premium
30% higher compared to provincial average
 
4b – Markham
$1,886 estimated premium
30% higher compared to provincial average
 
5 – Richmond Hill
$1,783 estimated premium
23% higher compared to provincial average
 
6 – Hamilton
$1,683 estimated premium
16% higher compared to provincial average
 
7 – Pickering
$1,593 estimated premium
10% higher compared to provincial average
 
8 – Ajax
$1,556 estimated premium
7.5% higher compared to provincial average
 
9-a – Bradford
$1,484 estimated premium
2.5% higher compared to provincial average
 
9-b – Stouffville
$1,484 estimated premium
2.5% higher compared to provincial average
 
Even though Ontario already has the second-highest car insurance premiums in Canada (after British Columbia), within that distinction certain areas of the city rank even higher. The cost of insuring a car accounts for 4.5% of disposable income – a significant number that does make some people hesitate about owning a car.
 
The reason for this huge gap in premiums is largely based on the following:
High frequency of claims, lawsuits, and injuries
High level of fraud and organized crime affecting private insurance companies
So, if you are looking at buying a home in a new neighbourhood and your car insurance rates are already at the limit in your budget, then it is best to find out what the rates in the new neighbourhoods you are looking at are before making any offers – it just might influence your decision.

Many Toronto homes built in the late 1800s still stand today and in the hot real estate market these often centrally placed residences are highly-coveted. If you are fortunate enough to snag one of these beautiful properties, chances are you have a lot of work to do to upgrade the interior to meet today’s safety, building and style standards.
 
Although the vast majority of these century-homes in Toronto have been renovated through the years, there are still some out there that need to be brought into the 21st century. If you have one of these gems, then questioning whether to keep or scrap the building’s original features is a conundrum. On the one hand the original features are often what make these homes so desirable. They are made of very good quality materials – often which are not easily found anymore or used in construction, making them even more of a draw. They add distinct character and personality to a home. They make homes look and feel richer.
 
On the other hand the original finishes of the home will likely be in dire need of refurbishment, polishing up or re-sanding/staining. And, because a lot of the materials used in the original trim, millwork and plaster work found in these homes are no longer being used or are readily available, updating them can be very time-consuming and costly. The easy way out of this is simply removing the original finishes entirely and starting over. While this will appeal to many buyers who prefer new lines and modern finishes, you will alienate a whole slew of homebuyers who prefer to have the original character of a home kept intact.
 
If you are on the fence on what to keep and what to remove consider a compromise – keeping those finishes that you can easily refurbish or restore and replace those elements that would require too much time and expense to redo properly. Those who are able to strike the right balance between old and new will be able to please a host of tastes that will result in a much higher demand for your property, which will translate into a higher selling price.
 
Costlier restorations will include sourcing similar tiles to those that were used, restoring stained or leaded glasses windows and finding matches for original trims. Restorations that will be pricey but easier to source include finding someone to replicate original plaster mouldings or millwork or refinishing centuries-old hardwood floors.
 
Naturally if you are not really thinking about resale, but simply for yourself, then whether to keep the original trims or not really depend on your own tastes. However, if you are at all concerned about your property’s resale value, then choosing the

All of us have a vision of how our perfect Toronto home would look – probably a big mansion with luxurious items and a swimming pool in the back garden! However, the vision doesn’t always match reality. Sometimes many of us find a home in a rented property until the time comes for buying your own house. But making the place as cozy as possible is much simpler than you would initially think.
By doing a few changes, you can make your rented home not only better looking but also feel like your own little corner away from the rest of the world. A place where you would feel happier than if you would’ve been in a five-star hotel.

 
Stick On Tape is Your Friend
If you wanted to put shelves on, but you were afraid of doing damage to the walls, a double-sided stick on tape will do the trick! Easy to put on and easy to remove!
You will be surprised how much can those things hold! There are different tapes available on the market that can hold different weights and you can use them not only for shelves but also for mirrors, pictures and other decorations that you want to add to your walls.
Just stick the item to the wall, hold it for a few seconds and done – now you can enjoy fancy decorations on your walls without having to worry about upsetting your landlord.
 

Add Style With Curtains
Good quality curtains can do an entire makeover to a room, and you should never underestimate their power to completely change how you feel about your home – in a positive way.
Choosing to go with curtains and drapes is the best idea if you are looking to give your home a hint of luxury. Don’t worry about blocking out the natural light a bit too much since by getting double curtain rods, you can pull both the curtains and the drapes aside when you want to enjoy the sunshine, while at the same time keeping the sense of lavishness.
How About Plywood Panels?
The walls of the rented properties are usually all white and boring, and you are not allowed to do anything about it either. An easy way of bringing colour and patterns into your home is by using plywood panels and covering them with wallpaper.
You can lean them against the wall or even stick them on with double-sided tape, and the best part is that you can change them as often as you can without having to risk losing your deposit!
 

Opt-in for Colourful Furniture – Or Decorate Your Existing Pieces
If you want to bring a pop of colour to your rented home, the easiest hassle-free way of doing it is by choosing colourful furniture. While this is an option if you are buying new bits and pieces, it might not be the case if you already have everything you need. But no need to get discouraged!
Since it is your furniture, why not give it a bit of personality? You can paint the cupboards in different colours or add decorations such as sophisticated, colourful stickers.
For the beds and sofas in your home, go for good quality linen, covers, and cushions. You will be surprised how big of a difference can the beddings and sheets make as opposed to sticking to your old worn out ones.
 

Don’t Forget the Rugs
Rugs are a relatively cheap way to make your place much more inviting. Regardless if your rented home has carpets or the floorboards are exposed, by getting yourself new rugs that will match the colours you have chosen for your furniture will instantly make your home the place where you would want to spend more time.
Decorating even a rented home is nowhere near impossible if you let your creativity go wild and let it take you to new places. Just think outside the box and work with what you have in the best way possible. The best part is – you don’t have to spend a fortune! Hopefully, these tips will get you off to a great start!
 

Guest Author Bio:
Zana Dodig
Zana is a window treatments consultant with over 20 years of experience.
You can visit her website at https://www.draperycurtainrods.ca/

With Toronto real estate values so high it is no wonder that many homeowners vacillate between whether they should buy a new home or simply upgrade their existing residence. In many instances upgrading an existing home makes a lot of sense, but it really depends on a number of various factors. Sometimes just finding a new place is the better option. Choosing between the two really depends on what exactly your needs are, your budget is and how invested you are in your existing home.

One of the main reasons to stay is location. In many areas of Toronto real estate has reached an all-time high and buyers are no longer able to afford moving into certain communities. If your home is in such a community and you really want to stay in the neighborhood you currently live in, then upgrading is probably your best bet. However, updating your current dwelling will also depend on whether you have the room to expand or not. If you have the room, then expanding your home or renovating it to suit today’s standards is a very logical move. If you don’t have the room to expand, but all you want is an updated space, then renovations will not only improve your quality of life but will also add value to your home.

Another reason to renovate vs buy new is a lack of choice in comparable neighbourhoods. If you are unable to find a residence you like in another neighbourhood at a price point you can afford, then it is worth staying put and renovating until something presents itself. At that point your home will be worth more and you will actually be able to afford a new dwelling more easily.
Sometimes renovating your home will give you more equity in it and provide you the extra funds.

Reasons to move would include a severe lack of space and no opportunity to expand on your existing plot of land, finding a good investment in an up-and-coming neighbourhood or wanting to experience a new community that is closer to your workspot or the lifestyle activities you would like to engage in.

Regardless of what you decide, the decision is never easy but will almost always result in a higher net worth – as long as you have weighed your options properly and thought-through all the variables.

Toronto’s real estate market is hot. Despite the slow down that it experienced last year, the market is still humming along nicely. Although the gains are not as high as those seen in previous years, they continue in the high single digits. So, investing in the housing market remains a wise decision. Naturally, there are some areas of the city that area nearing their peak value level. Therefore, if your are planning on maximizing your return on investment you should look to up-and-coming communities.

Toronto’s east end is the area to watch in 2019. With much of the west already gentrified, many investors and homeowners are looking to the east for good deals, and with good reason. With Leslieville already established as a hot neighborhood, the next shoot to watch is Gerard Street East. Many new store fronts and restaurants have opened lately and it is seeing a major transition from what it was before. Some are comparing it to what Leslieville was a decade ago. Two other neighbourhoods to watch are East Harbour and the East Danforth. East Harbour is looking up due to the expected new transit stop at Gerrard and Carlaw. There is a new development planned for East Danforth that is expected to ease the strong demand this area is currently experiencing.

If you are not interested in the east, you can always look to Oshawa, Clarrington, Innisfil, Brock and New Tecumseh. All of these areas are now easier to get to given the extension of new highways and the building of new transit options. They offer plenty of value as homes are still relatively lower priced compared to other areas of the city and are much more affordable.

Investors and homebuyers should take heart that Toronto is set to continue its real estate growth in 2019. As a magnet for new immigrants to Canada and with that putting pressure on housing, the potential for the GTA housing market is still significant.