Nisha Muire

The new year has started and all of your renovation resolutions can be achieved! Regardless of how costly contractors have become in Toronto, you can make the updates you desire to your home by putting in a little effort and elbow-grease. Naturally some renovations will require an expert to help you out – especially when it comes to plumbing and electricity, but a lot of the other work can be done by yourself. Let’s start with two of the basics.
 
Painting
Painting your Toronto home is not a difficult proposition. Although it can be an arduous task – it can go quickly if you prep the proper way and you are ready for it. The first thing to do is ready the room you which to paint. Sand the walls lightly so that the new coat of paint will better stick to the surface. Wash the walls with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust. Allow the walls to dry thoroughly. Apply painters tape along the edges that you want to protect. Throw down drop cloths and cover any furniture that you aren’t able to remove from the space. Next, start painting! Use long, vertical strokes and apply pressure evenly throughout so that you achieve uniform coverage. A good tip to keep in mind is to have several different sized paint brushes on hand from very wide to ultra thin so that you have the best control in all situations.
 
Sanding floors
If you have tired wood floors, give them a boost by sanding them and revarnishing them. The key to successfully refurbishing your wood floors is to prep them properly. You’ll need to rent a floor sander – in fact, it would be best to rent three – a drum sander, an edger and a corner sander. If the floor is in good, even condition, then you can go with the grain, otherwise you’ll have to start off going against the grain and finish off with one pass of with the grain. You will also have to start off with the roughest papers and conclude with the finest sanding paper. Remember to work in a well ventilated room and to wear protective clothing as it is a very messy and loud job. Also be sure to apply an even pressure and to hold the sanders steady in order to get a professional finish. Once the floors are sanded, sweep, dust and vacuum the floor to get rid of all dust. Wipe down with a damp cloth and then apply your chosen finish.

Despite record property value increases in 2016, according to Re/Max’s housing outlook for 2017 Toronto area real estate prices are set to continue their steady rise. Investors can still hope to turn a profit in the hot market while buyers are going to feel the squeeze.
 
The Building and Land Development Association said this week that Toronto is facing the severest housing-drought of the last 16 years. There is a significant dearth in the supply of new build housing in the current market that looks likely to continue into 2017. The shortage of new build housing puts added pressure on the resale market, placing sellers in an enviable position while making it tougher for buyers looking for something they can afford.
 
Government policies aimed at suppressing demand have largely not worked as the result has been builders investing in fewer projects thereby placing greater demand on existing properties prices. Instead of trying to suppress demand it would be better if the government helped increase the supply of housing in order to stabilize property values.
 
Regardless of what side of the fence you are on, one thing is sure – Toronto’s hot property market is sizzling and there is money to be made if you play your cards right. However, if you are a buyer be prepared with a large down payment or be patient in order to get the house you want at the price you want. In fact, waiting until spring when the market picks up again it probably your best bet if you want a better deal than what you will find right now.

When it comes to making your Toronto bathroom safe for the senior(s) in your life, there are several steps you can take ranging from simple, quick fixes to more major updates that would require planning, time and a bigger budget. However, it is possible to create a safe and secure environment for those your love so that they can enjoy the freedom to remain in their own home for as long as possible.
 
Quick fixes
The first things to do to ensure the safety to your elderly relatives include:
– Remove all loose rugs
– Put non-skid pads or mats on the floor and in the bathtub
– Get a toilet seat adaptor that raises the seat and provides additional stability
– Add railings and grab bars on the walls and in the bath tub
– Set the water temperature to 120 degrees to prevent scalding
– Purchase a specially designed shower stool with rubber feet so that the person can sit down while showering
– Place all accessories in easy-to reach places
– Install motion sensor lighting in the bathroom
– Install night lights in all the corridors leading to the bathroom
– Change the shower head to a hand-held nozzle as they are easier to use when sitting down
 
Bigger fixes
To truly adapt a bathroom for a senior’s use there are larger renovations that can be made including:
– Removing the door locks and changing the way it is hung so that it swings outward in case of falls
– Replace the tub with a tub specially designed for those who are unable to lift their legs very high; these tubs usually have doors that open outward allowing someone to easily enter and sit down while bathing. However you can also adapt your current tub but cutting one side down to be more easily accessible.
– Replace shower doors with plastic curtains
 
Keeping your loved-one safe is possible with the above fixes.

As the Canadian population ages families seeking intergenerational dwellings are becoming more common in Toronto and elsewhere in the country. As most single family homes are just that – meant for only one family, it can be a challenge finding a dwelling that can comfortably accommodate in-laws as well. However, it is possible to create your own intergenerational home. Although it will require a sizeable investment, it can be done and it can mean the difference between having to find a senior home for your elderly parents and having them retain as much of their independence as possible while having the comfort and support of knowing you close by.
 
If you do decide to add an in-law suite or a complete intergenerational section to your home, you will need the proper permits to do so. Make sure you find out what the by-laws are in your municipality for such an addition as most communities have strict rules governing what can be done. There are rules covering every aspect of building additions ranging from how the facade should look to the thickness of the insulation and sound-proofing placed between the dwellings to increase privacy.
 
The other things to keep in mind when building an in-law suite is to keep it on the main level so that elderly parents won’t have to negotiate any stairs. Be sure to include railings in all hallways, the bathrooms and even the bedroom. Be sure that cupboards and counters are all placed at comfortable reaching heights so that aching joints won’t get stressed when performing mundane, everyday tasks.
 
Some things to keep in mind when planning on either purchasing a home with an intergenerational suite or adding one to your existing home is that you will have to clearly set out house rules and boundaries for both families. Small things like whether just walking in and out of each other’s spaces is okay can cause a rift if it isn’t clearly defined early on. However, having your in-laws close by can bring immense rewards and be a source of bonding between grandparents and grandchildren.

Larger numbers of Toronto seniors are opting to stay in their own homes as they age. Whereas in the past, elderly parents might have moved in with their grown children or moved into a senior’s residence, a large majority will opt to retain as much of their independence as possible by remaining in their own home. However, as parents age, they will need to have their homes retrofitted to better accommodate their changing needs. From negotiating staircases to safely using the bathroom, there are certain consideration that will have to be taken into account in order to help them retain their independence and dignity for as long as possible.
 
Falls are one of the major reasons seniors are forced out of their homes. Stairs, bathrooms, kitchens and even bedrooms can be hazardous if not proper set-up. The first thing to remember when it comes to retrofitting your home for a senior is to get rid of all loose carpeting and/or throw rugs. If there is any carpeting in the house, make sure that it is securely nailed down and be sure to get rid of any throw rugs.
 
Install secure railings along stairwells. If you have the funds, it is worth investing in an electric chair lift to get up and down stairs. If stairs have become too much of a problem, then consider moving your seniors bedroom to the same level as the kitchen and living room – as long as there is also a bathroom available on the same floor. Keeping all living quarters on the same level reduces one hazard in the form of steps.
 
To secure a bathroom make sure that the toilet bowl has an adaptive seat, so that a senior will not get stuck sitting on the bowl until help arrives to assist them up. A higher, adapted seat with railings will reduce the need for outside assistance. Be sure to install secure bars inside the bathtub as well as grips for the feet to prevent slipping. Adding a seat in the tub that allows someone to sit is also a very good idea.
 
In the kitchen be sure to keep the most used utensils including pots, pans and dinnerware in easy to reach places that eliminates the need to lift to take down from a high place. Ensure that there are rubber gloves available to help open stubborn cans. Just make sure everything is accessible.
 
Another small fix that can definitely help a senior remain in their home is to change round doorknobs for lever style knobs, which are easier to use. Lastly, make sure that they are able to use whatever telephone they have – sometimes this means getting a model with extra big numbers or where all of the important numbers are programmed in.
 
Helping a senior stay in their home for as long as possible is wonderful, if you can manage it. However, safety is the first concern and if your senior is still falling, forgetting or unable to function in their home even after the retrofitting has been done, then you will likely have to consider a safer option for them – whether it is moving in with you or going into a senior’s facility.

Toronto winters, while not as cold as elsewhere in the country, can be cold enough. Without the proper insulation a home can bleed cold air, which will in turn raise energy consumption resulting in higher heating bills. The best way to reduce your heating bill this winter is to make sure that your house is as energy efficient as possible. Sealing your windows and doors against leaks and adding insulation to cold areas are some of the best ways to get handle on those energy costs.
 
Another great way to cut down on your energy consumption is to invest is the right tools – digital thermostats are your best friend in keeping accurate track of your heating. They allow you to program your heating and cooling times so that you are not heating your home unnecessarily. When combined with an energy monitoring device that can calculate your energy consumption to help you visualize and calculate the amount of energy you are using, you will be able to greatly increase your energy efficiency.
 
Investing in an eco-power bar is a great way to ensure that electronics are unplugged and not consuming energy when not in use. Think of it this way – if window was open and letting out heat you would close it – unplugging electronics is the same idea. When plugged in they are still consuming power even if they aren’t in use.
 
Another excellent way of cutting down on your energy consumption is switching out all of your regular light bulbs for LED bulbs. Although oft-repeated in the media, many people have hung on to the higher consuming halogen and incandescent bulbs. As many people are not partial to the white light version of LED bulbs, there are many bulbs now on the market offering soft white or sunlight coloured bulbs.
 
If all else fails and your heating bill is still too high in the winter, go the old fashioned way and dress for the weather! Bundle up with sweaters and warm clothing while at home so that you can keep your thermostat lower.

Winter winds in Toronto can wreck havoc with the energy efficiency of your home. Ensuring that your bill doesn’t spike due to a loss of heat from leaky windows is easily done. There are several ways of insulating your windows from the cold air and preventing heat loss. Here we will explore the pros and cons of several of the most common methods. Naturally the best way to ensure that you have energy efficient windows is to change any old windows for the new, low-e gas filled ones that are super efficient. However, if you don’t have the means for such drastic measures, read on for other solutions.
 
Rubber weather sealing: Easy to use and very convenient, rubber weather sealing is one of the simplest ways of securing your windows for the winter. All you need to do is buy a role at your local hardware store. Cut to the appropriate lengths for your windows, peel the backing tape and then fill in the gaps. The only drawback to rubber weather sealing is that it could leave a sticky residue when you remove it and occasionally it can remove the paint as well.
 
Window insulation film: window insulation film is a plastic shrink wrap product that you apply around the windows with two-sided tape. A hair dryer is then used to shrink the wrap around the windows sealing out the cold. Easy and effective, these kits are readily available any Toronto hardware store. The only drawback with this, would be the plastic look and blurriness that it gives to your windows.
 
Cellular shades: the cellular shades are another clever option for keeping out the cold during the winter months. They let in light, keep out the cold and are attractive. The drawback with these is that they can be tricky to install and don’t go with all room decors.
 
Draft snakes: draft snakes are are some of the most unique draft stoppers around. Whimsical, fun and colour they can be made or purchased. They can be tailored to fit any decor and are easily applied and removed. The only problem with these draft snakes is that they are only applied to the bottom of the window sills and cannot stop gaps found elsewhere along the window edge.
 
Lastly, layered curtains are another way of keeping out the cold. Heavy fabrics or those with insulated backings can be just as effective at keeping our winter’s chill as any of the other methods discussed over here. However, they could be expensive to purchase and do block out the light.
 
No matter what method you choose of insulated your windows against the cold, just remember that you must choose one if you would keep your home warm and cosy and your heating expenses down.

Winter in Toronto means deicing driveways and walkways. However, knowing what the best products for this job are is not always clear. Let’s look at the options.
 
Currently there are three commonly used items for deicing – rock salt, sand and acetate based deicers.
 
Rock salt is the most commonly used form of deicer – readily available at any store. While rock salt is perfectly fine for use on asphalt it is probably the worst thing to use on concrete. Since concrete is a porous compound water is quickly absorbed by it. If it then encounters a sudden freeze, concrete can crack and break apart. Since salt is meant to thaw ice, the resulting water will likely be absorbed by the concrete on which it is sitting and should a freeze come along, then your driveway/walkway is in trouble. However, using rock salt on asphalt is perfectly fine.
 
Sand is your best bet if you are wanting to deice your concrete Toronto driveway or walkway. Sand will not melt the ice but it will create traction so that you are better able to walk on it.
 
Acetate based deicers are slowly gaining more ground in the market, but they are not very good for the water supply and should be used with caution – although they are the better choice if you have concrete on your property.
 
If you have the means, then installing a heated driveway and walkway will solve your deicing woes and provide you with a slip-free path all winter long. However, if such a costly option is not something you can entertain, then and if you are really concerned about preserving your concrete or asphalt then your best bet is to simply clean snow and ice off your property as it falls. If you don’t let the snow accumulate, you won’t have to worry about deicing.