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Nisha Muire

Renewable Energy for your Toronto Home

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There is no question that energy costs in Ontario are high. There is also no question that renewable energy sources are gaining in momentum and that larger numbers of people are interested in finding out more about them. Although most folk are not ready to overhaul their existing power source structure, it is worth knowing that there are some very viable alternatives on the market and that they are becoming more accessible every day.

Forms of renewable energy

There are four basic forms of renewable energy:

Solar (photovoltaic)
Wind
Hydro power
Bio-energy

Harnessing the Sun
The most popular form of renewable energy is that of solar power. Given the sun’s immense potential it makes sense to harness its energy. There are three types of solar power technologies available. Here they are as described on the Microfit Power Authority website:

Solar PV using crystalline technology
Solar PV panels using crystalline technology generate electricity by converting the sun’s rays into direct current electricity using a crystalline semiconducting material made of silicon. Generally, these systems use panels made up of a number of individually manufactured photovoltaic cells that are assembled together in panels. The panels are then strung together to form the arrays of a solar PV system to provide higher voltages and more power. These systems tend to make use of either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells/panels. Monocrystalline panels are more expensive, but are also more efficient, and so produce more wattage that a similarly sized “polycrystalline” panel.

Solar PV using thin-film technology
Solar PV uses thin-film technology in which the cell and module are manufactured in the same production line, created by depositing one or more layers of photovoltaic material on top of a semiconductor material in a single process. These modules are much thinner and lighter than crystalline solar PV modules; however, they have lower efficiencies and therefore often require more panels for a given area than crystalline panels.

Solar PV using concentrated technology
Concentrated Solar PV concentrates the sun’s rays through a lens, or by using a mirror, onto highly efficient solar cells, increasing the power output of the system. These solar panels are generally mounted using a tracking system in order to use the sun’s rays more efficiently by increasing the amount of time the solar cell is exposed to direct sunlight.

Water (Hydro) and Wind

Water and wind power are also both very effective and clean forms of renewable energy although not quite as popular as solar as they require a large space and access to a windy spot and/or a constant water supply such as a stream or river.

Bioenergy

Bioenergy is produced through the natural decaying process of residual waste products from a number of sources including agricultural by-products, forestry operations, livestock activities and food processing operations.

Renewable Energy and the Government

The Ontario government actually has a very attractive program to help subsidize those who are interested in switching to renewable energy sources. Through the Microfit program, you can have your renewable energy source hooked back up to your electrical grid so that any excess energy you produce will go back to the grid and you get paid for it. The full details of this program can be found over here //microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/.

For an indepth account of a homeowner who took the plunge and installed solar panels to his home, go over here //www.yourturn.ca/solar/. The informative site answers all the questions you might have on solar technology including the installation process for the entire system, the cost and how much you can expect to get back from the Microfit program.

Renewable energy systems are still in their infancy, but have since immense leaps recently. Moving forward expect to see more new construction projects offering these clean and green technologies as alternatives to existing technologies.

It’s Earth Month – A Look at Green Initiatives

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April is earth month! The eco-home movement is growing steadily and greater numbers of homeowners are curious about what “green” means, how they can lower their home’s footprint and how they can start down a green path in a manner that will not significantly impact their daily lives.

What does “Green” mean?

The term “green” is typically used to encompass any initiative aimed at reducing waste of any kind and to lowering one’s footprint. Whether it is a reduction in consumer waste, energy expenditure or the use of toxic products in your daily routine, green covers it all.

Where to start

If you aren’t already immersed in green living, from the outside looking in it can seem daunting. A newbie to the eco-movement might wonder where to start when it comes to reducing their waste and energy consumption and to ridding their home of toxic chemicals. Baby steps is really the best way to start. If you begin by changing small things in your routine, then it will be easier to slowly move to the larger items.

The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The old adage every schoolchild is taught is entirely applicable in this context. Begin your green home makeover by reducing your consumption, reusing what you do have for as long as possible and recycling all the items that can be recycled.

To Reduce Consumption

One of the best ways to reduce your consumption footprint is to buy in bulk or to buy products that are unbundled, thereby reducing the amount of packaging going into your recycling bin or garbage. Making large quantity purchases also cuts down on the number of times you have to drive to the store, further reducing your emissions footprint.

Reuse

The word is really self-explanatory – reuse everything that can be reused. From clothing, to shoes, to plastic bags, to water – if you can reuse then do so! Here are some ideas:

Use rain barrels to capture rainwater to use when watering the garden or your house plants
Wash, dry and reuse plastic baggies for lunches, snacks or storing items. Better yet, use glass, tin or plastic containers instead.
Buy classic cuts of clothing that won’t go out of style and wear them out – then turn them into something else or give them to the thrift store so that they go on to live some more!

Recycle

Again here, the sky’s the limit with what you can do to recycle items. Old tires can be turned into attractive flower containers, tin cans make great bird feeders and empty laundry detergent bottles can be turned in sturdy scoopers to use in the garden. Do a simple internet search for “recycling ideas” and you’ll get a plethora of easy and awesome ideas to follow.

On a simpler note, merely getting a large recycling bin and putting all recyclable materials into it for city pick up is the easiest way to recycle. Composting kitchen waste is another great recycling idea.

Energy Efficiency

Ensuring that your home is energy efficient is another way to make a big eco-impact. Here are some ideas for reducing your energy consumption.

– Install programmable thermostats
– Cut down on dishwasher and dryer use by letting dishes and clothes air dry
– Turn lights and small appliances off when not in use
– Shower instead of soaking in a tub
– Stop any leaks around windows and doors – changing them if necessary
– Increase the insulation in your attic
– Open blinds in the winter to warm up your home passively and close blinds in the summer to cool your home passively

Reduce Your Toxic Footprint

Reducing the number of toxins in your home can be as simple as replacing all of your cleaning products with natural products that are chemical free. In fact, making your own using simple vinegar and baking soda is the easiest way to go!

Being green doesn’t mean having to install solar panels on your roof or switching to an electric car – although you can certainly do that as well! As long as you take small steps in the right direction, you will be able to make a positive reduction in your home’s eco-footprint.

To read more about the incentives offered by the Ontario Ministry of Energy click here

Hiring An Architect in Toronto

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There is some essential information you need when hiring an architect in Toronto – or anywhere else for that matter! Asking the right questions will ensure that you pair up with an architect who best suits your needs, your style and your budget. Although you might imagine that all architects provide the same kind of service, the truth is, every architect has their own vision and their own unique style. Knowing what to ask will definitely help when making a choice that will influence your project, your build and your future more than you would expect.

1) What is your style?

Ask to see different projects that the architect you are interviewing has worked on to see if their style of design matches your own sensibilities. If you prefer a charming, traditional style of home and the architect specializes in sleek, modern buildings, then you will not be happy with the outcome.

2) Budget?

Architects are paid a percentage of the overall project budget. How large that percentage is will depend on the renown of the firm/architect and the services that are included with the price. Usually the total cost of a project is hard to determine up front, so many architects will charge an hourly rate or a flat retainer fee to be paid monthly. Once the project is completed, then they will adjust the fee according to the overall cost. Expect to pay between 5-20% of the project’s cost.

3) Will you be designing my project?

Unless you are working with a small, proprietor-owned firm, the person you meet with to hire the firm will not be the same as the person designing your project – this is a very important consideration. Designing is a fluid process that will require a lot of communication between yourself and the designer, so be sure to find out how accessible the designer of the project will be to answer your questions, make revisions and to make suggestions.

4) Ancillary services

Find out what kind of ancillary services your architect offers. From getting the right work permits to hiring the contractors to checking up on the work happening at the job site – some architects will do it all and some won’t. If you want someone who will take care of everything for you, then be up front about your requirements. If your architect cannot provide this for you, then you can move on to a firm that will act as project manager.

5) Can they provide 3D renderings of your project?

Some people might be able to visualize a finished project by simply looking at blueprints, but if you are not such a person, then find out whether the architect can provide 3D renderings of the finished project. Larger numbers of firms are using such software to better illustrate their plans. It is a good way to see whether you and the architect are on the same page stylistically and architecturally.

Some other information to obtain from an architect is whether they can suggest good contractors for the work you need done. Architects usually have access to a few contractors with whom they work well and who are reliable.

Finding an architect can be done by consulting Architecture Canada’s directory found here https://raic.org/members-directory, talking to local contractors, asking friends and family and looking them up online.

As long as you do your due diligence, you will find the architect that suits you best – both stylistically and financially.

Should you Act as your own project manager/general contractor?

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Acting as your own general contractor and/or project manager on any kind of construction project will depend on many variables including the scale of the project, your experience with such projects, your personality and the risk you are willing to assume. While it is fairly easy and uncomplicated to act as your own project manager on small scale projects such as a bathroom or kitchen remodel, when it comes to more ambitious plans, for instance, a large addition or building a new house, then you really need to have the right background to ensure a seamless experience.

What it takes
While the job of general contractor doesn’t necessarily require a whole lot of experience, it might be good to know the basics involved with construction so that you are aware of what to look for and when to ask questions. You will also need to be tough enough to intervene when things aren’t going the way you expected, yet clever enough to raise these concerns without antagonizing your contactors. Having the time to spend at least two hours per day visiting the job site and keeping abreast of the latest developments is also necessary. So, in short you need:

Time – to spend at the job site
Tact – when dealing with subcontractors
Talent – at managing projects, people and plans

Hiring the right people
When you act as the manager or general contractor on your construction project, you will be responsible for hiring your subcontractors. Depending on your project, the most important sub you will hire is the carpenter. Your carpenter will be responsible for framing your new addition, house, etc… and they will be the person to come back to do the finishing after all of the electrical and plumbing has been added. The carpenter will often have electricians and plumbers with whom they work, which means that if you hire the right carpenter, that person can then help you find the rest of your team.

Finding the right people
Looking online, in newspapers and even the Yellowpages is a good start to finding contractors to work for you in your neighbourhood. Another good way to find people is by word-of-mouth. Asking family and friends is a good way to not only find someone, but also get a first-hand review of the work that they do and how they work. Driving by worksites and walking onto the site and asking to speak to the head carpenter is yet another way of finding good contractors. Regardless of the route that you take to find your contractor, make sure that you vet the person by looking over their past work portfolio, contacting former customers to find out how that person works and by signing a contract with them stipulating the terms of payment and also the timeline for having the work completed.

People act as their own general contractor/project manager all the time for smaller scale projects. However, when it comes to building a house or building a large addition to your home, then you might want to consider leaving the project management up to a professional as larger projects can run into larger problems that will require more time and energy to resolve. Unless you are willing to deal with any issues that arise, then hiring a project managers for a larger project would be your best bet.

Building your Own Home in Toronto

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Building your own home can be a very exciting project to take on – it can also be very stressful and expensive if you are not fully prepared for it. Knowing your costs up front and budgeting more than you expect is a good place to start. However, if you know that you won’t have time to go to the job site every day, to oversee the contractors and to ensure that the work is going according to plan, then it is best to hire a good project manager to help you out.

Costs
There are two kinds of costs involved with the construction of a house – the hard costs and the soft costs. The hard costs are the prices given to you by the contractors for their work, the cost of the materials, land, etc… The soft costs include legal fees, architect or engineering fees, building application fees, soil testing, etc… While most people know about the hard costs, the soft costs can easily tack on an extra $20,000 to the price of your new build. The soft costs are very similar to the closing costs associated with a resale home purchase.

Another aspect you need to include in your costs will be the cost of preparing your land to be built on. If it isn’t cleared you will need to clear it, then add a septic tank or pay to have it hooked up to the local sewer/water supply. You will also need to pay to have it hooked up to the local electrical grid.

You can find a good building costs calculator over here //bit.ly/199wCAK.

Architect or Prefab
Knowing your costs can only be done if you have a plan from which to build. There are two options when it comes to a plan – buying a prefab home where the plan is already included in the housing kit or hiring an architect. An architect will be able to help you design the house of your dreams and will also, in the majority of cases, be able to provide you with the cost estimates for the project as well. Larger architectural firms will also act as the project manager for you. If you go with the prefab option, then they will give you the choice of building it yourself or having them build it for you.

Proper Permits
Building your own home will require the proper documentation at the local and municipal level so that you don’t get fined subsequently. You can read more about Toronto building permits over here //bit.ly/199vxc3.

Contractors
Finding the right contractors for your project is also crucial to ensuring that costs remain on target and the project moves along as scheduled. It is important to find reputable contractors who will be present for the entirety of the project and not sub-contract the work out to someone else. You can find a list of contractors at the Ontario Contractors website at www.ontariocontractors.com.
Building your own home can be a terrific experience as long as you are financially and mentally prepared for it.

Buying a Toronto Resale Home

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Buying a resale home in Toronto is much the same as purchasing one in any other part of the country. Resale properties can be several different things – fixer-uppers that will permit you to buy into the neighbourhood of your choice, turnkey in a mature community with all of the services and infrastructure already in place or in-between these two scenarios. The reason for buying a resale home will likely depend on what you value most in your future home. If you want everything new and just the way you want it, then a new build is more likely a better fit for you. However, if you are hoping a save a bit of money while targeting the neighbourhood of your choice or if you want more land, then a resale home is likely where you’ll find what you want.

Where will I live?
Naturally the first thing you have to determine in your resale home search is location. It is best to narrow your search down to two or three neighbourhoods at the very most in order to conduct the most effective search. Be sure to talk to residents of your chosen neighbourhoods to find out about what you can expect when living there. Find out what the busiest streets are so that you can avoid them if possible and find out what you can expect from municipal services including trash removal, recycling initiatives and snow removal.

What you want
Next you should determine exactly that features are a “must-have” and which are a “would-be-nice-to-have” in your future home. Remember that things like colour, flooring, wall treatments and cabinetry are all cosmetic things that can be easily changed to your liking as long as the structural elements of the home are solid and sound.

Good bones
The foundation of the property should be solid. You should check that there hasn’t been any water damage. You should also check the plumbing and electricity to ensure that it is up to today’s code, or else you will be looking at a pretty penny to upgrade it.

Potential
The other thing to look for in a resale home is its potential. Is there space to expand at the back? On the side? Can you add a level? Is the property large enough to install a deck or a pool if so desired. On the inside, does the home have space to create an extra bedroom or a playroom or a media room? Can you finish the lower level or the attic for future use? Even if the home doesn’t have all of the features you want right now, if there is the space to add them later, then all you have to worry about is finding the budget to make them a reality.

The right agent
Lastly, finding the right agent to help you find the perfect resale home in Toronto is one of the smartest moves you can make. An agent will have access to listings that aren’t yet on the market and to listings that have just hit the market. Agents have connections that an ordinary house-hunter won’t have. They can steer you in the right direction, find properties that match your search criteria and assist with all of the paperwork and legalities involved with a house sale.

Resale homes provide homebuyers with the opportunity to often get a bigger lot than they would with a new home, to live closer to town and to enjoy the benefits of a mature neighbourhood.

Buying a Toronto Condo or House Off-Plan

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Toronto’s property market has yielded excellent returns on investment over the last decade-and-a half, so it is not surprising that so many people are eager to jump into this booming sector before they are completely priced out. As it is the cost of buying a home in the city is prohibitive for many young executives and families. One of the better ways to find the right property in the right location at the right price is to buy off-plan. All this means is that you will be buying the place from the developer’s blueprints and specs.

A Matter of Research
Although buying off-plan might seem like a huge risk, if you do your research properly, it is one of the best ways to guarantee an increase in your investment almost immediately. While there are risks to buying off-plan, you can mitigate them by knowing the developer, researching their other developments, finding out whether they have any outstanding complaints against them, finding out what customers who bought in their other developments have to say about them and gauging the level of interest in the project.

What to look for
Naturally the first thing to look for in an off-plan project is location – this holds true for either condos or single-family homes. You will want the development to be close to shopping and transportation and close to whatever else you might deem necessary such as:
lifestyle services
schools
parks
entertainment

You should also look for the amenities that the project will contain and the number of phases projected for the development. If you are buying off-plan for phase one and there are four more phases planned, then get ready to live with constant construction in your backyard for several years while the rest of the phases are completed. If there are going to be several phases all sharing the same facilities, then you might run into a question of crowding and your complex will have high traffic.

Price
The cost of buying off-plan will be another consideration. Naturally you will want to bargain for the best price, but don’t be afraid to ask the developer to throw in upgrades such as better appliances, counters or finishes.

Price will be easier to negotiate on projects that are not selling as fast as hot-properties. Also, the number of upgrades you want will affect your bottom line. However, keep in mind that getting the upgrades you want now is far smarter than renovating later on, so spending a bit more up front is definitely worth it in the long run.

Included in the price category are the ancillary costs that you will be called upon to pay later on – maintenance fees, utility fees and infrastructure fees. Make sure that those costs won’t negate any savings you made in buying off-plan.

Buying off-plan guarantees you a minimum 10% return on your investment. As most people are skittish about investing in something that hasn’t yet been built, developments are always priced about 5% lower than when it is built. When a project is finished the price increases by about another 5%. So, if you are willing, buying from a plan is one of the best ways to ensure your real estate buying dollar goes as far as it can.

What to Look for in a Condo

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Toronto condos have been selling like hot cakes for several years now, so buying one should seem easy – but it isn’t. You have to be aware of what to look for in a condo before signing on the dotted line otherwise you might find yourself with an investment that is more like a led weight instead of your ticket to financial security. Here we cover some of the basics to look for and to avoid when shopping for a condo.

Location is always key
Regardless of whether you are shopping for a house or for a condo, location is the prime element that will determine the long-term success of your purchase. Condo developments in up-and-coming neighbourhoods should definitely be located near amenities and services and the neighbourhood should already be on its way to gentrification. When it comes to resale, your condo’s neighbourhood will certainly play a huge role.

Encompassed in location is the surrounding neighbourhood – by this we mean that its important to find out whether there are other developments zoned for your area. If there are other condos in the works, then your building’s view might get obstructed and this will impact the resale value of your own building’s units.

Design madness
Carefully inspect the final design of your condo complex. Is it a massive complex connecting several phases of construction and networking a variety of services from fitness centres to playgrounds to shopping? If so, you might want to think about what that will actually mean in terms of activity, logistics (parking, driving) and congestion. While it might look terrific on paper, in fact, a large complex will mean hundreds of residents sharing the same space and facilities and it may not be exactly what you were looking for.

Developer Check
Be sure to check out the developer of the project to see whether they have completed other successful projects in the area. You don’t want to tie yourself to a new player that isn’t yet seasoned enough to pull off the grandiose plans they have on paper. You want a developer that knows the ropes and how to deliver what they promise.

Price Point
Condo madness has definitely taken over most Canadian cities lately with projects popping up on even the tiniest of lots. Naturally this has pushed pricing sometimes higher than is warranted. Be sure that you don’t over pay for a project. You should know the cost of similar projects in the same neighbourhood and understand why the condo you are eyeing is priced where it is at – this is especially important if you are looking at buying purely for investment purposes. You want to know that you’ll be able to resell the place at a profit and/or rent it out for one.

Upgrading
When it comes time to choosing your condo’s finishes, think long term and think in terms of resale – don’t upgrade fixtures and finishes just for the sake of upgrading. If you plan on living there long term, then by all means choose the finishes and materials that appeal most to you, but if you have a plan of moving in five years, then choose materials and finishes that will appeal to the widest number of buyers on the market. Always remember that neutral palettes and timeless finishes will always work well.

Finally, when looking for a condo, don’t believe everything a developer tells you. Remember that they are there to sell and they will do and say a lot of things to make that sale. Be sure that the condo has good curb-side appeal, because it will definitely count when it comes to resale. Lastly, if sales are slow – be cautious; there is always a reason for it.

2015 GTA Home and Reno Show

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Calling all of Toronto’s future, new and past homeowners! The 2015 edition of the GTA Home and Reno Show is about to open its doors to the public for four days of clever concepts, inspired design ideas, professional advice and all of the fun you can handle. From Feb. 13-16 the International Centre in Mississauga will be taken over by real estate celebrities who will give lectures, provide advice and will even meet one-on-one with people who are seeking everything from ways to decorate a small space to personalized and unbiased solutions from participating contractors for your renovation concerns.

The show is a hotly anticipated event that brings together industry professionals from all corners of the property market to create a one-stop-shop for your questions and concerns. Whether you want ideas for your next reno, you want information on advancements in green housing technologies or you want to check out the winter market where local food and culinary products from across the GTA are showcased, this is definitely not a show you want to miss.

One of the highlights of this year’s show is a conference talk given by Johnathan and Drew Scott – better known as The Property Brothers. The winsome duo from the hit W Network television series will be talking about transforming your house into your dream home. Through the use of videos, anecdotes and solid advice, the brothers will answer your question and give you an excellent global – and budget-friendly, view of the steps needed to take your residence from shabby to chic.

Another fun feature, back by popular demand, is Table Scapes. Designers let loose their imaginations to create gorgeous and wondrous table-settings for theme parties. Ranging from classic to eclectic, the ideas will help you create the most memorable settings for your own gatherings.

Regardless of where you are at with your property – you are sure to find something of interest at the show. For more details, go here for a link to the show’s website: //bit.ly/192AfrJ.

Family Living in a Toronto Condo

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Toronto, and most big cities, have traditionally been home to singles and couples who enjoy city life and the convenience that it offers them. In the past, singles and couples who decided to have families would move out of the urban environment to the suburbs where they could afford bigger housing and more land. However, the tide is slowly turning as greater numbers of families are deciding to stay put and to raise their children in the city. As single family housing is not only scarce in the city, but also prohibitively expensive for the average person, condos have started to see a rise in the number of children who live there.

The number one reason most families cite for remaining the in the city is the shorter commute to work. Increasingly people are foregoing the long drive in to simply remain close-by. Another big reason for remaining in the city is lifestyle – people aren’t willing to give up the lifestyle they lead when living within walking distance to so many services. If you are considering staying in the city with your family, there are things to keep in mind so that you have an easier time of dealing with the changes that children will bring.

Just as you would when shopping for a home elsewhere – check-out the neighbourhood and surrounding services first. If you want to send your child to a particular school, makes sure that the school will accept children from the neighbourhood in which you plan to live so that you don’t have any surprises later on. Look to see whether there are green spaces or parks nearby where children can play and find out whether there are day care services close by as well.

When it comes to the actual condo, look for complexes that offer:

Party rooms where you can host play dates and birthday parties
Games room for teenagers
Fitness amenities such as pools and/or gyms so that children can burn their extra energy
Green spaces with playgrounds for their littlest residents
Day care centres

Inside your unit you’ll need to ensure:

Versatile spaces that can serve double duty, ie: dining room that can be used as a homework/crafts area
A networking room where all computers can be hooked up for strict monitoring of internet usage
An open concept that maximizes space for moving around
Storage

Some condo townhouses have even opted to start reducing their monthly maintenance fee for families, which is a very attractive incentive for people to stay in the city with their kids.

Once you do find the right condo for your needs, remember that children can be noisy and to ensure friendly relations with your neighbours, keeping noise levels low is essential. A good tip is to lay down carpet on heavily used areas and in children’s rooms to muffle footsteps. Investing in some good over-the-ear headphones for them to use when gaming or watching TV/movies is another good idea.

Despite the perception of what family living might be like in a condo, there are success stories everywhere. As long as you are prepared to give up space for the convenience of a shorter commute, proximity to a large number of services and the improved lifestyle that these elements will bring, you are ready to raise a family in Toronto’s urban core.