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Exterior Cladding – Getting it Right

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The exterior cladding or finishing material of your home has more than just an esthetic value – it is what will protect your home’s structure from the elements, keep critters away and keep you warm and dry on the inside. The kind of cladding you choose will depend on the climate in which you live, your personal style and taste and also on your pocket book. In general, the colder the climate, the more durable a cladding you will want to select for your dwelling.

There are a number of materials that can be used as the exterior cladding for your home. Ranging in choice from natural wood to brick and stone to composite and vinyl, aluminum and metal, the choice is large. Aside from climate and cost, other factors that might play into your decision can include maintenance, durability and environmental impact.

If you are looking for a small eco footprint, then either natural wood, composite or brick and stone would be your best bets. However, bear in mind that when it comes to natural wood and composite, maintenance is quite high and the siding will not last as long as other options. It is also more susceptible to mold, rot and insects. Cedar siding is longer lasting and requires less maintenance and last longer but it will weather to a grey finish that isn’t necessarily pleasing to everyone. When it comes to brick and stone, although the production of these materials is clean, the extraction process isn’t and they are among the more costly options on the list. However, maintenance is very low and it will last for decades.

Some of the more common exterior cladding choices on the market are vinyl and aluminium siding. They are relatively cost effective and highly durable, but they can leave a much larger environmental impact given their production process. Vinyl siding is especially affordable and easy to work with, although it won’t last as long as some other options. Aluminum siding is another very good option, but it is usually used for upper floors because it has a tendency to warp easily when dinged.

If you want to learn more about different kinds of siding and their pros and cons, there is a very good article over here //bit.ly/1FtIJXE and Rona also has a very informative list of sidings over here //bit.ly/1HnmHDp that gives you the more technical specs of the different options availabl.

Lastly, be sure to always check with your municipality’s by-laws concerning external cladding as some materials can be frowned upon

Innovative Roofing Ideas

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Roofing is one of those elements of housing that is often relegated to the back of a homeowner’s mind. The only time that people actually think about their roof is when it is leaking. When it comes to your home’s covering, there are many options on the market from which to choose, however, most people will opt for the most common option just because they are unaware of the other roofing materials available. Let’s take a look at what can cover your home efficiently and attractively.

Asphalt Shingles
The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. They are inexpensive, durable and easy to install. They come in many different colours and styles, as well as different thicknesses for better durability and are extremely low-maintenance. Asphalt shingles are the go-to covering for the majority of homeowners.

Wood Shingles/Shakes
Wood shingles/shakes are the next most common form of roofing. They have a more rustic and traditional look than asphalt shingles and they allow a roof to breathe better, however, they do require a lot more maintenance in the form of regular washing and oiling to keep them in optimal condition. Most wood shingles and shakes are made from various types of cedar. Shingles are smooth and a uniform thickness and can vary in width and length. Shakes are much thicker and rougher as they are split from logs instead of sawn. Although they are much more expensive to install, well-maintained wood roofs can last up to 50 years – as long as stainless nails are used to prevent rusting.

Metal
The next roofing material of note is metal. Despite traditionally being used for utility buildings, metal has come into its own with powdered versions, painted versions and more sophisticated styling resulting in roofs anyone would be proud to own. Metal roofs have fantastic longevity and, contrary to popular belief, they are neither noisier when it rains nor are they colder in the winter time.

Slate/Fake Slate
Slate was very popular in the past, but because of its weight and the more solid roofing construction it requires, it is not commonly used any more. However, if you are willing to bear the expense of beefing up your roof and of installing slate, then you will have a roof that will last for generations to come, one that sheds ice and snow and one that looks terrific.

Ceramic/Tile
Ceramic and tiles roofs are usually used in warmer climates. They are very expensive to buy and install, but they last a very long time. However, in our northern climates they are rather rare and not necessarily the best choice.

Green Roof
Green roofing options are slowly increasingly in popularity. With the cost coming down every year and the technology for installing living roofs improving constantly, these eco-friendly roofing options are now a viable alternative to conventional roofing. Not only do they look nice but they provide a host of benefits including reduced energy use, reduced pollution and improved human health and comfort. You can read more about the benefits of green roofs over here //1.usa.gov/1A0dXDs, and you can find out the bylaws of installing a green roof in Toronto over here //bit.ly/1cwLIRM.

Solar shingles
Another alternative to conventional roofing is the installation of solar shingles. Each solar shingle is a photovoltaic cell that converts light into energy, yet they are also a sturdy and durable roofing option. Although they have been around since 2005, they have only now come down in price enough to be a viable option for homeowners who want the benefit of solar energy but want to keep their traditional roofline. There is a good article about solar shingles in Scientific American that you can read over here //bit.ly/1PGycrl.

Given the options available roofing, when it comes time to update your roof, choosing the right material might get a little tougher!

Smart Homes and How to Get One

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Smart home technology used to be a thing of the future – but is it increasingly part of the now. Although not yet as widely available as the wiring for surround sound or an underground sprinkler system, smart home technology is now available to those who are interested in what it has to offer. So, what is smart home technology? It is the technology that allows a homeowner to remotely control various facets of their home’s functioning through an app on a mobile device.

If you are interested in setting your home up as a smart home, the first thing you will need is a hub. The smart home hub is a device that will allow you to add as many devices to it as you want. Once you have added the devices you want to control, then you will just need to download the compatible app to go with the hub and voilà! You’ve got yourself a smart home. If you are building a home, it is possible to have this technology incorporated into the residence’s infrastructure – but be prepared to pay big bucks for such convenience.

Hubs
As with any technology finding the right hub for your smart home will require a bit of homework on your part. There are some excellent reviews of hubs on CNET, which can be found over here //cnet.co/1GMTRtj and also on PCmag, which can be found here //bit.ly/1Ie36Zl. Naturally you will also need the appliances equipped with remote control access features in order to make use of this technology.

Kits
Those who want something a bit easier to work with might want to invest in a smart home kit that bundles a number of devices from the same company into one kit to help you get started.

Entry-Level Smarts
Whether you are aware of it or not, you just might already be part of the smart-home bandwagon. If you have a security system that you can control via your phone or if you have a lighting system or thermostats that you can control remotely, then you are already on the road to smart home ownership!

However, there are a number of ways to up your home’s technology IQ with a few simple inclusions:

Smart thermostats are new and pricier than traditional thermostats, but these clever devices learn your habits and automatically adjusts the temperature accordingly. The cleverest smart thermostats will gain in intelligence the longer you use them and can additionally interact with other household smart tech gadgets.
Home security is another area where smart technology is taking off. The idea of ensuring their family’s security remotely is very popular with people and so are the gadgets allowing them to set up a surveillance system so that they can monitor who is entering their home each time the door opens, who is leaving their home and what is actually taking place in their home.
Certain LED lighting systems are now accessibly through clever apps that allow them to be turned on and off remotely; some of these systems can also offer different lighting options to suit your changing moods.
Smart plugs allow you to plug in appliances and then turn them on or off remotely using your mobile device.
Smart appliances are another way of making your life easier. By being able to turn on your Crockpot or oven remotely, you can prep meals in advance and then cook them while still at work for a ready-to-eat-meal when you arrive home.
Key/door locks have also been smartened up, with many companies now offering the option of having programmable and remote controlled locking options.

While not yet widely used, smart home technology is gaining ground quickly. Just under a year ago, hubs were being developed – today they are available for sale. Although it might seem very futuristic, we are moving towards a far more wired home and in a few years they will likely be standard along with hardwood floors and pot lighting.

Using Repurposed/Recycled Materials in Your Green Toronto Home

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When it comes to green home construction or renovation, there are a number of innovative ways to lower your building’s footprint. Using recycled, reclaimed or repurposed materials is among the best ideas. Not only is it an eco-friendly way of using up materials that would otherwise end up in landfill but, in many instances, the materials themselves are more robust and durable that regular construction materials. Here we will look at a few of the most commonly recycled/repurposed/reused materials – and as we are not experts ourselves, we have included links to articles that discuss each material more in-depth.

Wood
Reclaimed/recycled, low-grade timber is a good place to start. It is much less expensive than finished wood, but it is just as effective in construction projects. There is an excellent article over here //bit.ly/1Jy1PN2 that talks about using reclaimed wood in your home.

Tires
Tires filled with earth or sand are actually one of the best materials around for creating sturdy walls that also help insulate a home very well. The science behind the use of tires is discussed in depth over here //bit.ly/1JOPz7t. Tires can also be used as flower boxes in your garden.

Shipping Containers
Shipping containers have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional framing. The actual container can be used as is or modified for a larger structure incorporating various green-home technologies. Wikipedia has a very good overview of how shipping containers can be used to build a home. You can read more about it over here //bit.ly/1bar5Kf.

Tin Cans and Plastic/Glass bottles
Other materials that make excellent interior walls are storage cans and/or plastic/glass bottles, such as wine bottles. The cans and bottles are great as non-structural walls and are usually plastered over with either plaster or concrete depending on if they are interior or exterior walls. Bottles have the added benefit of filtering light into the rooms and throwing a lovely rainbow of colours on the walls depending on the colours used. Wikipedia gets detailed with the explanation over here //bit.ly/1P32YKE.

For the Interior

The actual fittings inside your home can also be made from recycled items including sinks, bathtubs, door knobs, etc… Depending on your inclination, your style and your budget, the possibilities of using recycled and reclaimed items in your home are endless. As long as you approach your project holistically and you take into consideration your building site, your local climate, your neighbourhood’s constraints and any local by-laws governing construction, the sky really is the limit.

Water Saving Features for your Green Toronto Home

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We tend to believe that water flows in abundance and, in our homes, we generally use more than necessary given the seemingly endless supply. However, with drought affecting many communities globally and water pollution on the rise, more communities are installing water meters to charge residents for their water consumption. In the following article we will cover strategies for keeping your water consumption down.

Water is one of those elements that can easily contribute to the greening of your home. There are some very simple ways that can you cut down on the amount of water that you use. Among the easier ways to lower your water consumption are:

– Don’t let water run when brushing your teeth or soaping up your hands
– Wash vegetables in a bowl, then use the water for your houseplants
– Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge to cool – it eliminates having to run the water to get it cold
– Only do laundry or run the dishwasher when you have a full load
– Don’t flush tissues down the toilet – either compost them or throw them away

If you are more serious about water conservation, then here is a list of things you can change around your home:

– Install low-flush toilets
– Install optimized-flow shower heads
– Install a tankless hot water heater
– Install flow restrictors on all taps

Doing a little maintenance is also necessary to make sure that the water in your home is being used efficiently.

– Change old washers in your taps to prevent leaks
– Protect pipes from freezing in cold weather – it might require adding insulation to exterior walls
– Fix any leaks that you currently have

For those of you who are interested in doing even more to save water, here are some more advanced ideas.

– Collect rainwater to use in watering the garden and washing cars/patio furniture
– Install a water treatment system to reuse wastewater for non-potable applications

There are many things we can do to green up our homes – cutting down on our water consumption is one of the easiest.

Green Home Architecture

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Green architecture are buzzwords that are gaining in strength and credence as more people begin to understand what the craze is about. In the not-too-distant past, people were understandably wary of green home architecture as the eco-friendly buildings produced in that category were not as comfortable or inviting as standard homes. However, big strides have been made in this area and today’s eco-friendly properties are very much the way of the future.

What is Green Architecture? Green architecture really encompasses anything designed for sustainability, durability and efficiency. Usually green home designs include one or more of several elements, such as:

passive envelopes
renewable energy options
water capture features
natural waste water treatment for reuse in non-potable functions
living, reflective or adobe style roofs
repurposing existing materials
using recycled materials
compostable sewage options

The goal of green architecture is to build structures that give off zero emissions and that generate their own energy.

If you are interested in building a green home, then it is very important to hire the right people to help you design it. Hiring an architect or an architectural firm well-versed in eco-friendly design and construction will ensure that you have the proper planning, certification and studies done prior to the actual building of your project.

It is important to have a thorough assessment of your building site to determine the proper placement of your property to maximize passive heating and cooling options, the feasibility of renewable energy sources and the impact of the construction on the environment. Once all of these things have been determined, then a proper eco-friendly design can be proposed and the right materials can be sourced.

Green architecture might cost a little bit more than regular architecture, but costs are improving every year and the savings that you will see from better insulation and a lower footprint will more than compensate for the initial expenses.

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.