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If you have a garage in Toronto, you are among those fortunate enough to have space to park your car. If you are like a large number of families out there, your garage is your dumping ground and rarely used for actually parking your car. However, you can change that with a clear mission of how to use the space you have.

One of the main reasons that people tend to ignore their garages and use them for storage is because they are rarely finished properly. Usually they have drywall up with concrete flooring. Occasionally the walls with be damaged through the years making the whole atmosphere that much more uninviting. Hence the first thing to do in your attempt to organize your garage is to properly finish it. Paint the walls to brighten the space and use an epoxy on the floor to make it easier to clean and maintain.

Next, figure out dedicated spots for everything you need to store in your garage. If you have a lot of bulky, seasonal items such as decorations, outdoor furniture or camping gear, consider getting a storage system that hangs from the ceiling. These systems can usually be accessed either through a pulley system or, with the more expensive kind, an electric system that will lower the shelving automatically. You can also invest in shelving that sits high off the floor to free up floor space. Use hooks for hanging bikes and invest in sturdy shelving to organize tools, garden implements and other items usually found in garages.

If you want a workshop, then consider installing a workbench at the back of the garage along with a worktable and use peg board or some of the more sophisticated mounting systems for hanging tools in easy to access places.

Garages are a blessing and a bane – they provide space and storage and a convenient spot for parking. However, they can also be frustrating when they get cluttered up. By organizing your garage, you will be able to turn your dumping ground into a usable and convenient space that will enhance your quality of life immensely.

If you are in the market for new appliances there are a few key things to keep in mind to guarantee that you make the right selections.

1. Know what you want
Although this might seem self-explanatory, it is actually one of the key sticking points when it comes to making a sound appliance decision. There are so many bells-and-whistles available now from smart-home integrated technology to fashionable colours to professional-grade appliances, knowing what you want will help you eliminate those items that might ratchet up the price with little of no use to you. If you want a fridge with an in-door water dispenser and icemaker, be ready to compromise on the available space for storing your food on the inside as many models keep the ice maker where your top shelf would go. If space is definitely something you prize in a fridge then you might be better off with a model that dispenses water indoor but has the ice maker in the freezer section. It is only by knowing what is indispensable to you and what is a nice-to-have, will you be able to quickly zero-in on the appliances that will truly meet all of your needs.

2. Determine your price and stick with it!
Once you know what features you want in your appliances, you have to decide on just how much you are willing to spend. You can get appliances that offer similar features for a range of prices. When we were looking for a refrigerator recently we saw models ranging from $900 all the way to $4000 offering very similar features. The appliance we ultimately chose offered us all of the features we wanted in a price range we were happy with and with the almost five-star reviews to back up the company’s claims of being a good appliance. However, finding the perfect fridge took a long time, which brings us to the next tip.

3. Take your time
Unless your stove stops working and you absolutely need to replace it right away, take your time when appliances shopping. Be sure to visit a number of stores and look at as many models as possible. Compare prices and don’t forget to look online. Oftentimes the virtual version of a store will offer better prices than what you will get in-store. If you do see a price online that you like, print it up and take it with you to see if the store will price match – they almost always do.

4. Don’t forget your tape measure
As silly as this sounds, appliances are constantly evolving and a “standard” size fridge from ten years ago is no longer the “standard” for today. Be sure to measure the space you have for your appliances at home before heading out to the store. When you see an appliance you like, measure it to be sure that it fits into your home before buying it – because many stores won’t take something back because it doesn’t fit.

Getting new appliances is always fun – and seeing them in your kitchen is even better!

Toronto’s housing market has been hot since the early 2000s and it doesn’t seem to really be slowing down. However, with the heated real estate scene, many home buyers are turning to alternative housing to meet their domestic needs. Since housing costs per square foot can range anywhere between $747-$839 in Toronto, many folks are seeking options that are more affordable and more eco-friendly for their permanent residence.

Tiny home
They might have started off as a novelty, but tiny homes are very popular and a growing trend. Those who prefer to live mortgage-free and downgrade their housing footprint find tiny homes the perfect fit. They are eco-friendly, far more affordable, can be customized to suit your tastes and lifestyle and are also transportable to wherever you want to live.

Eco homes
The term “eco” can be used to describe a wide variety of homes that meet certain sustainability standards. Whether they are passive homes that minimize their energy requirements, off-grid properties that rely uniquely on sustainable forms of energy or properties built using recycled and repurposed materials, the eco-home trend truly is the way of the future.

Micro apartments
This brand-new trend in North America debuted in Asia where the need for compact living made such accommodations essential in some urban environments. Known for their extremely compact size and clever designs that maximize your storage and living space, they also require a complete rethinking of how you live.

Shipping containers
Shipping container homes are not as popular as other trends, but they are another very good alternative for those wanting to reduce the cost of their home as well as reduce their environmental impact. By reusing shipping containers and turning them into viable living spaces, some people have managed to create exceptional homes. Naturally, such an endeavor would require a good architect and a builder who is familiar with alternative forms of construction.

Regardless of what you prefer, there are a number of ways to make your home as unique and special as you want it to be.

As the warm weather days start getting fewer and the sun starts setting earlier, it is a good time to start thinking about winter proofing your Toronto home – and where better to start than at the top with your roof? Knowing the basics of preventative roof care can save you thousands in major repairs.

The first thing to know about roofs is their shape – your Toronto home either has a flat or peaked roof. Naturally a flat roof will be much easier to maintain and replace making them the less expensive option, however, they are more prone to accumulating water and don’t do well with heavy snowfall. In the long run, they will require more maintenance in snowy, wet conditions to keep them in tip-top shape.

Peaked roofs have any number of angles and slopes. They are definitely more expensive to install and repair, but they require much less maintenance because rain and snow slough off them easily. While they can still get damaged, it is less likely.

What is important to do regardless of your roof’s shape is to check twice a year for any of the following warning signs:

Swelling or deformation
Mold, moss or lichen, as they can signal an underlying decay setting in
Debris such as leaves, bird nests, rocks, etc… anything that could block drainage
Water accumulation
Sand or gravel as this could be an indication of rotting shingles
For flat roofs: check the perimeter
Clogged drains and gutters
Damage at the seams between any two sections of roof
Rust on the flashings
Missing shingles

If there are any warning signs indicating some kind of issue, you should call your roofer immediately to get it evaluated. It is best to take care of potential problems when the weather is still clement, than trying to deal with a leaky roof when the weather is freezing.

To ensure a healthy roof year-round, be sure to:
Clean your gutters and drains
Remove heavy snow if you see it accumulate
Replace damaged shingles immediately
Reseal seams if they show signs of curling up

As long as you take the time to check your roof regularly, you’ll be able to keep it healthy for as long as possible.

Patio season in Toronto tends to run from the end of May until about the beginning of September – essentially during the warm weeks of the year. However, there is no need to shorten your patio enjoyment just because the evenings are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler. There are some very simple ways of extending your patio season well into October so that the dreary prospect of being cooped up during the winter doesn’t seem so daunting.

Firepits
Adding a firepit is a great way of keeping the cold at bay and of warming up chilly evenings. Not only will a fire pit keep you warm, it also makes a great spot for roasting marshmallows, warming up hot toddies or grilling sausages on a stick. Sitting around a cozy fire will be very attractive to family and friends who want to be outside but don’t like the dip in autumn temperatures.

Lights!
Adding patio lights or fairy lights is another good way of extending the life or your Toronto patio into fall. Even if the weather is warm, people tend to shy away from the outdoors when the light fades from the sky. Keep it illuminated with a lighting scheme that will brighten your evenings and encourage the party to move outside – regardless of what the sun says!

Patio coverings
Autumn can be cold and wet in Toronto. Instead of exposing your patio to the mercy of the elements, consider purchasing something to shield your from the elements. Whether it is a gazebo, an umbrella or some other canopy, creating a shelter will make it easier to enjoy fall days even if the elements don’t agree.

Outdoor heaters
If you don’t have space for a fire pit, then you can consider adding an outdoor heater to your patio. They are easily found at any garden supply centre or big box home hardware store and provide a great alternative to abondonning your patio too soon.

Fireplace
An alternative to a fire pit, if you have the space and the resources would be to add an outdoor fireplace. These brick or stone confections are ideal for creating just the right atmosphere for making the most of lazy autumn days.

Spending as much time outside as possible is something everyone wants to do while we can since winter traps us for so many months of the year. Getting around the chilly evenings and the failing light will help you to get more enjoyment out of your patio for longer in the year.

When it comes to remodeling your Toronto home, it is important to take several factors into consideration before spending your hard-earned money. After all, not every reno carries the same value or worth for future buyers. If you are simply remodelling to satisfy your own wants and don’t plan to sell anytime soon, then you can certainly take more liberties with your design. However, if you are renovating with a plan of selling with a few years, then it is best to keep a few truths in mind.

Not getting the proper permits
Although it sounds rather dull, getting the proper building permits from your Toronto municipality is a must and will save you a lot of headache in the long run.

Not keeping style consistent
If you have a Craftsman style home with quaint finishes and lot of cachet, then whatever renovation you plan should remain within the same style – otherwise future buyers who are attracted to Craftsman-style homes will be turned off if the property’s brand new kitchen would be more at ease in a sleek, modern condo. The same could be said for a more contemporary designed home – adding a country-style kitchen to such a dwelling would definitely be a mistake as it would turn off buyers who wanted a modern residence. So, always make sure that whatever renovations you do are consistent with the style of your home.

Not planning for convenience
Look at the space you want to remodel and think carefully about how you use it and how the changes you want to make will impact flow, function and even ambiance. Sometimes it is hard for someone to imagine the finished work, which is why it might be a good idea to consult with a designer who can provide you with insight on how best to implement the changes you want. Designers are not cheap, but are certainly well worth the price if you are planning on taking down walls and moving plumbing and other fixtures.

Not having enough in your budget
Getting started on a renovation without knowing all of the potential financial pitfalls is not something you want to ever do. Renovations that include major structural changes can quickly balloon your costs and it is important that you are aware of the hidden dangers of such renovations and have money set aside to cover such costs should they arise. Otherwise you could find yourself biting off more than you anticipated.

When planned properly, renovations can be enjoyable – after all your are transforming your Toronto home into what you always wanted.

Toronto summers can be hot. And, having a pool to jump in at the end of the day can really make a difference to your estival enjoyment. Pools come in many shapes and sizes, but recent innovations means that even homes with smaller yards can install a place to splash about in without compromising too much of your backyard.

Regular pool
Everyone is familiar with a regular pool – they are the pools that are found in 99% of people’s homes. They usually are a minimum of 20 feet long and can anywhere from 10 to 16 feet wide. They can be fully in-ground, partially in-ground or above-ground. You can get them in concrete, fiberglass or with a vinyl liner. The cost of these pools vary tremendously depending on size, depth, finishes and features. However, one thing is certain – they are a lot of fun and great for hosting pool parties, doing laps or simply floating around.

Cocktail pool
Next up are cocktail pools. These new additions to the pool family are very interesting because they are one size down from a regular pool – they can go up to 14 feet long, and are one depth throughout. They are ideal for people who don’t have a lot of space for a pool, are not keen on spending the kind of money required for a larger pool and/or want to use their pool as a spa as well – something that cocktail pools can easily do. Another great feature of cocktail pools is that they can also be installed indoors much more easily than a regular pool and are much easier and less expensive to maintain. What is really great about cocktail pools is that you can add any number of features to them including spa jets, heaters, seating, fountains, waterfalls, bubbles, a swim machine or even an underwater treadmill. The options are terrific and allow you to really customize your pool.

Plunge pool
Last up on our list of pools is the plunge pool. This nifty option is really designed for therapeutic purposes. It provides enough space to do water workouts. As they can be heated or cooled, they are great for those who need warm water therapy or cold therapy. They are often used by athletes to relax muscles after strenuous workouts. They are also favored by the elderly or those suffering from arthritis who need warm water workouts to keep their joints limber. These plunge pools can come with a swim machine and can also be installed indoors.

Choosing a pool is fun – whether you opt for a regular, a cocktail or a plunge pool, the choices are endless and the options many. The final decisions will depend on your preferences and your budget.

Summer in Toronto is garden season! And some of the city’s gardens are nothing short of spectacular. Whether your garden is little more than flowers in pots lining your patio or you have a ravine lot brimming with old growth trees and perennial flower beds, one element that can really spruce up your surroundings and add ambiance to any setting is lighting. With the right lighting you can take your yard to the next left. With the right lighting, you can transform your yard into another world.

Design
Designing your lighting needs is the first thing to do when considering your lighting options. Before simply buying a string of fairy lights to string up in your tree or purchasing garden lanterns to line your walkway, carefully look over your yard and identify the structures you would like to highlight and the seating areas that could use some ambiance.

Safety
When designing your lighting plan keep in mind that it is best to shed light on pathways and stairs to avoid accidents in the dark. There are several terrific options now for such lighting including lights that are placed directly on the stairs and/or fencing to guide people along the right path.

Lights
Once your plan is done, next is determining what kind of lights belong in those areas. Gone are the days of patio lanterns being your sole option for lighting. Today lighting options run the gamut from the traditional lantern to fairy lights to orbs and to other alternatives such as solar-powered offerings, candles, spot lighting, stair lights and even movement activated lights.

Budget
Regardless of your budget there are lights available for everyone. The best, longest wearing options are found at home hardware stores and landscaping businesses. However, you can also find some very decent garden lights online and if your budget is really small, the dollar store can also be a decent alternative, although don’t expect them to last beyond one season.

A lit garden can be used even after the sun sets and provides an extension of your living area. Make the most of what you have by shedding light on it!

Fire pits have become a hot backyard item in Toronto. They are great for bringing family and friends together on chilly evenings to enjoy the outdoors. They extend the time you can use your backyard well past summer into late fall and they are also attractive features that add charm to a yard and they are quite easy to install. However, if you are thinking of including a firepit in your yard there are some very important things to keep in mind to make sure you and your home are safe.

Firstly, you have to position your fire pit properly. It has to be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure or neighbouring structure and the further away the better. They should never be positioned under a covered porch or low hanging tree branches. And they should never be placed on a wood deck or directly on grass – always have it on a non-flammable surface such as patio blocks or concrete.

Once you have the perfect position for your firepit you need to prepare the area around it by getting rid of any flammable materials. There should be at least five feet between it and any vegetation. Making sure that there is dirt around your fire pit will also make it harder for any ground fires to escape and the pit should be deep enough to contain the fire easily. Lastly, don’t forget the drainage pit in the middle of your fire pit if you are building it from scratch.

When it comes to using your fire pit, make sure to only light it when there is little to no wind – if it is very windy using a fire pit is not a good idea. Make sure to remove any flammable items that might be downwind from you and never use flammable fluids to get it going, ie: lighter fluid, gasoline.

Once you’ve got your fire going, don’t ever leave it unattended – especially if there are little children around. Prevent sparks and embers by not using garbage or paper products to fuel the fire and also limit the amount of wood you use at a time to keep the fire contained. Make sure that you have water or sand nearby to quell any sparks that might happen.

Extinguishing your fire is very important. Ashes can remain hot for days after a fire is extinguished and can reignite materials that are flammable such as tinder, compost piles, dry leaves, etc… that is why it is recommended to down the fire with water and stir it with a shovel to make sure it is fully out. Put the ashes into a metal can used solely for this purpose.

As long as you follow these guidelines you should safely enjoy your fire pit.