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Living off the grid in Toronto is possible – but only for those who are truly committed to a green lifestyle. The phrase “living off the grid” refers to living without dependence on utility companies including electricity, water and sewage. Although still a marginal lifestyle, it is attracting larger numbers of people – especially millennials who are eschewing materials trappings for a more paired down, simplified lifestyle.
 
Alternate energy
One of the biggest ways of unplugging is literally to pull the plug on the electrical company by providing your own energy. The most common forms of energy include solar and wind. Although, where possible, geo-thermal energy is also used. Most people who choose to switch to solar or wind power for their energy needs remain hooked to the power grid and even sell their surplus power back to the electric company. If you want to live completely off grid, then you would not be tied in with the electric company at all. Any energy you produced through solar or wind power would be stored in large batteries as D/C power, which is converted into A/C power when you need to use it.
 
Heating
Many new home constructions are being built using passive heating/cooling principals. All this means is that the home’s design and construction make full use of sun, wind and shade to heat and cool the residence along with top-notch insulation for a reduction in heat-loss. If you have an existing home, then the best ways to heat without recourse to any utility companies is through wood-burning fireplaces or stoves. Stoves have the added benefit of being a great place to cook as well.
 
Water
When it comes to water, some people opt to drill a well onto their land ensuring an always fresh supply of water. However, if you choose to go this route, you must be sure that the water is tested periodically to ensure that it hasn’t been infiltrated by contaminants. Another means of getting water is to collect it in cisterns. Rain water is great for use in toilets, washing clothes (unless there is very elevated levels of population in your area), water plants and general, non-potable use. Not have a hot water tank is another effective way of reducing your dependence on electricity. Tankless-hot water options are all very viable choices that would greatly contribute to a greener existence.
 
Sewage
The best option for being off-grid where sewage is concerned is using compostable toilets. However, as they are not for everyone, the next best thing is having a septic tank. Septic systems breakdown wastewater into three layers – the floating scum on top, the sludge at the bottom and the liquid in the middle. A septic tank needs to be emptied and serviced at least once a year.
 
In short, it is possible to live off the grid in the city, but it is not very popular or practical. Since off-grid living is the antithesis to consumption, changing a city-life outlook is key to making such drastic transition work for you.

Flooring can make all of the difference in a room. Regardless of your style or decor, the right material underfoot can dramatically alter the look and feel of your room. Along with conventional flooring materials, there are some fun options that most people are unaware exist. Opting for something a bit out-of-the box can really help create the space that speaks to your personal style and taste. Here we will look at some fun options that are starting to catch on!
 
End grain wood tiles
Yes, you read that correctly – end grain. All this means is that the wood is cut against the grain instead of with it, creating a distinct look for your floors. Ideal for cottages and cabins, given the right treatment this kind of tile can look great in a formal setting as well.
 
Moroccan wood tiles
Moroccan wood tiles come in several shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they evoke the exoticness of a Moorish palace. Curvy and classic, these beautiful tiles will add refinement and grace to any space.
 
Bamboo
Sustainable, attractive and inexpensive, bamboo flooring is all the rage for so many reasons – not the least of which is how good it looks! Given how quickly it grows and the abundance of the material, bamboo is one of those hip flooring ideas that it both good-looking and environmentally friendly.
 
Cork
Not just for keeping your wine fresh or pinning up notices in your office – cork is a great material for flooring as well. Easily renewable, cork is also a naturally resistant to mold and mildew, is a great insulator and sound dampner and is very durable – it is also long-lasting since the color of the cork goes right through it.
 
Given all of the fun choices in flooring currently on the market, it is not always easy choosing the right one for your needs. However, with a bit of inspiration you just might find that the right materials is not what most convention dictates and something a bit more you.

 
Budgeting for renos in your Toronto home can be a difficult thing to do. Most people are unaware of what materials and labor cost and therefore, aren’t sure exactly how much to set aside for their projects. Depending on the kind of materials you choose for your project and whether you plan on doing part or most of the work yourself will greatly influence your costs.
 
Here is a basic overview of materials for a kitchen, what they cost and how much you should budget for them.
 
Counters
Depending on the materials you choose for your counters, the size you need, the thickness you choose and the design involved will definitely change the price you pay. However, basic costs are as follows:
Natural stone (marble, granite): $100/square foot
Man-made stone (Quartz, Corian): $75-$100/square foot
Butcher block: $60-$80/square foot
Laminate: $25-$50/square foot
Stainless steel: $125/square foot
 
Flooring
Flooring prices really run the gamut from $.59/square foot to $30/square foot. Your price will depend entirely on the kind of material you choose for your floor. Just remember, that if you go cheap and pick out a laminate, what you might save upfront, will be taken from your bottom line if you ever decide to sell. Keep in mind that when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, you should put in the best you can afford, while still keeping in mind your neighbourhood and what it will support in resale.
 
Cabinets
Again here, depending on what material you choose and the size of your kitchen, you can get decent looking presswood cabinets for a 10’x10’ kitchen for around $5000 or you can spend nearly $40,000 on a custom built wood kitchen. What you want, your neighbourhood and what you can afford will naturally play a role in what you choose.
 
Fixtures
Sometimes inexpensive cabinets can be made to look regal and rich with the right fixtures. Look to pay anywhere from $.99 to $20 per fixture depending on design and the material used.
 
In the end a simple kitchen renovation including labor will cost you anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on the materials you choose.

Flipping homes in Toronto and across the rest of Canada is currently derigeur. With the increase in property prices and the spike in the number of reality television shows glamorizing house flipping, it is no wonder that people are tempted to try their hand at making what looks like “easy money.” The truth is a lot more complicated and much tougher than what it would seem to be on tv. However, if done properly, there is money to be made in property flipping.
 
Area
The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to know what you are doing – which means, research potential areas in which to flip a house. Find out what homes are going for in that area and then try to find that diamond in the rough that you can get for way under valuation – it won’t be easy, but it is possible. Just remember, that you can’t expect to buy a house in a low-income neighbourhood, renovate it to high-end standards and then expect to flip it for more than the area can handle. You have to always take into consideration what property values are worth in the area and the potential return you will make from a flip.
 
Money
So you’ve scouted neighbourhoods and found the perfect property to flip. Now you need the money. Not only do you need the funds to buy the home, but you need the money to maintain it while the work is being done and the funds to renovate it – and remember always overestimate what you will need to invest. Another crucial element is having back-up cash available if/when your own funds run-dry. Renovations will always cost more than anticipated and you have to be prepared to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
 
Expertise
Unless you have a contracting background, have always been very handy around a house or just have a burning interest in home renovations, it is good to have reliable and trusted contractors lined-up to help you execute those repairs that you can’t handle on your own. However, it is necessary to find contractors who won’t overcharge you and eat into whatever profit you might make during the resale of the residence.
 
Lifestyle
The last and most important thing to remember about flipping houses in Toronto, is that people will pay for lifestyle far quicker than they will for a finished basement or a guest bedroom. If you can sell a certain kind of lifestyle, people will be more willing to spend those extra few dollars – especially when they will be getting a perk that speaks directly to their image of the perfect life.