Toronto Real Estate Report

Do It Yourself

Are you dreaming of building a new deck in your backyard this summer? Does the thought of going to Home Depot and loading up your car with building supplies get your heart racing?

Projects around the house are exciting to plan, fun to shop for, BUT do you know what you're doing?  After spending several weeks last year learning building techniques for Habitat for Humanity I realized that construction is a precise art that requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise.  From a real estate perspective I've seen too many "do it yourself" renovations that leave much to be desired. 

If you're planning a renovation or improvement you should check out Build-It-Yourself Learning Centres. This company offers a huge variety of classes to learn hands-on skills from accredited, professional instructors in workshops and seminars. From building a deck, finishing your basement to installing your ktichen from a box, they will teach you all the skills and techniques.

They operate out of 2 locations, one on Dufferin in the west and the other is at the north end of the city near Highway 400.  Here is the website: Build-It-Yourself Learning Centres

Have fun! 

Garbage Bins

As the strike drags on and the garbage continues to pile up my thougths turn to the "good old days" when my garbage was collected at the curb and I didn't have to double bag it and drive it around.

Skill testing question - when you move do you take your GIANT bins with you? You ordered them, you pay for them, do you move them or leave them? 

Here is the official answer from the City of Toronto: The residential garbage and recycle bins are registered to the property address and therefore would remain at the property.  The new owners can exchange the bins if the sizes are not appropriate.  They can do so by contacting the Bin Line at 416-392-2467, after the current Labour Disruption is over.

 

 

Going Green in 2009

Do you know the 3 R's?  REDUCE - RE-USE - RECYCLE

Since it's very fashionable to be environmentally friendly these days I thought I would point you in the right direction with some great websites.  There are many ways to help the environment and save money, which is a perfect combination.

• City of Toronto rebates for new toilets and washing machines: City of Toronto
• Get information about peak energy usage, rebates for refrigerators and an on-line newsletter about energy efficiency: Toronto Hydro 
• Federal government renovation grants for improving home energy efficiency: Eco Action 
• Tips on recycling: Recycling Council of Ontario
• Information on Home Energy Audits: Province of Ontario 
• Resource Directory for further information and products: Green Leaders 

Take action this year to consume less, conserve more and cherish planet earth. 

The Home Show

I attended the National Home Show on Sunday.  The scope of suppliers was impressive and I came home armed with a bag full of contacts that I can share with my clients, friends and associates as they renovate, decorate or get their home ready for sale.

Here is a list of a few suppliers that I think could be useful:

1. Rent-A-Son - useful for odd jobs around the house, packing, unpacking, garden work etc.  They work on a minimum of 4 hours at $25/hour. www.rentason.ca
2. Is it time to clear some clutter and throw out a bunch of garbage and debris, or do you have a small renovation planned and need to get rid of old fixtures, cabinets etc. I think Rhino Bag is a good alternative to the large metal bins if you don't have a whole bin full of stuff.  You purchase the bag at Home Depot ($29.95 or$39.95) and then fill it up at your leisure.  When it's ready for pick up, give them a call and they remove it  for $129.95 or $159.95 for the giant bag. Rhino Bag
3. Tips on renovation and local contractors can be found at Home Improvement Website
4. A brand new website with everything you need to know about the various neighbourhoods in the city and the option to add your own events and information on the site. Neighbour Knowledge

As always, BUYER BEWARE.  I haven't tested any of them out yet, but they looked good to me.