Building a Deck: 4 Decking Essentials

When considering building a deck, there are many variables that need to be evaluated. Some considerations that need to be decided on include where the deck will be placed, and its use and the size…

Canadian tax implications of cross-border real estate shopping

It's hard to resist the temptation of an excellent bargain. With that being said, their are implications beyond the pricetag. A recent article in the Globe and Mail scratches the surface of what…

Accessible housing by design – ramps

People who inhabit and visit the houses we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to seniors, with various ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow up, grow old and welcome…

Intelligent Cities – Capturing graywater in Tucson

Would you water your garden with what goes down your shower drain or out your washing machine? In Tucson, Arizona, and an increasing number of water-starved western cities, more and more residents…

Looking to build or renovate? Get it in writing!

Why a written contract makes sense...  You want to work with a reputable contractor – one that treats you fairly and honestly, puts their promises in writing,and backs up their work.You should not…

Captured: The Ruins of Detroit

Up and down Detroit’s streets, buildings stand abandoned and in ruin. French photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre set out to document the decline of an American city. Their book “The Ruins…

Xeriscaping – A sustainable landscape option

Whether by conscience or necessity, many people are looking to reduce their water consumption. The perfectly manicured emerald lawn may certainly look lovely but normally requires a great deal of…

Special Promotion on Customized Drummond Plans

Dream the dream – customize your Drummond House Plan and save! Have you found a Drummond House Plan that is perfect... almost? Part of the joy of building your own home is the option to customize…

The Importance of Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

Bathroom and kitchen fans are an important part of your home's ventilation system. They remove odours from your house, which improves indoor air quality. They also remove moisture, which decreases…

Will new mortgage rules trigger winter buying?

The new rules being introduced by the Canadian Real Estate Association could be just the incentive for young home-buyers to get off the fence, as indicated in today's Globe and Mail... The Canadian…

Calgary Homebuilder issues $500 cheques, challenges recipients to pay it forward

It's a piece of Christmas mail that has made a difference to an untold number of people. A prominent homebuilder sent $500 cheques to hundreds of its customers with a challenge to give back to the…

Holiday Parody – On the 6th day of building…6 Formers Forming!

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Six formers forming, Five golden kings! (of finance that is!) Four house plans to choose from, Three…

Holiday Parody – On the 5th day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Five golden kings! (of finance that is!) Four house plans to choose from, Three French city planners,…

Holiday parody – On the 4th day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Four house plans to choose from, Three French city planners, Two steel-toed boots, and a journal for my…

Holiday parody – On the 3rd day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Three French city planners Two steel-toed boots, and a journal for my hopes and dreams!…

Manitoba’s Housing Market Quick to Bounce Back As Affordability Improves: RBC Economics

Source: Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Manitoba’s housing affordability improved in the third quarter of 2010 and housing resales picked up in September and October, swiftly turning the page on a…

Greywater Report looks at wastewater’s potential

About 50% of the water used inside U.S. homes can be reused to irrigate landscapes and flush toilets, according to a gray water report released by the Pacific Institute  last week. The Overview of…

Official Opening of the EchoHaven EQuilibriumTM Home in Calgary, Alberta

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Nov. 12, 2010) - Today, the Government of Canada announced the official opening of the EchoHaven Home, an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home in…

House price or interest rate: Which is more important?

Two housing market shifts encourage potential homebuyers to call real estate agents: drops in housing prices and low interest rates. But deciding which factor is more important than the other can…

Amortization Explained

Amortization – What is it? Investopedia defines Amortization as follows: “The paying off of debt in regular installments over a period of time.” Basically amortization is how long a mortgage loan…