Landscaping for curb appeal made easy

Landscaping for curb appeal is a great way to show that you care for your home, your yard and neighborhood. All of this makes for greater value of your property, and a greater chance of success when…

Home Maintenance – What’s wrong with that tree?

Structural defects occur in trees for a number of reasons, and even though a tree may be structurally compromised, it could live on for years. One example is a tree with a hollowed-out trunk. Since…

Getting your home ready to list

In a buyer’s market, the onus is on sellers to do everything possible to woo potential buyers and get a leg-up on the competition. Here we provide 10 stylish tips for increasing your curb appeal and…

How to make your interiors more pet friendly

If you are like most pet owners you love your furry members of the family, but you also feel like you have to sacrifice your sense of style in your home decor because of them. Whether it is because…

Up on the roof: Those darn ice dams

A Wayland, Mass. man was felled by a piece of ice as big as a desk this weekend when he was trying to clear an ice dam from his roof. This winter's weather has created a perfect storm for ice dams—a…

Earthquake awareness – tips to prepare for ‘the big one’

Not all of our readers live in earthquake zones but coastal BC is very much aware of the need to be prepared for 'the big one'. A province-wide initiative resulted in Canada's largest earthquake…

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…

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Home maintenance is a must for preserving the value of one of your greatest assests and to assure the comfort and safety of your family. These days, many homes feature gas fireplaces for aesthetics…

Fireplace Maintenance and Safety

Tend to your chimney with care with these pointers. Enjoying a warm, cozy fire requires a clean, safe fireplace. Here are some tips for keeping it that way:     Fireplaces should not be used as…

When to replace windows

“Replacing windows is one of the best investments a homeowner can make today. New energy-efficient, eye-appealing, easy to operate and maintain windows add value to the home, especially at resale…

Hazardous Household Materials: Lead Paint

The dangers of lead paint have been widely publicized, but how do you know if your family is in danger? The existence of lead paint in a home or building does not pose an immediate danger except…

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Home maintenance can seem like a daunting task. Thankfully there are many resources to guide you through the seasonal tasks to ensure that you protect the value of your home. Having a checklist is…

Fall & Winter Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Northwest

Living on Vancouver Island, I cannot but suppress a giggle about the two seasons in the Pacific Northwest, being rain and not rain. While this article focuses on some of the unique aspects of…

Buying a home: New or previously owned?

Brand-new homes have distinct advantages - and drawbacks. Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision Source: Tara Struyk of Investopedia.com Unless you have unlimited funds, buying a…

Dad’s Top 10 Timesavers!

All this week, we have been featured topics near and dear to dads' hearts – grilling, media rooms, hot tubs and man-haven garages. At the top of the Father’s Day weekend, we are sharing some ideas on…

Following DrummondHousePlans on Twitter?

Are you following DrummondHousePlans on Twitter?  Many people give me a blank stare when I ask this question, so I thought it would be a good time to share why we are using Twitter. Rest assured, we…

Time for a new roof?

Knowledge and maintenance are key to ensuring that the value of the home is protected. The roof is the first line of defence in protecting your investment. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation…

Planning your garage

Adding a garage is not only practical – it also increases the resale value of your property. With planning, excavation, foundation, construction, electrical and other costs, a simple garage can…