Earth Hour – A one-night stand or new mindset?

WWF-Canada Earth Hour Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate…

Plan of the Week – “Narrow Plan Panache”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3877 This contemporary home with integrated garage is a mere 25 feet wide and therefore ideal for narrow lots. Still there is no need to sacrifice curb appeal!…

Terminology Primer – Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC)

Have you ever noticed that when it comes to heating, ventilation and cooling discussions, you feel like there is another language being spoken? As with most areas of specialty, this is the case! The…

Plan of the Week – “Savvy single-storey”

www.DrummondHousePlans - Plan # 3227 One floor plus 1700 sq. ft. equals savvy living space. A beautifully bright and open family room with fireplace and 12 foot lofted ceiling eases to the…

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…

Advantages of a smaller house

We live in more space than we need. We’ve got media rooms, master suites, walk-in closets that can be mistaken for bedrooms, and extra living and dining areas. I grew up in a house with formal…

Home renovation tips for empty nesters

The kids have moved out, and there is a noticeable amount of extra space in the house. Walls that were once covered with movie posters are left bare, and the all too familiar sound of the stereo…

Plan of the Week – “Peregrine’s view”

www.DrummondHousePlans - Plan # 4196-V1 Sloping lots present not only challenges, but opportunities as well! Capture the views with this basement entry home! The basement proposes a home office with…

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…

Spring planting: Wonderful wisteria

Classic Vines Add Fragrance, Color and Romance to Garden Designs Every spring, I see wisteria blooming on fences and pergolas, and every spring it surprises me all over again. Its twining vines have…

Plan of the Week – “The new landmark”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3718 This stately modern design features strong geometric lines subtly enhanced by a blend of wood, brick and fiber cement panels. Once inside, modern conveniences…

Plan of the Week – “Private master retreat”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3620 The main body of this efficient rancher is a mere 1073 sq. ft. but there are no amenities missing here. In fact, this attractive home has a luxurious little…

Product Innovation: Kerdi-Board – What you don’t see could inspire you!

I love to hear about building material innovations. With that being said, I also tend to wait until the pros have had a chance to work with and evaluate the pros and cons of new materials. In 2010, a…

How to bring out beautiful details in your older home renovation

Whether you are considering buying an older home to renovate, or your existing home needs revamping, remodeling can have pros and cons. Older homes tend to have more charm and personality than…

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…

Plan of the Week – “Superb four season vacation home”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2957A An ideal house for any time of year. Warm and inviting, it does not skimp on windows and offers a remarkable blend of materials, sloping roof, decorative…

Decor – All Things Valentine

It’s already mid-February, folks, and you know what that means? It’s time to eat excessive amounts of chocolate again! But for those of you looking to indulge in something a bit more figure-friendly,…

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…

Take a Seat at the New Kitchen-Table Island

Hybrid Kitchen Islands Swap Storage for a Table-Like Look and More Seating  Lately, a whole lot of kitchen islands are starting to look an awful lot like kitchen tables. Sure, furniture-style legs…