Energy Efficient New Homes – Grants and Incentives

Currently, although Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) does not offer incentives to new home buyers or new home builders, NRCan manages the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, and…

The Pyramid of New Water Sources

Today is World Water Day and it just so happens that Jerry Yudelson, noted green building authority and author, has released a new conceptual tool to help people understand where water will come from…

Decor: Green Brings a Room to Life

On St. Patrick's Day, it truly is all about green! And what a great color when used in interiors, one that is equally at home in modern spaces as it is traditional rooms, with the ability to bring a…

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…

Amazing Ways with Concrete Countertops

See What Designers Are Doing With This Versatile, Weatherproof Counter Alternative Concrete may not be the first material you think of for your countertop, but take note: Designers are doing some…

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…

Dog-centric design ideas

Houzz contributor, Lily Gahagan has put together a clever collection of ideas and just plain cute images of pets in home designs. Next to our homes, many of us really love our pets. This image…

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…

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…

14 Picture Perfect Playhouses

It may seem hard to imagine with the current conditions outside, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about backyard season. In addition to planning your gardens and picking patio furniture,…

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…

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…