Wanda Holmes

(NC)-Canadians love to renovate and one of the most popular projects is to finish the basement - otherwise known as the wreck room, the kid's playroom or the man-cave.
 

Some do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) may consider this type of renovation to be fairly straightforward and easy, but the truth is that it requires careful planning and coordination with your insurance company.
 

"A basement renovation could involve adding new features into your home - like electrical, plumbing and insulation - so obtaining a proper building permit is very important," says Tara Lessard-Webb, an underwriter with Desjardins Insurance. "Getting the right advice from the beginningmight mean some additional costs upfront, but it could avoid bigger expenses in the future."
 

Here are some other points to remember:
 

• Whether doing the basement renovation yourself or hiring a contractor, it's a good idea to keep your insurance company informed to ensure that your policy is updated accordingly and that you remain fully covered throughout the project and after it's complete.
 

• If you're making structural changes or installing new wiring or plumbing, it's a good idea to find a reliable and bonded contractor to ensure everything is safe and done to code. Make sure the contractor's liability insurance is adequate and current.
 

• If you have water leakage problems in your basement, be sure to fix the problems before you install the drywall, flooring, expensive furniture and electronics. If not, the mould or other moisture-related problems could come back. This may mean that you could end up spending more money to start all over.
 

Jennifer Kolah, also with Desjardins Insurance's underwriting group, says that potential water damage is probably the biggest and costliest concern with finished basements. All it takes is a heavy rain in short period of time, a snap thaw after a snowy winter, or a prolonged wet period to cause basement water damage. She advises practical protective measures such as installing a backwater value on the sewage pipe from the house and a sump pump drainage system.
 

"The backwater valve will stop water from flowing back into the house in the event that the sewer system gets overloaded," she says. "The sump pump will help keep the area under the house dry by pumping water away, protecting the basement from possible seepage."
 

Kolah also recommends that homeowners repair any cracks in their foundations and ensure they have good drainage around the house by building up and sloping the ground away from the exterior walls, extending downspouts and keeping eavestroughs clear. Speak to your insurance provider for more tips about finished basements. Or visit Desjardins Insurance at www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com for immediate answers.

Courtesy of Newscanada

(BPT) - Coming home from a long work day to a place of peace, quiet, relaxation and even harmony is a dream for many homeowners. And by creating an outdoor sanctuary in the backyard, this private place of solace will become the first destination for all members of the family when they need a break.

Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.

1. Create a walkway - A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and woodchips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers.

2. Incorporate a seating area - This space doesn't have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come.

"Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around," says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of "My Fix It Up Life" which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. "This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space."

In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access.

3. Design for both night and day - Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing?

Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

Courtesy of BPT

(NC) As Canadians continue to opt for condo and apartment living, maximizing space has become increasingly important. This is especially important for kitchens, which have the tendency to collect an abundance of utensils and gadgets, from coffee makers and mugs to containers and cutlery. To keep your kitchen in tip-top shape and free of anxiety-causing clutter, follow these space-saving tips:

• Think up: Don't limit yourself to using what's been provided; utilize the ceiling to install a pot rack to free up drawer space. Have empty space above your cupboards? Pop some pretty storage containers on top to help clear counter space.
• Use your walls: Since you're short on space, hanging mirrors on your walls can help create the illusion of a larger kitchen. You can also add inexpensive shelves and hooks to help store items and keep your kitchen looking tidy.
• Edit: If you don't need it and you can live without it, get rid of it, especially in your fridge. Condiments that don't need to be refrigerated, for example, can be moved to a cupboard. In small spaces it's especially important to control odour; use Arm and Hammer Fridge Fresh, which can be suctioned to the inside of the fridge to increase shelf space and eliminate odour. Remember to replace it every three months, say on the first day of every new season.
• Store unused items: Do you really need that ice cream maker on your counter all year? Store it away for the season to free up counter space. The same goes for those other gadgets you love but rarely use. Consider putting items you don't use frequently up high or under your counter.

More information can be found at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Courtesy of Newscanada

(NC)-Home ownership is a big dream for many young Canadians, and is likely the single biggest investment most of us will make in our lives. While saving for a down payment can be challenging, Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust, says that young Canadians can save for a down payment a little quicker by following a few simple rules.
 

"First, examine your budget and set a savings goal," says Haque. "Take advantage of online budgeting tools to gain insights into where you spend your money. Also remember that in addition to your down payment you will need to save for the additional costs involved with a home purchase, which include land transfer tax, moving costs and legal fees."
 

Next, curb your spending and increase your savings. "Even a small adjustment in your spending habits can go a long way toward helping you save a bigger down payment," says Haque. "For example, consider using transit to get to work instead of driving and paying for parking – it can really add up over time."
 

One of the most effective – yet overlooked – strategies is to put money aside before you can spend it. Haque suggests setting up a regular, preauthorized transfer service that moves a specific amount from each pay cheque into a high interest savings account. Making savings automatic is a simple and effective way to stay disciplined while saving for a down payment.
 

Finally, Haque reminds first time home buyers that they may be able to take advantage of the federal government's Home Buyers' Plan. "Those who have been actively saving for their retirement can access up to $25,000 from their RSPs to bump up their down payment when they purchase their first home. The RSP funds must be paid back within 15 years, so it is important to factor this repayment into your monthly budget."
 

For more advice on saving for a down payment, visit www.tdcanadatrust.com/homeownership

It's that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.

This year's leading trends focus on blending functionality with beauty to construct a stylish and usable space that requires little maintenance. To create the best outdoor space on the block, consider these popular ideas for your home.

Post caps
A big trend in decking is beautification - taking your functional space and adding stylish elements that produce visual appeal. One easy way to incorporate this trend is by installing post caps. Mounted at the highest point on the railing, post caps are one of the most prominent features of any deck or patio. Deck and fence post caps give a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These one-size-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, making installation simple. They come in a variety of colors and many are available with a built-in solar light. These unique post embellishments are sure to fit your color palette and will enhance your overall outdoor design aesthetic.

Fascia corners
Corner joints can separate over time, creating unsightly gaps. If you're looking for an easy way to spruce up your current deck, consider adding decorative fascia corners. Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover corner joint connections and an easy way to capture your own personal style while complementing your home's architecture.

Lighting
Incorporating lighting into your deck area is a big trend because it extends the time you are able to spend in your outdoor space. It also adds an element of safety in a visually pleasing manner. Look for solar powered lights to continue to be popular - you'll find this sun-powered option on numerous outdoor items such as string lights and fountains. Recessed deck lights are another popular lighting option - perfect for stairs because they softly illuminate steps once the sun has gone down.

Multifunctional furniture
Furnishing outdoor space is essential for creating a relaxing, comfortable environment, but it is also a big investment. That's why more people are looking for multifunctional options that provide a variety of benefits. For example an outdoor sectional can serve as a large couch or be separated for multiple sitting areas. A small table serves double duty when it opens for hidden storage. An outdoor umbrella with solar lights provides shade during the day and soft light at night for easy all-day entertaining.   

Composite decking
If it's time to replace your whole deck, you might want to consider using composite lumber decking in your new design. Composite decking continues to grow in popularity due to its low maintenance and durability. Today's composite decking is much different than past options because the designs closely mimic the natural look of wood. Latitudes composite decking, for example, features a more natural-looking surface with a realistic grain pattern available in a variety of colors. Plus it's backed by a 25-year stain and fade warranty, so it's guaranteed to look great on your home for a long time, making it a wise investment.

By incorporating these top trends not only will you have a great outdoor space this year, but for many years to come.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:
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Caption 1: Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover joint connections.

Caption 2: Mounted at the highest point on the railing, post caps are one of the most prominent features of any deck or patio.