Home Improvement Blogs – Cochrane

When people think about green homes, they typically think about smart devices like thermostats or double paned windows, but there’s many ways homeowners can make their home a bit more eco-friendly. These days, homeowners can even choose insulation for their home that is made from renewable materials or can be recycled in the future. Selling a home that is green often sell faster and for more money. Here are some of the different green insulation types homeowners can pick from.

1. Wool Insulation

Some homeowners are familiar with wool as a green alternative for carpet, but it can also be used as insulation. Wool comes most commonly from sheep, llamas, alpacas, and a regular sheering helps keep them healthy and happy, so there isn’t any harm in

Most homeowners are used to the occasional creepy-crawly in their home. Maybe a spider has made its home in the corner of a bedroom or a cricket hopped inside while a door was open. However, while a spider or a cricket can easily be picked up on a piece of paper and returned to the great outdoors, an infestation isn’t quite that easily managed. Homeowners should always be on the lookout for the signs of an infestation in their home to catch it as early on as possible, especially if they are selling their home. Here are some of the common pests found in homes and the signs they leave behind.

Signs of Crickets

Most people don’t associate crickets with infestations, but they can cause quite a lot of problems in homes if left unchecked. The first

Most individuals feel safest at home, especially if it's a newly purchased or newly constructed home. But there are some common home hazards that homeowners should be on the lookout for. Here are five of the most typical dangers around the house to be aware of.

1. Fire Hazards

Overloaded electrical outlets, frayed wiring, unextinguished candles or cigarettes or an unexpected grease fire can cause a disaster in the blink of an eye. Be sure to have properly placed smoke detectors throughout the home, and test them monthly. Keep working fire extinguishers in fire-prone areas and be sure to never leave cigarettes or candles unattended.

2. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a ‘silent killer,' because it is an odourless,

No matter what part of town a homeowner lives in, security is an important part of preserving the integrity of the property. Luckily, security systems today are more flexible and high-tech in homes than ever before, allowing homeowners to choose their own layers of protection as they see fit. Learn more about the four major ways to keep natural and man-made threats from spoiling the day.

DIY Security Systems

DIY security relies on low- or no-cost options to safeguard the home, and chances are, homeowners already have some of the crucial elements. Working smoke detectors in the right places, sturdy deadbolts, and lockable windows are all key components. To add to the existing protections in the home, consider the following:

• Timed

Mould can be a persistent concern for homes in humid regions or areas with a lot of precipitation. It often shows up in places homeowners cannot see, behind walls or under flooring. Prevention is key, as well as prompt attention to any sign of mould. Prolonged exposure to mould can create long-term health problems for families. With this information, homeowners will know how to determine if they have mould, things they can do to help eliminate it, and when to call a professional.

Common Sources of Mould

Mould is a growth that happens in buildings without adequate moisture control. It thrives in a dark, damp environment. Homeowners can watch out for more obvious symptoms of mould growth:

• musty odours
• leaks in the basement, roof, or

Lighting affects the way the home looks and the way it feels to spend time in the home. Good lighting can make the home seem cheerful, inviting and warm. Poor lighting can make the home seem dark and small. Fortunately, good lighting is something that every homeowner can achieve, if they're willing to take the time for home improvement. If you're a homeowner who would like to improve the value of your home, these suggestions can help.

Best Kitchen Lighting

Variety of lighting is very important when lighting the kitchen, because people engage in so many different activities in the kitchen. Task lighting under cabinets helps homeowners when cutting food and reading recipes. Dimmers give people the ability to make the kitchen a more pleasant

An outdoor room not only supplies additional living and entertaining space, but can also add substantial value and drama to a home. Depending on how the outdoor space is decorated, it can extend seasonal enjoyment of a home's yard and garden, become a functional and comfortable room for year-round entertaining, or simply serve as a private retreat for reading and quiet conversation.

Work With an Existing Patio

Many homeowners look to renovate existing patio space: Whether a patio is large or small, covered or uncovered, there are numerous ways to extend the square footage and shelter an outdoor room at least partially from sun and rain. It's usually not difficult to extend an existing roof, add a beamed ramada for shade, or blend old and new

Unpermitted work can be a problem for homeowners when they try to sell. If you're a homeowner who lives on a property with unpermitted work, knowing what to do about it can help you when the time comes to sell your property. By remediating the problem or by working with a Sunset Ridge real estate agent, you can sell your home for a fair and competitive price.

What You Need to Know About Building Permits

A building permit is a permit that homeowners must get when making certain changes to their property. Usually, building permits are required when changes are being made to the home's structure and when gas, plumbing and electrical work is being done. Building permits enable local government officials to monitor the renovations, so they can be

While the most popular types of roofing in Canada typically have a lifespan between 25 and 100 years, it's not uncommon for them to experience a few compromises. Inclement weather, falling debris and extreme temperatures can cause roof damage that can go unnoticed for quite a while. However, homeowners who perform regular inspections can look for signs of damage to determine whether there is a need to repair or replace roofing. Here's how to recognize roof damage and access the best solution for common problems in their River Heights home.

Signs of Roofing Problems to Look For

A visual inspection of the roof's exterior and certain interior areas can help detect minor problems before they become major ones. During the exterior inspection, the

As the ground shifts and the house settles, it will inevitably put enough stress on the foundation to fracture it. Foundation damage is inevitable in homes of a certain age, but it can nevertheless still feel like a shock to homeowners when it's discovered. That's why it's crucial for homeowners to understand the mechanisms and the nuances of the base of their home—so they can repair it as soon as possible.

Signs of Distress

The home will show signs to a homeowner whether they see it or not, and sometimes those signs can be small. The original warning sign could be as simple as a door or a window sticking just a little or a small puddle that pools near the supports of the home. Because the supports are usually located in the basement, these