The Future of Sustainable Construction: Rigid Frame Buildings in Canada

 Did you know that there's a new kind of building design that's helping Canada become more eco-friendly? The term "rigid frame structure" refers to a very robust and adaptable method of construction for a variety of purposes. In addition to being incredibly durable, rigid frame structures can be constructed in

How Affordable is Bells Corners in Ottawa?

 Discussing affordability in Ottawa often directs us toward high-profile areas. Yet, what about Bells Corners? Local groceries, utilities, and mortgage rates—each contributes to our understanding of this neighborhood's affordability or lack thereof. Unveiling Affordability As Ontarians face increasing difficulties in finding budget-friendly homes, the concept of affordability has never been

Essential summer home improvement tips

 Last year we saw record rainfall in many parts of Canada over the warmer months. Before the first summer storm hits this year, take some time to protect your property against flooding. Protect doors and windows. Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. Install flood

How to choose window treatments for sliding glass doors

 With summer around the corner, it's time to start preparing your home for outdoor entertaining and long days of sunshine. This starts with the right window fashions, which can help you control light and transition between environments. Certain styles are better suited to traditional patio and sliding glass doors simply

Top Second-Home Destinations for Canadians

 Few countries know winter as well as Canada does, and few of us don’t often dream of escaping the cold. Every year, more and more Canadians are investing in winter homes, and as the baby boomers retire, the number of snowbirds settling in the south increases. Whether we’re just dreaming

5 smart tricks to make cleaning faster and easier

 Get a jump on your spring-cleaning with some tips that'll leave every corner in your home spotless in no time. Make it part of your routine. If you wait to clean and tidy up once a week, a month or even a season, you're setting yourself up for a long, heavy

5 red flags your new home is being built illegally

 If you are buying a new home, you trust that it will be built properly, safe to live in and have all the features you've selected. But if the home has been built illegally, you could be at risk for construction defects and financial losses. Anyone who wants to build

New Study Says Millennials Should Be Living the Ottawa Life!

 A recent study by Point2Homes reveals that Ottawa is the 5th most attractive cities in Canada for Millennials in 2018. This young generation is now the largest in the country, and many are beginning to settle down. So, what makes a good city for a Millennial to stay in? The

How mortgages have changed

 If you're like millions of Canadians, you're busy paying down your mortgage. It could take 25 years or so, but it can be a great way to accumulate personal wealth, especially if house prices rise. However, with changes to mortgages in recent years, it's important to understand just how they

The ins and outs of renovation warranties

 When you hire a contractor to renovate or improve your home, there are many details that need to be spelled out in your work order or contract. These include a thorough description of the work to be done, the work schedule to be followed, and what amounts you will pay

How mortgages have changed

 If you're like millions of Canadians, you're busy paying down your mortgage. It could take 25 years or so, but it can be a great way to accumulate personal wealth, especially if house prices rise. However, with changes to mortgages in recent years, it's important to understand just how they

Tips to prepare your home for a new pet

 While a new dog or cat is always a wonderful addition to any household, there are many details that homeowners must first consider before choosing a furry friend. “Though new companions enrich our lives and bring a great deal of happiness to our homes, prospective pet owners should always take

The Heart of the Home

 Photos by Nelson Costa On a floor plan, the kitchen is just another piece of the puzzle, but in the eyes of Canada’s foremost kitchen cabinet manufacturer, AyA, it is the heart of the home. The company produced its first kitchen back in 2001 and despite starting off slowly it

Condo Touring in Style with Blue Panda Realty

 Photos by Andre Gagne You get together with some friends and, smiling, you all file into a limo. One of you asks if any of the others would like a glass of champagne or perhaps some wine. Bubbly is poured and laughs are had as your stretched white ride heads towards downtown. If

Algonquin College is Making Built Heritage Hip

 Photos by Alex Mazur. With Canada’s 150th anniversary fast approaching, the face of Ottawa has been quickly evolving. The new expansion of the Rideau Centre, the LRT system and the plans for LeBreton Flats will transform the façade of the capital, proving that Ottawa is moving towards the future. But

The Wow Factor

 LEESA FRANKLIN AND LEESHA CUNNINGHAM, OTTAWA OWNERS OF WOW 1 DAY PAINTING BEGAN THEIR ADVENTURE TOGETHER A MERE THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO. While watching Undercover Boss Canada, Franklin and Cunningham spotted a segment on WOW 1 DAY Painting, and it immediately caught their eye. "We connected with the concept of a

A Corporate Stay is a Cozy Stay

 Whether you're travelling for business or for pleasure, homesickness is out of the picture with Corporate Stays. With multiple options in every major Canadian city, as well as locations in NYC, Miami, Mexico, Europe and South America, a Corporate Stay’s executive apartment provides you and your family with a comfortable, luxuriously furnished and

Seniors Housing Can be Affordable

 Older adults living on low and fixed incomes need options It was recently reported that Calgary has some of the most expensive seniors’ housing in Canada, at $3,100 a month, some $1,000 over the national average. Headlines like these catch people’s attention, especially during an election. There’s no doubt that

Saskatoon’s housing crisis is a health emergency

 Recently, a disturbing photo of five people sleeping in a Saskatoon bank lobby became headline news and filled social media feeds. An earlier photo had contrasted the lush yards on the east side of the riverbank with tents in the bushes on the west side. A few days later, homelessness

A Street of Their Own

 Laurier House. Photo by Claire MacDonald. Laurier Avenue East may have a new name when Canada’s 150th birthday rolls around. A grassroots organization hopes to turn part of the street into ‘Prime Minister’s Row,’ an interactive street museum that will explore the stories of Canada’s nation-builders. The affected section of Laurier

From Dreary to Dramatic

 The mission: Transform a fully accessible kitchen and bathroom. The results are improvements to both form and functionality. A call to action put forth by the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation was presented to local contractors to update an older apartment unit located in the Byward Market area. The goal was to

Putting kitchen costs on the chopping block

 Save your kiss for the cook and not for bidding your money goodbye. Staying within budget is one of the most challenging parts of home improvement. Keeping costs in line, while not compromising dream renovation plans, sometimes seems impossible, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Luckily, there are ways

Beauty Beneath

 To the average person, Tornillo, Sapelle, Marupa and Ipe might seem like the names European soccer players. However, they are actually the names of art materials to Frank Diaz, owner of Buena Vista Flooring. “When you’re working with wood, stain, colours and custom designs, you can do anything. When the

The city’s kindest chauffeurs

 Photos courtesy of Wheels for the Wise If you or a loved one struggle with mobility issues, take a word from the wise and contact Ottawa’s driver-companion service. Launched in 2011 by 27-year-old entrepreneur Jana Mitchell, Wheels for the Wise Inc. is a form of safe transportation for senior citizens

Eclectic Beach House — A Retro Revival

 All images courtesy of: Natalie Mireault Photography In most cases, the inspiration and vision for a renovation can come almost immediately after seeing the space. However, in the case of this particular home things were a bit more complicated. There are several neighbourhoods in Ottawa that boast a certain element of