Home renovations may be costly, but they are always worth the time and money. Anybody who is interested in upgrading their Nanaimo home should consider focusing on renovations that are energy efficient. Not only will these upgrades help the resale value of the house, they will also pay for themselves with the amount of money they shave off of power and gas bills over the long run.

New Doors and Windows Can Put a Dent in Power Bills

Old doors and windows have outdated designs and were not always constructed with the idea of saving energy. The evolution in window design has led to windows that can trap the heat from the sun during the winter to keep a room warm naturally with the added bonus of having better seals and more security. Old, wooden doors were originally built to contract and expand as the seasons changed, which left them weathered over time. Drafty doors can be a tremendous drain on the power bill in the coldest months of winter and this simple renovation will save money in the short and long run.

Keep Heat in and Cold out With Proper Insulation

A home works like a well-oiled machine to save energy. Proper doors and windows with a great heating system will do nothing if the warmth keeps escaping due to poor insulation. Over time, older insulation will lose its ability to properly control the home’s temperature and a complete insulation upgrade to newer material will not only pay for itself, but it will fill in areas that may have been passed over the first time. Many older homes have no insulation in the attic, allowing heat to escape very easily. A properly insulated house also has the benefit of removing some strain from heating systems and air conditioners, leading to the possibility of smaller models.

Lower Energy Bills with Efficient Appliances

One of the easiest ways to make a home more energy efficient, cost-effective and more attractive to any potential buyers down the line is by investing in new appliances. Any appliance that is over ten years old is probably a huge drain on energy and creates significantly more waste than newer models designed to save energy and money. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters and air conditioners that are certified by either EnerGuide or Energy Star will lower gas and power bills by a considerable amount, one that makes the investment worthwhile. This has the added benefit of making the home more attractive and raises the value when trying to sell, as any buyer will want top of the line appliances in their new home.

For an idea of where to start, EnerGuide performs home evaluations for Canadians that are endorsed by the government. They will give the home a complete inspection and provide the owner with a comprehensive guide on which areas can be improved and how much they can save with those improvements. If you would simply like some more information on how your home would compare on the market if it was energy efficient, feel free to reach out to us.

Upgrading to a Larger Home – Are you ready?

Many homebuyers face the question of size when looking for their next home. Do they downsize, stay the same, or upgrade to a larger home? To help answer this question, here are some factors to take into consideration when determining if you should upgrade to a larger home.

Affordability

With larger homes come more financial responsibility. Typically larger homes will come with a larger mortgage, repair/maintenance, utilities, and insurance payments as well as increased property taxes. Are you ready financially for these larger expenses? Take into account these estimated expenses when going over your household budget. Remember, ideally you’ll want to be able to maintain a comfortable quality of life and still be able to save for the future when these larger expenses are taken into account with your budget.

Down Payments

There is a need in most cases during the property buying process to make a down payment and to pay for closing costs. You should include these expenses in your estimations while keeping in mind that selling the existing property and accessing equity will yield most or all of the funds that are needed to make a new purchase. Working with a real estate professional and a mortgage broker will help you to get more information about these two factors before making a sound financial decision.

When the time is right for you to upgrade to a larger home, you should consider working with an experienced real estate agent to sell your existing property and help you in the process of buying a new home!

Spring is just around the corner and what better way to introduce it to your home than with Rose Quartz. This lovely colour blends shades of pink to produce a rich, multifaceted colour that provides warmth and a sense of home. It brings a pop of colour that can brighten up even the dullest of rooms. Go all out or try just a few accents. This colour is sure to bring an aura of happiness and comfort to your home. Rose Quartz is a versatile shade that can update the look of your home in a variety of ways.

As an Accent

Small accents of colour throughout a room can have a major visual impact, instantly drawing your eye to key focus points around the room. Try an antique lampshade in your bedroom or a decorative pitcher in your kitchen. Accent pieces are a great way to experiment with a new colour palette without having to make a full commitment to it until you are ready.

To Fill a Room

If you have a room in your home that is looking especially bare, a dash of Rose Quartz can be just what you need to take that room from drab to dynamic. This vibrant colour fills the empty space with warmth, making a somewhat empty room feel inviting. Try a quilt in this welcoming hue in your guest bedroom or a bold wall tapestry in your entryway. The richness of the colour will make your guests feel immediately at home.

For Dramatic Impact

To make a bold statement with Rose Quartz, use it to tile your bathroom. The energy of the shade creates an atmosphere of comfortable luxury that is perfect for lounging in the tub and pampering yourself. For an even more dramatic effect, paint a single wall behind your bed and use bedding in a dark colour. This warm tone will create a romantic atmosphere that is ideally suited to the bedroom.

Moving into a new home can be the ideal time to start thinking about redecorating. Throughout the moving process, you can take inventory of your decor and get rid of anything that no longer fits with the style you have in mind. When you get settled into the new home, it’s like having a blank canvas on which to develop your new decorative theme. If you’re ready to make a move contact us today!

Homebuyers in want to save their money as much as they can when buying their next home. Skipping out on Home Inspections and other “optional” costs may seem like a good idea, but sometimes they end up saving you money after the fact. Home inspections are not typically required for and can cost a few hundred dollars on average. However, it can potentially save a homebuyer thousands after the sale is made. Here are some benefits of home inspections:

Electrical & Wiring

Electrical features in both new and older homes can pose problems and are not easily detected during a walk-through. Outlets, light-fixtures, amperage and other factors may also be inspected to determine if electrical work needs to be done in the home.

Water Leaks

This can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage if not caught and dealt with properly. For example, it can result in wood rot, mould growth and other issues.. An inspector will review the home thoroughly to look for signs of a current or previous leak even those unknown to the previous owner.

HVAC Systems

Replacing your HVAC system can cost thousands, and be quite a headache if you don’t know as much as possible about the old one. The inspector can be able to provide the condition, its age, its need for maintenance and other factors. Best not to just assume it’s hunky-dory-fine if the temperature is decent during your walk through – especially since the weather has such a range. You want to be sure!

Structural Damage

Don’t just look for noticeable cracks in the foundation, get an inspector to look for signs of damage

that may require assistance from a structural engineer. Structural damage can from factors such as a settlement of soil and erosion. It can also potentially add thousands of dollars to your maintenance costs if left unfixed/ or if the damage is already severe.

The Roof Over Your Head

These can get quite costly when it comes to repairs/replacement. If it’s not in good condition, your roof can lead to energy inefficiency, allow pests to get in, result in water leaks and other issues. Your Home Inspection will let you know the condition, age, and other characteristics of your roof to better understand what you’d be looking at repair wise (if needed).

Getting a property inspector to look at your potential home is basically invaluable in helping you understand the underlying issues that aren’t easily visible during your walkthrough. If you are interested in buying a home soon or would like more information on property inspections and if it’s right for you, contact us today!