Archive for Renovations & Repairs
Lot Grading and Flood Prevention – Good to Know!
The City of Edmonton website features these great links providing information about lot grading and flood prevention – what a great resource! Check it out…
http://www.edmonton.ca/lotgrading
http://www.edmonton.ca/business/commercial-lot-grading.aspx
http://www.edmonton.ca/floodprevention
HOUSEMASTER NEWSLETTER – August 2010
HOUSEMASTER.COM HOME OWNERSHIP NEWSLETTER -
Welcome to the most informative news source for homeowners!
Click to open newsletter: http://enewsletter.housemaster.com/7_2010.html
IN THIS ISSUE:
CONSERVE YOUR WATER
Get in the habit of conserving water now, and life will be a lot easier if or when you have no choice due to drought conditions.
GETTING INTO YOUR GUTTERS
Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear is a key factor in reducing water seepage concerns.
HEALTHY WELLS
ot; of maintaining your well equipment for a regular and safe water supply.
AVOIDING FLOOD DAMAGE
Can your home withstand a local flood? Here’s some advice that really holds water.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Get some tips on low water pressure, identifying the source of basement dampness, testing pool water, and water flow regulators.
Flood Check-Up – a great idea!
Drainage systems in many neighbourhoods throughout Edmonton are being upgraded and improved to reduce the risk of flooding.
Maintaining good drainage on your residential property is an important part of the flood prevention equation – and the City of Edmonton wants to help!
A flooded yard or basement can cause serious damage to your property, and cost you, the homeowner, time, money and inconvenience.
Click here to access the City of Edmonton Flood Check Up report and book your appointment!
HOUSEMASTER NEWSLETTER – March 2010
When I was little I used to think the icicles hanging from the eaves of houses in the winter were so pretty. After I became a REALTOR I quickly learned that these can be a sign of insulation and/or ventilation problems in the attic of a home. This can lead to some real challenges for a homeowner. We’ve had some lovely mild weather recently in Edmonton which is great, however the mix of warming and cooling trends can lead to ice damming problems – a potential cause of roof leakage and structural damage.
The good news is, while ice dams can’t always be prevented, there are ways to reduce their impact. Learn more in this month’s e-newsletter from Housemaster Home Inspections!
Other topics this month include wood stove safety and how to save on your heating bill. These newsletters are always loaded with helpful tips for homeowners and we post them regularly on this blog.
Submitted by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
Housemaster Home Inspections Newsletter – July 2009
Housemaster Newsletter – July 2009 Issue:
- Replacing your air conditioner? Here’s something you’ll want to know!
- Considering manufactured stone as an option for your renovation?
- Proper use of your gas appliances.
- Preventing moisture and mold problems!
- Q & A
Summer is finally here with hopefully some nice hot days! If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner, this issue of the Housemaster Newsletter has some helpful tips for you!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
Housemaster Home Inspections Newsletter – June 2009
Housemaster Newsletter – June 2009 Issue:
- It’s time to get your air conditioner ready for summer!
- Have a pool? You’ll want to read these tips!
- Play it safe this summer. Read these power tool safety tips.
- Q & A
It is definitely home improvement season! We are painting our own house and also trying to get our garden into shape. It’s fun and also a good way to for any home owner to maintain the investment in their home!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
Housemaster Home Inspections Newsletter – April 2009
Housemaster Newsletter – April 2009 Issue:
- Spring home maintenance
- Safety at home – fire alarms, safe exits and electrical cords
- Q & A
The HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST in this month’s newsletter is excellent. Just looking it over quickly gave me ideas for areas that we need to pay attention to at our own home!
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
Housemaster Home Inspections Newsletter – Mar 2009
Housemaster Newsletter – March 2009 Issue:
- Spring roof maintenance
- Air duct cleaning
- Q & A
- cleaning your stainless steel appliances
- dealing with damp basements
It’s a small (green) world after all…
Metropolitan Edmonton may now be over one million people, but it is still in many wonderful ways a big small town! Six degrees of separation is often more like one and a half degrees at SCHMIDT and today brought another example of how we are all connected.
Larry Schmidt does a daily media review searching local and national news websites for articles that relate to real estate. Today he came across this article about a “net zero energy” home under construction in Edmonton. Utilizing solar awnings this home collects energy during the day and allows the owners to be extremely self-sufficient in heating their home. It turns out I know the owners, Conrad and Rechel, and the house is built on a lot I helped them purchase a few years ago. I immediately contacted Conrad to congratulate him and proceeded to invite myself and another team member, Chris Miller, to have a tour one day as I know that Chris is extremely interested in energy efficient construction. Conrad, being the gracious fellow he is, assured me we would be welcome anytime and then mentioned that Chris’s wife, Andrea Jones, is involved in an open house at the property this weekend. Andrea is the owner of Raising Spaces - a web based company that sources out ”green” building products. Andrea has contributed to our blog in the past and yes, she is indeed married to one of our team members.
Yes, it is a small world after all. And since it really is quite small, all the more important we take care of it . Congratulations Conrad and Rechel on the contribution you are making to take care of our beautiful and not-so-big world after all…
Learn more about the construction of this unique home and get details on the open house at 9805-84th Avenue being held this Saturday March 14th.
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group Inc.
PS CBC News picked up the story – read it here!
FAQ’s about the New Renovation Tax Credit
The recently announced tax credit for home improvements has a lot of people excited to get started on some renovations this spring. If you’re wondering what type of properties qualify and how to apply, a recent article from the Edmonton Journal will answer a lot of your questions. Click here to find out how to get your reno money back! Source Edmonton Journal, Mar 7 2009, Pedro Arrais
Plus click here to see the Government of Canada’s information brochure on this topic.
Contributed by Kathy Schmidt, Broker Owner of Schmidt Realty Group
