Muddy York: Toronto Real Estate Blog

Entries categorized as ‘renovations’

Why renovate your Toronto home?

July 12, 2010 · 1 Comment

The end of last year and the beginning of this year saw some serious renovation hysteria gripping the province. There were a ton of rebate and incentive programs, and whether homeowners were claiming energy-efficiency rebates or government tax credits for renovating to stimulate the economy, the renovation industry in Canada saw a rise of around $4 billion over much of 2009 when compared to other years.

There are a few home renovation perks still available, but they’re either winding down, near the end of their qualifying period or soon to be cancelled. However, one of the best reasons to renovate always has been and still is to boost a home’s value. Currently, renovations are more valuable than ever because they can also improve the aesthetic appeal of a home, not to mention energy and resource savings. Curb appeal renovations were the most valuable renovations for 2009 with regards to the return on the investment, and nothing is hotter than going green to save money on energy bills.

If you plan on moving within the next few years, renovating to increase your space or add another room might not be as practical. However, overhauling the kitchen and bathroom can be a big selling point and provide a return of up to 100% of your initial investment. Smaller changes like interior and exterior painting can also provide a similar -sized return.

When renovating, consider implementing healthy housing principles. It’s the perfect opportunity to do so, and all healthy housing means is creating a home that is geared towards energy-efficiency, water-conservation, indoor air quality and sustainable materials. This can be as simple as installing EnergyStar appliances or choosing different types of materials that don’t contain volatile chemicals and are safe for the environment.

Despite the current lack of government benefits and those that are soon to disappear, if it’s financially feasible for you, renovating can boost your home’s value in several different ways by appealing to buyers’ wants.

Categories: renovations
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Home renovation spending increased by $4.5 billion in 2009

June 13, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The renovation hysteria that hit Canada in 2009 increased renovation spending by $4.5 billion according to survey data released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The CMHC’s Renovation and Home Purchase Survey was released at the beginning of June and found that the average cost of each household’s renovations was around $12,000.

“More than $25.8 billion was spend on renovations in 2009 across the 10 major surveyed centres, and increase of about $4.5 billion compared to 2008,” said the senior economist at the CMHC. “As well, when Canadian homeowners were asked about their renovations for this year, 43 per cent indicated that they intend to spend $1,000 or more by the end of 2010.”

Toronto was one of those major urban centres, where the lowest number of respondents (five per cent) said that they had purchased a home in 2009. The same number of respondents across the board said they were intending to buy a home in 2010.

A total of 76 per cent of the households in major urban centres that underwent the renovations used their savings as opposed to credit, and a whopping 52 per cent renovated in order to sell their homes or add value.

The top three renovations across the country in were remodeling rooms, painting or wallpapering and new flooring, either hard wood or carpeting. St. John’s led the renovations with the highest number of households renovating for more than $1,000 at 59 per cent, while Montreal was the lowest number at only 45 per cent.

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Developing an air-tight renovation contract

February 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Even though the Home Renovation Tax Credit recently ran its course, several new programs have been established to encourage homeowners to renovate with energy-efficiency in mind. These include the Home Energy Assistance Toronto (HEAT) program, the Ontario Home Energy Savings program and the Government of Canada’s Retrofit Rebate program. Under all three, Toronto homeowners can receive up to $11,000 in combined grants and rebates when they renovate their homes with more energy-efficient appliances, systems and materials.

While all of the programs leave provisions for having a handy relative come over to help out, many homeowners will be using professional companies or contractors to get the job done.

No matter what the size of the task you’re looking to have completed, always have a written contract before you begin. Without a proper contract, risk of problems developing for both parties involved is endless.

Your contract should:

  • Include all applicable addresses, phone numbers and the names of all parties.
  • Demand that any work done will comply with any applicable codes, regulations and laws.
  • Cover any permits that will be required.
  • Mention any work that is to be subcontracted and to whom.
  • Include step-by-step, thoroughly detailed instructions on what is expected.
  • Cover any warranties, in detail, on the work done.
  • Include a firm start and completion date.
  • Incorporate blueprints or drawings if the project is vast and complicated.
  • Be signed and dated by all parties.

As a reminder, always be sure to:

Not fall for any proposed agreement in which you would receive a discount for paying cash with no contract, and be cautious working with someone who seems offended when you propose one. Legit companies and individuals know that the inclusion of a contract is to protect themselves as much as you.

Hire insured contractors who can show proof of registration for worker’s compensation, as well as their proof of property damage and public liability insurance. Otherwise, you could find yourself on the bad end of a lawsuit if a worker hurts themselves while working on your property.

Research the company thoroughly. Google is a valuable tool when it comes to researching companies and individuals for past complaints and transgressions, or on the other hand, recommendations and praise for a job well done.

Categories: renovations
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Renovating before Selling

January 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Renovate, renovate, renovate. Just before the Gosselins and huge family circus spectacles became the number one way to waste valuable chunks of people’s lives on every other channel, home renovation shows were like a virus infecting the airwaves. Holmes on Homes, Trading Spaces, Flip This House, Flip That House, Family Renovation, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – they were everywhere.

Many of these shows provided valuable information to viewers with regards to renovating. It increases your appeal to buyers, updates your home and can be an interesting and profitable project to undertake. Improving your home can show buyers you care and take pride in the upkeep of your house, and if it’s in your budget, a renovation can really pay off later down the road.

Repainting: This is probably the least expensive of any kind of big change you can make. It brightens, refreshes and can drastically change the mood of any room in your home. If you’re not handy, this is the easiest thing you can do for your home without hiring a professional. Wallpaper is generally pretty outdated-looking, and stripping it and painting the walls instead can also give your home a more modern feel.

The Kitchen: Moving on to the more costly projects, it’s said the kitchen is what sells a home, so make it count. Families gather, meals are cooked and traditions are born here. Updating old appliances, countertops and floors can add sleekness to the room that could make your sale.

The Bathroom: Despite what many people might say, this is where the magic really happens. It should be of comfortable and clean-looking design. Spa-like bathrooms are increasing in popularity like crazy, and new tiles, basin sinks and contemporary glass showers can help achieve this look. If it’s possible, heated floors or additional bathrooms can really push value higher.

Floors: Carpets are pretty standard as far as typical flooring goes. Most of the time, it looks boring and is sometimes only appealing when covered in those fresh vacuum impression lines. Tiles and hardwood add impressive elegance to rooms and can make areas look more spacious.

Interior designers can be a valuable investment when it comes to renovating your home, but some of the ideas above can help you decide for yourself if you’d like to spruce up before putting your home on the market.

Categories: renovations
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Staying Green while Renovating

December 6, 2009 · 2 Comments

By Heather Rose

Going green is one of the most talked about movements of late, and possibly for many more years to come. It means being more environmentally responsible, creating a healthy environment for you and your family, and encouraging energy efficiency while conserving natural resources.

The changes that need to be made to reduce our ecological footprint are relatively easy, and what better opportunity than when renovating your home? Every time you add or change something in your home you have a chance to do it in an environmentally conscious way, increasing the resale value of your home at the same time.

First, when removing anything old that can be reused such as doors and fixtures, consider donating them to Habitat for Humanity. They can sell them and use the proceeds to build houses for people in need.

When buying new appliances, be conscious of energy efficiency. Look for an energy star label but be sure to do your research – the cheapest appliance might not always be the most energy efficient.

Know your lumber: most pressure treated lumber is full of pesticides and chemicals like arsenic. You can purchase woods that are still pressure treated but without these chemicals, just look for CA-B pressure treated lumber. Selecting materials that are recycled, reclaimed or sustainably farmed can go a long way. Also, try buying paints or other finishes with less toxins like water-based polyurethane or low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.

One of the biggest steps a household can take when going green is the conservation of heat in the winter. Ensure you have energy efficient windows or pick up some extra caulking so you can seal problem areas yourself to retain heat and use less energy. Another way of warming up your home is to consider into cotton insulation. It’s effective, safer than fiberglass and is more environmentally friendly. Spray foam insulation is also an option.

To improve overall air quality for yourself and your family, consider replacing your furnace and a/c filters with high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters. They will also extend the lifespan of these appliances.   Going green doesn’t always mean going more expensive. Some materials may cost the same or a little more, but the indirect savings will make up for it over time and your home will be a lot healthier.

Heather Rose is a Toronto based Journalist, who is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.  Heather website is located at heatherroseportfolio.squarespace.com.

Categories: Green Energy · renovations
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Common Do-It-Yourself Mistakes

December 1, 2009 · 1 Comment

By Julian Merry

Completing small renovation projects around your home can be a great way to show off your skills and save money. However, not everyone has the knowledge to undertake such projects, and here are some very common mistakes to avoid:

“What permit? Oops.”

Permits exist to ensure things are done properly. Permits also keep your insurance company updated with any necessary information to keep you covered. Contact your local building department to see whether you need one or not before you take on a new renovation. If you are going to renovate and the finished job is of questionable quality it can hurt your home’s value rather than add to it, and the delays and costs that will later result, including having to have the renovation professionally redone, aren’t worth the original do-it-yourself savings.

“Of course I know what I’m doing!”

Books can impart a lot of do-it-yourself knowledge, but that might not be enough depending on how much you’re starting out with. Watching videos or contractors on the job will let you absorb some more information and techniques to apply to your project. Start small before diving in, or ask any friends who are professional contractors to lend a hand. Many home improvement stores offer workshops that are both fun and educational. If you still don’t feel confident enough, there’s no shame in hiring someone else. Working beyond your scope leads to many of the construction accidents seen in Canadian hospitals each year.

“Old Rusty is the perfect tool for this job.”

That hammer or power drill you’ve had for years or that spectacular saw you still can’t believe you scored at the dollar store might not be the best tool for the job. Renovations are rarely one tool fits all, so buying quality tools that will last and doing the research to make sure you have all the necessary equipment will lead to less headaches down the renovation road. The same goes for building materials – saving a few dollars here and there is what so-it-yourself projects are all about, but don’t sacrifice quality if it means using thinner or weaker materials that you’ll have to replace sooner. Haggling can be your best friend when shopping for supplies.

“What could go wrong?”

Ensure you have the proper safety gear for any project. Proper clothing, tools, eye protection or masks if necessary. You wouldn’t want loose clothing to get caught in the table saw or have an errant metal shaving land square in your eye. Research the area thoroughly that you’re working in. Is there a possibility of any venomous spiders or snakes? Rattlesnakes aren’t solely residents of the dusty desert, and renovating that old shed in the backyard might lead to an encounter. Ontario’s native rattlesnake species, the Massassauga rattler, is found in the southernmost areas of Ontario and its range includes further northern areas. The Massassauga is a protected species and cannot be whacked over the head with a shovel (but you wouldn’t think of ever doing that, right? They’re endangered and the fines for harming an endangered species in Canada could buy you a decent new shed anyway). Basements are havens for spiders, and the black widow spider is found in southern Canada. Bites from black widows are extremely painful and can be fatal to children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Research any critters you might encounter and have some phone numbers handy for exterminators or pest removal services.

Sometimes admitting defeat can be your best option when it comes to tricky projects that involve plumbing or wiring. Some jobs were just meant for a professional, and attempting these by yourself might hurt you, your family, or your wallet. Enter do-it-yourself renovations with confidence, but stay practical. It will pay off in the end.

Julian Merry is a Broker with Royal LePage/Johnston & Daniel Division.  Julian is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Toronto Real Estate Blog.  Julian’s website is located at www.julianmerry.com.

Categories: renovations
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Survey finds homeowners less likely to use credit to pay for renovations

November 26, 2009 · Leave a Comment

By Heather Rose

Canadians are more likely to use cash instead of credit to fund home renovations this year than they were last year, according to an Ipsos Reid survey of 3,000 homeowners conducted this past fall for the Royal Bank of Canada. Cash purchases are easier to keep track of and work better into a budget than using credit, with no surprises, debt or additional fees.  Due to the state of the economy, more Canadians are conscious about how they use their money and what kind of financial decisions they should make when it comes to improving their home, whether for their own personal needs or in an effort to sell it.    Up six per cent from last year, 76 per cent of those surveyed said they were planning to use cash rather than add to their debt during their upcoming home renovations.  Other findings from the survey include:

•    Across Canada, homeowners expect to spend an average of just over $11,000 on renovations.

•    63 per cent of those surveyed will be taking advantage of the new Home Renovation Tax Credit.

•    Almost half of the people surveyed said they’ve done renovations that they might not have done otherwise specifically because of the Home Renovation Tax Credit.

•    18 per cent of those surveyed are renovating their homes to make them easier to sell.

•    Bathroom renovations make up 41 per cent of the total intended renovations.

•    Almost one-third of those surveyed said the biggest annoyance while renovating was going over budget, and 32 per cent of those surveyed said the process of completing the renovations taking longer than expected was their biggest aggravation.

•    Saskatchewan and Manitoba are tied for the most intended renovations and highest price tag with 73 per cent of respondents saying they intend to renovate for an average of $15,133.

•    People in Quebec will to spend the least amount of money on their renovations, an average of $7734.

•    78 per cent of those surveyed in Atlantic Canada intend to renovate their homes while only 15 per cent intend to sell their homes. Alberta has the highest number of people wanting to sell with 27 per cent, and only 67 per cent planning to renovate.

With the rush to renovate early and take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit, being careful and using cash is much easier on your budget and credit score.

Heather Rose is a Toronto based Journalist, who is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.  Heather website is located at heatherroseportfolio.squarespace.com.

Categories: General Information · renovations
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Renovating Homes with Lead Paint

November 17, 2009 · Leave a Comment

By Heather Rose

Lead paint is relatively common in older houses and the disturbances caused by renovation can be disastrous. Lead was primarily used as a pigmentation agent in most oil paints and a few latex paints until the early 1950′s and as a drying agent into the late 1970′s when governments finally limited the lead content allowed in interior paints. Exterior paints were given warning labels if they exceeded a similar limit, but it is estimated that some exterior paints were up to 70 per cent lead by weight. Currently most Canadian paints do not allow lead to be added at all.

If your house was built before 1980 you may have lead paint on your walls. If it was built before 1950, you most definitely do. There are testing kits that can determine if you have lead paint available at large hardware or health food stores. These kits can also be used on other household surfaces to test for the presence of lead.

If you intend to renovate your home and it may or does contain lead paint, there are a few things to consider – particularly the fact that every method of removing lead paint is dangerous to a degree. The agitation of lead paint creates a deadly dust, which can already be present in high-friction formations like door and window frames.   The safest and wisest course of action is to hire a contractor that specializes in lead and asbestos removal and who adheres to proper industry standards. Replacing small lead-coated things yourself is possible, but health authorities warn not to attempt anything yourself that involves more than a few square feet of material. Some of these smaller items can include radiator panels and door and window frames.  One of the more damaging things that can be done is covering up the lead paint with new paint. Not only can the new paint cause chips or flaking, but preparing for decent coverage involves sanding and other activities that produce dust. Sealing the lead paint with a liquid epoxy that encapsulates and traps the paint preventing future chipping is a better option.

During the renovating or lead paint removal it is especially important to protect family members and belongings from lead dust and perform an intensively thorough clean up afterwords with the use of a HEPA filter vacuum. Pregnant women and children should be removed from the premises completely until renovations are complete.

Has your child been exposed to lead paint? Lead poisoning can produce flu-like symptoms or even none at all. Children are at a higher risk because they play closer to the ground, are often putting their hands in their mouths and have a faster metabolism therefore absorbing things faster. Ways that increase your family’s risk of being exposed include living in a pre-1960′s house with peeling paint or spending a great amount of time in a building (day care, school, business, etc.) with such, regularly visiting or living in a remodeled house and being in close proximity with exposed people who may carry dust on their clothing.

Heather Rose is a Toronto based Journalist, who is a regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.  Heather website is located at heatherroseportfolio.squarespace.com.

Categories: Home Inspection Information · renovations
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A Common Renovation Mistake: Going Over the Budget

October 2, 2009 · Leave a Comment

By Sue Toyne

When you decide to renovate your home, you will generally sit down and create a plan. In this plan you will have what you want to renovate, whether it is the kitchen countertop, adding a bathroom or adding a whole room altogether.

No matter what the renovation is, there is always one similarity, which is creating a budget.home reno mess

Your budget will be how you structure your entire renovating project. By this I mean, you will be picking material, tools, etc through the budget you have determined, if you find yourself reaching the breaking point, then you will reconsider.

That would be the ideal situation, however what tends to happen is that people will budget themselves for the renovation, however they do not keep a proper record of their spending until the project is near completion, making it too late.

When you create a budget, it can only serve its purpose if you are able to follow through with it.

If your budget is set at $5,000 for the entire kitchen renovation you have in mind, it is not feasible to spend $4,000 on a new granite countertop, when you still have to buy kitchen cabinets, not to mention the labour costs if you are not doing the work yourself.

You might be thinking that unexpected costs occur, and it cannot be helped if you go over budget. Now look at it from this perspective, why bother spending the time and energy creating a budget if you will not put it into effect.

A budget is designed so that you can ultimately save on how much you are spending; therefore it is common to add in “unexpected” costs into it at the beginning.

There really is no excuse for going over your budget, unless you decide to change the renovation altogether. In that case you should be revising the budget altogether.

When you set a budget, and want to stick with it, you simply need to record every purchase. At the end of each day, take the bills you have for anything related to the renovation and tally it. Place the bills in a folder along with your total amount spent and you can determine on a daily basis how much of your budget you have left.

You should be placing allocations for what to buy in your budget. By this I mean, have how much you will be spending on materials listed, and what you need for labours costs outlined. This way you should have thought of everything you will need for the renovation and will be able to stick to the budget.

Sue Toyne is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage/Johnston & Daniel Division.  Sue’s website is located at www.susantoyne.com.  Sue is regular contributor to the Muddy York Real Estate Blog.

Categories: Home Inspection Information · renovations
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