If you haven’t already, check out our sister site: The Home Interior Guide, which has recently gotten it’s own makeover. Not just a pretty new face, it’s the whole package - a fabulous resource for interior design and decor.  The listings directory is the place to go to find professionals services for interior decorating or home staging, and to locate unique art galleries or home furnishings stores for that special touch.

Find articles that guide you through DIY projects and get updated on the latest trends in home decor. Pose a design question in our Ask the Experts section, and get feedback from an unlimited number of professionals. Check out Hidden Gems our spotlight on those “in the know” places that offer the one-of-a-kind finds that will help make your home the envy (or inspiration) of all your friends.

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There’s plenty to explore at the Home Interior Guide.  Visit us today and let us help make your dream space a reality.

Home Renovations continue to be a popular area of investment for homeowners despite the current economic turmoil.  It makes sense at a time when buying new doesn’t and building on what you have, does.  Now that you’ve decided to renovate, there are still some things to consider before you go ahead.  Yes, you believe that you’re adding value to your property, however, with some wise planning before the hammer hits the nail you can actually be saving money too.

Create a Detailed Plan

It is of the utmost importance to properly create a plan, budget, and time frame for your home renovation job.  Such preparation is crucial to the enterprising DIYer and it’s also useful to those counting on professionals.  Get a very clear picture of all estimated costs that will account for everything from materials to labour.  Not only that, but it’s also important to figure in backup funds for situations which may arise as the project progresses.  A safe estimate is 15% on top of the initial projected budget.  If you have a realistic figure to work with that corresponds with very detailed drawings and plans, you are preparing a contingency for those unforeseen issues.  Just being aware of this possibility can keep you from future migraines and possible bankruptcy.

Cut Down on Material Costs – Not Quality

Materials of course account for a large portion of the expenses in any renovation project.  And although you may want to get the best price you can, you may not wish to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks.  This is your home after all, (where you might be living for 20 years to pay off a mortgage). Companies that sell recycled material from demolition sites such as Happy Harry’s give you both a budget conscious and green option. “Found” wood is another trendy yet wonderful option – imagine creating a unique hardwood floor from an old wood cabin or antique ship.  If however, you are more inclined towards higher-end materials but want to pay a fraction of the cost, consider Habitat ReStores. These affiliate stores found across Canada and the United States offer surplus and used building materials for much less than retail. ReStores get their supplies from donated goods provided by: building supply stores, local contractors, demolition crews, and others wanting to support the cause. Not only are you saving money, or being green, you are also helping to raise funds that let Habitat for Humanity build 10 or more additional homes a year.

Implement Green into Your Renovation

It’s shocking to consider that your home may be a toxic place.  Do you know what went into the finishes of your hardwood flooring or kitchen cabinetry where you cook, or even the paint on the walls in every room in the house?  Making green choices for your home renovation is not only important for your health and the health of our planet, it can actually save you money.  Although the initial costs may be higher, using ethical and non-toxic materials that are longer lasting, as well as installing energy efficient components will save you money over time.  From more complicated aspects like redesigning your home, to being conscientious about product selection, consider these options suggested by Rob Wright, owner of Citadel Renovations.

* ICF foundations
* Composite floor, roof, and wall framing
* Low e film, argon gas, and triple pane glass in windows
* Compact fluorescent and LED lights
* Lots of natural light
* Reduced and/or no formaldehyde cabinetry
* Low or no VOC paints and finishes
* Composite material exterior finishes
* Recycled material roofing: metal, rubber, cement
* Wood or linoleum floors
* Heat pumps: ground, water, and air

The money you’ve saved on heating, lighting, and water once you’ve made your home more energy efficient will over time actually pay for those improvements.

Decide If It’s a Worthy Investment

It may seem like a no-brainer to first figure out if the investment you plan to make in upgrading your home is one of value, but it may come as a surprise that some are less financially beneficial than others. CMCH, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada’s federal housing agency, is a great resource for homeowners who are considering a renovation project.  Their website offers a host of useful information, such as this break-down of renovation payback ranges:

Top four greatest payback potentials
* Bathroom renovation (75 – 100%)
* Kitchen renovation (75 – 100%)
* Interior painting (50 – 100%)
* Exterior painting (50 – 100%)

Versus:

Ten average payback potentials
* Roof shingle replacement (50 – 80%)
* Furnace/heating system (50 – 80%)
* Basement renovation (50 – 75%)
* Recreation room addition (50 – 75%)
* Installing a fireplace (50 – 75%)
* Flooring (50 – 75%)
* Constructing a garage (50 – 75%)
* Window/door replacement (50 – 75%)
* Building a deck (50 – 75%)
* Central air conditioning (25 – 75%)

Repairs or beautification are the most prevalent ideas that come to mind, however, safety improvements are another way to go that will your wallet happy.  Check with your insurance company if they offer lower premiums when you add or upgrade a home security system, fire prevention measure, or improve the existing wiring.

We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories that look like something out of that 80’s movie The Money Pit.  It’s not something we like to think about; the possibility of your hard earned $10,000 renovation budget ending up being but a drop in the bucket.  Like any other investment, you wouldn’t blindly drop ducats on any random man in a suit with a smile – you do your homework first.  Not only will you bring added value to your home with your new renovation, you will also save money with your carefully laid plans.

It’s not too late to ensure that your home, from outside in has been poked, prodded, and provided for when it comes to winter care. Below are some steps you can take that will your home more comfortable, energy efficient and save money; you may even prevent damage caused by colder temperatures and weather conditions. Any materials that may be needed can be easily found at your local hardware.

Maximize your Heating Efficiency

Making sure that your home’s HVAC system is at its optimal is one key thing you can do this season. Getting a heating tune-up can result in reducing your heating costs and having everything run efficiently during the coldest time of the year. In order to check that you’re not inadvertently wasting energy, inspect for cracks in obvious places like around all windows and doors as well as gaps in the brickwork, stucco, siding and even the foundation of your home. You can find these air leaks by making a flag from tissue on a toothpick or by lighting a stick of incense around windows and doors or switch plates on outside walls. If air is coming in, the flag would wave or the smoke would be dispersed. The next step is filling in these holes with temporary caulking that would be removed once the weather is warmer.  For the exterior of the house you will need weather stripping, caulk and foam. Adding more insulation – which can get compacted over time - in the attic and crawlspace are other ways to prevent heat from escaping.  Adding storm windows over your existing windows can reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent. Implementing a programmable thermostat that is set to a reasonable temperature can also help save energy.

Winter Garden Care

Winter hardy plants should be planted in areas that are not under the eaves of your house as come snow fall, that and ice will settle on them. Soaking plant beds before the ground freezes helps the soil retain its moisture underground, which is especially important for evergreen type plants. Laying down a 2-3 inch layer of mulch - pine bark or needles or wood chips - will also maintain the soil’s moisture by reducing water loss, as well as prevent alternate freezing and thawing of the soil (that can damage short-rooted plants). It also keeps the soil temperature warmer so that roots can grow deeper during the winter. If laying mulch around trees, leave a good amount of space, several inches, to prevent rodents from feeding on the bark.  Weak branches should also be removed, however, if pruning was done during late summer, it might have spurred new new growth and this could lessen the nutrient reserves of your plants necessary during winter hibernation.

Protect Your Plumbing

In addition to sealing up your home from cold air leaks, cleaning out gutters, and wrapping up outdoor plants, homeowners should consider winter care for the plumbing system. Taking a few precautionary measures before cold weather sets in just might save you from dealing with a messy and costly water pipe break. Shut off outside water supplies like the tap in your backyard or if an irrigation system if you have one. Make sure water is drained from the lines and also drain disconnected garden hoses then store those in the shed, garage, or basement. If there are valves in your basement that supply water to the garden faucets, these too should be shut off and drained by unscrewing the little cap on the side of the valve. Leftover water can freeze and cause pipes to break.

Should a problem arise, knowing where your main water shut off valve is located – typically next to the water meter at the front of the home or in the furnace room – could be crucial. To stop the flow of water into the home, this would need to be switched off. If you and your family plans to be away for a longer period of time during the winter, consider turning off the main valve and having a professional drain your system to prevent freezing of the pipes should the furnace unexpectedly stop working. Another preventative measure is having pipes and valves in unheated areas wrapped with heat tape, or covered with pipe insulation.

Taking a few uncomplicated steps in preventative measures this winter can safeguard your house and garden from damage caused by prolonged freezing temperatures. Making your home more energy efficient and avoiding potential incurred costs will save money as well as give ease of mind, making the worst of winter that much more endurable.

With Files from: Naturalawn of America, Waterworks Plumbing, and Service Experts