Fall Guide to Home Improvement: Advice and remodelling
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- Published on Friday, November 25, 2016
Advice to new home owners
By Liz Sumner & John Nelson
Real estate agents - Gill and Schmall Agencies
Excessive humidity could lead to safety and maintenance problems in your home. If you have a number of occupants in your home, do a lot of cooking on the stove and use a lot of water in bathing and laundry, you have an environment which promotes the growth of moulds.
Danger signs are black, blue, or gray colouration on walls, corners, closets and moisture on the inside of windows. There may be water on window sills and even seeping below the ledges, softening the gyproc. Moisture may be collecting on outside doors, freezing in winter and interfering with the opening and closing of main and storm doors. Moisture may even be apparent on walls. Doors, windows, paint stipple ceilings and dry wall can be ruined in a short time.
Here are several tips to reduce humidity in your home:
1. Use of the kitchen exhaust fan during cooking.
2. Use of the bathroom fan during use of bath, shower, even sink.
3. Use a dehumidifier, working constantly, to reduce humidity.
4. If ceiling fans exist, let them run constantly as they will circulate air.
5. Be sure all walls have air circulation: for example, do not have boxes or clothing stacked in corners or close to walls.
6. Developed basements should have a dehumidifier working constantly summer and winter.
7. Dryers should be exhausted outside to rid the home of washer-dryer moisture.
Newer dehumidifiers and fans require very little energy. You will need to empty dehumidifiers daily or connect them to your floor drain with a small hose. Most have thermostats that turn on and off automatically. You can buy a dehumidifier at any hardware store or large retail store.
Used dehumidifiers may be purchased on E-Brandon or at garage sales. However, you must be sure they work properly.
High humidity will ruin your windows, ceilings, walls and doors, leading to maintenance expense. Excessive humidity will quickly lower the value of your home. Most importantly, too much moisture in your home could affect your health. Moulds are very harmful to your lungs and the respiratory system of your loved ones. Please check your home for excessive moisture in both winter and summer.
Remodel for maximum return
Scott McGillivray
Metro News Service
As a contractor and real estate expert, I am often asked by homeowners for advice on the best projects for their remodeling dollars. While it’s important to first consider the purpose of the remodel (is it for yourself, for resale or as part of an income-generating suite?), there are some remodels that have proven to be reliable investments over time. Some of these include:
Kitchens and bathrooms: remodels here top the list. High-end finishes, like marble and quartz countertops and stainless steel or commercial grade appliances, are greatly coveted. Clever storage is desirable, along with home automation –– a new and growing trend.
Bathrooms: This one is simple. The hottest bathrooms right now aim to replicate a spa-like experience. From color and accessories to scents and lighting, transforming this room into a relaxation haven will maximize its appeal.
Basements: Basement remodels are among the best ways to gain space without going the route of a costly addition, but the key is doing it right. Address moisture issues first and hire professionals for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work. Insulate with a water-repellant insulation made from inorganic materials to improve energy efficiency and then focus on the finishes.
Insulation: Installing, topping up or replacing insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase energy efficiency and save money over the life of your home.
Smaller fixes: Know that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to realize a good return. Can’t afford a full-out kitchen or bathroom remodel? Consider painting walls and cabinets, replacing outdated hardware or fixtures and installing new lighting for an impactful refresh. When it comes to living spaces, it’s amazing what a splash of color, some new flooring, carefully selected accessories and strategic lighting can do for the look and feel of a room. Save a little extra by doing it yourself. With a positive attitude and some elbow grease, you can make a big difference with projects that require low to moderate know-how.
Scott McGillivray is the award-winning TV host of the hit series “Income Property” on DIY Network, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray.
