Real Estate Blog - home improvement

S.O.S. Roof Emergency: Dealing with a Leaky Roof

As a homeowner, one of the most frustrating problems you can face is a leaky roof. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the signs that their roof is leaking until the damage has already been done. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the common signs of a leaky roof, as well as what you can do if you suspect your roof is leaking.

Water Stains on the Ceiling

One of the most common signs of a leaky roof is water stains on your ceiling. These can appear as dark spots, discoloration, or even peeling paint and are caused by water seeping through the roof and into the ceiling or wall.

Damp or Musty Smell

A leaky roof can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause a musty or damp smell in your home. It could be a sign that water…

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The Benefit of a Pre-Inspection Before Listing Your Home

Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, there's one important step you shouldn't overlook: getting a pre-inspection. Pre-inspections are a great way to avoid any surprises during the selling process and make sure you get the best possible price for your home. Here are some of the benefits of getting a pre-inspection before listing your home.

Find problems before buyers do

If you're going to sell your home, you want to know what problems there are before potential buyers find them. A pre-inspection can help identify any issues that could negatively impact your sale. You can then fix them before you list your home, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Set a fair price for your home

A pre-inspection can help you set a…

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Spring Into Action: Homeowner Essentials for the New Season

Spring is finally here, and it's the perfect time to freshen up your home after a long winter. Whether you're looking to update your decor or tackle some outdoor projects, there are plenty of ways to embrace the new season. Here are some spring essentials for homeowners to consider:

Add pops of color to your decor

One of the easiest ways to bring spring into your home is by adding bright pops of color to your decor. Swap out dark throw pillows and blankets for lighter, brighter options in pastels or bold hues. You can also add fresh flowers or plants to your space for a natural touch.

Deep clean your home

Spring cleaning is a tradition for a reason - it's a great way to freshen up your home and get rid of clutter. Start by deep…

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Home Improvement Projects You Can Do For Under $50

Home improvement projects can be a great way to add value to your home, increase your comfort, and make your living space more functional. However, many people assume that home improvement projects require a significant investment of time and money. While some projects can certainly be expensive, there are plenty of options for those on a tight budget. Here are some home improvement projects under $50 that you can tackle with just a little bit of time and effort.

Install a new light fixture

Lighting can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room. You can find affordable light fixtures at most home improvement stores, and installing them is usually a straightforward process that you can do yourself. A new light fixture can instantly…

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5 Trading Spaces Room Makeovers That Missed the Mark

As the 1990s and 2000s make a comeback in the form of TV, film, and fashion, we can’t help but be nostalgic about original home improvement shows that paved the way for so many of today’s reality home shows. 

The most notable of these classic shows is TLC’s Trading Spaces. The premise is simple: two sets of neighbours swap homes and transform a room in two days with a budget of $1,000 using the help of expert designers. This format made the show, which ran from 2000 to 2009 before its 2018 reboot, a huge hit. 

Trading Spaces’ successful results inspired a generation of reno enthusiasts to try their hand at updating their own spaces, but sometimes left homeowners shocked and even in tears. 

While it may seem like these things were done…

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How to Make the Most of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday

Though Black Friday feels like something that’s emerged over the last couple of decades, the “Black Friday” name was first used in connection with the crash of the United States gold market in September 1869. It was only in the late 1980s Black Friday took on its role as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. “Black” refers to retail accounting practices where black ink represents profits. It’s suggested it took until late November for retail businesses to finally move out of the unprofitable red ink that leads to the clearance-type prices available on Black Friday.  

Today, the Black Friday shopping event has also spawned other retail events, including Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. No longer do Canadians…

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6 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do for Less Than $100

As hibernation season begins and our time indoors increases, we naturally begin to think of ways to make our home more comfortable. Home improvement projects can help revitalize your space and create the perfect cozy haven. What’s more, completing these projects early in the season has an added bonus: your home will be refreshed before guests ascend for holiday get-togethers! 

Whether your preference is new curtains for bedroom windows or fresh lighting in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered for all the little projects you can do around your home for less than $100—perfect for a weekend DIY when the weather starts to get a bit drab.

1. Organize your entryway

Proper storage is a key aspect of organizing your front hallway. Shelving units,…

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Renovations You Should Leave to the Pros

If you’ve spent the last few years binge watching your favorite home renovation shows and looking for #DIYInspo projects all over social media, you’ve probably considered making a few tweaks around your home. 

However, when it comes to home renos, knowing when to hire a professional is essential.

A recent survey conducted by Leger examined how Canadians changed their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found of the 17% of people who had improved their homes, only one third hired professional help—the rest opting to tackle the jobs themselves.

While it may be tempting to take on home renovation and home improvement projects that don’t appear to present any risks on the surface, there are several instances when the expertise of a…

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How to Make Your Own Live Edge Table

If you have a passion for building, and you want to take on a unique project, we’ve got just the thing for you: a DIY live edge table. Live edge furniture is a great way to add beauty to your home and create a unique talking piece for future entertaining.

 What’s a live edge table? 

Remember that beautiful table at your family cottage? The one they seemingly stole from a fairy tale? Yup, that’s a live edge. These tables incorporate the natural edge of a piece of wood directly into their design. They’re rustic, raw, modern, and chic, not to mention sophisticated and built to last. A traditional live edge table will have tree bark on its sides; however, some people choose to remove it to avoid the bark possibly…

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Your At-Home Cleaning Questions Answered

There are three types of people in this world: those who hate cleaning, those who pretend they enjoy the process, and those who have mastered enough house cleaning hacks so they can do the job efficiently and effortlessly.  

Temina McCormack, owner of Ottawa-based Temina and the Cleanas, belongs to that third group. Luckily for everyone else, she loves sharing the knowledge she’s accumulated over the years. The expert is here to answer your questions and share her cleaning tips––from getting rid of pet hair off your furniture to removing tough stains from your kitchen walls. Check out Temina’s answers below, and remember to send your cleaning questions to crea-comms@crea.ca to be featured in an upcoming article.

My kitchen walls are covered…

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