Considered long overdue by many, there are changes proposed to the condominium property act in Alberta that may arrive sometime in the not too distant future. We first wrote about the proposed changes on this blog in June, 2011. The government is looking for changes and open houses have been scheduled in the coming months as follows:

  • July 25, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Red Deer, Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery
  • July 26, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m – Calgary, Macdonald Hall, Heritage Hall Building, SAIT Main Campus
  • July 27, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Edmonton, Lister Centre, University of Alberta
  • Aug. 1, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Lethbridge, City Hall Foyer
  • Aug. 3, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Fort McMurray, Clubhouse Atrium, Syncrude Athletic Park
There are more…

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Building a detached garage has many benefits. Having a protected place to park your vehicles will reduce wear and tear and ensure your car will start during a cold Calgary winter! You can build a garage to use as a workshop and for additional storage. You can also build a secondary suite in a new garage and use it to earn rental income. Photo Credit: Knight Carpentry Inc. Whatever your reason for building a garage might be, you do have some options. You can choose to purchase a pre-fabricated garage package and build the garage yourself or you can hire garage builders in Calgary to do it for you.

DIY Garage Packages

Garage packages usually consist of pre-fabricated trusses, lumber for the walls, a garage door, man door, siding, shingles and…

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Whether you’re planning on selling your home now or in the future, investing in home renovations will add value to your property. Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular renovations and when compared to other remodelling jobs, can give a high return on investment. Photo Credit: Bond Contracting and Construction Inc. Kitchens are considered the heart of the home. It is where you cook, dine, entertain and spend time as a family. It is no wonder that kitchens are important to homeowners and just as important to home buyers. Any experienced real estate agent will tell you that the state of the kitchen can make or break a first impression from potential buyers. It’s the first room they’ll want to see pictures of in an online listing and the first…

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A backsplash is the panel of material installed behind your sink, stove and along countertops that protects the wall from spills and splashes. Beyond its functional purpose, a backsplash can also add style, finish and even value to your kitchen and home. Here are some benefits of the backsplash:

It protects your walls.

Photo Credit: Tile & Stone Source International The main reason why you would install backsplash behind your sink and countertops in the bathroom and kitchen is to protect the walls from splashing water and other splatters.  If your wall is constantly getting wet, especially behind the sink, you could get some water damage. Mildew and mould can also start to grow, which is hazardous to your health and a pain to deal with.

It can…

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If you’re thinking of doing some home renovations, you’ve probably thought of upgrading the kitchen tiles, new hardwood floors, or a fabulous landscape—all these big-ticket projects are almost always at the top of the list. A stunning garage door, on the other hand, often gets overlooked by fancier upgrades. A beautiful garage door, that complements the overall look of your house, can dramatically boost your house’s curb appeal. For most houses, the garage takes up 40% of the façade making it one of the first things passersby notice. But before you consider buying a new garage door, give your existing door a checkup. Maybe it just needs a little bit of TLC without having to replace it. Here are some common garage door problems and how to repair…

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If you're like most Canadian homeowners, you've worried about rising energy costs over the last few years, are concerned about paying high utility bills now, and are wondering how all of these expenses will impact your budget. Keeping your home comfortable in every season can be challenging especially if you've got drafty windows or insufficient insulation. During the winter months, you may have been tempted to turn up the thermostat to take the chill off but instead put on another sweater to save a few dollars. Don't forget about those dog days of summer that are just around the corner. Are you going to crank up the air conditioning as a reprieve from the heat or open the windows hoping for a natural breeze to give you a few cool hours of comfortable…

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You probably don’t think about your plumbing system very often, until there is a problem! Once you do detect an issue, it should get your immediate attention. Putting off repairing your plumbing could result in expensive water damage and even more costly repairs. It’s also important to look for plumbing issues in a home you might be considering to purchase. Anything causing water damage or moisture issues could mean there is mildew and mould lurking in the walls. If so, this can be hazardous to your health and will have to be dealt with immediately. Moisture can also damage the insulation, framing, drywall and other parts of the home and can be a real headache to deal with. Though the majority of the plumbing system is inside the walls, there are some…

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Situated on the North Saskatchewan river, Edmonton, AB, attracts many pests. Mosquitoes are especially prevalent in the area, drawn to humidity and standing water. Another major problem for residents, ants frequently invade homes in the area. Lured into buildings by spilled grease, sweets, meats, and crumbs, Pharaoh ants will nest inside year-round. Carpenter ants are of more concern, though, as these pests will excavate wood to make their nesting site. Finally, carpet beetles hide underneath carpets and baseboards, as well as in dark closets, and can cause serious damage when left unchecked.

Potential Problems Caused by Home Pests

Like any unwanted guest, their presence can be extremely annoying and inconvenient. Beyond that, these pests cause serious…

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If your driveway is cracked, sinking in areas and generally looking worse-for-wear, it might be time for a new concrete driveway. Not only will a new driveway improve curb appeal, it will also boost resale value, make shoveling snow easier and give you extra space to park your vehicles. Photo Credit: Con-Tile Industries Here are the advantages to installing a new concrete driveway:

Concrete will increase property value.

Boost your curb appeal and you’ll boost your home’s resale value. If you’re planning on selling, a good first impression can actually add value to your home. The driveway and walkways are the first things a potential home buyer is going to see when they check out your house. If your concrete is sinking and in dire need of…

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Planning a renovation project in your home can be especially challenging if you're living there while the work is being done. Add a couple kids and pets to the mix and you've got yourself a very chaotic household. Whether you're doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, once your project is underway even simple tasks will be difficult. Personal items will be moved from their usual spots, tools and equipment will block well-traveled traffic areas, and work zone noise and dust will permeate your entire home. To reduce the stress associated with your disrupted routine you'll need to take these crucial steps BEFORE you start these home renovations: The first thing you'll want to do: Set up a temporary family staging centre in an area away from…

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