​Light plays a key role in making a space feel warm and inviting. If you are looking to brighten up a dark area of the home you will, no doubt, use some type of electrical lighting to do the job, but what about using natural light instead? Let’s look at some ways natural light can be effectively used to illuminate dark areas of a home. 
 
Skylights are perhaps one of the most popular ways to incorporate natural light into a dark space. These can be very effective but, if you decide to install them, be sure to use double-paned windows and have the flashing done professionally.
 
Another effective daylighting option to consider if you are having a home constructed or renovated is to use clerestory windows. These are short, wide windows that are placed high on the wall. They add light and heat from sunlight during the winter months but, due to the roof overhang, do not allow too much sun during the summer months.
 
Light tubes are yet another daylighting option. These tubes are coated with a highly reflective material that helps the sunlight to channel through them. A lens is also fitted which is designed to amplify low-level light but also lower the sun's intensity at midday. When daylight enters the interior space through light tubes, it does so through a diffuser that evenly distributes that light.
 
We can see how using natural light can be a very effective and energy-saving way to brighten up darker spaces of a home. If you are having your home renovated or built, why not think about incorporating some of these methods in its design.

For a lot of homeowners, finding a tradesperson who is honest and dependable to work on their home may seem like a daunting challenge. While you will likely ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, what are some of the ways you can tell if a tradesperson is being honest with you or not?


When asking for quotes by email or phone try to get them to provide you with the price of the job before giving out your address. This is because a dishonest person will often quote a higher price to someone who lives in a more affluent neighborhood.


It is normal for a company to require a small deposit upfront for the work you want them to do, however, be suspicious of anyone asking for large deposits or even the entire amount before starting the job. If you can, try to have a fixed price for the work and put it all in writing, this way, you will avoid those “added extras” that some companies like to add at the end.


Before you go ahead and hire a contractor or tradesperson, try to find out as much as you can about them and the work they do. Ask them questions regarding previous jobs, what type of insurance they have and their address, etc. If they are honest they will have no problem providing you with this information. You also want to be wary of someone who is very pushy or who wants an immediate answer about being hired.


Not every contractor is dishonest, it is possible to find someone honest and dependable to work for you. The above suggestions will help you weed out those who are not so honest.
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​This is a question a lot of homeowners may wonder about, especially if there are trees located very close to their homes. While there are several factors that would determine this, such as the type of tree, as well as its age and condition, we are going to talk about some of the damage a tree could potentially do to your home.
 
Tree roots can do a lot of damage to a home’s foundation if they grow large enough.  For example, they may make their way underneath the foundations of the house and cause them to lift. If there are cracks that already exist in the foundations, roots will also likely make their way into those cracks.
 
What damage can a tree do above the ground? There is the risk of large branches or tree limbs falling which could do a lot of damage to the roof of the home. They could even take out power and communication lines. Worse still, a falling tree limb or large branch could put a person at a serious risk of injury.
 
A build-up of leaves and branches can also quickly clog gutters. If they are not unblocked quickly enough, you may start to see bigger problems such as water intrusion.
 
Another possible result of a tree in close proximity to the home is an increase in pests. A tree can create easy access to many areas of the home, giving insects and rodents multiple ways to enter. Also, if a fire were to break out in one room, a tree can also aid the spread of that fire to other areas of the home.
 
If you are worried about a tree on your property putting your home at risk, you may find it helpful to ask your home inspector for advice.

​With everyone spending a lot of time at home at the moment, perhaps we are using the opportunity to do some jobs that need doing around the house.  With the warmer months on their way, it may be a good time to give your home central air conditioning system a spring clean.  Here are a few tips:
 
No doubt, during a long winter, all kinds of dirt and debris have accumulated around the outside a/c unit.
After you have cleared away any leaves, branches and spider webs, etc. take off the cover of the unit, this will also need a clean and any accumulated debris will need removing as well.  Inside the unit there are hundreds of fins made of metal that surround coils of piping, these fins tend to bend easily.  If you notice this you can use a tool called a fin comb to straighten them out again.  Although it’s a good idea to oil the motor, you may want to take a look at the operating manual first to be sure you use the right kind of oil.
 
For an air conditioning unit to work efficiently, condensed water needs to be able to drain from it.
Check that the attached drainage lines are in good shape and have not become clogged up, and check that they are securely fixed to the unit.
 
The condition of the a/c units’ filters will greatly affect the quality of air inside the home.  Inspect all filters and give them a thorough cleaning or, if they look too bad, replace them altogether.  Dirty air filters will also put a strain on the units’ motor.
 
While it’s a good idea to have your air conditioning system serviced every year by a professional, giving it a good clean will help to maintain it in good working order.

​We are all spending a lot more time at home at the moment and this can mean added strain on our household appliances.  If your home has a grinder pump, you will be aware of the need to keep it in good working order.  So, what are some basic ways to keep a grinder pump well maintained?
 
A home may need a grinder pump when its plumbing system is below, or sometimes at the same level, as the public sewer line or septic tank, this would mean that waste will not flow through the system quickly enough.  You would find this the case in homes with basement bathrooms for example.  The grinder pump is designed to help push the waste quickly through the system, it does this by grinding up waste matter into a slurry and pumping it through the sewer system.
 
To keep a grinder pump working properly there are some things that should never be placed into a toilet or sink.  Some of these items include feminine hygiene products, diapers, plastics, cat litter, aquarium gravel, toxic chemicals, and grease, which will accumulate in the tank.
 
It is not advisable to connect a grinder pump to a sump pump.  This can cause the pump to overwork and also use unnecessary amounts of electricity.
 
Another reminder to be aware of with grinder pumps is that they need electricity to work so if you experience a power outage, try to use as little water as you can to prevent the tank from overfilling.
 
Lastly, if you are away from the home for a time, it’s a good idea to prepare the tank by running water long enough to activate the pump which will flush the tank with clean water and stop nasty odors.

​Buying a home is a big decision and you may put a lot of pressure on yourself to find that perfect home, especially if you are a first-time buyer.  There are also many options of home to choose from these days which may make the decision even harder.  One housing option you may be considering is a pre-manufactured home.  So, what are some things you should be aware of when purchasing this kind of home?
 
One benefit of a pre-manufactured home is that there are many different styles to choose from that fit a range of budgets, so it's very possible you will find a house you like.
Before you go ahead with the purchase, however, you will need a piece of land to put it on.  You have a few options here as well such as buying the land to put your home on or leasing land that is especially for pre-manufactured homes.
You could also purchase the house and land together.
 
It's important to check all legal requirements associated with pre-manufactured homes.  For example, you should find out about utility connections and zoning laws, etc.
 
Another thing you should become very familiar with is the manufacturer's warranty. Make sure that the warranty will cover the transportation and installation of the house and check to see the kinds of actions that would void the warranty, like failure to adhere to the home’s maintenance guidelines.
 
When the time eventually comes for your new pre-manufactured home to be delivered, make sure you have it inspected thoroughly by a qualified home inspector as this will ensure your home is fit and secure to live in.

​Are you currently property hunting and looking for a good deal on a house?  There are many home buying options available today to meet every budget.  However, it is very important to know the condition of the property you are buying. 
 
An example of why this is so important is a home with a previous history of fire damage.  A mere outward appearance might indicate the place is in good condition… but is it?
 
Please enjoy the following video which shows you the kinds of damage that may exist in a house that has been in a fire.  Even if the fire was not huge it could have caused major problems.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are looking to purchase a home with a previous fire damage history.

​Every homeowner wants to know that they are going to be safe and secure in their homes, however, would it surprise you to learn that even the lock on your front door may not be as secure as you think? Some intruders may easily gain entry through your exterior doors by means of a bump key.
 
What is a bump key? It is a key that is cut in a specific way that allows it to pick a pin-tumbler type of lock.  A pin-tumbler style lock is one of the most common types of lock and is used all over the world so, we can see why it’s important for homeowners to be aware of anything that can pick this type of lock.  Bump keys are reasonably easy to obtain, you just need to know who the manufacturer of the lock is.  It also takes very little skill to learn to use a bump key and not much time to master so it would appeal to a would-be intruder.
 
How can you reduce the likelihood that an intruder would use a bump key on your door?  There are locks out there which are bump proof, but they are expensive and often hard to find.  It is more common to find bump-resistant locks so this may be an option for you.
 
As well as the locks on your door, you may want to think about a different type of security system that would alert you to anyone trying to break into your home.  If you have any concerns about the safety of your exterior doors, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

​Moving house can be a very stressful time in our lives so we may be forgiven for not making environmental consciousness a top priority on moving day. But, what are some ways we can prepare ahead of time so that we not only reduce the stresses associated with moving but do so with low environmental impact?
 
One way to do it is by taking the time to sort through your belongings and simplifying. Start by sorting items into piles, one pile could be for things you want to keep, one pile can be to sell at a yard sale and another pile can be items you wish to donate. Starting this process well ahead of moving day will enable you to take the time to recycle things you no longer wish to keep instead of quickly throwing them into the trash on a hectic moving day.  Another plus side to this is that you will only take belongings you want to your new home and unpacking will be easier.
 
There are numerous items we use in our daily life that, if disposed of in the wrong way, could negatively impact our environment. Among those items are paint cans, various chemicals, electronic equipment, used batteries, and light bulbs. Again, by sorting through these items ahead of time you will be able to dispose of them in the correct manner. If you do not know the best way to dispose of them contact your local environmental agency who can give you advice on where to take them.
 
Yes, being environmentally aware is something we all want to think about, even during stressful times such as moving house.

​If we really think about it, toilets are one of the most indispensable parts of a home, yet we often take them for granted, assuming that they will just keep on working. Considering an average person flushes a toilet around 2500 times in a year, it's worth taking a bit of time to check that the toilets in our home are working the way they should. Here are a few easy checks you can do:
 
Start by flushing the toilet, take notice of how long the water tank takes to fill up again, does it seem to be a long time? If it does, it may be an indication that the toilet needs maintenance. This would also be the case if the toilet takes a long time to flush.
 
Another issue common with toilets is constantly running water. Many people don’t feel this is much of a problem and get used to it but, if the water is constantly running, this is not only a waste of water but over time it will be costing you money as well. If you use a private well for your water it may also cause damage to the pump. As you can see, this is not something you should ignore.
 
Have a thorough check of the toilet bowl. Have chips or cracks developed in the porcelain? If you do find any, you will want to have this problem fixed immediately. Were you aware that a home inspector will note a toilet as faulty if they notice this problem?
 
Yes, every once in a while it's good to take some time to check every toilet in the home and make sure this essential part of the home is in good working order.