Thinking about adding a gazebo to your backyard? Before you go and make your yard dreams a reality, it’s important to check up on your municipality’s landscaping regulations first. Here’s what you’ll need to know if you plan to embark on one of these backyard projects.   Adding a Structure Whether you’re thinking of adding a gazebo, pergola, storage shed or any other kind of structure in your backyard, you may need to apply or obtain a building... [read more]

Houses of any age will shift over time, resulting in cracks. Cracks may appear in finishes, structural components or both. Though they usually don’t have any structural significance, it’s worth some visual detective work to help homeowners understand the difference between different types of foundation cracks. Shrinking Cracks Concrete shrinks as it cures, so newly poured concrete foundation may develop small vertical shrinkage cracks, which are not structurally significant.... [read more]

Every resident has a right to accessible housing, which is why it’s the responsibility of condo corporations to ensure their building is accessible for all residents, including seniors, people who use wheelchairs and those with mobility, visual and dexterity/strength impairments. Accessibility requirements for buildings are set by provincial building codes-which are based on the National Building Code – and are aimed at preventing barriers for people with disabilities. Buildings... [read more]

Municipal water systems are required to test and monitor drinking water supplies to ensure safe and good-tasting water. But what happens once that water has been piped into towns, neighbourhoods, and homes? Older homes may still have service lines made of lead going into the home, which can cause lead to leach into the water. The local water supplier should be able to confirm the presence of lead service lines for homeowners. Older fixtures that contain lead, or lead that was used on pipe... [read more]

I have always wondered about the layout of the interiors of those homes. They are surely built to be functional. There was no luxury in those times such as designing a house just to accommodate a large table or a flat screen TV. Every room and every hallway was built for function. And it made sense. Heat rises, so the kitchen was actually the family room of the house, the place where the family gathered for eating, games and conversation. The scullery was the room at the back of the house... [read more]