As Canadians, we know that fire and carbon monoxide are two of the most significant risks to our safety at home. These two hazards can cause severe damage to our property and even threaten the lives of our loved ones. As such, finding peace of mind about fire and carbon monoxide is crucial for any homeowner. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best ways to keep your home safe and give you the peace of mind you need.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential in any home. They are designed to alert you in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, giving you and your family enough time to evacuate the building safely. In Canada, it is mandatory to have a smoke detector on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas, and a carbon monoxide detector outside of each bedroom.

Make sure to test your detectors monthly, and replace the batteries twice a year. Also, replace the detectors themselves every ten years to ensure optimal performance. Installing these detectors is a crucial step in protecting your home and loved ones from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide.

Have a Fire Escape Plan

It's vital to have a fire escape plan in place, so everyone in your home knows what to do in case of a fire. Make sure to identify all the exits in your home, and designate a meeting spot outside. Practice your fire escape plan with your family, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. It is also essential to have a plan in place for those with mobility issues or disabilities to ensure they can safely evacuate the home.

Invest in Fire Extinguishers

Having a fire extinguisher in your home can help you put out small fires and prevent them from spreading. Make sure to have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home and in high-risk areas like the kitchen, laundry room, and garage. In Canada, look for fire extinguishers with a rating of 5A:40B:C. Remember to read the instructions and familiarize yourself with how to use it.

Regularly Maintain Your Heating System

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, which means it can be produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters. To keep your home safe, make sure to maintain these appliances regularly. Have them inspected and cleaned by a professional annually to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Fire and carbon monoxide are real dangers that can threaten your home and loved ones. However, by taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce these risks and find peace of mind. By installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, having a fire escape plan, investing in fire extinguishers, and regularly maintaining your heating system, you can keep your home and family safe from these hazards. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Renovating a space can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there are several low-maintenance renovations that you can do to enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a room. Not only is it an inexpensive way to update your space, but it also has a big impact on the overall feel of a room. Choose a colour that complements your existing decor or you can go for something bold and daring to make a statement. You can also consider painting an accent wall to add some depth and interest to the space.

Replace light fixtures

Another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big impact is updating your light fixtures. This can be as simple as replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones, or you can take it a step further and install dimmer switches to create a more relaxing ambiance. This can be especially useful in rooms like the bedroom or living room, where you might want to adjust the lighting based on your mood.

Upgrade your hardware

Upgrading your hardware is another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big difference in your space. This can be as simple as replacing old doorknobs or drawer pulls with modern ones or swapping out your old faucets for new ones. You can even consider adding some decorative hardware to make a statement.

Add some greenery

Adding some greenery to your space instantly makes it feel more alive and inviting. You can choose to add a few potted plants or even consider a vertical garden for a unique touch. If you're not great with plants, there are several low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants that require minimal care.

Upgrade your flooring

If you want a more significant renovation, upgrading your flooring can be a game-changer. Replace old carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring or even upgrade to tile in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Not only does this improve the look of your space, but it's also more durable and easier to clean.

Add storage solutions

Finally, adding storage solutions can help keep your space organized and clutter-free. This can be as simple as adding some shelves or hooks to your walls or investing in some furniture with built-in storage like a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers. This will not only help you stay organized but can also make your space feel larger and more open.

Renovating your space doesn't have to be a daunting and time-consuming task. By focusing on low-maintenance renovations like painting, adding greenery, and adding storage solutions, you can enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

Owning a home is not just a financial investment; it's an investment in your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Regular home maintenance is the key to preserving these qualities and ensuring your home remains a haven for you and your family. Let's delve into why home maintenance is crucial and how it can benefit you in the long run.

1. Savings Through Proactive Care

Think of home maintenance as a proactive measure rather than a chore. By addressing minor issues promptly, you prevent them from snowballing into major, wallet-draining problems. For instance, fixing a minor leak might seem insignificant, but it can prevent extensive water damage and mold issues down the line.

2. Boosting Your Home's Value

A well-maintained home is a valuable one. If you ever decide to sell, regular upkeep enhances your property's appeal to potential buyers. Plus, it saves you from last-minute, costly repairs during the selling process, making your home a more attractive prospect in the real estate market.

3. Enhancing Your Quality of Life

Your home is your sanctuary, and its condition significantly impacts your daily life. Properly maintained homes are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also contribute to your well-being. Imagine a home where the HVAC system operates efficiently, ensuring a comfortable temperature year-round. It's not just about luxury; it's about creating a stress-free environment for you and your family.

4. Ensuring Your Family's Safety

Safety should always be a top priority. Regular home maintenance allows you to identify potential hazards before they escalate. Simple tasks like checking smoke detectors or verifying the integrity of your electrical system can prevent accidents and keep your loved ones secure.

In conclusion, home maintenance is the foundation of a secure, comfortable, and valuable living space. It's never too late to start a regular maintenance routine, whether you're a new homeowner or have cherished your home for years. By investing time and effort into your home today, you're ensuring a better tomorrow for you and your family.

Here's to a well-maintained and happy home!

Warm regards,

Jason

(NC) Many of us have heard that fresh air is good for us, but what does that mean and why is it important?

Basically, fresh air is when the particles of air around you are regularly replaced; it’s the movement of air. Outside, this happens naturally when air is moved by a breeze. Inside, you need good ventilation to improve air quality, by letting fresh air in and preventing stale air from being trapped inside with you.

Respiratory viruses may be transmitted from person to person through the air by small respiratory particles called aerosols. For example, when someone who has COVID-19 breathes, talks, sings, shouts, sneezes or coughs, they can release respiratory particles with the virus into the air and spread it to others. The smaller and more crowded the room, and the longer that others stay in the space, the higher the risk that COVID-19 may spread. Good ventilation helps to reduce the levels of potentially infectious particles in the air, by letting fresh air in, which is especially important when you're with people from outside your immediate household.

Some easy tips to help you improve the ventilation in your home:

• Open windows and doors whenever possible. Even if it’s cold outside, a few minutes of fresh outdoor air can still help.

• Run a kitchen or bathroom exhaust fan continuously at low speed and open a window - even if it’s in a different room - to provide replacement air.

• Consider using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particle filter (known as a HEPA filter), that’s sized for the room.

• Regularly clean or replace filters in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

These steps are especially helpful before, during and after having guests in your home. Combine ventilation with other important public health measures, such as keeping up with vaccinations, hand washing, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and staying home when sick to help keep you and others protected against respiratory viruses, like COVID-19 and the flu.

Find more information at canada.ca/coronavirus.

(NC) Whether you’re planning a sunny getaway to escape the cold or are back in the office on a regular basis for the first time in years, it’s reasonable to be worried about your home when it’s empty. The good news is, there are easy ways to keep a watchful eye.

Keep it bright 
While the days are getting longer, illuminating your walkway and entryways after dark can deter people from approaching your property. Set your lights up on timers or install motion-sensitive models.

Get smart with security 
While you shouldn’t live in fear, theft and break-and-entering do occur. For an easy and effective way to monitor your home, consider an all-in-one smart security system that includes 24/7 monitoring and real-time alerts. That way, you’re immediately notified of activity around your home such as someone walking up your driveway or if a door or window has been opened.

Automate from anywhere 
Whether you’re out shopping at the mall or visiting relatives out of town, take advantage of the ability to secure and control your home from anywhere with an all-in-one smart security system such as Telus SmartHome Security. Schedule or manually turn your lights on and off to give the illusion someone is home, or lock and unlock your doors when your children get home from school. True automation can provide added peace of mind and security from near or far.

(NC) Prepare your paintbrushes: colour is back. Neutral aesthetics have dominated for seasons on end, but design tastemakers have shifted their focus to adventurous interiors.

Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares how to confidently move on from neutral tones and kickstart a colour revival.

Balance a room
“Colour has visual weight, so be mindful of the size of your space,” Grech advises. Larger rooms can handle darker tones and strong saturation. Smaller spaces can benefit from airier, pale tones; but with ample lighting, a bold hue can be a joyful transformation.

Make a statement
There is something alluring about a room that is bursting with colour. Be bold in your expression and have fun. Instead of using an oversized piece of art for your wall, create an area of interest by painting a wall section behind a favourite piece of furniture. Paint unexpected corners of your home, like a bookcase, chimney or ceiling, to add a splash of colour and inject your personality.

Amplify the colour you love
Your home is your haven. Consider the emotional and subconscious impact certain colours have on you and let them guide your choice. Grech suggests, “Consider a shade like Raspberry Blush 2008-30 for your living room or kitchen to energize or New Age 1444 for a calming bedroom.” Colour has the ability to evoke emotions and affect mood, so consider how you use the room and want to feel in it before selecting a hue.

(NC) Unless you’re living in a seven-bedroom mansion, chances are you’re like most Canadians: trying to make the most of your small living space. From studio apartments to three-bedroom family homes, most of us are craving more space, particularly when home is also the office.

Maximizing your small space to include an office is not an insurmountable challenge. With the right tools and a little planning, you can bring the benefits of a much larger space to wherever you work.

1. Get a desk that works
Though you may love the look of something larger, chances are you can make do with a compact desk. Measure your workstation and see what makes sense, taking into account the space you want versus what you actually need. Pro tip: an adjustable standing desk can give you the option to stretch your legs throughout the day.

2. Invest in an ergonomic chair
Considering this is where you’ll be sitting for eight hours a day, investing in the right chair is crucial. Find something with various controls so you’re at a comfortable height, with feet flat on the floor and elbows and wrists straight when typing.

3. Clear the clutter
Extra pens and pencils, papers, folders, and empty coffee mugs and dishes…when you’re working in a small space, every item takes up room both physically and mentally. Combine regular work breaks with bringing dishes to the kitchen and store loose items in a box or drawer.

4. Put two screens in one
Multiple screens were great at the office, but at home, it’s rare to have the space for extra monitors. The LG UltraWide monitor has a single stand and curved screen which can show multiple windows at once, making it easier for you to multitask at work.

5. Make use of sleek backgrounds
By now, we’ve all seen the hilarious (and not-so-hilarious) backgrounds available for virtual calls. While they can be entertaining, they also serve a helpful purpose: hiding your unmade bed, scattered kid toys and dirty dishes.

Using your space wisely will contribute to a more relaxing and productive work environment so that at the end of the day you can reconnect with family, friends or your adorable pup. To check out more productivity solutions, visit lg.ca. 

(NC) Downsizing for retirement can relieve stress and help you focus on what is truly important. Whether you feel ready for the change or you’re a little nervous to plant roots somewhere new, here are some tips for a smooth and easy transition.

Start decluttering now
Even if you don’t plan to move for some time, it’s worth cutting down on your clutter. Begin thinking about items you really want to keep forever, such as your mother’s china. If those antique dishes mean a lot to you, keep them for your next place and plan to actually use them. If they are just taking up space, recognize that and don’t feel bad about finding them a new home. Beginning to tackle this step now will save you last minute stress and guilt when it comes time to move.

Consider your lifestyle
Are you looking to leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life? Or, are you excited by the option of walking to nearby shops and activities in an area where you don’t have to rely on a car? Will your new pad be the home base for a rotation of visiting family or are you planning to live the more nomadic life of the frequent traveller? Consider your physical, social, and personal needs as you think about how and where to live in retirement.

Use all tools available 
There are many options and considerations when creating a retirement plan, so use all the resources available to help you make an informed decision for your golden years. For example, you can use free census data to learn about a potential new community before moving there. You can find useful details on population, age and types of dwellings in different places. Specifically, you’ll be able to see if there is a higher concentration of seniors or lots of young children, along with the type of housing in your target area. It’s a great way to learn more about a place before you move there.

Find more information at statcan.gc.ca/census.