With HST tax coming into effect July 1st, many new home owners are wondering what exactly will be affected, and what won’t. Many household items that were previously subject to 8% provincial and 5% federal tax will now simply switch over to the 13% HST, and consumers will incur no additional costs. However, some items [...]

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  A majority (63 per cent) of Canadian renovators plan to take advantage of the federal government’s home renovation tax credit this year and close to half (47 per cent) have done more renovations because of the tax break, according to a new RBC study. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid, also found that three [...]

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Canadian winters can be cold and unpredictable so there’s every reason to winterize your home before the cold season starts. With the long periods of time that you and your family will be spending indoors, it’s important that your home is both warm and comfortable throughout the season. Here are five ways to help create [...]

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When internationally famed Scottish design gurus Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister of the TV show Home Heist accept laminate flooring, you know it has come a long way, baby. But that’s precisely what they did in a recent column in the Toronto Star, wherein they noted that Buckingham Palace boasts laminate flooring. And if it’s [...]

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  More and more homeowners are upgrading their properties with an eye to sell quickly and for top dollar. “Today’s buyers are attracted to move-in ready homes – especially those who lead hectic lives and are accustomed to upgrades. The days of buying a home to fix up have faded,” explains Greater Toronto Area realtor, [...]

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  Before listing, consider staging your home to give it a competitive advantage. “Homes that present as move-in ready have strong buyer appeal in today’s market,” explains Jackie Peifer, a realtor with 20 years experience. “These properties sell more quickly which helps protect them from price reductions.” Still, some sellers resist the idea of home [...]

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Stylish extras give your guests the impression they have stepped into a gourmet kitchen, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. Create a culinary masterpiece with the latest upscale kitchen products that not only cater to your sense of style, but to your sense of taste as well. Kitchen Aids Dramatic kitchen statements can be [...]

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In these tough economic times many Canadians are choosing to forego their massive kitchen remodeling plans in favour of more cost-effective solutions. Experts agree that by simply installing new countertops your kitchen can take on a whole new look and feel, while qualifying for government tax credits. According to Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza [...]

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