Irene Kelleher's blog

(NC) We all want a safe and comfortable place to call home – but for a great many Canadians it’s a serious challenge to find somewhere that won’t break the bank.

Here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you find a great place within your budget:

(NC) Buying a home is a major purchase, and you want to be sure you’re making the right choice - especially in the current uncertain marketplace. While there are lots of things to consider for your dream house, here are three things not to overlook:

(NC) Kicking off a new year with a resolution to be healthier and to eat more balanced meals is a goal shared by millions of people. But all too often, we make overambitious commitments that are hard to fulfill and easy to drop when day-to-day life takes over after the rush of the holidays.

Registered dietitian Sue Mah recommends opting for sensible and sustainable changes to your eating habits.

“Set yourself up for success by focusing on small, realistic changes that will add up to big benefits over time,” she suggests.  

(NC) The beginning of the new year is a great time to reorganize and recharge your life. Here are three things to add to your home improvement to-do list.

Clean or replace your filters
Regularly changing the filter in your furnace improves indoor air quality and the lifespan of the equipment. Humidifiers, heat-recovery ventilators (HRVs) and wall-mounted ductless air conditioners all have filters that need cleaning or replacing. Check their manuals for suggested intervals.

(NC) Style trends often draw inspiration from the world around us, whether that means embracing something positive or offering a retreat from the negative. The year 2023 is no exception, with designers taking a cue from exotic travel destinations, gathering together again and our desire to always be comfortable.  

Here are some top trends to keep in mind for your next home design:  
 

(NC) Winter may not be the time you typically think of tackling home renovations, what with its harsh and unpredictable weather. But there are plenty of updates you can complete without trouble any time of year, both big and small. Check out these ideas:

Kitchen cabinet refresh

(NC) Driving in the winter comes with an increase in road hazards and poor driving conditions. While many of us know what to expect for the winter season ahead, there are many driving tips that could help you safely navigate the road and feel better behind the wheel in the face of such risks.

The dreaded ice and snow

(NC) The holidays are meant to be a time of cheer, but they can also be busy. As to-do lists grow and parties start, it’s important to keep your home – and those Christmas gifts – safe. The good news is, there are easy ways to keep a watchful eye.

Make it merry and bright
Get creative with your festive lighting. Not only does it serve up festive cheer, but illuminating your walkway and entryways can also deter people from approaching your property.

(NC) Did you know that improvements to the kitchen add more value to a home than in any other room? Updating an interior as a savvy investor doesn’t have to break your budget. Try these efficient, effective kitchen upgrades:

Put up window treatments

(NC) As Canadians, the routine of preparing ourselves for the winter months is one that is all too familiar. Well before the first snow fall, we make sure our fleeced jackets, gloves, and boots are ready to go. But when it comes to prepping the house for those cold and snowy months ahead – well that’s a different story. To help get your home winter-ready, we’ve rounded up some useful tips.