The Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning a Home
May 30, 2023
Renting and owning a home are two different paths to achieving shelter and establishing a living space. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the pros and cons of renting and owning a home:
Renting a Home:
Pros: Flexibility: Renting offers greater flexibility, allowing you to easily relocate as needed, especially...
The Dangers of Lawn Chemicals
May 18, 2023
Many homeowners use chemicals that feed grass and kill weeds and bugs. These chemicals are specifically designed to be lethal, so you need to take safety measures to protect yourself, your family, your pets and your neighbors whenever you're treating your lawn or garden.
When used correctly, lawn chemicals do not pose any serious harm. Knowing...
Homeowners Beware: Severe Spring Weather and Your Home
March 31, 2023
Heavy rains and snow melting in late April and May 2019 in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick caused $208 million in insured damage, as reported by Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. Overflowing rivers flooded roads and basements, submerged vehicles and shifted home foundations, while heavy rain caused roof leaks and sewer backups. Residential homes and...
Does Your Home Need Flood Insurance?
March 31, 2023
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Canada, so you aren’t alone in facing this challenge. Many homeowners live in flood-prone areas.
Homeowners' and renters' insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. You’ll need to purchase a separate flood policy. Flood victims sometimes qualify for emergency relief, but insurance provides the best protection.
Your mortgage lender also...
Homeowners Beware: Common Infestation and Animal Damage Exclusions
March 29, 2023
wildlife is a pleasure to experience — but not inside your home. Animals can move into your attic, walls, chimney or other nooks and crannies. Dealing with their waste, unpleasant smells and damage is frustrating (and potentially expensive).
Most homeowners insurance expressly excludes damage from: Birds Rodents Insects
Even if your problem doesn’t fit into one of...
8 Important Safety Tips When Using a Wood Burning Stove
February 6, 2023
Did You Know?
The largest source of fire in Canadian homes comes from fuel burning appliances. The main causes of fire include: inadequate clearance between the wood burner and walls, floors and furniture; creosote buildup in the chimney; poorly or improperly installed chimneys and improper installation of the wood burner itself.
Wood Burning Stove Safety
Use these tips...
7 Ways to Help Prevent Ice Dams
January 5, 2023
Did You Know?
Ice dams are caused when melted snow re-freezes after uneven heat loss from your home. This causes the roof to warm above freezing temperature, allowing snow to melt and then re-freeze before it reaches the roof’s edge. If this cycle repeats consistently, an ice dam forms and water collects behind it. Above all, ice...
Tips on How to Help Prevent a Holiday Season Home Burglary
December 16, 2022
Obviously, you want to protect your home against burglary risks year-round. But thieves know that the holiday season is a time when your home is likely to be filled with brand-new gifts, cash and other expensive items, so extra awareness and security measures are needed.
Protect yourself and your belongings (and maybe even save on your...
5 Tips for Reducing Your Winter Heating Bill
December 5, 2022
Winter is here in full swing and that heating bill is about to go up! There are many tricks and tips for reducing your heating bill this winter, but below we will highlight 5 that will definitely help reduce the costs and save you money.
1. Turn Down the Temp on Your Water Heater
Turning down the...
