Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly – and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting.

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy-saving variety. You’ve probably seen these at your local home improvement centre. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy.

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on? Perhaps there’s an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

Some people know what general paint color they want but struggle with envisioning the exact shade. Others are just scared to commit to color because they’re not sure what works best with their furniture. One of the points about paint I like to make with clients is that the colors you may like may be very different from colors you want to live with.

Some shades translate perfectly to walls. Some, although beautiful, are better saved for fabrics or rugs. Here are some shades of popular, tried and true paint colors along with their exact name and brand, that I think translate very well to walls.

for the complete article click on the following link:

 12 Tried and True Paint Colors for Your Walls

When you see a new home you like on the market, it’s easy to get distracted by all the features you love – the wrap-around backyard deck or the spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive maintenance issues that could be just around the corner.

Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. Knowing when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a smarter decision about the home you’re considering.

How do you do that?

When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and appliances. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they’re due to be replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don’t forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

Of course, there are things you can’t see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting, and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon. That’s why it’s so important to make any offer to purchase a home conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? Call today 780-634-8151.

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IT’S STUNNING!!! 1852 sq.ft. 2 Storey, 3 Bdr Plus Main Floor den that could be used as a 4th bdr. It has 2.5 Bath, & Open Great Room Concept. Featuring Gleaming Hardwood, Earth Tone Tile, Neutral Paint & Laminate Floors, An Amazing Foyer With A Full & Open Ceiling That Accents The Beautiful Pillared Archway Which Divides The Formal Dining Room & Living room. A Lovely Traditional Dining Room Is Terrific For Entertaining During Those Special Occasions & Designed For A Full Dining Suite. The Great Room Has a Gas F/P. The Dinette is Bright & Cheery & the Kitchen Area Is Found At The Back Of the Home Opening up To the Deck & Back Garden. Also On The Main Floor Is A Laundry/Mud Room W/Newer Stainless Steel Front Loading Washer & Dryer W/Access To The Garage. Up The Grand Stairway To The Upper Level Is The Nicely Sized 2nd & 3rd Bedroom W/4Pc Bath & The Master Reteat That Boasts A Walk-In-Closet & A Gorgeous Spa W/Swirl Tub. The Home Also Has P/Fin Basement.

For more information or to schedule a showing appointment call:

To View & Search All MLS Listed Houses for Sale Visit Us At:

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz

Prestigious Greystone Manor!  just 2 minutes north of St. Albert. This is one of the most prestigious subdivisions in Sturgeon County. Completely serviced lot. It has th country setting with an urban access. The subdivision is designed will all lots being designed for home with walk-out basements. The subdivision is architectually controlled to keep the intregrity to maintain the exclusivity and values of the homes in this subdivision. New owner’s must build within 2 years.  Listed for $279,900 To view more information visit us at: http://www.edmontonhomesforsale.biz/listing/st-albert/greystone-manor/e3330501-59-greystone-dr

IT’S STUNNING!!! 1852 sq.ft. 2 Storey, 3 Bdr Plus Main Floor den that could be used as a 4th bdr. It has 2.5 Bath, & Open Great Room Concept. Featuring Gleaming Hardwood, Earth Tone Tile, Neutral Paint & Laminate Floors, An Amazing Foyer With A Full & Open Ceiling That Accents The Beautiful Pillared Archway Which Divides The Formal Dining Room & Living room. A Lovely Traditional Dining Room Is Terrific For Entertaining During Those Special Occasions & Designed For A Full Dining Suite. The Great Room Has a Gas F/P. The Dinette is Bright & Cheery & the Kitchen Area Is Found At The Back Of the Home Opening up To the Deck & Back Garden. Also On The Main Floor Is A Laundry/Mud Room W/Newer Stainless Steel Front Loading Washer & Dryer W/Access To The Garage. Up The Grand Stairway To The Upper Level Is The Nicely Sized 2nd & 3rd Bedroom W/4Pc Bath & The Master Reteat That Boasts A Walk-In-Closet & A Gorgeous Spa W/Swirl Tub. The Home Also Has P/Fin Basement. Listed for $439,900 To view more pictures and information visit: http://www.edmontonhomesforsale.biz/listing/edmonton/chambery/e3330491-10632-181-av

I’d be willing to bet that when you think about your dream kitchen, it doesn’t include the word “tiny.” Yet that’s the reality that many of us live with: skimpy counter space, a cramped work triangle and precious little space for appliances. If you’re not ready — or willing — to knock out a kitchen wall, you can at least do the next best thing: Create the impression of a bigger space with a few strategic decorating tricks.

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1. Replace solid cabinet doors with glass ones. Glass fronts lighten the look of cabinetry and allow the eye to travel through to the back, which helps the kitchen seem more expansive. Just don’t clutter the interiors with bric-a-brac — you’ll defeat the purpose.

Private Comment

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by Jeanne Finnerty

2. Paint cabinets the same color as the walls. Limiting the cabinetry and the wall color to a single hue erases visual boundaries that might stop the eye. The conventional school of thought is that pale colors will reflect light and make the space feel bigger, and that’s certainly a safe approach. But don’t be afraid to go dark, either. Deep tones such as black, navy, charcoal and chocolate recede visually and create the impression that the walls are farther back than they really are.

Private Comment

Add to ideabook by Andre Rothblatt Architecture

3. Choose furnishings with a small footprint. Select petite islands, slim chairs, streamlined stools and narrow tables that don’t eat up valuable floor space. Avoid chunky furniture legs or thick bases, which add visual bulk. Private Comment

Add to ideabook by Aidan Design

4. Recess storage. Tuck a pantry, shelving or cabinets flush with the wall to keep from obstructing the kitchen’s flow. It’s fairly easy to retrofit a recessed niche, especially if you orient it between wall studs. Private Comment

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by Boor Bridges Architecture

5. Design with clean lines. Big corbels, ornate cabinetry and fussy details can make a kitchen feel chopped up. Instead, keep the elements tailored and sleek to smooth out the look and create a roomier feel.

Private Comment

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by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

6. Merge into a larger space. This breakfast room, separated from the kitchen by a low half wall, feels like a natural extension of the cooking area.

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by Justrich Design

7. Incorporate open shelving. Open shelves reduce visual weight and lend the illusion of a more expansive space. For an even sleeker look, choose floating shelves over models with brackets.
See more of this 90-square-foot kitchen

Private Comment

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8. Winnow down. Don’t crowd counters, shelves and cabinets with clutter, which makes the space look as though it’s bursting at the seams. Instead, focus on a few standout items and necessities and hide the rest away.

Private Comment

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by Whitten Architects

9. Direct the eye upward. Choose patterns and visual elements that help to guide the gaze toward the ceiling. The vertical lines of the wall and ceiling boards in this kitchen lend the impression of greater height.

Private Comment

Add to ideabook by Aidan Design

10. Flood the space with light. Whether your kitchen is done in pale colors or dark ones, light beaming in will help it feel as large as possible. Keep window treatments very simple, or eliminate them entirely, so as not to block the sun. Source: www.Houzz.com

Now is the best time to ensure your central air conditioning is working. Don’t scramble for a service call during the first heat wave. to get started, replace or clean your indoor air filters. next, follow your manual’s instructions on how to turn off your thermostat and all AC power connections. (Do not touch or disturb any electrical connections, as some parts may hold a live charge). Next, remove the unit’s outside screen and determine if any motor points require lubrication. Then examine the condenser coils and exterior fan to ensure they are clean and unobstructed. Remove any debris or wash off with garden hose. Finally, carefully replace all covers, turn on the power, and set your thermostat low enough to start it up. If it looks, acts or sounds unusual, or if you feel uncertain about its operation, arrange for a preseason service call.