British Columbia Spring 2020

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REAL HOME ADVICE
3

2020 Spring
New Colours
and Furnishings
Taking a walk through furnishing stores prior to spring
is always a refreshing experience. The new white
seems whiter and cleaner. Shades of greens, blues,
and taupe are crisper, fresher and newer. Exciting
patterns, fabrics and furnishings herald the promise of
spring - the new plush and lush; a hint at freshening
our homes and the way we feel about ourselves. The
natural world’s renewal of life awakens and energizes
again, translating abundantly into our lives; inspiring
and invigoratively creative.
Just a splash of new colour to grace our walls,
changing up some rooms, moving furniture around,
recovering the sofa, perhaps purchasing or sewing
new scatter cushion covers. Change lifts one’s energy
and vibrancy. Like a breath of fresh air.
2020 colours range from shades of white, off-white,
creams, beige, natural and neutral tones as well as
the deeper, darker pastels and browns. Green is back;
all shades, ranging from the bright electrics through
emerald to blue greens. Smaller rooms do well with
lighter coloured walls which open the area, as darker
walls tend to close in the space. Accent walls, a tone
darker create contrast, highlighting various furnishings
close to, or paintings hanging on the wall. Black
is featured this year, mostly as an elegant trim, or
designer fabric print to add that formal atmosphere of
rich, opulent contrast.
If you are considering selling your home, neutral
colours are tasteful, and always your best and safest
bet when it comes to attracting potential purchases.
The furnishing trends of 2020 revive both the natural
and the sleek lines in furniture. Décor is clean, simple
and functional and yet the hint of simply contrasting
and layering of textures and shades can enhance a
richly visual and sumptuously comfortable effect. The
rustic look with natural materials brings the outdoors
REAL HOME ADVICE
inside for comfortability and ease. Woods like birch,
oak, walnut and rattan are back. Of course bamboo is
not only appealing for its strength and durability, but
as a sustainable product for flooring and furniture.
Tribal and ethnic prints for living room areas are bright
and bold, rich in colour and pattern; adding delightful
contrast to neutral walls and furniture. Vibrant scatter
rugs, cushions, throws are most suitable and desirable
for high energy areas, activity and entertaining.
Brass and gold metals complement wood furnishings
and sumptuous blends of fabric textures and
designs. Feather motifs are prolific ‘objets d’art’, or
incorporated into prints.
There are no hard and fast rules with decorating. Your
personality and taste shine through when it comes to
colour, furnishings, creative style. Spring’s a wonderful
excuse to explore, see what’s out there, exercise your
imagination in changing up your home just a little, so
something new and exciting is reflected back into your
life.
Much consideration should go into your plans and
desired goals, if you need to freshen up your home
to list in the upcoming spring market. Make your
decisions practical and appealing for reasons that suit
your pocket and creativity.
5

A New Spring
in Decoration
Spring is a time for renewal: a refreshing
and exciting new energy towards life and
inspiring new endeavors. Colour has a lot
to do with lifting and changing our moods
and healing energy. A colour support one
to feel calm and relaxed, refreshed; or in
the case of the colour red, instills a vibrant
energetic get-up-and-go buzz.
New colour schemes and decorating
trends pop up every spring. Whilst it is not
feasible, easy or practical to change up
wall colours or furnishings every year, it is
fun and exciting to repaint and redecorate
a tired room or two with vibrant splashes
of colour and new furniture.
Find the most cost-effective way to
enhance and inspire anunderstated
elegant simplicity, mood and energy. Just
for a change. Less is more – the adage
or zen proverb is a truism pertinent to
decorating trends.
The latest shade being touted for an
interesting new look and energy is
“radiant orchid.” Designersmostly talk
about the clean, refreshing energy of the
neutral base:any of the 179 white shades
accented with hints of blue, green or
even yellow;shades of sand, khaki, tan: or
earthen tints of gray and beige to darker
gray-brown for accent walls. There is so
much more you can do to dress up your
home inneutral, earthy, calming tones.
Which room could do with an accent wall
of neutral patterned wallpaper?

and Colour
Have fun playing with accessories
and new window treatments in easy,
unassuming shades of white, off-white,
beige or stone; in natural fabrics like
cotton, linen or sheers like muslin.
Softer matte finished gold or bronze light
fixturesadd another dimension to the
textures in your room. Circular industrialtype
fixtures are popular.
Rememberfengshui: balance the five
elements for harmony - like earth in
pot plants, stones or crystals; wood in
furniture; glass or metal; water fountains
or the colour blue, and a fire place and
fire colours red, orange and yellow.
Colourfulbold accentedpillows, throws,
and patterned flat-weave killim rugs
contrast neutral tones.
Wood furniturecomplimentsmuted,
naturally soft and pastel walls and soft
furnishings. Add a new vintage one-ofa-kind
occasional piece of furniture to
your room.Second hand furniture can be
brought back to life with a new coat of
paint. Timeless classic and traditionally
rustic pieces show well and highlight the
simplicity and uncluttered elegance of
any room in your home.
Creativity is key. Do what suits your
home, budget and unique taste. Your
plans need not be costly and can be
a collaborative project with the whole
family. Have fun!

REAL HOME ADVICES PAINTNG PARTNER SINCE ISSUE #1
KYLE WATTERS PAINTING:
We are proud to share that Kyle Watters painting has been an advertiser and supporter of Real Home Advice
since our First issue in September of 2016. Kyle very early on saw the advantage we offered with our Exclusive
and Semi-Exclusive Advertising packages. As Kyle said, “I did not feel like he was in the Yellow Pages with 20 or
30 other Painting companies”. Kyle stopped by our booth at the Home Show in 2017 and shared that he had
received direct business from his ads with us.
ABOUT KYLE WATTERS PAINTING:
With 18 years personal experience, Kyle and his 5 Qualified Staff has been serving Kelowna and area for
over 10 years. Attention to detail and only using top of the line paint is a trademark of Watters painting.
Kyle has been a member of the BBB and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Kyle and his team focus on Residential Interior and Residential Exterior Projects in and around the Kelowna
region.
As Kyle says: “If I would not Paint my house with it, I would not Paint yours with it”
2 SIMPLE TIPS FROM KYLE:
1. Always do the “pre walk” with the Painter and ask questions then
2. Never try to do the prep work or primer without consulting painter
DID YOU KNOW?
Kyle and his wife Angela are the proud and happy parents to 3 children ranging in age from 10 months to
4 years of age. Over the years Kyle has been involved in the Children’s Ministry at the EVANGEL CHURCH in
Kelowna. Kyle has also been known to offer mentorships and support to youth in the community. As well Kyle
ask those that can to SUPPORT OUR VETERANS.
It is easy to see why we at Real Home Advice are proud to Partner with Kyle Watters Painting
We’re a full-service paint shop that proves our dedication to our customers by keeping
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Commercial Painting
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REAL HOME ADVICE 12

What does Your
Bath Tub Need?

Where has the time gone? The hegdus of raising
your family has come and gone, and in the
meantime you have not noticed the wear or tear
on your bathtub. Now that you look at it, you can
assess what needs to be done in your bathroom to
bring your tub back to its former glory.
In the design of older homes it could be that some
bathtubs were tucked away into a corner. For
renovation purposes, the estimation in replacing and
refitting the tight space with a new model might be
too expensive for your budget. If it’s a galvanized tub,
have you thought about what it would be worth to
re-enamel instead?
Refinishing or resurfacing your bathtub is a job for
the experts. Although there are do-it-yourself kits
available, the experts know what they are doing when
it comes to repairing damaged, chipped or cracked
tubs. Tubs need to be stripped right down after repairs
are made. Acid etching is used to prepare the surface
of the tub. Methyl chloride is highly toxic and should
be used with the greatest of care. Coats of primer are
applied, and then a topcoat rolled, brushed or sprayed
with polymers, urethanes or epoxies.
This work is quite hazardous, and the professionals
would be equipped with special protective clothing
and equipment in the form of respirators. Ensure
that your family is out of the house for the day.
The professionals work with powerful industrialtype
exhausts to remove unpleasant and unsafe
fumes, however, they may slightly linger overnight
depending on how many coats have been applied.
Keep your exhaust fan running until you are ready to
retire for the evening.
A job done professionally though will give you a
brand new looking tub ready fordecades of use.
Professionals will recommend not using abrasive
cleaners or abrasive cloths that will scratch the tub.
There are many natural bathroom cleaners now on
the market that are far gentler, and much safer for
the environment. Bring in the experts to talk about
the options and benefits of re-enameling your old
and tired bathtub. From there you can look at the
costs of various renovation strategies and decide
what works for you and your budget. Whether it is
a new tub or a re-surfaced tub, you can still enjoy
your relaxing winter soaks.
REAL HOME ADVICE
11

The Silent One
Radon Gas
12
REAL HOME ADVICE

What is radon gas you might ask? Radon is a radioactive
gas, which occurs naturally as an indirect product of
the breakdown of uranium and thorium in soil, rock and
water. Radon iscolourless, odourless and tasteless.
At this point you may be asking why being aware and
educated about radon has any relevance to you, your
family and your home. The answer is quite simple.
Radon gas seeps through cracks in the foundation of a
home, floors and walls, and any openings around pipes,
sump pumps and drains. Homes with well water may
be exposed to this gas as well. Radon is also known to
emit at very low levels from granite countertops; levels
lower than the gas occurring in homes. It is the major
contributor to lung cancer in non-smokers, as well as
smokers. Whether your home is old or new is apparently
of no relevance, as newer homes that are tightly sealed
may in fact allow the gas to build up in the house. The
location of the gas varies with geographical locales. The
good news is that it is entirely preventable by means of
testing.
Short-term test kits are available at most hardware
stores and are relatively inexpensive. They would be
placed in the lowest part of your home between a few
days and up to 90 days, at which time you would send
the kit on to the manufacturer for testing. Longer term
testing requires a period of 90 days and over. Radon
levels change according to time of day and season, and
could be higher at night and in colder weather when the
house is sealed up and warm. Another option is to hire a
specialist to test for radon in your home. Active testing –
continuous monitoring - requires equipment that runs on
energy. This equipment is used by certified radon testing
companies and typically more expensive to run. There
are specific outlines as to how to test your countertops
as well if these may be a concern to you.
It seems feasible that in the near future manufacturers
will be required to test their materials, as they are
currently not required to do so. If your test results reflect
the presence of radon gas call a radon specialist for
radon mitigation. Go to http://c-nrpp.ca/. They can
identify where the radon is entering, seal cracks and
install special venting. For more information on the gas
and its mitigation please visit Health Canada’s website:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/
faq_fq-eng.php.
Homeowners always want to create a safe and healthy
environment for their homes, families and pets; therefore
it pays to be educated and aware, and take appropriate
measures to ensure the safety of all.
REAL HOME ADVICE
13

2020 Furnishing Trends
“Fusion” is the buzzword for decorating trends in 2020.
From retro to rustic, it would seem that anything goes.
Whether it’s a blend of wood, glass, metal, textured
coloured fabrics, leather, patterned floors, ethnic designs
and accents; all come together in a cohesive matching of
modern, contemporary, vintage, antique. It’s a highly unique
and individualistic look you are after this year.
Colours range from bright to pastel, fusing with the natural
wood and earthy tones. Some designers are calling for tones
of browns put together with both granite and naturally green
shades; and in contrast a full complement of purple colours of
every hue, and yellow in rich mustard tones.
Modern furniture is functional and the clean modular lines
pleasing to the eye. Combine these with some unique vintage
pieces, mix and match fabrics – ethnic, contemporary, floral,
bold – the choice is yours. Furniture and furnishings that you
find in second hand stores or garage sales once spring comes
around, can always be refurbished, stripped and re-stained
or reupholstered. Walls can be decorated with pastel floral
landscape wallpaper, bold geometrics, or large script covering
the entire wall.
Bringing nature into the home combines elements and
accessories of wall garden features, fountains, natural
ornamental room dividers and plants in many different
containers, that create an atmosphere somewhat similar
to those of the homes of northern Europe, and very
much with the sensibility of being connected with nature.
Eco-chic!
In a nutshell, décor you choose for your home can
combine with many pieces, fabrics, styles that you might
already have in your home. The inspired and creative
picturewith materials, textures, colours and accents will
reflect your personal taste and energy; remembering of
course that you are considering functionality – especially
with young families, as well as being stylish and inviting
for entertaining friends and guests.
Less is more; however, the way in which you uniquely
combine all your special furnishings will create interest
and variety, with focal points where the eyes can rest
and enjoya pleasing grouping and array of elements.And
mostly - a décor makeover will breathe new life into your
surroundings for 2020.
REAL HOME ADVICE 15

TIPS FOR A
TIMELESS HOME
ON A BUDGET
says Banfield. “On a budget, there are some amazing products
like large format porcelain tiles, with a ton of very high quality
printing options that include great properties like stain resistant
finishes. These tiles look and feel like natural stone and since you
can technically print anything on this tile, we are seeing awesome
modern takes on traditionally used stone images and really fun
applications.”
When it comes to designing your kitchen and bathroom, the
choices can be hard and the decisions? Even harder. And with so
many options for styles, finishes and everything in between, it can
seem almost impossible to narrow down how you want your space
to look and feel. Vancouver designer Jamie Banfield has seen it all.
Through the trends, he’s accumulated some important tips when it
comes to taking on a renovation, big or small. You can catch Jamie
at the 2020 Edmonton Home + Garden Show at the Edmonton
Expo Centre to more tips on designing your dream home.
It can be hard to know when to compromise when thinking about
all the elements it takes to renovate a space. Whether it be your
dream home or an investment property, there are many elements
that you shouldn’t compromise on. These items are ones that are
often used and touched the most, which means that if you don’t
invest in the best, you’ll notice it quickly. “In the kitchen, you really
want to invest in high quality appliances, hardware, and your sink
and faucet. The bathroom is a little less “luxurious” but really never
skimp out on your plumbing fixtures, toilet, and lighting. You always
need great lighting!”
Although it’s tempting to gut everything and start over, it’s easier
than that to refresh your home. In fact, with trends and feels
changing almost on a daily basis, it can really hurt the bank. For
Jamie, there are a couple smaller items you can update that will
really impact the look without having to rip out the studs and start
over. “First thing I would do is start with the hardware-- knobs,
pulls in the kitchen and towel bars, paper holders and such in the
bathroom. Then even just updating the wall colours, the mirror and
new lighting can really change up a place.” notes Jamie. “These
are an easy switch out but you’ll definitely notice a difference.” For
some more higher investment items you can look at your bathroom
vanity, faucets or a new kitchen sink. “What’s great is that all these
items can be driven by personality and you can really choose some
of finishes to add extra style.”
You’ve also probably notice a rise in industrial style homes-- often
inspired by luxury restaurants and other commercial spaces. “This
trend is pushing for different applications of tile from entire walls of
tile to floor-to-ceiling applications,” notes Banfield. “We’re seeing
lots of subway, natural stone and patterns as well. But even though
you’ve seen these styles in high-end kitchens and extravagant
spas, depending on the tile and pattern, this installation doesn’t
need to break the bank!” His tips? “Terrazzo is making its way from
Cali, New York and Australia. Concrete tiles for walls, floors and
also large slabs for countertops, bench seats and other really cool
applications. With aggregates that can be large, small, pink, blue
or mute tones, this trend is making its way to residential projects
fitting modern, transitional and eclectic styles.”
Jamie Banfield and other expert guests including HGTV’s Luke
and Clint from the Boise Boys, will be ready to answer your most
challenging renovation questions this year at the 2020 Edmonton
Home + Garden Show. From March 19 to 22nd, get access to some
of the industry’s best advice and be ready to be inspired to tackle
your next home improvement project.
As for staying on trend and budget? Jamie has the design tips you
need to create timeless spaces that will stay on trend year after
year without breaking the bank. “There has been a huge trend
towards natural stone in homes, or the look of them anyway,”

Proud partner Bryan Baeumler endorses this show but will not be appearing this year.
Avoid the Guesswork.
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BROWN
the New BLACK
Where does your imagination, or
your feeling sensations go when
you think of coming in from cold
autumn and winter days? What
colours and furnishings elicit
feelings of comfort and serenity?
Whatever pops to mind can perhaps
become newly inspired translations
to your home this winter, the New
Year and beyond.
This winter warmth can be evoked
through rich chocolaty shades of
brown, rustic colonial brick and
terracotta reds, as well as deep
forest greens. Whether you choose
to paint accent walls or your
ceiling - the darker, the richer – the
greater the ambiance for a homely
welcoming environment. Stain
wooden beams dark brown. Perhaps
there’s a beautiful brick wall that
needs exposing behind some tired
closets or bookcase. Compliment
18
the darker colours with desert rose,
antique and linen whites, creams and
sand-coloured beiges. Matte black
cupboard doors and hardware will
elegantly complete the look in your
kitchen or washrooms.
Earthen accessories and furniture
include worn leather, aged wood
pieces and finishes, clay, cork and
rustic fabrics and finishes. Oh, and by
the way, brass has made a comeback.
Time to put away the all-white
bedding and change up bland
bedrooms to quilted colours, patterns
and textures. Fabrics are rich and
plush with velvet making a comeback.
Go on – get brave and mix it up.
Yes – with your furniture. Gone are
the days of generic couches and
furnishings. Mix and match and get
inspired by all the mood boards on
the net. There’s an inlaid dresser for
your passage or dining room waiting
to lift, inspire and compliment your
furniture collection. Big stitch knitted
throws, pillows, woven baskets and
planters, rustic and rural rugs and
accessories will pull the whole feel
and look together. Trends still continue
to create space that is devoid of
any technology. Utilize these quiet
spaces for relaxation, and that good
old-fashioned sense of homeliness
and comfort.
Have fun this winter season.
Creativity is at its best when you can
pull together an array of different
concepts, colours and furnishings.
Pick a couple of existing furniture
pieces and furnishings in your living,
dining or family room, and work
around transforming the entire look
and feel for a refreshing change this
autumn and winter.
REAL HOME ADVICE

Proof of
Ownership

Proof of ownership is a legal document
that assures you and other family members
protection, while providing conclusive
evidence of property ownership.
“In Canada, ownership of land is established
by registering a document in the provincial
or territorial land registry. In the provinces
of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince
Edward Island, Ontario and Quebec, the
document is called a certificate of land
title. In deed registry provinces, the deed
contains the names of the seller(s) and the
buyer(s), and a description of the land being
sold or conveyed. Where a province uses a
certificate of title to record ownership, the
document contains only the name of the
purchaser together with a description of
the property and any restrictions on the use
of the land. These documents are matters
of public record and anyone has a right,
sometimes upon payment of a fee, to consult
the registers or conveyance books to see
who owns what land.
All Canadian jurisdictions require that the
transactions regarding land ownership be
All Canadian
jurisdictions
require that the
transactions
regarding land
ownership be
registered or
recorded in
their registry or
land titles office
registered or recorded in their registry or land
titles office. This is the only way to establish
conclusive proof of land ownership. Verbal
agreements or understandings or promises
about land ownership hold no weight in
the argument about who is entitled to what
assets that usually occurs when there is a
fight among heirs to an estate of a deceased.
If Great-Aunt Hattie promises you her home
after her death but neglected to put her
promise to her Will, you will have a difficult
time establishing your right to the house if
there is a challenge after Great-Aunt Hattie
has left this world.”
Any unexpected situation can arise that may
catch families by surprise. It is important
to ensure certificates of land title confirm
ownership of sellers. Proof of Ownership
offers protection for buyers and sellers alike.
Excerpt written with permission from the
authors of “Mortgage Smarts” published
by and available from Friesen Press.
Awarded the 2017 Independent Publisher
Book Awards Silver Medal in the “Finance,
Investment & Economics” category.
REAL HOME ADVICE
21

Central VACUUMS
Whatever size home you have, you can’t beat the
convenience and efficacy of the central vacuum,
which, unlike conventional vacuum cleanerscan more
effectively andsafely remove 100% of the dust, dirt and
allergens in your home.
If you are planning on building a new home, a renovation
or extension, you might want to consider centralizing
your vacuum service. Even existing homes can be
retrofitted with a system. Professional installers
can install the system, or step-by-step installation
instructions are available for the handymen in your
family.
Central vacuums are high-powered systems that come
with non-crushable retractable air hoses, power heads,
and all the accessories for any thickness and pile of
carpet or rug: tools to reach under your fridge or stove,
as well as fabric tools for your furnishings.
Tubing is installed in the walls of your home so dust
and allergens are conveniently and safely sucked away
into the holding canister. Each floor of your home will
have an inlet valve and storage for an air hose that
will be designed to reach every room on that floor.
The power unit is conveniently mounted and housed
in a well-ventilated garage, basement or storeroom,
therefore eliminating much of the noise associated with
vacuums. Systems may come with a HEPA vacuum
filter in the collection canister.
Vacuum cleaners are tedious to push, or pull up and
down stairs from floor to floor. If you have allergy
sufferers in your family, or just looking for greater
convenience, you can’t beat the efficiency of the
central vacuum system. Vacuuming convenience is
a great consideration and investment, which makes
cleaning your home more pleasurable, keeping it tidier
and healthier.
22
REAL HOME ADVICE

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Feng Shui and
Your Property
Nature as you may have noticed is all about
curvilinear lines. Streams and rivers flow in
beautiful curves as they meander or rush down
towards the sea. It is a good thing to emulate
nature and the natural order of life. Lines that
curve represent flow. The flow of energy is what
we aspire to have in all aspects of our life. Why
not bring the natural flow of life into our gardens.
This natural order can be worked with both in your
home and garden. Create a plan of your property.
Work with the size of your yard and position of your
house on the property - your deck or entertainment
area, driveway, and storage sheds. Which area and
corner on your property is open; has full or part sun
and shade; would support features that enhance the
flow of good, grounded and balanced energy for your
family, home and property?
24
REAL HOME ADVICE

Gone are the days of the straight lines, rectangular and
boxy beds. Flowerbeds that flow around a house or
property are very pleasing to the eye - becoming much
easier, softer for the eye to follow, and creating a
restful and relaxing feeling. Putting in a stone pathway
along the flowerbed borders accentuates the flow of
energy, inviting one to enjoy a relaxing and leisurely
stroll amongst the flowers.
The practice of FengShui dedicates and strengthens
certain directions of your garden and the five elements
of nature. A rock garden in the northeast is good
for contemplation - the energy of personal growth,
and represents the Earth element. Water is situated
in the Southeast. Perhaps you can find a spot to
place a water feature that will support the flow of
abundance into your life. The children’s play area can
be positioned in the West for Creativity and Children.
A metal sculpture or metal chimes can be placed in
the West, Northwest and North area of your property.
Group items in odd numbers – in ones or threes.
The Fire element of Fame and Reputation; how you
perceive others and how others perceive you; your
identity and values is situated in the South. If you are
planning a fire pit or pizza oven – the South is a good
position.
Whilst FengShui is a complex science – working with
the elements and directions will support the valuable
energies for balance, good health, vitality, abundance
and joy for you, your family and pets, and the overall
health of your property.

Recycling and
Garbage Bins
Try as you may – the area around your back door is
never quite as appealing as that around your front,
despite your best efforts to keep the garbage and
recycling bins in order.
Summertime might be the ideal time to create a project
and build some housing or a sturdy shed for your bins.
The idea doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. In fact
the simpler the better, especially if you want to try your
hand and do it yourself.
Most hardware stores sell kits and pre-built frame
components that are easy for you to put together.
Whether you are looking for a gable, or half gable that
will sit flush with your outer wall, your neighbourhood
store can support you in customizing the size shed you
require.
Take your measurements along to purchase the
supplies, which might include kiln-dried spruce prebuilt
frame components; solid 19/32” oriented strand-board
floor sheathing, 3/8” grooved oriented strand-board for
walls – which need painting unlike the vinyl exterior wall
finish if you want to match home and shed; 3/8” regular
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oriented strand-board for the roof, roofing shingles of
fiberglass which come with a limited lifetime warranty,
dry spruce door trim, casing and corner trim and door,
along with hinges, hardware, nails and fasteners. Also
available with the kits are roof vents, and soffit and
fascia board.Ensure the ground supports are pressure
treated posts for longer lasting use of your shed. The
interior walls can be lined with plywood or drywall
product as an option.
If you want to keep your shed simple, you might opt for
a flip-open lid on the half gable style as a way of access
and for ease of tossing either a garbage bag or recycling
items in the right place. You could have bi-fold doors in
the front to make it easy to move the containers in and
out.
If you are not sure you can do it on your own, you can
get a quote from the store and have a professional come
out and build it for you. Either way, you have housing for
your garbage and recycling that is built and painted to
match the exterior of your house, and will enhance the
clean, neat and tidy appearance of your back door area.
REAL HOME ADVICE

SALES ASSOCIATES
FOR THE
FOLLOWING AREAS
|Central & southern Alberta
|Saskatchewan
|British Columbia
TO SUCCEED IN THIS POSITION WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
• Have a hunter/prospector mentality and are not easily discouraged by hard work
• Your ability to talk to people, assess their needs and build a strong relationship where they are
comfortable doing business with you
• Have experience in a commission-based sales environment
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Solid established computer and organizational skills
• A high degree of motivation and discipline
• Ability to create and execute outbound calling campaigns
• If you have what it takes to succeed and would like to apply ... why wait! Submit your cover
letter and resume to us today adcopy@realhomeadvice.ca

To the
Point Work

Now that we are in spring and you have had a
chance to walk around your house to see what
needs to be done to get it in ship shape condition
for the warmer weather, you might have noticed a
crack in the bricks on the side of one of your walls.
Perhaps the bricks are separating. If so and you
have experienced rain and moisture, it’s possible
the moisture will infiltrate the wall and cause some
internal damage to the mortar points. If the brick
face is flaking off this is a sign too that water is
getting behind the brick.
This is where point work or tuck-pointing comes in.
This is the process where skilled professionals will
come in and inspect your walls. If the condition is not
so obvious to the naked eye, there is technology that
can determine whether there is any damage to the
mortar.
The process involves very carefully removing and
cleaning out the old and damaged mortar so as not to
compromise the integrity of the brick and surrounding
mortar. This is either done by hand chiseling each brick
to a depth of 1 inch, or by using an electric grinder.
These grinders however cannot be used on vertical
joints, as they will chip or crack the bricks.
It is important to match the mortar with your original
mortar. Any difference in tone and strength will create
stress on existing mortar and bricks. For example
in older homes, lime-based mortar might have been
used to tuckpoint the bricks, whose porous supple
nature allows for expansion and contraction of the
bricks. Newer homes most likely will be pointed with
masonry cement which is a combination of sand
and ground limestone – a harder substitute mixed
together with Portland cement.
Once the area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared,
the new mortar can be applied.
Pointwork, or repointing or tuck work should be done
every 25 years or so. It is important to regularly check
outside walls to ensure the mortar is still in tact and
strong.Tuck-pointing is an expensive and painstaking
process, and the advice would be to make sure
you are getting the best and most professional
workmanship to complete the job.

Moving
CONSIDERATIONS & PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
As a senior looking to downsize
your home – what’s your lifestyle
like? Are you in a position
to choose what environment
you wish to move to? Are you
active and looking for engaging
recreational facilities? Or do you
have to move into an Assisted
Living Seniors Home, where you
are assured of the best quality
care and attention.
who is especially trained with an
accredited
Senior’s Real Estate Agent.
The designations of these Agents
is to understand your life situation,
and to best guide you – whether it’s
legal, tax, provincial regulations, or
finding the most appropriate home,
they take the stress out of the
move.
senior with the best discounted
options.
What do seniors need and
require with downsizing? Agents
support seniors to ask what
family heirlooms are to keep, or to
establish the value of antiques and
collectibles. Clearing clutter is a big
consideration in being guided to
adjust sentimental attachments.
There are many decisions to make
with life-changing moves, and
especially around family dynamics
in any given situation. Along with
having a family discussion, you
may want to consult a REALTOR
30
It’s reassuring to know that as
a senior, all your concerns are
handled from start to finish.
With a plethora of moving
providers, the Agent supports the
The best advice one can give
a senior in a time of change is to
source a REALTOR who has a
Senior’s Designation. One who will
take all the guesswork and stress
out of that life transition and move.
REAL HOME ADVICE

REAL HOME ADVICE 25

Family
Owned
Business
www.visionplumbingandheating.com
250-470-9552
Full
HVAC & Plumbing
Service, Reno’s and
New Construction