Edmonton Summer 2022

EDMONTON SUMMER 2022
Publisher - Ed Ammar
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PLEASE NOTE
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ask that you remember the businesses featured in this publication are the best in
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printing a letter of retraction and / or correction in the following editions.
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CONTACT:
Publisher - Ed Ammar
Phone: 1-780-406-6441
Email: adcopy@realhomeadvice.ca
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4 HOMEADVICE

QUARTZ VS. GRANITE: WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOUR KITCHEN
COUNTERTOP?
Remodeling your kitchen is exciting, but also presents you with a variety
of difficult choices. After all, the choice you make is one you will
have to live with for quite some time. One choice that homeowners
find very challenging is that of selecting the right material for kitchen
countertops. The two choices that often compete very closely are
quartz and granite.
DECIDING BETWEEN QUARTZ AND GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
You know both countertop materials are attractive, and you may
have even found colours and styles you like that suit the overall
design of your kitchen, but you still need to decide between the two.
Granite is quarried directly from the earth in a large single chunk.
It is a natural stone that can be cut into slabs later. Quartz, on the
other hand, is crushed and mixed with resin at the ratio of 93 percent
quartz to seven percent resin. It is then manufactured to create a
variety of colours and patterns.
To compare these two stone surfaces adequately, you need to consider
the following:
Stain Resistance – Quartz is one of the only stone surfaces that is
stain resistant and does not require sealing to be resistant. It repels
wine, oil, coffee and even makeup spills with ease. Granite, on the
other hand, is porous and can stain, especially if it is not sealed properly
and regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Safety – Your kitchen countertops will obviously be exposed to food
and other consumables on a daily basis. Quartz is non-porous,
which means it is easier to keep clean and more resistant to bacteria.
Granite can absorb food-borne pathogens and the small fissures and
spaces can easily harbour bacteria.
Aesthetics – Both countertop types are attractive and it is personal
preference as to which looks better in your kitchen. Engineered
stones can sometimes have more consistent patterns, while with
granite the material is formed naturally and may show more variations
in the surface.
Cost – Every home improvement project has a budget. Granite has
become more affordable over the past few years and the prices are
remaining consistent. Quartz prices can vary, costing more than
granite at times or less. When it comes to the overall care costs,
quartz will ultimately cost less than granite in the long run.
The best way to decide which countertop surface is right for your
kitchen is to visit a showroom and see the varieties and colours in
person for yourself. PF Custom Countertops invites you to see our
showroom and see our quartz and granite countertops for Sherwood
Park, St. Alberta and Edmonton residents in person.
Call us toll-free at 888-484-0831 or contact us online to learn more
about our granite and quartz countertops in Edmonton or to request
a quote.July 28, 2019
HOW TO CLEAN A LAMINATE COUNTERTOP
Your countertops should be cleaned daily using a soft-material cloth.
This helps remove dust and dirt and protects the finish. Avoid using
harsh bleach cleansers or scouring agents as these can remove the
shiny finish of the laminate. Instead, stick to an all-purpose cleaner
and degreasing agent.
While not prone to staining, in the event that you do find that some
staining occurs on your laminate countertop surface, the process for
removing the stain is quite simple. For heavy stains, you can use a
baking soda paste made from three parts baking soda and one part
water. Spread the paste evenly over the stain and allow it to sit for at
least five minutes. Then, wipe it away gently without scrubbing.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A LAMINATE SURFACE
Most homeowners assume that laminate does not last as long as
other real stone countertops, but often this limited lifespan is due
to poor maintenance. To keep your laminate countertops looking
beautiful, follow these easy tips:
Avoid dropping heavy items onto the surface. While laminate is durable,
heavy objects can easily crack or damage the surface.
Never use a cutting blade on the countertop surface as this can chip
or scour the surface.
When cleaning, avoid using heavy amounts of water on your countertops.
While they are sealed, exposure to excess water can allow it
to seep under the seams and create a bulging or deformed surface.
Harsh chemicals should never be used on laminate, especially those
containing lye or acidic elements.
While heat-resistant, a laminate counter can become scorched or
burned. Never place hot objects directly onto the surface of your
counter; instead, use a hotplate or pad.
When cleaning, you can use a soft short-bristled brush to loosen
dirt or stains, but never use a scouring pad or steel wool to clean the
counter.
PF Custom Countertops carries the largest selection of laminate
countertops in Edmonton. Come to our showroom and see our extensive
selection of colours, style and finishes that mimic real stone,
but made from affordable, beautiful laminate. We carry Formica®,
Wilsonart® and all of the major laminate brands in our lineup.
Call us toll-free at 888-484-0831 or contact us online to learn more
about our laminate countertop products and all the options available
for your kitchen.
MAINTAINING A LAMINATE COUNTERTOP
The laminate countertop options in Edmonton are diverse and
come in a variety of colours and styles. These days, these non-stone
surfaces can resemble real stone and can be extremely durable; only
as long as they are properly cared for. It is important to know how to
clean, maintain and even remove stains so that you can have the look
of high-end countertops without the cost.
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Use our Home Advice
to take your home to the next
level.
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RAILINGS
If you just want more hours to spend on your deck or are preparing
a special evening experience outside such as a romantic picnic,
star-gazing session, or outdoor movie night, installing outdoor deck
lighting improves the ambiance and protection of your outdoor living
space. Check out Railings Toronto for railings that will beautify your
home and outdoor deck.
In this article, we’ll discuss deck lighting ideas to help you get the
most out of your deck. There are a plethora of deck lighting options
available.
Deck lights in today’s market are practical and come in a variety of elegant
and trendy designs to complement every deck concept. Among
the options are:
Lighting for deck posts
Lights installed into the deck post cap are popular with many homeowners
because they guide light downward to illuminate where you
move without shining in your eyes. Many composite deck posts are
hollow, allowing you to cover the wires for a sleek, finished look if you
use wired deck post lights. Solar deck post lamps, on the other side,
charge wirelessly from the sun – providing free, clean energy. In addition
to cap lights, several manufacturers sell lights that mount directly
to the post in a number of models.
Deck railing lighting options
Installing under-rail strip lights is a beautiful way to outline your
deck. These LED deck lights, also known as “bridge strips” or “rope
lights,” are made up of hundreds of individual small lights enclosed
in a flexible tube that can be hidden under the deck railing. Deck rail
lights, including deck post lights, guide light downward for a more
subdued effect.
Stair lights for the deck
Since it is possible to misjudge stairs in the dark, lighting the stairs is
a smart way to improve deck protection. This may be accomplished
by installing deck post lights, deck rail lights, or recessed bullet lights
in the stair risers. These recessed deck stair lights clearly label – step,
adding tactile appeal and preventing the distracting – and potentially
risky – sensation of skipping a stage that we’ve always experienced.
Enhance The Design with Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas
With the variety of deck lights now affordable, you can experiment
with light to make amazing outdoor spaces. Installing button lights
on the deck’s surface or under rail strip lights for an understated light
source are two suggestions for making the best of these choices. This
adds visual interest and improves protection by giving deck users
valuable visual clues regarding the position of deck edges. You may
also add lights that illuminate any part of a platform, including large
rails that allow people to use the rail as a resting place for beverages
or plates of food, making it a perfect spot for nighttime socializing.
Under rail strip lights may also offer helpful lighting to help identify
the deck while adding suspense by shining from a secret fixture in an
unusual location. Recessed deck stair lights conveniently direct visitors
from one section of a deck to another, making usage of an entire
outdoor living space possible.
on the deck’s surface or under rail strip lights for an understated light
source are two suggestions for making the best of these choices. This
adds visual interest and improves protection by giving deck users
valuable visual clues regarding the position of deck edges. You may
also add lights that illuminate any part of a platform, including large
rails that allow people to use the rail as a resting place for beverages
or plates of food, making it a perfect spot for nighttime socializing.
Under rail strip lights may also offer helpful lighting to help identify
the deck while adding suspense by shining from a secret fixture in an
unusual location. Recessed deck stair lights conveniently direct visitors
from one section of a deck to another, making usage of an entire
outdoor living space possible.
Utilizing Deck Lights
Deck light construction is now simpler than ever thanks to the introduction
of energy-efficient LED deck lights and wireless solar deck
lights. Some devices are marketed as plug-and-play, making them
DIY-friendly and removing the need to employ an electrician.
Enhancing the beauty of your home with custom deck railings
Do you want to turn your outdoor room into something that is both
functional and visually appealing? Consider having custom deck
railings made. Not all railings are appropriate for all outdoor living
spaces, and the safest choice is often one that has been specifically
built for your deck or porch. Feeling positive in the nature of your
space can encourage you to use it more often and make the most of
your outdoor space.
Width and height
You should have a deck railing that is longer or shorter depending on
your needs. Tall railings that block the view will make you feel safe
and relaxed if more protection will allow you to utilize your outdoor
room. You should buy something that guarantees stability but still allows
you to see through the deck railings if you want to see over them.
Consider Glass Railings
Consider custom glass railings if you choose to get a nice view or
though you’re seated in chairs on your porch. They can keep the wind
out while also providing you with the views you want. They still have a
fantastic modern appearance, sometimes with minimal stainless steel
posts or railings, or often without visible attachments and frameworks.
A Look to Match the Home
If your home or apartment is made of wood, you might choose custom
railings made of the same material. If you want a more contemporary
style, something elegant and streamlined would most likely fit
your home better.
Custom railings allow you the freedom to incorporate just what you
want to your outdoor room or balcony. When you have a usable
outdoor area, it makes sense to make the improvements that would
enable you to utilize it.
Utilizing Deck Lights
Deck light construction is now simpler than ever thanks to the introduction
of energy-efficient LED deck lights and wireless solar deck
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CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
INSPIRED BY YOU
Your Needs. Your Style. Our Guidance.
SHOP LOCAL
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY
IN-HOME CONSULTATION
ST. ALBERT AND
EDMONTON NORTH
Tamara 780-906-6363
tamara@gotchacovered.com
SHERWOOD PARK, BEAUMONT
AND EDMONTON SOUTH EAST
Richard 587-800-3720
rjkraus@gotchacovered.com
EDMONTON SOUTH AND SOUTH WEST
Mashar 780-913-2444
mashar@gotchacovered.com
BLINDS / SHADES / SHUTTERS / DRAPERIES
SMART HOME / COMMERCIAL

10 HOMEADVICE
Window Film

The conversation around the environment both outside the home
and indoors requires us to understand the interaction between the
elements and how we build our homes, the materials we use, and in
this particular case the fact that in homes built today, over 15% of the
total area of the house is glass.
The attraction for large windows allows for more light into a house
and architecturally can enhance the overall style and appearance of
the home. There are however considerations to be made regarding
how to deal with the seasons; the effects the sun’s rays have both on
the home and utility bills.
The electromagnetic energy that showers the earth from the sun
comprises of three bands by wavelengths – the Ultraviolet Band, the
Visible Band and the Near Infra-Red Band. Each of these bands respectively
has differing outcomes in how we experience them – from
fading, to creating glare and the transmitted heat.
Window film is a product that has been developed to control the
effects the solar electromagnetic energy has on our homes, our person
and the regulation of energy in the home, to create a stable and
comfortable environment.
The film is impossible to see once applied to windows, and is
constructed with a micro-thin laminate of high tensile strength
polyester, and metal particles combined with a clear distortion-free
adhesive.
One of the advantages of the window film is that it diffuses the sun’s
light without blocking it. The latest window films manufactured are
capable of reducing glare by as much as 75%. Both the sunlight and
heat generated are responsible for fading and causing discolouration
of furnishing and interior finishes.
and flooring.
With this added protection, the reduction of skin cancer means that
health professionals would endorse this product.
When it comes to energy in your home, solar control window films
help reduce utility bills by reducing the solar heat gain in the summertime,
saving energy and demand on the air conditioner.
In winter they reduce hot spots, regulate temperature and retain
warmth in the home by reflecting heat reaching the inside glass surfaces
back into the house, normally lost through the windows.
Other qualities and attributes of the safety/security films are that
they reduce glare, provide glass mitigation, provide protection from
storms, and deter break-ins. The scratch-free coating allows windows
to be easily cleaned.
Whilst the product is available from hardware stores for the do-ityourselfer
– the recommendation is to call in the professionals who
work with superior quality products, with full manufacturer’s warranty,
which apply with professionally installed systems.
Professional companies know their products. They can advise
on which are suitable for any specific application to provide a
good-looking outcome, performance and length of life.
In the consideration of your home, the aesthetics, your furnishings,
your level of comfort, the high-energy functioning of your windows
and utility systems, solar control window films are a worthy investment.
Window film rejects up to 99.9% of the ultra violet light streaming
into your home to protect and preserve your curtains, furniture, art
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Computerized Garden
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Having any luck with your garden planting this summer season?
Any plans for future changes for sustainable and a more efficiently
growing system? Believe it or not, computerized programmes for municipal
gardens and other institutions have been implemented and
experimented within North America since the late ’70s and 80s.
Technology has advanced where everyone now has access to the
sophisticated program and hardware; where you can either have
computerized gardens that allow you to have self-sustaining growing
beds all year round; your own personal food-growing computers, or
the science of gardening with a large variety of cell phone apps that
calculate and provide growing and harvesting information 365 days
a year.
The latest computer programs determine the layout of your garden
based on the size of your allotted space and what you would like
to grow. Input size and choose from a number of various gardens
shapes given the direction and beneficial positioning so larger plants
are placed behind the smaller ones for example.
The computer will consider placing specific plants together for pollination
or spacing the rows based on whether you are manually or
mechanically cultivating your garden, and which plants will require
more space to grow.
Consumption is important in pre-determining the number of people
in your household with the computer statistically working out quantities
required, and even preferences for a full array of fresh or frozen
vegetables.
Printouts adjust the amounts you can grow for the estimated quantities
for adults and children based on the space you have as well as
the type of vegetables you wish to plant. Your garden plan illustrates
the rows of crops, the spacing of plants, the positioning of all the
plants in relation to each other; dates to plant and depth of each
vegetable type.
Smart farming technologies monitor and make adjustments to
climates such as temperature, moisture and humidity, oxygen and
carbon dioxide, air current, pH of the soil, fertilizer flow and lighting.
We are learning more about hydroponics, growing plants using mineral
nutrient solutions and water, and now with the latest technology
coming out of NASA –aeroponics is evolving to give us maximum
yields with zero-waste. Technology advances by the companies producing
computerized growing systems are working on projects where
every aspect of the plants growing in personal 2 x 2 x 2 foot aeroponic
grow boxes is monitored.
Computers will be able to talk to each other across communities and
the globe to share information on particular growing protocols; trade
seeds and talk about climate and weather pattern details.
Of course bringing these advances into the mainstream seems ahead
of time, however, taking the guesswork and ease out of growing your
own food is a reality today.
Apps range from garden time planners, garden managers, organic
gardening tips to growing without toxic pesticides or chemicals; logging
your growing notes for future use; tracking and notifying you of
your watering, feeding and predicted harvest schedules, and giving
you updates on the latest food growing information.
New personal computerized gardens offer self-sustaining computerized
grow beds that plant and water automatically. If you are
looking for technology that caters to your hectic lifestyle with the
ease of cultivation, reduces energy, waste, water and space, and fuels
your desire to eliminate pesticide-sprayed plants; save money, and
ultimately move towards greater efficiency and sustainability by as
much as 80% for communities and cities collectively, you might be
motivated to research the technology today that is fast becoming
mainstream for the near future.
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Keeping Your House Clean
It is always a battle to keep your home spotless and ready for guests.
That is why this week we want to share a tip that works to ensure you
are ahead of the game. When tackling the job of cleaning, a great tactic
is to look at the entire house as separate sections or in a grid formation.
This way you never miss anything and it doesn’t seem overwhelming.
DEPENDABLE EDMONTON
HANDYMAN SERVICES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO:
- RENOVATE
- REPAIR
- INSTALL
CALL US: 780.504.8009
Are you looking to get some work crossed off your to do list? Go handy can give you a
quote and get those items crossed off. We do handyman services as well as general
maintenance and renovations. Give us a call!
gohandy.ca
cesar@gohandy.ca
@gohandyservices on instagram
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| REAL ESTATE AGENT
Why Hiring a Newer Real Estate Agent is a Brilliant Idea!
So why would you even think to trust a newer or young agent who’s
just been a Real Estate agent for under a few years ? It’s a pretty logical
question you’d ask yourself?
Here’s why:
One of the most significant advantages you’ll get as a client by hiring
a newer or young agent is motivation, determination, and the will
to get the sale done, whatever it may be. New agents are hungry to
prove to the world their talents, capabilities, strengths, and by giving
them the opportunity, you’ll be much rewarded.
Here’s how:
You want your agent to be 100% devoted to you, right? A newer agent
will have fewer clients in the beginning of their career, making you
their priority and allowing you to receive all of their attention with
fewer distractions. They will take pride in not wasting your time, and
they will reply to your messages, questions, concerns, and inquiries
as a top priority. They feel comfortable communicating the truth to
you, as honesty goes a long way. Most importantly they take pride in
earning your trust.
opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in Real Estate.
Throughout those opportunities, they have built strong connections
with some of the top real-estate agents who they can turn to for guidance
as needed. So you will have double the resources.
Here is what they offer:
They understand the diverse technology it takes to serve a client.
It seems that there are new Apps out every day. Your listings or the
listings you are looking at will be advertised through all sorts of social
media platforms. So doesn’t it make sense that you deal with a newer
or young agent that knows how to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
LinkedIn, Pinterest and more… This is a chance to have your property
viewed by thousands of extra people or how to find you that new
home. And there is so much more that they offer to clients. And of
course they love to show off for themselves on their social media.
So doesn’t this make sense? …How about you? Are you ready to hire a
newer or young realtor?
Tim Grover
780-288-5144
groverhomes.com
While newer agents are always learning new things, they have spent
months studying, shadowing, and partnering in every possible
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Industrial Palettes
One way to master the industrial look in your home is to limit your colour
palette! Black, grey, and white are staples of industrial style. You can paint
anything black to give it an instant industrial upgrade. Try painting radiators,
trim, picture frames, really anything! Just remember to use the black
as a contrast against the large amount of white in your house – your don’t
want your space becoming too dark!
5 Ways To Improve Your Home’s Security
Today
Your home is your haven. It’s a safe space to come home after a long
day and feel safe and secure. That’s why it’s so important to keep your
property secure by taking some simple safety precautions and regularly
keeping an eye out for potential security threats in the home.
Here are five easy ways to improve your home’s security today.
#1: Test Alarm Systems on a regular basis
One of the best ways to keep your home secure is by installing an
alarm system. An alarm system will alert you to any suspicious activity
on your property, such as intruders. Most systems nowadays are customizable
so you can choose which alarm settings are necessary and
which aren’t. Alarm systems not only alert you to potentially suspicious
activity but also deter robbers from entering the property. If you
don’t have an alarm system, this is a quick way to improve your home’s
security. Find a trusted company with real-world knowledge that can
offer you a tailored solution, such as Ninja Security.
Check your alarm systems regularly to ensure they are working and
protect your property from unwanted visitors.
#2: Reinforce your doors
Prevent intruders from kicking in your door by reinforcing your doors.
There are several ways you can secure doors again blunt force. Firstly,
install a deadbolt lock. A deadbolt lock goes further into the door
frame making it harder for burglars to pick the lock.
Did you know that burglars can actually take your doors off the hinges
to enter your property? One way to prevent this is to reinforce the door
hinges by adding safety stubs. These studs stop burglars from knocking
the door off the hinges or unscrewing it. It’s also wise to protect your
door frame from the blunt force by installing a metal frame. Installing
door barricades and other security devices on your door will further
protect it against intruders. There are plenty of quick fixes you can do
at home to reinforce your doors and make them as impenetrable as
possible.
#3 Defend your property from porch pirates
Porch piracy has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to a rise in online
shopping. So much so that billions of packages are estimated to have
been stolen from porches in the last year. But how can you keep people
16 HOMEADVICE

from stealing your packages when you’re not home? An increasing
number of people are investing in porch lock boxes and mailbox sensors
to deter porch pirates and keep their packages safe.
Delivery people can safely pop your packages in the lockbox to keep
them secure until you return. Just remember to change the security pin
regularly. Mailbox sensors will alert you to any suspicious activity near
your mailbox.
#4 Keep security lights switched on at night
The most common time for burglars to try to enter your home is
when it’s dark. Security lights tell potential burglars that you’re home.
Switching the security lights on at night when you’re home and when
you’re out will not only deter intruders, but it may throw them off
too. Many intruders will watch your property for some time before
robbing it to get an idea of your schedule and when you are least likely
to be home. Setting the lights to come on at the same time each night
(whether you’re home or not) will make it seem like there is always
someone home, deterring burglars.
#5 Don’t forget to lock the garage
Familiarize yourself with all the potential points of entry on your
property and ensure that they are all secure. This includes your garage,
especially if it provides a point of entry to your home. Always lock your
garage before going out, make sure the door and windows are secure,
and keep the garage door opener inside your home rather than your
car where it can be easily stolen. If you have a door connecting your
garage to the remainder of your house, keep it locked and make sure it
is well reinforced.
Final Thoughts
Property crimes are on the rise. But there’s no need to panic. A reliable
alarm system, regular security checks, and some good quality doors
and windows will go a long way to burglar-proof your property. Follow
these five simple hacks to ensure your home is secure today.
HOMEADVICE
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18 HOMEADVICE
Come visit us at our brand new showroom
at 2828 Ellwood Drive SW,
Edmonton, Alberta

Stop by our showroom and Clearance Center located at
2828 Ellwood Drive SW, Edmonton, Alberta
780.457.DOOR (3667)
Support of Mustard Seed, Hope Mission,
Moms Canada, Little Warriors,
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
and other local charities.
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Discover ReStore!
All proceeds go towards helping families gain access to affordable home ownership.
SHOP
You never know what unique product will be waiting for you! Each of our Re-
Stores is a bit different in layout and product, but one thing that is the same
is our stellar customer service and value based prices.
DONATE
Every donation from a home or business can be dropped off at
one of our ReStores or picked up at your doorstep by our ReStore
Team. To donate visit HFH.org/restore or call (780) 477-4057. Your
donation of product is also eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
VOLUNTEER
Meet new people while helping a life-changing charity! There are
plenty of volunteer opportunities at ReStore, and our friendly staff
would love to have you join us.
Visit us Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm!
The ReStore Impact
ReStore contributes funds to Habitat for Humanity to help families like
Rhonda’s and Reier’s. This amazing couple had big plans: Reier was
working on a computer sciences degree, they started a family, and
wanted to purchase a decent house. Due to circumstances beyond
their control, they were pushed out of home ownership.
After their financial situation improved, Reier and Rhonda began
renting an old townhome. Although it was a step up, they were
concerned that rent increases would keep outpacing their income.
They worked out that they could afford a down payment if they
saved for the next 10 years and their rent didn’t keep outpacing
their income. And so they gave up on owning a home.
The couple then found Habitat, applied for home ownership, and received
a home! It’s the first home that hasn’t felt temporary. Reier and
Rhonda no longer worry about rent increases outpacing their income, or running
to the fuse box when the washing machine and the microwave are running simultaneously.
Read Reier’s and Rhonda’s full story at www.hfh.org/stories.
Donate: HFH.org/restore
(780) 477-4057
restoreYEG
restoreGP
22 HOMEADVICE

The treasures you’ll find
Appliances
HVAC
Windows
Cabinets, Cabinet Sets,
and Countertops
Doors
Fasteners & Hardware
Flooring
Furniture
Home Goods
Lawn & Garden
Lighting & Electrical
Lumber &
Building Materials
Plumbing
Roofing
Tools & Equipment
Unique and Specialty Items
LOCATIONS
8210 Yellowhead Trail NW
16811 106 Avenue NW
4004 99 Street NW
7 Streambank Avenue (Sherwood Park)
10431A 96 Avenue (Grande Prairie)
Open Mon - Sat, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
(closed on Sundays and statutory holidays)
BENEFITS OF RESTORE
L
Funds affordable home ownership
Charitable tax receipts available
Diverts items from landfills
Provides employment
ENJOY 20% OFF!
Valid only at Habitat Edmonton ReStores. No cash value. Cannot be
used on gift cards or previously purchased items. One time use; must
be surrendered at time of purchase. One coupon per transaction, per
customer. Code RHA20. Expires December 31, 2022. Redeemable at
all Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Grande Prairie ReStores.
HOMEADVICE
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Proud Supporters of the Home Advice
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Proud Supporters of the Home Advice
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How Inflation is Hammering Your Accounts
Receivable
It’s gone from inconvenient and frustrating to becoming a serious
threat to many Canadian families and businesses.
Inflation is at the highest rate since Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in January of 1991, over
three decades ago.
At that time, the new tax and a war raging in the Persian Gulf contributed
to cost increases, similar to today’s recently increased carbon
tax and war in Ukraine.
But in addition to those similarities, many things are worse now. A
never-ending pandemic, a supply chain crisis exacerbated by disastrous
flooding in BC and lengthy border blockades—then the largest
interest rate hike in 22 years—have combined for a perfect economic
storm.
Inflation means everything you need costs more.
For retailers, a shipping container that two years ago cost $4,000 to
carry products overseas now costs $20,000 for freight alone.
Expensive fuel drives up the cost of everything we buy. Even the cost
of barging crude to coastal refineries and trucking fuel to the pumps
is increased by the cost of oil. Food, consumer goods, travel and delivery
services like Amazon are all affected by the high cost of fuel.
What you may not have considered if you run a business is what
inflation is doing—right this minute—to your accounts receivable.
You simply can no longer justify subsidizing customers’ businesses
by carrying overdue receivables—if you ever thought you could!
Your Accounts Receivable are being hammered, at the same time as
your customers are struggling to live up to their financial commitments
(including paying you), and it’s a deadly combination.
Don’t wait any longer. If there is one thing I’ve seen proven true in every
economic condition, it’s that procrastination is the single biggest
cause of bad debt write-offs.
So at a time like this, it’s alarmingly easy to see what will happen
next. Don’t regret not taking action and sending those overdue accounts
to your collection agency now.
Drop me a line if you need Accounts Receivable advice. Or reach out
to one of my debt collection experts for a free assessment of your
overdue accounts.
Let’s collect that debt while it’s still recoverable—and has the maximum
buying power for your business!
Left out in the cold?
We'll collect those receivables.
As of this writing, Canada’s inflation rate has reached 6.7%—a 31-
year high.
That means your receivables are decreasing in value at the same rate
as if you were paying extra interest at nearly 7% on them.
Money that you billed a customer just last month will NOT go as far
today as it did when you sent out the invoice.
Your costs are all higher, for your business, at home, and on the road
in between.
And now, if you have a mortgage or a line of credit, the cost of borrowing
is rising at a pace that hasn’t been seen in years. And Canadian
economists predict that interest rates will more than double in the
coming year. Increasing interest rates is intended to curb inflation,
yet it hammers every individual and business that carries a mortgage
or line of credit, driving their costs way up.
If the people who owe money to your business are in any trouble
now, expect things to get worse, not better. MNP’s latest Consumer
Debt Index shows that bankruptcies have shot up by 18% in the last
few months alone.
What this means to business owners is the same as always: time is
the enemy. Your chance of collecting always decreases the longer you
wait.
Except now it’s urgent.
With inflation aggressively shrinking the money owed to you and
the cost of using lines of credit to support it going up, I believe we’ve
reached a tipping point.
Author: Brian Summerfelt
President and CEO of MetCredit,
Canada’s top-performing consumer and commercial
collection agency
HOMEADVICE
29

POWER WASHING CONSIDERATIONS
Thinking about power washing your deck, or roof in the coming
weeks? With water – freshwater – being a concern these days, it
would be prudent to consider the following facts prior to engaging
in power washing around your home.
Firstly, consider whether there is an alternative method to reduce
the amount of water that is ultimately used. Can you use absorbent
materials to wipe up any oil? Does the area require a good
sweep or vacuuming to remove debris prior to the wash?
Thought needs to go into the cleaning solutions you intend to
use. Are they environmentally friendly? Caustic chemicals corrode
surfaces they settle on, as well as being harmful to the environment.
Location is also important. Are you power washing close to
storm drains, or on a slope where runoff is going to land up in the
storm drains?
Water that flows down into storm drains is not treated and poses
potential hazards particularly if it runs off rooftops, or down
driveways where antifreeze or oil leaks, paint chips, roof particles
and so on, go unchecked into the lakes, streams and ultimately
oceans. Storm drains must be protected from this runoff.
What about water seepage into the soil?
Depending upon what you are cleaning, the following instructions
are recommended:
Do a dry clean-up before washing down. If possible, wash without
soaps. Contaminated water must be kept out of the storm drains
and if caustic, must be neutralized before being discharged to the
sanitary sewer. Dispose of dry waste into the garbage if non-toxic.
If materials have been used to soak up paints, solvents, cleaning
fluids and so on, they should be directed to a hazardous waste facility.
Wash water and solid residues with lead-based paints must
be contained and tested as a hazardous material and disposed of
at a licensed treatment facility. Keep the usage of freshwater to a
minimum.
It is vital to place conscious thought as to the best and proactive
techniques to engage upon when power washing. Water is a finite
commodity that is precious and valuable. When you implement
practical, thoughtful steps to achieve the desired cleanup you
are looking for, you are protecting and improving water quality;
saving money on disposal costs, and saving the environment and
water systems from toxic run-offs.
Just as you would be proactive in ensuring the health of your
family, realize that the health of the environment is interconnected,
and just as important. The same measure of implementation
and concern is necessary for both – one is not mutually exclusive
to the other.
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