4 Amazing Renovation Ideas for Your Luxury Property

by Posted in renovations

The specialty of a luxurious home is its space, quality, and amenities. Everything is designed and made in such a way that the owner feels lavished upon. If you own a luxury property and are thinking of renovating it to fit the modern trend, the experts at Kelowna luxury home renovations can help you. Here are some amazing renovation ideas for you.

  • You can have an open floor plan. Your entryway should be big, with a beautiful curving marble stairway leading to the top floor. You should leave a large open area close to the entrance of the house. You can do things like chandeliers, statues, etc. in this area. This will give a feeling of ‘big and luxury’ when someone enters the house.
  • You should take full advantage of the modern technology in renovating your home. By only touching a button, you should be able to lock your doors, control the lights and temperature of the home, switch on and off the electronic gadgets, and control the home security system even from a remote area with the help of your mobile phone. These wireless automation systems have become a trend in the luxury property market. You can include in-home theater.
  • You can renovate your kitchen to add energy efficient appliances. You can have a wine cellar. The kitchen must be spacious. You can have the countertops made from marble. You can renovate the cabinets to make them more spacious. You can have a lovely sitting place in the kitchen so that you can have a nice time with your famil members.
  • The bathroom is another area where you need renovation. You can have all the branded fixtures. You can have a spa room and Jacuzzi facility. The bathroom is a very private place where you can relax and drain away all the stress of the day. So, make it spacious and have all kinds of high-quality toiletries that will rejuvenate the body and the mind. You can have a rooftop swimming pool as well.

There are many other tips for a successful West Kelowna home renovation. You can add extra rooms like gymnasiums, game rooms, indoor courts, theater experience and more. When you buy luxury condominiums, they give you special services like babysitting-service, cleaning services, etc. Luxury property owners are more concerned about using materials that are environment-friendly. They prefer having wood flooring, wood doors, and beams. You can go for environment-friendly products for your renovation project. You can also install energy efficient windows and roof. You must remember that luxury means something that will give you an extravagant feeling. It means something that will pamper you and give you all the comfort in the world. The way you want to make your home luxurious depends on your choice. So, renovate your house in such a way that you can get a high-class hotel-feeling by staying at your home. Call the West Kelowna luxury home renovations experts today for a free consultation.

Nature Inspired Wilden Homes Welcome You

by Posted in Homes

The amazing natural beauty of the nature inspired homes for sale in Wilden will astound you. With over half of the natural landscape preserved, you can not find a more exclusive and remarkable view from your own back porch. Just minutes away from the enchanting community of Kelowna, you can get the best of both lake and city views.You will never be too far from schools and amenities, while still allowing yourself plenty of space to relax and really get back to nature. See for yourself how Wilden homes for sale have been innovative in finding new ways to build sustainable homes that will leave less negative impact on the world. The investments they have made span to the local trade community as well, allowing for new innovations and a stronger local economy.

Speaking of getting back to nature, the homes here really give back to nature as well. The community uses geothermal heating and cooling systems. That means no harmful fossil fuels are being burned to damage the air and surrounding wildlife. Geothermal energy also allows you cut your energy bills in half, saving our world and putting some extra cash in your pocket each month. Imagine being able to make less impact on our world while living in the most beautiful place on earth. The wildlife in Wilden is thriving thanks to the remarkably eco-conscious builders. The beautiful ponds strewn throughout the community provide a home for many beautiful birds, plants and aquatic life. They have even made strides in the safety of animals such as tunnels for the Western Painted Turtle to travel safely. It is creative solutions like these that make this community such an amazing place to live, for both humans and animals alike.

The local schools are also benefiting from the nature inspired homes for purchase in Wilden with the Wilden Creativity award. This revolutionary program encourages the imaginations of children in the community to foster a new generation making strides toward a cleaner and more creative future. These young artists are awarded by having their works put on exhibit in the show homes as well as awards for Visual Arts majors from the community. Investing in the future is the only way to make a greater impact on tomorrow. This creativity can be seen in the amazing designs of the homes for sale here. The uniqueness of each home allows you to find your dream home within the view of the crystal clear Okanagan Lake. From modern to rustic designs, whatever you choose you are making the right choice and helping foster a brighter future for our children.

Summer is the most beautiful time of the year here in Wilden, with the lakes bursting with activities while allowing wildlife to thrive. The warm weather invites you to the beach for skiing, boating and enjoying the beautiful, clear blue waters. Both Okanagan Lake and Kalmalka Lake are only minutes away, letting you get the most of every day you spend here surrounded by nature.

Become a member of the amazing Wilden community today and discover why everyone loves to call this place home so much.

Kelowna Life Real Estate Group

251 Harvey Ave.
Kelowna,
British Columbia
V1Y 6C3

Phone: (250) 575-4300
URL of Map

What A Handyman Can Do For You

by Posted in renovations

A handyman is someone who is skillful with their hands. A North York handyman usually has a multitude of skills and is usually available on short notice. Any problem to a home can be fixed by a handyman. They are usually good at their work and will work their way to ensure that everything at your house functions maximally.

A handyman can perform so many tasks for you at your home. A handyman can be of benefit when you want those “little” jobs in your house that you cannot do yourself. Such activities in the house may include:

  • Painting
    In the event that you require painting for your house and you feel it is clearly not a job that will require a professional painter then a handyman will be of great benefit since most of them are skillful painters. Your painting will be done accordingly at lower costs.
  • Wall Hangings
    Whenever you want to hang your paintings, heavy objects, family pictures and even mounting your television to the wall, a handyman will come in “handy”. A handyman will ensure that necessary equipment is used to ensure that the things that are mounted to the wall do not fall off. They can also mount them in a way to enhance the beauty of the house. This is one of the benefits of involving a handyman.
  • Cleaning
    A handyman will ensure that the surrounding of your home is neat and is hygienic. Some of the cleaning jobs that require services of a handyman include cleaning of a patio floor or even a driveway. A handyman will be able to use a pressure hose in order to get rid of mould and even grime and therefore making surfaces look new again.
  • Gardening
    A handyman will be useful in some jobs; you really do not need to call a professional gardener who may end up charging you a lot more than a handyman will have. A handyman is able to perform quite a number of tasks on your garden.
  • Carpentry
    Whether you need to fit new doors or you would like to hang some bookshelves. A handyman will prove to be of great benefit to you. A handyman is able to do such small carpentry and other carpentry related jobs for you. A handyman will be able to put up a shed, other small structures in your estate.
  • Installing flatpack and kit
    Kitchen cabinets, carports and some furniture come in kit form and a handyman will be able to install them for you.

In case some of the repairs you want to be done at your house do not need professional work then it is wise to employ the skills of a handyman. Some of the other jobs that can be done by a handyman include repairing of the ceiling and ceramic tiles, counter-tops, door repair, installation of fan, fence fixing, framing, gutter repair and cleaning, landscaping, basement remodeling, sprinkler repair among other many jobs that can be done by a handyman.

If you reside in Toronto, Ontario Canada then you can consult The HandyForce for they have a list of handymen who will be able to carry out whatever task you will require.

The HandyForce

1352 C Woodbine Ave
East York,
Ontario
M4C 4G2

Phone: (647) 427-7366
URL of Map

How to Deal with Excessive Barking

by Posted in marketing

First, if your dog barks because it is bored, it needs some exercise. Manhattan dog training would be the best place to take your dog. Many dogs will need lots of exercise. Take your time to play with your dog and give it the attention it needs. Dogs that are constantly outside are especially prone to feeling lonely and bored. Give your dog chewing toys to keep it busy. You must also interact with your dog as often as possible. This will also alleviate its loneliness and boredom.

Maybe you should consider getting a second dog. Some dogs need company. Sometimes it is enough if you just let it meet other dogs. The company of another dog can be a valuable help to stop excessive dog barking. Some dogs barks because they want to communicate with other dogs.

However, perhaps the best way to stop it, is to train your dog. You can train it to avoid excessive barking, you’ll need to train your dog. Dogs, like people, learn through association. If your dog can attract your attention through barking, it will do it as often as possible. You are actually rewarding it. Note that there are “good” barking, that has to be rewarded and “bad” barking, that has to be corrected. You must reward your dog for this kind of barking, since it is needed and welcome. Pet it for a minute or so. Let the dog know this kind of barking is allowed. Believe me, dogs will know what kinds of barking are desirable and what are not, if they get the proper feedback.

Every time your dog barks without reason, you have to tell it to stop this behavior. To reduce excessive dog barking, shake your hand in front of your dog. At the same time, simply say “no” in a very firm voice. Do not yell at your dog. And do not hit your dog either, this turns out counter productive for his behavior. This could make him aggressive, which is the last thing you want. When the barking stops, reward your dog with praise. If it remains quiet for a minute or more, you can repeat the praise.

Training a dog in general can be a bit of a mine field. There is so much to take in, what I have covered above just scratches the surface. To train a dog properly you really need to have some structure around what you do. There are many things that you need to take into consideration, such as exercise, diet, discipline, behavioral issues to name a few. I did a lot of research and tried lots of different things.

My dog Sammy is a Border Collie and had various behavioural problems, I tried a variety of so called dog training methods, such as different types of dog collars, books, diets etc. Some of these things did help, but the reality of it all was I had no structure or guidance from anyone to help me. Eventually I found my and now I understand why Sammy barks, he knows when it’s right to bark and when it’s not. Things are so much better for everyone with Manhattan dog training, including the neighbours!!

DogRelations NYC

77 7th Ave
New York,
NY
10011

Phone: 917-783-1473

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Advantages of a Shingle Roof

by Posted in roofing

Are you a homeowner who wants to do roofing or a re-roofing job on their houses? Calgary Shingle Roofing Services offers a composition of asphalt shingles roof which is plausible and an easy solution. We have top level roofing credentials with highest standards of excellence, quality and knowledge in the roofing industry. Apart from that, we offer extended warranty coverage as surety of our excellent roofing services.  Shingled roof maintains a fairly attractive look and offers weather tightness to your home. In today’s highly competitive residential roofing market flooded with several roofing options shingles remains by far the most popular choice. While considering asphalt shingles you should be aware of the advantages of using this roofing system. After all this is, one of the major investments to your home.

Affordable

The greatest advantage of shingled roofing is it is relatively affordable. It is the most affordable short term roofing option which is why it is popular with so many homeowners. Mostly, a properly installed shingled roof will provide you with decent protection for at least 12 to 15 years and this at a relatively low cost.

Variety of styles

Just because shingled roof are cheap, it doesn’t mean that they lack style. The roof comes in three styles: 3-Tab which can be termed as less costly, laminated described as more architectural and the premium style. Whether your home has a contemporary or traditional style, shingled roof has options for you that will be a good match for your home. If you are willing to pay more, architectural shingles will give your roof a beautiful 3-dimensional look, imitating the natural wood or slate shingles style. Apart from a variety of styles, there are several colors to choose from including blue, red, yellow and green.

Easy installation

As compared to other roofing materials, which require specialized training and experience, any knowledgeable roofing contractor can comfortable install shingled roof. Since no special tools or skills required, installation can be complete in a matter of days.

Low maintenance

In case the roof needs replacement it is cheap and easy to replace as they can be walked on without any damages being caused.

Weight

When it comes to weight, as compared to slate, tile and metal asphalt shingles are some of the lightest roofing materials. Whatever the structure of your home, asphalt shingles do not impose a lot of weight on your home and therefore they are the best.

Shingled roof is certainly a good option; it is affordable, versatile, and repairable making it an attractive option for homeowners. In case you need a new roof on your house, or need a replacement to your failing roof, Calgary Claw Roofing Specialists is here to do the job for you. Contact us today.

Contractors: Leave it to the Professionals

by Posted in renovations

Finding the best Kelowna Contractors can take a great deal of time and effort. Any searching for a contractor must be fully aware of the kind of services that are right for their needs. A contractor can help people do all kinds of important things in their house to make that house more functional and even prepare it for sale. The user may have need of a contractor to make sure the enlargement of a bathroom proceeds on time and correctly. A homeowner may also have need of a contractor who can provide them with more services such as the construction of an entirely new house. The right kind of contractor can help the owner make sure the project is done in accordance with all necessary standards and building codes.

The Right Contractor

In general, a good contractor will meet multiple criteria once you contact them directly. A quality contractor will be someone who has a long history of satisfied clients and work that has stood the test of time. The contractor should be able to provide any potential client with evidence of projects they have completed well. A good contractor will also be able to show anyone who is going to hire them that they can complete a project on time and on budget. The contractor should also have a list of people who are satisfied with their work and can provide evidence of their ability to supervise a project. You should be able to speak with potential references if possible before you consider hiring a contractor to do a job for you.

Other Qualities Necessary

The right kind of contractor should also be able to show that they can work with others. In many instances, a contractor will have a team of skilled workers who can assist with the completion of the project. Many contractors are able to bring in a team with them of skilled craftsmen who know how to accomplish all kinds of specialty work. For example, if you need specialized tile installed properly, a quality contractor should have someone on hand who can do this work for you and do it within a certain time. The contractor’s team will consist of people who have been vetted closely and have the skills necessary to complete your project on time and under budget. A contractor will know how to motivate a team even further to make sure they do the kind of quality work you need to have in your home.

Speak with us. At Start to Finish Construction, we offer quality work that you can count us. Our team will go to your side and get the job done. Contact us today. Discover how we can make your home better.

The 4 steps process of home inspections

by Posted in Inspections

Real estate is a complex field that involves a substantial financial commitment. Whenever buying or selling property in Kelowna, C4U home inspections will be needed. More and more people choose to have a property’s condition assessed so that they have all the necessary information before making a decision. A home inspection will help you know the real state of a house, with all its positive and negative sides so you won’t have to pay more than you should. There are four main steps in this process and we will explain them in what follows.

roof-inspectionRequest

The process begins once you formulate the request. To do so, you will need to search for a qualified building assessor, able to offer you his objective and independent expertise. They should provide an overview of the condition of the building and the property. Ask for references and check the reviews once you have decided upon a certified company so that you choose a reliable professional.

Inspect

Once you find the right inspector, the examination will follow. A residential inspection should last a few hours, and the inspector will have to thoroughly examine some essential components of the property. They will take a closer look at the following elements:

  • The roof
  • The attic
  • Windows and doors
  • The foundation
  • The exterior walls
  • The grading drainage
  • The additions
  • The foundation
  • The plumbing and electrical systems
  • The climate
  • Landscaping

Walk-through

After the examination is over, the inspector will take you on a walk-through of the property and show you what are the issues that have been found. The building assessor will show you what the problems are and estimate the cost of repairs. They will also advise you which are the elements that will need immediate repair or replacement. Moreover, important maintenance advice will be given. All the details will be found in the final report as well.

Receive a certified report

After the whole inspection process has taken place, the inspector will prepare a report that will be delivered to the person who has requested the examination. The report will include detailed information regarding the current state of the house, a comprehensive list of deficiencies, short and long-term recommendations for upgrades, repairs or replacements, and the cost estimation. The report is crucial when trying to purchase a property for its real price. You will know the real value, and you will also be able to estimate how much you should invest in it.

When it comes to such a significant step in everyone’s life, you will need all the help you can get. Kelowna home inspections are being made by our very knowledgeable and well-prepared experts, ready to assist you in making the right call.

Mortgage Refinancing and Renewal

by Posted in Construction Mortgages

The process of mortgage refinancing is done mostly to get access to equity in one’s property. You may have many reasons to refinance your existing mortgage. Most of them are:

  • Home renovations
  • To consolidate non-mortgage debt
  • Borrowing to invest in a second property
  • Rearranging finances, thus making the mortgage interest tax deductible
  • A drop in the mortgage rates results in you paying the higher interest. Time to renegotiate your mortgage.

But for a Kelowna mortgage renewal there are many factors that you need to consider. First of all, you need to be sure you have the right reasons for refinancing.

Mortage-Brokers-in-KelownaThe smart reasons to refinance your mortgage

Take advantage of low-interest rates. You need to stay strong and don’t let the penalties deter you. You need to know the numbers first. You can break your contract for a lower interest rate. This way you can save money over a longer period of time depending on the penalty. If you have a variable rate mortgage, the penalty consists of three months interest. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, then you will have to pay the greater between three months interest and interest rate differential penalty (a.k.a. IRD).

Access equity in your home (cash). By refinancing, you can receive up to 80% of your property’s value. This is extra money good for investment opportunities, your children’s education or home renovations. You have several ways to access these funds, including breaking your loan or taking on a property equity line of credit. A Kelowna construction mortgage is one option for lending.

Consolidating the debt. If your equity levels are sufficient, you can payout through a refinance, high-interest debt. I.e. If you have a number of debts, like a car loan, line of credit or bills, you can consolidate all of the debt with a variety of refinancing options.

Methods of refinancing

Breaking your contract early. Considering to break your mortgage early has become something normal for those who want to obtain a lower interest rate or access a sum of money. You can eliminate an existing mortgage and take on a new one with any other lender.

Add a home equity line of credit. This gives you access to equity in your home. You can access this home equity line of credit with your existing lender and a small subset of some other lenders.

Blend and extend your mortgage. A professional mortgage broker in Kelowna can offer for your current mortgage a ‘blended rate’. This is a ‘blend’ of your current mortgage rate and additional money you borrow at the current market rates. Blended rates are usually higher than most competitive mortgage rates. You need to compare the blended rate against the savings if you want to break your mortgage

The best solution in Kelowna

Rampone-Marsh Mortgages are specialized in home refinancing in Kelowna and the BC area. We are dedicated to meeting each of your needs and desires, and connecting with you in a friendly and professional manner. Our team of experts from Rampone-Marsh Mortgages will help you and give the advice you need to fully understand why you need a home refinance and what are the steps you can take for a better life.

Finding a Home Renovation Contractor

by Posted in renovations

Whenever you hear home improvement, it makes you want to scream, doesn’t it? Usually, people associate home renovation with stress, a lot of mess and frustration. Just thinking about everything this whole process comes with, makes them want to run the opposite way. According to a consumers’ study, the main reason people postpone their home renovation projects as much as possible has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with the stress that comes with the project.

Hiring a good contractor will help eliminate that stress. When you have a good contractor working on your home renovation project, the whole process becomes much easier and less messy. How can you find a good contractor? There are several steps that will help you choose the best contractor for your home.

Get informed

Research the National Association of Remodeling Industry for professionals in your area. It is important to work with a local professional because it helps you cut back on the costs, and it also ensures you that if a problem appears, there will be somebody nearby to take care of it. Do a research on local contractors and make a short list with a couple of firms that have drawn your attention.

Interview them through telephone

The great advantage of interviewing contractors through telephone is that it saves you a lot of time. If you have ten firms on your short list, just by having a 15-minute call with each of them will help you get a better image in just two hours. When you interview them, firstly describe your project as accurately as possible and tell them when you want it ready. Ask them if they can complete the job within your deadline. The next step is to ask them about the materials they are going to use and keep their answers in mind. Finally, ask them about their quotes and referrals.

Check their credentials

By now you should have eliminated half of the contractors on your shortlist, based on their quote and their availability to complete your home renovation project within the deadline. For the other half, check their referrals and credentials, as well as the materials they use. You can also check for their online reviews on websites like Angie’s List or Better Business Bureau.

Check their insurance and license

At this point, based on credentials, you have probably chosen a contractor already. Before hiring them, make sure to check their license and insurance certificate. In this line of work, they need to have a license and to be insured in case anything goes wrong. If they can provide you with the right license number and a proper insurance certificate, then it’s safe to hire them.

Design a contract

There’s one more thing you need to do before starting your home renovation project. You need to design a contract in which the contractor will specify the final cost of the project, as well as the separate costs of the labor and materials. When it comes to advance payment, never pay the contractor all the money at once. It’s okay to pay them 10 – 15% upfront, but that’s it. Also, ask them for copies of the receipts for materials and specify the deadline in the contract. After that you are ready to start your home renovation work without any worry.