Furnace repairs can be expensive for homeowners. The older the furnace, the more costly the repairs can be. And furnaces rarely breakdown at convenient times. Repairs are often needed in the dead of winter or peak of summer. However, there are a number of easy steps homeowners can take themselves to keep their furnace running properly and avoid … [Read more...]
The decision to pack belongings yourself can save money, but it is a lot of work and must be done properly. The condition of your belongings when they arrive is dependent on how well they were packed and a poor job will end up costing more for losses and repairs. Begin with proper packing supplies. Boxes should be sturdy, clean and have tops for … [Read more...]
Moving in together seemed like such a good idea at the time. You and your significant other seemed to agree on everything. You like the same TV shows, you vote the same way, you like the same food. But only once you decided to move in together did you realize your relationship has fallen into design deadlock. You want a kitchen island and your … [Read more...]
The final step in wine making is bottling your brew. Keeping your bottles clean and dust free is absolutely critical to having great wine. “Taking care of your wine bottles will really make a difference in the quality and taste of your wine” stated Dan Fellini, owner of Fellini Fine Wines in Keswick. Fellini’s is one of Ontario’s leading … [Read more...]
Whether you want to establish a built-up garden, highlight an existing landscape feature or establish a moderate grade difference in your yard, a dry built flagstone retaining wall is the perfect project for a DIY homeowner. Start by drawing the footprint of the stone wall with landscape paint or chalk directly on top of the grass or dirt. Next, … [Read more...]
If you want to improve the quality of your landscaping begin with the soil. Knowing the eight basic characteristics of the soil in your garden is important in selecting suitable plants and deciding if you need to amend it. Soil depth – Most plant activity happens in the top layer known as topsoil. Dig a hole and measure the depth of your … [Read more...]
Even if you’re the type of cyclist who prefers to leave maintenance and repairs to the professionals, there may come a time when you’re the only source of help around. And if you’ve never had to fix a flat tire, you might be surprised at how quickly and easily it can be done. The tools of the trade are relatively light and easy to carry: a … [Read more...]
Do you have an old wood furniture piece that’s chipped or dull? Refinishing it into a piece that looks brand new may be easier than you think. First, with a paintbrush, slather chemical stripper over the wood’s surface. Spread it as evenly as possible. Depending on the type of finish, it may start to soften, wrinkle or dissolve altogether. … [Read more...]
Weeding is a natural part of gardening, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Finding ways to reduce the number of pesky weeds translates into more time enjoying the outdoors and less time working! Naturally reducing weeds in your lawn is simpler if you keep your grass as healthy and thick as possible so that weeds cannot find space … [Read more...]
After a long season of frozen, canned or imported produce, it is very appealing to envision picking sun-warm produce from your own back yard. Food consumed the day it is harvested is the very definition of fresh. The arrival of spring means grooming your backyard vegetable patch for another tasty growing season. Now that the soil has thawed, … [Read more...]