Susan Hawke

Monday, 2 June 2014

Put safety first with DIY projects

(NC) Many more of us are rolling up our sleeves these days to tackle home improvement projects, thanks to the growing popularity of television shows, blogs, and Pinterest.

Did you know, however, that routine renovations could damage natural gas pipes and cause a leak? Before placing power tools on the wall or shovels in the ground, there are some important safety considerations that should be built into your home renovation plan.

If you have a natural gas range, fireplace, dryer or barbecue, you will have natural gas pipes running throughout your house, according to Enbridge Gas Distribution. It's important to locate these pipes before beginning any work as you could easily damage them (even during the most routine renovations) and cause a gas leak.

A licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor should identify all hidden piping before you begin your project. If natural gas pipelines must be moved, this work must be conducted by an HVAC contractor – this should never be attempted on your own.

Natural gas pipes, lines and cables are also buried underground outside your home. Any outdoor projects like building a deck, installing a fence or planting a tree requires calling before you dig.

Digging in the wrong spot could cause serious damage, injury or death. You might also cut off service to the entire neighbourhood or receive a costly fine. To find out where it's safe to dig, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 at least five days before starting your project. This free underground utility locating service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While renovating, keep in mind that your natural gas appliances need room to breathe. If you're adding partitions or walls near your furnace, water heater or other natural gas appliances, ensure that they have an adequate air supply. An HVAC contractor can help you evaluate the situation and provide expert advice on how to safely execute your plan.

Installing insulation, using solvents or chemical strippers, and sanding and refinishing may release dust, flying particles, toxic fumes or other contaminants. To stay safe, make sure you have protective clothing, including safety goggles and masks.

Remember, natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas at any point during your renovation, leave the area and call the utility's emergency number from outside or from a neighbour's home.

More information on renovation safety can be found at www.sixsecondsafety.com.

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday, 30 May 2014

10 before-and-after projects you can do this weekend (really!)

Domino has a fun post today!

You can find it here.

I have an Open House too.

Details here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Like A Hawke,

Susan

Thursday, 29 May 2014

All hands on deck

(NC) Summer is here and you are looking at your deck or patio and wondering how much longer it's going to last.

Is it starting to splinter? Are the stones rough and painful to walk on? How are you going to find the time or money to fix it without cutting into your free time or without blowing the budget? It's no secret that a deck replacement is a big investment – one many of us like to avoid where possible. So, before you dig into your wallet or get out the sledge hammer, make sure you've explored your options.

First, start by checking your deck or patio carefully to make sure the structural integrity is sound. Improving the look of a deck that is damaged won't extend its life. The same goes for a path or patio that has heaved excessively over the winter or is full of puddles after it rains. In those cases, a more significant repair, or replacement, is needed.

A Small Repair

Sometimes the entire deck isn't in need of an update, just certain trouble spots. In this case, there's no reason to do an overhaul – just a simple touch up is needed. For example, if you're experiencing cracks in cement or divots in your wood, there are a number of filler solutions available today that can help combat these issues.

A Fresh Look

If your wooden deck is still structurally sound but visibly in need of help, it may be time to consider a fresh stain. When taking on a stain project be sure to properly prep and finish your surfaces – cleaning and sanding prior to staining, and using a quality clear coat or sealer following application, will provide the best results and longer-lasting protection.

A Firm Fix

If your deck is beyond simple beautification, but structurally sound, the answer may be to 'restore' it.

New products available on the market such as Restore (by Rust-Oleum) are allowing homeowners to update the look and durability of their decks without having to replace. And what most people love is that it's thicker than most other deck coatings, allowing it to be applied right onto existing surfaces without stripping or sealing.

“Restore is an advanced coating designed to reinvigorate your wooden decks, concrete patios and even vertical surfaces such as retaining walls,” says Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “Its thick application fills in imperfections, locks down splinters, and provides lasting protection against moisture and the damaging effects of the sun. It's also slip-resistant.”

With product options like this, you can be sure that a deck or patio restoration will be at the top of every 'honey-do' list this summer.

Wednesday, 28 May 2014

HOW TO PAINT KITCHEN CABINETS

The steps in this post make this decorating project a whole lot easier!

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

My Current Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Region Listings

NEW listings! Here they are!

Blend up a refreshing smoothie to start your day

(NC)—This summer, discover the joy of growing berries in your backyard, and you'll be sure to see your whole family thrilled with the fruits of your labour. A light, fresh smoothie packed with in-season berries is a tasty way to brighten up any morning. Combined with organic almond milk, creamy yogurt and a splash of orange juice, this smoothie is a breeze to make, and is easily customized with any of your favourite berries. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.

Almond Berry Smoothie

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 ml) fresh strawberries (or any other in-season berries)

2 cups (500 ml) So Nice Almond Original or Unsweetened organic almond beverage

1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt

½ cup (125 ml) orange juice

1 handful ice cubes (if using fresh berries)

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together and serve, garnished with fresh berries.

Tip: If berries aren't in season, you can also use frozen berries and leave out the ice cubes.

Friday, 23 May 2014

Full Service Full Fees: Consumers value a trusted advisor. That's why REMAX is #1

Consumers today more than ever need a trusted advisor to facilitate an effective real estate transaction. As exciting as the home buying and selling adventure may appear, solid representation and advice from your team at RE/MAX is critical to your success.

RE/MAX sales representatives are consistently ranked as the most productive agents in the industry. The 2014 Real Trends Top 250 Canadian Brokerage report shows that RE/MAX Agents are 35% MORE productive than their nearest competitor and head and shoulders above the industry average.

Choose RE/MAX to take you home.

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