Canadian homeowners may not know the dangers that lurk within their own home. Recognizing potential issues can help occupants create a safer environment, preventing possible injuries and more. Explore the 3 most common home safety hazards today.
Obstacles Resulting in Falls
Older adults are particularly susceptible to falling and as a consequence, breaking bones or suffering from a head injury. Residents living in older homes may need to take steps to avoid this common household hazard. Entrances need to be well-lit, with clutter eliminated from walkways and high-traffic areas. Check that railings for steps are secure and pathways have good traction. Aside from removing debris from outdoor steps, it is also important to avoid the use of throw
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In Canada, about 67% of households own at least one pet—that’s millions of homes with furry, feathery, or scaly friends. That’s a lot of pets, and, as all pet owners know, a lot of potential damage that can be done to a home. When preparing to sell a home, it’s important to try to reduce as much of that damage as possible because buyers typically don’t like to buy homes, especially in a hot housing market, that require a lot of fixing unless they’re specifically looking for a fixer-upper. Here are some of the different damage types pets tend to cause and how to fix them.
At some point or another, many homeowners must decide whether they should get a home security system. This decision can have a big impact on a homeowner's quality of life and might even help sell a home for more money. Understanding the differences between the major types of security systems, and knowing the benefits of each, can help you decide whether a security system is right for you.
Is it safe to live in a home with obvious signs of mould? From a musty smell to unsightly discoloration, mould should be a concern for any homeowner. Mould problems may even appear in new construction homes. While most people think they should only be concerned about toxic mould, the non-toxic variety can cause multiple problems for occupants and property owners. Understand why it is necessary to address mould in a home today.
Renters may think that they are finally in the position to buy their first home, looking forward to enjoying many benefits with their first home, including the ability to establish equity and make upgrades to a property to better meet specific needs. Families often appreciate the ability to have pets, entertain in their backyard and spend quality time as they see fit in and around their property.
For a while, it may have seemed as though the construction industry was one that didn't react to the new trends of the day. Modern or green technology may have been used by a few select companies, but most seemed to rely on the tried and true methods that had served them so well for so long.
Effective lighting for every room in the home is a goal that can best be accomplished by starting with an overall plan for electrical service. Today, however, the preponderance of high-tech devices, low-voltage options, integrated smart technology and automation have created a whole new landscape of needs. Multiple lighting options encompass everything from 220 to 12 volt, as well as familiar 120-volt AC, LED bulbs and flexible lighting strips. The growing popularity of specialty lights and devices in the home might require low-voltage integrators, wireless integration, motion or voice activation and compatibility with home hubs and smart devices. Great lighting also may help sell homes for a higher prices.
Buying a new home is one of the most complicated purchases consumers may make in their entire lifetimes. It is complicated by the fact that it happens relatively rarely over the course of time, and homebuyers develop little skill in the aspects involved.
First-time home buyers are sometimes surprised by the additional costs that are involved in purchasing real estate. The actual amount of upfront and settlement charges seems to mount steadily, and the total can add up to between two and four percent of the home's purchase price, in addition to required down payment. Some charges and fees are unavoidable, even if the buyer pays cash.
Sellers who are getting ready to let go of their property first have to determine what type of market they're in. In primary markets, it's clear that sellers have an advantage. In others, the upper hand goes straight to the buyer. There are a number of ways to spot a buyer's market even if sellers aren't real estate experts—For Sale signs sit out for months, abandoned homes are common, and valuations continue to drop every year. But sellers can still exercise control, even when their prospects seem dire.