Jun

17

When should I replace parts of my home?

Filed Under Brampton, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, The Numbers | Leave a Comment

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Although this article may be useful for people living in older homes, purchasers of newer homes can also benefit from this. A home in not unlike a car - it’s made up of a variety of components that have different life expectancies and that need to be replaced throughout various stages of it’s use. If you live in a new home, this list is merely something to keep in mind down the road as your house ages. If you’re living in a older home, it’d be wise to check up on the different parts of your home to see if it’s time for them to be replaced.

Here is a list of important items in your home and their average life expectancies:

The Roof

  • Standard asphalt shingles - 12-15 years.
  • Premium asphalt shingles - 15-30 years.
  • Wood shingles - 10-20 years.
  • Concrete or clay tiling - 20-40 years.
  • Asbestos cement - 40-80 years.
  • Slate tiles - 40-80 years.
  • Roll roofing - 5-15 years.
  • Tar and gravel - 15-25 years.
  • Metal - 60 years.

Heating

  • Forced air furnace - 10-25 years.
  • Oil tank - 20 years.
  • Welded steel water/steam boiler - 15-30 years.
  • Cast iron water/steam boiler - 30-50 years.
  • Water/steam circulating pump - 10-25 years.

Cooling

  • Central air - 10-25 years.
  • Heat pump - 10-15 years.
  • Window air conditioning - 10-20 years.

Plumbing

  • Galvanized water pipes - 20-25 years.
  • Hot water heater - 5-15 years.
  • Septic/sewer pump - 5-10 years.
  • Well pump - 10 years.

Appliances

  • Dishwasher - 5-12 years.
  • Dryer - 10-25 years.
  • Garbage disposal - 5-12 years.
  • Oven/range - 15-20 years.
  • Washing machine - 5-15 years.

As always, this is only a general guide. Some components may need to replaced sooner due to wear and tear, while others may last longer because of great quality.

Till next time!

Popularity: 14% [?]

Jun

8

Should I buy a house that was just ‘flipped’?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations | Leave a Comment

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Here’s the scenario - you’re in the market to purchase a new home and in the course of looking at a few properties, you fall in love with a quaint, older home that’s been newly renovated. It sits in a well established, cozy neighbourhood with tall trees and a large yard. The exterior of the home is nostalgic and reminds you of the home you grew up in, but the interior is freshly renovated with gleaming hardwood, a sparkling new kitchen, and beautiful bathrooms. From what you know, the house was recently purchased in a run-down state, but the seller invested substantially in fixing and updating the house. What are some things you need to consider before you put an offer in on this home?

The advantages are already clear. Older homes tend to be situated in more desirable neighbourhoods. You also know you won’t have to invest any money into fixing up the house. But there may also be some issues of concern that you may have to keep in mind:

  • Thoroughly inspect the renovations that were done on the home. Inquire as to the list of renovations that were made.
  • Ask for specifics. What exactly does upgraded plumbing or upgraded windows mean? Was plumbing repaired or completely replaced? Were windows resealed or replaced?
  • Find a qualified home inspector to thoroughly inspect the property and the new renovations.
  • Ask about building permits. Were permits registered and finalized with the city for all the work that was done?
  • Is the owner also the renovator? If so, are they qualified contractors who are capable of doing professional work? Are they willing to warranty the work they’ve done on the home?
  • Make sure to ask for any warranties for all new work as well as appliances upon purchase of the home.

Buying a flipped house can be both rewarding and time-saving if you are prepared with the right questions upon discussing the purchase of the home. Remember, people tend to take greater care when they are renovating for their own use as opposed to renovating for the purpose of resale, so be sure to inspect the quality of the work first! Keep your eyes open and be diligent, and you may just land yourself the perfect home.

If you’re interested in looking at power of sale homes, or recently flipped homes, feel free to contact me through my contact form and I will be glad to provide you with the most current listings in Brampton.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Apr

29

How much will it cost me to pave my driveway or build a garage?

Filed Under Brampton, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, The Numbers | Leave a Comment

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As always, I’m always on the lookout for building/renovation costs to provide to my readers as a general basis before taking on renovation tasks. It’s tough sometimes knowing where to begin or knowing who to ask regarding large projects and the costs that are associated. Hopefully, my previous articles have been of some help. Today’s pricing list is a general guideline for those interested in paving their driveways or building garages.

Garage
Detached Carport - $4000+
Detached Wood Frame (Single Car) - $8000+
Detached Wood Frame (Double Car) - $13,000+
Detached Block (Single Car) - $18,000+
Detached Block (Double Car) - $24,000+
Removal of Existing Garage - $1,500+

Overhead Doors
Automatic Garage Door Opener - $200-$300
Cladboard (Single) - $450-$650
Cladboard (Double) - $750-$1,000
Metal (Single) - $700
Metal (Double) - $1,100
Wood (Single One Piece) - $725
Wood (Double Sectional) - $1,250

Driveway
Asphalt Paving (Existing Base) - $3-$5/square foot
Asphalt Paving (New Base) - $3-$5.50/square foot
Asphalt Seal - $50-$75
Stamped Concrete - $5-$10/square foot
Interlocking Brick/Stone - $8-$10/square foot

In the coming days, I will have more pricing lists for other renovation/construction projects available!

Popularity: 50% [?]

Mar

13

It’s time for a new roof, but how much will it cost me?

Filed Under Brampton, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, The Numbers | 1 Comment

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With spring around the corner, some of you may be considering replacing that old roof. The real estate market tends to pick up briskly in the spring, and changing an old roof may be needed if you plan on selling your house. One of the key areas of a home inspection is looking at the condition of the roof. If you’re selling your house and your roof is in rough shape, buyers may ask for money if the inspection indicates a deteriorating or leaky roof.

Replacing a roof usually comes down to two factors: climate and budget. But because here in Brampton we already know we’ll face harsh winters and burning summers, most home owners tend to decide based on budget. Here are the different kinds of roofing available to you, and their respective costs. Just for reference purposes, a square is a standard roofing measurement, and is equal to 100 square feet.

Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common type of shingles you’ll find on houses today. Asphalt shingles will last anywhere between 15-30 years, but they offer the best value for your dollar. Because they come in a wide variety of styles and colours, they’re obviously the most popular choice. These shingles will cost you between $50 - $75 per square.

Laminate Asphalt Shingles

These shingles are much like the regular ones, except they’re made of layers of fibreglass and other materials. This gives your entire roof a textured appearance, and can often look like more expensive roofing like cedar or slate. Expect to pay between $120 - $150 per square.

Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles are usually chosen more for their looks, and you won’t find them that often on new residential homes. If you intend on installing cedar shingles, know that they can last up to 25 years if they’re properly maintained. These shingles will run you around $300 per square.

Metal

Metal roofing comes in different materials such as aluminum and steel. The great thing about metal roofing is that it’s quick and easy to install. And because metal roofing is so light, it’s often possible to install metal roofing without having to remove your old roofing. This can save you time and money in a crunch. Metal roofing tends to last more than 50 years, and will cost you around $400 per square.

Slate

Slate roofing is rarely used on residential homes due to the high costs. However, this high cost means that the roofing could last well over a 100 years. If you’re interested, slate roofing will cost around $1000 per square.

These costs are only for materials. If you don’t plan on installing roofing yourself, don’t forget to budget for labour costs. Remember to shop around and ask for a number of different estimates. It’s good to compare prices as well as the quality of work. Also, have your roof inspected for leaks and ventilation problems before you install the new roof. It may save you some trouble in the long run if you catch a potential problem early.

Popularity: 68% [?]

Feb

24

How much will it cost to renovate my kitchen?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, Sell, The Numbers | Leave a Comment

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If you are looking for the best bang for your renovation dollar, kitchens and bathrooms are still considered to be the projects with the highest potential to add or maintain value in a home.

If you are considering selling your home in the near future, talk to a REALTOR® for tips on how to make your home more appealing and “saleable.” You may find that a new kitchen is not in your best interests and a fresh coat of paint and some minor repairs are all that’s needed. Because renovating a kitchen can be one of the more expensive projects a homeowner will undertake, you’ll want to consider the length of time you expect to stay in your house.

According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, if you are remodelling your kitchen as a face-lift prior to selling it, it’s recommended that you spend no more than 10-15% of the cost of your house. If you are going to remain in your house for more than five years, you can spend 25% or more – and in most cases you will recoup the cost of the renovation when you sell.

How much will it cost?
Kitchen renovations can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 for a cosmetic facelift with no new cabinets, plumbing or electrical changes. Look to spend at least $10,000 if you choose new low-end cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring, paint, and some minor structural changes. However, the sky’s the limit when it comes to a new kitchen and you can expect to pay $20,000 and up for high quality cabinets, custom work and many upgrades.

Keeping costs down
There are ways to cut costs when updating your kitchen without sacrificing quality.  Regardless of what you do budget, don’t skimp on design, appliances, or labor. These are the basis for a functional kitchen and you should get the best you can afford. To keep costs to a minimum, use stock cabinets instead of custom work, laminates instead of solids, and hang on to your current appliances, if you can. Also try to keep your existing plumbing and electrical and don’t make structural changes to the room.  Planning ahead in detail will also save you money. Any changes or corrections halfway through the process will be expensive.

Tips for low cost kitchen makeovers
If your budget is tight and smaller projects are what you’re aiming for, here are a few ideas:

Resurface or repaint old cupboards
Paint is inexpensive and can transform wooden cupboards in a matter of hours. Try a new painting technique, or a textured look, or a zesty combination of colours. You can also resurface old cupboards with wood laminate, or one of the new, non-traditional plastic-based materials that resist chipping, denting and staining. Formica counter tops, for example, provide the look and feel of expensive solid surfacing at about half the cost.

Use more glass
Replace a few cabinets with glass ones. Glass and mirrors in a room add the illusion of more space, as well as glamour — especially if you add interior lights to your new cupboards.

Change your hardware
Simply adding new cabinet and drawer handles can change the look of a kitchen! With the many choices in colour, size and style of drawer knobs and handles, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

Floor and wall facelifts
Paint, wallpaper and flooring in a variety of textures, styles, colours and patterns can easily spice up a bland kitchen. Stencil a border around a window, below a ceiling, or between the cupboards and the counter tops and you can change the mood overnight.

Be innovative
A good kitchen should not only look great, but stand up to daily wear and tear. It should function well and enable people to move freely between it and related areas of the house.

If you plan to completely remodel the kitchen, be honest about your ability. You may want to leave this important job in the hands of an expert who can do the work quickly and professionally. A kitchen designer/contractor can suggest unique ideas and come up with creative solutions to particular problems. Finally, be sure to get at least two bids on the work you plan to do and compare these carefully.

This article was provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association. Many thanks to OREA!

Popularity: 70% [?]

Feb

19

Hardwood floors and more! How much will it cost me?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, The Numbers | 2 Comments

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If you own real estate in Brampton, you know the market is fast-paced and ever changing. In order to keep up with the demands of buyers, lot of sellers are looking to tear out their outdated carpets and replace them with new flooring. How much will this flooring set you back, and what choices are available to you?

Read on to find out your options and what it will cost you!

Ceramic Tiles
The great thing about ceramic tiles is that they are extremely easy to clean and come in a huge selection of colours, styles and sizes. This makes coordinating super easy. What you will need to bear in mind is that not all ceramic tiles are made the same, so you’ll have to do your research beforehand. High traffic areas may need more resistant tiles, and there is always the danger of cracking or chipping. Budget for $5 - $20 per square foot.

Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are stronger than ceramic tiles and give you that stone look. You’ll also find that they come in all sorts of colours and styles. Porcelain tiles will cost you $6 - $14 per square foot.

Natural Stone
If you’re thinking about slate, marble, limestone, or sandstone, you’re looking at natural stones. Travertine is becoming very popular these days, and you’ll be seeing more of it in higher end houses that are being flipped. Natural stones will contain imperfections and they will need to be sealed regularly. Expect to pay $10 - $30 per square foot.

Hardwood
Hardwood floors still remain very popular with homeowners, especially oak and maple. Hardwood is very inviting and is a safe choice if you plan on renovating and selling, as it has wide appeal. These floors will remain durable if properly sealed every few years. Hardwood will cost you $6 - $15 per square foot.

Laminate
This type of flooring comes in lots of styles and colours, and can be made to look like wood, stone, and ceramic. Laminate flooring is great because it resists stains and scratches quite easily. It’s also easy to assemble and with proper care, can last at least 20 years. Just be careful not to use laminate flooring in wet or damp areas, as it can warp over time. Laminate flooring will cost you $4 - $10 per square foot.

Remember that these prices are only a general guide, and that it’s important to shop around thoroughly first. If you’re looking for a renovation project that will immediately be noticed and give your home a boost in value, consider flooring! Not only is it trendy to get rid of that old carpet, it’s also easier for those who have allergies.

Popularity: 57% [?]

Feb

14

What are the popular kitchen counters these days and how much will it cost me?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, Sell, The Numbers | 2 Comments

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In my last article, I touched upon the good sense of upgrading your kitchen to maximize the value of your home. The kitchen serves as the centre of the house, so investing money into the kitchen is a great way to make those dollars work for you. If you’ve ever had the chance to go through different homes in Brampton, you’ll find out that the Brampton real estate market offers a wide range of homes. If you’re a seller looking to stand out from the rest of the listings in your neighbourhood, your upgrades to the kitchen and other parts of the room will make a dramatic difference.

One of the more simpler tasks is choosing a kitchen counter, but with all the choices out there, it sometimes proves to be the most time-consuming one. You’ve probably seen the shows where they explore the various type of counters and what they look like. Now let’s see the pros and cons and what they will cost you.

Ceramic Tiles
The great thing about using ceramic tiles is the sheer variety of colours, styles, and sizes. This type of kitchen counter is highly resistant to heat and wear, and you can choose tiles that will literally match any style of decor you may have. The only drawbacks to ceramic tiles is that they can sometimes crack, as well as get dirty in-between tiles. As there are so many different types of ceramic tiles available, it will cost you anywhere from $15 - $50+ per square foot.

Laminate
Laminate also features an array of colours and styles, and is a cheap alternative to using the pricier materials. Laminates can be made to look like marble or granite and are quite easy to install. However, laminate counters can easily succumb to staining, scratches, and chipping. Expect to pay anywhere from $15 - $25 per square foot.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances are still hot items in the kitchen, so why not accentuate the room with stainless steel counter tops as well? These counters give your kitchen that modern, trendy look, as well as provide a super durable, heat-resistant and more hygienic counter. You will have to be careful not to scratch the surface, but if you do, it can easily be buffed. Stainless steel counters will run you close to $120+ per square foot.

Butcher Block
This is the same type of hardwood that is used to make chopping blocks. And like a chopping block, it’s highly useful for the kitchen. Over time though, wear and heat will take it’s toll on this surface. It’s also advisable to keep this counter away from sources of water, and have it treated regularly. This type of counter top will cost you around $75 - $100 per square foot.

Marble
Marble has always looked classy and elegant, and coupled with the fact that it’s highly resistant, it’s a great choice for kitchen counters. The only thing to be concerned about is that it can scratch or stain. Be prepared to pay at least $90 per square foot.

Granite
This seems to be the most popular choice these days. With a wide range of colours and high durability, no wonder it’s the most used choice. Just remember to reseal it once a year and it’ll last a lifetime. These granite counter tops will run you between $75 - $110+ per square foot.

If you’re planning to sell your home and your kitchen is outdated, you may want to consider upgrading your kitchen. Take some time to visit a local hardware depot and browse the kitchen displays they have. It may set you back a few dollars renovating your kitchen, but you’ll get maximum returns on your investment. Best of luck!

Popularity: 47% [?]

Feb

13

I want to renovate my home! How much return will I get on my investment?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, Sell, The Numbers | 3 Comments

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It seems that nowadays everyone wants to upgrade their home. With the recent advent of home flipping shows and renovating TV specials, homeowners are looking to add some value to their homes by investing a little money and a little labour. It also helps that Brampton has two brand new Lowes stores in addition to the existing Home Depot and Rona warehouses. It almost seems too easy to venture a few steps and bring home some building supplies!

The Brampton real estate market is an accurate image of the Canadian real estate market. According to surveys, nearly two thirds of homeowners intend to undertake renovation projects this year alone! If you’re looking to make some additions or changes to your home, you’re probably wondering what you can do to get the most back when you sell your home. Well, below is a general guide to how much you can expect to get back on your renovation investments. Refurbished kitchens and bathrooms are still the best intermediate investments, while a fresh coat of paint is still the most inexpensive way to boost the value of your home.

This list is only a guide! Consult experts if you intend on making renovations and do your homework.

  • Installation of hardwood floors - 50% to 80% return
  • Interior painting - 50% to 100% return
  • Roof replacement - 50% to 80% return
  • Additional room (ie. family room) - 50% to 75% return
  • Skylights - 0% to 25% return
  • Kitchen upgrade - 75% to 100% return
  • Doors and windows - 50% to 75% return
  • Wood fence - 25% to 50% return
  • Pool - 10% to 40% return
  • Deck - 50% to 75% return
  • Fireplace (wood or gas) - 50% to 75% return
  • Central air conditioning - 50% to 75% return
  • Landscaping - 25% to 50 % return
  • Replace furnace or heating system - 50% to 80% return
  • Finished basement - 50% to 75% return
  • Bathroom upgrade - 75% to 100% return
  • Asphalt driveway - 20% to 50% return
  • Interlocking stone driveway - 25% to 50% return

There you have it. Keep in mind that any renovations you do undertake should be relative to the value of the home. It wouldn’t make any sense to add a $30,000 kitchen to a $100,000 home. Also, avoid projects that will set your house apart from other properties in your neighbourhood. The Appraisal Institute of Canada warns that: “If the value of your house exceeds the average market value in your neighbourhood, your renovations will not yield much return. But if your house value is below the average, you can recover a larger part of the renovation costs.”

Happy renovating!

Popularity: 57% [?]

Feb

12

How much will it cost me to hire someone to renovate?

Filed Under Brampton, Buy, Condos, Homes, Real Estate, Renovations, Sell, The Numbers | 1 Comment

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With the Brampton real estate market forging ahead with the rest of the strong Canadian real estate market, you may be considering hiring some outside help for some common house tasks. Whether you’ve just bought a home and are looking to make some changes, or you’re considering selling your home and want to touch it up, hiring professional help may save you money in the long run because tasks get done quickly and more efficiently.

But how much exactly should you be expecting to pay for outside help? Here are some going rates for outside labour. Please use this as a guideline only, as different contractors will charge different fees. It’s always best to shop around and ask friends and family for more information.

  • Painter - Expect to pay $40/hour or close to $325/day. Ask for a written estimate!
  • Electrician - $60 - $80 per hour for most jobs, although some may do a flat fee.
  • Landscaper Designer - You’ll pay around $120 for a consultation and $300 - $400 for an average design. Larger lots will cost more.
  • Interior Designer - Designers charge around $90+/hour and decorators charge $75 - $200 per hour. You will most likely be required to make a deposit on labour and be held to a payment schedule.
  • General Handyman - Expect to pay $50 - $75 per hour with a professional.
  • Contractor - As these rates can vary widely, ask around. Large jobs can be split into installments and put on a payment schedule.

Remember, it’s important to ask whether they are licensed and insured, what their training and experience is, what guarantees they offer, what their quotes cover, if they have samples of their work where applicable, and if they can provide references upon request.  Doing your homework first will ensure those quick renovating jobs get done right and on budget!

Popularity: 40% [?]

Jan

23

When do I require a building permit?

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Photography, Real Estate, Renovations | 3 Comments

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This is a question I often get asked by homeowners looking to make renovations to their homes. It’s important to keep building permits in mind when you’re either looking to buy real estate or sell your home, as it may affect the house values as well as incur legal issues. So when do you require a building permit?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that a building permit be obtained for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of more than 10 m² (108 square feet). It is illegal to construct or demolish without first obtaining a permit.

You will need a building permit if you do any of the following:

  • construct a new building
  • renovate, repair, or add to a building
  • demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • change a building’s use
  • install, change or remove portions and load-bearing walls
  • make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • build a garage, balcony or deck
  • excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
  • reconstruct a chimney

You do not need a building permit for the following:

  • replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
  • install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
  • build a roofless deck under two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
  • build a utility shed under 10 m² (108 square feet)
  • reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work (asphalt roof shingling only)
  • install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  • replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
  • damp-proof basements
  • paint or decorate
  • install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • erect a fence (except for swimming pools - outside pools require permits)
  • replace existing forced air furnace (no duct work or venting alterations)
  • electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

What happens if you do not get a permit?

If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, you may be prosecuted and you may even be ordered to remove work already done. Contact the Building Division – Permits Section at 905-874-2401 if you are not sure if you need a permit for your project.

Popularity: 66% [?]

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