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7 Tips To Furnish Your Home on a Tight Budget
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If you are thinking about buying a condo, or you already own a condo, there are some changes that have been proposed to the Alberta condo property act that might be put into place soon.

These changes will come in two stages. The first stage deals with buyers of newly-built condos and properties that have been converted into condos. The second stage addresses how condo boards are governed, their voting practices and procedures, and insurance regulations.

Numerous engagement sessions were held in July and August of 2017 inviting Albertans to provide feedback on condo governance issues, and an online survey was set up after the open house engagement sessions were complete.

If you are considering buying a condo – we would suggest doing a bit of research into the proposed changes.

As demand for condos has been cooling off for the past couple of years and vacancy rates for rental properties rising, property managers need to go the extra mile to fill empty units.

Rental spaces don’t just sell themselves, you have to make sure that when prospective tenants come knocking that you’ve done everything in your power to make the unit you’re showing as enticing as possible. Luckily, we happen to have a few tips to help you do just that.

1. Get Rid of That Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and easy to replace, but that’s really where the benefits end for this dated floor covering. Remember, potential tenants aren’t merely looking for a place to hang their hats – they’re looking for a place to entertain their friends, and a place they’re proud to call home. Savvy tenants abhor this easily damaged material so much that it’s often enough to turn them right off of the property, particularly if it’s present throughout the home, from the bathrooms and laundry room to the kitchen.

Though admittedly more costly than a roll of vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tiles are much more stylish than vinyl and they’re much more durable to boot. A chic, well thought out tile choice can really make the difference between a tenant liking your space or loving it.

2. Remember the Little Things

Walk through the space. Do any of the stairs creak? Do any of the doors stick? Are all the outlets working? Are there any leaks? These all might seem like no brainers to most, but the fact is, a lot of these little apartment nuances, particularly if they’re minor, end up going unreported by the previous tenant. Before you begin showing the space, take time to walk the property and make sure that all the little details are covered.

Consider going the extra mile by installing a security system. Doing so will show prospective tenants that you care about their security and well-being, and you should be able to leverage this security feature to secure a higher rental amount.

3. Give Some Love to The Kitchen

For many people, the kitchen is the center of the home where the family gathers. For that reason, it’s important that you consider giving at least a small facelift to this space, especially if a long time tenant just vacated the property. If you don’t have the budget to modernize the appliances, consider a new countertop and complimentary glass-tiled backsplash, both of which are reasonably priced ways that can be used in your kitchen remodeling project. A fresh coat of paint, and some new stylish cabinet knobs can also help to make this important space more appealing. Oh, and you can never go wrong with a modern sink and faucet.

4. Make the Space More Comfortable by Installing New Windows

Making the change to triple paned windows can not only help to maintain a comfortable temperature within the rental unit by limiting heat loss through conduction, it also greatly improves noise reduction. Noise can be a serious concern for units located in busy areas of the city so addressing noise reduction can be a significant differentiator, adding further value to your property. Energy efficient windows will help to keep utility costs under control regardless as to who is footing the bill – so this is one upgrade that truly is a win-win. If your rental agreement stipulates that you’re covering the costs to heat and cool the home, the windows will pay for themselves and then some, in the long term.

5. Curb Appeal – More Important Than You’d Imagine

Since potential renters can view the rental space online it’s important that the outside of the rental property is appealing. A well-manicured lawn, some potted plants, and a well-maintained exterior will lead people viewing the space online, as well as passersby that your property is one that they need to check out.

Though it may be difficult to justify expenses like a new sink and faucet, ceramic tiling in the kitchen and bathroom, and other upgrades, it’s important to think about it as adding value to an existing space that you’ll be able to monetize. The more value you add, the better rental rate your unit will command.

If you have older windows or if they are damaged, you could be losing a lot of energy and should consider a window replacement. Some tell-tale signs that your windows need replacing include:

• fog or condensation build up
• rot or mould on wooden window frames
• obvious warping or damage to the frame
• drafts
• cracked or peeling caulking

Your windows are the biggest culprit for energy loss in your home. If your windows are suffering any of the symptoms listed above, you could be losing more energy than you think and paying way too much on your utility bills each month.

Save energy and money with ENERGY STAR certified windows.

If you’re in the market for new energy efficient windows, you should choose windows that are ENERGY STAR certified. These highly-efficient windows can save you an average of 8 per cent on your energy bills.  Windows that qualify for the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation are up to 40 per cent more efficient than a standard window. Your regular energy savings can add up month-to-month and could eventually cover the cost of your window replacement.

Window replacements will boost your home’s resale value.

Not only do your windows enhance your curb appeal, they are one of the first things a home buyer will investigate when considering your home for sale. Replacing old or damaged windows on a typical 3-bedroom home can cost between $6000 to $10,000. That is an expensive job a buyer would rather not have to worry about when purchasing and moving into a new home. Having that job done for them, combined with the draw of energy savings that come with newer windows, is a huge selling feature.

Not only will a window replacement make your home more marketable, it will also increase the overall value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2017, a window replacement using energy efficient vinyl windows will recoup 73.9% of your initial cost. According to the report’s numbers, if you spend about $9,000 to replace 6 windows, you can expect your home’s value to go up by $6,770. Though you won’t recoup 100% of the cost of a window replacement, the increased value combined with improved curb appeal and marketability will definitely help you when it comes time to sell your property. In the meantime, you’ll benefit from the energy savings.

What kind of windows should I buy?

Most Edmonton window companies manufacture and install energy efficient windows that are approved by ENERGY STAR. You should look for a window that holds a high R-value. The R-value will show you how well a window prevents energy from transferring through it. The higher the R-value, the better thermal performance you’ll get from your windows.

You should also purchase windows that have low emissivity or Low-E. This is the method that window manufacturers use to reflect the heat to the warm side of the glass. That means that in the winter the heat will stay inside your home and in the summer it will stay out!

Whether you choose to replace your windows yourself or hire an Edmonton window company to do the job, a window replacement will improve your home’s efficiency, help you save money on energy bills, boost your curb appeal and enhance your home’s resale value.

If your driveway is cracked, sinking in areas and generally looking worse-for-wear, it might be time for a new concrete driveway. Not only will a new driveway improve curb appeal, it will also boost resale value, make shoveling snow easier and give you extra space to park your vehicles.

Here are the advantages to installing a new concrete driveway:

Concrete will increase property value.

Boost your curb appeal and you’ll boost your home’s resale value. If you’re planning on selling, a good first impression can actually add value to your home. The driveway and walkways are the first things a potential home buyer is going to see when they check out your house. If your concrete is sinking and in dire need of replacement, it might give the impression that other parts of your home have been lacking regular maintenance too. A new concrete driveway is worth the investment.

Concrete is long-lasting.

If your driveway is properly installed by professional concrete contractors in Edmonton, you can expect it to last a very long time. Your driveway will be durable and will require far less maintenance than other driveway materials like asphalt or gravel. In many cases, a good concrete driveway can last 30 years or more before needing replacement.

Concrete is versatile in design and style.

Choose traditional brushed concrete or get creative with your concrete design. A concrete contractor will offer a variety of colours, textures and design styles including pattern stamped concrete or acid stained concrete. You can have your driveway mimic the look of tile or cobble stone or get creative with earthy tones and other colours.

Concrete is eco-friendly.

Made up of rock ground to a powder, mixed with water and a few other components, concrete is basically a natural, green building material. Compared to asphalt, the installation and maintenance is far less damaging to the environment and your old concrete driveway can be recycled.

New Concrete makes clearing snow easier.

There’s nothing worse than trying to shovel your driveway on a cold winter’s day and having your shovel get caught up in cracks, sink holes or in bumpy asphalt. The smoothness of concrete makes shoveling a breeze and is a better surface for removing snow with a plow or snow blower. This is the best choice for our snowy climate.

Want to install new concrete yourself? Learn how to make concrete here.

Any experienced real estate agent will tell you that the two rooms a home buyer will look at first when interested in a home for sale are the kitchen and the bathroom. If your bathroom is outdated and you want to improve your home’s resale value you should consider a minor bathroom renovation. There are many benefits of bathroom renovations and with some smart and creative upgrades, you won’t have to spend a fortune to make your bathroom more attractive to potential buyers.

Here are some tips for maximizing your ROI with bathroom renovations in Edmonton:

Replace Your Outdated Vanity

The vanity in your bathroom can be the focal point in the room. Replacing it would mean replacing the sink, countertop and faucet along with it. You can reface or refinish the cabinetry and just replace the countertops and sink, or you can visit a kitchen and bath store and choose an all-in-one vanity for quick and easier installation. If you want to move the location of the vanity in your bathroom, you should contact a plumber to make sure that it is done correctly.

Replace Broken or Worn Out Faucets and Fixtures

Simply replacing your faucets at the bathroom sink and in the bathtub or shower can go a long way in giving your bathroom an upgraded look. You can find a wide selection of faucets and fixtures at a store that offers plumbing supply in Edmonton.

If you’re still rocking that avocado green bathtub and toilet, it’s time for a replacement!  Shower conversions have become popular in bathroom renovations and could help attract buyers, however, make sure you keep at least one bathtub in your house for good resale.

If you’re planning on selling your home right away, don’t spend a fortune on the bathtub and toilet. Remember that no one makes buying decisions based on the type of toilet is in the bathroom, so you don’t have to get the most expensive one. Just make sure you purchase one that looks up-to-date and works well.

Invest in New Flooring

Since your bathroom is small, replacing the floor won’t break the bank and will greatly enhance the look of the room. The most attractive flooring option for home buyers will be tile. Not only does it look great, it’s durable, water resistant and easy to clean. There are also some more affordable vinyl and laminate flooring products out there that can mimic look of natural tile or wood flooring.

Install Good Lighting

Good lighting is essential in any bathroom renovation and you don’t have to purchase the most expensive fixtures to get a good return on investment. Proper lighting can show off the works you’ve done in the bathroom and make your new fixtures and features sparkle! Make sure there is good lighting at the mirror and vanity. It’s also important that your lighting doesn’t cast too many shadows, as that will make it hard for someone to put on their makeup or get ready in the morning. Here are more tips for lighting your home.

Paint the Walls

Painting your bathroom walls is the easiest and most affordable way you can upgrade the room. A fresh coat of paint will cover up blemishes, dings, dents and stains. It will also help protect the walls from moisture. Be sure to choose light and neutral colors as these allow buyers to imagine the room with their own bathroom accessories, towels and décor.