So what to do? Well first off make sure that CO2 emitting sources are functioning properly, are vented, and you have the necessary functioning carbon monoxide detectors located through out your home. When it comes to Radon you would either have to perform test for it yourself or hire a profession at a low cost to perform it for you. With pesticides the best is to not use them at all.  In terms of biologic irritants ensure proper moisture, maintain home appliances, clean surfaces, focus on dust control, and ensure that your homes ventilation system is function correctly. You can even add an air purifier to help out.

For more in depth information on your home’s air quality check out the Canadian lung associations website at www.lung.ca or Health Canada’s website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca

When electronics such as televisions, DVD players, and cell phone chargers are left plugged in they still draw electricity even when not in use. Technically referred to as “residual power” this commonly overlooked draw of power can run your monthly bill up by around 7%. A Simple solution for this problem exists, but the task of plugging and unplugging all your electronics on demand is uncomfortable. The solution we recommend is to plug your devices into a power strip and turn those devices off when you finish up for the day. Power strips may also be referred as an extension block, power strip, power board or plug boards. They are easy to find in stores but can also range in quality, function, and price ($15 to over $100).

6 outlet power switch

Traditional Light Bulb

Many people are still using the traditional dated light bulbs only because they don’t really know the difference . Traditional bulbs, technically known as incandescent light bulb are very inefficient only using less than 10% of the electricity drawn to convert into light. The other 90% of the electricity produces heat which is not what you want from your light bulbs. The traditional light bulb was invented in the 1800’s so it has a legendary run and is finally becoming obsolete. Introducing the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), or light-emitting diode (LEDs). Use these energy efficient options to keep the power company away from some of those hard earned dollars.

Light-emitting diodes Bulb (LEDs)

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)

Turning down the temperature a few degrees at night or when you leave during the day is a great way to save on energy. People with a Electronic thermostat have the advantage to program the thermostat as needed for the necessary change in climate. Tech savvy homeowners can take advantage of Smartphone apps that allow you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere in the world. Electronic thermostat apps are fairly easy to use and are budget friendly. Ensure that the chosen app is compatible with your thermostat unit.

Change your heating filter! Change or clean it monthly through the summer and every three months in winter. Clean air filters save energy and money. Clogged coils can’t heat or cool the air passing over them, and they may damage the system. Routinely changing or cleaning the filters from your home’s heating and air conditioning system helps the units run more efficiently and enjoy a longer lifespan.

Ontario government rebates and grants are a great incentive for you to inspect your home’s energy efficiency and make necessary changes to improve on your energy cost. The Ontario Government has programs in place to aid homeowners bare the cost of updating various aspects of the home. If you would like the list of specific rebates and/or grants from the official Government of Canada’s website click here or contact us at Grand Building and Contracting and we can assist you.

- Check your furnace and thermostat to ensure that everything is in proper working condition. Change the filter on the furnace and ensure that duct work is clean and free of dust and debris .

-Examine the homes insulation. Both wall and attic insulation are extremely important to temperature regulation.

- Check all exterior windows and doors where cold air may leak in and hot air can escape.

- Inspect your roof, gutters, and downpipes to ensure proper working condition.

- Check the foundation for cracks to avoid weather related damage.

- Install or test fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure safety of all occupants.

- Shut off all exterior water supplies and insulate all exposed piping to ensure that pipes will not freeze and affect the homes entire plumbing system.

- Make sure that all weather related equipment is in proper working condition and is ready for use such as salt/sand/bio-friendly ice melt and shovels/snow blowers.

- Prepare landscape and outdoor areas such as cutting back tree branches that can fall and cause damage as well as sealing driveways, brick patios, and decks.

- Prepare an emergency kit that will include flashlights, candles, matches/lighter, a first aid kit, non perishable foods, bottled water, blankets, and even a backup generator.

As the GTA expands reducing habitat space and wooded areas these creatures are increasingly forced to seek new safe havens in order to survive. In the case of the Raccoon they can be damaging to your home, and even your property leaving trails of garbage and feces. This should be a concern for all home owners, so we have come few tips as to how to keep these animals away from your home:

1) Keep your home secure and repair any damaged areas that allow access to the inside areas.
2) Sprinkle your lawn with soap flakes and water it thoroughly.
3) Light up the area. Raccoon’s do not like being in the limelight. They prefer to forage in the dark.
4) In extreme cases you can utilize motion detection lights and motion detection water sprayers to discourage raccoon from entering your yard.
5) Or Try to deter them by spraying or sprinkling your outside trash storage area with strong smelling odors: ammonia or oil of mustard.

For example, American Standard invented the Quick drain system which uses a powerful pump system that allows the user to drain the tub 8 times faster than an ordinary walk-in tub. From a therapeutic stand point water jets have been added to many tubs and even air bubble jets have been added to some models, similar to water jets, but offer a different sensation and therapeutic value. Walk-in tubs are available in many different sizes and require minor electrical and plumbing work. They are highly recommend for elderly or disabled people, or anyone that suffers from arthritis, rheumatism, back aches, sore knees, and aches associated with obesity.

His role as a tradesperson on the show may not have been the most glamorous, finding minimal camera time, but was necessary to carry out quality work on schedule. For those that don’t know Income Property is a show where desperate homeowners are provided expert consultation and renovation services allowing them to transform a currently unused or substandard living space into a luxurious rental property. Mike said that he “really enjoyed working on the show and appreciated the opportunity to be a part of a very unique experience”. After being asked to sign back on for another season, Mike weighted his options and decided to join Grand Building for various reasons. Aside from the family oriented work environment, one major downside to being on the show was that, as tradesperson you are focussed on your work and not doing camera calls. Eventually the on camera portion can be distracting to the task at hand and takes away from one’s focus and working comfort zone. Mike’s performance was so impressive that even after leaving the show was invited alongside other members of Grand Building to meet with producers to discuss various ideas for a new show. Grand Building is thrilled to have Mike representing the company. His work ethic, positive attitude, and trade skills continue to uphold our philosophy at Grand Building and for that we are very grateful for having him part of our team.

From decks and fences to basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and full remodels our company has had the opportunity to take on numerous projects , interior and exterior in nature, which continues to boost Grand’s reputation as a trusted professional General Contractor. All of projects have turned out spectacular this season, which we directly attribute to our staff and our network of expert trades people. The future outlook is bright as we continue to work on new initiatives, and as Grand Building continues to grow expect our website to develop with more blog postings, photos, products, and important information you need to know about your home. Stay tuned!

The main reason this mandatory disconnect has been imposed is due to basement flooding. Disconnecting your downspout from the sewage system helps reduce the amount of storm water that is sent through the sewers. Less storm water in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes where is can escape through floor drains or any other low-lying plumbing fixtures in your basement.

The new bylaw will take effect on November 20, 2011 for properties in the central area of the city where storm water and Sanitary drainage are combined into a single pipe. The bylaw will roll out in two additional phases across the remaining parts of the city over the next five years. The due dates for the next two phases are December 3, 2013 and December 3, 2016. Please click on the link below to see what phase your property falls under and what due date you need to comply with.

http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/mandatory_downspout_disconnection.htm

If a home owner does not comply with the requirements of the bylaw, the city may use its authority under the municipal code to enforce compliance.

A major positive may come from this mandatory downspout disconnect. Keep in mind that if there are any cracks in your drain pipe leaks may occur in your basement and furthermore foundation damage can happen due to erosion and moisture seeping in without detection. Disconnecting your downpipes can potentially save you a lot of money when you don’t have to excavate your the side of your property to waterproof, fix foundation cracks, and repair any basement damage such a mould, rot, and other water relater damage.

If you are in need of any assistance disconnecting you downspout or just want some advice please do not hesitate to contact us at 416-546-9051 or info@grandbuilding.ca