Tips for Planning a Home Renovation

Hi All!

Well, spring is now upon us and for many people thoughts go to planning home renovations. If you are planning a home renovation, there are important things the Ministry of Consumer Services wants you to keep in mind to help you make smart choices and protect yourself.

Find a good contractor: Ask friends, family or neighbours who have had work done on their homes recently. Avoid contractors who offer a cash deal – without a receipt you have no proof of payment. Don’t be pressured into signing a contract “on the spot” in order to get a “special deal”, take your time and make a well informed decision. Set aside time to interview each contractor in order to determine their qualifications and their experience. Always ask for references and take the time to contact them!

Get an accurate estimate: Arrange to get estimates from at least three contractors who should meet with you personally in order to have a clear understanding of the work you require so they can give you an accurate estimate. Make sure you get everything you agree to in writing, including the total cost of the renovation which should take into account what is included in the price quoted and what is not (materials, parts, labour, permits, etc). It is also important to know the terms of the warranty for all work that is going to be done. In terms of financing, keep deposits to 10 percent – NEVER pay for the job before all of the work is completed – ALWAYS keep a holdback (around 10 percent) until the work has been completed to your satisfaction.

Sign a contract: Always read the fine print (the terms and conditions) before you sign a contract with your contractor and NEVER sign a blank contract. Make sure all of the work to be done is addressed in the contract. ALWAYS get a written contract before the work begins and make sure it includes the name, phone number and address of the contractor, and the full name of the person who provided the estimate.

The Ministry of Consumer Services’ website provides lots of great information and tips regarding home renovation and repair, to view please click here.

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team

EAT YOUR VEGGIES!

Spring will soon be upon us! I thought this was a timely topic, as in the not too distant future, many of us will be outside playing in the dirt.


Is there a plot of earth in your backyard that's underused? If so, think about using it to plant a vegetable garden. The benefits of growing your own veggies are numerous - and delicious!

First, vegetables you've grown yourself tend to taste better than those bought at the local grocer, because they're still fresh by the time they reach your plate, not having traveled days to get there. Additionally, store-bought have likely been treated with toxic chemicals intended to help them grow bigger and faster, and to keep pests away.

While making fruit and vegetables more attractive, those same chemicals can, unfortunately, sap them of their nutritional value. Having your own vegetable garden, on the other hand, provides a chemical-free boon to your health. When you can control how they're grown, you can eat vegetables that are nutritious - and eat them more often. After all, when they're right in your own backyard, veggies are more likely to become a bigger part of your diet. Plus, gardening is a great way to incorporate more exercise into your routine, relieve stress and get more sunlight - more vitamin D!

Economics can be another factor in people's decisions to grow their own vegetables. As the cost of produce has climbed, eating healthy has become more expensive. For some, backyard vegetable gardens aren't just money savers, but money makers, too! Grow-it-yourselfers are selling their own veggies at places like farmer's markets and co-ops. If you have a bumper crop of vegetables this summer, you might want to consider doing so yourself. Alternatively, why not can or freeze your surplus veggies and extend the taste of summer throughout the whole year?

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Real Estate Update

I wanted to give you an update on real estate sales for August in Barrie - residential property sales increased in August as compared to July, but still remained 16 percent lower as compared to August 2009. The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. has also noted the decline of new listings by 3 percent as compared to last year, however this has been the trend in recent months as the demand has lessened as well.
According to the president of Barrie & District Association of REALTORS®, home purchases made from late last year to early this year somehow caused the downward trend of sales this spring and summer. However, they are still positive that the demand in home purchases are making a comeback due to an increase in sales last month. For more figures and trending data, click here.

Similarly to what was reported in the July sales, there is still a healthy balance between the supply and demand with new listings and sales, however this trend can still change. We will have to watch what the sales are in the coming months until end of the year.

Until next time,
Jamie

New Listing

Now that we are beginning to think of Spring, although snow fell thoughout the day today, homes are beginning to be listed.

Check out this one - Great family home for a great price! Please phone me at 705-252-5242 or 877-252-5242 if you would like more information.

Click here for the virtual tour.

Until next time!
Jamie