Home Improvement Tips

Freezing pipes. Sky-high heating bills. Ice dams that look like they're auditioning for a horror movie.

Winter in Calgary is fun, but the winter weather doesn't mess around. And if you're not prepared, your home might suffer the consequences.

The good news? Most winterizing tasks take an afternoon and basic tools. The better news? They'll save you hundreds on utility bills and thousands on emergency repairs.

Here's how to winterize your home before the cold weather season starts, and what to do if winter causes issues anyway.

Quick Home Winterization Checklist (Save This!)

Before the first freezing temperatures hit, handle these essentials:

• Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Book a furnace inspection before techs

You walk into your kitchen and cringe. Those honey oak cabinets from 1995 stare back at you. The laminate countertops have seen better days. And you just know buyers will notice.

Should you spend $30,000 updating everything before listing? Or is it better to price your home lower and let buyers deal with it?

While kitchen updates can bring a return on investment of up to 75–100%, that doesn't mean every update is worth it. Smart sellers know which changes pay off and which ones are money pits.

The trick to knowing whether to remodel your kitchen before selling your home? Knowing what potential buyers in your area actually want versus what looks good on home renovation shows.

Quick Kitchen Update Guidelines for Sellers

Before we dive

You're getting ready to sell your house, and your kitchen cabinets are staring you down. They're not terrible, but they're not helping your home's appeal. Should you spend thousands on new cabinets or go with the cheaper refacing option?

This decision affects more than just your budget. It impacts how quickly your home sells and how much money you'll make. The wrong choice could mean leaving thousands on the table or wasting money on updates that don't attract buyers.

Here's the truth: The "best" option depends on your specific situation, timeline, and local market. Let's break down when refacing cabinets vs. replacing cabinets makes sense so you can make the decision that helps your home sell faster and for more money.

For informational

More Calgary homeowners are thinking about installing solar panels every year. And for good reason.

Rising electricity bills, climate concerns, and better technology make installing solar an attractive option. But is it right for your home? What does it really cost? And how much can you save?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about going solar in Calgary. No sales pitch—just the facts.

Benefits of Using Solar Power in Calgary

• Calgary gets 333 sunny days per year (better than most of Canada)
• Typical solar system costs $12,000–$25,000 before incentives
• Many systems can pay for themselves in 12–15 years
• Net metering lets you sell extra power back to the grid
• Solar panels work fine in winter (cold can actually

Confused about the difference between an interior designer and a decorator? Many people use these terms interchangeably without even realizing it, so you’re far from alone. While there’s often overlap in skills between the two professions, designers and decorators can be worlds apart. So, what makes them distinct? And how do you choose the right expert for your project?

Interior Designers vs. Interior Decorators at a Glance

• Interior designers and interior decorators are not the same thing.
• Interior designers focus on structural changes and functional spaces. These roles require formal education and certifications.
• Decorators specialize in aesthetics without altering structures. These roles don’t require formal training.
• Designers

The snow is gone, and you’ve made it through winter. But hold on—don't relax just yet! Spring is when smart homeowners check for damage and fix small problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Most people know to clean gutters and change air filters. But did you know checking for tiny pest entry points could save you thousands? Or that testing irrigation systems now can protect your home’s foundation all summer? 

Let's look at what should be on your spring home maintenance checklist to keep your home in great shape.

Your Home Maintenance Spring Checklist

• Check carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers
• Change your HVAC system filter ASAP if you haven't done it in 3 months
• Inspect exterior walls for

Curb appeal is how a home is viewed from the street. It's a blend of symmetry, colour, and maintenance that can captivate or deter prospective buyers at first glance. 

Whether it's a fresh coat of paint on the front door, a well-manicured lawn, or strategic lighting, small changes can make a significant impact.

What Is Curb Appeal?

What is curb appeal exactly? Curb appeal is simply how attractive your home looks from the street or sidewalk to a prospective buyer. It's the first thing people notice when they drive by or pull up to your house.

Your home's curb appeal includes everything visitors see from outside—your yard, front door, driveway, and the overall condition of your home's exterior. Many real estate agents describe the general

Spot signs of roof damage early and save thousands on repairs. Your roof quietly protects everything you own. When it shows these warning signs, don't wait to take action. Most damage starts small but grows into big problems fast, so your roof should be a priority in seasonal home maintenance.

Save This Roof Damage Checklist

• Check for missing, cracked, or broken shingles after a storm 
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls
• Check gutters for granules from asphalt shingles
• Notice any sagging areas that might mean structural damage
• Keep clogged gutters clean and flowing freely
• Watch for moss/algae growth or dark spots on roof shingles
• Is there moisture, water damage, or light in the attic?
• Inspect flashing around roof

Want to make your home feel warm and inviting? You don't need a big budget or special skills. With the right lighting, some cozy fabrics, and a few personal touches, any room can become a comfy retreat. Here's how to turn your cold, boring space into the coziest spot in your home.

Getting Started on Your Cozy Room

• Keep your room warm with soft light bulbs (2700K-3000K) instead of harsh overhead lighting
• Add texture with thicker blankets, extra pillows, and area rugs
• Bring in natural elements—furniture like wood pieces or houseplants work wonders
• Block cold draughts with heavy curtains and door sweeps
• Make the living room furniture arrangement trap heat efficiently
• Add extra layers in winter to help you feel warm and stay warm

Is your garage so packed with all the stuff that your car sits in the driveway? Don't worry—you're not alone.

Most homeowners use their garage as a catch-all for everything that doesn't fit in the house. But with a few simple storage ideas, you can transform that cluttered space into a clean and organized space where you can actually find what you need and enjoy easy access to your belongings.

Quick Garage Storage Ideas

• Empty EVERYTHING out first—you can't organize what you can't see
• Create "keep," "donate," "sell," and "trash" piles as you sort
• Use vertical space and wall space to free up floor space
• Create storage solutions that group similar items together
• Mount hooks and shelving units that make the space function better