When you decide it’s time to install or replace a deck surface, you may find there are more choices than you had expected. There are many new materials and installation options that have come to the market over just the past few years.

For example, in addition to traditional wood decking, there are contemporary synthetic and composite materials that possess properties that are remarkably similar to natural wood species – in terms of texture, appearance, density and workability. However, these materials offer superior durability in tough weather conditions and a wider range of colours than natural surfaces.

In addition, manufactured decking surfaces provide barefoot comfort without worry of splinters, as well as water-shedding properties that help improve traction after a rainstorm.

Synthetic materials are also very popular when it comes to railings and steps thanks to innovative installation systems that are easy enough for most industrious homeowners to tackle. Many offer pre-cut and/or interlocking pieces. As well, certain aluminium installations are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to new options that are clad in vinyl for extended protection and reduced maintenance.

With that being said, our personal preference is an exotic natural wood. Our feet first came into contact with it while at an outdoor spa and from that moment on, we knew we had to have it.   It's called red balau. Aside from being  extremely comfortable & durable, red balau is also unique in color. It's reddish-brown color will turn into a silverish-gray if you allow weathering. It is a durable hardwood that is often compared to teak though it comes in at a cheaper price. 

Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think of your property as just a building with rooms and a backyard. To you, it’s much more than that. It’s a home.

When you walk into your dining room, for example, you don’t merely see the table and chairs. You see memories. You recall laughter with family and friends. It’s emotional.

That’s what a home is all about.

However, buyers don’t want to buy your “home”. What they really want to buy is a property that has the potential to become their home.

While you see memories of family dinners, they see room dimensions and what the dining room may look like with their furniture in it.

That’s why, when you’re selling your property, you need to keep emotions at bay as much as possible.
In fact, the best mindset is to think of your property as a product. The more attractively you present that product to prospective buyers, the more likely you are to get good offers.

That’s why cleaning, depersonalizing, and staging are so important.

It’s also why setting a price that aligns with your home’s current market value is important. You may have put your heart and soul — and many weekends — into landscaping the backyard to make it a summer oasis. It may, in fact, be a strong selling point of your property. But that improvement will only add to the selling price an amount that the market, not your emotions, dictates.

So keep emotions out of the selling process as much as possible. Save that energy for turning your next property into your dream home.

Want more tips on selling your property for the best price possible? Call today.

If you own a stock, you can probably go online and quickly look up its current value.

What about your home? That, too, is an important investment and probably your most valuable one. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could “look up” its current value in just a few minutes?

Well, despite all the real estate data available on the internet these days, there is no site that will calculate your home’s true market value – at least not accurately. So, if you were to put your home up for sale tomorrow, how would you determine what it would likely sell for?

Your home’s probable selling price is influenced by the following factors:

• The type and style of your home.

• The condition of your home. (Is it “move in” ready?)

• How well your home shows? (Is it staged?)

• The desirability of the neighbourhood.

• Recent selling prices of similar homes in the area.

• The current demand for a home like yours.

All these factors, especially recent solds in the area, need to be considered in order to come up with the price range within which your property will likely sell.

Why is this information important? If you plan on listing soon, the benefits of knowing the probable selling price is obvious. But even if your plans to move are far down the road, it’s still a good idea to know what your home is worth – today. That information enables you to plan ahead and make better decisions. It’s something worth thinking about.

As more and more people have to work from home, the planning of home offices has become increasingly significant. There are many ways of creating office space and realizing a space that is a pleasure to use.

Perhaps one of the first points to consider is where to place your office. Your work may require privacy and your home office might get in the way of family living, especially now that kids are at home too.

Make sure you’re not working off your couch all day as it will negatively affect your productivity and may potentially affect your posture and hurt your back.  Choose an area well away from the hub of family life, like a seldom-used guest bedroom, loft or basement space. It may be worth converting a garage or outbuilding to achieve a comfortable home office environment. 

A proper desk and some adequate storage are also essential if working from home is to be a success.  When you are seated, the computer screen should align with your eye-level and the keyboard should sit at a slightly lower level so that your hands are at right angles to your elbows.  Office items often create a “busy” effect so for a sense of calm and order, having your space well organized with shelving, cabinets and(or) drawers is key. 

List every piece of essential equipment that you will be using in the dedicated home office and decide how near or far each item is to be stored in relation to your desk for maximum efficiency.

A comfortable chair that provides good support is essential.  The chair should be adjustable and on wheels, for greater mobility. Consider a standing desk, especially if your work demands that you sit for long periods in front of a computer. Otherwise, make sure you get up and move / stretch every 20 minutes. 

Good lighting is also important. Desk lighting should fall without creating shadows or glare.  A desktop lamp on a flexible arm is much easier to control than a desk lamp with a fixed head. Same thing for natural lighting: make sure your desk is facing the window or sideways to avoid glare on your computer screen.

If space permits, try to add a comfortable area for relaxation with a small coffee table for setting down a glass of water and a book or magazine.  But don’t make it so cozy that all you’ll want to do all day is nap.

Working from home can give you some flexibility but keep in mind that you still have to plan your day with time slots for getting work done.  

• Determine the start and the end of your workday then make a schedule that include proper lunch break and stick to it.  

• Get dressed for work even if you’re not going out. Getting out of your pj, showering and getting into comfortable clothes can help get you into work mode and be ready for any impromptu video conference with your clients or colleagues.  

• Reduce distractions that don’t require your immediate attention, like television and household chores. You can do those during your lunch break or after work hours.

With a little work, you can quickly create a home office space that is comfortable, functional and enjoyable. It sure beats the dining room!