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Stories Tagged - How To
Nov. 20, 2013 | CREBNow
How To: Eliminate Condensation and Ice Build-Up In Windows
During winter months the windows may start to fog or even accumulate a build-up of ice at the bottom. Condensation can appear during a cold snap and disappear quickly, or condensation will stick around and sometimes form ice on the windows – this can lead to damage. If this is a problem it means there is moisture in the air, and it is causing cooler surfaces to fog. Here are some tips to eliminate the moisture in the air, ultimately reducing the ice build-up and fog in the windows.
Nov. 06, 2013 | Cody Stuart
How To: Prevent Frozen Pipes
Every year in Calgary, there are an average of 400 water main breaks. With an average of 2.6 people per household, that's a whole lot of Calgarians who are going to be left with messy clean ups, or even put out of their home due to broken pipes. With the water in Calgary's water distribution system measuring between 1 and 3 Celsius, it takes very little exposure to colder temperatures for it to freeze. That's why it is important to make sure your water service lines are not exposed to colder air during winter months. CREB® Now has compiled a few steps homeowners can take to lessen the risks of a broken water pipe in their home.
Oct. 30, 2013 | Cody Stuart
How To: Guard Your Garage
Following 33 reports of break and enter to homes as well as thefts from vehicles in Airdrie suburbs since Sept. 11, Airdrie police are advising residents to take a few precautions to deter offenders. RCMP said suspects are stealing garage door openers out of vehicles and are then using them to gain access to homes through the opened garage door. Homeowners everywhere can help ensure their homes and garages are safe by taking the following steps:
Oct. 17, 2013 | CREBNow
How To: Prepare Your Home For Sale
Whether you're upsizing for an expanding family, downsizing for the golden years or just looking for a new place to call home; here's a few easy and affordabl tips to make your house an eyecatching piece of real estate for potential buyers when it comes to selling.
Oct. 03, 2013 | CREBNow
Organize a Pantry
At a time when hectic schedules come with the territory, our pantrys can start to resemble a jumble of various products, haphazardly placed on shelves to be dug through when it comes time to make dinner or grab a quick snack. The holidays can especially put a strain on your pantry; if you're hosting a large family dinner and need all your ingredients easily at hand, a tidy pantry can be a welcome relief. With a few simple steps, you can organize your pantry into a lean, mean food product access machine.
Sept. 26, 2013 | Cody Stuart
How to: Save Energy
According to a survey from Statistics Canada, Canadian households consumed 1.4 million terajoules of energy in their homes in 2011, up four per cent from 2007. While the average amount of energy consumed per household edged down from 106 gigajoules (GJ) in 2007 to 105 GJ in 2011, the survey showed only 82 per cent of respondents reported using at least one energy saving practice in their homes. CREB®Now is offering up a few suggestions to bring those energy use numbers down, and perhaps increase the number of households doing their part to cut down on energy usage.
Sept. 06, 2013 | CREBNow
How To: Move
Whether you're moving a block away or a province away and whether it be an upgrade because you're expanding your family or you're downsizing once all your kids have moved out — the process of moving is exciting and sometimes stressful. Here are a few simple steps on how to make the process as streamlined as possible — whether you're hiring a mover or grabbing some friends and moving yourself.
Aug. 28, 2013 | CREBNow
How To: Prepare Your Yard and Garden For Winter
As the days grow shorter and the weather starts to cool, thoughts of Calgary's summer are dwindling replaced by those of fall. For green thumbs and yard and garden enthusiasts, the time is nigh to prepare your garden for winter snows. Here are a few tips to have your yard and garden in tiptop shape come spring.
Aug. 13, 2013 | CREBNow
How To: Prep a Room for Painting
In theory, it seems like the most basic of home renovation projects. Able to transform a room from dreary to divine, a fresh coat of paint is a valuable tool in the DIY arsenal. However, there's far more to achieving a new look than just slapping a little Metropolis grey over that outdated perfect peach. While it's unlikely Alexander Graham Bell was referring to painting when he said, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.", his wisdom is just as pertinent.
July 10, 2013 | Cody Stuart
How to Hire a Contractor
With the recent floods in Southern Alberta wreaking havoc on so many homes, many Albertans will soon be in the market for a good contractor. While there are countless examples of trusted and reputable contractors doing quality work, there are sadly those who look to take advantage of such situations by doing less than promised. CREB®Now has compiled a list of tips on how to protect yourself when hiring a contractor.