After navigating the process of searching for and purchasing a pre-sale home, the move in itself might seem like an easy task. However, there are still things to be aware of when preparing for moving day. As anyone who has ever had to move between homes knows, moving can be stressful and overwhelming. Here, we outline some key areas to consider as you near your move in date.

Up-to-date insurance

Before moving in, it’s critical to make sure you have active home insurance. Home insurance should begin the day the property is transferred into your ownership. Most insurers allow you to transfer an existing home insurance policy to a new home and will cover both the old address and the new one for 30 days to give you a window during which to move. This means that your belongings are insured while you are moving and will be covered if they break during the move. You can purchase a separate policy for your move, but it is usually more cost-effective to amend your existing home insurance policy as it also includes liability coverage. If you are not transferring your existing home insurance to your new home, ask your new insurance provider whether your personal property is covered during your move. The policy on this differs between insurance companies. Let your insurance provider know if you’re not moving in right away; you may require additional insurance if the unit is vacant. Overall, share all details and dates of ownership, possession and occupancy with your insurer so they can confirm there will not be any gaps in coverage.

Follow up on the deficiency walkthrough

Prior to moving in, each pre-sale homebuyer completes a deficiency walkthrough to identify any pieces that are not yet completed. After the walkthrough, you are presented with a list of any noted deficiencies. It is always recommended that you bring your realtor along to review the list with you prior to signing that list. If anything was noticed, a plan was put in place by the developer and realtor to execute changes required. Prior to your move in, complete another walkthrough with your realtor making special note of the items that were identified on the list of deficiencies. If anything is outstanding, communicate with the developer in writing to ensure that those missed items are noted and remedied.

Get to know your new amenities

After taking care of the more transactional components of a move in, reward yourself with the fun part: exploring the amenities of your new home. Visit the fitness centres, social lounges, shared kitchens or rooftop gardens that you might find in the development. Walk yourself through all the available amenities and shared spaces and make note of how and when you can access each. Technology is increasing the convenience of using amenities; for example, Block by Amacon offers a secure parcel delivery room complete with smartphone notifications, providing a safe place for packages to await their pickup and easy access at any time.

Preparation is the best way to reduce the stress that can often come with moving into a new space. By covering off the above, you’ll be one step closer to a smoother moving day and the first night in your new pre-sale home.

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s true with your home as well as in many situations in life. We’ve all done it, walked through our neighbourhoods admiring what our neighbours have done to the outside of their homes. Let’s be honest, it’s like an un-iced cake. I’m sure we all like plain old cake but it looks and tastes so much better when it’s decorated. What the heck does that have to do with landscaping? Well, your house may be like the cake, nice on the inside but plain and boring on the outside. Add some landscaping and you’ve got yourself icing which is sure to appeal to a lot more buyers than the plain old boring version.

You don’t have to go big and fancy, you can stay low maintenance and still get the WOW factor.

Trees and shrubs are pretty low maintenance, besides the initial planting and watering and the occasional trimming, they practically take care of themselves. There are shrubs and trees that bloom full of flowers in the spring and then last through summer as nice green foliage. If you don’t want to spend your fall raking leaves, consider evergreens. Be sure to take their full grown size into account when planning where they will be planted. Also be cautious of property lines (fences) and utilities, call before you dig!

Annuals are a great way to change things up. Once you have your established landscaping in place, you can add splashes of colour either by planting annuals directly in the garden or by adding urns or hanging baskets. Adding pre-made planters is like planting for dummies. All you have to do it water and take the dead blooms off and you can take credit for the beauty it will provide all season long.
Want to take it up a notch? Your walkway, driveway and deck will add even more curb appeal. There are so many options when it comes to walkways. Patio stones, interlock, stamped concrete, wood, composite, the options are endless.

Again, you don’t have to break the bank. While door knocking here in, we have seen some beautiful examples of pride of ownership. I recall a house that used plain patio stones however the method in which they were laid made it look like fancy stonework.

You can do it yourself, you could even hire a professional to do up the plans and then implement the design yourself or if your budget allows it, you can hire a professional to do it all.

Walk about your neighbourhood or search the internet for inspiration and start small. Landscaping doesn’t have to be large to be impactful.

A little bit of landscaping can add great value to your home, not to mention when you pull into the driveway, it will make you feel proud!

We thought these would be some helpful tips for snow shoveling.

One of the more common causes of back injuries during the winter months is snow removal. Using the wrong body mechanics when shoveling snow can put undue stress on the lower back and lead to a painful muscle strain or possibly more serious back injuries, such as a herniated disc or disc degeneration.

The following snow removal tips can help you to avoid low back injuries and pain during these snowy winter seasons.

Pick the Right Snow Shovel

An ergonomic snow shovel can help take some of the effort out of your snow removal chores. A shovel with a curved handle or an adjustable handle length will minimize painful bending, requiring you to bend your knees only slightly and arch your back very slightly while keeping the shovel blade on the ground. In addition, a small, lightweight, plastic blade helps reduce the amount of weight that you are moving.

Warm Up Thoroughly

Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury than warmed up, flexible muscles. Do your back a favor by warming up for five to ten minutes before shoveling or any strenuous activity. Get your blood moving with a brisk walk, marching in place, or another full-body activity. Then, stretch your low back and hamstrings (the large muscles in the back of the thigh) with some gentle stretching exercises. Limber up your arms and shoulders with a body hug.

Pace Yourself

Shoveling small amounts of snow frequently is less strenuous than shoveling a large pile at once. If possible, removing snow over a period of days will lessen the strain on the back and arms. In deep snow, remove a few inches off the top at a time, rather than attempting to shovel the full depth at once. When shoveling, take a break for a minute or two every 10-15 minutes or if you feel overworked at any point. Use this opportunity to stretch your arms, shoulders, and back to keep them warm and flexible.

Use Ergonomic Lifting Techniques

Whenever possible, push the snow to one side rather than lifting it. When lifting the snow shovel is necessary, make sure to use ergonomic lifting techniques.

• Always face towards the object you intend to lift (have your shoulders and hips both squarely facing that direction)
• Bend at the hips, not the low back and push the chest out, pointing forward. Then, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles, keeping your back straight.
• Keep your loads light and do not lift an object that is too heavy for you.
• If you must lift a shovel full, grip the shovel with one hand as close to the blade as comfortably possible and the other hand on the handle (handle and arm length will vary the technique).
• Avoid twisting the back to move your object to its new location – always pivot your whole body to face the new direction.
• Keep the heaviest part of the object close to your body at your center of gravity – do not extend your arms to throw the snow.
• Walk to the new location to deposit the item rather than reaching or tossing.
• When gripping the shovel, keep your hands about 12 inches apart to provide greater stability and minimize the chances of injuring your low back.

Keep Your Feet on the Ground

Slippery conditions while shoveling can lead to slipping and/or falls and strains that can injure your back. Shoes or boots with good treads will help to minimize injuries from slipping. Spreading sand, rock salt, or kitty litter on your sidewalk or driveway will increase traction and reduce the likelihood of slipping on the ice.

If Possible, Stop Shoveling – Use a Snow Blower Instead

When used correctly, a snow blower can put less stress on your low back than shoveling. Avoid stressing your back by using the power of your legs to push the snow blower while keeping your back straight and knees bent.

These tips can help to make snow removal less of a strain on your low back. Keeping these guidelines in mind during the winter season will lessen the chances of a developing new back problems or worsening your low back pain while shoveling, and hopefully make your winter a healthier and more enjoyable experience.

You worked hard, sacrificed and saved for a down payment and now you are a proud home owner. Taking care of your home will save you money on maintenance and increase your homes value over time. Winters can take a toll on your home; but, if you prepare, you can get ahead of old man winter with these maintenance tips.

Not only do we have winter to contend with, but fall fills our yards eaves troughs and downspouts with leaves and debris. Cleaning these out in advance of winter will help prolong their life and prevent issues from arising. A clogged gutter can back up, overflow and may even damage the roof.

Gutters and Downspouts

Ideally, you’ll want to do this when the weather is favourable, before the snow flies. Be sure to have someone assist you; and, if you’re afraid of heights, it may be best to hire someone who has experience. Clean out any debris and flush the gutters out with the hose or plan to do them in advance of a rainy day and let mother nature flush them out. Ensure that your downspouts extend far away from the house and check your basement and attic for stains which would indicate a roof issue or that your drainage system isn’t sending the water far enough from the foundation. Downspout extensions are an inexpensive investment.

Sump Pump

If your home is equipped with a sump pump, now is a good time to test it. Locate where the water ejects and ensure that it is clear of dirt and debris, like your downspouts ensure that it is discharging well away from the foundation, it’s pointless if the water is being directed back inside. Check the electrical cords and their connections and make sure they are in good shape. If your sump pump doesn’t come on often, pouring water into the pump pit until the float rises is good way to make sure it’s functioning. The pump should turn on and then shut off once the water discharges. If it doesn’t come on, you may need to replace it. Alternatively, if your sump pump runs frequently, you may want to invest in a back up battery, especially if you’re away often.

Hoses and Outside Taps

In advance of winter, ensure to drain all of your garden hoses and outside taps. Remove all exterior hoses and then go inside and turn off the water at all the shutoff valve(s) inside your home. Once you’ve done that, go outside and turn the taps to the on position, this will drain any water left in the pipes. Be sure to leave the tap open as this will prevent any pressure from building up if it freezes. Before storing away your hoses, unwind them and lay them out, draining any water before rolling it up to store it for the winter.

Window Wells

If your home has window wells be sure to inspect and make repairs before the snow flies. They do sell clear covers for window wells that will prevent them from filling up with snow but that still let the light in.

Brickwork and Foundation

Visually inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in the brickwork and foundation. Finding these items in advance of a problem can save you grief and money. Fill any cracks accordingly, either by caulking areas or by have a professional repair them. We’re happy to connect you with one of our preferred partners should the need arise.

Prevention is the best approach; ignoring little problems now will only make it more costly later. Be sure to repeat these tasks annually, you’ll be happy you did.