by Eugénie Eckler | Nov 19, 2021 | Tips
A fireplace can be the first thing you notice when you walk into a room. Maybe it has a subtle presence or perhaps it is the focal point. It will impact the ambience, enjoyment and overall design of the room.
Beyond providing warmth, a nice fireplace can contribute to your space feeling cozy – something most Canadians probably want – especially during our cold winter months!
When home shopping with my buyers, more times than not, a fireplace is a nice addition in their opinions and very rarely do I have buyers telling me they would prefer a family room without one.
Traditional wood burning fireplaces have a certain old world charm to them for sure – crackle crackle! Some things to keep in mind:
Logistically: No remote control or easy on and off switch for these! There is definitely more effort required to gather wood and to actually get the fire going. They will make a bit more of a mess and of course, will leave the room smelling a bit smokey in comparison to a gas or electric alternative.
Maintenance: You should schedule a chimney inspection every two to three years and ash removal as needed.
Safety: Consider having a WETT inspection done by a professional. This Wood Energy Technology Transfer inspection will be done by a qualified technician who can identify local code compliance standards. (Your insurance company may require this to be done before insuring the home). If you are making an offer on a home, this can be a condition within your offer to purchase.
If you are home shopping and see a home you love but do not care for a wood burning fireplace, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to work around it. You can paint it, design a new mantle and/or trim, convert it to an electric or gas insert and even replace the hearth.
There are also many contemporary fireplace designs that can be incorporated directly into the wall. More of these sleek linear options are popping up in bedrooms and offices and the options are endless.
In addition, there are multi-view fireplaces that can be enjoyed from three sides and can work well to unite two separate rooms.
More and more outdoor fireplaces are being incorporated into our backyards and have become a popular element of outdoor design. They enhance these gathering spaces for entertaining and even for cooking.
If you are looking to redesign an existing fireplace (inside or out) or perhaps you are seeking to add one into your home, hire the experts for a functional and safe outcome.
Contact me for names of some reputable companies that can help you with design, installation and any future maintenance.
by Eugénie Eckler | Nov 19, 2021 | Neighbourhoods
When you are choosing a good area to move to, I bet you might take into consideration good schools, safe neighbourhoods, access to major highways for commuting and probably somewhere that will provide good value for your money.
It is no secret that some families are leaving the GTA in search of more affordable housing in great up and coming communities. You may feel home options in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville & Burlington are too pricey and perhaps you are seeking even more space for your money and more bang for your buck.
If this sounds like you, check out what Hamilton, Ontario has to offer! Canadian Real Estate Magazine named Hamilton one of the best places to invest in real estate in 2021.
There are so many great home options to be found in this area while being nicely situated, just a short drive to Niagara or Toronto and anywhere in between! Hamilton continues to grow and offers amazing restaurants, a good transportation system, job opportunities and stunning nature.
Did you know that the region is home to over 150 waterfalls? It is promoted as “City of Waterfalls” and if you haven’t been to the Devil’s Punchbowl yet, you’ve got to check it out! There is SO MUCH to do & see in the area but I’ll leave that for another post.
In addition, the other five municipalities of the Hamilton–Wentworth Region should not be overlooked: Ancaster, Flamborough, Dundas, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek. Each area will have a different ambiance with plenty to offer and one of them may be a great place to consider home!
Ancaster: Offers a small town feel within an urban setting. With many amenities located in the smaller neighbourhoods, you’ll find it is a very walkable community. Founded in 1793, you’ll fall in love with the historic buildings in the Heritage Village. This close-knit community is only a 15-minute drive to Hamilton, 35 minutes to Mississauga, or just over an hour to Toronto. Be sure to visit Tiffany and Sherman Falls!
Flamborough: This growing area is located at the top of the Niagara Escarpment. Young families seem to gravitate towards the town of Waterdown because it hits the mark on overall livability and affordability. You can still feel connected to Toronto and GTA via accessible means of transportation while enjoying local festivals, great schools, recreation centres and parks. Be sure to visit Smokey Hallow Waterfall!
Dundas: If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Dundas – also known as Valley Town, being situated at the base of the Escarpment. With lots of protected green space, this area is so pretty with its abundance of trees, hiking trails and gorges. This quaint community exudes ambiance and charm as you’d expect in a small historic town. Be sure to visit Webster Falls and Spencer Gorge!
Glanbrook: Located in the South-Western district of the city of Hamilton, you will find the fast growing community of Binbrook. This town is a really safe area to raise a family and offers lovely newer homes at more affordable prices as compared to some other areas of Hamilton. Be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market, a highly anticipated event that highlights local growers and artisans and takes place at the Fairgrounds.
Stoney Creek: This community situated along Lake Ontario offers lots of beautiful trails and waterfalls. It attracts many families who still want to be within commuting distance of the hotspots of Toronto, Oakville and Burlington. Be sure to visit Felker’s Falls, a hidden gem in the Conservation Area.
If you are looking for a new neighbourhood to move to, I’d love to help you figure out what area can work best for your family’s needs and budget.
by Eugénie Eckler | Nov 19, 2021 | Tips
Break-ins, while not common, can happen even in safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Oakville and Burlington.
Often they can be crimes of opportunity where an intruder notices an easy target (your unlocked back door for example).
These are my tips to help safeguard your home and hopefully deter a potential thief.
LOCK UP: This is the easiest first step you can take! Consider installing deadbolts to all exterior doors or in some cases, upgrading any entry doors. Don’t forget to secure sliding glass doors, lock the door leading in from your garage as well as all the windows! Never leave keys under flower pots, doormats or in other “hidden” places.
*Pro Tip: When moving into a new home, have all the locks changed.
HOME SECURITY SYSTEM: These can often qualify you for a discount on your home insurance. Make sure to add the home security sticker to your front door as well. The key here is to actually use it! Activate your alarm and motion sensors when you are leaving your home! Strategically place any cameras to capture activity around entry doors or ground floor windows.
DOGS! Some breeds are great deterrents to thieves. If you have one, let your dog be seen and heard. Dog ownership, however, is not for everyone so you can try affixing a sticker (like this one) to your door! A thief just may think again!
BE HOME: (or at least pretend to be) Leave a few lights on if you are going out for a short period of time and utilize timers when needed. Some people even purchase an electronic device that simulates lights and flickers of a TV that they leave on while they are out!
HIDE THE GOOD STUFF: Thieves are typically looking for small items they can grab quickly. Hide your valuables, cash, jewellery and important documents. Use a safe and if storing it in your home, keep it out of sight.
*Pro Tip: Keep photos, descriptions and model numbers of your most expensive possessions. (If stolen, your insurance company may ask you for this information).
MAINTAIN SOME PRIVACY: If you have just purchased some new electronics, avoid leaving the packaging sitting out by the curb. Ask the kids not to leave their fancy bikes on the front lawn. Close your curtains when away from home or at night when interior lights make it easier to see in. Encrypt vulnerable information that may be stored on your home computer.
*Pro Tip: Periodically backup any important information to a separate drive!
STRATEGIC LANDSCAPING: Having some thorny bushes under your windows may help deter a thief from trying to enter that way. Keeping other hedges well trimmed will make it harder for thieves to hide while scoping out your place. Is your home fenced in? Consider some outdoor lighting (many options to choose from) that will keep your property well lit.
DO NOT BROADCAST A TRIP: Leave posting about your vacation until after you’ve returned. While you are gone, ask a trusted neighbour to watch over your home. They can collect your mail and any packages that are delivered and bring in the accumulating newspapers off your driveway. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed or snow to be shovelled if you are going away for an extended period of time.