For the first time in three years, Ontarians are spending less money on home improvements after reaching all-time highs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
Officials with MPAC told CTV News that home renovations are down across the province, but note that doesn’t appear to be the case in Windsor-Essex.
“Although we’re seeing about a 12 per cent decrease in residential permit activity overall in Ontario, [in the] Windsor-Essex area, what we’re really seeing there is a decline of about 6 per cent,” said Carmelo Lipsi, MPAC vice president and chief operating officer.
Lipsi
Don’t let spring renos blow your budget: Soo Mill experts will help avoid DIY surprises
With a spring just around the corner, many homeowners are turning their attention toward renovations.
But with a rise in the price of supplies, and an unsteady real estate market, the approach for many shoppers has changed.
Ralph Weise, Manager of Retail Sales at Soo Mill, says anyone looking to plan for a project – big or small – should take a few minutes to plan ahead before embarking on a renovation.
“I think when people start renovations, they might have a vague number in
We’ve watched seasoned professionals like Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler plan and execute brilliant remodels and designs without going over budget all the time on HGTV Canada. So we knew who to ask for advice when budgeting for a home reno.
Read on for all of the guys’ hot tips on where to put your money and where to save a buck when considering your own budget for a house renovation. And be sure to check out the hosts in their latest series, Renovation Resort, airing Sundays at 10 pm ET/PT on HGTV Canada.
Bryan
A terraced landscape and dusty pink surfaces help to brighten Pigment House, a north London residence that has been renovated by local studio Unknown Works.
Located in Hampstead, the four-storey residence sits on a steep hillside with a garden that originally sloped up on all sides, which Unknown Works said left the interior dark and damp.
To brighten the home, the studio excavated a portion of the back garden and replaced it with a multi-level landscape that lets in more light and enhances its connection to the ground floor.
“The concept originated
Ever wanted to pack your bags, move to a remote island, and dive head-first into a home renovation project? Ireland’s making your dream a reality—well, sort of.
The Irish government recently revealed its Our Living Lands pledge, a 10-year national policy to revitalize the islands off their western coast. Per the initiative, Ireland will give individuals €84,000 (approximately $92,000) to refurbish vacant or run-down homes on 30 of the country’s islands. The goal, according to the Irish government is to strengthen the islands’ communities and increase their population.
For many, this seems like a great opportunity to spend time in
Reader’s question: What financial aid is available from France for energy-efficiency renovations for a second home?
Unfortunately, several of the main aids for this are for playing homes only.
For example, only primary residences are eligible for the MaPrimeRénov’ grant scheme for renovation work to make them more energy-efficient.
However, if you rent your property out, you may also apply but it needs to be rented out as a main home (not a holiday/ short-term let) and for at least five years from the moment you receive the money, so if you plan to use the property yourself, this will
Before Bobby Berk and his team renovate the house that week, they look for a massive warehouse to store various furniture and décor they can use throughout the season. When the Fab Five meet with the homeowners, Berk assesses the house and what he and his team need to get done. He has a four-day timeframe — the team meets the homeowners on Tuesday, and Berk needs to finish renovating by Friday, per Netflix’s Tudum.
Luckily, his team got a head start on the project. While Berk is working on the renovation for the week, several of his teammates will
