5 Effective Ways To Keep Your House Shining (and Make A Better First Impression)
Having a clean and shining home has a number of benefits that can include, a boost in curb appeal, preventative maintenance, and an overall sense of pride in the space you live in. However, to keep your home clean and looking like new there are a few ways to accomplish an aesthetically pleasing home that includes power washing, decluttering, routine cleaning, landscaping, and a fresh coat of paint.
1. Power wash your home’s key exterior features
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior of your home. Some may even say that the exterior appeal of your home has greater importance because that first impression is what drives intrigue for someone to even walk through the front door. To keep your home’s exterior shining power washing some of the most viewed areas such as the driveway, windows, and doors. All of which can make the difference on your home’s appeal.
Windows and doors:
Knowing how to properly power wash windows and doors can mean the difference between a spotless home feature or a damaged one. Before power washing begins it is good practice to wash windows on an overcast day to prevent them from drying too quickly and leaving streaks. In addition, it is also important to check for cracks before any power washing begins to prevent the water from penetrating inside your home or even making the cracks larger. Lastly, when you begin spraying your windows and doors, popper technique would include leading your power washer at an angle as this is more effective at lifting dirt and loose paint. Spraying at an angle also prevents damage as a head-on spray from a power washing can cause harm. With proper cleaning your windows and doors can look like new and make that lasting impression.
Driveway:
For power washing a driveway it would first require preparing the area by removing and loose material like stone, dirt, and other debris from the driveway surface. Following that, apply a degreaser to any stains on the driveway as this will make it easier to clean and will not require higher pressures from your power washer. When you begin power washing start at the higher end of the driveway and work your way down in the direction of water flow to ensure all the dirt and mildew is pushed towards the gutter. When finished, you can expect a clean driveway that limits weeds, eliminates stains, and improves curb appeal.
2. Make your space seem larger by decluttering
Decluttering your home can have a number of benefits that extend having a clean and organized space. It can also help with reducing stress, less time needed to clean and organize your space, and that leads to more time spent on your other activities. To declutter your home it is vital to first have a plan. Figure out which rooms need the most work and tackle each room one at a time. The entire house does not need to be completed in one day but setting a schedule for each room can help with making this task more manageable and attainable. You can then begin sorting your items by things you want to keep, get rid of, and put in storage. This step may probably be the most time consuming because identifying whether or not an item has a use for you can be both exhausting and require a great deal of thinking. Once completed you can dispose of the items that you want to get rid of. You have options that extend to donating the items, recycling, hosting a garage sale, or throwing them away if they are in a bad condition. Having an organized and clean space can make a better first impression to anyone that enters your home while also making you healthier and happier.
3. Routinely clean frequently used areas
Every room or area of the home should be cleaned regularly. This could mean wiping down surfaces, vacuuming flooring, or taking out the trash. However, some areas may need extra cleaning based on how frequently they are used such as the bathrooms and the kitchen.
Bathroom:
One way to clean the bathroom is by refreshing the shower curtain. To maintain the shower curtain, wash it at least once a month. You may not see it, but the dampness in the bathroom causes the curtain to develop mold or mildew stains. In addition grout can be easily visible in areas of the bathroom. To remove this eye sore, Make a paste of baking soda and water or combine equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub the grout with a tiny brush, such as a toothbrush, using the solution. If the filth and grime are not really dissolving and the grout is still white, try a harsher solution, such as diluted bleach. Lastly, water stains can be another issue plaguing your bathroom. Rub a teaspoon of lemon oil against the glass of your shower doors twice a month. The water will bead and roll away. For tubs they can be cleared of water stains with similar solutions and a bit of elbow grease.
Kitchen:
This area not only needs to be cleaned to ensure the proper preparations and cooking of edible food but it can be a vital area in making a lasting impression. You can start with scrubbing the sink with soap and water before spraying it with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Be careful to spray each one separately and allow them to dry in between. Since the sink is one of the most germ-infested areas in your kitchen, cleaning it should be at the top of your priority list. The dishwasher is another area that can be plagued with germs and dirt. First, clean the filter at the dishwasher's bottom. Small particles of food can become stuck in there over time, reducing the dishwasher's effectiveness. Then, in the lowest level of the dishwasher, insert a bowl or measuring cup of white vinegar and start the cycle without adding any dishes. This will clean the dishwasher and make it gleam. This kitchen item generally gets the most use, thus it should be cleaned routinely.
4. Landscaping can make a difference in making your exterior shine
Beautiful landscaping is one of the finest ways to make your home stand out and build that lasting impression. In addition there are ways to keep your home shining with a beautiful landscape without needing a large investment. A lovely landscape must have flowers, shrubs, and bushes, as well as trees. They not only offer aesthetic appeal but also give much-needed seclusion and shade. Consider both function and form while selecting shrubs and bushes. Choose varieties that will grow in your climate and soil type. Also, remember to consider the plants' mature size. You do not want them taking over your yard. There is a vast range of trees available, from majestic oaks to tiny birches. Trees can be purchased online or at a local nursery. If the addition of added greenery is not to your liking you can improve your landscape with proper maintenance like mowing the lawn, adding appropriate fertilizer for a green landscape, and puring any overgrown hedges.
5. A fresh coat of paint for that fresh and new look
You do not have to undergo a whole remodel to make your home shine. Instead, utilize one of the most basic and effective tools at your disposal: paint! Painting your walls may radically change the appearance of your home. When choosing a color for your walls, consider the ambiance you want to create. Once you have decided on a hue, you may utilize it to brighten up any room in your home. It can also be used to tone down colors that are too bright. Blue, for example, is renowned for creating a serene and tranquil mood, whilst yellow is recognized for being a bright hue. Neutral colors like white and gray are also great for making a space seem larger and widely appealing, adding to make a better first impression.
Keeping your home shining does not have to be a difficult task, but it can be time consuming and even stressful. You may want to consider professional power washing services that not only save on time but ensure that the task is completed properly. The end result can almost guarantee a better first impression when compared to a dirty or cluttered home. These tips can help maintain your home so that it keeps its appeal and that new look every homeowner admires.
Strategic Home Upgrades That Add Serious Value to Your Space (and a better ROI)
Owning a house is more than just an emotional experience. It's also a financial decision that can pay off in the long run as you develop equity in your house and see your property rise and rise in value. The rate of your home's worth growth is affected by a variety of factors, including the community in which your home is located, local housing demand, and the overall economy. However, homeowners may raise the value of their house over time by making repairs and alterations that boost its attractiveness and deserve a higher selling price. There are several actions you can take to raise the value of your house, whether you plan to sell soon or just want to continue to grow the potential selling price of your home investment. Here are just some of the many tried-and-true tactics that can pay you well when the time comes to sell.
Minor Bathroom Remodel
Kitchens and baths are the two main sorts of rooms that sell properties. However, it turns out that the best home renovation ROI corresponds with bathroom remodeling. Instead of starting a little job in each room, a simple bathroom redesign may be preferable as they tend to be a key factor in selling a house for a high price. There's no need to demolish the entire room, but updating the aesthetic of each bathroom might go a long way. One thing that you may do is replace the shower head with a rain shower head; this is a feature that most homebuyers will enjoy. Something else you can do is replace the vanity as well, because no one wants to feel like they are using someone else's old bathroom. Simultaneously, it is recommended that you also try upgrading the lighting of your washrooms to make things brighter and more pleasing to the naked eye.
Landscaping
Few restoration funds go further than those spent on the house's exterior. If nothing else, curb appeal aids in the sale of properties. New landscaping may be precisely what the house needs to seem new, modern and inviting. The curb appeal of both the front and backyard may be the first thing buyers look into, so it is best that you make a nice first impression by updating the landscaping of your home. However, t here's no need to overdo it. The simplest landscaping ideas are the most effective, but the "lines" must be cut and neat. A decent landscaping job should appear lovely but that does not imply that a lot of work is needed.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
A small kitchen redesign can increase home improvement ROI without requiring the demolition of an entire room. Instead, you can experiment with little changes that make a significant effect on your living area. You may begin by replacing old appliances with better, newer models. It doesn't have to be anything significantly costly, but the newer the better. Next, instead of replacing the cabinets, it is recommended that you consider refinishing them. A new coat of paint or gloss on existing cabinets may make them appear new, and when paired with new hardware, it can dramatically alter a kitchen and its appearance.
Attic Bedroom Conversion
Homes with a convertible attic may want to consider converting the area into an extra room as it does affect a house's ROI. Increasing the amount of accessible rooms is one of the most effective methods to improve the value of a property, which is why it is featured on this list. The more people you can fit inside of a home without sacrificing anything, like comfortability and such, will for sure positively affect a home's value. With that being said, everybody who can increase their present room count should think about it.
Major Bathroom Remodel
Now is the time to move on with the previously discussed modest bathroom makeover. Rather than merely replacing amenities and improving a few items, homeowners may consider increasing their home renovation ROI with a total remodel. Everything, from the shower pan and flooring to the lighting and plumbing, should be scrutinised and evaluated; if it isn't contributing to the bathroom's charm, it is detracting from it and decreasing the value of your home. As a result, sometimes it is best to start with a blank canvas and build from the ground up. Upgrading the bathrooms altogether, particularly the master bath, might truly persuade homeowners that they are making the right choice.
Major Kitchen Remodel
A significant kitchen makeover, like a major bathroom remodel, should necessitate a thorough overhaul. This means that everything that is not adding to the wanted aesthetic will be removed and replaced. Incorporating an open approach is also a fantastic idea. If at all feasible, attempt to remove a wall to make things more open. Buyers like large kitchens with plenty of space for entertaining and cooking. According to most contractors, removing an unneeded wall that divides the kitchen from the rest of the house is one of the finest things homeowners can do and can increase the value of a home the most.
Entry Door Replacement
Even though this may be the simplest thing on the list, entry door replacement may be one of the most significant and rewarding investments that you can spend your money on. An entry door, like landscaping, will most likely be one of the first things purchasers notice, as it is the entry way into the home. This is the opportunity for the owner to make a strong first impression. It is important to remember that most buyers decide whether or not to buy a property within the first few minutes of looking at one. As a result, it is in the best interests of homeowners to put their best foot forward and boost your home's curb appeal.
Deck/Patio/Porch Addition
If there is enough space, homeowners should think about adding a deck, patio, or porch in their home's backyard. The installation of an external structure like this may significantly increase the perceived value of a property. A deck, at the absolute least, may improve the amount of usable living space in a given yard. It is another area where guests and those who live in the home can rest and enjoy their day at, which is definitely something that homebuyers keep in mind. At best, it may be a selling factor that the buyer was searching for all along.
Basement Remodel
Not many homes have the benefit of having a basement, but those that do may desire to rebuild or refurbish them. This might easily expand a house's useful living space, as this can act essentially as another room. Instead of keeping a dark and dirty basement (which might damage your chances of selling), you should consider making it into its own selling factor. Getting it refurbished and making it seem presentable may be a selling point to most homeowners, so this is important to keep into consideration if you ever plan on selling your home.
Replace Windows
Aside from a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home, a new front door, and maybe a garage door replacement, nothing improves the appearance of a home's exterior like a new set of windows. The clean lines of new windows may significantly improve the appearance of a home from both the inside and outside. Furthermore, new windows should be much more energy efficient, which is a major factor that most homebuyers take into account. Proper windows may save new homeowners a significant amount of money on their energy costs, which is always desired.
Upgrading your home is one of the best ways to invest your money because it will not only make your home a more comfortable and pleasing place to live in, but it will also pay off in the long run, as it would boost your home’s property value. If you are looking to sell your home in the near future and want to get the most money out of it, you may upgrade your home in strategic ways that include a minor/major bathroom remodel, a minor/major kitchen remodel, landscaping, an attic bedroom conversion, a windows and doors replacement, a deck/patio/porch addition and a basement remodel. By investing in any of these upgrades, you are increasing the chances of you selling your home for a better price.
5 Most Common Mistake People Make With Their Window Coverings
Every window treatment type has strengths and weaknesses, and no two look exactly alike. Window treatments can be highly customized to fit the decor of any space.
But even though there's a long list of pros and cons for each kind of window covering, most people stick with blinds or curtains because they believe that those styles are the only ones they can customize to their needs. Here are five common mistakes people make when choosing 'the one' style for their windows:
Mistake #1: Believing They Can't Have Blinds In Their Home
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about blind that stops homeowners from installing them in their windows, and it's a shame because blinds, shades, shutters , and even drapes can work together beautifully.
The problem is that people often think of blinds as old-fashioned, dated window treatments. They see them only on the windows of tired old houses or frumpy rental units—not in modern homes with upscale decorating styles.
Mistake #2: Focusing On Style And Color Over Features Or Quality
You may love the look of your large floor-to-ceiling windows, but if they're not fitted with proper window coverings you could be wasting all light. Sure, roller shades are inexpensive, but do they really help conserve energy?
Shade screens are stylish, but the material is fragile—not to mention expensive. On the other hand, blackout shades aren't just attractive and affordable : They also offer better insulation than thermal draperies or curtains .
Mistake #3: Settling For The First Store-Bought Shade You See
If you've decided to use blinds in your home , it's important to choose a brand that will stand up well to regular use. For example, if you have children who open and close the slats often for games of hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo, you need to choose a durable blind that won't wear down within months of installation.
Mistake #4: Installing Blinds Without Considering Your Needs
It really makes no sense to buy expensive insulated roller shades if your windows face north and aren't exposed to much direct sunlight during the day. Then again, if your windows are buried deep into a bright, sunny wall of windows, you may not need blackout shades at all.
Mistake #5: Choosing Window Treatments Without Considering The Rest Of Your Home's Decorating Style
Many people believe that the only way to achieve a stylish look is to use designer brands. But this simply isn't true anymore. Stores sell good-looking blinds at affordable prices, and companies give you many more options than ever before when it comes to customization. It's also important to remember that adding window treatments doesn't have to break the bank—you can always reupholster old ones or purchase less expensive alternatives if necessary.
So don't be ruled by traditional thinking--it's not what you choose, but how you choose that's most important.
5 Advantages Of Roman Shades Over Roller Shades
Why roman shades over roller shades? There are several advantages of roman shades over roller shades. They are more stylish, they can be room darkening, and they look better hung in different ways. What is the difference between roman shades and roller shades? Read on to learn more about the advantages of roman shades!
1. Room Darkening
As roman shades are thicker than roller shades, roman shades make the room darker. This is excellent for those who want to block out the sun or keep their window covered at night. If you are looking for a shade that can keep your space cool in summer but make it darker for sleeping, roman shades are the way to go!
2. Versatile Styles
Because roman shades come in a number of styles, roman shades can be hung in different ways to add flair and character. For example, roman shades can be attached on a track along the top of your window OR they can be hung from a decorative valance or roman rod. With roman shades, you can pick any style you like to match your home's decor!
3. Better Looking Than Roller Shades
Because roman shades are more attractive than roller shades, roman shades are a much better-looking window treatment option. Roman shades look best when hung over roman rods that allow them to fold and ruffle when raised or lowered. However, roman shades can also be hung with a valance when you just want to add color to the window without all the ruffles.
4. They're Customizable
Plus roman shades offer more customization than roller shades do! For example, roman shades come in so many different colors and styles that you can find roman shades to match any style or decor. Plus, roman shades come in different lengths which makes them the better option for windows of all sizes!
5. They Come In Many Sizes
Lastly, roman shades fit well on any window size because they are available in many sizes! Roller shades fit best on narrower windows, but roman shades can be made of any size to perfectly fit your window. Roman shades are the perfect option for larger windows.
How to choose a roman shade?
Roman shades are blinds for the windows specifically designed to keep the sunlight out. They guarantee you a good night’s sleep during the day, plus they make the room look aesthetic with their designs. Here is how to pick the right one.
The material and the color.
Pick a fabric that is opaque and does not let any sunlight come inside the room. The most common fabrics that the roman shades are made from are cotton, silk, and polyester. It is more about what you want your roman shade to feel and look like that makes you want to choose the right fabric for it. Next comes the color of the shade. Roman shades are mostly designed to make the room look more beautiful and if you are going to use it as a tool of home décor, pick a color that matches the vibe of your room and especially the walls.
The design.
The roman shade comes in several designs as it is meant to be beautiful. According to your taste, you can choose from vertical, horizontal, and even circular shades, depending on the size of your window. You might even have to consider the color and fabric of the shade when picking the shade for your window. Pick something that has a geometric connection with other items in the room.
The control.
The best part about roman shades is that you can control how much sunlight you wish to enter the room. There are several ways to regulate it, by getting a lining done on the shade by getting two different fabrics for the front and the back, to build gaps in the shade that open and close and do on. Sometimes, you can even get some glass attached to the shade that monitors the sunlight. Pick the one that suits you the most.
The folding.
The folding style of the roman shade is what makes it truly special and aesthetic. You can choose from several options like the roll up and roll down the shade, the vertical panels, the horizontal panels, which are just fabric panels stacked either on top of each other or side by side to block the sunlight. You can also get circular, semi-circular, and even a few other geometric designs that make the window look prettier. So not only does the roman shade look beautiful when it is dropped, but it also makes the room look more beautiful when you remove the folds and roll them up.
The cleaning process.
An important point to keep in your head while picking a roman shade is to estimate the effort you would have to put in to clean them up. They would need a thorough cleaning every other week to look as pretty as it is supposed to, and if you pick a complicated design or a different fabric, you will have a hard time cleaning it.
Ensure that you follow the above tips to choose the perfect roman shade.
5 tips on what to avoid when caring for your vinyl siding
Regular cleaning and maintenance will unarguably make your vinyl siding last longer. However, there are certain things you should avoid to keep your vinyl siding in the best structural and aesthetic conditions. Here are five tips on what to avoid when caring for your vinyl siding:
1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
The vinyl siding is indeed exposed to the elements and dirt all year round, and it requires cleaning. The stains left by grass, cobwebs, dirt, and lots more could make your vinyl siding dull, tired, and untidy. However, resist the urge to use harsh chemicals to remove the stains and dirt.
Harsh chemicals, such as nail polish remover, liquid grease remover, undiluted chlorine bleach, and organic solvents, should be kept away from the vinyl cladding - the chemicals can damage the siding's surface.
2. Do Not Paint Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is not designed to be painted; paint will damage its aesthetics. Vinyl siding is meant to expand and contract based on the outdoor temperatures. However, painting it will attempt to make it stay at a position, which will cause cracking and imperfections when the siding forcefully moves due to temperature changes.
High-quality vinyl siding does not fade or discolour unevenly, making it best to leave it in the original appearance or colour. Painting it can do more harm than good to the vinyl siding.
3. Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Tools
Certain. cleaning tools should never be used to clean the surface of the vinyl siding to avoid damaging it and causing it to lose its aesthetics. Tools such as paint scraper, wire brushes, and steel wool can cause permanent discolouration and scratches on the vinyl siding's surface. As a result, do not use such tools to clean your siding. You should use a nylon bristle brush or soft cloth and elbow grease to clean stains without damaging the surface of the vinyl siding.
4. Be Careful With Power Washing
If you need to power wash your vinyl siding to get rid of stubborn stains and dirt, you need to be extra careful to avoid forcing behind the siding. Spray the water straight at eye level, spraying the water at an angle will force water behind the siding. Water and moisture getting behind the siding will cause mould and mildew to grow and undermine the structural integrity of the siding.
Besides, ensure to regulate the speed of the washer to avoid creating holes into the siding due to the force of the water.
5. Keep Your Grill At A Distance
Your BBQ grill can be as hot as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, while the siding can endure a high temperature of about 730 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat from the grill can affect the vinyl siding. As a result, keep it at least ten feet away from your siding to prevent it from warping or melting.
Takeaway
Take note of the above five tips on what to avoid when caring for your vinyl siding to keep your siding in the best condition possible.
How to clean vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is used by most people not only because they are cost effective but also because they are easy to maintain. Even you too can manage and maintain them. Here are simple steps to let you know how you can clean your sidings.
Homemade Cleaning Solutions
The most ideal approach to clean vinyl siding is by utilizing natively constructed cleaning arrangements and delicate fabrics or microfiber towels. This will help you eliminate soil and grime without scratching or harming the real siding. Some great cleaning arrangements include:
You will require a mixture of 70% water and 30% white vinegar. The vinegar can slice through for all intents and purposes any stain or imprint – even light mold and mildew.
In the event that you need a more grounded arrangement, attempt one quart fluid clothing bleach, one gallon of water, 33% cup detergent, and 66% cup powdered family more clean.
In case you're OK with a portion of these strategies, feel free to check them out. Furthermore, in the event that you just need a light cleaning, you might have the option to pull off just some water and a scrubber.
Pressure Washing
Another exceptionally viable choice is pressure washing – however you do need to be somewhat more cautious when cleaning along these lines. It's ideal to check your producer's suggestions and guarantee data prior to going this course. They ought to furnish you for certain tips or things to stay away from.
On the off chance that you do decide to pressure wash your siding, ensure you keep the stream at eye level and pointed directly at the siding. On the off chance that you point the stream at a point, you hazard driving water behind the siding. Along this equivalent note, be exceptionally cautious around plumbing associations, windows and entryways.
Eliminating Mold and Mildew
On the off chance that you have mold or mildew on your siding, you'll need to adopt a more essential strategy to your cleaning. Attempt an item that is explicitly made for killing outside mold and mildew – like Wet and Forget open air.
You can likewise utilize bleach for killing mold and mildew on your vinyl siding, in this course you must ensure about the force of water. One quart of family bleach to one gallon of water is ideal – yet you ought to debilitate it much more if conceivable. Furthermore, to secure arranging around the house, wet or cover these plants before application.
What Is The Most Popular Color For Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding makes your home look great, but have you thought of which color will make it look indeed great? There are different colors of vinyl siding and you can choose anyone amongst them. The question is which is best for your home. It will depend upon a lot of things like, what type of look and feel do you want to give your home. Here are a few popular colors that are used for sidings.
Blue Siding
Blue is a common color when it comes to sidings. One of the best design combinations is blue sidings and white trims. You can choose navy blue color too then the trims must be of either black or grey. If you are planning for a farmhouse style home then you can always think of blue sidings with white trims. They are indeed great and make your home look attractive from a distance.
Green Siding
Green is soothing to the yes and if you wish something good and different you can always tries green sidings for your home. Green goes well with white, beige and browns. When you are making a craftsman style home then you can surely think of green vinyl sidings. Combine them with red or brown and white trims and you will be astonished after looking at the beauty of your home.
Beige Siding
This earthy tome is always attractive. It matches great with the nearby environment and any type of external décor. Many people who love to have craftsman style home can choose beige sidings. Along with that you can have white trims or even black too will look great. Many people use red as a combination for enhancing the beauty of the beige siding.
Gray Siding
Gray color may look dull, but it is a color that is here to stay. You may prefer light gray or dark gray but along with this natural color any trim becomes vibrant and makes your home look great. Gray is a good choice for vinyl siding because it allows any combination of color to go along with it. In short Gray sidings help in making a great visual statement.
Red & Brown Siding
If you think of warm colors you cannot ignore red and brown. They are more popular colors around the lake and barn areas. They give a bricky kind of look that makes the building look majestic.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
Recently the Canadian Government introduced the Greener Homes initiative which includes grants of up to $5,000 for homeowners to complete renovations and retrofits that will increase their home’s energy-efficiency.
Since the initial announcement, some additional details of the program have been made available. To help clarify the details of this initiative, our team has reviewed the available documents and outlined the key details below.
What is the Greener Homes Program?
The federal government has established the Greener Homes Grant to help Canadian homeowners make their homes more comfortable and reduce their energy costs while decreasing their environmental impact. Basically, the initiative will assist in increasing the energy-efficiency of homes across the country, will help create new jobs for Canadian energy advisors and home renovation contractors as well as fight climate change.
To help achieve these goals, the Government of Canada is providing:
✔︎ Up to 700,000 grants of up to $5,000 to help Canadian homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes
✔︎ Support with EnerGuide home evaluations (worth up to $600) to provide expert advice to homeowners, so they can plan out their upgrades
✔︎ Recruitment and training of EnerGuide energy advisors to help meet the increased demand of home evaluations and create new jobs across the country.
Properties Eligible for the Greener Homes Grant:
- Single and semi-detached houses
- Row housing
- Townhomes
- Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
- Small multi-unit residential buildings (up to 3 storeys)
Note: Multi-unit dwellings over 3 storeys do not qualify for the grant.
What Retrofits will the Greener Homes Grant Help Cover?
The grant is designed to help make homes more energy-efficient by providing up to $5,000 for eligible retrofits, including:
- Home Insulation
- Windows and Doors Replacements
- Renewable Energy (ie: Installing Solar Panels)
- Heating
- Air-sealing (up to $1,000)
- Thermostats (must be combined with another retrofit, up to $50)
Steps to Plan your Home Retrofits:
Step 1: Register for and book your pre-retrofit evaluation: Your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is a key step in improving the energy efficiency of your home. This evaluation is required before undertaking any retrofits and must be performed by an NRCan registered energy advisor.
Step 2: Plan out and complete your home retrofits and document the upgrades: Once your EnerGuide evaluation is completed by your energy advisor, you should review the list of recommendations for your home retrofits and select which upgrades work best for your home and budget. You are required to complete at least one retrofit that is both eligible and recommended by your energy advisor. You can find your home’s recommendations in your Renovations Upgrade Report and on the online portal. Finally keep copies of all documents, including invoices, as they will be requested for the program.
Step 3: Book a post-retrofit evaluation and submit grant application: Once your home retrofits are completed, you may begin the reimbursement process. To receive your grant reimbursement you will need to book a post-retrofit evaluation and submit all the required documents.
Once your evaluation is complete, a new EnerGuide label and a post-evaluation report will show you how much more energy-efficient your home has become.
Looking for More Information?
Full details for the Greener Homes Grant, as well as the link to apply for the program can be found at the Canada Greener Homes Grant page: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441