Insurance for Condominium & Flooding

leslie andrachuk

It’s not uncommon for a condo owner to suddenly find themselves calling their insurance company because their unit has been flooded. Whether or not the fault lies with you or with another party, knowing your rights and what kind of insurance to buy is key in remediating the situation.

According to Darren Gradus, CEO of Canada’s Restoration Services, the number one thing most people are not aware of when it comes to condo insurance is what their liability is in regards to “common areas” in the condo building. It is important to understand what you are responsible for should damage occur, and what your insurance will cover.

Typically, the condo corporation is only responsible for property belonging to it, specifically:

• Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage to others, arising out of the corporation’s activities as a Condominium.  This coverage protects Individual Unit Owners but only with respect to their interests in the common elements of the Condominium.
• Boiler and Machinery coverage if required by the Condominium Corporation.
• The physical units, as originally constructed, excluding any upgrades or improvements made or acquired by the Unit Owners.

Darren also suggests updating policies to reflect any recent renovations, such as installing expensive hardwood flooring, for example. “Condo owners that choose not to have their own home insurance and rely only on the condominium’s insurance,” explains Darren,”will not be covered for their own contents if damaged by a flood.”

Keeping this in mind, it’s important to be aware that many Condominium Corporations are removing flooring from the standard unit description in order to bring down premiums and reduce claims. Therefore, along with any new flooring installed, condo unit owners are responsible for insuring all personal belongings, including:

• Furniture, clothes and other personal property stored both in the condo and in any storage facilities within the condo.
• Legal liability arising out of your personal activities as a Unit Owner and the ownership of your Individual Unit.
• If the damages were a result of an act or omission on the part of the Unit Owner, you may be responsible for the “deductible” under the Corporation’s Insurance Policy if a loss occurs to any property the Corporation is responsible for insuring.

The aftermath of a flood in a condo building is a complicated affair. “There are several parties involved,” explains Darren, “more than one insurance company, the property management, the owner, several restoration companies. This can cause delays in solving the problems and restoration.”

With so many people involved, decision making can be a challenge. Condo owners need to establish who is making the decision – “is it the owners or the property managers?”, asks Darren. The other major issue Darren commonly sees is the speed at which adjusters from both insurance companies can agree on responsibilities – which greatly impacts the speed at which your condo will be repaired.

Canada’s Restoration Services suggests taking the following steps should a leak occur in your condo:

1. Identify the source, and if safety allows, try and stop it;
2. Contact a certified IICRC water damage restoration company/or your property management;
3. Remove any personal belongings that are at risk of being damaged;
4. Take as many pictures as possible;
5. If the damage is not the result of a sewage problem, create an in air flow with a fan and turn on any available dehumidifiers.

Once the the restoration company arrives, you should:

1. Ask them what the scope is and how much will it cost – and then consult with your insurance broker;
2. Make sure the company is using tools and instruments to determine what was damaged and what needs to be done;
3. If you decide to involve your insurance company, try to have the adjuster out at the property sooner rather than later.

And before any such fate befalls you, check to make sure your insurance covers accidents such as floods or burst pipes. Many insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, or from frozen pipes that burst outside of your home.

Being a responsible condo owner also means checking the washing machine and toilet valves, reminds Darren. And if you are leaving on a long vacation, consider notifying the property manager.

www.teambluesky.ca

The Question: What to do first Paint or Buy Furniture?

Alya Lefkovich

Giving your place a fresh makeover is always exciting, whether you are moving into a new home, or planning on fixing up various spaces in your current abode. It takes a lot of energy flipping through home and style magazines, scouring Pinterest boards for design inspiration, not to mention trips to every supply store imaginable, and even having consultations with professionals or knowledgeable friends.

A common contested issue that sparks a great debate among homeowners is deciding what to do first: paint your walls, or buy furniture. The answer is not so cut-and-dry; it changes depending on your priorities and finances. Here’s how to make the choice that works best for you.

What’s Your Budget?

Sprucing up your home not only means you have to invest your time — you also have to invest some money. Buying a beautiful hand-crafted wooden table, or that lovely leather couch is a significant expense on its own. There is no question that nice pieces of furniture add an elegant, modern or rustic aesthetic to your living spaces, and as such you might want them to be the main focal point. But, regardless of if you are buying one stand-alone piece or replacing all the furniture in a room, the cost adds up.

Paint, on the other hand, is less of a financial investment. It still isn’t cheap — it may run you a couple hundred bucks or more, depending on how many rooms you are painting — but it’s definitely more affordable than putting all your money towards a designer chair. And, paint is the easiest way to give your space a new look. Think about what matters most to you, and where you want to spend your money first.

Making Bold Decisions

Have you always loved bright, dynamic colours? Painting accent walls and picking out complementary décor will liven up your space, giving it that extra flare. If you are dead set on painting your bedroom a vibrant teal blue and you’d be happy purchasing furniture later, don’t let others deter you from driving your artistic vision forward. That said, selecting a rich, colour-popping piece of furniture first can provide a similar, eye-catching result without the use of a bold paint. It all depends on your priorities.

However, keep in mind that it is less costly to repaint your walls if you get tired of the bold colour. Returning furniture may not always be an option, as some sales are final, so read the fine print. If you get bored of that bright red sectional, you may end up spending more money replacing it with another one if you can’t switch the upholstery (and even if you can, you’ll still be stuck with that added expense).

Try Before You Buy

Image credit: Etsy Studio

Looking at paint chips or fabric swatches in the store is great, but it won’t help you decide on a colour scheme. Never buy or decide on your colours in-store. Why? Lighting affects everything and brings out colour undertones, which are subtle hues of other colours that pop out underneath the primary colour (also known as a mass tone). Not all colours go well together, and undertones with green or pink, whether it’s in your paint or in your fabric, can be especially hard to match.

When deciding on paint, it’s best to buy a sample and paint a swatch on your wall first. Examine it during different times of day, with the lights on or off, before you commit. With fabric, you can order samples online or ask for some in stores, to help you determine what textures, materials, and colours will work in your space. Mixing and matching fabric and paint swatches in your home is a fun way of figuring out what goes well together, before putting your credit card down.

Find Furniture You Love

Image credit: HomeDIT

Since there are endless colours to choose from when selecting a paint versus fabric, choose the furniture you love that goes with your personal style and tastes. It can be tough to find comfortable couches or chairs if your colour palette is limited based on the paint you chose. So, making the case for purchasing furniture first: focus on comfort, style, whatever aesthetic you prefer, and worry about finding a complementary paint colour afterwards. You definitely won’t be as limited with this approach and can have fun experimenting with the look you want to create. Invest in a piece you enjoy, rather than settling for mediocre furniture to match the walls.

So, what’s the bottom line? There is no right or wrong answer to buying furniture or painting your walls first because it comes down to personal preference and your budget. However, when purchasing furniture first, once you find a paint colour that will work on accentuating or complementing those pieces, be sure to paint your walls before moving your furniture into the space. It’s easier to paint without bulky items in the way, or worrying about buying enough drop-sheets to cover everything properly. Be practical in your approach, and have fun exploring different paint and fabric options when you decide to liven up your space!

www.teambluesky.ca

Easy Ways to Avoid Big Mistakes during Renovations

Jessica Greaves

You’ve decided to take the plunge and move forward with that big home renovation you’ve been dreaming of for years. You’re excited and nervous, but are you prepared? Without proper preparation, your dream reno can quickly become a nightmare. To avoid any big mistakes in your next home renovation, take the time to properly prepare and follow these tips.

1. Is Now The Right Time?

Image courtesy of Connections Academy

When it comes to planning your project, you should consult your calendar first. Think about the kind of work you’re planning on having done and if its compatible with the weather. While a plumber can work in any season, installing brand new windows in every room in your home is a job best done when the weather is temperate. If you’re planning to have this done in January, you may want to reconsider.

In addition to considering weather, you should consider what’s going on in your personal life. Are you planning on going away for vacation while the renovation is going on? Are there any major family holidays happening that you normally host? Check your calendar for any important life events.

2. Know What You’re Getting Into

You don’t have to be an expert, that’s why you hired a professional in the first place, but it doesn’t hurt to know what’s going on and what you can expect. Research is key when you’re planning a major home renovation. Luckily there are countless resources these days to research everything you need to know. Never hired a stucco professional before? No worries — a quick search online will tell you the basics of what you need to know. There’s no need to be an expert in stucco removal, but having a general idea of the process and terms can’t hurt. It also helps to know some key terms when you meet with a potential contractor to discuss the project.

3. Budget

Having the right budget can make or break a project. You don’t want to get half of the work done and realize you’re out of money and only have half of a new roof. This is why planning ahead and keeping track of your budget is so important.

Once you have your budget in place, make sure you stick to it. Don’t spend money you don’t have or plan for additional upgrades you know are way out of your budget. It’s also important to set aside some funds for unexpected costs. Generally 20% of your budget should go to a contingency plan. If nothing goes wrong during your project, you’ll have a little bit of money left to splurge on something nice.

4. Don’t DIY To Save Money

Going the DIY route with the hopes of saving some money can actually lead to additional costs and a longer timeline. While you may think you can easily save a couple extra bucks tearing out your kitchen yourself before the new one is installed, you may accidentally knock out a pipe from your sink and cause a flood you didn’t have before. You’re already investing a big amount of money, but you’ve budgeted for everything so don’t try and cut corners now. Your DIY attempt could turn into an expensive second project you didn’t want in the first place.

5. Hire Smart

Your home is your biggest investment and you want to make sure you hire the right professional for the job. Take the time to get quotes from multiple companies, ask your friends and family, and do your research. HomeStars’ reviews are there to help you learn not only about the type of work done, but also about other homeowners’ experiences with similar projects. Read reviews to better understand what others wish they had known before they started their projects and how they handled things that did not go to plan. Once you’ve found a couple companies you would like to get quotes from, be sure to ask them questions about what the reviewers had mentioned.

6. Communication is Key

There’s a reason this saying has become so cliche. It’s because it’s true. You have to be able to communicate with the company you’ve hired and the workers involved in the project. Don’t be afraid to ask multiple times if you don’t understand something or details are unclear. Will the work be done on the 7th or around the 7th? If you’re concerned about becoming a burden on the project, you can read about how to help your contractor here.

It’s important to communicate your renovation plans to your neighbours, especially if their homes will be impacted by the reno. The last thing you want is your project being held up because your contractor and your neighbour aren’t getting along. Read through this article for tips on how to be a better neighbour during a reno.

7. Make Plans For During The Reno

Image courtesy of Huffington Post

Will you be living at home during the renovation or staying somewhere else? This is a decision that shouldn’t be left last minute. This is why it’s so important to know the timeline of your project and how it will sync up with your personal life. If you plan to stay at home during the reno, make sure you know the crew’s schedule so you are not inadvertently in the way. You’ll also have to make arrangements for any children or pets who are normally at home during the day. There are many moving pieces to a reno and you need to know where you fit in.

8. Be Realistic

It’s important that you’re realistic about your renovation wish list. While you may want a new bathroom, kitchen, and basement right now, your budget and sanity may not allow it. Do not plan to take on more than you can handle. Start small and prioritize your wish list. It’s better to do a little at a time, than taking on one never-ending project. If you’re looking for tips on how to prioritize your home renovations, check out this helpful list.

9. Eyes On The Prize

Going through a renovation is no small feat. While it can be stressful while you’re in the middle of it, don’t give up! Focus on the end result and how happy you’ll be once this is all over. Keep yourself motivated by looking forward to enjoying your newly updated space. Don’t despair and pull the plug halfway through. While you may be annoyed living through a renovation, you’ll be even more upset if your project is left incomplete and your house is still a construction site.

10. Reviews Matter

We may sound like a broken record, but writing a review when the project is done is the final step of a complete renovation. Not only does reviewing the work done help the company, reviews help the entire HomeStars community.

Review when the job is done and pass on the knowledge you’ve obtained. Not everything goes as smoothly as planned, no matter how much we budget or research. Share your learnings with those who are just entering their renovation. What do you wish you had known ahead of time? What could have gone better? Share these tips so that others can benefit from your experiences.

www.teambluesky.ca

Updating your Kitchen Cabinets with Paint

Dan Schaeffar

Have your kitchen cabinets gone from new to vintage to what you consider an eyesore? Does it feel like you should be wearing bell bottoms and a butterfly collar when you’re reaching for a plate? If you said yes, perhaps it’s time to admit your cabinets need a refresh. Getting a new look doesn’t have to set you back thousands of dollars. Instead, consider how paint could transform your kitchen cabinets.

Let’s take a look at when paint works, what colors of paint to use on your cabinets and how to paint your kitchen cabinets yourself.

Julianna Smith

Should You Repaint or Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Before you begin repainting, first analyze the “bones” of your existing cabinets to make sure they are in stable enough condition to repaint. Chipping or cracked wood or water damage are warning signs that they might need to be replaced, not just repainted. Additionally, if the cabinetry does not function well enough for you and your family to use, you may want to also consider replacement. If you determine your cabinets are in good condition but simply need a refresh, you are a prime candidate for cabinet repainting.

Juxtaposed Interiors

Paint Color Considerations

Kitchens are the gathering place in the home, so you want to be sure the overall design is welcoming and reflects the aesthetic of the house. 

For cabinets, many times I find that neutral paint, such as white, beige and gray, will give your kitchen a welcoming and clean look.

Marvin Windows and Doors

You can also paint in more than one color to reflect your style. The island is a great place to bring in a bright or moody color. This will turn the island into a focal point. 

Lorin Hill, Architect

Another option is using two-tone combinations to add a little bit of drama and contrast. When incorporating a two-tone color design, always be sure to anchor the kitchen by using the darker color on the bottom cabinet and lighter on top.

Pro tip. I’ve used paint colors like Benjamin Moore’s North Sea on the bottom portion of the cabinets and then Meadow Mist on top, or Sherwin-Williams’ Cityscape below and Alabaster above. 

DF Design Build

How to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Going the DIY route will most likely save you money, but it will take some time and patience. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to repaint your cabinets and have them looking great again.

www.blesserhouse.com

1. Prep kitchen and painting area. First things first: Protect your floor from dripping paint with cardboard or cloths.

2. Dismantle cabinets. Remove the cabinet doors and front parts of drawers as well as any knobs, hinges, latches and other hardware with a screwdriver. Make sure to keep the hardware and cabinets organized and easy to locate for reassembling at the end of the project.

Pro tip. Use a pencil to number your cabinet drawers and doors for easy reassembly.

3. Clean everything. Scrub all parts of the cabinets to remove any contaminants from cooking or otherwise. Some options include a chemical cleaner such as a TSP substitute or several drops of dish detergent in a half-filled bucket of water. Alternatively, use a couple tablespoons of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of water.

www.diynetwork.com

4. Sand. Smooth out the cabinet surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper and clean them with a clean tack cloth. Then, vacuum away any dust as best as possible to ensure a clean surface. 

Pro tip. You don’t need to sand all the way to the bare wood, as some preexisting paint can remain on the cabinet prior to repainting.

www.diynetwork.com

5. Apply first coat. Apply a coat of primer-sealer to all of the cabinet’s doors and siding. This will ensure the paint bonds well to the wood. 

The best options for primer include a shellac-based primer, such as B-I-N, or an oil-based primer. Both of these will also help to prevent darker wood from showing through. 

If necessary, a second coat of primer can also be applied. 

Pro tip. You’ll want to sand between coats of primer as well as between coats of paint.

www.familyhandyman.com

6. Paint with a top option. When choosing the paint, you want to make sure you use premium-quality paint. Many pros recommend Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, which come in a variety of finish options. Although this paint is more expensive, you don’t want to skimp out on the paint quality, especially if you are going the DIY route.

7. Paint again. Repaint the cabinets with a brush, followed by a foam roller to ensure there are no visible brush marks. 

Make sure to paint the doors and drawers outside to mitigate the amount of fumes circulating in your home. 

Pro tip. If you have a little more room in your budget, consider using a professional spray gun. A specialist at your local hardware store can recommend the right tool for your needs.

papac media AB

8. Finish up. Reattach the doors and reinstall drawers once the paint has dried completely.

Then, reconnect everything with a screwdriver, which should be simple if you organized the hardware when first removing it.

Sustainable Kitchens

If you’re unsure how to inspect or paint your cabinets, consider hiring a professional for the job. Regardless of who is doing the work, good luck with your kitchen update and happy remodeling!

www.teambluesky.ca