Living with your Cat or Dog in a Condominium

Leslie Andrechuck

Not surprising more and more urban Canadians are choosing condominium over single family home ownership. According to the 2011 Statistics Canada survey, Vancouver has the highest percentage of condominium households at 31.4%, with Calgary coming in second at 20.4% and Toronto sitting at third with 18.7% of residents living in a condo.

Without a doubt, market fluctuations and localized real estate insanity in key markets such as Toronto and Vancouver have only served to make condo ownership more attractive to many segments of the population since 2011. In fact, according to RealNet, an astonishing 57% of new homes that sold in the Toronto area in 2014 were condos.

And since people love their pets, they obviously also want to be able to live with them in their condominiums. In fact, so large is the demand that an informal study by Toronto’s CityPlace development pegged the number of dogs at seven per floor. Smart condo developers are now offering common elements to attract pet owners such as pet spas, doggy daycares and doggy bathrooms, so if you’re a pet lover, look for these developments as you continue your search.

Living with a pet in a condo does however have its challenges. It’s critical to be aware of certain factors that may limit or indeed totally restrict your pet ownership. It’s also important to seek ways to improve your living arrangements with your pet as cleanliness, outdoor access and close neighbours can make life challenging if creative solutions are not thought through.

Let’s start at the beginning. If you’re moving into a new condo and have a pet or are thinking of getting one, make sure you ask the following:

• Are pets allowed?
  • If not, best to consider moving on, not moving in. Knowingly moving into a building that has bylaws in place the do not allow pets can cause you a lot of money and heartache in the end – best to avoid
• If so, how many pets are allowed?
• Is there a weight restriction?
• If you have a dog, is their an off-leash park near your new dwelling?
• Is there a green space very close to your condo to take your dog for quick bathroom trips?

Don’t just assume that seeing a tenant with two large dogs in the elevator means that you can have large dogs, or more than one. Older buildings will often have grandfathered rules and bylaw changes, so make sure you inform yourself about your tenant rights before you move in.

Once you’ve made certain that you can move into your new place with your furry family members, next trick is to optimize your lives. Dogs and cats have different challenges when living in condominiums, so let’s break it down.

Dogs

Toronto condo dweller Madelaine Gileadi has two dogs and lives in a high-rise on the lakeshore in Toronto. Here’s some advice she has for dog owners who are considering condominium living.

1. Always check your condo rules to see if there are any restrictions on what kind of pets/dogs and how many. Condo rules trump city rules for owners.
2. Make sure you go to your condo board meeting! This is when amendments to rules are made – last year, someone tried to pass a rule in Madelaine’s building that all pets had to be carried through the common elements – impossible for the elderly, those with disabilities or large dog owners. It was voted down, but you must participate to have a say.
3. Research vets and emergency vets in the area…since it’s a fairly unregulated industry reading reviews helps a lot!
4. Small breeds (15 lbs and less), most of whom can
   

   
   
   get their exercise indoors are the best for condos. Madelaine and her partner have a bichon-shih tzu mix who doesn’t need exercise, in fact he hates it. Playing indoors is enough, and he loves laying out on the balcony. They do take him out for short walks approx 10-15 min three times a day.
5. Madelaine also has a slightly larger dog (30 lbs) who does need a lot of exercise…in his case, we made sure to buy a condo a short distance from an off leash dog park. Off lease dog parks are great for when you get home from work exhausted but your dog has sooo much energy. They can run around and you can take a seat and relax.
6. In terms of walking your dog, Madelaine and her partner realized after they bought that most of the green spaces around their condo were off limits to dogs which makes it tricky for the late night, last walk before bed. You should also ask other dog owners in the building, before buying, where the best spots are to walk your dog. Madelaine found out through word of mouth too late that there are coyotes who attacked another dog, in the only walkable area adjacent to the building.
7. Baby gates are your friends for keeping your barking and anxious dogs away from the front door.
8. Because a condo is traditionally a smaller space, setting a designated space for your pet that gives them the most visibility will lessen any anxiety.
9. If you can afford to, replace your balcony door with one that has a doggy door (our dogs love going in and out at their leisure). Cats would love this too and in a condo you don’t have to worry about other, unwanted creatures coming in such as raccoons.

Cats

Cats are the ideal condo pet. They don’t need to go outside for exercise, are absolutely fastidious and like nothing more than to lounge around and sleep in the sun. If you’re a traveller, it’s simple and inexpensive for someone to come into your home to clean the litter and ensure your cat has food and water while you are gone. Also, cats do not bother neighbours as they do not go outside, make no noise and never visit common areas.

No matter how much you love your cats however, dealing with smelly cat pee and poo on a daily basis is a downright well…bummer, particularly in a condominium. Managing odour in a small space, and the litter underfoot is a constant battle. The best way to deal with the smell is to scoop the cat’s litter every day and keep the area clean. As for the litter creep and the unpleasant visual aspect associated with seeing your cats’ waste in common living areas, there are other strategies to deal with this.

In a condo, every square foot counts, so it’s important to think deeply about where to put the litter box. Most people don’t want the litter area to be in visual sight (for hygiene reasons as well, especially if you have kids or other pets), so areas such as living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are off-limits. This restricts your choices to bathrooms, and other spaces that you can use inventively.

Many people have built custom solutions that are pretty cool. Check here to find a cabinetmaker in your area if you don’t have the tools or wherewithal to make your own custom piece. Alternatively, you can look into purchasing cat litter box furniture. Either solution will hide your cats’ litter in attractive furniture, as well as minimize the spread of litter throughout your condo.

Please leave comments with your tips and tricks about how you deal with your pets while enjoying condo living. Good luck with your choice of condominium!

www.teambluesky.ca

Common Myths About the Fall Real Estate Market

There is nothing like lounging on a patio, enjoying the long lazy days of summer with a cold drink in your hand, and myths about the fall real estate market a distant thought. The sounds of children playing in the yard floats through the air, and the sidewalks are full of happy couples strolling through the neighbourhood, taking the time to get to know their neighbours a little better. Before long, the highlights of summer will come crashing down, and your days will be full of back to school shopping, carpooling to sporting events, and re-organizing your sweater collection.

On top of that, new homebuyers and sellers have the added difficulty of navigating the current real estate market with the myths about the fall real estate market floating around. While we hope you are reading this while soaking up everything summer has to offer, because it won’t be long before the tips below will become very handy.

1.) Summer is Over, Why Bother with Curb Appeal?

In a few weeks, summer will come to a screeching halt, but that doesn’t mean the extra attention the exterior of your home has been receiving has to come to an end as well. Make sure your fall curb appeal is exactly where it needs to be by ensuring walkways and gutters are free of leaves and debris, and ensure your lawn is always mowed. With unexpected weather the fall months can bring, keeping your trees neatly trimmed will ensure fallen branches don’t make your yard appear messy and unkempt.

2.) People Spend More Time Indoors, So Focus Your Attention There

Just because fall doesn’t have the heat of the summer, doesn’t mean people stay indoors. With the beauty the changing leaves and crisp fall air has to offer, some people actually enjoy spending time outdoors in the fall more than they do in the summer. Celebrate the season with seasonal home décor around the holidays that will attract potential buyers by making your house feel more like a home.

3.) The Weather is Cold, and So is Your Home

When summer inevitably comes to an end, the first sign will be the plummeting temperatures outdoors. Just because it’s cooler outdoors doesn’t mean your home décor needs to reflect that! Consider a fresh coat of paint in a warmer shade, and don’t be afraid to bring the temperature up a couple degrees to make your guests feel comfortable. If you don’t want to make a large change, a few additions like cozy pillows or throws can go a long way in cozying up your home décor for the cooler months.

4.) The Price Doesn’t Have to be Quite Right

The biggest mistake you can make when selling in the fall is pricing it incorrectly. The first thing you should do is understand the importance of working with a real estate professional, and from there, how to choose the right one for you. Working with a professional will help you ensure your home is priced correctly for the fall market.

5.) Once It Sells, You’re Done!

The paper’s are signed, and the deal is done, so all you have to do is pack up and move, right? Not quite! Leading up to the holidays, everyone is very busy which means you may have issues finding time to pack, finding a company to help you move, or even finding family and friends who would normally be able to lend a helping hand. To eliminate these issues, plan ahead! Make sure your moving date is scheduled firm in everyone’s calendar, and plan ahead to ensure you aren’t left without a solution if someone is forced to back out. A stress free move will make the world of a difference in the first couple days in your new home.

Now that you know the common myths about the fall real estate market, you may have a bit more to think about this summer! Take this time to enjoy everything summer has to offer, but tackle small projects on this list to ensure there are no surprises when fall roles around and the iconic red, white, and blue for sale sign is standing proudly on.

www.teambluesky.ca

10 Things your Pool Man (or Women) wants you to know

Jaimie Weibe

Considering diving into the wild and wet world of pool ownership? Congrats! But here’s the reality: You can’t just stock up on sunscreen and pool noodles and call it a day.

That’s right—in order to enjoy your outdoor oasis, you’ll need to get involved. Whether you’re buying a home with an existing pool or installing your own, there’s a lot to learn about keeping your watery refuge safe, up to code, and well-maintained.

Luckily for you, your pool contractor is there to help with the big things and the tiny details alike. But first, you need to do some homework. Before jumping into the deep end, here are 10 things your pool contractor wishes you knew about your hot-weather haven.

1. Avoid old pools

If you’re looking to buy a home with an existing in-ground pool, start by asking when that watering hole was built—and if the answer is “before 1980,” reconsider.

“The construction standards of the pools before this time were questionable, and if that pool needs work, replacement parts are hard to find,” says Brad Spaidal, a pool contractor and owner of Rideau Pools in Ottawa.

If you’re determined to buy the house, make sure to get a thorough inspection from a contractor familiar with older pools. Just don’t be surprised if the inspection turns up a wallet’s worth of problems.

“Most of these pools need a little—or, in some cases, a lot—of work to bring them up to operational standards,” Spaidal says.

2. Your fencing might not be up to snuff…

Your local municipality will have strict regulations for backyard pools, so before installing your own (or purchasing an existing pool), make sure your outdoor space is legally suitable.

This might include building a new fence or installing self-closing, self-latching gates.

“Just because there is a chain-link fence buried inside a 6-foot-wide hedge on the property does not mean that it is up to code,” Spaidal says. (In fact, if you purchase a home with hedging, you may be forced to remove it so contractors can replace or repair the fencing.)

3. … and your yard might not be, either

Even if your yard is code-compliant, your space still may not be pool-worthy.

Contractors need at least 7 feet of “clear access to the backyard” in order to bring in the necessary excavation equipment, Spaidal says. Using smaller machines may be possible, but it will probably increase your costs. Maybe by a lot.

If your property backs up to a drainage ditch, a pool may not be an option—especially if there’s an easement. A drastic change in elevation in your backyard (think: cascading soil as torrential rain falls) can be another major problem, which requires constructing an expensive retaining wall to build the pool.

4. Maintenance sucks, but your health and safety depend on it

If your epically annoying neighbors can manage to maintain their pool, anyone can—including you. But there’s still a lot to learn. No, it’s not fun. But it’s not exactly quantum physics, either. You can do this.

“One of the biggest surprises of pool ownership is usually all the maintenance required to keep the water pristine,” Spaidal says. “The regular addition of chlorine and the balancing required takes a lot of time.”

Please, Mr.

So work with your pool pro to determine the correct settings for your salt chlorinator, and make sure to test the chlorine and pH levels regularly to fine-tune your settings.

Note: The main goal here isn’t just about achieving that crystal-blue shade of water. If you do this wrong and the pH is too low, you run the risk of irritating your skin and eyes as well as other health hazards. If the pH is too high, it can stop chlorine and other disinfectants from working. And that’s just gross, not to mention dangerous.

And while keeping swimmers healthy is your main priority, there are other things that are at risk in a badly maintained pool: All the delicate, expensive equipment will suffer if the chlorine and pH levels aren’t kept in check, possibly cutting your pool’s life span by a quarter—or more.

Most homeowners spend $84 to $278 a week on pool maintenance—and that’s not just the cost of doing wizardry with your chemicals. You also have to factor in the work (and equipment costs) of vacuuming, cleaning filters, brushing the pool walls, and winterizing the pool (if you live in a cold climate.)

5. You have to mix your chemicals

Sure, it’s easier to simply dump the chemicals into the pool en masse and call it a summer day (or night!)—but Spaidal says doing so is “the biggest maintenance mistake that [he’s] seen.”

Chemicals are heavier than water, so without mixing, they’ll settle uselessly at the bottom of the pool. Not only does that make your maintenance less effective, but it can bleach or damage your liner.

Spaidal recommends adding chemicals near your pool’s return jet and turning the pump on high speed to properly mix the pool water. Or if your pump is off, you can thoroughly mix the water using your pole and brush.

6. Consider saltwater

Does all of that maintenance sound like a major drag? Well, there’s another option. Saltwater pools are undergoing a renaissance—and not just for cruise ships.

“Most people find that having a saltwater pool reduces the work of owning a pool by around 90%,” Spaidal says. “The water also feels much better and there are less red eyes compared to a chlorine-only pool.”

If you’re worried about your new pool feeling … well, salty, don’t. Expect it to have roughly one-tenth the salt content of the ocean.

And the benefits go beyond ease of maintenance: Experts suggest that owners of saltwater pools can save between $300 and $400 per year on chlorine.

7. Pools are an energy suck

Your pool can increase your home’s energy output by a whopping 49%. Panicking about that electric bill? Buy a variable speed pump to lessen the blow.

Equipped with a programmable timer, these pumps allow owners to adjust the speed depending on the time of day, letting your pool do the pumping whenever energy rates are lowest.

“These allow the pool owner to save anywhere from 50% to 90% on their previous pumps’ electricity usage,” Spaidal says.

8. Sunshine can be a bad thing

Sure, it’s great for the swimmers in your pool. Not so much for the water.

“In periods of hot, sunny weather, it will be necessary to keep an even closer eye on your chlorine level,” Spaidal says.

UV light causes a reaction in chlorine that diminishes its ability to remove bacteria and pathogens. Sunlight—and the resulting low chlorine levels—can lead to algae bloom, which turns your water murky and green and is a pain to eliminate. In order to keep your pool safe in the sunshine, Spaidal recommends using a stabilizer additive called cyanuric acid. When it bonds with the chlorine, it helps reduce the negative effects of UV light.

9. Beware of chlorine alternatives

If you’re looking to ditch the chlorine, you might consider alternative sanitization methods such as mineral ionizers, UV lights, and ozone generators.

“They’re a great addition to the backyard pool owner’s arsenal of ways to combat bacteria and keep the water clean and fresh,” Spaidal says.

But don’t kid yourself: They aren’t a replacement for chlorine, still the best way to destroy all the dangerous pathogens that flourish in the water. Many local governments even mandate a minimum amount of chlorine for your pool, no matter what alternatives you’re using.

10. You can go to ‘pool school’

Anxious owners should check with their local pool shops to see if they have a “pool school” to teach you the basics.

“Usually, within a few weeks of owning their new pool, people have everything dialed in,” Spaidal says. “After a short learning curve, (pool owners) are able to relax, sit back in their lounge chair, enjoy their new pool, and create some fun family memories for years to come.” We’ll take our margarita on the rocks, no salt, please. Enjoy the summer!

www.teambluesky.ca

REMAX CANADA Spring Trends 2016

NATIONAL SUMMARY Vancouver and Toronto continued to see significant price appreciation in the first quarter of the year. Greater Vancouver’s average residential sale price in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the same period in 2015 rose 24 per cent, while single-family homes in the city of Vancouver crossed the $2 million threshold. In the Greater Toronto Area, the average residential sale price during the first quarter rose 14 per cent to $675,492. The competition in both Vancouver and Toronto among buyers has discouraged sellers from listing their properties, thus further reducing inventory. While sellers know their homes would be quick to sell, many are reluctant to become buyers themselves and enter the highly competitive market. Also, some potential sellers are hesitant to list their homes believing that home prices could appreciate further. However, not all Canadians can wait out the housing market as many are relying on their homes as a source of retirement income. According to a recent RE/MAX poll conducted by Leger, 56 per cent of Canadians 55-64 who are considering selling their homes are doing so to release equity for retirement. 

Outside of Vancouver and Toronto, surrounding regions continue to experience a spillover effect as buyers move farther out in search of affordable single-family homes. This has led to significant price appreciation in regions such as Victoria (+10%), Hamilton-Burlington (+10%) and Barrie (+14%). The population growth in these regions, driven by housing demand, is growing local economies as restaurants, shops and services expand. 

In Canadian cities that have experienced an economic slowdown due to the low price of oil, two factors have been mitigating the short-term economic effects. Calgary, for example, has a diversified economy after years of population growth, while Edmonton and St. John’s are benefiting from numerous capital projects in the region including infrastructure investments and continued investments from the oil industry. 

Other areas of the country have benefited from the return of workers who had left for employment opportunities in the West. Regions that for years have seen many of their young working population look to Alberta for employment have started to see that trend reverse. In Atlantic Canada, young people from outside the urban centres who would have moved west several years ago are now going to cities such as Halifax, which is having a positive effect on those economies. 

This trend is notable in Southern Ontario, where manufacturing cities are able to provide good employment opportunities as a result of the low Canadian dollar. Windsor, which once had one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada, is now trending below the national average. 

In Canadian housing markets where prices have softened, construction has also slowed to align with decreased demand. This is expected to stabilize prices as population growth catches up to inventory levels. Canada is on track to welcome approximately 300,000 new permanent residents this year: the highest number since 1913.



www.teambluesky.ca

May To-Do List

Laura Gaskill

With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day coming up this month, there is plenty of incentive to get those outdoor spaces ready to entertain. Tick these 10 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good stuff: hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savoring the season.

Rikki Snyder

Save

Email

Paint or stain your home’s exterior. Longer days and generally milder weather makes May a good month to schedule house painting. If your home has a wood-shingled exterior, replace any damaged shingles and have a fresh coat of stain applied if needed. 

Check exterior lighting. Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

Emerick Architects

Save

Email

Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures. Keeping an eye on these areas can help prevent costly water damage and repairs later on. Regrout or caulk around counters and tile as needed. If you come across any slow leaks, have these repaired as well.

Check safety devices. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.

alison giese Interiors

Save

Email

Clean scuff marks and touch up paint. Use a product like Magic Eraser to remove scuff marks from walls and baseboards. Touch up paint as needed on interior walls and trim.

Alison Kandler Interior Design

Save

Email

Deep clean the laundry room. Run the washing machine with specialty tub cleaner (or with vinegar for a natural solution) on a hot water cycle. Wipe the rubber rim inside the door of the washer and dryer and remove lint from the dryer vent with a vent brush or vacuum attachment. Clean countertops, mop floors and restock supplies.

Kennerknecht Design Group

Save

Email

Refresh bedrooms. Rotate the mattresses on all beds and flip over if possible. Dust nightstands, lamps, headboard, blinds and decor. Swap heavy duvets for lighter weight bedding for the warmer months.

Erin Sander Design

Save

Email

Prep picnic supplies. This is the season for alfresco feasts. Be ready for impromptu picnics by sorting through your outdoor dining supplies at the start of the season and keeping a basket of essentials within easy reach. A cheese knife, small cutting board, bottle opener, blanket and set of outdoor dishes and cups should see you through many a picnic.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Save

Email

Clean and prep your grill. Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grill tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed.

Romanelli & Hughes Custom Home Builders

Save

Email

Add a relaxing porch feature. Make your porch an inviting place to relax and hang out with the addition of a porch swing, rocking chairs or a glider. Too much sun? Crisp white outdoor curtains provide shade and look chic. Just add a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade, and you’ll be ready to savor the season in style.

www.teambluesky.ca

Cities of Canada

PROUD TO HAVE LIVED IN SEVERAL OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CANADIAN CITIES!

April's To-Do List around the House

Laura Gaskill

With lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. From windows that sparkle to a clutter-free garage, here are 13 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring.

Strand Design

Save

Email

Clean gutters and downspouts. Having your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned (and repaired if necessary) is one of the first important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.

Wash siding. Using a regular garden hose, attach a siding cleaning kit (available at most home improvement stores) to clear away winter grime from your home’s siding.

One Girl Interiors

Save

Email

Spruce up the front porch. Clean the porch floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from the ceiling and high corners. Lay down a fresh doormat and plant a pot of flowers. If you have porch furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions.

Inspect paths and driveway.Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your driveway and paths for cracks and schedule repairs as needed.

Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Save

Email

Boost curb appeal. Spring is a wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes— like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact. If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring, boosting curb appeal can help lure in potential buyers, making it especially important.

Jamie Keskin Design

Save

Email

Wash windows. Welcome the spring sunshine by clearing dirt and grime from windows inside and out. After cleaning the glass, take an extra moment to wipe the sill.

Check screen doors and windows for tears. Before putting up window screens and screen doors, inspect each one for holes and rips — even small tears can let in mosquitoes! If you find any holes, pick up a screen patch kit (available at most hardware stores) and repair them.

Studio McGee

Save

Email

Clear clutter. Create more space in your home by clearing out unloved items. If you have a lot to get rid of, set a date to hold a yard sale. Or contact a local charity to schedule a pickup — some will send a truck free of charge if you’re donating large items like furniture. If you have a lot of one type of item (for example, books or baby clothes), look for a consignment shop in your town where you may be able to sell them.

Schedule cooling-system maintenance. If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools better, uses less energy and lasts longer.

Organized Living

Save

Email

Clean the garage. Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

B. Jane Gardens

Save

Email

Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Don’t let the first sign you have a malfunctioning irrigation system be a drooping garden! Take the time this month to test each part and adjust or repair as needed.

Keep mosquitoes at bay. Having warmer weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Any open containers (empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow) can become mosquito-breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items like these upside down or in a shed.

Westover Landscape Design, Inc.

Save

Email

Maintain wood decks and fences. Keep outdoor woodwork in top shape by staining or resealing each spring. Check gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and make repairs as needed.

www.teambluesky.ca