Patio Furniture

It is time to buy patio furniture. This is always when spring officially starts for me. I spend a few weeks checking out everyone and all the new styles. I need to find the perfect set. I put more care into buying patio furniture than I did picking my couch. But then, my couch didn't need to match my ever changing garden!

My patio furniture needs to do double duty. I work outside in the summer. I need something that will keep my back in a healthy position - and let me relax.

Avoid a Home Renovation Nightmare

I wish I had read this story before we bought our house. We might not have bought it.

"Renovations are notorious for growing and changing as the project keeps moving along," renovator and Kelrek Services boss Alvin Epp told those at the seminar.

"There's always something in a renovation that doesn't seem to work quite the way you want."

Looking to turn hiccups into screwups? Here's some guidance from professionals at the seminar.

Support underground economy

Cash deals that lack liability insurance and WorkSafe B.C. coverage put homeowners at enormous risk, home builders association CEO Peter Simpson said.

"Without a building permit and the requisite inspections, you're really exposing yourself," Simpson said. "If anything goes to court, you, as the homeowner, are deemed to be the contractor."

Canadians Spent 20b on Renovations

Canadians Spent 20b on Renovations in 2007. That is almost an unbelievable number. This isn't home building - just fixing up things.

Canadians were in a home renovation mood in 2007, with a survey showing that an estimated 1.5 million households in 10 major cities across the country completed renovations last year that cost an average of more than $12,800.

"Close to $19.7 billion was spent on renovations in 2007 across the 10 major centres surveyed - an increase of more than $2 billion compared to 2006," said Bob Dugan, chief economist at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the agency that commissioned the survey.

Skate Shoes

I guess it doesn't take a wiz to realize that skate shoes can damage flooring. What I didn't realize is how much. It is a good thing that we haven't put down our floors.

The kids love these shoes. There is a wheel in the heel. When the child wants they can skate across the floor. This is great - outside. My daughter wants a pair...everyone has them. I will get a pair for her - as long as she uses them outside.

Alleged home-renovation scam

A 46-year-old Brantford man has been charged with fraud after police received a number of complaints from seniors about a home-renovation scam.

The seniors' concerns were about prices paid, quality of work and sales tactics used by a handyman.

Police started an investigation after receiving several complaints from St. Catharines residents in early April.

Donald Clark, 46, of Brantford has been charged with with one count of fraud over $5,000, extortion and intimidation.

The Niagara Regional Police fraud unit charged Clark on Thursday.

Police are reminding the public, particularly seniors, to use caution when hiring a contractor.

Police say seniors and vulnerable members of the community are often targeted by crooks offering renovation services door-to-door.

The public is urged to obtain a number of estimates and speak with references.

- Standard Staff

Can You Believe it?

Can you believe that they are still making buildings like this? I wouldn't even want to guess at the cost, or how much time it took to finish it. I lifted this picture from a advertisement for an architectural competition. I'm having a hard enough time finding the time and money to fix up our own little home.

Swimwear

I mentioned that we've been looking at pools. I came up with another reason why I don't want a pool. I'd have to buy swimwear. I don't look like an 18 year old anymore. I'd have to look online and get some suits designed for larger women before I would even consider it. I know I can find them. It is just something that takes a while...I must have just the right suite.

I don't want something that I'd wear to the local community pool, not for my back yard. I want something that I'll feel comfortable in with guests around.