WIRED OR WIRELESS?

Pulling cyberspace into the home can be a daunting experience for those not familiar with terms such as 801, 12a, b, g and n Wi-Fi; Cat-5 Ethernet cables and Gigabit routers. For the average Canadian just wanting to set up a simple home network, it can all be a bit overwhelming.

Fortunately, the debate over wired versus wireless home networks is easy to resolve. Deciding which option to choose is "really all about choice and how a family uses their Internet," said Chris Fudge, HP Canada's vice-president of consumer business. "Both options have benefits and drawbacks, so the choice really comes down to personal preferences and factors like installation, cost, reliability, performance needs and security."

Let's talk tech: A wired network uses Cat-5 cables to physically link computers, a broadband modem (for connecting to the Web), a router, and perhaps Internet-capable TVs, game consoles and Internet radios (audio devices that tune to Web-based radio stations). In contrast, a wireless network uses radio waves to link these devices. Each device transmits and receives signals over the air. This is why setting a password on the wireless router — the electronic gatekeeper that manages and controls the network — is a must. A password keeps out intruders, just as a front-door lock keeps out burglars.

Because a wired network uses physical cabling that is immune to wireless hackers, it is more secure than wireless. Wired networks also move data much faster than wireless networks can, are more stable and have more carrying capacity. These capabilities matter if you want to stream high-definition movies from your home computer to your HDTV set, said Ted Kritsonis, spokesman for online retailer NewEgg.ca."Unless your wireless-connected TV is really close to your wireless router, the signals can experience dropout," he said. "This makes your video stop and start, an effect known as stuttering."

Given that wired networks are operationally superior to wireless networks, why would anyone want to go wireless? One reason is mobility: "With a wireless network, you can move around the house with your laptop and stay connected," said Darryl Rosenfeldt, director of Future Shop's ConnectPro installation services division. "A wired network forces you to stay wherever the Cat-5 cable connections are."

Wireless networks are also easy to add new devices to. With a wired network, you have to literally run a new cable from the router to the new device. This means either having cables running along the floor, or opening up the walls and building them in. In contrast, adding a new wireless device is easy: Just turn it on, connect to the wireless router, enter in the password, and presto: You're on the home network!

On the negative side, wireless networks are prone to performance issues due to radio interference. Warning: The more people who use wireless in your neighbourhood, the more likely your network performance will slow down due to interfering signals. In some areas of North America, the airwaves are becoming so congested that wireless networking isn't practical. Add the fact that some wireless networks run on the same radio bands as baby monitors and cordless phones, and the chances for interference are very real.

http://www.househunting.ca/montreal/decorating/Wired+wireless/4826763/story.html

How Do You Spell Curb Appeal?

It doesn't matter if you're just starting out in a new home, thinking about selling, or staying put - buffing up the curb appeal of your house is an absolute must. How your home looks from the outside is the first impression viewers get of who lives inside.

And real estate agents will tell you when it comes to selling, there is no bigger turn-off than a messy front yard or sad-looking front door.

We gathered sage advice from area gardening and home professionals to help you spruce up the front of your house.

Clean up: The cheapest way to put a shine on the old address is to grab the rake and get busy.

Weed, trim edges for a clean appearance and prune and shape overgrown bushes. Snip off lower branches of pines for a good neat factor.

Add mulch or stones under cedars and around flower beds. Just like a new haircut, you will feel lighter by the end of the day.

Urban choices: Most of us live in the city, be it a tight bit of city bliss or in a suburb where neighbours are within touching distance. Choose trees carefully, says Trevor Cullen, co-owner of Cullen Landscaping on March Road.

Look for compact trees, including the Canadian Serviceberry or the Japanese Silk Lilac, suited to smaller urban lots. They will grow to 4.5 metres (15 feet). If you desperately love maples, be sure they are planted at least 12 metres (40 feet) from your house, says Cullen.

Smart Planting for the dry days of summer

Ewan MacKenzie has his eye on the weather. He sees that heavy rain is in the forecast, but he also knows things are going to change.

Summer is coming and just as sure as there are puddles everywhere in spring, there will be parched earth and thirsty gardens once we get a string of sunny days.

“Eighty per cent of the year we have a problem getting rid of water here,” says MacKenzie, co-owner of Exemplar Horticulture, of Abbotsford.

“And yet, come summer, we are all on watering restrictions. We can get 60 to 100 inches of rain a year and the same area can be bone dry in summer. It sounds a little crazy but that is the reality in many gardens.”

MacKenzie thinks the answer for many gardeners looking for a low-maintenance landscape is to make better use of drought-tolerant plants — ones that are hardy enough to survive the cold and wet of winter, provided soil is well drained, and capable of flourishing with minimal watering through the overheated days of summer.

“When most people think of drought-tolerant gardens, they think of adobe buildings and cactus, which is totally false.

“That may be the case in Southern California or Arizona, but there are a lot of areas here in B.C. where people have drought problems, such as on the Gulf Islands, where many people don’t have their own water supply and have to harvest rainwater from their roof.”

When MacKenzie moved from Scotland to Abbotsford 16 years ago, he was surprised to find a total ban on watering lawns.

“That really drove it home to me that we have got to be more creative in our use of plants. Now we are going to have water metering. There has never been a more important time to concentrate on getting the right drought-tolerant plant in the right place.”

MacKenzie is one of the main suppliers of ornamental grasses in Western Canada, sending drought-tolerant species to the B.C. Interior as well as into Alberta.

He uses the terms “drought-tolerant gardening” and “smart gardening” interchangeably; to him, they are one of the same.




http://www.househunting.ca/montreal/Homes-and-Gardens/Smart+planting+days+summer/4827058/story.html

Designer Karen Hall says bungalows are making a comeback......

"Modern cottage" is the term interior designer Karen Hall uses to describe her renovated Wildwood bungalow.
Bathed in white and light, it conjures up casual summer holidays by the lake, with the amenities of a city. But for all its simplicity, the inviting home has flair.
"It's very European. I mix a lot of old with new," says Hall, owner of CIRCA Interior Designs. "I like the comforts of modern but I love big puffy furniture and old chippy things."
Her sink-down comfy white Montauk sofa sits next to an industrial coffee table made from an old factory conveyor belt topped with glass. It's but one example of "eclectic" in a house where antique wardrobes hold new white linens and a modern kitchen, shiny with stainless steel appliances and Italian marble floors and counters, stands beside a dining room with a primitive farm table, antique chairs and a stunning chandelier.
"That's a personal weakness of mine," says Hall about her nine vintage chandeliers from Sweden, France and Italy.
"I love age. It's like our own wrinkles. It's character. It's history. It tells a story."

http://www.househunting.ca/montreal/Buying-Homes/Designer+Karen+Hall+says+bungalows+making+comeback/4809324/story.html

Buyers Say No To Fixer Uppers

In the overheated housing market of five years ago, buyers often felt they had to accept homes in woeful condition. But these days, most look at "as-is" properties and say, "No thanks."

Photograph by: Thinkstock, Postmedia News

In the overheated housing market of five years ago, buyers often felt they had to accept homes in woeful condition. But these days, most look at "as-is" properties and say, "No thanks."

"I try to stay away from things that need a lot of work," said Michael Lisa of Chestnut Ridge, New York., who is searching for a home in New Jersey.

"Buyers will tolerate nothing," said Maria Rini, a Re/Max agent in Oradell, N.J. A recent Coldwell banker survey found that 87 per cent of first-time buyers said a move-in-ready home is important to them.

"This is absolutely the story of this market. It seems buyers will pay a premium, engage in a bidding war and even overpay just to avoid buying a 'project' house," said Beth Freed of Terrie O'Connor Realtors in Ridgewood, N.J.

As a result, real estate agents strongly advise sellers to fix up their homes for quicker and more profitable sales.

For example, when Kate Conover recently listed a Franklin Lakes, N.J., colonial, she encouraged the seller to replace the roof and driveway, repair ceilings, rip up carpets and paint interiors.

Paying contractors to do the work cost almost $40,000, but Conover estimated it added well over $100,000 to the asking price.

"There is no question homes that have been spruced up for the market sell quicker," said Conover, a Re/Max agent.

But she recommended against major renovations - such as replacing the kitchen and baths. Most agents agree with that philosophy, saying sellers shouldn't risk spending more than they'll get back in the sale price. That's especially true with major kitchen and bath renovations because they're so much a matter of taste.

"No matter what you do, it may not be the buyer's choice anyway," said Antoinette Gangi, a Re/Max agent in Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

On the other hand, agents say that major maintenance and safety issues - such as underground oil tanks and leaky roofs - must be dealt with before the home goes on the market, because buyers are unwilling to take them on.

Beyond those kinds of headaches, sellers can make a big difference with simple and relatively inexpensive fixes: painting the walls, getting rid of clutter and pulling up carpets to show the hardwood floors.

And spruce up the front yard and entryway to make a good first impression. In the same vein, Gangi recommends painting the front door if it's looking tired.

"Curb appeal is very important, and the front door is the first thing you see," Gangi said.

Getting rid of clutter (as part of an overall deep cleaning) is probably the most cost-effective step, agents say. When sellers resist this advice, Rini reminds them they'll have to pack up their stuff when they move anyway.

"You've got to clean it out sometime; if you do it now, it's going to benefit you financially," she said.

http://www.househunting.ca/montreal/Buying-Homes/Buyers+fixer+uppers/4731318/story.html

http://www.househunting.ca/montreal/Buying-Homes/Buyers+fixer+uppers/4731318/story.html

Fall Preparation
- Don't "Fall" into the Season Without Preparing Your Home Getting your home ready for the cooler weather
Proper maintenance of your home and garden will help preserve your investment. And best of all, keeping your house in tip-top shape this fall will prevent any unnecessary chores in the spring.
Outdoor Projects
- Complete exterior painting before cooler weather arrives
- Check and repair exterior lighting before daylight fades
- Store lawn ornaments and patio furniture in a shed or basement. If space is limited, weather-resistant covers can protect outdoor furnishings
- Cover air conditioner and barbecue to prevent winter damage
- Close your pool before leaves start to fall, and nighttime temperatures begin to drop. Sooner than that and you risk an algae bloom
- Store kids toys indoors or in an outdoor shed to prevent rusting and fading
Lawn & Garden
- Till and prepare planting beds when the soil is relatively dry. By adding soil and mulch to your beds, you'll be a step ahead for spring planting
- Plant spring blooming bulbs and perennials
- Protect roses, saplings and small trees by sheltering them with a burlap screen
- Pull weeds to reduce the number of seedlings next spring
- Mow grass short for the final cut of the year by reducing the cutting height gradually to 3.5 cm (from 7.4 cm) until the grass stops growing
Indoor Preparation
- Bring container plants indoors, making sure they are free of pests. Doing so may enable plants to survive the season and bloom again in spring
- Check and clean your humidifier. Empty the tank, dry the inside surfaces and refill with clean water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions

Snow Safety Tips

Snow Safety Tips to Survive the Winter Weather
The cold winter weather shouldn't limit time enjoyed working on the home outdoors. Before venturing outside, ensure proper safety precautions are taken to avoid an accident or injury. Consider the following snow safety tips from The Home Depot Canada to help keep warm and safe all season long.
- Dress for outdoor success. Whether at work or play, bundle up in layered clothing to allow for better evaporation of perspiration. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear boots or overshoes with non-skid soles to avoid slips and falls.
- Master the right shoveling technique. Before shoveling the walkway or driveway, ensure you are physically able. Arm yourself with a quality shovel that will last the entire winter. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back and remember, pace yourself and take frequent breaks.
- Blow it away. If shoveling is not your fancy, consider using a snow blower to push the white stuff away. Maintaining the blower will enhance performance and increase longevity. Check areas such as the engine oil levels, blower system chute positioning and tire pressure on a regular basis.
- Light the way. Since visibility is reduced in snowy weather and the winter brings darkness earlier, make sure you have well-lit walkways around the outside of the home.
- Roof clearing. If you need to clear the roof, try using long-handled snow rakes or poles. Should you require a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a friend, family member or neighbour to hold the ladder while you climb.
- Winter warm-up. After spending time outdoors, snuggle up with a loved one and drink warm beverages like hot chocolate, coffee, tea or soup.

Hot, Not Bothered: Inexpensive Home Heating Tips

The dramatically rising cost of home heating is a bothersome concern for most Canadians. Heating your home efficiently this winter will be the key to keeping your energy costs under control. Here are some quick, easy and, most importantly, inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize impact to your pocketbook:

• Adjust Your Personal Thermostat: Wear a sweater and dress warmly around the house. When you're stationary, watching television or reading, you're most susceptible to a chill, so toss a throw around you. Since hot air rises, resist the icy influence of cooler floors with thick socks or slippers.
  


• Adjust Your Home Thermostat: It goes without saying that the less energy you use, the lower your heating bills will be. Set your thermostat at 21°C when you're home awake, 18°C when you're sleeping and 15°C when you're out of the house. Purchase a programmable thermostat to reduce you heating bill by as much as 20 per cent.
  


• Let the Sun Shine In: While up to 25 per cent of your home's heat is lost through its windows, they are also a source of solar warmth. During daylight hours, keep your drapes open and let the sun help heat your home. Insulate your windows with plastic film to reduce heat loss by 50 per cent. Insulating curtains are expensive, but pay for themselves within 7 years.
  


• Seal the Leaks: Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doorframes, baseboards, ducting and electrical outlets to save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill. Remember to close your fireplace flue when you're not enjoying a fire. Install a door sweep to resist against under-the-door drafts. Turn off the heat supply and close the door to unused rooms, such as a guest bedroom. Close interior doors leading to hallways or stairways to keep the heat where it's needed most.

Make an Entrance: Warm Up Your Entryway This Winter

Winter. It's a time of crisp air, gently falling snow, and piles of coats, slushy boots and soggy mittens in your front hall. This season, make your entryway organized and inviting. Here's how:
Make first impressions count. Give your door a fresh coat of glossy paint, and put down a new doormat. Hang a nice winter wreath or plant an evergreen in a sturdy urn.

Store your stuff out of sight. If you don't have enough closet space, add storage by hiding a garment rack behind a curtain, using an armoire, installing a coat tree or hall stand, or by trying one of these storage ideas:

• A bench with built-in storage holds your stuff and offers a convenient spot to sit down and put your boots on.
• A small bookshelf with labeled baskets is good for storing small items.
• A chest of drawers can make your front hall look more like a furnished room, and it gives you a surface for photos, a lamp or incoming mail.

Stay in season. Move non-winter items to a different part of your home. Leave some extra space and extra hangers for your guests' coats.

Tame your shoes. Set a limit to how many pairs each person can keep by the door, and install a shoe rack to keep footwear organized. Avoid putting boots on a mat that doesn't drain � they won't dry properly and the leather will get damaged. A perforated tray with a mat underneath will let your footwear drip-dry.

Hook it. Heavy-duty hooks keep backpacks, scarves, purses and coats off the floor. Hang them at a height where kids can reach them to make it easy for them to put away their things.
Make a place for your misplaceables. How much time do you spend hunting for keys, sunglasses, cell phones and dog leashes? Dedicate a basket or bowl to these important items by the front door, and you'll never have to search under the couch cushions again.

Design idea 1: Install a hook and small shelf for each person, and stencil their name on the wall beside it.

Design idea 2: Hang an ornate frame and fill the blank space in the middle with small, pretty key hooks.

Floor décor. Offer a warm welcome with a soft, washable rug that doesn't show dirt easily. Put a mat outside, too; wiping your feet before you go in will mean less muck and less cleaning.

Don't forget to decorate. Paint your entryway a striking colour, hang a graceful mirror, incorporate family photos or a favourite piece of art, add a table lamp and an accessory or two. Make it welcoming and beautiful. After all, it's the first place people see when they come into your home.

Welcome to St. Lazare Homes for Sale

Welcome to St. Lazare Homes for Sale.

Diane Laflamme