All Posts in "ABOUT HOME"

What is Hydro Excavation?

Hydro excavation is a method of digging soil precisely. It is more precise than mechanical excavation, which is important because underground utilities are costly to fix. This method of digging soil is also great for landscaping, which requires precise digging to avoid damaging nearby areas. The hydro excavation also minimizes the disruption caused by the digging process. Therefore, this excavation method is the best option for such tasks as it does not damage the surrounding area.

Non-destructive

Hydro excavation is a relatively non-destructive method and is a better choice for certain construction projects than traditional methods. This method does not use heavy construction equipment, which leaves a destructive path in its wake. This method can work in areas where there are underground utilities, like sewers, water, and gas lines. Additionally, it allows for debris removal and digging in remote areas. Hydro excavation is also safe for workers, as it can remove contaminated materials and leave an area without damage.

Hydro excavation is an excellent option for areas with underground utilities or where it is impossible to dig around them. This method is also highly effective for large civil projects with aggressive deadlines. Hydro excavation eliminates the need to re-establish underground utilities, such as water or gas lines. It also prevents the risk of damaging heritage sites, natural environments, and other assets. With high-pressure water, hydro excavation is a highly efficient method for excavating in these areas.

Environmentally friendly

Hydro excavation is an excellent option if you want a green way … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — August 12, 2022 in Home Products and Services
Tips on Creating a Financial Plan

Creating a financial plan allows you to achieve a more secure and stable future. Not only will it help build your savings, but it will also aid in managing your income, investments, and debts to reach your long-term goals. Plus, it can also avoid any monetary stress in case you encounter emergencies in the future.

A financial plan contains the details of your current assets, which will help determine the correct road map in reaching your goals. You can do this by hiring an expert in strategic financial planning or making one on your own. Here are some helpful tips on creating your personal financial plan:

• Evaluate Your Financial Status

One of the first things you should do is to determine your net worth, which includes all your assets and liabilities. Besides the money in your bank accounts, your assets may consist of your house, car, and other investments. On the other hand, any debts, loans, or mortgages are included in your liabilities. 

Understanding where you stand financially will help in creating your goals and finding any factors that may need to be addressed in your financial plan. To calculate your total net worth, subtract your liabilities from your total assets.

• Set Your Financial Goals

Of course, before you can make a concrete plan, it’s crucial to determine the financial goals you want to achieve. These may be short-term or long-term and may depend on your current situation and priorities. 

For instance, you might be planning on buying … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — August 5, 2022 in Home Products and Services
This Chart Should Scare You; is the mortgage market in for a 2008 wreck; average down not even close to 20%

Article Originally posted on Fairview Lending

The federal government in their quest to shore up the mortgage market in 2008 has created some new risks to the housing market.  Non bank lenders now make up 74% of the origination volume with only 3 banks even making the list.  What does this mean for the mortgage market and in turn the housing market?  Why are non bank lenders now making up such a large share of originations?  Do we have another large scale “wreck” coming our way?

Why are non bank lenders gobbling market share from traditional banks?

Before talking about why banks are gaining market share, it is important to discuss Dodd Frank.  The response to the 2008 mortgage crisis was the creation of increased regulation in banks to prevent future crashes.  What was in Dodd Frank?

Dodd Frank is a series of measures that first required banks to have more capital on hand, meaning more of their own money would be at risk when they lend, and second, a set of measures restricting certain kinds of lending activities, in particular, nontransparent chopping and dicing of loans into other securities. And a third piece of the action, particularly aimed at the too-big-to-fail institutions, is that they were forced to create what are called ‘living wills,’ which are supposed to make it easier for authorities to unwind or shut down a troubled financial institution when a crisis hits.

“The fourth, and in some ways perhaps most important, was that the largest … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 21, 2022 in Home Products and Services
How to Choose The Right Window Treatment    

When it comes to window treatments, there are endless options to choose from. Roller blinds, curtains, shutters, Venetians, roman panels and drapes – the list goes on and on.

Making a decision can be tough, especially if you’re unsure of what will look best in your home. I recently went through this process when choosing window treatments for our new house. It felt like the never-ending saga all over again!       

Window treatment options       

Plantation Shutters       

If you’re looking for a window treatment that will add a touch of elegance to your home, Plantation Shutters are a great option. Unlike traditional shutters, plantation shutters are made from cordless timber, timber-look or aluminium, so they can be installed without the help of a professional.       

ACA Shutters & Blinds have made this option far more affordable in recent times though. We provide a professional installer to do the complete job for you.       

Roller Blinds           

If you’re looking for window treatments, roller blinds are a great option. They’re simple and affordable and come in a variety of styles to suit any space. Blockout roller blinds are perfect for bedrooms, while light filtering ones softened light and are ideal for living areas. 

When choosing fabric for your blinds, be sure to consider both texture and pattern. Simple flat fabrics can work well in some rooms, but you may want to add interest with a textured or patterned fabric. Get a few samples before making your … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 12, 2022 in Home Model Design
Building a New Restaurant in Calgary? Read this First

If you are thinking seriously about building a new restaurant in Calgary, you are in the middle of a lot of research.  Be sure to read this first before you close the door on what you have learned.

Restaurants have rules and regulations that are distinct from other types of businesses.  Once you begin the construction it will consume extensive amounts of your time.  Be sure to get different quotes and opinions from contractors who specialize in building restaurants.  This will give you the opportunity to understand the industry standards and more than an introduction to the health, building, safety, and regulatory codes and rules.  Cutting corners will not serve you well in the long run.  Consider how well your restaurant will do in the various seasons and times of the day.

Depending on the type, the timeline for building a new restaurant in Calgary will vary.  This is based on the kinds of engineers, designers, your budget, and equipment needs.  Expect four to six months with a quick service facility coming together quicker than a posh fine dining establishment.

Experience

As you look for a restaurant construction team ask for a recap of their education and experience with the size and type of restaurant you intend to open.  There are also consultants that can be incorporated into the group as necessary.  A restaurant architect will create the documents (floor plans) for the intended design and continue through every phase including construction.  The goal is to create a floor plan … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — July 7, 2022 in Home Design