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Did you know... 

1/27/2016

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Hello Homeowners!
Did you know that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a website full of information to help you seniors stay in their home longer? The accessible homes page offers information and plans for ramps, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, lifts and residential hoists and much more. 

CMHC is a great resource for homeowners of all ages. Check it out today!

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/acho/acho/index.cfm
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Blake says: Keep your home shipshape

1/23/2016

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Calling all homeowners in the old part of town!!!

Don’t let the wall cracks get ahead of you.

Keep up with the cracks: Cracks in plaster walls are caused by settlement, vibration, atmospheric conditions, and sometimes faulty construction. Do a careful inspection, particularly around doors, windows, mouldings and corners. Pinpoint hairline cracks that could become larger. Repair them, particularly if planning to redecorate.
Here’s how: remove loose particles by running a thin blade along the crack. Brush out the dust. Rub in filler with fingertip, forcing it in a deep as possible. When thoroughly dry, sand level, then prime with shellac or sealer to prevent absorption of paint.

Wider cracks: Enlarge and undercut crack to provide gip for filler. Mix plaster patch until thick and buttery, brush water into crack to dampen surface, then fill opening completely with patching material using putty knife. Remove access from surface. Use fine-grade sandpaper on block to smooth and level patch.

For really big crack: undercut and remove loose plaster, then dampen and fill cavity. Allow to dry for 24 hours. If shrinkage occurs, dampen and patch again.
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If the job is too big or too messy for you: call Blake the Handyman at (905) 960 FIXR (3497).


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How to stop door drafts around entry doors

1/12/2016

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With heating costs rising, here’s an easy way to keep heat from escaping out your doors, too. The job will take you less than an hour, but plan to do it on a warmer day, as you're going to have to take the door off. Before you get started you'll need to gather up your tools and supplies.

Supplies

  • Look at all three sides of your door to determine what kind of weather stripping you need. 
  • Purchase a new door sweep
  • Ensure you have some caulk (check it hasn't dried up) 
  • 1-in. brad nails
Tools

  • Hammer
  • Cordless drill
  • Tape measure
  • Caulk gun
  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Nail set
  • Hacksaw
  • Stapler
  • Rubber mallet
  • Utility knife
  • Wood chisel

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Seniors Qualify for Healthy Home Tax Credits!

1/12/2016

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Choosing whether to stay in your home or move to a seniors residence is a difficult decision to make. It is a choice that all of us will be faced with at some point in our later years. For some, the choice is simple. Their home is where they’d prefer to be.
 
It is important to prepare your home, and make it safe for your aging needs. Installing additional handrails, grab bars in the washrooms and comfort height toilets are just a few of the small adjustments you’ll likely need to make.  There are many new products that are adapted to give seniors the ability to stay in their home longer. Motion activated lighting, hands free taps, and touch and release drawers and cupboards all provide simple adjustments to take the stress out of managing your daily needs as you age.
 
With costs of nursing home care rising steadily, the government of Ontario has instituted a special tax credit for seniors who want to stay in their homes, to encourage safe home living in an effort to keep seniors in their homes longer.  You can claim up to $10,000 worth of eligible expenses per year. All you have to do is save your receipts and submit them with your tax return.
 
Only certain renovation work qualifies. Installing non-slip flooring, installing adjustable/lowering counters or cupboards or a hand-held shower are examples of work that will qualify. A full list of qualified improvement examples is available at www.blakeshandymanservice.com/healthy-homes .
 
There are also many programs available for people with disabilities to stay in their homes including Medical Expense Tax Credits, CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities, Property tax exemptions for certain home alterations. The Ontario.ca website has many resources for you including a tax credit calculator to see how much money you could get back for your improvement work .

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    About Blake

    Blake has been in the construction industry for over 20 years. 

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