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New property listed in Rockland

I have listed a new property at 2088 VICTORIA Street in Rockland. See details here

Welcome to this charming 1 1/2 story home located on a quiet street in the heart of Rockland, steps from stores and shops on Laurier. For less than a one bedroom condo, this AFFORDABLE home is perfect for first time buyers.As you enter the home, you are greeted by a bright mudroom/porch that can be used as an office or quiet reading nook. The open plan living/dining room with its laminate flooring, is perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with family. The spacious kitchen offers a side access to the parking. The full bathroom has been tastefully renovated. Upstairs,you will find an inviting bedroom & a large DEN that could easily be transformed into a SECOND BEDROOM or a large home office.At the rear, enjoy the welcoming patio with extra privacy fence. In addition to the 2 SHEEDS,the deep lot provide an additional 43' lot perfect for the gardening enthusiast or for children or pets to play.The home features a METAL roof & a new HEAT PUMP. 24 hrs irrev on all offers. (id:2493)

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, October 29, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 2088 VICTORIA Street in Rockland. See details here

Open House on Sunday, October 29, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Welcome to this charming 1 1/2 story home located on a quiet street in the heart of Rockland, steps from stores and shops on Laurier. For less than a one bedroom condo, this AFFORDABLE home is perfect for first time buyers.As you enter the home, you are greeted by a bright mudroom/porch that can be used as an office or quiet reading nook. The open plan living/dining room with its laminate flooring, is perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with family. The spacious kitchen offers a side access to the parking. The full bathroom has been tastefully renovated. Upstairs,you will find an inviting bedroom & a large DEN that could easily be transformed into a SECOND BEDROOM or a large home office.At the rear, enjoy the welcoming patio with extra privacy fence. In addition to the 2 SHEEDS,the deep lot provide an additional 43' lot perfect for the gardening enthusiast or for children or pets to play.The home features a METAL roof & a new HEAT PUMP. 24 hrs irrev on all offers. (id:2493)

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Confused Over Granite vs. Quartz? Here’s a Handy Guide
Kitchen countertops are notoriously confusing. At the end of the day, most of them kind of look the same, right? But if you’re looking to renovate, or just want to study up on your existing countertops, it’s helpful to truly understand the key differences between materials. Perhaps the most commonly researched surfaces are granite and quartz, especially as people start looking into kitchen upgrades. First, they usually want to know if granite is still a thing and according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, it isn’t… sort of. 

While it’s technically still a popular material, the association confirmed that the demand for quartz is surpassing granite in leaps and bounds: According to their 2024 kitchen trends report, 73 percent of industry professionals surveyed anticipate quartz will grow in popularity over the next three years, while only 32 percent can say the same for granite. Now quartz might be trending, but granite is somewhat of a classic and could still be a strong candidate for any potential kitchen makeovers. We asked professionals to explain the differences between the two so you can make an informed decision during the selection process. 

Composition of Granite and Quartz

What is Granite?

Once the default countertop for most builder-grade kitchens during the early 2000s, granite is now falling out of favor, making way for other materials like quartz and marble. But it was extremely popular for so long because it’s highly durable, heat-resistant, and is available in many colors. It’s stone that’s quarried directly from the earth, and each slab offers a unique design, according to Meredith Barclay, The Home Depot’s senior merchant of countertops. She says, “The beauty of the stone is preserved in the cutting and polishing process, making each countertop one-of-a-kind, with colors ranging from earthy tones to vibrant gem-like shades.” 

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are starting to take over kitchens across the country. Barclay explains that quartz is technically a readily available natural stone, but it’s transformed into “engineered stone" for countertops by combining crushed quartz crystals, in addition to other stone materials, with resin and synthetic additives like pigments. “This manufacturing process provides quartz countertops with advantages not found in natural stone,” she adds. Barclay notes that between 2015 and 2016, quartz countertops gained popularity as improved manufacturing technology produced colors mimicking white marble with veins without the demanding maintenance of marble, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a marble look and a low-maintenance countertop.

Durability

Both quartz and granite are extremely durable against scratches, heat, staining, and daily wear and tear, says Corbin Clay, custom home builder and CEO of Wayhome, a service that offers virtual expert advice for home improvement, repair, and DIY projects. “The choice between the two often comes down to personal preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to the homeowner,” he explains.  

Want something low-maintenance that’s available in a bunch of colors and patterns? Quartz might be for you. But Clay cautions that there’s been a boom in quartz manufacturing over the last five years, and he’s noticed an increase in low-quality quartz that’s far less durable and prone to staining, chipping, and heat damage. “Not all quartz is the same, and like most things, there are really good versions and really bad versions. If you’re considering quartz, be sure to ask about the manufacturer’s warranty,” he strongly recommends. 

Maintenance

Caring for Granite

Granite is a porous material and will need to be re-sealed every 12 months or so, Clay advises. This will help resist staining, but you should still aim to wipe up common kitchen messes like oil and wine ASAP just to be safe. Tidy up after each cook session with a spray bottle of water and a few drops of dish soap, and address countertop stains with a homemade paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. For sealing, Barclay recommends using a product like Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealer. “I love it because it forms an invisible barrier and will not change the look of the treated surface,” she says. 

  

Caring for Quartz 

Quartz is a man-made, engineered material that does not need to be sealed or re-sealed since it is non-porous. “It's worth noting that quartz contains resin, which can fade in UV light, making it unsuitable for outdoor use,” warns Barclay. She adds that there are some manufacturers, like Caesarstone, that offer UV-resistant resin in select quartz colors for outdoor use. The other  upside to quartz: Many manufacturers add an antibacterial ingredient to further inhibit the growth of bacteria. That being said, you should still regularly clean your quartz countertops, using your manufacturer’s recommended product or the dish soap and water solution we suggested for granite. 

Cost

The cost of both granite and quartz can vary greatly based on a lot of factors: manufacturer (in the case of quartz), color, texture, pattern, availability, and scarcity (especially with the more exotic textures and patterns). 

Fabrication is another cost factor. Clay says, “Pricing can be confusing as some stone suppliers do their own fabrication and installation, while others don’t.” If you’re trying to stick to a budget, Clay recommends using stone remnants for smaller areas like bathroom vanities or fireplace surrounds. “Depending on the stone yard and how long they’ve had a certain style on hand, they may also be willing to negotiate if you take the last two slabs off their hands (allowing them to bring in, say, a much more popular Calacatta marble),” he explains. 


If you want ballpark figures though: According to Angi data estimates, you can expect to shell out between $40 to $60 per square for granite slabs, while the average cost for quartz slabs is about $70 to $100 per square foot. 

How to Choose Between Granite and Quartz

So, how should you choose between the two materials? Clay says that if you’re a purist looking for the unique beauty of natural stone, where no two pieces are the same, then granite is the way to go. He admits, “While the ‘natural’ veining in quartz colors available today are much more authentic-looking than years ago, a discerning eye may still see quartz as ‘fake-looking.’” But if zero-maintenance is a top priority, then you should definitely opt for quartz. 

If you’re wondering which might work better for your construction timeline, Clay says both take exactly the same time to fabricate and install, and the lead times are subject to local availability of the color and finish you’re looking for. 

Barclay also adds that you should prioritize value, instead of just looking at the number on the price tag—it’s an investment that will enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your kitchen. Choose something that fits your lifestyle and in a color that completes your space. She says, “According to industry research, the most common element in the kitchen that the customer wishes they had spent more money on is the countertop.”

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Improve Your Curb Appeal: 10 Ideas for Your Front Porch

Whether you are trying to sell your home or just trying to spruce things up for guests, taking the time to add exterior elements to the face of your home will allow it to look more appealing and welcoming. Giving attention to little elements such as the porch of your home will increase the value of your home and give you a competitive edge on other properties. If you’re not sure what exactly to do, we have laid out 10 improvements you can make to improve the curb appeal of your porch!

Improve Old Hardware 

Small features such as house numbers and light fixtures can be updated and colour-coordinated to give the home an elegant feel. Outdoor wall lanterns can be layered with cozy string lights to further warm up the space. As for house numbers, oiled bronze finishes go well with more traditional homes while brushed nickel finishes suit more modern homes. 

Install Colourful Window Boxes 

15 Gorgeous Flowering Window Box Ideas for Spring

Contrary to its name, window boxes are not limited to just windows. They can be placed on the railings of your porch as railing planters to add some colour to the porch. When choosing a window box, it is important that it is coordinated with the home’s trim, shutters and doors to connect the exterior of the home together. 

Fill the box with many flowers or plants that allow it to look full and healthy, adding even more life to the property. Flowers like petunias, fuschia, and begonias are popular and easy options for rail planters. 

Upgrade Outdoor Furniture 

Outdoor furniture can be arranged in many ways to propose an inviting and welcoming essence to guests. If you have a smaller porch, go for chairs and tables that are less bulky but still have the same aesthetic that ties into other elements of your home. In contrast, if you have a bigger porch, separate your outdoor furniture into different zones to make it feel spacious.

When choosing colours, it is important to follow the vibe of your home. Stick with colours that complement other aspects of your home such as your flowers, or ones that contrast your front door to really make it pop. Other accessories like cushions can really enhance the aesthetic of your home with interesting patterns and designs and using bold colours.   

 

Repaint the Porch Floor 

Porch paint ideas: 10 colors and designs to boost curb appeal |
 
 

Repainting the porch can be challenging when you don’t know which colour to choose. White is a good choice if you want a bright porch and a colour that can’t go out of style. Other items with bolder colours will also pop with a white porch. Grey is also a good choice because it brings out the architectural features while also remaining a calm, neutral colour. Other colours like green give your porch more of a pop when coordinated with shutters and trim on the exterior of the home while a colour like navy blue, can neutralize your home while still being a staple to the presence of the home. 

Shutters or Accent Trim 

Shutters were commonly used for ventilation, privacy and protection, but have now become a source of decoration. Try painting the shutters the same colour as your seating and have the porch the same colour as the siding. This way, the shutters and porch decorations like seating and window boxes can really strike the eyes of those viewing your home, while the actual porch colour can neutralize it all. 

Some other shutter ideas include painting your shutters a turquoise against a white house, giving it a beach home vibe. You could also paint the shutters around the porch the same colour as the other features on the porch and paint the upstairs shutters a different, more neutral colour. 

Fill Out Your Flowerbed

15 Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch with Plants | Proven Winners

This one takes a bit more time, energy and continual effort but pays off in the long run. Adding bulk to your flowerbed with colours that match your home shows that every feature of your home was thoughtfully designed. You’ll also want to vary the size and height of varying flowers to create different textures. Try adding in some flower pots to your garden for additional flair.

Find Porch Railings that Match Your Style 

Porch railings are what people first see when they look at your home, meaning they play a big role in increasing curb appeal. If they are starting to chip and deteriorate, it may be time to freshen it up. 

Let your personal style shine through your porch’s railings by considering a variety of unique aesthetics. For example, cable railing gives off a clean, modernist vibe while geometric-shaped railing will come off as playful.

Screened-In Porch

Screened-In Porch Ideas - This Old House


Not only is this option good for staying sheltered from the bugs but also stylish too. Not only can you use a screen but many people use stylish curtains to keep their porch looking fresh. This allows the porch to feel like an extended room from the home while also being a calming and relaxing space when you need to get away. 

A silver screen will reflect the sun and make the outdoor area even brighter, allowing tons of natural light to pour through. You can get fibreglass screening which doesn’t rust or rip easily compared to aluminum screens. 

Be Bold with Your Front Door

Renovate the entrance of your home by repainting the front door a fresh colour. You want to make sure to pick a colour that stands out and one that is bold but also coordinated with the other accents of your home. If you’re nervous about using a flashy colour, try a more neutral blue or green. Paint is often cheap and simple to do, making it a great choice for improvement and experimentation if you are on a limited budget. 

Add an Outdoor Rug 

An outdoor rug has many practical benefits as it traps dirt from entering your home, is warmer for your guest’s feet than the deck, and can be used for safety if the deck is wet. Another big component of the outdoor rug is the style. Try to look for patterns in the outdoor furniture, maybe on the pillows, and match that to the outdoor rug to tie everything in. You can also overlap two rugs with a patterned rug and a neutral one. This makes the space look bigger than just the size of one rug and creates a stylish two-toned essence. 

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 310 LONDON Terrace in Ottawa. See details here

Open House on Sunday, October 15, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Rarely available 3 Bed Stacked Townhome in the Upper East Side community of Manor Park East. This freshly painted home with 9' flat ceilings, offers everything you need for comfortable living. The family chef will enjoy the Shaker style kitchen cabinetry with a pantry, SS appliances, black Granite countertops, a spacious eat-in island with large pull-out drawers. The inviting living/dining room features hardwood, new custom blinds, gas FP, pot lights. The French door & its collapsible screen door leads to the rear deck & patio and easy access to parking. New carpeted stairs lead to the lower level where you will find a bright primary bed with his & hers closets and 2 other beds. The main bath & laundry complete that level. The proximity of the Aviation/Ottawa River parkways is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Pet owners will enjoy taking their dog at the local park where their furry friend can roam freely. Steps to park with play structures. 24 Hours Irrevocable On All Offers. (id:2493)

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 310 LONDON Terrace in Ottawa. See details here

Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Rarely available 3 Bed Stacked Townhome in the Upper East Side community of Manor Park East. This freshly painted home with 9' flat ceilings, offers everything you need for comfortable living. The family chef will enjoy the Shaker style kitchen cabinetry with a pantry, SS appliances, black Granite countertops, a spacious eat-in island with large pull-out drawers. The inviting living/dining room features hardwood, new custom blinds, gas FP, pot lights. The French door & its collapsible screen door leads to the rear deck & patio and easy access to parking. New carpeted stairs lead to the lower level where you will find a bright primary bed with his & hers closets and 2 other beds. The main bath & laundry complete that level. The proximity of the Aviation/Ottawa River parkways is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Pet owners will enjoy taking their dog at the local park where their furry friend can roam freely. Steps to park with play structures. 24 Hours Irrevocable On All Offers. (id:2493)

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