Most people know about the more obvious home safety measures, such as having working smoke detectors. But there are plenty of safety issues you may have overlooked. Here’s a handy guide for you.

• Have your heating system serviced annually. With age, the heat exchanger in your furnace may crack, allowing carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas, into your home.

• Add carbon monoxide detectors. On top of smoke detectors, every home should have carbon monoxide detectors as well. (See above.)

• Fire escape ladders for upstairs bedrooms. For about $70 CAD/$40 USD each, buy roll up fire escape ladders for the upstairs bedrooms. Some models are meant to be stored in bedroom closets while others can be mounted in cases underneath windows. When needed, hook ladders onto window frames, unroll and climb safely to the ground.

• Window treatment cords. If you have young children, consider cordless window treatments or at least have the cords raised high enough so youngsters cannot reach them and potentially wrap them around their necks.

• Rugs on hard surface floors.  Small rugs on hard surface floors can slide easily so place rubber mats underneath.

• Water heater temperature.  To avoid scalding incidents, adjust the temperature on the water heater thermostat to no more than 50 degrees celsius/120 degrees fahrenheit.

• Nice doggie!  One of the most common liability claims against homeowners insurance is dog bites. If you have a high-strung dog, take extra precautions when guests are in your home. There are some breeds for which insurance companies will decline coverage.

• Cooking fires. The No. 1 source of fire in the home is from cooking accidents. Keep a small fire extinguisher in a cabinet for emergencies. Use timers to remind you when you have something simmering on the stove. If you have little ones, cook on the back burners and always turn pot handles toward the back wall where little hands can’t reach up and grab them.

• Don’t overload power strips. Do you have those inexpensive plastic power strips? Don’t trust them. They could overheat.  Most likely this would trip a circuit breaker before a fire could start, but it’s not worth the risk.

• Tripping hazards. Tripping accidents are another leading cause of home injuries. Keep hoses rolled up and put away. The same goes for yard tools. Keep stairs clear of clutter.

With more people working from home than ever before, office workspaces are now must-haves in many homes. Whether you have a dedicated office or a flexible work area in another room, stylish and ergonomic furniture along with smart storage solutions will help create an attractive, functional space.

Desks. Current desktop computers feature integrated hard drives and thin screens, and many people also use laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wireless printers to conduct their business. Because of this, a large desk isn’t always necessary but correct setup is a must. According to ergonomic experts, you should be able to look straight ahead at your computer screen and reach your keyboard and mouse without having to bend your wrists. An even better option is a standing desk. It allows you to keep moving throughout the day and avoid the health problems associated with too much sitting. Just be sure to adjust your standing desk to the correct height and pair it with a mat designed to protect your feet and joints from fatigue and pressure.

Storage options. One of the biggest downsides of home offices is the clutter they can bring. Hidden storage and organization is critical to keeping a neat space. Filing cabinets are the old standby if you need easy access to paperwork. Freestanding bookshelves and consoles provide more attractive, multipurpose storage, which is particularly great if you don’t have a dedicated office space. Another option: Use a scanner (or your mobile device) to capture digital versions of important documents and cut down on excess paper.

Chairs. After the desk, an office chair is the most important purchase you’ll make. Because sitting takes a toll on your body, find a chair that offers comfort and support, while allowing you to maintain proper posture. Today, lots of office chairs provide great aesthetics along with adjustable armrests and seat heights, lumbar support, and breathable materials. The right chair type depends on your size, posture, and comfort preferences.

Accessories. Once you’ve got a desk, chair, and storage, focus on the smaller items that will finish your space. If you use a laptop, consider purchasing a laptop stand. It will raise the screen to the correct height to prevent neck strain, lessen glare, and reduce heat buildup. Cord management systems keep your workspace tidy. Finally, make sure you select lighting that will prevent eye strain and look beautiful. Experts recommend “layered light.” In other words, you need task lighting as well ambient lighting. Look for adjustable/dimmable light fixtures and lamps.

Above all, remember that your home office should be a place you want to go. Comfortable, functional furniture is important, but don’t neglect the colors, accent pieces, and other style elements that make you feel energized and creative.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

The latest trend in kitchen cabinets? Surprise! It’s no cabinets at all. Rather than traditional cupboards, kitchen designers are now frequently suggesting open shelving. A second option growing in popularity is glass-front cabinets. Check out the pros and cons of each before deciding on your new kitchen.

Trends in open shelves

Forgoing cabinets and installing open shelving creates additional space and an open feeling, while still offering good storage. A big bonus is that shelves cost significantly less than cabinets. Choose from a variety of different finishes, including wood, glass, and metal. Now for the downsides. Organization is a must. To keep your shelves looking stylish and neat, display different items in a single color or group items using a common type of container. Using one color or material will unify your items to create a more attractive look. Another drawback is the dust and kitchen grime that will settle on your kitchen items and shelving.

Glass-front cabinets

If you want your kitchen to feel light and open, but don’t want to deal with dusty and dirty items, glass fronts may be a good choice. Clear, frosted, or patterned glass are all options. Adding lights inside the cabinets will enhance your kitchen’s brightness. Add pops of color by displaying brightly colored dishes inside them. Glass fronts do come with drawbacks, however. First and foremost, they won’t hide a mess. And second, they will show fingerprints and smudges more than traditional doors. Also, they’re breakable, so they may not be a great choice for families with young children. A single row of glass cabinet doors above traditional cabinets is a great compromise.

Traditional cabinets

While this classic option may seem like a predictable (if not slightly boring) choice for your kitchen, it does offer some key benefits. The solid doors do a great job at hiding messes. Traditional cabinetry takes up a lot of visual space, which may make your kitchen feel smaller and darker. Overcome this by mixing traditional cabinets with a few strategically placed open shelves and glass-front cupboards, breaking up the space and adding interest.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers who are currently under contract. 

For many of us, a house wouldn’t be a home without a pet — or two — or several. But even the most ardent pet lover will admit that cat towers and giant dog beds do little for the decor of a home. Fortunately, there’s a plethora of products on the market that will keep your pet happy and your home looking good. Here are a few top picks.

1. Food and water stations. Pets need clean water and food throughout the day, but all that eating and drinking can make quite a mess. Try a raised feeding station to keep bowls off the floor but still accessible. Choose from a variety of styles to match your décor — sleek modern, traditional designs, or even models painted to match your walls or woodwork. Not only are they easier on the eye, they reduce strain on your pet’s neck. A win-win.

2. Hidden storage. Take control of the bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys cluttering your home by creating hidden storage areas. Options include alcoves for pets beneath existing furniture such as end tables. Or take it a step further and create dedicated spaces beneath counters or benches. This can be a great option for hiding a pet bed or litter box.

3. Beds. If your pet’s bed is out in the open, you may want to consider models and designs that coordinate with the style and décor of your home. Go neutral with a bed the same color as your pet’s fur. It will conceal dirt and shedding in between cleanings. Want a coordinating look but can’t find the right fabric? Make a custom cover using upholstery fabric. Tip: an added zipper will make washing a breeze. If you want something really special, look for pet beds made to look like miniature versions of sofas or chairs.

4. Gates and crates. Many of us need to keep our pets out of certain areas of our homes from time to time. Buy how do you do that without turning the space into a mini prison? Fortunately, gates are now available in a variety of materials. Look for gates made of similar woods and metals to your home furnishings. Crates can be more difficult to hide. For smaller pets, crates that are integrated into furniture (like a side table) are a good choice. For larger pets, try a crate that can be folded up when not in use.

5. Treats and toys. Providing your pets with toys isn’t just pampering, it’s practical too. If you don’t give them something to scratch or chew on, they might go after your favorite chair. Trouble is, these treats can be messy, and — let’s face it — a little gross. Try indestructible rubber chew toys for dogs. For felines, try a cat tree that you can attach to an out-of-the-way wall, a nice upgrade from the traditional carpet/cardboard combo.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

CREB®Now By Cody Stuart  -  Jun 12, 2020

Home > Feature > Calgary > Community > My Neighborhood: Mount Royal

The communities of Upper and Lower Mount Royal have long been home to an eclectic mix of everything Calgary’s real estate scene has to offer.

Promoted in Calgary’s early days as an exclusive neighbourhood by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Mount Royal was originally known as American Hill, due to the large number of Americans who settled in the area. Its current name is an homage to the Montreal community that was home to CPR president William Cornelius Van Horne.

The community was annexed by the City of Calgary in 1907 and many of the existing homes in Upper Mount Royal date back to that era, when Calgary saw its first building boom. Upper Mount Royal remained an almost exclusively single-detached community, but Lower Mount Royal was subdivided into smaller lots, making way for the mixed-density community it is today.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a real estate veteran looking for something a little more exclusive, Mount Royal has something for everyone. In fact, it was the obvious choice for 31-year-old Mario DeMarco when he chose to buy his first home in the community in 2014.

CREB^®Now: Why is Mount Royal a great place to live?

Lower Mount Royal resident Mario DeMarco. Cody Stuart / CREB®Now

DeMarco: Mount Royal – in my case, Lower Mount Royal – is a great place to live because of the walkability of the community. There are numerous amenities all within walking distance.  Additionally, you are close to both the Bow and Elbow rivers. The small shops along 17^th Avenue, as well as the bars and restaurants, create a vibrant nightlife. It is especially cool during Stampede when there is a ton of out of town folks in the area. Additionally, as someone who has started to take up running again, there is not much better views to be had than the top of the hill behind the Glencoe Club.

CREB^®Now: What are your favourite spots or attractions from the community?

DeMarco: The Calgary Stampede is one of my favourite events. I personally am not a huge fan of Lilac Festival, but the energy it brings is great. As for businesses, I like the Ship and Anchor, and some of the restaurants like Market, Cleaver and Gringo Street are very good. For parks, the field behind Earl Grey school has a great view, and because it’s quite large, it’s a great place to chill out.

CREB^®Now: What is the biggest challenge facing Mount Royal?

DeMarco: One of the big challenges is the never-ending roadwork all along 17^th Avenue. This project is over a year behind schedule and they are not doing any roadwork or closures this year to give businesses a fighting chance.

CREB^®Now: What is the biggest opportunity for Mount Royal going forward?

DeMarco: I think we should also look to make things like 17th Avenue from 14th Street to 4th Street pedestrian only on Friday and Saturday nights. Many other cities do this, and the increased foot traffic would be great. We also need to have fewer bylaws. We have so many rules for things like having a can of beer walking on the street, or just anything fun seems to be against the rules. Calgary needs to chill out. We need to get people to come to areas like Mount Royal and the surrounding communities and make them a great place to live, work and play in again.

CREB^®Now: What’s one thing people might not know about Mount Royal?

DeMarco: Mount Royal can actually be very affordable if you look at some of the properties in Lower Mount Royal, and you can get a yard if you want it.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.