HOMES & GARDENS

When Sam and Barbara (not their real names) returned home from their Palm Beach vacation last

February, the first thing they noticed was the undeniable chill in the air. They had set their thermostat to 60°F before they left town, but sometime during their absence their heat had stopped working. A few hours and several hundred dollars later, their plumber had installed a new thermo-stat and their heat was back on, but the frigid temperature was only the beginning of their problems. While waiting for the house to warm, they heard a loud “pop” as water began to gush from a burst pipe under the kitchen sink. Over the next few hours, water began to pour from several more burst pipes and Sam and Barbara were looking at thousands more in repair costs for the plumbing and for water dam-age to their kitchen and basement.

“Had someone been checking on our home for us while we were away” says Bar-bara, “the problem with our heating would have been caught before the pipes had time to freeze and all this damage could have been avoided. We learned the hard way not to leave home without arranging for regular checks by someone we can rely on.”

While frozen plumbing is more of a winter-time worry, there is no end to the things that can go wrong in an unattended home at any time of the year. Vandalism, pest infestations, wind storms, flooding from a spring or summer rainstorm, any one of these can cause not only extensive initial damage, but can lead to conditions that are likely to get much harder and more expensive to deal with if there is no one there to deal with in a timely fashion.

Additionally, many homeowners are un-aware that regular home checks may be necessary to avoid costly denials of insur-ance claims.

“Insurance policies limit the amount of time homes may be unoccupied before coverage is partially or even completely de-nied in the event of a claim.” says Nathan Walden, senior vice-president and part-ner at Paisley Manor Insurance. “‘Snow-birds’ and ‘snowflakes’ (travellers who make several trips back and forth per season) are at especially high risk of claim denials dur-ing the winter, as are cottagers who leave their Toronto homes unattended for long periods during the summer.”

Some homeowners make arrangements with neighbours or relatives to check on

their homes while they are away, but it can often be hard to find someone who will reliably check your home as often as the insurer requires, or to document that they did so.

“What do you do if your neighbour goes away on vacation while you’re away?” asks Jack Luber, executive director of the Na-tional Home Watch Association (NHWA), a group of professional home watch service companies throughout North America. “What if he were to get sick? Do you have a backup plan? And what would you do if your neighbour misses something that causes a problem?”

“Our position,” says Walden, “is that a professional home watch service would be a legally important component to pro-tect individuals who are away from their homes.”

When hiring a home watch company, it is important to make sure that they are reliable and trustworthy. Toronto Home Watch, which provides home watch, con-cierge and other related services through-out the Greater Toronto Area, is a member company of the NHWA, and is insured and bonded. What’s more, its employees have all undergone a thorough police back-ground check. Toronto Home Watch also uses GPS-enabled software that allows its reporters to complete and submit a time-stamped, location-tagged report when they are physically on site. This reporting system provides homeowners (and poten-tially, insurers) with independent verifica-tion that their home is being check on a regular basis. n

To learn more about home watch services in the GTA or to schedule a free no-obligation in-home consultation from Toronto Home Watch visit www.to-rontohomewatch.net or call 647-490-5115.

Home Watch is your eyes and ears

T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS mAY 12, 2016B2 [ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

55 Bloor Street West, Toronto • 416-964-2900 • Toll Free 800-268-1122 Shipping Available Across Canada. 2 Hours Free Parking in the Manulife Centre with Purchase.

S H O P O N L I N E AT W W W.W I L L I A M AS H L E Y. C O M*Our policy is to usually sell for less than the Ntl. Sugg. Reg Price or Comp. Value. Not all items illustrated are part of the

promotional composition/offer. Subject to stock availability. Some restrictions may apply. Please see store for complete details.

Anmut Universal Accent Plate by Villeroy & Boch, Sold Separately

TA B L E WA R E . K I TC H E N WA R E . H O M E D É C O R

#TABLE2GOCOMPLETE SERVICE FOR 4

(40 PC. SET)

$397 Value $1168

BONE CHINA

WINEGLASSES

STAINLESSFLATWARE

(20 pc. set)(16 pc. set) (Set of 4)+ +

SPONSOR CONTENT

2145 Avenue Road 416.441.2888 harveykalles.com

Invest in your dreams.

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS maY 12, 2016 B3[ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

2663 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto, ON | 416.667.0080 www.martindanielinteriors.com

CONTEMPORARY | MODERN LIVING | CLASSIQUE

A Time to Celebrate ...

Since May 1986, we have continued the family tradition of offering the fi nest service to match the fi nest in European furnishings. We would like

serving you in the future. In celebration of our 30th anniversary, many exclusive collections throughout the showroom are reduced starting from 30%. Visit our showroom and enjoy!

The Simone family

YOUR ROME AWAY FROM ROME FOR YOUR HOME

to thank the Jewish Community for their continued loyalty and look forward to

T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS mAY 12, 2016B4 [ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

Moving, Reorganizing, ReDecorating?...of Things Past offers Home Visits and will provide a one-stop, solution for all your consignment needs. With over 20 years of experience, a team of experts and 3 locations to serve you, we are your premier choice.

Call us today for more info at 416-256-9256

185 Bridgeland Ave • Toronto, On • 416-256-9256

...of Things Past

LAurEN KrAmErSpeciAl To The cJN

There are neighbourhoods where homeowners borrow eggs and sug-ar from one another, gather for an

impromptu beer on lawn chairs, seek each other’s help when crises arise and provide support in times of good and bad.

If this sounds too good to be true, be assured, it’s not. Around you, stashed in neighbourhoods you likely know well, are many tiny sub-communities filled with this kind of neighbourly love, places where homeowners know and care about each other and enjoy getting together and sharing their respective trials and tribula-tions. If community spirit is absent in the street or subdivision you call home, don’t despair. It can be nurtured over time, changing the climate of neighbourly feel-ing from one of blasé detachment, disin-terest and even blatant hostility, at times, to one of support, friendship and concern.

The fact is, we all want to be better neighbours, or at the very least, to have better neighbours. Whoever said ‘good walls make good neighbours’ knew noth-ing of the strength and potential of com-munity spirit. The journey to building neighbourly love is as easy as making an effort to get to know the folks who live around you. And it need not feel forced. How do you do it? Here’s where to begin building community in your street, one friendship at a time.

Organize a get-together: there is a street in Richmond, B.C. where homeowners get together several times a year. There’s a Halloween Hot Chocolate in one family’s driveway, a Canada Day breakfast in an-other, and an end-of-summer street party that’s been an ongoing tradition for some 18 years.

Food and wine are shared, everyone brings a dish or splits the cost of pizza and

each event is easily organized by some-one posting a notice on the community mailbox or dropping a flier at the doors of neighbours’ homes. Of course, not every-one can make it on the same date, but those that do arrive get a chance to intro-duce themselves, share their stories, foster friendships among their children and cre-ate bridges that reach far above the fences of their respective homes. Be the organ-izer of such an event. Nail down a date, create a flyer and watch with pleasure as a sense of community takes root.

If you’ve not heard about the Neigh-bourhood Small Grants Projects, do some research and find out if any are available in your area. In Vancouver, grants of up to $500 are up for grabs each year in March and April for projects that promise to build community and strengthen connections where people live. Invite a few home-owners nearby to meet for a coffee and brainstorm a suitable grant project that will unify your neighbourhood and help foster community spirit. Applications are usually free and can be completed with

little effort online at neighbouhoodsmall-grants.ca.

Neighbourhood Block Watch programs: it’s in all our interests to have a safer neigh-bourhood, and with everyone watching (and caring) you can galvanize more in-terest in security and a safer environment. Find out if your local RCMP detachment has a Block Watch program and if it does not, create one yourself – there are guide-lines online. Take the initiative to become a Block Watch captain, a role requiring minimal work and effort, and one that will put you in direct contact with the home-owners in your street – a perfect way to get to know the people who live around you.

It can feel daunting to be the innovator in your neighbourhood, and competing claims on your schedule make this more challenging. But know in advance that building community in your street is a vitalizing force that can lead to lifelong friendships for you and your family, en-hance your quality of life and broaden the notion of being ‘at home’ far beyond the physical walls of your house, townhouse or apartment. Initiate, and watch the magic unfold! n

get involved in your neighbourhood

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS maY 12, 2016 B5[ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

TORONTO1O2O LAWRENCE AVE.W.

2 LIGHTS WEST OF DUFFERIN

416.785.0224 or 1.800.263.2976

Mon-Wed 9-6,Thurs-Fri 9-8, Sat 9:30-5Mon-Wed 9-5,Thurs-Fri 9-8, Sat 9:30-5

MISSISSAUGA/OAKVILLE3O5O VEGA BLVD.1 LIGHT EAST OF 403, NORTH OFF DUNDAS

905.569.1262 or 1.866.899.8801

www.tapsbath.com

Riobel Paradox SingleHole Basin Faucet

Cast Brass with Ceramic Cartridge andDrain. Matches Paradox Complete Series.

$269Cabano Quadra

Single Hole Basin FaucetMade in Italy. Priced in chrome.

$249

AquaBrass ApexSingle Hole Faucet

Solid Brass Construction. RecessedAerator. Press pop-up drain withoverflow included. Priced in chrome.

$249Aquadesign Glam

Single Hole FaucetPriced in chrome.

$179AquadesignTink D2Kitchen FaucetPut Italian into yourkitchen with this dualspray pull-out faucet.Priced in chrome.

$349Matte Black &Matte White $419

Brizo SolnaArticulatingKitchen FaucetPut Italian into yourkitchen with this dualspray pull-out faucet.Priced in chrome.

$659Matte Black $789Brilliance Stainless Steel $819

DXV Lyndon1-Piece ToiletContemporary, crispand unadornedstyling. Elongatedbowl design,EverClean® surfaceand dual flushtechnology. Pricedin Canvas White.

$599Oceania Influence MilanoFreestanding TubOne-piece Acrylic. Chrome drainand overflow factory installed.67˝ x 33.5˝ x 27.5˝. Priced in white.

$2269White/Black $2299

RiobelCS ExposedRiser ShowerColumnThermostatic Valve,Rain Shower Head& Hand Shower.Adjustable Telescopicand Swivel Riser.

$479

RubinetOutdoorShowerPressure balanceoutdoor showerwith foot rinseand 8˝ showerhead. Priced instainless steel.

$1749Optional ShowerCurtain Hoop Available(not shown) $349

Pandora28˝ VanityFrom the Pandoracollection of Vanities.Crafted from Canadiancomponents. Scratch-resistant acrylic. Made to

match with the ArtCeramGap basins in a variety of sizes.

Available in 3 colours. 28˝ x 19 7/8˝ x 21 5/8˝.Faucet extra. $1149

Kohler Tresham24˝ VanityBring elegance and style

to your bath or powder room.Simple Shaker-style designfeatures a double-paneleddoor for attractive andconvenient storage. Combineswith the Tresham integratedsink for a complete vanity.Faucet extra.

$879

TAP066C-April Ad-Q-CJN_4C:1 4/1/16 8:01 AM Page 1

T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS mAY 12, 2016B6 [ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

read our supplements online www.cjnews.com/supplements

Don’t replace your dull, damaged stone & marble. Turn to us!Don’t replace your dull, damaged stone & marble. Turn to us!

Insured and BondedTechnicians with over 15 years experience.

We’ll beat any written residential quote by 20%

416-782-buff(2833)

We get “TOP MARKS” for Management, Consulting and Renting! Our superior service includes managing multi-unit

Residential/Commercial/Retail/Industrial/Condominium properties. We also offer specialized services to

manage and rent Condominium investments.

647-341-7990www.summapm.com propman@summapm.com

SUMMA PROPERTY MANAGEMENTProfessional Property Management & Consulting

Potted floral foliage flourishes outdoorsELAINE COHENSupplemenTS Co-ordinATor

With the weather warming up, people’s thoughts turn to their garden, and flower sales soar.

Although some plants thrive for months, others tend to wilt within weeks. Never-theless, if compatible climate and soil conditions prevail, home gardeners can successfully transplant potted floral per-ennials and annuals outdoors.

Homeowners with garden lots at their disposal have more latitude but duplex or apartment dwellers can beautify their bal-conies with the addition of potted flowers or hanging baskets brimming with bright blooms.

Sarah Goldberg, an astute homeowner, describes herself as a “consummate nur-turer” with a tireless penchant for hosting holiday feasts and tending to her garden. Family and friends present this gracious host with flowers every holiday.

“I always savour the potted floral per-ennials, especially tulips, daffodils, irises, lilies and azaleas,” she said. “I’ve also had good luck with some potted annuals but I must admit, the survival rate isn’t as high. On the other hand, I do purchase boxed annuals from the nursery and invariably they do well.”

Among Goldberg’s favourite garden store purchases for annual planting are pansies, zinnias, marigolds and impatiens. These “hardy” annuals bloom beautifully from early June until September, she reports. As for potted floral holiday purchases,

this year is ideal, she observes, because Shavuot occurs later than usual.

An environmentalist at heart, Gold-berg is eager to share the following tips on transplanting potted foliage as well as boxed annuals from local garden centres. Her first rule of thumb is to read the flor-ist’s label and heed directions. Note the name on the floral tag, watering require-ments and whether the plant needs sun or shade.

Planting is risky unless frost season is over. Wait until the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees. Even then, Goldberg

says she finds it best to leave potted flor-al plants intact and simply place them outdoors for a few days to see how they take to the chosen exterior locale. “I tend to take the potted plants inside if it’s par-ticularly chilly or windy in the evening,” she explained.

After her gardener turns the soil, Gold-berg plants the flowers, nurtures the soil, prunes and waters the garden. Moist, pliable soil is ideal. Dig a deep and wide enough hole in the soil to cover the en-tire root system. Remove the plant gent-ly, rather than yank it from the pot. Grasp

the pot by balancing it in the palm of one hand, and tip it over to loosen soil stuck to the edges. Goldberg uses a trowel han-dle to tap on the pot and loosen the roots from the soil.

“Water the plant without drenching it, otherwise, it will end up surrounded by clumps of mud,” she warns. “I always reach into a commercial bag of garden soil and mix it with the ground soil. I put an inch or two of compost over my floral beds.” Her compost is composed of half a cup of fertilizer blended with soil from the ground. Prevent crowding by providing each plant with plenty of space. n

Flowers and foliage add a colourful touch to every home. elAine Cohen phoTo

I always savour potted floral perennials especially tulips, daffodils, irises, lilies and azaleas.

Servicing York Region and the GTA for over 33 years

We specialize in any and all Home/Condo repairs

• Plumbing • Electrical • Carpentry • Drywall & Plaster Repairs • Paint & Wallpaper • Appliance Installation & Interior Renovations

2 year warranty

Seniors Never Pay Tax

Call Steve at 416.823.8358

Email: steve@yourhomeprorenovator.com

SPRING SPECIAL 10% OFF*

*on projects over $1,000. before tax.

ARE YOUR DIY PROJECTS A PROBLEM? Add me to your Tool BoxSpring is Here…Don’t wait to start your Home Improvements

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS maY 12, 2016 B7[ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

PAYING TOO MUCH FOR HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE?

High risk and regular market, auto and motorcycles, homes and cottages. With over 14 different competitive insurers to choose from, I will find you the best rates, and customized coverage to meet your needs!

MICHAEL CADESKYRegistered Insurance Broker

647-808-0481

Best rates on home and auto insurance!

How to ensure a successful basement renovation

SCoTT MCGIllIvrAy

Canadians continue to fuel renova-tion spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real

estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpora-tion, basement renovations are expected to be a hot trend in 2016, as buyers look to maximize available living space rather than move and as young buyers look to offset the cost of homeownership with potential income suites.

While finishing a basement can be a great alternative to moving – especially if you love your neighbourhood – there are some challenges homeowners must be aware of when tackling below-grade living spaces. Choosing the right prod-ucts is vital to the comfort, safety and function of your new living area. Look for ones that help to maximize energy effi-ciency and protect against moisture, fire and noise.

Here are the top points to consider to ensure a successful basement renovation:

Waterproof it: Check the interior foun-dation and floors to make sure there are

no existing moisture issues, water dam-age or mould problems. Address any pri-mary moisture issues before finishing the space. Examine grading to ensure water runs away from your foundation.

Insulation is key: It plays a critical role in making your basement feel comfort-able, while keeping it safe and dry. For the best results, install a rigid board in-sulation, like Roxul ComfortBoard IS, against the concrete foundation before you stud the wall. The board is mechan-ically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, which prevents thermal bridging through the studs, providing better thermal performance. Finish with a moisture-resistant and dimensionally stable insulation between the studs, like R14 Comfortbatt, to protect against com-mon basement issues such as mould, mildew and rot.

Choose a functional design: Draw out plans, carefully taking into consideration any low ceilings or small windows. Try to incorporate structural features into your design, such as attractive wood beams. Keep the space as open as possible. Select lighting that provides a bright, airy feel.

Don’t forget to soundproof it: Sound-proofing is the ultimate solution to maxi-mize your basement’s quiet and privacy. Whether your newfound space will func-tion as a home theatre, music room, home office or playroom, it will bene-fit from quality acoustic insulation, like Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound. Not only is it highly effective, but it’s also easy to install.

Consider fire safety: Since many base-ments are now being renovated as in-come suites, fire protection is also a vital consideration. Whenever possible, select building materials with a high fire-resist-ance rating and look for products that will

not off-gas or contribute to toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Include additional exits in your renovation plan and educate yourself on your local fire code.

Before you start your renovation, be sure to check with your municipality to secure the right permits and to ensure that you’re complying with local bylaws and building codes. Finishing a basement can be a smart renovation, if done prop-erly, adding to a home’s value, increasing its function and providing greater enjoy-ment or income potential. n

www.newscanada.com

WWW.CARROCEL.COM

FINE FURNITURE SHOWROOM

245 BRIDGELAND AVE

416-999-2525

T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS mAY 12, 2016B8 [ H O M E S & g a r d E n S ]

Visit us Downtown at Bathurst & Bloor in Honest Ed’s & Uptown at 3240 Du� erin St. (at Orfus)NOW OPEN! Fabricland in RioCan Marketplace - 2181 Steeles W. (W. of Du� erin, E. of Alness)OVER 40 PARTICIPATING ONTARIO STORES TO SERVE YOU. www.fabricland.ca

Get Set for

Outdoor Living!All Regularly Priced Fabricfrom Our Exclusive 2016

Outdoor Decor Collections

now 40% off our regular prices

Sale in e� ect May 4-29, 2016, on selected in-stock merchandise, during our Outdoor Home & Spring Fling � yer. See our � yer for full details!