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cleaning kitchen Service Providers spring

Spring Cleaning Your Toronto Kitchen: A Pro Guide to Deep Clean and Organize for a Fresh Start

Spring is a great time to give your kitchen a thorough cleaning. Over time, dirt, grime, and clutter can accumulate in your kitchen, making it unhygienic and disorganized. Spring cleaning your kitchen can help you eliminate unwanted items, deep clean surfaces, and create a more functional and enjoyable space for cooking and entertaining.

A clean and organized kitchen has many benefits. It can reduce stress, save time, and make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. A clutter-free kitchen can also inspire healthy eating habits and make it easier to prepare nutritious meals.

Spring cleaning your kitchen involves decluttering, deep cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the space. We will walk you through these steps in detail to help you achieve a sparkling clean, and organized kitchen.

Why Decluttering is Important

Decluttering your kitchen can make navigating, reducing stress, and increasing productivity easier. It can also help you identify no longer useful or needed items, making room for more functional and necessary items.

Tips for Decluttering

Start by setting a goal and creating a plan. Inventory everything in your kitchen and categorize items into keep, donate/sell, or toss piles. Be ruthless in your decision-making process, and consider donating or selling items in good condition that no longer serve a purpose in your kitchen.

Items to Declutter

Common items needing decluttering in your kitchen include expired or unused food, duplicate kitchen tools and appliances, old dishware and utensils, and unused or broken gadgets. Get rid of anything taking up space without adding value to your kitchen.

Deep Cleaning Your Toronto Kitchen

Deep cleaning your kitchen involves cleaning every surface, nook, and cranny. Start by removing everything from your kitchen, including appliances and furniture, and clean from top to bottom. Dust the ceiling, walls, and light fixtures, and then clean the countertops, cabinets, and drawers. Clean the appliances, sink, and fixtures, then mop or vacuum the floors.

Essential Cleaning Products to Use

The right cleaning products can make cleaning your kitchen easier and more effective. Stock up on all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, oven cleaners, and floor cleaners. Microfiber cloths, sponges, and a scrub brush are also helpful tools.

Tips for Tackling Tough Cleaning Challenges

Tough cleaning challenges in the kitchen may include removing burnt-on food from pots and pans, removing stubborn stains on countertops, or removing grease from the stove. Try using baking soda and vinegar to clean these tough spots, or consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help you get your kitchen sparkling clean.

Organizing Your Toronto Kitchen

An organized kitchen can help you save time, reduce stress, and make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. It can also improve the functionality of your kitchen by making it easier to access and use the items you need.

Tips for Organizing the Kitchen

Start by categorizing items and designating a specific storage space for each category. Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places and less frequently used items in more out-of-the-way spaces. Use drawer dividers, cabinet organizers, and shelf risers to maximize storage space and keep items easily accessible.

How to Create Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Small kitchens can present unique challenges when it comes to organization. Consider using vertical storage solutions, such as hanging pots and pans from a ceiling rack or installing shelves above cabinets. Use under-the-counter storage, such as pull-out drawers or baskets, to maximize space. Consider using multi-functional items, such as a cutting board that doubles as a storage container or a kitchen island with built-in storage.

Maintaining Your Toronto Kitchen

Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen requires a few strategies, such as creating a cleaning schedule, doing dishes immediately after use, and staying on top of clutter. It’s also important to regularly review your kitchen’s organization to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Daily maintenance tasks include wiping down counters, doing dishes, and sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Weekly tasks may include cleaning appliances, wiping cabinets, and deep cleaning the sink. Monthly tasks may include cleaning the oven, wiping light fixtures, and cleaning the refrigerator.

Tips for Getting the Whole Family Involved in Kitchen Maintenance

Involving the whole family in kitchen maintenance can make it easier and more fun. Assign tasks to each family member, create a cleaning chart with checklists and due dates, and reward yourselves for completing tasks on time. Encourage everyone to take pride in the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and make it a fun family activity.

Find Professionals to Help You Achieve Your Spring Dream Kitchen

If you need professional help with deep cleaning, organizing, or renovating your kitchen, consider checking out Souqh’s marketplace. Souqh is an online marketplace that connects homeowners with trusted and reliable service providers.

Whether you need a professional cleaning service to help with your deep cleaning needs, an organizer to help you get your kitchen in order, or a home renovation expert to help you transform your kitchen, Souqh can help you find the right service provider for your needs.

Souqh provides homeowners with an easy and streamlined process to find the right professional for their real estate and home improvement needs. This includes browsing quotes and vendor profiles, selecting the most suitable match, scheduling the service, signing documents, and making payments upon job completion. Homeowners can also leave ratings and reviews to help others in their community make informed decisions.

Visit Souqh’s website today to browse service providers in your area and read reviews from past customers. With Souqh, achieving your dream kitchen has never been easier.

Join Souqh.ca to book a service and get started.

Categories
bathroom cleaning home renovations Service Providers spring

Top 7 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Bathroom in Toronto: A Fresher and Cleaner Space Awaits!

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that can breathe new life into your home, particularly in high-moisture areas like the bathroom. A deep clean makes your bathroom look and feel fresher and can also eliminate harmful bacteria and mold, impacting your health. By following these tips, you can create a cleaner, more hygienic, and more inviting space to use and enjoy.

This blog will overview the top tips for spring cleaning your bathroom in Toronto. From decluttering and organizing to refreshing the floors and adding natural scents, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a cleaner, fresher space you’ll love spending time in. So let’s get started!

Decluttering and Organizing

The first step in spring cleaning your bathroom is decluttering and organizing. This involves removing unnecessary items that are taking up space and organizing the storage areas to maximize efficiency. Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Remove anything that you haven’t used in the past year. This includes expired medications, old toiletries, and empty containers.
  • Use drawer dividers and organizers to maximize storage space. This can help keep items organized and easily accessible.
  • Install shelving above the toilet or sink to provide extra storage space for towels, toiletries, and other essentials.
  • Utilize the space under the sink by installing stackable storage bins or hanging organizers to keep cleaning supplies and other items out of sight.
  • Consider investing in a vanity with built-in storage to maximize your space and keep everything within reach.

By decluttering and organizing your bathroom, you can create a more efficient and functional space that is easier to keep clean and tidy.

Cleaning the Shower and Tub

The shower and tub are often the most used bathroom areas and can accumulate soap scum, grime, and mildew over time. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning and maintaining a clean shower and tub:

  • Remove soap scum and grime using a bathroom cleaner for shower and tub surfaces. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive brush or sponge.
  • Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for tough stains and apply to the affected area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing it with a brush or sponge.
  • Clean showerheads and faucets by filling a plastic bag with equal parts white vinegar and water and securing it around the showerhead or faucet with a rubber band. Let it sit for a few hours before removing the bag and wiping down the area with a clean cloth.
  • To prevent soap scum and grime buildup, wipe down shower and tub surfaces with a squeegee or towel after each use.
  • Consider using a daily shower cleaner to maintain a clean shower and tub in between deep cleaning sessions.

With these tips, you can effectively clean your shower and tub and maintain a fresh and hygienic space for years.

Scrubbing the Toilet

Cleaning the toilet is an important part of any bathroom cleaning routine. Not only can a dirty toilet be unpleasant to use, but it can also harbor harmful bacteria and germs. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning and maintaining a clean toilet:

  • Start by pouring toilet cleaner into the bowl and letting it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
  • For tough stains, use a pumice stone to scrub away mineral buildup and stains without damaging the toilet bowl.
  • Clean the tank and seat with a disinfectant cleaner and a clean cloth or sponge.
  • To prevent odors, use a toilet bowl cleaner with a fresh scent, and consider placing a deodorizing tablet or drop-in toilet cleaner in the tank.
  • For a more natural solution, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a toilet brush.

These tips effectively clean your toilet and maintain a clean, hygienic space. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent odors and keep your toilet looking and smelling its best.

Polishing the Sink and Countertops

Polishing the sink and countertops can help your bathroom look fresh and clean. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning and polishing your sink and countertops:

  • Clean and disinfect the sink with a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any dirt or grime.
  • Use a baking soda and water paste to gently scrub the affected area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge for tough stains.
  • Clean and disinfect countertops with a multi-surface cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water. Wipe down the surfaces with a clean cloth or sponge.
  • To keep the sink and countertops shiny, use a glass cleaner or a water and white vinegar solution to wipe down the surfaces. Buff the surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove any streaks.
  • Consider using a sealant on countertops to prevent stains and make cleaning easier.

With these, you can effectively clean and polish your sink and countertops and maintain a fresh and hygienic bathroom. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent stains and keep your bathroom looking its best.

Refreshing the Floors

Refreshing the floors is an important part of any bathroom cleaning routine. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning and maintaining your bathroom floors:

  • Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose debris or dirt.
  • Mop the floor with a mild cleaner, such as a mixture of water and vinegar or a floor cleaner designed for your specific flooring type.
  • Clean grout and tile using a grout cleaner, baking soda paste, and water paste to scrub away any dirt or stains. Use a toothbrush or grout brush to get into hard-to-reach areas.
  • Consider using a steam cleaner to deep clean tile and grout for stubborn stains or buildup.
  • To maintain a clean and slip-free floor, consider using a bath mat or rug outside the shower or tub, and immediately wipe up any spills or splashes.

Following these tips, you can effectively clean and refresh your bathroom floors and maintain a clean and hygienic space. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent buildup and keep your floors looking their best.

Tips for a Fresher Bathroom

A fresher bathroom not only looks and smells better, but it can also contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable experience. Here are some tips for keeping your bathroom fresh:

Add plants and natural scents

Plants such as spider plants and bamboo palms can help improve air quality and reduce humidity levels in the bathroom. Additionally, using natural scents such as essential oils o fresh flowers can help keep the bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Use air fresheners and dehumidifiers

Air fresheners such as sprays or plug-ins can help mask unpleasant odors and keep the bathroom smelling fresh. A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.

Tips for preventing mold and mildew

To prevent mold and mildew growth, wipe down surfaces after showering or bathing, and consider using a squeegee to remove excess moisture from shower walls and floors. Keep the bathroom well-ventilated by opening a window or running a fan during and after showers.

Keep the bathroom well-organized

Clutter and disorganization can contribute to a stuffy and unpleasant bathroom experience. Consider using organizers and storage solutions to keep items neatly stored and out of sight.

Create a fresher, more enjoyable bathroom experience for yourself and your guests. Regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as good habits like wiping down surfaces and reducing humidity levels, will help keep your bathroom looking and smelling its best.

How Souqh Can Simplify Your Bathroom Cleaning and Maintenance Needs

A Souqh marketplace for home services can help by providing a convenient platform for homeowners to find and book professional cleaning and maintenance services for their bathrooms and other areas of their homes. Here are some ways a Souqh marketplace can benefit homeowners:

Easy access to a range of service providers: Souqh can offer various options for homeowners looking to book bathroom cleaning and maintenance services. They can easily compare different service providers and choose the best suits their needs and budget.

Convenience and time-saving: Booking services through Souqh can save homeowners time and effort, as they don’t have to search for service providers or make phone calls to book appointments. Instead, they can easily book services online through the marketplace.

Quality assurance: Souqh can ensure that all service providers listed on the platform are vetted and qualified to provide professional and reliable services. This can give homeowners peace of mind knowing they hire trusted professionals to clean and maintain their bathrooms.

Souqh’s marketplace for home services can provide a convenient and reliable platform for homeowners to find and book professional cleaning and maintenance services for their bathrooms, helping them keep their homes clean, fresh, and well-maintained.

Join Souqh!

Ready to simplify your bathroom cleaning and maintenance needs? Visit Souqh.ca for home services and book professional cleaners and maintenance providers today! Our platform offers a convenient and reliable way to find and book trusted service providers to enjoy a cleaner, fresher bathroom without the hassle. Try it now and see the difference!

 

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cleaning Home Buyers Real Estate Service Providers spring

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality During Spring Cleaning in Toronto

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy home environment. Poor air quality can cause various health problems, from respiratory issues to headaches and fatigue. During spring cleaning in Toronto, many homeowners engage in activities that can significantly impact indoor air quality.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of indoor air quality during spring cleaning and provide tips for maintaining clean, healthy air in your home.

The Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality

Prioritizing good indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment. In this section, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of clean air, including how it can improve physical health, enhance the quality of life, and increase productivity. Understanding these benefits is essential for recognizing the importance of indoor air quality during spring cleaning and beyond.

  • Better health outcomes

Good indoor air quality has been linked to better health outcomes. Poor air quality can aggravate respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies and can also lead to headaches, fatigue, and other health problems. On the other hand, clean air can reduce the risk of these health issues and promote overall physical well-being. By prioritizing good indoor air quality during spring cleaning, you can create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family.

  • Improved quality of life

Improved indoor air quality can lead to a better quality of life. Clean air can lead to better sleep, increased energy levels, and reduced stress, among other benefits. By breathing in clean air, you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated, enhancing your overall well-being. Prioritizing good indoor air quality during spring cleaning and beyond can help create a comfortable living environment promoting a higher quality of life.

  • Increased productivity

Good indoor air quality can also increase productivity. Clean air promotes focus and mental clarity, leading to better performance in work and other activities. By breathing in fresh air, you can feel more alert and energized, increasing productivity and efficiency. Prioritizing good indoor air quality during spring cleaning and throughout the year can help you create a productive living and working environment that supports your personal and professional goals.

Common Spring Cleaning Activities That Affect Indoor Air Quality

During spring cleaning, many common activities can significantly impact indoor air quality. Three of the most common spring cleaning activities that can affect air quality are dusting and vacuuming, using cleaning products, and opening windows. Let’s take a closer look at each of these activities and how they can affect the air quality in your home.

Dusting and vacuuming

Dusting and vacuuming are essential for removing dirt, dust, and other particles from your home. However, they can also kick up dust and allergens, leading to poor air quality. To minimize the impact of these activities on air quality, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that can capture small particles and dust.

Using cleaning products

Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, leading to poor air quality. To minimize the impact of cleaning products on air quality, use non-toxic cleaning products or make your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

Opening windows

While opening windows can improve ventilation and bring fresh air into your home, it can also introduce outdoor pollutants like pollen, dust, and exhaust fumes. To maximize the benefits of opening windows while minimizing the impact on air quality, open windows with good outdoor air quality and use window screens to filter out particles.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Spring Cleaning

While spring cleaning can hurt indoor air quality, there are several steps you can take to improve air quality during this time. Here are some tips for improving indoor air quality during spring cleaning:

  1. Use non-toxic cleaning products: Instead of using harsh chemicals that can emit VOCs, opt for non-toxic cleaning products or make your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. This can help reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air during cleaning.
  2. Properly ventilate your home: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Open windows and doors when weather permits to increase air flow and improve ventilation. You can also use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and odors.
  3. Regularly change your air filters: Air filters can become clogged with dust and other particles, reducing effectiveness. Regularly changing your air filters can help improve air quality by removing these particles.
  4. Clean your air ducts: Over time, air ducts can become filled with dust, dirt, and other pollutants, leading to poor air quality. Cleaning your air ducts can improve air quality and help your HVAC system operate more efficiently.

With these tips, you can improve indoor air quality during spring cleaning and beyond, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for yourself and your family.

Find Help Improving Indoor Air Quality on Souqh

If you need help improving your indoor air quality during spring cleaning and beyond, Souqh is here to help. Souqh is a marketplace where you can find professional cleaners, HVAC technicians, and organizers who can help you improve your indoor air quality and maintain a healthy living environment.

With Souqh, you can easily find and connect with service providers who can help with tasks like air duct cleaning, HVAC maintenance, and home organizing. By enlisting the help of professionals, you can ensure that your home is properly maintained and the air quality is optimized.

To get started, simply visit the Souqh website and browse the available service providers in your area. You can read reviews and compare prices to find the right service provider. With Souqh, you can eliminate the hassle of improving indoor air quality and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

Join Souqh.ca!

Categories
cleaning spring

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Toronto Home During Allergy Season

Allergy season is when people experience heightened symptoms due to exposure to various environmental allergens. In Toronto, allergy season typically runs from late March to early June and then again from August to October. Residents may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and other symptoms during this time. 

This blog post will provide tips and tricks for cleaning your home during allergy season to help you breathe easier.

Understanding Allergies

During allergy season, common allergens found in Toronto homes include pollen from trees and grasses, mold spores, and dust mites. These allergens can enter your home through open windows, doors, and on your clothes and shoes. 

When these allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the skin or eyes, they can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose to severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis in extreme cases.

It is important to be aware of these allergens and take steps to reduce their presence in your home during allergy season.

Tips for Cleaning Your Home for Allergy Season

Here are some tips for cleaning your home during allergy season:

Regular dusting and vacuuming

Dust and vacuum your home at least once a week to remove allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and prevent them from being recirculated into the air.

Washing bedding and linens

Wash your bedding and linens in hot water at least once a week to kill dust mites and remove pollen and other allergens.

Cleaning air ducts and changing air filters

Have your air ducts professionally cleaned and change your air filters every three months to prevent allergens from circulating throughout your home.

Using natural cleaning products

Use natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals, which can irritate allergies. For example, you can clean surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water, or use baking soda to scrub sinks and tubs.

Hiring a professional cleaning service

A professional cleaning service can provide deep cleaning solutions to help reduce allergens in your home during allergy season. They use advanced equipment and techniques to clean and sanitize your home, leaving it free of allergens and other irritants.

By following these tips, you can help reduce allergens in your home and make allergy season more bearable. Hiring a professional cleaning service can also provide extra protection against allergens in your home.

Souqh’s Services for Allergy Season

Souqh is a marketplace that connects homeowners with service providers, including cleaning service professionals who specialize in deep cleaning homes during allergy season. Souqh’s cleaning service providers use advanced equipment and techniques to clean and sanitize homes, helping to reduce allergens and other irritants that can trigger allergy symptoms.

Souqh’s cleaning services for allergy season include deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces, as well as cleaning air ducts and changing air filters to improve indoor air quality. They use natural cleaning products to avoid harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies and irritate sensitive skin.

By hiring cleaning service professionals using Souqh’s marketplace, Toronto residents can breathe easier and enjoy allergy season with less symptoms. The deep cleaning services can help alleviate the presence of allergens in your home, which can help you feel more comfortable and healthy during allergy season.

Join Souqh!

Don’t let allergies ruin your season – book a cleaning service with Souqh’s marketplace today. 

Souqh provides a platform for homeowners to find trustworthy home services professionals. Posting their home services job on the platform automatically sends the job request to vendors who meet the requirements and can perform the task. 

Homeowners can browse quotes and vendor profiles, select the best match, schedule the service, sign documents, pay the vendor upon job completion, and leave ratings and reviews. Souqh makes it easy for homeowners to find the right professional for their real estate and home improvement needs.

Join Souqh.ca to book a service and get started.

 

Categories
cleaning

Spring Cleaning Tips for Home Buyers and Home Owners in Toronto

Spring is here, and it’s time to give your home a fresh start. Whether you’re a home buyer looking to move into a new home, or a homeowner in Toronto looking to give your home a deep clean, this guide will provide useful tips for getting your space ready for the new season. And if you need help with your spring cleaning, Souqh’s marketplace is the perfect place to find professional cleaners in Toronto.

Declutter Your Space

Spring is the perfect time to declutter your home in Toronto! Start by letting go of unused items and sorting them into categories for donation, selling, or tossing. If you’re not ready to part with everything, renting a storage unit can help keep your space organized. 

Deep Clean Your Home

Ready to give your home a deep clean for spring in Toronto? Start by dusting and wiping down all surfaces, vacuuming carpets and washing floors, and cleaning windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine. Don’t forget to give your kitchen appliances and cabinets some TLC, and scrub your bathrooms from top to bottom. 

Organize Your Home

A clutter-free home is a happy home! In Toronto, start by using storage solutions to keep things tidy and organized. Label containers and drawers to make finding items easier and arrange furniture in a way that maximizes space. If you need extra help, consider hiring a professional organizer. 

Take Care of Outdoor Spaces

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the indoors! In Toronto, take care of your outdoor spaces by sweeping walkways and patios, cleaning outdoor furniture, and pruning bushes and trees to encourage healthy growth. You can also bring some life to your outdoor spaces by planting flowers or starting a garden. 

Maintain a Clean Home

A clean home is a happy home! To maintain your newly cleaned and organized space in Toronto, set up a regular cleaning schedule to stay on top of things. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for regular maintenance, especially if you have a busy schedule. Encourage family members to do their part by cleaning up after themselves and putting things away. 

Souqh: Connecting Toronto Homeowners with Cleaning and Organizing Services

Spring cleaning can be daunting, but having a fresh and clean home is worth it. Whether you’re a home buyer or a homeowner in Toronto, following these tips can help you prepare your home for the new season. And if you need help with your spring cleaning, Souqh’s marketplace can connect you with professional cleaners in Toronto to make the job easier.

Souqh’s marketplace offers a convenient and reliable way for Toronto homeowners to connect with professional cleaning and organizing services. Whether you need help with a one-time deep clean, ongoing maintenance, or organizing your space, Souqh has a network of experienced and trustworthy service providers to help you achieve your goals. 

Don’t let a messy home stress you out – visit Souqh today to find the perfect cleaner or organizer for your needs. With Souqh, you can enjoy a clean and organized home, all year round. So why wait?

Book your service today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier home! Join Souqh.ca!

Categories
home renovations Service Providers

Spring into Action: Your Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation in Toronto

kitchen in spring

 

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh new look, and what better way to do that than by renovating your kitchen? With the right tips and guidance, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful and functional space where you’ll love spending time. This article will guide you to kitchen renovation in Toronto during April and May.

Plan Your Kitchen Renovation

Before you start tearing down walls and replacing cabinets, planning your renovation is essential. The first step is to identify your needs and priorities. Do you need more storage space, or do you want to create a more open and airy kitchen? Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas and creating a budget.

Spring into action with your kitchen renovation! | Image from Pexels

Set a Budget

Kitchen renovations can be expensive, so it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it. Start by researching the cost of materials and labour in your area. You can also consult with a professional designer to get an idea of the costs involved in your project. Invest in unexpected costs, such as plumbing or electrical upgrades.

Choose Your Design

Once you have a budget in mind, it’s time to start thinking about the design of your kitchen. There are many different design styles, such as modern, farmhouse, and traditional. Consider the look and feel you want to create in your kitchen, and choose a style that matches your vision.

Select Your Materials

The materials you choose for your kitchen renovation can make a big difference in your space’s overall look and feel. Consider durability, maintenance, and cost when selecting your materials. Popular options for countertops include quartz, granite, and marble, while hardwood or laminate flooring is a popular choice for the kitchen.

Select your materials and aesthetics | Image from Pexels

Start Your Kitchen Renovation in April and May

April and May are the perfect months to start your kitchen renovation project in Toronto. The weather is mild, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new space just in time for summer. Book your contractor early, as many homeowners want to start renovation projects during these months.

A kitchen renovation is a significant investment in your home but can also be a rewarding experience. With the right planning and guidance, you can create a beautiful and functional space you’ll love spending time in. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your kitchen this spring in Toronto.

Hire a Professional

While you may be tempted to tackle your kitchen renovation independently, hiring a professional is always a good idea. A professional contractor can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

Ready to transform your kitchen this spring in Toronto? Find the perfect renovation expert for your project on Souqh, a digital marketplace for home service providers. Browse through various professionals, read reviews, and hire the perfect contractor to bring your vision to life. 

How Does Souqh Help Owners and Home Services Connect?

Homeowners can use Souqh to connect, collaborate and transact with vetted home services professionals. They can simply post their home services jobs on Souqh, and our platform automatically sends the job request to vendors who meet the requirements and can get the job done. 

Homeowners can get quotes from vendors, review their complete online profile, select the vendor they want to work with, sign documents, schedule the service, pay the vendor upon job completion, and share their ratings and reviews. We take the hassle away for your real estate services and home improvement needs.

Don’t wait. Spring into action and start your kitchen renovation project today! Join Souqh!

Categories
Mortgage Broker

7 Things to Prepare Before Your Upcoming Mortgage Renewal

mortgage renewal

Mortgages. They are likely to be the biggest investment of your life. This investment should lead to the Canadian dream of owning your own home.

In Canada, there was a raise of 75 basis points for interest rates. On top of this, two more announcements on interest rates by Bank of Canada are expected in 2022.

Some may feel overwhelmed by the interest rate that they originally signed to. If you are one of those people, a mortgage renewal may be a good option for you.

What are the biggest benefits of renewing a mortgage? Why should you do it? Read on for seven things that you should keep in mind.

1. Specific Terms

The first thing that you should keep in mind is the specific terms attached to the mortgage renewal.

For example, let’s say that you see a mortgage rate that is lower and want to switch to that. However, if you do not look closely, you may find out the hard way that this deal is a less flexible one.

One thing that you may not be able to do is make early payments for your mortgage. Instead, you may be stuck with a strict monthly mortgage payment plan and end up paying more in interest than you want to.

Another thing is if you want to get out of the mortgage agreement early. With some deals, there are penalties for the borrower if they want to do this.

The point is, some of these deals may not be as good as they seem. Look closely before signing anything.

2. Try Not to Lower Payments

The next thing that you should keep in mind is that if you have the financial capacity to avoid lowering your mortgage payments, you should do so.

For example, let’s say you are trying to get a renewal with a 4.75% mortgage rate (an average for current variable mortgage rates) instead of a 4.3% mortgage rate. In this scenario, we will say that your mortgage is $3,500 per month.

If you can afford to pay that, you should continue to do so. The reason why you would do this is that if you do that under your new mortgage rate, more of that money would go towards the principal than the interest.

Then, you would pay off your mortgage faster.

3. Shop Around

If you are someone who wants to possibly change the terms on their mortgage, it may not be a bad idea to shop around for a decent rate. Your lender may give you a better rate than you currently have, but that could just be the market.

Do not dismiss other options that are out there. If you search hard enough, you may find a lender that is offering much better rates than the competition.

In Canada, the current average for a 5-year variable rate is over 5% and it is only expected to increase in 2022. Keep this in mind before agreeing to terms for your next mortgage contract.

4. Do Your Homework

Along with shopping around, you want to do your homework before agreeing to a mortgage renewal. The reason for this is that if you go in not knowing what the current market looks like, you are leaving yourself vulnerable.

If you take the above mortgage rate into account for the current market, imagine a scenario where a lender is offering you a mortgage rate of 6%. You may have no idea that you are getting ripped off.

Know what your options are and know what the current state of the market looks like.

5. Plan Ahead

If you know what your renewal time is, you should not leave this to the last minute. It would be like planning a move or a vacation one day before you go.

In this circumstance, you have to plan for mortgage rates to increase by the time that you are ready to renew a variable mortgage. If that is the case, put some extra money aside for those payments.

Ideally, you should plan your renewal at least a few months in advance.

When you do it like this, you have time to do the proper research to see what mortgage rate you can get on the market. This also leaves you in a stronger bargaining position because you still have time to look into other options compared to if your renewal date was the next day.

6. Do Not Fall for Sticker Price

Do you know what they say about cars and sticker prices? That is typically the sucker price, or the price that car dealers hope buyers will pay.

That is essentially what the posted mortgage rate is for a lender. They may present a number and say that is the lowest rate that they can do.

Do not be afraid to push them a little bit. If you push hard enough and hold a strong negotiating stance, you could find a lower rate than advertised by your lender.

7. Attack the Principal

Finally, remember that mortgage rates are meant to add on interest payments for the lender. That is where they make their profit, so it can be key for you to try to pay off your principal early.

For example, if you are trying to renew a mortgage, you could end up paying a lumpsum towards your principal that you could not do before. Try to take advantage of this because it can clear you of debt.

Learn More About Mortgage Renewal

These are just seven things that you should think about before your scheduled mortgage renewal. You should plan ahead, attack the principal, do your homework, and do not be afraid to negotiate for a better rate. If you do all of that, you should get a decent renewal.

Do you want more information? Message us with your questions today.

Categories
Home Buyers home renovations Property Inspector

Home Inspection Checklist: What (Really) Needs Fixed?

8 common house selling mistakes
A man in a hard hat looking at an old rundown house.

The Greater Toronto Area housing market has begun to cool. Because of this, sellers usually need to put more of an effort into selling their homes. However, slightly lower prices also mean you don’t want to put too much money into a house you’re selling.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, you may have already made upgrades to make your home more desirable to buyers. But, you may also need to complete a home inspection.

But once your inspector hands you the home inspection checklist, how do you know what you really need to fix? Are all repairs mandatory or are they optional?

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about home inspections and the related repairs in Canada.

What Does a Home Inspection Include?

In Canada, home inspections are not mandatory when selling a home. However, it’s common for buyers to complete a home inspection and require it to be satisfactory before they purchase the home.

If your potential buyer wants a home inspection, it will usually happen after they make an offer, but before you close.

Alternatively, some sellers actually choose to get an inspection. A completed inspection report may help bring in potential buyers.

Either way, an inspection provides an objective and independent analysis of the state of your home. It can be used to determine if there are any fixes you need to make.

Most home inspections take about one to three hours, depending on the size and location of your property. The inspector will complete a detailed walkthrough of the interior and exterior of your home. Oftentimes, they take photos and detailed notes for their report.

What’s Included

A home inspection is non-invasive and visual. This means while they look at many aspects of your home, there are parts that they don’t. Most aspects are related to the structure, safety, and integrity of the home.

Some key parts include:

  • Structure (including foundation, walls, and roof)
  • Site (including driveway, fence, deck, and lot)
  • Windows and insulation
  • Plumbing, water heaters, fixtures
  • Heating and cooling system
  • Electrical systems
  • Interior finishes (including floors, cabinets, and trim)
  • Fire and life safety systems

Some inspectors use the CSA A770 home inspection standards as their procedures. This is a voluntary set of standards created by a non-profit group that was created to give home buyers and sellers standards in their home inspection.

What’s Not Included

There are also a few specific things a home inspection usually doesn’t cover. In general, these are usually aspects that aren’t directly related to safety, structural or mechanical integrity, function, or local standards.

This means your home inspection won’t look at:

  • Separate structures (including pools, hot tubs, and sheds)
  • Cosmetic fixtures
  • Fireplaces
  • Water quality
  • Building code adherence

What Needs to Be Fixed?

Home inspection reports don’t give you a “pass/fail” rating. This means there are not necessarily things that need to be fixed in order to sell your home.

They also don’t make repair recommendations or estimates of these repairs. You’ll need to review the report with your real estate agent to determine what you need to fix.

Sometimes lenders make requirements in order to allow their mortgage to be used on a certain house. If this is the case, you’ll most likely be required to fix:

  • Foundation cracks
  • Roof leaks
  • Inoperable or faulty HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems

Depending on the housing market, you may be encouraged, though not required to fix other items. In these cases, you may want to make sure any major ticket items are fixed, as well as ones that buyers would find detractive if they are not repaired.

Your real estate agent will be able to help you create a checklist for home inspection repairs that focuses on what repairs are most necessary.

If a buyer is the one requesting a home inspection, they may make the purchase contingent on certain repairs. If so, they will give you a list of the repairs they want you to fix before the sale goes through.

Alternatively, buyers can ask for a decrease in the sale price. This can help them cover the cost of the repairs.

Where to Find Home Service Providers

If you complete an inspection, you’ll need to find a few different Toronto home services. You can use Souqh to make it easier to connect with providers and manage your relationship with them.

The first provider you’ll need is an inspector. In Canada, there is not much regulation on home inspectors. Ontario is in the process of making licensing mandatory, while Alberta and British Columbia already require licenses.

Because of this, you should be very careful in choosing a home inspector. Start by getting recommendations from friends or your real estate agent. Additionally, you can make sure your potential inspectors are registered with the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) group.

Start by using Souqh’s marketplace to find home inspectors that you are interested in. You can then call to connect with them.

If you do need to make repairs to your home, you’ll need to hire home improvement contractors. Souqh can make it easy to narrow down your options here too. This includes handymen, plumbers, builders, window and door professionals, and more.

Make Your Home Inspection Checklist

Creating your home inspection checklist will allow you to take care of what you need to without spending too much extra money. Make sure to choose a trusted home inspector and complete the repairs that will help you sell your home.

Get started with Souqh today to make managing your home journey easier than ever.

Categories
home renovations homeselling Real Estate

8 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

common house selling mistakes

Did you know that the average time to finalize a home sale is 71 days? Of course, every home and market is a bit different, but homes usually spend around 22 days on the market, and the closing process takes approximately 49 days. Considering that buying a home is one of the most significant investments someone can make in their lives, 71 days isn’t too bad to finalize a deal. However, selling a home can take much longer if you commit one of the most common home selling mistakes.

So, read on to learn what they are and how to avoid them!

1. Not Hiring a Realtor

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling a home is not working with a trusted real estate professional. Although realtors take a commission on your home for their work, they can make the entire selling process much smoother. Not only will they list the home for you, but they will also help you market it.

Not working with a realtor means you’ll have to go through the entire process of selling your home alone. You’ll have to schedule showings, negotiate, write the listing copy for your home, and close the deal by yourself.

The process will likely take much longer than necessary if you don’t have any experience doing these things. In addition, it can become very overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.

2. Overpricing Your Home

Nothing will turn a potential buyer faster than an unrealistic selling price. Before you list your home, you must research the market to see where your home stands compared to other similar listings.

If you work with a trusted realtor, they’ll guide you through this process and help you set a competitive price for your home. If you choose to sell your home without a realtor (which, as you know, is a big mistake!), you should at least consider working with an appraiser to help you set a fair home price.

3. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer

Most people’s first impression of a home comes from the online listing. Therefore, low-quality pictures of your home can severely slow the home selling process by making the property seem unappealing to potential buyers.

First impressions are crucial, so don’t set yourself up for failure by choosing to save a couple of hundred bucks instead of hiring a photographer. Real estate photographers have an excellent eye that will help make your home look stunning in pictures.

4. Not Staging Your Home

Home staging is the process of adding furniture, artwork, decorations, etc., to an empty home. This process often makes a property sell faster and for a higher price.

Homes that don’t have furniture or decorations don’t look as homey or appealing to potential buyers. So, choosing not to stage your home before listing and showing it is a big mistake.

If a buyer walks into a home where they can picture themselves living, they are more likely to want to purchase it! So, set yourself up for success by hiring a home staging company or renting some furniture and staging the home yourself.

5. Not Focusing on Repairs

Showing a home that needs a lot of work done will likely delay the home selling process. So, if there are any big issues with the property, try to fix them before listing it. If you can’t fix everything all at once, at least try to focus on the visible issues.

Remember that once the home sells, buyers will probably try to negotiate the price based on an inspection. So, try to get ahead and fix as many things as possible before buyers come to see your home.

6. Ignoring Curb Appeal

Just like listing photos are important for first impressions, so is your home’s curb appeal. So, ignoring it during the home-selling process can be a huge mistake. If a potential buyer looks at your home online and loves the inside of it, they might be disappointed to arrive and see a property that looks abandoned and not well-kept on the outside.

So, consider doing some work on your curb appeal before inviting potential buyers to look at your home. Some things you can do to make it more appealing include:

Many approaches to fixing your curb appeal can be very inexpensive, and they’ll make a huge difference in the home selling process.

7. Not Considering Timing

Although people move homes year-round, timing is actually an important factor to consider when selling a home. The housing market usually starts to cool down a little bit during winter, so listing your home during that time might be a mistake.

Also, there are times when the real estate market is a bit hotter than other times. As a seller, you’ll want to consider selling your home in a seller’s market instead of a buyer’s market.

Talking to your real estate agent about this will ensure that you list your home during prime timing!

8. Not Being Honest

Lastly, the biggest mistake you can make as a seller is not telling all the truth about your home. Writing a dishonest listing description, heavily editing the listing photos, etc., is a huge mistake during the selling process.

After all, very few buyers will purchase a property completely sight-unseen. So, save yourself some embarrassment and be honest with potential buyers throughout the entire selling process.

Avoid These Home Selling Mistakes

Now that you know what home selling mistakes to avoid, you’ll have a much easier time closing the deal on your home well within the average 71 days. Remember to set a fair price, work with a realtor, hire a photographer, fix any issues, stage your home, consider curb appeal and timing, and be honest.

Looking for professionals to help you navigate the home selling process? Find top service providers here!

Categories
Real Estate

The 5 Fastest Ways To Make Money In Real Estate

5 fastest ways to make money in real estate

Real estate is among the top four industries that are more likely to make you a millionaire. Long before the internet and software produced the Jeff Bezos’ and Larry Ellison’s we all wish we could emulate, the real estate industry was minting millionaires every year.

With a growing population and a diminishing stock of homes available for rent or sale, real estate remains a magnet for people looking to strike it rich. The only difference this time is that we want to get rich faster. So in an industry that demands more patience than most, how do you make money fast in real estate?

 

5 Fastest Ways To Make Money In Real Estate

Here are the 5 quickest ways to profit from real estate today:

1. Flipping Houses

before-after-reno

Do you have some renovating experience? If so, you could make money renovating and flipping houses. This business involves buying distressed homes in good neighbourhoods and then updating and then selling them at a profit.

 

Flipping houses can be very profitable, but there’s a learning curve. You have to know what you are doing, including choosing the right contractors as you will not be able to do all of the work yourself. Identifying houses with renovation potential is another skill you will have to master as that is where the value is.

 

Ideally, you want to spend as little as possible on renovations while making sure the house has all the features buyers look for in houses in that neighbourhood. Spend too much renovating the house and you may end up in the red when you finally sell. You can also run out of funds before you finish renovating.

 

But for people who have done their homework, have enough working capital, and know how to spot fixer-uppers with potential, flipping houses is a good way to make quick cash. By the way, you can also do this with commercial property. 

 

But what if you don’t have the money to buy the fixer-upper?

2. Contract Flipping

You will be surprised to learn that you can make money in real estate without investing any of your money. So those with poor credit or who can’t raise the deposit required for a mortgage shouldn’t feel locked out of the real estate market. With the right skill-set, you can try your hand at contract flipping.

 

Contract flipping is where you match property sellers with buyers and claim a portion of the sale price for your efforts. What you do is identify homeowners whose circumstances may require that they sell their homes to avoid foreclosure or some other negative circumstance. These could be people who are struggling to keep up with mortgage payments or some other distressed owner.

 

While it may not be easy to find distressed homeowners, finding a motivated buyer isn’t as difficult especially if the price isn’t too high. Essentially, you will be leveraging your negotiation and selling skills for profit. With ears in the right areas, it certainly is possible to make money this way.

3. Invest in a Rental Property

renters

One of the traditional ways to make money in real estate is to simply buy and hold. With residential property prices in Canada rising every year, increasing 23 percent year-over-year in January 2022, this is as lucrative as most investments you can make today. 

So you could make a tidy profit by simply buying a property and waiting a year before selling. Or you invest in a rental property and collect rental income while its market value appreciates. Depending on your city, short-term rentals are also a lucrative option. Websites like Airbnb have taken most of the pain out of marketing your rental and collecting payments.

 

With a rental property, you can start making money from your investment immediately and still be guaranteed a healthy profit if and when you decide to sell up. Make a few renovations or cosmetic touch-ups and you could bump up your profit even more.

4. Invest in Land

Not many of us can raise enough money to buy or have sufficient credit to finance a home or commercial building purchase. That doesn’t mean we should give up on our real estate dreams. At least not for those that can raise enough to buy land.

 

Normally investors buy land to develop into some kind of property. If you lack the capital to build, another way to build equity or squeeze value out of land is to just let the land sit and gain value. After a year or two, you should be able to sell for a profit.

 

There are other ways you can make money from your land, including leasing a section for cell towers or any temporary structures a business may put up there with your consent. That, however, depends on the location of your lot. Location is also key for any land that you may want to lease out for agricultural use. 

5. Offer Ancillary Support Services

You don’t have to actually own real estate to get your own piece of this lucrative market. The industry needs support services that don’t have the same barriers of entry in comparison. If you grind, you can make just as much money as you would with an investment property, perhaps even faster.

The trick is to find a service you can offer to property owners and investors. You could offer cleaning, photography, staging, and a myriad other services sellers need to prepare their properties for sale. 

The real estate market has never been riper for investment than it is now. There’re fortunes to be made for those willing to put in the hours. Before you invest your hard-earned money, though, do your research, seek qualified advice, and think all your options through. 

So which of the ways of making money out of real estate we have discussed seem like a good fit for you?