9 Tips for Cat-Proofing Your Home

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It’s fall, and even if your cat doesn’t go outdoors, the change in seasons bring changes in behaviour for humans as well as animals. Some of these are as simple as what kinds of food you eat or whether you use blinds at different times of day, and some of them can create potential hazards to your cat’s health and safety. While cats are seemingly mellow creatures, they can get into all types of mischief. It’s up to conscientious cat parents to ensure the home is safe. 

Here are 9 areas you should cat-proof:

1. Food

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Never assume your cat won’t eat something. Cats have been known to get into all kinds of surprising foods, including crackers, marshmallows, cookies etc. Just keep food off the counters when you’re not around and stash it somewhere your cat can’t access. Otherwise, you may have some major GI issues on your hands.

2. Blinds and cords

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What isn’t a toy to a cat? Cords on blinds seem to be made to play with. Unfortunately, cats can ingest the cord, get tangled up in it, or even get strangled. And while cats love to dive through mini-blinds, they can easily get stuck, panic, and hurt themselves. Keep the cords out of reach by tying them up or tucking them behind the top of the blinds. If you find your cat has a penchant for mini-blinds, you may want to rethink your window treatments.

3. Plants

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Plants have been banished from many cat households. It’s hard to keep cats from gnawing on leaves, and many common household plants are toxic to cats. Toxic and non toxic plant list cat.

But even if the plant’s not toxic, your cat may still leave ragged chew marks on the leaves. If you can find a place to put a plant that’s out of your cat’s reach, like a hanging basket, or if you can train your cat to stay away from the plants, great! You also might be able to divert your cat’s attraction to houseplants by offering a pot of cat grass he can nibble on. Otherwise, you may have to give up the greenery.

4. Large appliances

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Cats seek out warm spots, and big appliances usually fit that bill. Especially dryers. Always check the inside of your washer or dryer before you turn it on. You just never know who might be taking a nap in there. Also, some cats don’t recognize a hot stove until they are on top of it and have singed their paws. If your cat is a little slow on the uptake, you can place foil or double-sided tape around the stovetop to keep kitty boo off the hot surface.

5. Cleaning products and medicine

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Again, don’t make assumptions about what your cat will or won’t get into. Keep cleaning products and medicines stashed away. Also, once you are done cleaning, make sure to rinse drains well. Sometimes cats like to lick freshly cleaned sinks and tubs. 

6. Trash

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If you have a trash-tipper kitty, you’re going to need to get a can with a secure lid, or you should put the can in a closet. Not only is it a pain to clean up coffee grounds and banana peels, but there could be some dangerous stuff in there — sharp-edged cans, grocery bags that could get around your cat’s neck, and any number of other hazards.

7. Electrical cords

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Why do cats like to chew on cords? Beats me, but they do. And that can be extremely dangerous. To prevent your cat from electrical shock or worse, secure your dangling electrical cords with duct, electrical, or even packing tape. You can tape cords to the floor or the side of the appliance, for example.

8. Shelves

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Cats are notorious for climbing everywhere and anywhere they want. And they aren’t always so smart about it. Remove fragile objects, and make sure the shelves are securely fasted to the wall. Also, some shelves can flip if there is a heavy cat on one end, so secure your shelving to the wall or the brackets.

Also, try cat trees. Your cat climbs because he wants to get up high on something. Give him options, and he might just forgo the bookshelf.

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9. Holiday decorations

New items are always alluring to a cat. If you’re decorating your house for the holidays, think about what might be dangerous for your resident kitty. If your cat is a chewer, reconsider dangling things like tinsel or garlands. 

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Every cat is drawn to different types of havoc. Some cats chew plants, others don’t. It’s best to be aware of all potential hazards and take measures to keep your home as cat-safe as possible!

Do you have a suggestion not listed here? Please share in the comments below!

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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                                                                 This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

How to prepare your home for sale

Are you thinking of selling your home? Before your REALTOR® begins showing your home, you will want to make sure it’s in tip-top condition. An attractive, well-kept home generally has a better chance of selling a little faster.

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Minor exterior and interior improvements

Updates can add value to your home without requiring a large renovation bill. Think back to what first attracted you to your home; now determine how best to highlight and improve your home’s best features.

Here are a few ideas to help you perk up your home’s appearance. Consult with your Realtor to see what types of improvements make the most sense.

Start with the outside

• An inviting exterior ensures that potential buyers will inspect the interior 
• Keep lawns and gardens well maintained
• Ensure garage and porch areas are free of clutter and refuse
• Repair loose siding or pavement
• Replace any damaged roof shingles, eaves troughs or cracked windows
• Wash windows, gutters, mailbox and doors
• Secure loose shutters or awnings

The inside story 

You can do a lot to improve the inside of your home without spending a great deal of money. Two primary areas to keep in mind are the kitchen and bathroom.

• Ensure kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling clean
• Repair dripping facets and shower heads
• Steam clean or replace carpets if necessary
• Thoroughly clean every room in the house, removing all clutter
• Repaint dingy walls or kitchen cabinets with a neutral colour
• Replace worn or outdated countertops and cracked light-switch plates
• Remove any items (like chandeliers) that won't be included in the sale of the home

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Remember, the more effort put into the initial clean up, the easier it will be to keep your home looking its best for visits from your Realtor with prospective buyers. As well, keep in mind that rooms that are too cluttered will give the impression that they're much smaller than their true size. Try to create a feeling of spaciousness when conducting your spruce-up.

Pre-showing checklist

• As a courtesy to buyers, leave the house while the Realtor is conducting a showing
• Keep pets out of the way – preferably out of your house during the showing
• Ensure that every room is tidy, well aired and adequately lit
• Don't keep money, jewellery and small valuables in plain sight during a showing
• Open drapes to maximize natural light
• Keep all stairways and hallways clear
• Use finishing touches like fresh flowers and candles

Ask your Realtor for his or her checklist to better prepare you for a showing or an open house. By following these relatively simple tips, you'll feel proud of your home and potential purchasers are sure to appreciate its beauty.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Finding a solid strata property

If you plan to buy a strata property, it’s important you work closely with a REALTOR®.

REALTORS® help clients thoroughly investigate a strata property before making a buying decision. REALTORS® have access to the resources and information strata property buyers need to assess potential problems in strata buildings.

Before buying a strata property, here are evaluation measures we recommend that you take with the assistance of your REALTOR®.

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1. Review Strata Council minutes.  Obtain copies of strata council minutes for the past year or more, along with bylaws, financial statements, annual general meeting or special meeting minutes, and any engineering reports that may have been completed. Look for past problems, previous repairs, special assessments, legal cases and upcoming expenditures. Also look for bylaws including rental, pets and smoking or any other significant restrictions or local rules. 
2. Ensure a maintenance program is in place. Read strata council minutes, engineering reports and the strata depreciation report (where there is one in place) and speak with the property manager to determine whether the building has a solid preventative maintenance program in place.
3. Check contingency fund. Under the Strata Property Act and regulations, a portion of strata owners’ monthly maintenance fees must go into a contingency reserve fund to pay for extraordinary repairs, such as a new roof or repairs to leaks. It’s important to determine whether the building has a substantial contingency fund to cover any upcoming expenses.
4. Review the Property Disclosure Statement - Strata Title Properties. Sellers are encouraged to complete this form, which is a checklist to assist in disclosing concerns about the property's condition. Buyer should review it for any defects or potential problems and also to determine if parking stalls and storage lockers are attached to the unit and owned or are limited common property.
5. Investigate the warranty program and builder background. Whether the strata is new or resale, your REALTOR® can find out what type of warranty the building carries, noting the limits and duration of coverage. They may also be able to help find background information about the builder/developer of the project.
6. Consult with a professional home inspector. You may consider hiring an accredited home inspection professional (one who is licensed carries errors and omissions insurance) to inspect the condition of the suite, common areas, and the overall building structure.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

OPEN HOUSE: 2001 888 HAMILTON STREET

Open House this weekend:

Saturday March 16 10:30-12pm & Sunday March 17 2-4pm

Check out the sneak peek film and see you all this weekend!
Great Value - Great Investment - Amazing Views - Downtown

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Step Up Your Staircase: From Runners to Railings

From traditional wood to Contemporary glass, a well-designed staircase isn't just functional; it can help elevate your home's look and feel. Put some style in your steps with these staircase renovation tips.

Moving a staircase

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Moving a staircase can be a massive undertaking but it can do wonders for improving the flow of your home. Between the house's structure and your desired staircase style, there are many variables to think about, including whether you need additional support and how the materials will work together (wood, concrete, metal or glass, to name a few). You may need a team of designers, engineers and/or architects to make sure your staircase fits your floor plan and meets building regulations.

Building codes

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There are particular building codes associated with stairs, including permitted incline angle, handrail regulations, stairway headroom and the height and width of the rise. The National Building Code of Canada suggests stair treads need to be a minimum of 21 centimetres (or 8 1/4 inches) wide, but if safety is a concern, consider increasing the width to up to 25 centimetres (10 inches). Ultimately, it's up to local municipalities to enforce specific codes.

Styles

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A staircase that runs straight from one floor to the next is the easiest and most common to build but it can also take up the most room in a home. If you have very tall ceilings, a builder might create a stop at a landing that turns 90 or 180 degrees to make it easier to climb. Finally, a space-saving spiral staircase is easy to install and very affordable but it can be difficult to climb and unsafe for children or people with mobility concerns.

Handrails and balustrades

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Most stairs must have at least one continual handrail between 86.5 centimetres and 96.5 centimetres (34 and 42 inches, respectively) tall. They're also a great way to add aesthetic flare to your staircase.

A well-designed handrail and balustrade (the planks or poles that combine to support the handrail) are essential elements for a staircase and can serve as beautiful focal points. Materials can be limited to or a combination of wrought iron, glass, steel and wood.

Iron

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Wrought iron can be easily curved and can give your staircase an elegant, old-world feel. Used both outside and inside because of its durability, an iron balustrade can be stylized in any number of artistic designs.

Glass

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Sheets of glass that function as a modern balustrade offer an uncluttered look that will give your space an open, airy feel. However, they can be more cumbersome to keep clean from dust and fingerprints.

Steel

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If you love Industrial design, a steel handrail and balustrade – with its clean lines and no-fuss aesthetic – are just the ticket.

Stair runners

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Typically installed over tile or hardwood stairs, stair runners are a piece of carpet that covers a portion of a stair. They come in all colours and patterns and can be matched to your home's décor. Carpeted stairs are safer and quieter – they reduce the chances of slipping and help absorb the sound of footsteps – so they're a good idea if you have little ones running around.

Easy DIY upgrades

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From decals and paint to runners and other accessories, there are a number of ways you can jazz up your stairs without having to undergo an expensive renovation. 

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Dare to be Different with Bold Accent Wall Ideas

Decorating trends have come and gone but the accent wall has stood the test of time. Also known as “feature walls,” accent walls are an easy, low-commitment way to highlight an important element in your home, show off your personal style and make your design vision pop.

A simple coat of dark or bright paint is a tried-and-true way to turn heads, but there are plenty of other ways to draw attention to a feature wall.

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There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about creating an accent wall. 

Why create an accent wall?

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Don't just randomly select a feature wall, let unique architecture or furniture guide you. In most rooms, the location of your accent wall will be obvious, setting the scene for a key feature or piece of furniture, such as a headboard or a fireplace. Accent walls can also help define a space into multi-purpose areas in an open-concept space. If there's no naturally-occurring accent wall, you can create your own focal point with decorative pieces, like a large mirror or favourite painting.

Different ways to accent your walls

Paint: The solid choice

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A coat of paint is by far the easiest way to update your space without a big commitment. Painted accent walls often look best when painted a darker or bolder colour, while harmonizing with the rest of the walls. A foolproof trick to choosing the right hue is to make your accent wall a few shades darker than the other walls. Alternatively, pick a shade that currently exists in the room's décor elements, like throw pillows or curtains.

Paint: Stripes, patterns and murals

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While a solid-colour wall can work wonders for a room, there are plenty of other ways to use paint on a featured wall, such as with DIY stripes or other creative projects. Simple stripes of slightly lighter and darker shades can add a lot of visual interest; all you need is two shades of paint and painter's tape. 

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Creating a feature wall that will also serve as selfie opportunity for visitors, with fun phrases in speech bubbles painted all over it. 

Updating a kids' room? If you're artistically inclined, there's nothing more fun than a hand-painted feature corner!

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Wallpaper 

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Aside from a fresh coat of bold paint, a wallpaper accent wall is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add personality to a room. It's also a great way to dip your toes into the fun, funky world of creative wallpaper. Choose something bold and eye-catching—after all, it's only one wall and there are so many kinds and patterns to choose from. 

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Paint and wallpaper are great for adding colour and texture, but why not experiment with different materials to really make your accent wall stand out? Bosk restaurant in Toronto features a “small wooden-area" wall marked with the restaurant's name to complement the space's wood panelling and Japanese-inspired latticework.

Board pattern and stain colours are all up to your own personal creative vision.

But it doesn't have to be as complicated as all that. Even simple wood planks can have dramatic impact. The most important element, is valuing authenticity in the materials you use. 
With wood for an accent wall, reclaimed wood has a natural patina and gives a much more authentic feel than taking new wood and trying to make it look old. When choosing wood, look for pieces with nice big knots which will pop out against the stain.

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Brick

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If you're lucky enough to have a brick wall as part of your natural architecture, play it up with smart interior design decisions.

What makes brick such a rare and warming design is that it can only be done when you have the opportunity. Take advantage of your naturally-occurring brick wall by using it as an accent and really emphasizing its unique features. For example, if your brick wall is red, try a cooler, grey-toned palette for the rest of the room to make the brick pop. 

Concrete

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Cement or concrete walls are an eye-catching interior design feature that usually come pre-existing in a home, loft or condo but with the opposite effect of brick, adding starkness rather than warmth. Concrete walls look especially beautiful in long hallways, but when used in other rooms, like living or bedrooms, make sure your décor complements the cold, industrial feel. If you want the look of concrete without actually covering the wall in this material, you can use wallpaper that mimics the look of concrete. Unlike brick or stone, you won't give up the real texture quite so much if you use this shortcut. 

Stone

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A natural stone accent wall is truly a sight to behold. Depending on the stone, it can add a Mediterranean or Tuscan feel to your home and while it makes for a dramatic look, it can be expensive if you're building one from scratch.

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Not just for the backsplash; add some drama with bold kitchen tiles feature wall!

Not just for bedrooms or living rooms, accent walls can also look super luxurious in kitchens and bathrooms. In kitchens, a bold backsplash is often used as a focal point, but you can just as easily use tile as a dramatic feature wall.

In the bathroom, an accent wall can draw focus to a beautiful tub or vanity.

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Beautiful, bold tiles can turn a bathroom into a work of art.

Not a fan of too much tile? Apply a bold tile pattern selectively as a “half-accent wall,” for example, to draw attention to a gorgeous mirror or faucet. 

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Moulding and other materials

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Crown moulding and panelling work particularly well for formal sitting or dining rooms. However, there's no rule that says you can't have glamorous panelling in a playroom and a lovely hand-painted mural in your dining room. It's really up to you.

Accent wall Dos and Don'ts:

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• DO work with the existing architecture and furniture;
• DO choose natural, authentic materials whenever possible;
• DO choose a darker colour while harmonizing with the rest of the walls;
• DO make your accent wall a few shades darker than other walls;
• DO choose an existing colour shade that exists in the room's décor;
• DON'T forget there's more to accent walls than just paint;
• DON'T be afraid to go for bold paint or wallpaper.

The biggest takeaway for designing any space is to make it bespoke to your particular home.
A big mistake is thinking because something looks good in a photo you saw of a different space, you can just copy it at your place. You want to think about the natural, existing elements and play those up with smart design decisions.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area! 604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.