Home improvement resource centre

This resource centre is designed to provide you with tips related to improvements you may make to your home. You’re invited to review the articles below. If you have a specific question that you would like us to answer, please email us and we’ll do our best to respond.

For hundreds of other helpful articles created specifically for homeowners, condo owners, landlords, and tenants, visit our resource centres.

Heating your home efficiently

Saving money on your home heating can add up. Learn how you can efficiently heat your home with these tips about furnaces, windows, thermostats, wood fireplaces and other ways to keep warm.

Home maintenance schedules

Access checklists for monthly, annually, semi-annually and every five years for your house repair and maintenance. Learn what you need to do around the home, step by step.

Closing your vacation property for the season

If you own a vacation property or second home that you don’t use during the winter, there are a few things to think about before you shut it down for the season. Follow this checklist so you can return next season without an unexpected surprise.

Learning about roof types

What type of roof do you have on your home? What should you do to maintain it? And, how does it affect your ability to buy home insurance? Get all your roof related questions answered here.

House foundation types

Learn about all the different types of house foundations, their cost per square foot, as well as other characteristics, benefits and risks of each different home foundation type. We'll also review what information about your foundation is important for insurance providers.

Why LED lighting is environmentally friendly and energy efficient

Learn why LED lighting is more beneficial than incandescent bulbs and other types of lighting and how it is better for the environment. Also learn where you can use LED lights in challenging landscapes and outdoor conditions.

How an HVAC zoning system makes a more comfortable home

Wondering if an HVAC zoning system will improve the comfort of your home? Learn how HVAC zone systems are planned and how it can save you money in the long-run.

Furnace short-cycling? Causes and troubleshooting

A short-cycling furnace can be hard to find the troubleshoot. To help you, here are 5 potential causes for short-cycling furnaces that you can try to fix without a professional.

Your home HVAC noise guide: What do all those noises mean?

HVAC systems, air conditioners, furnaces and home duct systems can all make strange noises. Learn if these noises require professional attention or what you can do to prevent them.

Habits that shorten the life of your washer and dryer

Washer and dryers are an expensive purchase when you’re a homeowner and you’ll want to use these appliances for as long as possible. Follow these tips and habits to make sure your washer and dryer can run smoothly for the long-term.

How to select the best air-conditioning system for your home

Learn how to select the perfect air conditioner for your apartment or house. From ductless or portable, we'll cover the best options for you to consider so you can keep cool at home.

How to choose the right swimming pool for your family

Learn how to choose the right swimming pool for your family. From the location in your backyard to what material will be optimal for your budget and family, this swimming pool guide will help you make the correct decision. Also discover what design suits your home best.

How to compare contractor bids for your home renovation

Getting the right professional contractor for your home renovations is very important. By reviewing the suggestions covered here, you can make sure the contractor you choose is professional and right for your budget.

DIY or Hire a Contractor For Your Home Renovation?

To do or not to do it yourself, that is the key question when it comes to home renovations. Learn when you should leave the work to a professional or when you can do it yourself.

Are solar panels for your home worth it?

Are you looking at your energy bills with concern and wondering if there is a way to cut costs? Many people today are looking to solar panels. Good idea?

Home HVAC systems: Basics, maintenance and pest removal

An HVAC system is an important part of any home and it needs regular maintenance to run smoothly. Well maintained HVAC's should last for 10 years or so. Learn how to maintain the HVAC system, how to avoid pests from entering the system and other important information.

Maintaining your home appliances 101

You may not realize how much you depend on your major appliances until they break down at a crucial moment. Learn how to maintain your main home appliances.

Summer home improvement projects

When you own a home, there are always tasks on your “To Do” list. Summer is the perfect time to begin those home improvement projects that will increase the value of your home.

Your home’s permit history and renovations

Before you have plans drawn up, hire a contractor and dive into the project, you may want to do a bit of homework. Research your building permit history. It could save you a lot of money and time.

Renovations that do and don’t increase your home value

Investing in a home renovation is a major consideration as a homeowner. Here are the top renovations that will increase the value of your home. Also, we'll review what renovations may not be worth your while.

Renovate your home or move? Which makes more sense?

To move or not to move; that is the question many homeowners ask themselves as the space they are living in becomes more crowded. Which option suits you?

Guide: Choosing energy-efficient appliances

With climate change and concerns about non-renewable resources on the minds of many Canadians, it follows that homeowners are interested in saving energy wherever possible. Purchasing energy-efficient appliances is an easy way to cut back on energy use and save money at the same time.

17 questions to ask before hiring your next contractor

Renovating your home can be a huge financial investment. Knowing what to expect before the project gets started will help you better prepare for the process. Obviously, hiring the right contractor can make the difference between your project being a success or a nightmare. Here are 17 questions you should ask your contractor before starting a home renovation.

Using rain barrels around your home

Learn what a rain barrel is, how it works, and how you can install one at your home. Rain barrels can be a great way to conserve water and can also be used to reduce the damage and risks from heavy rainfalls.

Gardening around your home

Gardening around your house can be a great activity. Learn what you need to do in the spring with your lawn and yard to prepare. As well as other planting tips and how to create an energy efficient garden.

How to winterize your home

Your home should always be properly protected from the elements during the winter months. Here are some easy tips you can get started with that will help prevent pipes from freezing, heat from leaking and keeping others safe on the sidewalks.

Guide: Best time to buy home appliances

Major appliances can expensive to replace & put a real dent in your savings. Learn the best times of the year to buy home appliances, how to find discounts, when you should consider buying used appliances and tips to help your buying decision.

Are smart home appliances worth it?

Smart homes – where your appliances talk to an automated assistant, you or each other – aren’t as prevalent as experts expected. Are the benefits there yet?

A new homeowners guide to spring cleaning

It’s time to get down and dirty, and give your home a thorough clean. Square One has researched tips from top experts, and have compiled a list for you.