Whether you're renovating, redecorating or spatial planning—you know there's an app for that. We're taking a closer look at seven mobile apps that will give you a leg up on your next home project.

Magicplan 

This is an app for everything from a brand new build to a redecorating project. Since you can recreate all of your doors, windows and furniture in the app (right down to their exact ...

Staying at home for the holidays? Use some of your downtime to tackle a house project or two, and you can start 2020 with a fresher, cleaner space. Take the time to work on a project you would never usually have time for (like editing photos from the past year), get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions (by building a healthy pantry) and put away those ornaments and string lights (actually...

On the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, with cool neighbours like Nanaimo and Port Alberni, Qualicum Beach is designed for those prescribed to a coastal agenda. With a temperate climate and four kilometres of sandy beach along the Georgia Strait, Qualicum is an instant love affair. With a population of 8,943, there's enough space for everyone's beach towel!

Located within the traditional territory...

With the booming sharing economy and travellers often preferring to forgo traditional hotel stays, the notion of renting out a room in your home (or the entire house itself) could seem appealing. But before you jump into peer-to-peer short-term rentals, there are some things you should consider:

Costs of hosting: starting up, cleaning, higher utility bills and more

Becoming an Airbnb host requires some...

Aside from connecting the lower and upper floors, an elegant staircase can also take a home’s design to the next level. But there are countless ways to design this key element in a multistory home. If you’re looking for staircase designs, this countdown of the top 10 staircase photos uploaded to Houzz in 2019 might help you find your way.

Birdseye Building

10. Classic Character

The newel...

Vancouver Is Awesome founder Bob Kronbauer with dog Frankie, his wife Kate and son Arlo at their new home that’s not in Vancouver. Photo courtesy Bob Kronbauer

The issue surrounding affordability in Vancouver is nothing new. No matter what your opinion or your income, the one thing most everyone can agree on is that Vancouver is an expensive place to live.

That fact was driven home again recently,...

One building is proposed for 3680 East Hastings (left) and a second is proposed for 3600 East Hastings (right). Rendering BHA Architects

Vancouver council referred another three rezoning applications under the city's Moderate Income Rental Housing Pilot Program (MIRHPP) to public hearings in the new year. The referrals were made at council's Dec. 10 meeting.

The public hearings get underway Jan. 21,...

For some people, living in a city loft is the epitome of style; think skyline views, plank hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and heritage features offering inimitable character. With open floor plans and central locations, lofts make ideal crash pads for downtown living. However, the loft lifestyle isn't for everyone. 

Here are a few things to know before deciding if a loft is the right home...

You found your dream century home and your conditional offer has been accepted. But after receiving your home inspector's report, it turns out your charming Victorian cottage needs more than a fresh coat of paint.

Photo by Nolan Issac on Unsplash

While this doesn't mean you need to back out of the deal, it's important to know you can always head back to the negotiating table. Your REALTOR® is a...

he question of whether to buy a condo or a house may be obvious to some, but for others, it's not so simple. Each comes with its own pros and cons as far as convenience, amenities, resale value and space is concerned.

It's important to start by identifying your goals, lifestyle and budget. A REALTOR® can help you navigate the different options in your desired market, including the factors to consider...

Passive House via Construction Rocket

Passive houses are really anything but passive—the truth is, they're total powerhouses. They boast incredible energy efficiency, superb insulation and optimal temperature and comfort 12 months a year.

With that being said, passive homes aren't very common in Canada yet, as our intensely varied climate presents challenges for anyone trying to keep a home c...

Summer's warmth is now a fading memory and the inescapable and important task of winterizing your home before the first big freeze looms. Luckily, we've created a checklist of many things to consider before that first snowfall with help from Jim Fisher, a general contractor with 50 years experience in the industry.

1. Garden hoses

Disconnect any garden hoses, drain them of any residual water and store...

You've been saving for a down payment, watching your credit like a hawk and are ready to make the big leap into homeownership. What now? And what steps should you take so you don't feel like you're wading through a jumble of details? We've put together 10 steps to guide you on your journey to holding your first set of keys. You can also download the Home Buyers' Road Map for more on what to expect....