Whether it is winter or summer, one thing is certain – the temperature outside your home doesn’t match the temperature within, and unless your home is properly sealed and you have weatherproofed windows, the conditions outside have a big chance of affecting the inside.

A leaky house affects the consumption for your heating and air system, leading to higher utility bills and environmental stress. Taking a few simple steps that won’t break the bank can lower your utility bills while saving the planet. Read more...

Historically, masonry is the most durable of all building materials. Masonry is often easier to maintain than its wooden counterparts, but when repairs are necessary, they can be very expensive and problematic. Masonry buildings are susceptible to damage by improper maintenance, poor repair techniques and harsh or abrasive cleaning methods. For the purpose of this article, historic masonry includes stone, brick, cast stone, concrete and concrete block.
Prior to making any repairs on your masonry building, you should take the time to determine what the cause of the problem might be. If this step is overlooked, the damage could continue in spite of repairs. Some causes may include: leaking roofs and gutters, settlement of the foundation or exposure to the elements. Read more...

According to Canada’s Historic Places “a historic place is a structure, building, group of buildings, district, landscape, archaeological site or other place in Canada that has been formally recognized for its heritage value by an appropriate authority within a jurisdiction”. This definition is broad and encompasses many different types of places, going beyond the old view that heritage is limited to buildings and structures. Read more...

Study the house's history, choose the right approach, and integrate modern touches with care and caution.

In a previous toolkit series, we walked you through the steps of finding and buying a historic house. Now the search is over, and you're the proud owner of a new old home. Congratulations! Sooo ... now what?

As you'll find out, historic homeownership brings with it a unique set of questions, decisions, and goals. Let's address one of the most basic questions first: Should you restore or rehabilitate your house?

Your decision will influence the house's finished character, the project cost, and the amount of time it takes. It will also impact how much of the work you take on yourself and how much you'll hand off to professionals. Read more...