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Calculating fuel cost
Here is a rough comparison of the relative costs of heating an older house in Ottawa.You can put in your own fuel prices and the efficiencies of the appliance that you are choosing to compare relative costs.
Notes: It is often difficult to isolate the charge per unit of fuel, be it gas or electricity. Include all the costs that relate to the m³ of consumption for gas (for example, as supply charge, gas delivery charges, gas surcharges). Electric utilities often also have a bewildering range of charges. Apply all the charges except fixed charges (for example, $10/month connection charge).
For oil appliances, use 38.2 MJ/litre of oil. For electricity, use 3.6 MJ/kWh and 100 per cent efficiency.
Note: 80 GJ (or 80 gigajoules) is the energy required for heating the example house over the winter.Your own house will likely be different. However, the relative osts calculated for alternative fuels and furnaces in the example house should help you make a selection for your house. For a calculation which includes a wood furnace, consult the CMHC publications. |
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Adding Home Additions |
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Adding Home Additions
Room additions can add square footage and value to your existing home, without the additional expenses incurred in the purchase of a new home. This is especially attractive to growing families.
Most room additions consist of extending the size of your home by adding the new room to an exterior wall. Popular room additions are new bedrooms, dens, living rooms, dining rooms, and studies.
Other popular room additions include increasing floor space by adding a second story room to your existing home, sometimes called a "pop-top." This can increase the value, functionality, and comfort of your home, without robbing you of lawn or garden footage.
And yet more ideas for room additions are garages, carports, porches, decks, or sunrooms. In all instances, the value and equity of your home is increased along with its usability.
A well-planned and executed room addition can make a dramatic difference, both in the livability of your home, and in its value.
If you are thinking of adding onto your home, it's a great investment now and in the future. Enjoy the extra space you can utilize now and still get the added value in the future if you decide to sell your home.
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Find a Reliable Contractor to Finish Your Basement
 (ARA) - Whether it's extra bedroom space, a new den, a playroom or just a quiet spot to call your own, finishing the basement is one of the greatest ways to improve cramped living. However, a basement has a few unique characteristics that must be considered to ensure that the space functions well for your needs. First, be sure that you obtain all the proper permits to complete your project. Check with your local government center or online to find out what is required in your area. Most local city, county, and state requirements can be found online. One of the most common problems with basement refinishing ideas is the ceiling height. Many basement ceilings are lower than the average ceilings in your home. One way to help reduce this problem is to finish around your ductwork. Boxing (enclosing) around it allows you to have higher ceilings in the majority of your basement. This solution works for some. Others may feel the boxed enclosures are an unattractive eye sore. Ductwork generally takes up a lot of space on a basement ceiling. Re-ducting to accommodate your basement finishing ideas is also an option but can be very costly. Using a vaulted ceiling also helps give the illusion of a taller space. Basement Finishing Ideas When purchasing carpeting for your new room, be sure to obtain good padding and go for thicker carpet. Your upstairs rooms generally have wood under the carpet. However, in your basement it will likely be concrete. Thus, the flooring upstairs is a little softer by nature. If your basement floor is concrete, adding a little extra cushion makes it more comfortable. If you choose hardwood floors, you may still want an extra layer of padding to help control moisture. You'll also want to consider the plumbing and electrical facilities in your basement. Make sure to provide easy access to areas that may need repairs later. These can be covered but you'll need to make sure the covering can be removed without damaging adjoining materials. Again, boxing in with easy access openings is the method most commonly used. A basement remodel is a major project. It is important to decide what you want before you find a contractor to finish your basement. It will make the process flow more smoothly and help to ensure that the contractor understands your needs, style and desires before the project starts. This will also help you get both accurate pricing and a better estimate on the timeline of your project from your contractor.. |
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