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Tarion's Summer
Home Maintenance Checklist

May 23, 2024

If you're a seasoned homeowner, you probably already have your own checklist when it comes to seasonal maintenance of your property, but if you're a new homeowner then you may want to check out Tarion's website which is full of useful information for homeowners on how to maintain your investment year round.

Here is list of items to consider as part of your routine home maintenance inspection as you prepare for the warm summer months ahead:

June

Check air conditioning to see if properly functioning
Check condition of roof shingles, flashing and chimney caps are sealed properly
Check sheds for wear and tear or damages
Check garage and garage door tracks for deterioration and lubricate bearings
Check sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaks
Test septic system and clean if necessary
Fertilize lawn
Inspect water heater for leaks
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

July

Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
Clean air conditioner
Check or clean exhaust fans
Check water heater for leaks
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

August

Clean or replace air conditioner filter
Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
Inspect driveways and walks for chipping or cracks
Inspect doors and locks for proper closure and locking
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Your home is one of the largest investments you'll ever make, take care of it and it'll take care of you.

The Unofficial Start to Summer
Let the Long Weekend Begin!

May 17, 2024

It's Friday of the Victoria Day long weekend and the unofficial start to Summer. Many of you will be, if you haven't already, heading north to open up the cottage for the season. Please remember, the roads will be full of excited cottagers making their way to their 'happy place' so take your time and be patient along the way, everyone wants to make it there, and back, safely. Whether you're spending this holiday weekend with friends or family, we hope you enjoy your time together and create lasting memories. Happy Victoria Day!

Happy New Year!
It's time for a mid-winter home
maintenance inspection.

January 24, 2024

Whoever coined the term "time flies" sure knew what they were saying. It seems like just yesterday when we were all preparing for the new millennium and yet here we are starting off the new year in 2024!

For many, the month of January means putting away all the holiday decor and taking back your living space. It is also a great time for homeowners make sure you change the batteries on your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

Along with many really great tips for homeowners, Tarion's website is full of useful information for home maintenance year round. Here is list of items to consider as part of your routine home maintenance inspection during the winter months:

Clean or replace furnace filter
Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter
Check furnace fan belt for wear or looseness
Check water heater for leaks
Check or clean exhaust fans
Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels
Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
Check and ensure air intakes and exhausts are clear of snow
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Before you know it we'll be springing forward, as if time doesn't move fast enough already.

'Tis the Season

Are you ready for Winter?

November 29, 2023

As the colder months are upon us we are starting to feel the affects of winter. As homeowners, it is your responsibility to ensure you keep up with the maintenance on your home. With each season, Tarion offers some great tips for new homeowners and provides a checklist of items as a reminder that seasonal elements require attention when it relates to home maintenance.

Here is a link to Tarion's Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for your reference as you prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

It's Sweater Weather!!

Who else loves Autumn and all it has to offer?

September 28, 2023

We're just a week into Fall and already I'm missing the warmer weather. I am looking forward to the beautiful Autumn colours. It's a great time of year for a long country drive north, camera in hand, stopping in small towns along the way. Speaking of small towns, we're moving along with servicing at our Cookstown site!

Everyone Loves A Mid-Summer

Long Weekend

August 4, 2023

We're halfway through the summer and it's another long weekend upon us. This month is usually the time we start thinking about getting the kids ready for Fall, making sure they've got all their school supplies. With so much to do in the city you'll want to get out and enjoy yourself. What better time to soak up the season than during a long weekend?

Whatever it is you have planned for the remainder of your summer, be safe and live your best life. Have a great long weekend, everyone!

Enjoy A Safe &
Happy Canada Day
Long Weekend

July 1, 2023

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday long weekend!

Summer is officially upon us!

June 21, 2023

Happy 1st day of summer! What are your plans for the summer? Will you be travelling, or is a stay-cay more your vibe? Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy yourself and live your best life!

Feeling...
HOT!
HOT!!
HOT!!!!!!

June 2, 2023

The weather is really heating up out there and summer hasn't even officially begun! Most people quite enjoy the warmer months. It's a time for getting outside and participating in outdoor activities with friends and family alike. Fishing on the lake. Swimming in the pool. Hiking and/or biking along the many trails throughout the GTA. Harbour boat cruises. Backyard bbq's. With the longer days of summer, the list of things to do goes on and on.

Remember to keep cool and stay hydrated this summer. It's easy to forget how much time has lapsed since that last drink of water when you're engaging in activities under the hot sun all day. Check on your elderly neighbours as well, and be sure to keep your pets hydrated. The elderly may not realize how dehyrated they've become and ignoring the signs could be dangerous, for any of us, but especially the vulernable. Here is a link to the City of Toronto's website for tips on how to Beat the Heat this summer.

Wishing everyone a very safe holiday long weekend!

May 17, 2023

The May Victoria Day long weekend is fast approaching. The warmer weather and an extra day this coming weekend reminds us that Summer is just around the corner. After what felt like a long Winter, we're all ready to welcome the warmer months ahead!

Whether you're going up to the cottage, having a stay-cay at home with the family, or taking a trip elsewhere with friends, please remember to be responsible and stay safe during your holiday celebrations.

From all of us here at Colony Park Homes, have a wonderful long weekend and best wishes for a Happy Victoria Day!

Have you already started your Spring Cleaning?

April 28, 2023

As much as some of us may dread it, we all need to do a good Spring cleaing each year to get the house, and, let's face it, ourselves, ready for the warmer weather. I find it sets the tone for the coming months. There's something to be said about a freshly cleaned home, from top to bottom. Everything just feels lighter!

Or, from bottom to top, depending on the order you like to do your cleaning. I do find that going from room to room, while staying on one floor at a time, does help to stay organized and keeps me motivated. After a long Winter, we don't always have the drive for a big cleaning, and for those of us who don't necessarily start our Spring Cleaning the very first "official" weekend of Spring, here's a link to our friends at Merry Maids and their Spring Cleaning Checklist.

We'll be moving dirt and
digging basements in no time,
at our Cookstown site!

March 28, 2023

After a very long, gruelling delay due to the pandemic, Covid-19, we are excited to finally get going on our Cookstown project. This Spring we will begin servicing the site in preparation for the construction of Ravenscraig Place! A well appointed community of singles and towns among the infamous Hindle Manor, originally named Ravenscraig by the founding family of Cookstown.

Rich with history and the allure of a bright future, this new community is sure to compliment the charm and heritage Cookstown is known for. Once homestead to the famous Cooke family, and known for having the largest ballroom North of Toronto, Ravenscraig Place will once again come to life with new families, young and old, sharing in laughter and creating memories for years to come.

New Community Coming to the
Village of Cookstown, Innisfil

Ravenscraig Place

February 1, 2023

The old "Hindle Manor", on site at our Ravenscraig Place project, in the charming Village of Cookstown, in Innisfil, ON, sits on the land once owned by the founder of Cookstown, Mr. Thomas Cooke. The old Victorian home was orignally named Ravenscraig when the home was built, circa 1868. In about 1956, the Hindle family purchased the property and changed its name to Hindle Manor, as it is affectionately known today.

Ravenscraig Place, named in homage to the founding family of Cookstown, promises to be a quaint enclave of singles and towns, nestled on a private cul-de-sac alongside the old homestead. All townhomes and select singles feature walk-out basements, with some towns overlooking the park.

Feel free to give us a call for more information and be sure to register for updates.

Before making one of the largest investments of your life, there's a few things you need to know!

January 4, 2023

Happy New Year!!

Are you in the market for a new home? There are a few things to consider before you make one of the largest investments of your life, starting with a pre-approval from your chosen lender.

Do your homework and ask questions before choosing your lender. What is the difference between a conventional vs a private lender? How much do I qualify for and what can I actually afford? How much of a deposit will I need? What are the current interest rates? Once you've been pre-approved, the fun begins!

Set a realistic budget for yourself based on your pre-approval. Use a mortgage calculator to help you gage affordibility and mortgage payments.

When you're all ready to buy your brand new home, our knowledgeable sales team is here to guide you throughout the home buying process and we're happy to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Our Ravenscraig Place project, coming soon to the quaint Village of Cookstown, in Innsifil ON, offers a selection of townhomes and singles. Register below for updates!