Canadian celebrity designer, Jane Lockhart offers her insights on home reno do's and don'ts for DIYers. Home makeover TV shows make it look like complicated, home projects can be completed in an hour episode. Yes, I accept that I’m partly to blame for that (but who wants to watch paint dry?) yet, do-it-yourself projects are as popular as ever. As a pro, there are certain projects I won’t even start without the right tools. So, I’ve put my top five list together for you to use as a guide to save your home … from you! (more…)

Let’s face it, even the savviest Do-it-Yourselfer is not likely to have the knowledge and proficiency required to carry out tasks related to electrical wiring safely and effectively. Electrical work can be both complex and dangerous and thus, for your safety and your sanity, it is important to understand when you need the help of a professional. (more…)

The stormy weather and cold temperatures mean that homeowners in Ontario are thinking about how best to prepare for whatever the winter might throw their way. For many, when it comes to home preparedness, there is no better safety measure than having a standby generator installed at home. (more…)

Have you seen, read or heard about smart homes and marveled at the fascinating features, convenience and long-term savings that they offer?  Trust me, you are not alone. The growing number of smart home products on the market is evidence enough that the Canadian consumer is increasingly interested in purchasing products that make their daily lives easier. (more…)

The term “Smart Home” is a commonly used term these days, but the truth is that many people still aren’t quite sure what it means. A  Smart Home is generally considered one which has some or all of its utilities, appliances, security and entertainment technology ( TV, computer, audio/video) synced together and under the control of a remote device such as a smart phone, tablet or computer application. (more…)

An all too familiar scene on those renovation and house hunting shows (that YOU KNOW you watch) involves potential home buyers walking into a space, looking up and declaring that the ceiling fan simply must go. The look of revulsion that accompanies this declaration is unmistakable. Almost as if said ceiling fan was the most disgusting thing they had ever seen. (more…)

If you obsess about home décor as much as we do, then you’ve noticed an interesting trend in lighting fixtures. We’re not talking about the look of the fixtures themselves, but rather the light bulbs being used to give them life. Despite the fact that energy efficiency is a high priority in many households, home décor trends would lead us to believe that energy-saving bulbs are being eschewed for the classic Edison bulb. In fact, not only are they being used, but featured in lighting fixtures that don’t shade, but rather show them off. (more…)

Interior designer Kimberley Seldon teams with ESA to promote functional, safe and ‘pretty’ renovations It’s like eating your vegetables. You do it because you know it’s good for you. That’s how design expert Kimberley Seldon wants homeowners to approach electrical safety. After 25 years in the business, she’s seen enough mistakes to know “what’s behind your walls is just as important as what you put on them.” (more…)

With the arrival of spring, homeowners are looking to revive and refresh different parts of their home —and the outdoor living space is no exception. In fact, Canadian homeowners are dedicated to turning their decks, pools and gardens into truly spectacular spaces. With that in mind, EiEiHome spoke with Hannah Taylor of Hotwire Electric, a GTA electrical company specializing in custom homes and new construction, about some creative ways that an electrical contractor can help energize a home’s outdoor living spaces. (more…)

The winter season brings with it hazardous weather conditions, wreaking havoc on your home. A power outage can cut off your supply to heat, lighting and even running water. We spoke with Hanna Taylor of Hotwire Electric about the benefits of having a back-up generator for your home. (more…)