With winter approaching, it’s time to think about how to keep your home warm. Depending on where you live and the type of home you have, there are different heating systems to choose from. Here are 5 popular options used by Canadians to stay warm through the cold months.

Furnaces

Furnaces are one of the most commonly used heating systems across Canada. They work by heating air, water, or steam, which is then circulated throughout a space to maintain warmth. Furnaces are a central component of many heating systems, especially in colder climates
There are several types of furnaces based on the fuel they use:

• Natural Gas Furnace

• Electric Furnace

• Oil Furnace

• Propane Furnace

• Wood or Pellet Furnace

 Heat pump

A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that heats and cools buildings by moving heat instead of creating it. In winter, it pulls heat from the air, ground, or water outside and brings it indoors to warm the space. In summer, it does the opposite, acting like an air conditioner by removing heat from inside and releasing it outside to cool the space.

Electric Baseboard Heating

Electric baseboard heating is a system that uses electricity to heat individual rooms. The heaters are installed along the bottom of walls and have metal elements inside that warm up when electricity flows through them. As the air near the floor heats up, it rises and spreads warmth throughout the room. It’s simple to use but can be more expensive in areas with high electricity costs.

Boiler Systems

Boiler systems are heating systems that use water to distribute heat throughout a building. Boilers can be powered by various fuels, including natural gas, oil, electricity, or propane. They are efficient and provide consistent heat, but the installation can be complex and costly compared to other heating systems.

In conclusion, selecting the right heating system is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency during the long Canadian winter. Each option has its benefits and considerations, so it’s important to assess your specific needs, budget, and home layout. Whether you opt for a furnace, heat pump, boiler, or any other system, investing in the right solution will ensure you stay warm and cozy all season long. Stay warm out there!

As a buyer, there are going to be tons of documents you need to be aware of, and it's important to make sure you read them all. I understand it can be overwhelming, but your realtor can help with this. As professionals, we are very familiar with these documents and can guide you through the process to ensure you don’t miss any important information.

In this article, I will be providing you with details about some of the most important strata documents that deserve your attention.

Form B Information Certificate (Form B)

The "Form B: Information Certificate" provides essential details about a strata lot and the strata corporation, often requested by potential buyers. It's crucial to use the most up-to-date version of Form B, no older than 1 month, as it is regularly updated. As of April 1, 2023, the form must also include a summary of the strata corporation's insurance coverage.

Bylaws and Rules

In a strata, bylaws are the formal rules that cover how things are run and how owners and residents need to behave. They include things like who’s responsible for maintenance, whether pets are allowed, rental limits, noise control, and how common areas can be used. Bylaws need approval from most of the owners to be put in place.

Rules are more about everyday stuff like using shared spaces, visitor parking, or where smoking is allowed. These are easier to change and are set by the strata council. If there’s ever a conflict, bylaws will always come first over rules.

Strata Plan

A strata plan is a crucial legal document that defines how a property is divided into individual units (strata lots) and common areas shared by all owners. It goes beyond simply marking boundaries; it specifies who owns what and how responsibilities are divided. For example, it outlines the exact borders of your unit, showing where your ownership ends and shared spaces begin. It also details the common property, like hallways, parking, and amenities, which are jointly owned and maintained by everyone in the strata. Also, it assigns a unit entitlement, which determines how much each owner contributes to common expenses and how much voting power they have in decisions about the building. This document ensures that every owner understands their rights and responsibilities, making it a vital part of strata living.

Depreciation Report

A Depreciation Report is a useful tool that helps us understand the health of our strata building and plan for the future. It gives a clear picture of how long things like the roof, plumbing, and other shared systems will last and when they might need repairs or replacement. It also offers advice on how much money we should set aside to cover those upcoming costs, so we aren’t hit with any surprises. By keeping everything in good shape, we can ensure the building stays well-maintained and everyone knows what to expect down the road.

Strata Meeting Minutes

The Strata meeting minutes are a written summary of what happens during a strata council meeting. They capture key decisions, discussions, and any upcoming plans for the building or community. These minutes help keep everyone informed, even if they couldn’t attend the meeting, and provide a record of important issues like repairs, finances, or rule changes. It’s a simple way to stay updated on what’s happening in the strata and how decisions are being made that affect the building and residents.

These are the documents that you and your realtor should review closely to make a well-informed decision when buying a strata. Be sure to seek professional advice for peace of mind. Remember, our job is to ensure you're happy with your decision and avoid mistakes that could end up costing you money and time.

Thank you for reading, 

Your Realtor, Valeria Leal