"Landscaping, whether it's mowing the grass, weed trimming or planting a flower garden, is an enjoyable activity that provides a certain aesthetic quality to our waterfront property. Choose projects that help make your shoreline healthier, help to protect your property from erosion, and improve the ability of your buffer to protect water quality. If you have an undisturbed natural shoreline, the best thing you can do is leave as much of it alone as you can.
Clean and tidy lawns make dirty lakes and streams. They can speed up runoff, contribute to soil erosion and add chemicals from the fertilizers and pesticides used on them. Detergents and cleaners from your home as well as waste from septic systems also pose a threat to our waterways. Reduce the risk of contamination by maintaining septic systems, conserving water and reducing the use of toxic chemicals in and around your home." source: www.livingbywater.ca
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Can I Leave My Dock in the Water During the Winter?
This question was asked of livingbywater.ca. Here is their response.
"Permanent docks can provide year round access. When built properly, they are stable and can last for years. However, many still suffer damage in areas that experience harsh winters. They are also costly and require more materials and construction to build. Supports made from cribs or concrete piers can permanently alter the shoreline causing environmental damage. If you must build a permanent dock, ensure the appropriate permits are obtained and keep in mind it may be difficult to get one!" source: www.livingbywater.ca
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
"Permanent docks can provide year round access. When built properly, they are stable and can last for years. However, many still suffer damage in areas that experience harsh winters. They are also costly and require more materials and construction to build. Supports made from cribs or concrete piers can permanently alter the shoreline causing environmental damage. If you must build a permanent dock, ensure the appropriate permits are obtained and keep in mind it may be difficult to get one!" source: www.livingbywater.ca
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ways To Protect Your Waterfront During Construction
Now that you have bought your ideal waterfront lot and are ready to construct it is important to protect the quality of the water. Your purchase decision was made on the features of the lot so maintaining those features will ensure your enjoyment for years to come. Livingbywater.ca has some helpful ideas worth implementing.
"To protect water quality during construction, you will need a two fold strategy. First, keep clean water clean (i.e. by stopping it from running through your construction site) and second, keep any water that does become dirty from entering clean water (for example, flowing downhill straight towards the nearest waterbody).
Place silt fencing downhill of your building site. This fine material allows water to escape while catching soil particles.
Use temporary hay bale dyking uphill of your building site. Hay bales can be used to direct runoff while catching soil.
Near water bodies, use only clean fill which is free of debris, such as rock, sand or gravel.
Cover fill piles (e.g. to be used for backfilling the basement foundation) with tarps. Uncovered fill will erode away, making a mess of your site and destroying wildlife habitat. Avoid extended use of plastic and tarps, however, as they also will cause increased runoff which can lead to erosion elsewhere.
Check your site after major rainfalls and correct any erosion problems. If possible, go on site during a storm and observe what is happening to runoff.
Make sure your equipment is in good working order, to avoid leaks of fuel, oil, etc. which could contaminate surface water. Monitor it regularly.
Protect Bare Ground
It is critical to protect exposed soil from wind, rain and other sources of soil erosion.
Leave ground covered until it really must be uncovered.
Promptly cover soil that has been exposed.
Keep as much of the construction site covered at any one time as possible; minimize disturbance of ground cover like shrubs or grasses to avoid exposing soil and causing erosion or potential slope failure.
Cover bare ground with mulch or burlap to limit erosion. Hold mulch down with nylon netting. If possible, mulch bare ground at the end of every day.
Use hay or straw as a mulch to cover disturbed areas after reseeding. A good rule of thumb is one 50 pound bale per 500 square feet / 45 square metres." source: www.livingbywater.ca
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
"To protect water quality during construction, you will need a two fold strategy. First, keep clean water clean (i.e. by stopping it from running through your construction site) and second, keep any water that does become dirty from entering clean water (for example, flowing downhill straight towards the nearest waterbody).
Place silt fencing downhill of your building site. This fine material allows water to escape while catching soil particles.
Use temporary hay bale dyking uphill of your building site. Hay bales can be used to direct runoff while catching soil.
Near water bodies, use only clean fill which is free of debris, such as rock, sand or gravel.
Cover fill piles (e.g. to be used for backfilling the basement foundation) with tarps. Uncovered fill will erode away, making a mess of your site and destroying wildlife habitat. Avoid extended use of plastic and tarps, however, as they also will cause increased runoff which can lead to erosion elsewhere.
Check your site after major rainfalls and correct any erosion problems. If possible, go on site during a storm and observe what is happening to runoff.
Make sure your equipment is in good working order, to avoid leaks of fuel, oil, etc. which could contaminate surface water. Monitor it regularly.
Protect Bare Ground
It is critical to protect exposed soil from wind, rain and other sources of soil erosion.
Leave ground covered until it really must be uncovered.
Promptly cover soil that has been exposed.
Keep as much of the construction site covered at any one time as possible; minimize disturbance of ground cover like shrubs or grasses to avoid exposing soil and causing erosion or potential slope failure.
Cover bare ground with mulch or burlap to limit erosion. Hold mulch down with nylon netting. If possible, mulch bare ground at the end of every day.
Use hay or straw as a mulch to cover disturbed areas after reseeding. A good rule of thumb is one 50 pound bale per 500 square feet / 45 square metres." source: www.livingbywater.ca
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Do's and Don'ts of Septic Tank Use
Your septic system is one of the most important systems for your home. Livingbywater.ca is an excellent source for information on septic tank issues. Here is what they say to do and not to do in order to have a properly functioning system.
"Septic systems thrive on human waste, but some things give them a stomach ache.
Do
Use basket strainers in all your sinks to catch hair – a big problem for septic systems and guaranteed to shorten the life of your field!
Look for liquid detergents or concentrated detergents that don’t have phosphates in them.
Use a dry well for backflushing water softeners, instead of releasing it into your system.
Use a lint filter on your washing machine; lint is a major source of solids that clog drainfields, especially from the fibres from synthetic clothing which clog the pores of the soil and do not break down as natural fibres do. A stainless steel filter is available through http://www.septicprotector.com/
Don’t
Do not flush facial tissue, paper towels, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fats or grease, cigarette butts, filters, sanitary napkins, newspaper, disposable diapers, condoms, metal or metal items. All of these items can clog your tank and field.
Don’t use a garburetor. It adds solids which can be flushed into your drainfield.
Avoid disinfectants like bleach which kill beneficial bacteria in your tank.
Never
Never use caustic toilet bowl cleaners and drain cleaners which are very toxic to the beneficial bacteria in your tank. This results in sewage passing through without proper treatment.
Never pour chemicals like paint, solvents, thinners, nail polish remover, kerosene, antifreeze, gas, or oil down drains; these can seep into ground water and poison our drinking supply." source: www.livingbywater.ca/septic
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
"Septic systems thrive on human waste, but some things give them a stomach ache.
Do
Use basket strainers in all your sinks to catch hair – a big problem for septic systems and guaranteed to shorten the life of your field!
Look for liquid detergents or concentrated detergents that don’t have phosphates in them.
Use a dry well for backflushing water softeners, instead of releasing it into your system.
Use a lint filter on your washing machine; lint is a major source of solids that clog drainfields, especially from the fibres from synthetic clothing which clog the pores of the soil and do not break down as natural fibres do. A stainless steel filter is available through http://www.septicprotector.com/
Don’t
Do not flush facial tissue, paper towels, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fats or grease, cigarette butts, filters, sanitary napkins, newspaper, disposable diapers, condoms, metal or metal items. All of these items can clog your tank and field.
Don’t use a garburetor. It adds solids which can be flushed into your drainfield.
Avoid disinfectants like bleach which kill beneficial bacteria in your tank.
Never
Never use caustic toilet bowl cleaners and drain cleaners which are very toxic to the beneficial bacteria in your tank. This results in sewage passing through without proper treatment.
Never pour chemicals like paint, solvents, thinners, nail polish remover, kerosene, antifreeze, gas, or oil down drains; these can seep into ground water and poison our drinking supply." source: www.livingbywater.ca/septic
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Warning Signs of Septic Tank and System Failure
Septic tanks and cottages go hand in hand. If you are new to cottage living or haven't been made aware of how your septic system functions here are a few signals that your system may need immediate attention or maintenance. The Living By Water Project offers these helpful tips.
"The lawn over the drainfield has patches of abnormally healthy-looking grass.
There are soggy areas, areas with surfacing grey water, or areas with surfacing sewage on or near to the drainfield.
The lawn above the drainfield is wet.
Sewage begins backing up in the toilet and drains.
The sinks, showers and toilets drain more slowly.
There is a sewage odour over the area of your drainage field." source: www.livingbywater.ca/septic
Please be responsible and maintain your septic systems not only for your benefit but for all of us.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Brokerage Ltd.
"The lawn over the drainfield has patches of abnormally healthy-looking grass.
There are soggy areas, areas with surfacing grey water, or areas with surfacing sewage on or near to the drainfield.
The lawn above the drainfield is wet.
Sewage begins backing up in the toilet and drains.
The sinks, showers and toilets drain more slowly.
There is a sewage odour over the area of your drainage field." source: www.livingbywater.ca/septic
Please be responsible and maintain your septic systems not only for your benefit but for all of us.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of authors and may not necessarily be those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Brokerage Ltd.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Recreational Market Trends...Muskoka/Parry Sound
Royal LePage has recently published their 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report.
Muskoka:
According to the report the average price for waterfront properties on Lake Muskoka range from $450,000 to $1,350,000 and $875,000 to $3,280,000 on Lake Joseph. Inventory levels are expected to remain higher than they were last year. As a result, it is anticipated that there will be downward pressure put on prices.
Premiums are continued to be paid for the more desired four season waterfront cottages on larger lots. Aging Baby Boomers are placing increasing importance on the amenities that are found closer to the towns of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.
Parry Sound:
The recent expansion of Highway 400 has lessened the amount of time to travel to the region. Parry Sound's recently opened hospital and the amenities that the town offers are increasing the area's desirability.
Typical waterfront properties range in average price from $200,000 to $400,000 which is virtually unchanged from 2008.
This Spring got off to a slower start than 2008, however, activity has increased as we moved into Summer.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Muskoka:
According to the report the average price for waterfront properties on Lake Muskoka range from $450,000 to $1,350,000 and $875,000 to $3,280,000 on Lake Joseph. Inventory levels are expected to remain higher than they were last year. As a result, it is anticipated that there will be downward pressure put on prices.
Premiums are continued to be paid for the more desired four season waterfront cottages on larger lots. Aging Baby Boomers are placing increasing importance on the amenities that are found closer to the towns of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.
Parry Sound:
The recent expansion of Highway 400 has lessened the amount of time to travel to the region. Parry Sound's recently opened hospital and the amenities that the town offers are increasing the area's desirability.
Typical waterfront properties range in average price from $200,000 to $400,000 which is virtually unchanged from 2008.
This Spring got off to a slower start than 2008, however, activity has increased as we moved into Summer.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Monday, June 29, 2009
Muskoka Lifestyle...An Affordable Option to Consider
Back in the 1930s through the late 1950s it was not uncommon for people desiring a weekend retreat from the cities to own their get-away in lakeside villages and fishing camps around Ontario. These villages, such as Wasaga Beach, Crystal Beach, Grand Bend, and Bewdley to name a few, provided seasonal cottages on large lots, offering the serenity of country living with access to public beaches, docking and boat launch facilities. In addition, the community of seasonal dwellers provided a social circle of card parties and barbeques at a time when television at the cottage was not even considered as an option. All eagerly looked forward to their summer friends coming in from all points in Ontario and nearby States. Yes, it was a gentler time, but the current economic conditions and stresses may make the vintage idea of the seasonal lakeside village property a come back option for many.
The initial cost to purchase in a village and the taxes are considerably lower than lakefront properties. Yet the lifestyle of the retreat, lakeside activities, community and heritage Ontario architecture are all present for you to enjoy. The Muskoka/Parry Sound area has a number of quaint villages that offer the Muskoka lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of similar lakefront living.
Thinking about buying a cottage but thought the prices were out of your reach? Perhaps looking into lakeside village living is an option for you to consider. A professional real estate team can assist you in exploring all options for country living in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area that will fit your budget.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
The initial cost to purchase in a village and the taxes are considerably lower than lakefront properties. Yet the lifestyle of the retreat, lakeside activities, community and heritage Ontario architecture are all present for you to enjoy. The Muskoka/Parry Sound area has a number of quaint villages that offer the Muskoka lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of similar lakefront living.
Thinking about buying a cottage but thought the prices were out of your reach? Perhaps looking into lakeside village living is an option for you to consider. A professional real estate team can assist you in exploring all options for country living in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area that will fit your budget.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What to Remember When Renting Out Your Cottage
Have you ever thought of renting out your weekend retreat? Renting out your cottage or chalet could be a good way to help cover the taxes and/or the other costs of maintaining a second home.
If you are afraid of renting to absolute strangers, then put a notice up at work or just tell your friends. You'll be surprised by the number of responses you will get. When you have someone interested don't be afraid of asking pointed questions like:
If you are afraid of renting to absolute strangers, then put a notice up at work or just tell your friends. You'll be surprised by the number of responses you will get. When you have someone interested don't be afraid of asking pointed questions like:
- is this their first time renting,
- how many people, children and adults will be using the place,
- are they planning on having guests? if so how many,
- do they have pets,
- are they bringing up toys like boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.?
Let them know what is included and what is not, such as:
- are linens and towels included,
- rules for the use of the telephone,
- if they go into a private food or beer stock is it to be replaced,
- provide lessons or leave printed instructions on the use of septic tanks (what does and does not get flushed,
- list any restrictions on the water supply,
- let them know what they can use, especially when it comes to boasts, spas and other equipment.
Your insurance policy may not cover renters and you maybe liable if anything happens. Check this out before promising the cottage to a renter.
Be very specific about when they can arrive and when they have to leave. If you are not, this can cause problems if you have new renters following them.
Let them know the condition you expect the place to be in when they leave.
When it comes to price, find out what other similar properties are renting for on your lake and the surrounding area.
These are but a few of the considerations you need to face when renting. Renting out the cottage is not for everyone. Be aware of the pitfalls and know that you are accepting them as conditions of renting.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Monday, June 15, 2009
Neighbours...Love'em Before You Leave'em
You can live in a city condominium and never know or meet your neighbours. And the truth is you can enjoy your real estate whether you ever do or don't. A house in the suburbs, well, if you don' get along you at least usually nod with recognition. However, neighbourly love at a cottage takes on a whole new dimension.
We can't tell you the number of people that have bought a cottage only to discover after everything is closed...they are living next to an all night party house! Whether this is fair or not isn't the question here. The thing is that everyone has a different idea of how they like to enjoy their cottage real estate. Some are looking to get away from the noise...and others are looking to let loose and make a little noise.
We always encourage new cottage buyers that before they sign on the dotted line that it's a good idea to find out who is living on both sides of the property. This is easily achieved by simply knocking on the door and pretending you are lost or ask "How's the fish in the lake?". Chances are you'll get a good idea of the folks next door. Better still, go two properties down and ask what their neighbour(s) are like. If it's good news most likely they'll love to tell you...and if it's bad, most likely they are going to tell you too!
However, if knocking on doors isn't your style, not to worry. We at BeyondCityLife.com make it part of our job along with a list of many other services that are unique to purchasing a cottage.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the author's and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
We can't tell you the number of people that have bought a cottage only to discover after everything is closed...they are living next to an all night party house! Whether this is fair or not isn't the question here. The thing is that everyone has a different idea of how they like to enjoy their cottage real estate. Some are looking to get away from the noise...and others are looking to let loose and make a little noise.
We always encourage new cottage buyers that before they sign on the dotted line that it's a good idea to find out who is living on both sides of the property. This is easily achieved by simply knocking on the door and pretending you are lost or ask "How's the fish in the lake?". Chances are you'll get a good idea of the folks next door. Better still, go two properties down and ask what their neighbour(s) are like. If it's good news most likely they'll love to tell you...and if it's bad, most likely they are going to tell you too!
However, if knocking on doors isn't your style, not to worry. We at BeyondCityLife.com make it part of our job along with a list of many other services that are unique to purchasing a cottage.
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the author's and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Monday, June 8, 2009
Buying a Cottage - Before You Begin Your Search
Unlike buying a house in the city, the check list of your needs when you begin searching for a cottage is most likely going to be way different. Where details like local schools, public transportation and distance to work is important for urban living, when looking for a cottage they get replaced by other important requirements such as type of shoreline, road conditions into the site and distance from the city.
Many people enter the search for a cottage blindly. They know the area they want, maybe even the lake, and usually the price they want to pay. Other than that the old "I'll know it when I see it" goes into play which can make the entire process frustrating and elongated rather than exciting and prompt bringing cottage life closer sooner.
Even as important is working with a realtor who knows the area well and spends the time before hand helping you to formulate your cottage wish list, eliminating endless weekends of looking at properties that don't even come close to your dream.
Here are a few questions BeyondCityLife.com asks first time cottage buyers before setting out on the road to cottage life experience:
•1. How long are you willing to spend driving from you home to the cottage? (Take into account the time needed to reach the city limits.)
•2. In what measure of time will your schedule allow you to spend at the cottage? (weekends, weeks, month(s) etc. )
•3. What type of water based activity is important to you? (canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding etc.)
•4. Are you looking for isolation, free of neighbours or a cottage community?
•5. What comforts are you looking to enjoy at the cottage?
•6. Are you a handyman or would you rather pay someone else?
•7. Do you like sunlight all day or just partial exposure?
These are only a few of the questions you want to ask yourself. For a complete list, no matter where you are looking for a cottage, contact us at BeyondCityLife.com. We'd be glad at making your dream of cottage ownership a reality.
The opinions expressed in this Blog are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Many people enter the search for a cottage blindly. They know the area they want, maybe even the lake, and usually the price they want to pay. Other than that the old "I'll know it when I see it" goes into play which can make the entire process frustrating and elongated rather than exciting and prompt bringing cottage life closer sooner.
Even as important is working with a realtor who knows the area well and spends the time before hand helping you to formulate your cottage wish list, eliminating endless weekends of looking at properties that don't even come close to your dream.
Here are a few questions BeyondCityLife.com asks first time cottage buyers before setting out on the road to cottage life experience:
•1. How long are you willing to spend driving from you home to the cottage? (Take into account the time needed to reach the city limits.)
•2. In what measure of time will your schedule allow you to spend at the cottage? (weekends, weeks, month(s) etc. )
•3. What type of water based activity is important to you? (canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding etc.)
•4. Are you looking for isolation, free of neighbours or a cottage community?
•5. What comforts are you looking to enjoy at the cottage?
•6. Are you a handyman or would you rather pay someone else?
•7. Do you like sunlight all day or just partial exposure?
These are only a few of the questions you want to ask yourself. For a complete list, no matter where you are looking for a cottage, contact us at BeyondCityLife.com. We'd be glad at making your dream of cottage ownership a reality.
The opinions expressed in this Blog are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Weclome To BeyondCityLife.com
We would like to welcome you to BeyondCityLife.com. The purpose of this weekly blog is to provide a forum for the exchange of useful information and tips on buying, selling and maintaining properties in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area.
In addition we will be reporting on various community activities that enhance living in Ontario's premier cottage country.
We welcome your comments and questions and will endeavour to answer them either personally or through this Blog.
Vince Grittani (The Weekendguy) and Timothy Nichols, M.Sc.(Pl.), authors of this blog are licenced Realtors in the area with Coldwell Banker, S.W.E. Heritage Ltd., Brokerage. Please visit us as http://www.beyondcitylife.com/ for a complete listing of the services we provide.
Through the BeyondCityLife.com Program and BeyondCityLife.com Program Plus we provide a comprehensive array of services addressing the real estate needs of buying, selling, developing, renting, owning and maintaining your Muskoka Parrry Sound home.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors' and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
In addition we will be reporting on various community activities that enhance living in Ontario's premier cottage country.
We welcome your comments and questions and will endeavour to answer them either personally or through this Blog.
Vince Grittani (The Weekendguy) and Timothy Nichols, M.Sc.(Pl.), authors of this blog are licenced Realtors in the area with Coldwell Banker, S.W.E. Heritage Ltd., Brokerage. Please visit us as http://www.beyondcitylife.com/ for a complete listing of the services we provide.
Through the BeyondCityLife.com Program and BeyondCityLife.com Program Plus we provide a comprehensive array of services addressing the real estate needs of buying, selling, developing, renting, owning and maintaining your Muskoka Parrry Sound home.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors' and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
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