HOUSE HEALTH

With your garden prepared for the season ahead, this is the perfect time to do a house health check-up. Identifying and dealing with areas of concern can be much more cost effective and less stressful than when they become a major problem.

One of the major concerns for the health of your home is water damage. It doesn't take much water to cause damage and it's much better to fix it before it becomes a disaster. Look for water stains or standing water in the following areas:

Your home can be one of the biggest investments you make. Taking a few minutes to look around your home for signs of water damage is a smart move.

  • Look around all exterior door jambs and windows
    for signs of water making it's way in from the outside.
  • Check the floor around the water heater and
    the water tank for any signs of leakage.
  • Peek under cabinets below sink basins in the kitchen,
    bathrooms and laundry room.
  • Look in your attic. Take a flashlight and have a good look for any water stains that could indicate damage to shingling during the winter.
  • Inspect the basement for damage to concrete. If water has seeped into existing cracks or spaces in concrete, when it freezes and expands it has enough force to cause damage.
  • Clean out gutters and storm drains to make sure that water won’t back up and cause any damage around the home.

CHOOSING A COMPOST

There are several methods to make a compost unit. The method of composting that you choose will depend on when you want to use the finished compost, and how much space you have for the compost. This article looks at 3 of the most common methods.

Holding. These are bins or containers that hold yard and garden waste. This method takes the longest to make compost (6 months to 2 years). It's suitable for lawn clippings, garden and kitchen waste. You can build your own wire mesh or snow fence unit, or you can purchase a variety of consumer ready units for as low as $50.00.

Turning. This method is made up of a series of bins that allow organic waste to be regularly turned, or a horizontal rotating barrel. A fair amount of effort is required, but you can compost large amounts of waste in a shorter period of time (3 weeks to 6 months).

Heaping. No bin or container is required for this method. Composting will occur faster if the heap is regularly turned. This is the most cost effective method, but it will require more physical space in the yard (at least 3 feet high and 3 feet wide).

Try these great resources for more information on choosing and setting up your compost.

  • Search the Internet on "how to build a compost bin", or "compost bin plans" for many great articles and printable bin plans.
  • Visit the local library where there are many excellent books on building and starting a back yard compost.
  • Check with the local home and garden centre and see if there are any upcoming composting workshops scheduled.

With a little effort and planning you can benefit your garden with nutrient rich compost material and lessen your impact on the environment.

HEALTH & HAPPINESS

Physical exercise has a tremendous effect on how you feel. Even 20 minutes of light exercise a day benefits your overall health.

This is the perfect time to make a commitment to improving your health.
Go for a brisk walk, take a bike ride, or go to the park and play Frisbee
with the kids. The key is to get moving and stay moving for
at least 20 minutes.

NOW THAT'S SERVICE

Anna J. of Edmonton, Alberta was considering doing some upgrades to her home. Her goal was to make the improvements to help increase the value of the home. “I wanted the extra funds to make necessary improvements to realize the highest possible returns when I went to sell,” she explains.

Anna continues, “I knew there were other lenders out there, but I was looking for service.” Right from the initial conversation, Cherie, Anna's mortgage consultant, put Anna's mind at ease. Now Anna can put aside her financial concerns and start making long-term plans.

Every month, Capital Direct helps Canadians just like you to realize their
dreams. What about you? Your home equity is something you've worked
hard to build, so why not 'let your house lend a hand' © when you
need it most! Contact a Capital Direct mortgage specialist to
discover your options.

“Cherie offered me solutions
I didn't even know existed!”

EARTH DAY Super Puzzle

April 22nd is Earth Day. Check out www.earthday.ca
and see how you can get involved.

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  5. TNINNEOEMRV
  6. URSEE
  7. UMTIYMNCO
  8. ERYECLC
  9. TEUUFR
  10. PTCMAI










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T L U C O R S T

Capital Direct's Eco-friendly Calculator

Do you know how large your home’s eco-footprint is? Under the ecoEnergy Retrofit program, homeowners can take advantage of available grants when improving the energy efficiency of their home. Not only will you be reducing your home's energy consumption but you can receive money back through available grants.

Visit Capital Direct's Eco-friendly Calculator online at, https://www.capitaldirect.ca/eco-calculator. Calculate the environmental impact of your household and find out ways of reducing it, then give us a call to learn how we can help you apply for available retrofit grants.


Request our new booklet:
How to Borrow What You Need to Succeed

How to Borrow What You Need to Succeed Guide

Learn how you can use your home equity to your greatest advantage.
To receive your FREE copy of this informative new booklet, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: “New Guide Request”. Please include your full name and postal address, and we'll send you a copy via Canada Post.

Discover how you can make the most of home ownership!
Visit us at www.CapitalDirect.ca for more information.