Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities
Jul 30, 2021
People are Moving to The Ridge in Courtenay - and They Love Living There!
The Ridge welcomed its first residents eight years ago, and homeowners love living at The Ridge. When people first arrive at this subdivision, many are surprised at the overall beauty and peacefulness of the area.
The Ridge Neighbourhood
The scenery is truly beautiful, with ocean views over the Comox Marina, the surrounding Beaufort Mountain Range and of course, views of the iconic Comox Glacier. Bald eagles and swans fly overhead. Deer can be seen awndering near the pond.
Wide boulevards and sidewalks are an invitation to all residents to come and explore. These wide sidewalks and pathways make for a great place for biking and skateboarding and they are scooter-friendly. Take a tour around the area, or be adventurous and walk or ride your bike on the trail that leads directly to the Royston Seaside Trail or Millard Creek Park.
Quiet and Safe
There is no through traffic at The Ridge. When you drive into the community, you're coming home, not going through the area to somewhere else. For this reason, it is very quiet as there is only local traffic.
Parents of young families can relax, knowing their children can safely play at the large community park. This park has a very large grassed area and a play structure for younger children. This area is visible from many homes at The Ridge, making it easier to see your family members at a quick glance.
All street lighting in the subdivision are designed to “dark sky” standards, making star gazing a joy.
Popularity of The Ridge is Growing
More and more people are finding out about this jewel of a community. The residents are very friendly, making an effort to welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood. There is a sense of community amongst home owners, as everyone begins to know each other. Take a drive to The Ridge and look at the high quality construction of new homes that are being built by their preferred builders. Residents “Love Living at The Ridge.”
Jul 28, 2021
Dealing With These Issues? It May Be Time For New Blinds
Window coverings need updating from time to time, just like other items in your home. They can get worn and damaged, or may not match your current decor. Sometimes though it's unclear when it's the right time to replace your window coverings.
Here's a list of 4 reasons to upgrade your existing window treatments, courtesy of Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.
1. Warped, Bent or Broken Slats
Faux wood blinds will bend when exposed to high heat for long periods, while wooden blinds warp when exposed to moisture. Aluminum blinds also dent when you apply heavy pressure. The damage creates an unpleasant appearance and can cause difficulty during operation.
Solar/roller shades might be a great replacement choice for those windows that get a lot of sun. Choose from a range of opacities to filter light, heat, and harmful UV rays.
And while aluminum blinds can be a cost efficient choice in offices or commercial settings, it's best to avoid aluminum blinds at home, especially if you have kids or pets, because they dent easily. Additionally, they often also have cords which create a choking hazard.
Honeycomb or cellular cordless shades or roller shades are an excellent upgrade because they're child-friendly, available in light-filtering to room darkening, and are flexible, very durable, and easy to clean.
2. The Window Treatments Are Difficult to Open
Do you struggle to open your blinds and shades or draw your curtains? If so, it means that your opening mechanisms are damaged or are simply worn out and need to be replaced. For corded blinds, the damage may also be tangling or broken cords. For non-motorized curtains and drapes, opening and closing may be restricted due to jammed curtain tracks. The carriers in the track could be off or the cord control is simply worn out and frayed, making the curtains even harder to operate.
Frayed cords that have outlived their years are also difficult to operate. A new set of blinds helps you eliminate operation issues and the frustration of not being able to raise or lower your blinds. You may also experience problems with old, motorized blinds, or shades. Automation has improved greatly, with new motorization options from rechargeable to smart home apps. Replace outdated technology and enjoy opening and closing your window treatments with the push of a button on your smartphone.
3. Discoloured Slats and Fabrics
Over years of use and exposure to weather elements, the slats on your blinds and wood shutters lose their color and begin to yellow. UV rays from the sun discolor the material, making your blinds and shutters appear faded and outdated. New window treatments are pleasing to the eye, especially if you're looking to upgrade your home for sale.
4. Out of Style
Do you think that your horizontal blinds are out of style? Perhaps the floral patterns on your curtains are outdated? Upgrading your house to a contemporary more modern on-trend style is a perfect reason to upgrade all your window treatments. Fortunately, you can still find blinds, shutters, shades, and drapes that match your updated style while allowing natural light control, privacy, and beauty in your home. It's wise to invest in custom window treatments that fit each window perfectly.
Also, after years of using the same style, changing your window treatments is rejuvenating for you and your home.
If you're looking to cut energy costs, shades and blinds are great choices because there are varieties with solar insulation properties. The best part is that you can choose different window treatments for every room to serve the space's needs.
Where Should You Start?
Do you need new window treatments but don't know where to start? Budget Blinds has the solution for you. Schedule a free consultation with us to receive expert guidance on window treatments for a fresh look or sale upgrade.
Contact your closest Vancouver Island Budget Blinds location today:
Call: 250.924.0249
Call 250.751.8564
250.338.8564