Finding the perfect plot of land for your dream home involves a lot more than just stumbling upon something that happens to be up for grabs. It takes time and effort to get a place that really suits your needs, so it’s worth thinking about it properly and, if required, enlisting the help of a professional.

To start your search, beyond simply looking at active listings, consider asking local brokers for their take or networking within community organizations to uncover potential opportunities. Look beyond simply active listings and keep in mind pending or expired ones: they may reveal some hidden gems.

Furthermore, just going for a drive around your desired areas can help you identify empty properties. From there, researching the owners and exploring purchasing options is easier than you may think.

Once you've found potential land, it's crucial to research the property thoroughly. Check zoning regulations to ensure your building plans align with local requirements and regulations. Check the utility hookups, considering factors such as water access, phone service, power availability and sewage disposal.

Assess the lot's condition and any necessary preparation, such as clearing and grading, which can impact construction costs. Finally, consider your timeline: building a custom home can take years, from permitting to construction completion.

With careful research and planning, you can find the perfect piece of land and start the journey to build your dream home. You don’t have to go it alone - give me a call today and I can help you navigate all these steps with ease.

Since the pledge to cut carbon emissions in half by the year 2025, the aviation industry is on the lookout for ways to reduce its footprint. As the world becomes more eco-conscious, wary travellers are also becoming more concerned about the environmental cost of travel. Thankfully, researchers in the US have found a solution that may help both parties move forward on the path to sustainable international travel.

In a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers report their successful efforts to create a new kind of jet fuel made entirely from food waste. A kerosene alternative, it turns into a kind of paraffin that works in an aircraft engine and is designed to slash greenhouse gas emissions from planes by 165 percent. It's a marked reduction in the carbon emitted from jets as well as the emissions saved when food waste is diverted from a landfill, thereby stopping it from producing harmful methane.

Although batteries have been successful in smaller aircraft, electric large-scale jets are still a distant prospect. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is often claimed to be the future of aviation, but it too is a long way off. But this breakthrough development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an exciting short-term solution.

The team of scientists behind the breakthrough claim the new fuel could be commercially viable within two years, meaning net-zero-carbon flights are firmly on the horizon. Some big names in aviation are investing in projects to develop SAFs, British Airways chief among them.

Boil potatoes in salted water about 15 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool completely.

In large bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise and relish.

Add potatoes and remaining ingredients. Toss well. Season with desired amount of salt and pepper.

Refrigerate at least two hours, then serve garnished with paprika.

The start of summer is in swing, but your summer vacation doesn’t have to be someplace far away! Transforming your own backyard into a getaway paradise is easier than you think. Not only will it bring the vacation to you, but it could also actually increase the value of your home if you’re looking to sell. Read on for some ideas.

A haven for relaxation. Privacy, nature and a place to kick back are all-around winners. Start with beautiful plants, preferably those that are easy to care for, while also creating some seclusion with horizontal fencing. Adding a hammock and some plush outdoor furniture can finish off this tranquil retreat - your personal haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

A place to dine. Imagine bringing Italian-style alfresco dining to your own backyard. Installing a wood-fired pizza oven ready to serve up delicious homemade pies is a dream feature for anyone. Not just limited to pizza, an outdoor oven opens up a world of culinary possibilities, all enjoyed best with built-in seating and low-maintenance hardscaping.

A play area for grownups. For those who love to play, transform your yard into a grown-up’s playground. You could install a fire pit for cozy gatherings and add an outdoor gaming area, whether it’s a mini bowling green, a cornhole set or even a minigolf course! Wood-paneled privacy fencing and low-maintenance gravel will ensure your focus remains on play rather than upkeep.

An evening hangout. Stylish lighting fixtures can create a perfect evening spot for relaxation and enjoyment with friends. Whether it's permanent overhead lights, mood-enhancing LEDs or some environmentally friendly solar-powered fixtures, the right ambience can keep the fun going right into the evening, turning your backyard into a magical retreat under the stars.

For further ideas on turning your backyard into a summer haven, call or email me today and we can brainstorm.

The glorious summer season is finally upon us! And with it come sun-filled days spent outdoors grilling up a feast. Whether you’re new to the world of barbecue or a seasoned pitmaster, it’s a good idea to know what all your options are before buying a new grill. We'll help you make an informed choice.

A number of factors are going to determine what type of grill you should purchase, including the amount of space you have for storage, what type of flavours you want to impart to the food, the time and attention you want to spend while cooking and the amount of barbecue experience you have. The two most popular types of grills are gas and charcoal, while wood pellet grills are gaining in popularity.

Hands down, the most popular outdoor barbecue is a gas grill because it's just so darn convenient. It’s easy to ignite with a flick of a switch and heats up quickly. Because it has temperature knobs, you have control over the heat setting.

The only downside to gas grills is they don't deliver extremely high heat. That's where charcoal grills excel. These babies can crank up the heat to roughly 700 degrees Fahrenheit and thereby give a flame-grilled flavour to meat. They're also the least expensive option on the market, but they can be tricky if you're new to grilling.

A good middle ground is the pellet grill. Although electronically powered, they use hardwood pellets as a heat source, meaning you have variable temperature settings and you can get that smoky flavour. They can be pricey but may be the right option if you want the best of both worlds.