Blogs & Guides

Straight-talking advice from locally referred Pros — what actually wears out, what's worth fixing, and how to spot when someone's overselling you.

Blog

Announcing: New custom Maintenance Plans from Quartermaster

Ask any homeowner: keeping your home in tip-top shape can be a rollercoaster of an experience. Often, you may only become aware that something needs your attention or has gone awry when it breaks – and it usually costs far more time and money than if you’d been able to prevent it in the first place. That's why Quartermaster has introduced customized Maintenance Plans. Read on to learn more.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

01 Oct 20263 min read

Do-It-Yourself Guide

Seasonal lawn mowing: DIY Guide

Did you know: the time of year should change your approach to lawn and yard care? While no one is mowing their lawn during the winter months, the way your grass is prepped ahead of the first snowfall can make a big difference in how it bounces back come spring.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

29 Sept 20262 min read

Do-It-Yourself Guide

How to do a routine house inspection: DIY Guide

The need for pricey home repairs rarely materializes overnight. There are often warning signs – sometimes developing slowly over months or years – that signal a worsening issue. Taking a quick walk around your home a couple of times a year can help you catch these problems while they’re in the early stages.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

29 Sept 20264 min read

Do-It-Yourself Guide

Your crucial home safety checklist: DIY Guide

Is your home properly protected from fire and electrical risk? Warning signs often aren’t obvious, until something actually goes wrong. The good news is that you can stay on top of potential hazards with a few quick home safety checks.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

29 Sept 20267 min read

Do-It-Yourself Guide

How to do your own plumbing inspection: DIY Guide

Not all plumbing emergencies come in the form of a large flood. In fact, most plumbing damage builds slowly, starting as a small drip that rots cabinet wood or feeds mould growth – and it may be months before the issue grows large enough for you to notice it.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

29 Sept 20265 min read

Guides

Last yard waste pickup 2026: Toronto and GTA

What counts as yard waste, non-bagging options, and key rules by municipality in the GTA. Plus, Find your last yard waste pickup date in Toronto and the GTA for 2026.

Michelle Meleskie

Michelle Meleskie

25 Sept 202610 min read

Blog

How much does fall yard cleanup and landscaping cost in the GTA?

The leaves are taking on a yellowish tinge, and those sunsets are creeping up earlier each evening; the first few whiffs of fall are in the air. This is a time of transition for people and nature alike – and that extends to your yard. September is a great time to prep your property for the colder months; it’s important that lawns be clear of debris, and plants have adequate protection, before the snow falls.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

18 Sept 20267 min read

Guides

Your gutter cleaning calendar: Why fall is the perfect time

Your home’s gutters – also called eavestroughs – can be easy to overlook. Tucked up along your roof’s side boarding, they’re a part of your home that’s “out of sight, out of mind” – but they play an important role in keeping your home dry and leak-free.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

11 Sept 20265 min read