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

Blog

Your 2026 fall HVAC to-do list

When bringing your furnace back into regular service for the season, it’s smart to do a few quick maintenance checks. Here’s a handy checklist of furnace-care tasks that homeowners can do themselves to keep everything running smoothly.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

09 Oct 20269 min read

Blog

Do you need a fall furnace tune up?

If your furnace has been dormant for the summer, it’s important to make sure it’s in good working order before winter hits. And while there are a number of checks you can do yourself, fall is one of those times where it can be really beneficial to hire an HVAC Pro to do a furnace inspection.

Penelope Graham

Penelope Graham

06 Oct 20267 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