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Winter Survival Essentials

When winter rolls in, we can all use a little help conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary insurance claims.

Freezing temperatures, icy windshields and treacherous roads —sometimes it feels like it would be best to cozy up inside and binge-watch your favourite Netflix series.   To help make your life a little easier and prevent costly winter repairs, the following valuable tips and tricks are provided to avoid an unnecessary “snow day”.

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. Infographic 2018

 

In preparation of winter months, these winter survival essentials have been shared with condominium corporations, condominium owners, and tenants residing in rental properties proudly managed by Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. 

These tips have been gathered up to make your life a little easier.  As we head into the notoriously colder months of the year, taking the time to review these tips could help you pre-empt a disaster when it is freezing outside. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office or call 403-237-8600. Should you note a maintenance concern please feel free to use our online maintenance request form.  Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. proudly provides property management services in cities and towns located in Alberta, Canada.


THE PRESTIGE: Upscale and Urban

The freshly renovated units available at The Prestige apartments (824 – 13th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) showcase city skyline views from large windows and contemporary design. Its prime location is in the center of the quaint community of Connaught which is known for its contemporary charms and unique urban atmosphere.

 

Our virtual tour highlights the spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartment units available for rent in Calgary, AB which features tall ceilings, beautiful design details, and a tone-on-tone colour palette. The bathrooms have been finished with neutral elements to create the feel of spa living. Aspiring chefs will love the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, modern countertops and ample cupboard space. The design is completed with stylish hardwood flooring, accented by designer-colored walls, new blinds and upgraded lighting throughout.

Each living space extends to a cozy patio, and tree top views of the established neighbourhood with a bird’s eye view of this highly coveted trendy inner City neighbourhood. With just a short commute to downtown Calgary and close to some of the City’s oldest historic landmarks, residents enjoy an exciting atmosphere with a relaxed feel as the apartment’s location is in a quiet, low-traffic area with an established, tight knit group of local business, hot eateries and vibrant nightlife (many within walking distance). Residents are next to bike lanes and inner city trails for bike enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers and joggers, and just minutes from the Design District and the Red Mile.

All these features combined make The Prestige an ideal place to live, and they are available now. Call Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. Leasing Agents at 403-237-8811 or email now for more information/pictures, to schedule a viewing or apply. For more information and pictures, please visit our rental listing.

*Application, references, and background check necessary.


Transform Your Tiny Balcony: Small Space Design Tips

Would you like to maximize your outdoor living this summer? Make the most of your small balcony or patio?  Kristin Peila, KP Design Co. has a few tips to help you make your small area as cozy, inviting, and useful as any suburban backyard. 

Before: Want to turn your balcony into an urban oasis?

 

Here are four tips used at The Prestige apartments located in Calgary, AB. to turn a tiny space into an outdoor apartment urban oasis:

 

Tip #1 (below) — Find your design inspiration and use it as the basis for your entire design plan. The inspiration for this small patio design came from the graphic prints of outdoor pillows that are on trend this season.  The pillows are complemented with the addition of a cozy blanket and a rug. We used two small rugs to fit the size of the floor and space. The rugs helped to pull the entire seating area together by defining the space and providing comfort.

Tip #2 (below) –The most pleasing design features is the use of plants. Depending on your sunlight exposure, you may want to pick flowering plants or even better, use plants that can be moved inside when the weather gets colder. Having plants clustered in the corners and at different vertical heights helps to visually enlarge the space. This tip also helps give any tiny area the feeling of a lush garden retreat that can be enjoyed all season long.

Tip #3 (below) — This is a rather small balcony being only 30 square feet, so the choice of furniture was vital. Be mindful to avoid clutter and make sure you can easily access all areas of your patio. Modular armless chairs help to create the feeling of space visually and are easy to store.  They can also be reconfigured to create an inviting spot to enjoy drinks with a friend or sit quietly and soak up the sun. 

Tip #4 (above) — Finish the look by bringing multi-purpose items from inside, outside. Use seating that can alternate as a table, or tables alternating as an extra seat, and battery operated candles in a variety of finishes help to create ambiance. In this space, the small side budget-friendly bar cart features a place to hold a towel or a colorful blanket. The bar cart can also serve as a side table, a spot for refreshing beverages, plant stand or a companion to your bbq. Each item used in this space was carefully chosen to make sure it could be used in different ways, such as the ice bucket, which can double as storage for small gardening tools or accessories. We worked with an economical wise budget and the goal was to add style and function with each design feature we chose. The bar cart is a perfect example of dual function and style.

Get the look! This cozy small outdoor space is simple to re-create:

  1. Find your inspiration, and it could be a little accessory to set the theme or something as basic as affordable outdoor pillows you found at a local shop or seasonal garden pop-up center.
  2. Maximize greenery and flowers using different textures and heights. If you can, purchase plants that can move inside when the weather turns cooler. Visit your local grocery store for seasonal plants and flowers.
  3. Choose a small table and armless modular chairs that fold easily and store when not needed. When in doubt choose multi-purpose items to help with storage and keep your space inviting.
  4. Bring the inside out. With the use of indoor accessories such as candles you can create a beautiful garden effect in your space to be enjoyed all hours of the day and evening.

Living in a small home or apartment probably means that you treasure your outdoor area all the more — but if your outdoor space is on the small side, it can be tricky to know what to do with it. Mix and match these tips to create a new outdoor room like we did at this urban apartment proudly managed by Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.

This summer make the most of your small outdoor area space and practice these handy tips. Happy decorating!

 


Do you know what to do if there’s a fire in your building?

Recently, there have been multiple incidents in condo and apartment buildings where cigarette butts were thrown from balconies and landed in dry planters … which in turn caught fire (providing us a great opportunity to remind smokers that it is very important that they make sure cigarette debris is always disposed of in a fire proof container and properly extinguished).

 

Fire safety tips in your rental property

 

… Be prepared so you know what to do before a fire starts!

 

To prepare yourself so that you know what to do in the event there is a fire in your condo unit you can:

  • Be familiar with all exits from your floor (Plan more than 1 way out — just in case one of the exits is blocked by fire or smoke).
  • In the event you are unable to leave your home, make sure everyone knows to call 9-1-1 for further instruction and assistance.
  • Learn about the fire safety features in your unit and in the building (i.e.) fire alarms, fire sprinklers, location of extinguishers, etc.
  • If you find a fire exit blocked by clutter or a door requires repair, contact your property manager immediately.
  • Purchase a multi-purpose fire extinguisher for your kitchen and keep it accessible.
  • Test your smoke alarm monthly by pressing the test button and clean it every 6 months. Mark it on your calendar so that you don’t forget and make it a habit of changing your batteries at least annually. Remember that your alarm won’t be able to protect you if it has no power or the batteries are burnt out.

House fires kill and injure thousands every year … and many more are impacted by the loss of valued memories and personal possessions in fire related incidents that could have easily been avoided. In a fire, every second counts … make sure your fire safety knowledge is up to date by visiting the Fire Prevention Canada website for more information.

Reminder: Your condominium bylaws (and your mortgage) outline your responsibility to carry adequate insurance.  It is recommended that you review the Bylaws with your insurance agent to make sure that you have the right coverage in place.
           
Emerald Management & Realty Ltd., has partnered with Nuera Insurance to help provide a convenient way to purchase insurance in a matter of minutes! To receive a quote on-line, visit Nuera’s website and click on “Get a Quote”.  For our valued clients, please contact your property manager to receive a discount code for your insurance policy placed with Nuera.  If you have questions about your insurance responsibilities, please contact our property manager or review your bylaws for more information.