Story Ideas

Planning on writing a story on housing?

This section will provide you with samples, plus related links and photos. Contact CMHC's Media Relations team for access to CMHC spokespersons and expertise.

Plan your way to a successful renovation

If you're thinking about renovating, start by asking yourself a few questions about your home. Are there any underlying problems that need to be addressed? Will changing one component affect the house as a whole? By asking these and other questions in advance, you can make sure your renovation goes according to plan.

For more information: Assessing the Renovation Project

Renovating your kitchen

If you're thinking about renovating your kitchen, start by asking yourself a few questions first. How much workspace do you need? Are there any structural problems? Do you need to replace existing fixtures, appliances, cabinets and countertops? By asking these and other questions in advance, you can help make sure your renovation is a success.

For more information : Renovating Your Kitchen

Save water—and your money!

On a per capita basis, Canadians are the second highest water consumers in the world. To reduce water use - and utility bills - install a properly functioning 6-litre Low-Flush toilet and low-flow shower head in the bathroom, capture excess water when running the tap for watering plants, wash only full loads of laundry, and consider growing water-efficient plants and grasses and using drip irrigation systems, sprinkler timers and rain gauges to promote deep root growth and healthier vegetation.

For more information, see Household Guide to Water Efficiency

Cut energy costs at your home

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment. In an older home, renovations like installing an energy-efficient Energy Star® qualified furnace, improving air leakage and installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system can also help cut energy costs by 25 to 40 percent. Plus, carrying out a professional EnerGuide for Houses assessment can identify more energy saving solutions with unbiased advice.

For more information, see Before You Renovate

Does your home have a humidity problem?

Too much or too little humidity can cause problems from condensation and moldy bathrooms, to structural damage or allergies. A hygrometer can measure humidity to determine if a problem exists, and then steps can be taken to control it before it gets out of hand, such as opening or closing doors or windows, installing exhaust fans or sealing up leaks.