When it comes to buying furniture, it’s always great to support local businesses and craftsmen. The Lower Mainland of British Columbia is home to many talented furniture makers and designers who create beautiful, unique pieces that are sure to add character and style to any home. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can find locally made furniture in the Lower Mainland, along with links to some of the best stores and makers in the region.

1. Visit Local Stores and Markets

One of the best ways to find locally made furniture in the Lower Mainland is to visit local stores and markets. There are several places in the region where you can find unique and beautiful pieces made by local craftsmen. Here are some of the best:

• Vancouver Farmers Market: This market is held on weekends in various locations around the city and features a variety of locally made furniture and home goods.
• The Cross Decor & Design: This store in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighborhood offers a wide selection of locally made furniture and home decor items.
• Craft Council of BC Shop: Located in Vancouver’s Granville Island, this shop features a range of furniture, ceramics, and other home goods made by local artisans.

    2. Search Online
Another great way to find locally made furniture in the Lower Mainland is to search online. There are several websites and directories that feature local furniture makers and designers. Here are some of the best:

• Vancouver Made: This website features a directory of local makers and designers, including several furniture makers.
• BC Wood: This directory features a list of local furniture makers and designers who use sustainably sourced wood.
• Etsy: While not exclusively local, Etsy is a great place to find handmade and vintage furniture and home decor items from local makers.

  3. Attend Local Events
Finally, attending local events is a great way to find locally made furniture in the Lower Mainland. There are several events throughout the year that feature local furniture makers and designers. Here are some of the best:

• Vancouver Home + Design Show: Held annually in Vancouver, this event features a wide range of furniture and home decor items from local makers and designers.
• Circle Craft Christmas Market: This annual event in Vancouver features a range of handmade furniture and home decor items from local makers.
• Portobello West: This market, held in various locations around Vancouver, features a range of handmade and locally made furniture and home decor items.

In conclusion, finding locally made furniture in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia is easy with a bit of research and effort. Whether you prefer to visit local stores and markets, search online, or attend local events, there are plenty of options available. By supporting local craftsmen and designers, you can bring unique and beautiful pieces into your home while contributing to the local economy.

Links:

• Vancouver Farmers Market: https://eatlocal.org/markets/
• The Cross Decor & Design: https://thecrossdesign.com/
• Craft Council of BC Shop: https://craftcouncilbc.shop/
• Vancouver Made: https://vancouver-made.com/
• BC Wood: https://www.bcwood.com/
• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/
• Vancouver Home + Design Show: https://vancouverfallhomeshow.com/
• Circle Craft Christmas Market: https://circlecraft.net/
• Portobello West: https://www.portobellowest.com/

Poly-B piping, also known as polybutylene piping, was a popular material used in the plumbing systems of homes built between the 1970s and 1990s. While this type of piping was marketed as a low-cost alternative to traditional copper pipes, it has been found to have serious flaws that can cause problems for homeowners. Here are the risks of poly-B piping that you need to know about.

1. Poor Quality Material: Poly-B piping is made from a cheap, low-quality material that is prone to breaking and cracking over time. This can result in leaks that can cause serious damage to your home and your possessions.
2. Poor Durability: Poly-B piping has a tendency to deform and break under stress, which can lead to leaks and other problems. This is especially true in areas where the pipes are exposed to extreme temperatures, high pressure, or rough handling during installation.
3. Poor Water Quality: Poly-B piping is known to have issues with water quality. It can degrade over time and can cause the water in your home to have a yellow or brown tint. This can also result in a foul odor in your water and can even affect the taste.
4. Poor Resale Value: Homes with poly-B piping are often difficult to sell, as many potential buyers are aware of the problems associated with this type of piping. This can lower the resale value of your home and make it more difficult to sell in the future.
5. Costly Repairs: Replacing poly-B piping can be expensive and time-consuming, as the entire plumbing system may need to be replaced. This can be a significant expense for homeowners, especially if the pipes have leaked and caused damage to other areas of the home.

If you live in a home with poly-B piping, it’s important to be aware of these risks and take action to address them. If you suspect you may have poly-B piping in your home, consider having it inspected by a licensed plumber. If necessary, replace the pipes with a more durable and reliable material, such as copper or PEX piping.

By taking the steps to address the risks associated with poly-B piping, you can protect your home and your family from potential water damage, improve the resale value of your home, and ensure that you have a safe and reliable plumbing system for years to come.

As a buyer, having a home inspector is the first step towards catching poly-b. A seasoned REALTOR® like one of our agents can help you along with the process.

Many potential buyers cannot see past clutter when looking at homes. Whether you are ready to sell or not, here are some tips to keep your home looking presentable. Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but it’s also a liberating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and organized. Here are 20 ways to simplify your space and declutter your home.

1. Start with a plan. Make a list of the areas you want to focus on, and prioritize your items to simplify the decluttering process.
2. Tackle one room at a time. Don’t try to declutter your entire home all at once. Start with one room, and then move on to the next.
3. Create designated spaces for items. Assign each item in your home a specific place to live, and make sure it stays there.
4. Donate items you no longer need. Get rid of items that are taking up space but no longer serve a purpose in your life.
5. Use storage containers. Invest in storage containers, like boxes and bins, to help keep your items organized and in designated spaces.
6. Purge regularly. Schedule regular decluttering sessions to keep your space organized and free of clutter.
7. Sort your items. Create piles for items you want to keep, donate, or sell, and make sure they get to their designated spaces.
8. Say goodbye to excess. Get rid of duplicates, broken items, and anything you haven’t used in the past year.
9. Invest in furniture that has built-in storage. Choose furniture that will maximize your storage space, like ottomans with hidden storage or bed frames with built-in drawers.
10. Hang items on the wall. Use wall hooks and shelves to keep items off the floor and simplify your space.
11. Label everything. Label your storage containers, shelves, and drawers to keep your items organized and easy to find.
12. Use vertical storage. Utilize vertical space to maximize your storage and keep items off the floor.
13. Store items in the attic or basement. If you have extra space, consider storing items in your attic or basement to free up room in your home.
14. Use baskets and bins for smaller items. Store smaller items, like toys, in baskets and bins to keep them organized and easily accessible.
15. Use closet organizers. Invest in closet organizers to maximize your storage space and keep your closet clutter-free.
16. Get rid of expired items. Purge your pantry, bathroom, and medicine cabinet of expired items to simplify your space and keep it organized.
17. Use clear containers. Store food and other items in clear containers so you can easily see what you have and avoid duplicates.
18. Keep only what brings joy. Only keep items that bring joy and make you happy. Get rid of items that don’t bring you happiness.
19. Store items seasonally. Store items that you only use seasonally, like holiday decorations, in a designated area to keep your home clutter-free.
20. Keep your space clean. Regularly clean and maintain your home to avoid clutter from accumulating and keep your space organized.

Decluttering your home is a process, but with a little patience and persistence, you can simplify your space and simplify your life. Start with these 20 tips and you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free home. When you are ready to sell, contact us!