Have you ever checked your home for radon gas? If you’re like most Calgary homeowners, the answer is probably ‘no’ – but you should.

Radon is a colourless, odorless (i.e. undetectable by humans) gas that is produced by decaying uranium in rocks and soil, and seeps into homes through foundation cracks and vents. While there are pockets of radon across Canada, Alberta and southern Saskatchewan have the highest concentrations in the country. And it is serious business.

Radon is the second-most common cause of lung cancer in Canada, and can be linked to about 1900 deaths every year.

Fortunately, testing for radon in your home is easy and inexpensive. Testing kits (both short term, which measure for a couple of days, and long term, which detect for months) are available at local home improvement stores for about $30, and require only that you open the package and place the radon detector in an appropriate place (away from drafts and out of your furnace room). After the set period of time, you send the detector to a lab in the enclosed envelope, and a couple weeks later you get your report.

If no radon is detected in your home, you can rest easy. If it is, contact a radon mitigation company to assess and remediate the problem. There are several such companies in southern Alberta, who also do more involved testing than the kits homeowners can purchase themselves.

No one likes to think about unseen dangers that could be lurking in their homes, but if your home hasn’t been cleared for radon, it’s really something you should act on sooner rather than later. Feel free to give me a call to discuss this further.

On a side note, we’re only two weeks away from the Calgary Home + Garden Show, and they’ve given us a romantic coupon code to get 2-for-1 tickets! Simply use the code LOVE before February 22 to get your tickets.

311 Brae Glen Rd SW

Over 1700 sq.ft of developed living space! There’s room for everybody here, whether you’re a family or a savvy future homeowner wanting the option to house a few roommates. 3 large bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms including a full ensuite. The master bedroom also boasts high vaulted ceilings. End unit with a private back yard and a greenbelt in behind. Double attached garage and a large driveway with room for two vehicles as well, plus additional street parking just behind the unit. Newer furnace and brand new hot water tank. Recent windows and roof replacement. This one is the best deal in the area. Close to shopping, groceries, Southland Leisure Centre, and public transit.

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

84 Silver Springs Dr NW

Updated throughout and ready to be moved into. Cook away in your new gorgeous kitchen with new cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, including a gas stove. Large, open living room features a retro brick fireplace and a large picture window to the front yard. Both upper bathrooms are renovated too; enjoy a heated floor every morning! fully developed downstairs including a large rec room as well as a giant 4th bedroom or craft room/den, plus ample storage. The back yard is huge, with a new fence and a new massive deck. The RV pad is well situated for easy parking by utilizing the “T” shape of the alley out back. This home also boats a newer roof and newer windows and doors throughout. This is the best deal in the area. Close to schools, the birthplace forest, golf, shopping, and dining. Quick access to the C-Train.

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

195 Reunion Cl NW

McKee built home located on a corner lot. Over 2600 sqft of space with tasteful upgrades and 4 bedrooms up. The open layout offers 9’ ceilings, upgraded hardwood and tile on the main floor, a large kitchen; upgraded cabinets, under mount lighting, granite counters; glass tile backsplash and upgraded appliances including a convection oven. The living room is large with vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace with thermostat and remote control. French back doors to a large South facing deck with steps down to a great yard including a patio and gardens. Upstairs you will find a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and ensuite bath with heated tile floor and Jacuzzi tub. Also upstairs is a loft/office and 2nd bathroom. There’s also a newly-finished basement with lots of space to enjoy and play, yet still there’s plenty of storage, and the upstairs also has brand-new carpet to match. Solid oak doors throughout. Other upgrades include A/C to keep you cool on hot days, and a heated and insulated oversized garage.

To view more photos, full listing details, floor plan and virtual tour, visit my web page.

Family Day in Alberta is just around the corner, February 15, and so it might not be a bad idea to start thinking of things to do with the brood over that three day rest. There’s always tonnes of local activities around Calgary that are inexpensive and loaded up on fun. Here are a few suggestions:

Heritage Park’s Family Quest

All weekend, Heritage Park is hosting what they call ‘family friendly motorcycle inspired fun and entertainment’ in their Gasoline Alley.

Eau Claire Market Family Fun Day

Eau Claire Market is hosting all manner of free activities including face painting and temporary tattoos, live music, ice carving, and crafts! Even the hot chocolate is free!

U of C Oval Family Day Skate

On Monday the 15th, from noon till 5:00 families can skate for free at the U of C Olympic Oval. Bring a helmet for each family member and a few bucks for the Tim Horton’s truck that’ll be parked outside.

Other Free Skating

Around the city, a number of rinks are offering free skating on Monday afternoon.

Public Swimming

The city-operated pools are offering free swimming on Monday afternoon – great exercise for the whole family!

Catch a movie

Kung Fu Panda 3 came out recently, and it’s getting stellar ratings from critics, so kids and adults alike should enjoy a couple of hours with Jack Black’s cuddly martial artist. And Saturday morning you can catch Hotel Transylvania 2 for just $2.99 as part of their Family Favourites series.

Those are just a few suggestions of activities to take in on Family Day. If you just feel like staying in, how about some board games, followed by ‘make your own pizza’ for dinner in front of the TV? Whatever you decide, enjoy the company of those you love. I know I will.

And if that time inside starts to make you think about moving to a new house, contact me – I’d love to help.