I have now completed the refresher home staging course with Canadian Staging Professionals. The packed 3 day, course with Canadian Staging Professionals was lead by Jackson West.

I found taking the refresher really helped as some of the important steps were re-inforced and I got to learn some new things from different perspectives from other students. On day 3 we staged a home in the Rosedale area where I learned how important it is to be creative and resourcefull with what you have. The whole house was staged with all of the owner’s previous belongings. Check out the dining room’s before and after pictures and the sunroom’s before and after pictures.

Mario Toneguzzi from the Calgary Herald just reported our city is the top Canadian city to invest in. Check out his article.

How do you know where your neighbour’s yard ends and yours begins? For most of us that divider is our fence. If not kept up with proper maintenance, your fence can look quite shabby within 3-5 years. But what if it’s been more than 5 years with no repair? It may be time to consider replacing your fence.

So what’s the first step? Chat with your neighbours and get their opinions. They may be willing to help you either build the new fence or split the cost to hire someone to build the new fence. However, be very diplomatic when discussing this with them, although you may be financially and emotionally prepared to replace your fence, they may not be. If they’re not prepared to help out, you may be stuck with the workload and/or the bill. The City of Calgary does not settle disputes on maintenance or building costs between neighbours.

Another point worth mentioning about neighbours, you will get really close with them once your old fence is torn down. This can be a really good thing, or a really bad thing.

Now it’s time to figure out which design you like and how much you are willing to spend. Check your local home improvement flyers for both designs and prices (to get a rough idea). Always make sure to get a quote from your local home improvement store or local fencing company though as flyers never add in the cost of nails, labour or equiptment rentals (if required). If you’re handy or have family or friends that are handy, take on the project yourself, if not, you should consider hiring someone. If you do hire someone, make sure they are insured. If they get hurt and are not insured – you are responsible.

Make sure to pick a date to build your fence that isn’t too hot or rainy and build away. You’ll notice instantly how much your yard has improved after the first section is built. Before you start building, I strongly recommend you read up on your local bylaws. If you live in Calgary, here is a brochure on fences developed by the City of Calgary.

I’ve decided to take the refresher home staging training course with Canadian Staging Professionals. The course runs Tuesday, June 8, 2010 till Thursday, June 10, 2010. I believe it is not too late to register if you are interested in taking the course.