Lito's House Project List - Item 6

Number 6 on the list - Bathroom renovation - completed. 

When we moved in our new house, we already are aware that there are areas in the house that will be changed/upgraded or renovated. We just did not realize that some will come sooner than expected.

After a year, we noticed that the washroom tiles are becoming loose and some are about to fall. The two shower faucets are also problematic and is very hard to close. It does not matter how hard you turn it, there is always a drip. Since we do not have the budget for the renovation yet, I used my handy man hat and re-grouted the tiles and replaced the faucets rubber washers. The repair was a success and it kept the tiles in tact and the drip has stopper.

After a while, the dripping was back and tiles from the other side is becoming loose too. I realized, that we really have to save up for the renovation. We contacted RONA and Canadian tire to give us a quote. I thought we might get a financing scheme with them. Canadian Tire quoted us for renovation that only included the wet area (shower area) and RONA quoted for the entire washroom renovation. However, both quotes were too high. Based on our computation, for a 12 month financing, this will not fit or budget. We included our financial need for the bathroom renovation in our daily night prayers.

We decided to buy the things needed for the washroom little by little and then get a contractor to build it. We started buying the wall and floor tiles last year from Costco and Rona. Then we got the vanity and mirror/cabinet from a store in Dundas. The last was the Wall shower from Costco again.

We contacted two contractors that were referred by our friends and got a quote for the labor. We agreed with the terms and after a week, we have a newly renovated washroom all within our budget.

God is really good and answers prayers!

Photos here -> (Before and After)

Lito's House Project List - Item 1

Number 1 on the list - Shingles Replacement - completed. 

After delaying the shingle replacement for more than a year, we finally decided to go ahead and do it. Thanks to Canadian tire's 36 months equal instalment and no interest scheme. Now I no longer worry whenever it rains.

Project details:

Duration: 1 Day
Labor and materials: between CAD 5,000 and 10,000
Completion date: 17 April 2014

Pros: 50 year transferrable warranty, free inspection on the 5th and 10 year which includes fixing of issues for free, 36 months to pay via Canadian Tire Financial, 10 percent Cash back in terms of Canadian Tire money

Cons:a little bit pricey compared to smaller contractors quote. It always make you cry when you get the monthly Canadian Tire statement (LOL)

Canadian Tire Gas Advantage - So Far The Worst Credit Card I Have...

I probably am guilty of not looking before I leapt. When I visited a Canadian Tire store late last year, I was offered by an agent at near the store entrance to apply for a rewards card that could save me 5 cents at all Canadian Tire gas stations. I thought Being a person who likes discounts and savings, I filled out the form and handed it out to the agent. When I was asked questions that were usually asked when you apply for a credit card, I realized that it was not the same as a loyalty or rewards card, but a credit card. I pretended that I did not make a mistake and just went on with the application. After I got the card, I used and true enough, I got less 5 cents per liter of gasoline. However, I found out later that I have to spend at least $500 a month to get the 5 cents and it drops to 2 cents once your gasoline purchase exceeds $700. I will call to cancel this card the moment I have paid the cards remaining balance. I will stick to the Canadian Tire Options Mastercard. I like earning Canadian Tire money that I can use when I purchase something in the store.