Posts by Jay Saveall
Pool Permits & Hidden Fees for Toronto Homeowners
Adding a pool can transform a backyard, but in Toronto, the path to construction comes with rules that many homeowners do not see at first glance. Permits, zoning limits, drainage checks, and enclosure requirements all influence how your design takes shape and how long the approval process lasts. This is where custom pool planning becomes…
Read MoreEmergency Snow Removal Pricing: What Businesses in Toronto Should Expect
Toronto winters change quickly, and a mild morning can turn into a difficult afternoon once snow starts to build. For businesses, this means entrances, walkways, and parking areas can become unsafe faster than expected. Emergency snow removal steps in when conditions shift suddenly or when scheduled crews cannot reach the property in time. Green Side…
Read MorePVC vs. Composite Decking: What’s the Difference?
Building a deck is one of the best ways to expand your outdoor living space, but choosing the right material can be confusing. Homeowners often compare PVC vs composite decking, and while both offer low maintenance and long lifespan, their composition and performance differ in key ways. This guide breaks down how each material is…
Read MoreHow Deep Should Footings Be in Fall?
Fall is one of the best seasons to start outdoor construction in Ontario. The weather is cooler, the ground is still workable, and project schedules are often more flexible. But before you pour concrete or set posts, one question matters most: how deep should the footings go? Footings are the underground base that supports decks,…
Read MoreCommercial Snow Removal Costs in Toronto: Per-Visit Breakdown
Toronto winters don’t play nice. When the first lake-effect storm hits, every property manager faces the same scramble: who can clear my lot fast — and for how much? Ontario winters bring heavy snow, icy buildup, and unpredictable storms that demand efficient, professional snow and ice removal to keep properties safe and operational. At Green…
Read MoreToronto Fence Pricing in 2025: Cost Per Linear Foot Breakdown
Planning a fence installation in Toronto? With material costs and labour rates continuing their upward trend in 2025, understanding exactly what you’ll pay per linear foot has never been more crucial for homeowners. Whether you’re installing a privacy fence for your backyard retreat or a decorative front yard boundary, getting accurate pricing information can mean…
Read MoreTop 5 Features to Look for in a Snow Removal Contract for Businesses
A proper snow removal contract can make or break your winter operations. For Ontario businesses, snow and ice are more than just inconveniences; they can halt deliveries, deter customers, and create serious liability risks. Without a reliable plan in place, your property can quickly become unsafe and costly to manage. That’s why reviewing every detail…
Read MoreHow to Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are a great way to extend living space, but once the temperature drops, they need special care. Proper winterization protects your investment from freezing, cracking, and corrosion so you can enjoy a seamless return to cooking outdoors in spring. Whether your kitchen includes a built-in grill, sink, stone counters, or a pizza oven,…
Read MoreCost of Deck Remodel Toronto 2025: What Homeowners Really Pay
Thinking about refreshing or rebuilding your deck in the GTA? You’re not alone. Outdoor living is huge in 2025—and a smart deck remodel can boost everyday comfort and resale appeal. Homeowners can see a ~65–75% return on their investment in a new deck, depending on market conditions and finish quality. In many Toronto remodels, labour…
Read MoreDo Pool Copings Crack in Cold Weather?
Pool coping is more than a decorative border. It’s the protective edge that separates the pool shell from the surrounding deck, helping to direct water away and prevent damage. Without it, water would seep behind the pool walls, weakening the structure and leading to costly repairs. Coping also gives pools their finished look. It frames…
Read MoreVinyl, Fibreglass, or Concrete: Toronto Pool Cost Comparison
Note: All cost ranges are in CAD and reflect typical Toronto/GTA conditions as of 2025; site-specific factors may vary. For Toronto homeowners comparing pool types, the team at Green Side Up Contracting brings local experience in design‑build, municipal approvals, and landscape integration to keep projects on budget and on schedule. Choosing the wrong pool type…
Read MoreWhat Is Landscaping: A Comprehensive Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Landscaping in Canada Landscaping is much more than adding a few shrubs or laying down sod — it’s the art and science of transforming outdoor spaces by modifying the visible features of land, such as terrain, plants, and structures, into functional, beautiful, visually appealing, and sustainable environments. From residential…
Read MoreTop 3 Outdoor Upgrades Before Winter Hits
When the temperature starts to drop, most homeowners focus on indoor maintenance and forget that outdoor spaces need attention too. The months leading up to winter are crucial for protecting your property from harsh weather. Frozen soil, moisture buildup, and heavy snow can cause serious damage if decks, fences, and landscapes aren’t ready for the…
Read MoreWhen is the Best Time to Install a Pool Cover?
For homeowners, a swimming pool is more than just a luxury—it’s a place for family gatherings, relaxation, and fun. But keeping that pool in top shape requires more than regular cleaning and chemical balancing. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your pool is by using a cover, and the timing of its installation…
Read MorePreparing Your Deck for Winter: Checklist
Canadian winters are harsh, and few outdoor structures feel it as much as your deck. Between snow, ice, freezing rain, and sudden temperature swings, a deck that isn’t properly prepared can suffer lasting damage. Boards may warp, railings can loosen, and surfaces might rot when moisture penetrates and freezes. What starts as minor neglect in…
Read More