Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

TrustedSaskatoon.com Celebrates Huge Milestone - as over 350,000 visitors visit Saskatoon's Number 1 Online Directory

The Trusted Saskatoon team are excited to share we have had over 350,000 people visit Trustedsaskatoon.com since we launched in 2011!! This is a monumental milestone for our small Saskatoon women-owned business and we are so proud of our dedicated local team. Of course huge kudos must go to the amazing locally owned and accountable community of Trusted Saskatoon businesses. They are run with integrity and  we are proud to promote and support their efforts. They are our product!! 


Many of the Trusted Saskatoon partners bought into the Trusted directories concept nearly 8 years ago - with ZERO results - look at the community we have now! I will be forever grateful for their trust and their investment in the concept and my dream to create a 'better option' for consumers looking for local businesses! Sara Wheelwright, Trusted Founder
 

Local Buyers With Local Needs Supporting Local Businesses!  

 

Nearly 60% or just over 215,000 of the visits 350,000 + visitors to TrustedSaskatoon.com were from people in Saskatoon, 85.25% from Saskatchewan and 98% from Canada!  

How do we know this? 


The website analytics tracks each IP address that visits the site. IP is short for (Internet Protocol) address, a numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet. We can also see what kind of device the site was accessed on, what browser they used, what pages each visitor looked at on the directory, how long they spent choosing and reading the information, and even how they got to Trusedsaskatoon.com (EG: Google Searches, Google Ads, Facebook or Trusted Partners websites!)  

 

Tougher Times May Be Over in Saskatoon as Directory Visitor Numbers Trend UP in 2019. 

You can clearly see in the data above, 2017 and half of 2018 were tougher and visitor numbers were down. Although we still invested the same $ in marketing and had well over 35,000 people visit in our slowest calendar year.  We believe this effect was due to the ‘boom' ending. It seems most consumers were nervous to spend their hard earned money on anything but the products and services they actually needed at that time. 

Just look at the upturn in visitors that begin in the fall of 2018 and is really taking off in 2019 - over 18500 visitors ALREADY this year!! A record year may be in store for Trusted in 2019! 


Trusted Saskatoon Trivia


Wonder what the Top 5 categories have been since we launched? 


What about the last 12months? 


As a local online DIRECTORY, Trusted Saskatoon's primary role is to connect consumers who are actively looking for products and services, to local businesses they can trust. The directory listings are extremely comprehensive - including verified customer reviews, images, and video. We also have a HUGE library of nearly 1000 articles right here in our Trusted Tips Section - these helpful articles (blog posts) are mostly supplied by our local Trusted Saskatoon partners, who are the local experts in their industries. They are extremely well read and provide a unique local resource of information. 

Top 5 most read blogs in the Trusted Saskatoon Tip library over the last 12 month?


We are excited to continue our growth, as we welcome diverse and new Trusted Saskatoon partners every month to our community. In 2019 so far we have welcomed:

Occasionally we do part ways with businesses and sometimes we are asked why they leave. Some retire, close their business, move, change their business ownership or they simply choose to go in a different direction with their marketing. Occasionally we do have to make the tough decision to end the partnership.  We do this if we feel that the fit is not right and that they are no longer in line with our overall mission,  or that they are not committed to upholding the 5 Trusted Guarantees. 

We like to view this as an opportunity, as it allows us to meet new prospects, nominated business and also follow up with those on the waiting list of companies who are interested in joining the community. We have a maximum of 3 policy - This means we only allow  3 businesses in competition at any time in each of the 40 categories we provide. Also in 2019, we added Non - Profits to the directory and gifted 4 Saskatoon Non - Profits listings and free promotion

2019 is destined to be an amazing year, we have SO many amazing things coming your way Saskatoon! So watch this space! Thank you for your continued support of our Trusted Directories concept and our community Saskatoon!! 

Supporting Saskatoon businesses, consumers, and the community is what we do BEST!


Want More Information on Trusted Saskatoon?  


If you want more information on what it takes to join Trusted Saskatoon and if there is room for your company check out the JOIN TRUSTED page here and contact us to arrange a meeting. We can show you how we can help you grow your business alongside ours in 2019 and beyond! 

Trusted Saskatoon Brags about HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery - Trusted Saskatoon Caterer & Bakery


Not sure what to serve for your next event or where to have your next meeting, date, breakfast, lunch or coffee? HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery can accommodate all of the above.  This is why the Trusted Saskatoon team is excited to have them join our Trusted Saskatoon community of excellence in the Saskatoon Catering & Bakeries Category

HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery- Trusted Saskatoon Caterers & Bakery

We all have fond memories of home cooked meals growing up and many of us enjoyed fresh garden produce and preserves too. HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery is owned and operated by Lee & Grace Whittington, and managed by their youngest son Christopher.  The trio offers true homestyle cooking and baking as well as amazing perfectly brewed coffee. Being raised on the farm instilled a love of agriculture and a passion for baking and cooking in the family. The catering side of their business can accommodate up to 150 people, and they also boast a meeting space at the establishment that they rent out for private events. 

In 1996, Lee & Grace bought Riverbend Plantation, and now they sell their delicious ( and locally famous) Saskatoon berry preserves at HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery, along with other locations. 


HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery has had a location in the Saskatoon Farmer's Market for over 9 years and now with their larger location in the Banks Condo Development River Landing they are able to offer more of their amazing services to their customers & clients. You can try many great family recipes like Gramma Jean's butter tarts, carrot cake, cinnamon buns, Cornish pasties, homemade soup and much more.  It’s the perfect space to relax — whether you want to read a book by the fire, get cozy or hunker down to do some work in one of the booths, or watch the world go by at the sun-drenched bistro tables on the upper level.


Don't take it from us - read what some of their clients have to say when they shared their experience. 

"I have known Grace for over 10 years visiting their location at the farmer's market on many occasions. It's so nice to see that they have opened up a larger location. The atmosphere at HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Bakery is great! You truly feel at home and not rushed at all. I have always enjoyed their food especially sweets, sandwiches & coffee. I definitely recommend them to all my friends and family." - Kim 


"I love the bright and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy their amazing home cooked meals and baking as well as great coffee and service."- Anna 


We are proud to promote and give the 'Thumbs Up' to HomeQuarter Coffeehouse & Baker a Trusted Saskatoon caterer and bakery


Sunview Windows and Sunview Solariums Celebrate 5 Years as Trusted Saskatoon's Window, Door & Sunroom Pro's

Sunview Windows and Doors manufacture windows in their Saskatoon factory. They install new and replacement windows to home woenrs and busineses to Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan. They also sell high quality doors, security shutters and blinds. In addition, they also manufacture solariums (also called sunrooms), screen rooms, conservatories and patio covers via their sister company, Sunview Solariums Ltd.


Sunview Windows and Sunview Solariums Trusted Saskatoon Partners for 5 Years






Sunview's great reputation is built on the foundation of trust, integrity and doing business the right way.

Owners Rod Buell and Michael McLachlan are committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. They invest time and energy ensuring Sunview Windows and Doors and Sunview Solariums offer consistently high standards of quality and workmanship. The Sunview team are always looking at new and innovative products and they are willing and capable of taking on any project, including custom manufacture. 

The Trusted Saskatoon team enjoys working with Sunview, we have always found them to be very knowledgeable, friendly and responsive. They stand by their products and have an excellent warranty. 

Not only does this company manufacture windows in Saskatoon, made to withstand our harsh climate,  but they also manufacture Sunview sunroom's (also known as conservatories or solariums).  

Conservatories are a fast-growing trend in Saskatchewan. Conservatories have been popular in Europe for many years and Sunview solariums supply customers across North America. These stunning products are a great addition to any home as they extend the comfort and living space, as well as protecting homeowners and their guests from pesky insects and the elements. 



The Sunview team are skilled professionals and their goal is to provide the best possible experience from start to finish. They provide financing and have many happy clients who are thrilled with the work Sunview has done for them.  Contact them today to start the home update of your dreams! 

As their tagline clearly explains... 

We build them – We install them – We stand behind them

 


Rod and his team did a fantastic job for us. From the initial walk-through consultation, providing us with some great options, remeasuring things at the time of order to confirm to final installation, it was a great experience. We would not hesitate to use their services again or refer them to friends or family.  Dean York 

 

  Sunview are Trusted Saskatoon Window, Door & Sunroom Experts

  


Hounjet Tastad Harpham Trusted Saskatoon accountant answer questions about the new Climate Action Incentive in Saskatchewan

 

Hounjet Tastad Harpham has decades of accounting experience working with clients across Saskatchewan. Their expert accounting advice is valued by clients ranging from individuals to businesses small and large. Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants and in their latest accounting tip, they answer a client question about how the new Climate Action Incentive ( CAI) (commonly referred to as the carbon tax rebate) program works. 



Climate Action Incentive (CAI) 

Recently a client emailed us to ask a few questions before they dropped off their 2019 personal tax information. This particular client has been in a common law relationship for 7 years and has 3 children from a previous relationship.  


The CAI Question: 


Greetings Roseline, I'm going to drop off my information tomorrow, but I just wanted to ask about the new Federal ECO/Carbon Tax rebate program/ incentive - how is it decided , how is it calculated and who receives it? 

The Answer 


Individuals in Saskatchewan will receive a tax-free Climate Action Incentive payment after filing their 2018 tax return starting in 2019. Climate Action Incentive payments in Saskatchewan will be calculated as follows for 2019:

The carbon tax rebate can be claimed by either spouse, so it’s up to you to decide which one.  
You can’t split it – it has to go to one or the other.  In this case, we suggested that the client put it on her return because it includes the children.  The rebate gives $305 for the individual, $152 for the spouse, and $76 per child, for a total of $685.00.  

Depending on financial arrangements,  the client who receives the rebate may then split half of the adult CAI  (305 +152= ) and give their partner/spouse $228.50, keeping the 3 children's rebate for their expenses. 

What About Other Family Circumstances? 



The amount for a single parent's qualified dependant:


To claim the CAI payment for a single parent’s qualified dependant, on December 31, 2018, you must:

  • not be married or in a common-law partnership, and
  • have a child (or dependant) who meets all the conditions of a qualified dependant.

Shared custody

Only one claim for a CAI payment can be made per child. The payment cannot be split between parents.


Supplement for residents of small and rural communities

To claim the supplement for residents of small and rural communities, you must have resided outside of a census metropolitan area (CMA) on December 31, 2018.


Find out if you qualify for the 10% supplement for residents of small and rural communities. 

 

ProvinceBasic AmountSpouse or common-law
partner amount
Qualified dependant
amount
Single parent's 
qualified dependant
amount
Saskatchewan$305$152$76$152

Claim the CAI payment

To claim the CAI payment, you must:

  1. complete your 2018 income tax and benefit return
  2. complete Schedule 14 included with your return
  3. send (file) your return to the Canada Revenue Agency

The CAI payment will be automatically applied to your balance owing for the year, if applicable, or may increase the amount of any refund you may be entitled to.


Contact Hounjet Tastad Harpham today if you have any further questions related to CAI. 




Hounjet Tastad Harpham Services:

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountant for your personal taxes or business accounting needs, contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants



Trusted Saskatoon Roofers FAQ- Is Your Roof Leaking or Is It Condensation?

 Is Your Roof Leaking or Is It Condensation?

There are basically 3 types of roof “leaks” which are detailed below. The solution to your roof moisture issues depends on what type of “leak” it is. If you notice excessive moisture during extreme temperature changes, and not when it rains, then the moisture probably isn’t a roof leak. The following information should help determine what issues you might be experiencing and what you can do to alleviate condensation.


  • The first type is where water is leaking through the roof system while it is raining. This could include leaks due to damaged or deteriorated shingles, improper installation of the shingles or poor/failed flashing details at penetrations and walls. It may even be due to damaged window sills, improper siding installations or severe wind driven rain. These are external leaks which can usually be inspected and repaired by a roofer

  • The second type of “leak” is caused by ice dams. This is not workmanship related. The best way to prevent or reduce ice dams is to eliminate or reduce the amount of warm air that is escaping into the attic and melting snow on the roof to the point where it creates glacier-like ice build up. Another temporary solution is to remove the snow from the roof before it can turn into ice and penetrate the roof system.

  • The third type of “leak” is caused by condensation or frost buildup in the attic. This is not workmanship related or an actual roof leak. To prevent frost & condensation from developing in your attic you must eliminate or reduce the amount of air leakage into the attic as well as improve insulation & ventilation to allow moist air to escape the roof.

What is Condensation?

Condensation comes from the moisture in the air and is caused by too much moisture in the air for a certain temperature. Condensation forms when warm, moist air touches a surface that is colder than the dew point of the warm air. As that air becomes colder and its temperature drops below its dew point, it must release excess moisture to reach its new, lower dew point. It releases moisture in the form of water, which appears on the colder surface.

There are many things in our homes that put moisture into the air. Normal breathing and perspiration add 3 pints of water to the air every day for each person in your home. In fact, every activity that uses water adds more moisture to the air including cooking, taking showers, dishwashing, and doing laundry. Condensation is more apt to occur in climates where the average temperature is 35º F or colder. Condensation is a common sign of inadequate insulation and/or ventilation.

Condensation in the Home - A Warning Sign

Condensation is usually first noticed on your windows and skylights because they are the most visible areas of your house. While it’s natural to blame the windows, you shouldn’t always. Window and skylight condensation is the result of excess humidity in your home. And the glass only provides a visible cold surface on which humidity can condense. This could be a sign that your excessive indoor humidity is causing damage elsewhere in places you cannot see, such as: your walls, ceilings, floors, and your attic roof. Excessive indoor humidity can cause blistering and peeling paint, warping and rotting wood, as well as the formation of mildew & mold.

During extremely cold temperatures, frost can build up on the underside of the roof sheeting (attic roof). Once the outdoor temperature rises, that frost melts and can mimic a leak. This “leak” can be excessive when the temperatures dramatically change, as is common during our Alaskan winters. Frost build up is most common above heat sources such as light fixtures, kitchen stoves, fireplaces, bathrooms, fans, and improperly vented exhaust fans. When the frost melts, this “leak” is most commonly found dripping out of those heat sources.

High ceiling beams and cathedral ceilings with water spots can be confused with an active leak, when in fact it is a result of condensation.

If you have ever noticed a lot of icicles hanging from the edge of your roof, chances are your house is leaking significant (and expensive) amounts of air and heat into the attic.

Controlling Indoor Humidity

Most new homes are now made tighter than ever. They are well insulated and no longer "breath" on their own. Both insulation and ventilation should be addressed to control condensation. Steps must be taken to ventilate the house, allowing moisture and humidity to escape. 

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO CONTROL THE HUMIDITY IN YOUR HOME INCLUDE:

  • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, as well as dryer vents, should never be discharged into the attic space, always discharge outside. You may have an
    adequately ventilated attic, but this won’t matter if the bathroom exhaust fan dumps warm moist air directly into the attic space. This will result in condensed water vapour freezing onto cold attic materials, which will eventually thaw creating wet attic materials resulting in damage in the attic and inside the home.

  • Installing exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

  • Controlling or covering other sources of humidity (radiator water pans, fish tanks, large numbers of plants, etc.)

  • Installing a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are an inexpensive way to reduce the moisture in your home. Highly recommended in vaulted roofs with a loft.

  • Opening fireplace damper.

  • Ventilating the crawl space or basement: Install foundation vents or leave a basement window cracked in the fall or early winter to ventilate your basement or crawl space.

  • Research shows keeping the attic air temperature below freezing when the outside air temperature is in the low 20s can reduce the occurrence of ice dams. Proper attic ventilation is key to keeping the attic cool, while adequate and properly installed insulation is key to keeping your house warm. It is critical to keep soffit vents free from obstructions to allow the natural flow of cool outside air into the attic space to replace the warmer attic air that rises and flows outside ridge and/or roof vents. This flow of air will keep the attic cool and free of moisture build-up.

  • Adding additional roof vents, such as box vents, turbine vents and ridge vents will also allow the warm air to escape the attic space and reduce condensation issues.




Find Saskatoons Best roofers in the  Saskatoon Contractors, Roofing & Exteriors Category


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S & E Trusted Online Directories Inc
TrustedSaskatoon.com
310 Wall St #209
Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
Ph: 306.244.4150

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