With the downturn in the economy and a slowdown in home sales many homeowners are going to be living where they are for longer than they expected. Home improvements will not only make staying in the same home more palatable but will increase the home's value. Many homeowners have found it's time for a home beauty makeover. They are selecting concrete pavers to add that beauty. Whether it is a new driveway, front walk or patio homeowners are finding out that concrete pavers are the best material for the job.

• Are beautiful. Rustic stone-like pavers are available and come in many shapes, colours and sizes. Light coloured pavers can offer a cooler surface around patios and pool decks.

• Are strong. Their uniform size and high quality concrete allows them to fit tightly together and form a strong interlocking surface.

• Don't crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete. Paver joints allow for a small amount of movement without cracking. They also do well in a freeze-thaw environment.

• Are easy to repair. You can remove and reinstate the same pavers with no ugly patches after repairs to the base or underground utilities.

• Resist oil and antifreeze that leak from cars, making the pavers particularly good for driveways.

• Can accommodate lighting fixtures that fit right into the paver pattern. These low voltage systems include wiring and a transformer that plug into a standard 110-volt outdoor receptacle. The lighting defines patios, walkways and driveways at night, increasing safety and adding a bit of mystique to your home.

For driveways and larger areas it is a good idea to hire a professional contractor. These contractors can complete a high-quality job quickly and safely because they have the right equipment and materials. To learn more from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), find an ICPI certified installer or to view beautiful paving work visit www.icpi.org.

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Energy efficiency is becoming more than an attractive, money-saving feature to have in your newly-built home. Within the next one to three years, it will be the law in some parts of Canada.

Many places such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Yellowknife, and British Columbia plan to implement minimum energy requirements in their building codes for the first time. Some jurisdictions are using Natural Resources Canada's EnerGuide Rating System to establish energy efficiency benchmarks. The EnerGuide rating determines the level of energy efficiency in a home on a scale from 0 to 100. Highly energy-efficient homes rate at 80 or more while homes that have a net zero energy consumption have a rating of 100. The higher the rating the higher the savings in utility bills. Many regions are using EnerGuide 80 level or its equivalent as a target for their building codes over time.

The federal government will be helping with this transition and monitoring the EnerGuide process across the country. Natural Resources Canada manages agreements with organizations that promote EnerGuide rated homes, training, program technical support and marketing initiatives.

If buying, building or renovating a home is on the horizon for you and your family in the coming months, it really is a good idea to do your homework. So, check out Natural Resources Canada's website for everything you need to know about building or buying an energy efficient new home at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-387-2000 to order publications.

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