With the rapid pace of AI development, automating domestic tasks is no exception. Here’s a rundown of some of the handiest home robotics on the market today:

Cleaning – Mops have joined vacuums on the robotics scene, and you can now find units that can do both tasks, charge themselves, and empty dustbins. For windows, there are now robotic window cleaners too.

Security – Patrolling camera robots add an extra layer of security to detect motion, record high-definition video, detect smoke, and alert owners in real time of an emergency or suspicious activity.

Outdoor work – Whether it's weeding, mowing, or cleaning your pool or grill, robots have you covered.

Cooking – Have your own personal chef robot-style. These robots can cook entire meals if you decide on the dish and have the ingredients in place.

Companionship and enrichment – Particularly great for conversing and playing games with children and the elderly, they can also assist with daily tasks, and interactively tutor school subjects, tailored to the student’s level.

Pet care – Simplify your life with pet feeders that release food and water at specified times. Self-cleaning litter boxes can take care of cleanup and help reduce unpleasant smells.

Undoubtedly, home robots aren’t cheap, but are becoming more cost-effective. If you factor in the time and energy they save you, they may be worth the investment so you can sit back and relax while your robot does the rest.

If you have an outdoor space that you have been able to enjoy time in this summer, perhaps that space is looking a little tired and could use a little refresh right about now. 

For a flash of change try adding new lighting - a touch of whimsy, string lights on a porch, balcony, or pergola will do the trick. For a modern, sleek look there are smart LED light strips you can connect with a virtual assistant like Alexa. Layer light for dimension and to set the mood. 

Adding plants is another way to brighten your space. Think colourful annuals grouped in pots, with a colour scheme for cohesion. You could also add a shallow planter of succulents on a table. For privacy, full-leaf plants, fast-growing vines, and ornamental grasses are good options.

To give your patio furniture a fresh new look, change your cushion covers. Choose a colour theme and incorporate that with both solid colours and patterns. Ensure the fabric dries quickly and is easy to clean.

Look to your walls and floors as additional ways to transform your space To add visual interest you can incorporate wall art, fountains, statues, birdhouses, clocks, mirrors, or maybe even a chandelier. Update your flooring with an outdoor rug or interlocking deck tiles to tie things together.

With a few little tweaks, you can create a whole new ambiance the next time you step outside to relax.

Saskatchewan reported 1,667 sales in July, a seven per cent year-over-year gain and over 20 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages. The thirteenth consecutive month of above-average sales in the province has contributed to year-to-date sales that were 10 per cent above July 2023 and 19 per cent above the 10-year average.

While new listings saw a modest year-over-year gain, this had little impact on inventory levels, which were down 20 per cent year-over-year and remain over 40 per cent below long-term trends.

“Strong housing demand continues to support above-average monthly sales levels, preventing any significant inventory relief in many markets across the province,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “Limited supply choice, specifically in the more affordable segment of the market, is likely preventing even stronger sales activity in our province.”

Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $344,800 in July, up from $343,300 in June and nearly five per cent higher than July 2023. Home prices trended up across all property types in July, with year-over-year gains ranging from over four per cent in detached to 11 per cent in row/townhouse-style properties.

“With just over three months of inventory across the province – below two in some of our larger centres – it remains a challenging time for prospective buyers right now,” said Guérette. “Supply constraints, when paired with strong demand, continue to place upward pressure on prices – as evidenced by record benchmark prices in some communities for the second consecutive month.”

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Regional Highlights
Despite a slight year-over-year sales decline in some economic regions, all provincial regions reported monthly sales figures above long-term, 10-year averages in July.

Year-to-date sales have improved across all economic regions except the Northern region, with the largest growth occurring in the Regina-Moose Mountain and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions. Meanwhile, the Saskatoon-Biggar region is again reporting the tightest market conditions in the province, with 2.19 months of supply in July.

Price Trends
Home prices trended up across many economic regions of the province in July, with the largest monthly gains occurring in the Saskatoon-Biggar (seven per cent year-over-year) and Swift Current-Moose Jaw (five per cent) regions.

The City of Saskatoon reported the largest price gains in July, with prices over seven per cent higher than last year. Meanwhile, Regina, Estevan, Weyburn, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, Melfort, North Battleford, and Prince Albert all reported year-over-year price gains in July.

City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 381 sales in July, up 10 per cent year-over-year and 26 per cent above long-term, 10-year trends.

Strong July sales contributed to a 16 per cent gain in year-to-date sales, which are amongst the highest levels ever reported in Regina at this point in the year. Despite a slight year-over-year increase in new listings, inventory levels remain over 43 per cent below 10-year trends.

The City of Regina reported a benchmark price of $318,400 in July, up from $318,100 in June and 0.5 percent above July 2023.

City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 520 sales in July, a five per cent year-over-year gain and over 20 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages.

Limited supply options continue to prevent stronger sales figures in Saskatoon, as inventory levels remain over 50 per cent below long-term trends. The Bridge City continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province, with 1.60 months of supply in July.

The City of Saskatoon reported a record benchmark price of $406,500 in July, up from $403,500 in June and over seven per cent above July 2023.

Choosing new or replacement eco-friendly flooring is one of the emerging trends among house and condo owners. Eco-friendly flooring is made from, or with, more sustainable resources, such as materials that don’t deplete or permanently damage the environment (such as toxic laminates), or reusable or recyclable materials. Here are some examples:

• Renewable and Sustainable - Bamboo, cork, hardwood, natural stone, linoleum, and wool carpet are just a few of the options out there. Before you buy natural flooring products, ask if the harvesting methods are verified through an accredited authority.
  
  
• Repurposed and Reclaimed - Flooring made from old building structures (e.g., posts, beams, walls, and planks) is a viable alternative to grown and harvested resources. Likewise, recycled glass, plastic, and rubber provide ample raw materials for creative flooring effects. Using them also reduces landfill waste. These products can be found through decorative flooring dealers.

When purchasing any flooring, be it natural or synthetic, it is important to know how the product is manufactured, and that it can easily be recycled when it is beyond its usefulness, as opposed to ending up in a landfill.