Month: November 2019

We’ve all seen the horror stories about painted cabinets.  The paint chips off, it doesn’t clean well, it doesn’t look as nice as if you had just gotten new cabinets installed. It doesn’t have to be like that! Cabinets can be painted so that they look and feel brand new again.  If this is something you’ve been thinking about, you probably have some questions about it.

Distinctively Paint in Calgary shares the answers to some common questions homeowners have about painting their cabinets.

Will it be durable?

When painting cabinets, the most durable, washable product available must be used.  Choose only products used in professional high-end cabinet shops.  There are several products that are tried and true for cabinet refinishing which are designed specifically for that purpose.

Think about the fact that brand new, high-end, custom-built cabinets are finished locally on-site and in a commercial spray booth.  When painting your homes existing cabinets, demand the very best finishes such as those used on new cabinetry. This will ensure your cabinet finish is durable, beautiful and washable.

What colours can I pick?

When picking colours to paint your cabinets, the sky is the limit!  You can choose literally any colour available in any paint line.  The team at Distinctively Paint loves helping clients with colour selection and can offer some great tips.

Don’t forget about lighting: Be sure you don’t just pick a colour a friend used or something you saw online. Consider that colour is greatly affected by lighting and other colours in the space.

Consider two-tones: Two tone kitchens have been growing in popularity in the last few years.  A neutral colour on the perimeter cabinets and a fun, bold colour on the island is a great way to get a little creative on a smaller scale.

Enlist professional help: For best results, have our colour consultant come to your home. They can help you choose the colour that goes perfectly with your counters and backsplash and also looks great under your lighting. The right colour choices make everything look like a cohesive package to give you that designer feel.

Look at popular paint colours: Of course, there are several popular colours that get used repeatedly for painting cabinets.  For example, Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White and White Dove are 2 popular off whites to use.  If you are in love with the dark blue island trend, Hale Navy is a beautiful option.  If a warm charcoal island is more your style, take a look at Iron Mountain, also by Benjamin Moore.

Will people be able to tell it’s painted?

When finished by a professional cabinet painting company using industry specific products, your kitchen will look and feel brand new.  Your neighbours won’t be able to tell the difference.

How long will it last?

Properly painted cabinets will last a decade or more.  It all comes down to choosing the right finishing product, and a thorough preparation process.  Cabinets need to be repaired of any defects and thoroughly sanded.  Old silicone must be removed and the correct primer, designed to chemically bond with both the topcoat and substrate, must be applied prior to the final finish being sprayed.

Can I make changes to my kitchen at the same time?

Is your island shape dated?  Would you like to remove the cabinet above the stove and insert a big beautiful hood fan?  Perhaps you’d like to add a crown molding or an additional row of cabinets to go right to the ceiling.  Distinctively Paint can help with all of that.  With Distinctively Paint and their trade partners, they can update your island, make edits to your cabinets, change the backsplash or add a new stone or quartz countertop.

Once everything is painted, you won’t be able to tell where the old cabinets stop, and the new improvements begin.  It will all appear as though you had an entirely new set of cabinets installed – for a fraction of the price of brand new.

Painters in Calgary and Cabinet Refinishing in Calgary

At Distinctively Paint, respect, quality, and timely work are the three key principles that the company upholds. When you work with them, you can be guaranteed that your home is in the best hands possible and that you will love the results. They pride themselves on ensuring absolute customer satisfaction every time. Plus, if you aren’t sure about what colours to choose, their house colour specialist will come in and help you choose.

Ready to get painting? Contact Distinctively Paint today! 

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

It’s hard to know when or even why you should repaint certain rooms or areas of your house. Paint can fade over time, but if you’re around it all the time, you might not notice it fading. 

Repainting can be an easy way to add a clean, fresh look to your home. A professional painting services company will help you figure out when you need to repaint, but there are some basic guidelines to follow. 

When is it time to repaint? 

Depending on the area of your house or home, you might need to repaint sooner than later. For example, you might need to repaint the outside of your home before you repaint your kitchen. Your house is exposed to harsh weather and sunlight, which can cause fading over time. 

Any rooms or walls inside your home that get exposed to a lot of light might need touch-ups too. If you notice fading, especially with darker colors, that could mean it’s time to add a fresh coat of paint. It might be helpful to have an outside eye, like a painting services company or someone who isn’t around your home every single day. 

Another sign that your house is in need of a fresh coat is bubbles or cracks. This is especially common in various rooms of your house. While fading might be less obvious, bubbling, cracking and peeling are the sure-fire signs that your home is in need of repainting. 

Why should I repaint? 

In some cases like we’ve said, repainting can help your home look new again. In other cases, it’s better to repaint than to deal with paint that’s already starting to peel and bubble. If you’re planning on selling your home, repainting is almost a necessary step.

If you’re not sure if you should repaint, a professional painting services company can help you find and look for the signs of aging paint. 

Need some guidance? 

Call Handyman Connection today to book a free consultation. We’ll walk through your home and point out any areas that are in need of repainting. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Repainting 101: When and Why should I repaint? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Luxury doesn’t always have to come with a large price-tag, especially when it’s for flooring. Thanks to advances in flooring technology, vinyl is quickly becoming the popular choice for affordable, luxury floors. That being said, choosing the right new flooring can still be tricky with so many options available, such as LVT, LVP and SPC floors.

BFC Flooring Design Centre in Edmonton professionally supply and install a full range of flooring options. They explain the differences between LVT, LVP, and SPC floors so you can pick the right one for your home:

Luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT) 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles are the perfect flooring alternative to tiled and hardwood flooring. You still get the look and feel, but at a budget-friendly price. LVT is made of four layers composed of vinyl backing, a vinyl core, a print film layer and a protective clear layer. The print film layer is the design that is chosen to determine what the floor will look like, whether wood or stone. The protective layer or the ‘wear layer’ is what protects the floor. The layers are then fused together through heat and pressure.

From a practical viewpoint, LVT is an extremely resilient and durable material. It is resistant to dents, damage from moisture and heat and is resistant to scratches. Visually, LVT can easily replicate the look of wood, stone, marble and even concrete. So, it can easily be installed in any room in your home. As for the maintenance, aside from a daily sweep or dry mop, LVT requires minimal care. If well cared for, LVT can have a lifespan of 25-30 years. 

Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) 

If you love the look of natural hardwood flooring but need a more durable and affordable alternative, then try luxury vinyl plank flooring. LVP can easily be made to replicate the look and feel of hardwood flooring at half the cost. Similar to LVT, it is also made up of the same four layers, but the design layer will resemble plank and not tile.

One of the biggest benefits of LVP flooring is that, unlike real hardwood, it is completely waterproof. Meaning, if you want to create real flow in say the master bedroom to bathroom, you can! Like other vinyl floorings, LVP is also very low maintenance and easy to clean. There is also a seemingly endless range of designs available. Whether you want oak flooring, timber or even mahogany, LVP can easily replicate them. Best of all, LVP costs considerably less than real hardwood, with hardwood flooring easily costing 2-3 times that of LVP. If you need some visual inspiration, check out these beautiful luxury vinyl flooring ideas for your home.

Stone plastic composite vinyl flooring (SPC)  

What sets stone plastic composite vinyl flooring apart from other vinyl floorings, is the nature of its core. Like luxury vinyl, SPC has a wear layer for protection and a vinyl layer where the design is printed. Then there is the SPC layer, a layer of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers. This is what provides the rigidity and stability for the plank, different from the flexibility of other vinyl flooring. Lastly, a pre-attached underpad provides higher sound insulation and cushioning.

Similar to LVP flooring, SPC is also completely waterproof, resistant to scratches, easily installed and durable. It has just as many design options available for easy customization in your home. In comparison though, because SPC tends to be thicker than other vinyl floorings, it adds more support underfoot. This also makes it look even more similar to real hardwood flooring, including having the same denser feel and ability to retain heat. It can also be installed easily over any flooring, even imperfect ones, without risk of changing shape. SPC will, however, be more expensive than LVT/LVP flooring.

Flooring Companies in Edmonton 

BFC Flooring Design Centre is a family-owned and operated business with over 40 years of experience. Over those years, they have prided themselves in constantly providing the highest quality products and installation services. They provide flooring options from hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile and more. When you work with them, you can be sure that your happiness and satisfaction is their top priority.

Don’t wait, contact BFC Flooring Design Centre today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for your family and friends this year, you might be looking at ways to spruce up your home. A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to update rooms and make them feel new again.

Some paint jobs are more involved than others though. Even with professional painting services, repainting the outside of your house or even a whole room can take up precious time you don’t have.

Here are some easy paint jobs to complete before the holiday season kicks into gear: 

1. Paint an accent wall or feature.
   Accent walls are popular ways to change up a room. Pick a wall or portion of your wall – like a fireplace – to paint. You’ll want to pick a color more bold than the current color of the rest of the room. For example, if your walls are painted yellow or gold color, you might consider having a red accent. Don’t know what wall will be a good accent wall? A professional painting services company will be able to help you decide. 
2. Paint your front door.
   Painting your front door is a great way to not only make the interior of your home pop, but the exterior as well! If you’re painting the outside of the door, you’ll want to go with a bold color that will work well with the color of your house. Ideally, this color would work on the inside as well — but if it doesn’t work, there’s no shame in buying two colors. 
3. Paint trims or small accents in a large room 
   Painting cabinet doors, staircase railings and even trims can do a lot to make your room pop. Look for areas of your home that could easily be updated with a fresh coat of paint for the holiday season. 

Ready to get started? 

You’ve got enough going on with the holidays to do the actual painting. Our craftsmen at Handyman Connection are happy to provide you with expert painting services to help prepare for the holiday season.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post 3 Simple Paint Jobs to Consider Before Thanksgiving appeared first on Handyman Connection.

A gutter system is an incredibly important part of a home in rainy climates. It protects the house, keeps the foundation safe, as has many other benefits. Here is the importance of eavestroughs in rainy climates from Black Bear Gutters in Vancouver.

It protects the foundation of your house

Directing the rainwater away from your home will keep the foundation safe. Too much water sitting around your house’s foundation can cause serious damage to the house. If your house is prone to basement flooding, water seeping during the rain can cause cracks in the foundation, basement flooding, and soil erosion. Having a properly installed eavestrough system on your house can move water away from your home. This helps to keep it safe from present or future problems.

It protects your property

Expanding on the danger of soil erosion, the flow of water could lead to the destruction of your garden or yard. Flooding can be a consequence of clogged or absent gutter systems and can cause damage that requires high repair costs. Having an eavestrough system installed from the get-go will ensure that this doesn’t happen. Your property will be protected, and you won’t be spending money on water damage.

The importance of maintenance

Keeping your gutters clear is also something important to take note of. In order for the eavestroughs to function properly, they have to be completely clear of leaves and other debris. If there is any blockage, rainwater won’t properly drain and lead away from the house. To prevent any problems with your eavestroughs and the drainage, try to have them cleaned at least twice a year.

Eavestroughs in Vancouver

Black Bear Gutters is part of the Black Bear Trades franchise. They specialize in new installations as well as gutter replacements. They also offer gutter cleaning, maintenance and repairs. Established in 2017 with over 10 years of experience in the gutter industry, they are proud to offer quality installation at a great price and provide exceptional customer service.

Check out Black Bear Gutters today!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

A well-designed kitchen is one that is both functional, visually appealing and of course accommodating for day-to-day life and needs. As you plan your renovation, from flooring options to backsplash, you’ll also want to consider your cabinets.

Cabinets are one of those key additions to both function, as well as visual appeal. If you are looking for something that fits both needs and budget, then consider semi-custom cabinets.

Cupboards Express in Edmonton offers a full range of bathroom, kitchen and closet cabinets. They share some of the many advantages of choosing semi-custom cabinets:

1. Budget mindful 

Semi-custom cabinets sit in the perfect middle ground when it comes to expenses. Essentially, semi-custom cabinets are readily made, similar to stock cabinets, but with more room to make changes. Their size isn’t set like stock cabinets, and they come with several custom features to customize the look.

They aren’t as cheap as stock cabinets, but they also aren’t quite as expensive as custom. Plus, because they are easily customized, you are the one who sets the pricing. Depending on what materials, door styles and additional designs, the prices will vary accordingly. The more bells and whistles, the more expensive it will be.

2. Perfect sizing

Unlike a stock cabinet, which is built to a specific size and cannot be altered, semi-custom can easily be changed. If you need something with more height or width or a deeper cabinet, then a semi-custom can easily be altered. This means that you won’t have to add filler pieces to close any gaps between the cabinets as you would with stock. It also makes adding storage solutions to your cabinets an easy addition. If you need more storage or organization within the cabinet, you can easily build it right in.

3. Customizable door styles

Semi-custom cabinets tend to come with multiple different door styles to choose from. Each door style will help bring a different look and feel to your kitchen, so it’s a great place to really customize. Plus, even if you are on a budget, you can still add a personal touch without having to splurge to do so. For example, for a traditional-looking kitchen, go for a raised panel door. If you want a blend of modern with a touch of classic, consider adding a few glass-fronted doors to the mix. Need some ideas for your kitchen cabinets? Check out these modern kitchen cabinet ideas for some inspiration. 

4. Improved value both now and in future

Stock cabinets are great if you are just doing a small renovation or simply want to update your cabinets for a new look. Custom cabinets are there if you are planning a forever home and have the budget to really splurge on cabinets for your kitchen or home. In between these options, are semi-custom cabinets. Since they are budget mindful, but also a quality investment, they will add value to your home both now and down the road.

If you are renovating for yourself, then you want cabinets that both match your needs and will look great at the same time. Even if you aren’t planning to sell right now, it’s one of those investments that add value to your home regardless. If you choose to sell down the road though, then having semi-custom cabinets is a great selling point to potential buyers. Not only is it a stylish perk, but it shows buyers that their new kitchen is both functional and extremely efficient.

5. Stress-free design process 

Sometimes it can actually be stressful having complete freedom when it comes to choosing the right cabinet or upgrade. With custom cabinets, the entire process has to begin from the ground up starting with dimensions, materials and finishes. There’s a lot to think about and consider, which can all be overwhelming in the face of a large renovation. Similarly, stock cabinets can be stressful from a lack of options, especially when you can’t find what you want.

Semi-custom, however, lets you pick a set of cabinets that are the right size and style. That way, all you have to do is add the cosmetic customization. Knowing what design or layout you have in mind for your kitchen will make it that much easier to add those specific additions to your cabinets. With fewer major decisions to make, it takes away from the stress of starting fresh on every choice.

Cabinets in Edmonton

With over 400 different styles available for bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets and closets, Cupboards Express is guaranteed to have a match for you. They pride themselves in offering their customers both affordable, yet high-quality cabinetry options. They provide guidance and help when choosing the right style so that your home will look perfect by the end.

Contact Cupboards Express now to find the perfect cabinetry solutions!

Click to Find the >>>> Cabinets in Edmonton.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

New concrete for your driveway, walkways and patio can boost curb appeal and add value to your home. If you’re investing in new concrete this summer, there are some things you should expect with your installation and finished project. IntelCrete Concrete Works Ltd. in Winnipeg shares more:

Concrete is durable, but it will wear over time.

Your new driveway, sidewalks and porch will look great and will last for a long time, but concrete in Winnipeg’s climate does not stay perfect forever. Unfortunately, it must withstand harsh weather and vehicle traffic, which will cause wear and tear. The biggest culprit for wearing concrete in Manitoba is the freezing and thawing cycles.

Freezing can cause your concrete to heave up, but when the temperatures improve your concrete will likely go back to its normal height. Sometimes water can penetrate in the concrete and when it heaves, it can cause cracking. Read these tips on how to maintain your concrete driveway.

If you’ve noticed the surface of your new concrete is flaking or popping, rest assured knowing the slab is not compromised. If you’re concerned and the flaking is over 30% of the surface of your new concrete, talk to IntelCrete. They’ll inspect it and see if it’s covered under warranty.

How IntelCrete can reduce cracking.

Concrete will crack, unfortunately, but there are some things you can do in installation to reduce cracking and even prevent it for a period of time. To help prevent cracking from settling, up to 8 inches of sand and/or gravel is placed and packed in the installation area before the concrete it poured.

For concrete poured over a large area, like a driveway, IntelCrete will design the concrete to compensate for movement (cracking) by cutting or forming control joints in the surface in the slab. The control joints are put in where we want the concrete to crack. These are places it will cause the least damage and be the easiest to fix.

Control joins are cut into the concrete slab 12 to 24 hours after it has been poured. The installers will do everything possible to control and prevent cracking. No concrete contractor can guarantee that no cracks will develop on your new concrete. If someone has told you they can, they are not being honest. However, utilizing the professional installation methods provided by IntelCrete Concrete Works can help.

Concrete Contractors in Winnipeg

IntelCrete Concrete Works designs and finishes custom residential concrete projects in Winnipeg. They take pride in their work and are only satisfied when you, the valued customer, is satisfied. They have also been chosen for the Consumer Choice Award for Concrete Companies in Winnipeg!

Contact them for your next concrete project!

Click to Find >>>> Concrete Contractors in Winnipeg.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Wood – whether it’s a hardwood floor, your staircase railing or even a piece of furniture – can make a great addition to any home. But what if the natural wood color doesn’t go good with your home, or you’re looking for a change? 

There are a couple of ways to change the way that your wood deck or floors look. You could add a fresh coat of stain or you could add a fresh coat of paint. While both can be tempting, any painting services company would tell you to think about it before making a decision.

What’s the difference between painting and staining wood? 

Staining wood will bring out the best qualities of the wood while turning it a different color. Essentially, it can make the wood look new again. 

Painting is just what it sounds like – adding a coat of paint over wood.  Paint lasts long and will give you a variety of bold colors staining might not be able to. 

What are the pros and cons? 

Staining can be healthy for the wood, making it last longer and bringing out elements of the wood patterns you might not even know are there. It’s relatively easy to apply and budget-friendly. 

The only downside is that staining doesn’t last as long – you’ll find yourself adding a new coat every other year or so.

Painting will last up to ten years and offers a lot more variety of colors. It’s a bit more expensive, in part due to the prep and aftercare required. Before you paint, you have to treat the wood with preservative and then apply a seal afterwards. 

One of the major downsides to painting is that it’s hard to remove and if you don’t utilize professional painting services to do it, it is likely to ruin your wood underneath. 

Still can’t decide? 

Painting and staining is a huge decision. Regardless of what you might be leaning towards, our craftsmen at Handyman Connection will be happy to provide you with consultation and painting services to help make your home great.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Should I paint or stain wood? appeared first on Handyman Connection.