Month: January 2020

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

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

Upgrading to energy efficient windows is a great way to save on heating and cooling bills while also keeping your home’s temperature consistent and comfortable.

Plus, they can add a lot to the value of your home – investing to upgrade your home’s windows can result in a 74% return on investment or more.

While you’re window shopping, here are a few things to look for:

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What to Look For When Shopping for Energy Efficient Windows

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ENERGY STAR Certification

When shopping for energy efficient window options, start by looking for the ENERGY STAR label.

ENERGY STAR-certified windows are manufactured by ENERGY STAR partners and have performance ratings that meet the strict efficiency guidelines set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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NFRC Labels and Performance Ratings

The ENERGY STAR label is a great place to start, but to better compare different energy-efficient window options, take a look at their NFRC ratings.

The National Fenestration Rating Council is another independent organization that certifies and tests the performance of different energy-efficient doors, windows and skylights.

For windows, look for these four factors: 

1. The U-Factor 

How well a window keeps heat inside a room (low numbers are better)

2. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

How well a window keeps the sun’s heat out of a room, which is important during the summer (higher numbers are fine for northern climates with mild-to-cold seasons, while low numbers are better for southern climates with intense summer sunlight)

3. Visible Transmittance

How well a window lights your home naturally – more natural light can mean less spending on lighting and electric bills (high numbers are better)

4. Air Leakage

How much air a window may let in (low numbers are better)

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Window Frame Materials

Choosing the right window frame material can make a huge difference in the energy efficiency of your home.

Generally, non-metal materials like composite, wood or insulated vinyl are better at reducing thermal transfer than aluminum or other metal frames.

Fiberglass window frames are usually the best choice for energy efficiency – but if you’re not sure which frames will work best for your existing window openings, a general handyman service can help you find the right solution for your home. 

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Number of Panes

Single-, double- or triple-paned windows refers to the number of layers of glass in a window.

Double- and triple-paned windows have two or three layers of glass separated by a space filled with an inert, non-toxic, odorless gas like argon or krypton. This is designed to reduce heating or cooling losses from inside the home and prevent the sun’s rays or outdoor temperatures from transferring into the home.

Multi-paned windows can also help to soundproof your home, which can be useful if you live in a busy area. 

Look for windows with higher number of panes for higher energy efficiency and soundproofing for your home. 

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How to Make Existing Windows More Energy Efficient

If you’re not looking at replacing your windows just yet, fear not; there are steps you can take to improve them. To help level up your old windows, a general handyman services company can:

• Caulk and weather strip to close up air leaks and add insulation 
• Add window treatments, coverings and coatings to existing windows
• Add storm windows and panels 
• Install exterior shading like overhangs or exterior blinds

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Need help with installation? Call Handyman Connection

Whether you’re looking for environmentally-friendly ways to update your house or it’s just time to replace your old windows, reach out to Handyman Connection to have an expert craftsman tackle your window installation. We’re your local connection to general and specialized handyman services in your community, and are happy to help with whatever green-minded home improvements you may have on your 2020 to-do list. 

The post A Buyer’s Guide to Energy Efficient Windows appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Well, for a start, it’s the year that we’ll begin to see the benefits of a piece of legislation that, for once, can literally be described as groundbreaking. For 2020 marks three years since the introduction of the Right to Build into law.

In case you don’t know, it’s a law that requires local authorities to keep a register of people in their community who want to build their own home. But that’s not what is brilliant about the law – the kicker is that it requires local authorities within three years to then release land for the same number of people to build their own home, either on publicly allocated land or, more likely, through granting sufficient approvals on private land. It’s a game changer for plot availability in the UK.

So 2020 is the year that will see a significant surge in self build activity as, once appeal decisions become merged into common practice influencing planning decisions, all these plots come onto the market.

But it’s not just land. We are seeing a quickening of the breaking down of all the other barriers that for too long have stopped people realising the life-changing dream of building their own home too. Our biggest self build mortgage enabler, BuildStore, is constantly creating new products at ever lower rates needing ever lower deposits, with innovations to enable people to get started without needing huge amounts of cash upfront. Our construction companies are providing smarter, cheaper and quicker solutions, too. 

What can we expect?

Look out for loads of announcements during the year as more land comes on stream; more policies to help become enacted, and much more besides. It’s the year that self build will finally come of age as a mainstream housing solution.

At Homebuilding & Renovating we’d like to think we’ve got a role to play too. Over the years, as Britain’s leading website, magazine and events programme for self builders, we’ve inspired, encouraged and advised 100,000s of people to go on this life changing journey. And in 2020 we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary. I’ve been working on Homebuilding & Renovating for over 20 of those years and I’ve personally met hundreds of people for whom building and renovating their own home  has transformed their lives. It certainly has done for me – which is why I’m so passionate about more people doing it.

So, to celebrate the Year of Self Build, I’ll be blogging for this site during the year. I’ll be sharing my best tips on everything from design to dealing with builders. I’ll also be sharing some of our better moments and biggest mistakes for you to learn from. Why don’t you make 2020 the year that you build your own home too?

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This year marks the very special 30th anniversary of Homebuilding & Renovating. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be sharing some of our favourite memories and bringing you special content to mark the occasion. Thank you for celebrating with us.

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

Proper fencing in and around your farm or acreage property is essential. It can improve aesthetics, mark property lines, protect your animals and livestock, and enhance security. First Class Fencing in Calgary shares three types of fencing you might consider for your rural property.

Vinyl Fencing

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, attractive option for your property in Calgary, consider a vinyl fence. As a Calgary homeowner, you will benefit from this eco-friendly, durable and virtually maintenance-free fencing. Vinyl fencing will last for years without warping or rotting, making a great choice for your acreage and farm fencing.

Because of its versatility, many property owners choose an attractive vinyl fence in their yard and a farm-style vinyl fence for the other parts of their rural property. Choose between a range of colours and styles including white, clay, mocha, walnut, earl grey, honey maple, almond, and even faux wood grain.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing will add security and protection to your rural property. It’s a great choice for marking property lines along roads and highways, or to fence off a certain part of your land.

Chain link fencing is strong, affordable, easy to install and remove and comes in a variety of colours. You can also choose between a range of chain link types, from 4 to 10-gauge steel, vinyl-coated, galvanized and more. When First Class Fencing installs chain link fencing, you can rest at ease knowing little disturbance will occur on your property during construction.

Snow Fencing

Snow fencing is practical, especially if you live in Calgary’s rural area. You can keep blowing and drifting snow off your pathways, driveway and other parts of your property with a snow fence. Calgary property owners will appreciate the barrier as it reduces the need for plowing and shoveling.

There are two common types of snow fencing: mesh and wood. Mesh is the typical orange snow fence you are most familiar with. It’s light, easy to install, take down and store. Wood snow fencing is made with wooden slats that are woven together with gauge galvanized wire. These fences can also be dually purposed as agriculture fencing for landscaping and to contain animals.

If you’re looking for a Calgary fencing contractor, First Class Fencing is there to help!

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

Written by Peak Improvements in Edmonton

Do More with a Legal Secondary Suite

Homeowners in Edmonton can do more with the spaces in a home to pay off a mortgage faster or have an additional income stream. Consider the creation and use of a legal secondary suite for rental purposes! This may not work for everyone, but it can be a great investment for those willing to become a landlord and address minor issues that may arise.

Understand more about designing a legal secondary suite and getting around some common issues.

Know Your Home

Not every property will have a home that has spaces to be reimagined as a legal secondary suite. The flow of a home and placement of shared areas, like a laundry room, can make it hard to give a tenant suitable privacy. It may also be useful to add another entrance to make the suite more accessible and not obligate the tenant to have to go through other parts of the home. Unique situations specific to the home’s layout makes it useful to work with an experienced contractor.

Plan for Wear

New landlords can be taken aback by the amount of wear and tear a new secondary suite may be subject to while occupied by tenants. In order to reduce unnecessary costs, it can be worthwhile to install durable and long-lasting features and fixtures. Homeowners may want to consider:

• Sturdy cabinet and countertop choices. Plastic laminate countertops and Thermofoil vinyl doors are durable, easy to maintain and inexpensive to replace.
• LED lighting. This option helps meet new energy efficiency guidelines without a noticeable difference in illumination. Homeowners who are also paying utilities may also see a reduction in electric bills depending on the extent of LED lighting bulbs and fixtures in a space.
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). This durable and appealing type of flooring is known for being cost effective and very durable.

Choosing durable materials may cost more upfront but can make for fewer issues for tenants and landlords. Planning ahead can help minimize the potential for repairs, leaving a homeowner with a larger profit margin.

Follow the Laws

Depending on the area, there may be bylaws and codes that apply to new additions and the creation of a legal secondary suite. It is important to know these laws in the planning and design phase. Laws and codes can vary by area but many mandate a separate entrance, shared access to electrical and sufficient ventilation. Planning in advance with the right contractor will ensure that the work is performed and permitted properly, making it easier to rent out the newly redesigned space.

Consider the Quality of Workmanship

Avoid speeding through renovations as details count when looking to get the maximum value from a legal secondary suite. Poor quality materials and workmanship can lead to additional repairs or having to redo the work soon after getting a tenant. Consider using quality materials and finishing details that attract better quality tenants, longer rental terms and higher rent revenues. Contact the team at Peak Improvements to get more information about designing a legal secondary suite today.

Go to https://blog.peakimprovements.com/renovationfind to learn more

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

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

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

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

Whether you need help installing a new kitchen island light or want to finally fix the broken light switch in the basement, we can help. Call the electrical handyman experts of Handyman Connection to get it done safely and masterfully.

What Electrical Services Does Handyman Connection Offer?

We’re your local connection to the top electricians and home craftsmen in the area, and we’ll help you find the right solution for the task at hand, whatever it may be. Here are a few areas in which we specialize: 

Find an Electrical Handyman Near You

No matter what electrical project you have on your to-do list, Handyman Connection is your local go-to for electrical handyman services. With over 25 years of experience serving locations in both the United States and Canada, our seasoned craftsmen offer the top-notch workmanship your home deserves. Call 1-800-88-HANDY to get started, or find a location near you.

The post Need an Electrical Expert? Learn How Handyman Connection Can Help appeared first on Handyman Connection.