Month: February 2020

Choosing the right insulation for your home is just as important as choosing the right shingles or windows. Insulation helps keep your house warm, improves energy efficiency and can act as soundproofing. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one. Spray foam insulation is a great choice.

Ideal Insulation and Roofing in Calgary are an insulation and roofing contracting company. They share more about what spray foam insulation is and the two available types:

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a popular and efficient insulation option. Spray foam is applied as a liquid to the walls, where it then quickly expands, hardens and sets. The insulation is made up of polyurethane and isocyanate, which, when combined, causes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and harden. As insulation, it creates an absolute air seal that prevents any heat loss in your home, making it incredibly energy-efficient. It is available as both open cell and closed cell spray foam, both of which offer different benefits. Not sure if you need to replace your insulation? Read these signs that will let you know if its time for new insulation.

Open-cell spray foam

As its name suggests, open-cell foam leaves cells deliberately open, making the foam both softer and more flexible. The biggest benefit of this is that it allows the foam to expand more than closed cells, up to 3”. This makes it ideal for insulating smaller nooks in the home, since the foam will expand and fill those spaces with ease. It is also beneficial as soundproofing, as only one application will be needed to fill and seal an area completely. Open-cell is less expensive than closed-cell foam; however, it is less efficient against extreme cold. Because of the open cells, air and moisture have a chance to get inside.

Closed-cell spray foam

Unlike open-cell, closed-cell spray foam is completely closed once the foam is applied and hardened. Without any open cells, it makes the foam much more rigid and stable than the more flexible and softer open-cell foam. A benefit of this is it gives closed-cell a higher R-value, making it more efficient at keeping the heat in or cold out. The reason being is that with a completely sealed cell, neither air nor moisture can get in. This also makes it more durable in colder climates with extreme weather.

On the other hand, closed-cell foam is less able to expand like open-cell and only expands to 1” thickness. This makes it less ideal for sealing off hard to reach nooks and crannies in your home, but it will add more structural stability.

Which is best for your home?

Both types of spray insulation offer benefits to your home that will pay off, no matter what. In the end, the decision is more a matter of budget and the location of your home. If you live in extremely cold climates, then the rigid closed-cell is the better choice. If your climate is stable, but the budget is a factor, then consider the less expensive open-cell insulation. Either way, spray foam insulation will help lower those monthly energy bills and keep your home warm!

Insulation Contractors in Calgary

Ideal Insulation and Roofing are experts when it comes to all things insulation or roofing. They pride themselves in their quality of service, work and ensuring safety at all times. In addition to insulation, they also offer roofing services, so no matter what you need, they are the ones to call.

Contact Ideal Insulation and Roofing today for a free estimate!

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

If you’re an avid cooking enthusiast, there’s nothing worse than a tiny kitchen cramping your style. But even if a major remodel isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of ways to optimize the space you have and make your small kitchen work for you. Check out these small kitchen decorating, storage and mini-remodeling ideas to expand your cooking space in a big way. 

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15 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger

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1. Stick to white or light colors

Dark colors in small spaces tend to crowd the eye and make a room feel claustrophobic. Use white or light colors on both your walls and cabinets to reflect light around your kitchen and make it feel bigger.

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2. Accent with bright pops of color

If you hate the idea of a stark white cooking space, fear not – strategically accenting with bright pops of color can draw a person’s eye around your kitchen, making it look and feel bigger.

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3. Use open shelving

Cabinets are great, but to make a small kitchen look bigger and give the space a little more depth, opt for doorless, open shelving to store plates, bowls and other cooking supplies.

Budget option: Not ready to shell out for new cabinets? Taking the doors off and putting matching trim over the edges is an easy way to convert your old ones into new open shelving.

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4. Opt for a mirrored backsplash

In small spaces, the name of the game is reflect, reflect, reflect. A mirrored backsplash is a great way to expand the feel of your small kitchen, as it spreads light around the room, keeping it bright and well-lit.

Pro-Tip: If mirrored glass tiles aren’t in the budget, there are plenty of reflective peel-and-stick backsplashes that can accomplish the same feel without the hefty price tag.

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5. Use high-gloss paint

Glossy paint will help to bounce light around your small kitchen and keep it feeling well-lit, open and spacious.

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6. Avoid sharp contrasts between walls and cabinets

Your walls and cabinets don’t have to be the same shade, but avoid stark color contrasts between the two. Having a large block of dark cabinets against a light wall or vice-versa can draw attention to the scarcity of space in your kitchen, making it look and feel even smaller.

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7. Leave your ceiling white

A smooth white ceiling will keep your kitchen from feeling boxed in, so if your ceiling is white, leave it be. If it’s not, paint it white and if you have popcorn ceilings, have it scraped off to remove the harsh shadows and contrasts they cast, which can also make a kitchen feel smaller. 

Pro-Tip: While many projects on this list are DIY-worthy, painting ceilings and removing popcorn texture from a ceiling are projects best left to the pros. Get in touch with a painting professional or a home maintenance professional to help tackle these and make your kitchen feel bigger.

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8. Paint your trim the same color as your walls

Trim that contrasts with your wall color can make a room feel short and cut off at the top. By painting your trim the same color as your walls, you’ll extend the plane, making your kitchen feel taller and unconfined.

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9. Install soft under-cabinet lighting

Using soft, diffused under-cupboard lighting is an easy way to bring out the depth in a small kitchen space. Use linear lights underneath cabinets for shadow-free task lighting and to help make your kitchen look a little less cramped.

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10. Add a skylight

If you can swing it, installing a fixed skylight is an awesome way to add natural light without taking out valuable wall or cabinet space.

Pro-Tip: Fixed skylights can be expensive, but tubular skylights are a budget-friendly option that are especially great for small kitchens and other spaces, as they are more compact and easier to install.

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11. Soften up your window treatments

Play up the natural light you have by choosing the right window treatments. Cordless blinds with clean, sharp lines can cut down on visual clutter and give your kitchen a bigger feel. If blinds aren’t your thing, use sheer, light curtains to diffuse light and give the room a softbox effect.

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12. Pick the right size kitchen island light

If you have a permanent kitchen island, choosing the right size overhead lighting for it can make a big difference. To open up the space, use clear, shadeless fixtures so the light will spread throughout the room, instead of focusing hard light on the counter alone. 

Also, choosing the right size kitchen island light can make a big difference. Instead of opting for one large light, consider using several smaller bulb pendant lights for more illumination. Make sure to hang them so that they do not obstruct the view of the tallest person to use the island while they are standing – this extra height will make your kitchen appear bigger and less crowded.

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13. Choose shiny flooring materials

Glossy, light subway tiles are a great choice for smaller kitchens, as they tend to bounce light around the space and provide slender, clean lines throughout.

Pro-Tip: Stick to clean lines for decor and fixtures to eliminate visual noise in your kitchen. This will make it appear less cluttered and more spacious.

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14. Store seasonal or larger appliances in another room

Clutter can make any room feel smaller, especially the kitchen. If you only break out the deep fryer once a year for Thanksgiving, don’t let it take up valuable pantry space; box it up and store it in the basement or a hall closet until you need it.

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15. Free up space by hanging up smaller items

If you’re looking for more ways to eliminate clutter and open up your kitchen, here are a few small kitchen storage ideas to make the most of your space: 

• Pot rack hooks: Hang up pots and pans to free up cabinet space.
• Magazine racks: Attach these to the inside of cabinets or on pantry walls to store cling wrap, aluminum foil and other supplies. 
• Over-the-door shoe organizer: Can be used to store spices, condiment packets, cleaning supplies, individual snack packets, and so much more. 

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Want a bigger kitchen? Call Handyman Connection today

Whether you need help installing any of these small-kitchen hacks or want to tackle a full-scale kitchen remodel, Handyman Connection can help. With locations throughout the United States and Canada, we’re your local connection to the top craftsmen in your area, providing a wide variety of expert handyman services including electrical, carpentry, flooring, plumbing and more. Call 1-800-88-HANDY to connect today, or find a location near you.

The post How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

Back patio doors have many benefits. It allows easy access to your deck or patio and provides more natural light into your home. Most people choose to have doors installed in their kitchen, dining or living room. Demolishing an existing wall and putting in a door where there was no door before, however, is not an easy job.

Here is the process of adding a patio door to your home, from D4 Renos in Edmonton.

Choosing a door

There are many different kinds of doors you can research and choose from before starting the project. The door could be a screen door, or a solid pop of color, double french-style doors, a sliding door, or anything you choose. It’s also good to pick the door first because you’ll be able to get the measurements and see how it will fit in your home. In some cases, a particular door might not work for your home’s specifications.

Where to put it

The next step in the process is deciding where you want your back door to lead out. Some people like to put it in or near their kitchen, allowing for more light, having a barbeque close by, or deck access. If your home doesn’t allow it to be off your kitchen, it can be in a different spot that will add convenience to your family. D4 Renos can provide insight and advice on the best spot for your new patio door.

Framing and installation

The next step, after the demolition of that portion of the wall, is to frame where the door will go. This can be tricky since there are many factors to think about. The wall will need support since it’s losing some from the door installation. It also has to be measured in such a way that the door will fit perfectly, not allowing any air to come through. You must also watch for any electrical or plumbing that are in the current wall, and they’ll have to be relocated if in the way.

Hiring a framing contractor can be useful for this because they have expertise. They’ll make the job easy on you, and ensure it’s installed properly. The framing contractors may also be able to help you install the door. If properly framed, drywalled, and sealed, the installation process should take no time at all. This is something a renovation company like D4 Renos can help with.

Framing Contractors in Edmonton

D4 Reno’s is a small family renovation company with the goal of satisfying and making the customers’ dreams come true. No matter where you’re planning to renovate your house, they will strive for the best.  D4 Renos guarantees reliable services at fair and affordable prices. They service Edmonton and surrounding areas.

For more information, visit D4 Renos today!

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

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

Wondering whether or not your water heater is up to snuff for this winter?

As a top provider of general handyman services across North America, Handyman Connection can help you stay on top of water heater maintenance and other home plumbing service needs.

Learn how to tell when it’s time to replace your water heater with these helpful tips from the home maintenance and repair experts at Handyman Connection:

When to Replace a Water Heater (Infographic)

The post When Should I Replace My Water Heater? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

Investing in a new home theatre system can enhance your life at home. You’re investing in the perfect home entertainment space for you, your family and friends. The second step though is ensuring that everything is properly installed! That’s why it’s worthwhile to hire an electrician to help do just that.

Coderad Electrical in Calgary is a professional electrical contractor company and home theatre specialist. They share some of the reasons to hire one of their electricians to install your home theatre:

They will safely install all your wiring

The main thing about a home theatre wiring is there are many types of cables that need to be installed. You must ensure all cables properly rated for in wall use. Precise locations of the cable necessity for seamless install.

Dedicated circuits and maintained clearances are vital parts in reducing interference into your system. Power filter and conditioner also help filter out interference, surge protection is also a good idea to protect your equipment.

Electricians will know the best design layout

Getting the best seating arrangement, lighting, surround sound reach and room for your projector or TV can be complicated. A professional electrician though will know exactly how to look at your space and plan the best layout. Of course, the design layout will also affect the layout of all those cables and wiring. That will be something that your electrician will keep in mind to ensure the best design layout is achieved. Still, it’s better to plan and have some ideas. Check out these home theatre designs ideas for some inspiration for your own home!

An electrician can help you choose your equipment

If you know you want a home theatre but aren’t tech-savvy when it comes to the best equipment, don’t worry. A professional electrician can work with you to suggest the best equipment for your space and budget. Do you want a TV or a projector? For sound, do you want surround-sound speakers and how many speakers?

Control is a very important aspect of your home theatre, you will likely want to stay away from fumbling through 10 remotes to activate your system. Ask about one-button control over your entire system, lighting and window covering. If you aren’t sure, your electrician can guide you through all your options and what you want. If you do know though, then an electrician can still help with suggesting alternatives or new ideas. There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to a home theatre, so don’t hesitate to have lots of ideas!

You will save time, money and stress

The last thing you want is to set up your system, and it doesn’t function as intended. Or worse still, turning it on and hearing your circuit trip when your electric fireplace kicks in. Rather than spending the time and possible stress of a DIY, hiring an electrician will save you both. Once you settle on a layout, your electrician will have your home theatre ready in no time. Plus, investing in a professional now, saves you from any mistakes or repairs later. If you ever plan to sell, it will also pay off to show that a permit was in place and a professional installed the wiring.

Electricians in Calgary

At Coderad Electrical, customer satisfaction is their main priority and goal. They offer a full range of services from installations, design layout, home automation, and home theatre installation. All Coderad Electrical, electricians are experts in their work, so that you get quality and satisfaction every time

Contact them today for all your electrical needs!

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

Have you ever considered that painting your walls a soothing color could help you get a better night’s sleep?

Whether you are searching for a calmer color palette for your room or just want to switch up your home’s colors for fun, changing the color of your walls can be a fun experience.

If you’re new to the painting world, you might be wondering “how long does it take to paint a room?”

Oakville painters got you covered! Below is a guide that outlines everything you need to know.

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room on Average?

On average, you can expect to spend around 5-6 hours painting a room. The process shouldn’t be rushed, however; for this reason, it’s best to set aside a weekend to paint the room.

If you are painting the trim in the room as well, tack on another 2 hours to the painting process. Painting trim is a much more tedious task than painting walls, so it will take more time on average despite the lack of surface area.

Additional Factors

While the averages above are pretty standard, your paint times could be altered depending on your situation. Below are a few things that could change how long your paint job takes.

1. Quality of the Walls

If you’re painting on smooth walls, your average time should remain around 5-6 hours. However, if the walls are beaten up, you will have to account for the time it will take to spackle and sand the walls before you can begin to paint.

2. Number of Colors

If you are constantly switching out wall colors, it will take you longer to get through the entire room. Your average will increase as you add time for mixing multiple cans of paint, switching out brushes, and taping edges to avoid color overlap.

3. Size of the Room and Number of Painters

Plain and simple, a larger room will take longer and vice-versa. If you are painting multiple rooms, keep in mind you will have to adjust the time you set aside for painting if they are all different sized rooms. Additionally, having a larger painting team will drop how long it takes to paint your room.

4. Type of Paint

When asking how long does it take to paint a room, you’ll have to adjust your numbers depending on the type of paint you’re using. A water-based non-VOC paint will dry faster than others.

5. Painting Conditions and Methods

The best way to go about painting for an efficient job is by working your way around the room, painting one wall at a time. This gives each wall behind it time to dry, so you can easily repeat the process for a second coat.

It’s also important to take your conditions into consideration. If you live in a humid area or paint during the summer, it will take longer for the paint to dry and prolong the process.

Get the Job Done

Now that you’ve answered the question “how long does it take to paint a room?”, you can start planning your painting schedule. Whether you’re doing it on your own or hiring a professional, you’ll be able to approximate just how much time you need to spend on each room.

“If you’ve decided its time to paint, you can either do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. Consider getting an estimate from a professional and getting the job done right the first time.” States Todd Lacroix of Platinum Pro Painters Inc.

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

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