Month: March 2020

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

Basement renovations can be exciting, but they are complex and somewhat daunting projects for some homeowners. When you hire a contractor to help, they are there to make sure your project goes smoothly. Still, for that to happen, proper communication is key!

Cascade Developments in Calgary provide professional contracting services for your home. They share some tips for having clear communication between you and your contractor:

Let them know the purpose of the room

Letting your contractor know the exact design you want is important, but so is understanding the use of the room. If you’re planning to add a suite to your basement, then who is it for? The layout may differ if it’s for your aging parents, compared to being used as a rental suite. Do you want a comfortable family room or a high-end home theatre? Does the basement need to have additional bedrooms incorporated in its design? Letting your contractor know exactly what you have in mind for the space allows the most accurate design plan to be created.

Bring some visuals

Not everyone will have the same mental image if you want, say, a new living room in your basement. Look through magazines, designer blogs, and other online resources to gather some images to show your contractor. Using these, in addition to conversation, will allow them to create a basement plan you’ll love. They might have further suggestions, but giving them a clear mental image of your expectations can help.

Stay updated

Even if it’s just a quick check-in to see how progress is going, always stay updated! Your contractor is your main point of contact, so make the most of that. Not only will it help you both stay on track with timelines and progress, but it avoids unexpected issues. Phone calls and texts are one way, but make sure you schedule some in-person visits as well. If something comes up or the design isn’t quite what you want, you can fix it now, not later. It also means that if a new idea comes up, you can pitch it early on and see if it will work.

Be open and honest about budgets

You’ll likely draft up a budget at the start of the project, but still, be completely honest on your limits. A contractor will always work within your budget, and they’ll be able to show you ideas to build within that budget. If you say you want to splurge on fixtures, but don’t set a price range, they won’t be able to give you accurate advice on where to look or what to purchase. They can also make recommendations if you’re renovating on a tight budget, or suggestions if you have more money to play with. You can also read up on some tips to help create your own renovation budget.

Basement Renovations in Calgary

At Cascade Developments, their goal is always to provide a stress-free renovation experience. They understand the demands and strain a renovation can cause, which is why they strive for peace of mind. They offer general contracting services, remodels, home improvement and more. So, if you are concerned about a reno project, Cascade Developments will put those worries to ease.

Don’t hesitate to contact Cascade Developments for any questions or concerns!

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

If you’re constantly paying for garage door repairs, you have to ask yourself, “is it better to repair or replace?” Certainly, if the cost of repairs is more than a new door, the answer is obvious. Still, as garage doors are an investment, sometimes a few repairs and maintenance are all they need—it’s just a matter of knowing which to choose.

The experts at Overhead Door of Winnipeg offer full services in repairs, installation, and maintenance of garage doors. They share when to repair and when it’s better to invest in a new garage door:

Repair: wear and tear

Basic damage such as chipped paint, fading, or a cracked panel isn’t reason enough for a replacement. Visually it may be unappealing, but if your garage door still functions otherwise, it’s more cost-effective to repair. Even single damaged panels are easily removed and replaced, and at low expense. Once you’ve handled the touch-ups, consider updating the look. A little paint or a new stain can go a long way in making an old door look new and boost curb appeal in turn.

Repair: garage doors that feel heavy

If your garage door feels heavy and has difficulty opening, it’s likely because of a worn-out spring or weakening tension. Garage doors typically run on two types of spring systems: torsion springs or extension springs. When the springs are damaged or weakened, it causes unnecessary strain on your door. Replace them quickly to avoid the springs breaking and creating much more costly repairs. Use caution because at any given time, these springs are under extreme tension, so it’s always best to leave the repairs to an experienced professional.

Replace: a sagging or bent garage door

Sagging or bent garage doors can be caused by severe weather, lack of maintenance or damage from a vehicle backing into it. If the sagging is just to one side, it may just be that the springs are worn on that side. In that case, call a professional to replace the springs and realign the door tracks. Otherwise, it’s best to replace the door. Not only is it a safety risk to yourself, but it also affects your home’s safety. Raised gasps where the door doesn’t seal, creates easy access for intruders to break in.

Replace: if your door is over 15 years old

Excessive repairs are one reason to replace, but so is a garage door that is already older. With the advancement in garage door features and security, yours is likely outdated. If you’re planning to sell, potential buyers are going to notice a dated garage door. Newer styles have improved security measures, better insulation, and more attractive architectural features. Even paint has its limit when the overall design of garage doors has changed. Garage doors have significant ROI benefits, according to Remodeling Magazine, so a replacement will always be a worthwhile investment.

Garage Doors in Winnipeg and Garage Door Repair in Winnipeg

Overhead Door has over 80 years of garage door experience, from installations to repairs and maintenance. Customer service and satisfaction are their top priority, and they pride themselves on their skills and services to ensure just that. Whether you need emergency repairs or help to install a new door, Overhead Door is the company to call.

Contact them now for a free estimate on your new garage door!

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

When it comes to making changes in your kitchen, there is no shortage of decisions to make. If your kitchen is old and dated, it may be time for a clean slate: take everything out, and start over. This is a big job that can be costly and sometimes, making some small renovations will do the trick. How do you know when to gut-it-all or upgrade? Here are some tips on deciding which course of action to take from Tru Building Solutions in Calgary.

Gut – layout change

Have a kitchen with an awkward layout? Have you always dreamed of an open concept kitchen? This project will require everything to be taken out of the space and moved. While this is a big project, it can have many benefits. In the future, a functional kitchen will appeal to buyers, and increase the value of your home. This can include different major projects such as moving plumbing, taking down walls, or beam installation. Nonetheless, if it suits your needs and has long-term benefits, it could be the right choice.

Renovate – cosmetic changes

If the layout isn’t a huge problem for you and your family, stray away from gutting the kitchen. There are easier ways to change how your kitchen looks for a lower cost. This can include cosmetic changes such as changing out the countertops, replacing or painting cabinet doors, new appliances, and other features. If you want a new look, it isn’t always necessary to go all out.

Gut – problems behind the walls

You can’t see what’s behind the walls. If a problem arises that requires pieces of your kitchen to be taken out, it may be easier to replace them altogether. For example, if there are issues with plumbing and water damage is caused in your cabinets, it’s better to replace the cabinets. They can warp or mold, depending on the material.

Renovate – small damages

Finding a little problem here, or a crack there doesn’t mean that the kitchen needs to be entirely removed. It’s important to work with what you have in your home. There are simple fixes to different problems and your general contractor can help you determine the best course of action. For example, dated cabinets can be sanded and stained for a new look. Change backsplash tile that may have cracks. Get new hardware for cabinets for a simple upgrade. Talk to Tru Building Solutions about your options.

Major Renovations in Calgary

Tru Building Solutions is a different kind of home development company. Their combined experience of over 50 years allows them to give homeowners what they really want. Contact them about your project, and they would be happy to discuss your ideas!

For more information, contact Tru Building Solutions today!

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

An exterior renovation can help ensure your home is protected from the weather while boosting curb appeal, resale value and your own enjoyment of your home. An exterior renovation could include a new roof, siding, windows, and doors.

Smart Home Building Systems in Edmonton offers exterior renovations, specializing in metal roofing, siding, windows, and doors. They share some smart tips for your exterior renovation:

Create a plan for your exterior renovation.

Just like renovating the interior of your home, an exterior renovation needs a design plan before it can begin. Try to visualize the finished project, and make a list of things it includes. Do you need a roof replacement? If so, will the new roof match your home’s cladding? If you are redoing the siding, do you have a colour or siding type in mind?

Go online and research some visuals for your project. Once you have a vision in mind, work with your contractor to determine what changes need to be made to get there. Smart Home Building Systems will know what steps to take, and what needs to be done throughout every stage of the renovation. They can also help you choose products, like roofing and siding, that will match your design tastes and budget.

Prioritize what needs to be done first.

Your home’s exterior is critical to the protection of your home. If you have a leaky roof, a roof repair or replacement needs to be done before anything else. The same goes for damaged siding or windows. If you’re getting any water through the roofing, windows, or siding, you are putting your home at risk of water damage. Water damage can spread quickly, ruining things like framing, insulation, drywall and more. Smart Home Building Systems can provide an exterior inspection, pointing out any areas that need immediate attention.

Consider energy efficiency.

There are products on the market that can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Since you’re doing the renovation anyway, why not invest a little more in top-end products that will save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint? Energy-efficient windows and entry systems, metal roofing and insulated siding are a few options that can reduce your home’s energy loss. Learn how metal roofing can improve energy efficiency?

Exterior Renovations in Edmonton

The best place to start your exterior renovation is with a phone call to Smart Home Building Systems in Edmonton. They offer roofing, including metal roofing, siding, window and entry systems that boost security, protection, efficiency, and aesthetics. They’re licensed, bonded, insured, BBB accredited and RenovationFind certified.

Why not start planning for this spring? Contact Smart Home Building Systems today!

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

Bathrooms have come a long way from just being room to get clean in or ready for the day. Nowadays, bathrooms are meant to be a place where you can relax and spend some quiet time. With any renovation, it’s easy to make amateur mistakes. That’s why it’s important to work with a general contractor who knows what to look for and what they’re doing.

Stages Construction Ltd. in Calgary is a professional home renovation company. They share some bathroom renovation mistakes to avoid:

Breaking the budget

If you’re attempting a DIY bathroom remodel, it can be very easy to overspend and allow yourself to splurge on more than you need to. There’s nothing wrong with a little splurging here and there, but only if it’s planned and affordable. When you work with a general contractor, they’ll start by establishing a budget. Any additions or splurge items will be worked into the budget as well, to help avoid overspending.

It’s also easy to go over budget if you don’t have a professional design plan in place before you start. Inexperienced DIYers can end up going back and forth from the building supply store replacing damaged materials or because they bought the wrong materials in the first place. When a professional put together a budget, they know exactly what you’ll need in terms of materials and labour cost.

Improper ventilation 

Even if your bathroom has windows that can open, you still need to have ventilation to draw out moisture and odours. Without proper ventilation, you’ll have moisture build-up and this can cause peeling paint, mildew and even mould. Mould is dangerous to both air quality and overall health. Hiring a general contractor will mean that they will safely and properly install your ventilation system so it’s ventilated right outside the house. They’ll also know where the best place is in the bathroom to add a vent.

Bad lighting

All bathrooms need good lighting, but especially task lighting for things like applying makeup or shaving. Including lighting should be part of the initial design planning and not an afterthought for later. Unless you plan from the start, you may find yourself with too much or too little lighting. General contractors, though, will help set up the perfect lighting layout from the start. Everything from overall room lighting to the right task lighting placement will be handled. If you want a sleek feature light fixture for your vanity, your contractor will also have some ideas to suggest!

Poor drainage

Any part of your bathroom floor that will get wet, such as the shower, must have the right drainage. If it’s a walk-in shower, the shower floor must have a gentle slope to let the water drain, otherwise, it gets trapped. Depending on the floor type, such as large tiles, it can affect the necessary slope. If you don’t have the skills or know how to do this, it will cause problems. If it’s too steep, your floor will feel like a downward hill. Not enough slope, though, and the water gets trapped. Rather than the headache of trying yourself, leave it to your general contractor!

Not using waterproof materials

The flooring and insulation in the bathroom aren’t the only things that need to be waterproof. Shower walls, flooring, and even countertops should also be resistant to moisture, as well as any joins or drains. Otherwise, the risk of swelling, rot or water damage can cause costly future repairs. Luckily, though, your general contractor will know just what to seal and waterproof!

General Contractor in Calgary and Bathroom Renovations in Calgary

With 25 years of experience behind them, Stages Construction Ltd. guarantees they can handle any job. They specialize in transforming your home into a dream space that you can enjoy for years to come. Whether that means kitchen, bathroom or basement renovations, Stages Construction Ltd. can handle it all.

Don’t hesitate to contact Stages Construction Ltd. today!

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

Adding a bathroom is a great idea to do if you’re developing your basement. Everyone can appreciate an extra bathroom, especially in the basement next to a family room. It will boost a home’s value. There are a few designs and matters to consider before you go ahead.

Total Renovations in Vancouver are a professional general contracting company that offers major renovations. They share some thoughts and design tips for a basement bathroom:

Designing the basement bathroom

The design of your basement bathroom will be about both its location and the type of bathroom layout. When putting together the design of your new basement development, you should consider where the plumbing is. Usually, a basement bathroom addition is installed beneath the main floor bathroom, or near other existing plumbing and the mainline drain. That way, it’ll be easier and less expensive to rough in the new bathrooms plumbing.

As for the design itself, choose a bathroom that will match the needs of your basement. If you plan to renovate for a new suite or guest room, it’ll affect the bathroom. For these, you may want a full bathroom, in which case it will need the right space. On the other hand, for a new living or entertainment area, a two-piece bathroom with a toilet and vanity will do. A smaller bathroom works if you don’t have a lot of space.

Lighting can make a big different

Natural light can be in issue for many basements, so having the right lighting is crucial. Too little light and you get a dark, gloomy basement bathroom. Too much or not the right type of lighting, and the space becomes glaring and overly bright. In a basement bathroom, go for recessed lighting on the ceiling and wall-mounted lights on either side of the vanity. That way, you have the option of different light sources, but still, get an even light cast and appropriate task lighting.

Be smart with your flooring choices 

Bathroom flooring should be chosen with careful consideration, but especially so in a basement. Water and moisture are the two main risks with basement flooring, so choose a floor that is resistant to both. Either vinyl, tile or even linoleum are all ideal options, as they are all waterproof. As an added benefit, they are also low maintenance and highly durable! Each style can easily be customized and changed to complement any bathroom décor

Another flooring option to consider is adding in-floor heating to your bathroom. Basements tend to be colder in general, so adding in-floor heating can help keep bathrooms and bare-feet warm. Just be sure to choose a compatible type, such as tile flooring.

Don’t forget about storage

You’ll want plenty of storage space in your bathroom, to avoid trips upstairs for fresh towels or toilet paper. A small linen closet is a great addition if you are planning a full bathroom since you’ll have room for one. With a small bathroom, though, you want to make the most of the space available. Instead, add shelving on the walls or install a floating vanity and put storage underneath. Add shelving in your shower walls as well for useful niches for soap or shampoo. If you’re stuck on small bathroom storage ideas, check out these clever solutions!

General Contractors in Vancouver

With years of experience and skillful work, Total Renovations guarantees your home is in the right hands. They offer everything from interior remodeling, refinishing, general contracting and much more. Total Renovations prides itself on providing quality work and service for every customer and project.

Contact Total Renovations today for all your reno needs!

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

A patio installation can be a great addition to any home. It offers extra space for entertaining guests or a simple place to relax. Intalling a patio can also increase your home’s resale value and have a decent return on investment. According to this article, patios are one of the top outdoor upgrades that can make your home more valuable, with a return of nearly 70%.

When installing a patio, there are a few decisions you have to make, such as the finish of the concrete. A great choice for a concrete patio finish is the broom finish. Here is everything you need to know about putting a broom finish on your patio installation from the concrete contractors at 1 OAK Concrete in Edmonton.

The look

A concrete patio has a simple look, but it can be designed in many different ways. Putting a twist on your patio makes it a piece of art in your backyard. With the broom stroke technique, it can be decorated in a few ways, such as the direction of the brush strokes, or other added shapes that can be created in the concrete. While it is a simple look, it’s clean and versatile and is also one of the most affordable concrete finishes.

The benefits

A broom finish on a concrete patio installation has many benefits that come with it. The main benefit is durability. Since concrete is such a strong material, you won’t have to worry about Canada’s unpredictable weather. It’s long-lasting, and you won’t have to stress about any damages that may occur. Another benefit is the traction. Since this floor will have some grooves from the broom finish, it makes the patio a non-slippery surface. It keeps any furniture sturdy, and won’t be a hazard when it gets wet. These features make a patio with a broom finish a great choice for your new patio installation.

The maintenance and restoration

A patio, particularly with the broom finish, has some flexibility to it. The look can be changed if you were to change your mind. The material gives you the ability to do so. For instance, if you weren’t satisfied with the groove feel, it can be altered to a more smooth finish. It’s also easy to fix if damages occur. Plus, this finish is easy to maintain. If it is installed in a single slab, you won’t have to worry about weeds growing between stones or in cracks. Simply sweep it off or spray it down with your garden hose to keep it looking clean and fresh.

Exposed aggregate and stamped concrete are great options too!

Exposed aggregate is a decorative finish that can set your patio, walks or driveway apart! It’s versatile in design, and with proper sealing, will be resistant against efflorescence, water damage, and oil stains.

Stamped concrete is another decorative concrete option that gives a patterned or textured look to your concrete. For example, your stamped concrete can look like brick, slate, tile and other patterns at a fraction of the cost of those options. Ask 1 OAK Concrete in Edmonton about brushed, exposed aggregate and stamped concrete options!

Concrete Contractors in Edmonton

1 OAK Concrete has built its reputation by putting its customers first, just take a look at all the positive reviews they have on Facebook! The attention to detail cleanliness of every job site will make your experience one of a kind. Restoring timeless designs has always been their specialty. They take extreme pride in their ability to take from idea to fruition in a timely manner and within budget. Their crew will “pour” their hearts into their work and it shows time and time again.

Looking for help? Contact 1 OAK Concrete today!

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

Benefits of Painting your Home

Painting project completed by Deluxe Painting Ltd.

Painting your home’s interior or exterior is one of the easiest and affordable ways to upgrade your home.  A paint job has immediate results.  It hides permanent marks and stains on your walls, it helps to protect your interior walls from wear and tear or your home’s exterior from the weather.  Painting your home will boost curb appeal and increase your home’s value to help with resale.

In addition to all of these benefits, this cost-effective home improvement will enhance your living environment and your personal enjoyment of your home.  A professional painting company will help you choose colours that will suit each room according to its use and your lifestyle.  For example, pastel colours can make your bedroom feel cozy and relaxing, light colours can help make smaller rooms seem bigger and bright colours can make your kid’s playroom vibrant and fun!

Deluxe Painting Ltd. in Edmonton shares why you should hire a professional painting company, instead of attempting DIY.

Hiring a Professional Painting Company

Painting your home’s interior and/or exterior walls including trim can be a big job, even for an avid do-it-yourselfer.  If you’re thinking about painting your home, consider the benefits of hiring a knowledgeable and experienced painting company.

They will do the proper preparation before painting.  A painting renovation is more than just painting!  Painters will ensure the walls and trim are well-prepared so your new coat of paint will look it’s best and last.  Cleaning, filling small holes and ensuring your furniture and other belongings are protected are all part of the preparation process.

They have the right tools and materials.  You won’t have to worry about running back and forth to the hardware store to pick up more paint!  A professional painting company will come with high-quality tools and materials to do the job right and efficiently.

They are better at it than you are.  Even if you have a steady hand, professional painters do every day!  Practise makes perfect.  They have the skill, experience, finesse, and patience to make sure each wall is painted to perfection the first time!

They take all the proper safety measures.  Standing on ladders and extending yourself to paint those hard-to-reach places can be risky, especially if you’re trying to paint the exterior of a two-story home.  Professional painters will have all ladders, scaffolds and safety training to do it safely.  They also have the proper insurance to ensure that you are not liable for any damage or injury should an accident occur during the project.

They take care of clean up.  When the job is done, you don’t have to worry about clearing drop sheets, cleaning brushes and disposing of old paint cans.  That will all be done for you, leaving your freshly painted home in pristine condition.

Painters in Edmonton

Looking for a painting company to do it right the first time? Deluxe painting is a company with quality in mind. They specialize in new construction, repaints, commercial and residential painting renovations. They have worked on higher-end projects as well as smaller projects. Also, a big part of their client list is referrals due to their attention to quality and detail as well as competitive prices.

Ready to paint? Contact Deluxe Painting Ltd.!

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

Not every home is blessed with a large kitchen. You may be using creative ways to overcome this by storing things in other rooms, or constantly trying to keep the clutter in an organized fashion. If you are doing a kitchen renovation with limited space, installing custom cabinets can be a good way to add functionality. By working with Cucina Bella in Edmonton, you can benefit from custom cabinets in your kitchen by making the space not only more functional but beautiful too.

Utilize the entire space

Within your kitchen, there are a few creative ways to make storage solutions more manageable. Older kitchens came with hard to reach corner cabinets with narrow openings you can replace these with far more functional options like Super Susan’s, Lemans corners or magic corners.  Durable hardware that will make the corners more accessible.

Another way to utilize space is to take advantage of ceiling heights.  By bringing the cabinets all the way to the ceiling you are increasing your storage capacity and also eliminating the need to clean the tops of your cabinets.  An experienced designer can tell you the minimum amount of storage you will need for the square footage of your kitchen and ensure you have this and then some.

Make the interior of the cabinets your own

Going further than increasing the height of your cabinets, you can also customize the inside of the cabinets. There is an endless amount of choices to help your kitchen fit your family’s needs.  For instance, in the base cabinets you could add a spice pull out or spice divider in a drawer, a pantry pull out or broom divider are great tall cabinet additions.  A charging drawer or file drawer dividers in the family hub help keep electronics and the activities calendar properly stowed away.  These small changes will greatly improve your kitchens function.

Make your vision come true

The kitchen can be the centerpiece of the home. It’s a place where your family and guests gather. The expertise that comes from an experienced kitchen designer will transform a dysfunctional kitchen into one that is a joy to work in. Makeover your kitchen by considering custom cabinets. Custom cabinetry can be designed in any way you choose. There are so many options with custom cabinetry from wood species and styles to finishes and hardware, let an experienced designer help you decide what options are best for you, they will guide you to a beautiful, efficient result and the problem of size will be less important.

Custom Cabinets in Edmonton

Cucina Bella recognizes a need in the Edmonton area for quality cabinetry. They select Canadian cabinet manufacturers that produce superior quality cabinets with endless customization and material choice. Their certified NKBA designers create functionality by incorporating design style, vision and the lifestyle needs of their clients while providing education and guidance during the design process. They focus on beauty and functionality to make customer’s dreams a reality.

For more information, check out Cucina Bella today!

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