Month: June 2020

Have you always dreamed about having a custom closet? There are a lot of details that go into a custom closet, which can make it overwhelming and difficult to take the first step to make it happen. One thing to always keep in mind, though: this project is all for you! So plan for what you need or want, and don’t worry about appealing to anyone else.

Calgary Custom Closets in Calgary is a professional closet and storage solutions company. They share a step-by-step guide on how to plan your perfect custom closet:

Step 1: Measure your space

One of the most important parts of planning a custom closet is knowing what space you have to work with. You want to maximize every available inch, but without creating a cluttered or cramped look. As you measure, take care to check the floor-to-ceiling measurements as well. Dead space above your closet is a waste, so plan to have full-length closets or shelves in place.

Make sure also to measure the floor space to ensure you have enough room to walk around. If you only have room to walk in and turn around, it becomes more claustrophobic than an attractive feature. Check out these helpful tips and tricks for measuring your new custom closet.

Step 2: Plan your clothing

Do you have lots of dresses or shirts that need hanging? Are you more of an accessory person with watches and jewelry? Details such as these will play a big role in what sort of design you need. That may mean lots of open shelving, drawers on the lower half, or a special shelf just for your shoes. Part of having a custom closet means the perfect fit for your needs.

A good rule of thumb is actually to limit the number of drawers you use. Use drawers for intimates like socks and underwear or precious jewelry, but keep the rest open. Hangers and open shelves create a final look that is a lot sleeker and more attractive than hiding everything inside. Plus, you can easily walk in and find what you need without the hassle of a search. Don’t forget to add deep shelves as well, which make it easier to stack folded sweaters or bulky clothing.

Step 3: Keep an open floor

Open floor plans are all the rage on the main floor and should be as well when it comes to closets if you have space. Elevate your clothing as much as possible and keep things off the floor, including shoes. Plus, the more floor space you have, the more luxurious feel that walk-in closet will have. It also leaves more room for a few feature additions to really customize the final look.

Step 4: Plan for splurges

Part of the fun of a custom closet is choosing some splurge features to add as the final touch. That may mean a luxury chandelier for a real statement piece, or a closet island for more organization. Even little details such as satin chrome hooks or racks will go a long way with adding a little wow factor. Have good ambient lights, but also use the accent lights to highlight jewelry or for underneath shelves. Add a full-length mirror for not only practicality and luxury, but also for giving the illusion of even more space.

Closet and Storage Solutions in Calgary

At Calgary Custom Closets, they pride themselves on turning clutter into order with their custom closets. Whether it’s maximizing a small space or transforming a large one, they have the help you need. Every room from bedroom closets, home offices, laundry rooms, and more, Calgary Custom Closets has a storage solution.

Don’t wait to get organized; contact Calgary Custom Closets today!

Click to Find >>>>> Closet and Storage Solutions in Calgary.

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

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

   

If your old asphalt shingles are curling, missing or you’ve noticed bare spots, it’s time for a roof replacement. This home improvement will help protect your home from the harmful weather, improve curb appeal and resale value too.

Sargeants Roofing answers some questions you might have about a roof replacement:

How much will it cost?

Your roofing project cost will depend largely on the size of your roof and how complex it is. On average, a typical asphalt roof replacement can cost between $7,000 to $9,000. If you have a small house, it could be as low at $4,000 – $5,000. If you have a massive house with an intricate roof structure, it can be in the mid teens.

The brand of shingles you choose, and the pitch of your home will also play a role in determining the price of your roof replacement.

How long will it take to install the new roof?

For an average home, it will take one or two days to complete the roof replacement. If you have a large home with a complex roof (more valleys and uniquely shaped areas) it could take up to three days or more depending on the size. Weather can play a factor too. Sargeants Roofing will hold off on taking your old shingles off should bad weather be in the forecast, extending the length of time required to replace the shingles.

Should I choose a light shingle or a dark shingle?

Feel free to choose whatever colour shingle you prefer or one that goes best with your home’s colour scheme. If we lived in a climate with extremely hot weather like Arizona or Texas, it might be wise to choose a lighter colour. Since we only get a handful of extremely hot days in the summer, it won’t make much of a difference which colour shade you choose as long as your venting is up to code.

Do I need to replace my gutters too?

Most people do. Gutters and/or eavestrough (interchangeable words) are a critical component of your roof. An effective “non-leaky” eavestrough system will prevent water from coming inside your home at the foundation or walls.. Old gutters that are leaking, not slope properly or just not secured properly to your fascia will increase this risk.

New 5” continuous gutters that are installed with screws and hangers vs. spikes, sloped properly will do the best job removing water from your home. You may also want to consider “Leaf Guards” (see pic in this section). Easy way to not have to clean your gutters ever again. Summer or winter, you will have the peace of mind your roof and gutters are done by a professional when you contact an Edmonton Roofing Company.

Do I need more vents on the roof? Why?

Most older homes don’t have adequate ventilation for their attic. Having proper ventilation is key for your home’s energy efficiency, protecting your home from moisture damage, especially in the winter and extending the life of your shingles. Without good air flow, condensation is your biggest enemy. Any heat lost from your home without proper attic ventilation, will cause issues in the winter. Typically, frost build up in the cold weather turns into water in warmer days (Condensation). This moisture can damage your trusses, roof boards, framing, insulation and ultimately get into your home. Sargeants Roofing will assess your ventilation situation and implement proper ventilation according to code.

Roofers in Edmonton

Sargeants Roofing offers full roof installation including roof replacements and roof leak repairs in Edmonton and surrounding areas. They also offer complete roof system packages that include new eavestroughs, fascia and soffits.

 

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

It’s easy to put off gutter cleaning but it’s important to make sure your gutters are clean year round! If you don’t clean your gutters a few times a year it can lead to overflowing water and damage to your home. Here are 5 tips to keep water flowing smoothly through your gutters all year long!

Have the right supplies on hand
Before getting started with gutter cleaning you want to make sure you have the right tools. You will need a ladder, gloves, a scoop and a hose.

Tell someone that you are about to clean the gutters
Since you are going up on a ladder it’s always good to let someone know what you are doing. This is just a safety precaution you should take so in case anything does happen someone is there for you.

Use a secure ladder
The most important part of cleaning gutters is your safety. Make sure you always use a ladder that is safe and secure so it can properly support you the whole time you’re cleaning your gutters. If you are not comfortable using a ladder, then call the professionals.

Using your gloves and scoop remove leaves and other debris
Carefully pull out large clumps of leaves and debris from your gutters. It’s easiest to start removing leaves with your hands.

Flush your gutters
An important last step to gutter cleaning is to properly flush them. Using a hose, spray water, starting at the opposite end of the downspout, through your gutters. This will flush out any remaining pieces of leaves, sticks and other debris.

Gutter Cleaning with Handyman Connection

Would rather the professionals clean your gutters for you? Call Handyman Connection, our craftsmen are happy to come clean your gutters for you. Don’t wait, clean gutters are important! We also offer other general handyman services, call or text us for a free estimate.

The post Clean Gutters: What You Should Know Before Cleaning Them appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Changing your furnace filter according to manufacturer’s instructions is one of the easiest things you can do yourself to help maintain your HVAC system. The furnace filter helps remove dust and debris from the furnace’s intake. Without it, that dust could start clogging furnace parts, making it work harder and reducing its efficiency. It can also cause things to break down and result in needing repairs or a replacement far before the furnace’s expected lifespan.

More than that, you want your air filter to be removing particles from your indoor air. Dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mite debris, and even bacteria and smoke are all removed with the right air filter.

What furnace filter should you buy?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions.

You need a furnace filter that will fit your furnace manufacturer’s specific requirements. A filter that is too small or too big will not do its job correctly. You cannot have dusty air flowing around the sides of the filter. Furnace filters come in a range of sizes, including a variety of thicknesses.

The easiest way to check what kind of filter you need is to check your furnace manufacturer for specifications. If you’re the last one to have changed the furnace filter, check the size on the old filter. You can purchase furnace filters at a building supply store or hardware store, from your HVAC contractor and supplier, or even order them online.

Learn about MERV

When you’re looking at furnace filters, you’ll notice that they will have a MERV rating written on the side of the frame or the packaging. MERV stands for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV is a measurement scale that can help you better know the filter’s precision and accuracy, filtering out dust and debris from your HVAC system. The rating comes from the size of the particle that filters will allow through.

For example, a furnace filter with a 1 to 4 MERV rating will keep out particles like pollen, sawdust, carpet fibres, and dust mites. A MERV rating of 5-8 will keep out mold spores, dust mite debris, and dander. A MERV rating of 9 to 12 can remove fine dust, auto emission particulates, and even nebulizer droplets. Finally, the highest MERV value from 12 to 16 can remove bacteria, smoke, paint pigments, and droplets created from sneezing and coughing. Read more about MERV ratings here.

What is the right MERV rating for your needs?

Most residential furnace filters are in the 4 to 12 range. Places like hospitals and surgical rooms will use a MERV filter rated up to 16, but a rating higher than MERV 13 not necessary in a home unless someone in the house has asthma or another health issue. In fact, the higher the MERV, the more restricted the airflow, which means it can clog faster and reduce efficiency. You need to find that sweet spot between filtering the air properly, without limiting its flow into the HVAC system. Otherwise, you’ll cause your furnace to work too hard and reduce efficiency.

Most furnace manufacturers will recommend a MERV 4, though many homeowners find this rating to be a little low. This filter will remove about 80% of particles from the air that are 50 microns or larger before it enters the system. It will not remove smoke, pollen, and other allergens. That means it’s not good enough if you need cleaner air quality but could work if no one in the home is bothered by allergies or asthma.

Best MERV rating for indoor air quality

If you want the best balance between filtration and efficiency, consider a rating of MERV 8 to 13. Though they are more expensive, they can trap up to 95% of particles that are 5 microns or larger depending on the filter. That should do just fine for a household and can make a big difference regarding indoor air quality.

However, if you have someone in the house with allergies or asthma, you could consider a MERV 12 or higher. Just make sure you replace the filter regularly, so your furnace doesn’t burn out prematurely. These filters can capture up to 99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, but the furnace fan will always running as it pushes air through the filter, which means it will cost more in energy. If you let the filter clog, it can cause damage to the heat exchanger or blower motor.

What is FPR?

You might see that some furnace filters have an FPR rating instead of a MERV rating. FPR stands for Filter Performance Rating and is a rating system developed by The Home Depot for certain filter brands they sell in the store.

To compare, an FPR 5/Green would be like a MERV 8. An FPR 7/Red would equate to a MERV 8+ and an FPR 10/Blue to a MERV 11+.

8 Best Furnace Filters

Now you understand how furnace filters are rated, and why they need to be changed. It is time to choose the right furnace filter brand and type.

1. Honeywell Elite Allergen Pleated Air Filter MERV 13 (FPR 10)

This is one of the highest-rated and reviewed furnace filters on the market. The Honeywell Elite Allergen Pleated filter comes in a wide range of sizes. You should be able to find one for your furnace. Because of its high MERV rating, it can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns. Things like lint, dust, dander, mold spores, microscopic allergens, bacteria, and even smoke and smog don’t stand a chance at passing through this filter. Its frame is resistant to moisture and can noticeably reduce allergy symptoms for those living in the house. This filter needs replacing every three months.

2. Filtrete Micro Allergen Defense Air Filter MERV 11

This furnace filter is the best choice for people who have allergies because it is specially designed to keep allergens out of the HVAC system. It is rated with a MERV 11. It also has an electrostatic charge which can help attract and then capture finer allergens. Dust, lint, mold spores, smoke, pet dander, dust mite debris, and other particles will be blocked. They come in a range of sizes and can significantly reduce allergens blowing around the home. Those with allergies in the family will be able to tell the difference right away. This filter requires replacement every three months and typically comes with two filters in a pack. Though the filter is excellent for people with allergies, it will not remove bacteria or viruses from the air and will not block sneeze and cough particles.

3. Honeywell Superior Allergen Pleated Air Filter MERV 11 (FPR 9)

This furnace filter will remove particles as small as 1 micron from the air. Many choose it if they are concerned about mold spores in the air, as it’s known for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. It can block dust, lint, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, debris, smoke, and even virus carriers. The frame is moisture resistant as well. It’s available in a variety of sizes and requires replacement every three months.

4. Nordic Pure Pleated Air Filter MERV 13

Homeowners who want better air quality will choose this furnace filter. This filter, in particular, is popular for those wishing to rid a home of smoke and smoke smells caused by cigarettes, fireplaces, and cooking. With a MERV rating of 13, it removes smoke, as well as other finer particles including dust, pollen, dander, dust mite debris and mold spores. It also has an electrostatic charge and can capture even more airborne particles, including some viruses.

Because of the higher MERV rating, you should check it every 30 days. Replace it every three months at a minimum. Sometimes this filter can get dirty enough to need replacing after just one month because it’s blocking nearly everything that goes through it. It’s an excellent choice for people with allergies or who want to remove smoke from the indoor air. It also might fit smaller than it should on many furnaces, so you will have to find a way to seal it properly with foam weather stripping.

5. FilterBuy Pleated Air Filter MERV 8

The FilterBuy Pleated furnace filter is the best choice for households that have pets. It has a slightly lower MERV rating compared to the other filters mentioned so far, but can still remove pet dander, hair, debris, dust, lint, and pollen from the air. It also comes in a range of sizes, and the manufacturer recommends it gets changed every three months. However, if you do have pets, you should be checking it at a minimum once a month as it can become clogged with pet hair and dander. If your furnace filter is clogged, it will cause more strain on your furnace and diminish efficiency.

The FilterBuy Air Filters come in packs of 4 and are reasonably priced. Typically, they don’t fit as snug as other filters because it measures up slightly smaller than specifications. You can work around that by finding a way to seal the frame to your furnace by using weather stripping foam or the like.

6. Rheem Basic Household Pleated Air Filter MERV 8

If you’re looking for a budget air filter, but don’t want to sacrifice quality too much, this might be the best compromise. Where the higher-end filters can get costly, this hardworking filter does the job for less cost. It is rated MERV 8, so it can still remove pollen, dust, and dander from the air. It won’t remove as small particles compared to the others, but it can still help minimize symptoms for those with allergies, reduce dust, and keep the debris out of your HVAC system. This budget-friendly option needs replacing every three months.

7. Aprilaire 213 Air Filter MERV 13

This filter is known to remove over 90% of particles between 0.3 and 1.0 microns that cause allergy symptoms. It is rated with a MERV 13. So, it can also remove bacteria, pollen, mold spores, airborne dust and other contaminants. This furnace filter has a self-seal technology, which gives it a tighter fit than other filters, thus removing even more particles. It is limited in sizes but will fit Aprilaire models and any furnace that has the same measurements. This filter needs replacing every six months. Change it more often if you have pets or a lot of dirt and dust in the house.

8. Lennox X66673 Filter Media MERV 11

This filter is thicker than other filters, so it will not fit some furnaces. It has a MERV rating of 11. This filter is electrostatically charged to attract and hold particles as small as 0.3 microns. That means pet dander, pollen, dust, and other allergens will be caught in the filter before it reaches the HVAC system. Because it is larger and thicker, it can essentially hold more dust and debris. Holding more dirt allows it to operate at peak efficiency with less air resistance. This filter needs to be changed every six months, or sooner if you have pets in the house.

Always check with your HVAC technician

If you are planning on changing the type of air filter you typically use, have a chat with your HVAC technician first. They will inspect your system and determine the right type of filter for your furnace, budget, and air quality needs. They might not recommend higher quality or higher MERV rating. This depends on if they don’t think your furnace can handle the restricted airflow. However, they can suggest the best alternative for maximum filtration and improved indoor air quality.

Commit to regular furnace maintenance

Changing your furnace filter is the most straightforward DIY task you can accomplish when it comes to maintaining your HVAC system. It takes little more than a trip to the hardware store, removing the old one and sliding in the new one. You can even order furnace filters online. Once you do your research to determine what filter to buy, you’re more than halfway done the job.

You should also have an experienced HVAC company inspect and service your HVAC system every year. They can give it a multi-point inspection that will discover any minor issues with your furnace. Finding them now can prevent a major break down and expense. They will clean the furnace and give it a tune-up, so it’s running at peak performance. During your furnace service, they will also change out your furnace filter for you. They will make recommendations on how often you need to be changing the filter based on your furnace filter of choice and your furnace.

If you neglect your HVAC system, it can start running at low efficiency. Not only will this mean higher energy bills, but it can also cause additional strain on the system. Like anything mechanical, if it is overworked, it will wear out sooner. Don’t wait until your blower fan burns out, or another issue happens. Instead, invest in preventative furnace maintenance and don’t forget to change that furnace filter!

Find a RenovationFind Certified furnace repair company in your city!

 

 

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

A new kitchen, or even a sunroom, are great additions that add value to your home. Additions are also a way to improve your current home, without the need ever to move. Keep in mind that an addition is a significant investment, which means it needs proper planning.

Four Elements Construction in Edmonton provides high-quality home renovations. When it comes to a major home addition, they share some tips to help you plan ahead:

Make sure it’s a complementary addition

Don’t plan an addition if you only want to add value to your home or want to make it more seller attractive. Additions do add square footage and value, but the recoup is not something to rely on purely to sell. Small remodels such as new kitchen cabinets or updating your bathroom, will appeal to buyers and add value.

Instead, for a home addition, focus on something that will complement your home if you’re planning on a long-term stay. If your house is older and without a master bathroom, a bathroom addition will improve the room. A new room over your garage can make a great bonus room or work as a new, large bedroom. If you want to extend both interior and exterior square footage, then a sunroom is the perfect addition. See what your home is missing, and choose an addition that’ll enhance it. That way, it’s guaranteed to give your home a value boost, and even make it a market contender if you want to sell down the road.

Budget for changes to utilities as well

Having a project planned is the first step, but don’t forget to factor in changes to your monthly utilities. New rooms will need access to electricity, heating, and cooling, which will be an added expense. Depending on what addition you have in mind, this number will vary, so be sure to factor in the cost. A new bathroom will cost more in water bills, while a new second floor is likely to up the electricity bills. If you haven’t planned for monthly bill changes, it’ll be an unpleasant surprise after your addition is complete.

Decide now where to splurge or save

A good rule of thumb for splurging is to do so depending on the purpose of the room. If it’s a new living room, splurge on the right lighting system or crown moulding. In a bathroom addition, invest in high-quality cabinets and countertops. Investments such as these will add even more value to your home. Splurges can also be about décor, though, such as a focal feature fireplace or real hardwood floors. It’s a matter of knowing ahead of time where and on what you want to spend a little extra. Once you’ve decided, you can work the costs into your budget and plan the new designs.

Major Renovations in Edmonton

With over 10 years of experience providing quality renovations, Four Elements Construction guarantees they are the company to choose. They pride themselves in going above and beyond for every project and every customer. Whether you need a living room, kitchen, or basement renovation, or new addition, they can exceed your expectations.

Four Elements Construction is ready to transform your home, so call today!

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

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