Month: September 2020

A home addition is a good choice if you need more space but don’t want to move. Sometimes, a home addition doesn’t include adding to your home’s footprint, like adding a new room or sunroom. Instead, it could mean transforming a space to have a completely different function. An example of this would be turning a basement storage room into an additional bathroom. Or an unused bedroom into a master ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet.

Because the types of home additions range so drastically, it is difficult to pin down the average cost of one. However, HomeAdvisor gives some statistics that can provide a clearer idea of price points for your big project.

Lambert Brothers Construction is a full-service general contracting company, offering major renovations like home additions. They share more:

The average cost of a home addition.

According to HomeAdvisor’s statistics, the average cost of adding a room or building an addition is $43,602. Most homeowners will spend between $21,000 to $70,100 with high end additions averaging around $130,000 to $270,000. As mentioned, it all depends on what type of addition you want to build.

Adding a small, basic room:

The report states that an additional room could cost up to $200/square foot, but you should always consult with a general contracting company before creating a firm budget. They can also tell you about any building code requirements and permits you’ll have to obtain for the project, adding to the cost.

Sunroom additions:

For a sunroom addition, you can pay between $20,000 to $70,000 or more. The price difference depends on the square footage and if you require footings or a slab foundation. Consider add-ons like electrical wiring, heat, and other finishings.

Bathroom additions:

According to Remodeling, a mid-range bathroom addition can cost up to $49,500. An upscale addition can cost up to $91,200. The price range is determined by the complexity of the addition if it adds to the home’s footprint or not, structural changes required and the quality of finishings you included in the renovation.

Master suite addition:

Always wanted a larger master bedroom? Remodeling estimates that a mid-range master suite addition (added to the footprint of your home at ground level) can cost about $136,000. An upscale addition, complete with a luxury bathroom and seating area with a fireplace, can run up to $282,000. This example is a major addition built off the side of a home at ground level.

Major Renovations and Home Additions in Edmonton

Lambert Brothers Construction offers full-service residential renovations for both the inside and outside of the home, including home additions. Serving Sherwood Park and the Edmonton area, their services start at the concept and dreams for your project. Then they help create a design and manage the entire project through completion. They believe that every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Their work is not good enough for their customers until they are proud enough to put their name on it.

Lambert Brothers Construction will guarantee that our last job is their best job.

Contact them to discuss your major renovation!

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

Ready to tackle home repair and home maintenance projects? With our downloadable home exterior and home interior inspection sheets you can easily discover items that need to be addressed in your home. Download our printable sheets to get started on your home inspection.

The post Home Interior and Home Exterior Inspection Sheets appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

Kitchens are one of the main rooms in a house that will use a lot of energy daily. That’s why Canadian Electrical Codes (CEC) have specific requirements to ensure the right circuits and power are in place for lighting and major appliances. Before you tackle the work yourself, save the stress and possible electric hazards, and leave the work to a knowledgeable electrician. Any change to wiring in a home needs an electrical permit. Obtaining this permit is another important thing a professional electrician will take care of for you.

Electrical Savvy Contracting Inc. in Vancouver is a residential and commercial electrical company. They share why their electricians should handle any kitchen appliance circuit work: 

Old homes need rewiring

Renovating an older home and outfitting it with a new, modern kitchen is a great way to boost overall value. However, that new kitchen needs to have the right electrical support to meet those new demands. Before you can install or renovate, everything must be brought “up to code” to ensure the home’s electrical safety and to ensure it can manage to power modern-day appliances. That may mean installing a new circuit panel, removing an old fuse box, or adding more circuits. An electrician will know the right steps and safety measures to take. Even any rewiring work or moving electrical outlets, while it may sound simple, is better left to a skilled professional.  

Each appliance needs separate circuits 

Refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and even the microwave all need their own dedicated circuits. Each one will also need to run on different amperages to work efficiently and to help spread out the electrical load. A refrigerator will typically need 15-amps, but that may vary between models. One with a freezer drawer, ice cube maker, and water dispenser may need even more power than a smaller unit. At least two 20-amp ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are also necessary for small appliances on countertops or around sinks. Not following these requirements or not knowing them invites electrical risks by accidentally overloading the circuits. If you’re bringing in new appliances or updating your kitchen, talk to your electrician first.

Lighting is also separate

Kitchen lighting includes everything from overhead to under-cabinet lights, which also need their own power source. The circuit itself can’t be on any GFCI circuits either, in case the lights trip during power surges. Most lighting in kitchens will run on just one circuit, usually at 15-amps, as less power is generally necessary. However, if you want to add more lights, more power and possibly thicker wire gauges will need to be installed. 

Codes change regularly

Aside from the potential DIY hazards of electrical work, electrical codes are updated every three years. As modern needs change and more power are necessary, these codes ensure your home always stays safe. CEC is also in place to protect workers during any electrical installation. Without the right care, electrocution or accidental electrical fires become much greater risks.

With so many changes and specific codes to follow, it makes working with an electrician the safest choice. They will know exactly what rules to follow or how to ensure your home and kitchen are up to code.

Electricians in Vancouver

Electrical Savvy Contracting Inc. dedicate themselves to providing safety, assurance, and electrical support for your home. Their skilled electricians can help with any repairs, installation, inspections, or other electrical work. 

Contact Electrical Savvy Contracting Inc. today!

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

Have you been dreaming about the perfect “outdoor oasis”? This summer is the optimal time to do so, with the hot weather we have been seeing in Southern Alberta and the need to stay near to home. Year-Round Landscaping (YRL) in Calgary can help bring your vision to life. YRL is your one-stop landscaping shop, starting from the design phase to complete construction. They offer all things landscaping, even final touches like outdoor furniture and barbeque recommendations. At YRL, they fully cater to a customizable approach, offering full service or phased approach in order to match your yearly landscape/renovation budget.

Read below to explore some of the landscaping services YRL offers:

Custom Carpentry

Custom carpentry consists of features like a new fence, deck, pergola, planters, retaining walls, and built-in furniture. The customization is unlimited with the YRL carpentry team, from designing the piece and selecting materials to finishing stains or paints. YRL values attention-to-detail and long-lasting quality in all components of their work, you will be astounded by the transformation of your space with the beauty in wood work.

Water Features

Water features are a great way to create the optimal backyard “oasis” feel that many people strive for. The sound of water trickling brings relaxation to you and your family, as well as your plants. When thinking of a water feature, what quickly comes to mind is ponds and waterfalls, but another fantastic alternative is a bubbling rock or garden fountain. YRL does them all! Their team has expert experience in all types of water features large and small, take a look at their online portfolio. You’ll love listening to the sound of moving water as you relax in the yard.

Fireplaces or Fire Pits

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are a great way to create summer memories with family and friends, while being done at a social distance. Creating a cozy seating area with a fire feature allows you to enjoy those cool summer nights by the fire, and don’t forget the marshmallows! YRL can build you a fire feature using natural, cultured, or man-made stone, catering to different design styles like modern or rustic. There is a style for everyone!

Outdoor Kitchens

If you are interested in taking your backyard barbeque to the next level, YRL offers design and construction of custom outdoor kitchens. Whatever you envision for your optimal outdoor cooking space and entertainment area, it can be achieved. Components can include a BBQ, smoker, fridge, electrical outlets, and even an ice maker for an evening scotch on the rocks. When designing your outdoor kitchen, you are able to fully customize everything from countertops and layout to appliance brands to fit your needs, and match the look of your home.

Additional Services

YRL specializes in transforming your full landscaping project from design to completion, along this journey services they practice also include:

– Custom Decorative Concrete
– Custom Features
– Interlocking Pavers
– Irrigation
– Land Reclamation
– Maintenance
– Natural Stone Work
– Parking Lot & Paving Repairs
– Retaining Walls
– Settlement & Concrete Repair
– Sub-grading & Grading
– Planting & Tree Installation

Landscapers in Calgary

Year-Round Landscaping is committed to meeting the growing landscape design and construction needs in Calgary and Southern Alberta. Through their experience, customer service, and pricing, they aim to remain a top competitor in the industry.

For more information, contact Year-Round Landscaping today!

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

At Handyman Connection we want to provide a simple guide that will allow you to check off your to-dos. With our Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist, there are items categorized for each season, making your home maintenance checklist more manageable.

If you would like help with any home maintenance or home repair project call or text your local Handyman Connection office. Our professional craftsmen are highly trained and can help you shorten your home to-do list, any time of year.

The post The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist appeared first on Handyman Connection.

When you take a look at your hardwood floors, you may be wondering what the right steps are to freshen them up. When it comes to refinishing hardwood floors, while the process is pretty straight forward, usually professional help is best. Here’s why.

In order to refinish your hardwood floors, you will need to be able to operate a drum sander in addition to applying stain and lacquer. Are you comfortable operating these tools? If you said no, here are the top reasons you may consider professional help. 

Call the Experts When Refinishing Hardwood Floors

You might be sitting here wondering what makes refinishing floors so complex. While buffing out some scratches and applying a top coat may not seem like a major lift, the remaining work can.

Even if you own a drum sander or have stained wood before, your floors are a much larger surface area than that. If this project is done incorrectly it could actually cost your more in the long run. Damages may occur that would not have if it had been done by a professional service.

The Difference Between Major and Minor Repairs

You might not think your living room is that big, but once you begin refinishing the hardwood floors, it may surprise you. While sanding, staining, and finishing might seem pretty easy to do, what happens if accidental or unknown damage occurs? Are you able to remedy the issue on your own? If some planks need to be removed or repaired, a professional can handle it.

Attention to Detail and Experience

Once the floors are prepped and ready, matching the stain and pattern would be the next stage. A professional would have a much easier time trying with sanding patterns and color matching. Why should this be left to a professional? The overall finish and look to the floor is in jeopardy. Is this something you know how to do already? If not, you might want to leave this one to a skilled craftsman who only uses the best tools available.

Full Suite of Services 

Why choose to work with professionals? The end result will be beautifully refinished hardwood floors! Refinishing hardwood can be a laborious task and a very messy one at that. If you’ve never been involved in the process, know that dust, dirt and debris can be flying around in the room which requires those in the vicinity to wear a mask. 

Leave the Hardwood Refinishing to the Experts!

Work with the expert craftsmen at Handyman Connection today! When you work with our professionals, you know that we have all the right tools to get the job done. View our handyman services to get started, and give us a call for a free estimate!

The post Why Professional Help Is Needed When Refinishing Hardwood Floors appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Renovating a rental suite while still trying to save money can seem like a daunting task. How do you spend money to save money? With the help of By Design Construction Inc. in Vancouver, a professional home renovation contractor company, it can be done.

They share some cost-effective renovation tips that’ll still increase rental income:

Reface or repaint kitchen cabinets

Kitchen renovations go a long way for a high return on investment and boosting long-term value. In your rental suite, however, you don’t have to spend thousands like you would in your own kitchen. You still need to attract quality tenants and a renovated kitchen can help with that. Plus, with a stunning, modern kitchen, you can charge a little more for rent.

Instead of splurging on a major remodel, focus on a few key changes. Refacing or replacing kitchen cabinets, for example, is cost-effective and completely updates the look and feel. As long as your cabinet boxes are in good shape, you can have this home improvement done at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement. To help appeal to potential renters, keep the colours bright and neutral.

Update old fixtures and hardware

Dated fixtures and hardware can drastically change the look of a space. Despite being a small change, updating old light fixtures, faucets, and interior door knobs can go a long way in making a space more appealing. For lighting, choose LED bulbs and ENERGY STAR certified fixtures to increase energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR fixtures use 90% less energy, so your renters get attractive lighting and also save on monthly bills.

Uniform hardware will help create more of a consistent style in the space, which helps make it feel homier. These can range from doorknobs, drawer pulls, bathroom fixtures, or even handrails. One step further, with the right budget, is to get matching appliances and energy-efficient ones at that. A matching space will be more welcoming to renters, who will more likely become long-term renters. An eco-friendly and energy-saving home will always appeal even more to renters, especially if they’re responsible for paying for their own utilities.

New paint inside and out

Painting is one of the best and most cost-effective renovations you can do. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look of a space and will help protect the walls from dings, dents, and stains. In any rental suite, basement or laneway home, stick to light and neutral colours. These will help enhance a room and make it feel spacious and more welcoming. They also appeal to the greatest number of people, which will help you fill the suite with tenants quickly and help you keep your rent prices competitive.

If your rental home is a laneway or garden suite, then paint the exterior for extra rental curb appeal. A brightly coloured front door, new coloured siding or window trim will be noticed by potential renters and make a good first impression.

Don’t rush to replace before upgrading what you have

A great tip in rental suites is to avoid constantly spending money to replace things before you consider repairing. Carpets, for example, can look brand new again with a professional or DIY carpet cleaning. If you have a popcorn ceiling, scrape off the dated look and paint it a bright white for both a clean slate and the illusion of height. If you have dated tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, a new layer or colour of the grout can go a long way to boost appearances. If you’re not sure what you can do to improve your rental suite, contact By Design Construction for a consultation. They can give you some upgrade ideas that can boost your suite’s appeal while keeping your budget.

Major Renovations and Home Additions in Vancouver

By Design Construction Inc. has been transforming homes for over 40 years. Each of their contractors has a keen eye for detail, with the professional skills and expertise to match. They can help with home renovations, custom home builds, or laneway homes to transform and add value to your property.

Contact By Design Construction Inc. today!

Click to Find >>>> Major Renovations & Home Additions in Vancouver.

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

A sliding screen door is a great way to feel like the outdoors are part of your home without bugs and other critters actually getting into your home. However, sliding screen doors can break or stick when you try to pull it open or closed. Luckily, fixing your sliding screen door is actually quite easy. 

How to Fix a Sliding Screen Door that Won’t Move

Clean the Track

Always try cleaning the track first. Dust, dirt, sand, pet hair and other debris can accumulate in the track making the door stick when you try to pull it. First, just try to clean this out and that may fix your problem. There are many DIY cleaning solutions you can easily make to help clean it out. Spray some of the solution in the track and take an old toothbrush and scrub out all the debris.  

Replace the Wheels

If that doesn’t work you may need to replace the wheels. You will first need to remove the screen door from the track. Then remove the old wheels and go to your local hardware store to buy replacements. Remember to take the old wheels with you to ensure you buy the correct wheels for your screen door. Luckily, once you have cleaned out the track your wheels will last longer because they won’t get caught on any debris. 

Straighten the Frame

You may also need to try straightening the frame. This is an easy fix as well. The metal frame around a sliding screen door is usually made from a lightweight material that can warp, bend or get damaged easily. Once the door is removed from the track check for areas that looked warped and bend them in the opposite direction, this will help straighten out the frame. 

Need more Assistance Fixing your Sliding Screen Door? Call Handyman Connection

If you need help from professional craftsmen call or text your local Handyman Connection. We are happy to assist with all your home repair and improvement needs. 

The post How to Fix a Sliding Screen Door appeared first on Handyman Connection.

You might live in a small house where you have limited space for furniture, so moving things around is the only way to give your home an uplift without breaking the bank. Perhaps you’ve moved into a new home which was furnished and now you want to make it your own without having to buy new furniture – the best way is to shift furniture around.

Or maybe, you’re one of the many people who can’t stand to see their home the same for long periods of time. You have a furniture moving itch that makes you need to rearrange the way your whole house looks every so often to the point that when you go to your friend’s place you have to hold your tongue to not say “why don’t you move this and that over there?”.

Rearranging furniture can lift your mood, encourage you to declutter and give an opportunity to let your creativity run free. If you live alone and can’t move heavy items of furniture by yourself, perhaps stick to changing accessories or small pieces of décor, such as picture frames and shelves. Don’t fret if you need another pair of hands for heavier items, our London handymen can help you lift and shift furniture to make your house feel like home.

Do you want to rearrange your living room? Maybe you’ve just searched how to rearrange your office? No matter if you want to rearrange the furniture in one of your rooms or want to completely change up the furniture around your whole house, we’ve put together some tips on how to best go about doing it.

1. Measure it out.

When you are moving furniture from one room to the other make sure to measure it, otherwise, you might go through the trouble of moving it and then having to move it back as it didn’t fit that perfect spot.

2. Find a focal point.

To give rooms more structure, find the focal point of the room and arrange furniture around it. This focal point could be a large window, fireplace or simply your television. An alternative is to focus on the conversation areas of the room by positioning your sofas and chairs in a way so people can have conversations without having to shout across the room or twist their necks to talk to each other.

3. Think about balance.

It’s important to consider the size, shape and placement of your furniture to give your rooms a balanced feel. For instance, don’t group all the small or large pieces of furniture in one area, spread them around to create a visually interesting décor.

4. Consider traffic flow.

Make sure there is enough space for people to walk around your home without tripping on furniture or having to climb on your sofa to go to the bathroom. Create unobstructed paths for people to walk from one room to the other without any issue.

5. Get creative.

If you’re feeling like changing up furniture in your home, go for it and get creative with it. What’s the worst that can happen? Perhaps not liking something in its new place and changing it to another or back to where it was before.

Maybe you are looking for ways to rearrange your room to make it look bigger? To make the most out of small rooms, we would recommend reading our blog post on how to make your small room look bigger.

In case you need some help changing up your room, the Squad is only a phone call away. Give our team a ring on 0800-0-12-12-12 or request a quote by filling our online booking form.

The post How to rearrange furniture appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.