Month: October 2021

A basement renovation can almost double your home’s usable living space. Customizing that space to meet your needs can improve your home’s function while adding value to your property.

Durango Developments is a custom home builder in Calgary that offers home renovations, including basement renovations. They share some basement renovation ideas that will add function and value to your home.

Home office

Many of us started working from home when the pandemic hit, and for some, working at home has become permanent. Creating a dedicated workspace in your basement will improve comfort and productivity. For your home office, make sure you have adequate lighting. That includes ambient lighting and focused task lighting in your workspace.

Incorporate additional outlets in your basement renovation instead of using extension cords and power bars to power your computers and devices. Home renovation companies in Calgary can also give tips for improved internet connectivity, so you don’t have to worry about being close enough to the household router.

Basements can also feel chilly. Ensure that the ductwork leading to your office space is producing adequate heat. Depending on the age of your home and its current HVAC system, it might mean retrofitting additional ducts and installing a register. You don’t want to catch a chill when you’re trying to get your work done.

Home theatre

There’s a time for work and a time for play! Because it’s typically the darkest area of the house, the basement is a perfect space for a home entertainment centre. Installing a home theatre, complete with a large screen and surround sound, will make family movie nights a blast. If you’re developing an unfinished basement, that’s the perfect opportunity to run wiring for your home theatre and sound system. Then, finish the space with comfortable seating, suitable décor, and treat yourself to a popcorn machine to make it official. Check out these home theatre designs and ideas.

Additional bedrooms and a bathroom

If you don’t have anything specific planned for your basement renovation, consider adding a bedroom or two and a spare bathroom. Extra bedrooms downstairs provide flexible spaces that can change as your needs change. They can serve as bedrooms for a growing family, guest rooms, hobby rooms, playrooms, or space for older kids to hang out. The benefit of having these extra bedrooms is that they will be appealing to buyers in the future.

The same goes for having home builders in Calgary add an extra bathroom. Not only will it come in handy for your family, but additional bathrooms add resale value. Even a bathroom with a stand-up shower, or even just a half-bath, will have a good return on investment when it comes time to sell.

Start renovating! Contact Durango Developments. 

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

Custom storage solutions are necessary for more than just bedroom closets; they are beneficial for all rooms. Having storage solutions in all parts of your home will keep everything organized and attractive. You’ll never have to worry about finding items again or facing a messy and disorganized home. 

Kitchen storage

Extra storage and custom solutions in the kitchen will do a world of wonder for a clean, organized space. It’ll also help with maximizing all available space in the kitchen, like deep or high cabinets. Tall panel-style cabinet doors are a great way to keep a streamlined appearance in your kitchen. They can be used to hide the pantry or even the refrigerator. Using narrow and deep slide-out drawers is a clever way to store garbage bins, cleaning products, or pots and pans. You can easily access them and keep everything contained with closet organizers. 

Laundry room storage 

Laundry rooms and mudrooms are both spacious that can be maximized with proper storage and custom solutions. In the laundry room, think about storage for washing, drying, ironing, and folding. That way, you can create work zones with tailored storage that makes the work a breeze. Wall-mounted dryer racks will keep the floor space open, while narrow drawers can be used to store linen and towers. Open shelving is a great way to store towels or stack laundry baskets. 

Mudroom storage

In the mudroom, focus on racks to store shoes, hooks at various heights for jackets or winter clothing. If you have a family, your mudroom should be similar to a kid’s closets setup, so they can easily reach hooks and shelvings.

Another clever and visually appealing design is to mix cubbies with closed cabinets. It’ll help keep the room looking clutter-free while offering a range of ways to store items. A mudroom bench is another two-in-one storage function that is stylish and subtle. The bench lid lifts to reveal an open space or cubbies where shoes, umbrellas or other mudroom clothing can be kept. 

Bathroom storage

Big or small, any bathroom will benefit from a few custom closets in Calgary storage solutions and organizations. The great thing about bathrooms is that you can use the same storage from the kitchen or mudroom. Slide-out drawers and narrow shelves can store towels or shampoo without taking up countertop space. A Lazy Susan will make reaching cleaning products and supplies easy and won’t take up excess room. Install mounted rods and hooks in the shower to store shower supplies or small caddies. If your bathroom has the space, then a mudroom bench will add a spa-like feel with comfy seating, as well as hidden storage for bulkier items. 

Garage storage

Whether you use the garage as a workshop or just for storage, order and organization are just as important. Mounted hooks on the walls can easily mount bikes to keep the floor space open. Cabinets with various sized drawers and sectionals are a perfect space to conveniently storing tools or garden supplies. Keeping supplies off the floor will also help protect against moisture damage and make the garage safer and easier to clean and keep tidy. 

Contact Calgary Custom Solutions to organize your whole home!

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

When it comes to custom closets, there are many different designs and styles available to choose from. You can choose a fully custom design or a standard closet and add a few custom bells and whistles. The investment into a custom closet is always worthwhile, but it’s important to know the costs so that you can budget.

Standard closet cost

A standard closet with Calgary Custom Closets is around 5 ½ feet and two feet deep, making it an ideal choice for kids or guest bedrooms. With a standard, you can choose between a wall-hung or one with baskets or drawers ideal for storing toys or clever laundry storage. The basic wall hung unit costs $707, a unit with baskets costs $876, and a floor height unit with drawers costs $1,480. Installation is included in all of the costs for the custom closets in Calgary. 

Standard walk-in closet

A walk-in closet is a go-to choice for any spacious master bedroom or as a spouse closet setup. A standard closet can be customized with different styles and looks to change the overall function. At the starting cost, the walk-in closet costs $1,587. However, it can go up in price depending on size and designs as well as the material used.

A second walk-in design blends more drawers for clothes or shoes or even smaller ones for accessories. Tilt outs can also be included for out of sight and convenient laundry storage. Depending on the walk-in style with extra drawers and bins, the price can start at $3,718 and go up according to design, materials used in installation, etc.

Closet accessories

Part of turning a closet into a custom one means adding closet organizers and hardware that suit your needs. Acrylic shelf dividers create invisible divisions between stacks of clothes for a seamless look. A clever duel valet rod and tie rack provide twice the storage efficiency and a cleaner storage appearance. Pull out racks like ones for accessories or hanging shirts means you can maximize deep closets with ease. There are many ways to decorate the interior of a closet, so focus on the features that suit your needs best. Keep in mind that different additions will also affect the overall cost, but Calgary Custom Closets can give you an accurate quote for your custom closet.

Closet finishes

How your custom closet looks on the outside is just as important as its overall function. Balancing open storage with closet doors and drawers and the right hardware and colour will boost the appeal. In a master bedroom especially, a visually and functionally appealing closet adds a great deal of value. For a sleek, modern look, choose shades of whites, light greys or ash browns. Darker woods or tones lend a more dramatic style that will pair well with brighter hardware. There are also different frame styles like shaker and raised panel door and drawer fronts. With so many ways to customize and finish your closets Calgary, it’s worth working with a professional. They can help with the budgets, look, and design to ensure you get a perfect custom closet. 

Contact Calgary Custom Closets for your new custom closet!

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

A legal secondary suite will increase the value of your home and provide a cost-effective solution for multigenerational living. Families who want to live together can do so while still maintaining independence and privacy.

The key to creating a comfortable dwelling downstairs is to make it feel less like a basement. As an experienced home renovation company in Calgary, Durango Developments shares some tips for creating the perfect in-law basement suite:

Deal with moisture problems first

Whether you’re building a home, developing an unfinished basement, or renovating the basement you have, always check for moisture issues before starting the remodel. Calgary renovation companies can inspect the foundation, windows, plumbing for potential problems before the walls are covered up. You should also ensure that your yard is properly graded, so drainage issues do not become a problem in the future. The last thing you want is for water to damage your new suite and investment.

Be mindful of lighting

Bringing in as much natural light as possible will help lighten and open the space. Consider digging deeper window wells and install new, larger windows. If possible, consider adding a window or two if there are particularly dark areas in the suite.

When it comes to electric lighting, make sure your lighting plan includes layered lighting. First, you should have ambient light, typically pot light fixtures, for general lighting in the main living spaces. Then add task lighting, like pendants, under cabinet lighting, or table lamps—finally, accent lighting to create a warm ambiance and highlight any focal points in the room.

Use light colours

Light colours can help make a basement feel open, airy, and brighter. Consider light, neutral tones for the walls. Painting the trim and ceiling a lighter shade, or white, can add contrast and enhance the effect of making the suite feel more open. White and light colours will also reflect the light, which will help brighten things up too. When you hire home builders in Calgary, they can advise on the best options for flooring, countertops, tile, and more.

Install egress windows

An egress window is a window you can use as an emergency escape route in the case of a fire or other emergency. Egress windows in sleeping spaces will ensure your suite is compliant with the building code. Plus, your suite will need egress windows to be considered a legal suite. The window must be accessible, open without anything blocking it, and large enough for a person to climb through. Check out the City of Calgary’s Egress Window Guidelines for more information.

Add ventilation

Proper ventilation will ensure good airflow, reduce moisture issues, and keep the air clean. Natural ventilation, through open windows, allows fresh air to flow through the space. However, for those looking for solutions during the winter, mechanical ventilation can help. Installing exhaust fans that vent outside, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, is key to circulating air with high moisture content out of the suite.

For professional advice, book a consultation with Durango Developments.

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

If you’re embarking on a significant renovation, you want to find general contractors in Calgary that you can trust. Hiring a professional and reputable company like Straight Line Contracting will ensure a no-nonsense experience, no frustrating surprises, and open communication throughout the process.

Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel or kitchen renovations in Calgary, Straight Line Contracting will make sure you get the most value for your renovation dollars. Here’s what it means to work with Straight Line Contracting:

Trust

You can trust that your home will be in good hands and the job will be done right. Straight Line Contracting stands behind their work. Plus, they’ll work with you to ensure that both quality and budget are considered closely, as though it’s their own project. Every suggestion they make will be based on their years of experience and tailored to your specific needs.

Straight Line Contracting creates a bias-free environment that encourages open and honest discussions. They know that it’s all about people, so they work hard for their clients and try their best to accommodate their needs. They enjoy their time with their own families and unwinding in a comfortable home and understand that you value those things too.

If they can help you with a project that facilitates your best life, then they’re more than happy to do so. You can trust that when your next project happens, they’ll still be there ready to help.

Value

You can spend money, or you can spend money wisely. Straight Line Contracting can help you discern the difference. Sometimes it can be difficult to see where your money would be well spent, but a fresh set of eyes and experience can help you get the best bang-for-your-buck renovation, new home build, or home additions in Calgary.

Not everyone can picture the finished project at the beginning. Straight Line Contracting starts by learning about you, your needs and then presents options for your major renovations in Calgary. Sometimes those options are enough. Sometimes they’re a step in the right direction but still need adjusting. There can always be changes along the way, but a well-thought-out plan for your renovation will save time and money.

There is immense value in having these early and frequent discussions. When you work with Straight Line, they’ll have those hard discussions upfront. They’re in it for the long haul and take pride in their work and in being valuable to you as the customer. They can’t in good conscience take your hard-earned money for something they couldn’t justify paying for themselves.

Choose Straight Line Contracting because they’ll value you like family. Contact them today.

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

Having a home office is becoming more of a standard in every home, whether you work from home full-time or some of the time. Part of ensuring good productivity means designing an office that is organized and free of distracting clutter. That’s where good closet organizers for the home office can help. Calgary Custom Closets shares how: 

Maximize different sized shelves

Having shelves is the best way to get items and clutter off the floor or desk and into an organized space. Large or small home offices will both benefit from shelf storage, so it’s a great addition. Custom pull or tilt-out baskets with different width options are a clever way to store garbage bins out of sight. Smaller shelves are the perfect space to use different-sized bins to store office supplies like clips, staples, or smaller items. 

Blend open shelves and cabinets 

A blend of open shelves and closed cabinets are both functional and creates some visual interest for an office. The shelves can store either office supplies or decorative accessories like plants or books. Cabinets are the ideal storage for bulkier office supplies like binders, printer paper, a shredder or a printer. Cabinets can be built as a floor-to-ceiling unit or installed on the wall like in a kitchen. Whichever style you choose will depend on your office space and personal storage preferences. 

Create work and storage zones

You need a stylish custom closet in Calgary that effectively organizes supplies and items. Create work zones both within your closet and in the office. Set up countertops to create a printer or paper shredder station that’s easy to access but out of the way. For a custom closet, create storage zones based on how you work or use supplies. Keep less used items higher up and more used supplies within reach. If colour codes work best for a filing system, then add tabs or coloured binders. Even a mail station will help keep your mail organized and your desk clutter-free.

Professional help

Working with a professional is the best way to maximize your home office and ensure an ideal layout. Companies like Calgary Custom Closets are experts at planning home offices for shared spaces, for individuals, or for kids learning at home. A professional will help design around your height, work style, and personal priorities. Using custom and qualities materials to build the space will ensure your home office closets Calgary lasts for years. Whether you work at home full time or part-time, you’ll enjoy your functional, organized, and comfortable home office. 

Build your productive home office. Contact Calgary Custom Closets today!

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

You want to repaint your home. Whether it’s the kitchen, your bedroom or the entire house, you’re ready to embark on this DIY project. First things first, you need to pick your colours and then pick out your paint.

It seems like a simple task, but it might be easier said than done. If you’re envisioning yourself standing before an enormous shelf of paint products at a big box store with little help, there is another option. Consider visiting one of Benjamin Moore’s three Edmonton area locations. Here’s how a smaller, locally owned Edmonton paint store can help:

Vast product knowledge

When it comes to paint, your friends at Benjamin Moore know their stuff. They’ve been in the business for a long time and can help you find the best paint product for your project. That includes the type of paint, colour, and finish. Choosing the right product for your specific project will ensure lasting results and less stress! They’ll also do the calculations, so you purchase enough paint for your project. Then you don’t have to keep coming back to the store for more, or so you don’t buy more than you need.

Personal service

When you visit Benjamin Moore, you won’t be standing alone staring at a wall of paint products. A friendly professional will be there to help you right away. It’s a personal service that keeps customers returning to their paint stores in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Once you’ve made your contact at your local store, you’ll always have a professional to turn to for help. Whether it’s for the next renovation, move, or refinishing project, the team at Benjamin Moore will be there to help.

Network of home improvement professionals

Because they’ve been in the business for a long time, Benjamin Moore can help you with more than just paint. They can connect you with interior designers, painting contractors, and other home improvement professionals that can assist with your project. They can also provide advice on DIY painting, refinishing, and other home projects related to their products and services.

Support local businesses

There has been a heightened emphasis on supporting local businesses, and for good reasons. Shopping locally boosts the economy, provides jobs, and builds a healthy community. The Benjamin Moore locations in Edmonton and Sherwood Park are locally owned and operated. Their professionals are members of your community and can provide insight on the best products for your neighbourhood because they live in it too. Plus, when you choose to shop local for paint and supplies in Edmonton, you’re supporting local businesses and the local economy.

Check out their profile to view Benjamin Moore Pinnacle South, Benjamin Moore Pinnacle North, and Benjamin Moore Sherwood Park locations.

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

Learn From These Gruesome DIY Stories

Halloween may be just around the corner, but when you are completing a home improvement project, you don’t want the results to be scary or gruesome like the holiday season. From poor planning, rushing, and mistakes, DIY projects can quickly turn into a real-life scary movie. Let’s look at some home improvement mistakes and see how you can avoid them during your next project.

Safety First

This is a scare you do not want to have. When working on a DIY home improvement project, wear eye protection, a face mask, closed shoes, have your hair tied back, and do not wear loose clothing to avoid injury or accidents. When using saws or loud equipment, wear ear protection as well.

Sanding Wood

If you are in a rush, preparing a new update just in time for your family’s Halloween party, this is a key step you will not want to miss. Sanding wood is essential. This will allow any stains or seals to set in deeper, as well as remove the threat of any splinters and rough surfaces.

Testing

Losing money on a DIY project can be a scary thing. If you are refinishing some furniture, it is important to test out the stains or paint you will be using in small out of sight places, or on scraps of the same wood.

Materials

DIY is advantageous because you can save money because you are not hiring anyone to do the job but be careful in being too frugal. You will want to take your time and see what materials are worth their price—pick something that is durable and will last. For example, when buying paint, do you want the cheapest bucket that requires four layers? No. Go with a quality color and paint that will last and go on efficiently.

Don’t let these DIY mistakes become a part of your next Halloween story. We want everyone to work safely on any improvements and know that local craftspeople are there to help. Take your time and start planning your next project.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to get started on your next home improvement project. Call or text to schedule a free estimate.

The post Gruesome DIY Stories appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

It can be challenging to tell the different types to the untrained eye regarding flat roofs. With significant differences between installation methods and materials used, trust a professional to help you decide which is best for your home or building.

No Water Contracting in Edmonton compares a few of the different types of flat roofs to help their clients choose:

Built-Up roof (BUR)

This type of flat roof is very common and used on many flat buildings. Hot tar and gravel are built up over layers of gravel. In more recent years, this type of roofing has upgraded to more advanced materials used in production, such as fibreglass membranes. This type of roof is popular due to its resistance to punctures and waterproof capabilities. The gravel also acts as a fire retardant which can be beneficial to owners and insurance policies. Out of the different styles of flat roofs, BUR roofing is of the more cost-effective choices.

Rubber Membrane roof

There are different types of rubber membranes to choose from, and one type is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This type of roofing is a lightweight system that makes them popular to install over other existing roofs. A high-speed application process and less labour-intensive installation mean another cost-effective option. Membrane-type roofs are easy to patch when issues arise, which is another popular reason for installation.

Another type of membrane roofing is thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). This system is three layers of a membrane that have been compounded into one ply. It has enhanced flexibility and weldability and is exceptionally durable against water.

Choosing a type of roof

With these types of roofing, plus other flat roof types, it can be challenging to pick which works best for specific buildings. This is where No Water Contracting comes in. They can help choose which type of roofing best suits your needs and the best choice for your budget and maintenance goals. Roof replacements or a new roof for your construction project is a considerable investment. It’s worth having a conversation with an expert to help pick the right roof for your needs.

Flat roofing in Edmonton

No Water Contracting offers high-quality flat roof installations that ensure ‘no water’ penetrates your home or building. They hold safety at utmost importance and will treat your home as though it was their own. If you need a flat roof replacement or service, hire a company that offers expertise, quality products, and flawless installation.

Reach out to No Water Contracting today.

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

When the season changes, homeowners put fall maintenance on the to-do list. Checking your home’s exterior for damage, potential leaks, or other issues should be top of that list. Your roof is vital to protecting your home from the wind, rain, snow, and other weather winter brings. Inspecting it before the snow flies is essential.

Silverline Roofing in Edmonton shares three reasons why it’s crucial to inspect your roof before winter.

Roof inspections catch minor repairs before they’re major

Fall is the perfect time of year to have your roof inspected as part of your home’s regular fall maintenance. You want to catch any potential issues before snow covers them up. Things like missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or problems with the eavestrough system need to be fixed. Water finding its way between cracks and getting into the house’s frame, roof decking, or attic can cause significant and expensive damage. If left unchecked, it can cause mildew or mould growth, as well as severe damage to components of your home. A simple inspection and repairs can ensure that doesn’t happen.

Avoid a roof replacement if it’s not needed

Regular maintenance can help a roof to last longer and avoid the bill of a new installation. While most roofs will eventually require a replacement at some point, frequent and preventative roof maintenance can ensure your current roof lasts as long as possible. Maintenance is a more cost-effective option for homeowners than replacement, so invest in your roof and have annual inspections done.

If needed, get your roof replaced before winter

If a roof inspection reveals that you need a new roof, you should have it done as soon as possible. While roof replacements in the winter are possible, you want to maximize protection for your home now. Plus, working in the cold is more time-consuming and harder on materials, which can increase the cost of your replacement. Speak with Silverline Roofing today. They’ll come out and provide a thorough inspection of your shingles and roofing system. From there, they can make recommendations for repairs or a replacement if necessary.

If it’s time for a replacement, it is a worthy investment. You’ll ensure the protection of your home this winter, improve efficiency, and avoid costly damage to other areas of the house that a faulty roof can cause.

Roofers in Edmonton

Located in Acheson, Silverline Roofing offers roof replacements, reroofing, inspections, repairs, and maintenance to Edmonton and the area. They take pride that all their installations being successful due to their top-level workers. Their diverse team comprises many trades-related workers who can aid any situation, which makes them the number one choice. When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, improving value, and efficiency, go with the company with proven results.

Reach out to Silverline Roofing today.

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