Month: December 2021

It can be challenging to choose a type of countertop when upgrading your home. Several options are available, but granite, marble, and quartz are typically the most popular choices. Being informed about each type of countertop will help you decide what is best for your design, lifestyle, and personal taste.

Right Choice Stones in Surrey shares information on three types of stone countertops for you to consider:

Granite

Granite is one of the top options when it comes to countertops. However, the cost can range depending on several factors, such as the type of countertop you’re looking for. There are three types: slabs, which is one solid piece, modular, which are sectional pieces, and tiles. Slabs are typically the most expensive option as they’re one solid piece of stone, but they can be cut to match your counter’s specifications. With a slab, you can choose what section of the slab you want if you prefer the natural colouring or grain of one part of the slab over the other.

A bonus to granite is that it’s very hard and therefore very scratch resistant. You should still use a cutting board, as knives directly on the counter could scratch it! Granite is also resistant to heat, easy to clean, and looks fantastic. Keep in mind that granite needs to be sealed to protect it from stains, and this needs to happen periodically. Learn how to seal a granite countertop.

Marble

Marble countertops will give your kitchen the look of elegance and luxury. The natural veining in marble provides a unique look. When polished, it will reflect the light in the room, giving an eye-catching shine! Marble is more expensive than the other options and requires more maintenance. It can chip if you’re not careful and needs to be sealed to prevent staining. Spills like red wine or tomato sauce should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining as well. While it requires some care, marble is a valuable and luxurious choice for your countertops.

Quartz

Engineered quartz countertops have increased in popularity over the years. It is aesthetically versatile, is available in a wide range of styles, patterns and colours. You can get quartz countertops that mimic the look of other stones like marble and granite. These countertops are more scratch-resistant than granite or marble, so a good option if that’s a concern. Maintenance on quartz is also much easier than granite and marble as minor scratches can be sanded out. This countertop option has a longer life compared to others, and it gives homeowners consistently high resale values.

Countertops in Surrey

Right Choice Stones can help you when renovating your home. They can educate you on their stone products, so you can make the best choice for your project. They are committed to quality products, professional installation, and helpful, friendly customer service. If you’re looking for stone countertops, you’ll be in good hands with Right Choice Stones.

Contact Right Choice Stones today.

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

There are many ways to customize your home protection, from smart home security and alarm monitoring to damage prevention and life safety. Knowing all of your options will ensure you choose the best features for your home.

Telsco Security Systems in Edmonton is a local, professional home security and automation system company. They have been serving Edmonton and the area since 1970, and in this blog they share some security system options to consider in your home:

Home security and monitoring

A complete home security system involves several parts that work together to keep your home safe and secure. It can include a variety of strategically placed devices, such as door and motion sensors or glass break detectors. If you forget to set the alarm, you can do it remotely through a smartphone app, ensuring that your home is always protected. Indoor lifestyle cameras let you watch things inside your home and get video alerts on specific activities. You can even authorize monitoring centre operators to access live video to assist with emergency dispatch in the case of an alarm. If you have pets who are home alone or kids, it’s a great way to ensure they are safe.

Damage prevention

Security systems can also protect against more than just intruders; they can also protect your home from damage and live threatening events. For example, a burst pipe or carbon monoxide leak can be disastrous, especially when it’s not caught early enough. An environmental alarm will alert you of that risk as soon as it detects it. The system can detect floods, leaks, warn against freezing temperatures, fires, and carbon monoxide. That way, you can leave your home or sleep peacefully at night without worry.

Medical alert system

Whether you want to age safely in place or keep an eye on elderly loved ones, a medical alert system provides safety and assurance. The system can do numerous things like automating heating, setting up alerts if the door is unlocked at night and other functions that can give insight into the health and wellness of your loved one. The system is easily customizable to your needs or a family member. Even if you can’t always be there in person, a virtual check-in will provide the same peace of mind. Installing automation devices for lock automation or thermostat control is a great way to make ageing-in-place easier and convenient.

Home Security in Edmonton

Telsco Security Systems prides itself on offering custom systems and solutions for absolute peace of mind. They can provide whole-home systems or specific features that suit your needs and security goals. A professional from their team will visit your home to assess the property and advise on the best course of action. Then, they’ll do the installation to ensure top quality and safety. With their team and system in your home, you can rest easy, always knowing your home and family are safe.

Contact Telsco Security Systems today!

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

Commonly seen in bathrooms, pull cord switches are mechanisms used to turn lights on and off while preventing accidental electrocution. The long string cord allows wet hands to operate the mechanism without the hazard of the water reaching the circuit. While these switches are convenient, they can be harder to replace since they are often suspended from the ceiling.

Before attempting to fit a new pull light, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the risks. As the light is directly above you, you’ll need to be comfortable using a tall ladder. More notably, you’ll need to be comfortable with circuits.

Why do it yourself when you could get an expert electrician in London to do it for you? Electricity can be dangerous, especially when you don’t really know what you’re doing. The Handy Squad’s team of skilled electricians have been working with circuits for over ten years and are able to change a light in no time at all. Our team operate across London, so if you ever need an electrician in Chelsea, Mortlake electrician or an electrician Soho, you know who to call.

While we highly recommend hiring a professional electrician to help with any electrical work, here is our guide on how to change a bathroom light pull cord.

Turn off your mains electricity

Before you go anywhere near your light switch, start by turning off your electricity. If you can’t locate the specific circuit breaker, turn off all the electricity in your house. While you may have to be in the dark for a short while, it’s a lot better than accidentally electrocuting yourself. It is also recommended to test that the circuit isn’t live before you start working on it.

Remove the cover

Look at the cover and determine what model of switch you have. If there are screws, unscrew them to remove the cap. If it’s a twist cover, firmly grip onto the cover and twist anticlockwise to release it.

Top tip: take a photo of the wires for later reference.

Unscrew the wires and base unit

Using a flathead screwdriver, undo the screws holding the wires in place and remove the wires. Make sure you don’t loosen the screws too much or they may fall out. Now, use a screwdriver to unscrew the base unit.

Need a helping hand? Speak with our friendly team today at 0800-0-12-12-12 and we’ll send a handyman straight to your door. Alternatively, you can fill out our booking form.

Install your new switch

Undo the screws on your new switch and feed the wires through the base. Then, screw the base to the ceiling. Using the reference photo from earlier, reconnect the wires and tighten the screws that hold them back in place. If there is an earth wire, make sure you place a sleeve on it, then connect it to the base plate.

Are you renovating your bathroom? The Handy Squad can help! Our team of experts are able to hang bathroom mirrors, box in bathroom pipes and regrout bathroom tiles in no time, while you sit back and relax knowing that your bathroom is in good hands. Get in touch with our team today on 0800-0-12-12-12 or fill out our booking form to find out more.

Disclaimer

At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed

The post How to change bathroom pull cord appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Have you been meaning to fix a broken shelf for over a month now, but you’re struggling to find the time? Maybe, you’ve been wanting to build a partition wall, but you’re unsure if you have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the job correctly. Don’t risk messing it up and causing more damage than you started with -call in the professionals.

At the Handy Squad, our team of highly skilled carpenters can help you complete any task, no matter how big or small. Here are some more reasons as to why you should hire a professional carpenter to help you complete your job.

You pay for years of training and experience

When you hire a professional carpenter, you’re not just getting a few hours of their time. You’re also getting experience and skills that they have accumulated over the years. That’s why you can always tell the difference between a professionally completed job and a job that was DIY’ed. Professional carpenters will precisely plan out each step of a job, maximizing efficiency and ensuring that nothing is forgotten.

Looking for expert carpenters in London to help you with your project? Need a handyman to fix your sash windows? That’s no problem for the Handy Squad. To find out more about our services, give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

Pay trade prices for materials

Carpenters are constantly buying materials for jobs, so they will often get their products discounted or at a cheaper rate than regular consumers. They are also familiar with all different types of products, so they know which are the highest quality and best for your job. They can also give recommendations on different types of glosses and varnishes and how to upkeep your furniture.

Save time and effort

Some carpentry jobs can be physically exhausting, as well as time-consuming. This can be quite the challenge – especially when you’re trying to juggle your project with work and family time. While many of us think we can get the job done efficiently and without hassle, it’s very unlikely that everything will go according to plan. You may end up stressed, burnt out and with an unfinished job.

Avoid injury

Carpenters often work with dangerous tools, which can require hours of special training, risk assessments and a steady hand. If you do manage to get a hold of these tools, it is unlikely that you will have received any training on how to use them safely and you run the risk of hurting yourself. Carpenters also have professional-grade safety equipment, to prevent and minimise harm to themselves and those around them.

Our carpenters are professional, police and fully CRB checked, so you know that you’re in good hands. Ready to find carpenters in my area? The Handy Squad’s team operate across the capital, so if you need a carpenter Fulham or carpenter North Kensington, our team is happy to help.

We also have teams who can help you with plumbing, electrics, decorating and general tasks around your home. Book your plumber, electrician, Ealing carpenter or handyman today by calling our team on 0800-0-12-12-12 or filling out our online form.

The post Why hire a carpenter? appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Refinishing your wood cabinets gives them a modern and fresh new look. No matter how you choose to change the look, refinishing is a multi-benefit choice.

BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor in Surrey is an experienced wood cabinet refinishing company. They share the process, benefits and ideas of cabinet refinishing:

What is refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing keeps the components of your cabinet–boxes, drawer front, door style–and focuses on changing the look. First, the cabinet is stripped of its current finish, typically with sanding, then a new paint or stain is reapplied. Refacing is a different option that involves removing the doors and drawers and applying new ones entirely. If your cabinets are still in good condition but looking a bit worn, then refinishing is the best option. Refacing is there if your cabinet doors are damaged or worn beyond repair and need a new look.

What are the benefits?

Cabinet refinishing is a much more cost-effective option for cabinet renovations and refreshing your kitchen. Cabinet refinishing will cost a mere fraction of the cost of a full cabinet replacement. Plus, it’s better for the environment because you’re not demolishing and throwing away your old cabinets.

You can choose a bright, colourful kitchen or something dark, sleek and modern by painting the cabinets. Staining, the other option, highlights the natural look and features of the wood cabinets. You can choose a brighter or dark stain for a bold look. The overall process is swift and less evasive, so you can quickly get back to using the kitchen and enjoy the look of your new cabinets. 

Wood cabinet trends

Painted cabinets are a popular trend in cabinet looks and styles, especially in a kitchen. The classic all-white kitchen is a popular look for a modern kitchen or a sleek, clean look. It pairs well with complementary tones like grays or blues in the countertops or along the walls. Other popular paint trends are bold and colourful, either with pastels or dark tones. Black cabinets, for example, are striking, especially when paired with a sleek gold or silver-toned hardware.

Staining cabinets and sticking with the natural wood look is equally popular, especially among richer wood cabinets. The stain will bring out the natural wood grains and tones that offer a classic and timeless style. BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor can help you choose a stain that best matches your kitchen’s design and your personal taste. 

Cabinet Refinishing in Surrey

BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor specializes in returning wood cabinets to their original state and style. Instead of tearing out the cabinets, they offer a cost-effective alternate with refinishing. They provide flawless work and will guide you through any design or style options from start to finish. They also provide free estimates and courtesy demos of a cabinet door to give you some visuals.

Contact BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractors today!

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

Painting is typically seen as a spring or summer task when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. While spring is a great time, painting your interior during the winter can help freshen things up, reduce those winter blues, and boost resale value too.

Skeleton Crew Painting in Edmonton is a professional full-service painting company. They share some of the benefits of painting your home’s interior during the winter:

More time to enjoy

As the weather turns colder, you’ll likely spend more time indoors. Using that time to touch up your wall paint or choose a whole new colour means more time to enjoy the look. If you’re planning to host guests for the holidays, that touch-up will make your home look stylish and welcoming. It’s also the perfect gift for everyone indoors, especially for a complete makeover. Winter can feel long, and winter blues aren’t uncommon when you’re cooped up indoors. Repainting your interior with a brighter, fresh new colour can help boost overall moods.

Flexible and low cost

Painting your home’s interior is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to completely change the look and feel of your home. Slower seasons like the winter make it easier to find and hire a painter at a time that suits your schedule. Painters over the winter will be less busy, which means they can also complete the work faster. Save yourself the time and hassle of a DIY paint job and hire Skeleton Crew Painting for your paint job this winter.

Boost your resale

If you’re planning to sell your home, get a head start on any renovations or improvements in winter. Many homes sell quickly during the spring when moving is easier, and the weather is warm. So, by preparing your home over the winter you can quickly put it on the market. Putting out an early notice while wrapping up renovations in the spring will also help encourage early buyer interest. If you are painting for buyers, focus on neutral colours, so there’s no personal touch in the look. That way, buyers can easily visualize themselves in the space.

Faster drying

The paint will dry much faster due to the colder temperatures and less humidity indoors. With VOC-free paint, there’s also no risk of toxic paint fumes filling your home. Still, opening windows or setting up fans will help the paint dry a little faster. Skeleton Crew Painting will work quickly and take care of the cleanup afterwards.

Painters in Edmonton

Skeleton Crew Painting brings over 20 years of painting experience on any project. They offer free estimates on both residential and commercial projects. Their team can offer advice on colours, paint types, and ensure a professional and flawless finish. If you’re ready to spruce things up this winter, give them a call.

Contact Skeleton Crew Painting today!

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

Just because your windows are in the basement doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some style. With the right basement window coverings, you can add style and function to the space. Whether your basement is a walk-out or in the ground, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to make sure the look is the right one. 

Budget Blinds of Winnipeg in Winnipeg are a professional window coverings company. They share some tips and considerations when choosing window coverings for your basement:

Fabric for privacy

With a basement, preserving light is important, so you don’t create a complete blackout. That’s where sheer shades are the best solution for privacy and style. The material helps reduce glare and provides light-filtering transparency. That way, you get full privacy but with enough light still getting in to keep the basement bright. It’s ideal for a basement bedroom, living room, office or playroom. 

Add size with shutters

If you have small basement windows that aren’t quite aesthetically pleasing, there’s an easy solution. By installing larger shutters around the window, it creates the illusion of both height and size. Shutters also come in a range of materials like wood, café, custom-shaped shutters and more. The style of shutters still lets light naturally flood in, so there’s no compromise there either. The result is both stylish, eye-catching, and ideal for small windows. 

Dress it up with drapes

For larger windows, it’s always a great design option to dress it up with drapery. Ceiling to floor drapes adds style, luxury, and height to the window. Different patterns or colours can be used to customize the look or make it a feature. Layering the look, like adding shades or shutters, adds interesting depth and visuals. Layered window coverings can also help improve thermal performance and your home’s energy efficiency. It also adds more lighting control if the look is in a bedroom or even a home theatre. 

Simple accents

If you want to keep the focus on the window alone, then accents are the perfect solution. Window films help protect against harmful UV rays, but the look can be customized with designs. The look can add style, improve privacy or just help accent the window. Decorative grilles are another way to add elegance to the window and can be used inside or out. Grilles come in a wide range of colours, styles, and shapes to really accent your window uniquely.

Window Coverings in Winnipeg

At Budget Blinds of Winnipeg, they pride themselves on transforming your home with style and function. Their professionals can help with any design questions or style help for the right look. Their products range from blinds, shades, shutters, accents, grilles, motorized blinds, and more. When it comes to the perfect blinds, their company is the one to call. 

Contact Budget Blinds of Winnipeg today!

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

Finding ways to turn unused space in your home into something functional is an excellent investment. It helps maximize your home’s full potential and adds undeniable value. The attic is one such potential space that can be renovated for added value and purpose. 

Alteck Group in Ottawa is a reputable general contractor that offers interior and exterior renovations. They share some of the benefits and design ideas for an attic conversion.

Valuable space

The main benefit of converting your attic is the conversion of dead space into something useable. For example, instead of an empty space or underutilized storage area, it can be a guest or kid’s room. Another valuable option is to use the new attic space as your home office. With the possibility of natural lighting, plenty of space and the benefits of a quiet environment, it’s the perfect workspace.

Natural lighting

When you convert your attic, it opens the opportunity to add new windows or spacious skylights. Natural light has many health benefits, like improving both mental and physical health. It also helps reduce eye strain caused by artificial lighting and reduces your electricity use. Alteck Group can also install a stylish staircase to connect the two spaces. That way, you can enjoy the lighting in all parts of your home. If you plan to install windows, work with the professional at Alteck Group to make sure you get the right style and airtight installation.

Less cost and time

Investing in a home extension is valuable, but it’s also quite expensive. With a loft conversion, the space is already there and just waiting to be used. The process itself is much less costly and more time-saving. Unlike adding to the footprint of your home with an addition, attic conversions are quicker and less intrusive. The labour costs will also be lower thanks to the existing structure that is already in place. 

Energy-efficient boost

Without the proper attic insulation and ventilation, any heat that goes into the attic will escape. That alone accounts for a significant loss of efficiency and higher monthly bills. Taking steps to install proper attic ventilation and insulation will help prevent that loss, as will a conversion. Once your attic is converted, extra insulation or reinforcements will be added to the space. That way, you can enjoy an even more energy-efficient home and a warm new attic space to enjoy. 

General Contractors in Ottawa

Whatever vision or idea you have for a project, Alteck Group can help turn it into a reality. Their quality products, superior workmanship, and honest customer service will help you meet your goals for your home. From kitchen, bathroom or basement renovations to attic conversions, they can help with your home renovation inside and out!

Contact Alteck Group today!

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

Kids can be kids. They have passionate likes and dislikes, they can be rambunctious or calm, and we love them so much while we might find ourselves about to pull our hair out. No matter, there is a unique challenge to designing and picking out what you should include in a kid-friendly space. The look, use, and comfort of it all is our highest concern. Let’s see how you can create a room for kids with these options.

Storage and Furniture

Kids have lots of things! They grow and go through clothes at bizarre rates, they have toys they love, you might have some keepsakes of their younger years, and more. This is why it is important to have storage options in a kids’ room. We like low storage cabinets or low custom shelves where kids can keep their toys or books, allowing for an interactive ability to put them away, take them out, and more. All furniture in the room such as tall bookcases should be secured and anchored to the wall in case a child attempts to climb.

Colors!

The best part is choosing the colors in a kid’s room. A room for kids can be elaborate in the color scheme or can have a pop of color for some whimsy. Unlike other places in your home, this is really a space where all the creativity can come out.

Materials

Soft materials, cushioned furniture, and more are important to avoid accidents in a room for kids. Avoid anything with sharp corners or hard materials like stone, hardwood, and more.

You will want a kid’s room to have multi-use possibilities. You may be working with a budget or limited space. This is why a desk should double as a play table, or your storage cabinets can be low with a surface to use on top in place of a desk. There are so many creative options, you can design these rooms in so many ways. Explore and see what possibilities lie ahead for you and your family.

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 Room for Kids: Creating Kid-Friendly Spaces appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

There are so many different flooring options available that it can be hard to choose the best one. You want to consider things like durability, water resistance, maintenance, comfort, and cost.

Lidia Contract Flooring in Edmonton shares some fast details for you on five popular types of flooring:

Laminate flooring

A great all-around choice for a family would be laminate flooring. It’s a durable, hardy option that resists scratches – good for pet owners! There is a range of options when it comes to style and design. If you want the look of hardwood, but you’re worried about kids or pets damaging it, consider laminate. Some laminate flooring products are of higher quality than others, and this is important to consider if you’re trying to mimic hardwood. Keep in mind, laminate is not a great choice for the bathroom as it’s not as water-resistant as other options.

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is a classic, timeless choice. It’s a hardy, durable flooring option that can be refinished over and over to suit personal styles. It’s a popular choice in homes for a reason, like increasing home value or matching aesthetics. Hardwood flooring does require maintenance from time to time. It can be damaged in rooms with a lot of moisture or from spills. It can also be scratched by pets and furniture. However, with the right maintenance and care, your hardwood can look great for years to come.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl is a popular choice, thanks to its hardiness and durability. It’s also a great option for those who are budget conscious. Vinyl flooring has come leaps and bounds over the last few years. Luxury vinyl tile and plank can mimic the look of natural tile and real hardwood without the maintenance or price tag. It’s easy to clean, stands up to water, and is a great choice for busy households or high-traffic areas.

Ceramic tile flooring

Ceramic tile is water-resistant, durable, and looks great too. It comes with several colour and style options, so it fits most design preferences. This type of flooring is usually found in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its durability with high traffic areas. Some might find it hard underfoot, but you can make things cozier by complementing your tile floors with underfloor heating.

Carpet

Carpet flooring remains a popular choice for bedrooms and family rooms. It’s soft and cozy and can reduce noise and thermal transfer between floors of your house. Investing in a high-quality carpet and underlay and proper maintenance will ensure it lasts for years to come. If you want to feel cozy under your feet, but prefer hard floors, consider a quality area rug in your living room or bedroom.

Flooring Companies in Edmonton

Lidia Contract Flooring has a 5000 square foot showroom to help you decide which flooring option is best for you. They’re available to help ease the decision process when picking between luxury vinyl plank, tile, hardwood, laminate, carpet, rugs, or engineered hardwood. If you’re thinking about a home renovation, choose Lidia Contract Flooring to be part of your team.

Pick out your new flooring with Lidia Contract Flooring today.

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