Month: January 2023

A kitchen renovation can be a daunting project. There are so many things to consider and so many possibilities. So how do you know where to start? What changes will have the most significant impact? Here are our top 4 tips for things to change to improve the look and function of your kitchen.

Integrity Construction Solutions in Sherwood Park provide professional kitchen renovations.

1. Cabinets

New kitchen cabinets can completely change the look and feel of the room. Updating the cabinets allows you to modernize your dated kitchen and add new life to the uninspiring space. Today, many different styles of cabinets are available, so it’s easy to find one that suits your preferences. Custom cabinets are the best way to get the look and dimensions you need.

Choosing your new cabinets early in the renovation process is essential. Whatever style you choose will affect all of your other design choices.

2. Backsplashes

Like most kitchen elements, backsplashes must be aesthetic and functional. In addition, kitchens are inherently wet environments, so it’s crucial to choose a water-resistant or waterproof material that’s easy to clean. Remember, you are going to be wiping this area down a lot!

You can choose a single-surface backsplash, like a piece of stone or porcelain, or opt for tiles. However, remember that the grout used with tiles can be a pain to clean. Learn more about kitchen backsplash materials here.

3. Appliances

A kitchen renovation is a perfect time to upgrade your appliances. Newer appliances are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. They also offer modern features, better performance, and a more aesthetic look.

Remember to choose your appliances first if you’re also updating your cabinetry. You should already know the dimensions of your new appliances before the cabinets are installed. Otherwise, you may have to redo the cabinets if there isn’t enough room for the appliances. 

4. Kitchen island

Why not add a kitchen island? An island is a great way to expand your kitchen’s usable space. For example, you can add countertop space, an additional sink, more storage, or another eating area. Furthermore, you can even use a kitchen island to hide another appliance.

Kitchen islands can be as big or as small as you want. However, it depends on the size of your kitchen and your own unique needs.

Kitchen Renovations in Sherwood Park

Integrity Construction Solutions offer interior and exterior residential renovation services to homeowners in Sherwood Park. For example, they remodel kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and decks and create beautiful custom cabinetry. No matter the size or scope of your renovation project, you can rely on Integrity Construction Solutions for excellent customer service and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Contact Integrity Construction Solutions today!

Click To Find >>>> Kitchen Renovations in Sherwood Park.

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

Our electricity needs have changed over the years. Consequently, many homes now need to use more electricity than what their electrical systems were built for. If you live in an older home, there are many reasons why you may need to upgrade your electrical panel. In addition, there are other reasons why upgrading will benefit you and your home.

Hauer Power Electrical Inc. in Edmonton shares more about when it might be time for an electrical panel upgrade.

Issues with power capacity

If you experience circuit tripping from time to time, or even frequently, this is a good sign you need to upgrade your electrical panel. In today’s world, we ask a lot about our electrical systems. Modern electronics, appliances, and other new devices can overload your system and lead to circuit tripping. In addition, it can also lead to other more hazardous electrical issues.

In an older home, your panel could use 60 amp electrical service, which is not enough for today’s usage needs. Upgrade to 100 amp or 200 amp to make sure your home can handle your power capacity. If you have a 100 amp service but are planning upgrades that require more power, speak to Hauer Power about an upgrade. For example, installing a hot tub or electric vehicle charger could require additional capacity.

Insurance companies requirements

On top of power capacity, insurance companies have their own requirements for electrical systems. If your home is older and uses 60 amp service, your insurance company may not provide coverage. Insurance companies now ask for 100 amp-rated services and equipment to insure your home. To bring in 100 amps, an electrician must change the electrical panel, service mast, wires and meter base.

Safety concerns

Did you know that faulty electrical equipment is a leading cause of house fires? Electrical equipment will break down over time. As a result, circuit tripping happens. Furthermore, breaking down and old electrical systems do not trip can lead to increased heat, buzzing from your electrical panel, and flickering lights. This could lead to a house fire or other hazardous event.

You can prevent these dangers when you upgrade your electrical panels and other electrical equipment. Today, AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupters) are used for electrical safety. AFCI limit circuit ampacity. They will also protect against electrical arcing in walls or electrical boxes.

Electricians in Edmonton

Hauer Power Inc. uses a team of trustworthy electricians to deliver electrical services to customers in Edmonton. They are also a company with a strong belief in outstanding customer service. As a result, they make it their mission to provide fair pricing without using extra charges or hidden fees. They also commit to exceeding client expectations.

Safety is a top priority with Hauer Power Inc., and so is quality work. Their residential electrical services include after-hours emergency services, new construction, 100 amp and 200 amp service upgrades and more. On top of the plethora of residential services they provide, they also service commercial facilities.

Contact Hauer Power Inc. today to upgrade your electrical panel and discuss your electrical needs.

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

Home automation isn’t only reserved for the rich and tech-savvy. Its technology is becoming more popular and more affordable amongst homeowners everywhere. It’s no surprise, either. There continue to be technological advancements in the smart home industry. As a result, homeowners are finding this tech easier to use and life-changing.

In this article, Enerpro Electrical Services in Calgary shares ways to upgrade your home to include automation in 2023.

Security cameras and monitoring

With smart home security, you can view cameras installed around your home from your smartphone or other devices. You can even install a doorbell camera, so you’ll always know who’s coming to call, whether you’re home or not. A smart video doorbell will also allow you to hear and speak back to any visitors. This way, you can communicate about where to leave packages and see where they may be left at your front door.

Advanced HVAC control

Imagine being able to control your home’s temperature from anywhere. With home automation, you can adjust your indoor heating and cooling system using your devices. As a result, you’ll be able to come home to the exact right temperature. Don’t want your teenagers playing around with the thermostat when you’re not home. No problem! You can take care of it all from your device.

Lighting controls and programming 

Automated lighting solutions have many benefits. For example, turning lights on and off from anywhere in the house will save time and energy. When you leave the house but forget to turn off the lights, home automation can take care of this for you. On top of this, with light programming, you can set the mood and dim the lights before you even get home. A nice quiet evening to yourself or a romantic night shared with your partner can begin the minute you walk in the door.

Window Shades Control

The ability to open and close your window shades with the touch of a button is an excellent upgrade. Making use of daylight for as long as possible also helps you capitalize on energy efficiency. In addition, shades programmed to open and close set the scene for various times of the day. Shading systems can provide precise daylight control using no more than your fingertips.

Electricians in Calgary

Enerpro Electrical Services uses a team of skilled professionals to offer a full range of electrical services to both residential and commercial sectors. Some of their services include electrical inspections, repair and replacement, EV charging and Glowstone lighting.

In addition, they also offer home automation services. Enerpro Electrical Services partners with Lutron to provide smart home technology to its clients. Enerpro Electrical Services’ Lutron Pro professionals can install standard-level and advanced-level home automation for homeowners. Use the home automation systems they offer to do all listed in this article and more.

Reach out to Enerpro Electrical Services today to discuss your electrical needs!

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

Having a child in the home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to make sure your home is safe and secure for your little one. Childproofing your home is essential to keeping your child safe from potential hazards. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to effectively child proof your home so that you can rest easy knowing that your little one is safe and sound.

Identifying Potential Hazards

Identifying potential hazards in your home is the first step to effectively childproofing it. It’s important to take a thorough look around your home and identify any areas that could pose a risk to your child.

Common hazards include:

• Sharp edges
• Small objects
• Electrical outlets
• Stairs
• Windows

Securing Furniture and Appliances

Securing furniture and appliances is an important part of childproofing your home. Furniture can be a major hazard for children, as they can easily pull it over or climb on it. To prevent this, make sure to secure any furniture that could potentially be pulled over or climbed on. This includes bookshelves, dressers, and other tall pieces of furniture.

Installing Safety Gates and Locks

Installing safety gates and locks is an important part of childproofing your home. Safety gates can be used to block off areas that are off-limits to children, such as stairways or rooms with dangerous items. Additionally, locks can be installed on cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous materials or sharp objects. This will help ensure that your child cannot access these items without your supervision.

Covering Electrical Outlets

Covering electrical outlets is an essential part of childproofing your home. Electrical outlets can be a major hazard for children, as they can easily stick their fingers or other objects into them. To prevent this, make sure to cover all exposed electrical outlets with safety covers. These covers are designed to fit snugly over the outlet and prevent children from accessing it.

Storing Dangerous Items Out of Reach

Storing dangerous items out of reach is an important part of childproofing your home. It’s essential to keep any hazardous materials, such as cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects, out of the reach of children. This can be done by storing these items in locked cabinets or drawers that are too high for children to access.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post The Essential Guide to Childproofing Your Home appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

A faulty and poorly maintained electrical system puts you and your family in danger. It’s also more expensive, less efficient, and can shorten the lifespan of your appliances. Fortunately, you can avoid all these issues (and more) by scheduling regular electrical inspections with your electrician.

Warren Electric in Edmonton is a professional electrician. They explain the importance of regular electrical inspections.

1. You save money

Investing in regular home electrical inspections actually saves you money. During an inspection, your electrician checks to see how efficient your current system is. If your home’s electrical system runs inefficiently, that shows up on your monthly energy bills. Your electrician can recommend the best ways to increase efficiency, like upgrading the wiring, to reduce expenses and environmental impact.

2. You catch problems early

Without regular inspections, there is little hope of catching developing problems early. Minor issues quickly become serious problems that can cause severe damage and cost a lot of money. It’s best for your wallet and your safety to identify these issues as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may have a huge repair bill or a devastating house fire.

3. You keep your family safe

Professional electrical inspections keep you and your family safe. After all, faulty wiring can be a severe problem, leading to electrical fires and electric shocks. Damaged wires can throw sparks, which can cause property damage, personal injury, or complete destruction. Additionally, these wires can also damage electronics and cause electrocution. 

4. You avoid malfunctions

Frayed wires can significantly damage electronics and appliances. This shortens the lifespan of these items, meaning you’ll have to replace them far sooner than you probably expected. Professional electrical inspections are vital for protecting your appliances and electronics. Learn how long your appliances should last.

5. You won’t be caught off guard by upgrades

All systems require some maintenance to stay functional and efficient. Even still, there comes a time when an upgrade is necessary. A professional electrical inspection can reveal which appliances, wires, or systems need to be updated next. For example, they might recommend a service upgrade down the road, allowing you to prepare for it. Also, instead of being surprised by a breakdown, you can financially and mentally prepare for an upgrade.

6. You get accurate advice

Professional electricians know how to best maintain your home’s electrical system. Moreover, their advice can be invaluable to the electrical system’s longevity and safety. The best electricians, like those at Warren Electric, are happy to answer any questions and share their knowledge with their clients.

Electricians in Edmonton

Warren Electric provides residential and commercial electrical installation and repair services to clients in Edmonton. Furthermore, they treat all customers with honesty, respect, and integrity. Your home’s electrical system will function safely and efficiently with their knowledge and industry expertise.

Contact Warren Electric today!

Click To Find >>>> Electricians in Edmonton.

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

Most often, when homeowners feel they’ve outgrown their home, their first thought is to put it up for sale and begin the search for a new one. This isn’t the only option, though. In many cases, a home addition can provide you with the necessary improvements you’re looking for with no moving required.

Here, Dash Builders in Winnipeg shares some of the benefits of building a home addition. Read on to discover just a few of the advantages of adding on to your current home.

Forget relocation

Whether your family is growing, your in-laws are moving in, or you’re dreaming of a home upgrade, selling, buying and then moving to a new home can be taxing. In fact, for many people, moving to a new home can be extremely stressful. Packing up a life’s worth of things, moving your kids to a new school, and saying goodbye to neighbours can be hard. Even if your new home has all the upgrades you’ve been looking for, there is always going to be an adjustment process which can prove difficult. When you decide on a home addition, the downsides of relocation need not apply.

Accommodate your growing family

There are many ways in which the number of family members living under one roof can change. Perhaps your family is growing because you plan to have more children. On the other hand, your parents or in-laws could be moving in. Sometimes you need to accommodate your college-aged children who need their own space while going to school. Many families are also just looking for more gathering space where everyone in the family can enjoy each other’s company in a more spacious family room. No matter what the reason is, building a home addition provides solutions for all these options.

The dream space you’ve always wanted

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but many kitchens, especially in older homes, are not built to today’s standards. They can be too small. Many are also built to be a separate room in the house and don’t offer the benefits of an open-concept kitchen. If your home layout can’t give you the modern, open kitchen you’re dreaming of, a kitchen addition will.

Similarly, maybe your tiny master bedroom just doesn’t cut it anymore. Building a new addition for a master with an ensuite and/or walk-in closet space can give you the master bedroom you’ve envisioned.

There are certainly other options for fantastic home additions. For example, a new sunroom, a guest suite, a home office, or a mudroom. Bring your ideas to Dash Builders in Winnipeg. They can show you how your home addition dreams can become a reality.

Major Renovations in Winnipeg

Dash Builders are complete-home renovation specialists. This means they have the knowledge, expertise and skill to renovate any home space or build a completely new one. They are a family-owned and operated company that believes in long-lasting quality craftsmanship. Their contractors will guide you through the initial design concepts all the way to the completion of your project. From bathroom and kitchen renovations to basement development, home additions and whole-home construction, they’ve got you covered.

Reach out to Dash Builders today to get started!

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

In the spring, it’s a good idea to call in your roofing contractor to assess what damage may have developed over the winter months. This way, repairs and maintenance can be done, and you can avoid having to do more costly repairs or a roof replacement earlier than you’d planned.

In this article, Sargeant’s Roofing Ltd. in Edmonton shares a few suggestions for roofing repairs and maintenance that will save you money in the long run.

Replacing shingles

Many believe they will only need to replace their shingles when it’s time for a complete roof replacement. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In some instances, your roof will have individual shingles that need replacing. Harsh winters, lifting from heat and fallen tree branches can impact individual shingles on your roof. One single damaged shingle brings with it the risk of water getting under. This can lead to further damage and the need for more costly repairs.

Schedule a roofing professional to come and assess the state of your roof once winter is over. From there, your contractor can repair any individually damaged or loose shingles that might expose your roof to the elements.

Roof flashing

Roof flashing is installed around your roofline to keep water from getting underneath your shingles. Sometimes you might also have flashing around your chimneys and vents to help keep moisture away as well. However, when the flashing gets old and damaged, that means water can get in. This water under the shingles leads to further trouble, like water damage and rot. Have a trusted contractor inspect your roof’s flashing to avoid needing more extensive repairs down the line.

Regular roofing maintenance protects your warranty.

You may feel your roof is in good shape, and if you’re not experiencing leaks or other problems, you may not be thinking of calling your roofer. However, when you schedule regular maintenance and take care of any needed repairs, you protect your warranty. Most roofing warranties require that you do routine maintenance checks. Without them, you could void your warranty, and any damage you incur will no longer be covered.

Roofing in Edmonton

Sargeant’s Roofing Ltd. provides a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all their roofing work. This means when you choose Sargeant’s Roofing Ltd. for your roof replacement, you’ll be covered for maintenance for years to come. Whether you have a leak or a shingle blow-off, you can rest assured knowing that Sargeant’s Roofing will take care of this under their 10-year workmanship guarantee.

On top of this, Sargeant’s Roofing Ltd. makes affordability a priority. They never mark up their roofing products and only charge for their services, so you can pay contractor pricing on products. Additionally, Sargeant’s Roofing LTD. employs a 24-hour Express Repair Team. This means you’ll never be left waiting when in need of repairs.

Contact Sargeant’s Roofing Ltd. today!

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

Having a home that is organized can make life easier and more enjoyable. It can help reduce stress, save time, and create a more pleasant living environment. But home organization can be a daunting task. With the right strategies and tools, however, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips for getting your home organized and keeping it that way.

Establish a System

Establishing a system is key to home organization. Start by deciding what kind of system you want to use. There are many different types of systems, such as color-coding, labeling, and categorizing. Choose one that works best for you and your home. Once you have chosen a system, create labels or tags for each item in your home so that it can be easily identified.

Declutter and Donate

Decluttering is an essential part of organizing your home. Start by going through each room and deciding what items you need to keep and what can be donated or thrown away. Donating unwanted items is a great way to help those in need while also freeing up space in your home. Once you have sorted through your belongings, make sure to properly dispose of any items that are no longer needed.

Create Storage Solutions

Creating storage solutions is an important part of home organization. Start by assessing the items in each room and determining what type of storage solution would work best for them. Consider using shelves, bins, baskets, and other containers to store items that are not in use. You can also use hooks or wall-mounted racks to hang items such as coats and bags.

Utilize Labels and Containers

Utilizing labels and containers is an important part of home organization. Labels can help you easily identify items, while containers can help keep items organized and out of sight. Start by labeling each container or bin with a description of what it contains. This will make it easier to find items when you need them.

Maintain an Organized Home

Maintaining an organized home is just as important as getting it organized in the first place. To keep your home organized, create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Set aside time each week to tidy up and put things away. Make sure to clean out closets, drawers, and other storage areas regularly so that they don’t become cluttered again. 

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post 5 Home Organization Tips for 2023 appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

While basements have a higher risk of flooding, this doesn’t mean they have to. With proper equipment and maintenance, you can avoid the dreaded basement flood.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. is a leader in the plumbing industry in Edmonton. Here they share more about how to prevent a flood in the basement:

Sump pumps

If you don’t have a sump pump, you will want to get one installed. Sump pumps go beneath your basement and they keep your home safe and dry by working to direct water away from the basement. However, it’s very important that you always keep your sump pump maintained. If you don’t, you could be risking a basement flood. Schedule regular sump pump cleanings and inspections to avoid this. Get a sump pump alarm, so you don’t forget! Also, if you are in an area that is prone to floods, consider having a second sump pump installed.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. are sump pump experts. Call them to schedule regular sump pump maintenance or discuss options for installation.

Hose bibs

Once the days start getting warmer and the snow starts to melt, it’s time for your hose bib spring inspection and maintenance. The extreme cold of an Alberta winter can lead to hairline fractures in your hose bibs. When these fractures go unnoticed, the result is often a flooded basement.

To test your hose bibs in the spring, shut your water off. Next, place your thumb over the spigot to cover the entire hose bib opening. Then turn the water on. There is a fracture somewhere in your pipes if you can hold the water in with your thumb.

If you can do this, turn your water off immediately. From there, ask a family member to go to the basement where the hose bib is located and test again by placing a thumb over the spigot. You’ll want to continue repeating this step for all the hose bibs in your home. If you locate a leak, call your plumber immediately.

Maintenance and backwater valve installation

Installing or maintaining your backwater valve is another important step in preventing a basement flood. You’ll also want to check for signs of clogged drains and have them cleaned. Furthermore, checking for other pipe and plumbing damage and ensuring everything is insulated properly is a must.

Inspect your home’s exterior too. You want to ensure no water is getting into your home. That means checking your gutters, checking for foundation damage as well as checking the grading and drainage around your property.

Smart leak detection

Last, but certainly not least, install a smart leak detection device like Flo by Moen. This device shuts off main-line water to the home as soon as it detects a plumbing leak from a broken pipe, leaking fixtures, a malfunctioning hot water tank and more. The device also uses an app to send phone alerts, offering another level of peace of mind and protection, especially over the cold winter months and when travelling.

Contact Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. so they can help you prevent a basement flood!

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

If you are an owner of an older home, you must know about poly-b plumbing. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you should also read up about poly-b plumbing. Even if you’ve lived in your home for years and have never heard this term before, don’t fret.

Always Plumbing and Heating are here to share all about what poly-b plumbing is and why, if you have it, you’ll need to replace it.

What is poly-b plumbing?

Also known as polybutylene, poly-b is a flexible plastic. It became a popular material for use in plumbing and pipes between the years 1978 and 1995. Its popularity was the result of its flexibility and low cost. However, as the years have gone on, the plumbing industry has come out with far superior materials. Poly-b is no longer used and no longer complies with the current building code. Home inspectors and plumbers now recommend that poly-b be replaced. Read on to discover why you should replace your old and recalled poly-b.

The downside of poly-b

It may have worked as a low-cost option in days gone by, but poly-b pipes will leak and burst over time. This leads to far more costly issues, like water damage, down the road. Poly-b is also a weak material that is permeable to oxygen. So, sooner or later, your oxidized water will significantly cut into the lifespan of your pipes. Sunlight can also break down poly-b prematurely and lead to bigger plumbing problems — and there are still many more dangers of poly-b piping.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. has extensive experience replacing poly-b plumbing and piping. They can help you find safer, more efficient, and affordable options.

Replace your poly-b ASAP

There are many reasons why you should replace your poly-b. First, you want peace of mind that your pipes aren’t going to suddenly burst. Second, many insurance companies are declining home insurance for homeowners with poly-b plumbing. Furthermore, home buyers will often say no to a home with poly-b plumbing or at least factor the replacement cost into their offer.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. wants you to live without the stress of knowing your home plumbing system isn’t at risk for a major leak. Reach out to discuss your options!

The replacement process

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd uses a three-step replacement process to rid your home of poly-b and upgrade your plumbing system. The first step is preparation. With this step, their company will do a home assessment to determine how much poly-b you have in your home. They’ll also figure out how best to access all the poly-b.

Next, pipe replacement will begin. Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. will make entry holes in the drywall and ceiling to complete all the work and replace the poly-b lines with copper. Finally, the repair and remediation process can begin. They can help clean up dust and debris and repair access holes in this step. This last step is not included in the poly-b replacement quote but is something the company can add for homeowners needing it. Learn more about the procedure of poly-b pipe replacement.

Contact Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. today to request a quote for poly-b replacement in your home.

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