Month: July 2025

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

Avoid surprises. Hire smart. Build with confidence.

Hiring a contractor isn’t just about price—it’s about trust, professionalism, and accountability. Asking the right questions up front helps protect your home and investment while avoiding costly mistakes or delays.

Here’s what every homeowner should ask before signing a contract:

✅ 1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Covered by WCB?

Why this matters:
A business license shows they’re legally operating. Insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage. WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) coverage ensures you’re not liable if someone gets injured on your property.

Ask for:

Red flag: If they hesitate to provide this—it’s time to walk away.

Tip:  Did you know you can search for a contractor on RenovationFind.com to see if they have any of the documents above?

✅ 2. Can I See Recent Reviews or Talk to a Past Client?

Why this matters:
Reputation is everything in home renovations. Past clients can tell you what it’s really like working with the contractor—before, during, and after the project.

Ask for:

• Links to Google or FaceBook reviews

• A few references you can call or email

• Photos of recently completed work

What to look for: Consistent quality, good communication, and resolved issues.

✅ 3. What’s Included in the Quote (and What’s Not)?

Why this matters:
Not all quotes are created equal. A vague quote might leave out materials, clean-up, permits, or contingencies—resulting in surprise costs later on.

Ask for:

• A detailed, itemized quote

• Clarity on materials, labour, subcontractors, and taxes

• What’s excluded or “TBD”

Pro tip: Compare apples to apples when reviewing multiple quotes.

✅ 4. What Is the Estimated Timeline and Payment Schedule?

Why this matters:
You need a clear understanding of when work will begin, how long it will take, and how payments will be structured—especially if there are milestones.

Ask for:

• Start and estimated end date

• Breakdown of payment terms (deposit, progress, final)

• How they handle delays or weather disruptions

Avoid: Contractors who demand full payment up front.

Tip:  In Alberta, a contractor is required to have a Prepaid Contractos License if they take deposit at a location other than their regstered place of business?  Learn more.

✅ 5. Will We Have a Written Contract?

Why this matters:
A written agreement protects both sides and sets expectations. It should include the scope of work, cost breakdown, timeline, payment schedule, and terms for changes or cancellation.

Ask to see:

• A sample contract or draft proposal

• Specific clauses for warranty, cleanup, or dispute resolution

Don’t proceed without:

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

Keep your home in top shape while the weather’s on your side.

Summer is the perfect time to take care of the home maintenance tasks that prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re planning a renovation or just want to protect your investment, this checklist will help you stay ahead of the curve—and know when to bring in a trusted pro.

☀️ Exterior Maintenance

✅ Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts

Summer storms can dump a lot of rain. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, leaks, and even foundation issues.

Pro Tip: Hire a handyman or roofing contractor if you’re not comfortable on a ladder >> start here.

✅ Power Wash Siding, Decks, Walkways & Driveway

Dirt, mildew, and grime build up fast. Power washing keeps your home’s exterior looking fresh and prevents slippery surfaces.

Consider resealing decks or driveways after cleaning for long-lasting protection.

✅ Inspect Your Roof & Chimney

Look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or signs of wear. Address small issues before they become big (and expensive).

Need help? Book a roof inspection from a RenovationFind Certified roofer.

✅ Check Windows & Doors for Air Leaks

Cracks and worn-out seals mean higher energy bills and more humidity inside.

Replace weatherstripping or caulking where needed.

✅ Touch-Up Paint or Siding Damage

Paint protects your home from the elements. Touch up peeling or faded areas before the damage spreads.

For large sections, consider hiring a pro painter or siding contractor.

🌿 Yard & Landscaping

✅ Trim Trees & Shrubs

Keep branches away from your roof, siding, and windows. This prevents storm damage and deters pests.

Consider hiring a certified arborist for large trees or trimming near power lines.

✅ Clean & Repair Fence and Deck

Check for rot, loose boards, or rusted fasteners. Power wash and reseal if needed to protect from UV and moisture damage.

✅ Service Your Sprinkler System

Look for broken heads, leaks, or overspray. Proper irrigation keeps your landscaping healthy and saves water.

🧰 General Summer Upkeep

✅ Check & Replace HVAC Filters

Your air conditioner is working overtime—clean filters mean better air and lower energy costs.

If it hasn’t been serviced this year, now’s the time to book a professional tune-up.

✅ Test Smoke & CO Detectors

A quick battery test ensures your family’s safety year-round.

Replace any unit over 10 years old.

✅ Inspect Foundation & Basement

Look for cracks or signs of moisture. Summer is the best time to seal foundation cracks before fall rains or freezing temps.

🔨 Need Help With Any of This?

Get it done faster (and safer) with help from RenovationFind Certified contractors.

✅ Pre-screened & insured
✅ Background-checked
✅ Trusted by Canadian homeowners

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

As the busy back-to-school season approaches, one space in your home often gets overlooked but plays a crucial role in keeping your family organized—the mudroom. Whether you already have a mudroom or are thinking about creating one, optimizing this area can transform daily routines and reduce clutter. This blog post builds on last year’s “Back to School with Handyman Connection” theme but focuses specifically on mudroom organization and creation, offering practical storage solutions to help your household run smoothly.

Why a Well-Organized Mudroom Matters

Mudrooms are the gateway between the outdoors and your living space, designed to catch coats, backpacks, shoes, sports gear, and everything in between. Without proper organization, this high-traffic area can quickly become a chaotic drop zone. When kids are juggling school supplies, activities, and homework, a cluttered mudroom adds stress and wasted time. By investing in smart storage solutions, you create a dedicated space that simplifies transitions between home and school, keeping your entryway tidy and your family’s belongings easy to find.

Key Storage Solutions for Mudroom Success

Built-In Cubbies and Lockers

One of the most effective ways to organize a mudroom is with built-in cubbies or lockers. These individual compartments provide each family member with their own space for backpacks, shoes, jackets, and sports equipment. Adding labels or personalized hooks can further help everyone keep track of their belongings. Lockers keep items separated, which reduces mess and streamlines the morning routine.

Hooks and Wall Storage

Maximizing vertical space is essential, especially if your mudroom is compact. Sturdy hooks mounted at different heights accommodate everything from coats and hats to dog leashes and reusable grocery bags. Consider installing a pegboard or slatwall system, which offers flexible, adjustable storage options to fit your family’s changing needs. Hooks make it easy to hang items quickly, reducing clutter on benches and floors.

Bench Seating with Hidden Storage

Combining seating and storage is a smart way to enhance mudroom functionality. A bench offers a comfortable spot to put on or take off shoes, while built-in storage compartments underneath can hold bins or baskets for gloves, scarves, and other smaller items. This dual-purpose solution keeps essentials handy but out of sight, maintaining a clean, organized look.

Shoe Racks and Trays

Shoes are a major source of mudroom mess, so dedicated shoe racks or trays are vital. Open racks encourage air circulation, helping footwear dry faster and reducing odors. If space is limited, consider stackable shoe organizers or pull-out trays that fit neatly under benches. Using waterproof mats or trays underneath shoe racks also protects your floors from dirt and moisture.

Lockable Cabinets and Drawers

For items that need extra security or protection—like important paperwork, electronics, or seasonal gear—lockable cabinets and drawers provide peace of mind. These enclosed storage options keep clutter hidden and safeguard valuables, while maintaining the overall neatness of the mudroom.

Creating a Mudroom From Scratch

If you don’t have a dedicated mudroom, it’s never too late to create one. A small corner in your entryway or a section of your garage can be transformed with the right storage solutions. Start by assessing your family’s daily habits and the types of items that accumulate at your door. Then, work with a handyman or home improvement professional to design custom cabinetry, shelving, and seating tailored to your space and needs. Professional installation ensures the durability and finish of your new mudroom, turning a chaotic entryway into an organized, welcoming space. Visit our Remodeling Services page to learn more about how our team can help!

How Handyman Connection Can Help

At Handyman Connection, we specialize in creating and organizing mudrooms that fit your family’s lifestyle perfectly. Our skilled team can design custom storage solutions—from built-in cubbies and benches to wall-mounted hooks and cabinetry—tailored to your space and preferences. We handle every step of the project, including planning, material selection, and expert installation, ensuring your mudroom is both functional and beautiful. With Handyman Connection, you gain a trusted partner who delivers reliable craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, helping you reduce clutter and streamline your daily routine.

Benefits Beyond Organization

A well-planned mudroom offers more than just storage. It improves the flow of your home by separating outdoor messes from living areas, protects your floors from dirt and water damage, and creates a central command center for family communication. Some homeowners even add charging stations for devices, bulletin boards for schedules, or small lockers for pets’ supplies—making the mudroom a versatile hub for daily life. Take a look at our Storage Services page to see how organizing your home can help you and your property in the long run.

Ready to Upgrade Your Mudroom?

Handyman Connection’s expert team can help you design and install customized mudroom storage solutions perfect for your family’s lifestyle. Whether you want to reorganize your existing space or build a mudroom from the ground up, we provide professional craftsmanship and reliable service. Call us today or Request an Estimate Online to schedule a consultation and get your home ready for the school year with a mudroom that works as hard as you do.

The post Mudroom Organization and Creation: Smart Storage Solutions for Your Home appeared first on Handyman Connection.