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If you’re renovating your home, the kitchen is an excellent place to start. A professional kitchen renovation will improve aesthetics, function and lifestyle. Kitchen renovations have one of the highest returns of investment for interior renovations. Updating your kitchen will boost resale value and create a kitchen you’ll love being in.

E.S. Services Ltd. in Edmonton offers a complete suite of residential renovation services. Here are some tips and considerations for your kitchen renovation.

Layout

Consider creating an open concept kitchen layout if you’re doing a major remodel. Opening up the kitchen allows for better flow and connection between rooms. It will also provide space for that beautiful kitchen island you’ve always wanted.

Removing walls is possible, and E.S. Services can inspect your home and let you know if they can do so. Installing a structural beam along the ceiling is necessary if load-bearing walls come out. If it is not possible to remove walls in your home, E.S. Services’ design team can present other options for opening the space.

Countertops

Current kitchen trends see expansive countertops and kitchen islands, giving optimal space to work and prepare food. Great choices for kitchen countertops include granite, engineered quartz, and stainless steel. These options are attractive, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. These options also allow for under-mount sinks, a popular addition to modern kitchens.

Lighting

For kitchen lighting, you should have ambient and task lighting. Modern LED recessed light fixtures will provide energy-efficient illumination and look great too. Choose a pendant light fixture that matches your design style for over the kitchen island for task lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is also a typical and helpful addition. It provides ample task lighting while working at the counter and a cozy ambiance too. Read more about how to plan kitchen lighting.

Electrical

A thoughtful electrical plan for your kitchen will ensure you have the outlets and switches required for comfortable daily use. For example, you might want to install additional outlets to plug in small appliances along the counter. You can also install USB outlets and create a tucked-away charging station for your phones and devices.

It is worth having E.S. Services check your electrical panel and service if you have an older home. Depending on its capacity and your new appliances, you might consider upgrading your panel. If you’ve noticed that your circuit breaker trips when using multiple appliances at the same time, it means that the circuit doesn’t have enough capacity. An upgrade will ensure things run safely and that you have the electricity required to operate everything you need.

General Contractors in Edmonton

E.S. Services Ltd. has a team of reliable contractors and tradespeople that create a full-service renovation company you can trust. They offer innovative design solutions, quality workmanship, and a stress-free renovation experience. If you’re renovating your home, start planning with E.S. Services Ltd.

Contact them!

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

When it comes to choosing the right interior paint color for your home, there are numerous factors to consider. We’ll go over the basics below, but you should do your own research before making any decisions. 

What Paint Do You Use?

Paint is typically available in two finishes: flat and gloss. Flat finish paint is generally less expensive than gloss paint because it lacks the same high shine finish but depending on the type of lighting you want in your room, one may look better than the other. Glossy paints reflect light and make a room appear brighter, whereas matte paints absorb light, and warmer (and sometimes darker) tones can make a room appear smaller by contrast. Choose the type of paint you want to use based on the room you want to change. Choose lighter colors to make a small space appear larger, and darker colors to add coziness and warmth.

Picking Colors

The next step in selecting interior paint colors is to select colors that complement one another. If you want to go for a modern look, try accenting the dominant color with grays, blacks, and whites. Use complementary colors for classic themes, such as red and green, blue, and orange, or yellow and purple. Grays, browns, and whites are good choices for a neutral color scheme.

Contact Handyman Connection

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

The post <strong>How to Choose Interior Paint Colors</strong> appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

If you want to upgrade your home, sometimes the wisest course of action is improving what you already have. For example, instead of tearing out and replacing your kitchen cabinets, you can consider cabinet refinishing in Surrey instead.

BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor offers professional painting and refinishing services for various areas of your home. Here’s how they can help you rejuvenate and modernize what you already have:

Cabinet refinishing throughout the house

Don’t limit the possibility of cabinet painting to the kitchen. While kitchen cabinet refinishing in Vancouver is a cost-effective way to makeover the kitchen, it can benefit other rooms too! For example, consider refinishing the vanity cabinets in your bathroom. You can also update the cabinets in the laundry room, entertainment centre, or other areas around the house. With a fresh coat of paint, the cabinets and shelving in your home will look brand new again.

Refinishing your interior and exterior doors

Doors can take a beating and, over time, will look worn and scuffed. However, you can freshen up your home’s interior with interior door refinishing. While you’re at it, have the baseboards and trim painted too. This simple upgrade can transform the look of your interior and costs far less than a door replacement.

Painting and refinishing can have the same impact on your entry doors. Exterior doors play a significant role in your home’s curb appeal. If your old door looks worse for wear, consider refinishing it with BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor.

Railings, banister, and staircase refinishing

Your home’s stairway might be the house’s focal point, but with so much traffic, it can easily show wear and tear. Stairway refinishing can improve aesthetics and ensure your home maintains its value. However, refinishing stairways can be tricky and should always be left to professionals. Carefully preparing and painting the risers, treads, railing, and bannisters takes experience and practice skills to do correctly with flawless results. View these ways to refinish your railings for inspiration.

If you’re doing your stairs and have a fireplace mantel, it’s common to have the mantel refinished simultaneously. That way, wood finishings in the same space will be consistent. Refinishing your fireplace mantel is something BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor can help you with too.

Furniture refinishing

Do you have a beloved piece of furniture that is scratched, scuffed, or showing wear? You can rejuvenate it with furniture refinishing services. Not only will this allow you to continue to use your favourite wood furniture, but it can also modernize it or make it look new again. As a result, you’ll enjoy the furniture more and lessen your impact on the environment by replacing it with something new.

Start upgrading your home with professional refinishing services!

Contact BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor today!

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

Cabinet refinishing in Surrey is gaining popularity. It presents a cost-effect kitchen renovation option that can completely modernize the space. But is cabinet refinishing the best option for you?

BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor shares some answers to frequently asked questions.

What is cabinet refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing is when you refinish your current wood cabinets with paint or stain. First, the contractor will strip, sand and carefully prepare the surfaces of your doors, drawer fronts, and panels. Once clean, cabinet refinishing contractors apply new coats of paint or stain to give the cabinets a new look.

Can any cabinets be refinished?

Cabinet refinishing works best with wood cabinets. Thermofoil cabinets or particleboard doors aren’t good candidates for cabinet refinishing. If your cabinet boxes have heavy damage, they will need repairs before the work begins. Cabinet doors that are cracked and broken are also not good candidates for cabinet refinishing in Vancouver.

Can I have my cabinets refinished if they’re damaged?

It depends. As mentioned above, irreparably damaged cabinets won’t benefit from cabinet painting. However, BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor can rejuvenate doors with water and heat damage. Even doors with significant scratches, dings, and blemishes can be made new again. If you’re not sure, call them to inspect your cabinets. They can suggest repairs and educate you on the cabinet refinishing process.

How long does cabinet refinishing take?

Kitchen cabinet refinishing takes about two days to complete for most kitchens. It could take a little longer for large kitchens with many cabinets. However, two days is a mere fraction of time when you compare it to how long it takes for a complete kitchen remodel. Your home life will experience minimal disruption, and you’ll be back using your kitchen in no time! Plus, you can still use your stovetop, countertops, and the inside of your cabinets while the job is underway.

How long will refinished cabinets last?

Professional cabinet refinishing will last a long time. BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor offers a 5-year warranty, which is one of the best in the industry. Should anything happen within that period, they’ll come back and fix it with no questions asked.

How much does cabinet refinishing cost?

Cabinet refinishing costs about 70% less than a complete cabinet replacement. BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor can give you an accurate and detailed estimate for your specific kitchen. You can book an instant estimate online at https://bccabinetrefinishing.ca/.

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

A kitchen renovation is an excellent investment that can increase your home’s resale value. If you want to renovate the kitchen, but have a limited budget, consider cabinet refinishing in Surrey. BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor shares why cabinet refinishing is an affordable way to transform the look of your kitchen:

First, what is cabinet refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing, also called cabinet painting, is when you refinish your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Also, the visible parts of your cabinets, like the side panels, are either painted or stained to match.

How much can I save with cabinet refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing in Vancouver is more affordable than a cabinet replacement. Your kitchen cabinets will make up the most significant portion of a kitchen renovation budget. Bringing down that cost can result in substantial savings. Depending on the size of your kitchen, cabinet painting can save you thousands of dollars compared to a cabinet replacement.

Cabinet refinishing can cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of your kitchen. These are just rough estimates, but they can give you an idea. Contact BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor about your specific project for an accurate and transparent quote.

How much value will cabinet refinishing add to my home?

There isn’t available data on the exact return on investment of cabinet painting in Surrey, but we can look at kitchen renovation data to get an idea. Recent cost vs. value data shows that a minor kitchen remodel can recoup over 72% of its cost at resale. However, the example refers to a kitchen renovation costing about $26,000 where the renovators refaced the cabinets.

Cabinet refacing replaces the doors and drawer fronts entirely with new ones. It is more expensive than refinishing since you purchase new doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. With the $26K spent, they estimated a return of about $18,000. If you refinish your cabinets instead, you can expect your home to increase in value without spending as much for the renovation.

Get a quote for your project

If you’re interested in an affordable kitchen update that will drastically change the look of the space, consider cabinet refinishing. Connect with BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor to discuss the details of your project. They will provide you with a detailed quote and schedule your project. You’ll have a newly upgraded kitchen, without the high cost, in no time.

Contact BC Cabinet Refinishing Contractor!

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

A new wood fence can dramatically improve curb appeal and the look of your property overall. On the practical side, it provides privacy and security and ensures the safety of kids and pets in the yard.

Goodfella’s Enterprises in Edmonton is a full-service contracting company that offers renovation services for your home’s interior and exterior. As one of the top fence contractors in the capital region, they share how their expertise can make the difference:

Knowledge and attention to details matter

Building a wood fence can be considered a DIY project for some. However, learning to do things online can never replace years of practical experience and knowledge. Goodfellas Enterprises goes the extra mile and does what most DIYers don’t know what to do and what most fence contractors do not do. For example, they seal every cut to deter rot and damage and extend the longevity of your fence. They also install screws at the halfway point of every rail. This provides resistance to sagging and twisting over time.

If an unexpected challenge arises, a professional fence contractor will have the expertise to know how to remedy the situation and keep the project on track. In addition, they can advise on fence design, products, and other details to ensure you get the premium fence you’re paying for.

Experience will save time and sometimes money

Building a wood fence is an enormous job. First, you’ll have to demolish, remove, and dispose of the old fence in many cases. Next, you’ll need to take several trips to the building supply store for tools, supplies, and lumber and haul it back to your property. Then you’ll have to augur holes for fence posts, mix and pour concrete, and then construct the actual fence.

Fencing contractors do this every day. They have the experience, proper tools, and equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently. Hiring a contractor for your fencing project will save a significant amount of time and effort. Plus, they won’t make mistakes that might cause the homeowner to redo the work and purchase more materials. Instead, you’ll get a sturdy, beautiful fence that will last for years.

They take care of pre-construction details

Before you build anything on your property that requires digging, you must mark the utility lines. Digging into natural gas, power line, cable line, or other utilities can be extremely dangerous. Plus, you’ll be responsible for damages if they occur. Goodfella’s Enterprises starts every fence building job by having the utilities marked. They also take care of obtaining permits when required and ensuring your fence is compliant with local building code and zoning requirements.

More than just fence builders

While Goodfella’s is a top fence builder in Edmonton, they offer a wide range of residential construction services. Basically, if you need something done in your home – they can do it!

They offer kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, flooring installation, paint, trim, and more. To enhance your exterior, they do window replacements, roofing, siding, eavestrough, as well as concrete installation. Since they’re expert carpenters, you can trust Goodfella’s Enterprises to improve your outdoor living spaces with a new deck, pergola, raised planters for vegetable gardens and flower beds, and other outdoor landscaping features. In addition, they can design your outdoor additions to complement that new wood fence!

Fence Contractors in Edmonton

Goodfella’s brings a strong team of master craftsmen and has access to award-winning interior designers for your home renovations and construction projects. They work with over 20 experienced trades that can assist with your home projects, inside and outside of the home. Whether you’re renovating your interior or building a new wood fence, you can trust the experience and expertise of this reputable contracting company.

Get started on your project. Contact Goodfella’s Enterprises today!

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

Are you looking at pictures of when you first moved in and noticed that the light switches used to be white? If you are thinking of doing a full home renovation or simply a fresh of your home’s details, don’t forget the switches. Get rid of those plastic white(ish) yellow light switches and replace them with stunning switches that suit your current home.

Perhaps, the light switch in your kitchen stopped working as it should. It no longer has a firm flick and it seems to have loosened up. It’s definitely time for a replacement. Whether you want to change your light switch for aesthetic reasons or simply want to change your old and worn out switch with one that works properly, our guide below should give you some guidance on how to replace it yourself.

Note: Before doing your own electrical work, check the local regulations on what you are (and aren’t!) allowed to complete on your own. Also, we would recommend getting advice from a local electrician to ensure the work is completed safely.

Want to leave it to the professionals?

Are you ready to replace your light switch but something came up? Have you given it a second thought and would prefer to have a professional electrician replace your light switches? At the Handy Squad, we have a team of London electricians who can give you a helping hand.

So, if you are in Fulham and are looking for an “electrician near me” or are searching for an electrician in Islington N1 our team can help. We can reach you no matter where you are in London, so give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help.

Want to do it yourself?

Replacing a light switch is an easy enough job that you can complete yourself (and it will definitely give your bragging rights!). So, let’s get to it.

Tip: Not sure what is a good replacement for your current one? Turn off the electricity, unscrew your switch, take a photo of the front and back of the switch and take this photo to your local hardware store for an exact replacement. If you want a different switch design, ensure that you choose a switch that has the right wattage for the wattage in your light fixtures.

Materials needed:

• New light switch
• Electricity detector/tester
• Medium terminal screwdriver
• Small terminal screwdriver

Step 1 – Safety.

Before touching any electrical work, you MUST isolate the electricity in the specific room you will be working on. Head to your fuse box and turn off the switch on that room light. If you are unsure which one is the right one or want some peace of mind, turn off all electrics. To do this, turn off the main on/off red switch.

Step 2 – Unscrew your light switch.

Remove the screws on the light switch and pull it from the wall. Take a photo of the back of your light switch to see the positioning of the wires before disconnecting.

Step 3 – Confirm wires are no longer live.

Use an electricity detector to double-check the wires are no longer live.

Step 4 – Disconnect the wires.

Again, if you haven’t – take a photo of the wires before disconnecting. However, do not assume that the layout of the terminals is the same for your new light switch.

If you have a 1-way light switch, you will most likely have two terminals: a terminal marked as “Common”, “COM” or “C” which is for the live wire and another terminal marked as L1 which is the output for the light fixture. On some switches that do not have a common terminal, the live wire terminal will be L1 and the neutral wire terminal will be L2.

You will most likely have a red (live wire) and a black wire (neutral) or a brown (live wire) and a blue wire (neutral). You will also have an earth cable (yellow and green wire) going into the earth terminal in the back.

Use a small terminal screwdriver to unscrew the wires.

Step 5 – Install the new light switch.

Get your new light switch and insert your live wire into the live wire terminal (if your light switch has a COM/COMMON/C terminal, insert it here. If not, insert it into the L1 terminal). Screw the wire into place. Then, insert the neutral wire into the other terminal and screw it.

Installing a metal light switch?

If you are installing a metal light switch, you must take an earth cable from the back earth terminal to the front of the switch plate to ensure the switch plate is protected against electric shock.

Step 6 – Screw it in place.

Push the light switch back, ensuring that the cables will not be in the way of the screws. Then, fasten the screws into place.

Step 7 – Test.

Turn the switches on in the fuse box and test the light switch.

If you are not comfortable completing this job yourself, know that the Squad is always ready to help. Request a free quote by filling our online booking form today.

 

 

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 a light switch appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Whether you work from home or in a busy office space in central, cable management is important. Loose cables look messy, create clutter and can pose safety hazards. So, safe and tidy cable management should be on top of your priorities. At the Handy Squad, our team of tradesmen can complete a variety of odd jobs, including cable tidying. If you need a London handyman to professionally tidy cables and wires, search no further.

Related: How to organise loose cables.

Workplace hazard.

Loose cables can easily become a tripping hazard. According to the Health and Safety Executive, “Statistics show slipping and tripping to be the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces and they are often the initiators of accidents attributed to other causes, such as some machinery accidents, scalding and falls from height.”

To prevent injuries caused by loose cables and wires, it is essential to keep walkways clear, use cable covers and tidy cables and wires away.

Note: “Out of sight, out of mind” will not work. Tidy your loose cables properly.

Cluttered space leads to cluttered minds.

Who wants to work in a cluttered space? Would you get anything done if all you could see were nests of loose cables everywhere? The right answer is no, to both questions. A 2019 study found that physical environments significantly influence employee performance and wellbeing. Cluttered spaces proved to have negative effects on stress and anxiety levels, as well as the ability to focus and more. Boost productivity by having a tidy work environment.

First impressions count.

Clients and guests that visit your office might not be impressed when seeing a cluttered, unorganised and overall messy workspace. First impressions matter, after all. Displaying a clean and tidy workspace is the first step in impressing future clients that visit your office.

Want to refresh your office while you are at it? At the Handy Squad, we also offer interior and exterior redecoration services, including painting offices, fixing holes in walls, replacing ceiling tiles and more.

Think long term.

Cables and wires that are left loose around the floor will most likely suffer damage. People can walk over them, animals can easily chew on them, etc. Extend the life of your cables and wires by having proper cable management. Plus, save money on not having to replace cables repeatedly.

The post Importance of cable management in the workplace appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Working from home or hybrid working seems to have become the norm for many employees across the world. Even though many employees are actively encouraged to return to the workplace, many companies are embracing hybrid work as best practice.

Flexible working is here to stay. This means, that it is more important than ever to create a work space at home that clearly separates work and home life. Home offices should be functional and comfortable to ensure you maintain productivity and boost creativity.

At the Handy Squad, we have a team of painters and decorators in London who are able to transform your spare room into a home office in a timely manner. So, if you are looking for an office decorator, search no further. Whilst we are decorating your office, we can also tackle other decorating tasks you might have. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help.

Think of function first.

Whilst aesthetics are important for the overall look of your workspace, considering function first is key. What do you want to achieve with this space? How do you like to work? What makes you be more productive? What equipment will you require in the office? How much space will you need for your office tech? Think about the essential things you need in an office space to be comfortable and productive and go from there.

Keep it minimal.

Keeping your home office clean and minimal will ensure that it doesn’t feel cluttered and unorganised. Plus, it will allow you to have fewer distractions. This includes tidying those loose messy cables (yes, those ones!). Does cable tidying sound like a nightmare? Our handyman can give you a helping hand.

To help you keep your home office as tidy and organised as possible, consider different storage options, from shelving to storage boxes. Want custom shelves? Our London carpenters can build and install bespoke shelves.

Lighting is key.

A well-lit room will do wonders for your mood whilst working. Poor lighting can produce eyestrain, dampen your mood and easily reduce your productivity. So, be sure to adjust your furniture accordingly, and if your office space is not exposed to much natural light add enough artificial lighting to help you work comfortably.

Don’t skimp on comfort.

It is essential to sit in comfort when you are working for hours at your desk. Choose an ergonomic chair that provides proper back support and posture. Having good quality and comfortable office furniture will increase productivity and ensure you are more efficient when working.

 

The post How to decorate home offices appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

With a sliding barn door, you have that much more flexibility to decide what it is that you want to see. The best part about the design of this type of door is that it will give an area separation, but still be open and inviting.

Let’s look at some of the benefits associated with installing these doors in your home.

1.      Create more room for entertaining:  A lot of times you need to entertain guests in your living room or dining room, but not everyone will feel comfortable taking up all the space. A great way to solve that problem is to have a sliding barn door. You can keep the room open and still have an area that is separated. You can even use it as an entranceway for those who need to enter and exit the home. Planning a party with these doors will give you space to enjoy your guests and all their company without taking up all the space in your home.

2.      Decorate:  Another benefit of a sliding barn door is that you can put up any type of décor you want, including wallpaper, rugs, curtains, or whatever else you are looking for that will go with the design of your home. You can have the freedom to create an area that you love and enjoy.

3.      Create a sense of order:  Everyone wants a place they can go to relax and feel comfortable in, especially in a home setting. This is what you can achieve with a sliding barn door. It will give you that special area where you can just be at peace and get away from the rest of your home when needed.

4.      Bring long-lasting value to your home:  It is no secret that homes with sliding barn doors sell much faster than those that do not have this type of door. These doors create a lot of value in a home. They can be placed anywhere to give you that much-needed area separation.

5.      Versatility:  This door will serve you in many ways and different areas of your home. It gives you complete freedom to create any type of place that you want to make within your home, including a full kitchen area, office space, dressing room, or even the perfect nursery for a child or other family member.

Contact Handyman Connection

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

The post <strong>5 Benefits of Adding a Sliding Barn Door</strong> appeared first on Handyman Corporate.