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Your backyard can be transformed into a personal outdoor oasis. Use it for relaxing, dining, and spending time as a family. First, you’ll have to create that outdoor living space. Installing a new deck with a pergola can help create a functional, private, and shaded space to help you spend more time outside.

Magnolia Plus Construction in Vancouver shares why you should install a pergola this summer:

Expand your living space

A great benefit that pergolas add to your home is that they extend your living space. By investing in an outdoor structure, you can have a designated space to do the things you enjoy most. You can have comfortable lounge furniture, a table for dining, a fire table, and other great features to help personalize the space.

Plus, with a pergola, you can install a roof to help protect your living space from the elements. This provides shade, protection from rain, and allows you to enjoy the backyard no matter what the weather is. Even if you go with a covered design, pergola designs can keep your space bright and airy with a clear roof.

Increase your privacy

A backyard should be a space that you use to relax and unwind in. If your space is too open or not private enough to do so, a pergola can help! Installing a structure can help by blocking the eye line of people you might not want to look in. You can also add things like lattice, privacy walls, growing vines, or drapes to help make your space even more private. There are several different ways pergolas can increase your privacy, you just need to decide which option suits you best.

Improve property value

Everyone has been spending a lot more time at home lately, and that has made outdoor living spaces more important than they were before. Outdoor living spaces are an attractive feature for buyers and could increase the marketability and resale value of your home. Plus, living spaces like decks and patios have a good return on investment. Combine them with a beautifully designed pergola and you’ll have a competitive property when it comes time to sell.

Deck builders in Vancouver

The innovation Magnolia Plus Construction brings to their installations is second to none. With 2D drawings and 3D animations used in the process, their clients get a true visual representation before installation. This makes their dedication to 100% client satisfaction an easy goal to achieve. Their professional technicians provide exceptional service every step of the way, and they’re happy to offer the most competitive price.

Improve your backyard with Magnolia Plus Construction today.

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

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Update Your Home with Interior and Exterior Painting

The warm months of the summer are a great time to update the interior or exterior of your home with a new painting project. Whether you are repainting a room as an update or looking for a whole new look, our craftspeople at Handyman Connection are here to help you figure out which colors and paints will bring life into the rooms of your home.

Red, White, or Blue?

Choosing the color of a room can be the most exciting yet difficult step. If you are repainting, you will just have to match the shade to your existing room. But if you are looking for a brand-new color, prepare to gather lots of color swatches and ask for many opinions on what color might suit a room the best.

Colors have a big impact on the space around you. It’s known that lighter colors like white, cream, and tan can make a space feel bigger and airy. On the opposite side of the spectrum, dark colors like neutral tones, grayscale, dark cool tones, and more can make a room feel smaller. These are great tricks if you are painting a small room—make it bright! If you are painting a large room, it’s safe to use dark colors without feeling like the room is getting too small.

Painting Preparation

Once your color is picked up, you will need to prepare the space you are painting in. This includes putting down a painters’ cloth or plastic to protect your floor. You will need to use painters’ tape to line any molding and structures on the wall where you do not want to get paint on them. First, line the room using a paintbrush around all the molding—windows, doors, crown molding, base molding—so you can roll next without having to work around any small areas. 

Painting inside or out, you will be ready to get started in no time. Save yourself the hassle with our professional craftspeople’s help too, we are here and ready to help you paint as needed. Enjoy your new colors in no time with our help.

Contact Handyman Connection

Call OR TEXT Handyman Connection to start planning your next painting project. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and to meet with our talented craftspeople today.

The post Red, White, or Blue? Let us Lend a Hand with Your Next Painting Project! appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Does your home’s concrete need an upgrade? The concrete contractors at Edmonton Concrete and Asphalt are here to help! They offer concrete installation, restoration, repair, sealing, and many other concrete services. Here are some ideas for how you can improve your home’s concrete. 

A fresh pour

New concrete is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal while adding functionality. If your current driveway, sidewalk, pathway, or patio is damaged, new concrete can make all the difference. New concrete, especially at the front of the house, can drastically improve curb appeal. Plus, concrete has come a long way and is more versatile than it once was. There are many finishes and even colours to choose from. For example, stamped concrete can mimic the look of natural stone, tile, and even wood grains. 

A fresh pour also gives you the opportunity to add any new features you don’t already have. A pathway connecting the front and back of your home adds to your landscaping and makes the front and back of your home feel more connected. A patio is a great additional space to entertain guests, or just spend time with family. Concrete can also be incorporated into garden pathways, retaining walls, steps, or bordered to improve the function and aesthetics of the space. There are many ways to incorporate concrete into your outdoor spaces, and the possibilities are endless. 

Resurfacing and repair

If your concrete repairs are minor, or you’re looking for a simple resurfacing over your existing concrete, Edmonton Concrete and Asphalt can help you out! They specialize in resurfacing and repair, giving your home’s concrete the boost it needs. While repairs can be an easy fix, concrete resurfacing can make a big difference. With the new layer of concrete, you could stamp a new design, add a new finish, or simply cover any old cracks with a smooth surface. Both concrete resurfacing and repair can transform your home’s visual appeal. 

Demolition and removal

Sometimes, your home has a concrete feature that has run its course. There might be damage to the concrete that is beyond repair, or you’re ready for a design change. Removing extra concrete can give you the clean slate you’re looking for, and allow you the opportunity to make a new plan for your landscaping. Edmonton Concrete and Asphalt offers this service.

Concrete Contractors in Edmonton

Edmonton Concrete and Asphalt is a licensed, multi-faceted contractor that provides a comprehensive scope of services throughout Alberta. They have experience and service in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. They specialize in concrete, asphalt and paving, parking lot maintenance, excavation, demolition, and epoxy surfaces service. 

For more information, check out Edmonton Concrete and Asphalt today!

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

While it used to be a popular option for several different home fixtures, asbestos is no longer used in construction. It’s common knowledge now that asbestos fibres can cause several different health hazards. Don’t disturb asbestos if you suspect that it might be present. Once disturbed, the fibres will be released into the air and present a serious hazard if you breathe in them.

If you are about to start a renovation, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional first. If found, you’ll have to invest in professional asbestos removal to ensure your home and renovation site are safe. Eco Abate in Calgary shares a few common areas asbestos can be found in your older home:

Insulation

There are a few different types of insulation that could contain asbestos. A type of insulation called vermiculite is the most common to contain asbestos. You can also find asbestos in older cellulose insulation, loose-fill fibreglass, and rock wool insulation. If you aren’t sure what type of insulation your attic has, the best thing to do is to assume it contains asbestos. Don’t disturb it and call to have testing done. It’s better to be safe until you can be sure that there isn’t.

Exterior Stucco

Modern stucco doesn’t contain asbestos, but if your home was built between 1940 and 1990 you should have your exterior stucco checked. The plaster layer in older stucco, as shown in the photo above, can contain asbestos. Using asbestos was a cost-effective way to improve durability and fire resistance in exterior stucco, and they weren’t aware of the health implications at the time. Even if your home’s stucco contains a small amount of asbestos, it is still hazardous and will need to be removed professionally.

Drywall

Older drywall is also a culprit for asbestos. It can be in drywall sheets, tapes, and compounds. To the naked eye, it’s nearly impossible to detect. When it is sealed and painted, it’s not harmful because the fibers are not disturbed. If your home was built in the 1980s or earlier, it’s best to have your drywall tested for asbestos. Even drilling into the drywall to hang shelving or pictures can cause asbestos exposure.

Flooring

It’s not uncommon for older homes to have linoleum sheet flooring that contains asbestos, or tile flooring that contains asbestos. If your home is a mid-century build, and you don’t have hardwood or stone tile floors, the likelihood is that the original flooring contains asbestos. Sheet flooring that contains asbestos is very dangerous and should only be removed by a professional.

A popular way to deal with asbestos flooring is to contain the asbestos by laying another type of flooring over top of it. If your home is older and has updated flooring, make sure there isn’t an older unknown flooring beneath it before ripping it out. If it is, and you start the demolition, you could be risking your health.

Asbestos Testing in Calgary

Eco Abate is a trusted professional when it comes to mould and asbestos testing. From sampling a small piece of material to monitoring air quality, you can be sure that their technicians have experience and knowledge of their work. They recognize that asbestos and mould testing can be a stressful thing for homeowners, and so communication is extremely important. They’ll test for hazardous material so you can get it removed from your home and safely carry on with your renovation.

If you think you have asbestos, contact Eco Abate Inc today.

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

When choosing a countertop company, you want the best. Allstone Inc. in Edmonton provides customers with top-quality products, services, and the necessary experience for flawless fabrication and installation. They offer some reasons as to why you should choose them for your next stone countertop project. 

Quality products

Allstone uses stones from all over the world to manufacture its countertops. Because of this, their pieces are very unique. They have a wide selection of stones, ensuring that you can find a piece that matches your kitchen design and colour scheme. Their granite and quartz options in particular come in high demand, because of their high-end aesthetics, durability, and value. The two stone products combine elegance with function, making your kitchen or bathroom spaces modern, clean, and long-lasting. When working with Allstone, you know you’re getting top-quality products that will match perfectly into your kitchen design. 

The best service

A countertop project comes with lots of decision-making. You can choose from a wide range of natural and engineered stone products, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Stone selection, measuring, and other factors can make it feel like a complicated process. Luckily, Allstone works alongside you every step of the way. From helping you choose a countertop, delivery, and professional installation, Allstone keeps you informed throughout the entire process. They pride themselves on their customer service, making sure every customer feels comfortable during every stage of the project. Got a question? Don’t hesitate to ask! 

Quality craftsmanship

Being in business since 1998, Allstone has learned and mastered the quality craftsmanship of its countertop products. They pay attention to every detail and cut when fabricating your countertop. They’re passionate about making each countertop the best it can be, using the best finishes, and the proper precision to get the job done right. No matter what stone material is used, you can count on their team to deliver quality craftsmanship from fabrication through installation. 

Countertops in Edmonton

Allstone is a family-owned business, specializing in natural stone including granite, marble, quartzite, slate, limestone, and travertine. Their experience, coupled with their high standards and dedication to customer service, means that every one of their customers receives a finished product that surpasses their expectations. No matter the size of your project, they’ll make sure your countertops fit the space, your style, and your needs. 

For more countertop information, contact Allstone today!

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

Embarking on a kitchen renovation is a big project. There are many factors to consider, from colour schemes to countertops and appliances. Aero Kitchen and Bath in Vancouver shares information on some different features to consider when going ahead with that kitchen renovation. 

Custom cabinetry

Custom cabinets come with many benefits that you don’t receive with stock cabinetry. They are tailor-made to fit your space, whether your kitchen is big or small. You can completely customize the inside of your cabinets to meet your needs for storage. For example, your cabinets can feature glide-out shelving for accessible storage. You can incorporate custom features like wine racks, spice racks, and pull-out garbage receptacles.

You can install upper cabinets for storage, or display different kitchen components, like dishware or decor. In addition, custom cabinets not only add to the overall look and function of your kitchen but can add to the overall value of your home. They are built to last, using high-quality materials, and crafted by expert carpenters. Custom cabinets are well worth the investment. 

Countertops

Aero Kitchen and Bath offers a wide variety of countertops, including granite, quartz, and laminate. When sealed properly, granite countertops are scratch, stain, and heat-resistant, making them a great choice. Another benefit to granite is the character of each stone. Every granite countertop will look a little different because each slab of granite is unique.

Quartz, on the other hand, is one of the hardest stones used for countertops. It doesn’t require sealing and is incredibly strong and low maintenance. Quartz is man-made using natural materials mixed with resins and colouring. As a result, you have a wide range of colours, designs, and styles to choose from. 

For a cost-effective alternative, consider laminate. They’re versatile in colour and design, durable, and budget-friendly. No matter which countertop options you choose, Aero Kitchen and Bath can cut and install the perfect countertop for you. 

Other kitchen features

In addition to the countertops and cabinets, there are other custom kitchen features you can add to make your kitchen unique. Aero Kitchen and Bath can help you design your lighting plan and give you ideas for storage solutions. Built-in pantries, corner cabinets, and drawer organizers are popular features. Aero Kitchen and Bath also specializes in Aventos lift system cabinets. These cabinet doors lift upwards, making everything inside quickly accessible without an open door getting in the way. Learn more about Aventos lift systems. 

Kitchen Renovations in Vancouver

Aero Kitchen and Bath is a family-owned business based in Vancouver, British Columbia. They are proud to be a Canadian company that services the Lower Mainland with high-quality custom cabinetry and millwork for single-family homes, multi-unit homes, and commercial units. They are a complete service design and build renovation team of interior designers, carpenters, project managers, and office staff who strive for exceptional quality in every renovation that we do.

To start planning your renovation, contact Aero Kitchen and Bath today!

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

Professional landscaping will improve curb appeal and boost resale value. It shows pride in ownership and can enhance your enjoyment and satisfaction with your home. If you’re investing in new landscaping, or have recently done so, consider the importance of landscape maintenance.

MSS MAAC Services & Integral Solutions Ltd. in Richmond offer landscape installation and maintenance services. They share more:

It helps maintain aesthetics and value

If you’ve invested in new landscaping, it’s essential to maintain that investment so it holds its value. If you let it go, it will be more challenging to bring back. This can cost more in the long run. A well-maintained landscape creates a visually appealing curb appeal in the front. In the back, it enhances outdoor living spaces and can be a wonderful space to relax and spend time with your family.

Aside from the personal enjoyment of your manicured landscape, landscape maintenance is vital to maintaining value. An unruly, dying landscape with hardscaping features that need repair will diminish curb appeal and resale value. If you decide to sell your home, potential buyers will think that other parts of your home aren’t maintained as well.

It keeps your lawn and plants healthy

A landscape and lawn care regime will keep your plants and lawn healthy and lush all summer long. This regime should include watering, lawn mowing, trimming, and pruning of shrubs and trees and keep garden beds clear of debris. You might also consider aerating in the spring and fall, as well as regular fertilization to help that grass grow green!

When you keep up with these tasks, your lawn, plants, and trees become strong and healthier. Regular attention makes them easier to maintain, helps prevents disease, and helps them fight off unwanted weeds and pests. These are all landscaping services offered by MAAC Services & Integral Solutions Ltd.

Professional services save time and money

Professional landscape design and installation are not cheap, but they are well worth the investment. Paying a little for regular maintenance will help prevent damage or issues that will cost more money to repair down the road. If you can’t commit to caring for the lawn and landscape, hire a professional and save yourself the headache! Then you can spend your free time enjoying your oasis with peace of mind know it’s healthy and well cared for.

If you prefer a low-maintenance landscape, there are plenty of options for you! Check out these ideas for easy-to-care-for landscapes for your home.

Landscapers in Richmond

MSS MAAC Services & Integral Solutions Ltd. offers a wide range of landscape maintenance, hardscaping, home services, and property maintenance services to residential, commercial, and strata properties. Whether you’re installing new landscaping, need a lawn care regime, handyman services, snow removal, or property maintenance services for your commercial property, they can help. They’re dedicated to the pursuit of detailed excellence, quality work, and satisfaction for their clients.

Contact them to design your new landscape or for landscape care.  

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

Are your windows old, letting in a draft or just desperately in need of a change? It can be an intimidating job to complete, which is why it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re doing it correctly. To help you, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to replace your old windows.

When to change a window

A general rule is to change your windows every 20 years, but you may decide to change it earlier if it no longer fits the aesthetic of your home.

There are a few tell-tale signs that your window needs replacing, for example, draughts and cold spots around the window, problems opening and closing the window and condensation in the interior windowpane.

Not only can some of these issues be a safety concern, potentially leading to mould growth, but some can cost you money. Around 30% of a property’s heat is lost through poorly performing windows, therefore, by ignoring your faulty windows, your energy bill will be a lot higher than it needs to be.

Measuring the window space

Using a tape measure, measure the width of the window, from the left jamb to the right jamb. Repeat the measurement at the top, middle and bottom of the window, using the smallest measurement as your true measurement.

Now, measure the height from the top jamb to the windowsill, repeating this three times at the left, centre and right of the window. Take the smallest distance as your true measurement.

Check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window from both sides. If there’s a difference of over 1.25cm between the readings, consider contacting a professional.

It is crucial to get these initial measurements right, or you could end up with an impossible task. Too much pressure? Why not leave it to the experts? The Handy Squad’s London handyman service can help you! Request a free quote today by filling out our online form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

Buying a new window

Using your measurements, visit a DIY/home improvement store and look around for windows that match the style you’re going for. Alternatively, you could look online.

It’s a good rule of thumb to buy a window around 1.5cm smaller than your existing opening, as it’s easy framing to existing frames to make them smaller.

Removing your old window and frame

Start by removing the inside stops with a thin pry bar, trying not to damage them as they will be reattached later on. You can use a thin blade to score along the edge of the frame if there’s any paint in the way.

Once the stops are out, the inside sash should slide out with ease. Some sashes are connected by a chain or cord, so it’s good to have a friend help with the procedure and cut the sash free.

Slide the upper sash down and remove the parting stop, which is a thin strip of wood that sits against the upper sash, and the sash should slide out easily.

Clean up the remaining frame, removing any old paint or caulk. Check for rotted wood by running a flathead screwdriver along the frame – if there’s any crumbling or soft spots, call a professional to inspect it and potentially install a new frame.

Need a helping hand? There’s no shame in enlisting the professionals. Our decorators in London will arrive with all the necessary tools and equipment to help you complete your task quickly and efficiently. Request a free quote today by filling out our online form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

Installing the new window

First, have a friend help you lift the window into the frame to check it fits. There should be a 1.3cm-1.9cm gap around its perimeter, as planned.

Run a single 0.95cm bead of waterproof, exterior-grade caulk along the exterior stops and two beads along the sill, then have a friend help you lift the window into place. Secure the window with a loose screw in the upper jamb.

Open and close the sash to check for levelness and ensure that everything’s working smoothly. If it is, insert a shim between the window and frame next to each predrilled hole, and drill the screws that come with your kit into each hole. Use a handsaw to trim any shims that stick out.

Finishing touches

Hammer three galvanised-finish nails into the left, middle and right of each stop that you put back into place. Go outside and use exterior-grade caulk to fill any gaps that are less than 0.64cm, and use foam-rubber backer rod to fill larger gaps. Apply continuous beads between the replacement window and the existing frame, being sure not to caulk the gap between the sashes and the jambs of the replacement window, or it won’t open.

If you need help with any DIY projects, why not call The Handy Squad? Our team of experts can help with almost any task, such as replacing lights, fixing ceiling cracks and hanging up doors. We can also help with bigger projects, like interior and exterior redecorating and kitchen installations. If replacing your windows doesn’t fix your draught problem, we also offer a draught proofing service. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

The post How to replace a window appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Plan Your Next Home Improvement with the 10 Benefits of “Having a Handyman” Things You May Not Have Thought

Professional craftspeople are a wonderful resource to streamline any home improvement project or repair. Here are 10 benefits that you might not have thought of yet with this option.

The 10 Benefits of a Professional Handyman and Craftspeople

1.   Experience: Years of experience have created streamlined projects, methods, and results.

2.   Expertise: Professionals have completed these projects many times and continue to do so with practiced ease.

3.   Convenience: Professionals will complete your projects on your time and personalized schedule.

4.   Less Risk: Completing home improvement projects on your own can be risky if you have never used the tools before or have not completed a similar project. Save yourself the hassle with a pro.

5.   Excellent Results: Get your project done right the first time with a professional handyman and craftspeople’s help.

6.   Communication: During an estimate with a handyman company, the craftspeople are here to see how they can help you and fit their service to your needs.

7.   Advice: If this is your first time working on a certain update in your home, you can learn about various options, costs, materials, and more with a professional’s knowledge.

8.   Dependable: During an estimate, ask for reviews and customer references to see the quality work a professional handyman and craftspeople create.

9.   Hassle-free: Save yourself the time and effort in completing home improvement projects on your own.

10.   Clarity: Hiring one handyman or a team of craftspeople gives you access to many kinds of repairs, improvements, and more all around your home. There is no need for different contractors, and multiple hires. All your needs can be completed in one convenient place.

With these 10 points, the convenience and ease of hiring craftspeople from a local handyman profession will help your project become a reality. Get the help you need and start planning your next project right away.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to plan your next improvement. Call or text us to meet and schedule your free estimate right away.

The post 10 Benefits of “Having a Handyman” Things You May Not Have Thought of appeared first on Handyman Corporate.