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You may be spending more time at home this summer, which gives you the perfect opportunity to declutter your home. Follow our decluttering and storage tips for a cleaner and more organized home.

Decluttering Your Home

The post A Guide to Decluttering Your Home [Infographic] appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the water you drink from your tap? Bacteria, mineral deposits, chemicals, and other contaminants could be in your tap’s drinking water. If this concerns you, water filters can keep your home and health safe.

Ritz Mechanical Services Ltd.in Edmonton is a professional, family-owned plumbing company. They share the health and home benefits of adding a water filtration system:

What impurities are removed?

Water filters help clean water of any impurities and contaminants, while still leaving behind healthy minerals. Generally, tap water is safe to drink, but adding a filter is an added safety measure. If you notice your water smells or taste like chlorine, it might bother you. Things such as lead, iron, mercury, chemicals, or chlorine are present in unfiltered water. A buildup of these minerals is what leads to either minor or severe health concerns. Other impurities that are filtered out can include traces of dirt or silt.

What are the health risks and benefits?

In small amounts, these contaminants aren’t dangerous, but when ingested in more significant amounts, they become a problem. In severe cases and over longer periods, gastrointestinal diseases can even develop due to ingesting high levels of contaminants. With that in mind, Canada does follow a strict drinking water guideline when it comes to the maximum amount of contaminants and water quality. Filtered water, however, provides an added level of security when it comes to your health. It also affects the taste of the water, which is sometimes the preferred reason for homeowners to choose filtered.

The benefits of filtered water start with a cleaner smell and taste by removing the excess minerals. Healthy minerals such as magnesium, fluoride, calcium, and zinc are still able to pass through a filter. These minerals help your body stay healthy, protect against toxins, and encourage water absorption into the body. They can also help prevent any limescale buildup on your faucets throughout your home.

Types of water filters

Water filters can be as simple as a pitcher with a built-in filter that you refill and use as necessary. Other filters, though, are full home systems that clean water everywhere in your home. These are ideal for your health, but purified water is also better for cleaning. For full home systems, there are two main systems: carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems.

Carbon filters: These are a great solution if your water tastes and smells like chlorine, and you want to remove that. The filters specifically absorb and remove chlorine, as well as possible pesticides or herbicides in the water. That leaves the water smelling and tasting clean and clear once again.

Reverse osmosis filters (RO): RO filters, however, offer both a sediment and carbon filter. The smaller sized filters can easily catch even more contaminants and minerals and remove them from the water. In addition to removing bad smells or tastes, they leave the water much cleaner of other possibly harmful particles. They also leave a crisp taste similar to bottled water, which many people tend to prefer.

Which is right for you?

When it comes to water filtration systems, there is no right or wrong choice. It’s a matter of personal choice and what you want to have filtered from your water. If the smell and taste of chlorine is the problem, a full home carbon filter will help. For a full and well-rounded water filter system that removes any possible traces of contaminants and harmful minerals, reverse osmosis is the recommended choice. The best way to know is to have your water tested to see what is present in it. Once you know that, you can call in the professionals to install your new water purification system.

Plumbers in Edmonton

For 20 years, Ritz Mechanical Services has prided itself on providing quality service and care. As a full-service plumbing company, they offer everything from small repairs and installations, to new housing needs. Your home’s safety and your own peace of mind are their tops goals, no matter the job.

Contact Ritz Mechanical Services for quality service!

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

Technological advances are ever on the move to make life easier, including a homeowner’s life. Home automation allows you to control things like lights, temperature, home theatre systems, and home security from your smart devices. There are a lot of features to choose from, and some might suit you better than others. Before you install home automation, ask yourself these questions to help narrow down your needs.

Interfusion Media in Winnipeg is a custom electronics company that specializes in integrating home automation. They share more:

What do you want from home automation?

Home automation can easily range from one aspect or room to including your entire home. The best way to choose is to decide where you would benefit most from a new system. If entertainment is your focus, then a customized home theatre with voice control may be the right pick. It can also be little things such as automatic blinds and lighting or smart heating and cooling to save money! Security systems are another popular system for automation. A push of a button can show you who’s at the front door or let you automatically lock any doors from your phone. Start with what’s most important to you or ask a professional what would benefit your home the most.

What is your budget?

Home automation can help with monthly energy savings, but the upfront cost is still a big investment. Before you settle on a system, establish your budget first. Ask a professional installer what the costs will be and what to expect from your long-term savings. Once you know that, you can work together to create the perfect budget. Home automation can also be installed in stages, so even if you don’t have the money now, you can still invest in one system at a time. Knowing your budget will also help your contractor work within that to ensure you save money.

What is the best design or layout? 

Whether a panel on the wall or an app on your tablet or phone, home automation should be easy to access. When you choose a new system, also decide where in your home it will go. The best layouts should maximize convenience, no matter what room you are in. The best way to ensure that is to talk with your contractor about design and layouts. They’ll take your needs and lifestyle into consideration and help plan the best design for your new system.

What can your home support?

Some home automation parts will run on battery power or through wall sockets, but others need new wiring. Any existing home is compatible with home automation, but consider what will need to be rewired. Smart thermostats or security systems, for example, will need to be wired into your home. Others may need to have power outlets added to nearby locations to work conveniently. Outlet location is also important so that you don’t have wires and cables everywhere. Have a professional contractor talk you through the installation process, so you know what to expect. Another factor is how stable and strong is your Wi-Fi system. Since most home automation runs off Wi-Fi, you want to ensure that yours is up to the task!

Home Automation in Winnipeg

At Interfusion Media, they pride themselves on providing custom solutions for each of their customers. By listening to your specific needs, they are able to tailor each service perfectly to your home. Whether that means a new security system, whole-home A/V control, or something else, Interfusion Media is the company to call.

Contact Interfusion Media today for a quality of life home automation!

Click to Find >>>> Home Automation in Winnipeg.

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

Typically, the decision to renovate comes down to two reasons: renovating for yourself or renovating to improve your home’s resale value. But, if you’re renovating with long-term benefits in mind, then these two reasons can be turned into one. With the right upgrades and design changes in mind, your renovation can benefit you now and long into the future.

Greystone Custom Homes in Calgary is a professional home renovation company. They share some major renovations ideas that also have long-term benefits:

Go for a more open and connected feel

If your home has lots of walls and narrow doorways that make everything feels closed off, consider taking out some walls. Open floor concepts are not only a popular trend now, but it’s practical for future needs. Open and connected spaces mean it is easier to navigate and move around your home. Widening doorways as well will make it easier to navigate through, especially for those with mobility issues. It is also visually much more appealing. Narrow doorways create a confined feel, while wide entrances are open and welcoming.

Don’t leave ‘dead space’

By ‘dead space,’ it means rooms or areas of your home that don’t have or aren’t serving any purpose. If you have lots of bedrooms, but your kids have all moved out, it’s time to do something with their old rooms. If you have side-by-side bedrooms, consider taking out the wall to create one large, new room. Either you can create a new sitting room, a large guest room or consider moving your master bedroom down to the main level. Stairs may not be an issue now, but having to climb up and down flights of stairs may become a problem long-term.

You can also add storage beneath the stairs for easy access and increased storage areas or even consider putting in a small office nook. Find more inspiration and ideas for how to make the most of any dead space in your home.

Renovate your bathroom for accessibility 

Bathroom renovations are popular as it is, so if you planning to renovate it anyway, make sure it has accessible upgrades. Things such as turning your bathtub into a walk-in shower or lowering the toilet, make it easier for visiting family or future needs. A walk-in shower also opens up more space, so you have more room to maneuver in your bathroom. Also, consider installing bars or a bench in the shower both for added safety but also to enjoy those spa-like perks!

Likewise, invest in those eco-friendly options now, instead of down the road. Not only is it practical but saving money long-term is always a nice perk.

Make your kitchen design-friendly for all ages 

Popular kitchen renovations usually include increasing storage, upgrading appliances or even opening the layout. These are all great but also keep in mind design upgrades that work for any age. Rounded corners, slide-out shelving or pull-out cutting boards are both children safe, but also friendly to elders. Add flooring that is both easy to clean and non-slippery for another lifestyle and age-friendly boost. Also consider installing lower storage options, so that you don’t have to reach up high or struggle to pull heavy storage doors. 

Major Renovations in Calgary

Greystone Custom Homes is a professional renovation company that offers entire home or specific room renovations. Their goal is to turn your dreams into reality, and they pride themselves on doing just that. With only the best quality service and care, you won’t go wrong choosing Greystone Custom Homes.

Don’t hesitate to contact them today for your next renovation needs!

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

One of the best ways to increase property value is by building a new deck. The average return on investment on a deck is over 90%.

This is because decks add outdoor living space to your home. They are an in-demand item for consumers.

For these reasons, decks are a sizable investment. A 300 square-foot deck costs over $11,000 on average. This cost could increase if you make mistakes during the installation.

Read on to learn why deck builders in Vancouver can save you from costly mistakes. Explore 5 ways that hiring a professional can help you save money.

1. Construction Tools

Before you start, you will need to verify that you have the right tools for the job. This includes expensive tools like a compound miter saw and a power drill. Other small items like decking screws quickly add up in cost.

A professional decking company already has all the tools required to complete a job. They are likely to have the best and most efficient tools on the market. These tools help complete the job faster and with greater precision.

2. Permitting

Building decks typically requires you to apply for a permit with your town or municipality. The local government will review your plans and send someone out for an inspection. Here, they will make sure that you are following all town codes and ordinances.

This is an area that the average handyman makes costly mistakes. In this scenario, their DIY deck does not meet code.

Now, the local government requests a certain section to be disassembled and redone. This requires more work and increased material cost.

3. Less Time

The famous adage “time is money” rings true for building a deck. Each hour spent building a deck is costing money.

This is still true for a handyman doing a DIY project. This person could be earning money at their primary job instead of building a deck.

A professional contractor will complete the job faster than a handyman. They have the resources and tools to complete the job quickly.

4. Less Wasted Material

A professional is less likely to make costly mistakes. This includes imprecise measurements that lead to incorrect cuts.

In other scenarios, you may make a mistake cutting angles and custom pieces. This is where a professional can help you. Fewer mistakes will result in decreased material costs and quicker completion time.

5. Unanticipated Challenges

Building a deck is a complicated job with many potential hurdles. You never know what you will run into.

For example, consider that you are digging holes for your deck posts. All of the sudden, your post hole digger smashes into a gas line.

You crack the gas line and now have to hire a utility professional to repair it. Hiring a professional can help you avoid these types of situations.

Deck Builders in Vancouver Will Save You Money

Instead of spending countless hours and days building a deck, your best bet is to bring in a professional. It will save you aggravation and help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you are interested in hiring deck builders in Vancouver, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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

Are you feeling like your kitchen needs a bit of TLC? Whether it’s way too cramped, the style is outdated, or it’s truly one of the world’s ugliest kitchens, remodeling can breathe new life into the space.

However, remodels aren’t cheap. If you’re considering investing in a kitchen remodel in Vancouver, you’ll want to make sure you do it right. Take a look at these hot kitchen trends you’re sure to love.

1. Statement Floors

One of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your kitchen remodel in Vancouver is what to do with the floor. To make a big impression, consider jumping on the bandwagon and installing a statement floor. Choosing a decorative tile with a bold pattern will add instant impact to your overall kitchen design.

2. Colored Cabinets

Another of our favorite kitchen remodel ideas involves your cabinets. While traditional wood, white, and even neutral cabinets have been on-trend for a while, we predict that colored cabinets will become very popular in Vancouver kitchens.

You don’t have to choose crazy colors to follow this trend, either. Consider a navy blue or muted dark green. These colors are versatile enough that they’ll look great with almost any type of design.

3. Full-Tile Backsplashes

Another way to add some extra style to your kitchen is to add a full-tile backsplash. Taking your tiles all the way from the counter to the ceiling creates an attention-grabbing look that’s sure to stay in fashion for many years to come.

4. Concealed Hood Vents

Hiding appliances has been a trend for a while, and recently we’ve seen a lot of clients who want to conceal their hood vents. This is particularly a good move when you want to put more of a visual focus on other design elements in your kitchen – like a gorgeous countertop or premium backsplash tiles.

5. Open Shelving

This is certainly not a new trend, but we anticipate that open shelving will continue to be a popular request among people planning their kitchen upgrades. This gives the kitchen a more open, airy look and allows homeowners to artfully display their cookbooks, dishware, and more.

Since open shelving also makes it easy to find the things you need, it will also improve your kitchen’s efficiency. When you plan house upgrades, functionality is always an important consideration.

Considering a Kitchen Remodel in Vancouver? Get a Quote Today

Now that you know about all the latest trends, you might be ready to get started with your remodeling project. Remember, though, that deciding on the style isn’t enough. You also need a great contractor!

Before you begin your kitchen remodel in Vancouver, contact O’Brien Contracting to discuss your ideas and get a quote. You’ll quickly see why so many of our customers believe we’re the best general contractor in Vancouver.

Avoid the hassle of dealing with a sub-par remodeling company or trying to DIY your project. Reach out today!

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

Tired of the look of your bathroom? Thinking about giving it a makeover? Looking for a few bathroom remodel ideas?

You’re in the right place!

In this blog post, we’re going to cover 5 modern bathroom renovations in Vancouver. With any hope, these will inspire you on to a successful renovation of your own!

1. Give it a Marble-centric Makeover

Though acrylic and porcelain are still quite popular in bathrooms, natural stone is starting to gain some popularity as well. In particular, marble makes for a great bathroom material, particularly when used in tubs, vanities, and flooring.

If you’re looking to bring some luxury to your bathroom, giving it a marble-centric makeover could be a great way to go.

2. Let There Be Light

Bathrooms have a tendency to be dark and shadowy places. In many cases, this is due to a lack of natural lighting. Fortunately, the tide is starting to turn a bit, as more and more homeowners are opting to make use of large windows in their bathrooms.

Not only are they installing more windows on floor-level but on ceilings as well, allowing for substantial amounts of natural sunlight. If you’re trying to bring some atmosphere to your bathroom, you might consider doing this as well.

3. Turn It Into a Spa

In years past, bathrooms consisted primarily of a sink, a toilet, and a bathtub. While this is still true of many bathrooms, the culture is changing. Now, more and more bathrooms are taking on spa-style entities.

These run the gamut from jacuzzis to decorative plants to linen shelves and much, much more. If you’re looking to up the luxury of your bathroom, turning it into a spa would certainly help you to do so.

4. Employ Tiles

If you want to bring some decoration and texture to your bathroom, you should consider adding tiles. Ceramic tiles, in particular, can go a long way in transforming the look of a bathroom. Available in a variety of styles and colors, they allow for seemingly endless aesthetic options.

Not only can you place tiles on your bathroom floor, but on its walls and ceiling as well. You could also use your tiles sparingly, utilizing them only on backsplashes, for example.

5. Install a Free-Standing Tub

The vast majority of bathrooms you come across will contain alcove tubs. These are tubs that are surrounded by walls on 3 sides. While they’re certainly functional and not at all bad to look at, they’re so common that they’ve become a little boring.

Want to update the look of your bathtub? If so, you might consider installing a free-standing tub. Free-standing tubs not only carry an air of vintage charm but they also allow for increased storage space.

Need Help With Bathroom Renovations in Vancouver?

Interested in making any of these renovations a reality? Need help with bathroom renovations in Vancouver, particularly? O’Brien Contracting has you covered.

We can facilitate all types of bathroom renovations. Regardless of the type of aesthetic that you’re hoping to achieve, our team can make it a reality.

Contact us now to get the ball rolling!

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

Home sweet home. The place you have lived for years may be a little outdated. You are no professional when it comes to renovations, so what do you do when you need to add value to your home?

General contractors in Vancouver can help you raise the value of your home with these 7 ways:

1. Remodeling the Kitchen

The kitchen can be one of the most useful places in the home. Because of this, renovating the kitchen can add value.

General contractors in Vancouver can help you remodel your kitchen by painting, adding better appliances, and more. This is one of those home renovation ideas that you don’t want to go overboard on. For instance, don’t remodel your kitchen to be fancier than the entire house.

2. Adding Another Bathroom

Adding a bathroom is a great option for homes that only have one bathroom. Find an area in your home that can be turned into an additional bathroom.

Extra rooms and spaces that are not utilized can be the perfect spot for adding a bathroom. Whether you add a half bath or a full bath, this addition could add more value to your home in Vancouver.

3. Redoing a Room

Maybe there is a wall in your home that you have always wanted to knock down to create more room. General contractors in Vancouver can help you reinvent this area of your home to create more value.

Demolish that wall to add more space in the home. You can use the extra space to spice up the home for potential buyers.

Reinventing a room could mean making use of the basement and attic. A basement is a great place for game rooms, living rooms, and even bedrooms. You can clear out the attic to make an art studio, craft room, game room, etc.

4. Energy-Efficient Windows

People buying homes look for energy efficiency. The more energy-efficient things you add to your home, the more value it can have.

Energy-efficient windows are more desired by buyers. Making your home more energy efficient is one of the best house upgrades you can do.

5. Outdoor Living

Outdoor living is an important part of owning a home. Homeowners keep outdoor living spaces in mind when buying a home.

You can add value to your home by making your outdoor living area better. This could include doing things like adding a deck.

6. Garage Door Replacement

The outside of a home is just as important as the inside. To make the outside more appealing, you can get a garage door replacement.

This is one of the cheaper house upgrades you can get. The cost of the project will be made back easily when you are ready to sell your home.

7. Install Hardwood Floors

If you have old carpeting, your best bet is to rip it up and install hardwood floors. Hardwood floors can be just as luxurious as fancy carpet and come with more upsides because you don’t have to constantly vacuum it.

Hire General Contractors in Vancouver Today!

Professional help from general contractors in Vancouver is the best way to add value to your home. These home improvement projects will make the buying/selling process of your home a better experience for everyone.

For more information on adding value to your home, contact O’Brien Contracting Ltd today!

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

A vacation home is supposed to be just that: a home that is away from home, a place for rest and leisure. Owning a vacation home is supposed to be like owning a private oasis, like having your very own island of sanity amid the ever-increasing speed (and insanity) of everyday life.

Owning a Vacation Home? Here’s why you need a Handyman.

According to Murphy’s Law, whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Unfortunately, your vacation home is no exception.

So while you’re taking a weekend away from the office with your family, the septic will overflow. The basement will flood. The AC unit will die during a sweltering summer. A storm will send a tree limb through a window. When you’re supposed to be relishing that novel you’ve been waiting to read, the freezer’s icemaker will inexplicably start leaking water everywhere.

We’ve all had it happen—a vacation gone wrong, anywhere from inconvenient to all out disaster. But one of the difficult parts of owning a vacation home is that you can’t simply phone the front desk of the hotel and ask for another room when the bathroom is flooding.

This is why having a trusted handyman on call is absolutely necessary when you own a vacation home. Your local handyman will know the most lasting and efficient fix for your home away from home, but he will also be able to give you back your relaxing weekend.

That means you’ll spend less time puzzling over why your water heater isn’t working and more time getting much-needed rest. You’ll spend less time walking the aisles of a hardware stores and more time playing games with your family. You’ll spend less time feeling frustrated while you wrestle with a leaky faucet and more time enjoying the local restaurants.

Vacation gone wrong? Call Handyman Connection.

So next time Murphy’s Law strikes while you’re vacationing, call or text our local Handyman Connection office, and we will give you a free estimate and put you in contact with one of our trusted, reliable handymen, local to your vacation home. We know a handyman is a must-have for vacation properties, and that is why we’re here to connect you with professionals you can depend on to make sure your vacation home stays just that: a home for resting.

The post Why Having a Handyman Is a Must When Owning a Vacation Home appeared first on Handyman Connection.

You’ve always wanted the perfect lawn, but can’t commit to the lawn care regime it needs! The mowers at Mow Town are here to help you. With their lawn mowing services and lawn care add-ons, your yard will look its best all summer long. They’re the lawn care experts, and can put you on a schedule that will keep your yard looking great.  Mow Town Edmonton Ltd.  share why you should hire them for your lawn care this season:

They’re easy to get in touch with

Contact the workers at Mow Town through a call or email to discuss your plans. This is so that they can give you an accurate quote about what you need to be done, the size of your property there that needs to be mowed, and any additional services you’d like done as well. They have a weekly or bi-weekly system, depending on the needs of your landscaping. They’ll happily help you make a plan, and set up the day they’ll arrive.

They have the best equipment

Lawn service cannot be done properly without the proper tools and equipment. This includes having mowers and other equipment with sharp blades, and that is kept to the highest standard. Mow Town ensures that they keep their equipment in tip-top shape so your lawn is looking great after each cut.

They have trained staff

There’s more to lawn maintenance than simply cutting the grass. You need someone who has the necessary knowledge about healthy lawns, as well as the up-keep, fertilizer, and other needs your lawn may have. Mow Town’s team has workers with the proper training and experience to take great care of your lawn, and give you the proper advice on how to maintain the look and health of your lawn.

They can do more than cut the grass

A big benefit that comes with this lawn care company is the additional services they provide. Does your lawn need fertilizing? Their staff can take care of that! They know which is best and how it should be used. Have weeds, or bushes that need trimming? Not a problem! Their workers can also do aeration, power raking, soil testing, and lawn edging. These can be added on to make landscaping that much easier for you and improve the overall curb appeal of your home.

Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance in Edmonton

Mow Town Edmonton Ltd. employs polite, safe, efficient, and detail-oriented staff. Their staff is experts when it comes to lawns in Edmonton. They know what type of grass is growing on your lawn and how to care for it properly.

Interested? Contact Mow Town today!

Click to Find >>>>> Lawn Care and Yard Maintenance in Edmonton

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