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3 REASONS WHY TILT AND TURN WINDOWS ARE WORTH THE UPGRADE

When it comes to windows, you want the best. Windows are not merely for allowing more light into your home. They offer many other benefits, including adding value to your home, lower energy bills, safer for the environment, and more. With tilt and turn windows, you can have all these benefits. From Karufa Window and Door in Winnipeg, here are four reasons why tilt and turn windows are worth upgrading to.

They’re easy to use and maintain

You may come to a point where it’s time to replace the windows. Why choose tilt and turn? One of the key features of tilt and turn windows is how they function and how easy they are to clean and maintain. They open to the inside, allowing you to easily clean the windows without having to go outside with a  ladder. There is also an attractive screen on the outside, to keep out the bugs. Plus, with this system, you never trap insects between the screen and the sash you would with a casement or awning window.

They offer smart ventilation and security

Tilt and turn windows offer good airflow and ventilation. The bottom section allows the stale air to escape while fresh air is allowed into the house from the top section. In addition to that, these windows are very secure. They have a locking system around the entire sash, so it can lock on all four sides, giving you maximum security and peace of mind.

They’re energy-efficient

Energy efficiency is someone to keep an eye out for when shopping for windows. They have many added benefits that will make your life easier. It will lower your energy bills because less energy will be needed to keep the heat inside your home. Manufactured with Winnipeg winters in mind, all windows from Karufa Window and Door use the latest energy-efficient technology to reduce energy transfer. In the summer, the windows can reflect the heat from the sun. In the winter, they are well-insulated and designed to keep your warm air inside.

Windows in Winnipeg

At Karufa Window and Door, they not only install the right windows and doors in your home, but also install products which are built with lasting quality for the Manitoba climate. Their windows come with a lifetime written warranty.

For more information, check out Karufa Window and Door today!

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Picking the right tile flooring for each room in your home

Switching to tile floors in your home may seem like a daunting decision, given all the available choices. From natural stone floors, ceramic or porcelain tile, each offers its own benefits and matches for certain rooms. An easy reason to choose tile, though, is that no matter, tile flooring is a guaranteed value boost!

Tile and Stone Source in Edmonton offer a full range of tile flooring and installation services. They share the best tile flooring to install in each room of your home:

Porcelain and ceramic: kitchens

When it comes to kitchen floors, you want something that is both resilient and moisture resistant. With high foot traffic, possible spills, stains or scrapes, kitchen floors need to be able to stand up to it all. As far as tile flooring goes, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular choice. They are resistant to both moisture and scratches and are durable against high foot traffic. Both tiles are available in a wide range of colours, designs, and textures so that they can be customized for any kitchen.

Slate: bathrooms

With bathroom flooring, having moisture resistance is a must-have, but so is having a slip-resistant floor. A beautiful floor that gets slippery when wet just isn’t going to work in your bathrooms! Slate flooring, though, is both naturally slip and moisture resistant, making it a perfect choice!

Colour-wise, slate offers a natural cool charcoal colouring, fit for a relaxing bathroom theme. Otherwise, other shades, such as tans or rust browns, can be chosen for any number of personal designs. Slate is also compatible with radiant heat, making it the perfect excuse to add in-floor heating to your bathroom!

Marble: living rooms

Marble may not be the immediate first choice for living rooms, but it adds an undeniable elegance. Living rooms often benefit from a touch of luxury, making a marble floor a perfect choice. While classically installed as white, marble tile is available in browns or golds, which add warmth to the room. Even for high foot traffic living rooms, marble is a durable floor that won’t easily become worn. Plus, marble floors naturally reflect light, adding a natural glow to any room and creating a sense of spaciousness.

Limestone: laundry rooms

Similar to kitchens, laundry room floors must be resistant to moisture, stains, and heavyweights. Despite limestone being soft to walk on, it is an extremely durable floor that can withstand heavy machines. Most importantly, though, limestone is resistant to both mould and bacteria. It is easily cleaned with a simple sweep or a light mop to clean up any spills. Limestone is available in a wide choice of designs, colours, and shapes to match any laundry room décor.

Travertine: feature entryways

When it comes to a grand entrance, choosing the right floor plays a large role in pulling everything together. As the first room that visitors will see, you want a floor with a real wow factor. Travertine tile will provide that factor, thanks to its natural elegance and timeless beauty. It can also easily blend with a variety of other tile materials or with different designs. For example, a travertine mosaic in an entryway will effortlessly transform your floor. Take a look at the mosaic and design ideas to use with a travertine entrance floor. Practically as well, travertine is highly durable and won’t get damaged from high traffic. Scratches, mud or snow also won’t damage the floor as long as it properly sealed.

Tile Contractors in Edmonton

Tile and Stone Source pride themselves in helping their customers make the best choice for new tile flooring. They offer a range of tile and mosaic flooring, as well as provide installation services. No matter what your tile needs may be, Tile and Stone Source are there to provide a stress-free experience.

Don’t hesitate to contact Tile and Stone Source for any questions or needs!

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Click to Find the >>>> Tile Installers in Edmonton.

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

Builders Get More Tinder Matches Than Other Trades, Valentine’s Day Survey Shows

Trades who add the job title ‘builder’ to their Tinder bio can almost double their chances of a Valentine’s Day match, a new survey has revealed.

With love in the air for Valentine’s Day, Showers To You investigated whether adding a trades job title into a bio on dating app Tinder would increase the chances of a match. 

The findings were especially positive for builders: being a builder will get you more matches than any other tradesman job, the research found. 

To investigate how effective listing a trades job title on Tinder would be, Showers To You created male Tinder profiles and ensured the name, picture and age remained unchanged. Only the job title changed on the bio. The profiles were left online for 48 hours, and a total of 200 people swiped right (indicating a match). 

Builders received 111 matches, nearly double the amount of those without a tradesman job in their bio (60). Plumbers followed closely behind (101 matches).

However, men with a fireplace installer in their bios were not deemed hot enough, getting only 38 matches. Tilers were also unlucky in love when their job title was included in their bios.

On average a male with a tradesman job in their bio received 80.6 matches in two days. The research did not account for female tradespeople.

Not Just For Valentine’s Day

While single builders will seemingly have plentiful Valentine’s Day dating options, it is electricians who are regarded as the friendliest tradespeople in the UK. And striking up a rapport with a tradesperson is an important aspect of building your own home. 

Builders and tradespeople can play a significant role in a self build or renovation, and taking on a tradesperson for the first time can always be a gamble. Before hiring, it can be a good idea to visit a project they have worked on and/or speak with previous clients.

Word of mouth remains one of the best ways of sourcing a builder or tradesperson.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Popular Types of Roof Lanterns to Brighten Your Home

CONTENT SUPPLIED BY ALIWOOD

Roof lanterns offer a great way of bringing in extra light into your renovation, conversion or extension. Distinguishable from skylights by their custom design, roof lanterns enable natural light to enter from above deep into your floor plan, maximising light in your new area.

Roof lanterns can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes – they are commonly made from timber, aluminium, UPVC or a combination of materials. The best type of roof lantern for your build will depend on a number of factors, and shape is a pertinent consideration. 

There are benefits to each roof lantern shape, depending on the function of your room and its architectural design, and knowing what to consider will help you make the most suitable choice for your home.

Square Roof Lanterns

Square roof lanterns are perfect for use in smaller or square-shaped rooms. Not only do they add a wow-factor – especially when installed in the middle of a room – but their perfect symmetry helps to add a neat, contemporary feel. 

You can also utilise a square roof lantern to draw attention to specific areas (such as a kitchen island where food is prepared) or dining room in a larger open-plan room.

Aliwood’s square roof lantern draws the eye in the middle of this dining room

Rectangle Roof Lanterns

Rectangle roof lanterns are derived from Victorian glasshouses and orangeries: they’re a classic. They’re also the most prevalent roof lantern shape, perfect for very long rooms, such as hallways or living rooms, or for defining pathways in larger spaces. 

This classic rectangle roof lantern shape from Aliwood is perfect for a very long room

Octagonal Roof Lanterns

Visually breathtaking, octagonal roof lanterns often look like a dome, and add an elegance to both circular and polygonal rooms.

With eight glazed sides reflecting sunlight down into your room below, they are functionally optimal for north-facing properties. Enabling intricate designs, octagonal roof lanterns can transform a space and the architectural style of your build. 

A Combination of Shapes

If you feel just one roof lantern isn’t sufficient, you could double or even triple up with multiple lanterns joined together. 

Not only does this allow for complex interiors, helping to elevate a room’s aesthetic benefits, but a combination of roof lanterns can help to separate different areas of living space, such as a living room, kitchen and dining room under each lantern.

It’s more work, and of course more expensive, but multiple shapes offer an attractive solution when a single roof lantern might obstruct a window on the first floor of your home.

Pick the Shape For You

There are benefits to each common roof lantern shape, but remember to consider the architecture of your entire home before committing to a shape.

Ultimately, a well-designed roof lantern should complement the architecture of your home, blending in and appearing like it was always meant to be there. 

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

4 Great Things You Can Build Using an Oak Frame

Content supplied by Oak Frames Direct 

Many homeowners choose to build their own homes using an oak frame and for a number of good reasons. It is a strong, sustainable material with natural insulative properties that make it a great choice for those where sustainability is at the heart of their build. The material ages beautifully over time and the frame can be erected quickly on site.

Oak frames are also precision-manufactured in a factory and delivered to site ready for erection. This not only means that build delays caused by bad weather are completely avoided, but also that you can achieve a degree of precision that would not be achievable when building by hand on site with bricks and mortar.

As with any house building project, you will need to work with your architect or designer to create a design, secure planning permission from your local authority (if your proposed work falls outside of your permitted development rights), and ensure you have sufficient foundations to support the new structure. 

As well as using an oak frame to build your dream home, you can also use it for supplementary elements of your build, including:

1. A Garage

If you want to build an oak frame garage to complement your home, then it pays to consider how you will use the garage for years to come and not just how you plan to use it now.

  • How many cars you will need to park?
  • Will you need somewhere for storage?
  • Could you do with a workshop or man cave?
  • Could you do with some extra accommodation space?

All of these considerations will help you choose the right design for your oak frame garage and ensure that it can adapt along with your lifestyle. 

2. A Porch

An oak frame porch can be a great addition to your home regardless of whether your home is more traditional or contemporary in style.

A porch will not only be practical, offering shelter from the elements when you are entering your home but, depending on the design you choose, can also offer a convenient and attractive storage solution. 

3. A Garden Room

Due to the large amounts of glazing that are achievable in the design, a garden room is a great place to make the most of your garden views and sit and enjoy the sunshine.

Garden rooms are also increasingly popular with homeowners who need additional space for hobbies or work. A garden room is a great location for a home office, gym or workshop where it is beneficial to have a small sense of separation from your main living space.

To enjoy the garden room all year round, you will need to consider heating, lighting and ventilation as well as any sockets you may need. You will also need to check that your garden room is within the criteria of permitted development, or apply for planning permission. 

4. Pergolas and Gazebos

If you are looking to create a real feature in your garden then an oak frame pergola or gazebo can be a great addition. Both are particularly useful if you need to create spots of shade in your garden, but can also be used to cover pathways, areas for outdoor dining, ponds and hot tubs.

Oak Frames Direct offers a quick and efficient lead time of between six and eight weeks on its oak frame kits. The frames are Q-Mark certified by BM Trada and the kits are primed for fast assembly and come complete with all the fixings you need. 

Visit the Oak Frames Direct‘ website for an instant quote — choose from standard sizes or your own bespoke dimensions.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Steel siding 101: all you need to know

When you think of steel siding on a building, for most people what comes to mind is commercial buildings. This is, of course, because of the durability and longevity of steel siding, which makes it perfect for commercial. However, these factors are also something that homeowners will look for when replacing old siding.

As the first layer of protection for your home, and a big part of improving energy efficiency, choosing the right siding is important. That is why steel siding is also becoming a popular option among residential homes.

Blind River Construction in Calgary are experts at exterior contracting services, including siding installation. They share all you need to know about steel siding, and why you just might want to consider it:

What are the benefits of steel siding?

Steel siding is one of two types of metal siding, with the other type being aluminum. Steel siding is an incredibly durable material, so it won’t get easily damaged. If you live in areas with heavy storms, rainfall or hail, then this is immediately a great option. For an eco-friendly option, steel siding is also a very green option. This is because the material can be made from either recycled or old steel, and it does not release harmful chemicals into the air.

Like other siding as well, steel can easily be insulated to help with house temperatures, as well as sound reduction. Also, it is resistant to insect damage and rot and can handle severe temperature changes.

Installation and maintenance 

Since steel is such a heavy material, the initial installation cost and labour costs are higher than for the other sidings. However, the lifespan of steel siding can easily be 50 or more years. Also, because it is so durable once installed, the future pay-off is well worth the initial installation expense. Once installed as well, steel siding will give your home a distinct look that easily boosts curb appeal. The siding can also be painted or customized, so its appearance can match the style of your home. Look at some steel siding design ideas for inspiration for your new steel siding.

Maintenance-wise, steel siding is among the types of sidings that require very little care. An annual washing, easily done with a hose, will keep away the risk of rust and dirt. Plus, using protective paint will help keep the steel and paint looking its best.

Factors to consider

As with any siding, there are some factors that need to be considered with this option. Since the material is heavier and the installation cost higher, this is not an ideal choice for a low-cost siding. If your home is on the coast or near to salt water, then the siding is also at a higher risk of rust, which can spread quickly. Thankfully, you won’t have that problem in Calgary!

If you have the budget for steel siding, want an eco-friendly, durable and very long-lasting option, then steel siding is perfect. As with any siding, it comes down to a matter of your home’s needs and what you are looking for.

Siding Contractors in Calgary

Blind River Construction offers services in exterior renovations, siding installations, new windows, doors and more. They strive to provide only the utmost service and professionalism to each and every one of their customers. When you work with them, you can be guaranteed of the quality of work provided.

Contact them today for a free estimate on your next exterior project!

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Scottish Government Makes £300m Affordable Homes Pledge For Beyond 2021

The Scottish government has pledged to commit £300m to ensure the delivery of affordable homes continues once the current parliamentary term ends. 

The government hopes the announcement in the Scottish Budget 2020/21 will assuage fears over funding for affordable homes following the next Scottish Parliament election, due to be held in May 2021.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland were among the organisations calling for the Scottish government to commit to financing the development of affordable homes post the 2021 election.

As well as pledging £300m to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme post-2021, the Scottish government will also invest £840m into the Programme in 2020/21, a £17m increase on the fund in the 2019/20 budget.

“Ensuring everyone has access to a safe and affordable place to call home is at the heart of our ambitions,” said communities secretary Aileen Campbell.

“Importantly, our spending plans also include a £300m commitment to guarantee that affordable homes continue to be delivered beyond our 50,000 target, ensuring councils, housing associations and the construction sector have some financial certainty ahead of the spending review in June.”

The budget also outlined measures to tackle energy efficiency, with Scotland’s Energy Strategy designed to “make homes and buildings warmer, greener and more energy efficient.”

Affordable Homes Are a Priority

With house prices increasing by 11% on average since the Brexit referendum, it is imperative that housing remains affordable in the UK, especially for struggling first-time buyers.

Last year it was revealed that the average two-bedroom property now has a national asking price of £193,103, and this could increase to £482,741 over the next 30 years. 

The relaxation of Permitted Development has faced criticism for preventing more affordable homes to be delivered, with the Local Government Association arguing that offices converted under Permitted Development could have potentially resulted in 13,500 fewer affordable homes.

First-time buyers struggling to get on to the housing ladder may find that self build offers them the opportunity to build their dream home, and often saving up to 30% on market value.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Family Living: A comfortable basement space

Every family needs a place to spend time together. If you have a basement in your home that may be unfinished or unused space, you may consider turning it into a family room. There are many decisions you’ll have to make, but it’s a project that can be your own. Here are some renovation ideas to make your basement a more comfortable family space, from Seven Pillars Custom Building in Edmonton.

Built-in cabinets or entertainment units

There are many creative basement features you can add to your home. Built-in cabinets or other features can easily give you more storage, while also adding to the look of the space. A common built-in idea is a place for the television or bookcases, but it doesn’t have to stop there. When it comes to shelving or cabinetry, having it custom will tailor-make it to your space, and give you the necessary amount of storage you want. Not only that, but you’ll be adding to the overall feeling of the space by removing clutter.

A fireplace

A fireplace will create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for your newly developed basements. Basement spaces can easily get cold, and including an extra heating source can be a good idea. It will give the space a welcoming and cozy ambiance, allowing you and your family to relax together in a warm, comfortable space.

For the kids: a designated play area

Toys like to be everywhere, all the time. Depending on the size of your home, a designated play area could be worth considering. This can be done in many ways. Having their own room downstairs is one, and this way you can decorate the space to their liking. Another thing to do is, tying in the built-ins, have designated bins for toys and belongings.

For the adults: a minibar

Like entertaining? Something to consider adding is a small kitchenette or a bar space. Having something smaller and more accessible in your basement space will not only tie the room together but give you more of an opportunity to communicate with family and friends. A minibar isn’t only a counter and a mini-fridge either. Explore with different shelving to showcase your drinks, mirrors, lighting, or add other creative decorations around to make the space usuable and enjoyable for every member of the family.

Basement Renovations in Edmonton

At Seven Pillars Custom Building, they aim to not only provide exceptional customer service and outstanding craftsmanship but an experience leaving you knowing you have made a wise choice in choosing them. They know you have many choices when it comes to your home renovations and they work hard to ensure all of their customers are satisfied, contributing to their high ratings and customer referrals.

For more information, check out Seven Pillars today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you like the best.
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Homeowner Prosecuted Almost 12 Years After Breaching Planning Permission Rules

An ex-councillor has been fined 12 years after he demolished a listed farm building at his home and replaced it with a new property. 

Greg Cropper, 62, was found to have made illegal changes to his rural home in 2008, breaching planning permission rules. He was fined £1,500 with a £150 surcharge, and also ordered to pay costs of £1,448.33.

The unauthorised building work only came to light when Mr Cropper applied to change the use of a listed farm building at his property to a dwelling. When a listed building inspector at Kirklees Council visited the property, he discovered a much newer building than expected.

Mr Cropper had submitted a prior application to turn the original farm building into a residential property. When this was refused, he had it demolished and rebuilt instead. 

The action went unreported for more than a decade due to the farm’s rural location and no reports of the demolition from neighbours.

This building work, Kirklees Council ruled, was unauthorised, as was the extension of another property on the same site that had not received planning permission.

Mr Cropper, who was formerly chairman of Holme Valley Parish Council West Yorkshire, was taken to court where he admitted the planning breaches. 

Clr Rob Walker, the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said of the prosecution: “Taking action in this instance, despite the time that had passed between the act and its discovery, shows just how seriously we take the protection of listed buildings.”

Planning Permission: Plan Ahead

This case highlights the potential risks when you undergo build project without planning permission, and the steep fines that can be imposed.

While it is possible to apply for retrospective planning permission, it is always advisable to secure approval before the work begins.

Should your planning application be rejected, remember that it doesn’t have to be a death knell for your project. The planners may suggest changes that need to occur in order for it to be approved, and you can subsequently apply again.  

If no changes are suggested in a council’s rejection, the matter can be taken to appeal where around 40% of householder applications that are refused are later granted.

Earlier this year it was revealed that 40 retrospective planning applications are made each day, and the majority are approved.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Kitchen and bathroom: additions for a perfect remodel 

With renovations, it’s not always the big changes that make the most impact. Sometimes, adding in little details and additions will give you that perfect remodel finish. Kitchens and bathrooms, in particular, often get a major remodeling. But, with these two rooms, it’s the little additions that’ll speak volumes!

Integrity Construction Solutions in Edmonton are a professional home renovations company for any project. They share some add-ons to give your kitchen and bathrooms a perfect remodel:

Kitchen island workspace

Having a kitchen island is a popular current trend when it comes to kitchen renovations. Typically, an island is built as a seating area for friends and family or to entertain. But, for a little change, turn your kitchen island into a workspace instead! A wide countertop will provide plenty of prep space while modernizing the kitchen. You can install a microwave nook, your dishwasher and custom cabinets for storage and appliances. Add shelving on the island’s end for any mixers or baking dishes, and you’ve got the perfect space to work.

Add a kitchen breakfast nook

Sometimes those sleepy early mornings call for a bit more comfort than just a table and chair. A breakfast nook in your kitchen can be customized and designed in any way. If you want a classy look, stick with neutral colours like beige and whites. For a more vibrant look, use pastels or bright colour pops like yellows and blues. In addition to an eating space, a nook can have plush pillows and some cozy throw blankets! Need more ideas? Take a look at some of these cozy, kitchen breakfast nooks designs!

Go custom with your cabinets

Both kitchens and bathrooms will benefit from having custom cabinets added to their remodels. This is especially so with the endless array of options for customizing those new cabinets. Custom cabinets also make the most of any space available, whether in a large or small kitchen or bathroom. Plus, on top of the value boost of remodeling these two rooms, custom cabinets will double that! You can customize your cabinetry needs to exactly what you and the two room’s need, without compromise.

Custom bathroom cabinets with a pop

In bathrooms, cabinetry benefits well from being the focal point of the room. Both bright, bold cabinets or cool, light cabinets work well for feature styles. For a calming bathroom, paint your cabinets light shades such as blue or soft yellow. Then, add dark faucets and white décor for the rest of the room. For a bolder approach, go for black cabinets and offset with gold faucets. Other shades such as greens or greys are also perfect bathroom colours.

Add luxury sinks

Vanities aren’t the only part of a bathroom that plays a big role in creating the perfect bathroom remodel. Taking the time to choose a new luxury sink is a small addition, but one that plays a big role in the overall look. Vessel sinks, for example, are one luxury sink option that makes a big statement. They add sleek, modernity to your bathroom and come in a variety of styles, such as glass or wood.

Kitchen Renovations and Bathroom Renovations in Edmonton

Small renovations or large, Integrity Construction Solutions are ready and able to help you with both. They have years of renovation experience and customer satisfaction to guarantee you’ll love their work. From kitchens, bathrooms, basements, flooring and much more, they have all the services you need.

Don’t wait, contact Integrity Construction Solutions today and start your renos!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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

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