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Written by Peak Improvements in Edmonton

How Much Can a Whole House Renovation Cost in Edmonton?

Many homeowners are planning more than a small home renovation project. Your neighbor in Edmonton make be thinking of undertaking an entire house renovation in upcoming months. Recent statistics show that:

• More than 70 per cent of Canadian homeowners are thinking of redecorating;
• 40 per cent want to build an addition or remodel; and
• 10 per cent want to construct a custom home.

Costs can easily add up as homeowners tie in newly designed kitchens to the rest of the home or attempt to improve the flow in a home. Significant planning and preparation go into an entire home renovation. Understand more about whole house renovations and their potential costs today.

Costs for Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Homeowners can easily underestimate the time and money involved in some of the projects with the highest priority. Canadians can expect a kitchen renovation to come in at an average of $46,000. This can be at the low end as prices can easily increase when considering a redesign of neighboring bathrooms, with an additional average outlay of $26,800 per bathroom.

The number of bathrooms and any washroom to be added or renovated can quickly increase the price tag on the project. Expenses involved in renovating living space is generally less than for kitchen or bathrooms as there is generally little to be done when it comes to mechanical upgrades.

Additional Factors When Estimating Costs

There are many factors to be considered when estimating the overall cost. A homeowner may choose high-end flooring, fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and windows, additional insulation and more. This translates to wide range of costs, from as low as $75 to over $200 per square foot for the entire project. There are times when handy homeowners may choose to do some smaller projects themselves, helping to reduce costs, while others decide to contract out the entire renovation.

Planning a Whole House Renovation

Are you ready to start planning and designing your home renovation? Working with a design-build firm can guide you every step of the way from concept to completion. The key to a successful whole house renovation is starting with a rock solid plan. Avoid surprise expenses and delays when you first consider all the objectives and costs that come with the home renovation of your dreams.

Go to https://blog.peakimprovements.com/renovationfind to learn more

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

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

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms in a home when it comes to overall value. An outdated kitchen or a small bathroom can harm not only resale value but also your daily home life. When you invest in a major renovation, you want the results to be a major investment that you love. That’s why both renovations have some major must-haves that shouldn’t be left out!

Dash Builders in Winnipeg are renovation specialists for every part of your home. They share some must-have additions for your major bathroom and kitchen renos:

Bathroom: in-floor heating

With any major renovation, it’s always nice to combine functionality with luxury. In the case of bathrooms, this means incorporating in-floor heating with new flooring. Heated floors are popular in spa bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with a full spa theme. In-floor heating is one of those investments that is both a luxury and a home value boost.

For a sleek and dramatic new floor choice, combine your heating with natural stone flooring. Natural stone tiles are a major value-boosting option, plus it pairs perfectly with floor heating. Since it naturally retains heat, your floors will stay toasty long after the heat is turned off!

Bathroom: double sets in the master bathroom

If you have a large master bathroom or plans to enlarge it, why settle for one set of sinks and mirrors? Doubling up not only gives a “his” and “hers” theme to the room, but it doubles the appeal. It turns your vanity into a real feature focus with plenty of wow factor, fit for a master bathroom! To save on counter space, consider installing vessel sinks for both minimal space and a striking addition. Also, don’t forget to pair each sink with its own mirrors to complete the look!

Kitchen: walk-in pantry

Walk-in pantries are not only essential nowadays, but they are a great way to boost value. As kitchens are now the main feature focus of any home, you want every space to be functional. With a walk-in pantry, not only do you have a designated storage space, but it clears room for the rest of the kitchen. You can store your spices, dry goods, cookbooks and even cooking appliances that aren’t used every day. Pantries can also be tailored to your needs, whether you want a pure storage pantry, or double up and add wine storage to it too! Draw some inspiration for your kitchen from these walk-in pantries with some major wow factor.

Kitchen: multi-purpose island

Yes, your kitchen island will be one main feature of your kitchen, but don’t let its full potential go to waste! Instead of just designating it as a seating area or ample counter space to work, double its purposes! Install a secondary, larger prep sink on the island with a pull-down faucet that will make filling pots a breeze. For the space below the countertop, install custom cabinets and storage solutions. Have below counter microwaves, pull-out trash bins or deep drawers for pans for easy access while you prep food.

As for the countertop itself, pick a material that is both striking but also functional. Quartz countertops, for example, are one such popular choice for being both durable and still stunning. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and bacteria, and have many available colours for a customized finish.

Major Renovations in Winnipeg

As a family-owned company, Dash Builders prides themselves in their quality of work and customer care. Their goal in every project is to ensure their customers are always satisfied with the outcome. From bathroom, kitchen and basement renovations to whole home renovations, anything you need, Dash Builders can provide.

Contact Dash Builders for any questions or renovation help!

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

Choosing the right insulation for your home is just as important as choosing the right shingles or windows. Insulation helps keep your house warm, improves energy efficiency and can act as soundproofing. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one. Spray foam insulation is a great choice.

Ideal Insulation and Roofing in Calgary are an insulation and roofing contracting company. They share more about what spray foam insulation is and the two available types:

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a popular and efficient insulation option. Spray foam is applied as a liquid to the walls, where it then quickly expands, hardens and sets. The insulation is made up of polyurethane and isocyanate, which, when combined, causes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and harden. As insulation, it creates an absolute air seal that prevents any heat loss in your home, making it incredibly energy-efficient. It is available as both open cell and closed cell spray foam, both of which offer different benefits. Not sure if you need to replace your insulation? Read these signs that will let you know if its time for new insulation.

Open-cell spray foam

As its name suggests, open-cell foam leaves cells deliberately open, making the foam both softer and more flexible. The biggest benefit of this is that it allows the foam to expand more than closed cells, up to 3”. This makes it ideal for insulating smaller nooks in the home, since the foam will expand and fill those spaces with ease. It is also beneficial as soundproofing, as only one application will be needed to fill and seal an area completely. Open-cell is less expensive than closed-cell foam; however, it is less efficient against extreme cold. Because of the open cells, air and moisture have a chance to get inside.

Closed-cell spray foam

Unlike open-cell, closed-cell spray foam is completely closed once the foam is applied and hardened. Without any open cells, it makes the foam much more rigid and stable than the more flexible and softer open-cell foam. A benefit of this is it gives closed-cell a higher R-value, making it more efficient at keeping the heat in or cold out. The reason being is that with a completely sealed cell, neither air nor moisture can get in. This also makes it more durable in colder climates with extreme weather.

On the other hand, closed-cell foam is less able to expand like open-cell and only expands to 1” thickness. This makes it less ideal for sealing off hard to reach nooks and crannies in your home, but it will add more structural stability.

Which is best for your home?

Both types of spray insulation offer benefits to your home that will pay off, no matter what. In the end, the decision is more a matter of budget and the location of your home. If you live in extremely cold climates, then the rigid closed-cell is the better choice. If your climate is stable, but the budget is a factor, then consider the less expensive open-cell insulation. Either way, spray foam insulation will help lower those monthly energy bills and keep your home warm!

Insulation Contractors in Calgary

Ideal Insulation and Roofing are experts when it comes to all things insulation or roofing. They pride themselves in their quality of service, work and ensuring safety at all times. In addition to insulation, they also offer roofing services, so no matter what you need, they are the ones to call.

Contact Ideal Insulation and Roofing today for a free estimate!

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

If you’re an avid cooking enthusiast, there’s nothing worse than a tiny kitchen cramping your style. But even if a major remodel isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of ways to optimize the space you have and make your small kitchen work for you. Check out these small kitchen decorating, storage and mini-remodeling ideas to expand your cooking space in a big way. 

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15 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger

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1. Stick to white or light colors

Dark colors in small spaces tend to crowd the eye and make a room feel claustrophobic. Use white or light colors on both your walls and cabinets to reflect light around your kitchen and make it feel bigger.

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2. Accent with bright pops of color

If you hate the idea of a stark white cooking space, fear not – strategically accenting with bright pops of color can draw a person’s eye around your kitchen, making it look and feel bigger.

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3. Use open shelving

Cabinets are great, but to make a small kitchen look bigger and give the space a little more depth, opt for doorless, open shelving to store plates, bowls and other cooking supplies.

Budget option: Not ready to shell out for new cabinets? Taking the doors off and putting matching trim over the edges is an easy way to convert your old ones into new open shelving.

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4. Opt for a mirrored backsplash

In small spaces, the name of the game is reflect, reflect, reflect. A mirrored backsplash is a great way to expand the feel of your small kitchen, as it spreads light around the room, keeping it bright and well-lit.

Pro-Tip: If mirrored glass tiles aren’t in the budget, there are plenty of reflective peel-and-stick backsplashes that can accomplish the same feel without the hefty price tag.

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5. Use high-gloss paint

Glossy paint will help to bounce light around your small kitchen and keep it feeling well-lit, open and spacious.

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6. Avoid sharp contrasts between walls and cabinets

Your walls and cabinets don’t have to be the same shade, but avoid stark color contrasts between the two. Having a large block of dark cabinets against a light wall or vice-versa can draw attention to the scarcity of space in your kitchen, making it look and feel even smaller.

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7. Leave your ceiling white

A smooth white ceiling will keep your kitchen from feeling boxed in, so if your ceiling is white, leave it be. If it’s not, paint it white and if you have popcorn ceilings, have it scraped off to remove the harsh shadows and contrasts they cast, which can also make a kitchen feel smaller. 

Pro-Tip: While many projects on this list are DIY-worthy, painting ceilings and removing popcorn texture from a ceiling are projects best left to the pros. Get in touch with a painting professional or a home maintenance professional to help tackle these and make your kitchen feel bigger.

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8. Paint your trim the same color as your walls

Trim that contrasts with your wall color can make a room feel short and cut off at the top. By painting your trim the same color as your walls, you’ll extend the plane, making your kitchen feel taller and unconfined.

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9. Install soft under-cabinet lighting

Using soft, diffused under-cupboard lighting is an easy way to bring out the depth in a small kitchen space. Use linear lights underneath cabinets for shadow-free task lighting and to help make your kitchen look a little less cramped.

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10. Add a skylight

If you can swing it, installing a fixed skylight is an awesome way to add natural light without taking out valuable wall or cabinet space.

Pro-Tip: Fixed skylights can be expensive, but tubular skylights are a budget-friendly option that are especially great for small kitchens and other spaces, as they are more compact and easier to install.

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11. Soften up your window treatments

Play up the natural light you have by choosing the right window treatments. Cordless blinds with clean, sharp lines can cut down on visual clutter and give your kitchen a bigger feel. If blinds aren’t your thing, use sheer, light curtains to diffuse light and give the room a softbox effect.

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12. Pick the right size kitchen island light

If you have a permanent kitchen island, choosing the right size overhead lighting for it can make a big difference. To open up the space, use clear, shadeless fixtures so the light will spread throughout the room, instead of focusing hard light on the counter alone. 

Also, choosing the right size kitchen island light can make a big difference. Instead of opting for one large light, consider using several smaller bulb pendant lights for more illumination. Make sure to hang them so that they do not obstruct the view of the tallest person to use the island while they are standing – this extra height will make your kitchen appear bigger and less crowded.

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13. Choose shiny flooring materials

Glossy, light subway tiles are a great choice for smaller kitchens, as they tend to bounce light around the space and provide slender, clean lines throughout.

Pro-Tip: Stick to clean lines for decor and fixtures to eliminate visual noise in your kitchen. This will make it appear less cluttered and more spacious.

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14. Store seasonal or larger appliances in another room

Clutter can make any room feel smaller, especially the kitchen. If you only break out the deep fryer once a year for Thanksgiving, don’t let it take up valuable pantry space; box it up and store it in the basement or a hall closet until you need it.

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15. Free up space by hanging up smaller items

If you’re looking for more ways to eliminate clutter and open up your kitchen, here are a few small kitchen storage ideas to make the most of your space: 

• Pot rack hooks: Hang up pots and pans to free up cabinet space.
• Magazine racks: Attach these to the inside of cabinets or on pantry walls to store cling wrap, aluminum foil and other supplies. 
• Over-the-door shoe organizer: Can be used to store spices, condiment packets, cleaning supplies, individual snack packets, and so much more. 

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Want a bigger kitchen? Call Handyman Connection today

Whether you need help installing any of these small-kitchen hacks or want to tackle a full-scale kitchen remodel, Handyman Connection can help. With locations throughout the United States and Canada, we’re your local connection to the top craftsmen in your area, providing a wide variety of expert handyman services including electrical, carpentry, flooring, plumbing and more. Call 1-800-88-HANDY to connect today, or find a location near you.

The post How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

Back patio doors have many benefits. It allows easy access to your deck or patio and provides more natural light into your home. Most people choose to have doors installed in their kitchen, dining or living room. Demolishing an existing wall and putting in a door where there was no door before, however, is not an easy job.

Here is the process of adding a patio door to your home, from D4 Renos in Edmonton.

Choosing a door

There are many different kinds of doors you can research and choose from before starting the project. The door could be a screen door, or a solid pop of color, double french-style doors, a sliding door, or anything you choose. It’s also good to pick the door first because you’ll be able to get the measurements and see how it will fit in your home. In some cases, a particular door might not work for your home’s specifications.

Where to put it

The next step in the process is deciding where you want your back door to lead out. Some people like to put it in or near their kitchen, allowing for more light, having a barbeque close by, or deck access. If your home doesn’t allow it to be off your kitchen, it can be in a different spot that will add convenience to your family. D4 Renos can provide insight and advice on the best spot for your new patio door.

Framing and installation

The next step, after the demolition of that portion of the wall, is to frame where the door will go. This can be tricky since there are many factors to think about. The wall will need support since it’s losing some from the door installation. It also has to be measured in such a way that the door will fit perfectly, not allowing any air to come through. You must also watch for any electrical or plumbing that are in the current wall, and they’ll have to be relocated if in the way.

Hiring a framing contractor can be useful for this because they have expertise. They’ll make the job easy on you, and ensure it’s installed properly. The framing contractors may also be able to help you install the door. If properly framed, drywalled, and sealed, the installation process should take no time at all. This is something a renovation company like D4 Renos can help with.

Framing Contractors in Edmonton

D4 Reno’s is a small family renovation company with the goal of satisfying and making the customers’ dreams come true. No matter where you’re planning to renovate your house, they will strive for the best.  D4 Renos guarantees reliable services at fair and affordable prices. They service Edmonton and surrounding areas.

For more information, visit D4 Renos today!

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

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

Wondering whether or not your water heater is up to snuff for this winter?

As a top provider of general handyman services across North America, Handyman Connection can help you stay on top of water heater maintenance and other home plumbing service needs.

Learn how to tell when it’s time to replace your water heater with these helpful tips from the home maintenance and repair experts at Handyman Connection:

When to Replace a Water Heater (Infographic)

The post When Should I Replace My Water Heater? appeared first on Handyman Connection.