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Self Build Wales Launch Event Showcases How to Build Your Own Home

Aspiring self builders can learn all about building their own home at the Self Build Wales launch event this month, and discover how the scheme breaks down barriers that self builders face.

The Self Build Wales launch event on 21 March will enable budding self builders, as well as builders and architects, to speak to experts about the Self Build Wales scheme, its benefits, and how to apply.

Visitors will be guided through Self Build Wales’ four-step process, with a full breakdown of how building your own home will work under the scheme. 

The launch event will be held from 10:00am – 3:00pm on 21 March at Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. You can register for the event here.

What is Self Build Wales?

Self Build Wales is a groundbreaking scheme that provides self and custom builders with a complete package of financial support, and access to land with planning permission already granted

The scheme is designed to appeal to as many people as possible, including first-time buyers and growing families, and aims to provide a route for people to live in their local area, especially if they haven’t previously been able to afford to buy there. 

“We want to make self build available to many more people in Wales, not just the most privileged households,” said housing and local government minister Julie James.

Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, chief executive of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), said: “Self Build Wales addresses an important challenge for self builders: the ability to build when they have a limited deposit, and it adds certainty by providing plots with agreed planning permission and set prices.”

How Does Self Build Wales Work?

The core of the self build scheme is the so-called plot shop, which involves local authorities identifying plot opportunities and selling them with planning permission already in place.

The scheme is being financed by the Welsh government, with funding to be administered by the Development Bank of Wales. 

Applicants will only need to pay 25% of the cost of a plot. The remaining 75% is covered through a self build development loan issued by the Development Bank of Wales, which also covers the full cost of building the property. Repayments only need to be made once the house is completed and mortgaged.

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

VAT on a New Build: Can I Reclaim?

With all the planning, decision making and, in some cases, actual building involved in bring your homebuilding vision to life, it is quite easy for self builders to forget to reclaim VAT on their new build house under HMRC’s DIY Housebuilder’s Scheme.

But if you want your self build project to be financially successful, this stage is vital.

As long as your project is eligible and you keep all the necessary receipts to submit with your claim, you could reclaim the 20% of the total project budget accounted for by VAT.

This article will explain all you need to know about reclaiming VAT — from the aspects of the project that you can reclaim on, what documentation you will need to provide and most importantly, which projects are eligible.

(MORE: The Complete Guide to Self Build)

What are the Rules When Reclaiming VAT on a New Build?

The DIY Housebuilders Scheme (Notice VAT431NB for new builds and Notice VAT431C for conversions) allows you to reclaim VAT from HMRC that you have paid out for your project if you are:

  • building a new house
  • converting a building into a new dwelling
  • bringing an existing dwelling that has not been lived in for 10 years back in to use.

Which Projects are Eligible?

To be eligible, the project has to create a new dwelling in its own right. Extensions, refurbishments and annexes, do not create a new dwelling in their own right, and so are not eligible.

Your project must be lawful, for personal occupation by you or a family member and evidence of completion must be provided. Some planning permissions include conditions or restrictions on use or occupancy, which may mean that the project is not eligible.

If your project changes in nature during the course of works (e.g. from an extension to a demolition and new build), then to be eligible you must obtain planning permission confirming this before works continue.

For every self build, HMRC will request to see:

  • valid planning permission, including your detailed plans
  • evidence of completion (usually a completion certificate, habitation certificate or a valuation office listing letter)

Only one claim is allowed and all relevant documentation and invoices (which we’ll come onto) have to be submitted to HMRC within three months of your completion certificate being issued.

You will usually get the refund within 30 working days of sending in the claim.


How Much VAT Can I Reclaim on my Self Build?

Many self builders regularly overlook this area, but you should ensure that you are charged the correct rate(s) of VAT on all costs associated with your project.

Getting this right is very important, as HMRC will not refund any VAT that has been incorrectly charged.

For new builds, conversions, and renovations that bring a dwelling that has not been lived in for 10 years back into use as a dwelling:

  • The supply of materials only is always at the standard rate of VAT, which is currently 20% (5% on some energy items). You can recover all of the VAT incurred on eligible materials via the scheme
  • The supply of labour only or the joint supply of labour and materials should be at the zero rate (0%) for new builds and at the reduced rate, currently 5%, for conversions and renovations that bring a dwelling that has not been lived in for 10 years back into use as a dwelling. At the end of the project, the owner can reclaim the 5% VAT on eligible joint supply of labour and materials.

Get (and Keep!) All Invoices

Obtain and keep all relevant invoices to ensure that you can recover all eligible VAT.

Remember, you can recover the eligible VAT on invoices that include both eligible and non-eligible items.


What Projects Can I Reclaim VAT On?

The type of projects you can reclaim VAT on under the DIY Housebuilders’ scheme include:

  • New builds. Creating a new dwelling built from scratch, providing it is to be used by you or your relatives as a family home for residential or holiday purposes. Any existing building must be demolished to ground level. Where required by planning consent, an existing façade can be retained
  • Garages for use with the new dwelling and covered by planning permission at the same time
  • Conversions that create a new dwelling. Converting a non-residential building, for example, a barn, old church, business premises, into a new dwelling
  • Renovations that bring a dwelling that has not been lived in for 10 years back into use as a dwelling
  • If the new build or conversion is a holiday home for you and your family’s personal use
  • Landscaping and outside works covered by your planning permission. This may include paving, fencing, turf and shrubs, and so on.

Which Projects Can I Not Claim VAT Back On?

  • Extensions and self-contained accommodation (for example, a granny annexe) that do not create an independent dwelling in their own right, unless built at the same time as part of a new dwelling
  • Separate buildings that are part of your planning permission, apart from a garage — for example, a garden store or a detached swimming pool building
  • Refurbishments of existing dwellings (unless empty for 10 years)
  • A new dwelling constructed for any business use, such as a holiday rental or buy to let

Which Materials Can I Claim VAT Back On?

Examples of the materials you can claim VAT back under the DIY Housebuilders’ scheme:

  • All materials normally incorporated in a new dwelling — all construction materials, for example, concrete, blocks, bricks, insulation, sand, cement, plaster, timber, roofing, stairs, windows, guttering, doors, paint, etc
  • Electrical and plumbing materials
  • Fitted furniture such as kitchen units and worktops   
  • Extractor fans
  • Fittings, such as light fittings, wooden floor systems, linoleum, floor tiles, door furniture, fireplaces and fires, fixed towel rails, mirrors, solar panels, boilers, sewage treatment plants, TV aerials, curtain poles
  • Swimming pools and saunas inside or linked to the new dwelling
  • Delivery charge included on an invoice for materials

Materials you Cannot Claim VAT Back on Include:

  • Equipment hire, for example, scaffolding, JCB hire (machine only), WC hire, etc
  • Consumables, for example, paint brushes, hand tools, etc
  • Professional fees, for example, architects’ fees, Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Calculations, project manager
  • Kitchen appliances, including those integrated, for example hob, oven, dishwasher
  • Bedroom furniture, bathroom furniture, such as vanity units and free-standing units
  • Carpets
  • Delivery costs, when separately invoiced by a courier

Getting Advice on Reclaiming VAT on a New Build

Many tradespeople and contractors are not experienced in dealing with the VAT rules on new builds and eligible conversions.

They sometimes say: ‘it doesn’t matter now, as you will get the VAT back at the end anyway’.

However, this is not true. Don’t leave it to the contractor.

If you are unsure of any aspect of VAT on your project, engage the services of a professional to help you get it right.

Special Circumstances

  • Renovations to dwellings empty for two years or more are eligible for the reduced rate of VAT of 5% via a VAT-registered contractor
  • Works involving a net change in the number of dwelling units are also eligible for the reduced rate of VAT of 5%. Examples include converting two cottages into one house or reverting three flats back into a house
  • Some adaptations work to alter a house for someone who is disabled is zero rated for VAT.

The Importance of Valid VAT Invoices

Ensure you retain all valid VAT invoices, as the originals must be submitted to HMRC with your claim.

Electronic payment receipts and emails confirming orders are not valid VAT invoices and so any VAT paid is potentially lost.

Invoices should include:

  • the supplier name
  • their VAT number
  • the invoice date
  • a description of the goods supplied (and services if applicable)
  • the value of the invoice

If one of your tradespeople/contractors uses their trade account to source your materials and so is in their name, ensure that you pay the supplier direct and keep the evidence, as it will be required.

The VAT incurred on invoices from VAT-registered suppliers in the EU can be claimed too, as long as the invoice includes the relevant information (including their VAT number).

Many purchases are made online these days, so ensure that you obtain a valid VAT invoice when buying, as this may prove difficult to obtain at a later date.


How to Reclaim VAT – Summary

  • Ensure your project is eligible
  • Ensure that you are charged the correct rates of VAT on all invoices
  • Don’t ask a non-VAT registered contractor to supply materials, as you won’t be able to reclaim VAT on those materials
  • Ensure that you are charged the zero rate of VAT on the supply of labour only and the joint supply of labour and materials on new builds
  • Obtain valid VAT invoices as you go and keep them safely together
  • Keep all of your relevant invoices together
  • Ensure your claim is made within three months of completion
  • Engage the services of a professional to ensure you recover the maximum amount of VAT and so minimise its impact on your budget

About the Author

Andrew McDonald (MAAT FCCA) is a qualified accountant who has built his own house.

He prepares and submits VAT claims for domestic clients and assists clients who require VAT advice throughout their project.

He also deals with HMRC reviews and appeals, and tribunal cases following rejected VAT claims.

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

Renovation Ideas for a Luxurious Kitchen

Make this year the year you finally renovate the kitchen. You can transform your dated and nonfunctional kitchen into the luxurious kitchen of your dreams, and you don’t have to break the bank to do so either! Cross Iron Contracting in Edmonton is a full-service renovation and construction company that specializes in kitchen renovations. They share some creative ways to add cost-effective luxury to your kitchen renovation.

Choose modern light fixtures.

Old light fixtures can really date a kitchen. If you still have a giant stain-glassed fixture, it’s time for a change. New fixtures come in a wide price range and you can find something beautiful that will suit your kitchen renovation design. View these modern light fixture images for inspiration.

Get new countertops.

The kitchen countertop is a focal point and can play a big role in how the kitchen looks. Granite or quartz countertops are the best choices, but if natural stone isn’t in your budget you do have some other good options. Laminate is the most affordable and now comes in a wide range of styles that can mimic the look of natural stone. Solid surface is a mid-range choice and gives the same appearance as quartz, but for less cost.

Apply a fresh coat of paint.

Painting the room is the easiest way to give it a facelift. A fresh coat of paint will make the space feel clean, modern and rejuvenated. Choose light, neutral colours for the kitchen. They will be more timeless than bold and vibrant colours, which means you won’t have to repaint sooner than later. Neutral colours are also more attractive to home buyers and this can come in handy if you decide to sell down the road.

If you are dissatisfied with your cabinetry, you can also choose cabinet refinishing over a whole replacement. This can only be done if the cabinet boxes and doors are still in good shape. If not, you’ll need to speak with your contractor about a cabinet replacement.

Old Strathcona Kitchen Renovation

Remember that accessories go a long way.

Have you noticed how luxury show homes always have perfectly placed décor and accessories in the kitchen? It might be a bowl of fruit on the counter, a simple plant on the kitchen table or a sleek mat near the sink. Look at some images online of kitchens you really like and copy their décor ideas. This slideshow has some great ideas for décor and kitchen designs.

Kitchen Renovations in Edmonton

Cross Iron Contracting operates on a basis of high quality of work, adherence to schedule and environmental awareness. From the design stages, through construction to the finished product, you’ll love your new kitchen. If you’ve been thinking about renovating, connect with the professionals at Cross Iron Contracting.

Contact them here!

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

Tips for Picking Paint Colours

Ready to change the look of your home’s interior? Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to completely transform your home’s look and style. Not sure where to get started? Walls Revived Inc. in Edmonton shares some tips for choosing paint colours.

Determine the mood of each room.

Think about how you want to feel when you are spending time in a room. In your bedroom, you might want to choose colours that make you feel relaxed and restful. Choosing soft, cool colours or neutral tones will give the room a quieter mood. For the living room or dining area, you could choose contrasting and bolder colours to add a more vibrant atmosphere for socializing or neutral colours to create a blank slate for highlighting your furniture or home décor.

Consider the lighting.

The lighting in each room can change the way your chosen paint colour looks. For example, rooms with lots of windows and natural daylight will show the truest colour where incandescent lighting can make your colour look warmer with a yellowish tone and fluorescent lighting could create a blueish tone. If you’re not sure about how the lighting will affect your paint colour choices, consult with the design professionals at Walls Revived Inc.

Use the colour wheel as a reference.

A colour wheel can be a great way to compare different colours with each other. It can help you determine which colours combinations will look good together. You’ll find colour palettes you actually like the most. A colour wheel can also help you visualize the temperature of a colour. Learn how to use a colour wheel to help you understand how to best mix and match a cool colour with a warm one for a naturally balanced room.

Test your colour choice.

Sometimes looking at colour samples on a paint chip doesn’t give you a clear idea of how it’s going to look on your walls.  You can test your favourite colours on a poster board or on the wall itself. You could even paint a few strips of different colours side by side so you can see how each colour looks in the room and in different lighting throughout the day.

Get professional advice from painters in Edmonton.

Consulting with a professional painting company can be beneficial in helping you choose the right paint colours for your home’s interior. They know colour and can help you choose colours that best reflect your personal taste, complement each other and create the perfect ambiance in every room of the house.

Painters in Edmonton

The certified professionals at Walls Revived have over 10 years of experience. From decks, fences, interior walls, doors, trim and cabinet refinishing, Walls Revived will deliver superior painting services. A paint job can completely rejuvenate the look and feel of your home, inside and out. Ready to get started?

Contact Walls Revived Inc. 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 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

Robert Jenrick Announces Planning Reforms to Improve Homebuilding

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a series of reforms to improve homebuilding in England, and the measures could positively impact self builders, renovators, extenders and aspiring homeowners.

The updates include:

  • New Permitted Development (PD) rights will be introduced this summer for building upwards on existing buildings. 
  • A pledged to support community and self build housing
  • Speeding up the planning permission system
  • A reaffirmed commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050
  • Investing £400m to use brownfield land productively
  • Reviewing the government’s policy for building in areas at flood risk

The government’s Planning for the Future document says

Permitted Development Changes

Mr Jenrick has announced new PD rights for building upwards on existing buildings, including extending residential blocks, by up to two storeys. These will be announced in the summer, it has been confirmed.

The announcement elaborates on the government’s pledge last year to waive planning permission on two-storey extensions, but its reception among industry experts is mixed.

On the one hand, this could provide homeowners with greater leeway to extend their homes, and homeowners would no longer be required to seek approval from neighbours. However, there is concern that this could negatively impact communities, leading to a rise in poorly-designed buildings, with no formal route for neighbours to object.

Helen Hayes, Labour Member of Parliament for Dulwich & West Norwood, said: “Expansion of permitted development rights is an unmitigated disaster for many communities – yet instead of stopping this harmful policy, govt is proposing to extend PDR under banner of ‘planning freedoms’ to allow upwards extension & demolition without full planning permission.”

There will also be a consultation on the detail of a new PD right which will allow vacant commercial buildings, industrial buildings and residential blocks to be demolished, and replaced with new residential units which meet natural light standards. 

Focusing on Self Build

In a very welcome move for the self build sector, Mr Jenrick also pledged to support community and self build housing. 

The self build industry has been awaiting an update to the Conservative Party’s General Election manifesto, which promised to help first-time self builders access the Help to Buy scheme using 5% deposit mortgages, and while there was no elaboration on this pledge, it is encouraging that removing barriers facing self build is being addressed.

“We will support those who want to build their own homes to find plots of land and provide help to parish councils and neighbourhood forums who wish to build a small number of homes to allow their communities to grow organically, providing homes for the next generation and those wishing to downsize,” the report says. 

Speeding up the Planning System

As part of its outline to speed up the planning system – which has faced criticism for the government will deliver automatic rebates where planning applications are successful at appeal. This means that where applications are refused, applications will be entitled to an automatic rebate of the planning application fee, subject to a successful appeal. 

This will promote proper consideration of applications by planning committees, the government says. 

There will also be a Planning White Paper released in the spring which will propose measures to accelerate planning, and utilise new technologies to modernise the system.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The current planning system is a major barrier for small house builders, so today’s announcement that it will be brought into the 21st century through digitisation and simplification is a victory for common sense.”

The government will also work with local authorities, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) homebuilders, the construction industry and others this summer, to shape a long-term reform of the planning system and housing market. 

Net Zero Emissions

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and plans to deliver a revolution in green housing.

It will introduce a Future Homes Standard from 2025, which will require up to 80% lower carbon emissions for all new homes. This, the report says, will help to bring an environmental revolution to homebuilding, tackling climate change while keeping household bills low.

Brownfield Investment

In order to build more homes for local people, the government has revealed it will invest £400m to use brownfield sites productively.

It also confirmed that ministers will work with local authorities to regenerate brownfield land and deliver the homes communities need on land which is already developed.

Flood Risk Defences

With inclement weather affecting many homes this year, the government has acted to shore up its flood risk strategy.

It will review its policy for building in areas at risk of flooding, and seek to ensure that communities across the country are aware that future development is flood proof.

In Wednesday’s Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also announced a £5.2bn investment in additional flood defences across the country.

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

Fast Track Your Plot Search With New Plotfinder Pro Service

The UK’s leading website for buying and selling land or renovation opportunities, Plotfinder, is launching a new email service that provides in-depth advice to anyone locating, purchasing and developing plots. And for a limited time, you can get free access to the first email to give you a taste of what to expect.

During Plotfinder’s 20 year history, it has helped thousands of people to fulfil their self build and renovation ambitions.

Plotfinder connects those looking for land or renovation opportunities with thousands of estate agents and auction houses across the UK, providing aspiring self builders or renovators with a one-stop shop for plots or properties requiring renovation.

For a limited time, Plotfinder is offering free access to its new Plotfinder Pro service. Plotfinder Pro subscribers will receive a weekly in-depth email bulletin on topics such as planning permission, build techniques, new products and finance.

Additionally, Plotfinder Pro subscribers will get:

  • Exclusive expert insight from industry experts 
  • Full access to details of all plots and renovation opportunities listed on Plotfinder
  • Two free tickets to any Homebuilding & Renovating Shows, worth up to £216 per year

Among the industry experts offering advice is Michael Homes, an experienced self builder and renovator who is chair of NaCSBA, presenter of multiple property TV shows, and the author of Renovating for Profit.

To offer a taste of what to expect, Plotfinder is offering free access to the first few emails. You can join Plotfinder Pro for just £8.50 a month.

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

Choosing flooring: product benefits and design considerations

Changing the flooring in your home will drastically change the look of the space and it’s a worthwhile investment. With so many flooring products to choose from, making a choice can be a difficult decision. From carpet, hardwood, and vinyl, each come with their benefits for your home. Nufloors Sherwood Park shares information three popular flooring types, including products available, their benefits and design considerations.

Carpet

There are a few different kinds of carpet textiles to consider:

Looped: Looped carpet hides patterns and footprints that might be made from vacuuming or foot traffic.

Patterned: Patterned carpet adds a unique design, offering different tones, patterns, or floral designs.

Textured: Textured carpet is a simple option that will blend with any space, making it an easy choice for any room.

Frieze: Frieze carpet will withstand the test of time because it’s hard-wearing, and a good choice for busier areas in your home.

Carpet as a flooring choice is a great one, especially for bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms. It’s is easy to maintain with a good vacuum cleaner, is a good cushion for feet, and reduces noise generation. A quality carpet flooring can make a room both stylish and comfortable, and there is a wide range of price options available to suit every budget.

Hardwood

There are two main kinds of hardwood available:

Solid: Solid hardwood is solid wood that is typically nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor.

Engineered: Engineered hardwood is 100% wood, made by bonding and layering wood together to create different patterns and textiles.

These two options look the same, but engineered hardwood cannot be refinished in the same way hardwood can. You can refinish a solid hardwood numerous times over the years, but an engineered hardwood floor can’t be refinished passed the top layer. While wood floors might have more maintenance requirements, it will add warmth and a timeless style to your home. Both wood flooring types come in many different wood types, colors, styles, and patterns, allowing you to choose exactly what you need for your home’s design.

Vinyl

When choosing vinyl, you have the choice of the following:

Sheet: Sheet vinyl comes in one large sheet.

Luxury tile: Luxury vinyl tile is a warmer, softer flooring option. It mimics the look of real stone tile.

Luxury plank: Luxury vinyl plank has the appearance of wood flooring, without the maintenance requirements and price tag.

Vinyl flooring is easy to install, and incredibly water-resistant, making it a good choice for family living. It’s durable and can withstand the business of your home. It’s ideally installed in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and other living spaces where moisture is expected. Sheet vinyl is easy on your feet, and easy to maintain. The luxury vinyl choices offer the same qualities as a sheet but give your home a more high-end look, and a little more style, while still being on a budget.

Flooring Companies in Edmonton

Nufloors offers a wide and impressive range of flooring styles, colors, textures, and finishes. They have most products available on the market and offer great service because they’re a medium-sized flooring shop with the buying power of a big chain. They have 24 shops each individually owned in their group.

For more information, check out Nufloors Sherwood Park 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.
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.

Click to Find >>> Edmonton Flooring Stores

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

What you should look for when hiring cleaning services in Edmonton

Hiring a professional cleaning service has many benefits. Whether it’s for your home, business or for after a renovation, an experienced cleaning company will give spotless results – at no hassle to you. But how do you know which cleaning service to hire? Who’s the best? Here are some questions to ask when looking for the best cleaning service from Duty Cleaners in Edmonton.

Does the company have great reviews?

Positive reviews are one of the first things to check for. Reading the reviews will give you a broad idea of how the company operates. Not only that, but people will often say which part they liked the most from the company. That way, you know what to expect. A company with many negative reviews may be worth avoiding. It shows that they left customers unsatisfied with their work, and you may be more likely to experience problems.

Another way to get an honest review is to check a third-party service, such as RenovationFind. If a company is seeking membership or certification from a third-party, it usually means they’re serious about maintaining a good reputation with quality work and excellent customer service.

Do they offer online booking?

Online booking is more than a perk: It’s a convenient way to make appointments quickly. A company that may not have online booking may be more difficult to get a hold of. Their hours may vary, or you may be left on hold, making it more challenging to get in. With Duty Cleaners’ online booking system, you fill out a simple form that includes letting them know what services you require. You’ll see their flat-rate pricing and your service will be booked in a matter of minutes.

Are they locally owned?

A locally owned business has many benefits. In many cases, you’ll get a personal, friendly experience because the company working for you is a member of the community. It also means their staff are carefully vetted, trained and hired in-house. Customer service is more likely to be a priority because local businesses often work to improve their community, and they care about their reputation among their local area. Plus, if there is a concern, you know that your call is going to a locally owned business in your community – not a head office of a big chain in another province.

Do they have the proper business license and insurance?

For any business to operate, they need proper licensing and insurance. Clients are allowed to ask these kinds of questions and should feel welcome to do so. Check to see if their licensing and insurance are up to date; doing this will further ensure that they are a reliable company to work with. Checking for proper insurance also means you are covered if there is an accident in, or damage to, your home that is related to the cleaning service.

Renovation Cleaning in Edmonton

Duty Cleaners is a dedicated company. Their utmost priority is customer service. All staff go through extensive background checks and are friendly, easy-to-talk-to professionals you’ll feel comfortable having in your home or business. They communicate with their clients through every step of the way. Not only that, but they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied with their work.

If you’re interested in quality cleaning services, contact Duty Cleaners 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.
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

The benefits of metal roofing

Interlock Metal Roofs Strong

Time for a new roof? Changing the roofing on your home is a big expense. You want the best roofing materials and installation possible to ensure your home and investment are protected. While your first thought may be shingles or asphalt, another option to consider is metal. Here are some benefits of installing metal roofing, from Interlock Industries in Calgary.

Durability

Metal roofing has a long lifespan than other roofing materials. The material won’t wear down for decades, and in some cases can last up to fifty years or more. It’s a smoother material, and won’t absorb water and is resistant to rot, moss or algae, pest, and insects. It’s made to withstand the test of time in all climates, especially an unpredictable Canadian one. Safe to say, you won’t have to worry about your metal roofing for as long as you own the house. It’s virtually maintenance-free.

Design

The metal roofing material is a great choice in its addition to the curb appeal of your home. This material comes in many different colors in styles, making it easy to match to your home’s exterior. Metal shingles are manufactured in different styles to create whatever home design you wish. It’s ultimately up to you, and metal roofing gives you the creative freedom you need.

Resistance

Metal roofing is fire and wind-resistant with their interlocking design. The panels are built in a way that will hold strong throughout the years. Your home will be protected from exterior fire sources, and hold stronger during interior fires. Not only that, but the material will hold strong and keep the cold air out during those windy days. These features will ensure your home is well-protected from whatever elements the weather might throw at it.

Energy efficient

Energy efficiency is a great feature of your roofing that should be considered. With metal roofing, its durability and strength will keep the outdoor weather outside. It can also help reflect UV rays and the heat of the sun during the summer, reducing cooling costs. This will help you save money on your energy bills, and keep the temperature well-regulated inside your home.

Metal Roofing in Calgary

Interlock Metal Roofing Systems have been installed across the continent in all climate zones. To constantly provide the highest levels of quality and service, they uphold stringent standards of excellence that adapt to the changing needs of customers and the environment. The strict implementation of product testing, thorough training, field supervision, and research & development allows them to ensure the integrity of their product and the satisfaction of their consumers.

Interested in Metal Roofing? Check out Interlock Industries 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.
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

Four home addition mistakes to avoid for a perfect renovation

Planning any renovation can be a challenge, but a new home addition is an especially big undertaking. Whether you are adding a new floor or a new room, there’s a lot to think about. Without proper planning, or just from the stress, certain mistakes can ruin a perfect reno!

Northern Craftsmen in Edmonton is a residential contractor specializing in full renovations, additions and custom builds. They share some home addition mistakes to avoid so that your renovation goes perfectly:

1. Underestimating the cost and budget

It’s likely that if you have an addition planned, you have a budget in mind as well. Even so, improper budgeting can still happen if you haven’t considered the whole project. A home addition budget should be broken down into three parts: the addition, the materials, and the hire. The cost of an addition will also vary depending on what you have planned. A new room, for example, will cost differently than planning to add a whole new floor. Material cost will also range in price, depending on what materials you use and how luxurious you want the renovation to be. Lastly, what sort of professional you hire and the extent of their team and services. Knowing exactly who you need to hire will let you make the right budget and the right renovation plans.

Also, you have to budget for the unexpected. No one likes to think about it, but surprises do happen. To avoid the possibility of going over budget or worse, not being able to complete the project, it’s important to have a contingency fund to cover any unexpected surprises along the way.

2. Doing a home renovation on your own

As tempting as it may be, home renovations are really not a DIY project to tackle alone. It may sound like an ideal idea to save expenses where you can, but extensions are major work. More than that, they will require multiple permits and inspections, which is something a professional general contractor will obtain for you. It’s work best left to the pros. Not only are you investing in the quality of work a professional will provide, but it’s also an investment for your home. When you hire a general contractor, they’ll bring all the skills, tools and right subcontractors for a safe job. For something as expensive as a home addition, you want to make sure it’s done right.

3. Not planning every detail of the renovation

Finally adding that necessary addition to your home is exciting, but don’t let your dreams clash with practical reality. If you decide to start your addition and improvise ideas and layouts as you go, it’ll invite disaster and not perfection in the end. It’s okay to change your mind throughout the process, but without a clear, well-laid plan your renovation will not run on schedule and will likely not stick to the budget either.

4. Forgetting to plan furniture into the design

It’s easy to get caught up in the construction part of additions and focus on the paints, windows, and doors. But, once your addition is complete, you’ll be adding furniture to the area. If you have a new bedroom, you’ll need space for a bed, a dresser and any other furniture. For a living room, do you want to hang pictures on the walls? If you forget to add furniture to your plans, you may find yourself without enough floor or wall space for everything. Be sure to add your furniture to those pre-construction design plans to avoid this. To help with the planning, take a look at these simple design tips for arranging furniture.

General Contractors in Edmonton

At Northern Craftsmen, they value high-quality work just as much as they value quality customer satisfaction. As a family-owned and operated business, they pride themselves in providing valuable and long-lasting results. Northern Craftsmen offer renovations, additions or custom builds that are each tailored to your needs and wants.

Ready to build? Contact Northern Craftsmen today to begin!

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

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