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The cold days are here to stay, and much as it pains us to type this, they are here to stay for a long time (and you know it). This means that it’s time to start layering clothing, drinking mulled wine, listening to the sound of a burning fireplace and thinking about ways to stay warm at home without worrying about the energy bills at the end of the month. To give a helping hand, we’ve put together some low-cost tips on how to save energy during these colder times.

Seize the sunlight.  

During the day, open the curtains on your south-facing windows, so that natural sunlight warms up your home. Once the night comes, close the curtains to help keep the heat inside and cosy up.

Drafts? No, thank you.

Any gaps on windows and doors can easily let warm air out and cold air in. To tackle this problem, try installing draft proofing strips or draft excluders on both your windows and doors. Don’t forget to also cover letterboxes, keyholes and cat flaps. If you don’t have enough time on your hands to do this by yourself, give the Squad a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us draughtproof your home.

Seal the deal.

Find and seal leaks around chimney gaps, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, unfinished spaces behind closets and cupboard or even around utility cut-throughs for pipes.

Push the button.

Some appliances, such as televisions, chargers, hairdryers, and irons continue to use up energy even when they are not turned on. So, instead of wasting energy, when you are not using your appliances, remember to switch them off. Also, don’t leave your phone on charge all night, it won’t need that long!

Light it up.

Switch your lightbulbs for energy-saving LED bulbs. These bulbs use much less energy than normal ones plus, last much longer than non-energy-saving ones. Our London electricians will be able to replace your lightbulbs in no time!

Change it around.

If your radiator is being blocked by a sofa or a bed, it means that the heating is getting absorbed by the item in front rather than warming your whole room. Change the placing of your furniture, so you’re the one benefiting from the warmth. Need an extra pair of hands? The Handy Squad can lift and shift your furniture – leave the heavy stuff for us!

Also, if you’ve noticed that your radiator isn’t working properly it might mean that it’s time to bleed it or repair it. We’ve written a whole blog post about how to fix issues with your radiator, so if that’s what you’re looking for, hop on to that page.

If you need a professional to ensure that you have a cosy and warm winter at home, our team will be happy to help! Request a free quote today by filling our online booking form.

The post How to save energy during the winter appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

If you’ve been doing research on making updates to your home, you’ve probably seen both of these words tossed around a lot. As you do your research and start talking to professionals, it’s important to know the distinction between the two. 

What’s the difference?

“Remodel” and “renovate” mean the same thing at their core, which is to update your home or living space. However, the differences come when it comes to the practice.

Renovation: restoring a home, especially one that’s a fixer-upper. Not only are you making updates, but you’re restoring the actual structure of something that’s had extensive damage or isn’t safe anymore. 

Remodel focuses mainly on updating the actual structure of the home. That is to say, remodels change the look of the home and updates it, rather than fix it. 

Why the difference? 

With renovations, the main focus is to restore the existing structure. A lot of times, renovations can include remodeling services such as new paint, updated flooring and new fixtures. A lot of times, these updates will come after a fix, such as repairing damaged drywall, installing new base flooring and fixing an existing electrical problem.

However, you can remodel without having to renovate. For example, to install new carpet, you don’t have to necessarily tear up the floorboard. 

Why is it important? 

If you tell your craftsman that you want to renovate your kitchen, that could mean you want to tear everything out and replace everything from the ground up. 

However, if you say you want to remodel your kitchen, that gives the craftsman a much better idea of what to expect. For example, instead of replacing everything, remodeling services your craftsman might suggest include updating the paint, installing new cabinets.

Renovations are much more expensive than your typical remodel, and if you don’t know the difference, it can lead to communication issues between you and your remodeling services company. Still confused? Talk with a specialist at Handyman Connections who can help you. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Remodel vs. Renovate – What’s the difference? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

There’s a lot of talk when it comes to home remodels. Because of the popularity of home improvement networks and shows, everyone has different ideas about what it’s like to remodel your home. Even people who have done remodels themselves have strong opinions about it. It’s not an easy decision. 

As you look into remodeling your home, here’s some of what you might be hearing. 

“It’s way too expensive.”

Home remodels are expensive because they’re an investment in your home. But don’t be scared by that potential price tag. There’s ways to break down the total cost of remodeling your home into easy to budget parts. 

The actual cost of your remodeling budget will depend on your home, but it’s always good to talk with a professional remodeling services company to set a good budget. 

“It’s super stressful.” 

It will be stressful at times, but there’s things to do to minimize the stress. Taking extra steps to prepare, working with professionals, and making sure you have reasonable goals are just some things you can do to minimize the stress.

Sometimes things pop-up that will add to the stress, like an unexpected repair or setbacks. But don’t let the fear of stress keep you away from remodeling your home. 

“It takes a long time.” 

Despite what you see on television shows, home remodels don’t happen overnight. Certain remodels can and will take longer. For example, remodeling your home is going to take longer than remodeling your bathroom. The actual timeline of your remodel project will vary, but you can always talk it out with a professional remodeling services company.

Still not sure? 

If you’re still not sure about remodeling your home, no worries. Talk to a craftsman professional at Handyman Connection about what to expect with your remodeling projects. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post What everyone’s saying about remodeling homes appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Your home is your ultimate comfort place. You want to stay in your home for as long as possible. As more Americans get older, more are considering how best to “age in place.” If your house is older, that could mean making updates to your home. 

Of course, individual health needs will need to be taken into account and you’ll want to talk with a professional remodeling services company to figure out what updates are best for your home. Despite this, there are some updates you can make to make growing old easier.

1. Update your flooring
   Falls can become more serious the older you are. As you get older, you might want to consider changing out any hardwood or tile floors for carpet or even nonslip flooring. Non-Slip flooring is perfect in high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens. 
2. Bathrooms
   Since bathrooms are high-risk areas, it’s important to take preventative measures. Installing a walk-in shower or tub before you actually need it can save you time and money. Depending on individual needs and your bathroom, this might be costly but ultimately, it will be worth it.
3. Hand railings
   This is one of the easier remodels to accomplish, and the earlier it can be done the better. Installing a railing on any stairway in your home can help with balance and give an added sense of security. An unsteady handrailing is dangerous though. That’s why it’s important to call a professional remodeling services company to do any and all railing installations and repairs. 

Aging in place is different for everyone. Talking about options with a remodeling services company like Handyman Connection will help you prepare and do everything you can to make sure you or your loved ones can age in place in the comfort of their own home. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Best Remodel Ideas for Aging In Place appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Mistakes happen in every area of life — even home remodels. Mistakes and hiccups can and will pop up when you’re remodeling, and they can be costly.

Regardless of the actual size of the mistake, it’ll feel like the end of the world when it happens. Most mistakes can be easy to recover from and even easier to avoid. 

When do mistakes happen the most? 

Mistakes happen before the remodel even begins. Ordering the wrong supplies, measuring things wrong, and not setting a realistic budget can throw wrenches into your remodeling job. The worst part? These mistakes won’t be caught until later, when the work’s already begun.

Despite that, it’s not the end of the world. You can avoid these mistakes by triple checking everything. Measure spaces before ordering appliances or materials, get inspections ahead of time and work with a remodeling services professional to make sure you’re setting a high enough budget. 

Pro-Tip: Since mistakes do happen even in the best case scenarios, leave a little room in your budget for when these mistakes come up. 

How do I avoid mistakes in my home remodeling job? 

The best way to avoid mistakes is by preparing against them. When you’re looking into various remodeling services, you can look at customer reviews and talk things out to make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid mistakes.

While there’s no guarantee of avoiding mistakes or hiccups during a remodeling project, hiring a professional company is the best way to minimize them. 

Our craftsmen at Handyman Connection have perfected their practice and learning how to avoid mistakes so you can rest assured that your job is done right the first time around. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post How to Avoid Remodeling Mistakes appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Remodeling your home can be expensive. While you expect it to a certain degree, you’re probably trying to save as much money as possible. It’s hard to tell how much a remodel is going to cost, but there are ways to save. 

1. Make a Budget
   It might seem like a basic first step, but one of the best ways to save money is to make a budget. By knowing exactly how much money you want to spend and what you’re working with, it’s easier to stay on track and save money. The budget might vary depending on what remodeling services you’d be looking into, but having one keeps you a step ahead. 
2. Prepare, not repair. 
   It might sound counter-intuitive, but planning your remodels for sooner rather than later can actually save you money. If you know there’s an area of your home that needs upgrades and updates, consider renovating early. Installing a new kitchen floor and checking on your plumbing is way less expensive than replacing a kitchen floor due to flood damage. 

Would I save money by doing the work myself?

Doing a remodel yourself can be rewarding. If you have the experience necessary and can call on some help, it could save you money. But oftentimes, home remodels are not a one or even two-person job and that’s where mistakes can happen. 

Hiring a professional remodeling services company will save you time and money by doing the job right the first time. Their crews are professional and experienced, meaning you won’t have to go back and fix anything. Completing a home remodel can be a rewarding experience. If you have the knowledge and resources to update your home, completing a renovation yourself can save you money. However, if you don’t have the time or the necessary skills, it can cost you more money in the long-run. 

Interested in what remodeling services would be right for your home? Reach out to Handyman Connection to discuss options for your next remodel project.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post How to save during a home remodel appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Holiday season is quickly approaching. If you’re hosting your family or any sort of holiday party this season, you’re probably thinking of ways to spruce up your kitchen space. This time of year can be stressful enough without considering a remodel, but a kitchen makeover could be just what you need.

When it comes to updating your kitchen, there are several different aspects to consider. Around this time of year, the most important thing to consider when looking into remodeling services is how it can help you with the holidays.

More storage space 

Storage space is a welcome addition in any kitchen, no matter the size. Extending counter space and adding hanging cabinets are a great way to add to existing storage. During your consultation, a craftsman can help you figure out unique ways to add to your storage. 

Updated Lighting 

New lighting is a great way to liven up any space. Regardless of if you like having company while you cook or if you like to cook alone, you want it to be a place that puts you at peace. Updated lighting fixtures is just one remodeling service that’s relatively quick and easy, leaving you more time to prepare. 

Additional Aesthetics

Looking for other quick and easy additions to add to your kitchen? Things like a fresh coat of paint and new countertops are relatively easy to install and of minor or little cost to you. But new appliances can give your kitchen a more modern look and make your job easier around the holidays. 

But is it too stressful? 

Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful. When working with professionals, you can rest easy knowing the job will get done on time and on budget. Whatever remodeling services you’re interested in, a craftsman at Handyman Connection can talk about your options. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Kitchen remodeling for the holidays appeared first on Handyman Connection.

It’s been a few years since you’ve moved into your house. When you first moved in you had all of these ideas about renovating the place and a large collection of Pinterest images of your dream kitchen. Now, you’ve made up your mind and are ready to start renovating your kitchen. At this point, nobody can stop you.

But then, you start to think if you really want to go through all the trouble of a full revamp and feel like a refresh might do just the trick. Even better! We think that giving your kitchen a small refresh, like painting the kitchen cabinets, will actually have a big impact on the overall look. Now, all you have to do is put your sleeves up and get to work. Wonder how to do it? Keep on reading.

1. Pick a colour, any colour.

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your own kitchen, there is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to pick the right colour the first time around, as the last thing you want is to re-paint your cabinets right after painting them. The easiest way to see which colour suits your kitchen is to get a few colour samples, tape them to the current cabinets and see how you feel.

2. Preparation is key.

Start by removing the doors, drawers and all hardware (hinges and door handles). Don’t think that you can skip this step and decide to paint over the hinges and door handles – trust us, it’s not a good idea.

Make a quick sketch of all the doors and drawers in your kitchen and number them. Then, label the doors and drawers with the corresponding number. The last you’ll want to be doing after all your hard work is to be guessing where everything goes.

Next, time to clean! Wipe everything down with a grease remover. This is a very important step because paint won’t stick to greasy cabinets.

3. Sand it down.

Sand everything with a medium grip sandpaper. This will help the paint stick to the surface. Fold the sandpaper in half to get into the detailed areas on doors, drawers and door frames. After sanding, don’t forget to clean all the surfaces with a vacuum cleaner. 

4. Don’t forget to prime.

Primer will also help the paint stick to the surface plus, it will cover any imperfections.

Top tip: if you have oak cabinets and are looking for a smooth finish, we would recommend filling the open pores before painting with several coats of primer or with spackling paste.

5. Embody Bob Ross.

This is our favourite bit. Use a paint roller on larger surfaces to speed things up and then use a paintbrush lightly over the surface to ensure there are no roller marks. If you prefer to take your time, use a paintbrush all around. Whilst applying the paint, finish with top-to-bottom strokes along the wood grain.

6. Assemble and admire.

Finally, let your masterpiece fully dry. Then, follow the sketch you did earlier with the positioning of your kitchen cabinets and put everything back in place.

If all of this seems too much, too time-consuming or you simply don’t want to get your hands dirty, don’t worry – the Squad will come to the rescue. Our team of highly experienced decorators in London will be able to give your kitchen cabinets a new lick of paint whilst you put your feet up and enjoy a warm cuppa. Request a free quote today by filling our online booking form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

 

Disclaimer

At the Handy Squad we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed. 

The post How to paint kitchen cabinets appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Tiles are known for their durability and low maintenance. However, tiles can eventually crack when exposed to pressure changes, normal ageing or a sharp blow from a heavy object.

Maybe you were minding your own business making dinner and dropped your large Paella cooking pan on the floor. Thankfully, the food is still intact and smells amazing, but there is some bad news… a crack on the floor tile. Some good news is that it was only a hairline crack.

Even though it was such a small crack, you kept thinking about it and it even felt like it was looking at you every time you walked by. It’s time to do something about it. That’s where we come in – continue reading to figure out how to make this sight for sore eyes gone for good.

How to repair a hairline tile crack

If the tile in question simply has a small hairline crack, there is a temporary solution – to cover it with paint.

1. Find a paint that matches the colour of the tile and mix it with tile filler.
2. Clean the tile with a cloth and soapy water, rinse it and allow it to completely dry.
3. Carefully paint the crack with a small brush or a cotton bud.

How to repair a deeper tile crack

If the tile crack is deeper than a hairline or if the tile has broken into two pieces, we would recommend removing the tile and replacing it for a new one.

1. 1. 1. Place tape around the surrounding tiles to prevent any damage.
      2. Remove the cracked tile’s grout with a grout remover.
      3. Carefully drill holes into the tile. (Don’t drill too deeply, you only want to loosen the tile)
      4. Gently chip the damaged tile away and remove any old adhesive from underneath.
      5. Clean the area before laying a new tile.

       

      

      6. Put adhesive on the back of the tile and fit it in place.

      7. Fill the joints with new grout, wait for it to settle and then clean any excess off.

      If you don’t feel confident enough carrying out this task, we are here to help. At the Handy Squad, we have a team of highly experienced London tilers who will help you with any tiling needs you require. Request a free quote today by filling our online booking form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12.

       

      Disclaimer

      At the Handy Squad we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.

      Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.

      When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.

      Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.

      We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed. 

      The post How to repair a broken tile appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

After a long day at work, you get home and are ready to eat a comforting meal and put your feet up. However, when you get to the kitchen, something is not right – there is an extremely unpleasant smell coming from the sink. You’ve decided to run the tap for a while and the water is taking a good few minutes to drain plus, there is this strange gurgling sound… We’re afraid you have a blocked sink.

We know this is the last thing you wanted to worry about when you got home, but you’ll have to do something about it. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to tackle this problem.

1. Get out the plunger.

Guess what? This is the perfect moment to use that plunger that you thought you throwing out a couple of times because you haven’t used it since you’ve bought it. Dig it out from your appliances room and get to work.

Place the plunger over the plughole in your sink and cover with water to create an airtight seal. Grip the handle with both hands and pump it up and down – this will suck the air out of the pipe and force it back in. Fill the sink up and if it drains quickly, you know the blockage is clear!

If you don’t have a plunger and it’s too late to go to your nearest shop to get one, move on to the tips below.

2. Blast it with water.

A high-pressure blast of water might be able to push out whatever is blocking the sink. Simply take a 2-litre drink bottle and fill it with warm water. Tip it upside down and place the open end down the plughole. At the same time, quickly squeeze the bottle to force the water out of the bottle as fast as possible. 

3. Use a drain cleaner.

If the plunger and the water pressure didn’t work, it might mean that the blockage is dense and greasy. This means that you’ll need something to break it down.

There are many chemical drain cleaners which work wonders, however, if you don’t have any at home or have no time to go outside to purchase one, you might have to use some items which you’ll find in your kitchen cupboard.

• Baking soda and vinegar.

Add two teaspoons of baking soda to a cup of white vinegar, then pour the mixture down the plughole. Leave it for a few minutes and then flush the blockage with some hot water.

• Bleach and hot water.

Pour some bleach through the plughole at night before going to bed and then flush it with hot water in the morning.

4. Clear out the blockage by hand.

Be aware that you’ll have to get your hands dirty for this one plus, a tough stomach will definitely help. If you are not happy doing this job, give the Squad a call on 0800-0 12 12 12 and we’ll be there in a jiffy.

If none of the methods above have worked, you will have to dive into your kitchen cupboard and wrench off the U-bend of the sink to clear it out by hand.

Firstly, put on a pair of rubber gloves and put down some old towels and a bucket under the U-bend.

Then, use a wrench to slowly unscrew the threaded caps from each side of the U-bend.

Take the U-bend and any dismantled bits to another sink or outside tap. Clean them thoroughly. A wire coat hanger can also help to clean out the inside of the pipe.

Finally, re-attach the U-bend and run the tap to make sure everything you’ve just fitted is watertight.

Still have a blocked sink? Maybe it’s time to call a professional. Our London plumbers are experts at unblocking all plumbing fixtures, from unblocking basins, unblocking baths to unblocking showers and unblocking sinks. Call today on 0800-0 12 12 12 or request a free quote by filling our online form.

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