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Canada’s 8 Best Furnace Brands

Are you in search of a new furnace? With Canada’s colder climates, a properly functioning furnace is a key feature in any home to get you and your family through the winter season. There are so many different models and brands out there, and it can be hard to decide which is right for you and your home. This article will provide a detailed list of 8 renowned furnace brands out on the market. With a little research, you should be able to narrow it down to a furnace that will suit your needs best.

Lower Cost Furnaces

The first category is the value brands. Value brand furnaces are made to be more affordable and are standard makes and models. They probably don’t have all the bells and whistles that a mid-range or premium might, but they will still get the job done without breaking the bank. These brands tend to have furnaces with a lower AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), but will still effectively heat your home.

Value Brand #1: Goodman 

Goodman is a reliable brand that has been providing customers will quality furnaces for many years. They have made a name for themselves, and are known for their energy-efficient and budget-friendly options to choose from. They also offer a lifetime warranty and 10-year parts and unit warranty, on models that have a 96% AFUE and above, to ensure that you get and can maintain a properly functioning furnace.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Entry-level: GMSS92 single-stage furnace with 92% AFUE
– Mid-range: GMVC96 two-stage furnace with 96% AFUE
– High-end: GMVM97 modulating furnace with 98% AFUE

The average cost of a Goodman furnace is between $2,500 and $4,500, including installation. Each model is found to be at a price that is affordable, while still giving your home the quality it needs and deserves. Goodman furnaces are a great choice for any home because they are reliable, and make sure that you get the best quality furnace to keep you and your family comfortable. With their affordable prices and energy-efficient products, they are a brand worth considering.

Value Brand #2: York 

York is a reliable brand that has been in business for quite some time. They aren’t new at this; they know how to get things done to fit your needs and have your home heated in a convenient way. Their furnace systems are new and improved, having features such as Wi-Fi capabilities in order to control your furnace from your phone. This way, anytime you need the heating to be changed, it’s at your fingertips.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower cost: LATITUDE TG9S single-stage furnace with 95.5% AFUE
– Mid-range: LX TM9V two-stage furnace with 96% AFUE
– High-end: AFFINITY YP9C modulating furnace with 98% AFUE

The average cost of a York furnace is between $3,000 and $5,000 including installation. The price depends on whether you purchase an entry-level or premium model. No matter which model you were to go for, you know you’ll find a furnace that won’t break the bank, and will be the perfect fit for your home.

The models that are made from York are affordable options that provide high-quality functions to fit your needs. They are durable and high-efficiency, ensuring that every dollar you spend on your new furnace is worth it.

Value Brand #3: KeepRite

Another value brand of furnaces is KeepRite. KeepRite furnaces are made to keep your budget intact, while still offering different ranges of heating systems. Some models not mentioned below do have a lower AFUE but have been certified by ENERGY STAR as a furnace that buyers can rely on.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: Performance N9MSE single-stage furnace with 98% AFUE
– Mid-range: ProComfort G9MX two-stage furnace with 96.5% AFUE
– High-end: ProComfort Deluxe G9MAE modulating furnace with 98% AFUE

The average cost of a KeepRite furnace is between $2,800 and $6,000 including installation. Some units can come to be a bit more expensive, but that’s typically due to the extended warranty added on top of the sale price. Most furnaces come with a 10-year warranty for unit replacement, and a lifetime warranty on heat exchange parts.

Although these furnaces are a bit more expensive for the value category of furnace brands, the company assures you that you won’t regret your decision. This company is known for its excellent customer service, in order to give you a great experience and provide you with quality units.

Mid-Range Furnaces

The second category of furnaces is mid-range. These furnaces are the middle ground between value and premium. They are also reasonably priced, though they are more than value brands. Nonetheless, they are a great choice for any home, as they are made to save energy and maintain a warm home. These brands tend to have a higher AFUE than the value furnaces.

Mid-Range Brand #1: American Standard 

American Standard has been a trustworthy brand for several years. They are known for their affordable pricing options, and the ability to provide you with the best service possible. Their products are known to have a long lifespan, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: Silver 95h single-stage furnace with 95% AFUE
– Mid-range: Gold S9V2-VS two-stage furnace with 97% AFUE
– High-end: Platinum 95 modulating furnace with 97.3% AFUE

The average cost of an American Standard furnace is between $3,500 and $5,500 including installation. Each of the furnaces can be controlled remotely, allowing for easier functionality and the ability to track any errors that may occur. They are easily maintained and installed. Another bonus to these furnaces is that they will keep your energy bills low since they are known for being incredibly efficient.

The models American Standard makes will surpass any standards you may have. They offer a warranty that can last for up to 20 years or 10 years for certain parts of the furnace that may need replacement. Their furnaces will stand the test of time, save you money, and keep your family comfortable during those colder times of the year.

Mid-Range Brand #2: Bryant 

Bryant furnaces have newer, technologically advanced features to make sure that your furnace runs easily and smoothly. Many features can be dictated through the thermostat along with temperature regulation, including the furnace fan speed. Their furnaces are reliable with the correct installation and maintenance provided. Bryant furnaces are high-efficiency, and have a good Energy Star rating, meaning that you will save more on heating and energy costs in your home.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: Legacy Line 915SA single-stage furnace with 95.5% AFUE
– Mid-range: Preferred Series 926TA two-stage furnace with 96.5% AFUE
– High-end: Evolution 987MA modulating furnace with 97% AFUE

The average cost of a Bryant furnace is between $3,000 and $6,000 including installation. Each furnace comes with a lifetime heat exchange and a 10-year warranty for certain parts. The warranty doesn’t change between the furnaces like the other brands; it’s the same for each one. Some see this as a downside because the warranty on the premium furnaces will cost you more but come with the same perks as the entry-level furnace would.

Despite the lack of variance between the warranty among the furnaces, Bryant is a reliable brand that will provide an energy-efficient, reasonably priced furnaces for you and your loved ones.

Mid-Range Brand #3: Trane 

Trane is known for providing its customers with a variety of furnaces that are of high quality. Trane furnaces are built with innovative technologies that make heating your home easier and affordable. They have many different models that will fit to any budget, while still maintaining an excellent performance value throughout them all. They also have a high rating on Energy Star, proving that their products are worth looking into and considering.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: XB90 single-stage furnace with 92% AFUE
– Mid-range: S9V2 two-stage furnace with 96% AFUE
– High-end: XC95M modulating furnace with 97.3% AFUE

The average cost of a Trane furnace is $3,000 and $4,500 including installation. This also can include a warranty for up to 20 years for a model replacement. With so many pros to these furnaces, it’s hard to go wrong with the Trane brand, but there are other things to consider before buying, because some features may increase the purchase price. While sometimes the price may be a bit higher, you can count on the fact that the furnace will maintain itself for years and years. You won’t have to worry about its efficiency; you can instead check it off your to-do list.

Trane furnaces are dependable and will keep you and your family comfortable. They offer reasonable prices and excellent models that can specifically fit the needs of your home.

High-End Furnaces

The last category of furnaces is the premium furnaces. These ones are higher-end, making them a pricier choice. However, by being more expensive, you’re looking at more perks or things that may not have been offered in the previous categories. These brands tend to have the highest AFUE.

High-End Brand #1: Lennox 

Stepping into the premium category, the first brand that will be mentioned is Lennox. Lennox is a brand known for its high-efficiency furnaces that are assured to work for your home. They offer furnaces that are not only functional but have bonus traits to make it that much better. These include things like making the furnaces to be 50% quieter through variable speed motors and making their motors to be 33% more efficient than their average competitors.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: Lennox Merit Series ML193 single-stage furnace with 93% AFUE
– Mid-range: Lennox Elite Series EL296E two-stage furnace with 96% AFUE
– High-end: Lennox Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP98V modulating furnace with 98.7% AFUE

The average cost of a Lennox furnace is between $3,000 and $7,500 including installation. They also come with a warranty of 10 years for parts and a lifetime guarantee for base model heat exchanges. Depending on how much you spend on the unit, the warranty may increase the number of years its valid. For example, if you were to purchase the premium unit listed, your warranty may be extended to be longer than if you were to purchase the entry-level furnace.

Lennox furnaces are quiet, efficient, and can help save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Though it may come at a higher price, a Lennox furnace is a great option for your home if the budget allows it.

High-End Brand #2: Carrier

The second premium brand that will be discussed is Carrier. Carrier is no new player to the furnace business, and have made a name for themselves with their efficient, quality products. They ensure that their furnaces maintain a temperature that is comfortable for your home year-round, and that your energy bills are reduced. Their furnaces have many features, including a system that controls the humidity of your home, and the ability to dictate the speed of your furnace’s fan.

The top model choices that they provide are as follows:

– Lower-cost: Comfort Series 59SC5A single-stage furnace with 95.5% AFUE
– Mid-range: Performance Series 59TP6A two-stage furnace with 96.5% AFUE
– High-end: Infinity Series 59MN7A modulating furnace with 98.5% AFUE

The average cost of a Carrier furnace is between $3,500 and $7,500 including installation. People who buy furnaces from the Carrier brand tend to notice a decrease in the price of their energy bills, and that their homes are more comfortable with all the features they offer. The warranties don’t change between the models, but each has a 10-year warranty for parts and a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchange part.

Installing a Carrier furnace in your home may be a pricey task, but with all the different features and bonuses that they come with, the price can be worth it.

Find a RenovationFind Certified furnace company in your city!

RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance. 

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

Tile, laminate, vinyl tile and vinyl plank: the best flooring choices

There’s a lot that goes into choosing a new floor, not just the design aspect, but the benefits each type offers. Depending on your home, your needs, or what rooms you have in mind, it’ll affect flooring choices. That being said, when it comes to the best flooring to keep in mind, there are four clear, timeless winners.

Paradigm Surfaces in Vancouver are a professional, high-end flooring and wall coverings company. They share why our tile, laminate, engineered wood and vinyl planks are the prime choice of floors for your custom projects:

Tile: luxury and eco-friendly

Tile is favoured for being a highly durable and low maintenance floor choice, but it’s also eco-friendly. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay, which is highly sustainable. Quarried stone, such as marble, has become more sustainable, thanks to technological advances. Quarries are reclaimed fast and with less environmental damage as well, making them environmentally safe.

The luxury benefits and practicality of tile aside, it also offers benefits to everyday quality of life. Tile stones tend to remain cool even in direct sunlight, so even during the summer, rooms will stay cool. Unlike carpets, tile doesn’t retain dirt or allergens, making it a great choice for cleaner air quality! Best of all, radiant floor heating is compatible with tile floors. So, for a cool summer option and a warm winter, tile is a perfect choice.

Laminate: versatile mimicry 

Laminate remains a popular flooring choice as both a highly durable floor and a hardwood alternative. It is highly resistant to scratches or impacts, making it safe for children or pets. Unlike hardwood, it doesn’t stain or fade and it’s moisture resistant. As laminate technology has advanced, it is now able to imitate a greater range of different floors. From stone, slate, or exotic woods, such as Brazilian cherry, laminate can copy each one. Take a look at these interior designs using laminate flooring, for some inspiration and ideas. If you aren’t sure about choosing between laminate or tile, just base it on the room. Laminate is still prone to water damage, so bathrooms, for example, aren’t the best fit.

Vinyl tile and plank: versatility in any room

Vinyl is still popular as a budget-friendly floor, but its quickly becoming known for its versatility too. Unlike other flooring options, vinyl is completely waterproof, so it’s not limited to any rooms. It is just as easily installed in bathrooms, kitchens or basements without worry. Design-wise too, vinyl tile and plank are made to resemble the look of real wood or stone. So, if you like the idea of a budget-friendly marble floor for your bedroom, it’s possible!

Engineered hardwood: risk-free luxury

Real hardwood floors are undeniably beautiful and one of the most popular floor choices in many homes. Unfortunately, hardwood is susceptible to water damage, so it has its limits on what room you should install it in. Engineered hardwood, though, brings all the luxuries and benefits of real hardwood, but without the limits. It is resistant to moisture, meaning bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms can all have engineered flooring.

Engineered even looks just like real hardwood, making it just as attractive to buyers and just as home value-boosting. Plus, because engineered is easier and quicker to install, it’ll cost less than real hardwood. Any texture, colour, types of wood or finish can be used on engineered hardwood for a customized finish. As another bonus, radiant floor heating is compatible with any engineered hardwood floor.

Flooring Companies in Vancouver

Paradigm Surfaces prides themselves in offering the highest quality flooring and wall coverings for their customers. With years of experience, they have the skills and knowledge to help you choose the finest flooring for your residential and commercial projects. Paradigm Surfaces provides designer ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone mosaics, laminate, engineered wood and more. So, no matter your flooring needs, they have a solution for you!

Contact Paradigm Surfaces now for all your flooring needs!

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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

Should You Add Cabinets to Your Kitchen? What You Need to Know

If you’re tired of overflowing pantries and drawers and countertops (oh my!), then you may be considering adding new cabinets to improve your kitchen’s storage space. Cabinets can be a great investment, but depending on the space, they may not be the best option for your kitchen.

So should you add cabinets? And why or why not? Before you start your cabinet shopping, here are a few things to consider about your own kitchen first: 


When to Add Cabinets to Your Kitchen


If you have upper wall space

Adding upper cabinets is a great use of bare wall space above existing countertops or lower cabinets.

If you don’t mind moving a few pieces of wall art around, this is an easy way to increase your kitchen’s storage space without making too many major changes. 


If you want to close off the area

Open-concept kitchens are great, but it is possible to over-do it.

If you want your kitchen to have a little more separation between, say, the nearest bathroom or kids’ play area, adding cabinets with an overhang countertop is a great way to do it.  


If you want to add a permanent kitchen island

Tired of trying to slice veggies on your wheeled kitchen cart? Adding a permanent kitchen island with base cabinets is a great way to lock down your kitchen’s center workspace while increasing your kitchen’s storage and counter space totals at the same time. 

Note: Keep in mind that permanent kitchen islands are usually required to have electrical outlets installed for safety reasons. This is to prevent kitchen appliance cords from being run across walkways.

For help installing your base cabinet kitchen island, contact a remodeling professional and/or experienced electrician


If you need more counter space

If you have lower wall space and also need more countertop to work with, adding cabinets might be a good option for your kitchen.

By adding floor cabinets with countertops, you’ll be able to knock out two birds with one stone, just like with your kitchen island. 


If you can match your existing cabinets (or replace all of them)

Lastly, only add additional cabinets if you can match them to your existing ones, or if you’re replacing the existing ones anyway.

You may think the slight differences won’t matter, but they may detract from your home’s value if you plan on selling your home down the line (or they might drive you crazy for years to come). 

If your original cabinets were installed years ago and you can’t find a good match, consider scrapping all of them before adding new ones, or going with another storage option like accent shelving or a custom pantry build. 


When Not to Add Cabinets (and What to Try Instead)


If you have a small kitchen

Adding cabinets will make an already-small kitchen feel even smaller. If you need more storage but you’re low on space, try adding open kitchen shelving along the walls to keep the area open and airy. 


If you can improve your kitchen’s organization

Believe it or not, a little decluttering can go a long way in terms of making your existing cabinetry work.

Before investing in new cabinets, see if you can scale down your kitchen inventory and make the most of your space. 

When decluttering, think about the things that you use on a regular and seasonal basis.

If there are things you never use – like that old vegetable dehydrator you got for your wedding 10 years ago  – consider donating or selling them, especially if you haven’t used them in the last year or two. 


If you can install recessed custom shelving

Depending on the makeup of your kitchen, you may want to opt for recessed shelving instead of cabinets.

Cabinets tend to be large and bulky, taking up a lot of physical – and visual – space in your kitchen. 

Recessed shelving, or shelving that’s set into your walls, is a great option for small kitchens that have room within the walls to do it. Call a shelving professional to see if this is an option for your kitchen. 


Need to improve your kitchen storage?
Call Handyman Connection


Whether you want help hanging a few stylish floating shelves or need full-scale remodeling services to tear out and add new cabinets to your cooking space, call Handyman Connection. We’re your local connection to the top remodeling, carpentry, electrical and plumbing experts in your area. We offer a wide variety of handyman services to help you transform your kitchen exactly how you need, and we’ll help you implement the best solution for your needs. 

Find a location near you today.

The post Should You Add Cabinets to Your Kitchen? What You Need to Know appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Over One Million Homes With Planning Permission Yet to be Built, LGA Reports

More than one million homes granted planning permission in the last 10 years in England have not yet been built, according to new figures from the Local Government Association (LGA).

More than 2.5 million homes have received planning permission from local authorities since 2009/10, but only just over 1.5m have been built — representing a completion rate of only 60%. 

Councillor David Renard, LGA housing spokesman, said: “The planning system is not a barrier to housebuilding. But no one can live in a planning permission, or a half-built house where work on a site has begun but not been completed.”

More Power to Councils

The LGA has called on the government to address this backlog of unbuilt homes, and wants councils to be afforded powers to take control of dormant sites with planning permission. 

These powers, the LGA suggests, could include making it easier to purchase land where homes remain unbuilt, and charging developers full council tax for each unbuilt development from the point that the original planning permission expires. 

The LGA also says that with additional funding, councils can play a prominent role not just in clearing the backlog but having a larger influence in creating more affordable homes. 

“If we are to solve our housing shortage, councils need to be able to get building again and resume their role as major builders of affordable homes,” said Renard.

Is the Planning Permission Process Working?

While housing completions totalled close to 178,000 between July and September 2019 – an increase of 9% on the previous year – there was an 11% dip in the number of new build homes started between July and September 2019 compared to the same period in 2018.

But the LGA is confident that the planning permission process is not to blame for these figures. And with councils now approving nine in 10 planning applications, the LGA has stressed how important it is to ensure the planning permission process continues to work efficiently.

The LGA added: “It is also vital that the planning process is protected, so that councils and communities can ensure we realise the government’s ambition of building beautiful homes, which includes the necessary infrastructure and affordable housing.”

Should the government’s plans to fast-track beautiful homes be approved, it could make it easier for housebuilders and indeed self builders to get planning permission if their builds are attractive and use high-quality materials.

(MORE: Self Build: All You Need to Know About Building a Bespoke Home)

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

Easy home improvement projects for the winter

Are you looking out of the window, staring at the rain and wondering what you could do to give your home a bit of an upgrade? Or perhaps on a cold winter night, you’re binge-watching the Homebuilding & Renovating Show and are inspired to give your home a quick makeover? We’ve put together a few home improvement projects to cheer you up on a cold winter day.

  1. Give your interiors a new lick of paint.

If you’re tired of the same white coloured walls in your living room or bedroom, maybe it’s time to choose a brighter and more exciting colour. In case you don’t want to paint the entire room, you can simply paint an accent wall. Trust us, a simple change of colour will transform the overall look and mood of your home.

Does this sound like too much hassle? Get the Handy Squad to do it. We’ll be able to paint your home interiors, paint an accent wall or if you don’t want something as permanent, we can hang up wallpaper too.

  1. Change out your kitchen cabinet hardware. 

Replacing cabinet hardware couldn’t be any easier and you can even do it with a cuppa in one hand and a screwdriver in the other Changing these small details can have a huge impact on the overall look of the kitchen. Go a step further and paint your kitchen cabinets for a full kitchen makeover.

  1. Look at your bathroom.

Are you happy with your bathroom or is there something missing? Maybe the silicone around your bath or grout in between the tiles is getting grubby – time for some changes. Replacing silicone and re-grouting tiles should be an easy task to complete during a weekend.

If you want to completely change your bathroom, we would recommend calling a professional. At the Handy Squad, we are able to replace bathroom tiles, change bathroom fixtures and much more.

  1. Follow Maria Kondo’s footsteps.

And declutter, declutter and declutter a bit more. If you are waiting for Spring to come so you can do your annual home declutter and cleaning, don’t. Get some decluttering out of the way now, so then you can enjoy the warm(ish) Spring weather.

If you are not sure how to declutter, follow Marie Kondo’s method and ask yourself “Do I love it, do I need it?”. And don’t try to tackle your entire home at once, start small and go slowly.

  1. Give your entrance an uplift.

If you feel brave and determined, put on your raincoat on and head outdoors to the entrance of your home. Is your door handle looking old and worn out? Is the paint on your front door starting to chip? If so, maybe it’s time to replace your door handle and maybe repaint your entrance door.

These home improvement projects are guaranteed to keep you active and to cure the winter blues. If you need a helping hand completing any of these projects, don’t hesitate to ring the Handy Squad – we’ve always got your back. Simply call 0800-0 12 12 12 and let us know how we can help. Alternatively, request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

The post Easy home improvement projects for the winter appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Tips for Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget

Looking for a big upgrade to your kitchen on a little budget? Though the average kitchen remodel costs a startling $25,033, there are ways to achieve the Pinterest-worthy kitchen you’re looking for, for a lot less. 

Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help your reinvent your cooking space on limited funds: 


7 Smart Tips for Tackling a Kitchen Remodel on a Budget


1. Pick one big, must-have update, and budget around it

Most everyone has at least one must-have item in their dream kitchen. But if yours is eating into your budgeting plans, try to recenter your kitchen remodeling strategy around it – many modern kitchen looks can be achieved for a lot less than you think. 

If you are dying for a new set of stainless steel appliances, but don’t have the budget to add a pretty subway tile backsplash behind it, invest in the appliances and try painting or using a tile-mimicking wallpaper to accomplish the sleek, modern look for the time being. Add a few green plants and natural wood decorative accents and you’ll be set. 

You can always revisit your updates down the line, while achieving the modern feel you’re looking for right now.


2. Use peel-and-stick backsplashes or wallpaper

If you don’t want to shell out for new paint or real tile, opt for eye-catching peel-and-stick wall accents. There are plenty of options available online – some offer the 3D pop of colored or glass tile, while others convincingly mimic the ever-popular farmhouse shiplap look. 

These accents are usually extremely easy to install, and with many options available at less than $1.00 per square foot, you’ll be able to give your kitchen a fresh look for less with ease.


3. Swap out light shades instead of entire fixtures

Switching up the shades on your kitchen lighting is a simple but powerful way to change the look of your cooking space. If you’re going for a warmer look, switch stark white shades for yellow or red ones. 

For a modern, open feel, ditch the lampshades altogether and opt simply for decorative Edison-style lightbulbs.

Pro-Tip: When it comes to kitchen island lights, it’s important to pick the right size pendants for your island and overall kitchen space. Once you’ve chosen your pendants, you’ll also want to make sure the wire is at the right height for your ceilings – if you need help adjusting this, call an electrical professional to have it done properly.


4. Upgrade hardware instead of your entire cabinet

To breath life into your old cabinets, install new hardware with a modern finish instead of replacing them. To make sure you’re buying the right size hardware, unscrew a few of your existing knobs or drawer pulls and take them to the hardware store with you. 

Don’t want to buy all new hardware? Spray paint your existing hardware for an affordable yet stylish update (black-painted hardware looks stunning on white-painted cabinets). 

Pro-Tip: While you’ve got your hardware removed, add a coat of paint to your cabinets to freshen them up – this is much cheaper and easier than refinishing or replacing them. Need help? Call a painting professional for an expert’s touch. 


5. Choose a floating floor to install over your existing one

If your existing floor is level and in good shape, but just doesn’t match your style anymore, opt for floating click-lock flooring to save money on flooring removal. 

Several kitchen flooring options can be installed over existing, level surfaces, including laminate or luxury vinyl planks (which are both incredibly budget-friendly flooring materials). These planks are designed to simply sit, or float, on top of the existing surface without the use of adhesives or finishing nails. 

Pro-Tip: Depending on the condition and material of your existing flooring, this may not be an option for all homes – consult a flooring professional to help gauge whether this can be done in your kitchen. 


6. Opt for battery-powered under-cabinet lighting

Remember: no one will ever see your under-cabinet lighting. Ever. So if you want to shed some light on your working kitchen areas without shedding too much cash, opt for stick-on, battery-powered under-cupboard lights to save a little more on your kitchen remodel. 

The best part is that you can always remove the lights and install fancier, hardwired options down the line. 


7. Don’t DIY major installations

Lastly, while it may be tempting to cut corners on flooring, cabinet or countertop installations, DIY-ing this type of work is an easy way to wind up in the red on your remodeling project. 

Improperly installing flooring or other kitchen features can result in a damaged subfloor and ruined materials.

The worst part? If you have not followed your installation instructions to the letter, you can void the manufacturer’s warranty, meaning you’ll have to pay for all of your flooring, cabinet or countertop materials all over again

Additionally, there are a number of important housing codes to pay attention to when updating your kitchen. 

For example, permanent kitchen islands are usually required to have electrical outlets installed within the island – this is to prevent cords on kitchen appliances from being run across walkways, which can be dangerous if pulled down by a pet or child.

If you violate these codes by DIY-ing an installation, it can make it difficult to sell your home down the line, or worse, put your family in danger. 

We cannot stress this enough: do not DIY major kitchen installations. You’ll save more money in the long run by hiring a remodeling services professional to do it right the first time. 

For help with your kitchen remodel, call the experts at Handyman Connection

While some things can be DIY-ed, being realistic about your handyman skills can be crucial to saving money in the long run. Whether you need help reaching and switching your light shades or want a full flooring installation for your new kitchen, Handyman Connection can help. 

With locations across the United States and Canada, we’re your local connection to the top home maintenance, repair and remodeling craftsmen in your area and we’ll help you get the job done right the first time. 

The post Tips for Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget appeared first on Handyman Connection.

First Homes Scheme Will Not Accelerate Affordable Homes, Says Shelter

Around 96% of average earners in England will still be unable to afford a home under the government’s new First Homes scheme, the charity Shelter reports.

The First Homes scheme, which has been described by housing secretary Robert Jenrick as “genuinely life-changing for people all over the country”, aims to deliver affordable homes for first-time buyers across England.

Successful applicants will be given 30% off new build homes, which could provide a saving of £94,000. The government is prioritising access for military veterans and key workers including nurses, police officers and firefighters.

But Shelter claims that the scheme will actually reduce affordable housing for first-time buyers because the houses will be unaffordable for a vast number of low-income workers. 

The charity’s research found that, in most areas across England, someone on an average salary (around £28,000) or lower could not afford one of these homes, which would still require a significant deposit. New-build properties in England cost £314,000, on average. 

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, wrote in The Observer: “Our analysis shows that in 96% of the country someone on an average salary could not afford to buy one of these new-build homes, even with 30% lopped off the market price, and certainly not the key workers that the government talks about, unless they are at manager level.

“At a time when we desperately need properly affordable housing, policymakers are looking to give a lucky few a 30% discount on what are still going to be incredibly expensive homes. And let’s be clear about who the lucky few are. Not those facing a monthly struggle to afford their rent.”

Affordable Homes Needs to be a Priority

With UK house prices close to an all-time high, the government is under pressure to deliver affordable housing to struggling first-time buyers in the UK.

Following the Conservative Party’s General Election win in December, Boris Johnson pledged to continue striving to build 300,000 homes a year, but a recent consultation on the First Homes scheme did not contain any homebuilding targets.

A consultation into the scheme is currently ongoing and will close at 11:45pm on 3 April, 2020. More details will hopefully be disclosed in due course that assuage experts’ fears about the scheme’s impact on affordable housing.

For many struggling first-time buyers, self build offers an alternative way to create your dream home. Self build can also help aspiring homeowners save up to 30% on market value.

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

UK Homes Lose Heat up to Three Times Faster than European Homes

UK homes are colder than European homes, even when factoring in outside temperatures, according to research from smart home thermostat company Tado.

The company compared the efficiency of over 80,000 homes between Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 and found that a UK home with an indoor temperature of 20°C and an outside temperature of 0°C lost an average 3°C after five hours. This means that British heating systems have to work harder to maintain the warmth.

Compared with Germany, UK homes lost heat up to three times as fast, and Tado has called for new technology to be widely integrated into new homes to ensure better energy efficiency.

“The UK is a leader in smart technology adoption but is lagging behind Europe when it comes to energy efficient homes”, says Tado co-founder Christian Deilmann. 

“The good news is that there are lots of great solutions available and a huge opportunity for energy savings to be made.”

Heating Your Self Build

Choosing a heating system for your self build or renovation project is a key decision, and will depend on your budget. Ultimately though, ensuring your home’s heating is energy efficient will help to save your long-term costs.

Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular option for self builders, and air source heat pumps provide an alternative to gas boilers (which will be banned from new builds from 2025) that are renewable and can make a home more energy efficient. 

Home insulation and energy efficiency are also key challenges for the government. New build homes built to cut carbon emissions could have saved over £200 a year on energy bills, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit revealed last year, yet the Committee on Climate Change reports that only 2% of UK homes have top energy efficiency ratings.

Energy efficiency has improved in homes during the last 20 years, according to last month’s English Housing Survey, although the improvement has slowed in recent years. 

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

The Top 6 Kitchen Shelving Trends in 2020

Creating storage is the best way to improve any space, and that’s especially true for your kitchen. But if you’re not looking to spring for a new set of large, bulky cabinets, shelves are an affordable, space-saving alternative that – when installed correctly – can add style to any kitchen area. 

Not sure which shelves to choose for your space? Here are some kitchen shelving trends and ideas to look into:


6 Shelving Trends to Bring Your Kitchen Into The New Decade


1. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are one of the most popular kitchen shelving trends as of late. These are shelves that aren’t attached to anything and instead are mounted to the wall. Floating shelves are also a great way to add a pop of shine or texture to your space, as they come in a variety of styles including traditional wood, brass and even copper. 

2. Convert Cabinets to Open Shelving

A cost-effective way to dip your toe into the open shelving movement is to turn your existing cabinets into open shelves. It can open up the space and make it easier for you to grab what you want and go, without drastically changing the space.

Important Note:
Converting cabinets to open shelves involves more than just taking the doors and hinges off. If done incorrectly, you can permanently damage your cabinets, ruining the look of your kitchen and reducing the value of your home. Make sure to do your homework ahead of time, and if you’re not up to the task, call an expert to handle your custom storage needs.

3. High-Perimeter Shelving

Looking for a stylish but functional way to store your most beautiful china? Opt for high shelving all around the perimeter of your kitchen. This kitchen shelving trend is popular in kitchens with tall ceilings, and makes for a great place to store (and show off) delicate glassware like champagne flutes, decorative plates and other unique kitchenware.

4. Above-Sink Storage

The area above the sink is oftentimes an overlooked space. Consider adding a small shelf above the sink – either directly above the sink or hanging over your head – to store soap or other cleaning supplies. If there’s a window in front of your sink, use the ledge to grow your favorite cooking herbs like basil, chives or mint. 

5. Hooks or Racks

If you don’t like the idea of adding multiple shelves to your kitchen, look into hooks or racks to hang dishes, pots, pans or other necessary items. This makes them easy to grab and gives the space a more three-dimensional look.

6. Shelf-Drawer Combination

Finally, the shelf-drawer is the perfect option for those who want the best of both open and closed storage. You can keep your bartender set or kitchen organizer on the surface, and store things like cocktail or recipe books, cooking spoons and other smaller kitchen items in the drawers. 

Need help with your kitchen remodeling ideas? Call Handyman Connection

Whether you need help hanging a few hooks and racks or need an expert’s touch to install those high-perimeter shelves, give us a call. Handyman Connection offers a variety of home remodeling services, including flooring services, electrical rewiring, shelf installation and more – find a location near you today

The post The Top 6 Kitchen Shelving Trends in 2020 appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Brick That Builds Itself Could Increase Construction of Sustainable Homes

A brick that can build itself has been developed by US scientists which could eventually lead to the construction of more sustainable homes. 

Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) have invented a self-replicating brick that pulls carbon dioxide from the air, rather than pumping it back out. 

The technology, detailed in the journal Matter, could eventually be harnessed to form a strategy to develop building materials that live and multiply, lowering the carbon footprint in the atmosphere. 

“Though this technology is at its beginning, looking forward, living building materials could be used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of building material production and could allow materials to sense and interact with their environment,” said Chelsea Heveran, lead author of the study and former postdoctoral research assistant at CU Boulder, now at Montana State University. 

How Does it Work?

The brick is made of a Synechococcus bacteria which, when combined with sand, gelatin and saltwater, photosynthesises and produces a compound called calcium carbonate, the main compound in cement.

The brick is a mix of sand, bacteria and sunlight. When the Synechococcus bacteria combines with the sand, gelatin and saltwater, photosynthesis produces a compound called calcium carbonate, the main compound in cement.

The combination of sand and gelatin creates an environment where the bacteria can inhabit and multiply across. With a few tweaks, the calcium carbonate formed mineralises the gelatin which binds together the sand, creating a brick. 

And this brick’s materials can reproduce. When the researchers cut one of the bricks in half, each half was capable of growing into a new brick. They are durable too: roughly 9-14% of bacterial colonies in their materials were still alive after 30 days.

Construction: A New Future?

Because living building materials considerably reduce carbon emissions, the technique is a fascinating development for the future of homebuilding. And the researchers hope it could be used in areas worldwide where materials, energy and money are not always freely available for aspiring homeowners and homebuilders. 

There is still some way to go before the technology will be widely utilised within homebuilding, but it further evidences the incredible steps being made to improve the construction industry.

Earlier this year it was announced that the first 3D printed community will be developed in Mexico, enabling low-cost housing to be built, while the world’s first smart fungal building will be built in Bristol, with carbon-free fungi grown inside the building’s structure.

Developments like these are important because in the UK, affordable housing remains a pressing concern. House prices are close to being at an all-time high, and because of the steep deposits required, many choose to self build or custom build their own homes as a way of saving on costs. 

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

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