How to prepare your home for April showers

It’s finally springtime in the northern hemisphere, which means longer days, blossoming flowers and lots of baby animals! Unfortunately, spring also brings April showers. It’s easy to get distracted by the warmer weather and get caught off guard when it starts to rain. So, here are our top tips on how to prepare your home for April showers.

Check your gutters

During spring, we get to watch trees come back to life and bloom beautiful flowers. Unfortunately, foliage can easily fall into your gutters and clog them up, causing drainage issues.

It’s a good idea to clean them out before the April showers hit, or the rainwater may be blocked by debris and forced to spill over the sides, potentially leading to expensive water-related damages. Alternatively, clogged gutters can lead to sitting water, which can cause rust and algae growth.

It’s possible to clean your gutters yourself with a ladder, some thick rubber gloves and a garden hose. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can always hire a company to do the job for you.

Check for leaks

After a long winter, it’s important to check your home for leaks. Any structural flaws or damage like holes, cracks and gaps may allow water to seep in, which could result in flooding or mould growth.

On the roof, look for missing, warped, rotting, peeling, broken, blistering, or buckling shingles and fix them immediately. Also, check for loose material or wear around chimneys or vents.

From the inside, keep an eye out for dark spots, sagging, spots where outside light shines through and ceiling cracks.

Got a leak in your roof that you don’t know how to fix? The Handy Squad’s London handyman service is here to help. Our expert team can assist with all your roofing and guttering needs. We can also fix ceiling cracks and repair leaky taps. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

Check sealer

Caulking can crack and shrink during the winter months, so make sure to repair the seal on your doors and windows in time for April showers. Properly sealed windows and doors will also hold cool air in during the summer months, saving you money on air conditioning!

Has your house been feeling cold lately? The Handy Squad’s decorators in London can help reseal all your doors and windows. If this isn’t enough, we also offer a draft proofing service! Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

Flood prevention

If water runs towards your house rather than away from it, you need to solve the grading issues before the spring rain attacks. Try finding ways to divert the water, like installing a French drain. Check that your street drains are working properly and aren’t clogged by any dirt or debris. If you believe a drain is blocked, alert your local council immediately, as it could result in flooding.

Pamper your lawn

After a harsh winter, your lawn may be looking a little lifeless. Refresh your turf by seeding bare patches and removing weeds before they multiply. A well-kept lawn should be flat and even in order to prevent areas of flooding when it rains. It’s also worth servicing your lawnmower – you’ll be using a lot more for the coming months.

Need help with and DIY or home improvement projects? Why not call in the Handy Squad? Our expert team of London Handymen will come fully prepared with all the necessary tools, equipment and materials needed to help you complete any task. Our team can help tile walls, repaint kitchen cabinets, replace electrical boxes as well as completing bigger projects like bathroom fitting and interior and exterior redecorating Request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

The post How to prepare your home for April showers appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

It’s important to maintain your home’s concrete, whether it be your driveway, sidewalk, pathway, patio, and more. There are many ways to properly maintain your concrete surfaces. From the contractors at MZ Solution in Vancouver, here are some benefits of concrete maintenance for your home’s concrete surfaces. 

Keep it free of mould

Damaged concrete can trap water on the surface. Mould can develop when water sits in your concrete. Whether it be your driveway or your home’s foundation, it’s important to get this fixed right away. Deteriorating concrete and mould growth can diminish curb appeal and the strength of your concrete. Concrete sealers can prevent mould from growing. A concrete contractor will be able to address the problem and make the best recommendations. They can seal the cracks, remove any mould residue, and make your concrete surface strong and stable again. 

Keep the curb appeal strong

Over time, concrete can fade, crack, or lose the appeal it had when first installed. Driveways are one of the first aspects of your home guests will see, and you want to keep it looking good. There are a couple ways to revamp the look of your home’s concrete. One way is to power wash it to get rid of plants, dirt, and any other debris that may have built upon the surface. You could also get a partial repair, where there are small damages that need fixing. Cracks are sealed, as well as the surface, and you’ll have a new, smooth surface. A concrete contractor can return your home’s curb appeal to its former glory, and keep the surfaces functional as well. 

Change the entire look

If you’re looking for a bigger outdoor project, like an entire driveway replacement, there are lots of options for your new look. There are many concrete finishes available to you, including stamped, broom finish, trowel finish, rock salt, coloured finishes, and many more. All of these finishes can also be applied to other outdoor features, including walkways, patios, and more. 

Concrete Contractors in Vancouver

If you need help with your concrete needs, MZ Solution is there to help! They offer concrete sealing, restoration, repairs, and concrete replacements. Their specialty is concrete and they can help you boost function, curb appeal, and property value. 

Contact MZ Solution today!

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

Renovations and major construction projects are investments that should be done right the first time and last for years. Part of ensuring that is the case means choosing high-quality in every step and process.

Strat Services 1 Ltd. in Vancouver is a construction, renovations, and repairs company. They guarantee their residential and commercial jobs are done right the first time and share some tips on how they do just that:

Quality materials

When it comes to quality materials, don’t think that automatically means a big price tag. There are ways to balance a budget with good materials that will last for just as many years. Choosing low-quality faucets, plumbing, cabinets, or even paint risks wearing out sooner. While those minor repairs may not seem like a problem now, those little repairs will start to creep up in costs over the years. Instead of saving money and boosting value with your new renovation, you end up spending more.

Working with skilled contractors like Strat Services 1 Ltd. means they can help find the right balance between long-lasting materials and your budget. They’ll help with suggestions for what materials are the best choice to splurge or where you can safely save. 

Quality workmanship

Materials are only as good as their installation, which makes a set of skilled hands another must. While it’s tempting to DIY work during a renovation, consider your skills. Construction work, installing new cabinets, or plumbing should all be handled by a professional. They have the right skills, tools, and experience to ensure a quality job and one that will last for years.

Strata Services 1 Ltd. offers 50 years of proven work skill, which guarantees that quality work. They also work quickly but without rushing and sacrificing any quality or long-term investment benefits. Keep in mind that quality workmanship also relates to the planning and design stages. Have your contractor involved from the start when deciding what new kitchen layout to create or which paint colours to choose. You’ll benefit from their expertise right away, which will also help prevent any down the road repairs or changes.

First-class supervision

The final piece of the process is having a skilled and experienced supervisor on the job. General contractors typically take on that position and act as your go-to contact. Strata Services 1 Ltd. oversees all projects with an expert eye for details that catches any problems before they develop. They only use skilled and qualified trades, ensure timelines are always met, and that peace of mind is always a given. Having an eye for detail will ensure your renovations look great, value-adding, and long-lasting. 

General Contractors in Vancouver 

The 50 years of experience that Strat Services 1 Ltd. brings also includes management, construction, and quality insurance. Their professionals can help with everything from basic maintenance to skilled installation or project management. With their company on your side, you will have peace of mind and a long-lasting renovation for every residential or commercial project.

Contact Strat Services 1 Ltd. today!

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

Lawn care is a big part of being a homeowner and one that comes with a time commitment. Regular watering, mowing, and aeration all play into a healthy lawn. While it all can feel like a costly investment, there is a way to cut on both costs and time. Built-in irrigation systems are a great investment that ensures your lawn stays green, healthy, and easy to maintain. 

Quality Sprinkler and Supplies in Edmonton is an underground lawn sprinkler company offering installation, services, parts, and supplies. They share more about the benefits of an irrigation system for your home:

Greener lawn, greener home

Irrigation systems are built on clever technology that includes timers, water gauges, and even WIFI connections for remote control. Your lawn will be watered to the amount it needs, without ever over or underwatering your lawn. Compared to traditional sprinkler systems, irrigation saves a great deal more water, making it much more environmentally friendly. A healthier lawn helps prevent erosion and reduce air pollution. Greener homes are also popular among potential buyers, making your home a market contender.

Boosts curb appeal

Lush, green lawns are much more visually appealing than ones covered in brown patches or pale in colour. An irrigation system can not only provide a healthy lawn, but it also keeps it healthy year-round. Even in the middle of summer, when excess heat can dry out a lawn, your grass will stay green and healthy. That, in turn, will keep your home’s curb appeal high along with its value. Irrigation systems are also hidden in the ground, so there are no bulky parts or pieces to take away from the lawn.

Limits lawn disease

Excess water is the ideal environment for fungi, weeds or pests to settle in and cause damage. In severe cases, the lawn will need to be removed or treated with costly sprays and pest control to handle the problem. Irrigation systems can help prevent this by maintaining a perfect balance for your lawn. Some systems can directly direct water to the plant’s roots, limiting how many weeds take root. The water system can also be installed in specific parts of the yard to ensure optimal watering only where it is necessary. With a healthier lawn and more control, you’ll have better savings down the road.

Your flower and garden beds get watered when you’re away!

When you go on vacation or go to the lake on the weekend, their micro irritation system can water your flower beds and hanging plants. Flower beds, vegetable gardens, and hanging plants tend to dry out much faster than grass. With this system, you can control your flower watering from essentially anywhere in the world. So you can go on your holiday without worrying about your plants, or having to ask your neighbour to water them for you!

Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation in Edmonton

Quality Sprinklers and Supplies prides themselves on their quality sprinkler systems and installation. They offer irrigation installation, landscape lighting, DIY kits for plowing and trenching, and more. Their professionals also have the skills and experience to help with any advice or handle the work for you. Whatever you need, their professionals are ready to help.

Contact Quality Sprinklers and Supplies today!

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

Discover and Learn How to Plan Your Home Improvement and Home Project Costs

If you are planning an upcoming home renovation or have a dream project you have been wanting to tackle in your home, then consider these tips about what you can expect when estimating your home project costs. From figuring out your budget, seeing what projects or materials you can afford, or what to expect to pay for professional craftsmen services, there are many details to take into account with home project costs.

Projects

Home improvement has an endless variety of options. From bathroom and kitchen remodeling, painting, flooring, windows, updating the home’s exterior, and more, you have plenty to choose from. Each project has a different caliber such as remodeling a spare bedroom versus residing the entire home. It’s important to have your project picked out and decide if you will work on one improvement at a time or if you will take on multiple projects at once.

Materials

The materials you use will have great say over the home project costs. For example, if you are getting new flooring, picking from classic wood flooring or vinyl imitation wood flooring, the classic wood will be more expensive, but the vinyl will save in expense and provide a more durable and waterproof option.

Home’s Value

When deciding on home project costs, the idea of cost versus value will come into play. For example, a home improvement may be costly or higher in your price range, but the long term benefits and the increased value of your home will pay off in the long run. If you are looking to sell your home, home improvements are a great way to increase the value and make it more marketable.

Estimates

Once you know what your project is, what your budget is, and what services you may require, start scheduling estimates with local craftsmen to begin planning your budget. For example, use an estimate to see the professional’s services, prices, and how they can customize their services to your needs.

With budgeting home project costs, you will be ready to start planning your next home improvement. The average cost of a project is influenced by the materials, needs, and demands of a project. Take into consideration your home’s value and what project you want to get started on. 

Contact Handyman Connection

Our professional craftspeople are here to help you plan your next home improvement project. Call us to discover how you can improve your home today. Contact us for any home improvement, repair, or more needs.

The post Home Improvement: Average Home Project Costs appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Having a functional outdoor living space will extend your home’s living space and increase resale value. With the right design, you can create an outdoor space for relaxing, dining, entertaining, and spending time with family.

Bow River Concrete is a Calgary concrete contractor with experience in high-end concrete design. They can create a concrete design for your patio, pool, fireplace area, and other areas in your yard that will enhance the space.

What is concrete design?

There is more to installing new residential concrete than just pouring a driveway. Residential concrete design uses specialized design software to create a blueprint of your dream space. It could include a patio, retaining walls, steps, a pool deck, or other hardscape features.

Bow River Concrete will use the blueprint to create the concrete transformation in your yard. Commonly, your concrete contractors in Calgary will work closely with a landscaper in the process, if they do not offer those services themselves. Following the plan will ensure your expectations are met. It’s also a fun souvenir that you get to keep!

Concrete design helps you stay on budget

With a proper plan in place, you will get a more accurate quote. It will show you each aspect of the concrete design and break down the cost. A comprehensive plan will allow your contractor to create an estimate for materials, labour, disposal, and permits. With an accurate quote and strategy in place, you can set and keep a budget without worrying about too many surprises.

Once approved, the software schedules the job

Once you approve the final quote blueprint for your concrete design, Bow River Concrete will schedule your project. The season for installing concrete in Calgary is short, so accurate and timely scheduling is key to ensuring every customer’s job gets done on time. Once Bow River Concrete schedules your job into the software calendar, they can closely manage the timeline for your project.

Concrete design is often more than just concrete

Concrete patios, steps, walkways, and decks are typical residential projects. With concrete design, you get to picture the entire yard, and that usually includes other elements besides concrete. Your dream backyard might require planting trees, irrigation for flower beds, fencing, laying sod, and other landscaping tasks. The right design will allow you to see the big picture, so you know what else needs to get done. Many of these tasks can be tackled by Bow River Concrete. Alternatively, they can suggest a landscaping contractor join the team.

Start planning. Contact Bow River Concrete.

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

With summer just around the corner, we can’t help getting excited. We’ve finally escaped the monotony of winter, and everything is coming back to life. When you’re out in your garden enjoying the sun, wouldn’t it be nice to have a garden that reflected those same feelings of joy and positivity? Here are some ways to ensure that your garden is as bright and cheerful as you are!

Paint the shed

To some, a shed may seem like more of a necessity than an accessory… but why not make it both? It’s a common misconception that sheds should be neutral earth tones to blend in with their surroundings, when in reality, a shed is an opportunity to brighten up your garden. Pastel greens, blues and pinks look delicate and beautiful, and bold oranges and purples make a statement.

Don’t want to get your hands dirty? Why not call The Handy Squad? Our team of London Decorators can do the job quickly and efficiently, allowing you and your family to relax, knowing the job’s in good hands. Our team can also paint rooms, hang wallpaper and much more. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

Decorate with plants

Flowers are the easiest and most budget-friendly way to bring your garden to life. There are thousands of variations to choose from and lots of room for creativity. Warm colours such as orange, red and yellow create an upbeat, energetic mood, whereas cool tones like blue and purple create a calm, relaxing environment.

Don’t let your creativity stop at the flowers – you can experiment with different plant pots too! Say goodbye to classic orange terracotta, and hello to colourful, wooden or patterned ceramic pots. Visit your local garden centre for inspiration or paint an old pot yourself!

Colour your fence

Fences are essentially the walls of your garden, so it’s important to include them when redecorating. Adding a trellis to the top of your fence is a great way to introduce colour without repainting, as it allows you to decorate it with climbing flowers or vines.

If you do decide to repaint your fence, remember: hot colours advance (or seem to come towards the eye) and cool colours recede (or seem to go away from the eye). In other words, if you want your garden to appear bigger, opt for cooler colours.

If your fence is discoloured, rotting or just no longer fitting the aesthetic of your garden, it may be time for a new one. Installing a fence can be hard work, so why not leave it to the experts? The Handy Squad’s team of London Carpenters will come fully prepared with all the necessary tools, equipment and materials needed to help build your perfect fence. Request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

Garden seating areas

As well as providing you and your family with a place to sit back and relax, garden seating areas often serve as focal points, making them a great place to add colour. If you’re not willing to fully commit to bright, colourful tables and chairs, decorate with bold, statement pillows or a vase.

Bright flooring

The colour of your floor can play a huge role in the overall presentation and feel of your garden, especially since it takes up such a large surface area. Wooden decking can be stained or painted in a variety of colours to stand out and looks great when decorated with plants! Alternatively, a bright patio will lift spirits and improve the overall aesthetic of your garden.

Need some help fitting your patio or flooring? The Handy Squad’s London handyman service can help you! Our team of experts can help with almost any task, such as replacing lights, repairing leaky toilets and hanging up doors. We can also help with bigger projects, like interior and exterior redecorating and kitchen installations. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.

The post Adding colour to your garden appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

A mudroom or entryway can get cluttered and messy fast! Often these spaces become the dumping ground for things as your come into the house. Footwear, jackets, backpacks, and even flyers, mail, and other items can become disorganized without the proper storage solution in place.

LD&A is a Calgary renovation company that offers design, construction, decorating, and more. They share five storage solution ideas to keep your mudroom clean, tidy, and stylish.

Utilize closet storage

Storing things behind closed doors can help a space feel less cluttered. If you have a closet in your mudroom or entryway, consider a closet organizer to store your items more effectively. A mudroom closet storage solution might include a space to hang jackets, kid’s backpacks, winterwear like mitts and toques, and a custom shoe rack.

If you don’t have a closet, consider having something custom-built. Custom cabinetry in Calgary can be designed like a mudroom wardrobe to keep your things organized. Ensure the cabinetry has doors and drawers that close so that you can keep your items out of sight for a clutter-free space.

Put in a bench with storage beneath

A bench in the mudroom can be attractive and functional. It provides a place to sit down to put on and take off your shoes. With creative storage built-in underneath, it can be a spot to put shoes, jackets, and backpacks too. Keeping the bench open underneath is a good idea for shoe storage. You can place a shoe mat underneath or even install a shelf or two. For other things, consider an enclosed bench box that opens to store items inside.

Create designated spaces for mail and keys

Think about things that usually get dumped onto the counter or table when you first enter the home. Mail, keys, and hats can all fall into this category. Create a designated space for these items in your mudroom. You can hang a mail organizer on the wall and use hooks for your keys, hats, and other things. If you’re having custom cabinetry made, incorporate shelving or drawers for these items. Not only will it reduce clutter, but you’ll also always know where you left your keys!

Keep hooks and storage low for kids

If you have kids, make sure your storage solutions are easily accessible to them. Hang your hooks low so they can easily reach to hang up their backpacks and jackets. Any drawers or cabinets they use should also be lower and accessible. You can store items that are used less often up high. The easier it is for them to put away their stuff, the less likely they’ll leave jackets and backpacks on the floor!

Don’t forget style and design

Just because it’s a mudroom doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful! There are plenty of ways to add a personal and visually appealing touch to your mudroom and entryway. Utilize the help of LD&A’s interior designers and interior decorators in Calgary. They can make suggestions and create a design for your mudroom that meets your specific needs. Ideas include:

– Refinishing or repurposing your favourite furniture pieces as storage solutions
– Custom woodwork for cabinetry, a bench, or floating shelving
– Chalkboard paint to write grocery lists, to-do lists, or messages for your family
– Adding a personal touch with the wall colour, textiles, and décor

Find inspiration with these mudroom storage and decorating ideas.

If you want to revamp your mudroom, or are interested in any major home renovation, connect with LD&A in Calgary!

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

A well-designed lighting plan should be a component of major renovations in Calgary. Good light sets the mood, provides illumination for completing tasks and is part of the overall design. Bad lighting can be distracting, bad for your eyes, and set a negative ambiance.

Using multiple types of lighting and fixtures will bring the room to life. When creating a lighting plan, always have ambient, task, and accent lighting. LD&A is a full-scale renovation company in Calgary. They share more information on how to layer lighting in your home effectively:

Start with ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the first layer of light in your renovation’s light design. Ambient lighting provides general illumination. Often, ambient lighting is provided by recessed, wall sconces, or pendant light fixtures. You can consider natural lighting from large windows or a skylight part of your ambient lighting as well.

You want your ambient lighting to light up the entire room evenly but don’t want it to glare. Recessed lighting is a popular choice because it is tucked away in the ceiling. You can install recessed lighting on a dimmer so you can adjust the lighting depending on your mood or needs. Pendant lights can compliment recessed fixtures by hanging over the kitchen island or table.

Move to task lighting

Task lighting does as the name suggests: provides lighting to complete tasks. It allows for the appropriate level of illumination on a focussed area. Under-cabinet lighting provides adequate task lighting for working at the kitchen countertop. The bright lights at your vanity mirror in the bathroom are also task lighting. A table or floor lamp will provide task lighting for reading, working, and other tasks.

Combined with ambient lighting, task lighting can help balance the room visually and practically. However, for the full impact of a well-designed lighting plan, you’ll need a third layer.

Finish with accent lighting

Use accent lighting to highlight things in the room like architectural details, photos, or home décor. Generally, accent lighting should be much brighter than ambient lighting for the full effect. Accent light fixtures could include picture lights, focussed recessed lightings, wall sconces, or track lighting.

Choose the right light bulbs

You should also consider the type of light bulbs used. LED bulbs are the best for energy efficiency, but make sure you choose a brightness, lumens, and colour that is best for their purpose. Some might find a bright white light glaring for ambient lighting, while others appreciate the brightness. You might prefer a bulb that provides a softer, warmer glow. Learn more about choosing the right light bulbs.

Help from a professional design team

Enlisting the help of experienced interior designers in Calgary will ensure your renovation design includes a properly layered lighting plan. Not only can they help you choose fixtures, but they’ll make a recommendation on lighting control. Dimmer switches, placement of light switches, and outlets are all important things to consider.

Contact LD&A to start on your major home renovation or home addition.

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

The countertop in your kitchen will act as a focal point for the entire room, so it is worth putting some extra thought into! It’s essential to choose a kitchen countertop that suits your taste for style and design, but looks aren’t the only consideration. Cost, durability, and maintenance requirements are all things to consider.

LD&A is a design and renovation company that specializes in major renovations in Calgary. They’ve provided some tips for choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen renovation.

Choose a countertop that matches your lifestyle

If you’re an avid at-home chef or have kids helping in the kitchen, you’ll want a countertop material that can stand up to heavy use. Engineered quartz is a great choice as it’s scratch, stain, and heat resistant. (*You’ll still want to use a trivet to protect your quartz from excessive heat, though). Quartz is virtually non-porous, so the added resistance to bacteria is a welcome feature with this versatile surface. When sealed properly, granite countertops are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant as well. It would be best if you still used a cutting board for all surfaces, but you won’t damage your countertop with hot pots and pans if you install granite.

For a nearly indestructible countertop, consider concrete. Concrete countertops come in a range of styles and finishes and are gaining popularity. If you think you’ll be hard on your countertops, avoid marble, soapstone, and limestone countertops. While they look fantastic, these natural stones are softer and can easily scratch or chip.

How much maintenance are you willing to put into your countertop?

Depending on the material you choose, a certain level of maintenance is required to keep the countertop looking great. Natural stone countertops like granite and marble require periodic sealing to maintain scratch and stain resistance. Marble, in particular, requires special care due to the softness of the stone.

Butcher block countertops might need to be refinished and must be oiled frequently to seal the surface. Learn how to maintain butcher block countertops.

Engineered quartz is virtually maintenance-free and doesn’t require sealing to maintain scratch and stain resistance. Solid surface countertops such as DuPont Corian or Samsung Staron are also low maintenance, and you can easily buff out scratches. Laminate countertops only require cleaning with soap and water but can scratch more easily.

What is your budget?

Finding a balance between lifestyle, maintenance, aesthetics and your budget is essential. An experienced Calgary renovation company can provide you with multiple options and walk through your priorities to achieve the look, price, and functionality that you are looking for in a countertop.

Engineered quartz can accommodate a range of budgets, but will often fall on the higher end. There are many options including Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, Hanstone as well as others. Porcelain and natural stone are beautiful options that are also on the mid-higher end of the budget scale.

For a mid-range countertop, consider solid surface. This countertop material comes in a range of colours and designs, is seamless, low maintenance, and durable. While not heat resistant, solid surface countertops can meet a mid-range budget.

The most affordable countertop option is laminate. It’s come a long way over the years and can mimic the look of stone or wood countertops. However, laminate is not heat or scratch-resistant. Laminate can be a budget-friendly, versatile solution for a laundry, craft, or utility room.

Once you’ve determined your main practical priorities, you can have some fun exploring the wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes available for your new countertops. If you’re renovating, start planning with the Calgary interior design team at LD&A.

Contact them here!

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