Renovation ideas to transform your basement  

Basements can be large spaces with plenty of potentials. With the right renovations, you can turn your basement into a multi-use area that will benefit your home for years. Basements have plenty of possibilities, whether you need more space, extra rooms, or a place to play. 

Macam Living in Ottawa is a home renovation company. They share some renovation ideas to transform your basement. 

Add a bathroom 

The first thing to plan and add to your basement is a bathroom! No matter how you plan to use the space in every basement, a bathroom addition is a must. With bathrooms, they can also be designed in several different options. A full bathroom is ideal if there are bedrooms downstairs. Partial or powder bathrooms are a smaller option if you have a second living room or media space in the basement. It’s convenient for bathroom runs, but you don’t need a shower or tub.

Renovate the whole basement

When tackling a basement, it can feel daunting, given how many possibilities there are. Will you build a home gym? Design a home theatre or turn it into a basement suite? If you aren’t sure where to start, a general, whole basement renovation is a great start. Setting up the foundation for your basement will make it easier to specify the space later.

First, start with lighting; recessed lights are the best option for basements as they don’t take up visual space. Painting the walls a bright colour help brighten the room up and keep it from feeling dark and gloomy. Proper storage is another critical element to include and one that will benefit any future use. Finally, consider installing a fireplace or heated flooring to add ambience and comfort.

Build a deck and patio

If your basement has the option to become a walk-out, make the most of that chance and transform the space. A walk-out is a great way to connect the outdoors to the indoors and add a unique appeal. A walk-out basement is also the perfect home entertainment space where you can wow friends or family.

Consider adding a deck on the upper level. A second-story deck creates the perfect nook beneath it where it can connect to your basement. Then convert that lower level space into a patio space with seating or an outdoor BBQ. Between the deck, lower patio and walk-out, you get several new seating, entertaining, and functional outdoor living areas to enjoy.

Basement Renovations in Ottawa

Macam Living’s team works closely with clients from ideation to implementation to bring your vision to reality. With their expertise and attention to detail, your home will be transformed into a true dream space. You know who to trust for bathroom renovations, basement renovations, building decks, and more.

Contact Macam Living today!

Click To Find >>>>> Basement Renovations in Ottawa.

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

Home maintenance is important because it helps prevent damage from occurring over time. If you want to get started, here is a home maintenance checklist for this fall.

Checking Your Electrical System

Electrical systems play a crucial role in keeping your home safe. They power everything from lights to appliances to security cameras. So when you work on electrical systems, you want to make sure that they’re working correctly.

One way to test your system is by plugging in a lamp or appliance. If it doesn’t turn on, you’ll want to contact a professional right away.

Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is designed to stop air from escaping through cracks and crevices. This prevents moisture buildup and condensation. It can be used for doors and windows.

Caulking 

Inspect and replace caulking around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, and gas.

Cleaning Gutters

Gutters collect rainwater and debris on your roof. If they’re clogged, this can cause leaks and mold.

So, if gutters are dirty, you’ll want to clean them periodically. To do so, simply pour hot water down the gutter. Then, run a hose through it to rinse away the dirt.

Repainting Walls

Walls are often painted to change the color scheme of a room. But if they start peeling or fading, you may need a fresh coat of paint.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post Home Maintenance Checklist for the Fall appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

The kitchen is the centre of the home. It’s where we cook, dine, mingle with friends, and prepare for the day. However, it’s not enough for a kitchen to be functional. It also has to look great, feel welcoming, and be comfortable. If your kitchen isn’t living up to these standards, then it’s time to renovate. A professional contractor can transform your drab kitchen into your new favourite room. They should be an expert renovator and offer other additional services.

Rouse Projects in Calgary provide high-quality kitchen renovations. They go above and beyond for the clients by offering the following services. Here’s how:

Complimentary consultation

The first step in a successful project is understanding what you need. That’s why Rouse Projects begins every kitchen renovation with a personal consultation.

During this consultation, a Rouse Projects team member performs a full assessment of your kitchen and answers any questions you may have. Meeting face-to-face also allows you to gauge if it’s a good fit. In addition, this is the perfect time to discuss your project’s scope, budget, and timeline. You can also express your goals and desires for your kitchen remodel.

Once your contractor has all the details, Rouse Projects tailors its services to fit your needs, wants, and budget. They then produce a design plan based on your specifications.

Financing

Kitchen renovations can be expensive. However, budget constraints shouldn’t keep you from having the kitchen of your dreams! Consequently, Rouse Projects offers financing options to help you with your kitchen remodel.

Rouse Projects is committed to working with your budget. They price competitively and have a fair pricing policy. Rouse Projects also drive down project bloat by operating on a lean business model. Furthermore, they work efficiently to minimize service times.

Personalized project log-in

Rouse Projects practices transparency through every phase of your kitchen renovation. So you will never be left in the dark! For example, you receive a personalized log-in to a project profile when you choose Rouse Projects for your renovation project. There, you can monitor the progress of your remodel. This includes updating budgets, schedules, site photos, and drawings.

Additionally, Rouse Projects sends weekly updates on your renovation, which can be viewed on your project profile. You can also meet over the phone or on-site.

Kitchen Renovations in Calgary

Rouse Projects is a full-service contracting firm offering design-to-build residential and commercial renovations. Their experienced team has the knowledge and skills to produce high-quality workmanship on every project. No job is too big or too small. In addition, they offer personalized consultations, budget-friendly construction, weekly updates, and financing to every client.

Contact Rouse Projects today for your complimentary consultation!

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

Professional electrical maintenance is always a non-negotiable for every homeowner or business. This includes proper care of your building’s electrical panel. Fortunately, your electrician has the proper training and knowledge to maintain your electrical panel. Furthermore, they can recommend when it’s time to upgrade your existing panel.

Nu-Phase Electric in Vancouver provides electrical maintenance and replacement services. Here they share important information about electrical panel maintenance and replacements.

The importance of professional preventive maintenance

Professional preventative maintenance of your electrical panel ensures that any minor issues are detected and addressed before they become severe problems. Additionally, regular electrical maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive repairs.

An electrical panel is responsible for distributing electricity throughout your home. Therefore, your panel must be in top working order. Otherwise, it can damage the other electrical appliances in your home, circuits can start breaking, and other issues may arise. In addition, a faulty electrical panel is a significant safety hazard. When you neglect proper panel maintenance, you risk an electrical fire.

Signs your electrical panel needs to be repaired or replaced

Your electrician can advise you on whether your electrical panel needs to be repaired or replaced. This is another reason why it’s so important to schedule regular electrical inspections! However, there are a few clear signs that you need to immediately repair or replace your electrical panel.

For example, age is a significant factor. Most electrical panels have a lifespan of 25-50 years. However, you might be able to add more years with professional maintenance. You may need to upgrade your panel earlier if your home now needs more electricity than your panel can handle. Learn about picking the right sized electrical panel for your home.

Flickering lights are another sign of a worn-down electrical panel. Another one is a strange buzzing sound coming from the panel, or circuits that constantly trip. Additionally, an unpleasant or burning smell drifting from your electrical panel is cause for concern.  You should also look out for signs of charring or rust.

When it’s time to upgrade

When it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, you must contact your electrician. You should never attempt to do any electrical work yourself! It is very dangerous for untrained homeowners to DIY electrical panel maintenance or replacement. After all, you could be electrocuted or make a serious error that could lead to a home fire. A professional electrician completes all work safely. They also ensure that everything is done to code.

Electricians in Vancouver

Nu-Phase Electrical is a full-service electrical contracting company in Vancouver. They offer a wide range of electrical work, such as electrical panel maintenance and replacements, troubleshooting, renovations, and general electrical maintenance. They have extensive experience working on residential and commercial electrical projects.

Contact Nu-Phase Electric today!

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

If you’re embarking on a complete renovation or simply looking to update your existing rooms, don’t forget about the floors! Installing new flooring is a great way to add new life to your home. It establishes the aesthetic, feel, and comfort of every room. As you look for new flooring, you’ll encounter many companies offering various products. It’s in your best interest to choose a flooring company that is a part of a large cooperative, like Carpet One Floor & Home. After all, cooperative flooring companies offer wider selections at better prices.

Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home in Edmonton offers flooring solutions to homeowners and businesses. They are also a member of a cooperative.

Great selection at a great price

Monarch (1953) is a part of a 1000-store cooperative called Carpet One Floor & Home. As a result, they have enormous buying power. This enables Monarch (1953) to offer its customers an extensive selection of top-of-the-line carpets. In fact, they have one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs, and more.

Furthermore, Carpet One’s significant buying power allows Monarch (1953) to offer competitive prices. All 1000 stores negotiate as one to get great prices from manufacturers. Then, they pass these savings on to you! As a result, you get incredible quality at an excellent value. 

Exclusive brands

The Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative is the largest buyer of flooring coverings in North America. Consequently, they have established numerous partnerships with major carpet brands, mills, and manufacturers. As a result, Monarch (1953) carries a varied collection of exclusive brands. These companies produce unique, high-quality flooring products that will enhance any room in your home.

Better business practices

If two heads are better than one, imagine how much better 1000 heads are! That’s the benefit of a cooperative. All 1000 stores work together to be as successful as possible. They share best practices and business tools, which allows each business to run better. Monarch (1953) works more efficiently and effectively because of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative. The collaboration between cooperative members elevates the service you receive at Monarch (1953).

When you choose a cooperative, you receive better service, selection, and prices.

Carpet and Rug Dealers in Edmonton

Monarch (1953) is a proud member of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative. They offer one of the largest selections of high-quality products at competitive prices. Furthermore, they are a local, independent, family-owned company celebrating 70 years in business. They are dedicated to giving back to their community in Edmonton. Look no further than Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home for great products and savings on carpets and rugs, as well as laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring.

Contact Monarch (1953) Carpet One Floor & Home today!

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

Blog submitted by Renewable by Anderson of British Columbia

Renovating your windows with Renewal by Andersen means choosing the best quality windows and patio doors on the market. For more than a century, Andersen products and patents have revolutionized the window and door industry. Now, they offer three stand-out, exclusive materials no other window manufacturer can offer: Fibrex® material window frames; High-Performance Low-E4® glass options; and high-transparency insect screens, TruScene® insect screens.

1. Fibrex

All of Renewal by Andersen’s window frames are made from Fibrex, a revolutionary composite made from reclaimed wood fiber blended with polymer. Fibrex gives their windows the strength and durability of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl, while helping prevent the thermal transmittance that can be found in other window materials, like metal. Fibrex composite material doesn’t flake, rust, blister, peel, crack, pit, or corrode. Scraping or painting your windows will never be a worry again.

Fibrex is twice as strong as vinyl and stays weathertight for longer.

– Colour is fused to Fibrex for long-lasting beauty, allowing dark exterior colours not available on most other replacement windows.
– Fibrexmaterial blocks thermal transfer nearly 700 times better than aluminum, which helps reduce heating and cooling bills.
– Fibrexmaterial retains its stability and rigidity in all climates and resists warping and bowing.

2. High-Performance Low-E4 Glass

There are four types of Low-E4 High Performance glass. Some are better for warmer climates, others for cooler climates.

– Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass: blocks 95% of harsh UV rays.
– Low-E4® Glass: blocks 84% of harmful UV rays, keeps your home cooler in summer, warmer in winter.
– Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass with HeatLock® Technology: keeps your living space warmer with an addition energy-saving glass coating.
– Low-E4® Sun Glass: utilizes a subtle tint to help block out heat from the sun, ideal for hot and dry climates.

3. TruScene Insect Screens

Fiberglass insect screens are included with every operable window from Renewal by Andersen. Each is lightweight and designed to be easily removed for cleaning.

– Fiberglass, aluminum, or TruScene insect screens can be chosen.
– Renewal by Andersen’s TruScene insect screens are virtually invisible with 50% more clarity than their standard insect screens. Made with micro-fine stainless-steel mesh, it keeps even the smallest insects out.

When you work with Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia, you can be confident that you’re getting an exclusive product that looks beautiful and lasts. Renewal by Andersen pairs a legacy of quality and innovation with a skilled team of specialists who are dedicated to making your window replacement one of the best home improvement projects you’ve ever done. Get in touch today!

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

Do you want to increase your deck’s durability and longevity and make it waterproof? Then you should consider installing a Flexstone waterproof membrane. This is a premium waterproofing solution offered by some deck builders in Edmonton. Chephren Building Solutions are proud to provide Flexstone for decks, flat roofs, and other residential and commercial applications.

What is Flexstone?

Flexstone is a polyurethane-based cold-applied liquid coating. It’s an ideal waterproofing solution for decks, flat roofs, balconies, garage floors, sundecks, and more. It offers extensive waterproofing protection while simultaneously boasting beautiful aesthetics. In addition, Flexstone is long-lasting and incredibly durable.

How many finishes are available?

There are two finishing options available. System X has a luxuriously textured stone finish, perfect for residential applications where appearance is essential. It is available in four attractive colours. On the other hand, System S is mostly for large-scale commercial projects and not for residential applications. It is a standard colour coat well-suited for parkades, industrial floors, flat roofs, and more. The finishes are flexible, UV stable, and have the same lifespan.

Is Flexstone slippery?

Neither Flexstone finish is slippery. System S contains silica sand for grittiness, whereas System X uses acrylic chips. Again, you can customize the amount of texture to ensure you get the level of traction you need.

Is it easy to repair my Flexstone deck?

One significant advantage that sets Flexstone apart from other waterproof decking solutions (such as vinyl) is how easy it is to repair. Various levels of damage are simple, straightforward, and quick to fix. With minimal effort, your deck will look new again! Any cracks or gouges are filled with a small amount of base coat, whereas burns or marks are sanded away. Then, the top coat is reapplied to that area.

Is it easy to change my deck finish?

Yes! Although Flexstone lasts for decades, you don’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon. Updating the colour or finish is easy if you want a change. Perhaps you’ve updated the colour of your home and want your deck, sidewalk, or sundeck to match. Or maybe you just purchased a new property and would prefer a colour better suited to your personal tastes! Regardless, updating your Flexstone coating is simple. Chephren Building Solutions simply applies a new top coat and clear coat to your existing Flexstone coating.

Does Flexstone work on flat roofs?

It’s easy to convert your flat roof into the perfect outdoor patio or sundeck with a Flexstone waterproof membrane. Thanks to Flexstone deck coatings, flat roofs in Edmonton can withstand heavy foot traffic, UV damage, dramatic temperature fluctuations, and pooling water. Furthermore, Flexstone flat roofs look great.

Choose Flexstone for your deck or flat roof!

Flexstone is the optimal waterproofing solution for decks, patios, flat roofs, balconies, and more. This durable membrane extends your deck’s lifespan and boosts your property’s curb appeal. It’s also easy for experienced deck contractors, like Chephren Building Solutions, to install or repair.

Chephren Building Solutions are experienced deck builders. Edmonton-based, they are an authorized dealer and distributor of Flexstone coatings. Their trained team delivers long-lasting and quality workmanship alongside excellent customer service.

Contact Chephren Building Solutions today!

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

  

A floating ceiling can be a great upgrade to your new home build or remodel. It’s quick and easy to install, looks great, and has various other benefits.

TDC Drywall in Vancouver offers high end drywall boarding and finishing services and is the only contractor in BC that offers floating ceilings. Here are some of the benefits this technique provides:

1. Easy solution for an uneven ceiling

If your ceiling is uneven, installing a floating ceiling is a simple fix. In fact, TDC Drywall Inc. has installed floating ceilings on structures that are slanted by as much as five inches; the pictures above show an extreme example of such a situation. The only requirement is that the floating ceiling is installed on a wood substrate. So, if you have a situation that seems hopeless, TDC Drywall Inc. can offer the solution!

2. Allows you to customize the ceiling height

The versatility of the system allows you to drop the ceiling below its low point to suit a specific interior design or unique feature, such as decorative reveals at the top of the walls or when the design calls for the drywall to butt into the window frames. Needless to say, maximum height is limited by the low point of the ceiling, however, if you’re worried the new ceiling will be too low, don’t be. The technique uses readily available steel stock which minimizes loss of headroom. In fact, headroom loss can be as little as half an inch (as measured from the low point, of course).

3. Install kitchen and bathroom cabinets to the ceiling

Cabinets that go up to the ceiling in the kitchen and bathroom have many benefits. You can maximize the use of that otherwise dead space, increase storage, and it looks fresh and modern. A perfectly flat and level ceiling eliminates gaps which makes mouldings unnecessary, or alternatively, you can have a perfect reveal against the ceiling. Tiles and millwork that butt into the ceilings also benefit from the inherent flatness of floating ceilings.

4. Quick to install

Floating ceilings are also fast to install, meaning you’ll spend less on labour. Professionals can install about 700 to 800 square feet of steel a day. Installation time will depend on the height of your ceiling, area size, and shape. Additionally, no imperfections need to be filled because the ceiling is already perfectly flat. The only thing workers have to do is tape and finish like any other drywalled ceiling.

Floating ceilings offer what is virtually impossible in terms of accuracy and installation speed by shims or any other method.

5. Doesn’t interfere with other components

A floating ceiling won’t interfere with insulation or vapour barriers and adds virtually no weight to the structure. You can also pick the direction you wish to run the drywall sheets, which can eliminate butt joints. A ceiling can be floated below an existing drywalled, panelled or plastered ceiling and in all cases, it can bypass and hide joist hangers, brackets, old pipes and wiring, etc.

6. No more screw pops!

Drywall fastened to steel substrates does not suffer from screw pops which are very unsightly.

Drywall Contractors in Vancouver

TDC Drywall Inc. specializes in all things drywall. They have decades of experience providing excellent workmanship and customer service to homeowners. Furthermore, they use the latest materials and techniques to ensure the highest quality results. They offer precise boarding, taping, and floating ceiling installation. They guarantee to complete your drywall project on time.

Contact TDC Drywall today to get a quote!

Click To Find >>>>>Drywall Contractors in Vancouver

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

It is no hidden secret that the cost of energy bills has skyrocketed in recent years. Despite the government’s proposal to reduce energy costs, many of us will still be paying far more than previously for our energy bills. Have you been trying to think of new ways to save money? Well, at the Handy Squad, so have we! Our team have come up with a highly effective solution to decrease energy costs and it only requires a few simple changes. 

Implement LED 

There are a number of ways that you can reduce your energy bill, many of which you would have heard of before, but do you know the benefits of using LED bulbs? If you want to see a dramatic decrease in your energy bills in the upcoming months, we highly recommend switching your bulbs from halogen to LED. Let us tell you why! Suppose you have a 50W halogen bulb in your kitchen that is turned on for 8 hours of the day. With the current energy prices, this would cost you £3.60 per month, leading to a total of £44 per year. 

 

Remember this is the price for one, singular bulb, imagine what the total cost of your entire house would look like if you are using halogen bulbs throughout! It would be colossal! By switching to a 6 or 7 W LED bulb, you could reduce this cost by over 80%, saving huge amounts of money with just a simple step. 

 How we can help 

At the Handy Squad, our London electricians can help with this transition. We can change light bulbs, install your brand-new LED bulbs, and assess how many new bulbs you will need, in case you are unsure. To find out more about what is involved in switching to LED bulbs, why not chat with a member of our team for some expert advice? You can call us on 0800-0-12-12-12 or fill in our online form. We have been offering our services for over a decade, providing us with a huge amount of knowledge in the field of home electrics, plumbing, carpentry and far more, so you can rely on us! You can also find us on Checkatrade.com with an overall rating of 9.69, showing how highly we value customer satisfaction (which is why we want to help you with those daunting energy bills!).  

Turn off your electrics 

Another more obvious way to save energy and one which we are constantly reminded to do is to turn off your electrical appliances and light switches when not being used. Again, this is such a simple change that you can make, which will have a huge impact on your energy bill. So, start pestering those you live with to turn off the lights when they leave the room and don’t just turn your TV to standby, switch it off entirely! You will be thanking us for this later. 

Install integrated blinds 

Perhaps you have been considering installing a fresh set of blinds to help decrease costs, which is an excellent idea! Integrated or Venetian blinds can be used to trap in heat, diminishing the need for heating in the colder months. During daylight hours, open your integrated blinds to retain heat from the sun so that in the evening, when these blinds are closed, your room remains cosy and warm. Conversely, you can use these blinds to keep your room cool during the summer months, which again reduces the need for air conditioning or electrically powered fans. Why not ask one of our handymen to help with hanging blinds to save yourself the hassle? 

 Eco-friendly appliances 

Finally, have you thought about replacing your appliances with more eco-friendly options? An eco-friendly fridge is a brilliant idea to bring down energy costs, as they are powered by less electricity, therefore using fewer running costs. You could even ask a member of our team to lift and shift this heavy fridge so that you’re not faced with the tiring task. 

We know that energy bills have doubled in the last 2 years and who knows where these prices will go in the future, but by implementing these small changes, you can relax. Hopefully, our tips have put your mind at ease and given you some new ideas to save money, after all, we want to help you! Whether that be replacing your light bulbs, moving your furniture, or finding an “electrician near me”, we are here to help! Act now and don’t neglect these small changes which can have a huge impact on your energy bill. 

The post How to save money with LED light bulbs appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

How would you describe your living room? Is it spacious or cramped? Does it fit your lifestyle? If you want to make your home look larger, then you should consider changing some things around.

Here are some ways to make your home look bigger without having to move anything.

1) Use Large Mirrors

Mirror walls are great for making your home appear larger. They reflect light from different angles, which makes them ideal for creating an illusion of space.

2) Hang Pictures on Walls

Hanging pictures on the wall can also help create the illusion of space. It gives the impression that the area behind the picture is empty.

3) Remove Clutter

Clutter takes up a lot of space. So, if you want to make your living room look bigger, you should remove all unnecessary items.

4) Decorate With Small Items

Small items such as vases, candles, lamps, and figurines can help make your home look bigger. These small items are usually placed throughout your home, which adds interest and variety.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post 4 Ways to Make Your Home Look Bigger appeared first on Handyman Corporate.