What to Look For in a General Contractor

If you are looking for help with your next home project, consider hiring a general contractor. They have the knowledge and experience to complete home projects quickly and efficiently. But, with so many out there, how do you know which to choose? Busy Province Services in Burnaby offers some tips on what to look for in a general contractor.

Good references

A great way to get insight when choosing a general contractor is to ask for references. References will allow you to see how the contractor works with others, and how the projects went from beginning ideas to the finished product. A tip when asking for references is to ask for the three most recent projects the contractor worked on. That way, they can’t pick and choose their best work, or provide you with customers who gave them a glowing reference a long time ago. Go over the references, and learn a little bit more about the contractor and their previous work.

Friendly, but professional

Set up a meeting with the general contractor. Not only will this give you the opportunity to see how they’d work on your home project and meet your needs, but you can see what kind of person they are. Sometimes, some people don’t work well together, and that’s okay. It’s good to find a general contractor you feel you can easily communicate with on a personal level, while still remaining professional about the job at hand. 

In addition to meeting the contractor, meet their team too! It’s good to know who will be working on your home, and how they’ll perform in the workplace. 

The necessary experience

General contractors are typically pretty well-rounded in projects around the home. Some, however, may specialize in some areas you aren’t looking for. Get to know the general contractor, and what kind of projects they typically work in. Some may focus on home exteriors, when you’re looking for help with the interior, for instance. Describe the home project and your goals, and find out if the contractor has experience in that area. If so, perfect! If not, they may not be the right fit for you. 

General Contractors in Burnaby

Busy Province Services is a great choice for your next home renovation. You can count on them to complete your home renovation or construction job, whether it be a small home repair or a complete home remodel.

For more information, visit Busy Province Services today!

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

Drywall is a popular material thanks to its durability, ease of installation and customizability in designs. Still, it can also become easily damaged or have problems creep up without the right care. While these are avoidable, it’s important to know the “why” first.

TDC Drywall in Vancouver is a professional drywall contractor. They share some ways to avoid damaging your drywall:

Leave the installation to a professional

Depending on your skill and experience, drywall installation can be DIY, but not in all cases. DIY drywall is where future problems can easily creep up, like nails popping loose or cracks appearing in the wall. That’s why it’s always best to leave the installations to the professionals who can guarantee quality and long-lasting results. A drywall contractor can also help if you want more custom drywall designs or if drywalling is part of a larger renovation with a strict timeline. They’ll work quickly but efficiently and you’ll rest easy knowing your drywall installation will last.

Don’t lean furniture against the walls

Having furniture too close or right against the wall is a quick recipe for causing damage and costly problems. Furniture can bang into the wall when used and risk causing dents or even small holes. If you move furniture, there’s the risk of creating scuffs and scratches against the wall that will need repair. While minor drywall repairs are another DIY fix, it’s easier to avoid the problem by leaving some space between the wall and your sofa or bookshelves.

Avoid DIY tile removal

Tile walls or backsplash are attractive, but sometimes you want a new look or colour, so the old tiles need to go. In those cases, it’s safer to leave the removal process to a professional. Tile removal isn’t dangerous, but doing it wrong can risk dragging the drywall off along with the old tiles. Instead of simple tile removal and replacement, the drywall will then also need to be repaired and replaced. A drywall contractor can help with removing any surfaces from drywall without causing any excess damage. If some small unavoidable damage or scuffs do happen, your contractor can just as quickly repair the spots.

Drywall Contractors in Vancouver

TDC Drywall has decades of experience when it comes to drywall installation, removal, and repairs. They also stay up to date with the latest materials and drywalling techniques to ensure quality results every time. No matter the type of drywall project, their professionals are the ones to call for peace of mind and long-lasting finishes.

Contact TDC Drywall today!

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

Home automation tends to be weighed and valued regarding its costs vs. value. While that is all relevant, there’s also the personal value and benefits of choosing home automation. Aside from the cost, which will pay for itself, the benefits to your lifestyle are a key deciding factor.

Citadel Domotics in Calgary is a professional home automation and security company. They share some of the personal benefits and value you will gain from home automation:

Improved energy efficiency

With home automation, you have better control over lighting, heating, cooling and overall monthly utility bills. Home automation comes with custom programming to turn heating and cooling on or off at certain times. For example, you can keep the heat lower while you’re away at work all day, and have the furnace kick in before you get home so it’s comfortable when you get there. It’s also linked to your phone, so no matter where you are, you can set your home’s setting with the push of a button. Now, you can rest easy knowing your new system is programmed for maximum energy savings.

Peace of mind

Have you ever left home and can’t remember if you locked the front door or turned off all the lights? Or maybe your kids are coming home early, so you want to ensure the doors are locked behind them. With home automation, you get absolute peace of mind by not worrying about any of that. You’ll receive notifications on your phone from the system. You can easily check for locked doors, and that the lights are off. It is just as easy to remotely set the lights to turn on at a certain time and to unlock the door if someone is dropping something off and relock it when they leave. Don’t worry about Wi-Fi access or reliability either. Citadel Domotics uses a Wi-Fi-free system, so there’s never any stress over accessing the system when you’re not at home.

Making memories with a home theatre

A home theatre is a lifestyle enhancement that your entire family will enjoy. With home automation, you can streamline your home theatre and optimize the experience.

Imagine the ease of settling down to watch a movie and not having to stand to turn off the lights or tackle multiple remotes for the sound. You can use the home automation system to dim the lights or check who’s ringing the doorbell without ever having to hit pause on your movie. It’s a great way to ensure that you can really unwind without unwanted interruptions – unless it’s time to make more popcorn!

It’s flexible to your needs

Don’t think that you have to pay for everything in a home automation upgrade right away. With a flexible system, you can easily start small with one or two features and see what works for you. Maybe you just want interior home control, or you want better security measures. Start by finding works and appeal to you the most before adding more features and upgrades. Many homeowners choose to ease into home automation, using the features that appeal to them the most first and going from there.

Home Automation in Calgary

Citadel Domotics prides itself on creating safe homes that are fully tailored to your home and goals. They evaluate every home and project based on their customer’s unique needs and goals to ensure complete satisfaction. Whether you want full home automation, a smart security system, or other home automation features, their team is ready and able to help.

Contact Citadel Domotics today!

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

Kitchen renovations generally focus on what improvements or additions will add the most value, function, and aesthetics. While beneficial when planning, it’s just as important to know what things you should avoid. Forgetting certain elements or making a simple mistake can result in unfavourable results. You want to make sure you’re going to love your new kitchen.

Terrafirma Industries Ltd. In Vancouver is a professional home renovations company. They share some mistakes to avoid during a kitchen renovation:

Ignoring the work triangle design

The work triangle is key when it comes to function. In kitchens, the work triangle prevents wasted space and improves movement throughout the area. The triangle itself is set between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. These three elements can be anywhere in the kitchen but should never cut through the kitchen island by more than 12 inches. It’s a precise calculation that is best ensured with a professional but once implemented, it creates a very visually pleasing layout. Plus, it makes using the kitchen comfortable and efficient.

Taking time to create a lighting plan

Another rule of three that shouldn’t be ignored is planning and implementing proper lighting. When you’re so focused on beautiful countertops, tile, and new appliances, it can be easy to forget. Overhead, task and accent lighting in the kitchen will ensure even lighting, stylish spotlights, and easier food prep. Recessed lights are great from general and overhead lighting since it easily brightens and lights the whole room. For clever task lighting, install under cabinet lighting. You can get close lighting when chopping or preparing food or as night lights. Accent lighting is where you can have some visual fun by installing stylish hanging lights above the kitchen island. These will be both decorative as well as provide softer, ambient lighting.

Skimping out on the counterspace

Planning the counters doesn’t just mean what type of material or style you want, but also planning for the space. The worst thing in a kitchen is realizing you just don’t have enough counter space to store appliances or prepare food. Too much counter space can be just as wasteful if you don’t need it it, so finding the right balance is key.

To that end, start by measuring the space in your kitchen and then think about where the counter could fit. Clever kitchen layouts like galley kitchens, L-shape counters, or a separate island are all great ways to have lots of space. Those layouts are also still visually attractive, and can make more room for cabinet storage underneath. If you need help with your kitchen, just talk with your contractor to get some ideas and possible layouts.

Planning storage last

Between colours, designs, materials and appliances, have you stopped to think about the storage? A beautifully designed kitchen won’t hold much appeal if there is little to no storage and cabinets are a major component of the room. Once you have the layout in mind, start planning storage next. That way, you can design unique solutions, maybe add a pantry, gliding shelves, corner storage, and other built-in storage elements.

Kitchen Renovations in Vancouver

Terrafirma Industries doesn’t just renovate houses; they renovate homes that you can love, flourish in, and enjoy for years. Their professionals work closely with you at every step to ensure quality, goals, and ideas are all achieved. From home renovations to kitchen and bathroom remodelling, they can help you make your house a home.

Contact Terrafirma Industries Ltd. today!

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

By thinking ahead, you can do electrical renovations that add value and a little innovation to your home. And, as an added bonus, both your household and your bills will see major benefits.

Dedicated Electrical Services in Calgary is a professional electrical company specializing in residential renovations and custom electrical work. They share some custom electrical renovation ideas for your home:

Streamline your kitchen’s appearance

Outlet location is always tricky in a kitchen, especially when it conflicts with visual designs and layouts. Kitchens typically need plenty of outlets to plug in appliances or to charge phones. Still, those outlets can break up the visuals of a new tile backsplash or create a cluster of wiring when appliances all get grouped to one outlet. Some innovative options include pop-up outlets, charging stations, and decorative receptacles to hide your outlets. That way, there are no visual breaks along with the walls or any tiling designs. Planning is very important at every stage to get the desired look.

Electrical panel upgrade

If you have an older home, it might not have a big enough panel to handle your electrical needs. Circuit breakers that trip constantly could indicate you need more capacity, or that there is another electrical problem. Or, if you want more power to run a workshop, hot tub, or even an EV charging station, an electrical panel and/or service upgrade is required.

Dedicated Electrical Services will work with you to determine your electrical needs now and into the future. They can ensure your electrical panel and service upgrade will meet those needs, so you can power the things you need efficiently and safely. Dedicated Electrical Services prides themselves on providing innovative, custom work and have the experience to back their expertise.

Home automation

With today’s new changes in automation, it’s not required to rewire your home to get automated. Just by changing out switches, you can be connected to smart home technology. One example of this is geo-fencing, where you can program your house to welcome you home.

Electricians in Calgary

Dedicated Electrical Services’ mission is to provide high-quality and innovative residential electrical services to homeowners in Calgary and the surrounding area. They commit to providing exceptional service, equipment, custom work, fast responses, and value for your money. Their services include basement or suite wiring, inspections, home automation, upgrades, and much more.

Contact Dedicated Electrical Services today!

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

Winterize as You Start Planning Your Home for Winter with These Reliable Tips

While winter is still months away, depending on where you live, this is a great time to plan ahead and see how you can start winterizing your home now. There is much work to be done and yearly checks to make so see what you can do to get a head start on winterization.

Ways to Winterize Your Home

Winterization is an important yearly task. Here are some of the top winterization steps you can take around the home.

1. Turn off, disconnect, and seal outside faucets and hoses.
2. Cover air conditioner and units.
3. Seal cracks in the driveway to prevent damage over winter.
4. Use a flashlight and long-handled screwdriver to check for wood rot and dry rot in the house.
5. Check for leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, and around the perimeter of the home.
6. Check for drafts and fix or install weather stripes, and plastic as needed.
7. Check gutters for leaks or blockage.
8. Have your furnace, chimney, boiler, and more checked before the heat is turned on every year.

Checking for things such as leaks or the tell-tale signs of rot such as discoloration, odor, and softness in wood in the structure of your home is important to locate and fix. Any leaks during the winter can cause damage to your home with ice, increase the risk of burst pipes, worsening leaks, and more. It’s beneficial to get ahead on winterization every year to lessen your chance for these risks.

Follow this list of tips to get your home ready for winter. Winterization is important to do every year, but if you need help, local craftspeople are always ready to lend a helping hand if you cannot check your gutters or get into the crawl spaces of your home.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our team at Handyman Connection today. Give us a call or text to schedule a free estimate to meet our craftspeople and discuss your home improvement needs.

The post Planning Your Home for Winterization appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

When you think of an excavation company, it likely brings big construction projects and lots of bulldozers to mind. While true, there’s also a need for excavation for residential work and even renovations or custom builds. Knowing when and why you need their help will make it easier to find the right company. 

Kelts Excavating Ltd. in Calgary is a professional excavation company. They share when and why you should call their professionals for help:

Moving or removing dirt

Demolition and excavation require the right steps and planning. Any construction or renovation work like adding a new basement or major landscaping will involve heavy work that requires proper experience. The process of digging up and moving the dirt is what an excavation company is there to do. They have the right equipment and skills to ensure the work goes smoothly, quickly and doesn’t just leave a big pile behind. The benefits of working with a professional company are that they’ll also know how to handle different types of dirt or soil and how to avoid collapsing. 

Drainage help

Sometimes the excavating part of your project is related to underground systems like drainage or plumbing. Whether you face a problem with the drainage or have some landscaping in mind, you’ll want professional help. Damaging a drainage system can lead to a major risk of damaging your home’s foundation or, worse, causing a flood. Even if it’s just installing or replacing the system to install a new pool, a professional is still the best call to ensure a safe and quality installation. 

Major project permits and preparation 

Needless to say, before you can begin building your custom home or working on an area, the ground needs to be prepared. That relates both to the design and boundaries of the land itself but also with regards to permits. An excavation company can help with knowing how much soil needs to be removed or levelled and then handling that work. They can also help with the permit process that will be required for that sort of work. Permits in excavation work typically apply to certain rules and legalities about noises, material removal, and project timeline. There’s no stress or headache over trying to sort those permits yourself or accidentally missing any by working with a professional.

Excavation Contractors in Calgary

Kelts Excavation specializes in residential and commercial excavation projects of all sizes. Their guarantee is a safe, reliable, and quality insured experience every time, no matter what. They can help turn your backyard into an oasis or prepare the ground for that new home addition. Whatever your needs, call their professionals to find the right solution. 

Contact Kelts Excavating Ltd. today!

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

Drywall is an essential part of your home’s construction. However, installing or repairing drywall can be tricky, especially in those hard-to-reach places. From Executive Edmonton, here are some instances when it may be in your best interest to contact a drywall contractor. 

Water damage

Water is no friend to drywall. When water damage strikes, it’s likely that you’ll need a drywall replacement in the affected area. The drywall will likely be discoloured, turning into a yellow or brown stain. Mould can grow on drywall if left too long, and, in addition, drywall can begin to limp. A drywall contractor can remove the afflicted drywall and replace it with new, clean drywall to keep your family’s health safe, and your home looking great. 

Holes and dents

If you’re moving furniture around, or have kids that get a little too rough with your walls, and the drywall is damaged, don’t panic! Instead of hiding it with a carefully positioned plant or picture frame, contact a drywall contractor. Drywall contractors know that accidents happen, and homeowners may need a repair here and there. No matter how big or small the damage is, the drywall contractors at Executive Edmonton can fix it all. 

A new renovation

A large home renovation can be daunting. It’s important to remember to move forward one step at a time in order for the space to come together. Getting the drywall done is one of the first steps in completing your home project. Not only does it provide you with a clean slate to see what the space could look like, but it solidifies your home’s layout. Different drywall designs can also bring a flair of design to your home, especially with a unique ceiling. Contact a drywall contractor during your home renovation to get the job done effectively and efficiently. 

Basements

Looking to finally finish up your basement? Drywall is a foundational step in your basement’s completion. Instead of staring at concrete and ductwork, a drywall contractor can properly frame and drywall your basement space. Once the drywall is installed, completing your basement project will feel more doable and will run smoothly.

Drywall Contractors in Edmonton

Founded in 2001, Executive Edmonton prides itself in the consistent delivery of expert workmanship by skilled, courteous tradespeople. Their friendly team tackles drywall projects of all scopes. Whether you’re a residential or commercial builder or a homeowner with a small project, their goal is a satisfied customer. 

For more information, check out Executive Edmonton today!

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

Is your patio lacking something, but you can quite figure out what? Do you want to make it stand out, without having to burn a hole in your wallet? Well, you’re in luck! The Handy Squad have put together this list of quick, easy and fun ways to revitalize your patio without breaking the bank. 

Give it a clean 

While it may seem obvious, a simple cleaning of your patio will go a long way. All you need to do is whip out your pressure washer and use slow, left to right movements to expel all the dirt and grime from the pavers. 

If, like many of us, you don’t just have a pressure washer lying around, why not call the professionals? Not only do our team have a large variety of tools, but they can jet wash the patio for you! Why bother wasting your precious evenings and weekends labouring away, when our team can get the job done quicker and more efficiently? Request a free quote today by filling out our online form or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12. 

Pick out the weeds 

Yes, we know this step can be a nuisance. While block paving can look stunning, it runs the risk of weeds growing in the cracks. Weeds are ugly, invasive and can make your patio look as though it has been neglected. For this reason, it’s best to exterminate them. 

The most effective, yet tedious way to remove weeds is by manually picking them out with a picking tool or by hand. Be sure to grab right down to the roots, to prevent them from instantly growing back. 

Another easy method of expelling weeds is pouring boiling salt water on them. It’s a great, natural alternative to weed killers, and is a lot cheaper too. Just remember to only pour the mixture on unwanted plants, and the boiling water will kill whatever it touches. 

Paint the tiles 

One of the most effective ways to completely transform your patio is by switching up the pavers. However, if there’s nothing physically or structurally wrong with the tiles themselves, there’s no point in replacing them. Why not grab a few pots of paints, a paintbrush and let your creativity flow? You could opt for a bold blue or bright red, to add a pop of colour to your garden, or a simple dark grey, for a modern look. Alternatively, you could achieve a stone marble effect by combining black and grey paint, and applying it in layers with a sponge. 

Don’t want to get your clothes covered in paint? Why not let the experts do the job for you? Give your local handyman a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 or request a free quote today by filling out our online form.  

Replace the tiles 

If the pavers are broken, chipped or just overall unsalvageable, it’s probably best to replace them. There are hundreds of different stones, tiles and slabs to choose from, all with varying colours, sizes and textures. If you’re lacking inspiration or don’t know where to start, check out our outdoor paving ideas for an eye-catching patio. 

If you need help laying your patio, why not call the Handy Squad? Our team of expert London handymen are polite, professional, fully insured and CRB checked, so you know that you’re in safe hands. We also have teams of electricians, plumbers, decorators, carpenters and locksmiths, who can help with almost any task.  

Decorate  

Sometimes, the best way to uplift your patio is by letting your personality shine through and adding your own flair. Start by showcasing some of your favourite plants and flowers along the lengths of the patio. If you’re feeling bold, you can mix and match some funky pots, but if you’re going for a more uniform look, opt for matching or themed ones. 

If your patio is still looking bare, why not invest in a nice garden dining set as a focal point? It doesn’t need to be an expensive set – just one that will complement the patio, while also providing a place for you to sit and enjoy the view. 

If you don’t know how to assemble flat pack patio furniture, our team are happy to lend a hand. They can also help with other DIY and home improvement tasks, such as replacing cupboard doors, painting door frames, boxing in pipes and replacing taps. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form, or give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12. 

The post How to transform your patio appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

There are so many different components that go into a functional roofing system, including the fascia and soffits. The fascia is a horizontally-placed material that covers the exposed parts of the side and front of the roof. The soffits are the materials that go on the underside of the roof, beneath the roof overhang. 

Each component has an important purpose.  The Gutter Doctor in Calgary shares these purposes, and why it’s crucial that you repair the fascia and soffits when they are damaged. 

The importance of the fascia

Not only does the fascia provide a finished look for the side of your home, but it has the important purpose of acting as a barrier between the outside world, and the inside of your attic. If the fascia were to become damaged, your home’s aesthetics and gutter system are put at risk. Your gutter system may lose its structural integrity and begin to fall off your home. A faulty fascia may lead to eavestrough repairs in Calgary, something homeowners want to avoid.

A damaged fascia can also provide a wide-open door for pests to come into your attic. The last thing you want is to house a family of squirrels or a community of angry wasps! Investing in fascia repairs in Calgary today will keep your home protected, pest-free, and looking great. 

The importance of soffits

Similar to the fascia, soffits provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the outside of your home. They tie everything together and ensure no space goes unfinished. But they play a practical role too. Soffits allow for proper air circulation with vents and prevent pests from entering attic spaces. When the soffit is not secure, pests like wasps and squirrels can get into the attic and make their nests. Unless you want those unwanted guests partying up there, you should ensure your soffits are repaired! Plus, because soffits help maintain air regulation in spaces beneath your roof, they help with airflow and energy efficiency.

When soffits become damaged, they can greatly diminish curb appeal and airflow in your attic. Without that ventilation, combined with roof top vents, you can get condensation build-up in the attic and that can lead to other issues. Focus on your soffit repair in Calgary, and keep your roof and attic spaces healthy. 

For more information, visit The Gutter Doctor today!

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