Why hire a professional to jet wash a patio

Whether you want to get ready for the first barbecue of the year by making your outdoor space look as good as possible or have simply noticed that the patio is looking dull and grubby – it’s time for a jet wash.

You might be inclined to do it yourself. You think that all you have to do is purchase a pressure washer, any washing chemicals needed and put time aside during your weekend to do it. It looks easy, why wouldn’t you be able to do it? You forget that you will get all dirty, wet and spend the whole day trying to get your patio looking good and in the end… it doesn’t look as good as you wish. Is it worth it?

Related: When to jet wash a patio?

Enjoy your weekend and hire a professional to jet wash your patio instead. Put your feet up, have your favourite drink and take your mind off of all the stresses you have whilst a professional is taking care of your patio. That sounds much better, right? But that’s not all. Here’s why you should hire a professional to complete jet washing services.

Saves money.

When you put together all the costs of pressure washing your patio, it might be cheaper to hire a professional who already has all the tools necessary to complete the job. If you end up buying a pressure washer – will it be a good investment? Will you use it enough?

Yes, you could rent a pressure washer to cut down costs but do you have the time to jet wash your whole patio or the skills to do it as well as a professional would?

It’s convenient.

Hiring a professional is convenient. It will save you time and energy. No more having to free up your whole weekend to complete a single house chore – leave it to the pros and make the most out of your weekend.

Prevents damage.

When working with high pressure, it is essential to use it with care. Plus, different surfaces will require different techniques as well as more or less pressure. If you do it yourself, you might end up breaking bits of old patio slabs or even getting rid of the grouting, meaning you will have to also regrout your patio after.

Better result.

Pressure washing can be tricky but professionals have done it countless times. So, they know how to do it (and do it well!). No matter how large your patio surface is or the type of surface, professionals will be able to achieve the best result possible and make your patio look brand-new once again.

If you are looking for “jet wash near me” or “jet washing services near me”, search no further than the Handy Squad. We offer a variety of jet washing services, from jet washing paving stones to jet washing stone steps and more. Our professional team can also jet wash garden furniture and, to give your patio a fresh look, we can also repoint patio slabs.

Contact our team today and let us know how we can help. Give us a call on 0800-0 12 12 12. Want to call from outside the UK? Call 020 7384 5160. Alternatively, request a free quote by filling our online booking form.

The post Why hire a professional to jet wash a patio appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Typically, air conditioner maintenance focuses on preparing your AC unit for the summer and ensuring things are in working order. While that is important, it needs just as much care and upkeep throughout the summer. When the unit is running full time, it needs regular attention to ensure it stays running efficiently. 

Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating in Edmonton is a professional, full-service HVAC company that offers air conditioner installation and repairs. They share how to continue maintaining your AC over the summer months:

Regularly change the filter

Changing the air filter is one of the first steps to getting your AC ready for the summer. After you do, mark your calendar to keep track so you can change the filter in another 30 days. Regularly changing the filter prevents the unit from working harder than it has to and keeps the indoor air cleaner. Also, if you have pets or notice more pollen or dust in the air, consider changing the filter more often.

Keep it clear

A clean AC unit is essential for efficient airflow and lower monthly bills. Like that first filter change, clearing away debris or encroaching plants is part of preparing your AC for the summer. Then, throughout the summer, keep an eye out for any new growth or in case debris collects around the unit. When the air conditioner becomes blocked, it affects the airflow of the unit. Blocked or uneven airflow creates hot or cold spots around the home, and it can increase your energy bill. 

Make sure it stays clean

After a long winter, clearing off your AC is just the first step in maintaining your unit. After any summer storms, a windy day or regularly throughout the summer, keep the unit clean—specifically, the compressor fins. The fins are located on the outdoor section of an air conditioner. Using a water hose with moderate pressure and spraying the unit will wash away any grime or buildup. These fins play a key role in helping heat move away from the air conditioner and disperse faster. If you aren’t comfortable cleaning the unit yourself, call a professional and leave it to them.

Get a professional tune-up

If you’re running the AC almost constantly during the summer, don’t wait until next spring to get a professional tune-up. Even with regular maintenance and care during the summer, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional. Any minor issues that have crept up or lowered efficiency will be caught and repaired. Then, your AC will run at full efficiency from the start to the end of summer.

Air Conditioning in Edmonton

Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating has been providing trusted and quality plumbing services since 2006. Their team offers help with scheduled or emergency plumbing, heating, installation, and repair services. From residential homes to high rises, they will ensure your HVAC system is running safely, smoothly, and efficiently. 

Contact Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating today!

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

The kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you prepare meals, gather with family, and entertain friends. Therefore, kitchens must be highly functional, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. It’s no surprise that the kitchen is at the top of many homeowners’ lists when it comes time to renovate!

Peak Improvements in Edmonton offer home renovation, design-build, and new construction services. They give their top 4 essential kitchen improvements to transform the heart of your home.

1. Functionality

Even the most beautiful kitchen will cause frustration if it’s dysfunctional. For this reason, the functionality must be the first consideration when redesigning a kitchen. For example, do you need more counter space for food preparation, or does your child want somewhere to study? Do you crave a better area to entertain guests? Would an island serve you well? The kitchen is the most used room in a house, and how you use it dictates the design. Peak Improvements can help you design a kitchen that meets all your needs.

2. Lighting

Quality lighting is a must in every kitchen. This is not only for ambience but also for function and safety. A well-lit kitchen easily allows you to do everything from food prep to putting things away, even helping kids with homework at the kitchen table or island. It’s essential to have adequate lighting over heavily used work zones, such as underneath the cabinets or an island. Additionally, quality lighting can open up a smaller space or make a larger room feel more intimate.

3. Cabinets

Cabinets have a considerable impact on your kitchen’s look, feel, and functionality. They help define the overall aesthetic. Custom cabinetry, in particular, takes advantage of the different styles and materials available and creates something perfectly suited to you. You can choose the material, colour, style, and hardware to follow current trends and match your personal taste.

Furthermore, cabinets provide much-needed storage, which is a critical component of how your kitchen functions. You can discuss these things with the design team at Peak Improvements to ensure you get the cabinets and storage you need.

4. Countertops

Like every element in the kitchen, countertops must be functional and beautiful. They are heavily used, so it’s essential to invest in a durable material. Peak Improvements can help you select a countertop that meets your needs for durability, aesthetics, and cost. There are many different styles, materials, and colours of countertops available so you can find what works best for your home.

Major Renovations in Edmonton

Peak Improvements have worked on hundreds of renovation projects using its proven six-stage process. This ensures that all projects run smoothly, finishing on time and on budget. Furthermore, their knowledge and expertise produce beautiful renovations for homeowners in the Edmonton area. They’ll never use gimmicks to win you over. In fact, they have a “Guaranteed Price + No Surprise Contracts,” so you know exactly what to expect and what you’re paying for.

Contact Peak Improvements today to get started!

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

Kitchen organization can be challenging. There are so many things to consider, from storage space to countertops. The good news is, that organizing your kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

If you’re having trouble deciding on the best way to organize your kitchen, here are some tips that might help:

1.      Start with the basics. Before you start reorganizing your kitchen, it’s important to make sure there’s enough room for all your appliances. This means clearing out any extra cabinets and drawers that aren’t being used.

2.      Create zones. Once you know what kind of kitchen you need, it will be easier to decide which areas to focus on first. For example, if you plan to cook meals at home often, you’ll probably want more open space than if you only plan to do this occasionally.

3.      Group like items together. When you’re creating zones, grouping similar items together makes them easier to find. For example, you could put pots and pans in one area, dishes in another, and utensils in yet another.

4.      Use baskets and shelves. Baskets and shelves are great because they allow you to store items easily without taking up much space. They’re also easy to clean, making them ideal for kitchens.

5.      Add a few decorative touches. If you don’t already have a lot of decorations in your kitchen, adding a few pieces can spruce things up. For example, you might add a vase full of fresh flowers to a shelf. Or you could hang a colorful sign above your stove.

Follow these kitchen organization tips, and you’ll be enjoying a tidy kitchen in no time!

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 5 Simple Kitchen Organization Tips appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Until a problem surfaces, it’s easy to forget that your plumbing needs maintenance to keep things flowing. When an issue does arise, it can cause a panic if you don’t know how to fix it or make the problem worse. That’s why professional drain cleaning is essential, as is knowing the signs your drains need attention.

Drain Hacks in Calgary is a professional full-service drain and sewer company that offers a range of plumbing services. They share some warning signs that you need professional drain cleaning:

Standing or slow-moving water

Standing water refuses to go down the drain and pooling, whether in the sink or shower. Slow-moving water does drain, but it takes a while to do so. In both cases, you already have a clog, or one is forming. The clog could be hair, grease or gunk or trapped food. Whatever it is, getting the drains cleaned is the only way to unplug and clear the pipes. A professional will have the necessary tools like a hydro-jetter to blast the clog and clear the pipes. Don’t try to remove the clog yourself, as it risks pushing it further down and worsening the problem.

Foul smells

Check the drains if you’ve noticed a strange smell somewhere in your home but can’t locate the source. First, make sure it’s not a musky smell which could be mould and needs a different professional. Even when your drains are starting to smell like rotten eggs or sewage, they could still work without any trouble. The cause can be a clog beginning to form and food is rotting on the inside of the pipes. It could be bacteria feeding on debris inside the pipes, or it could be a sewer issue. Whatever the cause behind the smell, a professional will locate the source and then clear the drains to remove the odour.

Fruit flies

Have you recently noticed that fruit flies are starting to gather around your kitchen or home? Even if you’ve cleared away any food and kept your home clean, they are still there; it’s likely the drains. Fruit flies will be attracted to food that is stuck in your pipes. So even if there isn’t a clog or any strange smells, the little fruit flies will be a warning that there’s trouble. Call a professional cleaner to flush out the drains before the buildup becomes a serious problem.

Drains and Sewer Cleaning in Calgary

Drain Hacks can unclog, clean, maintain, and optimize any drain or sewer lines with ease and expertise. They can handle any issue with over ten years of drain servicing and property maintenance experience. For drain cleaning, clearing, sewer jetting, plumbing repairs and more, you can contact their team to help.

Contact Drain Hacks today!

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

If you have your bathroom tiled by a London tiler, they’ll also give your bath and sink a water-tight silicone seal to prevent leaking. This is a skilled job, and the safest way to ensure it’s done properly is to leave it to a professional, but if you’re an expert DIYer you may prefer to try it for yourself.

Maybe your silicone sealant has become discoloured, maybe it’s time for a change. You can choose to do it yourself but if you are short on time, why not hire our professional tradesmen? Don’t worry about searching for “silicone sealant services near me“, we will be able to help. Our expert tradesmen can do much more than applying new silicone, we can give your whole bathroom a refresh! From tiling bathrooms walls to tiling kitchen floors and even re-grouting tiles… we can do it all.

However, if you are ready to apply silicone sealant yourself, here are a few things to bear in mind.

Get the right materials.

You can’t do a good job without the right materials, in this case, the silicone and the skeleton gun. Different brands of silicone vary enormously in quality, while a cheap gun won’t give you ideal results. The best thing is to discuss your options with staff at a good hardware shop.

Clean the surface.

Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry so the silicone will adhere well. You can get a more even application if you put tape around the silicone tube to prevent expansion, which can make it expel more than you want. The nozzle should be cut cleanly, with a sharp knife, at an angle of around 30-45%.

If you’re siliconing the bath, fill it with water. This means the seal will be at its biggest before you seal it, and both joint and seal will be compressed when you empty it, reducing the stress on it when you use the bath or shower.

Apply the silicone.

Position yourself so you can do a full run from a stationary position, since moving while applying the silicone could affect the consistency. Put just enough pressure on the trigger so it expels a small bead, and keep the pressure the same to ensure the same amount all along the run. Remember that the silicone will spread as you smooth it down, so you only need a little.

Smooth it off.

You might be asking “how to get a good finish with silicone sealant?”. There are a few ways of smoothing silicone sealant. You can use your fingers or you can use a smooth tool – it’s up to you.

Have a cup of soapy water beside you and wet your finger to smooth down the silicone immediately after application. It isn’t advisable to use spit to wet your fingers, as it contains bacteria that may lead to mould developing. Make sure you also have cloths or kitchen rolls to clean your fingers and the nozzle of the gun.

With a smooth tool, you can easily go over the sealant in one go and smooth it out whilst removing any excess silicone (a much easier alternative!).

Vital to get right.

Siliconing is a job that can produce disastrous results if you get it wrong, since an incomplete seal will mean water seeping down behind your bath, perhaps doing permanent damage. Only try it if you’re an experienced DIYer — and, above all, if you have a very steady hand.

If you’re not completely confident of this, you might be better off hiring a professional tiler in London, or wherever you’re based. Handy Squad will always be happy to help with this. So, whether you are looking to replace silicone sealant or apply new silicone sealant, give our team a call and let us know how we can help.

 

 

Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

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

The post How to Apply Silicone Sealant appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Building a home from the ground up is a great way to guarantee you get the exact home of your dreams. You can design it exactly to your lifestyle, needs, and ensure it is still what you need even down the road. A custom home is an excellent investment if you have the budget and the right home builder managing the project.

Best Built Homes in Surrey is a professional home builder and renovations company. They share some of the benefits of building a custom home:

Perfectly tailored

No two families or homes are quite the same, so a custom home is perfect for those looking for something truly unique. It saves you the time and cost of moving into a new and then renovating or hunting for that perfect dream home. Instead, with a custom home, you can start right away by adding, removing or tweaking every aspect of your future home. Everything from the layout, materials, and finishes will be perfectly tailored to your wants and needs. Even the budget itself can be tailored to your needs by choosing budget-friendly choices.

The perfect location

When you buy a home, you can only choose a general area or neighbourhood to live in. When the right home in the right location does hit the market, it’ll be in high demand and potentially out of reach. However, you can choose the ideal location with a custom home and build your dream home there. This option might give you more access to the environment, amenities and services you need. 

Energy-efficient to start

While a home renovation makes your current home more efficient, a custom home does that from the start. Think about your home’s efficiency as you plan the materials, layouts, and fine details. Choose the latest innovative materials and technology to reduce your carbon footprint and bills. Talk with your electrician about ways to keep your electrical bills down by using LED lights or adding solar panels. Even installing large windows to allow a scenic view can help welcome more light and warmth to your home. There are many ways to make your home greener than ever, and building a custom home lets you do just that. 

Future forward investment

Your custom home will only increase in value with premium materials, custom layouts, and energy-efficient additions. While you enjoy your home for years to come, it’ll be a significant investment if you decide to sell in the future. Buyers will love all the same features and location appeal you did when first designing your custom home, making it a natural market contender. If selling isn’t something you want to do, your custom home can stay as a family investment. Leave it to your kids and keep it in the family as a generational home.

Custom Home Builders in Surrey

Best Built Homes brings years of experience in renovations, custom builds, and commercial improvements to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Beyond just the construction, their team will help with the design from start to finish, offering complete peace of mind. If you’re looking for quality, and a home built specifically for you and your family, get in touch with Best Built Homes. 

Contact Best Built Homes today!

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

Home trends tend to be cyclical. And trends that are “new” are often heavily influenced by what was popular in the past.

Here’s a look at 5 home trends that are making a comeback:

1. Butler’s Pantry
   Butler’s pantries are typically located just off the kitchen or dining room and serve as staging areas for serving meals as well as a storage space. A butler’s pantry typically includes a countertop and cabinets for storing serving pieces, tableware, wine glasses, table linens, candles, and other dining room items. A dishwasher, small refrigerator, or sink can also be added if you’re looking to make an upgrade.
2. Cabinet Appliances
   A more uniform and sleeker look is achieved when your appliances match the look of your cabinets. Main kitchen appliances like the fridge, freezer, and dishwasher are often integrated with the overall design of the kitchen.
3. Wallpaper
   Wallpaper is slowly making its way back into homes. While floral designs were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this time around bold and bright colors are leading the way.
4. Woven Furniture
   Furniture that was often spotted outside (like cane and rattan) is now making a comeback indoors.
5. Art Deco
   The design style of 100 years ago is coming back. It is characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors and is mostly found in household objects and architecture.

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 5 Home Trends That Are Making a Comeback appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Home additions are a great way to add new square footage and significant value to your home. There are a variety of home addition choices, including a second-storey level. But before you add a whole new level to your home, there are a few essential things to consider first.

Basil Restoration in Vancouver is a professional home renovations company that offers large-scale remodels and home additions. They share what you should consider before you undergo a second storey home addition:

Structural requirements

A whole new level added to your home will affect more than just the design of the new space. That new level will weigh much more than your roof, so the weight and foundational support must be exact. Reinforcements will need to be added, new structural supports added or improved, and new beams installed. Again, size and calculations must be precise to ensure your new addition is safe and secure. That’s where the help of an engineer and skilled contractor comes into play. They’ll handle all the calculations and measurements and secure the required permits.

Detailed budget 

A second-storey addition requires a big budget and one that is carefully thought through beyond just the construction. The first part of the budget will focus on the labour and materials needed for that second addition. Then there’s the matter of any new plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC installation. After that comes the decorating and furnishing for the new space.

A well-planned budget will ensure that you don’t run into any money troubles along the way or have to cut essential details. Don’t get overwhelmed with trying to budget and plan everything alone when your contractor can help. They’ll know what materials are needed and the costs and plan the costs for the lighting and any other details required. It’s also important to plan a contingency budget that covers any unexpected expenses that may or may not come up. 

Think about the staircase 

You’ll need some way to reach the second level, which means thinking about the right staircase design and look. In some layouts, the staircase can work as a real feature attraction. However, if you have a smaller home with less space, maybe a spiral staircase would work better. Colour is another important factor, specifically if you want the stairs to stand out on their own or blend into the rest of the home.

The design and location of the stairs are other things to discuss with your contractor. While planning your second addition and how it will look and its layout, including the same considerations for your stairs. That will help ensure a flawless flow and connection between the existing floor and the new addition.

Major Renovations in Vancouver 

Basil Renovation Ltd. pride itself on providing an end-to-end client experience that offers a seamless experience. Their expertise and attention to detail help with budgeting, on-site organization, and quality work every time. You can trust their team to help with any renovations or additions from start to finish.

Contact Basil Renovation Ltd. today!

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

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking of how to refresh your yard. Whether you want to plant a garden, add a patio or walkway, or refurbish your lawn, these things can brighten your outdoor space. 

However, there are some avoidable mistakes to consider before taking on a landscaping project. The pros at Gardening Gurus Ltd. in Calgary can ensure the job is done right. 

Not researching your plant choices

Adding plants and greenery to your yard is a great way to bring life to your space, but you must consider what care they require. Several factors can impact whether or not your plants will thrive. Climate is a significant factor as well as care needs, and if you don’t consider this, you’ll end up with dead plants. 

Here are some examples of great plants for Calgary gardens: 

– Veronica Whitleyi – is a ground-growing plant that blooms blue and white flowers.
– Coralbells are low-maintenance perennial blooms in the midsummer with small pink flowers.
– Summer Phlox – Blooms in bunches and shades of pink, it’s an ideal beginning gardener plant as it’s easy to care for.

Read this article about how to save money on buying plants.

Putting plants in the wrong spot 

Each plant will have its own unique set of specific needs. This includes watering, sunlight, and the other plants nearby. Putting a plant in a spot just because of its aesthetic could be a big mistake that could result in dying plants. Gardening Gurus can help you choose plants for the sunny beds and the shady parts of your yard, so your garden thrives throughout the season.

Too many ornamental items

A few decorations around your yard can add real character, but there is such a thing as too much. You don’t want to detract from your landscape or overwhelm the space. Instead, choose a few of your favourite decorative trinkets and space them out accordingly. 

Not hiring a professional landscaper and gardener

For those with big dreams for their yard, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not hiring a professional. Professional landscapers have the knowledge necessary to make sure your landscape project is beautiful, healthy and maintained.

They have the know-how to optimize and stylize your space by designing patio layouts and determining the best plants for the climate. They have access to the best products and equipment to make sure your landscape is perfect.

Landscapers in Calgary 

Gardening Gurus Ltd. has the tried and proven professional experience to take on your landscaping projects and bring them to life. They strive for customer satisfaction – and will do everything they can to meet your expectations. Gardening Gurus are experienced professionals who would like you to enjoy your yard!

Check out Gardening Gurus Ltd. in Calgary for all of your landscaping needs.

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