How to change a light switch

Are you looking at pictures of when you first moved in and noticed that the light switches used to be white? If you are thinking of doing a full home renovation or simply a fresh of your home’s details, don’t forget the switches. Get rid of those plastic white(ish) yellow light switches and replace them with stunning switches that suit your current home.

Perhaps, the light switch in your kitchen stopped working as it should. It no longer has a firm flick and it seems to have loosened up. It’s definitely time for a replacement. Whether you want to change your light switch for aesthetic reasons or simply want to change your old and worn out switch with one that works properly, our guide below should give you some guidance on how to replace it yourself.

Note: Before doing your own electrical work, check the local regulations on what you are (and aren’t!) allowed to complete on your own. Also, we would recommend getting advice from a local electrician to ensure the work is completed safely.

Want to leave it to the professionals?

Are you ready to replace your light switch but something came up? Have you given it a second thought and would prefer to have a professional electrician replace your light switches? At the Handy Squad, we have a team of London electricians who can give you a helping hand.

So, if you are in Fulham and are looking for an “electrician near me” or are searching for an electrician in Islington N1 our team can help. We can reach you no matter where you are in London, so give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help.

Want to do it yourself?

Replacing a light switch is an easy enough job that you can complete yourself (and it will definitely give your bragging rights!). So, let’s get to it.

Tip: Not sure what is a good replacement for your current one? Turn off the electricity, unscrew your switch, take a photo of the front and back of the switch and take this photo to your local hardware store for an exact replacement. If you want a different switch design, ensure that you choose a switch that has the right wattage for the wattage in your light fixtures.

Materials needed:

• New light switch
• Electricity detector/tester
• Medium terminal screwdriver
• Small terminal screwdriver

Step 1 – Safety.

Before touching any electrical work, you MUST isolate the electricity in the specific room you will be working on. Head to your fuse box and turn off the switch on that room light. If you are unsure which one is the right one or want some peace of mind, turn off all electrics. To do this, turn off the main on/off red switch.

Step 2 – Unscrew your light switch.

Remove the screws on the light switch and pull it from the wall. Take a photo of the back of your light switch to see the positioning of the wires before disconnecting.

Step 3 – Confirm wires are no longer live.

Use an electricity detector to double-check the wires are no longer live.

Step 4 – Disconnect the wires.

Again, if you haven’t – take a photo of the wires before disconnecting. However, do not assume that the layout of the terminals is the same for your new light switch.

If you have a 1-way light switch, you will most likely have two terminals: a terminal marked as “Common”, “COM” or “C” which is for the live wire and another terminal marked as L1 which is the output for the light fixture. On some switches that do not have a common terminal, the live wire terminal will be L1 and the neutral wire terminal will be L2.

You will most likely have a red (live wire) and a black wire (neutral) or a brown (live wire) and a blue wire (neutral). You will also have an earth cable (yellow and green wire) going into the earth terminal in the back.

Use a small terminal screwdriver to unscrew the wires.

Step 5 – Install the new light switch.

Get your new light switch and insert your live wire into the live wire terminal (if your light switch has a COM/COMMON/C terminal, insert it here. If not, insert it into the L1 terminal). Screw the wire into place. Then, insert the neutral wire into the other terminal and screw it.

Installing a metal light switch?

If you are installing a metal light switch, you must take an earth cable from the back earth terminal to the front of the switch plate to ensure the switch plate is protected against electric shock.

Step 6 – Screw it in place.

Push the light switch back, ensuring that the cables will not be in the way of the screws. Then, fasten the screws into place.

Step 7 – Test.

Turn the switches on in the fuse box and test the light switch.

If you are not comfortable completing this job yourself, know that the Squad is always ready to help. Request a free quote by filling our online booking form today.

 

 

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 change a light switch appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Whether you work from home or in a busy office space in central, cable management is important. Loose cables look messy, create clutter and can pose safety hazards. So, safe and tidy cable management should be on top of your priorities. At the Handy Squad, our team of tradesmen can complete a variety of odd jobs, including cable tidying. If you need a London handyman to professionally tidy cables and wires, search no further.

Related: How to organise loose cables.

Workplace hazard.

Loose cables can easily become a tripping hazard. According to the Health and Safety Executive, “Statistics show slipping and tripping to be the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces and they are often the initiators of accidents attributed to other causes, such as some machinery accidents, scalding and falls from height.”

To prevent injuries caused by loose cables and wires, it is essential to keep walkways clear, use cable covers and tidy cables and wires away.

Note: “Out of sight, out of mind” will not work. Tidy your loose cables properly.

Cluttered space leads to cluttered minds.

Who wants to work in a cluttered space? Would you get anything done if all you could see were nests of loose cables everywhere? The right answer is no, to both questions. A 2019 study found that physical environments significantly influence employee performance and wellbeing. Cluttered spaces proved to have negative effects on stress and anxiety levels, as well as the ability to focus and more. Boost productivity by having a tidy work environment.

First impressions count.

Clients and guests that visit your office might not be impressed when seeing a cluttered, unorganised and overall messy workspace. First impressions matter, after all. Displaying a clean and tidy workspace is the first step in impressing future clients that visit your office.

Want to refresh your office while you are at it? At the Handy Squad, we also offer interior and exterior redecoration services, including painting offices, fixing holes in walls, replacing ceiling tiles and more.

Think long term.

Cables and wires that are left loose around the floor will most likely suffer damage. People can walk over them, animals can easily chew on them, etc. Extend the life of your cables and wires by having proper cable management. Plus, save money on not having to replace cables repeatedly.

The post Importance of cable management in the workplace appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Working from home or hybrid working seems to have become the norm for many employees across the world. Even though many employees are actively encouraged to return to the workplace, many companies are embracing hybrid work as best practice.

Flexible working is here to stay. This means, that it is more important than ever to create a work space at home that clearly separates work and home life. Home offices should be functional and comfortable to ensure you maintain productivity and boost creativity.

At the Handy Squad, we have a team of painters and decorators in London who are able to transform your spare room into a home office in a timely manner. So, if you are looking for an office decorator, search no further. Whilst we are decorating your office, we can also tackle other decorating tasks you might have. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help.

Think of function first.

Whilst aesthetics are important for the overall look of your workspace, considering function first is key. What do you want to achieve with this space? How do you like to work? What makes you be more productive? What equipment will you require in the office? How much space will you need for your office tech? Think about the essential things you need in an office space to be comfortable and productive and go from there.

Keep it minimal.

Keeping your home office clean and minimal will ensure that it doesn’t feel cluttered and unorganised. Plus, it will allow you to have fewer distractions. This includes tidying those loose messy cables (yes, those ones!). Does cable tidying sound like a nightmare? Our handyman can give you a helping hand.

To help you keep your home office as tidy and organised as possible, consider different storage options, from shelving to storage boxes. Want custom shelves? Our London carpenters can build and install bespoke shelves.

Lighting is key.

A well-lit room will do wonders for your mood whilst working. Poor lighting can produce eyestrain, dampen your mood and easily reduce your productivity. So, be sure to adjust your furniture accordingly, and if your office space is not exposed to much natural light add enough artificial lighting to help you work comfortably.

Don’t skimp on comfort.

It is essential to sit in comfort when you are working for hours at your desk. Choose an ergonomic chair that provides proper back support and posture. Having good quality and comfortable office furniture will increase productivity and ensure you are more efficient when working.

 

The post How to decorate home offices appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

With a sliding barn door, you have that much more flexibility to decide what it is that you want to see. The best part about the design of this type of door is that it will give an area separation, but still be open and inviting.

Let’s look at some of the benefits associated with installing these doors in your home.

1.      Create more room for entertaining:  A lot of times you need to entertain guests in your living room or dining room, but not everyone will feel comfortable taking up all the space. A great way to solve that problem is to have a sliding barn door. You can keep the room open and still have an area that is separated. You can even use it as an entranceway for those who need to enter and exit the home. Planning a party with these doors will give you space to enjoy your guests and all their company without taking up all the space in your home.

2.      Decorate:  Another benefit of a sliding barn door is that you can put up any type of décor you want, including wallpaper, rugs, curtains, or whatever else you are looking for that will go with the design of your home. You can have the freedom to create an area that you love and enjoy.

3.      Create a sense of order:  Everyone wants a place they can go to relax and feel comfortable in, especially in a home setting. This is what you can achieve with a sliding barn door. It will give you that special area where you can just be at peace and get away from the rest of your home when needed.

4.      Bring long-lasting value to your home:  It is no secret that homes with sliding barn doors sell much faster than those that do not have this type of door. These doors create a lot of value in a home. They can be placed anywhere to give you that much-needed area separation.

5.      Versatility:  This door will serve you in many ways and different areas of your home. It gives you complete freedom to create any type of place that you want to make within your home, including a full kitchen area, office space, dressing room, or even the perfect nursery for a child or other family member.

Contact Handyman Connection

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

The post <strong>5 Benefits of Adding a Sliding Barn Door</strong> appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

In recent years, Calgary has suffered some severe hailstorms that have caused widespread damage to homes and properties. The hailstorm from last summer is on the list of Environment Canada’s Top 10 Weather Stories for 2021. Homeowners are still repairing damages from that recent storm and the severe hailstorm of 2020.

To help homeowners protect their homes from future storms, the City of Calgary offers their Resilient Roofing Rebate Program. Shield Roofing & Exteriors are experienced roofers in Calgary. They share more about this rebate program:

About Calgary’s Resilient Roofing Rebate Program

The City of Calgary’s Resilient Roofing Rebate Program offers a $3,000 rebate to Calgary homeowners that experienced hail damage and have replaced or plan to replace their shingles with a Class 4 shingle. Class 4 shingles are impact-resistant and can withstand hailstorms without damage.

The first phase of this program was for homeowners dealing with hail damage from 2020. For these cases, they must provide proof of hail damage. It is also for all eligible homeowners who have replaced or plan to replace their roof with Class 4 roofing products after June 1, 2021. Those homeowners do not need to show proof of hail damage as the replacement is considered a preventative measure.

The program until May 31, 2024, or all the funding is distributed to eligible homeowners, whichever comes first. Some eligibility conditions apply. You can find out if you’re qualified with the City of Calgary’s eligibility tool here: https://forms.calgary.ca/content/forms/af/public/public/resilient-roofing-rebate.html

What are the benefits of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?

Because of the frequent hailstorms we get in Calgary, you should consider upgrading to Class 4 shingles. These shingles are extra tough, durable, and stand up to hail and wind. Class 4 shingles are strong. They will protect your home longer, increasing the lifespan of your roof and reducing the need for maintenance and repairs.

Often, insurance providers will offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance policies if they have Class 4 shingles. This benefit depends on your insurance policy. So be sure to read it carefully to see details about the amount and mileage of the discount.

Protect your exterior with upgraded siding

Hail can also cause significant damage to vinyl siding. Hailstorms can leave exteriors completed destroyed with chipped, cracked, and broken siding. As siding contractors in Calgary, Shield Roofing & Exteriors recommend you replace your vinyl siding with durable HardieBoard siding. This strong fibre cement siding is impact-resistant and will not be damaged by future hailstorms. That means you won’t have to worry about damage or making hail damage insurance claims moving forward.

If you’re ready to protect your home from hail with these roofing and siding upgrades, contact Shield Roofing & Exteriors!

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

Everything you need to know, courtesy of the experts at Mill Creek Painters in Edmonton

If you’ve ever researched the cost of new appliances, countertops, and cabinets, it’s no shock that renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects. However, freshening the refinishing the cabinets that make up most of the room’s visual space is entirely feasible. But there’s a lot more to the job than buying a gallon of your dream colour.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

Renovating a kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects that you can take on, and fully replacing the cabinets can account for nearly 40 percent of that cost. Cabinets for a 10-by 12-foot kitchen can easily top $10,000—and your new cabinets may actually be of lower quality than the ones you’re replacing. On the other hand, a few fresh coats of paint can go a long way toward transforming your existing cabinets for a fraction of that price. In fact, the cost of painting should be no more than about $200, plus a weekend (or two) of your time.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Paint My Cabinets?

Before you head out to the paint store, however, examine your cabinets to see if they can be resuscitated in the first place. Even the highest-quality paint job can’t revive cheap cabinets that have grown frail with age. Thin veneers peel or delaminate, particleboard cabinet bottoms or shelves sag or break, and hanging rails come loose. If these are the issues you’re dealing with, you’d actually be better off completely replacing your kitchen cabinets.

Starting The Process

Materials to Consider

Paint – Look for a paint designed for a trim, often labelled enamel. The higher the sheen, the more durable the finish—a high gloss will stand up better than satin.

Roller – Use a 4- or 6-inch foam roller to cover the sides of cabinets and their face frames.

Square Brush – The straight end of a 3- to 4-inch-wide brush makes short work of large, flat panels.

Angled Brush – A synthetic angled brush in the 2½- or 3-inch-wide range helps you get paint into corners of doors with molding, and can coat door frames in one pass.

HVLP Sprayer – Not into the hand-brushed look? Spraying on a topcoat is the easiest way to get a smooth, factory-like finish. High volume/low-pressure sprayers are versatile enough to spray cabinets, fence panels, or exterior trim.

What Type of Paint Do I Need for Cabinets?

Oil or latex?

Latex paints have been improving steadily, leading some pros to give up oil-based paints entirely. Because they dry quickly and clean up with water, latex paints are more user-friendly than oil-based paints. However, many pros still prefer oil-based topcoats, making the claim that they form a harder, more durable paint film and level out to a smoother finished surface. Latex paints also take longer (up to three weeks) than oil-based paints to fully cure. It’s important to note that during this period, they’re susceptible to damage.

Bottom line: Either oil or latex will provide a good finish. If you do use a latex paint, make sure it’s a 100 percent acrylic formulation, which offers greater durability and adhesion than vinyl acrylic paints.

Brush or Spray Paint?

A sprayed-on finish is the smoothest option, but there’s a learning curve for doing it properly. You’ll also likely need to rent the spray equipment, which drives up your costs, and you’ll have to mask off all the areas in the kitchen that could accidentally get sprayed, including countertops, cabinet interiors, and appliances, which is a time-consuming process.

Taking those details into consideration, we suggest you invest in a good, 3- to 4-inch-wide square brush, whose straight ends will make short work of large, flat panels, as well as an angled brush in the 2½- or 3-inch-wide range, which will help you get paint into the corners of doors with molding and can coat door frames in one pass. Latex paint should be applied with a synthetic bristle brush, which doesn’t absorb water; oil-based paint should be applied with a natural-bristle brush.

Bottom line: Spray paint is a wonderful option that will provide great results once you’ve gotten past the learning curve. However, the equipment to do so is pricey and you run the risk of accidentally spraying unwanted parts of your kitchen if you don’t entirely mask them off. Instead, we recommend just buying a couple nice brushes and hand painting your cabinets.

Is it Okay to Paint Over Cabinets or Should I Strip Them?

When the existing finish is a clear coat, the best course of action is to strip the finish down to the bare wood before painting. This eliminates a potential adhesion problem between the old finish and the new paint.

Bottom line: While stripping may be ideal for purists, it’s not always practical or absolutely necessary. A thorough cleaning followed by light sanding should be enough to prepare the surface for new paint.

Regular or Faux Finish?

It all depends on what kind of look you’re going for. Incorporating a faux finish can transform its style into shabby chic, rustic, provincial, or modern. Crackling glaze, which you can find at most paint stores, can, with very little effort, give your cabinets a weathered look. Simply apply the glaze over a dry base coat, brushing in only one direction (thick for large cracks, thin for fine cracks), and let it dry. Finish with a flat topcoat of the base colour brushed on perpendicular to the glaze. The paint will start to form cracks as it dries, a process that takes about an hour.

If you’re looking for a rustic distressed look that doesn’t require special paint, you can build up your own finish by layering colours and spattering dark paint on top. When the paint is dry, to reveal the colours underneath, distress the finish by hitting it with a chain and lightly sanding in the spots where the cabinets get the most use.

Similarly, the antiqued, slowly aged look can be achieved with some paint magic. Simply dip the tip of a paintbrush in a colour lighter than the cabinets and dab the excess onto a cloth until the brush is almost dry, then lightly graze the surface of the detail trim, corners, and seams. Ooh la la!

Cloverdale Renaissance is a high-gloss finish, which will transform your kitchen into a polished, modern space. To shine up your cabinets, paint a high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over your final coat. This technique will add depth to the colour and cover the surface of your kitchen with a glassy sheen. So chic!

Conclusion

Painting kitchen cabinets can be a lot of work and it requires a lot of decision-making to ensure you end up with a kitchen you’re proud to show your friends and family. We encourage you to take the risk and try new things. But we want to remind you that painting professionals are available to help. Start with a free estimate here!

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

Blog written by Mill Creek Painters in Edmonton

When modernizing your home, painting trim and baseboards can make a world of difference. Not only in appearance, but also in home value! Allow our expert advice to guide you through the process!

Best Paint for Baseboards

When selecting the perfect paint for your baseboards, it will be cheaper and more efficient to bite the bullet and choose a more high-end product. We recommend Cloverdale Renaissance, an enamel, water-based paint that comes in 3 different sheens to accommodate whatever look you’re going for. Melamine, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss. With high adhesion, coverage and great weather resistance, this product is a perfect replacement for the older oil-based alkyd enamels. This paint is excellent for protecting high-traffic areas that can quickly diminish in appearance. It is also far easier to keep clean.

Note: Selecting a higher gloss sheen than what’s on the walls will help accentuate the molding!

When is it Time to Repaint my Trim?

The trim and baseboards actually make more of a difference to the refreshing of your home than you might think. For example, if you have oak trim, it’s probably starting to look a little too Full House, and not in a good way. If you’re wondering if white is an option, the answer is YES! It will require a light sanding of the current varnish and then a new layer of KILZ varnish. After that, we would suggest a minimum of 3 coats of Cloverdale Renaissance in your desired sheen.

Required Brushes and Materials

When using water-based paint, a nylon or poly-nylon combination brush is the easiest way to apply it. If you decide to go with oil-based paint, however, use a natural-bristle brush. A 2 to 2½-inch angled brush is a good option for painting trim.

For an interior painting project of this calibre, you should have on hand: a drop cloth or plastic sheeting, a vacuum, a damp cloth, painter’s tape, and a putty knife. Depending on the condition of your baseboards, you may also want to consider spackling materials and sandpaper.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Three Ps

Step One: The Prep

Lay down a drop cloth or tape down some plastic sheeting to protect the floor.

Check the baseboards to see if there are any noticeable nicks or large dings. Scrape away any loose/flaking paint and repair damaged areas with a spackling compound, and then sand the area smooth with a fine-grit sandpaper.

Vacuum the baseboards and adjacent flooring. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the baseboards in order to remove all the dust and dirt. Make sure the area is dry before proceeding.

Step Two: The Protection

Painter’s tape must be applied along both edges of the baseboard—where it meets the wall, and where it meets the floor. If you’re concerned about getting paint on the wall, simply select a wider tape. Get the tape as close to the trim as possible, without overlapping it.

Step Three: The Painting

The best place to start painting the baseboards is in a corner of the room. Work your way around the perimeter in sections measuring one-foot. Apply strokes in one direction, as opposed to going back and forth. Let the paint dry for a day minimum. It should feel dry to the touch by the next day. When the paint has dried, feel free to remove all painter’s tape.

In Conclusion

Repainting your trim and baseboards can prove to be quite tricky, but it is definitely worth considering. It makes more of a difference to a room’s appearance than one would think! Unsure of doing it on your own? Contact Mill Creek Painters help.

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

Drywall is a critical part of residential and commercial construction projects. However, due to the complexity of the installation process and the skill needed, it’s best to leave drywall to the professionals.

Triple H Interiors in Calgary is an experienced drywall and ceiling contractor. They share more about hiring a professional drywall contractor and one you can trust.

Pros have experience, skills, and tools

Installing drywall properly and getting flawless results requires years of practiced skill and experience. The method of drywall installation requires an enormous learning curve, with lots of trial and error to get just right. The professional installers at Triple H Interiors have years of experience in the trade. They use the best techniques for perfectly hanging and anchoring drywall. They can tape, mud, and sand, so there are no noticeable seams with the finished product. Without the experience and practiced skills, this is extremely difficult to achieve.

Investing in quality drywall tools for your home project is a significant investment. Basic jobs still need specialized saws, measuring tools, and other vital supplies. Contractors often install drywall in hard-to-reach places and use special equipment to lift and reach the boards. They also use special methods and equipment to reduce the spread of drywall dust and clean up afterwards. They have experience, understand how to do things safely, and can prevent damage or injury on the job. Save yourself the money and hassle by hiring a professional contractor for the job.

Finding a trustworthy drywall contractor

Unfortunately, the drywall industry has gotten a bad reputation for contractors taking advantage of customers. They’ve taken deposits and not shown up, left work unfinished, or did such a poor job it needs redoing. Triple H Interiors works hard to break that bad reputation by being different from fly-by-night contractors. They pride themselves on everything they do. The most important thing to them is your satisfaction with a job done perfectly.

Before hiring any contractor, check for the following:

– Valid business license
– Liability insurance and WCB coverage
– References
– Third-party affiliation like RenovationFind or BBB

If a contractor asks for a deposit or payment before they finish the job, they must legally have a provincial business license and insurance. Never hire a drywall contractor without those things.

Save money on drywall repairs

Triple H Interiors specialize in drywall and ceiling repairs. If you have a hole in the drywall, they can often do a patch and repair the hole. Many companies will claim you must redo the entire ceiling or paint the whole wall after a drywall repair. However, they have a 98% matching success rate and can greatly reduce the cost of drywall repairs.

Drywall Contractors in Calgary

Triple H Interiors has a proven reputation for quality work, excellent customer service, and satisfaction. They’ve been in the drywall industry for over 30 years and offer a range of drywall, ceiling, insulation, steel stud framing, and other construction services to Calgary and the surrounding area. They also specialize in repairs after poly-b plumbing remediation. Their management team will personally and professionally oversee your project from start to finish. They won’t rest until you’re happy and smiling!

Triple H Interiors is a drywall contractor you can trust. Contact them today!

 

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

When renovating a basement, it’s essential to be aware of underlying issues. For example, if you find that your space is always cold and unpleasant, that needs to be addressed. It’s true that the basement will always feel a little cooler, but it should not be uncomfortable. You could be paying more on heating than necessary, and you want to enjoy using the space. Your basement could be cold for many reasons, but the good news is they can likely be fixed.

MODE Contracting in Edmonton shares how you can improve a cold basement with your basement renovation:

Strategic insulation is your biggest ally

In modern homes, the most significant source of cold air is typically the section of the wall above ground. The earth outside of below-grade walls does an excellent job of providing insulation, but even that can be improved. MODE Contracting can check your basement walls and the overhead. This typically includes windows, ducts, vents, and more. Opening your basement walls to increase the insulation won’t be effective without considering these trouble areas.

If the basement is unfinished, you can invest in upgrading the wall insulation. Before new insulation is installed, your contractor can check for moisture issues and other damage. Completing these repairs now will ensure your new insulation and finished walls will not be damaged by future moisture problems.

Consider the space above the basement

If the space directly above your basement isn’t heated very well, this will affect your basement’s temperature. This issue usually occurs if areas like unheated garages and porches are above sections of the basement. If you can’t insulate these spaces themselves, consider adding insulation to your basement’s ceiling. This will help keep the room’s heat inside it rather than moving to the space above. If you can’t figure out where the cold air is coming from in the basement, it might be somewhere else. Cold air descends, so don’t overlook checking the main floor for lack of insulation too.

Take a look at your HVAC system

Once you have checked and improved your insulation around your home, the next step is to check your heat source. If your home’s existing HVAC system doesn’t send heat to all areas of the basement, that’s an issue. Older basement developments might not have retrofitted the ducts properly to distribute the heat. Consider extending or modifying your system to supply heat evenly throughout the basement space. Installing in-floor heating downstairs is also a great solution. This is becoming a more typical practice as homeowners extend their livable space for home offices or extra bedrooms.

Basement Renovations in Edmonton

MODE Contracting is proud to be hands-on with every project they do. This means that your basement renovation will be completed to a high standard with outstanding customer service. With more than twenty years of experience, you can be sure that your renovation is completed to your satisfaction.

Start your project with MODE Contracting today!

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

Upgrading your home and making it greener and more energy-efficient offers many benefits. You’ll save on monthly bills and lower your carbon footprint. Buyers will also appreciate a greener, more efficient home if you plan to sell down the road. Part of the change involves working with a trusted company like Blackjack HVAC, one of the best HVAC companies in Kelowna. But a home rebate for green upgrades can really help with ensuring those changes are within your budget.

Rebate vs discount

Rebates and discounts may sound similar, but they are two different cost reduction benefits. Discounts are applied immediately when you purchase an item, which lets you pay less upfront. The savings can be offered either as a cash discount or a percentage off the final price. Some companies may offer a percentage discount if you buy a specific product within a set period. 

Rebates, however, reduce the overall cost of something but later. First, you pay the total amount for the product or service; then, you get a part of the cost returned later. Often, rebates act as an incentive to make a change or purchase a product. Energy rebates, for example, are used to both incite and help homeowners make greener home upgrades.

What rebates are available? 

You can get a rebate between $200 and $1,000 when you upgrade to a qualifying natural gas ENERGY STAR^® tankless water heater if you’re a FortisBC customer. Learn more about the FortisBC natural gas water heater rebate. 

The City of Kelowna also offers a green energy rebate of $2,000 to residents that switch from fossil fuel heating to an electric air source heat pump.

Who qualifies?

All rebates have a general eligibility criterion that applicants must meet before qualifying for a rebate. It is essential to check these before making any green changes if you’re not planning to pay the total price. Some rebate companies require your home to be in a set service territory to qualify for rebates. If you are changing to a new energy source, you may need to track your billing history for a set time first. Rebate eligibility will also vary depending on the company, type of home, type of upgrade and other factors. Like hot water heaters in Kelowna, some rebates will only apply to specific models and fuel sources.

If you’re not sure what you may qualify for, talk to your contractor for some professional insight and advice. BlackJack HVAC can help you apply for the tankless water heater rebate and show you your best options for purchasing and installing a unit. 

Types of rebates

Rebates in Kelowna vary from single-family homes and multi-residential to workplaces and commercial spaces. Within those, you can qualify from electrical heating upgrades, EV charger installations, natural gas heating upgrades or tankless water heaters in Kelowna. Other rebates will apply to home renovations and green changes. Things like efficient windows and doors, insulation heat pumps and heat pump water heaters offer rebates. These range from $1,000 to $5,500, depending on the project. With rebates like these, it’s easier than ever to go green and enjoy the benefits of doing so. 

Ready to upgrade to a tankless water heater? Contact Blackjack HVAC today!

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