Why you should finish your home’s basement

Does your house have an unfinished basement that is rarely used? Your basement has so much potential, and a basement development project is worth the cost. From livable space, home office, play area or even a legal rental suite, the possibilities for your unfinished basement are many.

Calvert’s Construction Services in Calgary shares why you should consider finishing your home’s basement:

Increase your livable space

An unfinished basement can be a waste of space. While it’s essential to have a storage space, the potential for a functional living space is vast. You can nearly double the usable living space you have in your home. How you use that space is up to you! For example, you can add bedrooms for your growing family, build a comfortable and productive home office, or create the ultimate entertainment centre and family room. Calvert’s Construction Service can help create a basement design plan that will best meet your needs.

A developed basement is more practical than an addition

If you need more space, you might be considering a home addition. However, not every house will receive zoning approval to add a home addition, depending on certain factors. Things like lot size, property lines, and zoning can make a home addition impossible or very stressful to pull off. Plus, home additions are expensive.

If you have an underutilized basement, consider having it finished to take advantage of the space. Finishing a basement is estimated to cost one-third to one-half the cost of doing an addition as well. This makes it a feasible, cost-effective solution for most homeowners. In addition, as mentioned above, you can use your basement for just about anything. Add an extra bathroom, bedrooms, hobby room, playroom – your options are endless.

Use it as a rental suite

Basements provide an excellent opportunity for increasing your household revenue with a legal secondary suite. Whether considering an investment property or converting your home to a multifamily dwelling, secondary suites are a wise investment. The income from the monthly rent can go towards your mortgage or other home expenses. A legal secondary suite is also attractive to buyers should you decide to sell in the future. Secondary suites are a wise investment that has a good return and will increase the value of your home.

General contractors in Calgary

When it comes to finishing a basement, you must ensure that the work is done correctly. With over twenty years of experience as a general contractor, Calvert’s Construction Services is the right choice for your major home renovation. They offer a full range of home renovation and trades services and can take care of your project from start to finish. Whether you want to finish the basement or renovate any other part of your home, their reputation and experience will ensure quality results and a positive experience.

Contact Calvert’s Construction Services to improve your home today.

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

Framing can be one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation or build. This is the step when the structure of the space starts to come alive, or when you can see the different rooms in an interior space. It’s also when it becomes much easier to see how the finished product is going to look. Framing happens towards the beginning of a project, so it’s important to make sure the contractor does it correctly to avoid costly issues further on down the line.

Modern Life Developments in Edmonton has three key things to look for when hiring a framer for your home:

Hire a framer who has good communication skills

Framing requires excellent communication, coordination, and planning skills. There is typically more than one person working on a framing job, and it’s important to keep things organized. It’s much too easy for things to get disorganized in a large-scale project. When things start to go wrong in the early stages, it can cause issues throughout the project. Make sure that the framer you hire has the skills needed to run an efficient job and finish things properly.

Make sure your contractor has the right tools for the job

Proper framing tools and experience will ensure the contractor can finish the job correctly and efficiently. Gone are the days of using brute force and strength to finish framing jobs. Work smarter, not harder as the saying goes. With the technology available today, make sure the contractor you hire is efficient with their time. Modern-day framers use lasers to tell where studs should go and don’t rely on older techniques like chalk lines anymore. They can get the framing up for your new home, basement development, or major renovation in no time.

A good framing contractor should be ready for the unexpected

When it comes to older homes, it’s not uncommon to find surprises hidden in the walls. This can mean anything from improper materials to faulty installation of framing. It’s not unheard of to see older framing jobs that have irregular stud spacing. When changing things around, taking the extra time to find each individual stud can go a long way. Framers with experience should be aware of the importance of not skipping any steps. They’ll do the job properly at every phase. This can save headaches down the line, or even unsafe work being done in your home.

Framing Contractors in Edmonton

While Modern Life Developments is a full general contracting company, they also offer framing services. A benefit to hiring a company with a wide range of knowledge is that they recognize the importance of each step of the home renovation process. While framing can be one of the first steps in the renovation process, all the other steps rely on it. By being ready for the unexpected, having the right tools, and having the right skill set can mean the difference between a good framer, and a great framing contractor.

Contact Modern Life Developments for your general contracting and framing needs today.

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

Blog written by Hauer Power Electrical Inc. in Edmonton

Incorrectly Wiring Your Hot Tub Will Cost You

A hot tub is a major investment costing thousands of dollars. Incorrectly wiring your new hot tub can damage electrical circuit boards, pump motors and heating components. What’s more concerning is that incorrect wiring can put you and your family at risk of electric shock.

Attempting to save a few dollars by DIY’ing the electrical hook-up can result in having to hire professional electricians in Edmonton to completely redo the electrical wiring hook-up.

What You Don’t Know About Hot Tub Electrical Wiring

Hot tubs, Spas, and Swim Spas require 40 amp, 50 amp, or 60 amp 120/240v electrical supply. Because of this, they require a hard-wired connection from your home’s electrical panel. Some things that need careful consideration before attempting to wire your hot tub include:

1. Understanding the electrical requirements for YOUR hot tub
2. Determining the correct size, type and number of electrical conductors
3. Determining the correct size of GFCI spa electrical disconnect
4. Understanding the Canadian Electrical Code requirements
5. Understanding building code requirements
6. Arranging for permits and inspections with your local authority

If you are not confident that you can safely install your hot tub wiring, we recommend that you contact an Edmonton electrician like Hauer Power Electrical Services.

Hot tub wiring should always be performed by a professional licensed electrician. They recognize the dangers of working with electricity and water, understanding that one wrong move could lead to injury or death.

Hauer Power, an Edmonton electrician, stays up to date with The Canadian Electrical Code that is updated every three years. Additionally, local safety codes often undergo changes that must be adhered to when doing any hot tub installation. The average person most likely doesn’t know the various requirements of their jurisdiction.

Hot tubs and spas offer relaxation, rejuvenation and fun and can provide years of enjoyment. Hiring a professional electrician can ensure it is installed correctly and safely.

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

If you are not familiar with home improvements, caulk can be that key tool that is easily overlooked until you really need it for a project. Caulk can be found keeping the edges of your bathtub or shower watertight, but do you know what else it can be used for? The answer is many things.

What Does Caulk Prevent?

Caulk can be used to seal any gaps, cracks, or seams. It can keep air, water, or bugs out of spaces you don’t want them to be.

Caulk and its Many Uses

• Fill nail holes in the wall.
• Seal a crack in a window or door.
• Seal tub or shower seams.
• Can secure and seal plumbing.
• Fill cracks.
• And more

Depending on your needs, there are a few different kinds of caulks. Latex caulk can be painted over, cleaned easily, fills gaps, and more. It can work less well in climates of high temperature and lots of sunlight. In comparison, silicone caulk may be harder to apply, but it lasts longer, is more flexible, can handle high temperatures and the sunlight, fills, and moves with gaps that expand, and more. The drawbacks are its strong odor and that you must use mineral spirits for clean-up. In the end, it depends on what job you need to be done when deciding which caulk is the best for you.

Types of Caulk Application

• Caulk Gun: Apply from a squeeze tube or cartridge.
• Caulk Strips: Easy to apply, rollout adhesive strips.

Whether you are redoing the bathroom, making a repair, or replacing the kitchen sink, caulk can come in handy with its number of uses. Great for filling small holes and cracks, it can be used to keep areas of your home clean and secure where water, air, or bugs may be involved. Plan your next project and know how this useful tool can help.

Contact Handyman Connection

Handyman Connection is here to help you plan your next home improvement project. Call or text to schedule a free estimate.

The post The Many Uses of Caulk appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Homeowners who want more space in their homes have available options. Certain home upgrades can be undertaken to solve space issues with a range of costs. For example, a home addition that expands your home’s footprint will be more expensive than repurposing a space you already have.

Kanata Renovations in Ottawa offers a range of high-quality home renovation services. They share three options to consider if you want to increase your space in your current home:

Add an addition

Depending on available space on your lot, adding an addition is a great way to increase living space. Home additions can expand living and dining rooms, create a breakfast nook in the kitchen or even add another bathroom. All-season sunroom additions are also a popular solution for creating more living space. You will enjoy the natural light a sunroom provides and can use the space for a living room, home office, dining room, or play area.

Additions can depend on the pre-existing structure and on development and zoning permits. Additions aren’t an option for all homes, but it’s worth finding out whether or not it’s an option for yours. Determining if a home addition is the right choice for you and your home is something Kanata Renovations can help you with.

Finish your basement

Unfinished basements make up a lot of underutilized space in a home. Most homeowners mean to get around to developing the basement, but the years go by, and it becomes a space for storage and clutter. Finishing the basement can nearly double your home’s usable living space. You can use it for a home office, spare bedrooms, a family room, home theatre, fitness room, playroom – the options are endless. The basement is also the ideal place to put in that extra bathroom and renovate some clever storage rooms. Finished basements are more cost-effective than home additions, can provide the space you need, and will boost resale value too.

Build on the garage

Another option for homeowners looking to maximize their space is by building space over a detached garage. You can use the living space as a home office, hang out for the kids, suite for guests, or even as a secondary suite for rental income. You’ll need to meet specific requirements and obtain permits to build a garage suite. It is vital to hire an experienced contractor aware of these requirements when they’re completing the work. For example, proper insulation and barriers against car exhaust are just some examples of this. Read more ways to find space in your home. 

General Contractors in Ottawa

Kanata Renovations in Ottawa is a team of qualified professionals who can help you achieve your dreams for your home, whether the project is big or small. They have over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. This has given them the knowledge and experience to create beautiful design plans for your home upgrade and ensure the entire project runs smoothly. If you’re looking for a reliable contractor you can trust for your significant home project, you’ll find one with Kanata Renovations.

Contact them today!

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

You know that a home renovation will add value to your home. Not only will it increase resale value, but it will make your home more marketable if you ever decide to sell. The first step is to hire the right home renovations company.

DG Design & Build in Vancouver offers full-service home renovations, including architectural and interior design. They share how the right home renovation company can help you get the best ROI on your renovation dollars.

Expert advice and professional design

Value-adding renovations start with expert advice and professional interior design. The design-build process will ensure you’re getting what you want with your renovation in terms of aesthetics, function, and energy efficiency. The professional team at DG Design & Build will provide insight into increasing your return on investment. You can do this by renovating specific rooms, using suitable materials, and renovating according to current market trends.

For example, kitchen and bathroom renovations are known to have a high return on investment. For example, a minor kitchen renovation can recover 72.2% of its cost, according to Remodeling’s cost vs. value report. A professional can help you choose things like countertops, flooring, and appliances within those renovations that will boost value.

Transparent quoting

With any big home project, you must understand where the money is going. It’s essential that you can set a clear budget and that the renovator is transparent in their quote. That means there will be no ‘surprise charges’ during or after the work is complete. Every budget should include a contingency fund of about 10% in case of an unexpected expense. However, you don’t want to learn about surprise fees after the fact. Knowing exactly what you are paying will make things less stressful and give you a better understanding of the return you can expect on that investment.

Group discounts and benefits

DG Design & Build has started to offer group discounts. While this isn’t very common, homeowners now have the opportunity to group up with family and friends for a deal on their renovations. When multiple residents in the group sign up for their individual renovations with DG Design & Build, they can take advantage of incredible group savings. The lower your initial renovation cost, the higher your return will be on your investment overall.

Renovation and Home Design Services in Vancouver

DG Design & Build’s focus is interior design and renovations, specializing in kitchens and bathrooms. They provide superior renovations and service to their clients and have over 15 years of in-house home design and renovation experience. Their dedicated team has grown a reputation of being one of the most skilled general contractors in the greater Vancouver area. Their excellent service makes the project enjoyable and the quality of work speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a valuable home renovation, choose DG Design & Build for the job.

Contact them today!

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

If your shingles are worse for wear, it could be time to replace your roof. Re-roofing will ensure your home is protected, efficient, and maintains its value. The best time to re-roof your home is in the spring or fall. SPAAR Inc. in Calgary shares why:

Fall is a popular time for re-roofing

Many homeowners choose to replace their roofs in the fall to protect their homes from the harsh winter ahead. It turns out that the cooler fall temperatures make installing a roof more efficient and effective. The temperatures in the fall help create a better thermal sealing of asphalt shingles compared to the heat of summer or the cold of winter. This sealing ensures the shingles are bonded and can protect your home from moisture and cold. Because your roof plays a role in energy efficiency, doing it in the fall will also help you reduce heating bills during the winter.

Spring re-roofing is less busy

Spring is also a great time to re-roof your home, as long as you have a stretch of dry weather. Similar to the fall, the cooler temperatures help the asphalt shingles seal, and it’s more comfortable for the professionals working on the roof. In addition, because many people rush to get the job done in the fall, you might find contractors aren’t as busy in the spring comparatively. Replacing the roof in the spring will also give you peace of mind throughout the warmer seasons, knowing that your home will be protected when winter comes again.

Installing attic insulation at the same time will boost energy efficiency

While you’re redoing the roof, consider installing attic insulation too. If you live in an older home and haven’t upgraded the insulation, chances are the insulation in your attic isn’t near the current building code standard. If you look into your attic and the insulation is well below the joists, you don’t have enough.

Having SPAAR Inc. install insulation, combined with proper roof ventilation, will improve energy efficiency. Not only will it reduce energy transfer and save on your heating bills, but you’ll also notice a more comfortable house. Plus, a properly insulated attic creates a protective barrier against extreme temperatures and humidity. With good ventilation, you’ll reduce moisture buildup in the attic and protect your home from damage. Read more about adding attic insulation.

Roofers in Calgary

SPAAR Inc. offers a range of interior and exterior renovations to Calgary and surrounding areas. They’ve been in business for over forty years, and show their expertise through their quality work and customers’ satisfaction. Whether you need a new roof, attic insulation, framing, drywall, painting or other construction services, they can help.

Improve your home with SPAAR Inc. today.

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

When you have plans to build a new custom home or renovation, it’s essential to have the best designs and blueprints. However, looking at drawings alone make it difficult to really visualize how the space will look. That’s why the immersive WalkOn experience is so transformative for a perfect renovation. Plus, it can be fun too. 

WalkOn Plans in Langley is a professional home design services company. They share more about their firsthand WalkOn service and how it will benefit your building project. 

What is the WalkOn experience?

The WalkOn experience takes project floors plans and projects them onto the floor. Doing so allows you to physically walk through the layout of your future dream home or room. The innovative program can even be used by everyone from clients, homeowners, designers and architects. For homes, it’s the ideal way to do an in-person walkthrough with your contractor or designer. Likewise, an architect and builder can walk around and discuss plans. 

What are the benefits?

The most significant benefit of the WalkOn experience is that it allows you to experience your building before it’s already built. So instead of walking through a physical skeleton only to discover it isn’t quite big enough, you can know from the start. It also allows you to get a head start on any potential design plan layouts. As a result, you can make sure all your furniture not only fits but will also look good in the spots you have planned. 

It isn’t just limited to residential homes either and can work for commercial builds as well. In a new business or office space, having the right layout and design is especially crucial. You want employees to feel comfortable in their work environment to maximize productivity and work quality. You also want to make sure the plan is perfect since it plays a critical role in the project’s cost, efficiency, and timeline. 

Guaranteed price

Building design plans are a crucial part of putting together the proper budget for the project. Still, when unexpected problems arise or a change in materials and plans, it affects that planning. Having a contingency budget can help with those unexpected changes, but what if you never had to use it? Using WalkOn experience lets you catch any problems before they even come up, so you can fix them early. That way, once you have a set layout and design, you can set the budget with confidence. It helps eliminate unexpected surprises and cost overruns. 

Home Design Services in Langley

WalkOn Plans created innovative technology to save homeowners, architects, building designers and other clients from disastrous projects. Instead of working from a PDF alone, it places control of the work right into the owner’s hands. With full control from start to finish, it ensures absolute peace of mind for the entire experience.

Contact WalkOn Plans today!

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

Whether you need to repair damage to your bathroom or you want to remodel to suit your tastes, there are many reasons people choose bathroom renovations in Calgary. A bathroom remodel can increase your home’s value, enhance your appreciation for your home, and make your bathroom feel like a beautiful oasis from the world around you.

Read on to learn some of the trending bathroom designs and how bathroom contractors in Calgary can help you design the bath of your dreams.

The Latest Trends in Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom styles and trends change every few years. Here are some of the leading trends right now.

Faster is Better

You don’t have to plan for complete demolition and reconstruction for a significant bathroom renovation in your Calgary home. Some renovations can be done quickly and still make a considerable impact on the look and style of your home.

Bathroom Brothers Calgary (https://bathroombrothers.ca/bathroom-renovations-calgary/) can guide you with same-day bathroom renovations that will make you feel like you stepped into a whole new home. These same-day transformations are one of the hottest trends right now because they don’t make a huge mess and take weeks to complete.

Larger Tiles

The days of tiny little mosaic-style tiles are over. The newest trend is large wall tiles that cover a more extensive area with different textures and colors.

Warm Tones

Warm, earthy hues are in again. Look for beiges, browns, and mushroom shades as you plan your bathroom makeover.

Soaking Tubs

Showers were all the rage when people were short on time and rushing from place to place. But people are starting to prioritize personal time and relaxation. That’s where tubs come in.

Freestanding tubs in various shapes and finishes are making a comeback, and people are soaking it in!

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is stronger than granite, and since it is nonporous, it is easier to keep clean and free of germs and bacteria. Look for lighter finishes that contrast with your tile wallcoverings and flooring choices.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

Some bathroom updates like fresh paint or new mirrors are easy for most people to do alone. But if you want that full wow experience, it’s time to call in a professional.

Changing your flooring, installation a tub or toilet, and changing vanities and faucets require special tools and skills. Work with a professional with plenty of experience creating the style you prefer. Check out our gallery of Calgary bathroom renovations.

A Change Will Do You Good

If walking into your bathroom makes you feel stressed and tired, it’s time to make a change. Your bathroom should feel like a spa, not a reason to book a trip to one. The latest trends focus on calming tones and features that make you want to spend more time on yourself.

Warm, natural tones and light, durable surfaces are popular right now. And if you want to transform your bathroom in record time, there are options for same-day renovations and remodeling.

If you’re ready to explore exciting and innovative bathroom renovations, contact Bathroom Brothers today!

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

Outdated kitchen cabinets don’t do a lot of good for your kitchen’s overall appearance and appeal. Replacing the cabinets is one option, but it’s not worthwhile if the actual cabinet is still in good condition. That’s why refacing is a great alternative to get the look of new cabinets without the cost.

Can Do More Painting in Calgary is a professional cabinet refinishing company. They share the difference between painting, staining, lacquering, or conversion varnish for your cabinet refinishing.

Paint refinish

One of the more popular choices for cabinet refinishing is to use paint. Painted cabinets are very modern and easily hide the natural wood grains of the cabinets. You can choose between classic looks like white or sleek grey or more natural like browns and earthy greens. Going for bright pastel shades is also a way to add a subtle pop of colour to your kitchen and add some brightness. Paint can go over any cabinet surface as long as the substrate is properly prepped.

Stain refinish

If you want to keep the natural appeal of your wood cabinets, then the stain is the way to go. The stain will accentuate the wood grains and highlight the natural aesthetic of the wood. You can choose between light or dark stains and different shades like greys, reds, or dark browns. Depending on the style of your home and your kitchen, stained cabinets may look better. This method adds a more rustic and antique look to the space and makes the room feel closer and cozier. Staining is also a durable option and easier to touch up if needed. If your cabinets are already stained then it may be more cost effective to have them stained darker or choose a solid colour. On new wood cabinets, stain is more cost-effective than paint if budget is a factor.

Lacquer refinish

Like paint, lacquer finishes have different options for the level of sheens, like matte or high gloss. The great thing about lacquer is how extraordinarily robust and durable it is and how well it protects your cabinets against grease and dirt. Cabinet painters will apply lacquer as a spray, which guarantees a smooth and streak-free finish. They can also apply an additional clearcoat for twice the protection and durability. Because of the tools and skills involved with lacquer, it’s best to leave the work to a professional. That way, you get guaranteed results and help with the refinishing process and clean up.

Conversion Varnish

There is a less known product out there that is gaining traction called conversion varnish. Conversion varnish is transparent and/or custom tinted coating. It is one of the most durable finishes available for wood. It is chemical and moisture resistant, protecting your wood from the damaging effects of household chemicals and cleaners. The application process hardens the finish, ensuring cabinetry and wood retain paint colour and sheen. It also provides for easy touch-ups. Conversion varnish requires greater skill in spraying and costs more than typical paint or lacquer but it is quickly becoming known as the best and most durable solution.

Cabinet Refinishing in Calgary

Can Do More Painting is armed with the knowledge to help with interior, exterior, residential and commercial projects. They are always up-to-date on the latest renovation trends, best materials, and best practices for your home’s transformation. In addition to cabinet refinishing, they can help you with cabinet modifications, new countertops, tile, sinks, faucets, lighting, and more.

Contact Can Do More Painting today!

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