The Importance of Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean and in good working order is essential to good exterior home maintenance. The Gutter Doctor in Calgary shares some reasons as to why it’s important to clean and maintain your home’s eavestrough system. 

Water damage

Throughout the summer and fall, debris can build up in your gutters and cause clogs in the system. When this happens, rain water has nowhere to go, and no longer drains properly. It will likely pour over the side of your house and start to pool around your foundation. Eventually, water can start to seep into the foundation, basement window wells, and cause water damage.

Clogged gutters can also cause serious issues when ice and snow start to melt off your roof. If the water cannot drain off the roof, it can start to leak under the roofing and into the roof decking. Not only will this damage your roof decking, but in severe cases, it can even cause damage to the attic components and your ceiling. This may appear in the form of leaks, yellow or brown spots on the ceiling. Water in the roof can also lead to mildew and mould. 

Avoid these problems by investing in gutter maintenance in Calgary. Having the gutter cleaned at the end of the season will prevent water damage, and keep your home safe. 

A broken system

When debris and water spend too much time in the eavestrough, it can cause damage to the eavestrough itself. It may begin to sprout holes, sag off the side of your roof, or fall apart. The eavestrough material becomes compromised from poor conditions. When your gutter breaks, you’ll have to get a new one right away to ensure the water is properly directed and drained around your home’s exterior.

Keeping it clean will make sure you won’t have to replace it and will save you money in the end. However, if you do need new eavestroughs in Calgary, The Gutter Doctor can help. They will install a new eavestrough system on your home and ensure your roof’s drainage system is working properly. 

Unwanted pests

Leaves and branches can often get caught in your eavestrough, making the perfect home for unwanted visitors. This includes squirrels, rodents, birds, and insects. Not only will removing pests cost money, but you’ll have to repair any damage they make to your roof and home. Ensuring that your eavestrough is free of debris will keep these pests away. The Gutter Doctor specializes in gutter cleaning in Calgary. Once they clean your gutters, the system will remain functional, and be less attractive to pests that can potentially cause damage to your home. 

For more information, check out The Gutter Doctor today!

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

Professional Tips for an Entryway Makeover

We all know the familiar image. You come home from work and kick off your shoes in the entryway. Next, the kids come home and drop their bags and coats on the floor. Day in and out, the entryway into your home that is supposed to be easy to come in and out of, becomes a cluttered place. It’s important to keep the floor of this area clear to avoid tripping hazards. No one wants to see a mess as soon as they step into their home either. Let’s solve this problem with an entryway makeover.

The Floor

As a rule, it’s important to keep everything up off the floor. Items on the floor, even shoes, can cause tripping hazards, falls, and more. As you start to rethink your space, make the rule that your floor must stay clear at all times. While this sounds a little impossible now, we have some great tips for you to make this a possibility.

The Walls

Get everything off the floor and hung up nicely. This can be achieved a few different ways. Small hooks or racks can be a great place to hang up your car keys, bags, purses, and jackets, as needed. Installing shelves with hooks, or normal shelves will give you more space to set things down instead of dropping everything on the floor.

Storage

Install a custom cabinet! Custom cabinetry is a great way to unlock the potential in any room. This can be a closet to hang your jackets, book bags, and store your shoes. If you want something more accessible and maybe not behind closed doors, create a custom shelving unit that is open to easily grab what you need as you head out or into the home.

Invest in a shoe rack, hang up your keys, and make a home for your jackets. These tips will help you organize your entry way and give it a complete makeover. Start planning your home improvement right away.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule your free home improvement estimate. Our craftspeople are only one call or text away!

The post Entryway Makeover appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Written by EcoRenew Contracting Ltd. in Edmonton

As a general contractor in Edmonton, as in life, mistakes are never mistakes… so long as you learn from them.

Prior to establishing EcoRenew Contracting, as a general contractor’s assistant and during my own home renovations, I had very high standards for quality that would last. This is because I truly believe when one does something, it’s always better to do it right the first time. As Mike Holmes would say “Make It Right”.

Flooring installation re-done

Recently, I “held my feet to the fire” as it were; just after an Edmonton home renovation that involved a flooring installation for a full laundry room renovation. We decided we would remove the flooring that we had just laid – including pulling back the washer, dryer, and newly installed vanity. There was nothing wrong with our installation. However, the issue was that we were laying a vinyl plank tongue and groove flooring system over a concrete floor with a substantial slope towards the drain.

If the grade/plane of the floor is not relatively even throughout, there is a possibility of the flooring releasing from the “click”, with use over time, as the system is not evenly supported. I had already, or so I thought, taken this into account and extended the drain up. Doing so smoothed out some (but not all) of the grade. However, once the floor was installed, a noticeable softness or squishiness in the floor was still evident just around the drain area.

Always do it right

Rather than letting it be, hiding it from the clients and hoping for the best, I informed them immediately that we would be removing the floor and reinstalling it. Initially, they were apprehensive. I assured them that there would be no additional cost associated, and talked through what measures I would be taking to alleviate the issue. Then I explained to them the ramifications of an unevenly supported floor. After learning this, they were more than happy to let me rinse and repeat. I say this only to point out that doing it right the first time is not always possible, but you can leave the project ensuring it is finished correctly, and in my opinion, that is doing right.

Contact EcoRenew Contracting for your next home renovation. 

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

Organize and Improve Your Home Classroom or Repurpose Rooms for Back to School

For many students, virtual schooling is coming to an end with the approach of an in-person school year this fall. Whether that is true for your kids, or you are beginning the year virtually, there are several ways to get ready for back to school in your home. 

Virtual Back to School

After the fun of the summer and the time spent relaxing, it’s important to reestablish the purpose of the designated school spaces in your home. If your child studies in their bedroom or has a separate space in the house for online-school meetings, it’s time to make sure it is all about school again. Over the summer, the space might have been used for activities and crafts but its important to clean it up and put away what is not school related in that area to minimize distractions.

You can reflect on the last school year to see how these spaces can be improved too. Do you need shelving to keep supplies on or places to store items not in use? Custom-built shelving can be an ideal solution to this. Maybe installations such as better lighting, sitting by a window, and more can make the space more comfortable as well.

 In-Person Back to School

If your children are going back in person, any spaces in the home that were repurposed to become a study space can be reverted to its old use. Local craftspeople can help if it was projects such as building additional rooms in the garage, in unfinished basements, and more. Remove unwanted walls, get a new coat of paint, and more to bring your rooms back to normal.

In the end, having a study space improved or your home returned to a little bit of normalcy, your children will be ready no matter what to go back to school. With these tips their study spaces can be returned to their original use or can continue to promote quiet and productive workspaces.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection for your back to school home improvement needs. Call OR TEXT to schedule a free estimate.

The post Getting Ready for Back to School, Cleaning up Virtual Schooling Space appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

Hydronic heating, commonly known as radiant heating, has many benefits to homeowners. From increased savings on heating bills to a better option for people with allergies, it’s easy to see why people choose it. There are more versatile options for radiant heating, such as in cooler rooms like basements or bathrooms.

Denrite Mechanical in Edmonton shares a few reasons why homeowners should consider hydronic heating in their homes:

Increased efficiency

Hydronic systems are one of the more energy efficient and comfortable options for heating a home. The notable savings on utilities compared to running a forced-air heating system increase the larger the home’s square footage. Water is a better conductor of heat than air, and due to the system’s mechanics being a closed loop system not much is lost through the process.

More versatile options

One of the benefits of hydronic heating is the flexibility to do almost anything you can think of. The list is endless from tubing embedded in concrete (typically in basements or garages) to overpour (lightweight concrete topping usually 1.5″ thick), staple up (under floor joist with tubing attached to the underside of the floor with heat transfer plates) to radiant walls and ceilings. This can be extremely beneficial for rooms that have typically colder floors, such as basements or bathrooms. Basements are typically cooler than the main floor of houses, but that problem and more can be solved with radiant heating in the basement.

It can also be nice on those cold winter mornings in bedrooms with hard flooring instead of a rug. Another bonus is that hydronic heating is used for extra features such as heated towel racks. This type of home heating is popular because the systems can be designed to suit a homeowner’s needs.

A better option for allergies

One of the negative aspects of forced air heating is pushing around dust and allergens when the air blows through the ducts. This isn’t the case with radiant heating. Instead, the heat is spread through piping in the walls and routed to where it’s needed. Thanks to the heat being powered by water and natural gas, hydronic can better suit people who have allergies. The ability to heat specific points of the house due to the homeowner’s specifications means that there are fewer drafts or hot spots.

Hydronic Heating in Edmonton

Over the past fifteen years, Denrite Mechanical has become one of Edmonton’s leading hydronic heating companies. They use premium materials and offer high-quality workmanship. You’ll receive top-of-the-line installations and systems which last. When it comes to hydronic heating in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, choose Denrite Mechanical.

Contact Denrite Mechanical for your hydronic heating system today.

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

The post How to Deal With Uneven Cabinets for New Countertops appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

A lot of homes were built similarly in the suburbs, so how can you make yours stand out? Adding unique features during a major renovation can help show your personality and also increase your home’s resale value.

When undertaking a major renovation, Four Elements Construction in Edmonton is well versed in creating beautiful spaces. Their experience with significant renovations will help improve looks, function, and resale value. Here are some ideas if you want something special in your home renovation plan:

Lighting and glass

These are things that aren’t typically considered in a home renovation on their own, but the importance of lighting can’t be overstated. The effects it has on the comfort and functionality of the room are essential. A lighting plan should include ambient, task, and accent lighting. Fixtures need to be well placed while also suiting your personal style. Using glass throughout the space can help enhance lighting while also showcasing other features.

Beams and posts

Showcasing ceiling beams and posts can be done in several different ways. A range of materials from finished wood to stone or brick exist depending on design choice. The ceiling is sometimes called the fifth wall but can be overlooked in the renovation plans. Use the space to showcase a rich centerpiece. Let your creativity fly when considering your unique ceiling options.

Windows and doors

Don’t forget about the opportunity that windows and doors have in a major renovation. Not only can they be incorporated into the interior design but will boost curb appeal outside too. An upgrade to the windows and doors currently found in your home can also help increase your home’s energy efficiency. This can go a long way in reducing utility bills while improving the value of your home, making a window replacement a cost-effective decision.

When you’re renovating, Four Elements will make sure all aspects of the home’s design will be considered. They’ll help you choose finishings, fixtures, and colour schemes that will best suit your taste and lifestyle.

Major renovations in Edmonton

Four Elements exists to create beautiful spaces; tailored to the needs and wants of homeowners in the Edmonton capital region. They are proud of exceeding their customer’s expectations and are committed to providing a better renovation experience. If you’re ready to overhaul your home, they’ll help create a design plan that considers looks, function, and value. Unique features in your home will help show off your personality and increase the enjoyment of your home.

Make your home stand out with Four Elements today.

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

When thinking about interior doors, there’s no reason why you have to stick to the traditional doors you see in every home. You can add style by choosing customized options that might work better in your home. From doors that fit small spaces to those that allow more natural light, there are several options for doors for you.

Hallmark Doors in Edmonton have several options to consider for your home interior needs and wants.

Bifold doors

These lightweight doors fold inward while simultaneously sliding open. Their most common use is in bedroom closets or to cover smaller sizes laundry areas. Since the doors aren’t completely solid, they’re typically thin which means they’re light to maneuver. They aren’t a great option to block sound, so keep that in mind when installing them in your home.

French doors

Choosing a door with panes of glass, like a French door, gives off a charming style. It’s also a way to have a door that doesn’t completely close off the room. This is a great option for an office, nursery, or dining room where maintaining a line of sight could be important. It’s also a great way to let light into a room which might not typically get any. Use the natural light another room might benefit from to light up a darker interior space.

Barn doors

Barn doors have become a trendy option in the last several years. This is a great option space to create separation by creating a wall when the door is closed. A barn door is mounted on rollers which leads towards a stylistic choice depending on hardware. Choosing a barn door can create a focal point in a room while being a creative way to create temporary space when needed. Read more about different types of interior doors.

Doors in Edmonton

When deciding on interior upgrades, you want to go with a company that you can trust. With over forty years of experience in quality doors, Hallmark Doors is the right place for your door needs. They provide a high-quality product while maintaining competitive prices for all their customers. By going above and beyond during the construction process, their doors are sure to last for years.

Call Hallmark Doors today.

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

How to Maintain and Improve Your Porch with Porch Maintenance Services

The warm weather and the comforts of home can all be found on your porch. These outdoor spaces are great in between the inside and outside of your home. If you have a porch and are looking into how to maintain and improve it, keep on reading to see what you need to know about porch maintenance.

What is a Porch?

A porch is a framed deck on the outside of your home. Porches can be open or screened in, depending on your tastes or needs. A porch allows you to enjoy that outdoor air without the heat of the sun, keeps you out of the weather and rain, and screened in porches will keep the bugs out too. If you are looking into building a porch for the first time, be sure to check with your local building inspections department to obtain a building permit, if needed.

Porch Maintenance and Improvement

To maintain your porch, it is important to keep it out of harm’s way when it comes to inclement weather and the rain. After a rainstorm, make sure there is no standing water, as this can lead to wood rot and moisture seepage or water stains. Just brush the water off once the storm is done.

Improvement for your porch can be projects such as creating a screened in porch or updating the existing amenities from new railing, posts, installing a porch swing, staining, or sealing the flooring, updating flooring, and more. There are many options, and you can complete projects depending on if an update is needed or it you want to create a new look.

There are many customizable options to a porch while updating. It is important to keep up with porch maintenance to keep it in good shape. Enjoy the outdoor spaces of your home with your porch. If you need help, reach out to local craftspeople to update your porch.

Contact Handyman Connection

Handyman Connection is here to help with your porch maintenance project. Call, text, or contact us to schedule a free estimate.

The post What You Need to Know About Porches and Porch Maintenance appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

When thinking about a home renovation, adding home value is typically at the forefront of a homeowner’s mind. A basement renovation can add a significant return on investment compared to other home updates. As one of the more cost-beneficial renovations, there are ways to increase that value when preparing or thinking about resale options.

DNA Renovations in Edmonton has a few suggestions on basement renovations to improve home value.

Think about the big picture

Instead of converting a basement into a specific space, you will add value by appealing to a wider audience. If you are thinking about resale value, it can be difficult for a potential buyer to be interested when space is renovated for a specific purpose. When considering selling soon, a family room or extra bedroom could be a bigger selling feature than a home spa or gym. If selling isn’t on the horizon, then consider what suits your needs or wants best.

Don’t overlook the staircase

A great way to add space and brighten a dark basement is by opening up the staircase. Installing a more traditional, opened-themed set of stairs will improve the first impression when entering the basement. It also helps to make space feel larger and airy instead of dark and closed off. Let your staircase be a focal point of the room instead of a necessity.

Go with a concept to better suit your needs

Open-concept floorplans have been popular on main floors for the past few years, it’s popular in basements as well. Renovating a basement to have more usable space doesn’t have to mean adding rooms. Adding a second family room can be more beneficial for your needs, or an open concept games room.

A spare bedroom and bathroom are valuable additions, but try to keep a large portion of the basement open. This will help create a blank canvas for potential buyers while allowing you to use the space how you want to in the meantime.

Basement renovations in Edmonton

DNA Renovations is a full-scale renovation company serving Edmonton and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, they are committed to customer satisfaction and providing high-quality work. Whether you’re renovating the basement to increase living space, build a secondary suite, or to increase the value of your home, they can help.

Contact DNA Renovations for your basement upgrade today.

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