A Year Through COVID-19 with Handyman Connection

Handyman Connection and Reflecting on A Year Through COVID-19

With the great change and challenges COVID-19 and 2020 brought to you, your family, your employees, and everyone, our homes have become a sanctuary amongst these things. From spending more time with family to figuring out how to use and change the spaces in your home, our team at Handyman Connection want to reflect on the changes you and your home went through with COVID-19.

Staying at Home

Working and schooling remotely and back and forth from shutdowns and quarantines, our homes have become a centerpiece in our life where work, relaxation, family, and more had to balance. The kitchen became a classroom, the dining room and spare bedroom offices. Each space in your home became a multi-use area between working, studying, entertaining, and more. These changes made us look at our surroundings and see how we might improve our homes to serve us better.

Home Renovations

Guest bedrooms were turned into offices, basements and garages were updated to create finished rooms for studying or zoom calls. Your kitchen needed more counterspace to provide for books and paperwork, and your house could use more color to warm up the spaces you spend all day and night in. With the help of Handyman Connection, your family can install more storage space with cabinets and custom installations, bigger workspaces can be created, and spaces can be reimagined.

Outdoor Renovations

Spending more time at home, the outside of your home had more use as well. If you haven’t already, at Handyman Connection, for example, our handymen can update your yard with new or refinished patios, decks, gazebos, sidewalks, and more. Create an outdoor study space in a revamped shed, or on the patio with custom built tables and an awning. Anything is possible with our handymen’s help.

From 2020 into 2021, your home balances work, school, and home life all in one space. As you head into the next year, it’s a good time to begin planning renovations to get the most out of the space around you. The results are endless so get more out of your home in no time. 

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a no-obligation estimate or to inquire about our home renovation services today.  

The post A Year Through COVID-19 with Handyman Connection appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Picking the perfect paint colour for your home has many considerations involved in the decision process. There are other existing shades, the room’s size and layout, and even the furniture and décor. Paint can add a lot of value and visual appeal, but the wrong look can also take away.

JCSB Painting in Calgary is a professional interior and exterior painting company. They share some designs tips when it comes to picking the perfect interior colour:

Don’t shy away from neutral shades                                                                                                                                                                            

Neutral colours like beige and whites can be seen as plain colours that need to be repainted with something bolder. That doesn’t always have to be the case, especially if the room already has lots of colours. Sometimes, keeping the walls a neutral shade helps keep the attention on the décor or a focal feature like a fireplace. Neutral shades can do a lot to complement and accent other aspects, so don’t be shy about painting your walls something simple. 

Use the outdoors for ideas

Do you have a room surrounded by windows or a door that connects to the backyard, or a deck? In that case, use the colourful inspirations from the outdoors to connect the two spaces. Soft greens from plants can make for beautiful accents, or colourful shades from flowers will work well on a feature accent wall. Even the simpler earth shades will look well on the interior and help bring that natural connection to the indoors. 

Try paint with undertones

Paint doesn’t just have to be a solid choice of blue or green with other accent colours to add more variation. Some paints come with undertones that add much more depth and visual appeal to a room. Greys, for example, can come with blue or even green undertones that will catch the light throughout the day. Some beiges as well have tones of greens and soft yellows to add new interest to the shade. With undertone colours, make sure to bring home samples before you paint the entire wall. Natural lighting tends to reflect against the walls and change how light or dark the colour looks or what tones show. 

If you need help picking paint colours, trust a reputable and experienced painting contractor like JCSB Painting. Not only can they help you decide on a colour scheme, but they can suggest appropriate finishes and paint types as well.

Painters in Calgary

JCSB Painting prides itself on delivering quality and value with every job they do. Their professionals are experienced and focused on the little details, which helps ensure long-lasting results that never cease to satisfy. They offer painting advice, suggestions and handle both interior and exterior painting services. 

Contact JCSB today!

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

The electrical work is a significant part of your kitchen renovation. The placement of appliances, outlets, switches, and light fixtures all need to be integrated into the plan. Sparky Tips Electrical in Edmonton shares things to consider when planning the electrical portion of your kitchen renovation. 

General lighting

When wiring your kitchen, there are many directions you can take with your lighting plan. If you’re looking for something simple and modern in your kitchen in terms of lighting, recess lighting is a good way to go. Pot lights can be great, because not only are they efficient lights, but some kinds can be adjusted to be spotlights. Spotlights can direct light towards certain places in your kitchen, such as the countertop where you’ll be preparing meals. 

If you’re looking for more of a centerpiece, or focal point, there are many hanging lights that will compliment your recessed lighting. With so many styles out there, you can really showcase your style and draw attention to the room. 

Light switch positions

Something homeowners likely forget about is the position of light switches. Depending on how many lighting components are in your kitchen, the size of the switch will vary. It’s a good idea to keep the switches near the light that they operate, especially if there are multiple light fixtures in your kitchen. You can also choose to have switches for the same fixture in more than one location. For example, the ambient lighting might have a switch at both entrances of the kitchen if there is more than one. 

Island outlets

If you want an outlet on your kitchen island, it is code standard to install a GFCI protected outlet. Any outlet installed within 1.5 meters of a water basin, including the kitchen island, requires a GFCI outlet. This will ensure you have the outlets required to run small appliances. GFCI outlets will help keep you safe too. They will shut off the flow of electricity when they come into contact with water, senses a ground fault or variation from how the current should be. This safety feature can help prevent electrocution, protect appliances, and reduces fire hazards. 

Other electrical features

There are many other electrical features you may want to add to your kitchen. This could include hooking up a vent, garbage disposal, and installing major appliances. You might choose to add dimmers to your main lighting or USB charging ports along the counter. No matter the project, an electrician is there to assist you and make your kitchen renovation process easy. 

Electricians in Edmonton

Full-time electrician Matthew Muhlberghuber at Sparky Tips Electrical will take on any electrical project big or small. From changing a switch to wiring up your brand new home, he does everything from commercial work to maintenance. If you’re looking for a qualified, skilled electrician, Sparky Tips Electrical is the one to call. 

Contact Matthew at Sparky Tips Electrical today!

Click to Find >>>> Best Electricians in Edmonton

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

A basement renovation has real earning potential. Not only will it increase resale value, but turning it into a legal secondary suite can provide extra income. While it can seem daunting to take on a project that big, the return can make it all worth it. Rental income from a secondary suite can help pay the mortgage and other home expenses.

M. S. Rad Construction in Coquitlam are experts in basement renovations and remodeling. They offer services throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver. Here are some ways you can transform your basement into a liveable suite: 

Beautiful and functional kitchen

Every home needs a good kitchen. Though basements aren’t always that spacious, there are many ways to incorporate a functional kitchen. Include storage solutions to make a place for everything. Install upper cabinets for more storage, and to utilize wall space. Also, when it comes to materials, choose something durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. Because basements are prone to moisture, you want materials that can stand up to that.

Bed, bath, and beyond

When it comes to bedrooms, simple can be best. Neutral paint and decor will make the space appear cleaner, and allow tenants to make the space their own. You can’t go wrong with a clean slate. This goes for bathrooms, too. A modern look with clean lines can entice potential renters because lighter colours can make the basement feel like it’s not underground. Even if you decide not to rent out the space, your family or guests will enjoy these light, neutral spaces. 

Be smart with flooring choices

For basement flooring, it’s best to choose something warmer to the touch and resistant to moisture. This could mean installing carpet in bedroom spaces to keep them cozy, and something like vinyl throughout the remainder of the basement. There are different types of vinyl flooring that can appear like tile or hardwood floors so you won’t have to sacrifice looks for function.  

Lots of light

Allowing lots of light in your basement is key. Natural light with windows and smart electrical lighting will help the suite feel open and bright. Recessed lighting paired with appropriate task and ambient light will ensure the living spaces are well lit. Any sleeping spaces require an egress window for safety. If you’re replacing windows, go for larger windows and dig deep window wells to let the natural light shine in. 

Basement Renovations in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver

M. S. Rad Construction Inc is a leader in the construction industry, working on basements, commercial projects, and home additions. They’ve built themselves a strong reputation as an excellent service provider, one known for delivering stellar results at highly competitive price points. Honesty, fairness, transparency: Those are the values that guide them as a contractor, that inform their business practices, and that form the cornerstone of their company.

For more information, contact M. S. Rad Construction today!

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

Blog written by Let It Flow Exteriors in Edmonton

Positive first impressions of your home are important. Whether you are trying to sell your house or looking to be proud of what you own, curb appeal plays a big part in this.

The type of siding you have on your house, and the condition it is in often dictates this. If you have faded, dirty siding the curb appeal goes down, and vice versa. This is why it is important to make sure your siding is looking the best it can. This can be as simple as washing off any dirt, or even as complex as completely replacing any siding. Let It Flow Exteriors are experienced siding contractors in Edmonton. We offer various siding types such as Vinyl, Aluminum, Fibre Cement. Each of the options has its pros and cons along with their associated costs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most popular siding option available today, being used in most new homes and renovations. It is available in many different styles such as Board and Batten, Dutchlap, and Horizontal. 

Pros 

Inexpensive: Vinyl siding is the cheapest siding option available ranging from $2.25sqft – $6.50sqft. 

Low maintenance: Vinyl siding will never need to be painted and is extremely easy to clean as all you need is a hose. 

Wide variety of Colours: Vinyl siding comes in a range of colors to perfectly match your needs. 

Cons 

Low return on investment: Compared to other siding options available, vinyl siding offers a lower return on investment

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is the least popular siding option available, popular in the ’50s-’80s aluminum siding is found on older homes. Often now only used as an accent or on higher-end homes. It is available in horizontal and board and batten. 

Pros 

Durable: Aluminum siding is extremely durable depending on the thickness, only becoming damaged when faced with extreme impact. 

Resistant to damage: Fire, water, rot, and insect resistance. Due to it being metal, aluminum siding is extremely fire resistant, will not rust or rot, and will keep any creepy crawlers out of your walls. 

Cons 

Expensive: Aluminum siding costs anywhere from $3.75sqft – $9.50sqft to install.

Fades: Aluminum siding is extremely susceptible to fading in the sun. 

Fibre Cement Siding

Quickly becoming one of the most popular types of siding on the market, fibre cement siding is being used on more and more homes. It is quite popular with high-end home builders. It is also favoured by house flippers as it often adds value to the house where’s typical vinyl siding does not. 

Pros 

Durable: Fibre Cement is much more durable than vinyl and aluminum siding, more resistant to fading, chips, and splitting. 

Realistic look: Due to the thickness of the material it allows for deeper grains in the board, giving it a more realistic wood look then other siding options, this means better curb appeal and a natural look. 

Fire, Moisture, Rot, and Insect Resistant: Fibre cement siding is fire resistant, meaning it won’t melt or warp when exposed to heat and won’t combust easily. It is also moisture resistant meaning it wont swell or rot in humid climates. It is also resistant to insects and pests. You won’t have to worry about things like termites or other critters. 

Great Return on Investment: Fibre cement siding typically holds 70% of its cost when reselling your home, meaning if you spent $20,000 on reselling your home, it’ll add $14,000 to your home’s value, on top of the curb appeal. 

Cons 

Expensive: Costing between $6sqft – $14.50sqft, fibre cement is the most expensive siding available on the market. This is due to the costs of material, along with the weight of it which typically requires two installers or special tools to install.

Fades: Fibre cement siding will typically need to be repainted every 15 years as the color fades in the sun.

Overview

Each type of siding available has different pros and cons to it. Some are cheaper, some are more durable, some offer more value to choosing it. As a homeowner, it is important to do your due diligence and research the product that is right for you. At Let It Flow Exteriors we offer expertise that can help you along in the process from choosing the type of siding for your home all the way to the final install. Serving Parkland County and surrounding areas we offer eavestrough, soffit and fascia, siding, and faux stone installation.

Visit us at Let It Flow Exteriors, call 780-932-3810, or email us at [email protected] to get in touch and find out more.

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

  

Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most popular rooms to renovate and for good reason. Both renovations offer great ROI, are used daily, and do a lot to boost resale and attract buyers. Instead of choosing between one or the other when it’s time to renovate, pair the work together. You get twice the benefits with less stress and time spent.

Intellisight Handymen Ltd. in Calgary is a professional handyman and renovations company. They share more about the benefits of renovating your kitchen and bathroom at the same time:

Do all the plumbing at once

Typically, when renovating bathrooms or kitchens, the plumbing and fixtures are involved in the change. Keeping fixtures up-to-date can add a lot of visual appeal and interest to a room. It is also important to keep plumbing both maintained and up-to-date. Broken pipes, low-efficiency faucets, or just worn-out designs take away from the room or risk high costs in water damage repairs. Upgrading to low-flow faucets in the bathroom and kitchen, for example, will help save on monthly water bills.

When you do all the plumbing work for both rooms at once, it’s more efficient in time and labour. This can help save money in the end.

Create flow in the design

If you are renovating the main floor bathroom, it’s a great chance to create a sense of flow throughout the space. Having similar elements, whether paint colours, flooring design, or countertop material, creates that connection. In the bathroom, draw elements and design ideas from the kitchen as inspiration. Use the same cabinets and fixtures, for example, or a similar colour scheme but in a lighter or darker shade. It’s also a great way to combine materials, like flooring or countertop materials that pair well in the bathroom and kitchen.

Save time and cost

A downside is that you can lose temporary access to both the kitchen and bathroom. It’s not ideal, but in a renovation, it must be considered. That’s why renovating the two spaces together can save that time and wait. The work will go faster together because you can order the materials for both rooms at once. Cost-wise as well, you save having to hire a construction team twice for two different rooms. Together with your general contractor, you can put together a schedule and timeline that meets your needs. Any permits, materials, or labour that needs to be done can be paired together so the work can be done more efficiently.

Kitchen Renovations and Bathroom Renovations in Calgary

Intellisight Handymen Ltd. is a general contracting and handyman business specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. They also do complete home renovations, maintenance, repair, storage solutions, and home improvement service to both residential and commercial clients. Intellisight Handymen Ltd. has a fully equipped workshop. They can provide custom woodworking services including outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and custom-built decks.

If you want to renovate, call Intellisight Handymen Ltd. 

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

Outdoor living is a popular term for landscape designs and spaces, but what does it really mean? The term itself can mean outdoor entertainment, designated seating, maybe even an outdoor kitchen. With so many different possibilities, knowing what to factor in will help with the design process.

Bright Habitats in Edmonton is a professional landscaping company for outdoor living. They share some tips and factors for designing your perfect outdoor living landscape:

Start with the purpose

Before settling on a design and feature addition, think about how you plan to use the space. Do you enjoy sitting outdoors and quietly enjoying nature? Maybe you like to entertain friends and want an outdoor space in the summer. It can also include gardeners who want an edible landscape or space to practice their green thumb. If you plan to have outdoor lighting for nighttime enjoyment, that will include wiring. There’s no right or wrong answer, but make sure you know exactly how you want to use the space, to then plan the perfect design.

Factor in the weather

As nice as it would be, you can’t guarantee the sun will be shining all the time. And even if it is, have you factored in shaded areas? Once you know how you want to use the space, make sure you can enjoy it no matter the weather. Pergola’s can be a great way to provide shade during really hot days or protection from light rain. Privacy fences keep your outdoor space private but also help block the wind. If you have a designated seating area, use a privacy fence to create a separate room with plenty of protection. Don’t forget that trees and bushes can be planned into the landscape design to add shade or create a break in the visual layout.

Create “rooms”

A key part of outdoor living is making sure you have specific designations and planned spaces. Just like your home’s interior has a clear living room or kitchen space, so should the outdoors. Paved patios create a sense of “flooring” where seating and lounge furniture can be added. Pathways can lead you to other spaces in the yard, like a feature fountain or private nook for reading and relaxing. An outdoor kitchen with a pergola makes a great space for entertaining friends or enjoying an outdoor meal. It also helps to visually break up the space and add more interest and appeal. If you need help with the design, talk to your professional landscaper for some tips or new ideas.

Landscapers in Edmonton

Bright Habitats has over 20 years of landscape experience and proven customer satisfaction. They pride themselves on building both functional yet appealing spaces that fit your every need. Whether your dream is outdoor living landscape work or interior living like bathroom renovations, their professionals can help.

Contact Bright Habitats today!

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

Written by Let It Flow Exteriors 

Soffit is a material used on the underside of many features of the home. It is typically found on the underside of the roof overhang, but can also be found underneath decks, arches, or even stairs. Soffit seals the otherwise open space which gives it a proper, finished look. Soffit also helps to keep out insects, the elements, protecting your home. Wood, Vinyl and aluminum are three widely used materials for soffits. Some knowledge of the pros and cons of each of the materials can help you make a good choice.

What’s better Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum Soffits?

Wood Soffits

Wood soffits have been around for many years, being the original material used for soffits. They have a grain and texture that makes them visually appealing, especially for cabins or log type homes. Wood soffits can come perforated, non-perforated or can have vents placed in them. Like wood siding, wood soffits will eventually get soft, rot and can have insect activity.

Wood soffits need to be primed and painted regularly in order to prevent this from happening. This can be costly as the paint will begin to delaminate and peel over time, so it will need to be scrapped, primed and painted frequently to keep it looking its best and to help prevent future rot. This results in a costly recurring bill in order to keep your home properly protected and looking its best. For this reason, wood soffits are considered outdated and not up to current standards for most buildings and therefore are not recommended.

Vinyl Soffits

Vinyl soffits are affordable and low maintenance compared to wood. They stay in a visually appealing shape for a long time. While they do not need to be painted, vinyl soffit typically needs to be washed off once or twice a year, or as needed to keep it looking at its best. Vinyl soffits come perforated and non-perforated and can have the appearance of a wood grain. However, since vinyl soffits are in fact plastic, they look like plastic they are susceptible to both heat and cold damage, deforming in hot temperatures and cracking in the freezing cold. Therefore, they may not last as long as their counterparts. Vinyl soffits can also become brittle when exposed to sunlight. Mold can also develop on vinyl soffits, especially in damper climates. All of these issues result in the potential for added costs due to the need of cleaning and replacement costs.

Aluminum Soffits

Aluminum soffits have been around for decades and is another alternate to wood and vinyl soffits. They are the preferred material for new buildings and renovations as they are resistant to rotting, chips, cracks, insects and as they are also flame retardant. Aluminum soffits are also not susceptible to issues with heat and cold as vinyl is. They are available in either a solid color, simulated wood grain pattern. Perforated or non-perforated depending on your ventilation needs.

Aluminum soffits conceal any imperfections better than vinyl or wood. They are not very impact-resistant, denting if met with force, although this isn’t a huge issue as soffits are not taking a beating as gutters or your shingles would be. The low maintenance requirements of aluminum soffit appeal to homeowners. It does not attract dirt easily, cleans easily with water, and will not rust since it’s made out of aluminum. Aluminum soffits typically cost more than vinyl, but the upfront costs of aluminum soffits vastly outweigh the long term costs of vinyl or wood as they truly are a lifetime product, while the others are not.

Let It Flow Exteriors

At Let It Flow Exteriors we always recommend aluminum soffits above all else. We believe the slight cost difference up front is well worth the money and time you will save in years to come. We offer over 40 different colors, and multiple grain patterns of aluminum soffits to meet all your needs. Whether you want to match an existing colour or add a new splash of color to your home we have exactly what you need. Proudly serving Parkland County and surrounding rural areas we offer 5” & 6” continuous aluminum eavestroughing, soffits and fascia, siding, and faux Stone. Contact us today at 780-932-2810 or visit our website at Let it Flow Exteriors to find out more.

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

A concrete driveway could last for years if installed correctly. In Calgary, we have many freeze and thaw cycles each winter. This kind of weather can be hard on a concrete driveway causing it to damage sooner than in a warmer climate. If you think it might be time for a concrete driveway replacement, contact concrete contractors in Calgary to give you a quote on repairs or a replacement.

Bow River Concrete in Calgary shares some signs that it’s time for a new driveway:

Cracks that look like spiderwebs

If you have multiple cracks interconnected like a giant spider’s web, it’s likely time for a concrete driveway replacement. Those cracks are beyond repair and will continue to spread the longer you leave them. Sometimes, the damage will look like scales on the driveway instead of cracks. If so, get a quote for a replacement.

It doesn’t drain properly

If you see that your driveway isn’t graded correctly, it could be bringing water towards the home. Without proper drainage, that water will pool and can eventually leak into your basement. Water damage is an expensive problem. Address this problem soon to avoid it!

There are many potholes

If you have multiple, deep potholes in the driveway, it might be beyond repair. Water can pool in the holes and lead to more damage. If you have one or two potholes, you could get away with concrete repairs instead of a full replacement.

Do not confuse potholes with sunken concrete. If slabs of your driveway, walkway, or steps are sunken, consider restoring them with concrete lifting. Choosing between repairs and a replacement, in this case, is something a Calgary concrete contractor can help you determine.

The driveway is more than 20 years old

The lifespan of a driveway in a colder climate is about 20 years. If your driveway is looking worse for wear, needs multiple repairs, and is decades old, then it is worth getting replaced.

It’s diminishing curb appeal

A cracked and damaged driveway can make the home’s exterior appearance look shabby. A new driveway can drastically improve curb appeal, and that will boost your home’s resale value. If selling your home is in your plans, it will be a good investment. It will also make clearing snow in the winter easier without your shovel getting stuck in pesty cracks. Your home’s exterior will look better, add value, and you’ll enjoy it more too.

Bow River Concrete offers a full range of concrete services for residential, commercial, and industrial clientele. If you’re not sure about the state of your concrete driveway, give them a call. They can tell you if your damaged driveway is worth repairing or if a concrete replacement is the best option.

Contact Bow River Concrete

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

As a business owner, you have a thousand things on your mind and a to-do list. Whether you’re starting a new business or improving or expanding, having the right commercial renovation contractor on your team is essential. You can worry about your daily business tasks, and Factory Edge Construction in Vancouver can take care of the construction project.

Here is why transparency in quoting and on-going communication is critical to a successful commercial renovation project:

You need to know what you’re paying for

When you receive a quote from Factory Edge Construction, it will be detailed and transparent. You won’t be surprised by hidden fees or costs throughout the project. If you have a question about material pricing, labour, permit fees, or anything else on your quote, please ask about it. The Factory Edge Construction team is there to explain everything to you. Then, you can rest easy knowing your budget and you’re getting value at a fair price.

You can open your doors sooner

Factory Edge Construction understands how important it is for you to get your business up and running. Timeliness and affordability are essential. You need to get those doors open to start seeing a return on your investment. Factory Edge knows exactly what needs to be done immediately so you can get your business running and what can be done in the future. Sometimes enhancements can wait until you’re starting to see some ROI come in.

Transparency reduces stress

Major projects can be stressful, especially when they’re linked to your livelihood. Factory Edge Construction’s communication with you will be consistent and straight-forward through every step. You’ll always know what is going on, and if you have concerns, they will be available to address them quickly. By being easy to reach and available, they hope to secure your confidence and trust. As fellow business owners, they know how stressful things can be. They want to help you and your business succeed.

Commercial Renovations in Vancouver

Factory Edge Construction is a commercial contractor serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Their goal is to change the negative stigma around hiring a contractor. Their “Trust, Reliability, and Ability” policy aims to build your trust while providing exceptional service, craft, and results. Transparency and open communication help them build relationships of trust with their clients. You’ll be involved in every step of your renovation.

Contact Factory Edge Construction!

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