Pairing your deck colours with your siding

As an extension of your home to the outdoors, you want your deck to complement your house to really help boost curb appeal. While the deck can be designed and decorated to act as a feature, paired colours will help add a sense of flow. If you are adding a new deck, it’s also the perfect time to replace old or worn siding with something new.

Fort Smith Contracting, serving the Lower Mainland and Vancouver area, brings 25 years of experience with carpentry, plumbing, and masonry trade work. They share some tips and tricks for perfectly pairing your new siding with a new deck:

Pair neutral with natural

Most colouring pairings for brown or tan homes are often matched with the same shades. As a traditional look, it’s a great choice that will complement any home. Otherwise, to add a touch of colour, pair the colours with other natural shades. Greens, dark brown, or even yellows are all great choices. Siding comes in a range of colours, so if you are adding colour, make sure it matches your home architecture. For the deck, colours can be paired depending on the wood. Cedar, a popular choice, is naturally a reddish colour when stained. Other decks can be stained to darken the look, or doing colour streaking will add an exotic look. For a pop of colour, make the railings something other than just black or brown.

Brick and stone with dark

Homes that have natural stone or brick accents are striking and visually appealing all on their own. Unlike with paint, though, finding the colour to match isn’t about similar shades. Brick homes with a reddish-brown deck will have too much similar colour for either to standout. Instead, go for darker shades like black and dark grey for the deck. Not only does it provide a striking contrast, but it also guarantees that your home and deck keep their feature appearances. For a natural stone pairing, if blacks and greys don’t work, consider dark, rich browns instead.

Match the window frames

Another great trick to create a cohesive sense of flow is to pair the deck colours with the window frames. That is especially useful if your deck is surrounded by or near to many windows. Since the frames are typically painted a different colour from the siding, draw colour inspiration from there. For the deck itself, use the same shades as the frames, whether light or dark. Then for the deck railing, choose a similar colour as the siding. Dark browns, greys, or even red siding, for example, will connect well with dark aluminum or steel railings. Light frames, like white or pastel shades, will complement cedarwood or various shades of composite decking. For more inspiration and creative deck ideas, browse online or talk to your contractor for their professional opinion.

Siding Contractors and Deck Builders in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Fort Smith Contracting is a one-stop company for all your carpentry, masonry, and plumbing needs. They pride themselves on providing customized services and solutions with professionalism and quality at every step. All their work is just as efficient and affordable, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality over a dream project.

Contact Fort Smith Contracting today!

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

Your home’s siding protects the house from the weather. It stops moisture from rain and snow from penetrating and damaging parts of your home. It also plays a significant role in energy efficiency and curb appeal.

Caveman Exteriors in Edmonton offers quality vinyl and Hardie Plank siding installation. They explain why you should never put off a needed siding replacement:

Gaps and cracks mean your home isn’t protected

The last thing you want is moisture to get past your siding. Water damage happens quickly but can cause extensive and expensive damage. If you notice any gaps or cracks in your exterior siding, it could be letting in moisture. That moisture can pool under the siding and start to seep into the walls causing mould and mildew. Mould and mildew are very hazardous to your health. Take a walk around your home. Any signs of cracks, bowing, or gaps – and signs of mould and mildew – mean it’s time to call a trusted siding contractor.

Your energy bills can increase

Worn out or older siding might be allowing energy to transfer through the walls. When siding is doing its job, it keeps the air inside the home from escaping. That means it helps keep your house warm in the winter and stay cool in the summer. Old siding, or damaged siding, won’t be as energy efficient as new.

Siding has come a long way over the years. With advanced technology in manufacturing, a siding replacement will increase your energy efficiency. There are even insulated siding products on the market that didn’t exist years ago. Better thermal performance means lower energy bills. It’s better for the planet too!

Faded and damaged siding diminishes curb appeal

Any real estate professional will tell you that how your home looks on the outside will play a significant role in how it does on the market. First impressions matter when trying to sell your home. Over many years, old siding can start to show its wear. Even if it’s not overly damaged, blistering and faded siding will make your home look unmaintained. This look can hurt your chances of a quick and profitable sale if you decide to sell your home.

A siding replacement has a great ROI

According to this cost vs. value report, both fibre-cement and vinyl siding replacements have a great return on investment. With fibre-cement, you can recoup 77.6% of its price at resale. For vinyl, you’ll recover 74.7%. That means you can take those percentages of what you pay for your exterior renovation and add it to your home’s resale value.

Siding Contractors in Edmonton

Caveman Exteriors offers exterior renovation services to Edmonton and the surrounding area. They specialize in vinyl and Hardie Plank siding, soffit, fascia, eavestroughs, as well as window and door caping. With over 24 years of combined siding experience, you know your home is in good hands. Protect your home, improve energy efficiency, and maintain its value by getting a siding replacement this year.

Contact Caveman Exteriors today!

Click to Find >>>>> Siding Contractors in Edmonton

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

A Professional Handyman’s Advice on How to Turn a Space in Your Home into a Man Cave

Everyone needs their own space at home. It’s an important balance to strike between family, working on your own projects, or finding time to relax alone. This calls for the need of a man cave, or your own room to decorate and call your own space. Whether your tastes lean towards sports, outdoors, family, or a business style—your man cave is your space to make it whatever you need it to be. Here is some advice from our professional handyman on how to turn a space in your home into the ultimate man cave.

It’s important to find what area of your home you would like to upgrade. This can be a spare bedroom, a room in a finished or unfinished basement, or even adding a room to your garage. Each project might require several installations from new flooring and paint, or even finishing up an unfinished room with drywall, insulation, and more. No matter the size of the project, you can look for local professional handyman to help you with your project. Professionals offer free estimates to come and discuss what project you would like to complete. It’s important to know what you would like and how you visualize the new space.

Once your room is established and finished, you have options from installing anything from an entertainment center, shelving, install a bar, and more to have space to keep your belongings. It’s important to have once big piece of furniture be the focal point of the room so everything seems to work around and with it. For example, that can be your sofa or the entertainment center. All your seating will be angled towards it and the other furniture in the room will be there for that specific use. If you intend to watch football games, you will need small tables for food and drinks and plenty of decorations to spruce the place up.

From decorations, finishing a room, and deciding how you would like to use your man cave, you have a variety of options on how to create the best one for you. With a professional handyman’s help, your room will be ready in no time.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our craftspeople at Handyman Connection for your next project and quote today. Fill out our quote form to get started. 

The post Turn a Space in Your Home into a Man Cave appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Treat Your Loved One This Valentine’s Day

Man caves and she sheds have been more popular than ever over this past year. Man caves and she sheds offer a great at-home escape and a relaxing break from reality. If you are looking for a comfortable place to hang out in your home, call Handyman Connection, we have the tools to help you achieve the man cave or she shed of your dreams.

Why You Should Build one

According to Forbes, a quiet place is a great place to think about your goals, progress and life changes you may want to make.

Personalizing a she shed or a man cave creates that quiet space for you right in your home. Handyman Connection can help design your at home retreat. Man caves and she sheds are customizable and can be very inexpensive, starting as low as $350.

View our downloadable infographic to learn more about man cave and she sheds.

To learn more about our services at Handyman Connection, request a free estimate or call your local Handyman Connection location.

The post Man Caves and She Sheds appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Tired of your same old kitchen? The new year is a great excuse to get your kitchen looking new and improved. The possibilities for your kitchen space are endless. Here are a few kitchen renovation ideas for 2021, from the contractors at Roadhouse Homes in Vancouver. 

New backsplash

Backsplash may seem like a minor component of your kitchen, but it can make all the difference. Backsplash can add a pop of colour, neutralize your kitchen, or include a pattern your kitchen may be lacking. There’s no shortage of materials available. A lighter and darker colour combination can be used to create a unique design to add character to your kitchen. If you’re looking for a small start to make changes to your kitchen, consider changing the backsplash. 

Multi-level islands

A kitchen island is a great centerpiece to your kitchen. Some homeowners are taking the design process further, and installing a multi-leveled island. This can make it easier to include a breakfast bar, to have a separate space for food preparation and eating. It’s also done with different colours on each level of the island to add depth to your kitchen. 

Custom cabinets

Whether it means tearing down some or all of your cabinets, choosing custom cabinets combines function and appearance. Custom cabinets improve the overall look of your kitchen, as they can be tailor-made to fit your vision. Plus, the interior of the cabinets is up to you too. They can come in different forms, like plate racks or cabinets to display different decor or kitchenware, and the design possibilities are limitless! Custom cabinets will fit your needs and look great in your new kitchen space. 

Explore new colour schemes

There are so many different colour schemes out there, each creating a different feel for your kitchen space. Neutral colours can make your kitchen feel more modern. A pop of colour can make the space feel more contemporary. Wooden materials and warmer colours make your kitchen appear cozier, and more inviting. One way to decide on a colour scheme is to choose a colour you like or an object you want your kitchen to be centered around. Give your kitchen a facelift with a new colour scheme! 

Major Renovations in Vancouver

Roadhouse Homes has more than two decades of experience building and renovating luxury homes in Vancouver, BC. Their team has developed long-standing and solid relationships with trades and suppliers. With that experience, they build sustainable homes that are specific to their clients’ needs and lifestyles. As a “diverse-thinking” builder, Roadhouse Homes constructs additions, laneway homes, outdoor kitchens, garages, or additional levels to your home. 

For more information, visit Roadhouse Homes today!

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

Treat Your Loved One This Valentine’s Day

Did you know that man caves and she sheds are trending? They offer a great at home escape and a relaxing break from reality. Whether you are looking for a break or a comfortable place to hang, call Handyman Connection, we are happy to help you build the man cave or she shed of your dreams.

To learn more about man caves and she sheds view our downloadable infographic.

The post Man Caves and She Sheds [Infographic] appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Blog written by Lambert Brothers Construction in Edmonton

Bathroom renovation by Lambert Brothers Construction.

One of the hardest parts – and no doubt the most important part of any home renovation is who you select as your contractor. It’s important to select the right contractor for your home renovation, or you will end up in endless battles, risk poor workmanship, go way over budget or perhaps end up with a partially finished project. By taking steps to carefully select the right contractor for the job upfront, you avoid the multiple pitfalls that can occur when you don’t. The following steps will help you make this important decision the right way.

1. Ask the right questions – and lots of them.

Don’t be shy about asking potential contractors a host of questions. Contractors should be willing (and wanting) to do a pre-quote site visit to your home to get a sense of the project and to ensure it is also the right fit for them.

This is your opportunity to see if their personality fits with yours and to ask all the things you need to know before you decide on who to hire. Here are some of the top questions you should ask, but each project is unique, and you should spend some time researching what else to ask for your particular needs.

What is your experience?

It’s important to know just how long the contractor has been in business, and even more important to know what experience they have in doing residential construction work.

What are your credentials?

Trades school, certification in carpentry and/or being a member of your local association are just a few of the credentials a contractor might have.

Where can I find you online?

Of course, not every contractor is internet savvy. But in this day and age, it’s important that a potential contractor have at least some kind of online presence to legitimize them and get a feel for what people are saying about them online. Either a webpage, a Facebook business page, or other social media account will do, but there should be some way to review them online.

What is your area of specialty?

This one is important but often overlooked. If you are doing an outdoor renovation and are using someone who mainly does kitchens, things might not go so well.

Is there a warranty on your work?

A good contractor will guarantee their work for a period of time after the work is complete. This should be recorded in writing on the contract.

How will you communicate with me?

This is a big one. Communication breakdown will surely lead to conflict, confusion and dissatisfaction with the end product. Ask the contractor who will be the main contact, how they can be reached and what the process is if there is a disagreement along the way.

Do you have any concerns about my project?

A good contractor will be honest from the get-go on any potential issues they can foresee on your project. It’s better for you to know upfront that there may be an abatement issue or an issue with site integrity that could add to the budget.

How often will you be on the property and when? Who will be here?

No matter the size or length of the project, this is your home. It’s certainly reasonable to assume there will be people on your property for a length of time during construction, but you should always know who will be there and what hours in the day to expect them. It isn’t too much to ask a contractor to call you if there is a change in schedule or to let you know if a tradesperson wants to come at an unscheduled time.

2. Be sure they have the basics.

Without fail, your contractor should have the proper legal paperwork readily available. If they don’t, cross them off the list. Hiring someone who is not properly insured could put you at considerable legal and financial risk.

At minimum, paperwork should include workers compensation, a local business license, and business liability insurance.

In Alberta, another credential I highly recommend is having a prepaid contracting license.

“There are special rules for contractors who accept money before work is complete and discuss or finalize a contract away from their normal place of business (i.e., your home). These contractors are considered prepaid contractors. They must be licensed by Service Alberta and post a security.” – Alberta.ca

Here at Lambert Brothers, we are proud to be a licensed pre-paid contractor in Alberta, a designation that less than 10% of contractors in the province have! If you are not in Alberta, check with your provincial regulator to see what enhanced licensing they offer.

3. Be sure the contractor has “street-cred.”

Being a legal entity through minimum licensing requirements is important, but it’s the bare minimum. Being qualified is different than being a proven expert. Check for certifications such as the one right here on RenovationFind, the Better Business Bureau, references, and the local Chambers of Commerce as well as the company’s own online presence such as a website and social media accounts. A Facebook business page is common and can give you a lot of information based on reviews and photos.

Reputable contractors want to show potential clients their past work, their past client testimonials and their personality and area of specialty. They also know that having an online presence is a great way to find new clients, so if your contractor can’t be found anywhere online, you should be very hesitant to hire them.

4. Know their area of specialty.

Finally, reputable contractors tend to have an area of specialty. This doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t do work in a variety of areas, but you want to ensure they have good experience and knowledge for your specific project. Do they specialize in budget projects? Whole home renos? Kitchens? Bathrooms? Rejuvenating old homes? This is important so that they are on the same page as you are for the project.

Imagine if you were wanting a full kitchen renovation but the contractor you hired specialized in outdoor construction projects. If they don’t usually do kitchens, you can imagine the inadvertent mistakes and misses they could make because they just don’t have the knowledge to ensure the kitchen is properly installed and functional for your needs.

Hiring the right contractor for your home renovation is the most important step in your project and having trust and peace of mind that your needs will be met by your contractor is priceless. Be sure to do the legwork ahead of hiring and you will see the return on those efforts in spades.

For more information on how to maintain your home after those renovations happen so you can enjoy them for years to come, please visit www.lambertbrothers.ca and download our free home maintenance guide.

Kitchen renovation by Lambert Brothers Construction.

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

Whether installed on the walls, countertops, or flooring, tile is a guaranteed way to increase your home’s value. It adds a sleek, stylish look, is cost-effective as flooring, and is very durable. Tile flooring is not a DIY project, despite seeming like it is. To really benefit from its many advantages, a professional installer is a must.

Moar Tile is a professional and high-quality flooring and tile company. They share some of the key benefits of hiring their professionals to install your new tile flooring:

Secondary work requires more skill

Laying tile as flooring is one skill set, but it changes the process when paired with secondary work. Both plumbing or electrical work, as with radiant flooring, changes how the tile is installed, sealed, and designed. The flooring likely needs to be cut at new angles to fit around any toilets, bathtubs, and vanities. In a shower, the tiles need to be angled enough so that the water runs into the drain. Otherwise, the water becomes trapped and risks causing mildew growth in the shower.

Radiant flooring also changes how level the floor is and what underlayment must be used. Without the right experience and skill, the tiles can become damaged, or the joints and seams will be uneven. The finished look will look less professional, and the risk of moisture seeping in and causing mould is higher. With a professional, that risk is eliminated, because they have the right tools and experience for a seamless finish.

Designed tile is more complex

Depending on the type of tile you are installing, whether plain ceramic tiles or ones with printed designs, the process varies. Regular tile is installed in a straight, uniform line. A professional can quickly handle this work and make sure the lines are straight and sealed. Patterned tiles and ones with printed designs are a different matter. Without the right care, the patterns won’t line up, and the finished effect will be ruined. Leaving it to a professional is key since the process will take longer and need more care. DIYing risks taking days to complete, if not weeks, while a professional can handle it in less time with guaranteed results.

You’ll save more money

Tiling has more tools involved than other flooring types like click lock vinyl flooring, which is very DIY friendly. With tile flooring, specialized tools like cutting tools, measurement tools, and underflooring are all must-haves. As a DIYer, the cost to buy those tools can quickly spike your tile floor project’s overall cost. While it may seem tempting not to hire a professional, you will save more in the long run. Professionals have all the tools with them, so there’s no extra cost there. With their experience as well, there’s no risk of poor tile installation and potential water damage. If water gets beneath the tile and causes mould growth, the entire flooring will need to be removed. Not only is that a waste of time and money, but it can easily be avoided by hiring a professional.

Tile Flooring Installer in Edmonton

The professionals at Moar Tile have years of proven skill and experience when it comes to flooring installation. They can help with seamless tile as well as cork, laminate, and hardwood flooring. Whatever flooring you need, they ensure quality materials, services, and finishes that will add value for years.

Contact Moar Tile today!

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

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

Equipping yourself with the proper tools for remodeling and renovation is essential to make your work more convenient and finish tasks efficiently. However, with the number of various materials and brands in the market, you might not know which are the must-have items from those that could pass as miscellaneous. Make sure that you know about them by reading this article.

Here are the best tools that you should have when remodeling:

Safety Glasses

It is essential to prioritize your safety whenever you are doing some renovations considering the possible incidents. Using gears such as safety glasses would be ideal for protecting your eyes from debris or dust from cutting woods and drywall. Ensure that you’ll find lightweight and comfortable ones that will not cause you any headaches while working.

Lung Protection Masks

There are possible chemicals and drywall particles that you could inhale when working on a construction project. These could cause some harmful effects on your lungs and other body parts in the long run. On small or large demolition and renovation projects, always use some lung protection masks or respirators. Ensure that they have enough filters to avoid any chemical inhalation in the future.

Work gloves

When handling heavy and unpolished woods or materials, use thick work gloves that have leather padding. Make sure that it will fit your hands perfectly to avoid any incidents. A right quality glove will protect your fingers, knuckles, and palms from blunt force and abrasion.

Earmuffs or earplugs

Construction sites experience loud noises due to the power-operated equipment such as drills, shop vacuums, and power saws. To protect your hearing from these, you may want to use comfortable earmuffs or earplugs.

Pry Bars

When working on a renovation project, demolition is one of the phases you need to go through. It means that you’ll have to pry off nails when removing tile or wood floorings. To make things more convenient, use a prybar in this task.

Pliers

You will need to use a plier when working on electrical cables or cutting screws. However, you will meet various types of pliers in the market that you can use for multiple applications. To choose the right one, think about the applications you will work on, and pick out the best one. Some of the standard tools that contractors use are electrician pliers and ironworker’s pliers.

Hammers

There are various types of hammers that your project will require, but you only need to use them for multiple tasks. Make sure that you have a standard claw hammer for knocking small nails. You should also own mini and full-size sledgehammers for stubborn tasks that need extra effort.

Drill Bits

It is essential to have the right sizes of holes for cables, screws, woods, and pipers when working on a construction project. You can make this possible by using various drill bits that you can use for multiple holes.

Saw

When cutting lumbers, steels, metals, and PVC pipes, it is essential to use appropriate saws for a precise finish. If you think that physical strength won’t work, you can use a power saw that comes in various types and sizes of blades.

Screw Gun 

Use screw guns when hanging drywall and fastening screws to make your work more convenient. It could be a game-changer instead of manually working on your screws.

Tool Pouch / Fastener Pouch

Having a tool pouch where you can place the essential tools you need for a task can work wonders for you, especially when working in elevated areas. Choose those that you can comfortably wear around your waist and uses durable materials. 

Ladders

Ladders are essential when working in elevated areas that need attention. When buying, make sure to choose those that promise safety and prolonged use. There are also expandible ones that will make it more convenient to bring out larger areas or installations such as large walk-through access doors.

Extension Cords

When working on a remodeling project, there will be times that you need to use power tools or special lighting, but there is no place to plug them. Always bring along a 50 ft. or longer extension cords to avoid delays in work. You also have to check if the cable will handle large amperage of the tools you will use.

Markers and measuring tools

Working on remodeling projects without any markers or measuring tools could affect the quality of your work. Use right and pigmented ones that you can quickly notice while working. There are also various types of measuring instruments that you should buy for exceptional quality.

Coveralls

Remodeling or renovation projects will require working in crawl spaces, painting, and applying cement to transfer and stain ordinary clothes. Always use a pair of coveralls when working to avoid wasting away items of clothing. Choose those with thick and comfortable materials to make sure that it will not get in the way.

Shop Vacuum

One way to avoid workplace incidents is to keep it clean after every task you will do. Use a shop vacuum with high power to suck any debris on your electrical boxes, wall cavities, and other areas that simple sweeping could not do. 

Make things easier with proper tools!

Any remodeling projects could take up a lot of time and effort to finish when you do not have enough people. However, you can make things more convenient by using the proper tools for your tasks. Visit our website to see our variety of remodeling tools and products.

The post The Best Tools for Remodeling Contractors appeared first on Handyman Connection.