Types of insulation and where they’re installed

Whether you’re renovating your current home or a new build, the type of insulation chosen is an important consideration. Insulation serves many purposes, including temperature regulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing. However, there are many different kinds of insulation out there, and it can get confusing on which one is best for the space you’re insulating. From Metro Standard Insulation in Surrey, here are some of the different types of insulation and where they would be installed in your home. 

BATT Insulation

Batting, or BATT insulation, is a common insulating material for residential buildings. It’s easy to install, and it fits snuggly into your walls to keep air from coming in or out. BATT insulation can be installed in most rooms in your home, including living spaces, bedrooms, and basements. However, in rooms that are prone to moisture like bathrooms or laundry rooms, it may not be the best idea to use this kind of insulation. BATT insulation performs best in spaces where it can stay dry, so watch out for that if installing this insulation in your home. 

Spray-foam Insulation

Spray-foam insulation is rising in popularity, for good reason. It’s quick and easy to install. Spray-foam comes with the huge benefit of the spray being able to go in those hard-to-reach places, or strange nooks your home may have. It will insulate the spaces effectively, and keep your home protected from airflow, fires, and sound. Spray-foam insulation can go pretty much anywhere and becomes its own vapour barrier. Living spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics, mud rooms, and another other room in your home can benefit from spray-foam. 

Loose Insulation

Loose insulation, also referred to as blown-in insulation, is most commonly used in attics or crawl spaces. It can also be blown in walls and other spaces. It fits in tight corners to insulate the entire space. Like the others, it will help with your energy bills as the temperature of your home will remain regulated, and keep your attic, crawl spaces, and other rooms warm with a well-insulated ceiling. While having fewer uses than other types, it’s long-lasting and efficient.

Insulation Contractors in Surrey

With over 12 years of industry experience, Metro Standard Insulation provides unmatched insulation services in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. They have completed projects in many sectors, including residential, commercial, multi-story and townhomes. They adapt to their customer’s needs while always maintaining quality in our work and staying above the competition.

For more information, contact Metro Standard Insulation today!

Click to Find >>>> Insulation Contractors in Surrey

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

Professional Home Energy Saving Tips for Winter

Wintertime is here and before you start turning up the thermostat, it is important to consider how you can save on or improve the energy you use in your home this season. Our craftspeople have gathered a few tips about how your home can save energy this winter. From insulation, regulating temperature, updates, and more, your home can be an efficient energy user and save you on those home energy bills every month.

Insulation

The most important part of your home energy is insulation. In both summer and winter as you use your heat or air-conditioning, insulation maintains and regulates how your home holds in and expels heat or the cold. If you have poor insulation, your home might not be holding onto the heat it is supposed to in the winter, and you spend more money trying to heat an inefficient home.

Drafts

Drafts in your home can eat a hole in your budget if they go unnoticed. Drafts in your windows and doors can let in a lot of cold air or let a lot of your heat escape from your home. Quick fixes would be shrink wrapping your windows in the winter if there are major drafts or purchasing a small weatherstrip to put on the bottom of your door. An easy way to tell if your door has a big enough opening for a draft is to open the door over a piece of paper on the ground. If the paper is left undisturbed and is not dragged by the door, you have a gap that needs to be covered.

When the winter ends, it will be important to consider investing in new windows if you have a major draft problem. Efficient windows will save money on your gas/ heating bill in the long run.

As you look into how you can improve how your home handles energy, look for local handymen to help out. Schedule multiple estimates to ask the professionals questions or to get a good idea of how much a project would cost. You will want to find a handyman who is here to do the best they can for you.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact us at Handyman Connection for your next home improvement project and quote today. 

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When you think about the term sustainable home renovations you might think that means spending more money. For some green renovations, like bathroom renovations, the remodel can have long-term cost savings.

Green bathroom renovations are one of the most popular types of renovations in Canada. Improving energy and water efficiency, while renovating with sustainable materials, is more affordable than you think. O’Brien Contracting Ltd. serves the Fraser Valley. They share more:

Long-term energy savings = long term cost savings

Your family uses a lot of water in the bathroom. In fact, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shares that bathrooms account for about 75% of the water used in the average home. That is a lot of money spent on a utility that literally goes down the drain.

Bathroom renovation companies in the Fraser Valley can help you bring that percentage way down. You can install low-flow, efficient faucets, and fixtures. That includes low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. You won’t have to sacrifice water pressure either, just reap the benefits of cost savings in the long-term.

Sustainable products are cost-effective

Products that were harvested ethically and sustainably can be more affordable than other renovation materials. For example, recycled countertops and tiles, natural products like wood and stone, and locally sourced products do not have to come with a higher price tag. The designers at O’Brien Contracting can show you some examples of sustainable products that will match your vision for your dream bathroom renovation.

Wise choices can save money down the road

There are less-fun elements of a bathroom renovation that have nothing to do with aesthetics but can still help reduce utility bills. Low-energy exhaust fans, energy efficient ENERGY STAR windows, proper pipe insulation, and efficient lighting are some examples. Not only will these additions help you save energy and money, but they can also prevent costly repairs in the future.

For example, a high quality, efficient exhaust fan will ensure your bathroom is properly ventilated to the outside. Otherwise, you might get a build-up of condensation and moisture that can result in mould or mildew. Not only is this hazardous to your health, but it can also be costly to remove and repair.

Hiring the right general contractor

If you’re interested in sustainable renovations, or even building a Net Zero home, choosing the right general contractor is a critical first step. O’Brien Contracting envisions a more sustainable future. They are commited to better building practices that focus on creating efficiency in the home. They can show you cost-effect ways to achieve sustainability and energy efficiency with your major home renovation.

For an environmentally-friendly bathroom renovation, contact O’Brien Contracting Ltd. today!

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

In some cases, completing a DIY home project can be rewarding. In others, it can be a disaster. A bathroom, though the room seems small, is complicated with many parts involved. Plumbing, electrical, and other fixtures present plenty of opportunities for mistakes.

Tadashi Homes in Langley offers a wide range of renovation services. They share why you should always hire a professional for your bathroom renovation:

Amateur electrical work is dangerous

If you need to do any electrical work in your bathroom renovation, you should always hire a professional. Even small mistakes can have grave consequences when it comes to electrical. Not only that, you’ll need permits for many electrical installations. If a fire occurs due to faulty wiring, it probably won’t be covered in your home insurance policy.

Plus, working with electrical work near plumbing can cause an electrocution hazard. A seasoned professional can quickly spot potential issues before they become dangerous. Finding these issues is something you could miss if you don’t have a trained eye. For your safety and the safety of the family at home, always hire a pro.

Plumbing work requires skill and experience

Installing plumbing might seem straight forward, but it’s more sensitive than you think.  Plumbing that is not installed correctly or moved correctly could leak. If you don’t notice the leak right away, it can lead to some costly damage to other parts of the room. You might have to tear out new drywall or cabinets and replace them if the damage is severe. Save yourself the cost, headache, and time by hiring a professional from the beginning.

Bathroom installations can be challenging

Spending a weekend watching YouTube videos can never compete with a renovation company with years of professional and practical experience. There are aspects of your bathroom renovation that will require challenging installations. Correctly laying tile, installing a glass walk-in shower, and even installing the bathroom fan is more complicated than you might think.

For example, you’ll need to vent the bathroom fan from the ceiling, through the attic, and through a hole cut through your roof. If done incorrectly, you could have leaks or risk that your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation. Read more bathroom renovation projects you should never attempt yourself.

Avoid these costly and sometimes dangerous mistakes by hiring a professional bathroom renovation company from the beginning. Not only can they help you with design and choosing materials, but they will also ensure all installations are done correctly and safely. You’ll save time, misery, and most importantly, will get the bathroom you’ve always dream of with flawless results.

Bathroom Renovations in Langley

Tadashi Homes in Langley is a renovation company serving Langley and the Lower Mainland. This husband and wife team will work with you to make your home renovation dreams come true. They pride themselves on attention to detail, client relationships, and delivering beautifully renovated spaces.

If you’re thinking of renovating, contact the professionals at Tadashi Homes!

Click to Find >>> Bathroom Renovations in Langley

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

Electricians can fix and maintain your home’s electrical system year-round. No matter the home project, they are there to keep the system running smoothly. While homeowners may expect them to help with things like upgrading electrical panels or wiring new homes, there’s actually lots of other projects they can help with. Here are some projects the electricians at DLP Electrical can help with around your home. 

Interior lighting

Electricians can help install new lighting fixtures in your home. If improperly installed, the light could short-circuit and cause a fire hazard. Or, it could use more energy than necessary. Using an electrician to install the interior lighting in your home will get the job done quickly and properly. Professional installation will also ensure that your home and family are safe from fire hazards. 

Exterior electrical work

There are several outdoor projects that electricians can assist you with. There are the basic treatments such as outdoor lighting, but it goes further than that. If you’re installing something like a hot tub in your backyard, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician. It is possible that you will need to upgrade your electrical panel if you require more amperage.

There are also different outdoor projects such as kitchen installations, or patio heaters. A heated patio during those colder temperatures can be handy for entertaining guests or simply relaxing at home. No matter the project, an electrician is there to help and can make your vision of your backyard a reality. 

New construction

With a new home, there are endless possibilities for the home’s design. Whether you’re wanting to stick to the basics of electrical work or add different things like an electric fireplace, under-cabinet lighting, or heated floors, an electrician has you covered. Some homeowners might choose to pre-wire for a future solar power system, or ensure they’re electrical service can handle an electric vehicle charging station. They’ll be able to get your home set for many years to come and properly up to code. 

Any minor repairs

Noticed an outlet in your home that doesn’t seem to work? Got a light fixture burning through light bulbs quicker than usual? An electrician can help with any minor repairs your home may require. It can be as simple as a service call to get a problem sorted out. Furthermore, hiring an electrician can save your home’s electrical system from any further damage, and keep things running smoothly. If you suspect you have a problem with an outlet, switch, or circuit, contact an electrician right away. If left too long, it could create a fire hazard. 

Electricians in Vancouver

DLP takes pride in what they do. They are committed to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship with each and every project. With over 15 years of experience, DLP is an insured, licensed, and bonded electrical contractor specializing in both residential and commercial projects.

To request a quote, contact DLP Electrical today!

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

Given the right design and planning, even a small basement can have as much potential and appeal as a large one. The trick is to work within the space and maximize what is already there. 4 O.A.K Construction, a professional renovations company in Edmonton, can help do just that. They share some tips and tricks to make a small basement feel bigger with the right renovation:

Keep the colours light and bright

Basements and dark colours generally don’t mix well unless there is the right blend of lighting and colour balance. That’s why it’s better to focus on brighter colours in a small basement to help create a sense of space. Lighting will naturally reflect off lighter walls, which helps make the basement feel bigger. Even painting the ceiling a shade lighter than the walls will add a sense of height to the area. If you do want some dark, accent colours, focus on furniture or appliances for those shades. Dark cabinets on a kitchenette or for home theatre cabinets will create a striking contrast and add some depth.

Keep the space open

Pick furniture that will fit in the space of the room and still keeps the floors open. Creating a natural pathway helps draw the eye down the room’s length, making it seem bigger. Open shelving on the walls takes up less visual space so that the walls themselves likewise feel bigger and more open. Instead of multiple, smaller accent pieces or art, stick with one large statement piece. That way, you still get visual interest and appeal, without the sense of being cluttered.

Maximize natural lighting or stage lighting

If you’re able to, consider installing windows. Windows help create a connection to the outside and bring in natural sunlight. Egress windows, which are legally required for basement bedrooms, invite ventilation as well. That welcome source of clean, fresh air will keep the basement from feeling stale and closed-off. For basements that are fully below grade or won’t have a bedroom, staged lighting can be effective. Layers of lighting, like general and task lighting, help create an even spread of light. Even interesting light fixtures will help with depth and space. Accent ceiling fixtures, for example, draw the focus upwards, which creates a sense of height.

Focus on one purpose

Larger basements can be multipurpose in their use, but a smaller basement may not have the same luxury. Instead of combining a new bedroom and secondary living room, focus on one new purpose. Small basements can still work just as well for a home theatre or gym, given the right design. It’ll also help add more value to the basement by investing in quality additions that benefit the new room. To add multipurpose elements, focus on the furniture. Murphy beds in a small suite can be used as needed and stored otherwise to keep the space open. Seats with hidden storage can be used for lounging or double as a breakfast nook while keeping items out of sight.

Basement Renovations in Edmonton

4 O.A.K Construction has 20 years of renovation experience in delivering high-quality results and projects. Whether big or small, their professionals can help with any interior or exterior renovation. They treat your home as their own, which means every step is guaranteed to be handled with care and completed on time.

Contact 4 O.A.K Construction today!

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

Advice on Updating Your Home for Aging in Place

If you or your loved one are experiencing aging in place in your home of many years, there are important updates and measures to be taken to a home for the safety of the seniors living there. This blog will explain the process of aging in place and how your home can be readied to help you or your loved one feel more comfortable.

Aging in place is a very transitional time and is a chapter of life that is bound to come at one point. Items in your home such as the stairs, hard floors, fixtures in the bathroom, and more can all become a risk to a senior who is going about their daily life. With the help of a local handyman, you can have your home updated to remove and prevent these risks such as falls. The first step to finding a handyman is to schedule an estimate with multiple companies and to meet with them to discuss your needs and budget. It is important to find professionals who are there for you and ready to create the services you need and will benefit from.

Updating physical obstacles in your home or hazards can range from several examples such as installing grab bars in bathrooms or any entry ways with steps, shower seat or walk-in tub installation, anti-scald device installation, motion-sensor faucets, roll-out shelving for accessibility, motion-sensor lighting, stairlift installation, door camera or caregiver cameras, and more. If you need to make your home more accessible, doorways can be widened for walkers and wheelchair use, ramps can be installed, and more.

These updates in you or your senior’s home can help to make the aging in place transition easier and more comfortable. Be sure to tell your handymen exactly what you need to get the services perfect for you.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our talented handymen at Handyman Connection for all your updates, construction, and repair needs. Schedule an estimate to begin planning your next project today.

The post Aging in Place appeared first on Handyman Connection.

When Boris Johnson announced, on January 4, a new national lockdown emulating that of last March, much speculation was made by residents of England regarding the availability of their go-to tradesmen who certainly cannot work from home.

Stress no further – it’s good news all round since anybody who cannot effectively work from their own home is, indeed, allowed to enter the homes of others for this purpose. So, our team of general handyman, decorators, electricians, plumbers and carpenters will be able to give you a helping hand with your required home repairs and/or renovations. However, it doesn’t come without its limitations, which we unquestionably respect and must warn our customers of.

As much as our CRB-checked tradesmen love to catch up with their friendly customers, the law states that they must not communicate with the residents of the home in which they are in, prior to any work being carried out, as this helps to limit face-to-face contact. Surfaces touched must also be wiped down, and for those customers who have symptoms or have tested positive for the coronavirus, tradesmen must not enter the site of self-isolation.

Our teams will also be conscious of the two-metre social distancing measures, along with the wearing of PPE, including face-masks. They will be washing their hands regularly, for the amount of time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice (this will usually be in their head, but can be performed aloud for customers who are celebrating their big day from home), and they will dispose of their own paper towels away from the property.

Finally, if you are worried about tradesmen arriving at your home in large and constantly-changing teams, we promise that designated members, of a limited number, will be assigned to each project. You can expect to see them working side-to-side or back-to-back, rather than face-to-face.

Unfortunately, any work which is not deemed as urgent and cannot be carried out while effectively following the guidelines will be postponed. Tradesmen who fall into the ‘vulnerable’ category will also not be going to work, so please don’t be too disappointed if another member of Handy Squad arrives at your doorstep – you’ll soon be equally as familiar with them!

Request a free quote by filling our online booking form. Otherwise, feel free to call our helpful team on 0800-0-12-12-12. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

The post Handy Squad’s Covid-safe tradesmen are ever-ready to work on your home appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to successfully complete a DIY construction project or an independent contractor, getting the job done on time is far from easy. Construction projects infamously have unexpected hurdles, setbacks, and costs.

However, with the proper planning and construction schedule, you are all but guaranteed to get your project done by your deadline. But where do you start?

We’re here to help. Keep reading for our top tips on effective project management for on-time completion.

Plan Ahead and Create a Timeline

Before diving into a project, you need to plan out every detail of your construction tasks, project costs, materials, equipment, tools, and manpower. Overlooking these details is what leads to delays in your construction project.

If you’re on a timeline, you can’t afford to leave the worksite multiple times a day to get more tools, supplies, or materials. Just as importantly, you need to make sure you have the proper budget to finish the job to completion. Make sure you include a buffer for unexpected expenses.

Collect All the Necessary Materials

As noted above, you need to account for the materials you need and collect them before you start your project. To finish on time, it’s vital to have everything you need on-site.

Double-check your measurements and to ensure you’ve budgeted for enough materials. Depending on your project, running out of certain types of structural supports, wood panels, screws, or other materials may stop you dead in your tracks.

Find Hard Workers

If your construction tasks require more than one person, reach out to the right people to help you finish the job on time. These people should be both hard workers and good problem solvers. However, they also need to know how to follow instructions.

The right workers will help you complete your project timely and accurately. Just as importantly, having good people around will make the work go by faster.

Get the Right Tools

One of the biggest mistakes DIYers and amateur contractors make is attempting to complete a job with what they have rather than what they need. Having the right tools increases the quality of workmanship. They also help you stay on track with your timeline, particularly with commercial renovations.

If you don’t have the right tools, it may be worthwhile to invest. If you don’t think you’ll ever need the tools again, consider renting them from a store or borrowing them from a friend or family member. Regardless, using the best tools for the https://invictaconstruction.ca/8-tips-for-commercial-builds/job is vital for your project.

Consider Hiring Professionals

Finally, finishing a construction project on time may come down to hiring a professional contracting company. The contractors will have the experience, know-how, and proper tools to get the job done right and in a timely fashion.

Opting for professional help may even save on your total project costs. Some DIY projects end up being scrapped and redone due to inexperience and poor results.

Looking to Get Your Construction Project Done On Time?

Do you have some construction tasks ahead of you? Do you have enough manpower? Do you have the right tools?

If you want to get your project done on time, we can help. Contact us today to get a free quote on your construction project. We look forward to helping you in any way we can!

Read >>>  Canadian construction trends to watch in 2021

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

Learn How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

The cold season of winter is here, and it is time to winterize your home to prevent and lessen your worries about frozen pipes. Our reliable craftspeople have gathered a number of tips for our valued customers about how to prevent frozen pipes this winter season.

Insulation

To avoid frozen pipes in the winter, it is important to know where your water pipes are in your home. For example, if you have any pipes in the basement that run along an outer wall, it is important to provide those areas of your home with proper or even extra insulation to prevent too much heat loss and a possible freeze due to it being a cold area of your home. Properly insulating your home will also help control how your home maintains its temperature and can save you on expensive energy bills if done properly.

Deep-Freezes

In the occurrence of a deep-freeze where temperatures outside are near or below zero, it is important to make sure you have at least one tap in your home running. This is important to make sure the water in your home is always open and moving, so nothing stays too cold in the frozen weather. This activity will keep away frozen pipes. For example, keep one tap/ faucet in your home on enough to drip during those deep freezes to avoid the possibility of frozen pipes.

Outdoor Hoses

When thinking about pipes in your home, do not forget about the outdoor connections as well. For example, be sure to winterize by removing and disconnecting all water hoses, turn off all outdoor faucets and spigots to avoid frozen or burst pipes.

Here are three tips about frozen pipes that will help you and your family winterize and prepare for the coming season. As the temperature drops, it is important to keep an eye on your home and make sure you are ready for the winter months.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact us at Handyman Connection for your next project and quote today. 

The post How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter appeared first on Handyman Connection.