Blog - Page 195 of 239 - Local Handyman USA

Jun 22, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Government Extends Planning Permission Deadline Amid Lockdown Concerns

The government has announced it will extend planning permission deadlines in a bid to save permissions for hundreds of building projects which have yet to commence, from expiring.

This is a welcome measure for those in the middle of self build or extension projects, particularly those who had feared their permission would expire due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLA) revealed on Monday afternoon that projects with an expiration date between the beginning of lockdown (the UK entered lockdown on 23 March) and the end of 2020 will have their permission extended to April 2021.

This announcement forms part of the government’s measures to encourage building in the UK, entitled ‘New plans to get Britain building in coronavirus recovery’.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Building the homes the country needs is central to the mission of this government and is an important part of our plans to recover from the impact of the coronavirus.

“New laws will enable us to save hundreds of construction sites from being cancelled before they have a chance to get spades in the ground, helping to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs and create many others.”

(MORE: Jenrick Says ‘Overly Bureaucratic’ Planning System Should be Reformed)

What This Means for Builders

This extension provides relief for those affected by the pandemic who have been unable to build prior to their deadline expiring. Planning permission usually expires after three years if building work has not begun on site, meaning there is a need to reapply.

The government estimates that by the end of June, over 400 residential permissions providing more than 24,000 new homes will have expired.

Now, self builders and home extenders will not need to submit a new application if their planning permission or consent expires by the end of the year.

What Else Was Announced?

New measures will be brought in to speed up the appeals process, enabling planning applications to conclude faster.

The Planning Inspectorate, the government agency which manages planning appeals, will be able to run more than one procedure at the same time when dealing with an appeal. These procedures include written representations, hearings and inquiries.

The government says that a pilot programme in 2019 found that this more than halved the time taken for appeal inquiries, from 47 weeks to 23 weeks.

Furthermore, longer hours will be allowed on work sites to help builders socially distance on building sites.

“This will make it easier to follow public health guidance onsite and by staggering builders’ arrival times, public transport will be less busy and the risk of infection will be reduced,” the government says.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Jun 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Selling Your Home? 10 Home Maintenance Tips to Try Before Your First Open House

Home Maintenance Tips with Handyman Connection

Selling your home this year? Consider doing these 10 home maintenance improvements before you put your home on the market.

1. Touch Up Paint

A fresh coat of neutral colored paint is the perfect way to get your home ready for an open house. It’s important to touch up any peeling old paint and repaint any rooms that may have bright or colorful paint jobs. Stick to creams, whites, grays and other neutral colors.

2. Fix that Leaky Faucet

When you are selling your home its crucial that all sinks and other appliances are working correctly. Make sure none of your faucets or sinks are leaking anywhere.

3. Check Your Plumbing

While you are checking your faucets, consider looking for any water damage on floors tiles or on ceilings and walls. Give all your pipes, sinks and toilets a good check to make sure they are working.

4. Fix Your Squeaky Doors

If there are any doors in your home that squeak every time you open and close them, then consider fixing them. You don’t want to scare off potential buyers solely from one squeaky door. Luckily, a squeaky door is an easy fix.

5. Check Your Gutters

This may not seem like an obvious home maintenance tip to try, because prospective buyers can’t see them, but it’s an important one. If you are selling your home, you need to make sure your gutters are properly functioning and cleaned out.

6. Repaint Your Porch and Clean Your Patio

These two home maintenance tips go hand in hand. The exterior is the first thing people see when they come look at your home. Make sure both your porch and patio are perfectly painted and cleared of any excessive leaves and dirt.

7. Landscape

You don’t need to go all out with landscaping but considering adding some fresh flowers in your front yard or pruning and weeding your existing gardens. Neatly trimmed flowers and plants give homes a really fresh and clean feel. This will attract buyers to your home to begin with.

8. Check Your HVAC Systems

Regardless of the time of year you will want to make sure that your HVAC systems are working and clean. It’s important to keep the furnace and cleaning ducts and vents clean all year long.

9. Give Your Home a Good Scrub

You want your home to sparkle when prospective buyers walk inside. Give your home a good scrub, clean the floors, countertops, showers and make sure to clean those hard to reach places as well.

10. Wash Your Windows

Once your home is clean on the interior, don’t forget about the exterior. The exterior is incredibly important. Make sure all the windows around your home are clean, while selling your home you don’t want buyers looking through dirty windows.

Selling your home doesn’t need to be a stressful process. As long as you consider trying out some of these home improvement tips, your home will sell in no time. If you need help with any of these home improvement projects, Handyman Connection can assist you, consider filling out our free online quote form to get started, or call or text us!

The post Selling Your Home? 10 Home Maintenance Tips to Try Before Your First Open House appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Jun 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Is a garden suite the right choice for your home?

Adding a garden suite to your home will add both value and income to your property. Garden suites are an increasingly popular choice among Edmonton homeowners. It’s important to first determine whether a garden suite is a right match for you and your property.

Northland Building Supplies in Edmonton is a professional and experienced garage construction company. They share some of the benefits and requirements of a garden suite, to help you decide if it’s right for your home:

Garden suites

Garden suites are built as a detached single or two-story unit in the backyard. Depending on where the suite is built, some may come with a garage, while others will not. As well, some garages are used for the primary residence and others are split for the garden suite and the primary residence.

Much like a basement suite, a garden suite is a self-contained living space with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom(s), and living room. Some homeowners add a garden suite to accommodate friends or family, like their aging parents, as opposed to renting the unit. Since the suite is in the backyard, it’s a perfect way to keep family close without sacrificing independence.

The benefits of garden suites

One of the main benefits of a garden suite is the increased privacy that both the homeowners and tenants will enjoy. Since the suite is separate for the primary house, there are no shared entrances or walls for sound to carry through. Even if the suite isn’t used as added income, simply having one will add new value to your home. Potential buyers will find garden suites just as appealing, giving your home an edge on the market.

Garden suites provide additional and versatile housing options in already established neighbourhoods. It allows renters to live in their own detached unit, without having to share common spaces with other tenants, as they would in an apartment building. Not only is it good for both the tenant and homeowner, it is also good for building communities and is an efficient way for cities to grow. Garden suites are also an ideal way to support grandparents moving in or adult children moving out. Because of the versatile use of a garden suite, it makes it a guaranteed investment no matter what. For some design ideas and inspiration, take a look at these stylish garden suites.

Is it right for you?

If you want to add a secondary suite to your home, a garden suite is ideal. Finished basements will always add value to a home, so you still enjoy the use of your basement and the monetary benefits of a garden suite. Before you build a garden suite, though, make sure it’s legal. There are various zoning bylaws and permits in Edmonton that must be approved before you can build a garden suite. To check your property for proper zoning, check maps.edmonton.ca to make sure your property is a match. This is also something Northland Building Supplies Ltd. can assist you with.

Garage Builders in Edmonton

Northland Building Supplies Ltd. provides over 30 years of experience when they build a garage or garden suite for you. Their expertise covers everything from garage construction, trusses, windows, and much more. Depending on your requirement and budget, Northland can work with you to make your dream a reality.

Contact Northland Building Supplies today!

RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance. It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.

More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

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

Jun 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Homebuilding Insight: Tailoring Homes to Our Needs is Main Drive for Self Builders and Renovators

Tailoring a homes to individual needs is the most popular reason for beginning a self build or renovation project, Homebuilding.co.uk research shows.

The findings, from submissions to the Homebuilding & Renovating Reader Survey 2020, shed light on the reasons why homeowners take on building projects, whether that is building a home from scratch, or renovating, extending or converting an existing property.

44% of survey respondents, said creating a home better suited to their needs was the primary reason for beginning their project.

Improving home comforts has become increasingly important since lockdown. The nation has become accustomed to spending more time at home and, as such, what is required from the home may have changed significantly, for example, many now need a dedicated home office.

Meanwhile, 19% said the main reason for taking on a building project was to gain more living space, and 15% said it was to add value to their home or generate profit once they sold it on.

Other reasons for taking on projects included:

A desire to reach Passivhaus standards
Moving to a better location for work and schools
Retrofitting to meet modern energy targets
Making better use of a redundant room

(MORE: How to Add Value to Your Home: 20 Value Boosting Tips)

Starting a New Project

The Covid-19 pandemic reportedly led to the postponement of around 300,000 residential projects, with three-quarters of residential work halted.

Now though, lockdown measures are easing, and building suppliers have begun to reopen, meaning self builders, renovators and extenders are able to resume or get started on their building projects.

(MORE: How to Build a House for Under £150,000)

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Jun 18, 2020 admin Uncategorized

3 reasons why roof ventilation is important

Roof ventilation may be part of your roof, but it also plays a significant role in your home’s roofing system. A good ventilation system will move air, pushing out and drawing in hot and cold air, through the attic. This helps remove moisture from the attic while it can lead to a score of moisture and water damage issues.

Proper roof ventilation is a complex system that requires the right space, design, and layout. Even if you have ventilation, if it isn’t functional, your home will still suffer from the same problems as having no system in place. When it comes to proper roof ventilation, it’s important to understand its necessity and how it all works.

How does roof ventilation work?

While parts of your ventilation may be visible from the roof, the vents themselves are installed on both the upper and lower parts of the roof beneath the eaves along your soffit. As hot air rises, it becomes trapped in the attic. As that warm air mixes with cold attic air, the air condenses and creates a moist environment. Unless dried, this invites mould growth, which can damage the roof structure or lead to serious health problems. In colder climates, that moisture can freeze and frost in the attic. With the constant freezing and thawing, that will cause something known as attic rain. This just adds to potential mould and mildew risk, along with other water damage problems.

If the insulation in the attic becomes wet, it loses its R-value, resulting in a less energy-efficient home and much higher bills. Another risk is that the trapped heat in the attic will act as a furnace against the roof, essentially baking the shingles. That causes them to age much faster, drastically shortening their lifespan.

Install proper attic ventilation to provide a means for any hot air to escape and for fresh, cold air to move in. This exchange and movement of air help keep the attic cool and dry throughout the year and your home safe. Winter is especially important for proper ventilation, as it helps prevent ice dams, which can further compromise the safety of your roof and home. Both intake and exhaust vents are necessary for the exchange and flow of air and together provide the perfect balance.

Intake vents and exhaust vents

The intake vents are located lower on the roof, typically underneath the eaves built into the soffit. This is where they can effectively draw in the cold air. Exhaust vents, though, are located higher up on the roof to help release trapped heat or moisture from the attic. These look like little towers raised above your roof. A common type of exhaust vent has a whirly-type cylinder that spins as air moves through it. Together, these vents are what allow the necessary flow of air through your roof.

There are various options for each type of vent, but the right combination and balance of vents are key. Soffit vents and ridge vents, for example, are typically paired together for very efficient ventilation. Soffit vents are a type of intake vent installed in the soffit, allowing them to draw in cold air without risking moisture buildup during the winter. Ridge vents are installed on the ridge of your roof and act as exhaust vents. These vents pair best with soffit vents as both provide low visibility, but very high efficiency. Ridge vents also release the air evenly, which helps prevent the development of cold spots in your home.

Choosing the right intake and exhaust vents

The right vent for your home will vary depending on the climate and the style of your roof and attic. Ridge vents are nearly invisible once installed, while other exhaust vents are visible on the roof’s exterior. Intake vents are often much harder to see, as they sit beneath the eaves, either in the soffit or fascia. A variety of different vent styles are available such as decorative cupola, power vents, or wind turbines. Beyond just choosing a style, another crucial part of proper attic ventilation means having an optimized design for air transfer.

An insulation contractor is typically the one who can suggest and install vents on your roof. They will do this as part of your attic insulation upgrade. They can make a recommendation for ventilation that will work best for your climate and house.

How much do you need?

An important factor in proper ventilation is ensuring that you have enough to meet the roof and house needs. A lack of ventilation affects not only the roof, but it can also compromise the R-value of attic insulation and your HVAC system. If heat is unable to escape, the AC must work harder than it needs to, trying to cool the house. Instead of working, though, it perpetuates the buildup of moisture and possible damage. Over time, parts will burn themselves out, resulting in costly replacements or repairs.

The 1/300 guideline

A good rule of thumb to follow is always to have an equal number of intake vents and exhaust vents or 1/300. The 300 refers to the amount of enclosed attic space, so for every 300 square feet, dedicate one square foot for ventilation. Measure the amount of attic floor space in your home, then divide that by 300. That number will provide the amount of ventilation space needed and then split the number in half again. It will tell you the even amount of intake and exhaust vents your home needs.

That is a great method to get an estimate of what you need, but never pass up the added expertise of a professional. They’ll handle all measurements to ensure that your roof ventilation is optimized and customized for your home. They’ll also help suggest the right style of vents and the right design to match. There’s no one size fits all, so work with a roofing contractor to find the right choice for your home. Once you do, you’ll be able to start enjoying the many benefits of roof ventilation.

1. You’ll save money

Proper attic ventilation doesn’t just save money during a set month; it provides year-round savings. Aside from the savings of keeping your roof in peak condition, it also helps with your HVAC system. Removing excess heat in the summer helps limit how often you need to run the AC, ensuring a longer lifespan. Constant airflow also means your home’s temperature will stay steady, without pockets of cold spots. During the winter, your furnace won’t have to work so hard to warm a house that constantly seems to fluctuate temperatures between rooms. Year-round your home will stay comfortable and your energy bills low, no matter what the temperature is outside.

If your roof develops moisture issues, you might have to do repairs. Replacing insulation, beams, joists, and other components of your attic will be expensive. Save money with this preventative maintenance measure, and ensure your roof ventilation is working properly.

2. Your roof will last longer

If you just got your roof redone, the last thing you want to see is that it’s failing already, years before its time. Asphalt roofs or cedar shakes, for example, can easily last between 15-20 years. Without proper ventilation, though, this can drop quite a bit as premature damage deteriorates your roof. Roof ventilation helps with a longer lifespan by preventing overheating in the summer and ice dam buildups in the winter.

If you plan to do a re-roofing, talk to your roofing contractor about your ventilation system. It may be that part of the process can include improving the ventilation to ensure your roof has a long, healthy lifespan. Even if you don’t need a new roof, still call in a professional, like a roofer or insulation contractor, to inspect your system. You can’t go wrong with an inspection, especially if it reveals more ways to improve your home further.

3. Better air quality and energy efficiency

An airtight home is excellent for energy efficiency, but not so great for air quality. Without an exchange of fresh air, you’re continually breathing recycled air. Another benefit of attic ventilation is it helps with improving indoor air quality and lowering pollutants. Poor air quality can worsen symptoms for people with asthma or allergies. If mould develops and goes unnoticed, the spores can cause severe respiratory problems. With proper ventilation, though, it helps ensure that these problems and risks don’t occur. The constant cycle of air provides clean and healthy air while removing excess heat, dust, and moisture from the house.

Combine ventilation with other measures to ensure your air quality gets twice the cleaning benefits. Avoid smoking indoors, control humidity levels, and add air filtration to help provide clean and healthy indoor air. Also, invest in an annual professional maintenance check for your HVAC and duct systems. Routine maintenance will ensure everything runs smoothly and that your air ducts and filters stay clear of dust. With efficient attic ventilation and an HVAC system, your home will be an energy-efficient powerhouse. You’ll enjoy saving on those monthly bills while your home stays clean and cool throughout the year.

Myths of roof ventilation

You lose heat in the winter: A big misconception of ventilation is that it will lower your energy efficiency during the winter by pushing out hot air. Inadequate insulation and leaks can cause heat loss, but there shouldn’t be excess heat in your attic, to begin with. If there is, it causes the snow on your roof to melt and then refreeze, causing ice dams and the resulting problems ice dams can cause. Proper attic ventilation helps this by giving that excess heat a place to escape during the winter. Your furnace should be heating the rooms you want, not working excessively to heat your attic.

You only need one type of vent: Balance is a key component, meaning there must be equal intake and exhaust vents, and not just one or the other. Just because your home has exhaust vents, doesn’t mean the ventilation is going to be efficient. Some heat may find its way out, but for the most part, that hot air will stay trapped inside. Likewise, with just intake vents, cold air can be drawn in but remains trapped in the attic. To optimize your attic ventilation both intake and exhaust vents benefit from professional installation.

You need lots of vents: More is also not better when it comes to roof ventilation and protecting your home. Too much ventilation can actually put your roof at risk either during storms or by disrupting the airflow. Conflicting airflow can occur where the air currents clash with one another in the attic, typically from having too many vents and too many different types. Instead of seamlessly flowing out, the air becomes trapped and negates the entire point of having ventilation.

Once you’ve calculated how many vents you need, stick with designs that complement one another. Soffits, ridges, and turbines, for example, work well with optimizing airflow. If you’re unsure which to choose, talk to your roofing contractor for some professional guidance.

How to spot poor ventilation

Catching poor ventilation before it develops into costly repairs, starts with preventative maintenance. Excess heat and moisture in the summer and ice dams or attic rain in the winter are signs or pre-existing problems. With careful maintenance and proper installation, though, these problems can be avoided.

Inside your home, if you notice excess condensation on the windows or lingering odours, it’s likely your ventilation isn’t working correctly. Likewise, wet insulation isn’t able to function properly and has a much lower R-value as a result. If you notice your home’s energy efficiency is lacking suddenly, check your ventilation and insulation. Like most systems in your home, roof ventilation needs to be maintained to keep it in top shape. Professional installation will ensure that your system is optimized and designed in the best way possible. Beyond that, combine both DIY maintenance and routine professional checkups for the best results.

DIY vent maintenance

For DIY care, check for any debris like dirt or leaves or anything that may block the exhaust vent. If you have soffit or fascia vents, keep the soffit and fascia clean and well maintained. Clean the vents as well, to keep them clear and efficient when drawing in and pushing out air. Keeping the gutters clean and clear will prevent water from backing up and damaging the roof or soffit and fascia.

Professional vent maintenance

In addition to DIY care, call in a roofing contractor for annual checks. A professional will ensure that no debris or potential blocks are affecting the ventilation. If a vent needs replacing, they’ll handle that for you. Part of a ventilation check should also include a routine roof inspection to help ensure that it is also in top shape. Any loose shingles, flashing, or debris blockage can affect the efficiency of your roof ventilation. A professional will also clean out your vents to ensure there is no dust or dirt buildup trapped inside. Right before and after winter is the best time to have your roof and vents inspected. That way, your roof will be ready for the brunt of winter weather, while a spring inspection will ensure its ready for the summer.

Find a RenovationFind Certified roofing company in your city!

RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.

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

Jun 18, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Your One Connection to Quality Craftsmen

At Handyman Connection, our team understands the importance of finding trustworthy, caring professionals to help with home improvement and repair services around the house. Our craftsmen are dedicated to ensuring your home is a place where you feel safe. We have the tools and skills to help with a variety of home maintenance and home repair services. At Handyman Connection we are one connection to all your home maintenance needs and will treat your home as if it were our own.

View our video infographics below.

Stay Connected, Now and Always

Your One Connection to Quality Craftsmen

Handyman Connection is offering both virtual and remote estimates. Call or text us today for more information about our general home repair and home maintenance services.

The post Your One Connection to Quality Craftsmen appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Jun 18, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Living on a Vibrant Street Could Hike up Your Home’s Value

Living on a colourful street could add thousands of pounds to your home’s overall value, according to new research.

Findings from HomeOwners Alliance and Brewers Paint reveal that homes on brightly painted roads are worth up to 65% more than on less vibrant streets nearby.

On average, a property on a colourful street was shown to be worth 20% more than on a less colourful street.

For self builders and aspiring homeowners analysing where to live, the findings offer an intriguing insight that could help to maximise your home’s value.

(MORE: Self Build: The Complete Guide)

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said “While we can’t all persuade our neighbours to redecorate their exterior walls in pink, green and orange, to boost our street’s value, it is worth bearing in mind the premium you will pay for a vibrant street. As little as a few metres away from a colourful road, there could be a huge saving to be made.”

Painting the Town Red

The findings were based on up-to-date local data and Land Registry sold date, which Homeowners Alliance used to calculate the average valuation figures.

Depending on where you live, a home on a colourfully painted street could be between 2% and 65% more expensive than a home on a road where homes are decorated in white, or homes are clad in brick or pebble dash

The most striking example of this price difference was found in Norwich. A three-bedroom house on the bright Ten Bell Lane was worth 65% more than a house in the not-so vibrant Victoria Street, just a few streets away.

“In our recent Homeowner Survey, we found the most important features of a property among those buying a home included a garden or outside space, a property in a good state of repair, the availability of parking, good sized rooms, energy efficiency and good transport links,” said Higgins.

Here are some of HomeOwners Alliance’s top tips to remember when decorating the exterior of your home:

Repaint the exterior walls of your home every 10 to 15 years
While you will not need planning permission to paint your exterior, you will need listed building consent if you want to change the external character of a listed building
If you are doing the painting yourself, you will need to clean, scrape and brush the walls before you start painting
When choosing your shade, consider which direction the painted wall will be facing and work with the light

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Jun 17, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Homeshow ROI For Home Improvement Companies In The “New Normal”

Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, home shows and renovation trade shows were a valuable marketing tool for home services companies. They were attended by tens of thousands of homeowners. Setting up a booth at a show was a great way for companies to get in front of potential customers.

When COVID-19 arrived in Canada, it wasn’t long before the spring home shows were canceled. Many contractors scaled back their services to meet public health guidelines and to stay afloat. Others chose to close and hunker down for the storm ahead. Homeowners and potential customers started using new methods to search and hire home services companies, especially those considered an essential service throughout the pandemic.

If home shows were your number one method of attracting new business, what is your plan operating without them? As a digital marketing company, RenovationFind has some advice. First, let’s look at some statistics.

Home show ROI pre-COVID-19

RenovationFind is usually one of the marketing partners for the big home shows in Western Canada. We set up a booth, speak with homeowners, and help connect them with RenovationFind Certified home services and renovation companies. With these shows being so well-attended in the past, we speak with a lot of homeowners wanting to renovate.

We sent out a survey to homeowners in Western Canada asking where they found contractors for home projects?

Rated from the most popular search method to the least, 25.7% of homeowners survey said that home shows were their number one choice for finding contractors for home projects. That means that pre-COVID, the ROI for attending a home show was high for contractors and industry-related companies.

With home shows gone, where will that 25.7% of homeowners go to find your home services business?

Third-Party Certifications & Accreditations

Over 71% of consumers look for a third-party seal of approval.

Get A Free Demo

Homeowners are turning to the internet to find contractors for home projects

Even though we are in the early stages of the economic relaunch, with each province experiencing a slightly different timeline, homeowners are still using the internet as the primary way to find home services companies. People are practicing social distancing, are working from home, or at home with kids due to school and childcare facility closures. They are using the web now more than ever.

We have seen an incredible surge of web traffic to RenovationFind.com since the pandemic hit. Our web traffic grew 59% from February 2020 to May 2020.

These statistics have shown us the massive shift from the way homeowners were finding trusted contractors. From home shows, to using trusted online sources like RenovationFind.com.

Homeowners continue to do their research before hiring home contractors

Home shows provided a unique opportunity for homeowners to do practical research on potential contractors for their home projects. What better way to learn about a company than actually meeting the people behind it, and seeing first hand their services and product offerings.

Keep in mind that this face-to-face research was done in addition to online research. Searching for companies online, checking reviews, asking for references, and other background checks should always have been part of the process. For many, it was.

RenovationFind makes it easy for homeowners to do that kind of research. All the companies on our directory have been pre-screened by a third-party organization. We have already made sure the companies have proper licensing and insurance, clean legal and financial history, WCB coverage, and we monitor customer reviews. Once a company passes the check, they become RenovationFind Certified and are given a listing on the website.

When a homeowner sees they are on the site, they know that most of the research work has been done for them. Having all of the trades and contractors they need, vetted and certified, on one website has provided a useful tool for homeowners seeking services throughout the pandemic. As things open up, we believe this trend will continue. This is because large-scale events like home shows will not be in the picture for quite some time. Also, people might feel uncertain about attending them.

What if home shows operate again?

Large events like home shows are not included in the earlier or even middle stages of relaunch strategies. For some provinces, they will be the last thing to resume. Even then, they will not be the same. There will be public health restrictions that will diminish the kind of ROI home services companies might have experienced in the past.

For example, there will be a restriction on patrons allowed into the space at one time to ensure social distancing. That means fewer people in front of your booth. There will also be strict hand sanitizing and potential mask-wearing requirements. Taking these extra steps just to attend a home show might be too inconvenient for regular patrons and they might not attend. For others, they might feel too scared or nervous to attend such a large event, even if it is included in the latest phase of a relaunch.

Home shows operating in the ‘new normal’, whatever that might mean in the future, will not be as lucrative as they were before COVID-19. We don’t know what the future holds, so it’s hard to know if the ROI of a home show will be the same as it was before the public health crisis.

Today’s Consumers are Digital.

Did you know Google released a stat indicating users check out 10.4 sources before purchase.

Boosting your online marketing efforts

Long before the decline of home show ROI, we already knew that most people do research online before purchasing something. Prior to the pandemic, marketers depended on word-of-mouth marketing, home show exposure, and other in-person meetings in addition to online marketing. Without those things, we can adjust to meet consumers where they are at – and that is online.

Review your marketing budget

Home shows are expensive, and it’s likely your booth at multiple home and renovation shows took up a large chunk of your marketing budget. According to this marketing spend decision report, companies allocated nearly half of their budgets on trade shows. That is a huge amount of the budget.

It’s possible some of that marketing money has gone to other things to help keep your business afloat during the darkest days of the pandemic. If you’re in good financial shape and are able to do so, the funds you have allocated for home shows can now go to more effective online marketing channels.

Where should I spend money on marketing?

Enhancing your website, investing in search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and digital paid-advertising are all effective ways to market your home services business in the new normal.

Improve your website

If your website is dated or not functioning properly, now is a great time to update it. Users who visit your site should see a professional, modern web design that is easy to navigate. Once they find you online, make sure you’re making a good first impression.

Search engine optimization

If you have the financial resources, hiring a third-party SEO company can help improve search results for your company. By working with keywords and phrases, you can increase your domain authority so you get more leads to your website.

Social media marketing

With more people social distancing and isolating at home, they are spending more time than ever on their social media channels. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn could provide great opportunities for your company to get in front of those users. Plus, being active on social media will boost your SEO.

Content marketing

Creating your own unique content gives you a tool to connect with potential customers. Use your own blog to provide news, positive stories, how-to articles, and other pieces of content your target audience will find helpful. Then blast those pieces out on social media and through email marketing campaigns.

Social media and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising

Online advertising can be very effective in reaching a specific target audience and increasing web traffic. Whether you’re using Google Adwords or paying for Facebook advertising, you will get clear analytics on custom behaviour, click-throughs, and your online reach. This is also something a third-party company can help you with if data and analytics are not your thing.

Email marketing

If you have a contact list that is compliant with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation, you should be utilizing it. Use a user-friendly online mass mailing tool like MailChimp or Constant Contact. These tools allow you to design beautiful emails using a drag-and-drop editor. They also offer free accounts but will have restrictions on the number of contacts you have and emails you send.

Coming out of COVID-19

Right now, businesses are trying to market in times of uncertainty. Business owners are uncertain, and customers are uncertain too. People and businesses are doing their best with the advice provided by health officials, but even that advice seems to change often and with little notice. While every individual has a different tolerance to risk and concern, it is still important to keep your marketing going with that in mind.

Having a crisis recovery plan can help your business emerge more successfully post-COVID-19. If you have already been implementing an emergency response plan for business continuity during the crisis, you’re ahead of the game. Just remember that your marketing strategy needs to adjust to being part of that plan.

Don’t allocate your marketing budget to things you used to, because those things are different now. Don’t be afraid to try something new. It could mean reaching more customers online and gaining new business in this new normal.

Things will get better. Jurisdictions are starting to open for business during various stages of the relaunch. Things will slowly get easier for home services businesses to operate. While that might mean operating within specific health and safety guidelines, we are hopeful that it will still mean businesses can thrive and attract new customers.

RenovationFind can help

RenovationFind spends a lot of time promoting our clients online. Companies get more than just a RenovationFind Certified rating and directory listing. They benefit from a range of online marketing channels. Online blogs, email marketing campaigns, banner ads, social media marketing, online advertising, and SEO strategies all come into play to help boost domain authority to our site, and to our client profiles.

Learn how we can help.

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Another Helpful Article is >>> 10 REASONS WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE YOU OVER A COMPETITOR

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

Jun 17, 2020 admin Uncategorized

The Most Stressful DIY Jobs in the UK Have Been Revealed

Plastering a ceiling is the most stressful DIY job in the UK, according to new research.

Victorian Plumbing made this calculation having investigated how comfortable Brits are with DIY. The bathroom company analysed difficulty queries across UK Google, such as ‘how to fix…’ and YouTube views taken from ‘how to’ videos for each DIY enquiry on the first page of searches.

The researchers then looked at average time frames for projects, and the quantity of tools needed, before assigning a weighted value to get a final score, indicating the level of stress per job.

Plastering a ceiling had a stress score of 1,221, the highest of any DIY job in the UK, almost twice as high as hanging wallpaper in second.

In total, plastering a ceiling received 4,400 online searches and over 5.8m YouTube views. It took respondents an average of 12 hours to plaster a ceiling, and required an average of five tools.

Hanging wallpaper had the second highest stress score of 673. Unblocking drains (588), tiling a bathroom floor (542), and removing grout from bathroom tiles (262) made up the top five.

When the researchers included US data, installing a toilet took top spot with a weighted index score of 3,463.

How to be Good at DIY

DIY can be a fulfilling way of improving your home, enabling you to save money you would otherwise spend on tradespeople, and improving your skills around the house.

And it’s not just renovators who are choosing to DIY. Many self builders choose to undertake an element of DIY, when building a new home, in order to keep within budget.

(MORE: Self Build Routes: DIY)

Here’s some valuable DIY guides to help you with your project:

It is important to feel comfortable when embarking on a DIY project, so if you feel out of your depth or like you don’t own the right tools then this is probably something to leave to the professionals.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Jun 16, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Concrete Design Technology: A Better Picture

During the renovation process, it can be hard to picture what a project will look like when it’s complete. You may have an idea in your mind, but putting in on paper can be difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be. With technology becoming more advanced, you may be surprised to find that there’s a digitized way to make plans for your project. The contractors at Bow River Concrete in Calgary have the technology you need to give you a better picture of the project’s potential.

You can see the final product before you’ve started

Starting a project can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider, and the road ahead can seem long and challenging. However, the software available through Bow River Concrete can change that. For landscaping projects, you and the team can design the patterning of the material, the shape, and how it could potentially look. And it doesn’t stop there. It can show garages, sidewalks, pathways, patios, stairs, and so much more. Seeing is believing, and being able to see your project’s potential can give you the motivation and ideas to get things moving.

You get an accurate quote

The software blueprints allow you to get a better idea of how much the project will cost. You can see exactly which materials will be used, how much is used, and what it will cost you. It gives you the opportunity to make any necessary changes. Not only does this make planning the project easier, but it can help you stay on budget and puts decisions into perspective.

You can keep it!

Bow River Concrete, once created, gives you a copy of the blueprints to keep with you. With it, you’ll be able to keep track of your concrete transformations in your yard. It keeps you in the loop with what’s going on and makes it easier to communicate any questions or concerns with the contractors. It gives you much more power over your project.

Concrete Contractors in Calgary

Serving Calgary and area for many years as concrete contractors, Bow River Concrete strives to install high-end residential concrete, commercial concrete, floor coatings, and excavation services. They’ve seen it all and can help you every step of the way. No job is too small or too big for concrete and excavation with their knowledgeable crews.

Call Bow River Concrete anytime for a free quote!

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Click to Find >>>>> Concrete Contractors in Calgary

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