Renovation Budgeting Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

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

A question that we hear often when helping design a video solution is “Are the cameras secure”? This is a great question and an important one for us to answer. Security is meant to ease your mind of worries; not create new ones. With Technology evolving at a fast pace, we constantly feel vulnerable that our information, data, private conversations, or even camera feeds are being accessed without our knowledge and providing backdoors into our private lives.

You will be glad to know that a professional video solution from TELSCO is designed and delivered with the highest security and installation standards in place. Our TELSCO Connect video solutions, powered by Alarm.com, address security concerns in various ways in order to protect your privacy.

Enhanced Levels of Security

It starts with professional equipment. IP cameras, by their nature, have an IP address and are accessible via this address. This is a definite risk for cameras that are purchased over the counter or online from various retailers. Although our TELSCO Connect cameras are IP, they have several security safeguards in place to make them more secure than their generic counterparts.  With these cameras, powered by Alarm.com, a massive Network Operations Centre stands between any would be hacker and your private video feed. All video streams, as well as any video device commands, are sent from Alarm.com servers over a VPN connection using bank-grade AES-256 encryption. This means that even if there is no security on your local Wi-Fi network (or your Wi-Fi is somehow compromised), cameras will always connect over a high-security path, using either the VPN (for relayed connections) or through HTTPS (for direct connections).

Professional Installation

Professional installation by a trusted name in security provides peace of mind when it comes to the installation and activation of your video solution. Your video account is created specifically for you (always using new equipment and a unique account) and is activated onsite by a qualified technician. Following activation of your account, your technician will provide hands-on training, so you know how to use all the features of your cameras and get the most out of your system. There are settings that determine when a camera will or will not record. For example, you may want to have your outdoor driveway camera record video 24/7 but may feel more comfortable with your indoor camera programmed only to record footage when there is an alarm in progress.

Once your account goes live, there is no way for us to see your cameras. You don’t have to worry about one of our customer care reps catching you in your PJ’s or getting a glimpse of your family while hanging out at home. If we need to help troubleshoot your video, you can grant us access, but this is for a very limited amount of time and does not provide access to any of your recorded clips; only a live stream.

Access Your Security Camera Remotely and Securely

Using your unique username and password, you can access your cameras from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet or PC. Notifications to alert you if someone has logged into your account and bad login lockout (account freeze) offer additional layers of protection while maximizing your convenience.

Professional video provides a powerful tool for enhanced peace of mind and security. Whether you are checking in on a pet, having a look at the kids, or checking in to see why the alarm is going off, the intelligence offered by video takes your security solution to the next level.

If you are interested in adding professional video cameras to your security solution, our team would be happy to help.  We can answer any additional questions that you have about security and design a solution customized just for you.

Contact our team today to learn more.

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

There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot shower at the end of a long day – unless your water heater isn’t working properly.

Water heaters are one of the household components we rarely think about until they’ve stopped working. If you’re tired of lukewarm baths and cold showers, it may be time to get a new one.

Here are a few signs that your water heater might need replacing:

5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

Your Water Isn’t Hot Enough

If your family is constantly fighting over the first shower of the day to get the warmest water temperature, it may mean your water heater isn’t the right size for your house. If this is the case, replacing your unit with a larger one can often solve the problem.

Your Water Isn’t Hot at All

Sometimes, no hot water can just mean that something small is broken or not working, and can be easily fixed.

On electric water heaters, this can happen if the heating element fails or if the electrical system goes haywire and stops heating your water.

On gas water heaters, a lack of gas supply or an issue with the pilot light can be the culprit.

But, if you’ve checked or fixed all these things and still have no hot water, it’s probably time to replace your unit.

It’s Making Rumbling Noises

Water heaters are prone to making all sorts of noises – pops, hisses, whistles and more. But if you start to hear a rumbling noise our of your water heater, you may want to look a little closer to see if it’s time to replace it.

If you hear this noise, check to see if the bottom of the tank is rusty or leaking. If it is, this means that the bottom is rusting out, and you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

The Tank is Leaking

Unfortunately, once a tank starts leaking, that’s the end of it. You’ll need to replace a leaking water heater in order to get your water temperature back where you need it to be.

Your Water Heater is Old

Water heaters typically last just 8 – 12 years, so if you haven’t replaced yours in the last decade or so, it may be time to get a new one.

Call the Pros at Handyman Connection for Water Heater Help

An old faulty water heater can cause more issues than just a cold morning shower. If left unchecked and unmaintained, a water heater can flood your home, causing property damage and other problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late – call the plumbing professionals at Handyman Connection for expert water heater maintenance and installation services today.

Download our helpful water heater infographic!

The post How to Tell When to Replace Your Water Heater appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

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

Written by Peak Improvements in Edmonton

How Much Can a Whole House Renovation Cost in Edmonton?

Many homeowners are planning more than a small home renovation project. Your neighbor in Edmonton make be thinking of undertaking an entire house renovation in upcoming months. Recent statistics show that:

• More than 70 per cent of Canadian homeowners are thinking of redecorating;
• 40 per cent want to build an addition or remodel; and
• 10 per cent want to construct a custom home.

Costs can easily add up as homeowners tie in newly designed kitchens to the rest of the home or attempt to improve the flow in a home. Significant planning and preparation go into an entire home renovation. Understand more about whole house renovations and their potential costs today.

Costs for Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Homeowners can easily underestimate the time and money involved in some of the projects with the highest priority. Canadians can expect a kitchen renovation to come in at an average of $46,000. This can be at the low end as prices can easily increase when considering a redesign of neighboring bathrooms, with an additional average outlay of $26,800 per bathroom.

The number of bathrooms and any washroom to be added or renovated can quickly increase the price tag on the project. Expenses involved in renovating living space is generally less than for kitchen or bathrooms as there is generally little to be done when it comes to mechanical upgrades.

Additional Factors When Estimating Costs

There are many factors to be considered when estimating the overall cost. A homeowner may choose high-end flooring, fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and windows, additional insulation and more. This translates to wide range of costs, from as low as $75 to over $200 per square foot for the entire project. There are times when handy homeowners may choose to do some smaller projects themselves, helping to reduce costs, while others decide to contract out the entire renovation.

Planning a Whole House Renovation

Are you ready to start planning and designing your home renovation? Working with a design-build firm can guide you every step of the way from concept to completion. The key to a successful whole house renovation is starting with a rock solid plan. Avoid surprise expenses and delays when you first consider all the objectives and costs that come with the home renovation of your dreams.

Go to https://blog.peakimprovements.com/renovationfind to learn more

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

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

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

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms in a home when it comes to overall value. An outdated kitchen or a small bathroom can harm not only resale value but also your daily home life. When you invest in a major renovation, you want the results to be a major investment that you love. That’s why both renovations have some major must-haves that shouldn’t be left out!

Dash Builders in Winnipeg are renovation specialists for every part of your home. They share some must-have additions for your major bathroom and kitchen renos:

Bathroom: in-floor heating

With any major renovation, it’s always nice to combine functionality with luxury. In the case of bathrooms, this means incorporating in-floor heating with new flooring. Heated floors are popular in spa bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with a full spa theme. In-floor heating is one of those investments that is both a luxury and a home value boost.

For a sleek and dramatic new floor choice, combine your heating with natural stone flooring. Natural stone tiles are a major value-boosting option, plus it pairs perfectly with floor heating. Since it naturally retains heat, your floors will stay toasty long after the heat is turned off!

Bathroom: double sets in the master bathroom

If you have a large master bathroom or plans to enlarge it, why settle for one set of sinks and mirrors? Doubling up not only gives a “his” and “hers” theme to the room, but it doubles the appeal. It turns your vanity into a real feature focus with plenty of wow factor, fit for a master bathroom! To save on counter space, consider installing vessel sinks for both minimal space and a striking addition. Also, don’t forget to pair each sink with its own mirrors to complete the look!

Kitchen: walk-in pantry

Walk-in pantries are not only essential nowadays, but they are a great way to boost value. As kitchens are now the main feature focus of any home, you want every space to be functional. With a walk-in pantry, not only do you have a designated storage space, but it clears room for the rest of the kitchen. You can store your spices, dry goods, cookbooks and even cooking appliances that aren’t used every day. Pantries can also be tailored to your needs, whether you want a pure storage pantry, or double up and add wine storage to it too! Draw some inspiration for your kitchen from these walk-in pantries with some major wow factor.

Kitchen: multi-purpose island

Yes, your kitchen island will be one main feature of your kitchen, but don’t let its full potential go to waste! Instead of just designating it as a seating area or ample counter space to work, double its purposes! Install a secondary, larger prep sink on the island with a pull-down faucet that will make filling pots a breeze. For the space below the countertop, install custom cabinets and storage solutions. Have below counter microwaves, pull-out trash bins or deep drawers for pans for easy access while you prep food.

As for the countertop itself, pick a material that is both striking but also functional. Quartz countertops, for example, are one such popular choice for being both durable and still stunning. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and bacteria, and have many available colours for a customized finish.

Major Renovations in Winnipeg

As a family-owned company, Dash Builders prides themselves in their quality of work and customer care. Their goal in every project is to ensure their customers are always satisfied with the outcome. From bathroom, kitchen and basement renovations to whole home renovations, anything you need, Dash Builders can provide.

Contact Dash Builders for any questions or renovation help!

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

Choosing the right insulation for your home is just as important as choosing the right shingles or windows. Insulation helps keep your house warm, improves energy efficiency and can act as soundproofing. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one. Spray foam insulation is a great choice.

Ideal Insulation and Roofing in Calgary are an insulation and roofing contracting company. They share more about what spray foam insulation is and the two available types:

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a popular and efficient insulation option. Spray foam is applied as a liquid to the walls, where it then quickly expands, hardens and sets. The insulation is made up of polyurethane and isocyanate, which, when combined, causes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and harden. As insulation, it creates an absolute air seal that prevents any heat loss in your home, making it incredibly energy-efficient. It is available as both open cell and closed cell spray foam, both of which offer different benefits. Not sure if you need to replace your insulation? Read these signs that will let you know if its time for new insulation.

Open-cell spray foam

As its name suggests, open-cell foam leaves cells deliberately open, making the foam both softer and more flexible. The biggest benefit of this is that it allows the foam to expand more than closed cells, up to 3”. This makes it ideal for insulating smaller nooks in the home, since the foam will expand and fill those spaces with ease. It is also beneficial as soundproofing, as only one application will be needed to fill and seal an area completely. Open-cell is less expensive than closed-cell foam; however, it is less efficient against extreme cold. Because of the open cells, air and moisture have a chance to get inside.

Closed-cell spray foam

Unlike open-cell, closed-cell spray foam is completely closed once the foam is applied and hardened. Without any open cells, it makes the foam much more rigid and stable than the more flexible and softer open-cell foam. A benefit of this is it gives closed-cell a higher R-value, making it more efficient at keeping the heat in or cold out. The reason being is that with a completely sealed cell, neither air nor moisture can get in. This also makes it more durable in colder climates with extreme weather.

On the other hand, closed-cell foam is less able to expand like open-cell and only expands to 1” thickness. This makes it less ideal for sealing off hard to reach nooks and crannies in your home, but it will add more structural stability.

Which is best for your home?

Both types of spray insulation offer benefits to your home that will pay off, no matter what. In the end, the decision is more a matter of budget and the location of your home. If you live in extremely cold climates, then the rigid closed-cell is the better choice. If your climate is stable, but the budget is a factor, then consider the less expensive open-cell insulation. Either way, spray foam insulation will help lower those monthly energy bills and keep your home warm!

Insulation Contractors in Calgary

Ideal Insulation and Roofing are experts when it comes to all things insulation or roofing. They pride themselves in their quality of service, work and ensuring safety at all times. In addition to insulation, they also offer roofing services, so no matter what you need, they are the ones to call.

Contact Ideal Insulation and Roofing today for a free estimate!

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