56% of Extenders Use a Main Contractor, Homebuilding.co.uk Research Reveals

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

Renovating your home can be quite an expensive undertaking, but it’s a popular way for Canadians to add value to their properties. It can also offer a more affordable option for getting into the housing market; if you are a first-time buyer looking at Edmonton real estate or Calgary homes for sale, for example, you might be considering the purchase of an older home and renovating it to give it the features you desire. However, while the price of an older home and its location may be attractive, there may be some extra costs that you hadn’t initially considered when trying to fix it up.

Here are some common hidden renovation costs that you should be aware of before you buy that fixer upper.

 Forgetting to Budget and Measure

 Failing to plan a budget is the quickest way to spend more than you intend on your renovation. Every detail must be costed out, from the materials, to transport, to the price of labour. As well, time delays can have a significant impact; deciding to swap out materials at the last minute, for instance, can lead to tradespeople working longer hours, sourcing issues, or adjusting overall scope of work.

And, while it may seem obvious, taking accurate and thorough measurements ahead of time is crucial: there’s nothing worse than ordering a custom feature or having a fixture shipped long distance only to realize it doesn’t fit in your home. Not only will this lead to time delays, but you’ll need to go through the hassle of returning it.

Making Sure Your Home is Up to Standard

 While much of the focus of a renovation is on aesthetics, it should be a priority to look below the surface and ensure the “bones” of the house – such as its electrical, plumbing, and structural systems – are in good shape. Having outdated wiring or pipes is especially common in an older home, and the costs to fix them are unfortunately unavoidable, as the home will otherwise be unsafe to live in.

It’s a good idea to determine the scope of these “hidden” fixes before you even buy the home – if possible, add an upon-inspection condition to your purchase offer, and bring in a home inspector electrician, plumber, and foundation specialist to confirm these aspects are up to standard.

If you do purchase the home knowing it’ll need some major work, prioritizing which renovations need to be done immediately and which can be put off to a later date can help with managing expenses. This will allow you to take care of the important tasks while giving you time to save for the other renovations.

 Not Hiring an Experienced Contractor

 While it may be tempting to take a do-it-yourself approach to your renovations – and indeed, there may some projects you can handle on your own – hiring an experienced contractor is key. This is not an area to skimp on expenses – while a cheaper-priced pro may be appealing, the adage “you get what you pay for” is especially true in the home improvement industry.

In fact, hiring someone who does shoddy work will likely end up costing you more in the long run to fix anything that’s been improperly built or installed. Always take the time to research your contractor options, sourcing both personal referrals and past client testimonials. As well, ensure you and your contractor put every aspect of the project, from payment, to schedules, to scope of work, in a legally-binding contract.

Living Expenses During Your Renovation

A commonly overlooked cost during the renovation process is where you’ll live while all the work is going on. Will you still be able to dwell in part of the house during your projects, or will you need to stay in a hotel or short-term rental? As well, you’ll still need to pay your mortgage payments, property taxes, and other utility costs for the home during its construction phase.

If you are staying in the home, will there be costs associated with not being able to use certain rooms? For example, the kitchen is one of the most commonly-renovated areas as it provides one of the greatest returns in investment; but living in a home without a functioning stove or sink might require you to eat out on a regular basis, which can quickly add up. It’s important to build these costs into your budget as part of the project.

With careful planning and budgeting, any home can be turned into the abode of your dreams – homeowners just need to ensure they have the realistic funds and resources to accomplish what’s on their wishlist, as well as hire the right people to handle the job.

Zoocasa is a full-service brokerage that offers advanced online search tools to empower Canadians with the data and expertise they need to make more successful real estate decisions. View real estate listings at zoocasa.com or download our free iOS app.

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

When it comes to landscaping your home, the right landscaping features can make your dreams for your yard come true. Changing up your yard can add curb appeal to your home, as well as give your home a new flare. There are many different things you can do to spruce up your front or back yard. From Johnny Paycheck Landscaping in Edmonton, here are some different landscaping projects you can embark on to change up your landscaping.

Retaining walls

Retaining walls can give your landscape texture, depth and help create specific areas of your yard. For example, your retaining walls can hold a space for a beautiful flower garden or a vegetable garden. They can help create a visual space for your patio or for a custom firepit or fireplace area in the yard. The installers at Johnny Paycheck Landscaping are experts when it comes to installing stone retaining walls.

Water features

Adding water features to your home can be a great addition. They can provide calming qualities, and make you feel more at one with nature if that is something you may lack. It’s less of a hazard or maintenance project that comes with having something like a pond in your yard. It also can add value to your home, providing a nice atmosphere for you and your guests.

Paving stone

Paving stone is an easy installation that won’t break the bank. Using paving stone for a front or back sitting area or a walkway can add to the look of your home. It requires little maintenance, and can easily be replaced if a stone is damaged.

Mulch

Don’t want to worry about weeding your flower and plant beds all season? No worries! Mulch is a great option for filling in those spaces and it looks great too. Choose between bark or wood, and from a variety of textures and colours. Mulch is a very eco-friendly product, helps with water retention, plant insulation and, thankfully, is resistant to weed growth!

Landscapers in Edmonton

Johnny Paycheck Landscaping builds and renovates landscapes that you will love, in order to make your vision become reality. They are paving stone and garden wall specialists, creating new looks for yards that are tailor-made. If you have something special in mind, you can count on them to create it and have it done the right way.

Interested? Check out Johnny Paycheck Landscaping today!

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

Planning an entire renovation is a job in itself, not to mention trying to oversee the entire thing yourself. There’s a lot that goes into a reno, from the actual work, sticking to a timeline or making sure things get properly installed. It can all be rather overwhelming, which is why hiring a project manager can save you the stress.

Redwood Renovations and Design Inc. in Calgary specialize in home renovations and also offer project management services. They share some of the benefits of hiring one of their project managers to help:

1. They will keep your reno on time and on budget

Having a renovation finished on time is important both if you plan to sell or to avoid a project dragging on. When you hire a project manager, they will make sure that a schedule of completion is set up first. That way, you’ll have a timeline that will be kept, and you’ll know what will be finished when. They will also ensure that their team is reputable and experienced to ensure the quality of work. This will not only save money on any repeat repairs of a bad job, but they will work within your budget.

2. A project manager can handle unexpected problems

In a perfect world, renovations would go down without any unexpected issues. For the most part, they will, but it’s still always better to prepare for the unexpected. When you hire a project manager, they will do just that. By planning ahead, your project manager will be able to avoid any issues that could cause problems. If, however, something does arise, they will have plenty of ideas and means to deal with the issue. By having a ready list of options available, you’ll save yourself any stress of tackling the problem alone. Plus, your project manager will deal with the issue quickly and keep your project underway. Read about what other skill sets a good project manager should have.

3. They can take your dreams and make them realistic realities

It’s easy to let yourself get carried away with a new idea or take a picture and try to replicate the design in your home. However, you might just as easily then find yourself midway through and realize it isn’t working out. A project manager will have the experience to know what is realistic from your ideas and what won’t work. By working together, you’ll be able to make a plan based on budget and space. That way you still get dream results, but without breaking the bank or finding it doesn’t look quite right.

4. You are investing in guaranteed quality

When you hire a project manager, you’re not only getting their skill sets, but you also get their workers’ skill sets. Your project manager will hire only experienced and reputable workers to complete your renovations. The team they hire will be experts in their work, which means your reno results with be top quality. They will also know what needs to be ordered sooner and what can wait, to ensure everything goes smoothly. Most of all though, the investment into quality work now will pay off by boosting your home’s value.

General Contractors in Calgary

Redwood Renovations & Design Inc. offer services in everything from renovations, project management, and new home construction. They are experts in all that they offer, so they guarantee quality work. They pride themselves in offering only the best for their customers and working to meet all your needs.

Ready to renovate? Contact Redwood Renovations & Design now!

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

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

Maybe the lifespan of your water heater has come to its end or you are renovating and want a more energy-efficient home. Whatever the reasons, when it’s time to replace your old water heater, you want to make sure you pick the right one.

According to Natural Resources Canada, the average Canadian uses upwards of 75 Litres of hot water a day. An average Canadian household will use upwards of 225 L. Water heating alone, is accountable for 15-25% of the energy used in a home.

When it comes to water heaters, there are various options available. Two of the most popular choices are the tankless or traditional storage-tank water heater. While they both provide hot water as needed, there are many differences between the two to consider first.

How do storage water tanks work?

Traditional hot water tanks, or storage water heaters, hold a certain amount of water that is constantly kept heated. In a hot water tank, the amount of water stored is dependent on the size of the tank. Typically, a water tank can store between 20- to 80-gallons of water. When you turn on the hot water tap, hot water is drawn from the top of the water tank. Cold water then flows in to replace the water and is heated up.

There are two additional valves on the tank—the temperature and pressure-relief valve. These are for safety and open if temperatures become too hot or pressure builds too much. By releasing water and pressure, it ensures your tank doesn’t explode. Storage water tanks have a lifespan of between 8-12 years before they need to be replaced.

Because of the limitation of how much water the tank holds, there may be times when the hot water is completely used up. Larger families with a small water tank may experience this during high water demand periods. The tank will eventually refill and reheat, but it may take an hour to do so. 

Maintenance: Twice a year maintenance should be done on the tank to flush out any sediment or mineral build-up. Since the tanks constantly hold hot water, letting any build-up occur can create issues with rust or corrosion. 

Storage tank fuel types 

Depending on the type of tank, different types of fuel will be used to heat the water. Different fuels will also vary differently in expense:

Electric: Electric heaters require no ventilation and are quickly and easily installed almost anywhere in a home. The water is heated by large coils that hang into the tank and heat the water, similar to electric oven coils. They are higher in energy efficiency but are more expensive to run than gas. 

Gas: Gas-fueled water tanks are less expensive to run and are typically run using natural gas. For safety reasons, a gas water tank will need to have proper ventilation to release the toxic air released during combustion. A gas burner at the bottom of the tank is what is used to heat the water. Natural gas is more efficient to use but more expensive than electric heaters. Propane works the same as natural gas, however, it is usually only used when natural gas isn’t available in a home.

Solar: By using energy from the sun, solar heaters are virtually cost-free and highly energy-efficient. Solar collectors are attached to the roof, which then converts heat from the sun. The system includes collectors, circulating pumps, a storage tank, and controls. The upfront installation costs are significantly more.

With storage water tanks because the water inside is continuously being heated and maintained, there is constant energy being lost. This is known as standby heat loss and is a common problem. To help with this, water heaters can be bought with higher levels of insulation. This helps lessen the amount of standby heat loss which in turn helps save energy and money.

How do tankless water heaters work? 

Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, do not store water. Instead, water is only supplied and heated when the need arises. Cold water flows into the unit and is rapidly heated by high-powered burners and is then delivered to the open outlet. Since the burners stop working as soon as the water is off, there is no excess energy used or lost.

Tankless heaters can supply constant hot water but there is a limit to their output flow rate. A unit that is too small, will not be able to keep up with the water demands of a large family. The benefit of its compact size though is that it can easily be mounted on walls to free up floor space. Tankless water heaters also have a lifespan of upwards of 20 years, before they need replacing.

Maintenance: Similar to a storage water tank, tankless heaters need to be flushed of any residual minerals or sediment. Since the unit only holds water when needed, maintenance may be done only once a year. Water filters in the tanks should be changed regularly, ideally monthly, to protect against hard water damage. 

Tankless fuel types 

Similar to traditional hot water tanks, tankless heaters can use different fuel types to heat the water:

Electricity: Electric tankless heaters are much less expensive than gas and do not need ventilation. On the other hand, a large unit will require more electricity to run, which can increase monthly bills. During any power outages, it also won’t be able to supply hot water. 

Gas: Similar to storage water heaters, a tankless heater can use either natural gas or propane as fuel. Non-condensing units are less expensive but will require ventilation to be installed. Condensing units, on the other hand, are more expensive and do not need ventilation. 

Hot water is delivered at a rate of 4-8 gallons per minute, but there can be issues with simultaneous demands. Large water demands, such as showering and doing the laundry at the same time will run into problems with lukewarm water. Installing more than one tankless water heater can help with high-demand water usage.

Otherwise, installing a tankless water heater that is used only for one appliance is another solution. This is known as point-of-use, and allows high water demand appliance, such as dishwashers, to have their own supply.

Cost and process of installing a tankless vs hot water tank

Beyond just picking a new water heater, it’s also important to understand the installation and costs involved in the decision. If you are just upgrading an old hot water tank with a new one, there is likely little involved in the process. If you are switching from a storage water heater to a tankless though, there is more involved.

Old storage water heaters will need to be removed first and the home retrofitted to accommodate a tankless unit. Gas tankless units may need larger gas lines and ventilation installed or modified. An electric tankless heater may need an electrician to improve the home’s electrical power.

Storage water tank 

Storage water tanks are both quick and easy to install, with the whole process only taking a few hours at most. The tanks are installed indoors, either in the basement or inside a closet or garage. If the tank is a gas unit, proper ventilation will also need to be installed. Changing from a gas heater to an electric heater can be done without making major or expensive changes. Even though replacing an old tank with a newer one is simple, it’s still recommended to call a professional.

Cost of installing a storage water heater: Installation fees are split between the cost of the water heater and the cost of installation. The average cost for a 40- or 50-gallon water tank is about $1,000. Depending on the rate charged by your plumber per hour, the installation fee will be between $45 to $150 per hour. A storage water heater will typically take between 2 to 3 hours to install.

HomeAdvisors estimated average cost for both product and installation: $769 and $1,447

Tankless 

Upgrading from a traditional to a tankless water heater requires a slightly more complicated installation. The initial upfront cost and installation of a tankless water heater are also much more expensive than a storage tank. Tankless water heaters will require significantly more BTUs as well when heating water. Gas tankless heaters require between 150,000 to 200,000 BTUs. Similarly, electric heaters will require high voltage, which may mean an upgrade to your home’s system.

Tankless heaters can be mounted on walls, but they still need to be within 50 feet of a power source. Outdoor tankless units can be installed outside the house and are built to endure various climates. Because of the experience required and complicated process to install a tankless system, it is highly recommended to call a professional.

Cost of installing a tankless water heater: Installation fees for a tankless are split between the cost of the unit, the installation and any necessary home retrofitting. Depending on the model, a tankless unit can cost between $300 to $1100. Installation time can take upwards of 10 hours to complete, so costs range between $500 to $1600. Additional expenses may come up if extra retrofitting is required. Such expenses would include installing ventilation pipes or increasing your homes’ electrical power. 

HomeAdvisors estimated average cost for both product and installation: $1,013 – $2,954

What are some signs it’s time to replace your water tank?  

It’s easy to forget about replacing your water tank when everything is working as it should. Regular maintenance and checks will help cover any minor repairs; however, it will eventually need a full replacement. If you aren’t sure about your water heater, it’s always better to know the signs now, rather than when something goes seriously wrong.

Your hot water tank is over 8-12 years old 

With the average lifespan of a water tank running between 8-12 years, not replacing an old heater is a common mistake. After all, if your water heater is still working, why replace it? With storage water tanks, in particular, they work and store hot water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So, while 8-12 years may seem short, eventually, the wear and tear will mean it needs replacing. If you can’t remember the last time your water tank was replaced, it’s probably time to take a look. 

Discoloured or rusty water  

If your hot water is coming out discoloured, it’s a likely indicator there is a problem with your tank. Depending on the age of your tank, it may just mean your heater needs to be flushed. Since there is always hot water sitting in the tank, sediment and minerals can build up and cause corrosion. A routine maintenance check will flush the tank and typically fix the problem if the build-up is the cause. If your tank is creeping up in age though, it’s likely a sign that the tank simply needs to be replaced. If both your hot and cold water is discoloured, it may be a sign of a more serious plumbing problem.

You’re finding leaks in the tank  

A leak is never something that you want to discover or have in your home. Unidentified leaks risk water damage and mould, as well as unwanted spikes in your monthly water bills. Even small leaks of one drip per second mean an added $1.00 per month. Depending on the type of leaks, smaller ones can be easily repaired. If the leaks continue to happen though, it may just be time for a new heater. In worst-case scenarios, a complete water heater failure can cause massive and costly flooding.

Things to consider when choosing tankless vs storage

Now that you have all the information and details about tankless and storage water heaters, it’s decision time. There are a few other factors to consider specifically though before you make the final decision.

Flow rate 

Flow rate refers to the gallons per minute of hot water that appliances and fixtures in your home use. Typical flow rates for appliances and fixtures are:

– Bathroom faucet: 0.5 – 1.5 GPM
– Kitchen faucet: 3.0 – 7.0 GPM
– Shower: 1.0 – 2.0 GPM
– Dishwasher: 1.0 – 2.5 GPM
– Laundry: 1.5 – 3.0 GPM

Adding the amounts together to find the total GPM for your household will help when choosing the necessary flow rate of your heater. Keep in mind a tankless water heater can provide between 4-8 gallons per minute. 4 gallons per minute will typically run fine when supplying both a shower and one other appliance.

Energy-efficiency  

The Energy Factor (EF) of an appliance is what will determine the energy efficiency of the appliance. How well the water is heated, any standby heat loss and cycling loss are all determining factors. The higher the EF rating, the more efficient the unit is. A good heater will heat the water quickly, have minimal standby loss and lose less heat as water is circulated through the tank.

Energy efficiency is measured by the standby loss of a heater—the higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency. A tankless water heater will use 30% less energy and have a rating of 0.82 or higher. A gas storage tank, with higher insulation and venting, will have a rating of 0.67 or higher.

Cost 

Cost considerations should include everything from the purchase, installation, maintenance, fuel and general use. A tankless heater will cost more upfront, but the payback will be higher than that of a traditional water heater. That being said, the wait time is longer, so consider how long you plan on staying in your home. A tankless unit is great if you are staying in your home long-term but less so if you plan to sell. According to Energystar.gov, throughout a tankless unit’s lifespan, it’ll save up to $1,800. A storage-tank water heater, over its lifespan, will save up to $500.

While electric fuel types are less expensive upfront, long-term savings are better with gas fuel since it is cheaper than electricity.

Hot water supply and demand  

Choosing the right size for a water heater is a dual matter of both physical space, as well as hot water demand. A tankless unit is much smaller and compact, meaning it can easily be mounted on a wall. This makes them ideal for smaller homes or apartments where space is important. An outdoor tankless water heater can also be mounted outside of a home. A small unit for a large family, however, may not be so ideal if water demand becomes an issue. 

Storage water tanks can hold more water and are readily heated, though they do take up more space. According to Home Advisor, a family of 1-2 will need a tank size between 26-36 gallons. A family of 3-5 though, will need between 46-56 gallons in a tank. The more water the tank holds, the bigger it will be. For smaller families with less space, if the budget is right, then tankless may be the best option.

Find a RenovationFind Certified plumber in your city!

 

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

Do you ever wonder why certain paint jobs stand out more than others? Sometimes it comes down to the painting technique. 

Painting techniques come to professional painting services craftsmen through their years of experience, and can add texture and depth to an otherwise ordinary wall. 

3 Professional Painting Techniques

If you’re looking for something to make the colors pop or to make your wall stand out, there’s different options that professional painters can use to make your room unique. 

Color Washing

Color washing layers a lighter color over a darker base color. The lighter color will be mixed with glaze and the base color will be underneath it. To mix up the textures, your craftsman might use brushes, cloths or sponges.

Crackle

Do you want that rustic, historic home look? Crackle adds a rougher texture to your wall, literally making a top coat of paint crack with the addition of a special glaze. This is perfect if you want to add a fresh look without taking away historic charm. 

Ragging 

This technique uses cloth and glaze to give the appearance of fabric texture on the wall. This technique is perfect for lush bedrooms and blending two colors together for a unique shade. When it comes to blending and picking colors, your local professional painting services company will know how to guide you. 

What painting technique should be used in my room? 

The technique for your room depends a lot on the feeling you’re trying to create and the overall look of your room currently. If you’re remodeling a whole room, it’s easy to experiment with different styles and create something new. If you’re just adding a fresh coat of paint, it might take some time. 

What should I consider? 

Painting techniques take a lot of time and experience to get right the first time. If you don’t like a particular style after it’s dried, you can always repaint – but it’d delay your project and cost you more money. 

Before committing to a specific style, work with a local professional painting services company like Handyman Connection to see what’d be right for your home. 

The post Best Painting Techniques of Professional Painters 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

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