4 ways an electrician can improve your home’s value

A professional electrician can do more for your home that just stop by for a routine maintenance check. In addition to the typical electrical services offered, electricians can help both maintain and improve the value of your home.

C2 Contracting in Edmonton is a general contracting company that is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. They share some of the ways their electricians can help boost your home’s value:

1. Certified and professional electrical work

Most electrical work is not something that should be DIYed by homeowners. While it may save money at the moment, electrical work can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Any potential buyers who see a home’s electrical system was done by the owner, will likely be less inclined to make an offer. With a professional electrician, however, not only are they qualified to handle the job, but any work will be certified. Having the stamp of a professional will both add value to your home and add interest to any potential buyers.

2. Provide energy saving tips 

An energy-efficient home that saves money is a majorly attractive aspect to buyers. Plus, while you save money each month, your home gains value for being so efficient. By bringing in a professional electrician, they will be able to take a look at your home and suggest some changes. This could mean swapping in LED lighting, updating old electrical systems and appliances or even just regularly getting a maintenance check. Even small things can add up to help improve your home, which in turn maintains and improves its value. Read about even more easy energy saving tips for your home.

3. Update any outdated lighting design 

It’s easy to become used to the way your lighting works or to automatically reach for the lights when a room is too dark. That being said, if you can’t remember the last time you got any work done or got an update, consider doing so. Bad lighting is a major culprit when it comes to losing out on energy efficiency and having higher electrical bills.

An electrician will be able to suggest some lighting changes to help improve both the mood and lighting in a room. Bad lighting makes a room dark and creates a closed-off feel. Likewise, too much lighting is blinding and electrically wasteful. Plus, with the right lighting design and accent lights, it can create a look to improve a room’s overall interior design.

4. Update your old panel for value and safety 

It’s important and worthwhile to have your electrician take a look at your electrical panel. If your home is an older model, it may be likely that it has an old fuse box or breaker panel. These older models aren’t built to handle the modern-day electrical demands, so they have a risk of overheating and sparking fires. For safety reasons, that’s why it’s important to have them checked, but it is also a long-term investment. An updated panel will be better suited to handle any electrical needs now, while later it can be used as a selling feature to buyers. By showing that your home has been maintained and taken care of professionally, it adds value to the home. Potential buyers will know that they are buying a ready to live-in home and not a financial fixer-upper!

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

As both one of the most used rooms and one of the most personal, it’s important that you are happy with your bathroom. A dysfunctional and outdated bathroom can be a headache. That’s why, when you do plan to do a renovation, you want to ensure the job is done right and the results are perfect. A sure way to guarantee that is to remember that planning is key!

Bathrooms Bathrooms Bathrooms.com  in Edmonton is an expert bathroom renovation company. They share some important steps to consider before you start the renovations:

Step one: start with the basics

Tile selection and desired features are important; however, the foundation of any good bathroom renovation is building a waterproof envelope.  You can install the most beautiful tile available, but if you have not covered the basics, within a short period of time, it will be a smelly, moldy mess.  The starches in most wallboard is food for mold.  Spending the money now for a properly installed waterproof system, such as Wedi or Schluter will keep your bathroom functional and beautiful for the next 20 years.  A properly installed bathroom renovation will add over twice the value to your home as compared to the cost.

Step two: what’s the reason? 

Yes, one reason will be that you want to update the look of your bathroom, but what else? Any renovation is usually done with a purpose in mind, such as a larger, more functional kitchen. Or, knocking out that wall specifically to create a family room to host and entertain in. With your bathroom, it’s the same idea. What new needs and design layout does your bathroom need?

Is the renovation you are thinking of one or more bathrooms?  Are you are renovating to update the look, or is it to meet a specific need, such as aging in place, or a larger tub for soaking away the cares of the day?

Step three: Design and accessories 

Next, you need to decide how extensive a renovation you want.  Do you just want to change out the bathtub or shower and surrounding walls, or do you want new flooring?  What about extra lighting, a new vanity, a new toilet, or perhaps removing the old medicine cabinet? Check out universal bathroom features to keep or add to your renovation.

Step four: organization 

Storage spaces are key in a new bathroom, especially if you want a clutter-free room! Think about what storage units you want. Are lower cabinets and vanities with slide-out drawers right for you? Or would you rather have wall mounted shelving to open more floor space? If the bathroom is for visiting grandparents or kids, keep height and easy accessibility in mind as well.

Also, consider space with your fittings and fixtures. Do you want a larger shower area or more bathtub space? What about a large vanity with two sinks or just one with more counter space?

Step five: construction time! 

Now that you have a game-plan and budget already, it’s time to begin renovating! The planning stage is complete and it’s time to let the professionals tackle the actual transformation. Goodbye ugly bathroom, hello dream bathroom!

Bathroom Renovations in Edmonton

Bathrooms Bathrooms Bathrooms Ltd. is a company with a passion for bathrooms.  They love taking smelly, moldy, dysfunctional bathrooms and making them the most beautiful rooms in your home, from the inside out. When you work with them, you are guaranteed both top-quality customer service and, most importantly, top-quality results.

Don’t hesitate to contact them now!

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

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

Written by MCM Home Exteriors in Edmonton

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/roofers-roof-roofing-craft-2891664/

Like humans, a house needs care too. Various issues pop up in a home which can be dealt with. But roof leakage is one crucial issue that you should not neglect. Postponing a roofing repair can result in facing serious consequences. Once the roofing is done, you should maintain it, so you don’t have to replace it often. Some ignore the roof leakage in their house, and it leads to big problems. So here we are stating some issues which should alert you to get roofing repair.

Severe Damage

When the roofing of a house is done, it is supposed to have a good life expectancy. To maintain the roof, you should take its proper care. Minor leakage can cause big issues later. During the leakage, the water gets in and weakens the interior structure of the roof which lessens its age. If the water leakage grows up in the ceiling, then the whole roof may get damaged. Then you might have to invest in roofing repair which is more expensive than it was during the small leakage. So even the slightest leakage in the roof should not be ignored and should be repaired as quickly as possible. Repairing a roof leakage at an early stage saves your money and roof.

Mould

Ignoring a small leakage in the roof may save you some money in the present. But as the leakage in the roof increase, it would line up to a big clean up because the leakage would result in mould growth. If you have an attic in your home, then the moisture will help the mould and rot to develop in the attic. All this would lead to more damage from mould, and eventually, it will cost you more money than what you saved. So it would be better to get roofing repair at an early stage.

Health Issues

A wet roof catches moisture that results in developing more mould in the roof. Mould is not only harmful to the roof and walls, but it also makes the environment unhealthy. A person with poor immune system is the one to get mostly affected by the mould. Mould can cause allergies, respiratory infections, coughs and congestion if it grew and became darker. Ignoring mould for longer could lead to black toxic mould which releases harmful toxins in the environment. Mould is not good for any home. So no matter how small or large the mould is, it should get repaired as soon as possible.

Increased Repair Costs

Roofing repair is inexpensive at an early stage as there would be some small leakages only to get repaired. But as we become unattentive, the small leakage may expand to bigger leakages in the roof. This can damage your roof severely and would need replacing the whole roof. And this will be a lot expensive. So the delay in repairing roof leakages results in more damage to the roof. The higher the damage, the more repair will be, and more labour and materials would be needed, so your repair cost will eventually be increased.

Damaged Interiors

Water leakage leaves mould and rots on the roof; it darkens the paint on the roof and also leaves patches. Unrepaired water leakage makes way for water to move. Then the mould spreads to other parts of the home. Extensive water leakage damages the nearby walls and roofs. It can also be a risk for a fire hazard. As stated, the leakage spreads through the structure. So there are chances that water may reach to some electricity source or electronic gadget. This would increase the chances of being electrocuted when you use or touch these systems. Or if the water gets in contact with wiring in the home’s structure, it will lead to a short circuit. So, it’s better to get an electrician to check if there’s water in electricity source or wiring.

Stay attentive to the leakages in the roof and try to get roofing repair as soon as possible. You have seen how neglecting a roof leakage may lead to damage to the roofing of a house. It’s better to take precautions and not staying ignorant. If there’s a leakage in your roof, you can get in touch with us. We have one of the most skilled professionals in our company. They are skilled in roofing and other roof repairs, they are specialized to give you the best home.

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

The cold days are here to stay, and much as it pains us to type this, they are here to stay for a long time (and you know it). This means that it’s time to start layering clothing, drinking mulled wine, listening to the sound of a burning fireplace and thinking about ways to stay warm at home without worrying about the energy bills at the end of the month. To give a helping hand, we’ve put together some low-cost tips on how to save energy during these colder times.

Seize the sunlight.  

During the day, open the curtains on your south-facing windows, so that natural sunlight warms up your home. Once the night comes, close the curtains to help keep the heat inside and cosy up.

Drafts? No, thank you.

Any gaps on windows and doors can easily let warm air out and cold air in. To tackle this problem, try installing draft proofing strips or draft excluders on both your windows and doors. Don’t forget to also cover letterboxes, keyholes and cat flaps. If you don’t have enough time on your hands to do this by yourself, give the Squad a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us draughtproof your home.

Seal the deal.

Find and seal leaks around chimney gaps, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, unfinished spaces behind closets and cupboard or even around utility cut-throughs for pipes.

Push the button.

Some appliances, such as televisions, chargers, hairdryers, and irons continue to use up energy even when they are not turned on. So, instead of wasting energy, when you are not using your appliances, remember to switch them off. Also, don’t leave your phone on charge all night, it won’t need that long!

Light it up.

Switch your lightbulbs for energy-saving LED bulbs. These bulbs use much less energy than normal ones plus, last much longer than non-energy-saving ones. Our London electricians will be able to replace your lightbulbs in no time!

Change it around.

If your radiator is being blocked by a sofa or a bed, it means that the heating is getting absorbed by the item in front rather than warming your whole room. Change the placing of your furniture, so you’re the one benefiting from the warmth. Need an extra pair of hands? The Handy Squad can lift and shift your furniture – leave the heavy stuff for us!

Also, if you’ve noticed that your radiator isn’t working properly it might mean that it’s time to bleed it or repair it. We’ve written a whole blog post about how to fix issues with your radiator, so if that’s what you’re looking for, hop on to that page.

If you need a professional to ensure that you have a cosy and warm winter at home, our team will be happy to help! Request a free quote today by filling our online booking form.

The post How to save energy during the winter appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

If you’ve been doing research on making updates to your home, you’ve probably seen both of these words tossed around a lot. As you do your research and start talking to professionals, it’s important to know the distinction between the two. 

What’s the difference?

“Remodel” and “renovate” mean the same thing at their core, which is to update your home or living space. However, the differences come when it comes to the practice.

Renovation: restoring a home, especially one that’s a fixer-upper. Not only are you making updates, but you’re restoring the actual structure of something that’s had extensive damage or isn’t safe anymore. 

Remodel focuses mainly on updating the actual structure of the home. That is to say, remodels change the look of the home and updates it, rather than fix it. 

Why the difference? 

With renovations, the main focus is to restore the existing structure. A lot of times, renovations can include remodeling services such as new paint, updated flooring and new fixtures. A lot of times, these updates will come after a fix, such as repairing damaged drywall, installing new base flooring and fixing an existing electrical problem.

However, you can remodel without having to renovate. For example, to install new carpet, you don’t have to necessarily tear up the floorboard. 

Why is it important? 

If you tell your craftsman that you want to renovate your kitchen, that could mean you want to tear everything out and replace everything from the ground up. 

However, if you say you want to remodel your kitchen, that gives the craftsman a much better idea of what to expect. For example, instead of replacing everything, remodeling services your craftsman might suggest include updating the paint, installing new cabinets.

Renovations are much more expensive than your typical remodel, and if you don’t know the difference, it can lead to communication issues between you and your remodeling services company. Still confused? Talk with a specialist at Handyman Connections who can help you. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Remodel vs. Renovate – What’s the difference? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

There’s a lot of talk when it comes to home remodels. Because of the popularity of home improvement networks and shows, everyone has different ideas about what it’s like to remodel your home. Even people who have done remodels themselves have strong opinions about it. It’s not an easy decision. 

As you look into remodeling your home, here’s some of what you might be hearing. 

“It’s way too expensive.”

Home remodels are expensive because they’re an investment in your home. But don’t be scared by that potential price tag. There’s ways to break down the total cost of remodeling your home into easy to budget parts. 

The actual cost of your remodeling budget will depend on your home, but it’s always good to talk with a professional remodeling services company to set a good budget. 

“It’s super stressful.” 

It will be stressful at times, but there’s things to do to minimize the stress. Taking extra steps to prepare, working with professionals, and making sure you have reasonable goals are just some things you can do to minimize the stress.

Sometimes things pop-up that will add to the stress, like an unexpected repair or setbacks. But don’t let the fear of stress keep you away from remodeling your home. 

“It takes a long time.” 

Despite what you see on television shows, home remodels don’t happen overnight. Certain remodels can and will take longer. For example, remodeling your home is going to take longer than remodeling your bathroom. The actual timeline of your remodel project will vary, but you can always talk it out with a professional remodeling services company.

Still not sure? 

If you’re still not sure about remodeling your home, no worries. Talk to a craftsman professional at Handyman Connection about what to expect with your remodeling projects. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post What everyone’s saying about remodeling homes appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Your home is your ultimate comfort place. You want to stay in your home for as long as possible. As more Americans get older, more are considering how best to “age in place.” If your house is older, that could mean making updates to your home. 

Of course, individual health needs will need to be taken into account and you’ll want to talk with a professional remodeling services company to figure out what updates are best for your home. Despite this, there are some updates you can make to make growing old easier.

1. Update your flooring
   Falls can become more serious the older you are. As you get older, you might want to consider changing out any hardwood or tile floors for carpet or even nonslip flooring. Non-Slip flooring is perfect in high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens. 
2. Bathrooms
   Since bathrooms are high-risk areas, it’s important to take preventative measures. Installing a walk-in shower or tub before you actually need it can save you time and money. Depending on individual needs and your bathroom, this might be costly but ultimately, it will be worth it.
3. Hand railings
   This is one of the easier remodels to accomplish, and the earlier it can be done the better. Installing a railing on any stairway in your home can help with balance and give an added sense of security. An unsteady handrailing is dangerous though. That’s why it’s important to call a professional remodeling services company to do any and all railing installations and repairs. 

Aging in place is different for everyone. Talking about options with a remodeling services company like Handyman Connection will help you prepare and do everything you can to make sure you or your loved ones can age in place in the comfort of their own home. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post Best Remodel Ideas for Aging In Place appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Mistakes happen in every area of life — even home remodels. Mistakes and hiccups can and will pop up when you’re remodeling, and they can be costly.

Regardless of the actual size of the mistake, it’ll feel like the end of the world when it happens. Most mistakes can be easy to recover from and even easier to avoid. 

When do mistakes happen the most? 

Mistakes happen before the remodel even begins. Ordering the wrong supplies, measuring things wrong, and not setting a realistic budget can throw wrenches into your remodeling job. The worst part? These mistakes won’t be caught until later, when the work’s already begun.

Despite that, it’s not the end of the world. You can avoid these mistakes by triple checking everything. Measure spaces before ordering appliances or materials, get inspections ahead of time and work with a remodeling services professional to make sure you’re setting a high enough budget. 

Pro-Tip: Since mistakes do happen even in the best case scenarios, leave a little room in your budget for when these mistakes come up. 

How do I avoid mistakes in my home remodeling job? 

The best way to avoid mistakes is by preparing against them. When you’re looking into various remodeling services, you can look at customer reviews and talk things out to make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid mistakes.

While there’s no guarantee of avoiding mistakes or hiccups during a remodeling project, hiring a professional company is the best way to minimize them. 

Our craftsmen at Handyman Connection have perfected their practice and learning how to avoid mistakes so you can rest assured that your job is done right the first time around. 

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post How to Avoid Remodeling Mistakes appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Remodeling your home can be expensive. While you expect it to a certain degree, you’re probably trying to save as much money as possible. It’s hard to tell how much a remodel is going to cost, but there are ways to save. 

1. Make a Budget
   It might seem like a basic first step, but one of the best ways to save money is to make a budget. By knowing exactly how much money you want to spend and what you’re working with, it’s easier to stay on track and save money. The budget might vary depending on what remodeling services you’d be looking into, but having one keeps you a step ahead. 
2. Prepare, not repair. 
   It might sound counter-intuitive, but planning your remodels for sooner rather than later can actually save you money. If you know there’s an area of your home that needs upgrades and updates, consider renovating early. Installing a new kitchen floor and checking on your plumbing is way less expensive than replacing a kitchen floor due to flood damage. 

Would I save money by doing the work myself?

Doing a remodel yourself can be rewarding. If you have the experience necessary and can call on some help, it could save you money. But oftentimes, home remodels are not a one or even two-person job and that’s where mistakes can happen. 

Hiring a professional remodeling services company will save you time and money by doing the job right the first time. Their crews are professional and experienced, meaning you won’t have to go back and fix anything. Completing a home remodel can be a rewarding experience. If you have the knowledge and resources to update your home, completing a renovation yourself can save you money. However, if you don’t have the time or the necessary skills, it can cost you more money in the long-run. 

Interested in what remodeling services would be right for your home? Reach out to Handyman Connection to discuss options for your next remodel project.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.

The post How to save during a home remodel appeared first on Handyman Connection.