Factors that play into a functional window replacement

If you are upgrading the exterior of your home, consider also upgrading your windows. Not only do windows play a role in overall curb appeal, but it also plays into function and energy savings. 

Networx Windows, Doors & Exteriors in Langely is a professional windows and doors company. They share what functional factors to look for when choosing new windows:

Easy to open and clean

Unless you specifically choose a picture window (one that does not open), an easy-to-open window is beneficial. Harder to-open windows just risk causing annoyance or unnecessary wear. Additionally, you want your windows to open quickly in the case of a house fire emergency. Windows that open using a crank, like an awning or casement style, open and close easily using the rotating crank. That also makes it easier to clean because it’s more accessible.

Simple to close and secure

A crank window is an excellent option if you upgrade your windows as part of an aging-in-place renovation. You want the cranks to be easy to close, with little strain on the joints. Plus, a casement window provides an airtight seal when closed and in the lock position, improving energy efficiency.

As for security, a casement window is one of the safest options as it can’t be opened from the outside. Of course, extra security measures can be added to any window, such as locks or blocks that prevent it from sliding open. However, windows with built-in security are a great feature to include when choosing an upgrade.

Airtight and free of drafts

Are your old windows letting in drafts or allowing hot air to escape from your home in the winter? That’s a key reason to upgrade your windows, and choosing the right features is essential. In any window style, double or triple-pane glass will provide a barrier in your home from escaping air. Sturdy frames with proper insulation likewise create that airtight seal that blocks drafts.

Colours and visuals play a role

In addition to looking at the function of a window, the way it looks is important. Choosing a colour that compliments your home’s exterior or plays into the landscape colours is a great start. You can work within existing colours to make your home more attractive and boost curb appeal. Another option is going for a bolder look and painting the windows and different colours to make them pop instead. If you need ideas on choosing the right colours, just talk with Networx Windows about the best options.

Windows in Langley

Networx Windows, Doors and Exteriors pride itself on providing quality windows and doors that improve your home’s efficiency, security, and aesthetics. Their team brings years of experience to every project, big or small. From new windows, upgraded doors or exterior renovations, they’ll ensure your investment brings value to your property.

Contact Networx Windows, Doors and Exteriors today!

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

How often your roof needs to be replaced depends on a few factors. These include materials, climate, installation techniques, and how diligent you are regarding professional repairs. Consequently, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced roofer. They can recommend the best roofing products for your budget and requirements. Furthermore, they ensure your roof is installed and maintained correctly.

A. Clark Roofing and Siding LP in Edmonton provide professional roofing services to Albertan homeowners. Here they share information about how long types of roofs generally last.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing material available to residential homeowners. Furthermore, higher-end asphalt shingles offer greater durability and longevity than their cheaper counterparts. As a result, there is some variety in the expected lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs. They typically last 15-20 years, depending on maintenance and the quality of the material. Some higher-quality asphalt can last 30 years plus. Asphalt shingles, however, are easy to repair and replace if damaged.

Cedar Shingles

A. Clark Roofing and Siding also supply cedar shakes and shingles. Cedar shakes and shingles are one of the more durable roofing materials. They offer your home protection against the harsh Alberta climate, enduring strong winds and heavy rainfall. Consequently, a cedar shingled roof should last at least 20-30 years. Regular professional maintenance can sometimes extend this life expectancy to more than 50 years. They are more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, they also last longer and can boost efficiency and curb appeal.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have an earned reputation for strength, durability, and longevity. They can withstand the heavy snowfall and extreme summer heat of Alberta winters and summers. These roofs are also energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and lightweight. A well-maintained metal roof can last 50 or more years. Although a bit expensive at the outset, a metal roof is a fantastic long-term investment for your home. 

Climate Consequences

Climate has a significant impact on the longevity of roofs. Weather can be extremely damaging and shorten the lifespan of roofs, especially without proper installation and repairs. In Alberta, roofs must contend with high winds, hail, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures.

Professional installation techniques are the first steps in combating Alberta’s extreme weather. Additionally, high-quality and prompt repairs are essential to roof longevity. Fortunately, A. Clark Roofing and Siding can help with both. Learn more about maintaining your roof.

Roofing in Edmonton

A. Clark Roofing and Siding are one of the oldest roofing companies in Alberta. They bring meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving to each project. In addition, they only use products and materials covered by a 30-50 year warranty. Lastly, as a local Alberta company, they understand the unique needs of Alberta homeowners.

Contact A. Clark Roofing and Siding today for a free quote!

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

Blog submitted by PF Custom Countertops in Edmonton

If you grew up on the East Coast, then you know the tradition of a kitchen party. Kitchen parties are not just about food; they are about friends and family, conversation, great local music, and a time to break away from the screens and interact face-to-face.

This year you are ready to take on the job of hosting the ultimate kitchen party. While being the host or hostess can be stressful, there are things you can do to pull off a successful, traditional kitchen party without losing too much sleep over it.

Why are Kitchen Parties So Much Fun?

Kitchen parties are fun for holidays or just-because-gatherings. The fridge is conveniently located right there, so no one must leave the conversation for a refill. Food is all kept in the kitchen, minimizing what you must clean up later, and everyone is in close quarters, which forces people to remain social.

Tips for Hosting a Fun, Memorable Kitchen Party

You do not have to be from the East Coast to pull off a successful East Coast kitchen party. With the right amount of pre-planning, you can get the job done and look like a pro host. While planning your upcoming party, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep the Food Appropriate – Remember, a kitchen party is not a dinner party. Instead, it is a social gathering. You want your food to consist of appetizers and things that people can easily eat while carrying on a conversation. Finger foods, dips, chips, and even one-bite desserts are best here.

Include Local Food – You cannot host an East Coast party without food from the area. Consider doing a seafood chowder and serve it up in mini cups so guests can drink it up. Include produce from the local farmer’s markets, or show off your culinary gusto with bacon-wrapped local sea scallops.

Nova Scotia Mixers – Local wines from the vineyards are a good start, along with craft beers from favourite local breweries. Do not forget local spirits too. You can always request that guests bring their own to the party and specify to keep it local for authenticity.

Clean Up the Kitchen – While you do not need to get on your hands and knees with a toothbrush and magnifying glass, you do want your kitchen clean for company. Mop the floors, clean out and organize your refrigerator, and polish up the countertops, so you are ready to host.

Are Your Countertops Ready for the Task?

While you are mentally prepared for the job of hosting a kitchen party, how are your countertops holding up? Now is the perfect time to update your kitchen with new quartz, granite or solid surface.

See your options at PF Custom Countertops today. Our local showroom lets you browse everything from quartz countertops to the latest granite, laminate and solid surface countertops, so you can remodel your kitchen within budget and suit your style.

Contact us online or call us toll-free in Alberta at 1-888-484-0831 to learn more about our quartz, granite, laminate, and solid surface countertops in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, and St. Albert areas.

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

Blog submitted by Cabinet Transformations

Cabinet Transformations of Vancouver demonstrates a BEFORE/AFTER from a recent kitchen we painted in Coquitlam, BC. They painted the cabinets and changed the island countertop.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a place for entertaining, making memories, and cooking meals for you and your loved ones. As one of the most used rooms in a home, the kitchen plays a crucial role in day-to-day life – from the first cup of coffee in the morning to create a dish that brings everyone together at the end of the day. It’s no wonder why a modernized kitchen is a must-have for millions of homeowners all across the housing market. No matter where you live, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or West Vancouver, a kitchen renovation will not only improve lifestyle and convenience for current homeowners, it will also add value and appeal to homebuyers if you’re looking to sell in the near future.

We asked kitchen experts to share their best tips and tricks for a kitchen remodel. From better design and appearance to additional space, improved technology, and increased functionality – check out what they had to say.

Update cabinetry to improve the overall appearance

The kitchen is a great room to target in order to increase the overall value of your home. There are a few simple and inexpensive ways of remodelling a kitchen. These include repainting the cabinets with a high-quality finish, replacing the drawer and cabinet handles with larger, sleeker designs, and converting your drawers to soft-close cabinet hardware.

Consider frameless cabinets to maximize storage space

Small kitchens benefit from frameless cabinet remodel by adding precious storage access. The absence of a frame opens up a visual four feet of space to a typical base cabinet. In addition, the clean lines of the door front provide a contemporary aesthetic for the modern home.

If new cabinets exceed your budget, consider getting them professionally painted

When it comes to remodelling a kitchen, you can change your cabinets, your backsplash, your floor and your fixtures with cabinet refinishing in Vancouver. As you prepare your budget, many homeowners find that one easy way to save money is to have their cabinets professionally painted. If you like the style of your cabinets and their structure is still solid, this option will save you thousands compared to purchasing and installing new cabinets. When you hire a professional who does the right prep, they will leave your cabinets cured to a hard, chip-free, factory-quality fresh finish. They will be modern, durable, washable, and can be painted in any new colour that you like.

If you want to transform your kitchen with cabinet painting, contact Cabinet Transformations of Vancouver!

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

At the Handy Squad, we are often asked questions about our services and how they operate. One sector that we are commonly asked questions about is our electrical services so we thought it would be an excellent idea to run through these FAQs, supplying you with everything you need to know! Our London electricians have put together their expert knowledge to keep you up to speed with all things electrical.  

1. What comes under electrician work? 

At the Handy Squad, there is an endless range of jobs which come under our electrical work. This includes tasks such as finding electrical faults and repairs, changing light fittings, replacing damaged plugs, installing plug sockets and so much more. This means that we specialise in tasks big or small, so whether you need an electrician to change a light bulb or require a bigger job like an entire electrical wire replacement, we can assist. Explore our website to find out more about the ins and outs of each of our electrical services or get in touch to discuss the tasks that you need help with. 

2. Why are electricity prices rising? 

Another common question floating around the internet at the moment, and rightfully so, is why are electricity prices on the rise? We’ve seen all over the news that electricity prices are rising but this may still be causing confusion for some of you, so allow us to clear up any queries! There are a number of reasons why electricity prices are rising, but it originally stemmed from the pandemic. When businesses were recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for gas and electricity started to increase and with a shortage of supply, energy companies couldn’t meet this demand. Other influences have had an impact too including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, renewable sources being used to generate energy and as we approach the colder months, there is an increased need to turn the heating on. Previously, Russia supplied the EU with 40% of its gas in 2021 as stated by BBC news report, showing their crucial contribution to energy supply which has now been significantly reduced. 

As of the 1st of October 2022, the government has introduced an energy cap to help resolve this issue. They will be freezing average energy bills at £2,500 a year for two years in an attempt to help households and businesses struggling with these bills. There is still a large concern throughout the UK about the cost of living, which is why at the Handy Squad we have offered some additional tips to keep energy costs down.  

Related: How to save money with LED light bulbs 

3. What kind of problems can cause an electrical fire?

 As well as current energy issues, we are also frequently asked about electrical safety including which problems cause electrical fires. There are several different complications which can cause electrical fires such as: 

• Faulty electrical outlets or appliances 
• Overloaded sockets or light fixtures 
• Light interacting with flammable materials 
• Space heaters 
• Old wiring or appliances
• Extension leads 

If you are concerned about any of the above, the Handy Squad can help by running portable appliance tests or lighting circuit testing to identify any fire hazards and prevent them from escalating. Not only this, but we can also replace damaged plugs and replace electrical wires if they are at risk of igniting or causing electrical shocks.  

4. What is a periodic inspection? 

In addition to PAT tests and lighting circuit testing, periodic inspections are another essential electrical test that must be carried out regularly to ensure the safety of electrical equipment and appliances. The frequency of this test varies depending on the size, age, and use of your building so speak to our team if you are unsure.

At the Handy Squad, we offer Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) which outline the condition of the various electrical installations in your property. This is a legal requirement for landlords to carry out every 5 years, ensuring installations are safe for tenants to use. Failure to complete an EICR could result in a £30,000 fine, so don’t leave it too late! Call our team at 0800-0-12-12-12 if you need to book your EICR. 

The post Electrician FAQs appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

We might not give them much thought on the day-to-day, but we depend on our home’s mechanical systems. For example, our heating and plumbing systems play a vital role in our home’s function, energy efficiency, and comfort. That’s why finding a mechanical company you can trust is essential. 

Blueshore Mechanical in Delta offers plumbing, gas fitting, and heating services. They share how they can help keep your home comfortable and in good working order. 

Heating

Winter is well on its way, and it’s time to pay a little attention to the heating system! Scheduling seasonal heating system maintenance today will ensure your system performs safely and efficiently throughout the colder months. You don’t want to experience a breakdown during a cold spell!

Blueshore Mechanical can repair, service and replace residential and commercial heating systems. They have experience working with highly technical systems and even dated systems, including central heating systems, heat pumps, infrared heaters, hydronic heating, and more. Maximize your home comfort and efficiency this winter with Blueshore Mechanical. 

Plumbing

You need quick and reliable service when there is a plumbing emergency! Whether you have a clogged toilet, detected a plumbing leak or the main drain is clogged, Blueshore Mechanical is there to help. They understand that plumbing emergencies can lead to expensive water damage and repairs. Therefore, they’ll be there to solve your plumbing issues quickly and efficiently. That is why they offer a 24-hour emergency plumbing and heating service.

They can also help with bathroom renovations, plumbing installations, replacements, and non-emergency repairs. 

Gas Fitting

Never attempt to DIY a gas line repair, retrofit, or installation. Gas line work requires professional training and certification to do the job correctly and safely. Natural gas leaks can be extremely dangerous and should always be left to the pros. In addition, your home insurance policy will not cover any damages to your home caused by amateur gas line work.  

Blueshore Mechanical can help with designing and installing natural gas lines and appliances. In addition, they can provide safety inspections, repairs, and maintenance services, so you have peace of mind. 

Plumbing & Heating in Delta

Blueshore Mechanical is a fast-growing plumbing and heating company located in Greater Vancouver. They’re locally owned and operated, providing exceptional services, including plumbing and heating installations, replacements, repairs, inspections, and service. So whether you’re renovating or require repairs, trust the professionals at Blueshore Mechanical.

Contact them today!

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

When it comes to electrical work, it’s not something you want to do DIY. Electricity is dangerous, and faulty electrical work can put you and your family at risk of injury or a fire. For electrical repairs and installation, you want to get someone that does high-quality, long-lasting work that you know is safe.

All Red Electric Ltd in Calgary is a full-service electrical contractor providing start-to-finish solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Residential Electrical Services

DIY home improvements can be fun and save money, but professional electricians should always handle electrical installations and repairs. Not only will this guarantee quality work and safety, but it also ensures compliance with the building code. Additionally, your home insurance policy likely won’t cover a house fire if DIY electrical work is the cause.

All Red Electric Ltd can handle all sorts of projects and make them last. Renovations? All Red can ensure you strike that all-important balance between functionality, efficiency and appearance. Or, if you need a repair, they’ll provide thorough repairs, so you don’t run into problems again.

Commercial Electrical Services

When it comes to commercial electrical work, you absolutely need a professional! You need experience handling more significant projects and attention to detail, so your business looks and functions to your needs.

All Red Electric Ltd has got you covered! They’ll ensure that you have a lighting environment that is safe, productive, efficient, and flattering to your product. They can handle the big stuff, like replacing commercial electrical panels, but also have the attention to detail to ensure that the lead display lights up just right. And if you have a problem? All Red prides itself on promptness and will make sure you’re up and running in time to not miss out on any business.

Industrial Electrical Services

When it comes to industrial electrical work, a professional is again an absolute necessity. With massive projects, things get confusing if no professional lighting plan is in place! All Red Electric Ltd carefully plans construction wiring to avoid awkward layouts. Or if the existing wiring is awkward, All Red can troubleshoot quickly to get the lights back on. Few electric companies in Calgary offer industrial electric service, but All Red is ready and willing to take on the job.

Electricians in Calgary

As you can see, no matter the kind of electrical work you’re dealing with, professionalism, standards, and building code compliance matter. Furthermore, you need work that is safe, designed for the long term, and fulfills its purpose. For quality electrical repairs and installations that last, trust the professionals at All Red Electric Ltd.

Contact them today!

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

5 Simples Steps for Creating a Guest Room

If you have visitors staying for the upcoming holidays here are some simple strategies for turning a spare room into a guest room. It’s easier than you think!

Step One:   Choose what kind of look you want the new space to have. Keep your guest room in the same style as the rest of the house if you want it to feel like it belongs there. If you want it to stand out and appeal to more people, choose something different, like pastel colors.

Step Two: Clear out any stuff that is taking up space. This can be anything, like old pictures, dirty toys, piles of clothes, or even books and magazines. Get rid of everything that isn’t needed to make room for new decorations.

Step Three: The most important step is the next one. You will need to decide what kind of furniture you want in the room. If you have other rooms that are better for guests, you should keep this one as simple as possible and just add a couch and some throw pillows if you need to.

Step Four: If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on furniture, you might want to think about renting it from a storage facility near you. This can be helpful if you only need something for a short time (changed often anyway). It can also make the extra space more comfortable for guests who show up out of the blue.

Step Five: Once the furniture is set up, you can add accessories that go with the room. A pair of oversized mirrors could make all the difference. Or look more closely at your decorations and change them so they fit with what you want to do in this room. This can be as easy as a few glass candlesticks and a few pieces of art.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free home improvement estimate. Call or text your local office if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services.

The post How to Convert a Spare Room into a Guest Room for the Holidays appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

If you’re trying to make improvements to your home, it pays to look into the modifications that make a difference. For many people, it’s a matter of figuring out how to make the most of the different rooms.

Maximizing square footage and helping your room best serve its function should be your top priorities. Residents of Canada spent nearly $62 billion on home renovations by the middle of 2022. With the right home remodeling advice and the assistance of some pros, you’ll get the best results.

Kay2 Home Renovations tips will help you out with your home renovation design needs.

Make Use of Vertical Space

One of the main small space design tricks you should consider is to make the most of vertical space. You really start to notice that a room is cluttered when you don’t have any walking room.

Install some shelves so that you can stack your belongings rather than take up space in walking areas. This change alone can make even the smallest rooms feel and appear as though they have more space.

Create a Gallery Wall

Your walls become all the more important when you have a small room. You can create a gallery roll that showcases your accomplishments, favorite meaningful photos, artwork, and anything else that makes you feel good when you walk into the room.

As you follow some home renovation design tips, make sure that you’re maximizing the space that you have on the wall and in the room. Arrange your photos and keepsakes in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, and put some thought into the presentation. Invest in some quality frames and supplies so that it gets the results that you’re looking for.

Open it Up With Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is the best thing in the world for your small room. By letting a little bit of outdoors inside, it can make a small room feel more full of life. This is great for the time that you spend inside of the room as well.

Sunlight helps your body facilitate and produce Vitamin D and can help improve your mood. The brightness that you experience will add to your visibility and make it so that you don’t have to keep the lights on as frequently. This is excellent whether this room is a home office or any other kind of nook.

The sunlight makes the colors in your stand out and creates a mood that you’ll appreciate. Adding some natural light can also make the room a perfect place for downtime and relaxation.

Improve Your Home Renovation Design

The points above will help you out when you’re trying to make the most of your home renovation design. These small room ideas will help you with any room conversion that you’re trying to put together.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals that can assist you further.

Let Kay 2 Contracting help you out when you’re looking to improve your home to the fullest. Calgary Renovations or Edmonton Renovations

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

A home renovation is the perfect way to create the home of your dreams. Working with a general contractor is how you prevent your remodelling project from turning into a stressful nightmare. Their experience, knowledge, management skills, and industry connections are absolutely essential for all renovations- big and small.

Kanata Renovations in Ottawa offer a wide range of general contracting services for every size of home renovation. Here are some home renovation projects they can help you with.

Kitchens

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where meals are enjoyed, coffee is made, mornings are started, conversations are had, holidays are hosted, and memories are made. All in all, it’s a very important room! Kitchens must be highly functional but also attractive and welcoming. Therefore, if your current kitchen is falling short, a remodel is in order. 

Bathrooms

Is your bathroom a peaceful retreat from the world? Or is it dated and in disrepair? Kanata Renovations can help. They transform drab and dysfunctional bathrooms into perfect spa experiences. For example, they can install a custom walk-in shower, jacuzzi tub, dual sinks, or a new vanity. Whatever it takes for your new bathroom to feel like a dream come true.

Basements

An unfinished basement is a waste of valuable space. Unfortunately, many homeowners are still living with basements that are barely useable- or at least uninspiring! Therefore, a basement renovation is a perfect way to transform wasted space into a functional area that suits your lifestyle. 

Home additions

Are you running out of room but hate the idea of moving? Consider a home addition. After all, this adds valuable square footage to your home without the hassle of relocating. Kanata Renovations has experience with large-scale addition projects to give you more space, transform your home, and increase your house’s value.

Interior design

Professional interior design turns a house into a home. It adds beauty, practical function, and value. That’s why Kanata Renovations has a passionate design team ready to help you add that “wow” factor to your home. They help with everything from paint, flooring, trim, and more. Learn more about decorating and design.

Custom decks

Home improvements don’t stop at the door. Exterior renovations are a great way to increase the liveable space on your property and boost curb appeal. For example, adding a custom deck encourages you and your family to get outside and enjoy the good weather. Kanata Renovations offer a range of deck materials, such as cedar wood and composite.

General Contractors in Ottawa

Kanata Renovations are ready to help you with your home renovation project, inside or out. Their team of qualified professionals has the necessary knowledge and experience to take on any project, regardless of size. They listen to your vision and strive to make it a reality!

Contact Kanata Renovations today!

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