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The kitchen is where meals are prepared, coffee is made, parties are hosted, and families gather – it needs to be a welcoming place. But, it also needs to be a highly-functional space. Therefore, when you set out on your kitchen remodel, consider implementing the following strategies for a well-designed kitchen that can support life’s many activities.

Artisan Kitchens & Renovations Inc in Calgary offer beautiful and functional kitchen renovations. Here they share four strategies for a well-designed kitchen.

1. Make the layout functional

Above all, you need a layout that works for you. You should be able to prepare food, cook, make coffee, and perform other kitchen tasks easily and efficiently. Part of this requires designing for the working triangle (also known as the golden triangle). It should be easy to get between the fridge, sink, and stove. Furthermore, implement a layout that works with the shape of your kitchen. This allows you to get the most counter space and cabinet storage out of your unique space.

2. Consider the flow of foot traffic

As mentioned, if there is one essential element of kitchen design, it is the working triangle. The ease with which you move from fridge to sink and from sink to stove can make or break your kitchen. Foot traffic should flow through your kitchen. You should not feel restricted or blocked, by an open fridge door, for example, while trying to get around. This also means walkways should be wide enough for you and guests to quickly move through the space. Furthermore, it’s helpful to separate workstations from socializing areas. That way, supervisors won’t get in the way of the chef! A kitchen island is an excellent way of achieving this.

3. Customise your island

Is your island another food preparation station, a study area, or a place for socializing? Will you be eating on the island? Or is it the ideal spot for the kitchen sink? Answering these questions will help determine the function of your kitchen island. The function then guides design elements such as the amount of counter space, storage, and lighting. Learn more about correctly sizing your kitchen island.

4. Prioritise counter space

Insufficient counter space can turn meal prep into a nightmare. If a lot of cooking goes on in your kitchen, opt for extra counter space if possible. However, if microwave dinners or take-out are more your things, less counter space might be acceptable. That being said, your kitchen should also be able to grow with you through different stages of life. So, it’s a good idea to always include more counter space than you think you need.

Kitchen Renovations in Calgary

Artisan Kitchens & Renovations Inc specialize in high-quality, beautiful, and functional residential renovations. They offer kitchen, bathroom, and total home remodelling services in Calgary. Their accomplished design team will help you create the home of your dreams! Artisan Kitchens & Renovations guarantees customer satisfaction and provides a 5-year warranty on all cabinets.

Contact Artisan Kitchens & Renovations today or visit their Calgary showroom!

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

It’s easy to forget about your gutters throughout the year, but when was the last time they were cleaned? If you don’t have an answer, it’s a good sign that it’s already been too long. Gutter cleaning is essential in keeping your home safe and your gutters intact.

The Gutter Doctor in Calgary is a professional home exterior services provider. They share some clear signs that your gutters need professional cleaning.

The fascia boards are stained

Look at your fascia boards and check if there is any water staining on them. When gutters become clogged, the water can’t drain out properly, leading to dirty water mucking up the boards. The clog can lead to mildew and even mould if left alone. Before that happens, call a professional to clear and clean your gutters.

The gutters are sagging

Does it look like your gutters are visibly sagging against the roof? That’s a tell-tale sign there’s too much weight in the gutter. The main risk is that the eavestroughs eventually fail and break free from the roof. The cost of repairs to the roof and getting new eavestroughs is more than just cleaning it. If the issue is from leaves constantly clogging the gutter, consider installing a gutter screen. These help stop leaves from getting in and reduce the maintenance needed overall.

Overflowing gutters

If water starts to flood out over the gutters, it’s either from a clog or because the downspouts aren’t the right fit. Clogs can also happen in the downspout, so it’s worth having a professional assess your gutter system. Assessing the needs of your home and gutter helps improve your gutter system overall. As a result, there will be fewer clogs, fewer repairs and no more overflowing water that can cause damage to your landscape.

Insects have made a home

Standing water is an ideal, moist environment for moss to settle in and grow. Not only can that moss cause damage to your home, but it also invites critters and animals to settle in. Call a professional if you notice birds or insects buzzing around your gutters. Standing water can easily go unnoticed; the longer it sits, the worse the problem becomes.

Winter ice dams

While ice dams are not caused by clogged gutter issues, they are still something you should watch out for. They’re caused by inadequate attic ventilation, and the ice buildup can damage your roof and gutters if not remedied. If you’ve tried upgrading your attic insulation and ventilation, and the problem persists, you can try to install zig-zagging heat cables. The heat cables can help decrease snow and ice build-up along the edge of your roof.

Eavestroughs in Calgary

For over 20 years, The Gutter Doctor has provided quality services and exterior home support. With 50,000 projects under their belts, you can rest assured their team can handle your home project. You know who to call for gutter cleaning, repairs, installations or replacements.

Contact The Gutter Doctor today!

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

Blog submitted by Eco Abate Inc. in Calgary

When starting renovations, identifying all materials that may be asbestos-containing is essential to uphold the safety of occupants and workers. Many are informed that insulation contains asbestos but are unaware of the many other materials that do too. This includes drywall joint compound, sheet flooring, and ceiling texture.

If you suspect you have asbestos-containing material in your home, call Eco Abate for professional asbestos testing in Calgary.

Drywall Joint Compound

When cutting or demolishing any drywall, you will likely come across a drywall joint compound. A joint compound is used to cover screws on a drywall board and is also found in seams, corners, and ceilings.

Joint compound, or drywall mud, is present in over 50% of residences, making it one of the most common asbestos-containing materials used in home building and many contractors are unaware of the hazard. Non-asbestos-containing joint compound is still used in homes today, making testing for this material very difficult. It’s very common to find walls with both non-asbestos and asbestos-containing joint compounds which is why a professional testing consultant must take a minimum of 3 to 7 samples.

Drywall joint compound can contain anywhere between 1% to 3% chrysotile asbestos and although this may appear low, any disturbance of this material will create hazardous airborne fibers.

Sheet Flooring

Flooring comes in various forms, and many have the potential to release asbestos fibers into the air. Sheet and vinyl flooring with a paper backing is the most hazardous containing 15% to 60% asbestos. Breaking of the paper layer releases these fibers into the air quickly making it a significant risk for workers. Because of this, the removal of sheet or vinyl flooring is a high-risk activity. Flooring can be especially tricky when it’s been covered with additional layers of other materials. It’s essential to look for a second or even third layer of flooring within the renovation scope.

Ceiling Texture

Ceiling texture which is commonly referred to as popcorn ceiling or stipple, typically contains an asbestos component. Textured ceilings can be anywhere from 1% to 5% asbestos and removal can be especially dangerous. Scraping of ceiling texture creates an abundance of airborne fibers that fall into the worker’s breathing space making it a high-risk activity. Analysis of ceiling texture and asbestos testing in Calgary can be performed quickly and at minimal cost to homeowners and contractors.

Conclusion

Before beginning a renovation, it’s crucial to have testing done by a professional environmental consulting company. It can be challenging to navigate conflicting opinions from inspectors, realtors, or contractors so it’s best to always talk to a company that specializes in asbestos analysis.

Do you have inquiries about asbestos within your home? Call Eco Abate at 403-998-5079 to get answers!

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

Fresh cabinets are an essential part of every kitchen remodel. And since your cabinets play a vital role in your kitchen’s interior design and functionality, choosing cabinets is a big decision! There are several cabinet options available depending on your needs and budget. But how do you choose between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?

Cupboards Express by Delton in Edmonton offers a wide range of cabinet solutions for your kitchen renovation. Here, they explain the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets.

Stock Cabinets

With stock cabinets, what you see is what you get. They are ready-made, pre-manufactured cabinets with zero customization. Stock cabinets also tend to come in set sizes. As a result, you must pick suitable cabinets that are already the correct dimensions for your kitchen. There is no possibility of customizing the cabinets to fit your space.

Stock cabinets are also modular. Depending on the manufacturer, the selection of styles, shapes, colours, and wood types may be limited. However, stock cabinets are highly affordable and available much faster than custom options.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

As the name suggests, semi-custom cabinets are stock cabinets with limited customizable options. They still come in standard sizes; however, you have some flexibility to resize certain dimensions. You can also change detailing options and design features, such as choosing a different door style or finish.

Semi-custom cabinets are a nice middle-ground between stock and fully custom as far as price goes. The price tag is lower than with custom, but you benefit from customizable sizes, which can be a huge asset during a kitchen remodel. One thing to remember with semi-custom cabinets is that if you’re ordering a lot of modifications, it might make more sense economically to go fully custom.

Custom Cabinets

Everything is up to you when you choose custom cabinets. The sizing, material, construction, finish, and the colour is tailored to your preferences. Consequently, you aren’t limited by small selections or left to decide between various sub-par materials. Additionally, an odd-shaped kitchen is no longer a problem. Custom cabinets are built to fit any space perfectly.

With custom cabinets, you get the perfect product for your kitchen. That being said, they are the most expensive cabinet option. It takes time to manufacture custom cabinets, meaning you have to wait for them to be built and delivered. 

Cabinets in Edmonton

Cupboards Express by Delton provides cabinet solutions for homeowners in Edmonton. Their fully assembled line of kitchen, bathroom, and closet cabinets come in over 1000 different styles and they’re available in just two weeks. In addition, Cupboards Express offers custom cabinetry tailored to suit your needs.

Contact Cupboards Express by Delton today!

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

Blog submitted by Cleland Contracting Inc. in Calgary

Your bathroom can be a place of relaxation and escape after that long day at the office or just some alone time. But sometimes, there is some work to be done for it to be that relaxing escape you’ve always pictured.

Turn your ideas into a well-laid pan

When doing bathroom renovations, Calgary homeowners should know that planning is a big part of your overall experience. It’s always good if you have an idea. Even if it’s just a basic one of what you would like for a finished product. This can help you when meeting with your contractor for the first time and communicate what you’re looking for. For a contractor having a little bit of your vision can go a long way in making sure you are completely happy with the completed job.

Trust your contractor

You have to make sure that the contractor you decide to go with is someone who will work with you and your ideas.  Yes, you do need a contractor who will also voice if something isn’t going to work. That includes structurally, aesthetically, or within your budget. Unfortunately, sometimes within the small space of a bathroom, not everything is going to work.

If you aren’t sure what you want or are having trouble seeing the big picture – Cleland Contracting Inc. can help! We can show you some of the best bathrooms in Calgary, help you choose fixtures and finishings, and create a bathroom design you’ll love.

Ensure everything is installed properly

When doing a bathroom renovation, you also need to make sure that, along with the aesthetic, the contractor is making sure that everything is sealed and hooked up properly. You should ensure they use a certified plumber for all plumbing installations and retrofits. Cheaply done or rushed bathroom renovations can do more damage than if it takes a little longer to be done right the first time.

Trusted general contractor in Calgary

If you’re looking for an experienced and trustworthy general contractor in Calgary, contact Cleland Contracting Inc! Our family-based company has served Calgary homeowners for many years! We’ll work closely with you to bring your ideas to life, meeting and exceeding your expectations. Whether you need a bathroom renovation, kitchen renovation, or some simple home upgrades, we will help create your dream space within your budget.

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

Blog submitted by Cleland Contracting Inc. in Calgary

Overwhelming can be the first thought that comes to mind when it is that time to choose a contractor for your projects.  Whether it be renovations are new to you or you have had a not-so-good experience with a previous contractor, this decision can be difficult when you’re unsure of what exactly you should be looking for.

There are a few qualities that you should always look for when it comes to picking the contractor that is right for you and your project.

Transparency

You want a general contractor Calgary that will be open and honest with you.  They need to be able to keep you up to date with the goings-on of your renovation.  For example, if there is an issue getting your cabinets in for your kitchen, they should be involving you in this so that the decisions that are made are not a surprise to you in the end.

Communication

Make sure that your contractor is always communicating with you during all aspects of your renovation.  You don’t want surprises regarding the timing, materials and the all-around plan for your renovation.  That can be frustrating when your contractor isn’t keeping you in the loop. Make sure that when something comes up that they are relaying everything to you during your renovations. Calgary homeowners should feel that they can always reach their general contractor.

Trustworthy

It’s your home, you need to be comfortable with who is in it.  Do your research, just because they are the cheapest option does NOT mean they are going to be your best one.  You have the right to ask for references and make sure you can look back on previous jobs to see their quality.  You also have lots of resources, such as RenovationFind, which can help you with the vetting process to help you find someone you can trust with your ideas and who is properly credited.

As much as all of the above is important when choosing your contractor, the most important thing is you feel comfortable with who you pick, and they are listening to your thoughts and explaining why or why not they would work for your renovation. Remember, it’s your home, and you must live with the final product.

Contact Cleland Contracting Inc. if you’re looking for a trustworthy contractor in Calgary!

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

Blog submitted by Aquatech Waterproofing in Toronto

Basement waterproofing Toronto is something you should consider before starting basement remodelling. While it might be time-consuming or strenuous, you can experience plenty of benefits once you go through the procedure.

Leaky basement Toronto can be harmful and financially devastating when it goes unnoticed or left for a long time.

Taking preemptive actions will permanently save you not only your money but also extend the longevity of your premise.

How? Let’s read it!

Take note: your basement serves as a foundation for your house; it must be strong enough to give solid support to the whole building.

How It Ensures Saving Future Unnecessary Basement Waterproofing Toronto Cost?

Cut Repair Costs

You risk incurring a significant expense if your basement floods!

Both the expense of the repairs and the replacement of low-quality items lost to the leakages might be high.

Never undervalue the damage that leaky basement Toronto may cost as it can occasionally be present at any spot in the house. Even clean water can cause serious harm to your belongings, including building supplies, energy, and other supplies.

Basement waterproofing Toronto helps avoid water damage, saving you money and time. And this could require hiring a professional contractor.

Long-Term Benefits If The Property Is Insured

It can sometimes be expensive to repair multiple water damages!

Adding basement waterproofing will probably be considered by your insurance provider as a strategy to lower the possibility of a future claim. If you meet the requirements, they might drop your insurance premium.

Before having exterior waterproofing Toronto, check with your insurance provider. You might use the savings to pay for the work. Don’t forget to inform them once the waterproofing is done so you can claim the lower insurance benefits.

Minimize The Risk Of Getting Collapsed

If your basement isn’t waterproof, prepare to deal with seasonal flooding. If already done, you can profit from saving time on flood water drainage!

Since you’ll typically need to hire a basement waterproofing company Toronto to handle your water problems, doing this also saves you money. You can better protect your possessions by reducing seepage and preventing moisture from entering the space.

Remember to check your drains frequently; these regular checks will ultimately lead to huge savings.

Extends The Life-Span Of The Property

Strengthening the foundation of your house is another advantage of wet basement solutions and will save your future money!

Ensure that your leaky basement Toronto is completely waterproofed for long-term use.

(Basement waterproofing is vital if you frequently experience extreme weather. The worst issue that arises is that it probably won’t withstand very high temperatures)

Exterior waterproofing Toronto Is Not As Easy As It Sounds – Call Us Today.

Not everyone with semi or no skill can do this task better than a professional!

We tried making you aware of how a basement waterproofing Toronto can help you save your dollars for years. Hope it will help you to make a waterproofing investment right away.

Does your house also require basement waterproofing services? If so, get in touch with us as early as possible, as losing time can cause a harmful impact.

We work to make your home more livable!

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

Life can get messy. Your flooring should be able to weather every spill, accident, and ‘whoops.’ That’s why Aquateck water-resistant laminate is the top choice for family homes and commercial properties. It’s not only water-resistant but also incredibly durable and visually attractive. Quality Red Tag Flooring in Edmonton is proud to carry a wide range of Aquateck laminate for these reasons and more.

Splash proof

Aquateck is water-resistant because it is made from materials that do not absorb water (unlike some other flooring options). For example, it’s filled with stone dust instead of wood or bamboo. Additionally, it utilizes wax infusion technology to resist everyday spills. While it is not completely waterproof and spills should be cleaned up immediately, it does offer 24-hour protection against spills and splashes.

Attractive look

With Aquateck, you get to enjoy the beauty of natural wood with the durability and affordability of vinyl. All Aquateck flooring has a luxurious, scratch-resistant top layer that resembles hardwood. You can choose from various textures, colours, and designs to find the perfect fit for your home or business. So, if you are looking for laminate flooring in Edmonton, Quality Red Tag Floors carries maple, chai maple, rustic maple, European oak, and rustic oak Aquateck. Find inspiration with these laminate flooring ideas and designs.

Durable

The topmost double layer of Aquateck is a UV Wear scratch-resistant coating. It’s commercial-grade, allowing the flooring to resist both scratches and sunlight. Frolicking pets or children won’t damage it! Aquateck is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy weights and temperature fluctuations without losing structural integrity. Moreover, Aquateck is an extremely dense, high pressure laminate, making the joints very strong and resilient to gaping or separation.

Safe and eco-friendly

Aquateck is formaldehyde-free, making it safe for pets and children. It’s also FloorScore® certified, which means it contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and satisfies the requirements for safe indoor air quality. Aquateck is also completely recyclable.

Affordable

Although affordable, Aquateck does not sacrifice quality. As a result, it’s the perfect option for any budget! Whereas natural hardwood comes with a hefty price tag, Aquateck won’t break the bank. Plus, Aquateck is built to last, making it a fantastic value.

Warranty

Residential owners receive a lifetime warranty on their Aquateck flooring! Aquateck also offers a 5-year commercial warranty to businesses. They stand behind their products!

Aquateck is right for you!

If you’re searching Edmonton flooring stores for water-resistant laminate, look no further than Quality Red Tag Flooring. They carry a wide selection of stylish and affordable Aquateck laminate flooring products. This flooring choice is perfect for homeowners and businesses who want a high-quality, water-resistant floor resembling wood.

Contact Quality Red Tag Flooring to learn more!

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

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses because of its affordability, stylish options, and durability. Nowadays, there are many different colours and styles of vinyl and different kinds of installation methods. The right choice for you will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the amount of foot traffic.

When shopping for vinyl flooring in Edmonton, Quality Red Tag Floors can help you pick the perfect flooring for your home and lifestyle. This guide will introduce you to the most popular vinyl styles used today.

Glue-down

Glue-down is the least expensive option but also the lowest quality. Glue-down vinyl flooring is prone to warping with humidity changes and is very thin (only 2 to 3 millimetres). Some homeowners choose glue-down for a fast cosmetic renovation, but it likely won’t last or add value. One benefit of glue-down is that you can repair or replace individual tiles if damage occurs.

Loose-Lay

Loose-lay vinyl does not use glue to secure the planks. Friction and weight keep the planks in place, so the planks need to be heavier than other varieties of vinyl flooring. However, some people choose to still glue it down.

Loose-lay is considered a ‘beefed up’ version of glue-down vinyl flooring, but it is thicker (5 millimetres). Installation is simple and fast because it does not use glue, staples, or click-lock systems. As a result, installation typically costs less with loose-lay vinyl, and it’s one of the most popular DIY flooring options.

SPC

SPC flooring is considered a click vinyl and is incredibly durable and waterproof. Its rigid core provides heavy-duty performance, as it is ultra-dense and impermeable even though it is typically less than 8mm thick. However, its density means the floor doesn’t give as you walk, making it less comfortable than other flooring options. As long as it is level, SPC is a great option to go over any existing floor. SPC is also low maintenance and can be installed quickly.

WPC

WPC (wood-plastic composite) is a 100% waterproof flooring option and is also considered a click vinyl. Every layer is designed to withstand moisture! Its core is a foaming agent, unlike SPC’s rigid core. Consequently, WPC is much more comfortable to walk and stand on. The downside is that WPC will likely dent if you drop something heavy. WPC also looks great and comes in various styles, including wood and stone. Its topmost protective layer is resistant to stains and scratches- and makes it easy to clean. Like SPC, WPC is low maintenance, easy to care for, and float-installed.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl planks resemble different types of wood flooring. However, LVP is affordable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant, unlike natural hardwood. LVP is also easy to maintain… but tricky to repair. If you need to replace a section, you must be mindful of the grain and tone of the existing flooring. Otherwise, the replaced section might not go with the rest.

One of the main advantages of LVP is its versatility and many stylish options. It comes in a variety of textures, tones, and colours to match the aesthetic of any home. Because of its attractive appearance and durability, many businesses and homeowners opt for luxury vinyl plank in Edmonton. LVP is installed with glue-down, loose-lay, or click-lock methods.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Whereas LVP is designed to look like wood, luxury vinyl tile resembles stone. However, the two materials are very similar. LVT, like LVP, is durable, waterproof, affordable, and easy to clean. Additionally, both options come in glue-down, loose-lay, and click-lock varieties. Heavy furniture and appliances can dent LVP and LVT. They can also scratch and fade in direct sunlight.

Read more about the pros and cons of different types of vinyl flooring.

Choose vinyl flooring for your home!

Quality Red Tag Floors is one of the top flooring companies in Edmonton. They carry a wide range of high-quality vinyl flooring options to accommodate any budget and style preference. In addition, their staff prioritizes providing excellent customer service throughout the entire flooring process. From selection to installation, they always go above and beyond!

Contact Quality Red Tag Floors today!

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

Most homeowners would love to have a perfect home but unfortunately, there are many things that we cannot control. However, there are certain things that we can change to improve the look of our homes. For instance, we can paint walls and ceilings, replace old furniture and appliances, and install new flooring.

The following list includes five home maintenance projects that you need to complete this summer:

1. Paint Walls and Ceilings

Painting walls and ceilings is one of the best ways to update your home. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer bright colors or earth tones. You can choose from hundreds of color options and patterns.

2. Replace Old Furniture

Old furniture needs replacing every once in a while. When buying new furniture, consider how much space it takes up. If you plan to store items in an attic or basement, then buy pieces that won’t take up too much room.

3. Install New Flooring

Flooring is another area where you can make improvements without spending a lot of money. There are several types of flooring materials available today. The most common ones include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet. Each type offers different benefits and advantages.

4. Restain Your Deck

Depending on the type of wood used, the deck stain can last from one year to several years. However, if the stain is exposed to direct sunlight, it will fade faster.

5. Improve Lighting

Lighting is essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere inside your home. It also improves safety and security. Choose lighting fixtures that fit your budget and style preferences.

There are many ways to keep your home neat and tidy. Some people even find it fun to do so. But, if you want to enjoy your time at home, you should focus on completing home maintenance projects.

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 Must-Do Home Maintenance Projects for the Summer appeared first on Handyman Corporate.