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Blog written by Let It Flow Exteriors in Edmonton

Positive first impressions of your home are important. Whether you are trying to sell your house or looking to be proud of what you own, curb appeal plays a big part in this.

The type of siding you have on your house, and the condition it is in often dictates this. If you have faded, dirty siding the curb appeal goes down, and vice versa. This is why it is important to make sure your siding is looking the best it can. This can be as simple as washing off any dirt, or even as complex as completely replacing any siding. Let It Flow Exteriors are experienced siding contractors in Edmonton. We offer various siding types such as Vinyl, Aluminum, Fibre Cement. Each of the options has its pros and cons along with their associated costs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most popular siding option available today, being used in most new homes and renovations. It is available in many different styles such as Board and Batten, Dutchlap, and Horizontal. 

Pros 

Inexpensive: Vinyl siding is the cheapest siding option available ranging from $2.25sqft – $6.50sqft. 

Low maintenance: Vinyl siding will never need to be painted and is extremely easy to clean as all you need is a hose. 

Wide variety of Colours: Vinyl siding comes in a range of colors to perfectly match your needs. 

Cons 

Low return on investment: Compared to other siding options available, vinyl siding offers a lower return on investment

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is the least popular siding option available, popular in the ’50s-’80s aluminum siding is found on older homes. Often now only used as an accent or on higher-end homes. It is available in horizontal and board and batten. 

Pros 

Durable: Aluminum siding is extremely durable depending on the thickness, only becoming damaged when faced with extreme impact. 

Resistant to damage: Fire, water, rot, and insect resistance. Due to it being metal, aluminum siding is extremely fire resistant, will not rust or rot, and will keep any creepy crawlers out of your walls. 

Cons 

Expensive: Aluminum siding costs anywhere from $3.75sqft – $9.50sqft to install.

Fades: Aluminum siding is extremely susceptible to fading in the sun. 

Fibre Cement Siding

Quickly becoming one of the most popular types of siding on the market, fibre cement siding is being used on more and more homes. It is quite popular with high-end home builders. It is also favoured by house flippers as it often adds value to the house where’s typical vinyl siding does not. 

Pros 

Durable: Fibre Cement is much more durable than vinyl and aluminum siding, more resistant to fading, chips, and splitting. 

Realistic look: Due to the thickness of the material it allows for deeper grains in the board, giving it a more realistic wood look then other siding options, this means better curb appeal and a natural look. 

Fire, Moisture, Rot, and Insect Resistant: Fibre cement siding is fire resistant, meaning it won’t melt or warp when exposed to heat and won’t combust easily. It is also moisture resistant meaning it wont swell or rot in humid climates. It is also resistant to insects and pests. You won’t have to worry about things like termites or other critters. 

Great Return on Investment: Fibre cement siding typically holds 70% of its cost when reselling your home, meaning if you spent $20,000 on reselling your home, it’ll add $14,000 to your home’s value, on top of the curb appeal. 

Cons 

Expensive: Costing between $6sqft – $14.50sqft, fibre cement is the most expensive siding available on the market. This is due to the costs of material, along with the weight of it which typically requires two installers or special tools to install.

Fades: Fibre cement siding will typically need to be repainted every 15 years as the color fades in the sun.

Overview

Each type of siding available has different pros and cons to it. Some are cheaper, some are more durable, some offer more value to choosing it. As a homeowner, it is important to do your due diligence and research the product that is right for you. At Let It Flow Exteriors we offer expertise that can help you along in the process from choosing the type of siding for your home all the way to the final install. Serving Parkland County and surrounding areas we offer eavestrough, soffit and fascia, siding, and faux stone installation.

Visit us at Let It Flow Exteriors, call 780-932-3810, or email us at [email protected] to get in touch and find out more.

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

  

Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the most popular rooms to renovate and for good reason. Both renovations offer great ROI, are used daily, and do a lot to boost resale and attract buyers. Instead of choosing between one or the other when it’s time to renovate, pair the work together. You get twice the benefits with less stress and time spent.

Intellisight Handymen Ltd. in Calgary is a professional handyman and renovations company. They share more about the benefits of renovating your kitchen and bathroom at the same time:

Do all the plumbing at once

Typically, when renovating bathrooms or kitchens, the plumbing and fixtures are involved in the change. Keeping fixtures up-to-date can add a lot of visual appeal and interest to a room. It is also important to keep plumbing both maintained and up-to-date. Broken pipes, low-efficiency faucets, or just worn-out designs take away from the room or risk high costs in water damage repairs. Upgrading to low-flow faucets in the bathroom and kitchen, for example, will help save on monthly water bills.

When you do all the plumbing work for both rooms at once, it’s more efficient in time and labour. This can help save money in the end.

Create flow in the design

If you are renovating the main floor bathroom, it’s a great chance to create a sense of flow throughout the space. Having similar elements, whether paint colours, flooring design, or countertop material, creates that connection. In the bathroom, draw elements and design ideas from the kitchen as inspiration. Use the same cabinets and fixtures, for example, or a similar colour scheme but in a lighter or darker shade. It’s also a great way to combine materials, like flooring or countertop materials that pair well in the bathroom and kitchen.

Save time and cost

A downside is that you can lose temporary access to both the kitchen and bathroom. It’s not ideal, but in a renovation, it must be considered. That’s why renovating the two spaces together can save that time and wait. The work will go faster together because you can order the materials for both rooms at once. Cost-wise as well, you save having to hire a construction team twice for two different rooms. Together with your general contractor, you can put together a schedule and timeline that meets your needs. Any permits, materials, or labour that needs to be done can be paired together so the work can be done more efficiently.

Kitchen Renovations and Bathroom Renovations in Calgary

Intellisight Handymen Ltd. is a general contracting and handyman business specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. They also do complete home renovations, maintenance, repair, storage solutions, and home improvement service to both residential and commercial clients. Intellisight Handymen Ltd. has a fully equipped workshop. They can provide custom woodworking services including outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and custom-built decks.

If you want to renovate, call Intellisight Handymen Ltd. 

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

Outdoor living is a popular term for landscape designs and spaces, but what does it really mean? The term itself can mean outdoor entertainment, designated seating, maybe even an outdoor kitchen. With so many different possibilities, knowing what to factor in will help with the design process.

Bright Habitats in Edmonton is a professional landscaping company for outdoor living. They share some tips and factors for designing your perfect outdoor living landscape:

Start with the purpose

Before settling on a design and feature addition, think about how you plan to use the space. Do you enjoy sitting outdoors and quietly enjoying nature? Maybe you like to entertain friends and want an outdoor space in the summer. It can also include gardeners who want an edible landscape or space to practice their green thumb. If you plan to have outdoor lighting for nighttime enjoyment, that will include wiring. There’s no right or wrong answer, but make sure you know exactly how you want to use the space, to then plan the perfect design.

Factor in the weather

As nice as it would be, you can’t guarantee the sun will be shining all the time. And even if it is, have you factored in shaded areas? Once you know how you want to use the space, make sure you can enjoy it no matter the weather. Pergola’s can be a great way to provide shade during really hot days or protection from light rain. Privacy fences keep your outdoor space private but also help block the wind. If you have a designated seating area, use a privacy fence to create a separate room with plenty of protection. Don’t forget that trees and bushes can be planned into the landscape design to add shade or create a break in the visual layout.

Create “rooms”

A key part of outdoor living is making sure you have specific designations and planned spaces. Just like your home’s interior has a clear living room or kitchen space, so should the outdoors. Paved patios create a sense of “flooring” where seating and lounge furniture can be added. Pathways can lead you to other spaces in the yard, like a feature fountain or private nook for reading and relaxing. An outdoor kitchen with a pergola makes a great space for entertaining friends or enjoying an outdoor meal. It also helps to visually break up the space and add more interest and appeal. If you need help with the design, talk to your professional landscaper for some tips or new ideas.

Landscapers in Edmonton

Bright Habitats has over 20 years of landscape experience and proven customer satisfaction. They pride themselves on building both functional yet appealing spaces that fit your every need. Whether your dream is outdoor living landscape work or interior living like bathroom renovations, their professionals can help.

Contact Bright Habitats today!

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

Written by Let It Flow Exteriors 

Soffit is a material used on the underside of many features of the home. It is typically found on the underside of the roof overhang, but can also be found underneath decks, arches, or even stairs. Soffit seals the otherwise open space which gives it a proper, finished look. Soffit also helps to keep out insects, the elements, protecting your home. Wood, Vinyl and aluminum are three widely used materials for soffits. Some knowledge of the pros and cons of each of the materials can help you make a good choice.

What’s better Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum Soffits?

Wood Soffits

Wood soffits have been around for many years, being the original material used for soffits. They have a grain and texture that makes them visually appealing, especially for cabins or log type homes. Wood soffits can come perforated, non-perforated or can have vents placed in them. Like wood siding, wood soffits will eventually get soft, rot and can have insect activity.

Wood soffits need to be primed and painted regularly in order to prevent this from happening. This can be costly as the paint will begin to delaminate and peel over time, so it will need to be scrapped, primed and painted frequently to keep it looking its best and to help prevent future rot. This results in a costly recurring bill in order to keep your home properly protected and looking its best. For this reason, wood soffits are considered outdated and not up to current standards for most buildings and therefore are not recommended.

Vinyl Soffits

Vinyl soffits are affordable and low maintenance compared to wood. They stay in a visually appealing shape for a long time. While they do not need to be painted, vinyl soffit typically needs to be washed off once or twice a year, or as needed to keep it looking at its best. Vinyl soffits come perforated and non-perforated and can have the appearance of a wood grain. However, since vinyl soffits are in fact plastic, they look like plastic they are susceptible to both heat and cold damage, deforming in hot temperatures and cracking in the freezing cold. Therefore, they may not last as long as their counterparts. Vinyl soffits can also become brittle when exposed to sunlight. Mold can also develop on vinyl soffits, especially in damper climates. All of these issues result in the potential for added costs due to the need of cleaning and replacement costs.

Aluminum Soffits

Aluminum soffits have been around for decades and is another alternate to wood and vinyl soffits. They are the preferred material for new buildings and renovations as they are resistant to rotting, chips, cracks, insects and as they are also flame retardant. Aluminum soffits are also not susceptible to issues with heat and cold as vinyl is. They are available in either a solid color, simulated wood grain pattern. Perforated or non-perforated depending on your ventilation needs.

Aluminum soffits conceal any imperfections better than vinyl or wood. They are not very impact-resistant, denting if met with force, although this isn’t a huge issue as soffits are not taking a beating as gutters or your shingles would be. The low maintenance requirements of aluminum soffit appeal to homeowners. It does not attract dirt easily, cleans easily with water, and will not rust since it’s made out of aluminum. Aluminum soffits typically cost more than vinyl, but the upfront costs of aluminum soffits vastly outweigh the long term costs of vinyl or wood as they truly are a lifetime product, while the others are not.

Let It Flow Exteriors

At Let It Flow Exteriors we always recommend aluminum soffits above all else. We believe the slight cost difference up front is well worth the money and time you will save in years to come. We offer over 40 different colors, and multiple grain patterns of aluminum soffits to meet all your needs. Whether you want to match an existing colour or add a new splash of color to your home we have exactly what you need. Proudly serving Parkland County and surrounding rural areas we offer 5” & 6” continuous aluminum eavestroughing, soffits and fascia, siding, and faux Stone. Contact us today at 780-932-2810 or visit our website at Let it Flow Exteriors to find out more.

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

A concrete driveway could last for years if installed correctly. In Calgary, we have many freeze and thaw cycles each winter. This kind of weather can be hard on a concrete driveway causing it to damage sooner than in a warmer climate. If you think it might be time for a concrete driveway replacement, contact concrete contractors in Calgary to give you a quote on repairs or a replacement.

Bow River Concrete in Calgary shares some signs that it’s time for a new driveway:

Cracks that look like spiderwebs

If you have multiple cracks interconnected like a giant spider’s web, it’s likely time for a concrete driveway replacement. Those cracks are beyond repair and will continue to spread the longer you leave them. Sometimes, the damage will look like scales on the driveway instead of cracks. If so, get a quote for a replacement.

It doesn’t drain properly

If you see that your driveway isn’t graded correctly, it could be bringing water towards the home. Without proper drainage, that water will pool and can eventually leak into your basement. Water damage is an expensive problem. Address this problem soon to avoid it!

There are many potholes

If you have multiple, deep potholes in the driveway, it might be beyond repair. Water can pool in the holes and lead to more damage. If you have one or two potholes, you could get away with concrete repairs instead of a full replacement.

Do not confuse potholes with sunken concrete. If slabs of your driveway, walkway, or steps are sunken, consider restoring them with concrete lifting. Choosing between repairs and a replacement, in this case, is something a Calgary concrete contractor can help you determine.

The driveway is more than 20 years old

The lifespan of a driveway in a colder climate is about 20 years. If your driveway is looking worse for wear, needs multiple repairs, and is decades old, then it is worth getting replaced.

It’s diminishing curb appeal

A cracked and damaged driveway can make the home’s exterior appearance look shabby. A new driveway can drastically improve curb appeal, and that will boost your home’s resale value. If selling your home is in your plans, it will be a good investment. It will also make clearing snow in the winter easier without your shovel getting stuck in pesty cracks. Your home’s exterior will look better, add value, and you’ll enjoy it more too.

Bow River Concrete offers a full range of concrete services for residential, commercial, and industrial clientele. If you’re not sure about the state of your concrete driveway, give them a call. They can tell you if your damaged driveway is worth repairing or if a concrete replacement is the best option.

Contact Bow River Concrete

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

As a business owner, you have a thousand things on your mind and a to-do list. Whether you’re starting a new business or improving or expanding, having the right commercial renovation contractor on your team is essential. You can worry about your daily business tasks, and Factory Edge Construction in Vancouver can take care of the construction project.

Here is why transparency in quoting and on-going communication is critical to a successful commercial renovation project:

You need to know what you’re paying for

When you receive a quote from Factory Edge Construction, it will be detailed and transparent. You won’t be surprised by hidden fees or costs throughout the project. If you have a question about material pricing, labour, permit fees, or anything else on your quote, please ask about it. The Factory Edge Construction team is there to explain everything to you. Then, you can rest easy knowing your budget and you’re getting value at a fair price.

You can open your doors sooner

Factory Edge Construction understands how important it is for you to get your business up and running. Timeliness and affordability are essential. You need to get those doors open to start seeing a return on your investment. Factory Edge knows exactly what needs to be done immediately so you can get your business running and what can be done in the future. Sometimes enhancements can wait until you’re starting to see some ROI come in.

Transparency reduces stress

Major projects can be stressful, especially when they’re linked to your livelihood. Factory Edge Construction’s communication with you will be consistent and straight-forward through every step. You’ll always know what is going on, and if you have concerns, they will be available to address them quickly. By being easy to reach and available, they hope to secure your confidence and trust. As fellow business owners, they know how stressful things can be. They want to help you and your business succeed.

Commercial Renovations in Vancouver

Factory Edge Construction is a commercial contractor serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Their goal is to change the negative stigma around hiring a contractor. Their “Trust, Reliability, and Ability” policy aims to build your trust while providing exceptional service, craft, and results. Transparency and open communication help them build relationships of trust with their clients. You’ll be involved in every step of your renovation.

Contact Factory Edge Construction!

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

Homeowners have spent more time at home in the last year than they ever thought they would. As a result, home improvements and renovations have been on the top of people’s minds. Improving their living spaces, indoor and out, is valuable and life-enhancing – perhaps now more than ever.

AMMCAD Development Services in Vancouver offers major renovation services. They share some renovation ideas and trends for 2021.

Renovate to bring new function to rooms in the house

Homeowners are looking for ways to utilize those spaces better to make life at home more comfortable and enjoyable. For example, you could turn the standard family room into a space for entertaining. Consider a home theatre system, built-in shelving for storage and display. A cozy fireplace with a stone hearth and wood mantle will make a fine addition. You can even change the layout to open up the family room to the dining room and kitchen.

Basements bring a wide range of opportunities. From building recreational rooms, home entertainment centres, home fitness areas, and unique playrooms for the kids – be creative and think of ways to improve your families’ enjoyment of the home.

Creating spaces for working and learning

If you’ve been working from home from the kitchen table, this year is the time to build a proper home office. It could be in an existing bedroom you aren’t using, or a contractor can help you with layout changes or even a home addition. You need a functional space for getting work done. That means windows for natural lighting and fresh air, good storage, and maybe improving sound insulation from other areas of the house to reduce distractions.

For students learning and studying from home, your home renovation could include a space to do that. It might be in the basement, a spare bedroom, or a bonus room. Connect with AMMCAD Development Services to start making a plan.

Investing in a secondary suite

Utilizing secondary suites has been a popular way to earn income and cover expenses. However, with the pandemic, more homeowners are looking for a way to be together with family. Using secondary suites to house a multi-generational or extended family will become more prevalent in 2021.

Not only will this provide comfortable dwellings for your family, but it will also increase your property value. In the future, savvy investors and homebuyers will be attracted to the financial gains a secondary suite provides a property. Learn more about building secondary suites in Vancouver.

Major Renovations in Vancouver

AMMCAD believes building with pride and integrity will establish the trust necessary to complete all projects to their client and their satisfaction. They only use reputable, qualified sub-trades and suppliers with proven track records. They’ll always involve you in the decision-making process to ensure you’re the project realizes your vision. Transparency, quality work, exceptional service, and a good renovation experience are all things you’ll get when working with AMMCAD.

Start planning your renovation. Contact them today!

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

Interior design and decorating is more than just about picking the right paint colour or fixtures: it’s a multi-level process. When decorating a room, there are various elements and colours to take into consideration. One such key element is window coverings, which are both practical and aesthetic.

Next Interiors in Edmonton is a professional interior design and decorating company. They offer some tips when it comes to window coverings in your home’s design plan:

Colours and patterns

Just like interior design likes to blend colours with complementary patterns, curtains can do the same. Bright and bold curtains can add a pop of colour to the room for an eye-catching statement. Heavily patterned ones can add energy and character to the space. It’s also a great way to pair matching patterns on pillows or rugs to create a sense of flow. Just be sure not to add too many colours or patterns in a room. In a neutrally painted room, coloured curtains are a welcome touch of colour and brightness. In a colourful room, stick with neutral curtains and play with patterns instead.

Length and fabric

The length and fabric weight of window coverings will play a big role in affecting a room’s overall appearance and tone. Heavy fabrics that are floor-length tend to add a more traditional and elegant feel to a room. Lightweight fabrics, even floor-length, are less traditional and breezier and more modern. They add height and elegance while brightening the space. Pairing short curtains with smaller windows is an easy way to draw attention to the window but in a causal way. They act like a frame, drawing the eye and making the window a focal point.

Layered look

Another interior design trick is to use layers when decorating and furnishing a room. Layered lighting keeps away any shadows and gives lighting for any activity. Paint that is layered gives depth and colour to a room in a more interesting way. Drapery that is layered has a similar appealing effect. Neutral panels with a heavier fabric on the outside add depth to the window. Different panels of various coloured coverings help add brightness and colour to a room. Practically as well, layered curtains are a great way to control lighting in the room. Sheer curtains will trickle in the sunlight for a gentle glow, while a heavy drape can completely block the light. Depending on the room in which you have window coverings, consider what layered look would be the best fit.

Interior Decorators in Edmonton and Window Coverings in Edmonton

Next Interiors prides themselves on offering full design solutions to their customers. They work closely with each customer to help reflect their unique personality and preferences in every home. Their goal is to provide both beautiful designs, functional designs. Space planning, drawings, finishing selections, colour consultations, furnishings, and window coverings are their specialties.

Contact Next Interiors today!

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

Painting different accent features around your home can change the entire look of a space. If you’re looking for inspiration, Pro Painting Solutions in Calgary shares tips on accent features you can paint around your home. 

The classic accent wall

Accent walls add depth to any room, giving the room more character. There are many different ways to incorporate accent walls in your home. The options are limitless. You can choose a bold colour, something a few shades darker than the other walls, or a colour you want to highlight in the space. Choose a wall or two, a colour you love, and change up a room in your home! Find some inspiration with these accent wall painting ideas. 

Behind the shelving

Maybe an accent wall is too much, and you’re looking for something similar. If you have open shelving anywhere in your home, painting the wall behind it is another way to add an accent. Painting behind shelving can be a good idea for a number of reasons. You’ll get to have some fun with paint colours, but you can hide some of it by incorporating items on the shelving. Show as much or as little of your accent colour by painting behind the shelving. 

Down the railing

In some homes, a staircase can be the focal point of the home Painting your railing can give your staircase a facelift, and add make it an accent feature in your home. Not only will the material stand out, but it will also highlight your stairs. If you’re not sure what your options are, chat with your painting contractor. 

Two-toned cabinets

A kitchen design growing in popularity is painting upper and lower cabinets in different colours. Again, there are many ways to go about doing this. Maybe your upper cabinets are a neutral colour, and you want to add something bold to pop on the bottom. You can also paint one set one colour, and the other set a few shades darker of the original colour. The choice is ultimately yours. You’ll be adding character to your home, and accenting the look of the space. 

Painters in Calgary

Whether they are painting a single room, the whole house, or applying a Faux finish, Pro Painting Solutions offers quality, flawless results. They are committed to proper preparation and attention to detail – both of these are vital for a high-quality paint job. Whether you want to paint your entire home, or upgrade a room or two, they can help. 

For more information, check out Pro Painting Solutions today!

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

Myths and Superstitions About Owning and Renovating a Home

If you are planning to update your home, here are some fun myths about owning and renovating your home. From thinking renovations are too much work, to thinking you might be able to do everything yourself without weighing the pros and cons, there are lots of things to consider while owning and renovating a home.

Renovations are Impossible

Owning a home naturally comes with different kinds of upkeep and renovations over the years. From big to small, a renovation can seem impossible if you do not know how to complete the task yourself. But this is not so because with the help of a professional handyman you will receive the guidance, advice, and help you need to have your next renovation completed for you.

Updating Your Home Will Always Increase Its Value

Let’s say you are planning to sell your home. Updating and renovating your home for a sale does add to its value but the catch is the quality of said updates. If you redo your bathroom, paint the bedrooms, and retile the kitchen, this can be a big plus on the market but if you did it yourself or it is done incorrectly, this can be a big mistake when trying to sell a home. While it may be cheaper to complete the renovations yourself, avoid these mishaps by hiring a professional handyman who can complete these updates for you.

DIY Renovation is Always Cheaper

If you have never renovated before, completing a DIY project might be out of reach. Before you begin, ask yourself the scale of the project, how long it will take, what materials you will need, and what level of expertise is needed if you are working on something special like wiring, electrical, water, and more. In these cases, if it is a large or complex renovation, you might save money and the hassle by hiring a professional handyman. A handyman will complete the job efficiently whereas, your mistakes can cause damage and increases expenses.

Overall, there are many questions to ask yourself when planning to renovate your home. Whether on your own or with the help of a professional, always look at the pros and cons of each step to decide which is the best for you. Planning will help you find your way around these myths and superstitions as well.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact Handyman Connection to schedule a free estimate or to inquire about our home renovation, updates, or home repair services today.  

The post Handyman Connection: Myths and Superstitions About Owning and Renovating a Home appeared first on Handyman Connection.