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If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for your family and friends this year, you might be looking at ways to spruce up your home. A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to update rooms and make them feel new again.

Some paint jobs are more involved than others though. Even with professional painting services, repainting the outside of your house or even a whole room can take up precious time you don’t have.

Here are some easy paint jobs to complete before the holiday season kicks into gear: 

1. Paint an accent wall or feature.
   Accent walls are popular ways to change up a room. Pick a wall or portion of your wall – like a fireplace – to paint. You’ll want to pick a color more bold than the current color of the rest of the room. For example, if your walls are painted yellow or gold color, you might consider having a red accent. Don’t know what wall will be a good accent wall? A professional painting services company will be able to help you decide. 
2. Paint your front door.
   Painting your front door is a great way to not only make the interior of your home pop, but the exterior as well! If you’re painting the outside of the door, you’ll want to go with a bold color that will work well with the color of your house. Ideally, this color would work on the inside as well — but if it doesn’t work, there’s no shame in buying two colors. 
3. Paint trims or small accents in a large room 
   Painting cabinet doors, staircase railings and even trims can do a lot to make your room pop. Look for areas of your home that could easily be updated with a fresh coat of paint for the holiday season. 

Ready to get started? 

You’ve got enough going on with the holidays to do the actual painting. Our craftsmen at Handyman Connection are happy to provide you with expert painting services to help prepare for the holiday season.

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

The post 3 Simple Paint Jobs to Consider Before Thanksgiving appeared first on Handyman Connection.

 

A gutter system is an incredibly important part of a home in rainy climates. It protects the house, keeps the foundation safe, as has many other benefits. Here is the importance of eavestroughs in rainy climates from Black Bear Gutters in Vancouver.

It protects the foundation of your house

Directing the rainwater away from your home will keep the foundation safe. Too much water sitting around your house’s foundation can cause serious damage to the house. If your house is prone to basement flooding, water seeping during the rain can cause cracks in the foundation, basement flooding, and soil erosion. Having a properly installed eavestrough system on your house can move water away from your home. This helps to keep it safe from present or future problems.

It protects your property

Expanding on the danger of soil erosion, the flow of water could lead to the destruction of your garden or yard. Flooding can be a consequence of clogged or absent gutter systems and can cause damage that requires high repair costs. Having an eavestrough system installed from the get-go will ensure that this doesn’t happen. Your property will be protected, and you won’t be spending money on water damage.

The importance of maintenance

Keeping your gutters clear is also something important to take note of. In order for the eavestroughs to function properly, they have to be completely clear of leaves and other debris. If there is any blockage, rainwater won’t properly drain and lead away from the house. To prevent any problems with your eavestroughs and the drainage, try to have them cleaned at least twice a year.

Eavestroughs in Vancouver

Black Bear Gutters is part of the Black Bear Trades franchise. They specialize in new installations as well as gutter replacements. They also offer gutter cleaning, maintenance and repairs. Established in 2017 with over 10 years of experience in the gutter industry, they are proud to offer quality installation at a great price and provide exceptional customer service.

Check out Black Bear Gutters today!

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

A well-designed kitchen is one that is both functional, visually appealing and of course accommodating for day-to-day life and needs. As you plan your renovation, from flooring options to backsplash, you’ll also want to consider your cabinets.

Cabinets are one of those key additions to both function, as well as visual appeal. If you are looking for something that fits both needs and budget, then consider semi-custom cabinets.

Cupboards Express in Edmonton offers a full range of bathroom, kitchen and closet cabinets. They share some of the many advantages of choosing semi-custom cabinets:

1. Budget mindful 

Semi-custom cabinets sit in the perfect middle ground when it comes to expenses. Essentially, semi-custom cabinets are readily made, similar to stock cabinets, but with more room to make changes. Their size isn’t set like stock cabinets, and they come with several custom features to customize the look.

They aren’t as cheap as stock cabinets, but they also aren’t quite as expensive as custom. Plus, because they are easily customized, you are the one who sets the pricing. Depending on what materials, door styles and additional designs, the prices will vary accordingly. The more bells and whistles, the more expensive it will be.

2. Perfect sizing

Unlike a stock cabinet, which is built to a specific size and cannot be altered, semi-custom can easily be changed. If you need something with more height or width or a deeper cabinet, then a semi-custom can easily be altered. This means that you won’t have to add filler pieces to close any gaps between the cabinets as you would with stock. It also makes adding storage solutions to your cabinets an easy addition. If you need more storage or organization within the cabinet, you can easily build it right in.

3. Customizable door styles

Semi-custom cabinets tend to come with multiple different door styles to choose from. Each door style will help bring a different look and feel to your kitchen, so it’s a great place to really customize. Plus, even if you are on a budget, you can still add a personal touch without having to splurge to do so. For example, for a traditional-looking kitchen, go for a raised panel door. If you want a blend of modern with a touch of classic, consider adding a few glass-fronted doors to the mix. Need some ideas for your kitchen cabinets? Check out these modern kitchen cabinet ideas for some inspiration. 

4. Improved value both now and in future

Stock cabinets are great if you are just doing a small renovation or simply want to update your cabinets for a new look. Custom cabinets are there if you are planning a forever home and have the budget to really splurge on cabinets for your kitchen or home. In between these options, are semi-custom cabinets. Since they are budget mindful, but also a quality investment, they will add value to your home both now and down the road.

If you are renovating for yourself, then you want cabinets that both match your needs and will look great at the same time. Even if you aren’t planning to sell right now, it’s one of those investments that add value to your home regardless. If you choose to sell down the road though, then having semi-custom cabinets is a great selling point to potential buyers. Not only is it a stylish perk, but it shows buyers that their new kitchen is both functional and extremely efficient.

5. Stress-free design process 

Sometimes it can actually be stressful having complete freedom when it comes to choosing the right cabinet or upgrade. With custom cabinets, the entire process has to begin from the ground up starting with dimensions, materials and finishes. There’s a lot to think about and consider, which can all be overwhelming in the face of a large renovation. Similarly, stock cabinets can be stressful from a lack of options, especially when you can’t find what you want.

Semi-custom, however, lets you pick a set of cabinets that are the right size and style. That way, all you have to do is add the cosmetic customization. Knowing what design or layout you have in mind for your kitchen will make it that much easier to add those specific additions to your cabinets. With fewer major decisions to make, it takes away from the stress of starting fresh on every choice.

Cabinets in Edmonton

With over 400 different styles available for bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets and closets, Cupboards Express is guaranteed to have a match for you. They pride themselves in offering their customers both affordable, yet high-quality cabinetry options. They provide guidance and help when choosing the right style so that your home will look perfect by the end.

Contact Cupboards Express now to find the perfect cabinetry solutions!

Click to Find the >>>> Cabinets in Edmonton.

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

New concrete for your driveway, walkways and patio can boost curb appeal and add value to your home. If you’re investing in new concrete this summer, there are some things you should expect with your installation and finished project. IntelCrete Concrete Works Ltd. in Winnipeg shares more:

Concrete is durable, but it will wear over time.

Your new driveway, sidewalks and porch will look great and will last for a long time, but concrete in Winnipeg’s climate does not stay perfect forever. Unfortunately, it must withstand harsh weather and vehicle traffic, which will cause wear and tear. The biggest culprit for wearing concrete in Manitoba is the freezing and thawing cycles.

Freezing can cause your concrete to heave up, but when the temperatures improve your concrete will likely go back to its normal height. Sometimes water can penetrate in the concrete and when it heaves, it can cause cracking. Read these tips on how to maintain your concrete driveway.

If you’ve noticed the surface of your new concrete is flaking or popping, rest assured knowing the slab is not compromised. If you’re concerned and the flaking is over 30% of the surface of your new concrete, talk to IntelCrete. They’ll inspect it and see if it’s covered under warranty.

How IntelCrete can reduce cracking.

Concrete will crack, unfortunately, but there are some things you can do in installation to reduce cracking and even prevent it for a period of time. To help prevent cracking from settling, up to 8 inches of sand and/or gravel is placed and packed in the installation area before the concrete it poured.

For concrete poured over a large area, like a driveway, IntelCrete will design the concrete to compensate for movement (cracking) by cutting or forming control joints in the surface in the slab. The control joints are put in where we want the concrete to crack. These are places it will cause the least damage and be the easiest to fix.

Control joins are cut into the concrete slab 12 to 24 hours after it has been poured. The installers will do everything possible to control and prevent cracking. No concrete contractor can guarantee that no cracks will develop on your new concrete. If someone has told you they can, they are not being honest. However, utilizing the professional installation methods provided by IntelCrete Concrete Works can help.

Concrete Contractors in Winnipeg

IntelCrete Concrete Works designs and finishes custom residential concrete projects in Winnipeg. They take pride in their work and are only satisfied when you, the valued customer, is satisfied. They have also been chosen for the Consumer Choice Award for Concrete Companies in Winnipeg!

Contact them for your next concrete project!

Click to Find >>>> Concrete Contractors in Winnipeg.

 

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

Wood – whether it’s a hardwood floor, your staircase railing or even a piece of furniture – can make a great addition to any home. But what if the natural wood color doesn’t go good with your home, or you’re looking for a change? 

There are a couple of ways to change the way that your wood deck or floors look. You could add a fresh coat of stain or you could add a fresh coat of paint. While both can be tempting, any painting services company would tell you to think about it before making a decision.

What’s the difference between painting and staining wood? 

Staining wood will bring out the best qualities of the wood while turning it a different color. Essentially, it can make the wood look new again. 

Painting is just what it sounds like – adding a coat of paint over wood.  Paint lasts long and will give you a variety of bold colors staining might not be able to. 

What are the pros and cons? 

Staining can be healthy for the wood, making it last longer and bringing out elements of the wood patterns you might not even know are there. It’s relatively easy to apply and budget-friendly. 

The only downside is that staining doesn’t last as long – you’ll find yourself adding a new coat every other year or so.

Painting will last up to ten years and offers a lot more variety of colors. It’s a bit more expensive, in part due to the prep and aftercare required. Before you paint, you have to treat the wood with preservative and then apply a seal afterwards. 

One of the major downsides to painting is that it’s hard to remove and if you don’t utilize professional painting services to do it, it is likely to ruin your wood underneath. 

Still can’t decide? 

Painting and staining is a huge decision. Regardless of what you might be leaning towards, our craftsmen at Handyman Connection will be happy to provide you with consultation and painting services to help make your home great.

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

The post Should I paint or stain wood? appeared first on Handyman Connection.

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

What are the best colors to paint your house? 

Painting your house is one of the easiest ways you can improve the exterior of your home. Hiring a painting services company for your house can be exactly what it needs to feel fresh or get ready for the market. 

The color you decide to paint your home can have a huge impact though. And a bad paint job with unflattering or unsightly colors is hard to recover from. It’s not as easy as picking a color and going. 

What are some things to consider when picking colors?

The siding of the house will draw the most attention, but the impact will be determined by the smaller elements of your home’s exterior – things like the front door, window trims and even the railings can make your house pop.

So you have to pick multiple colors that work well together. Sometimes this means varying shades of the same color, or it can mean colors that add a nice contrast. And if your house is close to other houses, you’ll want to take their colors into consideration too.

What colors work best for home exteriors? 

A professional painting services company will be able to tell you what colors would work best for your home. But right off the bat, there are a few colors that you can’t go wrong with. 

• Gray: Gray in all shades will work well for an exterior color, mostly because of how well it works with other colors. Pair it with similar earthy tones or with bold colors, gray is sure to be a hit. 
• White: You might be tempted to shy away from the color. But really, a fresh white coat of paint can make accent colors fun and give your home a clean look. 
• Navy: Bold colors might seem scary. But if you pair them with the right accent colors, navy can be a great way to make your home stand out. 

Have a color in mind? 

If you’re set on a color, call a professional and talk out your options. Our craftsmen at Handyman Connection will be happy to provide you with consultation and painting services to help make your home great. 

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

The post Best Colors to Paint Your House appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Trying to find a rental unit with personality among big city markets without breaking the bank – such as Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver MLS rental listings – can be a challenge. However, this does not mean that your new space can’t reflect you. Although making a rental space more your own can be a challenge and big renovations may not be an option, there are a few modifications that you can make to personalize your rental without worrying about losing your deposit.

Brighten Up the Walls

If the walls in your current rental are a bit drab but your landlord isn’t open to you painting, there are a number of different ways for you to transform your walls. Try peel and stick wallpaper – it is a relatively easy installation and removal process. If it is too costly or too time consuming to cover all the walls in the room, think about doing an accent wall to add a touch of colour to the space. You can also bring this idea into other spaces such as the kitchen by incorporating it as a backsplash. Another simple way to add a bit more intrigue to your walls is to use Washi tape to create different unique patterns. Using washi tape is an easy solution if you are hoping to avoid leaving a mark on your walls.

Out with The Old

There are a number of places within a rental space that, with simple alterations, can be revived. Consider switching the current showerhead you have out for something that is a bit nicer. While this may not seem like much, it can make a big difference in the overall look and function of your bathroom.

A similar switch that can be made in different parts of your space is changing up your lighting. Lighting can really transform the overall aesthetic of any room. Dependent on what you are envisioning, there are certain fixtures and bulbs can make a room feel more elegant or cozy. The most important thing about all of these adjustments is remembering to keep the originals in case your landlord does not love the changes as much as you do. It is also important to keep the originals in case you would like to take your new additions with you when you move out of the space. It also may be worth it to consider splurging on these items if you plan on taking them with you.

Playing with Paint

It can be hard to tell whether or not your landlord will be against you using a bit of paint in your rental. However, the best and the only way to truly know is to ask them. If they approve of you using paint to update the space, you may want to avoid using colours that are too vibrant unless you plan on painting again before you move out. However, if you are looking to be a bit more adventurous with your paint job, consider getting approval to create a chalkboard wall within the apartment. This can be a fun way to add more playful and temporary design elements to a space. But don’t be discouraged if your landlord doesn’t love this idea, there are some peel and stick chalkboard wall options that could work just as well.

You should also consider talking to your landlord about taking on bigger renovation projects. Having their approval can offer you a bit more flexibility when it comes to the kinds of changes you can make to your rental. There is also the possibility that your landlord will reimburse you if your improvement adds value to the property. So feel free to start looking at variety of properties because it doesn’t matter if you are looking at smaller pieces MLS listings or larger suburban rentals, these tips can work for renters anywhere.

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

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

As winter break is nearing, many of us start planning those sun vacations. Whether you’re planning on getting away over the winter break or are heading away this year, keep your home safe and protected with these helpful tips:

1. Make it look like someone is home.

In most cases an intruder will not attempt a break-in if it looks like someone is home. The best way to give the appearance that people are home is through smart lighting. Companies that offer home automation can provide a range of home automation technology and home security, including a programmable lighting system. You can have certain lights in your home turn on in the evening to make it appear like you’re home from work. You can also control your lighting from your mobile phone, even while you are enjoying the sun on a distant beach! Learn more about custom-built home security systems.

Not looking to install home automation in your home? A more cost-effective solution is purchasing outlet timers from your local hardware store. These inexpensive timers will allow you to set your lights to turn on and off during certain times of the day. Make sure you have them actually turn off at night. Having your lights on all day and night is a tell-tale sign that no one is home.

2. Turn off the water.

You never know what can go wrong with your plumbing system while you are on vacation. A leaky pipe or a faulty hot water tank could cause major water damage while you are away. Alberta’s weather is very unexpected and we can still experience winter like weather.  Since we live in a cold climate, you also have to worry about your pipes freezing, bursting and flooding your house. In addition to turning off your water to minimize damage should a problem occur, you should also have a friend or family member check your house every few days. Not only will they be able to detect problems before they become a major issue, most insurance companies will not cover damaged caused by frozen or burst pipes unless you had someone checking in on your house.

3. Monitor your heat.

While it’s a good idea to turn down the thermostat to save energy and reduce your heating bill while you are away, you want to make sure your house is still well heated. The main reason for this is to prevent water and your pipes from freezing. The last thing you want is to come home to frozen pipes and ice blocks in the toilet and hot water tank. The most cost-effective way to monitor your heat while you are away is to install a wireless thermostat that you can monitor and program from your mobile phone or device while you are on vacation. Learn how to install a digital thermostat.

4. Lock and secure your windows and doors.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but locking windows is something that can slip your mind while you’re busy getting ready to go on holiday. Statistics from the United States have shown that nearly 30 percent of all home invasions are unforced entry, meaning the intruder likely came in easily through an unlocked window or door.

You can also reinforce your windows and sliding patio doors with a dowel security bar. If your entry doors are older and damaged, it might be worth it to replace them with newer, more secure doors from exterior door companies. Not only will you increase your home security, you’ll also benefit from improved energy efficiency and increased property value.

5. Secure the garage door.

Most homes have an attached garage with a front-facing garage door. Make it more difficult for intruders to enter from your home from your garage by unplugging the electric garage door opener. You can also secure your garage by installing a padlock on the overhead door latch and putting a thick bolt through the track of the door to make entry impossible.

After taking these safety and security precautions, it is still important to tell your neighbours or a friend that you will not be home. They can keep an eye on your house for you and can help make it look like people are home by keeping your parked vehicles, driveway and walkways clear of snow. Enjoy your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your home is protected while you are away.

Find a RenovationFind Certified electrician in your city!

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

Looking to add a fresh, new element to your home decor? Hoping to update one of the most used areas of your dwelling?

You’ve come to the right place. And don’t worry, you don’t have to build anything new or paint them yourself (we can do that for you).

You can change your space by entertaining some of these creative stair painting ideas.

1. Choose the Risers or the Steps

The risers are the vertical parts on the staircase that give gaps between the next step.

Consider painting the risers one color and the steps another. The risers can be the accent, painted in a dark color like grey or black.

Or you can do the reverse, making the accent piece the step and giving the risers a nice, neutral paint.

This would work with using two different wood paint finishes, too. If you already have wood stairs, this could mean simply refinishing stairs in two different colors.

2. Get Vibrant With Stair Painting

If your home has mostly neutral colors like grey, white, black, or brown, consider making your stairs the highlight of color and energy.

You can go full-out with it, like the Scala staircase in Wuppertal, Germany, painting a rainbow by making each step a different color. Or, you can choose one color and make it ombre as the steps go up.  You can splash color on either or both the steps and risers.

READ >>> 10 Painted Stair IDEAS

3. Paint a Runner

If you want to keep a traditional element while updating your staircase, consider painting a runner.

This means painting a stripe down the middle. Or, you can do it reverse, painting just the outside parts of the steps.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Home Alone, you might get inspired to paint a red runner down the middle with a wooden outside finish. This will give your home a royal, warm vibe.

4. Use Patterns or Shapes

Chevron is still incredibly popular, so consider painting the risers with a chevron pattern while keeping the steps one solid color.

You could even decorate with lines, shapes, or words if you have certain designs or symbols that resonate with you.

One idea is to paint words of affirmation on your steps so that when you climb them every day, you are inspired, encouraged, and uplifted.

5. Make Them Ornate

To really make them the centerpiece of your home, paint stairs in a unique way.

You could do a faux marble or a painted brass paint.

Drawing inspiration from mosaics, you could make the risers on your staircase have small painted details, like the mosaic-style staircases in San Francisco.

You don’t have to do tile to do this—you could find a pattern you like and have it painted on with a stencil.

Find Something That Fits Your Style

Finding the best stair painting ideas depends on you and your home’s style.

You may want to match the colors or themes you already have, or opt for something completely different. Perhaps you don’t want to change it up—you can still do some stair refinishing and make them seem sparkly and new.

If you’re looking for stair staining in Toronto, check out Platinum Pro Painters

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