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As a resident or business owner in London, you may find yourself in need of a lock change at some point. Whether it’s because you’ve lost your keys, your lock is broken, or you simply want to upgrade your security, it’s essential to know when to call a locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. 

One sign that you need a lock change in London is if your lock is broken or damaged. A damaged lock can compromise the security of your property, making it easier for intruders to gain access. In this case, it’s essential to call a locksmith as soon as possible to repair or replace the lock. 

Another sign that you need a lock change is if you’ve lost your keys or suspect they may have been stolen. In this case, it’s important to change your locks to prevent any unauthorized access to your property. Our team of locksmiths in London can advise you on the best locks to install and help you with the installation process. 

If you’ve just moved into a new property or have experienced a change in occupancy, it’s also a good idea to consider a lock change. This will ensure that only you and the people you trust have access to your property. Our locksmiths can help you choose the right locks and install them correctly to ensure your security. 

At Handy Squad, we provide lock change services, our list of covered postcode areas includes North, West, East, and South London, as well as Surrey. We understand that lock emergencies can happen anytime, which is why we offer a 24/7 service to ensure that our clients are never left stranded. 

If you need a lock change in London, don’t hesitate to contact Handy Squad. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you with any lock-related issue, and we guarantee a quick and efficient service. Click here to learn more about our services and the areas we cover. 

The post Knowing When to Call a Locksmith appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Dealing with a blocked toilet is something no one wants to experience, but it’s an unfortunate reality that can happen to anyone. If you live in London and have a blocked toilet, you may be wondering what to do next and when to contact the professionals. Here are some tips and tricks to help you unblock your toilet and when to get an expert in. 

Use a Plunger: 

The first thing you should try is using a plunger. Make sure you have a plunger that is specifically designed for toilets, as they are larger and have a different shape than sink plungers. Place the plunger over the toilet hole and pump it up and down to create suction. This will help to dislodge the blockage. 

Use Hot Water: 

If the plunger doesn’t work, try pouring hot water into the toilet bowl. The hot water can help to break up the blockage and move it down the pipes. Be careful not to pour boiling water, as this can crack the toilet bowl. Warm water will suffice. 

Use Dish Soap: 

Another trick you can try is to add some dish soap to the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then pour hot water into the bowl. The soap can help to lubricate the pipes and make it easier for the blockage to move. 

Use a Toilet Auger: 

If the above tricks don’t work, you may need to use a toilet auger, which is a tool designed specifically for unblocking toilets. It’s a long, flexible cable with a corkscrew-like end that you insert into the toilet and twist to dislodge the blockage.

Call a Plumber: 

If none of the above trick’s work, it’s time to call in the professionals. A blocked toilet plumber in London can help to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and efficiently. At Handy Squad our plumbers and handymen are only a phone call away, with emergency call outs available.  

A blocked toilet can be frustrating and unpleasant, but there are several tips and tricks you can try to unblock your toilet. If none of these tips help and you live in London, consider contacting Handy Squad’s blocked toilet plumber services at for a quick and reliable fix. 

The post 5 Effective Tips and Tricks to Unblock a Toilet appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

If you’re upgrading your home with increasing resale value in mind, some home renovations have a higher return on investment (ROI) than others. However, it’s important to note that the ROI of any renovation project can vary depending on various factors. These factors include the quality of materials used, the level of craftsmanship, and the local real estate market conditions.

Blackwood Contracting in Calgary is a full-scale renovation company that can improve your home’s aesthetics, function, and value. They share five home renovations that have an excellent return on investment:

1. Kitchen Renovations

A kitchen renovation can significantly improve the look and functionality of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. In addition, upgrading appliances, cabinets, countertops, and lighting can contribute to a higher ROI. In fact, according to Remodeling’s cost vs. value report for 2023, a minor kitchen renovation can add over 85% of its cost to the resale value of your home. That is an incredible return!

2. Bathroom Renovations

As one of the most often used rooms in a house, bathrooms are another area that can greatly benefit from renovations. Upgrades such as new fixtures, tiles, lighting, and adding additional storage space can attract potential buyers and make your home a real market contender. In addition, a mid-range bathroom remodel can recover nearly 67% of its cost at resale.

3. Basement Renovations

Finishing your basement can add valuable living space to your home. In some cases, you can nearly double your functional living space. A finished basement can be used as a recreation room, home office, or additional bedroom. Future buyers will appreciate the complete basement, which adds so much to a home. The most recent data shows basement renovations having a 70% cost vs. value percentage.

4. Outdoor Renovations

Curb appeal is essential when it comes to selling your home. Exterior upgrades like a new entry door, siding, or garage door if you have an attached garage can significantly improve curb appeal. All three of those upgrades can recover 100% or more of their cost at resale, according to the cost vs. value report.

In addition, upgrading your outdoor space by adding a deck, patio, or landscaping can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers. Everyone loves the idea of spending time in the yard and enjoying the great outdoors close to home!

5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Green home upgrades are increasing in popularity. Homeowners want to save money on energy and do their part to minimize their impact on the planet. Energy-efficient upgrades such as upgrading your insulation, installing new windows, or upgrading your HVAC system can make your home more energy-efficient. Additionally, green home upgrades attract buyers looking for eco-friendly homes that reduce spending on rising energy costs.

Learn about the Canada Greener Homes Grant and how some of your green retrofits could be eligible for rebates and other incentives.

Home Renovations in Calgary

Blackwood Contracting can help you create unique spaces in which you and your family will thrive! They offer complete home renovation services, including kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, and basement development. They’re dedicated to high-quality work, exceptional customer service, and ensuring you’re happy with the finished product.

If you’re ready to renovate, contact Blackwood Contracting today!

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

Replacing concrete is a large, time-consuming, and costly job. Freeze/thaw cycles in Calgary are among the highest in North America. Each freeze/thaw cycle can damage and weaken your concrete. Concrete sealing not only protects and slows damage caused by mother nature, it also provides a better curb appeal.

GlossWorks Alberta Ltd. in Calgary has sealed various residential concrete and therefore helped numerous homeowners see the process’ benefits.

Benefits of sealing concrete

1. Concrete protection

Concrete sealing protects your driveway, patio, steps, or concrete surface from three significant elements. First, concrete sealing helps protect surfaces against freeze and thaw cycles. And we know these can be extreme cycles in Calgary. Second, the sealant protects the surface from moisture. And lastly, it protects the surface from yellowing under UV rays.

2. Avoid and save on repairs

Concrete sealing with all the protection will help you avoid future damage to places like your driveway or patio. And with the damaged concrete in Calgary could receive, these savings may mean a lot.

3. Sealing is a relatively quick process

Concrete sealing is especially quick when compared to all-out replacements. The sealing process used by the trusted professionals at GlossWorks Alberta only takes four hours to dry enough to allow foot traffic.

4. Highlights and improves the look of concrete

Concrete sealing has many practical and functional benefits. Moreover, concrete sealing can also bring out and beautify the surface’s features. The concrete seal will highlight the colour of exposed aggregate and stone. The seal will also give the surface a smoother look and eliminate any dullness. Concrete seals may also be used to add colour to the surface.

5. Better surface friction

Friction is essential for all concrete surfaces in terms of safety. More specifically, the friction values of a surface that see pedestrian and vehicle traffic are essential. You want any surface or space in your home to feel its safest. And sealing concrete can help. The Supershield Polyurethane Sealer used by GlossWorks Alberta with an anti-slip additive will increase the friction of driveways, sidewalks, or steps around your home. This can make it easier to pull into your driveway in wet or icy conditions. It can also help avoid slips and falls.

Concrete in Calgary

Concrete sealing is a great and comparably simple way to improve a home’s exterior. GlossWorks Albert Ltd. in Calgary offers concrete sealing services and restoration. They work on improving the look and durability of concrete also includes polishing, concrete repairs, and resurfacing. As a family-owned and operated company, GlossWorks offers its services in Alberta and Saskatchewan. They are committed to concrete craftsmanship, finding the most innovative products, and professionalism on every job.

Contact GlossWorks Alberta Ltd. today for any concrete improvement needs.

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

Stucco Can Be Painted! Because of the poor and incorrect paint used to paint stucco in the past and the bad results seen after a couple of years, people have become more hesitant to paint stucco. However, the quality of paint, along with many construction materials, has dramatically improved, and painting your stucco or masonry walls with good quality stucco-designed paints can last many years.

There are widespread rumours that painting stucco stops walls from breathing and traps moisture which can cause rot and paint to peel. However, the high-quality stucco paints we use are designed specifically to allow walls to breathe while repelling water and keeping moisture out. This is especially beneficial because stucco absorbs water and runs the risk of getting into windows or any openings after many years.

Stucco is a versatile exterior house material thanks to its durability and ease of maintenance. Unfortunately, as time passes, any exterior material will show its age. This can be especially true for materials faced with Edmonton weather and extreme temperature ranges. Consider having it painted!

Moreno Stucco & Wire Ltd. in Edmonton specializes in stucco application, painting, and repairing older stucco systems. Over their 17 years in the stucco business, they have helped many homeowners save their original stucco with paint. There are major pros to repainting stucco.

Benefits of Painting Stucco

1. Avoid the Costly Work of Starting from Scratch

Reapplying stucco can be a costly endeavour. Before any stucco application takes place, the stucco contractors will need to remove all the old material. However, you can hire a stucco contractor in Edmonton like Moreno Stucco & Wire to restore your existing surface at a fraction of the cost of replacing the stucco.

2. Maximize the lifespan of stucco

Stucco last up to 80 years as an effective exterior material. However, that stucco needs to be maintained properly for maximum lifespan. Repainting the stucco after every 10-15 years is a good rule of thumb for maximizing the years of use from the mostly cement material.

3. Give the home’s exterior a new Curb appeal

Hiring professional stucco contractors to complete the repainting guarantees that the finished product will look clean, seamless, and exactly how you want. Beyond improving the house’s look, the painting process allows the stucco contractors to notice and repair any damage or after window replacement. Stucco painting can come in handy for those looking to sell their house, as improved exteriors generally help resale values and curb appeal

4. New windows and new exterior

Almost every older home needs to have windows replaced in order to improve the R-value, functionality, and modern look. When replacing or moving windows, the best way is to hang them using the window flange/ nailing fins. This can only be done by cutting back stucco the stucco. Repairing and painting the stucco will make the entire exterior look new, and repairs should not be noticeable if done by experienced professionals.

Stucco in Edmonton

The family-owned Moreno Stucco & Wire Ltd. in Edmonton has served the city for over 17 years. They are full-service exterior renovation experts who specialize in stucco. Painting stucco requires careful consideration, and the Moreno team ensures all parts of the job are done carefully and correctly. Plus, Moreno can assist with complete exterior renovations. These include window replacement, stone masonry, soffit & eavestrough replacement, roofing, metal and Hardie siding and general carpentry.

Call Moreno Stucco & Wire today to discuss painting your stucco!

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

Your roof is one of the most important pieces of your home. After all, it protects you and your home from the elements. Rain, snow, ice and more, your roof is against so much. As a result, you want to ensure you are taking care of your roof and making the necessary repairs and replacements when they are needed. That’s why finding a great roofing contractor is so important.

In this article, Anco Home Improvements Ltd in Edmonton shares some tips to help you find an excellent roofing contractor.

Check for insurance and licensing

First things first, before you begin to collect quotes from roofing contractors, you want to do background checks. Roofing can be a dangerous job, and the last thing anyone wants is for a worker to get injured. Even worse is if the company doesn’t have proper insurance. Do your research and check that the company you’re considering has proper licensing, insurance and WCB coverage. Any legal or financial background checks will also help you determine just how trustworthy the company is.

Anco Home Improvements Ltd. is a family-owned and operated company. They are fully licensed and insured. Furthermore, they only use certified roofers. Their highly-trained professionals provide outstanding roofing services to homeowners in Edmonton.

Find a contractor that can offer a variety of solutions

Each roofing project is unique. The repairs needed will be unique too. Also, when it comes time for a roof replacement, you want to ensure your contractor can offer the best and most affordable solutions for your home. This is much easier to do when your roofing contractor works with a range of materials and can offer many solutions.

Anco Home Improvements Ltd. can offer a wide variety of roofing solutions. They also use a wide selection of materials. For example, they work with asphalt shingles, cedar shake, and metal and rubber roofing.

Can they provide functional and aesthetic roof replacements?

When it’s time to replace your old roof, you want your new roof to last. However, you also want it to look its best. A roof replacement is an investment, but it will also increase the value of your home. When looking for a roofing company in Edmonton, make sure they can offer quality solutions and provide services that will improve the exterior decor of your property.

Anco Home Improvements Ltd. uses certified roof installers who will deliver high-quality work. In addition, they will ensure the end result is a new roof that looks stunning and fresh!

Roofing in Edmonton

Anco Home Improvements Ltd. is a top roofing contractor in Edmonton. They have been in business for over 40 years. Through the years, they have continued to evolve to provide innovative technology. On top of this, they make it their mission to deliver efficient and reliable roofing services that are also cost-effective. Other services they provide include soffit, fascia and eavestrough installation. Additionally, they offer siding installation services, window installation and concrete and interior work.

Call Anco Home Improvements Ltd. today to discuss your next roofing project!

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

A custom home is a dream come true for many. For others, it may be a dream that seems out of reach. Budget is often a factor here. The thing is, even on a budget, with the right planning and the right help, you may still be able to manifest your luxury custom home.

In this article, Best Built Construction Group in the Greater Vancouver area, shares some insight on how you can turn your custom home vision into reality.

The lock-up stage

For those who want to buy a custom home, getting a bank loan is often what stops them. This is because banks won’t often agree to a loan for a custom home until the lock-up stage. Lock-up is a term used to describe the building stage when a home can be locked up. In other words, a home will reach the lock-up stage when the walls, windows and doors are in place, and then you can lock up the property. When banks will only offer loans at this stage, it can present a problem for those who can’t fund their custom home project before the lock-up stage.

Find the right financing

If this is a problem you’re facing, Best Built Construction Group has a solution. As part of their financing, they offer an initial construction loan. This means that if your bank will not provide a loan until the lock-up stage, Best Built Construction Group can help you get there. As a result, you won’t have to kiss your custom home dream goodbye. Instead, you will have proper financing to move forward with your vision.

Contractor experience

Another big factor in helping to make your custom home dreams a reality is choosing the right contractor. It’s crucial that you find a contractor you can trust. Moreover, when it comes to building your custom home, you want to find a contractor with lots of experience. This way, you know the building of your new home will be in good hands.

Best Built Construction Group comes to the custom home and home renovation space with over 30 years of experience! As a result, they can provide outstanding workmanship and customer service. They are ready to design and build you a home that will be your sanctuary.

Home Builders in the Greater Vancouver Area

Best Built Construction Group uses its over 30 years of experience to build custom homes throughout the Lower Mainland. They build high-end homes, but they also work on affordable housing renovations. This company also commits to finishing projects on time, so you don’t have to wait to enjoy the end results. Furthermore, happy customers are what drives their business. At Best Built Construction Group, their number one goal is to go above and beyond client expectations.

Call Best Built Construction Group today to discuss your custom dream home!

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

If you have a gourmet kitchen in your home and love cooking, picking the right countertop is essential. Different materials like granite, quartz, or marble have various benefits depending on your cooking style. So, balancing looks with function is vital.

VE Stone Ltd. in Surrey is a full-scale natural stone countertop facility. They offer a range of high-quality countertops, including marble, granite, and quartz. Here are their tips when it comes to choosing the best countertop for your kitchen needs: 

Scratch resistance for heavy use

Particular countertops are very durable and can withstand surface chopping. Granite and quartz, for example, are very durable and can withstand direct chopping – however, a cutting board is often recommended to prevent minor scratches and protect your knives. Also, acidic foods like citrus fruit can damage the granite sealant and cause discolouration. With quartz countertops, that’s not a problem as it’s an engineered product and is non-porous. On the other hand, marble and laminate are softer materials, which means they will scratch and cut easily, making a cutting board a must-use.

Setting down a hot pan

While you should use a trivet for your pots before putting them on the countertop, sometimes there’s no time. For example, you may briefly place a hot pot on the counter during a busy cooking session before moving it. Likewise, you’ll want a countertop that can withstand the heat around a stove. That rules out wood or laminate countertops, but marble, quartz, and granite are all robust choices. Remember that regularly placing a hot pot down could cause discolouration or weaken the seal over time, so don’t make it a habit. However, choosing a heat-resistant countertop will minimize that risk so you can cook without concern.

Easy cleaning

Cleanup is part of the process of any cooking session, which means an easy-to-clean countertop is another must. It’s likely during any cooking that you’ll be working with oils, maybe wine, lemon juice, raw meats and fish and more. That’s where a non-porous countertop, like quartz, is a great option. Quartz doesn’t absorb bacteria or develop mould; it only needs a warm, soapy water mix to clean the surface. Quartz can also be made to mimic other materials, so you can get the look and appeal of granite or marble.

If you opt for granite, you can ensure it is protected by regular sealing. Sealing your granite countertop is easy and something you can do yourself. Talk to VE Stone about what products you can use to seal your granite countertops to protect it and make cleaning up a breeze.

Outdoor kitchen

When choosing a countertop for your outdoor kitchen, you can’t go wrong with natural stone. Granite is ideal for the outdoors as its durability can easily withstand hot and sunny days or rain. As with indoor granite countertops, keep them properly sealed to protect the surface and prevent bacteria buildup. Since the granite is outdoors with the sun above and hot elements below, consider a lighter countertop colour to help avoid too much heat buildup. 

Countertops in Surrey

VE Stone is a full-scale fabrication facility. They can help you with the smallest bathroom job to the largest commercial project. You’ll appreciate their wide selection of natural stone products with varying colours and styles, including marble, granite, and quartz. Stop by their showroom for inspiration and more information!

Call today for a free consultation!

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

Many people think just throwing a new coat of paint on the walls will bring home transformation. However, there is such a thing as a bad paint job. Deluxe Painting Ltd. in Edmonton explains why hiring a professional painting company is an excellent idea.

Save time

In theory, repainting your home may seem like an easy project. Nevertheless, painting your home can take a lot of time. Most people do not factor in the time they will need to spend painting their home. A job that you thought might take a weekend ends up taking weeks. With busy lives, and children or parents (or both) to care for, you may end up leaving an unfinished paint job for months. Leave the painting to the professionals so you can spend more time doing the things you need to do — and the things you love.

Deluxe Painting Ltd. brings over 20 years of experience to the painting industry. They can paint your home quickly and efficiently. Moreover, this company will ensure a high-quality paint finish that DIYers will be hard-pressed to match.

Expert preparation

Great preparation can make all the difference. A professional painting company will pay attention to detail in the preparation process. In addition, they will repair and prepare the surfaces that need a little extra love. This prep is what will bring you next-level results.

Deluxe Painting Ltd. provides expert surface preparation. Their prep also includes complete caulking. They can also do minor drywall repairs. As a result, you will have a newly painted home that is ready to impress.

Flawless results

An uneven finish, drips, brush stroke marks and more are all possible with a bad paint job. Paint on the ceiling or on the trim are also telltale signs of painting gone wrong. Furthermore, it can be frustrating to find these mistakes after you’ve spent so much time on a project. When you hire a reliable, experienced painting company you won’t have to worry about any of this. Your paint job will come with a flawless finish. This is important not just for the look of your home, but for your property value as well. Potential buyers can tell the difference between a professional and DIY paint job.

Get the job done right the first time with Deluxe Painting Ltd. Their attention to detail and high standards will take the look and feel of your home to the next level.

House Painters in Edmonton

Deluxe Painting Ltd. provides top-quality residential and commercial painting for property owners in Edmonton. They specialize in both repaints and new construction. On top of this, they can offer both interior and exterior painting services. They also work on theme rooms! Deluxe Painting Ltd. also boasts ample experience working on higher-end projects. This company has continued to grow, since its inception in 2012, thanks in large part to its many referrals. They guarantee a fine finish and always put customer satisfaction first.

Call Deluxe Painting Ltd. today!

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

Blog post submitted by Eco Abate Inc. in Calgary

Hazardous Material Testing for Asset Retirement Obligations of Buildings: Understanding the Process and Estimating the Cost

When owning or managing a building, there are many responsibilities that need to be considered. These include the proper handling of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are substances that can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not managed and disposed of through proper channels. As such, federal and provincial regulators require building owners to conduct hazardous material testing as part of their asset retirement obligations. Additionally, new PS 3280 accounting standards require all Canadian municipalities to estimate and account for the AROs of tangle capital assets, including hazardous materials in buildings.

Asset retirement obligations (AROs) refer to the legal obligation an entity has to retire an asset, such as a building or piece of equipment, at the end of its useful life. AROs are often associated with environmental liabilities such as land reclamation but also include the liability posed by hazardous materials in buildings. As a result, building and property owners must assess and identify any hazardous materials present in the building. The can do this by contacting a hazardous material testing company like Eco Abate Inc. Then, determine the cost of their removal and properly dispose of them to achieve their AROs.

The Process of Hazardous Material Testing

Hazardous material testing is the process of identifying and quantifying hazardous materials in a building, including asbestos, lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mould. This testing is typically performed by a certified environmental consultant or occupational hygienist, who will visit the building and conduct a thorough inspection.

The consultant will visually inspect the building and collect samples of any suspected hazardous materials, such as insulation and paints. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing to determine the type and quantity of hazardous components present. Learn more about asbestos testing in Calgary.

The consultant will then prepare a report detailing the testing results and provide recommendations for the management and eventual disposal of any hazardous materials identified. This report is essential for building owners to properly manage their AROs, account for current or future liabilities, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Estimating the Cost of Hazardous Material Testing

The cost of hazardous material testing can vary depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the type and quantity of building materials, and the location of the building. However, building owners can estimate the cost of hazardous material testing by considering the following factors:

1. Size of the Building: The larger the building, the more extensive the testing will be, which can increase the cost of testing and inspection.

2. Type and Quantity of Hazardous Materials: Different hazardous materials require different testing methods, and the number of hazardous materials present can affect the analysis cost.

3. Location of the Building: The location of the building can impact the cost of testing, as different regions may incur travel costs, be subject to different regulations, and require specific testing requirements.

4. Consultant Fees: The cost of hiring a certified environmental professional to conduct the testing and prepare the report will vary based on their experience and qualifications.

In general, building owners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for hazardous material testing in Calgary for an average commercial or industrial property, depending on the size and complexity of the building and the type of suspected hazardous materials present. However, some facilities, such as multi-story residential or high-rise office buildings, may far exceed this estimate.

Conclusion

Hazardous material testing is a critical component of a building owner’s asset retirement obligations and accounting processes. By properly assessing and identifying any hazardous materials present in the building, owners can ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations and account for the cost of their removal and disposal in the future. While the cost of testing can vary depending on several factors, building owners can work with a certified environmental professional to develop a hazardous material management plan that meets their AROs and protects the health and safety of their employees and the environment.

For more information, contact Eco Abate Inc.

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