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A fresh coat of paint is a great way to add new life, appeal, and value to your home. With all those benefits, it’s also a great renovation option to prep your home to sell. With the right paint colours, buyers will definitely take notice.

Ottawa Quality Painting in Ottawa is a professional home renovations and painting company. They share what colours will help make your home more appealing to buyers:

Kitchen: warm grey

You want to add the right appeal to the kitchen without too much customizing. Of course, buyers still want to be able to imagine themselves in the space, but a little colour helps. For a kitchen, a warm grey is a great choice. Even a little touch of grey here and there, like on the cabinets or the kitchen island, adds visual interest and colour. It’s also simple enough that future potential homeowners can repaint the room later if they choose.

Living room: simple white

The living room is a trickier room to paint as it’s a personal family space in many homes. Adding colour to the living room is a matter of personal choice, current décor and how the rest of your home looks. The best approach to the living room is to stick with a simple white and off-white palette. It keeps the room looking fresh and well-kept and adds a sense of newness. The open slate also makes it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the space and think about what colour schemes they may want in the future.

Bedrooms: taupe

While painting the bedrooms white is typical when preparing to sell, it’s not the only choice. Avoiding adding colours is still a good idea because you don’t want too much of a personal feel to the space. A simple colour like a light taupe is the perfect way to add a little something interesting to the room. The colour helps open up the room, adding a sense of spaciousness and airiness that is highly appealing. In addition, as a warmer shade, it creates more of a welcoming feel for buyers who enter the room.

Bathrooms: pastel blue

Pastel blues are great colours in most rooms, especially in the bathroom. Instead of going for white, adding a light blue will help make the room feel more spacious, relaxing, and welcoming. For a master bathroom, it’s a great way to add that appealing spa-like feel that buyers will love. A nice light blue can also easily be incorporated into any bathroom design. 

Painters in Ottawa

Ottawa Quality Painting brings 11 years of painting experience when you hire them. They offer interior and exterior services to transform your home inside and out. Whether you need a paint touch-up or want to paint the entire house, their team can help.

Contact Ottawa Quality Painting today! 

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

Regular, professional maintenance is key to the longevity of your HVAC system. But what if repairs are no longer enough? If your HVAC is inefficient, ineffective, and raising your energy bills, it’s time to retrofit or replace it. Both are complex procedures and should only be done by a qualified HVAC contractor.

Mountains Edge Mechanical in Cochrane offers a range of services, including gas and hot water heater line installation and HVAC retrofitting repair, and installation. Here is helpful information to help you decide if you should replace or retrofit your HVAC system.

What is retrofitting?

Retrofitting is the process of adding new components and replacing old parts. It’s an appealing alternative to completely replacing your existing HVAC. This is because HVAC replacements are more expensive, require more work, and take longer. In fact, your home has to be gutted to install an entirely new system. Not so with a retrofit! Retrofitting keeps costs low and isn’t invasive. You enjoy the benefits of an upgrade without the price tag and inconvenience.

Your HVAC contractor can recommend the best way to retrofit your unit. There are numerous ways to do so, such as replacing the existing ducts. Damaged ducts diminish energy efficiency, forcing the HVAC to work harder to do the same task. Additionally, they might recommend a new thermostat, a vent damper, or a new ignition device.

Advantages of retrofitting

Increased energy efficiency is the main reason for retrofitting HVAC systems. While retrofitted HVACS are less efficient than the newest models, they are a considerable improvement. This is because they utilize modern technologies to cool and heat more effectively. In fact, homeowners can save 20% on their energy bills following a retrofit.

Retrofitting extends the lifespan of HVACs. On average, HVAC units last 15-20 years. So choosing to retrofit can add a few years of life to your HVAC- and make it perform better in the meantime.

You will also enjoy greater comfort post-retrofit. Retrofitting optimizes the system and gives you more control over your environment. For example, temperature and humidity will be more consistent, and you shouldn’t notice any more drafts.

Advantages of replacing

New HVAC systems use the latest technologies. As a result, they offer better energy savings than even retrofitted models. All in all, they’re more energy-efficient and effective at keeping your home at the desired temperature. If you want a lower energy bill and a greener home, you may want to replace your HVAC.

Additionally, new HVAC units are safer and better for your health. Older and inefficient HVAC systems aren’t as effective at filtering contaminants like dust, allergens, and mould. These all pose a threat to your health.

Retrofitted HVACs do not last forever. Eventually, they all need to be replaced. If your retrofitted HVAC is still inefficient, unable to control condensation, or promoting mould growth, it’s time to replace it. Learn more about upgrading your HVAC.

HVAC Companies in Cochrane

Mountains Edge Mechanical provides excellent workmanship and customer service to residential and commercial clients in the Cochrane area. They specialize in HVAC installation, retrofitting, maintenance, and repair. Additionally, they work on ducts, hot water heaters, and gas lines. If you need help with your HVAC system, you know who to call.

Contact Mountains Edge Mechanical today!

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

You know you want to renovate your kitchen and add value, appeal, and function. But, before starting any kitchen renovations in Calgary, take a look online to get some inspiration. Not all renovations have to be major overhauls. Sometimes changing just one part of the kitchen can go a long way to transform the room and add value. You can turn to Contemporary Bath Kitchen and Design Centre for design inspiration, quality products, and complete kitchen renovation services.

Add or renovate the island

Kitchen islands act as a central focal point in the room, creating a social space to gather and prepare food. Kitchen islands are also practical, providing additional counter, storage, and dining space. If you don’t already have one and have the square footage, consider adding an island to your new kitchen design.

If your kitchen already has an island, consider whether or not it needs a little remodelling. If you’re already renovating the kitchen, adding the island makes sense. For example, you can shelves to the side for more storage or paint the cabinetry a striking colour to contrast the rest of the space. Installing a sink on the island and expanding the countertop, for example, means more workspace and easier food prep.

Choose the right countertops

Don’t just focus on function or appearance with your countertops when you can have both with kitchen renovations in Calgary. Granite is a popular choice for good reasons. It comes in a range of colours from striking black, modern white, beige and more and no two pieces of granite are alike, making your countertop completely unique.

Marble countertops are another popular choice, especially white marble with coloured veins. Streaks of black add a sleek modern look, while gold veins add a soft and welcoming touch. While marble is exquisite, it also requires more maintenance to keep it looking great. This is because it is less resistant to stains and chips, so you must treat it with a little more care.

For something different, concrete countertops are gaining popularity as well. Different pigments offer various colours, and you can choose different finishes like smooth, sanded, or pressed to mimic marble veining. Read more about choosing the right kitchen countertops.

Add a nook

Is there an unused portion of your kitchen that doesn’t quite fit for new cabinets or countertops? In that case, why not turn that space into a cozy new nook? Installing a corner bench with pillows and a table is perfect for morning coffee or breakfast seating. If you have room for more chairs and a bigger table, you can create a little home office space for a change of scenery. If you don’t have a formal dining room, the little nook can also be your primary dining space. When working with Contemporary Bath Kitchen and Design Centre on Calgary kitchen renovations, there are many ways to add function and uniqueness to your home.

Change the floor

Changing the floors can go a long way in a home renovation. A new look will offer a fresh feel to the kitchen and boost value and function. Luxury vinyl is easy to clean and maintain and can mimic the look of other floors like hardwood or tiles at a lower cost. Ceramic tile flooring can be a subtle way to connect your tile backsplash and create that sense of flow in the space. When choosing tile flooring, ensure the colour complements the shade of your countertop or cabinets. Connections like these add stylish appeal and pull the room together for that desired new look.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact Contemporary Bath Kitchen and Design Centre today!

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

Every now and again you will have to refresh your wooden decking to ensure it is looking its best. What better time to do it than summertime or even before summer starts? This way, your outdoor space will look as good as possible for you and your guests to enjoy during your summer get-togethers and barbecues.

Step 1  – Make any necessary repairs.

To ensure the safety and stability of your deck, it is essential to tackle any cracked or broken boards as soon as possible. Any rotted wood should also be dealt with, and if the wooden boards are beyond repair, these should be replaced.

Step 2 – Sand it down.

Starting from a black canvas will help your deck stain adhere better. Remove any paint and/or old varnish from the wood boards with a paint scraper and sander. Make sure to sand down all areas of the deck so the surface is level.

Step 3 – Scrub and clean the surface.

Get rid of any dirt and debris by cleaning the surface. If your decking has tough stains, algae or moss, give pressure washing a go. After the whole surface has been cleaned, let it fully dry before applying the deck stain. If you need a second pair of hands to pressure wash your decking, we offer various jet washing services that might suit your needs.

Step 4 – Apply deck stain.

There is a wide selection of deck stains and deck paints to uplift the look of your wooden deck. So, choose the best product for your project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply the specific product. It is recommended to paint or stain decking by following the same direction of the wood grain. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying a second one (if needed).

In case you do not want to enjoy your weekend instead of having the hassle of staining or painting decking, get in touch with our team. Our painters and decorators can paint various surfaces, including painting stairs as well as glossing wooden fences. Request a quote today by filling our online booking form or give us a call at 0800-0-12-12-12 and let us know how we can help.

The post How to restore wooden decking appeared first on Handy Squad Handyman London | Fast & Reliable London Handyman.

Kitchen islands are becoming very popular these days. They provide extra space for cooking and entertaining guests. What are some of the benefits of having a kitchen island?

Benefits of Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are great because they allow you to cook or entertain guests without having to move around too much.

They also give you additional countertop space, which means you don’t have to worry about running out of room. Kitchen islands come in various sizes and styles. Some are freestanding, while others are built into cabinets. You can even find them with a sink as well!

They are especially useful if your kitchen is small. If that’s the case, then it may be difficult to fit all of your appliances on one countertop. A kitchen island allows you to maximize the amount of space you have.

You can use an island for many different things. It could be used as a breakfast bar, a workstation, a dining area, a place to store dishes, etc. The options are endless!

If you want to add more storage to your kitchen, then consider adding shelves above your island. Shelves will help keep everything organized and accessible.

Designing Kitchen Islands

There are so many different ways to design your own kitchen island. You can choose from wood, stone, glass, metal, concrete, and other materials.

The most important thing when designing your island is what size works best for you. Do you need a large island, or would a smaller one do just fine?

Also, think about how you plan to use your island. Will you be using it every day, or only occasionally?

There are so many different types of kitchen islands available today. You can choose between freestanding models, wall-mounted designs, and ones that are built into cabinets.

Whether you decide to go with a traditional style, modern look, or something else entirely, there are plenty of options available to you.

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 home maintenance services.

The post How Kitchen Islands Add Style and Functionality appeared first on Handyman Corporate.

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Therefore, it needs to be functional, beautiful, and an accurate representation of you. A professional designer can make this a reality. They know how to transform your lifestyle and preferences into the space of your dreams. Good design forms the foundation for all the merry gathering, eating, cooking, and celebrating that goes on in a kitchen.

Inside Out Kitchens in Penticton is a full-service interior design company. They specialize in designing beautiful kitchens. Here’s why you should hire them for your next renovation.

Benefit from the latest design technology

At Inside Out Kitchens, every remodel begins with a comprehensive, complimentary consultation. Once they understand your requirements, wants, and lifestyle, they use the latest interior design technology to render 3D drawings. These drawings let you have a sneak peek at your dream kitchen. Furthermore, this allows you and your designer to get on the same page. You get to share your vision with your designer, who, in turn, offers their expert opinions. During the consultation, your designer develops a deep understanding of your needs, which informs how they approach your unique kitchen remodel. For these reasons, consultation is an essential first step before construction begins.

Expert personalized design

Professional designers know what works and what doesn’t. These insights are invaluable during a kitchen remodel. Their expertise means they can come up with the best design for you. After all, the design should fit your space and be tailored to your lifestyle. Furthermore, those not well-versed in kitchen design often find the remodelling process overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, from layout to adequate storage to picking the right colours. Professional design services take the guesswork out of the remodel. They guide your vision, give expert opinions, and help make your dreams a reality.

Colour consultation

Colour sets the tone for any space, including your kitchen. So, it’s crucial to pick the right colour. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. With endless colours available, how do you know which ones will best suit your kitchen? This is where the expertise of a professional designer really comes in handy. They have a thorough understanding of colour theory and, after your complimentary consultation, your preferences. This allows them to suggest colours that work with your space and establish the desired mood. While coordinating colours can be confusing for the untrained eye, it’s easy for professional designers. Additionally, Inside Out Kitchens help you select your countertop finish, backsplash style, flooring, and more! Learn more about kitchen colour schemes.

Inside Out Kitchens present a suggested colour palette alongside the 3D drawings after your consultation.

Kitchen Renovations in Penticton

Inside Out Kitchens offer full-service interior design services for homeowners in Penticton. They provide complimentary consultation, professional 3D drawings, and colour consultations to all clients. Additionally, they recommend preferred contractors, work with custom cabinetry makers, and handle project management. Inside Out Kitchens’ mission is to create beautiful, functional livings spaces alongside incredible customer service.

Contact Inside Out Kitchens for your complimentary design consultation!

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

Having a working garage door is crucial to keeping your garage secure and your vehicle safe. A broken garage opener is a safety risk just as much as an outdated one. That’s why updating your opener and choosing the right one when you do is an essential step in garage maintenance.

The Garage Door Depot of Greater Vancouver in Vancouver is a professional garage door, opener and repair company. They share how to choose the suitable garage door opener to keep yourself and your garage safe:

Belt drive garage opener

This type of opener uses a belt to drive the trolley that opens the garage door. These types of openers tend to work much quieter than other models and run much smoother. If your home has living space above the garage or adjacent to it, this opener is a great choice. It also comes with less maintenance, fewer moving parts involved in the opener and no chains that need lubricating. A final benefit is the ease of availability of these openers and an easy installation by a professional. It’s an excellent investment if you want a quick, easy-to-maintain opener.

Chain drive garage opener

Like belt drive openers, the chain drive functions similarly but with a chain pull. The main benefit of a chain drive opener is the added strength it provides over a belt. A chain opener is a must for heavier garage doors or double doors. It can easily handle the weight without slipping or struggling and wearing out prematurely. However, a consideration is that chain openers are noisier and require more maintenance to keep the chain properly lubricated. A chain opener is a great choice if you have a detached garage and get a professional to do routine maintenance checks. Take a look at these stylish garage doors to pair with your new chain drive opener.

Direct drive garage opener

Unlike other types of openers, this opener has a stationary chain with a motor that runs along the chain. Other openers have a moving chain and stationary motor; this direct drive has its benefits. For example, similar to a belt opener it is extremely quiet. So whether you work early in the morning or return home late at night, your garage door won’t disturb any sleeping family or neighbours. Safety-wise, direct-drive openers have excellent safety features that can sense objects and will reverse the door if needed. While these types of openers are more expensive than other openers, it’s a type of opener that will have a great ROI, improved function, and are long-lasting. 

Garage Doors & Openers in Vancouver

The Garage Door Depot of Greater Vancouver prides itself on being a one-stop destination for all garage door needs. Whether you need help choosing a garage door, installing the perfect opener, or helping with repairs, their team can help. Let them add curb appeal, function, security, and value to your home with a new garage door and opener. 

Contact The Garage Door Depot of Greater Vancouver today!

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

It’s hard to imagine your home without warm, running water. However, this is precisely what can happen if your boiler and pipes fall into disrepair. Proper maintenance and regular servicing from your professional plumbing company are crucial for keeping the water running (and not leaking).

Furthermore, if your home uses Poly-B piping, it’s even more important to schedule regular inspections with your plumber. This is because homes with Poly-B plumbing often break down over time and can leak.

Free Flow Mechanical in Edmonton specializes in plumbing, gas, and boiler installation and repair. Here they offer their tips for maintaining your Poly-B pipes and boiler.

What is Poly-B plumbing?

Canadian homes built in the 1970s until the early ’90s commonly used Polybutylene (Poly-B) pipes. However, by the mid-1980s, many homeowners with Poly-B pipes encountered leaks that resulted in water damage and mould. Consequently, Poly-B was removed from Canada’s National Plumbing Code in 2005. Learn more about Poly-B plumbing.

There are an estimated 700,000 homes in Canada with Poly-B plumbing. While many are still leak-free, all Poly-B plumbing will eventually need to be replaced. These pipes slowly deteriorate from the inside, and their plastic fittings are prone to cracking. All in all, Poly-B pipes are unreliable and eventually fail. However, you can extend their longevity and protect your home with proper maintenance and regular servicing from your professional plumber.

How to maintain Poly-B plumbing

Poly-B piping often begins leaking 10 to 15 years after installation. To maximize its life expectancy, there are a few things you can do:

Replace the plastic fittings. Poly-B pipes initially used plastic fittings, which tend to crack and leak over time. Your plumber can replace these with copper or brass. Additionally, do not crimp these fittings too tightly as this can result in hairline fractures.

Lower the pressure. High water pressure stresses the pipes and fittings. If damaged, you’re likely to have a leak on your hands. Your plumber can install pressure-reducing valves to reduce the water pressure between 40 and 60 psi.

Less chlorine. Poly-B pipes are particularly vulnerable to chemicals like chlorine. These chemicals slowly degrade Poly-B lines from the inside. In general, municipal water in Canada is free of or has very low amounts of chlorine. However, even a drop impacts Poly-B pipes, so if you live in an area that uses chlorine, invest in a high-quality water filter.

Turn down the heat. Poly-B pipes deteriorate quicker in hot water. Consequently, Poly-B pipes should never be directly connected to a hot water tank.

Consult your plumber. There’s no substitute for an expert opinion. Contact Freeflow Mechanical Ltd. for a professional assessment of your Poly-B pipes! They can also offer a quote to replace your Poly-B plumbing.

How to maintain your boiler

Boiler maintenance should always be done by a professional. However, here are three maintenance tips you can do yourself:

Look for leaking water. Leaks commonly come from the heat exchanger. Small puddles of water often mean it’s time for a replacement. Similarly, examine the vents and chimney for holes, which will eventually lead to leaks.

Watch out for unusual noises or vibrations. Contact your professional boiler repair specialist if your boiler is banging, rattling, humming, or making other unusual sounds. These noises can point to poor water flow or overheating.

Replace the filters. Every month, examine your boiler’s filters to see if they’re clean and free from debris.

Free Flow Mechanical

Free Flow Mechanical provides professional plumbing, gas, and hydronic heating for residential and commercial clients in Calgary. Their expertise allows them to handle new construction, renovation, and repair projects easily and efficiently. In addition, they believe in delivering amazing and reliable customer service to all their clients.

Contact Free Flow Mechanical today!

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

Kitchen and bathroom renovations add significant value to your home, so why choose between the two? Instead of starting with just one, combine the two renovations and enjoy twice the value. With the correct planning, you’ll save more time and costs and save on the stress of two projects. 

Samrad Renovation in Vancouver is a professional home renovations company that offers a wide range of construction and remodelling services. They share the benefits of combining your bathroom and kitchen renovation projects:

Boosts your home value

Both the kitchen and bathroom add great value to your home, so why not enjoy the combined benefits? You don’t have to undergo a luxury splurge to get a great return on your investment. According to Remodel Magazine 2021, a mid-range bathroom remodel will recoup 60% of the cost, and a minor kitchen renovation can recoup 72.2%. Tackling two of the hot spots in your home will certainly make your home a market contender that buyers will notice. Even if you don’t sell right away, you can still enjoy the function and beauty of your new space.

Organize your home

Optimizing the kitchen and bathroom layout in your home helps organize your home life much more. The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in any home, which makes having it organized important to daily life. Reworking your kitchen, adding more storage, or a better layout will make your kitchen a real focal point.

It’ll also make it much more enjoyable to entertain friends or host dinners in your updated space. That same enjoyment goes for the bathroom, whether it’s a master bathroom or a main floor one. Having an organized bathroom helps you get a better start to the day by enjoying a clean and clutter-free space. 

Double your energy efficiency

One of the benefits of remodelling is the chance to upgrade your appliances and add some money-saving changes. In both spaces, add low-flow faucets, LED bulbs, upgrade the wiring and look into high-efficient appliances. Even a few minor changes can make a big difference in your monthly utility bills. That way, you can enjoy more time in your bathroom or kitchen without the overconsumption of water or power. 

Keep your home safe

Aside from the loss of appeal and value from an outdated space, it’s also a matter of safety. Unproperly grounded electrical outlets, old slippery tile flooring, or outdated appliances are all safety risks that a renovation can fix. It’s also a great chance to think about aging-in-place upgrades that likewise play into safety. Getting rounded countertop corners or accessible light switches are practical, safe, and stylish additions.

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations in Vancouver

Samrad Renovations prides itself on being informative, professional, and trustworthy in every project from start to finish. Their team brings years of experience and expertise that guarantee peace of mind and quality results. You can trust their team to produce beautiful craftsmanship and excellent customer service for your home renovations. 

Contact Samrad Renovations today!

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

A garage addition provides extra space for storage, parking vehicles, or used as a shop or secondary suite. In addition, a new garage will add value to your property. If you’re considering insulating and heating your garage, SPAAR Spray Systems in Calgary offers some helpful tips.

Insulating a garage suite

If you’re building a separate living space above your garage, or you already have a developed space above your garage, it’s important to hire insulation contractors in Calgary to ensure it’s insulated properly. In this case, it’s best to use spray foam insulation beneath the suite floor.

If the garage already has a finished ceiling and you’re looking to add more insulation, blow-in insulation is an excellent choice. SPAAR Inc. can blow it into the ceiling without having to demolish it.

Keeping your workshop or living space cool

An insulation upgrade and proper ventilation will keep your garage spaces cool in the hot summer months. This is essential if your garage has an upstairs living space.

Installing attic vents will significantly assist airflow if you don’t have them already. Heat rises, but the vents will ensure that air is cycled through the space to keep moisture build-up at a minimum. In addition, it will ventilate the space and cool your garage with passive convection. The cool air moves from the floor upwards and forces the hot air out.

Why spray foam insulation is the best choice for your garage

Spray foam is a superior, high-performing option for your garage and attic insulation in Calgary. SPAAR Spray Systems can install spray foam insulation in hard-to-reach places. They apply it as a liquid, and it expands and sticks to whatever it touches. Furthermore, spray foam doesn’t allow air passage or leakage.

Spray foam also creates an air-tight moisture barrier. Other insulation options require the installation of an additional moisture barrier and can become susceptible to mildew or mould. You never have to worry about this with high-quality spray foam insulation. Read more about the benefits of spray foam insulation.

Spray foam is an excellent choice for your garage upgrade and new garage building project. In addition, it’s also great for other residential applications too. Attic insulation upgrades, basement insulation, cantilever, and overhang insulation installation work well with spray foam.

Insulation Contractors in Calgary

SPAAR Inc. offers commercial and residential construction services, including drywall, roofing, painting, exterior renovations, and insulation. As experts in spray foam insulation in Calgary, they’ll ensure your garage addition or upgrade is insulated, ventilated, and highly efficient.

Contact SPAAR Inc. for a free consultation.

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