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Month: April 2023

The Benefits of Installing Smart Home Technology

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Technology has been one of the driving factors in the history of humankind. We see it in all aspects of our lives, but rarely think of applying these modern principles and techniques to our own homes.

In this article we will discuss and explore some of the benefits that smart home technology can bring you, as well as go over some of the different options you have. Whether you wish to tinker with these projects yourself, or have a professional company handle it for you, our list of ideas will provide plenty of inspiration. Enjoy!

List of popular smart home improvements

Below we have listed some of the most typical technologies used in Canadian homes. The common denominator for most of these are that they are able to connect to your smartphone, allowing easy control and customization to fit your exact needs, no matter where you are.

  • Smart Thermostats
  • Smart Lighting
  • Home Security Systems
  • Smart Plugs
  • Smart Appliances
  • Smart Smoke Detectors
  • Smart Home Hubs
  • Smart Locks
  • Voice Assistants
  • Smart Blinds and Shades
  • Smart Water Management Systems
  • Smart Entertainment Systems
  • Smart Irrigations Systems
  • Smart Garage Doors
  • Smart Pet Feeders

Ease of mind

A benefit that can not be overstated is the peace of mind that you get, knowing you can always check in on your home via the cameras when away at work or holiday. With just a few clicks you can see if your pets are running rampant through the home, relaxing next to the sunny window, or perhaps even visiting the automatic pet feeder.

Depending on your upgrades, it might even be possible for you to remotely lock all doors and windows, turn off appliances via the smart plugs, or close the blinds so unwanted guests can not peek through the windows.

Better security

There is also the added benefit of increased security to consider. We already mentioned the option to lock your doors and shut your blinds, but there are many other types of smart home security upgrades you can make.

Most of us have heard of the automatic flood lights that not just turn on when motion is detected, but also notifies you on your phone. But smart home systems can also be interconnected with each other, meaning your alarm system can activate a whole sequence of events, enabling you to achieve the ultimate level of security.

A convenient home

Installing a smart home garage door opener can be an incredibly useful and convenient thing to add. It is possible to pair this with your smartphone, so that the door will automatically open as you reach your driveway, and automatically shut it again once you drive off to the store or work.

And with the invention of voice assistants, you can even just tell your home to regulate the temperature, turn off the lights on the first floor, or whatever else you wish. Without the need to actually lift a finger yourself. That is convenient!

What is required

Most of these technologies will require some electrical work and technical knowhow. If you are unsure how to install this yourself, consider contacting us at HandyForce, where our skilled personnel will always be happy to perform quality work.

We can help with installing and configuring moist smart devices, integrating them with each other, and also ensure everything is secure and updated. So feel free to contact us and learn more about our services!

How to Choose the Right Home Renovation Contractor

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Before beginning any new home renovation project, it is important to find the right people for the job. Choosing the wrong company can lead to frustration, increased costs and extended deadlines, shoddy work and a really bad experience overall.

Therefore we have written this guide, in order to help you find the best possible contractor for your next home renovation. Whether you wish to remodel your kitchen, fully replace the roof, or something else entirely, these tips below will get you started in the best possible way.

Browse your local area for potential candidates

The first step should be to look at what is available in your close vicinity. While it might not be a guarantee that the contractors will arrive on time, it is nonetheless a decent starting point. Feel free to expand the radius in which you are searching, especially for the more rural areas of Canada.

Simply note down the contact information of each company you might be interested in learning more about. And once you have a good selection to choose from, it is time to continue  to the next step.

Ensure they have the correct experience, licenses and insurance

Next up is to begin researching the different contractors. Find out if they are licensed and insured, whether they have worked on similar projects in the past, and also look into any quotes listed on their website or social media.

This will give you an idea of what to expect, and can even help you weed out a few of the worst companies, before you even contact them or do further research. Do not be too critical at this stage however.

Make a shortlist of the candidates

Once you have filtered through what is available within a reasonable distance from your home, and confirmed that their credentials and competences are in order, it is time to be a bit more specific.

Ask your friends and family members about their previous experience with any of the companies, and look online and social media for reviews and references. This can help you make the decision right then or there, or at the very least weed out a few more.

Approach the candidates

Now it is time to contact the contractors still left on your list. You can either contact each contractor and arrange a meeting where they visit you at your home, and then have them quote you a price for the work you wish performed.

Or, you can call or email them with details about your project, and listen to their recommendations and pricing ranges. While it might require more work from you to have them visit you, it will also provide a more accurate quote.

The Benefits of Home Renovations for Older Adults

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As we continue to see the average life span increase, more and more retired Canadians choose to age in place, staying put in their treasured and beloved homes they know so well.

But with that comes a new set of challenges, as their homes are typically not built for their newly developed needs. By renovating your home with this in mind, you can achieve a more comfortable home that is safer to live in and provides added functionality.

So in this article we will cover some of the main benefits and concepts that those who age in place tend to choose. Enjoy!

Safety first

Most of us think of the many safety features when talking about renovating homes for aging in place. This can encompass larger renovations, such as ripping out the old steep stairs, and installing some friendlier and easier to traverse ones.

On a smaller scale, adding bars and handrails, lining the floor and stairs with non-slip materials and other similar features can further increase the safety of the homeowners. This will not only make the home safer, but also allow for more peace of mind, as the homeowners will not need to worry as much about potential falls or other accidents.

Comfort is important

Many older homeowners have been living in their house for decades, which often means that their homes are not as modern and energy efficient as they could be. Insulating the old and leaky roof will not only save on the energy bill, but also create a more comfortable home.

As we age in place, we tend to stay home during longer stretches than when we were working. This means air quality and natural light becomes even more important. These renovations can further improve the comfort, and are often relatively cheap compared to other home renovations.

Adapting to changing needs

Once you hit a certain age, it becomes troublesome to walk down the stairs at 3 in the morning just to go to the bathroom. Adding a bathroom next to your master bedroom can be a great addition that not only makes your home safer and more functional, it can also increase the value of your home when one day selling it.

On a similar note, many older Canadians are remodeling their homes to accommodate accessibility needs. This can include installing ramps such as ramps, wider doorways and lowering the countertops to make it easier for people in wheelchairs or with bad backs to move around.

Many bathrooms have a lip, or threshold, encompassing the shower area. But this can make it more difficult to enter the shower for people with a bad back or a reduced ability to walk. And it can completely block access for wheelchairs. By renovating your bathroom and adapting it to your new needs, you can keep living in your home that you love.

Final thoughts

Home renovations for older adults ultimately have the goal of making it possible to continue living a normal life, where the homeowners can stay independent and not rely on family members or outside help for their daily chores.

At HandyForce we have years of experience helping people stay independent for longer. So if you are considering a project to make life a little easier for yourself, feel free to contact us for a chat.

What Are the Items to Consider when Buying Handyman Franchises?

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Do you want to buy handyman franchises? Some franchises may provide various repair and maintenance services, while others may specialize in a particular field. There are a variety of project types, ranging from small adjustments to big, long-term operations.

These services mostly include but are not restricted to the following:

  • Painting services
  • Electrical installations
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Appliance installation and repair
  • Plumbing Repair
  • Roofing repairs
  • Drywall installation and repair
  • Flooring installation and repair
  • Carpentry services

3 Factors to Consider when Buying Handyman Franchise

Pay close attention to rules and regulations.

The home services franchising market is heavily reliant on adherence to several regulations. Bear in mind that despite the fact that the franchisor will be of tremendous assistance to you, it is ultimately your responsibility to comply with all of the laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to the area in which your franchise is situated.

There is a possibility that the standards for franchise systems will differ slightly from those of independent or non-franchised enterprises in the industry. Still, for the most part, they will be very similar.

For instance, potential franchisees in the home services industry may need to obtain particular construction or contractor licenses or permits like everyone else in the field. These requirements are standard across the board. Once more, the criteria for licenses and permits change depending on the laws, rules, and regulations that are in place in the area where the franchised business is situated.

Lack of Practical Experience? Not an Issue.

Lack of technological competence should not deter those interested in becoming franchisees. While looking for new franchisees, various franchise systems emphasize the technical abilities generally associated with franchises in this sector.

Most franchisees in this sector are responsible for handling the company’s marketing, sales, and office requirements, in addition to monitoring a team of contractors or staff who are responsible for completing the jobs themselves instead of getting on the physical labor themselves.

For example, some franchise businesses favor franchisees with no prior expertise in the field and who come from various backgrounds. In addition to possessing a solid work ethic and a high level of professionalism, prospective franchisees should have a friendly demeanor and pleasure in cultivating relationships with their clients and business associates.

Investigate the distinctive necessities of your region.

Regarding the need for services, not all regions are created equal. There are regional differences in the industry, and the demand for goods and services might range from somewhat strong to extremely strong. In some regions, most business comes from the construction of brand-new homes, but in other regions, most of our business comes from home renovations.

Carry out some studies to establish (a) which services are required in your region and (b) who would constitute your ideal customer base. In addition, think about whether or not that market will be viable in the future.

Conclusion

If you want to buy a handyman franchise, you need to bear in mind the requirements of your area, practical experience, and regulations.