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Month: July 2024

Repurpose and Upcycle: Creative Ways to Give Old Furniture a New Life

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There are many benefits to repurposing and upcycling older furniture with an outdated look. Not only will you save money to spend elsewhere, but you will also avoid buying new items that use our natural resources and put a strain on the environment. At the same time, you also get a say in how the furniture should look and the option to showcase your personality and taste.

In this article, we will explore several different modifications you can make to achieve a beautiful result and give your old furniture a new life with a small investment of time and some basic resources and tools. Enjoy!

Turn an old dresser into a kitchen island

Repurposing Your Old Dresser

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen island? It is practical in terms of storage options and often tends to be the central gathering point for the entire family.

Depending on your old dresser and preferences, you can keep or remove the cabinet doors to fit your kitchen style. As for paint, it is typically a good idea to sand down any solid wood dresser before applying the color and finish of your choice.

Alternatively, you can repurpose your old dresser with drawers into a functional wall shelf that can hold your decorative items, plenty of books, or whatever else you need the storage for.

Upcycling Your Vintage Suitcase

For fans of the bohemian interior style, using your old vintage suitcase can be a great option that will serve as a talking point for any guests you might invite over.

The suitcase can be turned into a comfortable and fancy bed for your pets. All you need is a bit of lining in order to make your dog or cat feel right at home.

You could also turn the suitcase into an interesting side table or coffee table with a little ingenuity. Buy a set of wooden legs or prop up the suitcase with something else you have lying around for a quick and functional table.

Repurposing Old Wooden Crates

If you need more storage and have some crates lying around, consider combining them into a makeshift bookshelf. This project can be fun, as you get to play with the shape as you attach the different crates to each other.

This way, you can get the best shape for your space without having to spend big money on a custom solution or expensive designer piece. You can also hang the wooden crates on your wall if you are able to drill a few holes, creating unique floating shelves that you only have.

Getting Help or Inspiration

If you want to keep a particular piece of furniture but are unsure how to best use it, or if you would just like someone else to handle the manual labor, consider contacting us at The HandyForce.

We are a team of dedicated handymen with expertise in many different areas, from large-scale renovations to smaller household projects. We are always available for a consultation, so contact us today to learn more about what we can offer.

The Pros and Cons of Different Flooring Options for Your HomeBlog – Three

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Renovating your home with a new floor can be a great investment when it comes to adding value and functionality at the same time. But there are many options on the market these days, and the prices can range dramatically. There is also the consideration of how to install the new floor.

So choosing the best flooring option for your home is no small feat, but with a few guidelines, you can get the features you need while keeping any potential drawbacks at a minimum. So read on to learn which type of floor best suits your purposes. Enjoy!

Hardwood Flooring

One of the most popular options for homes throughout the ages has been hardwood flooring. This type of floor is known to be durable due to the solid wood, which offers a warm and inviting character to any room it adorns. There are many varieties to pick from, including oak, maple or cherry.

Hardwood floors tend to add value to your property due to the cost, but that also means it requires an expensive upfront investment. While hardwood flooring is considered durable and can also be sanded down for multiple refinishes when needed, this type of floor is susceptible to scratches and water damage if not treated regularly.

Laminate Flooring

Next on our list is the modern alternative to hardwood floors: laminate flooring. This cheaper option aims to mimic the look of real wood but is, in fact, made of synthetic materials such as resin and fiberboard.

Some of the benefits include the ease of installing and cleaning these types of floors, while they are also highly resistant to scratches and water damage. The cons are that these floors rarely increase property value and are not as durable as hardwood, meaning heavy items dropped on them can damage them severely.

Vinyl Flooring

This type of flooring has become popular recently because it is often easier to install than laminate flooring. Vinyl flooring comes in sheets and tiles and sports a wide variety of designs and patterns. It can also mimic wood and even marble or stone and is known to be easy to clean and resistant to water damage.

Vinyl flooring is quite a soft material, meaning that sharp objects can easily damage it. Homeowners have also noticed that the materials used tend to fade or discolor over time, especially when the floor receives a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day. As it is a budget option, it does not tend to increase property values either.

Tile Flooring

Last on our list is tile flooring, which, in the right home, can be a wonderful addition and dramatically enhance the overall aesthetic of the property. Tile flooring is known to be exceptionally durable and has a very long lifespan if treated right. There are many different materials to choose from, allowing ample personalization to suit a variety of different tastes and budgets.

On the other hand, tile flooring tends to be cold for bare feet, leading many homeowners to invest in floor heating. The tiles are installed with grouts, which can be an issue as they accumulate dirt and often get discolored with time. This type of floor also requires a larger investment due to the amount of labor required.

If you need help selecting or installing your new flooring, contact The HandyForce today. Our experienced and dedicated professionals can guide you along the project from start to finish, and ensure the best possible result.

Budget-Friendly Renovation Tips: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

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If you wish to renovate your home and achieve the highest return in terms of value, there are many good ideas to follow, but also quite a few pitfalls. Not all improvements and renovations are profitable when it comes to increasing the home value.

In order to help you get the most bang for your buck when renovating, we have compiled a list of the most common renovations that homeowners consider and provided a guide to which ones pay dividends on your investment and which ones should be considered for personal enjoyment and not financial gain. Enjoy!

Renovating the Bathroom

One of the best things you can do in older homes is to renovate the bathroom. Most potential buyers will have trouble seeing themselves living in an outdated bathroom, and while they might be up for renovating it down the line, it adds uncertainty and can cloud their judgment.

Depending on your home type, you can either opt for high-quality materials and go all out or be more sensible and choose a cost-effective bathroom renovation. The rule of thumb is that the more expensive your home is, the more it will make sense to spend on a luxury bathroom.

Renovating the Kitchen

Another popular and often worthwhile investment is remodeling your kitchen. In general, a new kitchen of lower quality tends to be worth more in the eyes of potential buyers than a 25-year-old kitchen with more expensive materials.

However, even though you might not need to invest in marble tabletops or other high-quality items, the kitchen should still look clean and finished, often requiring professional handymen to ensure the renovation goes smoothly.

Adding an Extra Bathroom

Many potential buyers prefer looking at homes with 2 or more bathrooms. Consider the layout of your current floor plan and how a family with multiple children might divide up the space. Would it make sense to add an extra bathroom? If so, the investment might pay itself back and then some.

Typically, it will be more cost-effective to use an existing home room than building a new addition to the house, but either solution can work in the right area and under the right conditions. This way, not only will your home increase in value directly, but it will also appeal to a larger audience.

New Roof

Replacing the existing and worn roof can be a clever financial decision if you plan to sell your home soon. The roof is something most buyers worry about and also something that they all notice when first arriving.

Making sure that new buyers have no concerns about putting money aside for a new roof after moving in can make them comfortable bidding on your home. It can also be beneficial if you add more insulation to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility costs in the long term, bringing us to our final tip.

Improving the Insulation

Last but not least, adding more insulation can be another great investment in terms of the value of your home. It will also have the added benefit of lowering your utility bills while you still live there and contributing to less of an environmental impact as well.

Not all types of insulation are cost-effective, so it can be a good idea to consult with professionals to determine which areas of your home would provide the best return. If you wish to learn more or get a quote, please contact us today and schedule an appointment or consultation.

#3 – July 2024: Midsummer Home Check-Up.

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As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s the perfect time to give your home a midsummer check-up to ensure everything is in top shape for the rest of the year. At The HandyForce, we’re here to help you tackle those essential maintenance tasks and keep your home running smoothly. Let’s dive into some important checks you should consider this month:

1. Roof Inspections: Protect Your Shelter
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s in good condition. Schedule a professional roof inspection to check for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles, leaks, or weakened areas.

2. Plumbing Checks: Prevent Costly Leaks
A small plumbing leak can quickly turn into a big problem if left unchecked. Take the time to inspect your plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and pipes, for any signs of leaks. Addressing issues early can save you time and money down the line.

3. Refreshing Paint: Revitalize Your Space
Give your home a fresh new look by touching up any areas where the paint has started to fade or chip. Not only will a fresh coat of paint enhance your home’s appearance, but it will also help protect surfaces from the elements.

4. HVAC Maintenance: Stay Cool and Comfortable
With the summer heat in full swing, your HVAC system is working hard to keep you cool. Schedule a professional maintenance check to ensure your system is running efficiently and to catch any potential issues before they escalate.

5. Exterior Maintenance: Keep Your Curb Appeal
Take a walk around the exterior of your home to check for any maintenance needs. This includes cleaning out gutters, trimming trees and shrubs away from the house, and repairing any damaged siding or trim.

6. Safety Checks: Peace of Mind for Your Family
Finally, don’t forget about safety! Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re in working order, and review your family’s emergency plan in case of any unforeseen events.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to preserving the value and integrity of your home. If you need assistance with any of these tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out to The HandyForce. Our skilled team is here to help you keep your home in top condition year-round.

Wishing you a happy and hassle-free midsummer!

Best regards,

-The HandyForce Team