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Category: Exterior

The Benefits of Custom Home Renovations

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Living in your home should feel great, no matter if the temperatures outside are soaring or plummeting, if you are doing chores or relaxing on the sofa. Custom home renovations are a great way to add some personality to your home, while also upgrading the comfort and value at the same time.

Some custom renovations completely change the feel and look of the home, while others focus on a single room. Regardless of your wishes, these specific types of efforts can help you feel more at ease, making it your own little paradise.

So in this article we will take a closer look at some of the different advantages and options you have when considering custom home renovations. Enjoy!

A personalized home to fit your every need

As opposed to a normal renovation, a custom home renovation entails making the space your own and catering to your specific needs and wishes.

Whether that means adding an outdoor spa, turning the unused attic into a home office, or creating a modern and functional open kitchen area is up to you. The only limit is your imagination, and of course budget.

By not just going for the standard choices, but really considering what you and your family needs, you can achieve something truly personal that fits like a glove and makes you feel as though you never want to leave.

Increased Home Value

As long as your custom home renovations are not solely for your own enjoyment, meaning that other people might appreciate them as well, then your efforts might be rewarded in terms of a higher value once selling your home.

Whether you remodel with an open floor plan, connecting the kitchen and dining room, or modernize the hardwood floors and floor panels, custom home renovations can be a profitable pursuit. Just keep in mind what other people are looking for as well, and if possible keep your renovations as timeless and with as wide an appeal as possible.

Can improve the safety and add peace of mind

Sometimes these custom home renovations are not just about adding personal touches, but instead adapting the space to fit the human needs we all have. Older generations might want to install different handrails, safeguards and other gear to help avoid painful falls, or at least provide an option to get back on your feet if an accident occurs.

Families with young children might wish to childproof their swimming pools, make the stairways safer to traverse and so on. These things can provide an ease of mind, leading to less stress and worry in the long run.

The whole idea of custom home renovations is to solve an issue or address a need particular to you and your loved ones, so while the suggestions are some common things, the possibilities are endless.

Enhance the aesthetic appeal

Other custom renovations of homes focus more on the visual aspect. Whether it is removing all the old wallpaper and replacing it with modern ones, or knocking down that annoying wall that once housed an old stove.

The benefits of spending some effort on upgrading the look of your home are many, and includes making your day a little brighter, creating a more enjoyable home, and even impressing the neighbors or potential buyers with your newly gained curb appeal.

The Advantages of Energy Efficient Home Renovations

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One of the most popular reasons for renovating homes in Canada is in order to achieve a more energy efficient home. And for good reason. The winters here can be brutal, and even spring and fall can see the temperatures plummet overnight.

Having a well insulated home that does not waste energy unnecessarily is one of the easiest ways to save money without much effort. Once it is installed that is. In this article we list some of the different benefits you can look forward to by renovating your home and making it more energy efficient.

Lower energy bills

This is what most people think of when talking about efficient and green home renovations. There are a number of different ways in which you can lower your need for electricity, gas and other power and heating sources, all of which share the same goal: to lower your energy bill.

In Canada one of the most important things is insulation. Whether this is by padding the roof with a thick layer to keep out the cold winds, or whether it is to upgrade your windows with new energy efficient materials.

If this is your primary concern, we recommend you talk to your contractor about which renovations make the most sense in terms of return on your investment, as some renovations can pay for themselves in a few years, while others might take decades.

A more comfortable home

By renovating your home to become more efficient, you can achieve a warmer indoor climate that just feels nicer living in. And with the lower energy costs, it will also make it psychologically easier to turn up the heat to full when the cold winds are threatening your comfort level.

By filling out empty areas around doors, windows and other openings in your home, you can eliminate drafts, improve your insulation and achieve a more stable climate. And if you choose the right materials, you will even get a cooling benefit during the warmest months of the year as well.

Helping our planet

The less energy your home uses every year, the more environmentally friendly your home is considered to be. Due to the geographical location, Canadian homes are using roughly twice as much energy a year compared to a home in the United Kingdom.

By upgrading, insulating and renovating with the environment in mind, you can do your part in protecting our planet and slowing down the effects of global warming. We have already begun to see the effects of this trend, as 2019 saw a 0.4% decrease in yearly emissions for homes. A good start, but we can do better still.

It will increase the value of the home

Finally, performing energy efficient upgrades to your home will inevitably raise the value when reselling it down the line. As more and more consumers are aware of the environmental challenges, and as prices for gas and electricity continue to rise, this will only be more important as time goes on.

Another added benefit is that if a potential buyer is deciding between your house and another, but your house has energy efficient upgrades, that could just be the deciding factor. Even if the other home is located in a slightly more desirable area or similar.

The Most Popular Home Renovation Styles of the Year

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There are many avenues to take for homeowners looking to upgrade their home with a new and pleasing interior style. But there are countless styles to choose from, and because of the cost and time required, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go for.

Regardless of whether you wish to begin on a complete overhaul of your entire home, or you are just looking to renovate your kitchen, knowing which styles and trends are popular at the moment can help in guiding your decision.

So we will be examining some of the most popular home renovation styles of the year, with a particular focus on the Canadian homeowners, where we will explore the different features of each style, as well as provide some general tips for anyone looking to renovate their home. Enjoy!

1. The modern style

This one might be the most difficult to actually pull off well. There are so many different interpretations of a modern interior, and so many pieces of furniture, types of wallpaper and hardware to choose from.

For this style you should consider elements such as metal, glass and concrete. The colors tend to be fairly bold but not colorful, so black and white are great options here. Ultimately, it all comes down to obtaining a balance and harmony between the different elements you add.

2. The rustic style

This style has seen a surge as of late, as it ties in well with the recycled and sustainable method of thinking. Here it is possible to achieve a relatively inexpensive look that offers plenty of charm, while also being environmentally friendly.

Whether you take this all the way to a rustic cabin feel, or simply choose a few beautiful and rustic pieces of furniture is up to you. If you love collecting and buying different individual pieces, then this style might be a great option, as you can mix and match as much as you like.

3. The Scandinavian style

This style is about more than just visiting IKEA and driving home with your car fully loaded. The Scandinavian style is a great choice for Canadian homes, as the climate in Scandinavia is quite similar to Canada.

The keywords here are light, neutral colors with a focus on minimalism and a few focus pieces to draw attention. As for color schemes we recommend white, gray and natural browns, with a few accent pieces in a bolder color for that popping contrast.

Considerations for homeowners

Before we sign off, it is important to understand that undertaking a home renovation is a significant investment that requires a lot of money and time.

Therefore, homeowners should carefully consider their goals, budget, and timeline before selecting a renovation style. Picking a style because it is popular in a given period, does not necessarily mean it will be popular a few years down the road.

So, if you intend on enjoying your renovations for years to come, then this will be less of an issue. But if you might be selling your home within 4-5 years, perhaps it might be better to pick a more timeless and traditional style.

Consider contacting us at HandyForce if you are looking for even more inspiration, a qualified contractor, or just wish to hear more about your possibilities. We are always available for a consultation.

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.

The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

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Once you buy your first home, you realize that you will never be bored again. There is always something to fix, upgrade or change in a home. Home maintenance is a topic most of us have some level of experience with, but few think about how important it really is.

So in this article we would like to direct your attention towards some of the main reasons why you should never ignore signs of wear and tear, and why regular home maintenance is so crucial. Enjoy!

Keeping dry and warm

Canadian homes are susceptible to roof damage due to the harsh weather conditions in many parts of the country. Thus regular maintenance and inspections can help detect and repair small issues, before they become major problems that will force you to take drastic measures.

Preventing water damage

Unfortunately it is not just the roofs that can suffer from the weather in Canada. Everything from the basement, windows and door openings can also leak water if not maintained properly. And water damage can be an expensive issue to fix once it has taken root.

Avoiding issues with the HVAC

As you know, the Canadian winters can be harsh for our homes. Thus it is essential to have a heating system that works when you need it. You should regularly maintain your HVAC system in order to ensure you can always turn on the heat to avoid mold and humidity issues.

Protecting against pests

Depending on where in the country you live, Canadian homes are vulnerable to certain types of pests, especially during the colder months. Regular pest control and prevention measures can help keep your home safe from infestations.

And on the topic of pests, a regular inspection will also identify whether you have critters gnawing away at your insulation or wiring, hopefully before the problem becomes too severe.

Improving the indoor air quality

Proper air filtration and ventilation can help improve indoor air quality, which is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory issues. HandyForce can provide air duct cleaning services to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from your HVAC system, improving indoor air quality.

Increases the property value

Regular home maintenance helps to maintain the value of your property. When you eventually decide to sell your home, the condition of your property will significantly impact the selling price.

By keeping up with the regular maintenance, you can ensure that your home is in top condition and can command the highest possible price when it becomes time to sell on the market. You will also have a better conscience, knowing that you left the new homeowners in a good starting position.

Reduces the repair costs

By keeping your home well maintained you can also fix issues before they turn into larger projects that require expensive materials and weeks or months of contractors. As with many things in life, it is often best to act as soon as possible, and by catching potential issues early, you can thus save money in the long run.

Saves time and stress

Last but not least, if you are regularly maintaining your home you will also save time in the long run. By fixing issues while they are small and insignificant, you avoid the larger projects, or at the very least postpone them significantly.

This will also lead to less stress, as you will not have to worry about the upcoming snowstorm, as you will feel more comfortable and confident, knowing that everything is in good working order.

The Benefits of Green Home Renovations

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Besides the lower energy bills, there are many other benefits to renovating your home with a green and environmentally friendly perspective.

In this article we will cover some of the different ways that your upgrades can help our planet, possibly even a few you haven’t thought about before. So if you are considering hiring contractors, or beginning your own renovation project, keep reading for some inspiration and motivation!

Achieve a better indoor environment

Insulating your home to better withstand the cold Canadian seasons will not only help you save money on your energy bill, but also provide a better climate for yourself and your family. Another often overlooked fact is that insulation also provides better noise cancellation and acoustics in your home, increasing the comfort levels of everyone around.

You can also enjoy a better air quality in your home by reducing indoor air pollution and promoting better ventilation. Some of this will naturally happen as you insulate your home, but you can go even further and add vapor barriers in exposed areas to also combat humidity.

Reduce the amount of water used

There are many different ways in which to conserve water when implementing green home renovations, whether you are working on a landscaping project or fixing up the bathroom.

For instance, by installing a rain catcher you can use that free water for watering your plants during a dry spell, or even run it through a filter for an outdoor shower by using a gravity fed system that is low cost and easy to install.

If you are remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, then you might want to consider installing water saving faucets, shower heads and toilets. These upgrades can save you anywhere from 20% to more than 50% of the water used during a normal day. Over time it will add up to quite a bit of water saved, as the average Canadian person uses more than 300 liters of water each day.

Making life better for the wildlife

Not all home renovations take place inside. It is also possible to be green when working on a landscaping project. This can include only planting native plants that support the existing local biodiversity, and possibly even create new habitats for the wildlife in your immediate area.

Similarly, if you have any leftover materials from your renovation project, consider spending an afternoon with your children to create a few birdhouses. By making these out of your old materials, that you were going to toss out anyway, you can further help secure the local bird populations.

Allows for passive cooling and heating

Another often overlooked fact about green home renovations is the way in which we can use passive solar heating and other similar principles. For instance, windows facing south can allow more sunlight to enter, which can help to naturally warm the home during the winter months.

By choosing materials with a high level of thermal mass, you can achieve an effect in your home that naturally regulates the temperature during the warm and cold seasons, effectively cooling the home during summer, and heating it during winter.

Gone are the days where you needed to use adobe or rammed earth. In our modern times there have been huge advances made in this field, allowing for eco-friendly bricks, stones or concrete to be used that looks just as good as the traditional ones.

The benefits of the HomeCare Plan

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Are you finding that your lawn is looking like it could use a good trim, but is everyday life and work getting in your way? Perhaps you just prefer not getting dirt under your fingernails, or maybe you would rather be doing something else entirely.

Regardless of why, we at The HandyForce are always ready to help take care of your home, just as if it was our own!

That is why we offer our attractive Homecare package, where you are fully covered in terms of everything from maintaining the floorboards, to weeding out unwanted plants in the backyard.

In this article we will explain in detail what exactly this HomeCare Plan covers, and what benefits that homeowners can look forward to. Enjoy!

All inclusive and transparent pricing model

For a single yearly payment, we will perform the necessary work on your property in all 4 seasons, or you can choose to have us come around in the Fall and Spring! Details can be found here.

These packages include all the necessary materials and equipment, which we will bring ourselves, all products and gear of a high quality, fully up to the industry standards.

We believe in a simple pricing model, which means you will never receive an extra bill for the work we perform. Just the quoted price, and no more. Easy!

The same high quality of work as always

Some homeowners are cautious about letting other people work on their dream home. But as hundreds of previous clients can attest to, we at The HandyForce take pride and perform as best we can.

That includes making sure homeowners are comfortable with the work we do, and together we will go over which projects you would like us to work on, and which flower bushes definitely must not be trimmed.

In short, we will take care of your home as if it were our own.

Protect your investment properly

Our HomeCare Plan not only helps you get to the bottom of the ever changing list of chores inside the house and outside, but we also focus on checking for common signs of wear and tear that might turn into more serious issues over time.

At the same time our trained personnel will also look out for any naturally caused damage, such as from extreme weather or a change in the levels of groundwater etc.

All in all we will perform a thorough inspection of your home, to ensure there are no hidden problems gnawing away at your investment, so you can rest easy knowing your home is in good care.

What does the HomeCare Plan include?

We have outlined a large list of specific tasks on our service page for the HomeCare Plan, with an easy overview sorted by seasons, allowing you to quickly glance through and see what we offer.

But since you’re already here, we thought just to mention a few popular tasks that are included in our HomeCare Plan:

  • Cleaning the gutters
  • Clearing dead plants and shrubs
  • Inspecting the foundations
  • Changing and inspecting HVAC filters
  • Cleaning the kitchen sink disposal
  • Power washing your deck or patio
  • Checking and cleaning the dryer vent
  • Replacing light bulbs, including those that are hard to reach
  • Testing pumps and water heaters
  • Ensuring all locking mechanisms works on the doors

Why You Should Hire a Reputable Contractor

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When it comes to hiring a contractor, you have a lot of options. You could go with the cheapest one you find, or you could hire a friend to do the job for you. But if you really want the job to be done right, you need to hire a reputable contractor.


First of all, reputable contractors are professional. They show up on time, dressed in a clean and crisp uniform, ready to get to work. They take the time to listen to your needs and provide you with a detailed estimate of the work that needs to be done. They also have the necessary licenses and insurance to protect you and your property.


But perhaps the biggest benefit of hiring a reputable contractor is the peace of mind that comes with it. When you hire a friend or a cheap contractor, you never know what you’re going to get. They may do a shoddy job, cut corners, or even disappear halfway through the project. But when you hire a reputable contractor, you can trust that they will do the job right the first time and stand behind their work.


And let’s not forget about the added value that a reputable contractor brings to your project. They have the experience and expertise to offer suggestions and solutions that can save you time and money. They also have access to high-quality materials and the latest tools and technology to ensure that your project is completed to the highest standards.


But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some funny reasons why you should hire a reputable contractor:


• They’re like a good pair of jeans – they may cost a little more upfront, but they’ll last longer and make you look better.
• Reputable contractors have all the right tools – and they actually know how to use them.
• They’re not afraid to tell you when your idea is a bad one (and they have the experience to back it up).
• You can trust them to handle your project with care – unlike your drunk uncle who always offers to “help” with your home renovations.
• Reputable contractors will actually finish the job – unlike your ex who always had “good intentions” but never followed through.


In conclusion, hiring a reputable contractor may cost a little more upfront, but it will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Plus, it’s just the responsible thing to do. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

Tile installation

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At HandyForce we have many years of experience with tiling residential homes as well as commercial properties. This has led us to identify some common issues that people tend to have, as well as learn what concerns and questions people typically worry about.

So in order to make your next tiling project as smooth and painless as possible, we have created this short guide to get you up to speed with everything relating to tile installation. Enjoy!

Briefly about tiles

There are many benefits to using tiling in your own home, rental property, or even office  space. Tiles have a relatively long lifespan, and they can easily be cleaned and made to look as if new again.

We use tiles in many places in our homes, from the protective layers of tiles covering the wet areas in the bathroom, used as flooring or on countertops, or for lining our kitchen walls with tiles that provide a great look and even better hygiene.

At the same time, people have a large selection of materials to choose from, allowing everyone to find something that matches their personal tastes perfectly. Some of the most popular types of tiles include:

  • Ceramics
  • Porcelain
  • Glass
  • Steel
  • Mosaics

While there are other types of tiles, like marble, inlaid ones and more, the above are the most common, due to their relatively low cost, ease of installation, and long lasting properties.

How to get the best prices for tile installation contractors

If you are at a point where you know that you need help with your tile installation, then researching a few different companies is a great first step. By looking at what the different companies in your area have to offer, you might be able to limit your options already.

Of course the cost is a major concern that many people have, but it is important to be aware that an incorrectly done job can lead to future damage, and even hide certain structural issues as well.

Therefore, money should only be part of the overall equation when finding your next contractor for tile installation. You should also remember that the types of tiles can have a large impact on the overall cost for the project, so you should always be able to find something that matches your budget, while still looking great.

Arguably more important than the price, is the quality of work the contractors are able to deliver. At HandyForce we are proud to offer some of the best services in our area, due to our skilled and friendly workers that are educated and experienced in all types of tiling needs.

We are also aware that incorrect tiling can lead to health issues in certain areas, lower home valuations and other critical aspects, which is why we only deliver results of the highest quality, no matter the project.

Contacting one or more companies in order to get a quote can be a good next step, allowing you to hear more about what options you have available, as well as get a good feel of the type of people working in a given company.

What is a “Premier” renovation

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No two companies are the same. And at The HandyForce we fully believe that. In fact, we have a few unique policies and services of our own, such as our comforting One Year Guarantee, as well as an extended HomeCare Plan that makes it easy and convenient to be a homeowner.

Why not for everyone?

Unlike most other contractors, when it comes to our Premier Renovation services, we only work with clients we already have a relationship with. This might seem odd at first glance, but it is our way of ensuring a successful project every time, since this way we will know our client, their preferences and their levels of expectation.

Put another way, once we know you, we also know whether we will be able to deliver a result that is more than satisfactory, and we will know what it takes to achieve that.

For us, few things are more important than customer satisfaction, worker safety being one of them, which is why we prefer establishing a certain level of trust and relationship with our clients before completely changing their bathroom or remodeling their kitchen.

After all, these changes are rather permanent and expensive, which makes the need for perfection at first try even more important than usual.

Our different Premier Services

We offer extensive renovation services to our previous clients in three different categories: The basement, the bathroom and the kitchen.

For each of these areas in the house, we have skilled tradesmen with years of experience and a professional education, to ensure every project is completed in full compliance of any local or regional regulations or laws, and to ensure the quality is as good as possible.

Bathroom, Basement & Kitchen renovations

These areas are some of the most used rooms in every household, and also areas that needs to serve many different purposes.

From the kitchen being a safe space for the entire family where they can enjoy each other’s company while eating dinner, offering a quick and easy midnight glass of ice cold water, to the basement providing enough space for having guests over, these rooms need to be functional, but also inviting and beautiful.

A great basement not only serves its purpose, but also helps create a certain mood and atmosphere, whether you use it to house your teenage child, or perhaps just for storage.

Having a beautiful kitchen will not only make basic chores feel more manageable, but also help sell your home in case you decide to move.

Most prospective home buyers look at the kitchens and bathrooms as some of the major points of concern and interest. Everybody needs a functioning kitchen or bathroom, and at the same time as trends change, so do our tastes in design and decor.

At The HandyForce we can help shape and build your new kitchen, basement or bathroom, to not only fit your everyday needs, but also ensure you will get the best possible value for your money, whether you sell your house or use the rooms yourself.