Category: Interior

How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Simple Upgrades

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Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency has many benefits. Not only will you save money on your utility bills, but you will also be more sustainable as your climate footprint will have less of an impact on the environment.

Depending on the type of upgrade, there are also other benefits, such as improved indoor climate and comfort and increased overall value of your home. So today, we will discuss some of the most popular upgrades. Enjoy!

Insulation

Living in Canada, insulation is a key component in any home across the country. And this technology is always evolving, with new techniques and better materials becoming available on the market.

Many homes stand to benefit from insulating their water and heating pipes. This relatively small investment can be done in just a few days or less, depending on the size of your home.

Insulating any areas that connect to the outside is also helpful. This will lower energy consumption and reduce the amount of moisture in the air, resulting in a better indoor climate. Older homes tend to have relatively thin layers of insulation, so in many cases, adding more can significantly improve it.

Green Energy

Installing solar panels on the roof can lead to an energy-neutral home or at least significantly lower your monthly electricity bills. You can choose to use the electricity for your appliances or convert some of it into heating that can help keep you warm and cozy.

The prices of solar panels have been on a steady decline due to the popularity and adoption of the units, leading to better returns than was possible just 5 or 10 years ago. While it typically requires skilled professionals and is one of the more complex items on our list, the investment can often pay for itself in 10-15 years.

Electrical Appliances and Lighting

If you are still using traditional lightbulbs, you might want to consider switching to LED bulbs. They are not much more expensive to buy and will typically only consume 5 to 10% of the electricity normal light bulbs do.

Upgrading your electrical appliances to ones with better energy ratings can also lead to improved efficiency. A modern oven will typically use around 60% of the power your older one does, resulting in a quite significant improvement.

These days, you can also choose smart outlets or plugs that conserve power when not in use. Over the course of a year, the standby functions of an average flatscreen TV will actually consume a fair share of electricity, but with smart outlets, you can easily avoid this unnecessary cost.

Water Consumption

Upgrading your kitchen faucet or showerhead in your bathroom can also significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. Depending on the models, you can get a faucet that reduces your water use by up to 50% while keeping the same flow that you are used to.

This can be particularly useful for larger families, but anyone should see a significant reduction and help conserve our natural resources in an environmentally conscious way at the same time.

If you are looking for more inspiration or help installing your energy upgrades, contact us at The HandyForce today. Our expert advisors can help you choose the best options for your specific needs, and our professional handymen can install your upgrades for the best results.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: When to Do It Yourself and When to Call in the Experts

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As homeowners, we can all get tempted to do every little repair ourselves or even throw ourselves headfirst into large-scale renovation projects. But sometimes, knowing when to step back and let professionals handle matters is necessary. This can not only help with the overall quality of the project but also ensure proper safety and speed things up.

But how do you know whether a task is something you can do yourself or whether it would be better to leave it in the hands of others? Do not worry. This article will help you with some of the most common types of renovations and repairs and guide you along. Enjoy!

The Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, you can do plenty of projects on your own. Painting the cabinets a fresh color can help revitalize the entire room, and updating the hardware can make your kitchen look entirely different. These things are relatively easy to do and do not require special knowledge.

Installing new fixtures requires some knowledge and skill, but it is still possible. The same goes for adding or replacing the backsplash, which can help guard against stains and update the look even further.

On the other hand, any form of plumbing or electrical work should typically be left to professionals. This is because of the inherent dangers, either to one’s own health or to the integrity of the home. Major structural changes, such as knocking down the wall to open up into the living room, are also best left to more experienced people.

The Bathroom

Much like in the kitchen, if you are not afraid to learn something new, you can try replacing the faucets or showerhead to modernize your bathroom for a relatively easy project that can have a dramatic effect.

Drilling a few holes in the tiles to hang up a kitchen cabinet or vanity mirror is something you can do yourself without much knowledge, or even installing new flooring, depending on your chosen materials.

You should avoid tampering with pipes, hoses attached to any major water outlets or inlets, or rewiring the electrical system to accommodate a new tumbler, for instance. The same goes for completely redoing the tile work, as you must ensure it is up to code to be properly water-sealed.

The Living Room

For the living rooms or dining rooms, painting the walls or changing the skirting boards are easy projects you can do yourself if you have the time and energy. You can also install new light fixtures as long as you use the existing outlets. Some types of new flooring, such as laminate, can also be finished yourself with decent results.

If you wish to sand down your existing hardwood floor to give it new life or even add a new one, you are often better off leaving it to professionals. The equipment needed and the knowledge required tend to be what makes the difference between a beautiful end result and a quick rush job with obvious defects.

These were just a few of the more common renovation projects we get questions about at The HandyForce. If you would like to learn more about your options when it comes to a specific project, feel free to contact us for a consultation. Our experts can help renovate your home from top to bottom and will also be available to advise you along the way.

#6 – October 2024: Enhance Your Home Safety and Security This Fall.

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October brings cooler days, vibrant foliage, and the preparation for winter. At The HandyForce, we believe that your family’s safety and the security of your home should never take a back seat. This month, we’re focusing on critical safety and security measures that every homeowner should consider to ensure a safe, warm, and secure environment as the colder months approach.

1. Security Checks: Safeguard Your Home
Conduct a thorough security check around your home. Ensure that all locks on doors and windows function properly and consider upgrading to high-security models if necessary. Check that exterior lighting is adequate, especially in entryways and pathways, to deter potential intruders.

Tip: Install motion sensor lights to enhance security and convenience, illuminating dark areas of your yard or driveway when needed.

2. Fire Safety Measures: Protect Against Fire Hazards
Test all smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. Smoke detectors should be on every floor of your home, including the basement and near all sleeping areas. Also, review your family’s fire escape plan and ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire.

Tip: Consider installing smoke detectors that are interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound, ensuring you are alerted no matter your location in the home.

3. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Prevent CO Poisoning
As we start to seal our homes against the cold and turn on heating systems, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Ensure your home has carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas and on each level, including the basement. Test these alarms and replace batteries as necessary.

Tip: Never use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Ensure that your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances are serviced by a qualified technician every year.

4. Emergency Preparedness: Ready for Winter
Prepare an emergency kit that includes necessities like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and extra batteries. Also, prepare for potential power outages by ensuring you have warm blankets, clothing, and an alternative heating source like a wood stove or fireplace.

Tip: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including local authorities and service providers, easily accessible to all family members.

As we head into the latter part of the year, it’s crucial to take these proactive steps to ensure your home is a safe haven for your family. If you need assistance with installing smoke detectors, security upgrades, or any other home safety improvements, don’t hesitate to reach out to The HandyForce. Your safety is our priority.

Stay Safe and Secure,

-The HandyForce Team

The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance: A Checklist for Every Season

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Regular maintenance is necessary if you want to keep your home in the best shape possible. The effort you put into these seasonal tasks directly affects how expensive repairs will be if things go wrong, cuts down on time needed if things get out of hand, and can even help you protect your property investment better due to better durability and a prolonged lifespan.

Therefore, we have compiled a checklist covering all four seasons so you can get a good overview of some of the most important maintenance tasks to cover year-round. Most of the items on this list can be performed by yourself, or you can hire a professional handyman to relieve you of the burden and stress involved. Enjoy!

Maintenance During Spring

After the darker winter months, many of the maintenance tasks move outside to ensure that the snow and cold have not caused too much damage. Now is also when you will need to consider doing yardwork to keep the grass or weeds from growing too tall and troublesome.

  • Inspect the roof
  • Inspect the exterior siding
  • Clean the gutters
  • Service the HVAC system
  • Maintain your lawn
  • Check for pest infestations
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
  • Clean windows and screens
  • Check and repair outdoor lighting

Maintenance During Summer

Many of the tasks from spring still apply during the summer, such as moving your lawn or checking for pests. As Canadian families tend to spend more time outside during this time, certain tasks become more important to ensure a safe and inviting environment and keep everything in working order.

  • Inspect and clean outdoor decks and patios
  • Power wash the exterior surfaces
  • Check and repair any cracks in driveways or walkways
  • Prune the trees and shrubs
  • Clean and maintain the outdoor furniture and grill
  • Check and repair window screens
  • Test and service the air conditioning system
  • Inspect and repair the caulking around doors and windows
  • Check for leaks in hoses and sprinkler systems
  • Inspect and repair any damaged fences and gates

Maintenance During Fall

Once the days begin to grow shorter, it is time to prepare for the cold winds and increased rainfall. These tasks will help you maintain a home in good shape and protect against wind and water damage from the seasonal changes in the weather.

  • Rake the leaves and clean the gutters
  • Inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney
  • Seal any gaps and cracks around the doors and windows
  • Drain and prepare outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for winter
  • Inspect and service the heating system
  • Clean and stow away the outdoor furniture and garden tools
  • Check insulation in the attic and crawl spaces
  • Test and replace all batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Check for drafts around the doors and windows
  • Inspect and repair any roof shingles and flashing with signs of damage

Maintenance During Winter

The Canadian winters can be rough, so it is important to properly prepare for the cold times ahead. As you can see, the checklist is focused on preventing cold damage, in particular, to keep your home warm and comfortable.

  • Inspect and clean your snow removal equipment
  • Check and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows
  • Check for ice dams on the roof
  • Insulate any pipes in unheated areas
  • Test and service the generator if you have one
  • Clean and maintain your humidifiers
  • Monitor the indoor humidity levels
  • Check for drafts around electrical outlets and switches
  • Check and replace the furnace filters
  • Inspect and clean the dryer vents

If you find that some of these tasks are becoming too much trouble to keep up with, The HandyForce employs a dedicated, experienced handymen who are always ready to step in and help out. Contact us today to learn more.

#5 – September 2024: Fall Preparations for Your Home.

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As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, it’s clear that fall is on the horizon. At The HandyForce, we want to ensure your home is prepared for the cooler weather ahead. This month, we’re focusing on essential maintenance to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the fall and into the winter months. Here are our top tips for getting your home ready:

1. Heating System Check-Up: Stay Warm and Efficient
Before the cold sets in, it’s crucial to have your heating system checked and serviced. An annual maintenance check can extend the life of your system, improve energy efficiency, and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Tip: Don’t forget to replace your furnace filters! A clean filter improves air flow and efficiency, making your home easier and cheaper to heat.

2. Insulate Windows and Doors: Seal in the Warmth
Drafty windows and doors can significantly increase your heating bills. Check for drafts by holding a lit candle near window and door frames; flickering indicates air leaks. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and keep the warm air inside.

Tip: Consider installing thermal curtains to provide an extra layer of insulation against cold window panes during the chillier months.

3. Fireplace Safety: Cozy Up with Confidence
If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s safe to use before building your first autumn fire. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to prevent chimney fires and ensure proper ventilation.

Tip: Check that your fireplace damper is operational to keep drafts out when the fireplace is not in use and to control airflow when a fire is lit.

4. Prepare Your Plumbing: Avoid Freezing Pipes
Protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures by insulating pipes that run along exterior walls. This can prevent freezing and bursting, which are costly and inconvenient to repair.

Tip: Know how to shut off your water in case a pipe does freeze and burst, to minimize water damage.

5. Gutter Cleaning: Prevent Water Damage
Fallen leaves and debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage as rainwater overflows. Clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure they direct water away from your foundation.

Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize the amount of debris that collects in your gutters.

Preparing your home for fall doesn’t have to be daunting. The HandyForce is here to help with any maintenance, repairs, or upgrades you need. Let’s make sure your home is as ready as you are for the season ahead!

Happy Fall,

-The HandyForce Team

Transform Your Basement into a Functional Living Space: Ideas and Inspiration

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Transforming your basement into an inviting space that can bring your family together or be a place to host your friends is perhaps one of the better uses of this often neglected area of your house.

In this article, we will provide you with inspiration that hopefully will help you decide what to do with your basement. We believe every homeowner should use all their rooms to the fullest potential. Enjoy!

Build a Home Theater

Why not build a home theater to create something both family and friends will enjoy? Depending on your budget and ambitions, you can go all out with comfortable seating and a large projector, but going smaller can also provide everyone with hours of entertainment.

Make a Game Room

If you prefer hosting more active gatherings, consider building a game room. This could include a pool table, arcade games, or a big table with plenty of room for playing cards or board games. Bonus points if you add some fitting decor and furniture.

Design a Home Office

On the more practical side of things, you might want to build a home office where you can get your work done in peace. You can often get started on a small budget, but there are no limits to how creative you can be with custom storage options or a large desk that can keep you organized.

Consider a Hobby Room

A hobby room can be another great use of the basement, as you most likely will have plenty of room for storing your supplies and effects. It will also be out of the way in your every day life, compared to stowing them away to make room for other activities in the living room.

Make it Liveable

If your basement has a separate entrance, you might consider converting it into a small rental unit or even an “apartment” for your eldest teenager. Typically, it will be relatively easy to install bathroom and kitchen utilities since the pipes are often located in the basement anyway. And it might prove a good investment if you rent out the space.

Invite Your Guests Over

On a similar note, you can also create a comfortable guest suite in your basement, complete with a separate bedroom, sitting area, and possibly even a dedicated bathroom. This will surely impress your guests and also afford them some privacy during extended visits.

Step Up Your Wine Game

Designing and stocking a wine cellar is another great idea for the basement. After all, the cellar’s conditions are excellent for storing vintage or modern bottles. You can even furnish the basement to make it into a tasting room.

Host Your Own Entertainment

Similarly to the above idea, you can convert your basement into a bar that offers shelving for your drinks of choice, a mini fridge, an area to sit and relax, and some music and even darts or other activities to partake in while enjoying the drinks.

If you are looking for more inspiration or advice, or if you are ready to start your project and need skilled professionals to help you with the renovation, consider contacting The HandyForce today. We have years of experience and are always ready for a consultation.

Quick Fixes for Common Household Problems: A Handyman’s Guide

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Being a homeowner comes with many joys and a fair share of responsibility and tasks. One of these is fixing issues with wear and tear and similar problems, which tend to pile themselves up if left unattended. Luckily, there are quite a few issues you can fix yourself.

Today, we are exploring some of the more common household problems homeowners experience daily throughout Canada. We will cover which aspects you can fix yourself and mention a few that are better left to professionals. Enjoy!

The Kitchen

Almost every kitchen will eventually develop issues with loose cabinet doors. This typically is an easy fix if the doors use hinges, as you can oftentimes just screw them back on tightly in order to fix the issue. Sometimes, you might need to replace the hinge in order to completely get rid of the issue.

A clogged drain is another common problem many people have to deal with. Sometimes, you can get lucky and unclog it by using a plunger. This works best if you fill the sink with water to create a vacuum. Sometimes, you might need to unscrew the connection underneath the sink and manually remove the root of the problem.

The Bathroom

A running toilet is not only annoying in terms of the noise it makes, but it also uses an excessive amount of water, which ends up costing more and wasting a precious natural resource. Adjust the float valve or replace the flapper to prevent water from running into the toilet bowl.

If your showerhead is leaking, you might be able to fix it by wrapping plumbing tape around the threads or even replacing the rubber washer for a quick and inexpensive fix if you do not want to spend money on upgrading to a new model.

However, if the dripping has caused water damage, you will typically need the help of a professional to assess the issue and to find out how far the damage extends.

General Issues

A sticky window or door is not the worst issue to experience, but it can be annoying nonetheless, and over time, it will only get worse. Try lubricating the window tracks or doorframe with silicone spray or candle wax for smoother operation.

A wobbly ceiling fan is another small but annoying issue. Here you are typically able to adjust the tightness of the fan blades by ensuring that the screws or bolts are tight and secure.

Replacing a lamp or ceiling light is another relatively easy fix. As long as you remember to turn off the power completely, you should be fine changing it yourself. However, if you are not sure of what you are doing, it might be better to leave it to a professional to stay safe.

The last fix on our list concerns the buildup of algae and other particles on your patio or deck. Over time, these surfaces tend to accumulate dirt and algae, making them unsightly and possibly slippery.

Depending on the surface, you can use some chemical products, but one quick and easy fix is to invest in a pressure washer or pay a company to perform pressure washing. This will deep clean the affected area and restore its original color.

If your problem persists and you have trouble finding a solution, it might be time to contact a professional contractor or plumber in order to alleviate the issue without causing more harm. At The HandyForce, we are always ready to help clients with their household issues. Contact us today to book a date or schedule a consultation to learn more.

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.