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The Top Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

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When renovating your home it is important to do it properly. Not only will incorrect renovations lead to potential safety risks, it can also decrease the value of your property, and make it much harder to sell on the market.

In order to help you with your next project, we have gathered a list of some of the most common mistakes Canadian homeowners make when renovating their homes. Keep these tips in mind when you are planning your next design, and achieve success effortlessly. Good luck!

Not spending enough time on the budget

One of the most common mistakes is rushing the budget. We get it. Not everyone loves looking at spreadsheets or researching costs of building materials. But it is a necessary step in ensuring a successful project that will not cost two or three times more than the money you initially thought.

Doing the wrong things yourself

While there are a number of things you can do yourself when renovating a home, you should know when to step back and let the professionals handle things.

When it comes to anything relating to the structural integrity, plumbing, electricity or general safety, having a skilled team of experts work on it will not only yield better results, but might also keep you out of trouble in terms of accidents or lawsuits.

Forgetting the permits

Many homeowners get excited about the prospects of adding a new extension to their home, removing the old stove, or one of the many other things that typically requires a permit. But not obtaining the correct permits can lead to many issues.

From being unable to sell your house until you fix the problems, to monetary fines or even dangerous situations. You should therefore always check whether your project requires acceptance from local authorities.

Ignoring safety issues

Similarly to permits, it is easy for homeowners to focus on all the more interesting parts of the project, but you should never forget to make sure that the work area is safe, and that any hazards are identified and addressed before starting the renovation.

It is critical to stay safe through any type of renovation project, as well as ensure the work that is done is up to code and industry standards. Ignoring common safety principles can lead to injuries and accidents, as well as fines from local authorities.

Thinking all renovations add value

Many people have heard stories of homeowners buying a house, fixing it up, and selling it for huge profits. But this is not always the case. You just do not hear as much from those who lost their life savings in a botched renovation project.

In order for your renovation to add value to your overall finances, not only should the cost be kept at an appropriate level, but your renovation should also entice potential buyers to be willing to pay that extra. Thus you should always choose styles and materials that will have as broad an appeal as possible.

Underestimating the time or money required

Finally, many Canadian homeowners think that renovating a complete kitchen can be done in a week. And while it might be possible in some cases, oftentimes once you start ripping out the old cabinets, you can find other hidden issues that will need fixing as well.

If you are also planning on moving electrical or plumbing installations for your hardware in the kitchen, you should also account for the fact that contractors might not be available the very next day. So expect plenty of time is required for each project, and be happily surprised if it goes faster than planned for.

Why a Shark Tank Investor Endorses HandyForce

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HandyForce is not just a leading Canadian home services company, but also a successful franchising opportunity that offers individuals the chance to become part of something larger. By allying with the right people, we have found success in more ways than we originally had hoped for.

That is why we are proud that Shark Tank investor Kevin Harrington is endorsing our business model and company overall. And while Harrington has not directly invested in the company, the endorsement goes a long way in greenlighting or concept and philosophy. So if you are interested in learning more, then this article is for you. Enjoy!

Our unique approach to the home services industry

One of the main reasons why Kevin Harrington has given his stamp of approval, has to do with the way we have modernized the business model.

We are using modern, data-driven techniques in order to gleam insights from customers and use that to improve our marketing and services.

And seeing as how Harrington himself is a seasoned entrepreneur and business expert himself, Harrington’s endorsement carries weight in more ways than one.

We are different from the competition

By allowing individual entrepreneurs to start their own home services businesses under the HandyForce brand, we are able to distinguish ourselves from competitors who mainly operate in local areas. We have thus become recognized in many different parts of Canada, and our mission is to become a household name.

Our franchising opportunity not only helps expand the reach and results of HandyForce itself, but also provides new opportunities for aspiring business owners looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and achieve a headstart in the industry at the same time.

We offer an unrivaled customer service experience

Harrington knows full well that acquiring the customers is only one piece of the puzzle. It is perhaps even more important to produce quality results that ensures customers recommend the company to others, as well as return for their next renovation projects.

That is why we are fully committed to offering the best customer service possible, as well as only delivering quality work, no matter the size of the job we are performing. All our employees are passionate about what they do, and that shows.

We professionally train our staff

Many other contracting companies simply hired skilled staff from the same talent pool of options. We do things differently in this field as well. Our main goal is to hire great people with potential, and then train them in our specific ways of doing business. This ensures the same level of quality no matter who performs the work, and we also make it possible for employees to rise in ranks over time.

Final thoughts

When all is said and done, Harrington’s endorsement of HandyForce is more than just a celebrity stamp of approval. As a savvy business person himself, he recognizes our potential for success and growth, and is willing to put his name behind it. Something we are extremely proud of.

Click here to watch our interview with Kevin Harrington!

The Role of Home Renovations in Increasing Property Value

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Many homeowners begin their home renovations without considering the effect it has on the property value. And while this can work if you plan on living in your home for the next 8+ years, in other cases you might be better off considering what potential homebuyers would like to purchase.

We have gathered some of our best tips and tricks to help you learn all about how your home renovation can increase your property value, and which things might best be ignored if your main focus is adding worth to your home. Enjoy!

Consider the regional trends in Canada

Before we get started, you should consider the area in which you are picking the style for.

Homeowners in the more urban areas of Canada could go for a more modern or contemporary style, possibly even a Scandinavian style. The buyers in these areas tend to be more internationally oriented and are actively looking for these styles.

Compare that to the more rural areas of the country, where a farmhouse style or more traditional interiors tend to do better. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it can help looking at what other homes in your area have done, and you might even want to look at house listings to try and find a red thread between the different styles and home values.

Choose the right renovation

We have written another article on our blog, where we list some of the best types of renovations for increasing your property value. In short however, it all comes down to renovating the parts of your home that the largest amount of buyers are interested in.

Therefore kitchen and bathroom renovations tend to yield higher returns, compared to say basements or garages. Again this might vary depending on where in the country you live, so do your research before hiring contractors.

You might be well served by contacting a real estate agent, a home services company such as HandyForce, or other professionals that have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide competent guidance in this area.

Choose the right materials

No matter what room you are renovating, choosing too cheap, exotic or expensive materials can lead to a poor return. Striking a balance here is key to getting the most value for your investment.

If potential homebuyers notice that you have laminate flooring in the living room, they might make a mental note that they need to spend money on upgrading the flooring to hardwood, thus wanting a discount in the price.

The same goes for too exotic or expensive materials. These might look great as of right now, but homebuyers that are forward thinking might be concerned about the maintenance and cost of replacement.

Going green can help

We are not referring to painting your walls green, but rather renovating your home to be more energy efficient. By insulating your home, upgrading your windows to thicker glass, replacing old and worn doors and so on, you can improve the value dramatically of your home.

This is not just because these things result in lower monthly utility bills, but also because more and more buyers are looking for environmentally friendly and sustainable housing. And since this is not necessarily more expensive than alternative methods, this should be a priority for anyone looking to get the most value out of their renovations.

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.

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.

How to Budget for Your Home Renovation Project

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Have you decided to begin a renovation project for your home? Then you might be one of the many Canadians improving their house each year. One of the most important things to ensure a successful experience, is making a budget that fits your project and then of course sticking to it.

It is easier said than done of course, but with a few tips and tricks, you can become much better equipped to take on the tasks ahead. So in this article we will cover some of the different ways in which you can create a realistic budget. Good luck!

Settle on the extent of the project

Before you can begin the process of actually creating your budget, you should first figure out exactly what the renovation actually entails. This can be a relatively easy task, or it might require you contacting professionals in order to get an idea of the work that needs to be done.

Perhaps you are simply removing old wallpaper and giving the walls and ceilings a new coat of paint, in which case there probably won’t be any hidden expenses. But if you are digging up the old hardwood floors, or replacing the roof tiles, you might notice other things that need to be fixed as well in the process.

Research the time needed

While this is not strictly necessary in terms of the budget itself, it can also help if you are calculating a rough timeline. If nothing else, it will give you an idea of the scope of the entire renovation, and also help make it clear when to hire which contractors.

Research costs for materials, permits, contractors

Next up you will need to figure out rough costs for everything necessary. Remember to include permits if needed, and also account for the wages for contractors and so on. It can be a good idea to divide this into the different parts of the project, such as kitchen renovation, basement and so on.

Take your time with this step, and if in doubt, add a bit more than you think might be necessary. No home renovation project ever failed because there was too much money available, but many projects have stalled due to lack of funds.

Materials are relatively straightforward to figure out if you are buying directly from a shop, but sometimes contractors wish to use their own connections and suppliers, which might be cheaper, but also require you to rely on the quote you got.

Make a prioritized list

Now that you have an idea of the cost and time of each individual area of your home, it is time to be realistic with what you wish to spend on the project. If you have already divided up the cost per area of the home, you can now pick and choose between the different projects you’d like.

If you are in doubt whether to choose between certain areas, perhaps consider which of those would add the most resale value to the home, or which would give the most comfort if you plan on living there for many years to come.

 

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.

The benefits of a full-time Project Manager

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For many projects there are a number of different tradesmen, craftspeople and other people, all working towards the same goal. And in order to ensure every different group of contractors, freelancers and technicians are working with the same set of instructions, a full-time project manager is often needed.

At first glance this profession might seem a little odd, but it will make sense by the end of this article, of that we have no doubt.

About project management

A project manager’s daily work involves organizing various divisions or departments, tracking progress, ensuring deadlines are met, and planning for future stages of development or renovation.

At the same time, a skilled project manager also serves as a bridge between the different working groups, allowing for seamless communication between different trades, skills and personalities.

When done right, project management ensures the work is completed on time, within the budget, and without issues or grievances for the customer, as well as the various employees working on the project itself.

Keeping a watchful eye and planning ahead

Projects without an acting project manager can easily spiral out of control, perhaps just in terms of the budget or scheduling, but often in more ways than one. This is because the electrician is great at doing electrical work, and the carpenter excellent at woodwork, but neither necessarily knows much about what the other one does.

This can lead to issues in terms of planning, such as situations where the carpenter can not continue work until the electrician has installed the wiring, but the electrician can not continue their work, before the plumber has done their part.

This can lead to unnecessary delay, higher costs and unhappy clients. A project manager will always stay on top of these details, to ensure every tradesman knows how and when they are required.

The anchor of the operation provides ease of mind

The project manager will always know who to contact with regards to any specific problem or challenge, and they will often be able to guide and provide council for customers looking to learn more about the inner workings of the project.

There is also something to be said for the ease of mind that comes along with having a project manager assigned. Just knowing that the client can always contact one specific person in order to learn about any part of the project can be a great relief.

Minimizing the risks

A good project manager will also minimize potential pitfalls and risks involved with especially larger projects. Their experience and education will have prepared them to account for the unexpected, to identify potential issues before they arise, and much more.

This allows them to always be one step ahead of the construction crew, and results in a smoother project with far fewer incidents.

From ensuring that the materials and equipment ordered are the correct ones, to making sure workers are properly knowledgeable about the client requirements, there are many ways to minimize risks, and a great project manager will make use of them all.

Our One Year Guarantee

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At The HandyForce we believe in offering a quality service for each of our clients, to ensure their trust and to establish ourselves as a respected business in the community. All the work we perform is done to the highest standards, and we stand behind our decisions and our craft.

To make it easy for you to decide to put your trust and invest your hard earned money in projects run by us, we have come up with our unique One Year Guarantee.

In short you can expect to get all the help you need, if you against all expectations, should have any issues while we are working, but also up to one year after we have completed our work.

How it works

We believe in making it as easy as possible to understand our guarantee, which is why you are fully covered in up to one year after completion of the project.

If you experience any issues with any of the specifics we have been working on, we will be there shortly in order to fix the underlying problem, and of course perform the maintenance or repair job for free. It’s that simple.

Some of the things our guarantee covers:

  • Paint peeling
  • Paint discoloration
  • Door hinges being stuck
  • Cracks, chips, holes
  • Poor alignments
  • Creaking sounds
  • And much more.

No customer of ours ever needs to fear much however, as we are known for, and proud of, delivering one of the highest quality services in all of Ontario and the surrounding areas.

Still, it is our hope that with this policy, even the smallest concerns might be eliminated, so we can all continue on improving and maintaining your home to the best of our ability.

No hassle Policy

Not only do we offer this policy as the only one of its kind in the business, but we also extend this extra service to include a No Hassle Policy.

This makes it easy and convenient for you to get coverage and help, without us asking a lot of complicated questions, or requiring mountains of data and documentation.

This is not an exclusive contract for certain members either. All of our clients are covered by our One Year Guarantee, making it an attractive safetynet compared to other contracting companies out there.

How can we do this?

By offering an extended guarantee like ours, The HandyForce covers a wide range of potential issues, it might seem like a sure way to lose money over time. But that is not what we have found. In fact, our customers rarely if ever need to make use of this guarantee.

That is because our work is always performed by skilled tradesmen and craftspeople, who take pride in their work, and never compromise on quality or cut corners to save time, leaving very few mistakes and errors to be covered by the guarantee in the first place.

And since we also use products of a high quality, our customers can count on both the materials and the workforce being up to the task, every single time. That is our guarantee to you!

What Are the Commercial Handyman Services?

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We are all aware of the advantages of having a handyman around the house who can professionally fix and maintain a variety of things, from the shelving in the garage to the appliances in the kitchen. However, were you aware that handyman services are offered for commercial establishments?

The following are just some of the many services that can be provided by a handyman working at a commercial building.

7 Commercial Handyman Services

Plumbing

A handyman can assist you in resolving various plumbing issues, including a clogged sink in the employee restroom and the desire to plan routine maintenance for your entire plumbing system. This will allow you to maintain your attention on the operation of your firm.

HVAC

Particularly significant are the duties that a handyman service may undertake for you associated with HVAC systems. Some problems need to be treated by a qualified HVAC technician, but some tasks, like changing the filters, could be performed on the cheap by a handyman.

Electrical and Lighting

Electrical problems are among the most frequently encountered problems that require the services of a handyman. A handyman may assist with a variety of tasks, including the repair of light switches and outlets, the replacement of light bulbs, and the maintenance of smoke alarms.

Miscellaneous Installations

Installation work is one of the most common and broad categories of jobs that may be given to handyman services. A handyman can assist with the arrangement of compartments, hanging portraits and televisions, hanging shelves, and installing numerous other types of fittings.

Painting

It would appear that painting projects are still being worked on in an office. Hiring a professional painter is probably your best option if you need to paint a floor filled with offices. However, if the trimwork or the walls need to be fixed, a business handyman service can often take care of these issues for you.

A significant painting project almost always results in some paint being left over, so keep that in mind. Keep it in an area where the temperature and humidity are constant so you can access it easily whenever you need to make adjustments.

Roof Inspection

Do you have roof problems in your commercial building? You can book roof inspections with a handyman in your area. The handyman will provide you with maintenance and repair to help maintain your roof in the best condition.

Flooring Restoration

The floor is very important in building a super business image. Therefore, you don’t have to let your business property deteriorate with a poor floor. Hire the services of a handyman for quality flooring restoration.

Conclusion

Hiring a commercial handyman service on hand to handle minor projects is analogous to having an additional pair of hands available for the job. Since you never realize when a maintenance or repair job may need to be done, having this around can be quite helpful. Be sure to research the organization you are considering hiring, including checking their references and looking into their history.